Machine with whisk retainer

Abstract

A machine (60, 66) for processing a liquid food substance, such as milk or a milk-based substance, is provided. The machine (60, 66) comprises a jug (10) having a container (12) delimiting a food cavity for containing said liquid food substance, such as a container (12) provided with a removable lid (14) for covering the food cavity; an impeller (30) removably received by the container (12) and configured for driving said liquid food substance in the container (12); and a base (62) having one or more walls forming a seat for removably receiving the container (12), the base including a motor with a magnetic drive magnetically coupled to the impeller (30) for driving the same; wherein the container (12) includes a first magnetic element (38) coupled thereto, the impeller (30) includes a second magnetic element (40), and the first magnetic element (38) and the second magnetic element (40) are configured to be magnetically coupled so as to retain the impeller (30) in the container (12).

Description

[0001]MACHINE WITH WHISK RETAINER Field of the invention The present invention relates to a machine and a jug for processing a liquid food substance such as milk or a milk-based substance. Background of the invention Beverages with processed liquid food substances such as milk or a milk-based substance are becoming increasingly popular. The best-known beverage of this type is a cappuccino type coffee. The beverage is made of an espresso topped with a portion of processed milk such as frothed milk. Processing liquid food substances, however, takes time, effort, and skill. One customary way of processing a liquid food substance is using a dedicated stirring device. Such a device usually contains a jug with a container and an impeller arranged inside the container. During turning of the impeller, the impeller drives the liquid food substance for processing the liquid food substance. Once the liquid food substance is processed to the desired degree, the liquid food substance may be poured out of the device and the beverage may be prepared. Such known devices, however, may not be ideal. For example, the impeller may get loose when the processed liquid food substance is poured out of the device. US Patent 6,318,247 relates to an appliance for preparing hot beverages or food with stirring such as hot chocolate, for example. Other devices for stirring food products are describedin patent documents WO 2004 / 043213 or DE 196 24 648. Stirringsystems with a magnetic engagement type are described in documents US 2,932,493, DE 1 131 372, US 4,537,332 and US 6,712,497. DE 89 15 094 relates to a refrigerated pot for dispensing a milk-based beverage. US Patent 3,356,349 discloses a stirring device that has a heated tank, magnetic drive means positioned under the tank for driving a hub located in the middle of the tank. Further examples of beverage processing appliances using stirring systems, in particular magnetically driven stirring systems, are disclosed in WO 2006 / 050900, WO 2008 / 142154, WO 2009 / 074555, WO 2010 / 023313, WO 2011 / 039222, WO 2011 / 039224, WO 2011 / 144647, WO 2016 / 202814, WO 2016 / 202815, WO 2016 / 202816, WO 2016 / 202817, WO 2017 / 098037, WO 2016 / 202818, WO 2017 / 216133, WO 2018 / 108804, WO 2018 / 108807, WO 2018 / 108808, WO 2019 / 101764, WO 2019 / 101765 and PCT / EP19 / 057841. It is thus an object of the present invention to propose a machine and a jug in which the impeller does not get loose during tilting of the jug such as during tilting of the jug for pouring the processed liquid food substance out of the jug. Solution to the problem These and other objects, which become apparent upon reading the description, are solved by the subject-matter of the independent claims. Further embodiments and developments are provided in the dependent claims. According to a first aspect of the present invention, a machine for processing a liquid food substance, such as milk or a milk-based substance, is provided. The machine comprises a jug with a container delimiting a food cavity for containing said liquid food substance. The container may be provided with a removable lid for covering the food cavity. The machine further comprises an impeller removably received by the container for driving said liquid food substance in the container and a base with one or more walls forming a seat for removably receiving the container. The base includes a motor with a magnetic drive magnetically coupled to the impeller for driving the impeller. The container of the jug includes a first magnetic element coupled to the container, the impeller of the jug includes a second magnetic element and the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are configured to be magnetically coupled so as to retain the impeller in the container. The machine according to the present invention is based at least partially on the idea that the impeller can be retained inside the container using two magnetic elements, one attached to the impeller and one attached to the container. Preferably, one of the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element is a coupling magnetic-field generating element such as a permanent magnet and the other one of the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element is a ferromagnetic element that is configured to be magnetically coupled to the coupling magnetic-field generating element. Alternatively, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are each coupling magnetic-field generating elements (such as permanent magnets) and are configured to be magnetically coupled to one another in a mutually attracting orientation. Preferably, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are adapted for generating together an attraction force such that the impeller is retained inside the container during tilting of the container, such as during tilting of the container for pouring the processed liquid food substance out of the