Apparatus for producing stuffed cheese, in particular burrata cheese

Abstract

The device (1) for producing stuffed cheese, in particular burrata cheese, comprises: a base frame (2); support means (3) for fresh "pasta filata" type cheese (C) associated with the base frame (2); gripping means (6) for cheese (C) associated with the base frame (2) and adapted to hold at least one component (P) of cheese (C); filling means (7) for cheese (C) associated with the base frame (2) and adapted to inject a filling into cheese (C) through component (P) to obtain stuffed cheese (S); at least one common moving assembly (21) between the support means (3) and the gripping means (6); and at least one common moving unit (20) between the gripping means (6) and the filling means (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing stuffed cheese, particularly Burrata cheese.

Background Art

[0002] Burrata cheese is a fresh pasta filata cheese, usually in a pouch shape, containing fillings made of pieces of fresh cheese and cream, and is also known as Strascicella.

[0003] The manufacturing process of Burrata cheese is manual and involves an initial warm processing of the pasta filata cheese to obtain fresh cheese, which is substantially known as oval mozzarella.

[0004] Next, the mozzarella cheese is held by an operator, who inserts an injector to send the filling inside the mozzarella itself through small components.

[0005] While sending the filling, the mozzarella cheese is deformed to create a space for the filling, realizing the characteristic pouch shape.

[0006] After completion of this operation, the operator seals this component by applying pressure. Through this operation, this component can be substantially removed from the Burrata cheese depending on the given shape.

[0007] Finally, the thus obtained Burrata cheese is cooled and packaged.

[0008] This process is particularly labor-intensive and it is easily understood that it requires skilled workers. This is because the operation must be carried out precisely and accurately so as not to spoil the "pouch" and affect the process.

[0009] This inevitably results in high manufacturing costs and, consequently, high prices for the end consumer.

[0010] In addition, this process requires a fairly long processing time, which can affect the quality of the fresh cheese. Fresh cheese needs to be brought to market as quickly as possible after production in order to maintain its quality with minimal change.

[0011] Furthermore, the risk of contamination from foreign objects associated with these manual processes of raw cheese should not be underestimated, as this could then affect the final product.

[0012] It is important to note that variations in the quality of these fresh cheeses can significantly impact customer satisfaction, potentially discouraging repeat purchases.

[0013] Therefore, it is clear that there is room for improvement in the manufacturing process of this stuffed cheese. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0014] The main objective of the present invention is to devise an apparatus for producing stuffed cheese, particularly burrata cheese, that can reduce process time and associated costs.

[0015] Another objective of the present invention is to devise a single apparatus for producing stuffed cheese, particularly burrata cheese, without requiring skilled craftsmen.

[0016] Another objective of the present invention is to devise an apparatus for producing stuffed cheese, particularly burrata cheese, that minimizes the risk of bacterial contamination.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to devise a single apparatus for manufacturing stuffed cheese, particularly burrata cheese, that can overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art within a solution that is simple, rational, easy, effective, and inexpensive to use.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0018] The above object is achieved by the present apparatus for manufacturing stuffed cheese, particularly burrata cheese, having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0019] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of an embodiment of a single apparatus for manufacturing stuffed cheese, particularly burrata cheese, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting examples in the accompanying diagrams and which is preferred but not exclusive.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is an axonometric projection view of a first embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a detailed axonometric projection view of the apparatus of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is an exploded assembly view of the components in the apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a schematic view of various usage configurations in the apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a schematic view of various usage configurations in the apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a schematic view of various usage configurations in the apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a schematic view of various usage configurations in the apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 8] It is an axonometric projection view of a second embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 9] It is an axonometric projection view of the apparatus of FIG. 8 from different angles. [Figure 10] It is a detailed side view of the apparatus of FIG. 8. [Figure 11]It is a detailed axonometric projection view of the device of FIG. 8. [Figure 12] It is a detailed axonometric projection view of the device of FIG. 8.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Referring to these drawings in detail, reference numeral 1 generally indicates one device for manufacturing stuffed cheese, particularly burrata cheese.

