Equipment for the transfer of fluid dairy products

Abstract

The equipment (1) for the transfer of fluid dairy products comprises: - one base frame (2); - one container assembly (3) associated with the base frame (2) and adapted to contain a fluid dairy product; - one fluid-operated circuit (7) associated with the container assembly (3) and intended to dispense the fluid dairy product; - electronic transfer means (8) associated with the fluid-operated circuit (7) and operable to determine the transfer of the fluid dairy product from the container assembly (3) along the fluid-operated circuit (7); and - one electronic control unit (9) operationally connected to the electronic transfer means (8) and configured to drive the latter depending on the volume of fluid dairy product to be transferred.

Description

[0001] EQUIPMENT FOR THE TRANSFER OF FLUID DAIRY PRODUCTS

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a piece of equipment for the transfer of fluid dairy products. Art

[0004] It is well known that dairy plants are provided with various production lines designed to produce different types of dairy products.

[0005] These include well-known equipment for the transfer of fluid dairy products, which is used to power additional machines intended to process the dairy product itself.

[0006] For example, in the case of burrata production machines, known transfer equipment ensures that the storage tanks are filled with the stracciatella that makes up the burrata filling.

[0007] In these plants, it may also be necessary to prepare individual packages containing the fluid dairy product for retail sale of the same. In the present case, it is known that stracciatella is a dairy product that is also consumed as such and not only as a filling for burrata cheese.

[0008] However, the known equipment is configured to quickly transfer large amounts of dairy product to processing machines in order to avoid interruptions in the production process and, therefore, is not suitable for transferring small portions for filling packages, such as trays or the like.

[0009] Therefore, the transfer of small portions is carried out manually or through the use of special dispensers which, however, are not suitable for the fast feeding of the processing machines.

[0010] As a result, the customer is faced with having to use two different types of equipment in order to carry out both activities, resulting in a high cost of ownership and a consequent increase in the price of the finished product. In addition, it is clear how the use of a plurality of separate equipment results in the need for ample space in the production plant.

[0011] Description of the Invention

[0012] The main aim of the present invention is to devise a piece of equipment for the transfer of fluid dairy products which enables controlled transfer of the fluid dairy product depending on its intended use.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to devise a piece of equipment for the transfer of fluid dairy products which allows rapid transfer of large amounts of fluid dairy product but also precise dosing of small portions of the same.

[0014] A further object of the present invention is to devise a piece of equipment for the transfer of fluid dairy products which allows both the feeding of processing machines and the dispensing of small portions of loose dairy product.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to devise a piece of equipment for the transfer of fluid dairy products which can overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art within the framework of a simple, rational, easy and efficient to use as well as cost-effective solution.

[0016] The aforementioned objects are achieved by this piece of equipment for the transfer of fluid dairy products having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0017] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a piece of equipment for the transfer of fluid dairy products, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example in the accompanying tables of drawings in which:

[0018] Figure 1 is an axonometric view of the piece of equipment for the transfer of fluid dairy products according to the invention;

[0019] Figure 2 is an axonometric view of the piece of equipment according to the invention at a different angle;

[0020] Figures 3 and 4 are side sectional views of the piece of equipment according to the invention, in two different operating configurations;

[0021] Figure 5 is a front view of the piece of equipment according to the invention;

[0022] Figure 6 is an axonometric detailed view of a dispensing device of the piece of equipment according to the invention.

[0023] Embodiments of the Invention

[0024] With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a piece of equipment for the transfer of fluid dairy products.

[0025] The piece of equipment 1 comprises at least one base frame 2 and at least one container assembly 3 associated with the base frame 2 and adapted to contain a fluid dairy product.

[0026] In the context of this disclosure, the term “fluid dairy product” relates to a dairy product with reduced viscosity, mainly in the liquid form, such as e.g. cream, or consisting of a majority percentage of liquid component and of a minority percentage of solid component, such as e.g. stracciatella, composed of cream and stretched cheese strings.

