EP4077152A1

EP4077152A1 - Pouring device

Info

Publication number: EP4077152A1
Application number: EP20848805.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Adrien GATTI; Matthieu GUYOT; Christian DUPIRE; Hervé SZYMANEK; Yves Gosselin
Original assignee: Lesaffre et Cie SA
Current assignee: Lesaffre et Cie SA
Priority date: 2019-12-19
Filing date: 2020-12-17
Publication date: 2022-10-26
Anticipated expiration: 2040-12-17
Also published as: ZA202207967B; US20230312320A1; EP4077152C0; BR112022012041A2; EP4077152B1; CA3160802A1; US12110221B2; KR20220111686A; CN114829264A; AR120797A1; TW202138280A; CN114829264B; FR3105059B1; AU2020410074A1; JP2023506393A; MX2022007401A; WO2021123645A1; FR3105059A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a pouring device (1) which is suitable for piercing and emptying granular material contained in vacuum packaging (P) and which comprises: - a tubular body (2) having a pipe (20) for conducting the material, the pipe (20) extending from an inlet mouth (21) located at a first end of the tubular body to an outlet mouth (22) for the granular material, located at a second end of the tubular body (2); - a hollow piercing tool (3) having a distal end terminating in a tip (30) and a widened base (31) at its proximal end, rigidly connected to the body. The device also comprises a shoulder (4) serving as a stop, configured to come into contact with the wall of the packaging so as to stop the pouring device when the wall is pierced by the piercing tool (3), and optionally a bowl (5) configured to return the granular material that escaped the hollow part of the piercing tool by gravity to the inside of the hollow part.

Description

Title: Discharge device

The invention relates to a discharge device which will find particular application for piercing a package containing a granular material, and emptying it, essentially by the phenomenon of gravity.

The invention is more particularly interested in emptying vacuum packaging for which the granular material is compacted due to the vacuum inside the packaging and the pressure difference between the internal pressure in the packaging , lower than atmospheric pressure, and the atmospheric pressure prevailing outside the packaging.

[0003] The invention also relates to a fermentation unit with a fermentation tank, comprising a discharge device according to the invention configured to allow the aseptic transfer of the granular material, from the vacuum packaging to the fermentation tank.

[0004] The invention also relates to equipment comprising a pouring device according to the invention and a shutter, as well as a method for disinfecting the pouring device using such equipment.

[0005] The invention also relates to a vacuum packaging specifically configured to cooperate with said discharge device.

The discharge device according to the present disclosure finds a particular application for ensuring the aseptic transfer of granular material contained in a vacuum package, and in particular the aseptic transfer of a dry yeast contained in a vacuum package to equipment, especially industrial, such as a fermentation tank.

Technical area

The present disclosure relates to the field of vacuum packaging for granular, dry material, such as dry powdered yeast, and technical solutions proposed for aseptically transferring the granular material contained in the packaging to a donated equipment. [0008] In the field of beer manufacture, very often at several stages during manufacture, it is necessary to add dry yeast. For example, such an addition is made for carrying out fermentation in a tank, very often after cooling a must obtained by filtration of a mixture of crushed cereal grains and water.

[0009] Dry, active yeast is conventionally contained in a vacuum package to protect it during storage from oxygen and moisture. This package is opened for manual discharge through a manhole in the fermentation tank. As far as possible, this operation must be carried out aseptically, otherwise germs, bacteria or fungi will be transferred into the tank, which would then develop during fermentation, degrading the organoleptic qualities of the drink. In order to avoid the transfer of germs inside the tank, prior to piercing the vacuum packaging, the tools (such as a pair of scissors) used to open the packaging are disinfected, or even the disinfection of the outer surfaces of the packaging.

[0010] Once the vacuum package is opened, the latter is simply returned by the operator to the right of the manhole, and for the yeast to flow into the fermentation tank on the wort.

[0011] According to the findings of the inventors, such a practice is not satisfactory, and for several reasons:

- The disinfection of tools (such as pairs of scissors) typically carried out with a flame, or even by the use of disinfectant solutions is tedious and the success of the operation depends mainly on the rigor of the operator during this operation,

- Manual dumping of the packaging over the manhole is very often a tedious operation, with a significant risk of a detrimental fall, for example of a fall of the packaging itself within the the tank, and above all,

- The opening of the manhole necessary for the discharge of the yeast is in itself a risk of aseptic rupture of the tank, in that it allows an entry of air not sterilized in large quantities in the tank, with a potential risk of bacteria and fungi suspended in the air entering the tank, liable to contaminate the must.

Prior art

[0012] It is known from the state of the art of devices suitable for piercing and then emptying a package with a view to a hygienized transfer of product, such as for example disclosed by document EP 1 201 598. The device disclosed by EP 1 201 598 is intended for emptying bags of liquids such as sauce or drink, and implicitly requires the implementation of a suction. This technical solution is ineffective and non-functional for emptying granular material from a vacuum package.

Also known, for example from document GB 719054, a device specially intended for emptying a granular material (such as fine powder ..) in a given quantity. This device comprises a piercing tool, in the form of an ogive which allows the wall of a container to be pierced, and until a shoulder provided at the base of the cone contacts the wall of the container. This drilling tool is hollow and has a side opening intended to be positioned entirely inside the container when the shoulder contacts the wall. This side opening allows material to be transferred inside the body of the piercing tool which flows down to the base of the bullet to an outlet opening. This device is designed to deliver a dose of material corresponding to the volume of the hollow part, at each tilting of the container.

