Movement system of stretched cheese ropes and related machine for the production of stretched cheese sticks

Abstract

The movement system (3) of stretched cheese ropes, comprises at least one conveyor plane (4) of stretched cheese ropes (F) along at least one direction of forward movement (A) comprising, in turn, a plurality of housing lanes (5), each of which is adapted to house a respective said cheese rope (F), wherein the conveyor plane (4) comprises a plurality of separating elements (6), each positioned between two of the adjacent housing lanes (5) and adapted to prevent the contact between the cheese ropes (F) during the movement thereof along the direction of forward movement (A).

Description

[0001] MOVEMENT SYSTEM OF STRETCHED CHEESE ROPES AND RELATED MACHINE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF STRETCHED CHEESE STICKS

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a movement system of stretched cheese ropes and to the related machine for the production of stretched cheese sticks.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] As is well known, the production of stretched cheese sticks (commonly known as “string cheese”) is done by the use of special machines, usually placed downstream of one or more kneading stretching machines, which are specifically engineered to extrude stretched cheese into long ropes and to cut the latter into cylindrical sticks of predefined length.

[0006] More specifically, such machines are typically provided with: a loading area, where an extruder is placed to form the aforementioned cheese ropes; a cutting area of the cheese ropes into cheese sticks; and an away movement area which is arranged inferiorly to the cutting area and is configured to convey the cheese sticks outside of the machine.

[0007] In addition, the machines of known type are also provided with a special cheese rope movement system having the function of transporting the cheese ropes from the loading area to the cutting area.

[0008] Specifically, the movement system comprises a plurality of lanes, each adapted to hold a respective cheese rope and made in such a way as to allow them to slide towards the cutting area and to consequently obtain the cheese sticks.

[0009] The sticks thus produced are, at this point, poured back into the away movement area by dropping from the cutting area and, therefore, conveyed towards the machine outlet so that they can be recovered for the subsequent work phases.

[0010] All that said, it is important to explain that the known machines described so far suffer from numerous defects that make them amenable to various and substantial improvements.

[0011] First, the special construction of the movement system often results in two or more of the cheese ropes carried in their respective lanes touching each other as they slide towards the cutting area, adhering to each other.

[0012] This drawback, which is common even in the case of ropes with a reduced thickness, occurs with unacceptable frequency in the case of their larger formats and results, as an obvious consequence, in the production of cheese sticks that differ from the strict quality standards of the industry and are, therefore, unsuitable for marketing.

[0013] It is immediate to appreciate, in this regard, how such a condition severely affects the efficiency of known machines and thus results in significant business economic damage.

[0014] This major issue involves, among other things, the real risk that the adhered cheese ropes will affect the proper operation of the machine, for example by even partly obstructing it, thus leading to potential damage to the machine itself as well as a further drop in production output due to the need for more frequent maintenance.

[0015] The likelihood of obtaining final products of unsatisfactory quality, which is already inconveniently high in light of the above, is even greater when one takes into account the way in which, in known machines, cheese sticks are poured into the away movement area.

[0016] In fact, it is good to reflect on the fact that, as a result of extrusion, stretched cheese has a rather high temperature and that it can, therefore, go through significant and undesirable deformation if handled carelessly inside the machine. In this sense, it is easy to appreciate how the drop of cheese sticks in the away movement area results in frequent damage to them which, losing their original cylindrical conformation, must necessarily be discarded, thus contributing to exacerbating the already significant problems previously complained of.

[0017] Description of the Invention

[0018] The main aim of the present invention is to devise a movement system of cheese ropes that is practical, efficient and can significantly lower the risk of two or more cheese ropes coming into contact with each other, adhering together.

