EP3780948A1 - Facility for moulding curd for producing cheese - Google Patents

Facility for moulding curd for producing cheese

Info

Publication number
EP3780948A1
EP3780948A1 EP19726055.7A EP19726055A EP3780948A1 EP 3780948 A1 EP3780948 A1 EP 3780948A1 EP 19726055 A EP19726055 A EP 19726055A EP 3780948 A1 EP3780948 A1 EP 3780948A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hopper
curd
installation
base
distribution
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP19726055.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Marc CRAMARD
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Equipements Techniques des Industries Alimentaires et Connexes Tecnal SAS
Original Assignee
Equipements Techniques des Industries Alimentaires et Connexes Tecnal SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Equipements Techniques des Industries Alimentaires et Connexes Tecnal SAS filed Critical Equipements Techniques des Industries Alimentaires et Connexes Tecnal SAS
Publication of EP3780948A1 publication Critical patent/EP3780948A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01J—MANUFACTURE OF DAIRY PRODUCTS
    • A01J25/00—Cheese-making
    • A01J25/12—Forming the cheese
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01J—MANUFACTURE OF DAIRY PRODUCTS
    • A01J25/00—Cheese-making
    • A01J25/12—Forming the cheese
    • A01J25/13—Moulds therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23P—SHAPING OR WORKING OF FOODSTUFFS, NOT FULLY COVERED BY A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS
    • A23P30/00—Shaping or working of foodstuffs characterised by the process or apparatus
    • A23P30/10—Moulding

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the technical field of molding cheese or other equivalent product.
  • the present invention relates more particularly to a curd molding device for the manufacture of cheese, particularly soft cheese.
  • pasteurization aimed at ridding the milk of certain undesirable micro-organisms by heating it, the milk intended for the manufacture of the cheese being able to pass through this stage, which is however not obligatory, according to whether a cheese is made from raw milk or pasteurized milk;
  • ripening a step during which lactic ferments selected according to the desired cheese are added to the milk to give the texture and taste of the forming;
  • curdling this step of letting the milk coagulate through the action of a rennet, the milk solidifying to become curdled;
  • the curd is drained so as to separate it from the serum, also called "whey" which is a liquid resulting from the coagulation of milk, this allowing to prolong the preservation of the cheese; and
  • This step of molding the curd / serum mixture is delicate and important in the cheese process.
  • Such an installation generally consists of a feeding means for collecting and distributing a volume of curd and serum to be molded, the feeding means being composed of a hopper converging towards a lower distribution base provided with openings spillage and distribution through which the curd mixture and serum flows by gravity.
  • the installation also includes molds within which the curd / serum mixture is intended to be poured.
  • a distribution plate also traditionally called a molding plate, pierced with orifices at the base of which the molds are placed during molding, this distribution plate making it possible to ensure a distribution of the curd mixture. serum in the various molds provided for this purpose.
  • the curd mixture / serum to be cast flows by gravity out of the hopper through the dispensing openings and to the openings of the distribution plate, which allow the distribution of said curd / serum mixture in the molds. .
  • the hopper is moved relative to the distribution plate by means of displacement. More specifically, the hopper can be driven horizontally by the means of displacement back and forth between two extreme positions so as to pass successively vertically above all the holes of the distribution plate. Alternatively, it is known to move the assembly formed by the distribution plate and the molds relative to the hopper.
  • the distribution plate In practice, in this type of state-of-the-art installation, the distribution plate consists of a sheet metal part requiring the use of a different plate by desired cheese format. This requires in particular time and a place of adequate storage of these parts.
  • the escape of the air contained in the molds during filling by the curd / serum is generally effected, in addition to being discharged partly through holes provided in the molds for the dewatering of the mixture. curd / serum, between the distribution plate and the hopper.
  • the hopper is generally provided at its base, horizontally around the dispensing orifices, a connecting plate, for retaining any lateral discharge or overflow of the curd / serum out of the orifices of the plate. distribution, on its upper surface. Even if this connecting plate is very close to the distribution plate, there is a vertical clearance substantially less than one millimeter, for example of the order of 0.5 mm.
  • this game is configured to be large enough to allow enough air to escape through it, but small enough to limit the amount of fines produced and to limit the amount of curd that could circulate. between the distribution plate and the exhaust plate.
  • the accuracy of the distribution plate is low compared to its sheet metal design, the game being difficult to control, resulting in a loss of material (curd, fine), and therefore impact the yield.
  • the object of the present invention is to propose a solution making it possible to solve all or part of the disadvantages of the prior art, and in particular of propose a solution allowing the molding of the curd / serum mixture homogeneously by the automatic installation, which results in a low standard deviation, especially by weight, between the various cheeses thus obtained.
  • the invention relates to a molding installation of a curd / serum mixture, the installation comprising:
  • a feeding device for collecting and distributing a volume of curd and serum to be molded, the feeding device comprising a hopper converging towards a lower dispensing base provided with dispensing openings,
  • the cassette and the frame comprising removable cooperation means so that the cassette and the frame are detachably secured.
  • Such an exhaust system specially designed to evacuate the air molds during molding also limits strongly or completely any creation of bubbles likely to rise in the hopper.
  • the exhaust system comprises exhaust grooves extending from the bottom distribution base of the hopper to said connecting plate.
  • Such exhaust grooves allow to direct easily the flow of exhaust air.
  • the risk that curd engages in the grooves and close tightly is very low which limits the risk of local creation of a hydrostatic seal.
  • At least one exhaust groove is located downstream of each of the dispensing openings, said grooves extending in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of movement.
  • the connecting plate surrounds, at least upstream and downstream, preferably over its entire periphery, the bottom base of the hopper, so as to be in contact with the distribution plate while surrounding its entire periphery. the lower base of the hopper.
  • exhaust grooves are located downstream and upstream of each of the dispensing openings, said grooves extending in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of movement.
  • other groove configurations may be provided, not only parallel, these grooves opening in any event in the downstream mold depending on the direction of operation of the hopper.
  • the connecting plate is an insert relative to the hopper and in that a sealing means, such as a seal, is interposed between the lower hopper distribution base and the hopper plate. link.
  • a sealing means such as a seal
  • the feeding means is configured so that the connecting plate has a degree of vertical mobility relative to the lower base of the hopper allowing relative movement of these two parts. This allows in particular never to have a clearance between the distribution plate 8 and the connecting plate 10.
  • the lower base of the hopper and the connecting plate each have a lower surface, said lower faces being flush.
  • the distribution plate is formed by at least: a cassette pierced with orifices at the base of which are placed the molds during molding, and
  • the cassette and the frame comprising removable cooperation means so that the cassette and the frame are detachably secured.
  • Such a feature is particularly advantageous because it offers the possibility of changing the cassette formats easily and quickly, without adjustment, the distribution plate since the frame worn by the installation remains the same.
  • the cassette and the frame each have a substantially flat upper surface, said upper faces being flush in the assembled position.
  • the invention also relates to a molding installation of a curd / serum mixture, the installation comprising:
  • a feeding device for collecting and distributing a volume of curd and serum to be molded, the feeding device comprising a hopper converging towards a lower dispensing base provided with dispensing openings,
  • the distribution plate is formed by at least:
  • the cassette and the frame comprising removable cooperation means so that the cassette and the frame are detachably secured.
  • a characteristic is particularly advantageous because even if such a distribution plate is more complex to manufacture than a distribution plate formed or consisting of a piece of sheet metal in one piece, it results in easy and fast format changes without adjustment, the cassette (s) adapted to the desired molds. This speed of implementation during a manufacturing process represents a substantial saving in manufacturing cost.
  • the installation according to the invention comprises all or part of the aforementioned characteristics, taken alone or in combination with each other.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of a molding installation of a curd / serum mixture
  • Figure 2 is a perspective diagram of a hopper and a distribution plate of the installation of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 a view of a molding installation of a curd / serum mixture according to one embodiment
  • FIG 4 is a detailed view of the molding installation according to Figure 3;
  • FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, detailed views of an exhaust system for guiding an air flow expelled by a mold during its filling of an installation according to the embodiment of FIG. 3,
  • Figure 8 is a bottom view of the supply means and a connecting plate.
  • curd will be used to designate indifferently the curd or curd / serum mixture.
  • Figures 1 and 2 illustrate simplified diagrams of a molding installation 1 of a curd / serum mixture 3.
  • the molding installation 1 comprises a feeding device 2 for collecting and distributing a volume of curd and serum 3 to be molded.
  • the feed means 2 thus contains, at the beginning of a molding cycle, a predetermined quantity of curd / serum mixture 3 to be molded.
  • the latter is, in one embodiment of the invention. of the process, filled just before the initiation of a molding cycle, but it can also be fed and filled continuously during molding.
  • the feed means 2 comprises a hopper 4 converging to a lower base 5 distribution of said hopper.
  • This lower dispensing base is provided with dispensing openings 6 through which the curd / serum mixture is poured through the hopper 4.
  • the molding installation 1 further comprises a distribution plate 8 pierced with orifices 9 at the base of which are placed molds 7 during molding in which the curd / serum mixture 3 is intended to be poured.
  • the installation 1 is configured so that the curd mixture / serum 3 to be cast flows by gravity, outside the hopper 4, through the distribution openings 6 and then through the orifices 9 of the distribution plate. 8, in particular a cassette 81.
  • the shape of these orifices 9 may vary, for example, these orifices may be substantially tubular and have a constant section, as illustrated with reference to the embodiment of Figures 3 to 8.
  • the hopper 4 is movable relative to the distribution plate 8 in a horizontal plane relative to it, by means of displacement 20.
  • the end 4 carries out a rectilinear trajectory between two extreme positions, such as a position left lateral extremity and right lateral extreme position.
  • the hopper 4 In the extreme left lateral position, as seen in FIG. 1, or in the right direction, the hopper 4 is placed above extreme lateral zones of the distribution plate 8, these extreme lateral zones being devoid of orifices 9.
  • the hopper 4 is driven by the displacement means 20, back and forth, between these two extreme positions, so as to pass in line with the orifices 9 in a direction of movement X.
  • the distribution plate 8 has the shape of a relatively thick plate substantially parallelepipedic pierced holes 9, vertical axes A substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the upper wall 8 ' of the distribution plate 8.
  • lines of orifices 9 may be provided, substantially parallel to each other in the direction X of displacement of the hopper 2 on the plate of distribution 8, by performing a movement back and forth rectilinear, that is to say, back and forth above the distribution plate 8.
  • this direction X corresponds to the largest dimension or length L of the distribution plate 8.
  • the width G of the hopper 4 is, in the embodiment, substantially equal to the width I of the distribution plate 8, in particular to the width of the upper surface or wall 8 'of the distribution plate 8.
