DEVICE FOR FORMING PIZZA BASES

Abstract

A device for forming pizza bases includes at least one supporting surface on which a predefined quantity of dough can be accommodated; the surface is surmounted by a respective supporting frame for a pusher designed to flatten the quantity of dough and to spread it. The pusher has a presser plate to which vertices of at least two contiguous radial laminas are hinged. Between the frame and the pusher, there are interposed at least one central actuator, configured for a vertical translation of the central body between a first configuration of maximum distance from the supporting surface and a second configuration of minimum distance from it, and at least two external actuators, configured for the vertical translation of the outer edge of a respective lamina between a first arrangement of maximum distance from the supporting surface and a second arrangement of minimum distance from it.

Description

Claims

1. A device for forming pizza bases comprising: at least one supporting surface on which a predefined quantity of dough is configured to be accommodated, at least one surface surmounted by a respective supporting frame for at least one pusher designed to flatten said quantity of dough and to spread the dough, wherein said pusher comprises a presser plate which is constituted by a substantially planar central body, with a footprint having a transverse dimension of less than 150 mm, to which vertices of at least two contiguous radial laminas are hinged, outer edges thereof forming a contour which substantially corresponds to that of a pizza base to be provided, between said frame and said pusher there being interposed at least one central actuator, configured for a vertical translation of said central body between a first configuration of maximum distance from said supporting surface and a second configuration of minimum distance from said supporting surface, and at least two external actuators, configured for a vertical translation of the outer edge of a respective said lamina between a first arrangement of maximum distance from said supporting surface and a second arrangement of minimum distance from said supporting surface.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said contiguous radial laminas are a plurality.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said substantially planar central body has a substantially circular contour, said at least two contiguous radial laminas being shaped of circular sectors which have an outside diameter that corresponds to a diameter of an internal part of the pizza base to be provided, delimited by a perimetric crust of dough.

4. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a covering sheath for said presser plate, a face of said sheath that is directed outward being configured to abut against the predefined quantity of said dough.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein said at least one central actuator and said at least two external actuators are chosen between pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, electrically actuated movement means, and combinations thereof.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein said dough is has high hydration, comprising a quantity of water, with respect to the flour, equal to at least 55% by weight.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein said pusher is rigidly coupled to a panel which is coupled to said frame by virtue of adjustment means configured for adjusting a position of the panel, at least in elevation, with respect to the at least one supporting surface on which the predefined quantity of dough can be accommodated.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein said pusher has a footprint a transverse dimension of which is smaller than 1000 mm, said transverse footprint being defined by an outer perimetric edge of said at least two contiguous radial laminas.

9. A method for forming pizza bases which consists in adopting a device according to claim 1, the method including the following steps: — arranging a predefined quantity of dough on the at least one supporting surface,— actuating said at least one central actuator for a translation of said substantially planar central body toward said surface, with consequent compression of a central portion of said predefined quantity of dough until said predefined quantity of dough is brought to a set thickness, regions that are contiguous to said central portion of said dough being subjected to a compression which decreases progressively away from said central body by virtue of an action of portions of said laminas which are proximate to said central body and are hinged thereto, and— actuating said external actuators for the rotation of said laminas toward said surface, with consequent compression of external portions of said predefined quantity of dough until it is brought to a set thickness, producing an outflow of dough beyond the perimetric edge of said presser plate which is intended to form a crust of dough which is arranged perimetrically to the base.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein said dough has high hydration, comprising a quantity of water, with respect to the flour, equal to at least 55% by weight.

11. A unit for making pizzas, comprising: at least one mixer for providing a food dough, at least one assembly for dividing said dough into predefined distinct quantities, at least one apparatus for a transfer of said predefined quantities of dough, at least one station for the distribution of specific fillings on pizza bases obtained from said predefined quantities of dough and a thermal treatment assembly chosen between an oven, a blast chiller, and a freezer, and further comprising, interposed between said at least one transfer apparatus and said at least one filling distribution station, a device according to claim 1.