[0027] The container assembly 3 comprises a tub body 4 adapted to contain the fluid dairy product. In accordance with the embodiment shown in the figures, the tub body 4 has a substantially rectangular plan section. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the tub body 4 may have a plan section with a different conformation, e.g. circular.

[0028] In accordance with the embodiment shown in the figures, the container assembly 3 conveniently also comprises a lid 5 adapted to close the tub body 4. Also with reference to the embodiment shown in the figures, the lid 5 is operable by means of motorized actuators. Conveniently, the container assembly 3 comprises a supply duct 6, connected to the lid 5 in a fluid-operated maimer and adapted to allow the tub body 4 to be filled while keeping the lid 5 closed.

[0029] The container assembly 3 may also comprise a refrigeration system, not shown in detail in the figures and adapted to refrigerate the dairy product contained within the tub body 4.

[0030] The container assembly 3 may, in addition, comprise at least one stirrer device, not shown in detail in the figures, associated with the tub body 4 and adapted to stir the contents of the same. The stirrer device has the function of keeping the dairy product homogeneous and of preventing the possible formation of sediment.

[0031] The stirrer device can also have the function of mixing raw materials in order to obtain the fluid dairy product. In this case, through the supply duct 6, the raw materials are loaded into the tub body 4 and the dairy product is produced directly within the same.

[0032] The piece of equipment 1 also comprises at least one fluid-operated circuit 7 associated with the container assembly 3 and intended to dispense the fluid dairy product.

[0033] According to the invention, the piece of equipment 1 comprises electronic transfer means 8 associated with the fluid-operated circuit 7 and operable to determine the transfer of the fluid dairy product from the container assembly 3 along the fluid-operated circuit 7 and at least one electronic control unit 9 operationally connected to the electronic transfer means 8 and configured to drive the latter depending on the volume of fluid dairy product to be transferred.

[0034] In actual facts, the electronic transfer means 8 enable controlled transfer of the fluid dairy product in both large volumes and small portions.

[0035] Thus, this piece of equipment 1 allows both feeding machines for processing the fluid dairy product, such as, in the case of stracciatella, burrata production machines and filling packages for retail sale.

[0036] In this regard, it is specified that, in the case of burrata production machines, these involve the use of tanks with a capacity comprised between 40 L and 60 L, which, once empty, must be filled quickly to avoid machine malfunctions and / or interruptions in the production stages. Retail packages, on the other hand, can have a capacity comprised between 100 mL and 1000 mL.

[0037] Conveniently, the electronic transfer means 8 comprise at least one pumping assembly 10 and at least one motorized actuator assembly 11 operationally connected to the pumping assembly 10.

[0038] The fluid-operated circuit 7 comprises a connecting duct 12 positioned between the container assembly 3 and the pumping assembly 10.

[0039] In detail, the connecting duct 12 is connected to the bottom of the tub body 4. For this purpose, the tub body 4 comprises a sloping bottom surface 13 adapted to convey the fluid dairy product towards the connecting duct 12.

[0040] In accordance with the embodiment shown in the figures, the tub body 4 has an elongated conformation and the connecting duct 12 is connected to the bottom of the tub body 4 at one end thereof. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the connecting duct 12 may be connected to the bottom of the tub body 4 at a different area, such as at the center.

[0041] The pumping assembly 10 comprises: at least one main body 14 extending along an axis of development S; and at least one transfer member 15 associated with the main body 14 in a sliding maimer along the axis of development S and defining a containment chamber 16 therewith and connected to the motorized actuator assembly 11.

[0042] The movement of the transfer member 15 results in the suction / dispensing of the fluid dairy product.

[0043] In actual facts, the main body 14 serves as a temporary container for the fluid dairy product, which is then dispensed depending on the production needs.

[0044] The main body 14 has a tubular conformation running along the axis of development S.

