DE202016001810U1 - milk frother - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for preparing foam from a foodstuff, preferably milk-based liquid, comprising a magnetized stirrer located inside a container, characterized in that the stirrer (4) is moved by means of a rotating magnetic field generated by electrically driven coils (5) inside or below a positioning element (14) which extends into an optionally replaceable container (1, 23) is driven.

Description

The subject invention relates to a device for preparing a foam from a food liquid, preferably milk. The device is intended for use in the manufacture of beverages such as cappuccino, latte, coffee latte, latte macchiato or hot chocolate and other beverages.

The aforementioned beverages are based on the desired result that a layer of milk floats above the liquid underlying the beverage. This is possible due to the lower density of the milk foam. For the production of this milk foam either an automatic or manual step is necessary.

Usually, the automatic devices available for milk frothing are stationary devices linked to a coffee machine or a coffee machine, which can not be used without further efforts at another place of use.

With regard to the unrelated milk frothers already disclosed, which correspond to the prior art, a similar problem arises. The necessary size of the available devices and the resulting unwieldiness does not meet today's desire for maximum mobility.

A possible solution disclosed DE 20 2005 021 537 U1 , However, the invention underlying the protective right is not entirely optimized for the mobile field of application. The height of the device underlying protection does not conform to the format, which makes it possible to carry this without further inconvenience.

Object of the invention

The present invention aims to improve the aforementioned disadvantages of automatic milk frothers. It is to be disclosed by the invention, a Milchaufschäumgerät, which is optimized for mobile use. This is only possible if the overall height of the device on which the invention is based is kept as small as possible and in this way the mobility can be improved. Likewise, the end user should be given the greatest possible flexibility by the possibility of using different containers, and thus the possibility of individualization of the device should also be given.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device which is as easy as possible to clean, easy to use and can prepare a milk froth with reproducible properties and high quality in a very short time.

• • Ein Behältnis zur Aufnahme der aufzuschäumenden Flüssigkeit,
• • Einen angetriebenen Rührer, welcher die Flüssigkeit aufwirbelt,
• • Gegebenenfalls eine Basisstation die den angetriebenen Rührer mit Strom versorgt (3-Komponentenaufbau), sofern nicht die Stromzufuhr unmittelbar an den dem Rührer zugrunde liegenden Standfuss angeschlossen ist, welcher bereits die notwendige Technik enthält (2-Komponentenaufbau).

With this aim, the invention relates to a device for frothing milk froth, comprising:

• A container for receiving the liquid to be foamed,
• A driven agitator which stirs up the liquid
• • If necessary, a base station which supplies power to the driven stirrer (3-component design), unless the power supply is connected directly to the base on which the stirrer is based, which already contains the necessary technology (2-component design).

Summary of the invention

In order to realize the claim for the greatest possible mobility, on the one hand it is possible to obstruct known components and to realize a small height of the device by optimizing the individual parts used. However, this is not sufficiently promising, since in this way only a few centimeters smaller structure would be achieved.

Consequently, according to the invention, components must be used which, due to their deviating from the prior art, allow a much lower overall height.

In the present case, among other things, the approach is pursued to reduce the container necessary for milk frothing. This is possible by using a container which folds as intended. Such a container is among others WO2009023892 disclosed. This type of container is for easier transport and the higher mobility based thereon.

Beverage containers of this type are well known and represent a device that serves the mobile consumption of beverages.

However, those revelations are not intended to realize the processing of various beverages and milk froth with the help of supplied electrical energy.

A particular challenge in the realization of the invention is the link between the aforementioned container and the associated device base in the 3-component structure or with the base station directly (2-component structure). That linkage is made by means of the material used in the container or a separate seal.

The container is interchangeable due to design. Due to the interchangeability of the container, it is possible for the user to be able to choose between different variants of the container and thus to individualize.

According to the invention, a silicone which is especially suitable for the food industry can be used as the material for the container. The flexible properties of the silicone are used immediately for linking with the device base or with the base station. By simply slipping the flexible container over a projection on the foot or the base station, the connection can be made safely and tightly.

