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 producing stuffed cheese, particularly burrata cheese.

Background Art

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

[0003] The manufacturing process of burrata cheese is manual and includes an initial warm working of the pasta filata cheese in order to obtain fresh cheese, 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 deforms to create a space for the filling, realizing the characteristic bag 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 burrata cheese thus obtained is cooled and packaged.

[0008] It is readily understood that this process is particularly laborious and requires skilled workers. This is because the operation must be carried out precisely and accurately so as not to spoil the "bag" and affect the process.

[0009] This necessarily results in high manufacturing costs and thus high prices for the end consumers.

[0010] In addition, this process requires a fairly long process time, which may affect the quality of the fresh cheese. Fresh cheeses need to be marketed from their production in a short time to maintain their quality with little change.

[0011] Furthermore, the risk of foreign matter contamination associated with these manual processes of fresh cheeses should not be underestimated. It can then affect the final product.

[0012] It is important to point out that the quality changes in these fresh cheeses greatly affect customer satisfaction, and customers may not be willing to purchase the product repeatedly.

[0013] Therefore, it is clear that there is room for improvement in this process for manufacturing stuffed cheeses.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0014] The main object of the present invention is to devise a device for manufacturing stuffed cheeses, particularly burrata cheeses, which can reduce the process time and the associated costs.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to devise a device for manufacturing stuffed cheeses, particularly burrata cheeses, which does not require skilled workers.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to devise a device for manufacturing stuffed cheeses, particularly burrata cheeses, which can minimize the risk of bacterial contamination.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to devise one apparatus for manufacturing stuffed cheese, particularly burrata cheese, which is simple, reasonable, easy, effective to use, and can overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art within a low-cost solution.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0018] The above object is achieved by this 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 clearer from the description of an embodiment of one apparatus for manufacturing stuffed cheese, particularly burrata cheese, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting examples in the accompanying diagrams and is preferred but not exclusive.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Referring in detail to these drawings, reference numeral 1 generally indicates an apparatus for manufacturing stuffed cheese, particularly Burrata cheese.

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

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

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

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

[0026] Specifically, the filling comprises one or more fresh dairy products, specifically pieces of mozzarella 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 dairy components cannot be excluded for the production 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 excluded that the support surface 4 is of the type of a rotating carousel with a substantially circular forward movement direction D.

[0031] Other embodiments in which the support surface 4 is stationary cannot be excluded.

[0032] The supporting means 3 comprises at least one container element 5 of the cheese C, which is associated with the support surface 4 and adapted to receive 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 portion 5b that helps to separate the housing from the support surface 4.

[0034] For example, the container element 5 may be made of a heat-insulating material, thereby being able to maintain the temperature of the cheese C that requires warm processing.

[0035] Alternatively, the container element 5 may be made of a metallic material that has a minimum thermal resistance and is capable of rapidly reaching the temperature of the cheese C.

[0036] The movement of the support surface 4 is of a separable type, enabling the container element 5 to be positioned between the loading station of the cheese C, the filling station of the cheese C, and the unloading station of the stuffed cheese S.

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

[0038] At the filling station, the apparatus 1 is provided with 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 filling means 7 for the cheese C, which is associated with the base frame 2 and adapted to inject a filling through the component P into the cheese C to obtain the stuffed cheese S.

[0039] Advantageously, the support means 3 comprises a plurality of container elements 5 associated with the support surface 4 and adapted to receive a plurality of cheeses C.

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

[0041] More specifically, when a container element 5 is at the unloading station, it is arranged on the support surface 4 at a predetermined distance such that the subsequent one is arranged at the filling station.

[0042] This embodiment enables the production of stuffed cheese S in a continuous cycle, and it is not necessary for the container element 5 to unload the stuffed cheese S before starting a new cycle.

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

[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 can be opened to release the stuffed cheese S.

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

[0046] The closing of the diaphragm device 9 gradually closes the passage hole 10 until the cheese C is captured.

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

[0048] Specifically, the gripping element 11 is arranged to surround the passage hole 10. The gripping element 11 is movable relative to each other about their respective axes of rotation R between at least one working position that approaches the center of the outer periphery to capture 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 elements 11 move concentrically and simultaneously in order to capture the component P and keep the cheese C fixed.

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

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

[0052] More specifically, the pins 11a are slidably received inside the slots 13a, and the shape of the slots 13a defines the movement path of the pins 11a, thereby defining the magnitude of the rotation of the gripping element 11 about their respective axes of rotation R.

[0053] The rotation means 12 comprises at least one actuating body 14 operably connected to the connecting element 13 by a gear wheel 14a. The gear wheel 14a is adapted to mesh with respective toothed portions 13b defined on the connecting element itself.

