DEVICE FOR DECONTAMINATION OF CONTAINERS FOR WINE PRODUCTION OR THE LIKE AND METHOD FOR USE OF THIS DEVICE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of decontamination using containers for the production of wine or similar, such as barrels, stainless steel or concrete tanks, casks, amphorae, etc., by means of ultraviolet radiation, in particular pulsed light.

[0002] In the current state of the art, several methods are used to decontaminate wine barrels. These methods employ, for example, steam, hot water under pressure, ultrasound, ozonated water, a mixture of sodium hydroxide and permanganate, and / or a sulfur wick. This last method is the most widespread for decontaminating wine barrels. However, the use of sulfur is not without risks to human health, which is why there is a need to find alternative solutions to this method.

[0003] Ultraviolet radiation decontamination proves to be a more effective, more ecological and healthier solution than the aforementioned decontamination methods.

[0004] More specifically, it is known to use ultraviolet radiation lamps, or UV-C lamps, which are inserted into the container to be decontaminated. For example, this is the case in US patent 2018 / 207303, which describes a UV device for sterilizing a wine container, including a UV lamp, a light sensor, a protective screen, and a mounting bracket for securing the device. However, this patent does not disclose a sliding sleeve or a spring-loaded return mechanism.1

[0005] Document ES1265944 U discloses a container decontamination device for the production of wine or other alcoholic beverages using ultraviolet radiation. The device comprises a main body containing an ultraviolet radiation lamp, or UV-C lamp, and a retractable sleeve that can slide along the main body between: a rest position in which the UV-C lamp is fully inserted within the main body, and an operating position in which the UV-C lamp extends out of the main body at a second lower end thereof. The device also includes actuating means for sliding the sleeve between the two positions. A spring holds the UV-C lamp in the rest position until the actuating means are activated.A means of retention is also described in order to compensate for the action of said spring and to hold said UV-C lamp in said container in its position of use.

[0006] This device requires the use of a support grid with feet that rests against the container. The UV-C lamp is then held in position on the grid and subsequently inserted, through the grid, into the container. The drawback of this configuration is that installing the UV-C lamp in the container is a lengthy and tedious process.

[0007] US2020 / 0230273 A1 addresses this drawback by proposing a support in the form of a base fixed directly to a retractable sleeve. Specifically, this document describes a portable ultraviolet radiation decontamination device for a winemaking container. The device comprises: a main body, an ultraviolet radiation lamp or UV-C lamp fixed to a lower end of the main body, a retractable sleeve mounted to slide along the main body between a working position and a resting position, and a means for gripping the device. This gripping means is fixed to an upper end of the main body. When the UV-C lamp is inserted into the container, the retractable sleeve rests against the container via the base and slides along the main body.The retractable sleeve is then in a working position in which the UV-C lamp extends outside the sleeve at its lower end. When the UV-C lamp is removed from the container, a spring exerts a restoring force, allowing the retractable sleeve to slide along the main body to cover the UV-C lamp, at which point the retractable sleeve returns to its resting position.

[0008] While this device facilitates the installation of the UV-C lamp, it presents drawbacks when the UV-C lamp is removed by an operator. Indeed, due to the spring's return force during removal, the operator must exert resistance to prevent the device from being released too quickly, which could damage the UV-C lamp. Furthermore, the device's gripping mechanism consists of a tubular cap that does not allow for a secure hold, making the UV-C lamp difficult to use and potentially damaging it if handled improperly. Therefore, there is a need to facilitate the installation, removal, and handling of this device.

[0009] Furthermore, the shrink sleeve described in document US2020 / 0230273 is transparent; therefore, if the UV-C lamp is switched on before being inserted into the container, the operator risks exposure to light. Exposure to ultraviolet light can be very harmful to health.

[0010] Although document ES1265944 U describes an opaque retractable sleeve to limit light exposure, it is nevertheless necessary, before inserting the UV-C lamp into the container, to switch it on and verify that it is indeed switched on. The operator is then exposed to the ultraviolet radiation from the UV-C lamp. Therefore, there is a need to improve the safety of operators handling such a device.