The container can be designed according to the invention similar to a hand-held instrument and be stored compressed when not in use. If it comes to the use of the device according to the invention, the folded container can be easily pulled apart and slipped over the attachment on the base, a container coupling or the base station.

In one embodiment of the container this is tubular shaped. So it is possible to fold it flat while not in use and to transport as compact as possible in this way.

In a further embodiment, the container made of glass and / or a stainless metal and / or plastic, optionally of transparent design exist. By using a glass container it is possible for the user to monitor the foaming process. The subject device can be used by the use of the aforementioned materials also stationary and durable.

The easy cleaning possibility of the container is advantageous. The material used can be cleaned in any conventional dishwasher, as well as easy to wash off with water on the way. Thus, the hygiene situation, which is often difficult for dairy products, is easy for the user to accomplish.

The container may have a reinforcement of the outer wall. Due to this reinforcement, the container has a much higher stability. Therefore, it is also possible to provide the container with a lid during use.

The lid of the container serves on the one hand the closure of the container when the device is used as intended. This prevents the liquid to be foamed from squirting or overflowing beyond the container.

On the other hand, the lid of the container also serves the closure of the container while not in use. By using a cover, it is avoided during transport that the base of the device, which also comes into contact with the food to be processed, is contaminated.

Alternatively, the container may also have an upper ring. This ring can be made of a solid plastic and give the container the necessary dimensional stability.

To make the milk froth, an agitator in the milk is required. This could be like in DE 20 2005 021 537 U1 be driven by a DC motor. As a result of the rotation of the motor, these adjacent magnets are set in rotation, which causes the stirrer located inside the liquid to be foamed to rotate. This is possible since the internal stirrer is also provided with magnets and because of this property a rotational movement is initiated.

The patent US 6,318,247 refers to a device used to make hot drinks and food. That apparatus comprises a system for driving a stirrer by means of a magnetic action.

A disadvantage of this device, however, is the specific design and positioning of the stirrer. The stirrer is located in the aforementioned invention centrally within the container. The positioning does not evenly stir all layers of the prepared food. Due to the centrifugal effect, the layers adjacent to the middle are not stirred sufficiently.

The cleaning of the construction according to the prior art structure is also not very easy, so that there are considerable disadvantages.

Similar devices for stirring food, which refer to a magnetic drive, are in the documents US 2932 493 . DE 1 131 372 . US 4,537,332 such as US Pat. No. 6,712,497 described.

However, all inventions and their underlying devices have the aforementioned problems are not for the mobile Are designed and do not offer the opportunity to customize the containers to be used for the foaming and exchange.

These constructions of the aforementioned inventions are not suitable for further fulfilling the demand for mobility. Due to the design, the motor must be integrated in the base of the device or in the base station. By obstructing the engine valuable space is lost and the dimensions of the device increase.

Accordingly, an alternative drive mechanism should be used, which meets the above requirements of increasing mobility.

According to the invention, coils generate a rotating magnetic field, which in turn drives the magnetically coupled stirrer located inside the container. By using electrically driven coils, it is possible to significantly reduce the height of the device. According to the invention, a reduction in height of up to 30% in relation to the prior art is possible because it is possible to dispense with a movable motor and the coils can be arranged within the positioning element.

In a further embodiment, the coils can also be integrated below the container in a horizontal arrangement in the device base, or in the base station.

The coils themselves should be arranged in the arrangement according to the invention below, or on the level of the stirrer, within a positioning element. Depending on the embodiment, the coil is located in the foot (3-component structure) or in the base station (2-component structure) of the device.

The arrangement of the coils within or below the positioning element, it is possible to transmit the rotation by means of a magnetic coupling. The device drive is thus divided into two components. These are, on the one hand, the coils located inside the positioning element, which are stationary and immovable, and the stirrer located inside the container.

The rotation of the stirrer is based on the charge transfer transferred to the coils by a microcontroller. The permanent magnets in the stirrer are attracted or repelled by the negatively or positively indicated charge of the coil.

