Appliance for the production of stuffed cheese, particularly burrata cheese

Abstract

The appliance (1) comprises: provision means (3) adapted to provide at least one cheese (C) of the fresh stretched type; one filling station (4) provided with: gripping means (5) adapted to retain at least one portion (P) of the cheese (C); filling means (6) adapted to penetrate the cheese (C) through the portion (P) and to inject a filling inside the cheese (C) to obtain a stuffed cheese (S); one supply station (7) provided with supply means (8) adapted to dispense a plurality of packaging trays (V); movement means (9) adapted to move at least one of the packaging trays (V) from the supply station (7) to the filling station (4), below the gripping means (5), the gripping means (5) being configured to release the stuffed cheese (S) within the packaging tray (V).

Description

[0001] APPLIANCE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF STUFFED CHEESE, PARTICULARLY BURRATA CHEESE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an appliance for the production of stuffed cheese, particularly burrata cheese.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] As is well known, burrata cheese is a dairy product that is made by processing a fresh stretched cheese, in this case mozzarella, by filling it with a filling mainly consisting of cream and mozzarella strings.

[0006] The burrata production process, due to the special operating conditions which require rapid processing of the stretched mixture while still hot in order to preserve the elasticity and moldability thereof, was for a long time carried out manually by specialized operators.

[0007] However, in recent years the growing demand for such a product and the need for increasingly stringent hygienic conditions have led to the development of automated appliances for the production of this dairy product.

[0008] Known appliances for the production of burrata cheese comprise provision means adapted to provide a fresh type of stretched cheese, i.e., mozzarella, and at least one filling station intended to carry out the filling of the cheese.

[0009] Specifically, the filling station is provided with gripping means adapted to hold at least one portion of the mozzarella cheese and with filling means adapted to penetrate the mozzarella cheese through the portion and to inject a filling inside the cheese to make the burrata cheese.

[0010] Such appliances make it possible to effectively replicate the manual processing of burrata cheese and to obtain a finished product that has the same aesthetic and organoleptic characteristics as a manually obtained burrata cheese.

[0011] However, such appliances still require the burrata, once produced, to be manually picked by an operator and then packaged.

[0012] Handling burrata by an operator carries a high risk of microbial contamination of the burrata as well as possible breakage of the stuffed cheese. In fact, filling the burrata inevitably results in thinning the cheese mixture, which makes the burrata cheese very delicate and more susceptible to damage than the initial mozzarella cheese.

[0013] Description of the Invention

[0014] The main aim of the present invention is to devise an appliance for the production of stuffed cheese, particularly burrata cheese, which allows minimizing the risk of microbial contamination of the finished product.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to devise an appliance for the production of stuffed cheese, particularly burrata cheese, which allows preserving the integrity and organoleptic characteristics of the finished product.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to devise an appliance for the production of stuffed cheese, particularly burrata cheese, which can overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art within the framework of a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as inexpensive solution.

[0017] The aforementioned objects are achieved by this appliance for the production of stuffed cheese, particularly burrata cheese, having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0018] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of an appliance for the production of stuffed cheese, particularly burrata cheese, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example in the accompanying tables of drawings in which:

[0020] Figures 1 and 2 are axonometric views of the appliance according to the invention, from different angles;

[0021] Figures 3 and 4 are axonometric views of the supply station, from different angles;

[0022] Figure 5 is a detailed view of the dispensing device according to the invention;

[0023] Figures 6 and 7 are axonometric views of the filling station, from different angles;

[0024] Figure 8 is a partial exploded view of the diaphragm device;

[0025] Figures 9-12 are schematic representations of the production phases of stuffed cheese;

[0026] Figure 13 is an axonometric view of the transfer means according to the invention;

[0027] Figure 14 is a top view of the transfer means according to the invention;

[0028] Figure 15 is an axonometric view of the packaging station.

[0029] Embodiments of the Invention

[0030] With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes an appliance for the production of stuffed cheese, particularly burrata cheese.

[0031] The appliance 1 comprises at least one base frame 2 and provision means 3 associated with the base frame 2 and adapted to provide at least one cheese C of the fresh stretched type.

[0032] Cheese C has a substantially spheroidal conformation. In particular, cheese C is of the type of a mozzarella cheese. It cannot, however, be ruled out that a different type of stretched cheese, e.g., scamorza cheese, may be used.