[0019] One object of the present invention is to devise a movement system of cheese ropes distinguished by greater versatility and adaptability than known systems. Another object of the present invention is to devise a machine for the production of stretched cheese sticks which can fulfill its aim precisely and repeatably over time as well as minimize the risk of accidental damage to the cheese sticks during the production thereof

[0020] A further object of the present invention is to devise a machine for the production of stretched cheese sticks in which the length of the cheese sticks produced can be easily and intuitively varied.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to devise a movement system of stretched cheese ropes and a related machine for the production of stretched cheese sticks which can overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art within the framework of a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as affordable solution.

[0022] The above objects are achieved by this movement system of stretched cheese having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0023] The above objects are achieved by this machine for the production of stretched cheese sticks having the characteristics of claim 8.

[0024] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a movement system of stretched cheese ropes and a related machine for the production of stretched cheese sticks, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet nonlimiting example, in the accompanying tables of drawings in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is an axonometric, overall view of the machine according to the invention;

[0027] Figure 2 is an axonometric, sectional view of the machine according to the invention;

[0028] Figure 3 is an axonometric, detailed view of the machine according to the invention;

[0029] Figures 4 and 5 are side, detailed views of the machine according to the invention; Figures 6 and 7 show how to connect some components of the machine according to the invention.

[0030] Embodiments of the Invention

[0031] With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a machine for the production of stretched cheese sticks.

[0032] First of all, the machine 1 for the production of stretched cheese sticks comprises at least one base frame 2 for resting on the ground and at least one movement system 3 of stretched cheese ropes F associated with the base frame 2.

[0033] It should be pointed out, in this regard, that the use of the term “rope” referring to stretched cheese refers to a conformation of the latter that is substantially cylindrical in which, in particular, the longitudinal development is considerably greater than its diameter.

[0034] More specifically, “rope” is intended to designate a substantially cylindrical conformation where the length to diameter ratio is greater than 100.

[0035] Regarding, however, the term “stick” referring to stretched cheese, it should be explained that it too denotes a substantially cylindrical shape, in which, however, the length to diameter ratio is less than in the previous case and is, preferably, of between 5 and 50.

[0036] Having specified this, the movement system 3 of stretched cheese ropes comprises at least one conveyor plane 4 of the stretched cheese ropes F along at least one direction of forward movement A.

[0037] In particular, the conveyor plane 4 is arranged substantially horizontal but the possibility cannot be ruled out that the same may be sloped and that the direction of forward movement A may face the ground (negative inclination).

[0038] In turn, the conveyor plane 4 comprises: a plurality of housing lanes 5, each of which is adapted to house a respective cheese rope F; and a plurality of separating elements 6, each positioned between two adjacent housing lanes 5 and adapted to prevent the contact between the cheese ropes F during the movement thereof along the direction of forward movement A.

[0039] It is worth noting, in this regard, that the fact of providing separating elements 6 between the housing lanes 5 turns out to be a rather advantageous technical expedient that makes it possible, by itself, to remedy the drawbacks of the prior art previously complained of

[0040] In fact, in this way, it is possible to ensure that the cheese ropes F are conveyed along the conveyor plane 4 in an absolutely effective and safe maimer, that is, without the risk of these coming into contact with each other and adhering to each other.

[0041] This fact thus makes it possible not only to lower the probability of producing cheese sticks B of different conformation from the desired one, but also to avert possible malfunctions of the machine 1 due to the mutual adhesion of the cheese ropes F.

[0042] In this way, it is clearly possible to drastically increase the reliability, production output and efficiency of the machine 1 compared with the machines belonging to the state of the art.

[0043] As for the housing lanes 5, they run substantially parallel to each other.

[0044] In this regard, in accordance with the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, each housing lane 5 and the respective separating elements 6 between which it is positioned define a surface of substantially curvilinear conformation (see Figure 3).

[0045] In more detail, this profile is conformed substantially in a “U” shape.

[0046] In accordance with a second embodiment not shown in the figures, each housing lane 5 and the respective separating elements 6 between which it is positioned define a surface of substantially polygonal conformation.

[0047] In all cases, the direction of forward movement A is, preferably, substantially straight.

