FR2767333A1 - Device for immersing floating grapes in wine fermentation vat - Google Patents

Abstract

The device incorporates a vertically reciprocating subassembly (3) with articulated arms (3) deployed by springs (4) on the descent and retracted on the ascent. The grapes are pushed down below the surface of the fermenting juice in the vat by a vertically-reciprocating subassembly with arms (3) which deploy and retract automatically by means of springs (4) and catches. The action of the springs is backed up by the curvature of the arms themselves, while in the retracted state the arms fit inside a cylindrical holder (7) which is open at the bottom and fits into the vat top aperture (1). The sub-assembly is moved up and down by a screw and nut assembly (9, 10), or by a hydraulic or pneumatic power cylinder.

Description

DEVICE FOR DIPPING GRAPES IN FLOAT
IN A WINE FERMENTATION TANK
DESCRIPTION
The invention relates to a device for immersing grapes in flotation in a wine fermentation tank, of the type intended to be installed on the opening of said tank and comprising a sub-assembly, driven by a movement of va and comes vertical, or substantially vertical, able to immerse, by pushing, during its descent into the tank, the grapes located in its path.

 The gradual sinking of the grapes allows better extraction of coloring matters, aromas and fine tannins. It also makes it possible to regulate the temperatures by breaking the marc cap.

The yield in drop wine will be greater because the sinking of the solid part in the juice causes the berries to burst, which release phenolic and aromatic compounds.

This technique will therefore make it possible to enhance and accentuate all the qualities of the traditionally vinified grape variety.

 Known devices of the kind in question are essentially of three types - the first uses a sub-assembly, in the form of an inverted funnel, which is moved back and forth vertically, and / or inclined, and which is installed on the standard opening of a tank; - The second uses a sub-assembly, in the form of a tray, which is driven in a vertical back and forth movement, with the possibility of lateral displacement, and which is installed on an enlarged and non-standard opening of a tank; - the third uses four sub-assemblies, also in the form of trays, which are installed at the four corners of a non-standard tank.

The first has the disadvantage of only immersing the grapes placed vertically in the opening of the tank and that of raising the grapes placed in its path.

The second has the disadvantage of requiring an enlarged opening and that of also raising the grapes placed in its path.

The third has the disadvantage of requiring an expensive fixed installation and that of also reassembling the grapes.

In addition, none of these devices allows homogeneous mixing of all the grapes in the tank.

 The invention therefore aims to provide a device which eliminates these various drawbacks.

To this end, it relates to a device which comprises a sub-assembly consisting of at least one articulated arm which is associated, in combination, with - a first means capable of deploying it during its descent into the tank (in order to obtain the maximum brewing) and retract it when rising (so as not to raise the grapes); - A second means capable of subjecting it to an angular displacement, of the rotation type, of well defined value, before each new descent into the tank, and this depending on its location in said tank (central, lateral or other).

 The characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof given by way of non-limiting example and shown in the accompanying drawings.

In these drawings - FIG. 1 is a view in partial longitudinal section of the assembly according to the invention with the device in the rest position (solid lines) or work (broken lines) and comprising two arms articulated in opposition; - Figure 2 is a partial top view of said device according to three different angular positions (a first in solid lines and two others in broken lines).

 The device shown in the figures is of the type to be installed on the opening (1) of a tank (2) and comprising a sub-assembly (3), driven in a back and forth movement vertical, or substantially vertical , capable of immersing, by pushing, during its descent into the tank, the grapes located in its path.

Said subassembly consists of at least one articulated arm associated, in combination, with - a first means (4) able to deploy it when it descends into the tank and to retract it when it rises; - A second means (5) capable of subjecting it to an angular displacement, before each further descent into the tank, of well defined value.

The first means consists of a return spring (4) which connects the articulated arm (3) to its support yoke (6) and whose return force is defined to allow the deployment of the arm from its descent and before it is in contact with the floating grapes and the retraction of the latter during its rise under the action of the grapes encountered on its passage.

The action of said first means is reinforced by the inverted curved shape given to the articulated arm (3).

Said arm is placed, in the retracted position, at the top, in a cylindrical support nozzle (7) fully open at the bottom (8).

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the subassembly (3) comprises two articulated arms mounted in opposition.

The back and forth movement of the sub-assembly (3) can be achieved by means of: - a set of screws (9) - nut (10); - a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator.

The second means (5) can be achieved using a ratchet assembly.

 I1 can also be achieved using an angular stepping motor.

The stroke of the sub-assembly (3), in its reciprocating movement, is limited by high (11) and low (12) end-of-travel stops.

The articulated arms (3) may include pallets (13).

The screw (9) can be placed in a guide tube (14).

The device according to the invention may include an electrical control and supply box (15).

The nut (10) can be driven by a geared motor (16) associated with a drive belt (17).

The base of the tube (14) has a support (18).

The nozzle (7) has a base (19).

 Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown for which other variants can be provided, in particular in - the types of means used to deploy and retract the articulated arm or arms, to angularly moving said arms and to move them vertically in a back and forth movement; - the shape, dimensions and number of articulated arms; without thereby departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

 1- Device for immersing the grape in flotation in a wine fermentation tank, of the kind intended to be installed on the opening (1) of the tank (2) and comprising a sub-assembly (3), animated by a back and forth movement, vertical or substantially vertical, capable of immersing, by pushing, during its descent into the tank, the grapes located in its path; characterized in that said subassembly (3) consists of at least one articulated arm associated, in combination, with - a first means (4) capable of deploying it when it descends into the tank and of retracting it during of its rise; - A second means (5) capable of subjecting it to an angular displacement, before each new descent into the tank, of well defined value, depending on its location in said tank.  2- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first means consists of a return spring (4) which connects the articulated arm (3) to its support yoke (6) and whose return force is defined to allow the deployment of the arm from its descent and before it is in contact with the floating grape and the retraction of the latter during its rise under the action of the grapes encountered on its passage.  3- Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the action of the first means (4) is enhanced by the inverted curved shape given to the articulated arm (3).  4- Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the articulated arm (3) is placed, in the retracted position, in the upper part, in a cylindrical support nozzle (7) fully open in the lower part (8).  5- Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sub-assembly (3) comprises two articulated arms, mounted in opposition.  6- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the back and forth movement of the subassembly (3) is achieved by means of a set of screws (9) and nut (10).  7- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the movement back and forth from the subassembly (3) is achieved by means of a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator.  8- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second means (5) is produced using a set of pawls.  9- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second means (5) is produced using an angular stepping motor.  10- Device according to claim 6 or claim 7, characterized in that the stroke of the sub-assembly (3), in its reciprocating movement, is limited by high (11) and low end-of-travel stops (12).