Device for heating and/or frothing milk for machines for preparing hot beverages such as a cappuccino

Abstract

A device (1) for heating and / or frothing milk for machines for preparing hot beverages such as a cappuccino, comprises a tubular body (2) inside which a Venturi tube is provided which has an intake end (3) which can be associated with a source of steam and a discharge end (6), a mixing chamber (7), which is defined between the converging portion (4) and the diverging portion (5) of the Venturi tube, and at least one milk supply duct (8), which has a drawing port (9) which can be associated with a milk reservoir and a port (10) for introducing the milk in the mixing chamber (7), the milk being drawn into the mixing chamber (7) due to the partial vacuum created by the flow of steam between the converging portion (4) and the diverging portion (5) of the Venturi tube.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a device for heating and / or frothing milk for a machine for preparing hot beverages, such as cappuccino. Background technique [0002] It is known to make coffee machines provided with devices for distributing high-temperature steam by means of which milk is heated and / or frothed to prepare hot beverages such as cappuccino or hot milk. [0003] In the known art, such devices are known as foam generators. [0004] Known foam generators comprise a tubular element, wherein the inlet end is associated with a source of high-temperature steam, while the outlet end is provided with nozzles for distributing the steam. [0005] Furthermore, known foam generators include a tap for blocking and regulating the flow of steam and are provided with an actuation handle. [0006] In use, the operator manually places the tubular element in a container such as a cup, jug, or the like that holds cold milk and places the nozzle on the milk depend...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0008] However, these known foam generators have disadvantages, among which it must be noted that the production of warm milk or frothed milk

[0009] Another disadvantage of the known foam generators is that they work with vertical or mostly inclined tubular elements, which imposes limitations in the design and manufacture of machines in which they are applied

[0010] Another disadvantage of the known foam generators is that milk residues and dirt that have accumulated on the outer surfaces of the tubular elements and nozzles have to be manually removed with the aid of sponges and washing liquids

However, these operations do not ensure high and safe hygiene, so that harmful bacterial populations can grow from milk residues and dirt

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