In any event, and according to the findings of the inventors, this device taught by GB 719054 does not allow to pierce and empty completely and quickly the whole of a package, keeping it in a static position, and more especially when it comes to vacuum packaging.

summary

The present disclosure improves this situation by proposing a discharge device which will find particular application for piercing a vacuum packaging containing a granular material, and emptying it, essentially by the phenomenon of gravity. More particularly, the device finds a particular application for completely emptying the granular material of a vacuum packaging, quickly, in a static position of the packaging, namely without the need to tilt the packaging.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a production unit such as a fermentation unit provided with a discharge device configured to ensure the aseptic transfer of the granular material contained in a vacuum packaging, up to to an enclosure such as a fermentation tank of the unit of the production unit.

Another object of the present invention is to provide equipment comprising a discharge device according to the invention, as well as a shutter which, in addition to its primary function of shutter element, advantageously allows the implementation of a method of cleaning and disinfecting the interior and exterior surfaces of the dispensing device coming into contact with the granular material.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning and disinfection process using equipment according to the invention.

Another object of the invention is still to provide a vacuum packaging specially configured to cooperate with the discharge device according to the invention, at least according to one embodiment.

[0021] Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the description which follows, which is given only as an indication and which is not intended to limit it.

According to a first aspect, there is proposed a discharge device suitable for piercing and emptying a granular material contained in a vacuum packaging, comprising:

- a tubular body, having a conduit for the flow of the material, extending from an inlet mouth positioned at the level of a first end of the tubular body to an outlet mouth for the granular material, positioned at the level of a first end of the tubular body. level of a second end of the tubular body,

- a drilling tool, hollow, having a distal end terminating in a point and a base widened at its proximal end, integral with the tubular body at the first end of the tubular body, the drilling tool having at least one lateral opening along the length of the drilling tool, said lateral opening extending the length of the drilling tool from the enlarged base of the 'drilling tool, said lateral opening being configured to allow the discharge of the material from the outside to the inside of the hollow part of the drilling tool, the hollow part of the widened base of the drilling tool being in communication with the inlet mouth of the tubular body,

a shoulder with a peripheral stopper function, said shoulder being formed by the first end of the tubular body arranged around the widened base of the drilling tool, said shoulder with a stopper function being configured to come into contact with the wall of the package to ensure the stopping of the dispenser device when said wall is pierced by the piercing tool in a position where said lateral opening extends inside the package and in which said dispenser device is configured to ensure the continuous emptying of the contents of the vacuum package, when the dispenser is oriented vertically with the point upwards, the granular material flowing by gravity through said lateral opening via the mouth of 'inlet and up to the outlet mouth by gravity, against the flow of air entering the vacuum packaging.

[0023] According to one embodiment, said shoulder acting as a stopper is configured to come into contact with the wall of the packaging to ensure that the discharge device stops when said wall is pierced by the drilling tool in a position wherein said side opening extends a first length portion inside the package and a second length portion outside the package where said side opening forms an air inlet, and wherein said shoulder is at a radial distance from the enlarged base of the drilling tool, the discharge device comprising a cup, shaped on the first end of the tubular body, arranged at the periphery around the drilling tool, positioned intermediate between said shoulder and the widened base of the drilling tool with the slope of the cup inclined towards the drilling tool and configured, when the drilling tool is oriented vertically, the drilling tool tip directed ve rs up, so as to bring back by gravity the granular material that has escaped the hollow part of the drilling tool inside the hollow part, through the second side opening length part.

According to optional characteristics, taken alone or in combination:

- the enlarged base of the drilling tool having an outer radius relative to an axis of the drilling tool, the lower part of the cup having to the right of said lateral opening, a recess, in excess of the wall of the cup communicating with the pipe of the tubular body, said recess being configured so that the inlet mouth extends radially outwardly beyond the radius R1 of the enlarged base of the drilling tool, at least to the right of said at least lateral opening;

- the entry mouth extends to the right of the lateral opening up to a radius R2 relative to the axis A of the drilling tool, greater than the external radius R1 of the enlarged base of the tool drilling;

- the drilling tool has the shape of an ogive, comprising ogive arcs each extending from the enlarged base of the drilling tool to the tip of the drilling tool where said arcs of ogives meet, said at least one side opening comprising a plurality of side openings, each side opening extending from the widened base between two of consecutive ribbed arches along all or part of the length of the drilling tool in direction of the tip.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the drilling tool comprises a locking groove intended to directly receive the edge of the wall of the packaging or else indirectly via an annular ring integral with the wall of the packaging, said groove of blocking being configured so as to ensure the maintenance of the drilling tool once the packaging has been pierced by the drilling tool, said blocking groove being formed by a plurality of notches located on the same radius with respect to the axis A of the drilling tool.

According to one embodiment, said notches being positioned along the axis A of the drilling tool at the level of said shoulder in the direction of the axis A, at a distance from the enlarged base of the drilling tool along said direction of the axis A, and so that said lateral opening extends in height, when the wall of the packaging is blocked by the notches of the locking groove, at the time, on the one hand, inside the packaging on said first part of the length of the drilling tool located between the point and the locking groove allowing the spillage of the granular material inside the drilling tool, and on the other hand, outside the packaging on the second part of the length of the drilling tool between the locking groove and the widened base where said lateral opening forms said air inlet.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the tubular body and drilling tool assembly is a hand-held, portable, hand-manipulable tool configured to manually pierce and empty granular material from a vacuum package.

