Electric milk frother

Abstract

Electric milk frother (1), characterized in that the milk frother (1) comprises a housing (2) in which a receiving container (4) with a stirring insert (5) for receiving milk, which can be closed with a first lid (3) of the milk frother (1), as well as a heating device (6) for heating the milk filled into the receiving container (4) and a drive device (7) for driving the stirring insert (5) are arranged, wherein an electrical power supply device (8) is arranged in the housing (2), which is connected to the drive device (7) and to the heating device (6), wherein the stirring insert (5) and / or the heating device (6) can be activated via a control panel (9) in the housing (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electric milk frother.

[0002] Electric milk frothers are a well-known technology. They are suitable for frothing cold milk as well as for frothing and simultaneously heating milk. The milk frother is connected to an available electrical outlet via a power plug. Therefore, a suitable power supply must be readily available nearby to provide the necessary electrical energy for operation. However, such a power outlet is not always available, especially when traveling or on excursions.

[0003] The object of the invention is therefore to create a milk frother that can be used while traveling, picnicking or on excursions to froth and / or heat milk without requiring an electrical connection.

[0004] To solve the problem, the invention proposes that the milk frother comprises a housing in which a receiving container, which can be closed with a first lid of the milk frother, is arranged with a stirring insert for receiving milk, as well as a heating device for heating the milk filled into the receiving container and a drive device for driving the stirring insert, wherein an electrical power supply device is arranged in the housing, which is connected to the drive device and to the heating device, wherein the stirring insert and / or the heating device can be activated via a control panel in the housing.

[0005] The control panel allows you to select various modes. For example, the whisk attachment can be activated to froth milk from cold. Simultaneously, the heating function can be activated to froth and heat the milk at the same time. The control panel offers corresponding selection options. The control panel can be a touchscreen. Alternatively or additionally, push buttons, rotary knobs, or a combination of these are available as controls.

[0006] Preferably, the receiving container is detachably attached to the housing so that it can be removed for cleaning purposes, for example in a dishwasher. Alternatively, the receiving container can be permanently attached to the housing.

[0007] Preferably, the drive device is an electric motor.

[0008] This component is very small and is therefore particularly suitable for being housed in a casing of the milk frother according to the invention.

[0009] For the same reason, it is preferably provided that the heating device includes a thick-film heating element.

[0010] The slim design of the heating element makes it particularly suitable for portable milk frothers. The heating element is preferably placed at the bottom of the container to save space. Furthermore, this allows for particularly efficient heating and precise temperature control.

[0011] Preferably, the receiving container is made of metal to ensure optimal heat transfer to the milk.

[0012] As an alternative to a thick-film heating element, it is preferably provided that the heating of the milk, in particular of the receiving container, preferably a bottom wall of the receiving container, is carried out inductively by the heating device.

[0013] Preferably, a bottom wall of the receiving container has a recess projecting into the receiving space, onto which the stirring insert is detachably attached.

[0014] The recess or bulge is molded onto the base wall, creating a smooth transition between the base wall and the recess, allowing for particularly easy and residue-free cleaning of the container. The stirring insert is also detachably attached to the recess or bulge and can be removed for cleaning purposes.

[0015] Furthermore, it is preferably intended that the power supply device is a rechargeable battery or a battery.

[0016] For charging the energy supply unit, it is preferably provided that the milk frother has a charging port.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, it is preferably provided that the milk frother, preferably the housing, has a plurality of solar cells, preferably solar modules, for charging the power supply unit, which are coupled to the power supply unit.

[0018] This makes the milk frother completely self-sufficient and allows it to be used and recharged on the go. Ideally, the milk frother should also have a second lid for accessing a battery compartment, so that a depleted or defective battery can be replaced.

[0019] To prepare a milk-based beverage, it is preferably provided that the first lid or housing has a storage compartment for preferably powdered foodstuffs. For example, cocoa or sugar can be stored there and added to the milk after frothing and / or heating.

[0020] Preferably, the first lid or housing also has a receptacle for cutlery and cutlery with which the milk can be stirred and mixed with other ingredients such as cocoa, coffee or sugar.

[0021] It is particularly preferred that the receiving container and / or the housing and / or the lid is or are thermally insulated, so that warmed milk or milk-based drinks are preferably kept warm.

[0022] In order to be able to easily remove the stirring insert from or insert it into the receiving container, it is preferably provided that the stirring insert has a handle, preferably a pin, a shaft or a pin.

[0023] The housing also contains other components, such as sensors for checking the milk temperature.

[0024] An embodiment of the milk frother according to the invention is shown in the figures and explained in more detail below.

[0025] It shows: Fig. 1. a milk frother in transport position; Fig. 2. Cut the milk frother lengthwise; Fig. 3. The milk frother in exploded view.