  • substantially vertical side walls 8 "form a peripheral rim projecting upwardly from the upper wall 8 '.
  • the feed device 2 comprises a connecting plate 10 arranged around the base 5 of the hopper 4 and arranged to be in contact with the distribution plate 8 during the molding of the curd / serum mixture 3 in the molds 7.
  • This connecting plate 10 makes it possible in particular to retain any lateral discharge or overflow of the curd / serum mixture 3 from the orifices 9 of the distribution plate 8, on its upper surface 8 '.
  • the connecting plate 10 surrounds the lower base of the hopper 4 over its entire periphery so that it contacts the distribution plate 8 on a surface delimiting a closed contour. In this way, the connecting plate 10 seals with the distribution plate 8 avoiding the lateral discharge of curd 3.
  • connecting plate 10 is an insert relative to the hopper 4, this to facilitate cleaning and maintenance.
  • the feed means 2 is configured so that the connecting plate 10 has a degree of vertical mobility with respect to the base 5 of the hopper 4. This allows in particular never to have a clearance between the distribution plate 8 and
  • the installation comprises support means for holding the spring plate 10 in contact and in abutment against the distribution plate 8, or vice versa.
  • the connecting plate 10 is configured so that, under the effect of its weight, it remains resting against the distribution plate, that is to say so that the connecting plate can come and press the distribution plate continuously during molding.
  • elastic recall means may be provided for this purpose.
  • the molds 7 are supplied from below the supply means 2 and the distribution plate 8 by a lifting system also called “up and down”. down. Several molds 7 are secured together so as to form a block of molds or "mold block” easily manipulated.
  • the lifting system that is configured to maintain contact and permanent support during molding of the mold block with a lower face of the distribution plate 8.
  • the molding installation 1 comprises position sensors making it possible to know the position of the molds 7 with the distribution plate 8, and in particular their height relative to the supply means 2.
  • a sealing means 13, such as a seal 14, is interposed between the hopper 4,
  • This seal is a seal which, thanks to its elasticity, conforms to the shape of the substantially rectangular contour of the hopper 4 which it surrounds.
  • seal 14 So that the seal 14 remains stationary, it is housed in a circumferential groove 15 machined laterally around the hopper 4, at its lower distribution base 5.
  • the lower distribution base comprises in particular a base 50 in which is formed the openings 6 of distribution, which is positioned in a box, between the lower walls of the hopper 4 forming a mouth having a substantially rectangular section.
  • the base 50 is free between these lower walls of the hopper 4 at the lower base. Indeed, the presence of a game allows including disassembly and cleaning.
  • This base 50 rests, under the effect of its own weight, on the distribution plate. In this way, the connecting plate 10 and the base 50 of the base 5 both rest on the distribution plate 8 during molding, as a result of their own weight.
  • the dispensing orifice 6 has a substantially funnel shape, that is to say that they are convergent downwards, so to the connecting plate.
  • these dispensing orifices 6 have a frustoconical shape, their upper opening being of larger section than their lower opening.
  • the connecting plate 10 and the base 50 also have a predetermined degree of vertical mobility so that this contact between the base 50 and the distribution plate 8 on the one hand and the connecting plate 10 and the distribution plate 8 on the other hand, be preserved. In this way, the exhaust system 11 remains effective at all times during molding.
  • the peripheral groove 15 inside which the seal 13 is housed is here formed more precisely by a cavity in the bottom wall of the hopper 4.
  • the installation 1 comprises an exhaust system 11 for guiding an air flow expelled by a mold 7 during its filling to at least one downstream mold 7.
  • downstream is understood here in relation to the direction of movement X of the hopper 4 with respect to the distribution plate 8.
  • the exhaust system 11 comprises exhaust grooves 12 extending from the lower base 5 for dispensing the hopper 4, in particular the base 50, to said connecting plate 10. These grooves extend in particular under the base 5 and the connecting plate 10.
  • the base 5, and in particular the base 50, is in contact during molding with the distribution plate 8 in the same way that the connecting plate 10 is in contact with the distribution plate 8 during this operation. In this way, the only possible path for the air evacuated from the mold 7 during the molding is delimited by the exhaust groove (s) 12.
  • the distribution plate 8 has in particular a succession of rows of orifices 9, each spaced apart by a certain pitch p (see FIG. 3), the connecting plate 10 extending longitudinally at least downstream, but preferably also upstream, over a distance d (see Figure 8) preferably at least equal to the value of this step p.
  • Symmetry of the connecting plate 10 and the exhaust system 11 upstream of the base 5 with the connecting plate 10 and the exhaust system 11 downstream ensures optimal operation of the exhaust system when the hopper performs back and forth over the distribution plate in the direction of travel, in one direction and the other. This makes it possible to optimize the production time of the cheeses.
  • the exhaust system thus makes it possible to guide a flow of air driven by a mold 7 during its filling to at least one downstream mold 7, in one direction or the other in the movement of the hopper 4 with respect to the plate of distribution 8.
  • an exhaust groove 12 is situated downstream, and upstream by symmetry, of each of the distribution openings 6, said grooves 12 extending in a substantially direction parallel to the direction of movement X.
  • the bottom base 5 of the hopper 4 and the connecting plate 10 each have a bottom surface 5 ', 10', said bottom faces 5 ', 10' being flush.
  • the bottom wall of the hopper 4 surrounding the base of the base 5 has an end disposed substantially above these lower surfaces 5 ', 10' so as not to create an obstacle in the grooves 12 exhaust. Note that this bottom wall of the hopper 4 surrounding the base could have such a flush end with the lower surfaces 5 ', 10' but in this case, portions of grooves must be machined in this wall to ensure the continuity of the grooves 12 exhaust between the base 5, in particular the base 50 and the connecting plate 10.
  • the distribution plate 8 is formed by one or more cassette (s) 81 pierced (s) orifices 9 at whose base are placed the molds 7 during molding, and a frame 80 arranged to border on all its periphery cassette 81 when alone, or all cassette 81 when they are multiple.
  • the cassette 81 and the frame 80 comprise removable cooperation means 82 so that the cassette 81 and the frame 80 are detachably secured.
  • the adjustments of the installation relative to the distribution plate are made on the frame 80 which does not change, and it is possible to easily change cassettes 81 depending on the cheese to be manufactured. In other words, it offers the possibility of changing the formats of the cassettes easily and quickly, without adjustment, the distribution plate since the frame worn by the installation remains the same.
  • the cassette 81 and the frame 80 each have an upper surface 80 ', 8 substantially flat, said upper faces 80', 8 substantially being flush in the assembled position.
  • the curd 3 arrives in the hopper 4 where it is kept at a constant level.
  • the frame 80 of the distribution plate that supports the two cassettes 81 or more, is fixed.
  • the base 5 of the hopper 4 which distributes the curd 3 is movable and moves by a horizontal movement above the cassettes 81 and the frame 80.
  • the connecting plate 10, which moves with the base 5 of the feed means 2 is placed on the distribution plate 8.
  • a curd seal 3 is formed between the hopper 4, the connecting plate 10, and the plate of distribution 8, in particular between the frame 80 and the cassettes 81.
  • the association of the cassette 81 with the connecting plate 10 allows the evacuation of the air which is inside the mold 7 via the exhaust grooves 12 located below the connecting plate 10 thus allowing the air to to escape to the mold 7 downstream depending on the direction of movement.
  • This leak management allows the curd 3 that escapes (fines) to remain in the mold 7 and thus improves the efficiency of the installation by limiting or even eliminating product losses.
  • the contact maintained between the connecting plate 10 and the upper surface 8 'of the distribution plate 8, in particular the upper surface 81' of the cassette 81, allows a refined dosage of the curd volume 3 in the molds 7. while minimizing product losses as much as possible.
  • the tightness between these elements 8, 10 in particular is well controlled.
  • the contact between the base 5, in particular the base 50, and the distribution plate 8 is at least applied on a closed periphery of each of the distribution openings 6. More generally, the base 50 of the absegment 5 is arranged so that contact is ensured with the distribution plate 8, in particular its upper surface 8 ', 80', 81 ', at this closed periphery delimiting the dispensing opening 6 during molding. Of course, the contact is not assured on this closed periphery when at least part of this periphery is above a hole 9 of the distribution plate 8. During the displacement of the hopper 4.
  • the arrow F1 represents the curd 3 which falls into the mold 7
  • the arrows F2, F3 and F4 illustrate the air escaping through the exhaust groove 12 located under the connecting plate 10.
  • the hopper 4 moves from right to left in a substantially rectilinear direction of travel X.
  • a weighing device is provided on the plant, this device making it possible to weigh the molds during filling.
  • the weighing device is preferably integrated in the lifting system called “up and down” so that it is possible to know the weight of a mold block when the molds are filled during the descent of all the molds to and on an evacuation conveyor.
  • the present invention therefore makes it possible to improve the standard deviations during the molding of cheese curd in molds by reducing the product losses and by improving the adequacy of the volume of curd dosed and the volume of the mold.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
  • Processing And Handling Of Plastics And Other Materials For Molding In General (AREA)
  • Beans For Foods Or Fodder (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a facility (1) for moulding a mixture of curd/serum (3), the facility (1) comprising: a supplying device (2) allowing a volume of curd and serum for moulding to be collected and distributed, said supplying device (2) comprising a hopper (4) converging towards a lower distribution base (5) provided with distribution openings (6), moulds (7) into which the curd/serum (3) mixture is to be poured, and a distribution plate (8) pierced with openings (9) in line with which the moulds (7) are arranged during the moulding, the supplying device (2) being horizontally movable in relation to the distribution plate (8) in a direction of movement (X). The facility (1) is characterised in that the distribution plate (8) is formed by at least one cassette (81) pierced with the openings (9) in line with which the moulds (7) are arranged during the moulding, and a frame (80) arranged so as to surround the cassette (81) around the entire periphery thereof, the cassette (81) and the frame (80) comprising detachable cooperation means (82) such that the cassette (81) and the frame (80) are secured in a detachable manner.

Description

Installation de moulage de caillé pour la fabrication de fromage  Curd molding facility for making cheese
L'invention se rapporte au domaine technique du moulage de fromage ou autre produit équivalent. The invention relates to the technical field of molding cheese or other equivalent product.
La présente invention concerne plus particulièrement un dispositif de moulage de caillé pour la fabrication de fromage, notamment à pâte molle.  The present invention relates more particularly to a curd molding device for the manufacture of cheese, particularly soft cheese.