[0028] Alternatively, the discharge device can be an integral part of a production unit.

[0029] Also, the invention also relates to a production unit such as a fermentation unit comprising an enclosure such as a fermentation tank as well as a discharge device according to the invention, mounted integral with said enclosure, in a fixed manner, or from a pipe of said production unit, the drilling tool vertically, the point facing upwards, said discharge device being configured to transfer a granular material contained in a vacuum package into said enclosure , directly in the tank or indirectly via said pipe.

According to one embodiment of the production unit, the tubular body of the pouring device is integral with said enclosure, in particular with the fermentation tank, in a sealed manner, so that the outlet mouth is in communication with the internal volume of said enclosure, said discharge device in the upper part of said enclosure, configured so that the granular material flows from the outlet mouth to the interior of the tank by gravity.

[0031] Alternatively, said enclosure, in particular the fermentation tank being supplied with products in a forced manner by the pipe, said tubular body of the discharge device can be coupled in a sealed manner to the pipe, directly, or indirectly via a transfer system of sort of granular material flows through the pipe mixing with the products, and before said granular material is conveyed, together with the products, into said enclosure, such as the fermentation tank.

The invention also relates to equipment comprising a discharge device according to the invention or a discharge device of a fermentation unit according to the invention, as well as a shutter cooperating in a sealed manner with the first end of the tubular body. , covering the drilling tool and, where appropriate, the cup, forming a sealed chamber for a fluid, said chamber being defined between the shutter, on the one hand, and the drilling tool, and the shoulder, or even the where appropriate, said bowl, on the other hand, said sealed chamber in communication with the pipe of the tubular body via said at least lateral opening.

The invention also relates to a method for cleaning and disinfecting the interior surfaces of the drilling tool and the conduit of the tubular body of the discharge device and the exterior surfaces of the drilling tool or even of the bowl, or even of the shoulder of the overflow device of equipment according to the invention in which:

- The shutter covering the drilling tool, said shoulder and, where appropriate, the cup is placed in place, forming a sealed chamber for a fluid, said chamber being defined between the shutter, on the one hand, and the tool drilling, said shoulder and, where appropriate, the cup, on the other hand, said sealed chamber in communication with the duct of the tubular body via said lateral opening,

- A disinfectant fluid is injected through the outlet mouth so that the disinfectant fluid circulates, on the one hand, in the duct and the hollow of the drilling tool, coming into contact with the internal walls of the duct and of the hollow part of the drilling tool, and circulates, on the other hand, in the sealed chamber by coming into contact with the outer walls of the drilling tool, and of the shoulder and, where appropriate, of the cup.

When the method is implemented in equipment comprising the discharge device of a fermentation unit according to the invention, the step of injecting disinfectant fluid ensuring the disinfection of the interior surfaces of the drilling tool and of the duct of the tubular body and of the external surfaces of the drilling tool, or even, where appropriate, of the cup, and the shoulder of the device dispenser may be an injection simultaneously ensuring the cleaning and / or sterilization of the internal surfaces of the fermentation unit. The cleaning and disinfection process can thus advantageously be a “cleaning in place” (CIP) process.

The invention also relates to a vacuum packaging containing a granular material, as well as an annular ring integral with the wall of the packaging, configured to come to be blocked in the stop groove of a discharge device according to the invention according to one embodiment.

According to one embodiment, the outer surface of the sealed wall of the vacuum packaging at the level of the annular ring intended to be pierced can be sanitized and isolated from external contaminations by a peelable sheet, intended to be removed before drilling.

Finally, the invention also relates to the use of the discharge device according to the invention or belonging to the production unit in particular of fermentation according to the invention, or to the equipment according to the invention for emptying a packaging under vacuum containing dry, active yeast.

The characteristics set out in the following paragraphs can optionally be implemented. They can be implemented independently of one another or in combination with one another.

Brief description of the drawings

[0039] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1

[0040] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a discharge device according to one embodiment.

Fig. 2

[0041] [Fig. 2] is a top view of the device as illustrated in Figure 1.

Fig. 3 [0042] [Fig. 3] is a sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 along a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device, slightly offset from the longitudinal axis.

Fig. 4 [0043] [Fig. 4] is a sectional view of the device, in use, when the piercing tool passes through the wall of the vacuum packaging, the edge of the wall of the packaging received directly and locked in a locking groove of the drilling tool.

Fig. [0044] [Fig. 5] is a view of a vacuum packaging notably comprising an annular ring, integral with the wall of the packaging intended to cooperate with the aforementioned locking groove, as well as a protective sheet, peelable, intended to isolate the outer surface of the packaging from external contamination, locally in line with the annular ring. 5a [0045] [Fig. 5a] is a detail view illustrating in section the wall of the packaging, the peelable sheet, as well as the annular ring, intermediate.

Fig. 6

[0046] [Fig. 6] is a sectional view of the device, in use, as the drilling tool passes through the wall of the vacuum package, the annular ring received and held in the locking groove of the drilling tool.

Fig. 7

[0047] [Fig. 7] is a sectional view of equipment comprising a device according to Figure 1, and a shutter, allowing the implementation of a method of cleaning and disinfection of the interior and exterior surfaces of the discharge device.

Fig. 7a

[0048] [Fig. 7a] is a sectional view of the drilling tool passing through the longitudinal axis, partial, more particularly illustrating the underside of the hollow of the tool, at the point, with the presence of a flat preventing product retention.