[0022] The device 1 according to the present invention comprises at least one base frame 2 and support means 3 associated with the base frame 2 for cheese C of the "pasta filata" type.

[0023] Specifically, the cheese C is of the mozzarella type.

[0024] However, the possibility of using different types of "pasta filata" cheese, such as scamorza, cannot be excluded.

[0025] The cheese C is subjected to warm processing to allow the introduction of the filling, in this case obtaining the stuffed cheese S, which is burrata cheese.

[0026] Specifically, the filling comprises one or more fresh milk products, specifically mozzarella pieces and cream.

[0027] However, the use involving different types of dairy products (such as cottage cheese, butter, etc.) and / or additional raw materials not containing milk components cannot be excluded for the manufacture of different types of stuffed cheese S.

[0028] The support means 3 conveniently comprises a support surface 4 movable on the base frame 2 along the forward movement direction D.

[0029] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the support surface 4 is of the conveyor belt type and the forward movement direction D is substantially linear.

[0030] However, it cannot be ruled out that the support surface 4 is of the type of rotating carousel, with substantially a circular forward movement direction D.

[0031] Other embodiments in which the support surface 4 is fixed cannot be ruled out.

[0032] The support means 3 comprises at least one container element 5 for the cheese C, which is associated with the support surface 4 and adapted to house the cheese C.

[0033] In this case, the container element 5 is of the cup type and is provided with a housing 5a for the cheese C and a stem 5b that helps to separate the housing itself from the support surface 4.

[0034] For example, container element 5 may be made of insulating material, thereby maintaining the temperature of cheese C that requires heat processing.

[0035] Alternatively, the container element 5 may be made of a metallic material that has minimal thermal resistance and can rapidly reach the temperature of the cheese C.

[0036] The movement of the support surface 4 is detachable, allowing the container element 5 to be positioned between the cheese loading station, the cheese filling station, and the stuffed cheese loading / unloading station.

[0037] In detail, at the loading station, the cheese C is placed inside the housing 5a of the container element 5.

[0038] In the filling station, the apparatus 1 is provided with a gripping means 6 for gripping the cheese C, which is associated with the base frame 2 and adapted to hold at least one component P of the cheese C, and a cheese filling means 7 for the cheese C, which is associated with the base frame 2 and adapted to inject a filling into the cheese C through the component P in order to obtain stuffed cheese S.

[0039] Conveniently, the support means 3 comprises multiple container elements 5 that are associated with the support surface 4 and are adapted to accommodate multiple cheeses C.

[0040] The container elements 5 are arranged in order along the forward movement direction D.

[0041] More specifically, when container element 5 is at the loading / unloading station, it is positioned on the support surface 4 at a predetermined distance so that subsequent containers are placed at the filling station.

[0042] This embodiment enables the production of stuffed cheese S in a continuous cycle, eliminating the need for the container element 5 to load or unload the stuffed cheese S before starting a new cycle.

[0043] The filling means 7 will be described in detail later in this document.

[0044] The gripping means 6 comprises at least one gripping frame 8 associated with the base frame 2, and at least one diaphragm device 9 associated with the gripping frame 8, which is accessible around the cheese C to hold the component P and is openable to release the stuffed cheese S.

[0045] In detail, the diaphragm device 9 defines a passage hole 10 through which the cheese C can pass.

[0046] Closing the diaphragm device 9 gradually closes the passage hole 10 until it captures the cheese C.

[0047] Advantageously, the diaphragm device 9 comprises a plurality of gripping elements 11 associated with the gripping frame 8 and arranged along its outer circumference.

[0048] Specifically, the gripping elements 11 are arranged to surround the passage hole 10. The gripping elements 11 are rotatable relative to each other around their respective axis of rotation R, between at least one working position that approaches the center of the outer circumference to grasp the cheese C and hold the component P, and at least one home position that moves away from the center to release the cheese C.