container. Preferably, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are adapted for generating together an attraction force such that when the first and second magnetic elements are separated from one another when being magnetically coupled, a decoupling force of more than 0.5 N, for instancemore than 5 N, for example more than 15 N is required. This isbased on the idea that decoupling of magnetically coupled first and second magnetic elements could be done manually, i.e. without using tools, more preferably by hand. Preferably, the first magnetic element is arranged non- removably on the container and / or the second magnetic element is arranged non-removably on the impeller. In other words, the first and / or second magnetic element may not be removed manually. The first and / or second magnetic element may be non-removably attached to the container and / or the impeller, respectively. For example, the first and / or second magnetic element could be adhered to the container and impeller, respectively, or the first and / or second magnetic element may be cast-in or potted (e.g., as an inlay during injection molding) inside the container and / or the impeller, respectively, so that the magnetic element cannot be removed without destroying the container and / or impeller. For example, the first magnetic element may be adhered to the container (e.g., to a metallic container) and the second magnetic element may be cast-in in the impeller (e.g., when the impeller is at least partially made by injection molding). Preferably, the container includes a bottom wall and the first magnetic element is attached to or arranged in the bottom wall. Preferably, the first magnetic element is permanently attached to or arranged in the bottom wall. Preferably, the bottom wall includes a seat and the first magnetic element is received in the seat. Preferably, the seat is a cavity or pocket formed in the bottom wall. Preferably, the first magnetic element is mechanically secured in the seat such as force fitted in the seat, or adhered therein. Preferably, the seat is configured such that the first magnetic element extends flush with an outer face of the bottom wall, such as a bottom outer surface of the bottom wall. In other words, the first magnetic element may be configured not to protrude from the bottom wall towards the outside. This may be beneficial for ensuring a stable standing of the container when disposed on a flat surface, e.g. a countertop. Preferably, the impeller is rotatably mounted on a support portion of the bottom of the container. Preferably, the support portion is integrally formed with or fixed to the bottom of the container. The support portion may be monolithically formed with the container and / or may form a single unit with the container. Preferably, the first magnetic element is arranged in the support portion of the container. Preferably, the impeller has a receiving portion in which the support portion is received. The support portion and the receiving portion may form a swivel joint. Such joint may allow the impeller to easily and smoothly turn inside the container. Preferably, the support portion projects from the bottom of the container inside the food cavity. Preferably, the support portion has a recess portion and the receiving portion receives the recess portion of the support portion. Preferably, the impeller is drivable in rotation about a central axis of the impeller and the first and second magnetic elements are configured to face each other along an axis that is substantially collinear or coincides with the central axis. Preferably, the impeller includes a stem. The stem may extend substantially collinear with the central axis. The second magnetic element may be arranged in or on or at the stem. Preferably, the stem includes a hollow section such as a cavity or pocket and the second magnetic element is arranged within the hollow section. The second magnetic element may be cast-in or potted in the hollow section. Preferably, the hollow section is arranged at a bottom part of the stem, the bottom part facing the bottom wall of the container. The second magnetic element may be arranged in the hollow section during or after forming of the impeller. In either case, the hollow section may be sealingly closed by a sealing element or sealing cap. The sealing element may prevent ingress of liquid into the hollow section. Preferably, the first magnetic element is arranged centrally on the container, such as on a bottom wall thereof. Preferably, the first magnetic element is disk-shaped and / or the second magnetic element is rod-shaped. Preferably, the diameter or width of the first magnetic element perpendicular to its longitudinal axis is at least 1.3 times, preferably at least 1.5 times larger than the diameter or width of the second magnetic element perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. Preferably, the length of the second magnetic element along its longitudinal axis is at least 1.5 times, preferably at least 2 times, more preferably 3 times larger than the length of the first magnetic element along its longitudinal axis. The shape of the first and / or second magnetic element may be adapted to the shape of the impeller and bottom wall, respectively. Preferably, the base of the machine forms a motor chamber for receiving a motor of the machine, the motor having a magnetic drive with a magnetic driver device configured for driving in the container a magnetic follower device of the impeller, wherein one of the magnetic driver device and the magnetic follower device comprises a coupling magnetic-field generating element and the other one of the magnetic driver device and the magnetic follower device comprises a corresponding ferromagnetic element that is configured to be coupled to the coupling magnetic-field generating element, or the magnetic driver device comprises a coupling magnetic-field generating element that is configured to be coupled to a corresponding coupling magnetic-field