[0026] The figures show an electric milk frother 1, which is used for frothing cold milk or for frothing and simultaneously heating milk. The milk frother 1 comprises a housing 2 in which a receiving container 4, which can be closed with a first lid 3 of the milk frother 1, is arranged. The receiving container 4 contains a stirring insert 5 for holding milk, as well as a heating device 6 for heating the milk filled into the receiving container 4 and a drive device 7 for driving the stirring insert 5. An electrical power supply unit 8 is also arranged in the housing 2 and is connected to the drive device 7 and to the heating device 6. The stirring insert and / or the heating device can be activated via a control panel 9, which is arranged in a wall of the housing 2.

[0027] Since all functional parts required for the operation of the milk frother 1 are integrated into the milk frother 1 or its housing 2, the milk frother 1 is particularly suitable for use in locations without a power supply. No electrical connection is required to froth and / or heat milk, as the power supply unit 8 is integrated into the housing 2 of the milk frother 1.

[0028] Various modes can be set via the control panel 9, such as frothing with and without simultaneous heating.

[0029] The stirring attachment 5 is driven by an electric motor 7, which can be operated separately from the heating unit 6, so that milk poured into the container 4 can be frothed cold. Due to its very small size, the electric motor 7 is particularly well suited for a portable milk frother 1.

[0030] The heating device 6 comprises a thick-film heating element, which is positioned at the bottom of the receiving container 4 and can be actuated separately, but preferably together with the stirring insert 5. Preferably, the stirring insert 5 is also activated when the thick-film heating element is activated, in order to mix the milk during heating and to prevent the milk from sticking or burning on the bottom 10 of the receiving container 4.

[0031] The milk is preferably heated to approximately 60°C. Due to its thin design, the thick-film heating element 6 is particularly suitable for the compact milk frother 1.

[0032] The receiving container 4 is made of metal. The metal conducts the heat generated by the heating device 6 particularly well, so that the milk is heated quickly and effectively.

[0033] The bottom wall 10 of the receiving container 4 has a recess 11 or bulge projecting into the receiving space, onto which the stirring insert 5 is detachably attached. A corresponding cavity is thus formed in the side of the bottom wall 10 facing away from the receiving space, into which a magnet 13 coupled to the electric motor 7 projects and is set into rotation by the electric motor 7. The stirring insert 5 also has a magnet, so that the stirring insert is moved along with the rotating motor magnet. In addition, the stirring insert 5 has a handle 14 to simplify insertion into and removal from the receiving container 4.

[0034] The power supply unit 8 includes a battery that can be charged via a charging port of the milk frother 1.

[0035] The milk frother 1 also has a second lid 12 for opening a battery compartment, so that a discharged or defective battery can be replaced.

[0036] Housing 2 may also contain additional components such as sensors for checking the milk temperature.

[0037] The invention is not limited to the embodiment shown, but is variable in many ways within the scope of the disclosure.

[0038] All individual and combination features disclosed in the description and / or drawing are considered essential to the invention.

Claims

[1] Electric milk frother (1), characterized in that the milk frother (1) comprises a housing (2) in which a receiving container (4) which can be closed with a first lid (3) of the milk frother (1) and which has a stirring insert (5) for receiving milk, as well as a heating device (6) for heating the milk filled into the receiving container (4) and a drive device (7) for driving the stirring insert (5) are arranged, wherein an electrical power supply device (8) is arranged in the housing (2) which is connected to the drive device (7) and to the heating device (6), wherein the stirring insert (5) and / or the heating device (6) can be activated via a control panel (9) in the housing (2). [2] Milk frother (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the receiving container (4) is detachably attached in the housing (2). [3] Milk frother (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the drive device (7) is an electric motor. [4] Milk frother (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the heating device (6) comprises a thick-film heating element. [5] Milk frother (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the receiving container (4) is made of metal. [6] Milk frother (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the heating of the milk, in particular of the receiving container (4), preferably of a bottom wall (10) of the receiving container (4), is carried out inductively by the heating device (6). [7] Milk frother (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that a bottom wall (10) of the receiving container (4) has a recess (11) or bulge projecting into the receiving space, onto which the stirring insert (5) is detachably attached. [8] Milk frother (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by, that the power supply device (8) is a rechargeable battery or a battery. [9] Milk frother (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the milk frother (1) has a charging port. [10] Milk frother (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the milk frother (1), preferably the housing (2), has a plurality of solar cells, preferably solar modules, for charging the power supply unit (8), which are coupled to the power supply unit (8). [11] Milk frother (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that the milk frother (1) has a second lid (12) for opening a battery compartment. [12] Milk frother (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by , that the first lid (3) or the housing (2) has a storage compartment for filling with food, preferably powdered food. [13] Milk frother (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by , that the first lid (3) or the housing (2) has a receptacle for cutlery and cutlery positioned therein. [14] Milk frother (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by that the receiving container (4) and / or the housing (2) and / or the lid (3,12) is or are thermally insulated. [15] Milk frother (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by that the stirring insert (5) has a handle (14), preferably a pin, a shaft or a pin.

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