[0048] In this way, it is possible to convey the cheese ropes F along the conveyor plane 4 efficiently and safely, that is, to prevent any deviations from a straight path from resulting in undesirable denting of the cheese ropes themselves.

[0049] Advantageously, the conveyor plane 4 comprises a plurality of modular elements 7.

[0050] In particular, the modular elements 7 have a substantially polyhedron conformation. More specifically, the modular elements 7 have a substantially parallelepiped conformation.

[0051] Conveniently, the movement system 3 comprises at least one of: first connecting means 8 of the modular elements 7 along a first direction of connection Cl transverse to the direction of forward movement A; and second connecting means 9 of the modular elements 7 along a second direction of connection C2 parallel to the direction of forward movement A.

[0052] Specifically, the modular elements 7 allow the number and / or length of the housing lanes 5 to be varied as a result of their connection / disconnection along the directions of connection Cl, C2.

[0053] Specifically, the first direction of connection Cl and the second direction of connection C2 are orthogonal to each other.

[0054] This means that the first direction of connection Cl is orthogonal to the direction of forward movement A (Figure 2).

[0055] Preferably, the movement system 3 comprises both the first connecting means 8 and the second connecting means 9.

[0056] Therefore, both the length of the housing lanes 5 and their number can be varied as needed.

[0057] It is easy to appreciate how the fact of providing connecting means 8, 9 of the modular elements 7 makes it possible to greatly increase the versatility and adaptability of the machine 1, which can therefore be profitably used in a variety of different operating situations.

[0058] Going into detail, the first connecting means 8 are of the interlocking type.

[0059] In this sense, as visible in Figure 6, the first connecting means 8 comprise a first interlocking portion 8a of the male type and a second interlocking portion 8b of the female type which can be coupled together by complementarity of shape in a removable maimer.

[0060] In this regard, the modular elements 7 are provided with a first face 7a and with a second face 7b which are substantially parallel to each other and arranged, in use, parallel to the first direction of connection Cl, the first interlocking portion 8a being associated with the first face 7a and the second interlocking portion 8b being associated with the second face 7b.

[0061] Thus, due to their special conformation, it is possible to insert / remove the first interlocking portion 8a into / from the second interlocking portion 8b in order to couple / uncouple the modular elements 7 with / from each other along the first direction of connection Cl in a totally smooth, quick and intuitive maimer.

[0062] By doing so, it is therefore possible to vary the number of housing lanes 5 while keeping their length unchanged.

[0063] As visible in Figure 7, the second connecting means 9 preferably comprise: a plurality of cavities 9a cut out on the modular elements 7 and transversely alignable with each other in the second direction of connection C2; and at least one connecting element 9b adapted to be inserted within the cavities 9a.

[0064] In particular, the cavities 9a are cut out on special annular projections 10 associated with the modular elements 7 and projecting laterally therefrom.

[0065] In more detail, the modular elements 7 have a third face 7c and a fourth face 7d bounded by the first face 7a and by the second face 7b and arranged, in use, parallel to the second direction of connection C2, the annular projections 10 being associated with the third face 7c and with the fourth face 7d.

[0066] As for the connecting element 9b, it has an elongated conformation.

[0067] In more detail, the connecting element 9b has a substantially cylindrical conformation.

[0068] In even more detail, the connecting element 9b is of the type of a pin or functionally similar mechanical member.

[0069] To connect two modular elements 7 along the second direction of connection C2, it is therefore sufficient to align the cavities 9a made on the annular projections 10 of either modular element 7 and to insert the connecting element 9b through them.

[0070] By doing so, it is therefore possible to increase the length of the housing lanes 5 while keeping the number unchanged.

[0071] It can be deduced from what has been said so far that both the coupling along the first direction of connection Cl and that along the second direction of connection C2 are absolutely easy and immediate to carry out, to the benefit of the simplicity and rapidity with which the length and the number of the housing lanes 5 can be varied.