generating element of the magnetic follower device. In other words, the motor is arranged in the base and not in the jug. The jug does not include a motor. The impeller of the jug is driven by the magnetic drive arranged outside of the jug in the base of the machine. In other words, the impeller may comprise at least one third magnetic element (preferably, a plurality of third magnetic elements) that is magnetically coupled to at least one fourth magnetic element (preferably, plurality of fourth magnetic elements) arranged in the base. The fourth magnetic elements may be connected to a motor and may form a magnetic drive configured to drive the impeller in the container when the container is disposed in the base. The at least one third magnetic element may be a ferromagnetic element whereas the at least one fourth magnetic element may be a permanent magnet, or vice versa. Alternatively, the at least one third magnetic element and the at least one fourth magnetic element may both be permanent magnets. Another aspect of the present invention, which may form an independent aspect of the present invention, relates to a jug for a machine for processing a liquid food substance, such as milk or a milk-based substance. The jug is configured for being removably received in a base of the machine. The jug comprises a container delimiting a food cavity for containing said liquid food substance. The container may be provided with a removable lid for covering the cavity. The jug further comprises an impeller removably received within the container and being configured for driving said liquid food substance in the container, wherein the impeller includes at least one magnetic follower device configured for being magnetically coupled to a magnetic drive of a motor that is arranged in the base. The container includes a first magnetic element coupled thereto, the impeller includes a second magnetic element, and the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are configured to attract each other for retaining the impeller in the container. The jug according to the present invention is based at least partially on the idea that two magnetic elements, one attached to the impeller and one to the container may hold the impeller in position inside the container and prevent the impeller from getting loose, in particular during tilting of the container such as during tilting of the container for pouring the processed liquid food substance out of the container. Further embodiments and aspects of the present invention are explained using the accompanying schematic figures, which are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the specification. These figures are merely exemplary. They are not to be understood as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Brief description of the drawings- Figure 1 is a schematic view of a jug according to the presentinvention.- Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of the jug of Fig. 1.- Figure 3 is a schematic view of a machine according to thepresent invention.- Figure 4 is a schematic view of another machine according tothe present invention. Detailed description Within the figures, same components are referenced by the same reference numerals. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a jug 10 for processing a liquid food substance such milk or a milk-based substance. The jug 10 can be used to provide frothed milk for example for a cappuccino type beverage. The jug 10 may also be used to provide hot chocolate or other processed (hot or cold) liquid food substances. The jug 10 can be removably inserted into a base of a machine. Such machines are described in more detail hereinafter with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The jug 10 includes a container 12. The container 12 delimits a food cavity for containing the liquid food substance. The jug 10 further includes a lid 14. The lid 14 is used for opening and closing the container 12. The lid 14 may be removable from the container 12. The jug 10 further includes a handle 16. The handle 16 is used for holding the jug 10. The handle 16 includes a connection member 18 and a gripping member 20 connected to the connection member 18. The connection member 18 and the gripping member 20 may be arranged at an angle to one another, but not necessarily. Referring to Figure 2, a schematic view of the jug 10 of Figure 1 with the lid 14 in the closed position is shown. In the closed position, the lid 14 closes a top opening 22 of the container 12. The top opening 22 is defined by a rim 24 of the container 12. The lid 14 further includes a sealing protrusion 26 extending into the food cavity of the jug 10. The sealing protrusion 26 is configured for sealing the top opening 22 of the food cavity when the lid 14 is in the closed position. In the specific embodiment shown, the sealing protrusion 26 may be formed as an upright flange connected to the lid 14 and extending from the lid 14 into the food cavity. In the specific embodiment shown, the sealing protrusion 26 may further include a rubber gasket 28. The rubber gasket 28 engages with an inner wall of the container 12 in the closed position of the lid 20. The rubber gasket 28 may increase the sealing performance of the sealing protrusion 26. The jug 10 further includes an impeller 30. The impeller 30 is removably received by the container 12. In other words, the impeller 30 is not fixedly connected to the container 12. The impeller 30 may be removed from the container 12 for example by a user of the jug 10. The impeller 30 is used for driving the liquid food substance contained in the food cavity of the container 12. The impeller 30 includes a stem 32 and a whisk portion 34 connected to the stem 32. The whisk portion 34 is configured for beating and driving the liquid food substance when the impeller 30 is turning. The impeller 30 is magnetically coupled to a magnetic drive (not shown). The magnetic drive is arranged outside and external to the jug 10. The