[0033] In addition, the appliance 1 comprises at least one filling station 4 associated with the base frame 2 and provided with: gripping means 5 adapted to retain at least one portion P of the cheese C; and filling means 6 adapted to penetrate the cheese C through the portion P and to inject a filling inside the cheese C to obtain a stuffed cheese S.

[0034] Cheese C is processed hot and filled with the filling to obtain the stuffed cheese S, in this case burrata cheese. Specifically, the filling comprises one or more fresh dairy products, specifically, mozzarella strings and cream. The use of different types of dairy products (e.g., ricotta, butter, gorgonzola, etc.) and / or with added non-dairy ingredients (truffle, olives, ham, vegetables, etc.) cannot however be ruled out for the production of stuffed cheese S of different type.

[0035] The appliance allows the provision of the cheese C at high temperatures and rapid processing thereof, through the filling station 4 to preserve the elasticity and moldability characteristics of the stretched mixture.

[0036] The characteristics of the filling station 4 will be described in more detail later in this disclosure.

[0037] According to the invention, the appliance 1 also comprises: at least one supply station 7 associated with the base frame 2 and provided with supply means

[0038] 8 adapted to dispense a plurality of packaging trays V; and movement means 9 associated with the base frame 2 and adapted to move at least one of the packaging trays V from the supply station 7 to the filling station 4, below the gripping means 5.

[0039] The gripping means 5 are configured to release the stuffed cheese S within the packaging tray V. The appliance 1 , therefore, makes it possible to avoid direct contact by the operator with the stuffed cheese S in order to avoid possible bacterial contamination and / or alteration of the integrity and organoleptic characteristics of the burrata cheese.

[0040] Once the stuffed cheese S has been prepared at the filling station 4, it is directly released into a container for distribution to customers, i.e., into the packaging tray V.

[0041] Usefully, the movement means 9 comprise at least one movement device 10 movable along a direction of forward movement A and provided with at least one seat 11 adapted to receive a respective packaging tray V.

[0042] The supply means 8 are configured to release the packaging tray V into the seat 11.

[0043] In detail, the supply means 8 comprise at least one dispensing device 12 configured to accommodate a plurality of packaging trays V and to release one of them into the seat 11.

[0044] The dispensing device 12 comprises a structure 13 adapted to hold the plurality of packaging trays V stacked on top of each other and a release member 14 associated with the structure 13 and adapted to dispense one packaging tray V at a time.

[0045] The release member 14 is of the type of a perforated plate and comprises at least one retaining portion 15 and at least one dropping portion 16. With the retaining portion 15 aligned with the structure 13, the packaging tray V is retained while, with the dropping portion 16 aligned with the structure 13, the packaging tray V drops by gravity onto the movement means 9. In detail, the packaging tray V has a substantially cylindrical main body and a flat upper edge that radially protrudes from the main body.

[0046] For this purpose, the dropping portion 16 has an opening with greater extension than the diameter of the upper edge of the packaging tray V, so that it can pass through it and drop onto the movement means 9. On the contrary, the retaining portion 15 has an opening with smaller extension than the diameter of the upper edge of the packaging tray V, so that the corresponding drop can be prevented.

[0047] The release member 14 is movable with respect to the structure 13 between a retaining position, wherein the retaining portion 15 is aligned with the structure 13, and a release position, wherein the dropping portion 16 is aligned with the structure 13.

[0048] In accordance with the embodiment shown in the figures, the release member 14 is arranged substantially horizontally and is movable by sliding along a horizontal direction.

[0049] The dispensing device 12 comprises an actuator 17, of the type of a pneumatic cylinder, which can be operated to move the release member 14.

[0050] Specifically, the release member 14 is held in the retaining position and moved only when the packaging tray V is released. Thus, the operation of the actuator 17 results in a rapid movement of the release member 14 from the retaining position to the release position, causing an individual packaging tray V to drop, and then back to the retaining position.

[0051] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the packaging tray V may have a different conformation and that the dispensing device 12 may itself be of a different type.

[0052] The movement means 9 comprise a plurality of associated stop elements 18 protruding from the movement device 10 and arranged to partly bound the seat 11.

[0053] Specifically, the stop elements 18 protrude upwards from the movement device 10.