Fig. 8

[0049] [Fig. 8] is a schematic view illustrating several possible integrations of a discharge device according to Figure 1 permanently fixed in a fermentation unit.

Fig. 9

[Fig. 9] is a perspective view of a discharge device according to a second embodiment, as an alternative to FIG. 1, the locking groove ensuring the maintenance of the edge of the wall of the packaging being removed and replaced by a radially projecting stopper. of the drilling tool, coupled with a screw thread.

Description of the embodiments

The invention relates to a discharge device 1 suitable for piercing and emptying a granular material contained in a vacuum packaging P.

The granular material is preferably dry, for example a dry, active yeast intended for carrying out fermentation, for example for the manufacture of beer. This granular material is contained in a vacuum package. The material and the packaging are compacted due to the vacuum and the pressure difference between the internal pressure, lower than atmospheric pressure, and the external pressure, namely the pressure, atmospheric.

According to the preliminary tests carried out by the inventors, the discharge devices operating by piercing a package to empty liquids or a granular material in a conventional package (without vacuum) as known from the state of the art by example disclosed by GB 719054, are not satisfactory when it comes to emptying compacted granular material from a vacuum package. When these devices are used with such vacuum packaging, the granular material begins to empty before the flow dries up. These dispensing devices do not allow the granular contents of the packaging to be emptied quickly. Otherwise, the air required to empty the granular content flowing against the flow, can generate reflux causing loss of granular material, which escapes from the device at the hole.

The present disclosure, at least according to one embodiment, arose from the observation by the inventors that the discharge devices of the state of the art, when used to pierce and empty a vacuum packaging, generate during the flow of the material a depression which may tend to maintain a vacuum inside the packaging, a vacuum which opposes the flow of the granular material. On the other hand, and when the air required for emptying flows only against the grain of the granular material, this air can lead to reflux causing product loss.

At least according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inventors have responded to this problem by designing a discharge device ensuring the discharge of the granular material by simple gravity, by promoting the air inlets through the opening of piercing of the packaging, and while the discharge device is substantially maintained in a static position, and without risk of loss of product, even in the event of reflux.

Advantageously, such a device thus makes it possible to quickly and continuously empty all of the granular material contained in the vacuum packaging.

Also, and as illustrated in the figures by way of non-limiting example, the discharge device suitable for piercing and emptying a granular material contained in a vacuum packaging P, comprises:

- a tubular body 2, having a conduit 20 for the flow of the material, extending from an inlet mouth 21 positioned at the level of a first end of the tubular body to an outlet mouth 22 for the material granular, positioned at a second end of the tubular body 2,

- a drilling tool 3, hollow, having a distal end terminated in a point 30 and an enlarged base 31 at its proximal end, integral with the tubular body at the first end of the tubular body, the drilling tool having at least one lateral opening 32 along the length of the drilling tool, said opening side 32 extending the length of the drilling tool from the enlarged base 31 of the drilling tool, said side opening being configured to allow material to be discharged from the outside to the inside of the hollow part of the drilling tool 3, the hollow part of the enlarged base 31 of the drilling tool 3 being in communication with the inlet mouth 21 of the tubular body 2,

a shoulder 4 having a peripheral stopper function, formed by the first end of the tubular body 2 disposed around and the widened base 31 of the drilling tool, said shoulder 4 having a stopper function being configured to come in contact with the wall of the packaging to ensure the stopping of the dispensing device when said wall is pierced by the piercing tool in a position where said lateral opening 32 extends inside the packaging.

In general, it is noted that the axis A of the drilling tool and the axis of the duct 20 are preferably substantially coincident, the duct 20 extending vertically, the drilling tool when the latter is oriented vertically, the point 30 upwards.

In general, it is noted that the drilling tool can include several side openings 32, distributed around the axis A of the drilling tool and for example four in number, each opening extending along a angular sector, in particular less than 90 °.

Thus, and as illustrated in Figure 4, such a discharge device is used by piercing the wall of the packaging with the drilling tool and until the abutment of the shoulder 4 against the outer surface of the packaging. The discharge takes place when the device is held in a position where the axis of the drilling tool is substantially, vertical, the point 30 directed upwards; the granular material flows, from the package, through said lateral opening in the hollow of the drilling tool 3, through the inlet mouth 21, and to the outlet mouth 22 where the granular material escapes.

In order to take into account the vacuum in the packaging which may tend to prevent rapid emptying of the granular content, the discharge device 1 may include the following characteristics, at least according to one embodiment. Said shoulder 4 to stop function, configured to come into contact with the wall of the packaging ensuring the stop of the discharge device when said wall is pierced by the drilling tool 3, is notably in a position wherein said side opening 32 extends over a first portion of length L1 inside the package and over a second portion of length L2 outside the package where said side opening forms an air inlet.

Thus and in Figure 4, it is noted that each side opening penetrates into the packaging on the first part of length L1 of the side opening 32, where said side opening allows the entry of granular material into the hollow of the drilling tool, and extends over the second part of length L2, outside the packaging where it forms an air inlet.

As visible in Figure 4, and as shown by the arrows with a single line, the second portion of length L2 of the lateral opening provides a lateral air inlet, at the level of the first end of the tubular body 2, against the flow of granular material flowing by gravity, shown by a double arrow. This lateral air inlet is advantageously in addition to the possible air inlet which takes place axially from the outlet mouth 22 through the duct 20 of the tubular body.

For example, the L2 / L1 ratio can be between 0.05 and 0.25 such as 0.1.