magnetic drive may be arranged in a base of a machine such as the machines described in Figures 3 and 4. The machine may include a seat into which the container 12 of the jug 10 may be removably inserted. The magnetic drive includes at least one magnetic driver device and the impeller 30 of the jug 10 includes at least one magnetic follower device. One example of such a magnetic follower device is indicated in Figure 2 by reference numeral 36. The magnetic driver device and the magnetic follower device 36 are magnetically coupled to one another such that the impeller 30 is magnetically driven through the container 12 of the jug 10 by the magnetic drive arranged outside and external to the jug 10. In other words, the jug 10 does neither include nor contain a motor or drive for driving the liquid food substance. Instead, the motor or drive is arranged outside and external of the jug 10. The magnetic driver device and the magnetic follower device 36 may each include a magnetic-field generating element, such as a permanent magnet. Alternatively, one of the magnetic driver device and follower device 36 may be a magnetic-field generating element and the other one may be ferromagnetic element. As already indicated, the impeller 30 is removably received by the container 12. As a result, the impeller 30 may get loose from the container 12. In particular, the impeller 30 may get loose during tilting of the container 12 such as during tilting of the container 12 for pouring the processed liquid food substance out of the container 12. In order to prevent the impeller 30 from getting loose from the container 12, the container 12 includes a first magnetic element 38 and the impeller includes a second magnetic element 40. The first magnetic element 38 and the second magnetic element 40 are configured to be magnetically coupled so as to retain the impeller 30 in position inside the container 12 during tilting of the container 12. One of the first and second magnetic element 38, 40 may be a magnetic-field generating element such as a permanent magnet. The other one of the first and second magnetic element 38, 40 may be ferromagnetic element that is configured to be magnetically coupled to the coupling magnetic-field generating element. Alternatively, the first and the second magnetic elements 38, 40 are each magnetic-field generating elements such as permanent magnets and are configured to be magnetically coupled to one another in a mutually attracting orientation. The first magnetic element 38 and the second magnetic element 40 are configured for generating together a magnetic attraction force such that the impeller 30 is retained in position inside the container 12, in particular during tilting such as during tilting for pouring the processed liquid food substance out of the container 12. This allows the jug 10 to be tilted and the processed liquid food substance to be poured out of the container 12 without the impeller 30 getting loose from the container 12. The first and second magnetic elements 38, 40 may in addition be configured for generating together a magnetic coupling force that, when the two magnetic elements 38, 40 are coupled to one another and need to be separated from one another, is in a range of more than 0.5 N such as more than 5 N or morethan 15 N. In other words, if the magnetically coupled elements38, 40 need to be separated from one another, a decoupling force of more than 0.5 N such as more than 5 N or more than 15 N is necessary. As can be further seen in Figure 2, the first magnetic element 38 is arranged centrally on or in a bottom wall 42 of the container 12. The container 12 includes a seat 44 such as a cavity or pocket in which the first magnetic element 38 is received. The first magnetic element 38 may be secured such as force fitted in the seat 44 and / or may be non-removably received by the seat 44 such as potted or adhered in the seat 44. In the specific embodiment shown, the seat 44 is dimensioned such that the first magnetic element 38 does not protrude beyond an outer bottom face 46 of the bottom wall 44. In other words, the first magnetic element 38 may extend flush with the outer face 46 so that, for example, the container 12 does not wobble when placed on an external support surface such as a countertop. As can be further seen in Figure 2, the impeller 30 is rotatably mounted on a support portion 48 of the container 12. The support portion 48 is arranged at the bottom of the container 12 and is used for supporting the impeller 30. The support portion 48 may be integrally formed with the bottom of the container 12 such as monolithically formed with bottom of the container 12. In the specific embodiment shown, the first magnetic element 38 is arranged inside the support portion 48. The first magnetic element 38 may be potted in the support portion 48. The support portion 48 projects from the bottom of the container 12 into the food cavity. The impeller 30 may include a receiving portion 50 that receives the support portion 48. The recess portion 50 may include a protrusion 53 that is received in a pocket 52 of the support portion 48. The support portion 48 and the receiving portion 50 may form a swivel joint. Such swivel joint may allow the impeller 30 to turn smoothly in the container 12 when processing the liquid food substance. The seat 44 and / or the support portion 48 may be formed, e.g., by plastically deforming the bottom wall 44 of the container 12 towards the inside of the container 12 into the food cavity. The stem 32 of the impeller 30 includes a hollow section 54. In the specific embodiment shown, the hollow section 54 is arranged close to the receiving portion 50. In other embodiments not shown, the hollow section 54 may be arranged further away from the receiving portion 50. The hollow section 54 may be a pocket or cavity formed inside the stem 32. The second magnetic element 40 is arranged within the hollow section 54. The second magnetic element 40 may be secured in the