[0049] In other words, the gripping element 11 moves concentrically at the same time in order to grasp the component P and keep the cheese C fixed.

[0050] In addition, the diaphragm device 9 is provided with a means 12 for rotating the gripping element 11 between at least a working position and a home position, which includes at least one connecting element 13 associated with the gripping element 11.

[0051] The connecting element 13 is substantially circular in shape, positioned at the top of the gripping element 11, and comprises a plurality of slots 13a. The plurality of slots 13a are arranged along the outer circumference, and each of the slots 13a is associated with a corresponding pin 11a defined on each gripping element 11.

[0052] More specifically, the pin 11a is slidably housed inside the slot 13a, and the shape of the slot 13a determines the trajectory of the pin 11a, thereby determining the magnitude of rotation of the gripping element 11 around each rotation axis R.

[0053] The rotating mechanism 12 comprises at least one actuating body 14, which is operably connected to the connecting element 13 by a gear wheel 14a. The gear wheel 14a is adapted to mesh with each toothed portion 13b defined on the connecting element itself.

[0054] The rotation of the gear wheel 14a in two directions determines the movement of the gripping element 11 between the working position and the home position.

[0055] Specifically, the rotation of the connecting element 13 determines the displacement of the slot 13a, which then drives each pin 11a to transmit its movement to the gripping element 11.

[0056] In addition, the gripping element 11 can be conveniently moved toward the sealing position, where the passage hole 10 is further closed, and the gripping element 11 applies pressure to the component P to firmly seal the stuffed cheese S.

[0057] The gripping element 11 can also be moved further toward a cutting position where the passage hole 10 is completely closed. At this cutting position, the gripping element 11 determines the separation of the component P from the stuffed cheese S.

[0058] Apparatus 1 actually enables the production of stuffed cheese S provided in a characteristic "bag" shape, and / or stuffed cheese S having an oval shape, and component P is removed from stuffed cheese S.

[0059] After separation, component P remains in the diaphragm device 9 until the next movement of the gripping element 11 toward the home position, where it is placed on the support surface 4 by gravity.

[0060] Conveniently, the apparatus 1 may include a plurality of diaphragm devices 9 that are concentrically arranged and can operate independently depending on the type of stuffed cheese S obtained.

[0061] For example, depending on the size of the stuffed cheese S to be produced, two identical diaphragm devices 9 positioned at the top of each other may be used. When producing a small stuffed cheese S, only one diaphragm device 9 is operated to hold the reduced component P. On the other hand, to produce a larger stuffed cheese S, it is necessary to hold a larger component P, and both diaphragm devices 9 will be operated simultaneously.

[0062] Alternatively, or in combination thereof, one of the diaphragm devices 9 may include a gripping element 11 with a sharp portion adapted for easily removing the component P after filling the cheese C. In this case, the apparatus 1 comprises at least one diaphragm device 9 adapted for sealing the component P, and at least one diaphragm device 9 adapted for removing the component P.

[0063] Alternatively, or in combination with the diaphragm device 9, the gripping means 6 may include a gripping device. This gripping device is associated with the gripping frame 8 and is movable for holding and / or sealing the cheese C, and / or for removing components P from the stuffed cheese S.

[0064] As described above, the apparatus 1 includes a filling means 7 adapted for injecting the filling into the cheese C.

[0065] The filling means 7 comprises at least one filling frame 15 associated with the base frame 2, and at least one injection device 16 associated with the filling frame 15 and adapted for injecting the filling into the cheese C.

[0066] Conveniently, the apparatus 1 further comprises at least one tank 17 adapted for holding packing material and connected to the injection device 16 in a fluid-operated manner, and at least one pump device 18 adapted for transferring the packing material from the tank 17 to the injection device 16.

[0067] More specifically, the injection device 16 is partially inserted into the cheese C through a component P suitably held by the gripping means 6, and delivers the filling placed in the tank 17 into the cheese C.

[0068] Upon filling, the injection device 16 is withdrawn from component P to obtain stuffed cheese S, and the gripping means seals component P and, if necessary, removes component P.

