FR2997931A1 - Device for tasting wine contained in opened wine bottle in wine bottle clearing and filling machine, has hollow needle passing through stopper, where length of needle is adjusted such that lower end of needle is immersed in wine - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (60) has a stopper (62) for covering a neck (10) of an opened wine bottle to isolate a volume (66) above a surface of a wine. An injecting unit (65) injects an inert gas into the volume, and a hollow needle (74) passes through the stopper. A length of the hollow needle is adjusted such that a lower end of the hollow needle is immersed in the wine. A circuit (75) comprises an upstream valve (86) and a downstream valve (86'). Two ends of the circuit are connected to the hollow needle and a crossing pipe (78) of the stopper, where the circuit forms a loop.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for sampling bottled wine and a machine for unclogging and resealing a bottle equipped with said device. Some wines can be kept in their bottles for many years. This is particularly the case of exceptional wines whose price can be very high. As the bottle is made of an inert material, the factors external to the wine that can affect its preservation are essentially the storage conditions, the gaseous exchange conditions with the outside and the characteristics of the stopper. Although the corks used have optimum characteristics at the time of bottling, the cork used for corks is a material which is not inert unlike glass bottles and its characteristics can deteriorate over time. Since the probability of a stoppage altering over time is not zero, the cork manufacturers recommend that corks be changed after a certain period of time of about twenty years. so that the wine is kept optimally. To change the cap of a bottle, one solution is to remove the cap with a corkscrew and then to bottle the bottle with a new cap.

This operation being carried out in the open air, the wine is in contact with a quantity of oxygen which can alter its organoleptic properties. Under these conditions, the owners of exceptional bottles of wine are faced with the following dilemma: Either keep the original cap and take the risk that the wine is altered because of the deterioration of the characteristics of the cap over time, Either change the cap and take the risk that the wine is altered by the uncorking of the bottle. According to another problem, when the bottle is uncorked to be corked with a new cap, it is desirable to taste the wine in the bottle to assess its taste and its evolution. One solution is to take a sample of the wine with a pipette, then pour the contents of the pipette in a glass to taste the wine taken. This solution is not satisfactory because the wine contained in the bottle is in contact with the oxygen of the air of the environment. According to another drawback, the sample of wine taken is itself in contact with the oxygen of the air of the environment, which tends to oxidize and alter the tasting. The present invention aims to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a device for tasting a wine contained in an uncorked bottle, characterized in that it comprises a cap capable of combing the neck of the bottle so as to isolate a volume above the bottle. surface of the wine, means for injecting an inert gas into the volume and a hollow needle which passes through the stopper and whose length is adapted so that its lower end is immersed in the wine.

Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of the invention, a description given by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a section of the upper part of a bottle FIGS. 2A to 2C are sections of the upper part of a bottle and a device according to the invention shown diagrammatically during the various phases of unblocking, FIG. 3 is a side view 4 is a section along the line IV-IV of FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a section along the line V-V of FIG. 3; FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a device for sampling wine contained in a bottle; FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a device for sucking cork debris on the surface of the wine contained in a bottle after it has been uncorked; Figures 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating two alternative devices for blowing cork debris which may be present at the neck pipe surface of a bottle of wine after it has been uncorked; and FIGS. 10A and 10B are a vertical section and a top view of a ring attached to a bottle of wine to inerter. In Figure 1, there is shown at 10 a neck of a bottle containing a liquid and more particularly wine. This neck 10 comprises a conduit 12 with an axis A and an internal diameter Di constant over a certain height and an upper end 14 in the form of a substantially planar surface perpendicular to the axis A. Slightly below the upper end 14, the neck has on the outside a cylindrical surface with a diameter be. In known manner, the neck 10 is closed by a plug 16. This plug has a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter bBe slightly greater than the inner diameter bi of the neck so as to be compressed in the neck.