[0054] The function of the stop elements 18 is to keep the packaging tray V within the relevant seat 11 during the movement of the movement device 10 but, at the same time, allow the removal thereof as a result of filling with the stuffed cheese S.

[0055] As shown above, the stop elements 18 bound only part of the seat 11 and define a free passage in the remaining part. Through the free passage, the packaging tray V is horizontally movable from the seat 11.

[0056] In accordance with the embodiment shown in the figures, the stop elements 18 are arranged along a semicircle. In addition, each stop element 18 is of the type of an ogival-shaped pin. It cannot however be ruled out that the stop elements 18 may be of a different conformation. Likewise, it cannot be ruled out that the stop elements 18 may be made in a single body piece, such as a hemicylindrical shape.

[0057] Usefully, the movement device 10 develops parallel to the direction of forward movement A. In accordance with the embodiment shown in the figures, the movement device 10 is of the type of a conveyor belt. It cannot be ruled that the movement device 10 may be of a different type, such as of the type of either a revolving carousel or a plate movable by means of mechanical arms. At the same time, again with reference to the embodiment shown in the figures, the direction of forward movement A is substantially straight, although it cannot be ruled out that it may have a different pattern depending on the characteristics of the movement device 10.

[0058] The movement of the movement device 10 is of the discrete type and allows the positioning of the seat 11 from the supply station 7, where it receives the packaging tray V, to the filling station 4 to allow the release of the stuffed cheese S into the tray itself, up to an unloading station, where the packaging tray V provided with the stuffed cheese S is taken from the seat 11, and then returned again to the supply station 7.

[0059] Prior to filling, the cheese C is transferred to the filling station 4 by means of the provision means 3.

[0060] The provision means 3 comprise at least one supporting body 19 adapted to hold the cheese C and at least one displacement assembly 20 supporting the at least one supporting body 19 and adapted to arrange the supporting body 19 below the gripping means 5.

[0061] The supporting body 19 comprises at least one housing 21 adapted to house the cheese C. Thus, the housing 21 has a substantially hemispherical shape in order to preserve the spheroidal shape of the cheese C.

[0062] In accordance with the embodiment shown in the figures, the supporting body 19 also comprises a stem 22 that helps to distance the housing 21 from the displacement assembly 20. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the supporting body 19 is without the stem 22.

[0063] The supporting body 19 can be made, e.g., of a thermally insulating material, so that the temperature of the cheese C can be maintained which cheese, as previously described, needs to be processed hot.

[0064] Alternatively, the supporting body 19 can be made of a metal material, characterized by minimal thermal resistance and capable of reaching the temperature of cheese C quickly.

[0065] Usefully, the displacement assembly 20 develops parallel to the direction of forward movement A.

[0066] In accordance with the embodiment shown in the figures, the displacement assembly 20 is also of the type of a conveyor belt. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the displacement assembly 20 may be of a different type, e.g. of the type of either a revolving carousel or a plate that can be moved by mechanical arms.

[0067] The movement of the displacement assembly 20 is in turn discrete and allows the positioning of the supporting body 19 from a loading station, where it receives the cheese C, to the filling station 4, where the gripping means 5 retain the cheese C through the portion P to allow filling, and then return again to the loading station.

[0068] Usefully, the provision means 3 comprise a plurality of supporting bodies 19 associated with the displacement assembly 20 and arranged in succession with each other along the direction of forward movement A.

[0069] In more detail, the supporting bodies 19 are arranged on the displacement assembly 20 at predefined distances, so that when one supporting body 19 is at the filling station 4, there is a next one arranged at the provision means 3.

[0070] Such embodiment allows a provision of cheese C substantially on a continuous cycle and without the need for an individual supporting body 19 to supply the respective cheese C to the gripping means 5 before a new cycle can begin.

[0071] Similarly, the movement device 10 is provided with a plurality of seats 11 arranged in succession with each other along the direction of forward movement A.

[0072] In this way, it is also possible to carry out the packaging of the stuffed cheese S in a substantially continuous manner.

[0073] Advantageously, the displacement assembly 20 coincides with the movement device 10.

[0074] In actual facts, the supporting body 19 and the seat 11 are both associated with and moved by an individual movement device 10.