[0069] The stuffed cheese S obtained in this way is released from the gripping means 6 and moved toward the loading / unloading position. Specifically, the gripping element 11 is moved toward the home position, freeing up the passage hole 10.

[0070] During this operation, all removed components P are released onto the support surface 4, allowing them to be moved together with the stuffed cheese S from the filling station to the loading / unloading station.

[0071] Apparatus 1 comprises at least one cooling tub 19a, 19b located at the loading / unloading station, into which the stuffed cheese S is transferred.

[0072] More specifically, as shown in the drawing, at the loading / unloading station, the support surface 4 inverts the container element 5, thereby dropping the stuffed cheese S into the cooling tubs 19a and 19b.

[0073] The cooling tabs 19a and 19b consist of a first tab 19a adapted to hold component P and a second tab 19b adapted to hold stuffed cheese S.

[0074] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 7, the first tab 19a and the second tab 19b are aligned along the forward movement direction D such that the first tab 19a is positioned in close proximity to the support surface 4.

[0075] A special solution provides a container element 5 with a stem portion 5b, which allows the component P to fall into the first tab 19a and the stuffed cheese S to fall into the second tab 19b as a result of the movement of the support surface 4 at the loading / unloading station.

[0076] However, it cannot be ruled out that the apparatus 1 is equipped with individual cooling tabs, and that the separation of the stuffed cheese S and the component P is carried out at a later date.

[0077] Advantageously, the device 1 includes moving means 20, 21 adapted to move at least one of the support means 3, gripping means 6, or filling means 7.

[0078] In detail, the moving means 20, 21 consist of at least one common moving unit 20 between the gripping means 6 and the filling means 7, and at least one common moving assembly 21 between the support means 3 and the gripping means 6.

[0079] The common moving unit 20 is adapted to move at least one of the support means 3 or the gripping means 6 relative to the other along a moving axis A1 substantially perpendicular to the support surface 4.

[0080] Basically, the common moving unit 20 has the function of moving the support means 3 closer to the gripping means 6 or away from the gripping means 6 so that the cheese C can be held by the diaphragm device 9.

[0081] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the common moving unit is adapted to move the gripping means 6 relative to the support means 3.

[0082] The common moving unit 20 also has the function of moving the diaphragm device 9 away from the container element 5 during filling by the filling means 7.

[0083] During this stage, cheese C actually tends to deform to create space for the filling, and therefore its volume increases.

[0084] The common moving unit 20 comprises a drive unit 22 operably connected to the gripping frame 8 and a guide unit 23 associated with the base frame 2 and extending along the moving axis A1.

[0085] The gripping frame 8 is slidably associated with the guide unit 23.

[0086] The drive unit 22 comprises a rack and pinion element 22a associated with the gripping frame 8 and substantially parallel to the guide unit 23, and an actuation device 22b of electric motor type, connected to the rack and pinion itself and adapted to move the gripping frame 8 on the guide unit 23.

[0087] The common moving assembly 21 is adapted to move at least one of the gripping means 6 or the filling means 7 relative to the other along a sliding axis A2 substantially perpendicular to the support surface 4.

[0088] In other words, the common moving assembly 21 has the function of bringing the filling means 7 and the gripping means 6 closer together or further apart from each other, and allows the injection device 16 to be inserted into and removed from the component P.

[0089] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the common moving assembly 21 is adapted to move the filling means 7 relative to the gripping means 6.

[0090] The common moving assembly 21 also has the function of moving the injection device 16 from the container element 5 substantially simultaneously with the gripping means 6 during filling in order to facilitate the deformation of the cheese C.

[0091] The common moving assembly 21 comprises a motor assembly 24 operably connected to the filling frame 15, and a guide unit 25 associated with the base frame 2 and extending along the sliding axis A2.

[0092] The filling frame 15 is slidably associated with the guide assembly 25.