[0011] The present invention aims to overcome these various drawbacks by providing a container decontamination device for winemaking or similar applications, which is easy to install and operate and ensures operator safety. In this regard, the objective of the invention is to prevent any risk of UV radiation exposure to the operator, whether due to a malfunction or an error in handling the device. Specifically, the lamp should only be activated after verifying that there is no risk of UV radiation leaking from the container into which the lamp is inserted.

[0012] It was as part of an initial inventive approach that the idea arose to equip the device with a darkness sensor to address this problem. This sensor can operate both at the beginning and end of the operational phase, detecting any break in the darkness and simultaneously triggering the lamp to switch off.

[0013] In a second inventive step, it was conceived to equip the decontamination device with means for detecting the position of the retractable sheath. The position sensor is configured to detect the end-of-travel position of the retractable sheath in its operating position. The UV-C lamp ignition device cannot be activated until the position detection means have detected that the retractable sheath has reached the end of its travel.

[0014] This configuration ensures that the decontamination device is correctly inserted into the container to be decontaminated, more specifically, that the UV-C lamp is fully inserted inside the container and is no longer visible to an operator, in order to avoid their exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

[0015] Thus, the UV-C lamp can only be switched on when it is completely in darkness and the retractable sleeve has reached the end of its travel.

[0016] To this end, the present invention relates to a decontamination device according to claim 1. Preferably, these position detection means may comprise a position sensor for the retractable sleeve and an end stop, or alternatively, a mechanical lever switch. The position sensor is configured to detect the end position of the retractable sleeve in its operating position. The UV-C lamp ignition device cannot be activated until the position detection means have detected that the retractable sleeve has reached its end of travel.

[0017] According to another additional feature, the device includes means for holding the latter in the container to be decontaminated when the device is in the position of use.

[0018] According to another additional feature, the holding means are located on a first upper end of the UV-C lamp.

[0019] According to another additional characteristic, the retaining means comprise at least three retaining tabs, preferably four retaining tabs. These retaining tabs are preferably metallic.

[0020] According to another additional feature, the retaining tabs are configured to deploy after the device is inserted into an opening in the container to be decontaminated.

[0021] Thus, once the device is inserted into the container to be decontaminated, it is held in position and locked against the container to be decontaminated by means of the base and the retaining tabs.

[0022] According to another additional feature, the means of gripping the decontamination device preferably take the form of a handle. This feature makes it easier for an operator to grasp the decontamination device.

[0023] According to another additional feature, the device includes means for positioning the device in a vertical or horizontal position. Advantageously, the positioning means are in the form of hooks.

[0024] According to another additional feature, the retractable sleeve includes means of air evacuation which allow the heat dissipated by the UV-C lamp during its use to be evacuated, preferably formed by evacuation orifices.

[0025] According to another additional feature, the device includes means for measuring the radiation emitted by the UV-C lamp, preferably consisting of a photodiode. This feature makes it possible to detect the wear level of the UV-C lamp.

[0026] According to another feature of the invention, the decontamination device includes means for connecting a power supply to a power supply and control station. This station advantageously comprises a trolley equipped with a docking station for the decontamination device. This power supply and control station is also preferably equipped with means for movement and manipulation, enabling the operator to move easily around the containers, thus facilitating the use of the decontamination device.

[0027] The power supply and control station also includes a control panel, advantageously equipped with a control screen preventing the operator from directly intervening on the decontamination device during its operation.

[0028] This power supply and control station can also be equipped with auxiliary connection means for connecting other types of decontamination tools to this station, for example.

[0029] The power supply and control station includes means of connection to an electrical power supply network.

[0030] In a possible variant, it can, if necessary, also accommodate an independent power supply, such as at least one rechargeable battery.

[0031] The invention further relates to a method of implementing a decontamination device according to the invention for the decontamination of a food container for the manufacture of wine or other alcoholic beverages, by ultraviolet radiation, in particular of the pulsed light type, this container having at least one opening.