[0075] Appropriately, each seat 11 is arranged upstream of a respective supporting body 19 with respect to the direction of forward movement A.

[0076] In other words, the supporting bodies 19 and the seats 11 are arranged alternately with each other along the direction of forward movement A. In this way, once the supporting body 19 has supplied the cheese C to the gripping means 5, the movement device 10 is made to move forward to position the seat 11 with its respective packaging tray V below the gripping means 5 to receive the stuffed cheese S and then made again to move forward to position a subsequent supporting body 19 provided with new cheese C to be filled, and so on.

[0077] The gripping means 5 comprise at least one diaphragm device 23 closable around the cheese C to retain the portion P and openable to release the stuffed cheese S.

[0078] In detail, the gripping means 5 comprise at least one gripping frame 24 associated with the base frame 2, where the diaphragm device 23 is associated with the gripping frame 24.

[0079] The diaphragm device 23 defines a passage hole 25 through which the cheese C can pass. The closure of the diaphragm device 23 results in a gradual plugging of the passage hole 25 until the cheese C is intercepted.

[0080] Advantageously, the diaphragm device 23 comprises a plurality of gripping elements 26 arranged along a circumference. Specifically, the gripping elements 26 are arranged to surround the passage hole 25 and are mutually movable in rotation around respective axes of rotation R between at least one working position, wherein they are moved closer to the center of the circumference and at least partly close the passage hole 25, and at least one home position, wherein they are moved away from the center of the circumference and partly clear the passage hole 25.

[0081] In other words, the gripping elements 26 move concentrically at the same time to intercept the portion P and to keep the cheese C stationary.

[0082] The diaphragm device 23 is, in addition, provided with rotating means 27 adapted to move the gripping elements 26 between at least the working position and the home position, comprising at least one connecting element 28 associated with the gripping elements 26.

[0083] The connecting element 28 has a substantially circular conformation, is arranged on top of the gripping elements 26 and comprises a plurality of slots 29 arranged along the circumference, each associated with a corresponding pin 30 defined on a respective gripping element 26.

[0084] In more detail, the pin 30 is housed inside the slot 29 in a sliding manner, the shape of the slot determining the trajectory of movement of the pin 30 and thus the amplitude of rotation of the gripping element 26 around its respective axis of rotation R.

[0085] The rotating means 27 comprise at least one actuator body 310 operationally connected to the connecting element 28 by means of a gear wheel 31 adapted to mesh on a respective gear portion 32 defined on the connecting element itself.

[0086] The rotation of the gear wheel 31 in the two ways of rotation results in the movement of the gripping elements 26 between the working position and the home position.

[0087] Specifically, the rotation of the connecting element 28 causes the slots 29 to displace, which in turn drag their respective pins 30 and transfer the movement to the gripping elements 26.

[0088] Appropriately, the gripping elements 26 are, in addition, movable to a sealing position wherein, the passage hole 25 is further plugged and wherein the gripping elements 26 exert a pressing force on the portion P in order to firmly close the stuffed cheese S.

[0089] At the end of this operation, the stuffed cheese S has a sealing area that divides the portion P from the filled part below.

[0090] As an alternative or in combination with the diaphragm device 23, the gripping means 5 may comprise a gripper device associated with the gripping frame 24 and operable to retain and / or seal the cheese C.

[0091] In accordance with the embodiment shown in the figures, the gripping means 5 also comprise at least one blade device 33 associated with the diaphragm device 23 and adapted to cut the portion P from the stuffed cheese S.

[0092] In fact, the appliance 1 allows the production of stuffed cheese S provided with the characteristic “pouch” shape and / or of stuffed cheese S with a spheroidal shape, in which the portion P is removed from the stuffed cheese S.

[0093] The blade device 33 is adapted to cut the portion P subsequently to the placement of the gripping elements 26 in the sealing position.

[0094] As it is easy to appreciate, the removal of the portion P substantially occurs subsequently to sealing.

[0095] The blade device 33 allows extremely precise and accurate cutting of the portion P and allows obtaining flawless stuffed cheese S.

[0096] The blade device 33 is of the type described in the same Applicant’s Italian Patent Application No. 102021000005768 and to whose detailed description reference is made.