hollow section 54 such as force fitted in the hollow section 54 and / or may be non-removably arranged within the hollow section 54 such as potted, cast-in, or adhered in the hollow section 54. A sealing element 56 such as a sealing cap may be provided on the stem 32 to sealingly close the hollow section 54. The sealing element 56 may be configured for preventing ingress of liquid into the hollow section 54. The protrusion 53 may be formed on the sealing element 56. As can be further seen in Figure 2, the first magnetic element 38 and the second magnetic element 40 are configured to face each other along an axis 58. In the specific embodiments shown, the axis 58 coincides with the central axis of the stem 32 which in turn coincides with the swivel axis of the impeller 30. In other words, the first and second magnetic element 38, 40 are disposed such that the generated coupling magnetic force extends substantially along the swivel axis of the impeller 30. The first magnetic element 38 may be substantially disk- shaped and the second magnetic element 40 may be substantially rod-shape. A diameter or width of the first magnetic element 38 measured perpendicular to its longitudinal axis or more generally perpendicular to the axis 58, may be at least 1.3 times, preferably at least 1.5 times larger than a diameter or width of the second magnetic element 40 measured in the same direction. A length of the second magnetic element 40 measured along its longitudinal axis or more generally along the axis 58, may be at least 1.5 times, preferably at least 2 times, more preferably at least 3 times larger than a length of the first magnetic element 38 measured in the same direction. Referring to Figure 3, a machine 60 for processing a liquid food substance such as milk or a milk-based substance is shown. The machine 60 includes a base 62 and two jugs 10 as described in connection with Figures 1 and 2. A skilled reader will understand that in other embodiments not shown, the machine 60 may include any number of jugs 10. The jugs 10 are removably received in a dedicated seat formed inside the base 62. Each jug 10 has its own seat and can be removed from the respective seat independently. The base 62 further includes one or more man- machine-interface sections (MMI-sections) 64 for interaction of the user with the machine 60 and / or the respective jug 10 of the machine 60 such as for heating of the jug 10 or driving the impeller of the jug 10. The base 62 further includes a motor with a magnetic drive (not shown). The magnetic drive is magnetically coupled to the impeller of the jug 10. The magnetic drive includes at least one magnetic driver device for driving the at least one magnetic follower device of the jug 10 as already mentioned in connection with Figure 2. The jug 10 may be inserted into the base 62, the MMI-sections 64 may be used to activate the magnetic drive of the base 62 and the impeller inside the respective jug 10 may start turning for processing the liquid food substance contained in the jug 10. Once the liquid food substance is processed to the desired degree, the jug 10 may be removed from the base 62 and the processed liquid food substance may be poured out of the jug 10. As the jug 10 includes first and second magnetic elements as described in connection with Figures 1 and 2, the impeller of the jug 10 is retained inside jug and does generally not get loose during tilting of the jug 10. Referring to Figure 4, another machine 66 for processing a liquid food substance such as milk or a milk-based substance is shown. As compared to the machine 60 of Figure 3, the machine 66 of Figure 4 includes a single jug 10. The functionality and / or handling of the machine 66 may be similar to the machine 60 which is why no further details are provided here. The following aspects are preferred embodiments of the invention:1. A machine (60, 66) for processing a liquid food substance,such as milk or a milk-based substance, comprising:- a jug (10) having a container (12) delimiting a food cavityfor containing said liquid food substance, such as a container (12) provided with a removable lid (14) for covering the food cavity;- an impeller (30) removably received by the container (12) andconfigured for driving said liquid food substance in the container (12); and- a base (62) having one or more walls forming a seat forremovably receiving the container (12), the base including a motor with a magnetic drive magnetically coupled to the impeller (30) for driving the same, wherein- the container (12) includes a first magnetic element (38)coupled thereto,- the impeller (30) includes a second magnetic element (40);and- the first magnetic element (38) and the second magneticelement (40) are configured to be magnetically coupled so as to retain the impeller (30) in the container (12).2. The machine (60, 66) of aspect 1, wherein- one of the first magnetic element (38) and the second magneticelement (40) is a coupling magnetic-field generating element and the other one of the first magnetic element (38) and the second magnetic element (40) is a ferromagnetic element that is configured to be magnetically coupled to the coupling magnetic-field generating element, or- the first magnetic element (38) and the second magneticelement (40) are each coupling magnetic-field generating elements and configured to be magnetically coupled to one another in a mutually attracting orientation.3. The machine (60, 66) of aspect 1 or 2, wherein the firstmagnetic element (38) and the second magnetic element (40) are configured for generating together an attraction force such that the impeller (30) is retained inside the container (12) during tilting of the container (12), for instance during tilting of the container (12) for pouring the processed liquid food substance out of the container (12).4. The machine (60, 66) of any preceding aspect, wherein thefirst magnetic element (38) and the second magnetic element (40) are configured for generating together an