The side air inlet (s) formed by said side opening 32, significantly increases the quantity of air entering the vacuum packaging, avoiding the creation of a vacuum caused by the flow of the granular material, which favors the flow of the material coming from the vacuum packaging: the flow is significantly better and allows the granular contents of the vacuum packaging to be quickly emptied, even when the dispensing device is kept static, the point towards the top.

It should be noted however that from time to time, the air circulating axially against the current of the granular material can cause reflux of granular material which escapes laterally through said (or each) lateral opening 32 on the second section of length L2, outside the packaging. The inventors have overcome this problem by allowing the return of granular material, by gravity, within the device.

Thus and according to this embodiment of the present disclosure, said shoulder is at a distance radially from the enlarged base 31 of the drilling tool, the device comprises a cup 5, shaped on the first end of the tubular body 2, arranged at the periphery around the drilling tool 3, in particular at 360 ° around the drilling tool 3. This cup 5 is positioned intermediate between said shoulder 4 and the widened base 31 of the drilling tool: The slope of the cup is advantageously inclined towards the drilling tool 3 and configured (when the drilling tool is oriented vertically, the point 30 of the drilling tool directed upwards), so as to return the material by gravity granular having escaped the hollow part of the drilling tool inside the hollow part, through the second part of length L2 of the lateral opening 32. The bowl 5 thus advantageously has the function of bringing back into the duct 20 gr material annular which escapes laterally through said lateral opening 32.

Finally, said discharge device is configured to ensure the continuous emptying of the contents of the vacuum packaging, when the discharge device is oriented vertically, the tip upwards, the granular material flowing by gravity at the through said lateral opening 32 via the inlet mouth 21 and up to the outlet mouth 22 by gravity, against the current of the air entering the packaging in particular via the axial air inlet formed via line 20, and optionally, where appropriate, via the side air inlet (s) via said side opening 32.

[0069] By way of non-limiting example:

- the height H of the drilling tool along the axis A, from the shoulder 4 to the point 30 may be between 25 mm and 40 mm, for example of the order of 30 mm to 40 mm,

- the diameter D of the enlarged base of the drilling tool can be between 15 mm and 25 mm such as for example 20 mm,

- The diameter De of the cup 5 is between 120% and 200% of the diameter of the enlarged base 31 of the drilling tool, for example between 40 mm and 60 mm. According to an embodiment illustrated by way of example, in Figure 2, the enlarged base of the drilling tool having an outer radius R1 relative to an axis A of the drilling tool, the lower part of the bowl 5 having, in line with said lateral opening 32, a recess 50, in excess of the wall of the bowl 5 communicating with the pipe 20 of the tubular body 2.

This recess 50 is in particular configured so that the inlet mouth 21 extends radially outwardly beyond the radius R1 of the enlarged base 31 of the drilling tool, at least in line with said at least side opening 32.

Such a recess 50, in particular visible in Figure 2, further promotes the return of the granular material from the bowl 5 to the inlet mouth 21, avoiding the accumulation of material in the bowl 5, outside the drilling tool 3. Such a recess 50 can be provided to the right of each side opening 32. The inlet mouth 21 can thus extend to the right of the side opening 32 up to a radius R2 relative to the axis A of the 'drilling tool, greater than the outer radius R1 of the enlarged base 31 of the drilling tool 3, and as visible in Figure 2.

The drilling tool 3 may have the shape of an ogive, comprising ogive arcs 33 each extending from the enlarged base 31 of the drilling tool 3 to the tip 30 of the tool. drilling where the rib arcs 33 meet. Said at least one side opening 32 may include a plurality of side openings 32. Each side opening 32 preferably extends from the widened base 31 between two of the consecutive rib arches 33, over all or part of the length of the lattice. 'drilling tool in the direction of the point 30. By way of example, the ogive arcs 33 are four in number, distributed around the axis A, for example every 90 °.

According to one embodiment, the drilling tool 3 comprises a locking groove 34 intended to directly receive the edge of the wall of the packaging P or also indirectly via an annular ring B integral with the wall of the packaging. P. The locking groove 34 is configured so as to ensure that the drilling tool is held in place by the packaging once the packaging has been pierced by the drilling tool 3. For example and when the discharge device is configured as a hand tool, removable and independent, the locking groove 34 ensures the maintenance of the discharge device 1 to the wall of the package, suspended from the package , and without the need for the operator to hold back the discharge device 1.

As visible in the figures, the locking groove 34 is formed by a plurality of notches 35, for example on the ogive arcs 33, located on the same radius relative to the axis A of the tool. drilling. The notches 35 are positioned along the axis A of the drilling tool at the level of said shoulder 4 in the direction of the axis A, at a distance from the enlarged base 31 of the drilling tool in said direction of the axis A and so that said side opening 32 extends in height, when the wall of the package is blocked by the notches 35 of the locking groove 34, both, on the one hand, inside the 'packaging on said first part of length L1 of the drilling tool 3 located between the tip 30 and the locking groove 34, and on the other hand, outside the packaging on the second part of length L2 of the drilling tool 3 which extends between the locking groove 34 and the enlarged base 31. On this second portion of length L2, said lateral opening forms said lateral air inlet.

The locking groove makes it possible to cooperate directly with the edge of the wall of the packaging as illustrated in FIG. 4 or also indirectly via an annular ring B integral with the wall of the packaging, and as visible in FIG. 6 .

[0078] The invention also relates to a vacuum packaging P containing a granular material, as well as an annular ring B integral with the wall of the packaging, configured to come to be blocked in the stop groove 34 of a discharge device 1.