[0097] In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the gripping means 5 are devoid of the blade device 33 and the cutting of the portion P is carried out by moving the gripping elements 26 to a cutting position in which they completely plug the passage hole 25 and result in the detachment of the portion P from the stuffed cheese S.

[0098] As a result of the removal, the portion P remains on top of the diaphragm device 23. At this point, the gripping elements 26 are moved towards the home position to cause the passage hole 25 to open wide enough to allow the stuffed cheese S to drop into the packaging tray V but not the portion P. The latter will be released on the movement device 10 subsequently to the forward movement of the packaging tray V.

[0099] Usefully, the appliance 1 also comprises delivery means 34 adapted to deliver a preservation liquid inside the packaging tray V. The delivery means 34 are arranged upstream of the filling station 4 with respect to the direction of forward movement A. In this way, when the seat 11 is arranged below the gripping means 5, the packaging tray V is at least partly filled with the preservation liquid so as to cushion the drop of the stuffed cheese S and prevent breakage of the same.

[0100] Advantageously, the gripping means 5 comprise a plurality of diaphragm devices 23 associated with the gripping frame 24 and arranged side by side to each other along at least one working direction W transverse to the direction of forward movement A.

[0101] Preferably, the working direction W is substantially orthogonal to the direction of forward movement A. Alternative embodiments cannot however be ruled out wherein the working direction may be substantially oblique to the direction of forward movement and / or wherein the diaphragm devices 23 may be arranged along multiple working directions W in a staggered manner.

[0102] Each of the diaphragm devices 23 is adapted to retain a respective item of cheese C.

[0103] In this way, the appliance 1 allows the simultaneous processing of a plurality of items of cheese C. For this purpose, the movement device 10 is provided with a plurality of rows of supporting bodies 19 arranged side by side to each other and parallel to the direction of forward movement A.

[0104] Similarly, the movement device 10 is also provided with a plurality of rows of seats 11 arranged side by side to each other and parallel to the direction of forward movement A. Thus, the appliance 1 not only allows the simultaneous processing of a plurality of items of cheese C but also the simultaneous packaging of a plurality of items of stuffed cheese S.

[0105] Each diaphragm device 23 comprises a respective actuator body 310.

[0106] The diaphragm devices 23 can, therefore, be operated independently of each other to retain / release the cheese C.

[0107] This makes it possible to operate only the diaphragm devices 23 actually needed.

[0108] The appliance 1 may also comprise a plurality of diaphragm devices 23 arranged concentrically and operable independently of each other depending on the type of stuffed cheese S to be obtained. For example, based on the size of the stuffed cheese S to be made, two diaphragm devices 23 arranged one on top of the other may be used; in fact, in the case one wishes to produce a smallsized stuffed cheese S, only one diaphragm device 23 may be operated in order to retain a smallsized portion P while, for the production of a larger-sized stuffed cheese S, it may be appropriate to retain a larger portion P and both diaphragm devices 23 will be operated at the same time.

[0109] As anticipated earlier, the filling station 4 is also provided with the filling means 6 adapted to inject the filling into the cheese C.

[0110] The filling means 6 comprise at least one injector device 35 adapted to penetrate the cheese C through the portion P to inject the filling.

[0111] In detail, the filling means 6 comprise at least one filling frame 36 associated with the base frame 2, where the injector device 35 is associated with the filling frame 36.

[0112] Usefully, the filling station 4 also comprises a feeding system, not shown in detail in the figures, adapted to feed the injector device 35 with the filling. The feeding system comprises at least one tank adapted to contain the filling and connected to the injector device 35 in a fluid-operated manner and at least one pumping device adapted to transfer the filling from the tank to the injector device itself.

[0113] In more detail, the injector device 35 is partly inserted into the cheese C through the portion P, appropriately held by the gripping means 5, and dispenses the filling inside the cheese itself.

[0114] As a result of filling, the injector device 35 is extracted from the portion P to obtain the stuffed cheese S and the gripping means 5 seal and eventually remove the portion P.

[0115] Usefully, the filling means 6 comprise a plurality of injector devices 35 arranged side by side to each other along at least one operational direction F which is transverse to the direction of forward movement A. Preferably, the operational direction F is substantially orthogonal to the direction of forward movement A.

[0116] Advantageously, the operational direction F is substantially parallel to the working direction W. Even more preferably, the operational direction F and the working direction W extend substantially horizontally and lie on top of each other in the same substantially vertical plane.