attraction force such that when the first and second magnetic elements (38, 40) are separated from one another when being magnetically coupled, a decoupling force of more than 0.5 N, for instance more than 5 N, e.g. more than 15 N is required.5. The machine (60, 66) of any preceding aspect, wherein thefirst magnetic element (38) is arranged non-removably on the container (12) and / or the second magnetic element (40) is arranged non-removably on the impeller (30).6. The machine (60, 66) of any preceding aspect, wherein thecontainer (12) includes a bottom wall (42), and the first magnetic element (38) is attached to or arranged in the bottom wall (42), preferably permanently attached to or permanently arranged in the bottom wall (42).7. The machine (60, 66) of aspect 6, wherein the bottom wall(42) includes a seat (44) and the first magnetic element (38) is received by the seat (44).8. The machine (60, 66) of aspect 7, wherein the seat (44) isa cavity or pocket formed in the bottom wall (42).9. The machine (60, 66) of aspect 7 or 8, wherein the firstmagnetic element (38) is mechanically secured in the seat (44).10. The machine (60, 66) of any one of aspects 7 to 9, whereinthe seat (44) is configured such that the first magnetic element (38) extends flush with an outer face (46) of the bottom wall (42).11. The machine (60, 66) of any preceding aspect, wherein theimpeller (30) is rotatably mounted on a support portion (48) of the bottom of the container (12), preferably wherein the support portion (48) is integrally formed with or fixed to the bottom of the container (12), preferably wherein the impeller (30) includes a receiving portion (50) the receives the support portion (48) of the container (12), more preferably wherein one of the support portion (48) and the receiving portion (50) includes a protrusion (53) and the other of the support portion (48) and the receiving portion (50) includes a pocket (52) for receiving said protrusion (53).12. The machine (60, 66) of aspect 11, wherein the supportportion (48) projects from the bottom of the container (12) inside the food cavity.13. The machine (60, 66) of aspect 12, wherein the firstmagnetic element (38) is arranged in the support portion (48).14. The machine (60, 66) of any preceding aspect, wherein theimpeller (30) is drivable in rotation about a central axis thereof and the first and second magnetic elements (38, 40) are configured to face each other along an axis (58) that is substantially collinear or coincides with the central axis.15. The machine (60, 66) of aspect 14, wherein the impeller(30) includes a stem (32) extending substantially collinear with the central axis and the second magnetic element (40) is arranged in or on or at the stem (32).16. The machine (60, 66) of aspect 14 or 15, wherein the stem(32) includes a hollow section (54) and the second magnetic element (40) is arranged within the hollow section (54).17. The machine (60, 66) of aspect 16, wherein the hollowsection (54) is arranged at a bottom part of the stem (32), the bottom part of the stem facing the bottom wall (42) of the container (12).18. The machine (60, 66) of any preceding aspect, wherein thefirst magnetic element (38) is arranged centrally on the container (12), in particular on a bottom wall (42) thereof.19. The machine (60, 66) of any preceding aspect, wherein thefirst magnetic element (38) is disk-shaped and / or wherein the second magnetic element (40) is rod-shaped.20. The machine (60, 66) of any preceding aspect, wherein adiameter or width of the first magnetic element (38) perpendicular to its longitudinal axis is at least 1.3 times, preferably at least 1.5 times larger than a diameter or width of the second magnetic element (40) perpendicular to its longitudinal axis.21. The machine (60, 66) of any preceding aspect, wherein alength of the second magnetic element (40) along its longitudinal axis is at least 1.5 times, preferably at least 2 times, more preferably 3 times larger than a length of the first magnetic element (38) along its longitudinal axis.22. The machine (60, 66) of any preceding aspect, wherein thebase (62) forms a motor chamber for receiving a motor of the machine (60, 66), the motor of the machine (60, 66) having a magnetic drive with a magnetic driver device configured for driving in the container (12) a magnetic follower device (36) of the impeller (30), wherein- one of the magnetic driver device and the magnetic followerdevice (36) comprises a coupling magnetic-field generating element and the other one of the magnetic driver device and the magnetic follower device (36) comprises a corresponding ferromagnetic element that is configured to be coupled to the coupling magnetic-field generating element, or- the magnetic driver device comprises a coupling magnetic-field generating element that is configured to be coupled to a corresponding coupling magnetic-field generating element of the magnetic follower device (36).23. A jug (10) for a machine (60, 66) for processing a liquidfood substance, such as milk or a milk-based substance, wherein the jug (10) is configured for being removably received in a base (62) of the machine (60, 66), the jug (10) comprising:- a container (12) delimiting a food cavity for containing saidliquid food substance, such as a container (10) provided with a removable lid (14) for covering the food cavity, and- an impeller (30) removably received within the container (12)and being configured for driving said liquid food substance in the container (12), the impeller (30) including at least one magnetic follower device (36) configured for being magnetically coupled to a magnetic drive of a motor that is arranged in the base (62), wherein the container (12) includes a first magnetic element (38) coupled thereto, the impeller (30) includes a second magnetic element (40), and the first magnetic element (38) and the second magnetic element (40) are configured to attract each other for retaining the impeller (30) in the container (12).