According to another possibility which can be combined (or not) with the presence of the annular ring B, the outer surface of the sealed wall of the vacuum packaging intended to be pierced, if necessary at the level of the ring annular B, is isolated from external contamination by a peelable sheet Pel, intended to be removed before drilling. This surface can preferably be aseptic or sterilized, just before the laying of the peelable sheet Pel. The variant of Figure 9 notably comprises a stop 37 projecting radially from the drilling tool (replacing the locking groove 34 of Figure 1), more particularly in the form of a ring, substantially perpendicular to the A axis of the drilling tool. This ring connects the rib arcs 33 of the drilling tool between them. This stop 37 is positioned substantially at the same level as said shoulder 4, in the direction of axis A, at a distance from the enlarged base 31 in this direction A. This stop is preceded by a screw thread, 38, which connects the rib arcs 33 of the drilling tool between them.

The installation of the discharge device is ensured by piercing the flexible wall of the packaging with the tip 31 of the drilling tool 3, then by screwing the screw thread 38 with the flexible wall of the packaging and until the flexible wall is clamped between the stopper-forming ring 37 and an immediately adjacent portion of the screw thread 38 when the wall of the packaging bears against said shoulder 4.

[0082] According to a first possibility, the tubular body 2 and drilling tool 3 assembly is configured as a hand tool, portable, manipulable by hand, configured to manually pierce and empty the granular material from a vacuum package.

[0083] According to a second possibility, the discharge device can be an integral part of a production unit, permanently attached to the production unit, the tip of the drilling tool facing upwards.

Also, the invention also relates to a production unit 7 such as a fermentation unit comprising an enclosure 70 such as a fermentation tank as well as a discharge device 1 according to the invention mounted integral with said enclosure 70 or integral with a pipe 71 of said production unit, the drilling tool vertically, the point facing upwards, said discharge device being configured to transfer a granular material contained in a vacuum packaging into said enclosure 70, directly in said enclosure, or indirectly via said pipe 71. For this purpose, the second end of the tubular body is fixed in a sealed manner to said enclosure 70, in particular to the fermentation tank or to the pipe, for example by means of a thread 23 at the level of the outlet mouth 22 cooperating by screwing with a threaded connection of the production unit. Any other type of connector can be used to secure the second end to the tank or to the pipe, such as a connector according to the SMS standard or a connector known to those skilled in the art under the name of "CLAM P connector. "

[0086] According to one embodiment, the tubular body of the pouring device is integral with said enclosure 70 in a sealed manner, so that the outlet mouth 22 is in communication with the internal volume of the fermentation tank. The discharge device is fixed at the top of the tank, configured so that the granular material flows from the outlet mouth 22 to the interior of said chamber 70, in particular the tank by gravity.

According to another possibility, said enclosure 70 in particular the fermentation tank 70 being fed with products in a forced manner by the pipe 71, said tubular body of the discharge device is coupled in a sealed manner to the pipe 71 directly or indirectly via a system of transfer so that the granular material flows in the pipe 71 while mixing with the products, and before said granular material is conveyed, together with the products in said enclosure 70.

One can for example use a transfer system such as a venturi 8, through which the fluid of the pipe passes, the depression generated by the venturi 8 sucking the granular material in order to mix it with the fluid downstream of the venturi.

Again the present disclosure relates to equipment which comprises a discharge device 1 according to the invention, or a discharge device of a fermentation unit 7 according to the invention, as well as a shutter 6 cooperating in a sealed manner with the first end of the tubular body, covering (in the closed position) the drilling tool and the cup, forming a sealed chamber 60 for a fluid. This chamber is defined between the internal wall of the shutter 6, on the one hand, and the drilling tool 3, (the cup 5 where appropriate) and the shoulder 4, on the other hand, said sealed chamber in communication with the pipe 20 of the tubular body via said at least lateral opening. Such a shutter 6, in addition to its function of shuttering element of the inlet mouth can advantageously allow the implementation of a cleaning and disinfection process. The shutter 6 can be screwed to the tubular body, the shutter having an internal thread cooperating with an external thread of the tubular body, at the level of the first end of the tubular body. Alternatively, the shutter 6 can be fixed to the tubular body of the device by any type of connector, such as an SMS connector or a CLAMP connector.

[0091] Also, the invention also relates to a method for cleaning and disinfecting the interior surfaces of the drilling tool and the conduit of the tubular body of the discharge device 1 and of the exterior surfaces of the drilling tool of the shoulder or even where appropriate of the bowl of the overflow device of equipment according to the invention.

This cleaning and disinfection process includes the following steps:

- The shutter 6 is placed covering the drilling tool said shoulder 4 (and where appropriate the cup 5) by forming a sealed chamber 60 for a fluid, said chamber being defined between the shutter, with a on the one hand, and the drilling tool 3, said shoulder 4 (and where appropriate the cup 5) on the other hand, said sealed chamber in communication with the duct 20 of the tubular body via said at least lateral opening 32,

- A disinfectant fluid is injected through the outlet mouth 22 so that the disinfectant fluid circulates, on the one hand, in the duct 20 and the hollow of the drilling tool, coming into contact with the internal walls of the duct 20 and the hollow part of the drilling tool 3, and circulates, on the other hand, in the sealed chamber 60 by coming into contact with the outer walls of the drilling tool 3, and of the shoulder 4 or even the of the cuvette 5.