[0032] The process is characterized by the fact that it includes: a step of applying the base to the second lower end of the retractable sleeve above the container opening; a step of engaging the UV-C lamp inside the container through said opening by pushing the retractable sleeve from its rest position into its operating position, against the action of elastic return means; a step of attaching the decontamination device to the container; a verification step including the verification of at least two of the following safety conditions: ∘ the darkness detection means detects that the UV-C lamp is placed in darkness; ∘ the retractable sleeve position sensor detects the end of its travel when it comes to rest against the container; a transmission step including the transmission to the power supply and control station and / or the UV-C lamp ignition device of information verifying the safety conditions;a validation step in which: ∘ if at least one of the two safety conditions is not met, then an alert is issued to the power supply and control station and / or to the ignition device of said UV-C lamp in order to check and / or repeat the previous steps; ∘ if all the safety conditions are met, the ignition device of UV-C lamp 4 can then be activated.

[0033] Other features and advantages will become apparent in the detailed description that follows, of a non-limiting example of an embodiment of the invention illustrated by the figures 1 to 5 attached and in which: [ Fig.1 ] represents a schematic view of a container decontamination device according to the invention when the retractable sleeve is in the rest position; [ Fig. 2] represents a schematic view of a longitudinal section of the device according to the invention when the retractable sleeve is in its rest position; [ Fig. 3 ] represents a schematic view of a container decontamination device according to the invention when the retractable sleeve is in the operating position; [ Fig. 4 ] represents a schematic view of the power supply and control station to which the decontamination device according to the invention is connected; [ Fig. 5 ] represents a schematic view of the use of a decontamination device according to the invention.

[0034] The present invention relates to a decontamination device 1 of a container 100 for the manufacture of wine or other alcoholic beverages by ultraviolet radiation and more particularly by pulsed light.

[0035] As illustrated in the figures 1 and 2The decontamination device 1 comprises a main body 2, preferably cylindrical. This main body 2 has, at its first upper end, gripping means advantageously in the form of a handle 210. The decontamination device is also equipped with a UV-C lamp 4, preferably a pulsed light lamp. The main body 2 is extended by the UV-C lamp 4, which extends substantially along the longitudinal axis of the main body 2. More specifically, the UV-C lamp 4 is fixed to a second lower end of the main body 2.

[0036] The decontamination device 1 also includes a retractable sleeve 3 comprising a first upper end and a second lower end. The retractable sleeve 3 is equipped with a base 5. This base 5 is located on the second lower end of the retractable sleeve 3.

[0037] In these figures 1 and 2, the retractable sleeve 3 is positioned in a rest position in which the UV-C lamp 4 is fully inserted inside the retractable sleeve 3. This retractable sleeve 3 is designed in a material opaque to UV-C radiation at least in its portion extending around the UV-C lamp 4 in this position in which the latter is fully inserted inside this sleeve 3.

[0038] There figure 3 illustrates the retractable sleeve 3 in a position of use in which the UV-C lamp 4 extends outside said retractable sleeve 3 at a second lower end of the latter.

[0039] More specifically, the retractable sleeve 3 is slidably mounted on the main body 2 between a rest position in which said UV-C lamp 4 is fully inserted into said retractable sleeve 3 and a working position in which said UV-C lamp 4 extends out of said retractable sleeve 3 at a second lower end of the latter.

[0040] The retractable sleeve 3 comprises a main portion 32 and a connecting portion 31. The main portion 32, preferably made of a material opaque to UV-C radiation, extends from the second lower end of the retractable sleeve 3 to the connecting portion 31. The connecting portion 31 is continuous with the main portion 32 and extends from the main portion 32 to the first upper end of said retractable sleeve 3. The diameter of the connecting portion 31 is smaller than the diameter of the main portion 32. The retractable sleeve 3 slides on the main body 2 via the connecting portion 31.

[0041] The decontamination device 1 also includes elastic return means, preferably consisting of a spring 20. The spring 20 is attached to the first upper end of the retractable sleeve 3. More specifically, the spring 20 is attached to the connecting portion 31 and is positioned around the main body 2, which is preferably cylindrical. When the decontamination device 1 is withdrawn from the container, the elastic return means allow the retractable sleeve 3 to return to its resting position.