[0117] Appropriately, each diaphragm device 23 corresponds to an injector device 35. Each of the injector devices 35 is adapted to inject the filling into a respective item of cheese C.

[0118] The injector devices 35 can be operated independently of each other to deliver the filling.

[0119] In this way, the injector devices 35 can be expected to deliver different amounts of filling so that stuffed cheese S of different types can be obtained.

[0120] Thus, the appliance 1 allows the processing of several items of cheese C at the same time and the production of stuffed cheese S of different types.

[0121] Advantageously, the filling station 4 comprises at least one mutual movement unit 37 configured to move the gripping means 5 closer to / away from the movement device 10.

[0122] The function of the mutual movement unit 37 is to bring the gripping means 5 and the movement device 10 closer to each other to enable the cheese C to be retained by the diaphragm device 23 and / or to promote the release of the stuffed cheese S into the packaging tray V.

[0123] The mutual movement unit 37 has, in addition, the function of mutually moving the gripping means 5 and the supporting body 19 away from each other during filling by the filling means 6. During this stage, in fact, the cheese C tends to deform to make room for the filling, increasing its volume.

[0124] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the mutual movement unit 37 is configured to move the gripping means 5 with respect to the movement device 10. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the mutual movement unit 37 may be configured to move the movement device 10 with respect to the gripping means 5.

[0125] The mutual movement unit 37 is configured to move the gripping means 5 along a substantially straight direction of shift T.

[0126] The direction of shift T is substantially vertical. Specifically, the direction of shift T is substantially perpendicular to the movement device 10. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the direction of shift T is curvilinear and / or irregular. Likewise, it cannot be ruled out that the direction of shift T may be substantially horizontal or inclined with respect to the movement device 10.

[0127] The mutual movement unit 37 comprises a driving unit 38 operationally connected to the gripping frame 24 and a guiding unit 39 associated with the base frame 2 and extending along the direction of shift T.

[0128] The gripping frame 24 is associated with the guiding unit 39 by sliding. The driving unit 38 comprises a rack element 40, associated with the gripping frame 24, substantially parallel to the guiding unit 39, and an actuator device 400, of the type of an electric motor, connected to the rack element itself and adapted to move the gripping frame 24 on the guiding unit 39.

[0129] The filling station 4 also comprises at least one mutual movement assembly 41 configured to move the gripping means 5 closer to / away from the filling means 6.

[0130] The function of the mutual movement assembly 41 is to bring the filling means 6 and the gripping means 5 closer or away from each other to enable the insertion of the injector device 35 into the portion P and the extraction thereof from the stuffed cheese S at the end of the filling delivery.

[0131] The mutual movement assembly 41 has, in addition, the function of moving the injector device 35 away from the movement device 10 during the filling of the cheese C, substantially at the same time as the movement of the gripping means 5 away from the supporting body 19, carried out to facilitate the deformation of the cheese C.

[0132] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the mutual movement assembly 41 is configured to move the filling means 6 with respect to gripping means 5. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the mutual movement assembly 41 may be configured to move the gripping means 5 with respect to the filling means 6. Likewise, it cannot be ruled out that the filling station 4 may be without the mutual movement assembly 41 and that the mutual movement unit 37 may also be configured to move the gripping means 5 closer to / away from the filling means 6.

[0133] The mutual movement assembly 41 is configured to move the filling means 6 along a substantially straight direction of sliding B.

[0134] The direction of sliding B is substantially vertical. In detail, the direction of sliding B is substantially perpendicular to the movement device 10. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the direction of sliding B may be curvilinear and / or irregular. Likewise, it cannot be ruled out that the direction of sliding B may be substantially horizontal or inclined with respect to the movement device 10.

[0135] The mutual movement assembly 41 comprises a motor assembly 42 operationally connected to the filling frame 36 and a guiding assembly 43 associated with the base frame 2 and extending along the direction of sliding B.

[0136] The filling frame 36 is associated with the guiding assembly 43 by sliding.

[0137] The motor assembly 42 comprises at least a rack body 44, associated with the filling frame 36, substantially parallel to the guiding assembly 43, and an actuator element 440, of the type of an electric motor, connected to the rack body itself and adapted to move the filling frame 36 on the guiding assembly 43.