[0072] The machine 1 also comprises: cutting means 11 associated with the base frame 2 and adapted to cut the cheese ropes F to obtain the cheese sticks B; at least one line of displacement 12 of the cheese sticks B offset by height with respect to the movement system 3 (Figures 1-5); and at least one connecting assembly 13 positioned in connection between the movement system 3 and the line of displacement 12 and comprising at least one connecting portion 14 which is arranged transversely to the conveyor plane 4 and to the line of displacement 12 and is provided with a plurality of connecting lanes 15 which are adjacent to the housing lanes 5 so as to define a substantially uninterrupted predefined path (Figure 3).

[0073] In particular, the cutting means 11 are preferably located between the connecting assembly 13 and the line of displacement 12.

[0074] The possibility that the cutting means 11 may be arranged in different positions, such as along the line of displacement 12 or between the movement system 3 and the connecting assembly 13 cannot however be ruled out.

[0075] Again, the cutting means 11 comprise a plurality of blades I la which are positioned side by side to each other transversely to the direction of displacement S and activated, according to the modes which will be shortly described, to cut the cheese ropes F into the various cheese sticks B.

[0076] On the other hand, as for the line of displacement 12, it substantially consists of one or more conveyor belts of the cheese sticks B.

[0077] Specifically, the line of displacement 12 defines a direction of displacement S of the cheese sticks B.

[0078] Specifically, the direction of displacement S is curvilinear.

[0079] That said, the possibility cannot however be ruled out that the direction of displacement S may be substantially straight and that, therefore, the line of displacement itself may lie in its entirety within a respective plane of lying. As mentioned above, the line of displacement 12 is offset by height from the movement system 3 (i.e., it is arranged at a different height from the latter); in particular, the line of displacement 12 is arranged at a lower height than the movement system 3.

[0080] In contrast to the prior art, however, the presence of the connecting assembly 13 ensures safe and efficient transport of the cheese ropes F which, as they are not subjected to denting during their movement, can thus be cut by the cutting means 11 to obtain cheese sticks B having the desired conformation.

[0081] Just in this regard, the connecting assembly 13 comprises guiding means 16, 17 of the cheese ropes F which are located between the connecting lanes 15 and the line of displacement 12.

[0082] In detail, the guiding means 16, 17 comprise at least one pair of guiding shafts 16, 17 arranged substantially parallel to each other (Figures 2-5), of which: at least a first guiding shaft 16 provided with a plurality of discs 16a, each facing a respective connecting lane 15; and at least a second guiding shaft 17 defining a plurality of recesses 17a, each facing a respective disc 16a.

[0083] Specifically, the cheese ropes F are moved from the movement system 3 to the line of displacement 12 by sliding contact with the discs 16a and the recesses 17a. Conveniently, the guiding shafts 16, 17 are arranged transversely to the direction of forward movement A.

[0084] More precisely, the guiding shafts 16, 17 are arranged orthogonally to the direction of forward movement A, that is, parallel to the first direction of connection C 1.

[0085] Specifically, the guiding shafts 16, 17 are operationally connected to at least one motorized drive unit which is configured to set these in axial rotation.

[0086] As can be seen from Figures 4 and 5, the axial rotation of the guiding shafts 16, 17 results in the dragging of the cheese ropes F which, going between the discs 16a and their respective recesses 17a, are brought towards the line of displacement 12 in a precise and controlled maimer.

[0087] By doing so, it is possible to avert possible damage to the cheese ropes F and thus to arrange cheese sticks B having the desired conformation on the line of displacement 12.

[0088] In this sense, it is easy to appreciate how the connecting assembly 13 operates in conjunction synergistically with the separating elements 6 previously described in increasing the reliability of the machine 1 and enabling it to operate absolutely on time and accurately.

[0089] Conveniently, the machine 1 comprises spacing means 19, 21 associated with the line of displacement 12 and adapted to distribute the cheese sticks B on the line of displacement 12, spacing them apart.