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

[0055] Specifically, the rotation of the connecting element 13 defines the displacement of the slot 13a, which in turn drives each pin 11a and transmits its movement to the gripping element 11.

[0056] In addition, the gripping element 11 can advantageously move towards the sealing position, where the passage hole 10 is further closed and the gripping element 11 applies pressure to the component P to firmly close the stuffed cheese S.

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

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

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

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

[0061] For example, based on the size of the stuffed cheese S obtained, two identical diaphragm devices 9 arranged on top of each other can be used. In the case of producing a small stuffed cheese S, only one diaphragm device 9 is operated to hold the reduced component P. On the other hand, in order 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] Instead of, or in combination with them, one of the diaphragm devices 9 may comprise a gripping element 11 provided with a sharp part, which is adapted to easily remove the component P after filling the cheese C. In this case, the apparatus 1 comprises at least one diaphragm device 9 adapted to seal the component P and at least one diaphragm device 9 adapted to remove the component P.

[0063] Instead of, or in combination with the diaphragm device 9, the gripping means 6 may comprise a gripping device. This gripping device is associated with the gripping frame 8 and is movable in order to hold and / or seal the cheese C and / or to remove the component P from the stuffed cheese S.

[0064] As described above, the apparatus 1 comprises filling means 7 adapted to inject 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 to inject the filling into the cheese C.

[0066] Advantageously, the apparatus 1 further comprises at least one tank 17 adapted to contain the filling and fluid-operated and connected to the injection device 16, and at least one pump device 18 adapted to transfer the filling from the tank 17 to the injection device 16.

[0067] More particularly, the injection device 16 is partially inserted into the cheese C through the component P preferably held by the gripping means 6 and sends the filling contained in the tank 17 into the cheese C.

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

[0069] The stuffed cheese S thus obtained is released from the gripping means 6 and moved towards the unloading position. Specifically, the gripping element 11 is moved towards the home position, freeing the passage hole 10.

[0070] During this operation, all the removed components P are released onto the support surface 4 and can be moved together with the stuffed cheese S from the filling station towards the unloading station.

[0071] The apparatus 1 comprises at least one cooling tab 19a, 19b located at the unloading station, and the stuffed cheese S is moved therein.

[0072] Specifically, as shown in the drawings, at the unloading station, the support surface 4 overturns the container element 5, thereby dropping the stuffed cheese S into the cooling tabs 19a, 19b.

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

[0074] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 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 installed closest to the support surface 4.

[0075] A special solution providing the container element 5 with the stem portion 5b enables 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 unloading station.

[0076] However, it cannot be excluded that the apparatus 1 comprises 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 apparatus 1 comprises moving means 20, 21 adapted to move at least one of the support means 3, the gripping means 6 or the filling means 7.

[0078] Specifically, the moving means 20, 21 comprise at least one mutual moving assembly 21 between the gripping means 6 and the filling means 7 and at least one mutual moving unit 20 between the support means 3 and the gripping means 6.

[0079] mutual The 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 movement axis A1 substantially perpendicular to the support surface 4.

[0080] Basically, mutual the moving unit 20 has the function of bringing the support means 3 closer to 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, mutual the moving unit is adapted to move the gripping means 6 relative to the support means 3.

[0082] mutual The 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, the cheese C actually tends to deform to create space for the filling and thus its volume increases.

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

[0085] The gripping frame 8 is associated with the guiding unit 23 in a sliding manner.

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

[0087] mutual The 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 that is substantially perpendicular to the support surface 4.

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

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

[0090] mutual The 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] mutual The moving assembly 21 includes a motor assembly 24 operably connected to the filling frame 15 and a guiding unit 25 associated with the base frame 2 and extending along the sliding axis A2.

[0092] The filling frame 15 is associated with the sliding induction assembly 25 in a sliding manner.

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

[0094] Advantageously, the induction assembly 25 coincides with the induction unit 23, and the sliding axis A2 coincides with the moving axis A1.

[0095] In other words, the filling frame 15 and the gripping frame 8 are arranged on top of each other, attached to the same rail, and movable along the same axis like the support means 3.

[0096] The device 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 support means 3, the gripping means 6, the filling means 7, mutual the moving unit 20, or mutual the moving assembly 21.

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

[0098] The operation of the device 1 according to the present invention is as follows.

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

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

[0101] At this point, mutual The moving unit 20 moves the gripping means 6 towards the support means 3.

[0102] Specifically, 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 means 12 is operated by defining the rotation of the gripping element 11 towards the working position, partially closing the through-hole 10, and holding the component P.