[0045] The main body 14 is connected to the connecting duct 12 at a relevant first end 17.

[0046] The main body 14 has a maximum usable capacity comprised between 3 L and 10 L.

[0047] Advantageously, the transfer member 15 comprises a plunger body 18 arranged within the main body 14 and configured to adhere to the inner walls of the same and at least one connecting shaft 19 connected to the plunger body 18 and communicating with the outside.

[0048] The position of the plunger body 18 with respect to the first end 17 defines the volume of the containment chamber 16.

[0049] The plunger body 18 has a substantially circular conformation and has a diameter substantially corresponding to the inner diameter of the main body 14.

[0050] The transfer member 15 also comprises at least one sealing element, made of an elastically deformable material and arranged wrapped peripherally to the plunger body 18. The sealing element allows for the perfect adhesion of the plunger body 18 and ensures optimal suction / dispensing of the fluid dairy product. The sealing element also prevents possible transfer of the dairy product out of the containment chamber 16. The connecting shaft 19 has the function of transferring the motion from the motorized actuator assembly 11 to the plunger body 18.

[0051] The connecting shaft 19 is arranged on the opposite side of the plunger body 18 from the containment chamber 16. In other words, in use, the connecting shaft 19 is not in contact with the dairy product.

[0052] The connecting shaft 19 comes out of the main body 14 through a second end 20, opposite the first end 17, and connects to the motorized actuator assembly 11. Advantageously, the motorized actuator assembly 11 comprises: at least one evolving screw shaft 21 extending along an axis of work L substantially parallel to the axis of development S; at least one motor 22 connected to the evolving screw shaft 21 and adapted to set the latter in rotation around the axis of work L; and at least one nut body 23 meshing the evolving screw shaft 21 and connected to the transfer member 15.

[0053] In detail, the nut body 23 is associated with the connecting shaft 19.

[0054] The rotation of the evolving screw shaft 21 causes a shift of the nut body 23 along the axis of work L.

[0055] Consequently, the shift of the nut body 23 causes a corresponding shift of the transfer member 15 along the axis of development S. Specifically, when the shift is carried out from the first end 17 to the second end 20, the electronic transfer means 8 are adapted to suck the fluid dairy product from the container assembly 3 and the containment chamber 16 is thus filled. Conversely, when the shift is carried out from the second end 20 to the first end 17, the electronic transfer means 8 are adapted to dispense the fluid dairy product from the pumping assembly 10 and the containment chamber 16 is emptied.

[0056] The motor 22, e.g. of the type of an electric motor, comprises a driving shaft, movable in rotation and connected to the evolving screw shaft 21 by means of transmission members 24.

[0057] The electronic control unit 9 is configured to drive the motor 22 at a predefined rotational speed so as to also cause a predefined shifting speed of the transfer member 15. By doing so, the piece of equipment 1 allows the transfer flow rate of the dairy product to be adjusted and enables fast dispensing of the same.

[0058] The electronic control unit 9 is also configured to drive the motor 22 intermittently so as to adjust the shift of the transfer member 15 and the outflow of the dairy product from the containment chamber 16. In this way, the piece of equipment 1 allows controlled dispensing of portions of the dairy product.

[0059] For this purpose, the piece of equipment 1 also comprises a user interface 26 associated with the base frame 2 and operationally connected to the electronic control unit 9 and adapted to allow the piece of equipment itself to be controlled by an operator.

[0060] The fluid-operated circuit 7 also comprises at least one dispensing duct 27 connected to the pumping assembly 10 and adapted to receive the flow of fluid dairy product out of the pumping assembly itself.

[0061] For this purpose, the piece of equipment comprises valve means operationally connected to the electronic control unit 9 and adapted to adjust the flow of dairy product at least between the connecting duct 12 and the dispensing duct 27.

[0062] Advantageously, the valve means comprise at least one control valve 28 positioned between the pumping assembly 10, the connecting duct 12 and the dispensing duct 27.