The stirrer has at least 3, at most 12 magnets to ensure the fastest possible reaction to the polarity reversal of the coil and thus to keep the rotation of the stirrer constant.

Another advantage of the drive variant according to the invention is the susceptibility to interference, since mechanical movements are no longer possible within the base station or within the foot due to a lack of an engine.

An advantage of the device is that no drive means penetrates into the interior of the container. The device is therefore non-intrusive. There is no mechanical connection required for the construction of the device within the container. The hygienic properties are improved.

One embodiment has a base station, which makes contact with the base of the container by means of an electrical connection and thus ensures the electrical supply. This embodiment is based on the 3-component structure.

By using a base station and a separate device base, the container and the associated device foot itself are wireless. The connection between the device base and the base station is made by means of electrical connection points. In the bottom of the device foot there is a connection part (female). On the base station is the corresponding counterpart (male).

By separating the container from the base station, the container for the cleaning process and transportation is as flexible as possible. So it is possible to clean the container separately without the risk that electronically sensitive components come into contact with water or other cleaning fluid.

With respect to the portioning of the milk foam in a later vessel, the aforementioned embodiment is also beneficial. The container together with the device foot can thus be removed from the base station and the beverage can be portioned and prepared at the place of use.

In a further embodiment, the base station is completely omitted. This is possible because the power connector is integrated directly into the base of the container. In this embodiment, a reduction in the overall height is possible again, since a component, in this case the base station is dispensable.

The control of the milk frother can be implemented by various technical variants.

On the one hand there is the possibility in the 2-component structure to provide the device base with a mechanically acting switch, via which the stirring process or the heat is determined. This can be controlled according to the invention by multiple, short successive pressing the mechanical switch.

Alternatively, a capacitive switch can be realized. By using such a switch, the ease of use can be further improved and the user's operation can be simplified.

In a further embodiment with 3-component structure is completely dispensed with mechanical or capacitive switch. The operation can be done in this embodiment by means of rotary movement of the device base on the base station.

If the base of the device is turned on the base station, the direction is determined by determining the magnetic field by means of a magnetic sensor. Based on the direction of rotation, the rotational speed and the angle of rotation can finally be selected by the user desired setting.

Likewise, in the aforementioned embodiment, it is also possible to equip the device base with a speed sensor as well. By determining the rotational speed, the user finally has the opportunity to determine the intensity of the desired setting (for example, the degree of heating or the rotational speed of the stirrer) on a case-by-case basis.

The stirrer may be composed of various elements. First, it can consist of toroidal turns of wire. Alternatively, the stirrer may have impellers on which the magnets are positioned. The toroidal windings may also be mounted on a support member to give the stirrer the necessary dimensional stability.

The stirrer is only to be used for the application of the device on a so-called positioning element. This specifies the location of the stirrer and fixes it during the stirring process.

The aforementioned positioning element can be designed as a survey or recess. The materials used may preferably have a low coefficient of friction to prevent the excessive friction of the stirrer.

An embodiment of the invention dispenses entirely with a positioning element. The stirrer is held only by magnetically acting force at the destination and works by the initiated rotation dimensionally stable without slipping.

On the underside of the device base or the base station, the invention provides a transport recess for the stirrer. This can be stored there practically and also secured by magnets. So we minimize the risk of loss and the device can be disassembled for transport as simple and compact.

In order to improve the formation of milk froth and at the same time reduce the duration of the application, the invention provides for the use of heating elements. Those heating elements are always to be found inside the unit foot. These serve to heat the liquid within the container.

The heating elements may be electrically insulated heating elements which directly contact the bottom of the container from below. According to the invention may be heating elements which are applied by means of a printing process on a lying below the container coating. The design allows further size reduction.

Alternatively, it is also possible to use heating elements which transmit the heat to the container by means of infrared and / or microwave and / or induction technology. The heating means used should be freely combinable with each other.

In addition to the preparation of a milk-based liquid, it is also possible to use the device to prepare alternative foods. For example, soups, as well as other non-dairy foods can be heated and thus prepared by the use of the aforementioned heating means.