Claims

CLAIMS1. A machine (60, 66) for processing a liquid food substance,such as milk or a milk-based substance, comprising:- a jug (10) having a container (12) delimiting a food cavityfor containing said liquid food substance, such as a container (12) provided with a removable lid (14) for covering the food cavity;- an impeller (30) removably received by the container (12) andconfigured for driving said liquid food substance in the container (12); and- a base (62) having one or more walls forming a seat forremovably receiving the container (12), the base including a motor with a magnetic drive magnetically coupled to the impeller (30) for driving the same, wherein- the container (12) includes a first magnetic element (38)coupled thereto,- the impeller (30) includes a second magnetic element (40),and- the first magnetic element (38) and the second magneticelement (40) are configured to be magnetically coupled so as to retain the impeller (30) in the container (12).

2. The machine (60, 66) of claim 1, wherein- one of the first magnetic element (38) and the second magneticelement (40) is a coupling magnetic-field generating element and the other one of the first magnetic element (38) and the second magnetic element (40) is a ferromagnetic element that is configured to be magnetically coupled to the coupling magnetic-field generating element, or- the first magnetic element (38) and the second magneticelement (40) are each coupling magnetic-field generating elements and configured to be magnetically coupled to one another in a mutually attracting orientation.

3. The machine (60, 66) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the firstmagnetic element (38) and the second magnetic element (40) are configured for generating together an attraction force such that the impeller (30) is retained inside the container (12) during tilting of the container (12), for instance during tilting ofthe container (12) for pouring the processed liquid food substance out of the container (12).

4. The machine (60, 66) of any preceding claim, wherein thefirst magnetic element (38) and the second magnetic element (40) are configured for generating together an attraction force such that when the first and second magnetic elements (38, 40) are separated from one another when being magnetically coupled, a decoupling force of more than 0.5 N, for instance more than 5 N, e.g. more than 15 N is required.