On sait que le lait qui est utilisé dans la fabrication de fromages subit un certain nombre de préparations qui sont successivement, notamment dans le cadre de la fabrication de formages à pâtes molles, les suivantes :  It is known that the milk which is used in the manufacture of cheeses undergoes a certain number of preparations which are successively, particularly in the context of the manufacture of soft-pasta moldings, the following:
la pasteurisation, visant à débarrasser le lait de certains micro-organismes indésirables en le chauffant, le lait destiné à la fabrication du fromage pouvant passer par cette étape, qui n'est toutefois pas obligatoire, selon que l'on fabrique un fromage à partir de lait cru ou de lait pasteurisé ;  pasteurization, aimed at ridding the milk of certain undesirable micro-organisms by heating it, the milk intended for the manufacture of the cheese being able to pass through this stage, which is however not obligatory, according to whether a cheese is made from raw milk or pasteurized milk;
la maturation, étape durant laquelle des ferments lactiques sélectionnés en fonction du fromage souhaité sont ajoutés au lait pour donner la texture et le goût du formage ;  ripening, a step during which lactic ferments selected according to the desired cheese are added to the milk to give the texture and taste of the forming;
le caillage, cette étape consistant à laisser le lait coaguler grâce à l'action d'une présure, le lait se solidifiant pour devenir caillé ;  curdling, this step of letting the milk coagulate through the action of a rennet, the milk solidifying to become curdled;
le tranchage ou découpage du caillé, aussi appelée « décaillage » : le caillé est tranché en petits cubes réguliers avec un tranche caillé;  slicing or cutting the curd, also called "peeling": the curd is sliced into small regular cubes with a curd;
le moulage : une fois le caillé obtenu et tranché, ce mélange de caillé et de lactosérum ou sérum est réparti et introduit dans des moules de formes et dimensions variables en fonction du formage souhaité ;  molding: once the curd obtained and sliced, this mixture of curd and whey or serum is distributed and introduced into molds of varying shapes and sizes depending on the desired forming;
l'égouttage : une fois moulé, le caillé est égoutté de sorte à séparer celui-ci du sérum, aussi appelé « petit lait » qui est un liquide issue de la coagulation du lait, ceci permettant de prolonger la conservation du fromage ; et  draining: once molded, the curd is drained so as to separate it from the serum, also called "whey" which is a liquid resulting from the coagulation of milk, this allowing to prolong the preservation of the cheese; and
le démoulage.  demolding.
Cette étape de moulage du mélange caillé/sérum est délicate et importante dans le processus fromager.  This step of molding the curd / serum mixture is delicate and important in the cheese process.
En effet, le respect du caillé lors de son transfert dans les moules doit être assuré, afin de limiter la production de "fines" qui sont génératrices de perte de rendement.  Indeed, the respect of the curd during its transfer in the molds must be ensured, in order to limit the production of "fines" which generate loss of yield.
La maîtrise du poids de chaque fromage doit être assurée, par ailleurs, notamment pour la plupart des fromages vendus à la pièce. La composition des fromages et leur forme tendent à se diversifier, ce qui complique d'autant plus le problème des dispersions éventuelles de poids de ces fromages. The control of the weight of each cheese must be ensured, moreover, especially for most cheeses sold by the piece. The composition of the cheeses and their shape tend to diversify, which further complicates the problem of possible weight dispersions of these cheeses.
L'évacuation de l'air contenu dans les moules lors du transfert du mélange caillé/sérum à l'intérieur desdits moules est également une problématique étant donné que ce transfert est source d'hétérogénéité des fromages obtenus, tant en termes de poids qu'en termes de qualité de la pâte fromagère obtenue. En effet, ceci est dû au fait que des bulles de tailles diverses peuvent être emprisonnées dans le mélange caillé/sérum lors de ce transfert.  Evacuation of the air contained in the molds during the transfer of the curd / serum mixture within said molds is also problematic since this transfer is a source of heterogeneity of the cheese obtained, both in terms of weight and in terms of the quality of the cheese paste obtained. Indeed, this is due to the fact that bubbles of various sizes can be trapped in the curd / serum during this transfer.
Pour effectuer l'étape de moulage du caillé, il est notamment connu de procéder à ce moulage soit manuellement, soit automatiquement au moyen d'une installation adaptée.  To perform the mold molding step, it is known in particular to carry out this molding either manually or automatically by means of a suitable installation.
Une telle installation se compose généralement d'un moyen d'alimentation permettant de recueillir et distribuer un volume de caillé et de sérum à mouler, le moyen d'alimentation étant composé d'une trémie convergeant vers une base inférieure de distribution munie d'ouvertures de déversement et de distribution à travers lesquelles le mélange caillé et sérum s'écoule par gravité.  Such an installation generally consists of a feeding means for collecting and distributing a volume of curd and serum to be molded, the feeding means being composed of a hopper converging towards a lower distribution base provided with openings spillage and distribution through which the curd mixture and serum flows by gravity.
L'installation comprend également des moules à l'intérieur desquels le mélange caillé/sérum est destiné à être versé.  The installation also includes molds within which the curd / serum mixture is intended to be poured.
Il est aussi habituel d'utiliser une plaque de répartition, aussi appelée traditionnellement plaque de moulage, percée d'orifices à l'aplomb desquels sont disposés les moules lors du moulage, cette plaque de répartition permettant d'assurer une répartition du mélange caillé/sérum dans les différents moules prévus à cet effet.  It is also customary to use a distribution plate, also traditionally called a molding plate, pierced with orifices at the base of which the molds are placed during molding, this distribution plate making it possible to ensure a distribution of the curd mixture. serum in the various molds provided for this purpose.
Grâce à une telle installation, le mélange caillé/sérum à mouler s'écoule par gravité en dehors de la trémie par les ouvertures de distribution et vers les orifices de la plaque de répartition, lesquels permettent la répartition dudit mélange caillé/sérum dans les moules.  With such an installation, the curd mixture / serum to be cast flows by gravity out of the hopper through the dispensing openings and to the openings of the distribution plate, which allow the distribution of said curd / serum mixture in the molds. .
De façon connue en soi, la trémie est mue par rapport à la plaque de répartition grâce à des moyens de déplacement. Plus précisément, la trémie peut être entraînée horizontalement par les moyens de déplacement en va-et-vient entre deux positions extrêmes de sorte à passer successivement à l'aplomb de tous les orifices de la plaque de répartition. Alternativement, il est connu de déplacer l'ensemble formé par la plaque de répartition et les moules par rapport à la trémie.  In known manner, the hopper is moved relative to the distribution plate by means of displacement. More specifically, the hopper can be driven horizontally by the means of displacement back and forth between two extreme positions so as to pass successively vertically above all the holes of the distribution plate. Alternatively, it is known to move the assembly formed by the distribution plate and the molds relative to the hopper.
En pratique, dans ce genre d'installation de l'état de la technique, la plaque de répartition est constituée d'une pièce de tôlerie nécessitant l'utilisation d'une plaque différente par format de fromage souhaité. Ceci requiert notamment du temps et un lieu de stockage adéquat de ces pièces. In practice, in this type of state-of-the-art installation, the distribution plate consists of a sheet metal part requiring the use of a different plate by desired cheese format. This requires in particular time and a place of adequate storage of these parts.
Par ailleurs, l'échappement de l'air contenu dans les moules lors du remplissage par le mélange caillé/sérum s'effectue généralement, en plus d'être évacué pour partie à travers des trous prévus dans les moules pour l'égouttage du mélange caillé/sérum, entre la plaque de répartition et la trémie.  Moreover, the escape of the air contained in the molds during filling by the curd / serum is generally effected, in addition to being discharged partly through holes provided in the molds for the dewatering of the mixture. curd / serum, between the distribution plate and the hopper.
Toutefois, la trémie est généralement pourvue au niveau de sa base, horizontalement autour des orifices de distribution, d'une plaque de liaison, permettant de retenir un éventuel déversement latéral ou trop-plein du mélange caillé/sérum hors des orifices de la plaque de répartition, sur sa surface supérieure. Même si cette plaque de liaison est très proche de la plaque de répartition, il existe un jeu vertical sensiblement inférieur au millimètre, par exemple de l'ordre de 0,5 mm.  However, the hopper is generally provided at its base, horizontally around the dispensing orifices, a connecting plate, for retaining any lateral discharge or overflow of the curd / serum out of the orifices of the plate. distribution, on its upper surface. Even if this connecting plate is very close to the distribution plate, there is a vertical clearance substantially less than one millimeter, for example of the order of 0.5 mm.
En pratique lors du moulage, l'échappement de l'air qui n'est pas évacué par les trous d'égouttage des moules, s'échappe alors soit entre la plaque de liaison et la plaque de répartition par le jeu susmentionné soit, sous forme de bulles qui remontent dans la trémie.  In practice during molding, the escape of air that is not evacuated by the drip holes of the molds then escapes either between the connecting plate and the distribution plate by the aforementioned clearance or, under shape of bubbles that go up in the hopper.
De façon générale, ce jeu est configuré pour être suffisamment important pour laisser s'échapper une quantité suffisante d'air à travers lui, mais suffisamment faible pour permettre de limiter la quantité de fines produites et permettre de limiter la quantité de caillé qui pourrait circuler entre la plaque de répartition et la plaque d'échappement.  In general, this game is configured to be large enough to allow enough air to escape through it, but small enough to limit the amount of fines produced and to limit the amount of curd that could circulate. between the distribution plate and the exhaust plate.
Toutefois, le réglage de la trémie de la plaque d'échappement avec la plaque de répartition est généralement délicat et dédié à chaque plaque de répartition.  However, the adjustment of the exhaust plate hopper with the distribution plate is generally delicate and dedicated to each distribution plate.
Par ailleurs, la précision de la plaque de répartition est faible au regard de sa conception en tôlerie, le jeu étant difficilement maîtrisable, ce qui entraîne une perte de matière (caillé, fines), et donc impacte le rendement.  Furthermore, the accuracy of the distribution plate is low compared to its sheet metal design, the game being difficult to control, resulting in a loss of material (curd, fine), and therefore impact the yield.
Enfin, il a été constaté qu'un jeu vertical relativement faible entre la plaque de répartition et la plaque de liaison était à l'origine d'un phénomène d'étanchéité hydrostatique entre ces deux plaques de répartition et de liaison du fait d'une quantité de mélange liquide caillé/sérum qui s'engage dans l'interstice : le mélange caillé/sérum créé alors une étanchéité dans cet interstice ce qui favorise la remontée de bulle dans le mélange caillé/sérum contenu dans la trémie. Ceci est particulièrement préjudiciable à la recherche d'un écart type le plus faible possible entre les différentes quantités de caillé contenues dans les moules.  Finally, it was found that a relatively low vertical clearance between the distribution plate and the connecting plate was at the origin of a hydrostatic sealing phenomenon between these two distribution and connection plates due to a amount of liquid curd / serum mixture that engages in the interstice: the curd / serum then creates a seal in this gap which promotes the rise of bubble in the curd / serum contained in the hopper. This is particularly detrimental to finding the smallest standard deviation possible between the different amounts of curd contained in the molds.