[0093] The motor assembly 24 comprises a rack and pinion body 24a associated with the filling frame 15 and substantially parallel to the induction assembly 25, and an actuation element 24b of electric motor type, connected to the rack and pinion body itself and adapted to move the filling frame 15 in the induction assembly 25.

[0094] Conveniently, the induction assembly 25 aligns with the induction unit 23, and the sliding shaft A2 aligns with the moving shaft A1.

[0095] In other words, the filling frame 15 and the gripping frame 8 are positioned at the other top, mounted on the same rail, and are movable along the same axis, like the support means 3.

[0096] The apparatus 1 also includes an electronic control system 26. The electronic control system 26 is provided with at least one electronic unit 26a configured to operate at least one of the following: the support means 3, the gripping means 6, the filling means 7, the common moving unit 20, or the common moving assembly 21.

[0097] The electronic control system 26 also includes at least one position sensor 26b that is operably connected to the electronic unit 26a and configured to determine the position of at least one of the connection element 13, the gripping frame 8, or the filling frame 15.

[0098] The operation of the apparatus 1 according to the present invention is as follows:

[0099] First, container element 5 is positioned at the loading station, where the cheese C is loaded into housing 5a.

[0100] Next, the container element 5 is moved toward the filling station along the forward movement direction D by the support surface 4.

[0101] At this point, the common moving unit 20 moves the gripping means 6 toward the support means 3.

[0102] In detail, the drive unit 22 brings the diaphragm device 9 closer to the cheese C so that the cheese C can pass through the through hole 10.

[0103] The operating body 14 of the rotating mechanism 12 is operated by setting the rotation of the gripping element 11 toward the working position, partially closing the through hole 10 and holding the component P.

[0104] The common moving assembly 21 moves the filling means 7 toward the gripping means 6.

[0105] More specifically, the motor assembly 24 brings the injection device 16 closer to the diaphragm device 9 so that the injection device 16 itself can be inserted into the cheese C through the component P.

[0106] The pump device 18 is operated to deliver the filling material.

[0107] During this stage, in order to promote the deformation of cheese C, the common moving unit 20 and the common moving assembly 21 simultaneously separate the gripping means 6 and the filling means 7 from the support means 3, respectively.

[0108] When the filling material has been delivered, the common moving assembly 21 separates the filling means 7 from the gripping means 6, allowing the injection device 16 to be withdrawn from the component P.

[0109] At this point, the gripping element 11 is moved toward the sealing position, applying pressure to the component P to close the stuffed cheese S.

[0110] If necessary, the gripping element 11 is further rotated toward the cutting position to remove the component P from the stuffed cheese S.

[0111] Next, the gripping element 11 is moved to the home position, the stuffed cheese S is released, and if necessary, the removed components P are moved onto the support means 3.

[0112] The support surface 4 moves the stuffed cheese S and, if necessary, the removed components P toward the loading / unloading station, where they are transferred to their respective tabs 19a and 19b.

[0113] According to the second embodiment shown in Figures 8 to 12, the gripping means 6 comprises a plurality of diaphragm devices 9. The plurality of diaphragm devices 9 are associated with the gripping frame 8 and are arranged side by side along at least one working direction W that traverses the forward movement direction D.

[0114] Preferably, the working direction W is substantially perpendicular to the forward movement direction D.

[0115] However, alternative embodiments in which the working direction is substantially inclined with respect to the forward movement direction, and / or alternative embodiments in which the diaphragm device 9 is arranged in a zigzag pattern along several working directions W cannot be ruled out.

[0116] Each of the diaphragm devices 9 is fitted to hold its respective cheese C.

[0117] This embodiment appropriately provides that the support means 3 comprises a plurality of container elements 5 arranged at least partially side-by-side along at least one positioning direction B parallel to the working direction W.

[0118] Specifically, the container elements 5 are arranged in several sequences on a support surface 4 extending along the forward movement direction D, and are positioned side by side along their respective positioning directions B.

[0119] Conveniently, each diaphragm device 9 is equipped with its own operating body 14.