[0104] mutual The moving assembly 21 moves the filling means 7 towards the gripping means 6.

[0105] 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 send the filling.

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

[0108] When the filling has been sent, mutual the moving assembly 21 releases the filling means 7 from the gripping means 6 so that the injection device 16 can be withdrawn from the component P.

[0109] At this point, the gripping element 11 is moved towards 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 towards the cutting position to remove the component P from the stuffed cheese S.

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

[0112] The support surface 4 moves the stuffed cheese S and, if necessary, the removed component P towards the unloading station. There they are transferred to their respective tabs 19a, 19b.

[0113] According to the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 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 is transverse to the forward movement direction D.

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

[0115] However, alternative embodiments where the working direction is substantially inclined with respect to the forward movement direction and / or alternative embodiments where the diaphragm devices 9 are arranged in a zigzag along several working directions W cannot be excluded.

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

[0117] This embodiment is suitably provided such 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 some order on the 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 includes its own operating body 14.

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

[0121] In this way, only the actually necessary diaphragm devices 9 can be operated.

[0122] In addition, in order to obtain the stuffed cheese S with the component P and the stuffed cheese without the component P respectively, in some of the diaphragm devices 9, the gripping element 11 is moved between the home position and the sealing position, while in the other diaphragm devices 9, the gripping element 11 is moved between the home position and the cutting position.

[0123] Referring to this second embodiment again, the filling means 7 includes a plurality of injection devices 16 fluid-operatively connected to the tank 17. This filling means 7 is associated with the filling frame 15 and is arranged side by side along at least one operating direction F transverse to the forward movement direction D.

[0124] Preferably, the operating direction F is substantially orthogonal to the forward movement direction D.

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

[0126] Even more preferably, the operating direction F and the working direction W extend substantially horizontally and lie on top of each other in the same substantially vertical plane.

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

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

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

[0130] Therefore, the injection devices 16 can operate independently of each other to send the stuffing.

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

[0132] In addition, it is possible to provide injection devices 16 to send different amounts of stuffing in order to obtain different types of stuffed cheese S.

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

[0134] Specifically, the solution of providing a diaphragm device 9 associated with each gripping frame 8 and an injection device 16 associated with each filling frame 15 enables them to 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, and the device 1 is significantly miniaturized and provides a sensitive operation.

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

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

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

[0139] The injection device 16 is interlocked with the presence sensor 27 and sends the stuffing only when the cheese C is present in the container element 5.

[0140] Specifically, the device 1 includes 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 the 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, when the presence sensor 27 does not detect the presence of the cheese C, the pump device 18 of the corresponding injection device 16 is not operated, and thus the stuffing is not sent.

[0144] It cannot be excluded that the presence sensor 27 is also applicable to the device 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0145] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 12, the device 1 includes a cleaning means 28 associated with the base frame 2 and adapted to send at least one type of cleaning liquid to at least the gripping means 6.

[0146] The cleaning liquid is of the type of, for example, warm water and / or a sterilizing product.

[0147] More specifically, the cleaning means 28 includes at least one delivery element 29 configured to direct the jet of the cleaning liquid towards the diaphragm device 9.

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

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

[0150] The cleaning means 28 comprises a distribution element 30 configured to direct a jet of cleaning liquid towards the container element 5.

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

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

[0153] Specifically, the movement of the support surface 4 enables positioning at the cleaning station of the container element 5, where the container element 5 is cleaned before starting a new process cycle.

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

[0155] Specifically, at the cleaning station, the housing 5a is provided downwardly to the container element 5, and the distribution element 30 sends the cleaning liquid upward.

[0156] Thus, after the housing 5a has been cleaned, the cleaning liquid flows downward by gravity.

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

[0158] The cleaning means 28 comprises a distribution element 30 for each container element 5 arranged along the positioning direction B.

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

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

[0161] For the accumulation and recovery of the cleaning liquid sent by the cleaning means 28, the apparatus 1 comprises an accumulation tank 32 which is conveniently located under the support surface 4 below the cleaning station.

[0162] Surely, all the fillings that were not accurately injected into the cheese C by the injection device 16 are also accumulated in the accumulation tank 32.

[0163] All the products accumulated in the accumulation tank 32 can flow out therefrom (for example by suction through the union 33) and in some cases are recovered and / or finally discarded.

[0164] Furthermore, in the 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 drawings, a second tab 19b intended to receive the stuffed cheese S is arranged along the forward movement direction D on the support surface 4 and receives the stuffed cheese S when the support surface itself moves forward.