L'objet de la présente invention est de proposer une solution permettant de résoudre tout ou partie des inconvénients de l'art antérieur, et notamment de proposer une solution permettant le moulage du mélange de caillé/sérum de façon homogène par l'installation automatique, dont il résulte un écart-type faible notamment en poids entre les différents fromages ainsi obtenus. The object of the present invention is to propose a solution making it possible to solve all or part of the disadvantages of the prior art, and in particular of propose a solution allowing the molding of the curd / serum mixture homogeneously by the automatic installation, which results in a low standard deviation, especially by weight, between the various cheeses thus obtained.
Il existe par ailleurs un besoin d'installation de moulage facilement adaptable à une variété de formats de fromage.  There is also a need for a molding installation that is easily adaptable to a variety of cheese formats.
À cet effet, l'invention concerne une installation de moulage d'un mélange caillé/sérum, l'installation comprenant :  To this end, the invention relates to a molding installation of a curd / serum mixture, the installation comprising:
un dispositif d'alimentation permettant de recueillir et distribuer un volume de caillé et de sérum à mouler, le dispositif d'alimentation comportant une trémie convergeant vers une base inférieure de distribution munie d'ouvertures de distribution,  a feeding device for collecting and distributing a volume of curd and serum to be molded, the feeding device comprising a hopper converging towards a lower dispensing base provided with dispensing openings,
des moules à l'intérieur desquels le mélange caillé/sérum est destiné à être versé, et  molds within which the curd / serum mixture is to be poured, and
une plaque de répartition percée d'orifices à l'aplomb desquels sont disposés les moules lors du moulage, le dispositif d'alimentation étant mobile horizontalement par rapport à la plaque de répartition dans une direction de déplacement,  a distribution plate pierced with holes at the base of which the molds are placed during molding, the feed device being movable horizontally with respect to the distribution plate in a direction of displacement,
l'installation étant caractérisée en ce que la plaque de répartition est formée par au moins : the installation being characterized in that the distribution plate is formed by at least:
une cassette percée des orifices à l'aplomb desquels sont disposés les moules lors du moulage, et  a cassette pierced with orifices at the base of which are placed the molds during molding, and
un cadre agencé pour border sur toute sa périphérie la cassette,  a frame arranged to border on all its periphery the cassette,
la cassette et le cadre comportant des moyens de coopération amovibles de sorte que la cassette et le cadre sont solidaires de façon amovible. the cassette and the frame comprising removable cooperation means so that the cassette and the frame are detachably secured.
Grâce au contact entre la plaque de liaison et la plaque de répartition, tout débordement et/ou tout écoulement de mélange caillé/sérum sur la plaque de répartition hors des moules est évitée.  Thanks to the contact between the connecting plate and the distribution plate, any overflow and / or flow of curd / serum mixture on the distribution plate out of the molds is avoided.
Un tel système déchappement spécialement prévu pour évacuer l'air des moules en cours de moulage permet en outre de limiter fortement voire totalement toute création de bulles susceptibles de remonter dans la trémie.  Such an exhaust system specially designed to evacuate the air molds during molding also limits strongly or completely any creation of bubbles likely to rise in the hopper.
Par ailleurs, grâce à une telle installation, il n'est plus nécessaire de régler un jeu entre la plaque de répartition et la plaque de liaison, l'utilisation de l'installation étant par conséquent simplifiée.  Moreover, thanks to such an installation, it is no longer necessary to adjust a clearance between the distribution plate and the connecting plate, the use of the installation is therefore simplified.
Avantageusement, le système d'échappement comprend des rainures d'échappement s'étendant de la base inférieure de distribution de la trémie jusqu'à ladite plaque de liaison. De telles rainures d'échappement permette de diriger facilement le flux d'air évacué. Par ailleurs, dans une telle configuration, le risque que du caillé s'engage dans les rainures et viennent les fermer de façon étanche est très faible ce qui limite le risque de création locale d'une étanchéité hydrostatique. Advantageously, the exhaust system comprises exhaust grooves extending from the bottom distribution base of the hopper to said connecting plate. Such exhaust grooves allow to direct easily the flow of exhaust air. Moreover, in such a configuration, the risk that curd engages in the grooves and close tightly is very low which limits the risk of local creation of a hydrostatic seal.
Dans une configuration technique particulière, au moins une rainure d'échappement est située en aval de chacune des ouvertures de distribution, lesdites rainures s'étendant dans une direction sensiblement parallèle à la direction de déplacement. Une telle configuration facilite la circulation du flux d'air chassé vers l'aval.  In a particular technical configuration, at least one exhaust groove is located downstream of each of the dispensing openings, said grooves extending in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of movement. Such a configuration facilitates the circulation of the air flow driven downstream.
Selon une caractéristique avantageuse, la plaque de liaison entoure au moins en amont et en aval, de préférence sur toute sa périphérie, la base inférieure de la trémie, ceci afin d'être en contact avec la plaque de répartition en entourant sur toute sa périphérie la base inférieure de la trémie.  According to an advantageous characteristic, the connecting plate surrounds, at least upstream and downstream, preferably over its entire periphery, the bottom base of the hopper, so as to be in contact with the distribution plate while surrounding its entire periphery. the lower base of the hopper.
Avantageusement, des rainures d'échappement sont situées en aval et en amont de chacune des ouvertures de distribution, lesdites rainures s'étendant dans une direction sensiblement parallèle à la direction de déplacement. Alternativement, voire en complément, d'autres configurations de rainures peuvent être prévues, pas seulement parallèles, ces rainures débouchant en tout état de cause dans le moule aval en fonction du sens de marche de la trémie.  Advantageously, exhaust grooves are located downstream and upstream of each of the dispensing openings, said grooves extending in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of movement. Alternatively or even in addition, other groove configurations may be provided, not only parallel, these grooves opening in any event in the downstream mold depending on the direction of operation of the hopper.
En effet, cela permet d'optimiser le procédé de moulage étant donné que le mouvement de la trémie par rapport à la plaque de répartition peut faire des va et vient dans le sens de direction de déplacement, et dans le sens inverse. Un moyen d'échappement disposé de part et d'autre de la trémie par rapport à la direction de déplacement permet donc une utilisation de la trémie pour mouler le caillé dans ces deux sens de déplacement.  Indeed, this optimizes the molding process since the movement of the hopper relative to the distribution plate can move back and forth in the direction of travel direction, and in the opposite direction. An exhaust means disposed on either side of the hopper with respect to the direction of movement thus allows the hopper to be used to mold the curd in these two directions of movement.
Dans une configuration particulière, la plaque de liaison est une pièce rapportée par rapport à la trémie et en ce qu'un moyen d'étanchéité, tel qu'un joint, est interposé entre la base inférieure de distribution de la trémie et la plaque de liaison. Cela améliore encore l'étanchéité entre la plaque de liaison et la base de la trémie de sorte à limiter les pertes de caillé et de fines notamment, tout en assurant un démontage facilité en cas de nettoyage ou maintenance ou pour accéder aux ouvertures de distribution.  In a particular configuration, the connecting plate is an insert relative to the hopper and in that a sealing means, such as a seal, is interposed between the lower hopper distribution base and the hopper plate. link. This further improves the seal between the connecting plate and the base of the hopper so as to limit losses of curds and fines in particular, while ensuring easy disassembly in case of cleaning or maintenance or to access the dispensing openings.
Le moyen d'alimentation est configuré pour que la plaque de liaison présente un degré de mobilité vertical par rapport à la base inférieure de la trémie permettant un mouvement relatif de ces deux pièces . Cela permet notamment de ne jamais avoir de jeu entre la plaque de répartition 8 et la plaque de liaison 10. Selon une caractéristique technique, la base inférieure de la trémie et la plaque de liaison présentent chacune une surface inférieure, ces dites faces inférieures étant affleurantes. The feeding means is configured so that the connecting plate has a degree of vertical mobility relative to the lower base of the hopper allowing relative movement of these two parts. This allows in particular never to have a clearance between the distribution plate 8 and the connecting plate 10. According to a technical feature, the lower base of the hopper and the connecting plate each have a lower surface, said lower faces being flush.
Avantageusement, la plaque de répartition est formée par au moins : une cassette percée des orifices à l'aplomb desquels sont disposés les moules lors du moulage, et  Advantageously, the distribution plate is formed by at least: a cassette pierced with orifices at the base of which are placed the molds during molding, and
un cadre agencé pour border sur toute sa périphérie la cassette,  a frame arranged to border on all its periphery the cassette,
la cassette et le cadre comportant des moyens de coopération amovibles de sorte que la cassette et le cadre sont solidaires de façon amovible. the cassette and the frame comprising removable cooperation means so that the cassette and the frame are detachably secured.
Une telle caractéristique est particulièrement avantageuse car cela offre la possibilité de changer les formats des cassettes de façon aisée et rapide, sans réglage, de la plaque de répartition étant donné que le cadre porté par l'installation reste identique.  Such a feature is particularly advantageous because it offers the possibility of changing the cassette formats easily and quickly, without adjustment, the distribution plate since the frame worn by the installation remains the same.
Selon une caractéristique technique, la cassette et le cadre présentent chacune une surface supérieure sensiblement plane, ces dites faces supérieures étant affleurantes en position assemblée.  According to a technical feature, the cassette and the frame each have a substantially flat upper surface, said upper faces being flush in the assembled position.