[0120] Therefore, the diaphragm devices 9 can be operated independently of each other to hold / release the cheese C.

[0121] In this way, only the diaphragm device 9 that is actually needed can be operated.

[0122] In addition, in order to obtain stuffed cheese S with component P and stuffed cheese without component P, it is possible to provide some diaphragm devices 9 such that the gripping element 11 moves between a home position and a sealing position, while in other diaphragm devices 9 the gripping element 11 moves between a home position and a cutting position.

[0123] Referring again to this second embodiment, the filling means 7 comprises a plurality of injection devices 16 fluidly connected to the tank 17. The filling means 7 is associated with the filling frame 15 and is arranged laterally along at least one operating direction F that is transverse to the forward movement direction D.

[0124] Preferably, the direction of movement F is substantially perpendicular to the direction of forward movement D.

[0125] Advantageously, the direction of motion F is substantially parallel to the working direction W.

[0126] More preferably, the operating direction F and the working direction W extend substantially horizontally and rest on the top of the other on the same substantially vertical plane.

[0127] Ideally, each diaphragm device 9 corresponds to an injection device 16.

[0128] Each of the injection devices 16 is adapted to inject the filling into each cheese C.

[0129] Each injection device 16 is conveniently connected to its respective pump device 18.

[0130] Therefore, the injection devices 16 can be operated independently of each other in order to deliver the filling material.

[0131] Thus, each injection device 16 delivers the filling only when actually needed, i.e., only when the corresponding diaphragm device 9 is closed to hold the cheese C.

[0132] In addition, it is possible to provide an injection device 16 for dispensing different amounts of stuffing to obtain different types of stuffed cheese S.

[0133] Therefore, the apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment enables the simultaneous processing of several cheeses C and the production of different types of stuffed cheeses S.

[0134] In detail, the solution provides diaphragm devices 9 associated with individual gripping frames 8 and injection devices 16 associated with individual filling frames 15, which can be moved simultaneously by a drive unit 22 and a motor assembly 24, respectively.

[0135] This solution reduces the number of components and moving parts, resulting in a significantly smaller device 1 and providing agile operation.

[0136] As shown in Figures 8 to 12, the apparatus 1 also includes at least one presence sensor 27 configured to detect the presence of cheese C inside the container element 5.

[0137] More specifically, the presence sensor 27 is located at a detection station between the loading station and the filling station and is configured to detect the presence of cheese C with container elements 5.

[0138] The presence sensor 27 is, for example, of the type of diffuse reflection photocell.

[0139] The injection device 16 is linked to the presence sensor 27 and dispenses the filling only if cheese C is present in the container element 5.

[0140] In detail, the apparatus 1 is equipped with a presence sensor 27 for each injection device 16.

[0141] The presence sensor 27 is operably connected to the electronic unit 26a.

[0142] When the presence sensor 27 detects the presence of cheese C in each housing 5a, the electronic unit 26a is programmed to operate the pump device 18 of the corresponding injection device 16.

[0143] On the other hand, if the presence sensor 27 does not detect the presence of cheese C, the pump device 18 of the corresponding injection device 16 is not operated, and therefore the filling is not delivered.

[0144] It cannot be ruled out that the presence sensor 27 can also be applied to the apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 7.

[0145] Referring to Figures 8 to 12, the apparatus 1 includes a cleaning means 28 that is associated with the base frame 2 and is adapted to deliver at least one type of cleaning solution to at least the gripping means 6.

[0146] The cleaning solution is, for example, of the type of hot water and / or a disinfectant product.

[0147] More specifically, the cleaning means 28 is It comprises at least one delivery element 29 configured to guide the cleaning fluid ejection toward the diaphragm device 9.

[0148] The delivery element 29 has the function of removing all residual cheese C and / or stuffing remaining in the diaphragm device 9 as a result of delivering the stuffed cheese S.

[0149] The cleaning means 28 includes at least one delivery element 29 for each diaphragm device 9.