[0042] Furthermore, the decontamination device 1 includes actuation means configured to allow, when removing said device 1 from said container 100, a progressive return of said retractable sleeve 3 from said operating position to said rest position, ensuring throughout that the base 5 remains in contact with the opening 108 of the container 100. This avoids any risk of exposure to ultraviolet radiation if, as will be explained in more detail below, the lamp remained in operation despite the specific safety features provided by the invention.

[0043] There figure 4 illustrates a power supply and control station 10 to which the decontamination device 1 is connected by power supply connection means 211.

[0044] Note that these power supply connection means 211 are advantageously connected in such a way as to be able to be disconnected at the power supply and control station 10. In particular, said power supply connection means 211 may be equipped, at their end opposite the decontamination device 1, with a connection plug, preferably of male type, designed to cooperate with a connection plug, preferably of female type, equipping the power supply and control station 10. This configuration allows the possible connection of this power supply and control station 10 of other types of UV-C radiation decontamination tool.

[0045] The power supply and control station 10 includes a trolley 101 equipped with means of movement such as, for example, wheels. The trolley 101 also includes means for handling, in particular in the form of handles. The power supply and control station 10 preferably includes a control panel 102 advantageously equipped with a control screen 103.

[0046] This power supply and control station 10 includes means, not shown, for connection to a building's electrical power supply network. In one possible variant, it can also be equipped with a self-contained power supply, including at least one rechargeable battery.

[0047] As shown, this power supply and control station 10 comprises, according to the invention, a docking station 107 for the decontamination device 1 in the form of attachment and / or fixing means 104, 105, or even in the form of winding means 106 for the power supply connection means 211. Preferably, the docking station 107 for the decontamination device 1 is provided on one of the vertical sides of the power supply and control station 10.

[0048] This power supply and control station 10 can also be provided with auxiliary connection means 110 for the simultaneous connection to this same station 10 of other types of decontamination tools, for example.

[0049] There figure 5This illustrates the use of the decontamination device 1 inserted into a container 100 through an opening 108. The retractable sleeve 3, in its operating position, rests on the container 100 near the opening 108 via the base 5. The shape of the base 5 is configured to conform to the shape of the container. When the decontamination device 1 is withdrawn from the container 100, the retractable sleeve 3 remains supported against the container 100, around the opening 108, via the base 5. The return force of the spring 20 allows the retractable sleeve 3 to slide along the main body 2 until it returns to its rest position.

[0050] The ultraviolet radiation lamp or UV-C 4 lamp is preferably a pulsed light lamp. The shape of the UV-C 4 lamp is preferably tubular and U-shaped.

[0051] As illustrated on the figures 2 and 3, the UV-C lamp 4 is fixed at its first upper end to the second lower end of the main body 2. Preferably, at its first upper end of the UV-C lamp 4 it has a lamp head 41 by means of which it is fixed to the main body 2.

[0052] Furthermore, at the upper end of the UV-C lamp, specifically at the lamp head 41, retaining elements for the decontamination device 1 are provided within the container to be decontaminated. These retaining elements are formed by retaining tabs 411. These retaining tabs 411 are preferably metallic. The retaining elements are configured to deploy once the retractable sleeve 3 has reached its end of travel. Thus, the container 100 is held between the base 5, whose shape conforms to that of the container 100, and the retaining elements. This configuration secures the decontamination device 1 to the container 100 and prevents its accidental removal.The removal of the decontamination device 1 is permitted only by the application of an external pulling force on the latter, for example exerted by an operator, a pulling force greater than the holding force exerted by the retaining tabs 411 on the container 100.

[0053] As illustrated on the figure 2 The main body 2 includes gripping means advantageously in the form of a handle 210. The gripping means are located on a first upper end of the main body 2. The first upper end of the main body 2 preferably comprises a base 21 to which the handle 210 is fixed. Advantageously, the gripping means have a coating that facilitates their gripping by an operator.

[0054] Note that the power supply connection means 211 can be connected to this base 21. In addition, the base 21 of the main body 2 includes means for positioning the decontamination device 1, on the power supply and control station 10 or in a container 100, in a vertical or horizontal position, in order to allow better stabilization of the decontamination device 1. More specifically, the positioning means are made in the form of hooks 6.