Selon un autre aspect, l'invention concerne aussi une installation de moulage d'un mélange caillé/sérum, l'installation comprenant :  According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a molding installation of a curd / serum mixture, the installation comprising:
un dispositif d'alimentation permettant de recueillir et distribuer un volume de caillé et de sérum à mouler, le dispositif d'alimentation comportant une trémie convergeant vers une base inférieure de distribution munie d'ouvertures de distribution,  a feeding device for collecting and distributing a volume of curd and serum to be molded, the feeding device comprising a hopper converging towards a lower dispensing base provided with dispensing openings,
des moules à l'intérieur desquels le mélange caillé/sérum est destiné à être versé, et  molds within which the curd / serum mixture is to be poured, and
une plaque de répartition percée d'orifices à l'aplomb desquels sont disposés les moules lors du moulage, le dispositif d'alimentation étant mobile horizontalement par rapport à la plaque de répartition dans une direction de déplacement,  a distribution plate pierced with holes at the base of which the molds are placed during molding, the feed device being movable horizontally with respect to the distribution plate in a direction of displacement,
l'installation étant remarquable en ce que la plaque de répartition est formée par au moins : the installation being remarkable in that the distribution plate is formed by at least:
une cassette percée des orifices à l'aplomb desquels sont disposés les moules lors du moulage, et  a cassette pierced with orifices at the base of which are placed the molds during molding, and
un cadre agencé pour border sur toute sa périphérie la cassette,  a frame arranged to border on all its periphery the cassette,
la cassette et le cadre comportant des moyens de coopération amovibles de sorte que la cassette et le cadre sont solidaires de façon amovible. Une telle caractéristique est particulièrement avantageuse car même si une telle plaque de répartition est plus complexe à fabriquer qu'une plaque de répartition formée ou constituée d'une pièce de tôlerie d'un seul tenant, il en résulte des changements de formats aisés et rapides, sans réglage, de la ou des cassette(s) adaptées aux moules souhaités. Cette rapidité de mise en œuvre lors d'un process de fabrication représente une économie substantielle du coût de fabrication. the cassette and the frame comprising removable cooperation means so that the cassette and the frame are detachably secured. Such a characteristic is particularly advantageous because even if such a distribution plate is more complex to manufacture than a distribution plate formed or consisting of a piece of sheet metal in one piece, it results in easy and fast format changes without adjustment, the cassette (s) adapted to the desired molds. This speed of implementation during a manufacturing process represents a substantial saving in manufacturing cost.
Suivant des caractéristiques techniques particulières, l'installation selon l'invention comporte tout ou partie des caractéristiques précitées, prises seules ou en combinaison les unes par rapport aux autres.  According to particular technical features, the installation according to the invention comprises all or part of the aforementioned characteristics, taken alone or in combination with each other.
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortiront à la lecture de la description qui suit, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple, en référence aux figures annexées, qui illustrent :  Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example, with reference to the appended figures, which illustrate:
figure 1, une vue schématique en coupe d'une installation de moulage d'un mélange caillé/sérum ;  Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of a molding installation of a curd / serum mixture;
figure 2, un schéma en perspective d'une trémie et d'une plaque de répartition de l'installation de la figure 1 ;  Figure 2 is a perspective diagram of a hopper and a distribution plate of the installation of Figure 1;
figure 3, une vue d'une installation de moulage d'un mélange caillé/sérum selon un mode de réalisation ;  Figure 3, a view of a molding installation of a curd / serum mixture according to one embodiment;
figure 4, une vue détaillée de l'installation de moulage selon la figure 3 ;  Figure 4 is a detailed view of the molding installation according to Figure 3;
figure 5, 6 et 7, des vues détaillées d'un système d'échappement pour guider un flux d'air chassé par un moule lors de son remplissage d'une installation selon le mode de réalisation de la figure 3,  FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, detailed views of an exhaust system for guiding an air flow expelled by a mold during its filling of an installation according to the embodiment of FIG. 3,
figure 8, une vue de dessous du moyen d'alimentation et d'une plaque de liaison.  Figure 8 is a bottom view of the supply means and a connecting plate.
Sur l'ensemble de ces figures, des références identiques ou analogues désignent des organes ou ensembles d'organes identiques ou analogues.  In all of these figures, identical or similar references designate members or sets of identical or similar members.
Dans la suite du présent exposé, le vocable « caillé » sera utilisé pour désigner indifféremment le caillé ou le mélange caillé/sérum.  In the remainder of this presentation, the term "curd" will be used to designate indifferently the curd or curd / serum mixture.
Les figures 1 et 2, illustrent des schémas simplifiés d'une installation 1 de moulage d'un mélange caillé/sérum 3.  Figures 1 and 2 illustrate simplified diagrams of a molding installation 1 of a curd / serum mixture 3.
L'installation 1 de moulage comprend un dispositif d'alimentation 2 permettant de recueillir et distribuer un volume de caillé et de sérum 3 à mouler. Le moyen d'alimentation 2 contient ainsi, au début d'un cycle de moulage, une quantité prédéterminée de mélange caillé/sérum 3 à mouler.  The molding installation 1 comprises a feeding device 2 for collecting and distributing a volume of curd and serum 3 to be molded. The feed means 2 thus contains, at the beginning of a molding cycle, a predetermined quantity of curd / serum mixture 3 to be molded.
De manière à éviter une sédimentation du mélange caillé/sérum 3 à mouler dans le moyen d'alimentation 2, celui-ci est, dans un mode de mise en œuvre du procédé, rempli juste avant le déclenchement d'un cycle de moulage, mais il peut également être alimenté et rempli en continu pendant le moulage. In order to avoid sedimentation of the curd / serum mixture 3 to be molded in the feed means 2, the latter is, in one embodiment of the invention. of the process, filled just before the initiation of a molding cycle, but it can also be fed and filled continuously during molding.
Dans le mode de réalisation représenté sur ces figures 1 et 2, le moyen d'alimentation 2 comporte une trémie 4 convergeant vers une base 5 inférieure de distribution de ladite trémie. Cette base 5 inférieure de distribution est munie d'ouvertures de distribution 6 à travers lesquels le mélange caillé/sérum est versé par la trémie 4.  In the embodiment shown in these Figures 1 and 2, the feed means 2 comprises a hopper 4 converging to a lower base 5 distribution of said hopper. This lower dispensing base is provided with dispensing openings 6 through which the curd / serum mixture is poured through the hopper 4.
L'installation 1 de moulage comprend en outre une plaque de répartition 8 percée d'orifices 9 à l'aplomb desquels sont disposés des moules 7 lors du moulage à l'intérieur desquels le mélange caillé/sérum 3 est destiné à être versé.  The molding installation 1 further comprises a distribution plate 8 pierced with orifices 9 at the base of which are placed molds 7 during molding in which the curd / serum mixture 3 is intended to be poured.
Ces orifices 9, dans ce mode de réalisation représenté, sont tronconiques, leur ouverture supérieure étant de surface plus grande que leur ouverture inférieure.  These orifices 9, in this embodiment shown, are frustoconical, their upper opening being larger in area than their lower opening.
Par conséquent, l'installation 1 est configurée pour que le mélange caillé/sérum 3 à mouler s'écoule par gravité, en dehors de la trémie 4, au travers des ouvertures de distrubution 6 puis au travers des orifices 9 de la plaque de répartition 8, en particulier d'une cassette 81. La forme de ces orifices 9 peut varier, par exemple, ces orifices peuvent être sensiblement tubulaires et présenter une section constante, comme cela est illustré en référence au mode de réalisation des figures 3 à 8.  Consequently, the installation 1 is configured so that the curd mixture / serum 3 to be cast flows by gravity, outside the hopper 4, through the distribution openings 6 and then through the orifices 9 of the distribution plate. 8, in particular a cassette 81. The shape of these orifices 9 may vary, for example, these orifices may be substantially tubular and have a constant section, as illustrated with reference to the embodiment of Figures 3 to 8.
La trémie 4 est déplaçable par rapport à la plaque de répartition 8 dans un plan horizontal par rapport à elle, grâce à des moyens de déplacement 20. En particulier, la térmie 4 effectue une trajectoire rectiligne entre deux positions extrêmes, telles qu'une position extrême latérale gauche et une position extrême latérale droite.  The hopper 4 is movable relative to the distribution plate 8 in a horizontal plane relative to it, by means of displacement 20. In particular, the end 4 carries out a rectilinear trajectory between two extreme positions, such as a position left lateral extremity and right lateral extreme position.
En position extrême latérale gauche, tel que vu sur la figure 1, ou droite, la trémie 4 est placée au-dessus de zones latérales extrêmes de la plaque de répartition 8, ces zones latérales extrêmes étant dépourvues d'orifices 9.  In the extreme left lateral position, as seen in FIG. 1, or in the right direction, the hopper 4 is placed above extreme lateral zones of the distribution plate 8, these extreme lateral zones being devoid of orifices 9.
La trémie 4 est entraînée par les moyens de déplacement 20, en va et vient, entre ces deux positions extrêmes, de sorte à passer à l'aplomb des orifices 9 suivant une direction de déplacement X.  The hopper 4 is driven by the displacement means 20, back and forth, between these two extreme positions, so as to pass in line with the orifices 9 in a direction of movement X.
Dans le mode de réalisation représenté en figures 1 et 2, la plaque de répartition 8 présente la forme d'une plaque relativement épaisse sensiblement parallélépipédique percée des orifices 9, d'axes A verticaux sensiblement parallèles entre eux et perpendiculaires à la paroi supérieure 8' de la plaque de répartition 8.  In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the distribution plate 8 has the shape of a relatively thick plate substantially parallelepipedic pierced holes 9, vertical axes A substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the upper wall 8 ' of the distribution plate 8.
En figure 2, pour une meilleure clarté, seuls trois orifices 9 sont représentés.  In Figure 2, for better clarity, only three orifices 9 are shown.
Plusieurs lignes d'orifices 9 peuvent être prévues, sensiblement parallèles les unes aux autres selon la direction X de déplacement de la trémie 2 sur la plaque de répartition 8, en effectuant un mouvement de va et vient rectiligne, c'est-à-dire des allers et retours au dessus de la plaque de répartition 8. Several lines of orifices 9 may be provided, substantially parallel to each other in the direction X of displacement of the hopper 2 on the plate of distribution 8, by performing a movement back and forth rectilinear, that is to say, back and forth above the distribution plate 8.
Dans le mode de réalisation représenté, cette direction X correspond à la plus grande dimension ou longueur L de la plaque de répartition 8.  In the embodiment shown, this direction X corresponds to the largest dimension or length L of the distribution plate 8.
La largeur G de la trémie 4 est, dans le mode de réalisation, sensiblement égale à la largeur I de la plaque de répartition 8, en particulier à la largeur de la surface ou paroi supérieure 8' de la plaque de répartition 8.  The width G of the hopper 4 is, in the embodiment, substantially equal to the width I of the distribution plate 8, in particular to the width of the upper surface or wall 8 'of the distribution plate 8.
Le cas échéant, ainsi qu'il est représenté sur les figures 1 et 2, des parois latérales 8” sensiblement verticales forment une bordure périphérique en saillie vers le haut de la paroi supérieure 8'.  Where appropriate, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, substantially vertical side walls 8 "form a peripheral rim projecting upwardly from the upper wall 8 '.