[0138] The special expedient of providing the diaphragm devices 23 associated with an individual gripping frame 24 and the injector devices 35 associated with an individual filling frame 36 allows the same to be moved simultaneously by means of the driving unit 38 and the motor assembly 42, respectively.

[0139] Advantageously, the guiding assembly 43 coincides with the guiding unit 39 and the direction of sliding B coincides with the direction of shift T.

[0140] In other words, the filling frame 36 and the gripping frame 24 are arranged one on top of the other, mounted on the same rails and movable along the same direction with respect to the movement device 10.

[0141] Such an embodiment solution makes it possible to reduce the number of components and moving parts, making the appliance 1 very compact and provided with agile operation.

[0142] Usefully, the appliance 1 comprises transfer means 45 associated with the base frame 2 and adapted to move the packaging tray V provided with the stuffed cheese S away from the filling station 4.

[0143] In more detail, as stated above, subsequently to the release of the stuffed cheese S inside the packaging tray V, the movement device 10 causes the seat 11 to move forward up to the unloading station. At this point, the transfer means 45 are adapted to move the packaging tray V away from its seat 11.

[0144] Specifically, the transfer means 45 are adapted to move the packaging tray V away from the movement device 10.

[0145] In fact, the movement device 10 in accordance with the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, in the proximity of the unloading station causes the overturning of the seats 11 and of the supporting bodies 19 to allow the return thereof to the supply station 7. It follows that such movement would cause the drop of the packaging tray V provided with the stuffed cheese S. For this reason, the transfer means 45 take action before the seats 11 overturn.

[0146] The transfer means 45 comprise at least one transfer device 46 movable with respect to the seat 11 and configured to intercept the packaging tray V and to collect it from the respective seat 11.

[0147] Specifically, the transfer device 46 is configured to result in a shift of the packaging tray V with respect to the movement device 10 out of the seat 11. More specifically, the packaging tray V is taken from the seat 11 through the free passage defined by the stop elements 18.

[0148] Usefully, the transfer means 45 comprise at least one work surface 47 adapted to receive the packaging tray V from the transfer device 46.

[0149] The work surface 47 is arranged downstream of the movement device 10 with respect to the direction of forward movement A.

[0150] The transfer device 46 is movable in rotation around an axis of transfer G substantially orthogonal to the work surface 47. The transfer device 46 comprises at least one abutment element 48 configured to contact the packaging tray V and at least one arm 49 connected to the abutment element 48 rotatable around the axis of transfer G. The transfer device 46 also comprises an actuator member 50, of the type of, e.g., an electric motor, operable to set the arm 49 in rotation.

[0151] The abutment element 48 has a conformation that is partly complementary to that of the packaging tray V, in this case it has a hemicylindrical conformation and is configured to partly embrace the packaging tray V. Such a conformation allows it to guide the movement of the packaging tray V during the rotation of the arm 49. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the gripping element 26 may be of a different type, e.g., the type of a gripper that can be closed around the packaging tray V. Likewise, it cannot be ruled out that the arm 49 and the relevant transfer device may be of a different type. For example, the transfer device may comprise an articulated arm.

[0152] As shown in Figure 14, the arm 49 is configured to make a rotation of about 180° to bring the packaging tray V to the opposite side from the movement device 10.

[0153] In accordance with the embodiment shown in the figures, the movement device 10 comprises a plurality of rows of seats 11 and, therefore, the transfer means 45 comprise as many transfer devices 46.

[0154] The transfer means 45 also comprise a receding surface 51 substantially adjacent to the work surface 47, movable along a relevant direction of movement M and adapted to move the packaging trays V away.

[0155] At this point, the packaging tray V undergoes a sealing operation and is then distributed to customers.

[0156] Advantageously, the appliance 1 comprises at least one packaging station 52 associated with the base frame 2 and provided with closing means 53 adapted to seal the packaging tray V.

[0157] The transfer means 45 are configured to transfer the packaging tray V from the filling station 4 to the packaging station 52.

[0158] In detail, the packaging station 52 is provided with the receding surface 51 through which the trays are moved from the transfer means 45 to the closing means 53 to allow them to be sealed.