According to a known and widely known embodiment, the stopper 16 is made of cork. However, the invention can operate with plugs made of another material. After the bottling, a volume of gas 18 is trapped between the upper level 20 of the wine and the stopper 16. During the storage of the bottled wine, a balance is achieved between this volume of gas 16 and the wine. An inerting device 22 is attached to the neck 10 of the bottle at the time of uncorking the bottle. It comprises means 24 for withdrawing a plug 16, a cylindrical hole 26, hereinafter referred to as the extraction cylinder, which is in line with the duct 12 of the neck 10, and means 28 for injecting a gas into the extraction cylinder 26. According to one embodiment, the means 24 for removing a plug comprise a support 30 and a twist 32 secured to the support. In the manner of a corkscrew, the auger 32 is capable of sinking into the plug 16 when the support 30 is driven in a rotational movement combined with a translational movement in the direction of the axis A in a first direction towards the stopper. To remove the stopper, the support 30 must be moved in translation in the direction of the axis A in a second direction opposite to the first direction. According to a simplified variant, the means 24 for removing a cap are independent of the rest of the inerting device 22. They can in this case be in the form of a corkscrew and be manually operated. Advantageously, the inerting device comprises actuators (engine cylinder or other) to ensure the translational and rotational movements of the support 30 as well as means for controlling and controlling these movements. The actuators and their control and control means are not represented. They are not detailed because they are within the reach of the skilled person in the field of automation. in any case, the means 24 for removing a plug have forms allowing them to be introduced into the extraction cylinder.

The inerting device 22 comprises a body 34 with an extraction cylinder 26 which passes through the body 34 from top to bottom and which opens in the lower part at a contact surface 36 perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder of FIG. extraction 26. The diameter of the extraction cylinder 26 is preferably equal to that of the conduit 12 of the neck. Advantageously, the inerting device 22 comprises a flexible gasket 38 at the level of the contact surface 36 that can be interposed between the body 34 and the neck 10. By flexible means that the seal is likely to deform when it is compressed between the body 34 and the neck 10. This seal 38 serves to ensure a seal between the body 34 and the neck 10. Preferably, the device comprises means for coaxially positioning the extraction cylinder 26 of the body 34 relative to the conduit 12 of the neck. According to one embodiment, the lower surface of the body 34 comprises a countersink 40 whose bottom forms the contact surface 36 and whose diameter is equal to the clearance close to the outside diameter of the neck 10. When unclogging, the body 34 cap the end of the neck. Thanks to the counterbore 40, the duct 12 and the extraction cylinder 26 are aligned. A compressive force is exerted by the body 34 on the neck 10 so as to compress the seal 38 and thus ensure sealing. The body 34 can be made in one piece or in several assembled parts. As illustrated in Figure 4, the body 34 may be made of two parts which are pressed against each other and between which the seal 38 is positioned.

The body 34 and / or the bottle are driven by a relative translational movement in the direction of the axis A, making it possible to move the body 34 away from or towards the neck 10. According to an embodiment illustrated in FIG. , the inerting device comprises a frame 42 with a platform 44 on which is positioned a bottle and a post 46 along which the body 34 is translated. Advantageously, the platform 44 comprises means for centering the bottle, for example an impression . The translational movement of the body 34 can be manual or automated. in this case, the device comprises at least one actuator (engine cylinder or other) to ensure the translational movement of the body 34 and means for controlling and controlling this movement. These elements are not more detailed because they are known to those skilled in the field of automation. The support 30 of the means 24 for removing a cap may also be movable and connected to the frame 42. In order to ensure the inerting of the bottle, the means 28 for injecting a gas into the extraction cylinder 26 comprise at least one conduit which allows supplying an inert gas from an inert gas supply to at least one outlet 48 located at the wall defining the extraction cylinder 26.

Advantageously, the extraction cylinder 26 comprises at least one portion situated above the outlet (s) 48 with a diameter such that it limits the leakage of inert gas when a plug is placed in the cylinder of extraction 26 at said portion. According to one embodiment, the extraction cylinder 26 has a constant diameter 25 over its entire height. According to another variant, it may have a first diameter greater than the outside diameter of the plug on a portion that extends from the contact surface 36 to a shoulder located above the outlet (s) 48 and a diameter equal to the diameter Di of the duct 12 on a portion situated above the outlet (s) 48. The outlet (s) 48 are arranged as close as possible to the contact surface 36.

The height of the extraction cylinder 26 is determined so as to allow the injection of a quantity of inert gas required in the conduit 12 of the neck during removal of the plug. According to one embodiment, the body 34 comprises an annular duct 50 coaxial with the extraction cylinder 26, but distinct from the latter, radial channels 52 ensuring the communication of the annular duct 50 with the extraction cylinder 26, as illustrated in FIG. Figure 5. In addition, the body 32 comprises a supply duct 53 which extends from the annular duct 50 to the outer surface of the body 34 at which it opens, this mouth being preferably equipped with a connector for connecting an inert gas supply pipe. Advantageously, the device comprises means for collecting the surplus of inert gas. For this purpose, the body 34 comprises at least one exhaust duct 54 which communicates with the extraction cylinder 26. According to one embodiment, the exhaust duct 54 extends from the annular duct 50 to the exhaust duct 54. outer surface of the body 34 at which it opens, this mouth being preferably equipped with a connector for connecting an exhaust pipe. According to one embodiment, the inert gas used is nitrogen. The inerting process of a bottle according to the invention consists in injecting an inert gas into the pipe 12 of the neck concomitantly with the withdrawal of the plug so that the injected gas forms a barrier 56 of inert gas in the conduit. 12 to limit the risk of contact of the wine with the unmodified atmosphere present around the bottle.