Le dispositif d'alimentation 2 comprend une plaque de liaison 10 disposée autour de la base 5 de la trémie 4 et agencée pour être au contact avec la plaque de répartition 8 durant le moulage du mélange caillé/sérum 3 dans les moules 7.  The feed device 2 comprises a connecting plate 10 arranged around the base 5 of the hopper 4 and arranged to be in contact with the distribution plate 8 during the molding of the curd / serum mixture 3 in the molds 7.
Cette plaque de liaison 10 permet notamment de retenir un éventuel déversement latéral ou trop-plein du mélange caillé/sérum 3 hors des orifices 9 de la plaque de répartition 8, sur sa surface supérieure 8'.  This connecting plate 10 makes it possible in particular to retain any lateral discharge or overflow of the curd / serum mixture 3 from the orifices 9 of the distribution plate 8, on its upper surface 8 '.
La plaque de liaison 10 entoure la base 5 inférieure de la trémie 4 sur toute sa périphérie de sorte qu'elle est en contact avec la plaque de répartition 8 sur une surface délimitant un contour fermé. De cette manière, la plaque de liaison 10 assure une étanchéité avec la plaque de répartition 8 évitant le déversement latéral de caillé 3.  The connecting plate 10 surrounds the lower base of the hopper 4 over its entire periphery so that it contacts the distribution plate 8 on a surface delimiting a closed contour. In this way, the connecting plate 10 seals with the distribution plate 8 avoiding the lateral discharge of curd 3.
Par ailleurs, la plaque de liaison 10 est une pièce rapportée par rapport à la trémie 4, ceci permettant de faciliter le nettoyage et la maintenance.  Furthermore, the connecting plate 10 is an insert relative to the hopper 4, this to facilitate cleaning and maintenance.
Enfin, le moyen d'alimentation 2 est configuré pour que la plaque de liaison 10 présente un degré de mobilité vertical par rapport à la base 5 de la trémie 4. Cela permet notamment de ne jamais avoir de jeu entre la plaque de répartition 8 et la plaque de liaison 10. En particulier, l'installation comprend des moyens d'appui pour maintenir la plaque de laison 10 en contact et en appui contre la plaque de répartition 8, ou inversement. Dans ce mode de réalisation, la plaque de liaison 10 est configurée pour que, sous l'effet de son poids, celle-ci reste en appui contre la plaque de répartition, c'est-à-dire pour que la plaque de liaison puisse venir appuyer continuement contre le plaque de répartition durant le moulage. Alternativement ou en complément, des moyens de rappels élastiques peuvent être prévus à cet effet.  Finally, the feed means 2 is configured so that the connecting plate 10 has a degree of vertical mobility with respect to the base 5 of the hopper 4. This allows in particular never to have a clearance between the distribution plate 8 and In particular, the installation comprises support means for holding the spring plate 10 in contact and in abutment against the distribution plate 8, or vice versa. In this embodiment, the connecting plate 10 is configured so that, under the effect of its weight, it remains resting against the distribution plate, that is to say so that the connecting plate can come and press the distribution plate continuously during molding. Alternatively or in addition, elastic recall means may be provided for this purpose.
Les moules 7 sont approvisionnés par le dessous du moyen d'alimentation 2 et la plaque de répartition 8 par un système de levage aussi appelé « monte et baisse ». Plusieurs moules 7 sont solidaires ensemble de sorte à former un bloc de moules ou « bloc moule » facilement manipulable. The molds 7 are supplied from below the supply means 2 and the distribution plate 8 by a lifting system also called "up and down". down. Several molds 7 are secured together so as to form a block of molds or "mold block" easily manipulated.
De préférence, c'est le système de levage qui est configuré pour maintenir un contact et un appui permanent durant le moulage du bloc moule avec une face inférieure de la plaque de répartition 8.  Preferably, it is the lifting system that is configured to maintain contact and permanent support during molding of the mold block with a lower face of the distribution plate 8.
L'installation 1 de moulage comprend des capteurs de position permettant de connaître la position des moules 7 avec la plaque de répartition 8 , et notamment leur hauteur par rapport au moyen d'alimentation 2.  The molding installation 1 comprises position sensors making it possible to know the position of the molds 7 with the distribution plate 8, and in particular their height relative to the supply means 2.
Afin d'améliorer encore l'étanchéité de l'installation 1 entre le moyen d'alimentation 2 et la plaque de répartition 8, un moyen d'étanchéité 13, tel qu'un joint 14, est interposé entre la trémie 4, au niveau de la base 5 inférieure de distribution, et la plaque de liaison 10. Ce joint est un joint thorique qui, grâce à son élasticité, épouse la forme du contour sensiblement de forme rectangulaire de la trémie 4 qu'il entoure.  In order to further improve the tightness of the installation 1 between the feed means 2 and the distribution plate 8, a sealing means 13, such as a seal 14, is interposed between the hopper 4, This seal is a seal which, thanks to its elasticity, conforms to the shape of the substantially rectangular contour of the hopper 4 which it surrounds.
Afin que le joint 14 reste immobile, il est logé dans une rainure périphérique 15 usinée latéralement tout autour de la trémie 4, au niveau de sa base 5 inférieure de distribution.  So that the seal 14 remains stationary, it is housed in a circumferential groove 15 machined laterally around the hopper 4, at its lower distribution base 5.
La base 5 inférieure de distribution comprend notamment un socle 50 dans lequel est formé les ouvertures 6 de distribution, lequel est positionné en étant encadré, entre les parois inférieures de la trémie 4 formant une bouche présentant une section sensiblement rectangulaire. En particulier, le socle 50 est libre entre ces parois inférieures de la trémie 4 au niveau de la base 5 inférieure. En effet, la présence d'un jeu permet notamment le démontage et le nettoyage. Ce socle 50 repose, sous l'effet de son propre poids, sur la plaque de répartition. De cette manière, la plaque de liaison 10 et le socle 50 de la base 5 reposent tous deux sur la plaque de répartition 8 durant le moulage, ceci sous l'effet de leur propre poids.  The lower distribution base comprises in particular a base 50 in which is formed the openings 6 of distribution, which is positioned in a box, between the lower walls of the hopper 4 forming a mouth having a substantially rectangular section. In particular, the base 50 is free between these lower walls of the hopper 4 at the lower base. Indeed, the presence of a game allows including disassembly and cleaning. This base 50 rests, under the effect of its own weight, on the distribution plate. In this way, the connecting plate 10 and the base 50 of the base 5 both rest on the distribution plate 8 during molding, as a result of their own weight.
Par ailleurs, afin d'améliorer la distribution ou déversement du caillé par l'orifice de distribution 6, celui-ci présente une forme sensiblement d'entonnoir, c'est- à-dire qu'ils sont convergent vers le bas, donc vers la plaque de liaison. Comme cela est visible par exemple sur les figures 5 et 6, ces orifices de distribution 6 présentent une forme tronconique, leur ouverture supérieure étant de section plus grande que leur ouverture inférieure.  Furthermore, in order to improve the distribution or discharge of the curd by the dispensing orifice 6, it has a substantially funnel shape, that is to say that they are convergent downwards, so to the connecting plate. As can be seen for example in FIGS. 5 and 6, these dispensing orifices 6 have a frustoconical shape, their upper opening being of larger section than their lower opening.
La plaque de liaison 10 et le socle 50 disposent aussi d'un degré de mobilité vertical prédéterminé de sorte que ce contact entre le socle 50 et la plaque de répartition 8 d'une part et la plaque de liaison 10 et la plaque de répartition 8 d'autre part, soit conservé. De cette manière, le système d'échappement 11 reste efficace à chaque instant durant le moulage. La rainure périphérique 15 à l'intérieure de laquelle est logé le joint 13 est ici formée plus précisément par une cavité dans la paroi inférieure de la trémie 4. The connecting plate 10 and the base 50 also have a predetermined degree of vertical mobility so that this contact between the base 50 and the distribution plate 8 on the one hand and the connecting plate 10 and the distribution plate 8 on the other hand, be preserved. In this way, the exhaust system 11 remains effective at all times during molding. The peripheral groove 15 inside which the seal 13 is housed is here formed more precisely by a cavity in the bottom wall of the hopper 4.
Comme cela est illustré plus en détail sur les figures 3 à 7, l'installation 1 comprend un système d'échappement 11 pour guider un flux d'air chassé par un moule 7 lors de son remplissage vers au moins un moule 7 aval.  As is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 3 to 7, the installation 1 comprises an exhaust system 11 for guiding an air flow expelled by a mold 7 during its filling to at least one downstream mold 7.
Le vocable « aval » est entendu ici par rapport à la direction de déplacement X de la trémie 4 par rapport à la plaque de répartition 8.  The term "downstream" is understood here in relation to the direction of movement X of the hopper 4 with respect to the distribution plate 8.
Le système d'échappement 11 comprend des rainures 12 d'échappement s'étendant de la base 5 inférieure de distribution de la trémie 4, en particulier du socle 50, jusqu'à ladite plaque de liaison 10. Ces rainures s'étendent en particulier sous la base 5 et la plaque de liaison 10.  The exhaust system 11 comprises exhaust grooves 12 extending from the lower base 5 for dispensing the hopper 4, in particular the base 50, to said connecting plate 10. These grooves extend in particular under the base 5 and the connecting plate 10.
La base 5, et en particulier le socle 50, est en contact durant le moulage avec la plaque de répartition 8 de la même façon que la plaque de liaison 10 est en contact avec la plaque de répartition 8 durant cette opération. De cette manière, le seul chemin possible pour l'air évacué du moule 7 durant le moulage est délimité par la ou les rainure(s) d'échappement 12.  The base 5, and in particular the base 50, is in contact during molding with the distribution plate 8 in the same way that the connecting plate 10 is in contact with the distribution plate 8 during this operation. In this way, the only possible path for the air evacuated from the mold 7 during the molding is delimited by the exhaust groove (s) 12.
La plaque de répartition 8 présente en particulier une succession de rangées d'orifices 9, chacune espacées entre elle d'un certain pas p (voir figure 3), la plaque de liaison 10 s'étendant longitudinalement au moins en aval, mais de préférence aussi en amont, sur une distance d (voir figure 8) de préférence au moins égale à la valeur de ce pas p.  The distribution plate 8 has in particular a succession of rows of orifices 9, each spaced apart by a certain pitch p (see FIG. 3), the connecting plate 10 extending longitudinally at least downstream, but preferably also upstream, over a distance d (see Figure 8) preferably at least equal to the value of this step p.