5. The machine (60, 66) of any preceding claim, wherein thefirst magnetic element (38) is arranged non-removably on the container (12) and / or the second magnetic element (40) is arranged non-removably on the impeller (30).

6. The machine (60, 66) of any one preceding claim, whereinthe container (12) includes a bottom wall (42), and the first magnetic element (38) is attached to or arranged in the bottom wall (42), preferably permanently attached to or permanently arranged in the bottom wall (42).

7. The machine (60, 66) of claim 6, wherein the bottom wall(42) includes a seat (44) and the first magnetic element (38) is received by the seat (44), preferably wherein the first magnetic element (38) is mechanically secured in the seat (44) and / or wherein the seat (44) is configured such that the first magnetic element (38) extends flush with an outer face (46) of the bottom wall (42).

8. The machine (60, 66) of any preceding claim, wherein theimpeller (30) is rotatably mounted on a support portion (48) of the bottom of the container (12), preferably wherein:- the support portion (48) is integrally formed with or fixedto the bottom of the container (12), and / or- the impeller (30) includes a receiving portion (50) receivedby the support portion (48) of the container (12), more preferably wherein one of the support portion (48) and the receiving portion (50) includes a protrusion (53) and the other of the support portion (48) and the receiving portion (50) includes a pocket (52) for receiving said protrusion (53).

9. The machine (60, 66) of claim 8, wherein the support portion(48) projects from the bottom of the container (12) inside thefood cavity, wherein the first magnetic element (38) is arranged in the support portion (48).

10. The machine (60, 66) of any preceding claim, wherein theimpeller (30) is drivable in rotation about a central axis thereof and the first and second magnetic elements (38, 40) are arranged to face each other along an axis (58) that is substantially collinear or coincides with the central axis.

11. The machine (60, 66) of claim 10, wherein the impeller (30)includes a stem (32) extending substantially collinear with the central axis and the second magnetic element (40) is arranged in or on or at the stem (32).

12. The machine (60, 66) of claim 11, wherein the stem (32)includes a hollow section (54) and the second magnetic element (40) is arranged within the hollow section (54), preferably wherein the hollow section (54) is arranged at a bottom part of the stem (32), the bottom part of the stem facing the bottom wall (42) of the container (12).

13. The machine (60, 66) of any preceding claim, wherein- a diameter or width of the first magnetic element (38)perpendicular to its longitudinal axis is at least 1.3 times, preferably at least 1.5 times larger than a diameter or width of the second magnetic element (40) perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, and / or- a length of the second magnetic element (40) along itslongitudinal axis is at least 1.5 times, preferably at least 2 times, more preferably 3 times larger than a length of the first magnetic element (38) along its longitudinal axis.

14. The machine (60, 66) of any preceding claim, wherein thebase (62) forms a motor chamber for receiving a motor of the machine (60, 66), the motor having a magnetic drive with a magnetic driver device configured for driving in the container (12) a magnetic follower device (36) of the impeller (30), wherein- one of the magnetic driver device and the magnetic followerdevice (36) comprises a coupling magnetic-field generating element and the other one of the magnetic driver device and the magnetic follower device (36) comprises a corresponding ferromagnetic element that is configured to be coupled to the coupling magnetic-field generating element, or- the magnetic driver device comprises a coupling magnetic-field generating element that is configured to be coupled to a corresponding coupling magnetic-field generating element of the magnetic follower device (36).

15. A jug (10) for a machine (60, 66) for processing a liquidfood substance, such as milk or a milk-based substance, wherein the jug (10) is configured for being removably received in a base (62) of the machine (60, 66), the jug (10) comprising:- a container (12) delimiting a food cavity for containing saidliquid food substance, such as a container (10) provided with a removable lid (14) for covering the food cavity; and- an impeller (30) removably received within the container (12)and being configured for driving said liquid food substance in the container (12), the impeller (30) including at least one magnetic follower device (36) configured for being magnetically coupled to a magnetic drive of a motor that is arranged in the base (62), wherein the container (12) includes a first magnetic element (38) coupled thereto, the impeller (30) includes a second magnetic element (40), and the first magnetic element (38) and the second magnetic element (40) are configured to attract each other for retaining the impeller (30) in the container (12).

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