For this purpose, a bottle is positioned relative to the body 34. In following, the body 34 is lowered until the seal 38 is compressed between the neck and the body 34. The auger 32 is pressed into the plug 16 to able to remove it as shown in Figure 2A. Following, the cap is removed. The inert gas supply is activated. When it is withdrawn, the plug first closes off the inert gas exits 48 in the extraction cylinder 26. The inert gas is then collected by the exhaust pipe 54. When the lower end of the plug 16 is disposed, above the outlets 48, the inert gas fills the volume between the upper level of the wine and the stopper 16, as illustrated in FIG. 2B. After removing the plug as shown in Figure 2C, the injected gas forms a barrier 56 of inert gas that protects the wine from the surrounding atmosphere. By following, a new cap can be put back in place to reseal the bottle.

The inerting device of a bottle during its uncorking previously described is advantageously integrated in a machine for unblocking and filling which includes other stations in addition to the unclogging and capping stations. This machine comprises means for supporting the bottles vertically and scrolling from one station to another.

Thus, after unblocking, the machine comprises a station incorporating a device 60 to taste the wine contained in the bottle illustrated schematically in Figure 6. This device 60 comprises a cap 62 capable of capping the neck 10 being pressed against the end Preferably, the cap 62 preferably comprises a flexible seal 64 capable of being inserted between the cap 62 and the neck 10. By flexible means that the seal is likely to deform when compressed between the cap 62 and the neck 10. This seal 64 serves to ensure a seal between the cap 62 and the neck 10.

Advantageously, the device 60 comprises means for moving the plug 62 which may be identical to the means provided for the body 34 of the inerting device. Moreover, the cap 62 may comprise means for centering it with respect to the neck similar to those of the body 34.

The plug 62 comprises means 65 for injecting an inert gas into the volume 66 above the surface of the wine insulated by the plug 62. According to one embodiment, the plug comprises a first through conduit 68 connected by a flexible conduit 70. an inert gas tank 72 under pressure, a valve 74 allowing or not the passage of the inert gas towards the volume 66.

The device 60 also comprises a hollow needle 74 whose length is adapted so that its lower end is immersed in the wine. This hollow needle 74 passes through the cap 62. According to one embodiment, the hollow needle 74 is integral with the stopper 62 and fitted into a second through conduit 76 of the stopper 62, the connection between the stopper 62 and the hollow needle 74 is waterproof. The combination of the plug 62, the hollow needle 74 and the means 65 for injecting an inert gas makes it possible to limit the risks of oxidation of the wine contained in the bottle during the tasting. Preferably, the upper end of the hollow needle 74 is connected to a circuit 75 for isolating a sample of wine to taste and limiting the risk of tampering with this sample. This circuit 75 forms a loop whose first end is connected to the hollow needle 74 and whose other end is connected to a third through conduit 78. Thus, the wine taken by the hollow needle 74 is reinjected into the bottle via the third through-duct 78. Advantageously, means 80 are provided for inerting the circuit 75 so as not to contaminate and / or oxidize the wine present in the bottle. According to one embodiment, these means 80 comprise a duct 82 whose first end is connected to an inert gas tank 72 and whose other end opens into the circuit 75, a valve 84 allowing or passing the inert gas. The circuit 75 also comprises two valves, an upstream valve 86 and a downstream valve 86 'for isolating a section 88 of the circuit. The length of the section as well as the passage section of the section make it possible to define a volume for the sample of wine taken. Preferably, the downstream valve 86 'is a three-way valve allowing in a first open position to communicate the section 88 with the third through conduit 78, in a second closed position to isolate the section 88 and in a third position called Exhaust 10 to put the section 88 to the exhaust. Preferably, the means 80 inject the inert gas into the section 88. A tapping 90 is provided at the section 88. This tapping 90 comprises a conduit 92 whose one end opens into the section 88 and whose other end 91 can to be inserted in the mouth of the person in charge of the tasting. This conduit 92 comprises a valve 94 for passing or not the wine. Preferably, the end 91 comprises a nozzle or other means of nebulization. Advantageously, the pressurized gas injected via the first through conduit 68 allows the wine to flow into the circuit 75. Alternatively, a pump 96 may be provided to circulate the wine in the circuit 75. This pump 96 may also be used to determine the volume of wine tasted. The operating principle of the device 60 is as follows. Prior to the introduction of the plug 62, the valves 86, 86 'being open, the circuit 75 is inerted by injecting inert gas by opening the valve 84. The plug 62 is then pressed against the neck and the volume 66 is is inerted by injecting an inert gas by opening the valve 74. The inert gas being under pressure and the downstream valve 86 'exhausted, the wine rises in the hollow needle 74. When the wine has filled the section 88, the two valves 86, 86 'are closed. The user can bring the end of the conduit 92 to the mouth, open the valve 94 and aspirate the wine contained in the section 88. In order not to oxidize the wine sample of the section 88, the valve 84 is opened to replace the wine sample by inert gas.