In order to protect the container during transport and during use against foreign bodies, a lid is provided according to the invention

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Container (hand-drawn)

2

Device base

3

base station

4

stirrer

5

Kitchen sink

6

permanent magnets

7

Microcontroller (internal)

8th

clutch

9

PTC heating element

10

Thick film heaters

11

induction heating

12

infrared heating

13

transport recess

14

positioner

15

mechanical switch

16

capacitive switch

17

Electric power supply

18

electrical connection points

19

thickening

20

ring

21

Direction sensor (inside)

22

cover

23

Container (hose-like)

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 202005021537 U1 [0005, 0025]
• WO 2009023892 [0011]
• US 6318247 [0026]
• US 2932493 [0029]
• DE 1131372 [0029]
• US 4537332 [0029]
• US 6712497 [0029]

Claims (24)

Apparatus for preparing foam from a foodstuff, preferably milk-based liquid, having a magnetized stirrer inside a container, characterized in that the stirrer ( 4 ) by means of a rotating magnetic field, which by electrically driven coils ( 5 ) located inside or below a positioning element ( 14 ), which can be placed in an optionally exchangeable container ( 1 . 23 ), is driven. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive unit is divided into two parts and the rotation transmission to the stirrer ( 4 ) by the inside or below a positioning element ( 14 ) lying coil by means of a magnetic coupling ( 8th ) he follows. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the coils ( 5 ) are arranged below the container on a horizontal plane. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnet ( 6 ) provided by a below the interchangeable container ( 1 . 23 ), provided with magnets motor is driven. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the stirrer has three to 12 permanent magnets ( 6 ), which set by activation of the magnetic field of the coil, the stirrer in rotation. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the coil by the control by means of a microcontroller ( 7 ) changed their magnetic polarity. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the container ( 1 . 23 ) for the milk froth made of food grade silicone. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the container ( 1 . 23 ) for milk frothing, a tube opened in both directions ( 23 ). Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the container ( 23 ) made of glass and / or a non-rusting metal and / or plastic, which is optionally transparent, and is placed over the base or base station by means of a seal. Device according to claims 7, 8 and 9, characterized in that the container for the milk frothing via a device foot ( 2 ) or a base station ( 3 ) is put over. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the device consists of 2 components, wherein a component of the container ( 1 . 23 ) and the other component of the device foot ( 2 ) with integrated base station. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device foot ( 2 ) an electric coil ( 5 ), an associated microcontroller ( 7 ) for controlling the coil, and an electrical power supply means ( 17 ) having. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the device consists of three components, wherein a component of the container ( 1 . 23 ) another component of the device foot ( 2 ) and the third component the base station ( 3 ). Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the connection between the base and the base station by means of electrical connection points ( 17 ) will be produced. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control of the device by means of capacitive switch ( 16 ) or mechanical buttons ( 15 ) he follows. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the container ( 1 . 23 ) is rotatable on the docked device foot and by acceleration and / or direction sensors ( 21 ) detects the angle of rotation and the speed of rotation and the user desired function is transmitted to the device electronics. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the food is passed through a thick film heater ( 10 ), an induction heater ( 11 ), an infrared heater ( 12 ) or electrically insulated heating elements or a combination of these methods. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that inside the container ( 1 . 23 ) a positioning element ( 14 ) is arranged, which the stirrer ( 4 ) is stabilized and complementary to this. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stirrer ( 4 ) without a positioning element ( 14 ) within the container ( 1 . 23 ) is arranged and is held only by magnetic action on the intended action section. Apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the positioning element ( 14 ) as well as the bottom of the device foot ( 2 ) are made in one piece. Apparatus according to claim 1 and claim 18, characterized in that the stirrer ( 4 ) has an annular shape with a recess which is designed to engage with the positioning means ( 14 ) to be contacted. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container at one end a thickening ( 19 ) or a ring ( 20 ) having. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container has a lid ( 22 ) having. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device foot ( 2 ) a transport recess ( 13 ) for the stirrer ( 4 ) having.

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