As visible in the detail figure of Figure 7a, the hollow of the drilling tool may have a flat 36 on the underside of the drilling tool, opposite the tip 30, avoiding the retention of products. When the discharge device is configured as an integral part of a production unit, this cleaning and disinfection step can advantageously be simultaneous with the cleaning and / or disinfection of the production unit 7. For example and for the fermentation unit, the fluid injection step ensuring the disinfection of the interior surfaces of the piercing tool and of the conduit of the tubular body of the discharge device 1 and of the exterior surfaces of the piercing tool, of the bowl and shoulder is an injection simultaneously ensuring the cleaning of the internal surfaces of the fermentation unit. In other words, the disinfection of the discharge device is ensured simultaneously with the aid of the cleaning step of the fermentation unit.

Industrial application

The discharge device will find a particular application for emptying a vacuum packaging containing active dry yeast, for example during the manufacture of beer.

List of reference signs

1: Discharge device,

2. Tubular body,

20. Conduit

21 Entrance mouth,

22. Outlet mouthpiece,

23. Tapping

3. Drilling tool,

30. Tip,

31. Extended base,

32. Side opening,

33. pointed arches,

34. Locking groove

35. Notch

36. Flat, inside the hollow of the drilling tool (underside opposite the tip)

4. Shoulder as a stopper function,

5. Bowl, 50. Recess in over-depth of the inclined wall of the bowl,

6. Shutter;

60. Airtight chamber,

7. Production unit, such as fermentation unit, 70. Enclosure, such as fermentation tank,

71. Pipe,

8. Venturi

A. Centerline of the drilling tool

B. Annular ring D. Enlarged base diameter,

De. Bowl diameter,

H. Height of the drilling tool from the shoulder,

P. Vacuum packaging,

Pel. Peelable sheet L1. First part of the length of said side opening (intended to be inside the packaging),

L2. Second part of the length of said side opening (intended to be inside the packaging),

R1. External radius of the enlarged base, R2. Entrance mouth radius with presence of recess

Claims

[Claim 1] A discharge device (1) suitable for piercing and emptying a granular material contained in a vacuum packaging (P), comprising:

- a tubular body (2), having a conduit (20) for the flow of the material, extending from an inlet mouth (21) positioned at a first end of the tubular body to a mouth outlet (22) for the granular material, positioned at a second end of the tubular body (2):

- a drilling tool (3), hollow, having a distal end terminated in a point (30) and an enlarged base (31) at its proximal end, integral with the tubular body at the first end of the tubular body, the drilling tool having at least one lateral opening (32) along the length of the drilling tool, said lateral opening (32) extending the length of the drilling tool from the enlarged base of the drilling tool, said lateral opening being configured to allow the discharge of material from the outside to the inside of the hollow part of the drilling tool (3), the hollow part of the widened base (31) of the drilling tool (3) being in communication with the inlet mouth (21) of the tubular body (2),

- a shoulder (4) having a peripheral stopper function, formed by the first end of the tubular body (2) arranged around the widened base (31) of the drilling tool, said shoulder (4) having a function stopper being configured to come into contact with the wall of the package to stop the dispensing device when said wall is pierced by the drilling tool (3) in a position where said lateral opening (32) extends inside the packaging,

- and wherein said discharge device is configured to ensure the continuous emptying of the contents of the vacuum package, when the discharge device is oriented vertically, the tip upwards, the granular material flowing by gravity through it said lateral opening (32) via the inlet mouth (21) and up to the outlet mouth (22) by gravity, against the current of the air entering the vacuum packaging.

[Claim 2] A discharge device (1) according to claim 1 wherein said stop function shoulder (4) is configured to come into contact with the wall of the packaging to ensure the stopping of the dispensing device when said wall is pierced by the drilling tool (3) in a position where said lateral opening (32) extends over a first part of length (L1) inside the package and over a second length portion (L2) outside the package where said side opening forms an air inlet, and wherein said shoulder is radially spaced from the enlarged base (31) of the drilling tool, the discharge device comprising a bowl (5), shaped on the first end of the tubular body (2), arranged at the periphery around the drilling tool (3), positioned intermediate between said shoulder (4) and the widened base (31) of the drilling tool, the slope of the cup being inclined towards the drilling tool (3) and configured, when the drilling tool is oriented vertically, the slope of the cup is inclined towards the drilling tool (3) and configured, when the drilling tool is oriented vertically, the tip (30) of a drilling tool directed upwards, so as to return by gravity the granular material ire having escaped the hollow part of the drilling tool inside the hollow part, through the second part of length (L2) of lateral opening (32).

[Claim 3] A discharge device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the enlarged base of the drilling tool having an outer radius R1 with respect to an axis (A) of the drilling tool, the lower part of the bowl (5) having in line with said lateral opening (32), a recess (50), in excess of the wall of the bowl (5) communicating with the pipe (20) of the tubular body (2), said recess being configured so that the inlet mouth (21) extends radially outwardly beyond the radius R1 of the enlarged base (31) of the drilling tool, at least in line with said at least lateral opening ( 32).

[Claim 4] A discharge device according to claim 3, wherein the inlet mouth (21) extends in line with the lateral opening (32) up to a radius R2 with respect to the axis A of the 'drilling tool, greater than the outer radius R1 of the enlarged base (31) of the drilling tool (3).