If the volume of wine in the section 88 is not sufficient, the user can open the valve 86. In this case, the pump 96 is put into operation to increase the tasted volume. In this case, this pump 96 also provides the dosing function and allows to determine the volume of tasted wine. At the end of the tasting, the valve 94 is closed and the valves 86, 86 'open.

By stopping the supply of gas under pressure (by closing the valve 74), the wine present in the circuit 75, unaltered back in the bottle. The tasting device of the invention makes it possible to taste a wine without altering its taste qualities. According to another aspect of the invention, the capping and filling machine preferably comprises a device 98 for blowing any impurities such as plug debris. When uncorking, debris 100 of cap may remain on the surface of the conduit 12 of the neck. Generally, plug debris 100 is a small piece of cork that adheres to the surface of conduit 12.

According to one embodiment, a device 98 comprises a cannula 102 with a first end 104 connected to a gas supply and a second end 106 capable of being introduced into the duct 12. Said cannula 102 comprises at least one channel 104 enabling conveying a gas from the first end to the second end and opening through at least one outlet port 108 provided near the second end 106. According to one embodiment, the gas supply can supply the cannula 102 inert gas. It comprises a tank of inert gas under pressure and means for regulating the flow of gas blown by the cannula, such as a valve for example. Generally, the cannula 102 comprises several outlet orifices 108 distributed around its circumference. According to a first variant illustrated in FIG. 8, the cannula has a cylindrical shape and comprises a single channel 104 coaxial with the cannula which comprises several ramifications opening via several outlet orifices 108. These branches are bent in order to orient the flow of gas blown upwards and towards the surface of the conduit 12 of the neck. According to this variant, the cannula 102 is introduced into the neck so that the second end is flush with the surface 20 of the wine. Following, the inert gas supply is turned on so that the flow of inert gas exits via the outlets 108. To blow the debris 100, the cannula is moved upwards. During this movement, the flow of inert gas tends to take off the debris 100 of the conduit 12 and out of the neck. According to a second variant illustrated in Figure 9, the cannula 102 comprises an outlet channel 110 coaxial with the cannula and one or more channels 104 opening via a plurality of outlets 108 (for example one per channel 104). The outlet channel opens at the second end 106. The ends of the channels 104 have a geometry adapted to direct the flow of outgoing gas downwards and towards the surface of the conduit 12 of the neck. According to this variant, the cannula 102 is initially positioned at the open end of the neck. Following, the inert gas supply is turned on so that the flow of inert gas exits via the outlets 108. To blow the debris 100, the cannula is moved down. During this movement, the flow of inert gas tends to take off the debris 100 of the conduit 12 and to make them fall to the surface of the wine. According to another aspect of the invention, the capping and filling machine preferably comprises a device 112 for sucking up any impurities, such as plug debris 113, for example, present on the surface of the wine, as shown in Figure 7. This device 112 comprises a cap 114 capable of capping the neck 10 being pressed against the upper end 14. Preferably, the cap 114 5 comprises a flexible seal 116 may be inserted between the cap 114 and the neck 10. By flexible means that the seal is likely to deform when compressed between the plug 114 and the neck 10. This seal 116 has the function of ensuring a seal between the plug 114 and the 10. Advantageously, the device 112 comprises means for moving the cap 114 which may be identical to the means provided for the body 34 of the inerting device. Moreover, the plug 114 may include means for centering it with respect to the neck similar to those of the body 34. The device 112 also comprises a cannula 118 which passes through the stopper 114 in a sealed manner and which comprises a coaxial channel 120 opening at 15. its lower end 122. The mouth 124 of the channel has a section allowing the passage of the largest pieces of plugs. The connection between the cannula 118 and the stopper 114 and / or the shape of the cannula 118 is such as to allow the lower end 122 of the cannula to scan approximately the entire surface of the wine. According to one embodiment, the connection between the cannula 118 and the stopper 114 is made of a flexible material making it possible to incline the cannula more or less. Advantageously, the upper end of the channel 120 is connected to means 124 for separating the debris 113 from the wine. According to one embodiment, these means 124 comprise an enclosure 126 connected via a conduit 128 to the channel 120 equipped with a filter 129 for retaining the debris and let the wine. preferably, this separation is done by gravity, the conduit 128 opening at the top of the enclosure 126. preferably, the bottom 130 of the enclosure allows to collect the filtered wine. Advantageously, the filtered wine is reintroduced into the bottle. For this purpose, the device 112 comprises a conduit 132 which connects the channel 120 and the bottom 130 of the enclosure and which incorporates a valve 134 allowing or not the passage of a fluid (gas or wine). The chamber is disposed above the bottle, preferably in line with the neck, so that the flow of the filtered wine is by gravity. The device 112 also comprises means for generating a suction in the channel 120 as a vacuum pump connected to the channel 120. According to one embodiment, the enclosure 126 is connected by a conduit 136 to a vacuum pump. Advantageously, the device comprises means for the inerter by injecting 10 in the various ducts, channel and enclosure an inert gas. The operating principle of the device 112 is as follows. After having inerted the device, the cap 114 is placed on the neck 10. The inerting can be prolonged so as to also inerter the volume of gas trapped by the plug 114. By following, the valve 134 is closed and the Suction is triggered by switching on the vacuum pump. The end of the cannula 118 is moved to the surface of the wine so as to suck the plug debris. The wine and the debris are sucked into the chamber 126 above the filter 129. By gravity, the wine passes through the filter and the debris is retained by the latter. When all debris is sucked in, the vacuum pump is stopped. The valve 134 is open and the filtered wine flows into the bottle. According to another aspect of the invention, the capping and filling machine preferably comprises a ring 138 for inerter the conduit 12 of the neck of an uncorked bottle. This ring 138 comprises a body with a base 140 capable of being pressed against the upper end 14 of the neck and means for holding it pressed against the upper end 14 of the neck. According to one embodiment, the ring preferably comprises a skirt 142 capable of capping the neck with an elastically deformable narrowed mouthpiece capable of coming below a flange 144 provided at the outer surface of the neck. The body comprises a through hole 146 whose section is sufficiently wide to allow the introduction of an accessory in the conduit 12 of the neck, such as a device for blowing plug debris described above.