[0150] The cleaning means 28 includes a dispensing element 30 configured to guide the sprayed cleaning liquid toward the container element 5.

[0151] More specifically, the distribution element 30 delivers the cleaning fluid towards the housing 5a.

[0152] The distribution element 30 has the function of cleaning the housing 5a after loading and unloading the stuffed cheese S and before positioning new cheese C on the housing 5a.

[0153] In detail, the movement of the support surface 4 allows the container element 5 to be positioned at the washing station, where it is washed before starting a new process cycle.

[0154] The distribution element 30 is associated with the base frame 2 below the support surface 4.

[0155] Specifically, in the washing station, the housing 5a is provided downwards to the container element 5, and the dispensing element 30 sends the washing liquid upwards.

[0156] In this way, after the housing 5a is cleaned, the cleaning solution flows downward due to gravity.

[0157] Therefore, this operation does not require an additional step to remove the cleaning solution from container element 5 in order to start a new process cycle.

[0158] The washing means 28 includes a distribution element 30 for each container element 5, which is arranged along the positioning direction B.

[0159] Therefore, the cleaning means 28 enables cleaning of the diaphragm device 9 and the container element 5 in each process cycle.

[0160] It cannot be ruled out that the cleaning means 28 can also be applied to the apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 7.

[0161] For the collection and recovery of the cleaning fluid delivered by the cleaning means 28, the apparatus 1 is equipped with a collection tank 32 conveniently located below the support surface 4 below the cleaning station.

[0162] All filling that was not accurately injected into the cheese C by the injection device 16 is also collected in the collection tank 32.

[0163] All products accumulated in the collection tank 32 can be discharged from there (for example, by suction through the union 33), and may be recovered and / or ultimately discarded.

[0164] Furthermore, in a second embodiment, the separation of the stuffed cheese S and the component P is carried out using an alternative method to that described above.

[0165] More specifically, as shown in the drawing, the second tab 19b, intended to hold the stuffed cheese S, is positioned on the support surface 4 along the forward movement direction D, and receives the stuffed cheese S as the support surface itself moves forward.

[0166] On the other hand, the first tab 19a, intended to hold component P, is positioned laterally to the support surface 4 on the base of the device 1. As the support surface 4 moves forward by a sliding part 31 located below the support surface 4, component P is moved by gravity from the support surface 4 to the first tab 19a. To facilitate the falling of component P along the sliding part 31, a nozzle adapted to deliver a jet of water along the sliding part 31 can be conveniently provided.

[0167] The described invention has indeed achieved its intended objective. In detail, it is clearly shown that the apparatus for producing stuffed cheese, particularly burrata cheese, can reduce process time and associated costs.

[0168] The presence of multiple diaphragm and injection devices allows for further reduction of process time and the simultaneous production of different types of stuffed cheese.

[0169] Furthermore, the apparatus according to the present invention enables the fully automated production of stuffed cheese, particularly burrata cheese, thus avoiding the need to employ skilled craftsmen.

[0170] Furthermore, the apparatus according to the present invention enables the rapid production of stuffed cheese while minimizing the risk of bacterial contamination.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for producing stuffed cheese, in particular burrata cheese, comprising: At least one base frame (2); a support means (3) for fresh "pasta filata" type cheese (C) associated with said base frame (2); a gripping means (6) for the cheese (C) associated with the base frame (2) and adapted to hold at least some components (P) of the cheese (C); a means (7) for filling the cheese (C) associated with the base frame (2) and adapted to inject a filling through the component (P) into the cheese (C) to obtain a stuffed cheese (S); at least one reciprocal movement unit (20) between the supporting means (3) and the gripping means (6) adapted to move either the supporting means (3) or the gripping means (6) closer to or farther from the other in order to hold the cheese (C) and allow the filling means (7) to fill the cheese (C); at least one reciprocal movement assembly (21) between said gripping means (6) and said filling means (7) adapted to move either said gripping means (6) or said filling means (7) closer to or farther from the other in order to allow said filling means (7) to be inserted into and removed from said component (P); Equipped with said gripping means (6) comprising at least one gripping frame (8) associated with said base frame (2) and at least one diaphragm device (9) associated with said gripping frame (8) and accessible around said cheese (C) to hold said component (P) and openable to release said stuffed cheese (S); The apparatus (1), characterized in that the diaphragm device (9) comprises a passage hole (10) through which the cheese (C) can pass, and a plurality of gripping elements (11) arranged along the periphery so as to surround the passage hole (10), the gripping elements (11) being close to the center of the periphery so as to capture the cheese (C).