[0063] The control valve 28 is configured to alternately set the connecting duct 12 in connection with the pumping assembly 10 and the pumping assembly 10 with the dispensing duct 27.

[0064] In detail, the control valve 28 comprises at least one adjusting body 29 movable between a first operating position, wherein the connecting duct 12 is in fluidic connection with the pumping assembly 10, and a second operating position, wherein the pumping assembly 10 is in fluidic connection with the dispensing duct 27.

[0065] In actual facts, with the adjusting body 29 in the first operating position, the control valve 28 allows the dairy product to be sucked from the container assembly 3 while with the adjusting body 29 in the second operating position, the control valve 28 allows the dairy product to transit to the dispensing duct 27.

[0066] In accordance with the embodiment shown in the figures, the adjusting body 29 defines a three-way inner duct 30.

[0067] Conveniently, the adjusting body 29 is associated rotatable with the pumping assembly 10 around an axis of rotation R.

[0068] In accordance with the embodiment shown in the figures, the axis of rotation R is substantially orthogonal to the axis of development S and to the connecting duct 12 and the dispensing duct 27. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the pumping assembly 10 and the connecting duct 12 and the dispensing duct 27 may be arranged differently from each other, and that the adjusting body 29 may be of a different type and may have a different axis of rotation R.

[0069] The control valve 28 comprises at least one motorized actuator 31 associated with the adjusting body 29 and adapted to set the latter in rotation.

[0070] The motorized actuator 31 is operationally connected to the electronic control unit 9, which is configured to drive the motorized actuator itself to adjust the flow of the dairy product.

[0071] Conveniently, the piece of equipment 1 comprises at least one dispensing device 25 associated with the fluid-operated circuit 7 and adapted to dispense the portions of the fluid dairy product.

[0072] The dispensing device 25 is operationally connected to the electronic control unit 9 and can be operated synchronously to the motorized actuator assembly 11 so as to dispense small portions of dairy product.

[0073] In detail, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, the dispensing device 25 is of the type of a valve member adapted to open / close the first duct 35. The dispensing device 25 allows the first duct 35 to be isolated from the outside between one dispensing operation and another and thus to avoid possible contamination of the dairy product contained therein. The dispensing device 25 also allows preventing the dairy product from accidentally spilling from the first duct 35, ensuring optimal hygienic conditions of the piece of equipment 1 and of the work area.

[0074] Advantageously, the fluid-operated circuit 7 comprises at least a first duct 35 connected to the dispensing device 25 and at least a second duct 36 connectable to a machine intended for processing the fluid dairy product. The first duct 35 and the second duct 36 branch off from the dispensing duct 27 and are adapted to receive the fluid dairy product from the pumping assembly 10. For this purpose, the valve means are further configured to adjust the flow of the fluid dairy product between the first duct 35 and the second duct 36.

[0075] Specifically, the valve means comprise a first valve device 37 associated with the first duct 35 and at least a second valve device 38 associated with the second duct 36.

[0076] The valve devices 37, 38 are substantially similar to each other and are of the type, e.g., of solenoid ball valves.

[0077] By means of the valve devices 37, 38, therefore, the piece of equipment 1 allows the flow of dairy product to be directed into the first duct 35 or into the second duct 36 according to the production needs.

[0078] In actual facts, the piece of equipment 1 enables it to perform both functions of feeding the processing machine and dosing small amounts of fluid dairy product. It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects, and in particular the fact is emphasized that the piece of equipment according to the invention for the transfer of fluid dairy products allows for controlled transfer of fluid dairy products according to the intended use, due to the presence of electronic transfer means controlled by an electronic control unit.

[0079] Therefore, this piece of equipment allows rapid transfer of large amounts of fluid dairy products but also precise dosing of small portions thereof.