De cette manière, lorsque les ouvertures de distribution 6 sont parfaitement alignées verticalement avec les orifices 9 de la palque de répartition, l'étanchéité est assurée entre la plaque de répartition 8 et la plaque de liaison 10 et l'air contenu dans le moule 7 peut s'échapper, lors de son remplissage par déversement du mélange caillé/sérum 3, uniquement par les rainures 12 d'échappement.  In this way, when the dispensing openings 6 are perfectly vertically aligned with the orifices 9 of the distribution block, the seal is ensured between the distribution plate 8 and the connecting plate 10 and the air contained in the mold 7 can escape, when filling by pouring the mixture curd / serum 3, only by the grooves 12 exhaust.
Une symétrie de la plaque de liaison 10 et du système d'échappement 11 en amont de la base 5 avec la plaque de liaison 10 et du système d'échappement 11 en aval permet d'assurer un fonctionnement optimal du système déchappement lorsque la trémie effectue des allers et retours au dessus de la plaque de répartition dans la direction de déplacement, dans un sens et dans l'autre. Cela permet d'optimiser le temps de fabrication des fromages.  Symmetry of the connecting plate 10 and the exhaust system 11 upstream of the base 5 with the connecting plate 10 and the exhaust system 11 downstream ensures optimal operation of the exhaust system when the hopper performs back and forth over the distribution plate in the direction of travel, in one direction and the other. This makes it possible to optimize the production time of the cheeses.
Le système d'échappement permet ainsi de guider un flux d'air chassé par un moule 7 lors de son remplissage vers au moins un moule 7 aval, dans un sens comme dans l'autre du déplacement de la trémie 4 par rapport à la plaque de répartition 8. Dans une confuguration avantageuse, comme cela est particulièrement visible sur la figure 8, une rainure d'échappement 12 est située en aval, et en amont par symétrie, de chacune des ouvertures de distribution 6, lesdites rainures 12 s'étendant dans une direction sensiblement parallèle à la direction de déplacement X. The exhaust system thus makes it possible to guide a flow of air driven by a mold 7 during its filling to at least one downstream mold 7, in one direction or the other in the movement of the hopper 4 with respect to the plate of distribution 8. In an advantageous confuguration, as is particularly visible in FIG. 8, an exhaust groove 12 is situated downstream, and upstream by symmetry, of each of the distribution openings 6, said grooves 12 extending in a substantially direction parallel to the direction of movement X.
De cette manière, le chemin de l'air entre le moule 7 en court de remplissage et son évacuation est le plus court possible et le risque que le flux d'air se disperse, par exemple en remontant dans la trémie 4, est minimisé.  In this way, the path of air between the mold 7 in the short filling and its evacuation is the shortest possible and the risk that the air flow is dispersed, for example up in the hopper 4, is minimized.
Par ailleurs, la base 5 inférieure de la trémie 4 et la plaque de liaison 10 présentent chacune une surface inférieure 5', 10', ces dites faces inférieures 5', 10' étant affleurantes.  Furthermore, the bottom base 5 of the hopper 4 and the connecting plate 10 each have a bottom surface 5 ', 10', said bottom faces 5 ', 10' being flush.
La paroi inférieure de la trémie 4 entourant le socle de la base 5 présente une extrémité disposée sensiblement au dessus de ces surfaces inférieures 5', 10' de sorte à ne pas créer d'obstacle dans les rainures 12 d'échappement. On notera que cette paroi inférieure de la trémie 4 entourant le socle pourrait présenter une telle extrémité affleurante avec les surfaces inférieures 5', 10' mais dans ce cas, des portions de rainures doivent être usinées dans cette parois pour assurer la continuité des rainures 12 d'échappement entre la base 5, en particulier le socle 50 et la plaque de liaison 10.  The bottom wall of the hopper 4 surrounding the base of the base 5 has an end disposed substantially above these lower surfaces 5 ', 10' so as not to create an obstacle in the grooves 12 exhaust. Note that this bottom wall of the hopper 4 surrounding the base could have such a flush end with the lower surfaces 5 ', 10' but in this case, portions of grooves must be machined in this wall to ensure the continuity of the grooves 12 exhaust between the base 5, in particular the base 50 and the connecting plate 10.
La plaque de répartition 8 est quant à elle formée par une ou plusieurs cassette(s) 81 percée(s) des orifices 9 à l'aplomb desquels sont disposés les moules 7 lors du moulage, et un cadre 80 agencé pour border sur toute sa périphérie la cassette 81 lorsqu'elle est seule, ou l'ensemble des cassette 81 lorsqu'elles sont multiples.  The distribution plate 8 is formed by one or more cassette (s) 81 pierced (s) orifices 9 at whose base are placed the molds 7 during molding, and a frame 80 arranged to border on all its periphery cassette 81 when alone, or all cassette 81 when they are multiple.
La cassette 81 et le cadre 80 comportent des moyens de coopération amovibles 82 de sorte que la cassette 81 et le cadre 80 sont solidaires de façon amovible.  The cassette 81 and the frame 80 comprise removable cooperation means 82 so that the cassette 81 and the frame 80 are detachably secured.
De cette manière, les réglages de l'installation par rapport à la plaque de répartition sont effectués sur le cadre 80 qui ne change pas, et il est possible de changer facilement de cassettes 81 en fonction du fromage à fabriquer. En d'autres termes, cela offre la possibilité de changer les formats des cassettes de façon aisée et rapide, sans réglage, de la plaque de répartition étant donné que le cadre porté par l'installation reste identique.  In this way, the adjustments of the installation relative to the distribution plate are made on the frame 80 which does not change, and it is possible to easily change cassettes 81 depending on the cheese to be manufactured. In other words, it offers the possibility of changing the formats of the cassettes easily and quickly, without adjustment, the distribution plate since the frame worn by the installation remains the same.
La cassette 81 et le cadre 80 présentent chacune une surface supérieure 80', 8 sensiblement plane, ces dites faces supérieures 80', 8 sensiblement étant affleurantes en position assemblée.  The cassette 81 and the frame 80 each have an upper surface 80 ', 8 substantially flat, said upper faces 80', 8 substantially being flush in the assembled position.
Durant le fonctionnement de l'installation, le caillé 3 arrive dans la trémie 4 où il est maintenu à niveau constant. Le cadre 80 de la plaque de répartition qui supporte les deux cassettes 81 ou plus, est fixe. La base 5 de la trémie 4 qui distribue le caillé 3 est mobile et se déplace par un mouvement horizontal au-dessus des cassettes 81 ainsi que du cadre 80. During operation of the installation, the curd 3 arrives in the hopper 4 where it is kept at a constant level. The frame 80 of the distribution plate that supports the two cassettes 81 or more, is fixed. The base 5 of the hopper 4 which distributes the curd 3 is movable and moves by a horizontal movement above the cassettes 81 and the frame 80.
Sous l'effet du déplacement de la trémie 4 de droite à gauche, suivant sa direction de déplacement X, le caillé 3 tombe dans les moules 7.  Under the effect of the displacement of the hopper 4 from right to left, according to its direction of movement X, the curd 3 falls into the molds 7.
La plaque de liaison 10, qui se déplace avec la base 5 du moyen d'alimentation 2 est posée sur la plaque de répartition 8. une étanchéité au caillé 3 est réalisée entre la trémie 4, la plaque de liaison 10, et la plaque de répartition 8, en particulier entre le cadre 80 et les cassettes 81.  The connecting plate 10, which moves with the base 5 of the feed means 2 is placed on the distribution plate 8. a curd seal 3 is formed between the hopper 4, the connecting plate 10, and the plate of distribution 8, in particular between the frame 80 and the cassettes 81.
La plaque de répartition 8, en particulier la cassette 81, ainsi que la plaque de liaison 10, conditionnent le bon écoulement du caillé 3 dans les moules 7 en permettant à l'air de s'échapper grâce au système d'échappement 11.  The distribution plate 8, in particular the cassette 81, as well as the connecting plate 10, condition the good flow of the curd 3 in the molds 7 by allowing the air to escape through the exhaust system 11.
L'association de la cassette 81 avec la plaque de liaison 10 permet l'évacuation de l'air qui se trouve à l'intérieur du moule 7 via les rainures déchappement 12 situées dessous la plaque de liaison 10 permettant ainsi à l'air de s'échapper vers le moule 7 aval en fonction du sens de déplacement.  The association of the cassette 81 with the connecting plate 10 allows the evacuation of the air which is inside the mold 7 via the exhaust grooves 12 located below the connecting plate 10 thus allowing the air to to escape to the mold 7 downstream depending on the direction of movement.
Cette gestion de fuite permet au caillé 3 qui s'échappe (fines) de rester dans le moule 7 et améliore ainsi le rendement de l'installation en limitant voire supprimant les pertes de produit.  This leak management allows the curd 3 that escapes (fines) to remain in the mold 7 and thus improves the efficiency of the installation by limiting or even eliminating product losses.
Plus précisément, le contact maintenu entre la plaque de liaison 10 et la surface supérieure 8' de la plaque de répartition 8, en particulier la surface supérieure 81' de la cassette 81, permet un dosage affiné du volume de caillé 3 dans les moules 7 tout en minimisant au maximum les pertes de produit. L'étanchéité entre ces éléments 8, 10 notamment est ainsi bien maîtrisée.  More specifically, the contact maintained between the connecting plate 10 and the upper surface 8 'of the distribution plate 8, in particular the upper surface 81' of the cassette 81, allows a refined dosage of the curd volume 3 in the molds 7. while minimizing product losses as much as possible. The tightness between these elements 8, 10 in particular is well controlled.
Le contact entre la base 5, en particulier le socle 50, et la plaque de répartition 8 est au moins appliqué sur un pourtour fermé de chacune des ouvertures de distribution 6. Plus généralement, le socle 50 de la abse 5 est agencé pour ce que contact soit assuré avec la plaque de répartition 8, en particulier sa surface supérieure 8', 80', 81', au niveau de ce pourtour fermé délimitant l'ouverture de distribution 6 durant le moulage. Bien entendu, le contact n'est pas assuré sur ce pourtour fermé lorsque qu'une partie au moins de ce pourtour est à l'aplomb d'un orifice 9 de la plaque de répartition 8. Durant le déplacement de la trémie 4.  The contact between the base 5, in particular the base 50, and the distribution plate 8 is at least applied on a closed periphery of each of the distribution openings 6. More generally, the base 50 of the absegment 5 is arranged so that contact is ensured with the distribution plate 8, in particular its upper surface 8 ', 80', 81 ', at this closed periphery delimiting the dispensing opening 6 during molding. Of course, the contact is not assured on this closed periphery when at least part of this periphery is above a hole 9 of the distribution plate 8. During the displacement of the hopper 4.