2. 2. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the support means (3) comprise a support surface (4) which is movable on the base frame (2) along a forward movement direction (D).

3. 3. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support means (3) comprises at least one container element (5) for the cheese (C), associated with the support surface (4) and adapted to contain the cheese (C).

4. 4. Apparatus (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the support means (3) comprises a plurality of said container elements (5) associated with the support surface (4) and adapted to contain a plurality of cheeses (C).

5. The diaphragm device (9) a plurality of gripping elements (11) associated with said gripping frame (8), arranged along an outer periphery and rotatably movable relative to one another about respective rotation axes (R) between at least one working position approaching the center of the periphery to grip said cheese (C) and hold said component (P), and a home position away from said center to release said stuffed cheese (S); a rotating means (12) for said gripping element (11) at least between said working position and said home position, said rotating means (12) comprising at least one connecting element (13) associated with said gripping element (11) and at least one actuating body (14) operatively connected to said connecting element (13) by means of a gear wheel (14a) adapted to mesh with respective toothed portions (13b) defined on said connecting element (13), whereby a bidirectional rotation of said gear wheel (14a) defines a movement of said gripping element (11) between said working position and said home position; 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises:

6. 2. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the gripping means (6) comprises a plurality of diaphragm devices (9) associated with the gripping frame (8) and arranged side-by-side along at least one working direction (W) transverse to the forward movement direction (D), each adapted to hold a respective cheese (C), and the container elements (5) are arranged at least partially side-by-side along at least one positioning direction (B) parallel to the working direction (W).

7. The filling means (7) is At least one filling frame (15) associated with said base frame (2); at least one injection device (16) associated with said filling frame (15) and adapted to inject said filling into said cheese (C); at least one tank (17) adapted to contain said filling material and fluidly connected to said injection device (16); A device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that it comprises:

8. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the filling means (7) comprises a plurality of the injection devices (16) fluidly connected to the tank (17), the filling means (7) being associated with the filling frame (15) and arranged side-by-side along at least one operating direction (F) transverse to the forward movement direction (D), each adapted to inject the filling into a respective cheese (C).

9. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the reciprocal movement unit (20) is adapted to move at least one of the support means (3) or the gripping means (6) relative to the other along a movement axis (A1) substantially perpendicular to the support surface (4).

10. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the mutual movement unit (20) comprises a drive unit (22) operatively connected to the gripping frame (8) and a guide unit (23) associated with the base frame (2) and extending along the movement axis (A1), the gripping frame (8) being associated with the guide unit (23) by sliding.

11. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the reciprocal assembly (21) is adapted to move at least one of the gripping means (6) or the filling means (7) relative to the other along a sliding axis (A2) substantially perpendicular to the support surface (4).

12. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the mutual movement assembly (21) comprises a motor assembly (24) operably connected to the loading frame (15) and a guide assembly (25) associated with the base frame (2) and extending along the sliding axis (A2), the loading frame (15) being associated with the guide assembly (25) by sliding.

13. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guiding assembly (25) coincides with the guiding unit (23) and the sliding axis (A2) coincides with the movement axis (A1).

14. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises at least one presence sensor (27) configured to detect the presence of the cheese (C) inside the container element (5), and the injection device (16) cooperates with the presence sensor (27) to deliver the filling only when the cheese (C) is present in the container element (5).

15. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises cleaning means (28) associated with said base frame (2) and adapted to deliver at least one cleaning liquid to at least said gripping means (6).

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