[0090] Specifically, the spacing means 19, 21 comprise at least one spacing portion 19 comprising, in turn, a plurality of spacing lanes 20 (Figure 2).

[0091] Specifically, the spacing lanes 20 are conformed substantially curvilinear.

[0092] In the present case, the spacing lanes 20 face a respective recess 17a of the second guiding shaft 17 and are adapted to accommodate a respective cheese stick B.

[0093] In this regard, each blade I la faces a respective spacing lane 20 so that the cheese ropes F carried therein can be cut to obtain the cheese sticks B.

[0094] Again, the spacing means 18 comprise a plurality of sideguards 21, each positioned between a pair of adjacent spacing lanes 20 and are adapted to prevent any contact between the cheese sticks B during their movement along the direction of displacement S.

[0095] In detail, the sideguards 21 are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

[0096] Again, the sideguards 21 are arranged downstream of the spacing lanes 20 with respect to the direction of displacement S.

[0097] The combination of the spacing lanes 20 and of the sideguards 21 makes it therefore possible to ensure that the cheese sticks B remain adequately spaced on the line of displacement 12, thus averting any risk of them touching, adhering to each other.

[0098] Conveniently, the machine 1 comprises sensor means 22 operationally connected to the cutting means 11 and arranged downstream of the latter with respect to the direction of forward movement A in at least one reference position defining the length of the cheese sticks B. In more detail, the sensor means 22 are configured to sense the arrival of the cheese ropes F at the reference position and to generate an activation signal of the cutting means 11 as a result of the sensing thereof (Figure 5).

[0099] In actual facts, due to the presence of the sensor means 22 it is possible to operate the cutting means 11 intermittently and to obtain a plurality of cheese sticks B of predefined length.

[0100] Specifically, the sensor means 22 are placed along the line of displacement 12. Conveniently, the sensor means 22 comprise a plurality of sensors, preferably of the contact sensor type.

[0101] In the present case, each sensor is operationally connected to a respective blade I la.

[0102] In this way, it is possible to control the blades I la asynchronously and independently by operating, from time to time, only those corresponding to the sensor activated by the passage of the cheese rope F.

[0103] For the purpose of being able to vary the length of the cheese sticks B, the machine 1 comprises adjustment means 23 for adjusting the position of the sensor means 22 along the direction of displacement S (Figure 2).

[0104] Specifically, the adjustment means 23 comprise: at least one slide rail 23 a developing parallel to the direction of displacement S; and at least one slider 23b, locked together with the sensor means 22, which is mounted on the slide rail 23 a in a sliding maimer.

[0105] It is, therefore, sufficient to shift the slider 23 b along the slide rail 23 a to be able to vary the reference position and, with it, the length of the cheese sticks B produced by the machine 1.

[0106] This expedient thus concurs in advantageously increasing the versatility of the machine 1, which is, therefore, capable not only of producing cheese sticks B in a precise and efficient manner, but also of varying their length as needed to obtain a plurality of formats of the same.

[0107] It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects. In particular, the fact is emphasized that the special expedient of providing separating elements between one housing lane and the other makes it possible to avoid undesirable adhesion between the ropes of stretched cheese during their movement along the direction of forward movement, thus reducing the amount of cheese sticks having different conformation from the desired one and increasing the reliability and production output of the machine according to the invention.

[0108] Furthermore, it is emphasized that the fact of providing a plurality of modular elements that can be coupled along the direction of connection in a removable maimer allows the number and length of housing lanes to be varied at will, greatly increasing the adaptability and versatility of the machine according to the invention.

[0109] Again, the special expedient of providing a connecting assembly between the movement system and the line of displacement makes it possible to convey the stretched cheese from the former to the latter in an absolutely safe, precise and effective manner, thus minimizing the possibility of the cylindrical shape of the cheese sticks being inadvertently damaged.