The ring 138 comprises means 148 for injecting an inert gas into the passage opening 146. These means 148 comprise at least one duct 150 which opens at the surface of the ring delimiting the passage opening 146 and which is connected to an inert gas supply.

Claims (10)

REVENDICATIONS1. Device for tasting a wine contained in an uncorked bottle, characterized in that it comprises a stopper (62) capable of capping the neck (10) of the bottle so as to isolate a volume (66) above the surface of the bottle. wine, means (65) for injecting an inert gas into the volume (66) and a hollow needle (74) which passes through the stopper (62) and whose length is adapted so that its lower end is immersed in the wine. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the hollow needle (74) is connected to a circuit (75) for isolating a sample of wine to taste. 3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the means (65) for injecting an inert gas comprise a first through conduit (68) the plug (62) connected to a reservoir (72) inert gas under pressure which allows circulate the wine in the circuit (75). 4. Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the circuit (75) comprises an upstream valve (86) and a downstream valve (86 ') for isolating a section (88) of the circuit (75). 5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a stitching (90) for taking the isolated wine in the section (88). 6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the stitching (90) comprises a conduit (92), a first end opens into the section (88) and whose other end can be inserted into a mouth of a person responsible for tasting, said conduit (92) comprising a valve (94) to let or not the wine. 7. Device according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the circuit (75) forms a loop, a first end of the circuit being connected to the hollow needle (74), the other end being connected to a through conduit (78) the plug (62). 8. Device according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that it comprises means (80) for inerter the circuit (75). 9. Device according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the means (80) for inerter the circuit (75) comprise a conduit (82) having a first end is connected to a reservoir (72) of inert gas. and whose other end opens into the section (88). 10. Wine bottle unblocking and refilling machine comprising a device for sampling a wine contained in an uncorked bottle according to one of claims 1 to 9.