[0055] As illustrated on the figures 1 to 3The retractable sleeve 3 includes air exhaust means 33 configured to dissipate the heat emitted by the UV-C lamp 4. Preferably, the air exhaust means 33 are formed by exhaust vents 34. The air exhaust means 33 are located on an upper part of the main portion 32 of the retractable sleeve 3. The upper part of the main portion 32 of the retractable sleeve 3 surrounds the lamp head 41 in the rest position of the retractable sleeve 3. This configuration allows for better heat dissipation when the decontamination device is used in a vertical position.

[0056] The decontamination device 1 also includes means for measuring the radiation emitted by the UV-C lamp 4, preferably consisting of a photodiode, in order to measure the wear level of the UV-C lamp 4 and thus monitor its effectiveness. Preferably, the measuring means are located inside the main body 2.

[0057] The decontamination device 1 includes a darkness detection means 60, such as, for example, a light sensor. As long as the light sensor detects ambient light, the UV-C lamp cannot be switched on.

[0058] The UV-C lamp 4 can only be switched on when it is fully inserted into the container 100 to be decontaminated and is in darkness, in order to protect the operator from the light emitted by the UV-C lamp 4. Preferably, the darkness detection means 60 is located at the lower end of the main body 2 to which the UV-C lamp 4 is attached. More specifically, it is located at the lower end of the main body 2, near the lamp head 41.

[0059] As illustrated on the figure 2 The decontamination device 1 includes means for detecting the position of the retractable sleeve 3. The detection means may, for example but not limited to, include a position sensor equipped with a first stop and an end stop or a position sensor equipped with a lever switch.

[0060] In one embodiment, the end stop can be located on the main body 2 to cooperate with a first stop located inside the retractable sleeve 3 when the latter reaches its operating position. Advantageously, but not limitingly, the first stop can be located on the first upper end of the retractable sleeve 3.

[0061] According to another embodiment, the end stop can, for example, be located in the retractable sleeve 3 near the base 5, to cooperate with a first stop located on the second lower end of the main body 2 when the retractable sleeve 3 reaches its operating position.

[0062] The means for detecting the position of the retractable sleeve 3 are configured to detect the end-of-travel position of the retractable sleeve 3 in the operating position.

[0063] The UV-C lamp 4 can only be switched on when the position detection means detect that the retractable sleeve 3 has reached the end of its travel in the operating position.

[0064] The decontamination device 1 also includes a UV-C lamp ignition device 4. The latter can only be activated when the UV-C lamp is completely in darkness and the retractable sleeve 3 has reached the end of its travel.

[0065] Advantageously, the decontamination device includes means of transmission and alert, in particular adapted to transmit to the power supply and control station 1 and / or to the ignition device of said UV-C lamp (4) information for verification or to alert, for example of a malfunction detected by the means of darkness detection and / or the means of position detection of the retractable sheath 3.

[0066] The invention also relates to a method of implementing a decontamination device 1 according to the invention and comprising a power supply and control station 10 for the decontamination of a food container 100 for the manufacture of wine or other alcoholic beverages by ultraviolet radiation, preferably by pulsed light.

[0067] The process is characterized by the fact that it includes: a step of applying the base 5 to the second end of the retractable sleeve 3 above an opening 108 in the container 100; a step of engaging the UV-C lamp 4 inside the container 100 through the opening 108 by pushing the retractable sleeve 3 from its rest position into its operating position, against the action of the elastic return means 2; a step of attaching the decontamination device to the container 100; a verification step including the verification of at least two of the following safety conditions: ∘ the darkness detection means detects that the UV-C lamp 4 is placed in darkness; ∘ the position detection means of the retractable sleeve 3 detect the end of its travel when it comes to rest against the container 100;a transmission step comprising the transmission of verification information for said safety conditions to a power supply and control station 10 and / or to an ignition device for said UV-C lamp; a validation step in which: ∘ if at least one of said two safety conditions is not verified, then an alert is issued to said power supply and control station 10 and / or to the ignition device for said UV-C lamp (4) in order to check and / or repeat the previous steps; ∘ if all the safety conditions are verified, said ignition device for said UV-C lamp 4 can then be activated.