[0159] Usefully, the appliance 1 comprises additional dispensing means 34 arranged upstream of the packaging station 52 with respect to the direction of movement M and adapted to deliver the preservation liquid within the packaging tray V.

[0160] The closing means 53 are of a type known to the technician in the field and comprise a dispensing assembly 54 adapted to supply a sealing film D and a sealing assembly 55 adapted to apply the sealing film D to the packaging tray V.

[0161] For example, the dispenser assembly 54 may comprise a reel to support the sealing film D and a system of rollers that enable the movement thereof. At the same time, the sealing assembly 55 may comprise, e.g., a heat-sealing device adapted to heat-seal the sealing film D to the packaging tray V.

[0162] The packaging station 52 allows completely eliminating the need for manual intervention by an operator and the risk of contamination and / or alteration of the integrity and organoleptic characteristics of the stuffed cheese S which, upon exiting the packaging station 52, is sealed in the packaging tray V.

[0163] It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects, and in particular, the fact is emphasized that the appliance according to the invention for the production of stuffed cheese makes it possible to minimize the risk of microbial contamination of the finished product.

[0164] In addition, this appliance makes it possible to preserve the integrity and organoleptic characteristics of the finished product.

Claims

CLAIMS1) Appliance (1) for the production of stuffed cheese, particularly burrata cheese, comprising: at least one base frame (2); provision means (3) associated with said base frame (2) and adapted to provide at least one cheese (C) of the fresh stretched type; at least one filling station (4) associated with said base frame (2) and provided with: gripping means (5) adapted to retain at least one portion (P) of said cheese (C); filling means (6) adapted to penetrate said cheese (C) through said portion (P) and to inject a filling inside said cheese (C) to obtain a stuffed cheese (S); characterized by the fact that it comprises: at least one supply station (7) associated with said base frame (2) and provided with supply means (8) adapted to dispense a plurality of packaging trays (V); movement means (9) associated with said base frame (2) and adapted to move at least one of said packaging trays (V) from said supply station (7) to said filling station (4), below said gripping means (5), said gripping means (5) being configured to release said stuffed cheese (S) within said packaging tray (V).2) Appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said movement means (9) comprise at least one movement device (10) movable along a direction of forward movement (A) and provided with at least one seat (11) adapted to receive a respective packaging tray (V), wherein said supply means (8) are configured to release said packaging tray (V) into said seat (11).3) Appliance (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said supply means (8) comprise at least one dispensing device (12) configured to accommodate a plurality of packaging trays (V) and to release one of them where said seat (11) is located.4) Appliance (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said movement device (10) develops parallel to said direction of forward movement (A) and by the fact that said movement device (10) is provided with a plurality of seats (11) arranged in succession with each other along said direction of forward movement (A).5) Appliance (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said provision means (3) comprise at least one supporting body (19) adapted to hold said cheese (C) and at least one displacement assembly (20) supporting said at least one supporting body (19) and adapted to arrange said supporting body (19) below said gripping means (5).6) Appliance (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said displacement assembly (20) develops parallel to said direction of forward movement (A) and by the fact that said provision means (3) comprise a plurality of supporting bodies (19)associated with said displacement assembly (20) and arranged in succession with each other along said direction of forward movement (A).7) Appliance (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said displacement assembly (20) coincides with said movement device (10) and by the fact that each seat (11) is arranged upstream of a respective supporting body (19) with respect to said direction of forward movement (A).8) Appliance (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said filling station (4) comprises at least one mutual movement unit (37) configured to move said gripping means (5) close to / away from said movement device (10).9) Appliance (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises transfer means (45) associated with said base frame (2) and adapted to move said packaging tray (V) provided with said stuffed cheese (S) away from said filling station (4).10) Appliance (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said transfer means (45) comprise at least one transfer device (46) movable with respect to said seat (11) and configured to intercept said packaging tray (V) and to collect it from the respective seat (11).11) Appliance (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said transfer means (45) comprise at least one work surface (47) adapted to receive said packaging tray (V) from said transfer device (46), said transfer device (46) being movable in rotation around an axis of transfer (G) substantially orthogonal to said work surface (47).12) Appliance (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one packaging station (52) associated with said base frame (2) and provided with closing means (53) adapted to seal said packaging tray (V), said transfer means (45) being configured to transfer said packaging tray from said filling station (4) to said packaging station

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