[0080] Finally, due to the presence of two separate ducts, this piece of equipment allows both the feeding of processing machines and the dispensing of small portions of loose dairy product.

Claims

CLAIMS1) Equipment (1) for the transfer of fluid dairy products, comprising: at least one base frame (2); at least one container assembly (3) associated with said base frame (2) and adapted to contain a fluid dairy product; at least one fluid-operated circuit (7) associated with said container assembly (3) and intended to dispense said fluid dairy product; characterized by the fact that it comprises: electronic transfer means (8) associated with said fluid-operated circuit (7) and operable to determine the transfer of said fluid dairy product from said container assembly (3) along said fluid-operated circuit (7); and at least one electronic control unit (9) operationally connected to said electronic transfer means (8) and configured to drive the latter depending on the volume of fluid dairy product to be transferred.2) Equipment (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said electronic transfer means (8) comprise at least one pumping assembly (10) and at least one motorized actuator assembly (11) operationally connected to said pumping assembly (10).3) Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said pumping assembly (10) comprises:- at least one main body (14) extending along an axis of development (S); and- at least one transfer member (15) associated with said main body (14) in a sliding maimer along said axis of development (S) and defining a containment chamber (16) therewith and connected to said motorized actuator assembly (11); the movement of said transfer member (15) resulting in the suction / dispensing of said fluid dairy product.4) Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said transfer member (15) comprises a plunger body (18) arranged within said main body (14) and configured to adhere to the inner walls thereof, and at least one connecting shaft (19) connected to said plungerbody (18) and communicating with the outside.5) Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said motorized actuator assembly (11) comprises: at least one evolving screw shaft (21) extending along an axis of work (L) substantially parallel to said axis of development (S); at least one motor (22) connected to said evolving screw shaft (21) and adapted to set the latter in rotation around said axis of work (L); and at least one nut body (23) meshing said evolving screw shaft (21) and connected to said transfer member (15); where the rotation of said evolving screw shaft (21) causes a shift of said nut body (23) along said axis of work (L) and of said transfer member (15) along said axis of development (S).6) Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said motor (22) comprises a driving shaft, movable in rotation and connected to said evolving screw shaft (21) by means of transmission members, said electronic control unit (9) being configured to drive said motor (22) at a predefined rotational speed to determine a predefined shifting speed of said transfer member (15).7) Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said electronic control unit (9) is configured to drive said motor (22) intermittently to adjust the shift of said transfer member (15).8) Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said fluid-operated circuit (7) comprises:- at least one connecting duct (12) positioned between said container assembly (3) and said pumping assembly (10); and- at least one dispensing duct (27) connected to said pumping assembly (10) and adapted to receive the flow of fluid dairy product out of said pumping assembly (10); and by the fact that it comprises valve means operationally connected to said electronic control unit (9) and adapted to adjust the flow of dairy product at least between said connecting duct (12) and said dispensing duct (27).9) Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said valve means comprise at least one control valve (28) positioned between said pumping assembly (10), said connecting duct (12) and said dispensing duct (27), wherein said control valve (28) comprises at least one adjusting body (29) movable between a first operating position, wherein said connecting duct (12) is in fluidic connection with said pumping assembly (10), and a second operating position, wherein said pumping assembly (10) is in fluidic connection with said dispensing duct (27).10) Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said adjusting body (29) is associated rotatable with said pumping assembly (10) around an axis of rotation (R) and by the fact that said control valve (28) comprises at least one motorized actuator (31) associated with said adjusting body (29) and adapted to set the latter in rotation.11) Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one dispensing device (25) associated with said fluid-operated circuit (7) and adapted to dispense portions of said fluid dairy product.12) Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said fluid-operated circuit (7) comprises at least a first duct (35) connected to said dispensing device (25) and at least a second duct (36) connectable to a machine intended for processing said fluid dairy product.13) Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said valve means comprise a first valve device (37) associated with said first duct (35) and at least a second valve device (38) associated with said second duct (36).

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