Claims

CLAIMS1) Movement system (3) of stretched cheese ropes, comprising at least one conveyor plane (4) of stretched cheese ropes (F) along at least one direction of forward movement (A) comprising, in turn, a plurality of housing lanes (5), each of which is adapted to house a respective said cheese rope (F), characterized by the fact that said conveyor plane (4) comprises a plurality of separating elements(6), each positioned between two of said adjacent housing lanes (5) and adapted to prevent the contact between said cheese ropes (F) during the movement thereof along said direction of forward movement (A).2) System (3) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that each said housing lane (5) and the respective said separating elements (6) between which it is located define a surface of substantially curvilinear conformation.3) System (3) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that each said housing lane (5) and the respective said separating elements (6) between which it is located define a surface of substantially polygonal conformation.4) System (3) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said housing lanes (5) run substantially parallel to each other and by the fact that said direction of forward movement (A) is substantially straight.5) System (3) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said conveyor plane (4) comprises a plurality of modular elements(7) and by the fact that said system (3) comprises at least one of: first connecting means (8) of said modular elements (7) along a first direction of connection (Cl) transverse to said direction of forward movement (A); and second connecting means (9) of said modular elements (7) along a second direction of connection (C2) parallel to said direction of forward movement (A); said modular elements (7) allowing the number and / or length of said housing lanes (5) to be varied as a result of their connection / disconnection along said directions of connection (Cl, C2).6) System (3) according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that said first connecting means (8) are of the interlocking type.7) System (3) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by the fact that said second connecting means (9) comprise: a plurality of cavities (9a) cut out on said modular elements (7) and transversely alignable with each other in said second direction of connection (C2); and at least one connecting element (9b) adapted to be inserted within said cavities (9a).8) Machine (1) for the production of stretched cheese sticks, characterized by the fact that it comprises: at least one base frame (2) for resting on the ground; at least one movement system (3) according to one or more of the preceding claims which is associated with said base frame (2); cutting means (11) associated with said base frame (2) and adapted to cut said cheese ropes (F) to obtain stretched cheese sticks (B); at least one line of displacement ( 12) of said cheese sticks (B) offset by height with respect to said movement system (3); and at least one connecting assembly (13) positioned in connection between said movement system (3) and said line of displacement (12) and comprising at least one connecting portion (14) which is arranged transversely to said conveyor plane (4) and to said line of displacement (12) and is provided with a plurality of connecting lanes (15) which are adjacent to said housing lanes (5) so as to define a substantially uninterrupted predefined path.9) Machine (1) according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that said cutting means (11) are located between said connecting assembly (13) and said line of displacement (12).10) Machine (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by the fact that said connecting assembly (13) comprises guiding means (16, 17) of said cheese ropes (F) which are located between said connecting lanes (15) and said line of displacement (12).11) Machine (1) according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that said guiding means (16, 17) comprise at least one pair of guiding shafts (16, 17) arrangedsubstantially parallel to each other, of which: at least a first guiding shaft (16) provided with a plurality of discs (16a), each facing a respective said connecting lane (15); and at least a second guiding shaft (17) defining a plurality of recesses (17a), each facing a respective said disc (16a); said cheese ropes (F) being moved from said movement system (3) to said line of displacement (12) by sliding contact with said discs (16a) and said recesses (17a).12) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises sensor means (22) operationally connected to said cutting means (11) and arranged downstream of the latter with respect to said direction of forward movement (A) in at least one reference position defining the length of said cheese sticks (B), said sensor means (22) being configured to sense the arrival of said cheese ropes (F) at said reference position and to generate an activation signal of said cutting means (11) as a result of said sensing.13) Machine (1) according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that said sensor means (22) are positioned along said line of displacement (12).14) Machine (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by the fact that said line of displacement (12) defines a direction of displacement (S) of said cheese sticks (B) and by the fact that said machine (1) comprises adjustment means (23) for adjusting the position of said sensor means (22) along said direction of displacement (S) so as to vary the length of said cheese sticks (B).

Images