[0068] During the positioning step of the decontamination device 1 on the container, the base 5 rests against the container. The shape of the base 5 conforms to that of the container to prevent any user exposure to UV-C radiation leaks and to maintain the decontamination device 1 in position on the container. This step may include the use of positioning means, preferably in the form of hooks 6, to allow the positioning and stabilization of the device within the container 100.

[0069] During the attachment step of the decontamination device 1, the retractable sleeve 3 slides from its rest position along the main body 2 to its operating position. When the retractable sleeve reaches the end of its travel, the retaining tabs 411 extend under the container. The container is then gripped between the base 5 and the retaining tabs 411, thus holding the decontamination device 1 in position and locking it into the container 100.

Claims

1. Device for decontaminating a food container for the manufacture of wine or other alcoholic beverages by ultraviolet radiation, in particular of the pulsed light type, comprising: - A main body (2) comprising gripping means attached to a first upper end of said main body (2); - An ultraviolet lamp or UV-C lamp (4) attached to a second lower end of said main body (2); - A retractable sleeve (3) slidably mounted on said main body (2) between a rest position in which said UV-C lamp (4) is fully inserted in said retractable sleeve (3) and a use position in which said UV-C lamp (4) extends out of said retractable sleeve (3) at a second lower end thereof against the action of elastic return means in the rest position; - A base (5) located on said second lower end of said retractable sleeve (3), said base (5) bearing against said container (100) in said use position; characterized in that said device (1) comprises: - a darkness detection means (60) fitted to the main body (2) at its second lower end, to which the UV-C lamp (4) is attached; - means for detecting the position of said retractable sleeve (3) configured to detect the end-of-travel position of the retractable sleeve (3) in the use position; - a UV-C lamp (4) lighting device designed to be activated only when the UV-C lamp (4) is fully positioned in the dark and the retractable sleeve (3) has reached its end-of-travel position.

2. Decontamination device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a supply and control station (10) to which the decontamination device (1) is connected via supply connection means (211).

3. Decontamination device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the supply and control station (10) comprises a control console (102).

4. Decontamination device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises transmission and warning means designed to transmit verification and / or warning information to the supply and control station (10).

5. Decontamination device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for holding said decontamination device (1) in said container (100).

6. Decontamination device according to claim 5, characterized in that said holding means are located at a first upper end of said UV-C lamp (4).

7. Decontamination device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said first upper end of said UV-C lamp (4) comprises a lamp head (41) on which said holding means are located.

8. Decontamination device (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that said holding means comprise at least three holding tabs (411).

9. Decontamination device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said gripping means take the form of a handle (210).

10. Decontamination device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said retractable sleeve (3) comprises air evacuation means (33).

11. Decontamination device according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the supply and control station (10) is provided with auxiliary connection means for the connection of other types of decontamination tools.

12. Decontamination device according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the position detection means comprise a retractable sleeve position sensor and an end-of-travel stop or a mechanical lever contactor.

13. Method of operating a decontamination device (1) according to claims 1 to 12 for decontaminating a food container (100) for the manufacture of wine or other alcoholic beverages by ultraviolet radiation, in particular of the pulsed light type, characterized in that it comprises: - a step of applying the base (5) at the second end of the retractable sleeve (3) over an opening (108) in the container (100); - a step of engaging the UV-C lamp (4) inside the container (100) by pushing the retractable sleeve (3) from its rest position into its use position, against the action of the elastic return means (2); - a step for attaching the decontamination device (1) to the container (100); - a verification step comprising verification of at least two of the following safety conditions: ∘ the darkness detection means detects that the UV-C lamp (4) is placed in darkness; ∘ the position sensor of the retractable sleeve (3) detects the end of travel of said sleeve, which abuts against the container; - a transmission step comprising the transmission to a control station (10) and / or to a lighting device of said UV-C lamp (4) of information verifying said safety conditions; - a validation step in which: o if at least one of said two safety conditions is not verified then an alert is issued to said supply and control station 10 and / or to the lighting device of said UV-C lamp (4) in order to check and / or repeat the preceding steps; ∘ container (100) and that said preceding steps are repeated; o if all safety conditions are verified, said lighting device of said UV-C lamp 4 can then be activated.