C'est le cas aussi du pourtour fermé de la plaque de liaison 10 qui est agencé pour être en contact avec la plaque de répartition 8, en particulier sa surface supérieure 8', 80', 8 . Comme cela est illustré sur la figure 5, la flèche Fl représente le caillé 3 qui tombe dans le moule 7, les flèches F2, F3 et F4 illustrent quant à elles l'air qui s'échappe par la rainure d'échappement 12 située sous la plaque de liaison 10. Dans ce cas, la trémie 4 se déplace de la droite vers la gauche selon une direction de déplacement X sensiblement rectiligne. This is also the case of the closed periphery of the connecting plate 10 which is arranged to be in contact with the distribution plate 8, in particular its upper surface 8 ', 80', 8. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the arrow F1 represents the curd 3 which falls into the mold 7, the arrows F2, F3 and F4 illustrate the air escaping through the exhaust groove 12 located under the connecting plate 10. In this case, the hopper 4 moves from right to left in a substantially rectilinear direction of travel X.
Afin d'améliorer le dosage un dispositif de pesage est prévu sur l'installation, ce dispositif permettant le pesage des moules lors du remplissage.  In order to improve the dosing, a weighing device is provided on the plant, this device making it possible to weigh the molds during filling.
Le dispositif de pesage est de préférence intégré au système de levage dit « monte et baisse » de sorte qu'il est possible de connaître le poids d'un bloc moules lorsque les moules sont remplis lors de la descente de l'ensemble des moules vers et sur un convoyeur d'évacuation.  The weighing device is preferably integrated in the lifting system called "up and down" so that it is possible to know the weight of a mold block when the molds are filled during the descent of all the molds to and on an evacuation conveyor.
La présente invention permet donc une amélioration des écarts type lors du moulage de caillé de fromage dans des moules en diminuant les pertes de produit et en améliorant l'adéquation du volume de caillé dosé et le volume du moule.  The present invention therefore makes it possible to improve the standard deviations during the molding of cheese curd in molds by reducing the product losses and by improving the adequacy of the volume of curd dosed and the volume of the mold.
L'invention est décrite dans ce qui précède à titre d'exemple. Il est entendu que l'homme du métier est à même de réaliser différentes variantes de réalisation de l'invention sans pour autant sortir du cadre de l'invention.  The invention is described in the foregoing by way of example. It is understood that the skilled person is able to achieve different embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Installation (1) de moulage d'un mélange caillé/sérum (3), l'installation (1) comprenant : 1. Installation (1) for molding a curd / serum mixture (3), the installation (1) comprising:
un dispositif d'alimentation (2) permettant de recueillir et distribuer un volume de caillé et de sérum à mouler, le dispositif d'alimentation (2) comportant une trémie (4) convergeant vers une base (5) inférieure de distribution munie d'ouvertures de distribution (6),  a feeding device (2) for collecting and distributing a volume of curd and serum to be molded, the feeding device (2) comprising a hopper (4) converging towards a lower distribution base (5) provided with dispensing openings (6),
des moules (7) à l'intérieur desquels le mélange caillé/sérum (7) est destiné à être versé, et  molds (7) within which the curd / serum mixture (7) is to be poured, and
une plaque de répartition (8) percée d'orifices (9) à l'aplomb desquels sont disposés les moules (7) lors du moulage, le dispositif d'alimentation (2) étant mobile horizontalement par rapport à la plaque de répartition (8) dans une direction de déplacement (X),  a distribution plate (8) pierced with orifices (9) at the base of which the molds (7) are placed during molding, the feed device (2) being movable horizontally with respect to the distribution plate (8). ) in a direction of travel (X),
l'installation (1) étant caractérisée en ce que la plaque de répartition (8) est formée par au moins : the plant (1) being characterized in that the distribution plate (8) is formed by at least:
une cassette (81) percée des orifices (9) à l'aplomb desquels sont disposés les moules (7) lors du moulage, et  a cassette (81) pierced with orifices (9) at the base of which are placed the molds (7) during molding, and
un cadre (80) agencé pour border sur toute sa périphérie la cassette (81), la cassette (81) et le cadre (80) comportant des moyens de coopération amovibles (82) de sorte que la cassette (81) et le cadre (80) sont solidaires de façon amovible.  a frame (80) arranged to border on its entire periphery the cassette (81), the cassette (81) and the frame (80) having removable engagement means (82) so that the cassette (81) and the frame ( 80) are detachably secured.
2. Installation (1) de moulage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la cassette (81) et le cadre (80) présentent chacune une surface supérieure (80', 81') sensiblement plane, ces dites faces supérieures (80', 81') sensiblement étant affleurantes en position assemblée.  2. Installation (1) molding according to claim 1, characterized in that the cassette (81) and the frame (80) each have a top surface (80 ', 81') substantially flat, said upper faces (80 ' , 81 ') substantially being flush in assembled position.
3. Installation (1) de moulage selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisée en ce que le dispositif d'alimentation (2) comprend une plaque de liaison (10) disposée au moins en partie autour de la base (5) de la trémie (4) et agencée pour être au contact avec la plaque de répartition (8) durant le moulage du mélange caillé/sérum (3) dans les moules (7), l'installation (1) comprenant en outre un système d'échappement (11) pour guider un flux d'air chassé par un moule (7) lors de son remplissage vers au moins un moule (7) adjacent.  3. Installation (1) molding according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the feeding device (2) comprises a connecting plate (10) disposed at least partly around the base (5) of the hopper (4) and arranged to be in contact with the distribution plate (8) during the molding of the curd / serum mixture (3) in the molds (7), the plant (1) further comprising an exhaust system ( 11) for guiding an air flow expelled by a mold (7) as it is filled to at least one adjacent mold (7).
4. Installation (1) de moulage selon la revendication 3, caractérisée en ce que le système d'échappement (11) comprend des rainures (12) d'échappement s'étendant de la base (5) inférieure de distribution de la trémie (4) jusqu'à ladite plaque de liaison (10). 4. Installation (1) molding according to claim 3, characterized in that the exhaust system (11) comprises exhaust grooves (12) extending from the bottom (5) of distribution of the hopper ( 4) to said connecting plate (10).
5. Installation (1) de moulage selon la revendication 4, caractérisée en ce qu'au moins une rainure (12) d'échappement est située en aval de chacune des ouvertures de distribution (6), lesdites rainures (12) s'étendant dans une direction sensiblement parallèle à la direction de déplacement (X). 5. Installation (1) molding according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one groove (12) exhaust is located downstream of each of the dispensing openings (6), said grooves (12) extending in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of movement (X).
6. Installation (1) de moulage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 3 à 5, caractérisée en ce que la plaque de liaison (10) entoure au moins en amont et en aval, de préférence sur toute sa périphérie, la base (5) inférieure de la trémie (4).  6. Installation (1) molding according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the connecting plate (10) surrounds at least upstream and downstream, preferably over its entire periphery, the base (5) ) of the hopper (4).
7. Installation (1) de moulage selon la revendication 6, caractérisée en ce des rainures (12) d'échappement sont situées en aval et en amont de chacune des ouvertures de distribution (6), lesdites rainures (12) s'étendant dans une direction sensiblement parallèle à la direction de déplacement (X).  7. Installation (1) molding according to claim 6, characterized in that the grooves (12) exhaust are located downstream and upstream of each of the dispensing openings (6), said grooves (12) extending into a direction substantially parallel to the direction of movement (X).
8. Installation (1) de moulage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 3 à 7, caractérisée en ce que la plaque de liaison (10) est une pièce rapportée par rapport à la trémie (4) et en ce qu'un moyen d'étanchéité (13), tel qu'un joint (14), est interposé entre la base (5) inférieure de distribution de la trémie (4) et la plaque de liaison (10).  8. Installation (1) molding according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the connecting plate (10) is an insert relative to the hopper (4) and in that a means d sealing (13), such as a seal (14), is interposed between the lower base (5) of distribution of the hopper (4) and the connecting plate (10).
9. Installation (1) de moulage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 3 à 8, caractérisée en ce que la base (5) inférieure de la trémie (4) et la plaque de liaison (10) présentent chacune une surface inférieure (5', 10'), ces dites faces inférieures (5', 10') étant affleurantes.  9. Installation (1) molding according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the bottom base (5) of the hopper (4) and the connecting plate (10) each have a lower surface (5). ', 10'), said lower faces (5 ', 10') being flush.
EP19726055.7A 2018-04-19 2019-04-19 Facility for moulding curd for producing cheese Withdrawn EP3780948A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1853449A FR3080261B1 (en) 2018-04-19 2018-04-19 QUAIL MOLDING PLANT FOR CHEESE MAKING
PCT/FR2019/050955 WO2019202282A1 (en) 2018-04-19 2019-04-19 Facility for moulding curd for producing cheese

Publications (1)

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EP3780948A1 true EP3780948A1 (en) 2021-02-24

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EP19726056.5A Active EP3780949B1 (en) 2018-04-19 2019-04-19 System for filling molds with curd to make cheese
EP19726055.7A Withdrawn EP3780948A1 (en) 2018-04-19 2019-04-19 Facility for moulding curd for producing cheese

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EP19726056.5A Active EP3780949B1 (en) 2018-04-19 2019-04-19 System for filling molds with curd to make cheese

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US (2) US20210029958A1 (en)
EP (2) EP3780949B1 (en)
CA (2) CA3095578A1 (en)
FR (2) FR3080261B1 (en)
WO (2) WO2019202282A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3242571A (en) * 1964-07-30 1966-03-29 Western Foods Machinery Compan Machines for molding plastic products
FR2560494B1 (en) * 1984-03-02 1987-04-30 Normandie Laitiere MOLDING DEVICE FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF CHEESES OF THE SEMI-FIRM PRESSED PASTE TYPE FROM A LIQUID PREFROMAGE
DE3637280C1 (en) * 1986-11-03 1988-06-01 Alpma Alpenland Maschb Hain & Device for filling cheese curds into cheese moulds
FR2779318B1 (en) * 1998-06-09 2000-07-28 Equip Tech Ind Alimentaires METHOD FOR THE MODULAR MOLDING OF A MIXTURE OF QUAIL AND SERUM AND DEVICE

Also Published As

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EP3780949C0 (en) 2023-12-13
FR3080260A1 (en) 2019-10-25
CA3095578A1 (en) 2019-10-24
US20210029959A1 (en) 2021-02-04
FR3080261B1 (en) 2020-04-24
FR3080260B1 (en) 2020-04-24
WO2019202282A1 (en) 2019-10-24
CA3095581A1 (en) 2019-10-24
EP3780949B1 (en) 2023-12-13
EP3780949A1 (en) 2021-02-24
US20210029958A1 (en) 2021-02-04
WO2019202283A1 (en) 2019-10-24
FR3080261A1 (en) 2019-10-25

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