[Claim 5] A discharge device according to one of claims 1 to 4 in which the drilling tool (3) has the shape of an ogive, comprising ogive arcs (33) each extending from the enlarged base ( 31) from the piercing tool (3) to the tip (30) of the piercing tool where said rib arches (33) meet, said at least one side opening (32) comprising a plurality side openings (32), each side opening (32) extending from the enlarged base (31) between two of consecutive rib arches (33) over all or part of the length of the drilling tool in the direction of the tip.

[Claim 6] A discharge device according to one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the drilling tool (3) comprises a locking groove (34) intended to directly receive the edge of the wall of the packaging (P) or else indirectly via an annular ring (B) integral with the wall of the packaging (P), said locking groove (34) being configured so as to ensure the maintenance of the drilling tool once the packaging has been pierced by the 'drilling tool (3), said groove being formed by a plurality of notches (35) located on the same radius with respect to the axis A of the drilling tool (3)

[Claim 7] Device according to claim 2 and 6, said notches (35) are positioned along the axis A of the drilling tool at the level of said shoulder (4) in the direction of the axis A, at a distance from the widened base (31) of the drilling tool in said direction of axis A, and so that said lateral opening (32) extends in height, when the wall of the package is blocked by the notches (35 ) of the locking groove (34), both, on the one hand, inside the packaging on said first length part (L1) of the drilling tool (3) located between the tip ( 30) and the locking groove (34) allowing the discharge of the granular material inside the drilling tool, and on the other hand, outside the packaging on the second part of length (L2) of the drilling tool (3) between the locking groove (34) and the enlarged base (31) where said side opening forms said air inlet.

[Claim s] A discharge device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, the tubular body (2) and drilling tool (3) assembly is a hand-held, portable, hand-manipulable tool configured to drill and manually emptying the granular material from a vacuum package.

[Claim 9] Production unit (7) comprising an enclosure (70) and a discharge device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, mounted integral with the enclosure (70) or a pipe (71) of said production unit, the drilling tool vertically, the point facing upwards, said discharge device being configured to transfer a granular material contained in a vacuum packaging in the enclosure (70), directly in said enclosure or indirectly via said pipe.

[Claim 10] A production unit according to claim 9 wherein the tubular body of the discharge device is integral with said enclosure (70) in a sealed manner, so that the outlet mouth (22) is in communication with the internal volume of said enclosure (70), said discharge device in the upper part of said enclosure (70), configured so that the granular material flows from the outlet mouth to the interior of said enclosure (70) through gravity.

[Claim 11] A production unit according to claim 9 wherein said enclosure (70) being forcibly supplied with products through the pipeline (71), said tubular body of the discharge device is sealingly coupled to the pipeline (71) directly. or indirectly via a transfer system so that the granular material flows in the pipe (71) mixing with the products, and before said granular material is conveyed, together with the products in said enclosure (70).

[Claim 12] A production unit according to one of claims 9 to 11 wherein said enclosure (70) is a fermentation tank.

[Claim 13] Equipment comprising a discharge device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or a discharge device of a production unit according to one of claims 9 to 12, as well as a shutter ( 6) cooperating in a sealed manner with the first end of the tubular body, covering the drilling tool, or even if necessary the cup, forming a sealed chamber (60) for a fluid, said chamber being defined between the shutter (60 ), on the one hand, and the drilling tool (3) and the shoulder (4), where appropriate said cup (5), on the other hand, said sealed chamber in communication with the pipe (20) of the tubular body via said at least lateral opening.

[Claim 14] A method for cleaning and disinfecting the interior surfaces of the drilling tool and the conduit of the tubular body and the exterior surfaces of the drilling tool and even, where appropriate, of the bowl of the device backloader (1) of an equipment according to claim 13 in which:

- The shutter (6) covering the drilling tool, said shoulder (4) and, where appropriate, the bowl (5) is put in place, forming a sealed chamber (60) for a fluid, said chamber being defined between the shutter, on the one hand, and the drilling tool (3), said shoulder (4) and where appropriate the bowl (5) on the other hand, said sealed chamber in communication with the duct (20) of the tubular body via said at least lateral opening (32),

- A disinfectant fluid is injected through the outlet mouth (21) so that the disinfectant fluid circulates, on the one hand, in the duct (20) and the hollow of the drilling tool, coming into contact with the walls inside the duct (20) and the hollow part of the drilling tool (3), and circulates, on the other hand, in the sealed chamber (60) coming into contact with the outer walls of the drilling tool (3), and of the shoulder (4) and, if applicable, of the bowl (5).

[Claim 15] The method of claim 14 implemented in equipment comprising a discharge device of a production unit according to one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the step of injecting disinfectant fluid ensuring the disinfection of internal surfaces of the drilling tool and of the duct of the tubular body of the dispensing device (1) and of the external surfaces of the drilling tool, where appropriate of the cup and of the shoulder is an injection ensuring simultaneously the cleaning of the internal surfaces of the production unit.

[Claim 16] Vacuum packaging (P) containing a granular material, as well as an annular ring (B) integral with the wall of the packaging, configured to come to lock in the stop groove (34) of a discharge device (1) according to claims 6 or 7.

[Claim 17] A package according to claim 16 wherein the outer surface of the sealed wall of the vacuum package at the level of the annular ring (B) intended to be pierced is sanitized and isolated from external contamination by a peelable sheet (Pel ), intended to be removed before drilling.

[Claim 18] Use of the discharge device (1) according to claims 1 to 8 or belonging to the production unit (7) according to one of the claims 9 to 12 or else to the equipment according to claim 13 for emptying a vacuum packaging containing active dry yeast.