[0166] On the other hand, a first tab 19a intended to receive the component P is installed laterally to the support surface 4 at the base of the apparatus 1. When the support surface 4 moves forward by means of a sliding part 31 installed under the support surface 4, the component P is moved from the support surface 4 to the first tab 19a by gravity. In order to facilitate the fall of the component P along the sliding part 31, a nozzle adapted to send a jet of water along the sliding part 31 can be conveniently provided.

[0167] The described invention has actually achieved the intended goal. Specifically, it is clearly shown that the device for the production of stuffed cheese, in particular burrata cheese, can reduce the process time and the related costs.

[0168] The presence of multiple diaphragm devices and injection devices further enables shortening the process time and simultaneously manufacturing different types of stuffed cheese.

[0169] Furthermore, the device according to the invention enables the production of stuffed cheese, in particular burrata cheese, fully automatically in order to avoid the employment of skilled workers.

[0170] Furthermore, the device according to the invention results in enabling the production of stuffed cheese quickly and with the risk of bacterial contamination minimized.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for manufacturing stuffed cheese, particularly burrata cheese, comprising: at least one base frame (2); support means (3) for fresh "pasta filata" type cheese (C) associated with said base frame (2); gripping means (6) for said cheese (C) associated with said base frame (2) and adapted to hold at least a part of the components (P) of said cheese (C); filling means (7) for said cheese (C) associated with said base frame (2) and adapted to inject stuffing into said cheese (C) through said components (P) to obtain stuffed cheese (S); at least one mutual movement unit (20) between said support means (3) and said gripping means (6), adapted to move either one of said support means (3) or said gripping means (6) closer to or away from the other to enable holding of said cheese (C) and filling of said cheese (C) by said filling means (7); at least one mutual movement assembly (21) between said gripping means (6) and said filling means (7), adapted to move either one of said gripping means (6) or said filling means (7) closer to or away from the other to enable insertion of said filling means (7) into said components (P) and removal therefrom; characterized by 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), said diaphragm device (9) being accessible around said cheese (C) to hold said components (P) and openable to release said stuffed cheese (S). The diaphragm device (9) includes a through-hole (10) through which the cheese (C) can pass, and a plurality of gripping elements (11) arranged along the outer periphery so as to surround the through-hole (10), and the gripping elements (11) are characterized in that they approach the center of the outer periphery so as to catch the cheese (C). The device (1).

2. The support means (3) includes a support surface (4) that is movable on the base frame (2) along the forward movement direction (D). The device (1) according to claim 1.

3. The support means (3) includes at least one container element (5) of the cheese (C) that is associated with the support surface (4) and adapted to accommodate the cheese (C). The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The support means (3) includes a plurality of the container elements (5) that are associated with the support surface (4) and adapted to accommodate a plurality of cheeses (C). The device (1) according to claim 3.

5. The diaphragm device (9) A plurality of the gripping elements (11) that are associated with the gripping frame (8), arranged along the outer periphery, and are rotatable relative to each other about a respective rotation axis (R) between at least one working position that approaches the center of the outer periphery to catch the cheese (C) and hold the component (P), and a home position that moves away from the center to release the stuffed cheese (S). Rotation means (12) of the gripping element (11) that is at least between the working position and the home position, at least one connecting element (13) associated with the gripping element (11), and a gear wheel (14a) adapted to mesh with each toothed portion (13b) defined in the connecting element (13), at least one actuating body (14) operably connected to the connecting element (13), whereby rotation of the gear wheel (14a) in two directions defines movement of the gripping element (11) between the working position and the home position, rotation means (12); The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by comprising.

6. The gripping means (6) comprises a plurality of the 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 its respective cheese (C), and the container element (5) is arranged at least partially side by side along at least one positioning direction (B) parallel to the working direction (W), the device (1) according to claim 1.

7. The filling means (7) at least one filling frame (15) associated with the base frame (2); at least one injection device (16) associated with the filling frame (15) and adapted to inject the filling into the cheese (C); at least one tank (17) adapted to hold the filling and fluid-operably connected to the injection device (16); The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by comprising.

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

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

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

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

12. The mutual movement assembly (21) comprises a motor assembly (24) operatively connected to said filling frame (15) and a guiding assembly (25) associated with said base frame (2) and extending along said sliding axis (A2), said filling frame (15) being associated with said guiding assembly (25) by sliding, the device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The guiding assembly (25) matches the guiding unit (23), and the sliding shaft (A2) matches the moving shaft (A1). The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that.

14. Comprising 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) is interlocked with the presence sensor (27) to When the cheese (C) is present in the container element (5), the device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the stuffing is sent only.

15. Characterized in that it comprises cleaning means (28) associated with the base frame (2) and adapted to send at least one type of cleaning liquid to at least the gripping means (6). The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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