grape pressing device, pressing and / or transport system incorporating such a pressing device

Abstract

A grape pressing device adapted to cooperate with a chamber having an opening at the top and comprising: - a first plate (24) having a contour adapted to the shape of the chamber, - a second perforated plate (26) arranged opposite the first plate and having a second plate contour adapted to the inside of the chamber, - mechanical means for connecting the first plate (24) and the second plate (26) with at least two screw / nut systems, each comprising a nut engaging with a threaded rod (12), such that the second plate (26) can be driven towards the first plate (24), and - means for connecting said device to said chamber. A pressing / transport system implementing such a pressing device. A winemaking process implementing such a pressing / transport system. Abstract figure: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Grape pressing device, pressing and / or transport system integrating such a pressing device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a grape pressing device, a pressing and / or transport system integrating such a pressing device. Technical field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of winemaking. Prior art

[0003] It has been known for a long time to make wine from grapes. Traditionally, grapes are harvested, then transported to a winery where the wine is made. The operations to obtain wine differ depending on whether the wine produced is a white (or rosé) wine or a red wine. The grapes can be destemmed (if the harvest is manual). There is also a pressing operation to obtain a juice to ferment. This pressing operation is preceded by a maceration phase for red wine vinification. The fermentation phase comprises several stages. The wine thus obtained at the end of the fermentation phase(s) is then stored before being packaged and shipped.

[0004] In recent years, we have seen an increase in the number of plot selections in favor of the development of small vintages. This makes it possible to obtain distinctive wines whose taste expresses the terroir from which they come.

[0005] A disadvantage of the known methods is that they use a lot of equipment that is only used for a few weeks a year. This leads to significant but necessary investments such as the purchase of a press, fermentation and storage tanks or even cooling circuits, this list being non-exhaustive. Summary

[0006] The present disclosure improves the situation. Its aim is in particular to provide a unique process and device for implementing this process allowing optimization of winemaking by limiting the transfer of materials in solid and / or liquid phases for qualitative winemaking of small volume.

[0007] A grape pressing device is proposed which is capable of cooperating with an enclosure having an upper opening and which comprises: - a first plate having a first face, or upper face, and a second face opposite the first face, or lower face, said first plate having a contour adapted to the shape of the enclosure, - a second perforated plate arranged opposite the second face of the first plate and having a second plate contour adapted to the interior of the enclosure, - mechanical connection means between the first plate and the second plate with at least two screw / nut systems each comprising a nut engaged with a threaded rod, such that the second plate can be driven towards the first plate, and - means for connecting said device to said enclosure.

[0008] In an original manner, the present disclosure provides a pressing device in the form of an independent tool which can be separated from its cage, i.e. an outer casing found in a press. The pressing device provided here has a very particular and original structure which allows it to cooperate with an enclosure, for example a transport enclosure, to carry out a pressing operation. Pressing is a specific operation which is carried out in the prior art outside a tank, with specific equipment, called a press and comprising a cage to contain the material to be pressed. The perforated plate (and the upper plate) of the pressing device according to the present disclosure is adapted to an existing enclosure, for example a transport enclosure.Material to be pressed is placed between the first tray and the second tray and by bringing the second tray closer to the first tray, pressing is carried out. When the device is placed in an enclosure, a side wall of said enclosure helps to maintain the solid material between the first tray and the second tray. With such a device, fresh harvest can be placed in the enclosure, pressing can be carried out in said enclosure and the liquid obtained after pressing can be poured for example into a fermentation tank. It is therefore not necessary to transfer fresh harvest from a trailer, tipper or similar to a press, then to put the resulting liquid to ferment.

[0009] The features set out in the following paragraphs may, optionally, be implemented, independently of one another or in combination with one another:

[0010] - the first tray is provided with at least one opening associated with a cover allowing the corresponding opening to be closed, the at least one cover being able to be, in an advantageous embodiment, hinged on the first plate;

[0011] - the first plate has a concavity oriented towards the second plate;

[0012] - the second plate is a substantially flat plate provided with reinforcements on its face opposite the first plateau;

[0013] - the first tray and / or the second tray has a cavity facing the other plateau ;

[0014] - the second plate is secured to a nut engaged with the screw of the screw-nut system;

[0015] - the first plate and the second plate have a substantially contour rectangular;

[0016] - a woven filtration cloth is arranged on the face of the second perforated tray facing the first plateau;

[0017] - the screws of the screw-nut systems are driven by at least one motor carried by the means of connection.

[0018] According to another aspect, a pressing and / or transport system is proposed, characterized in that it comprises: - a pressing device as described above, - an enclosure of substantially parallelepiped shape, comprising a base forming a bottom closing the enclosure on one side and having an opening on the side opposite the bottom, the second plate of the pressing device being arranged substantially parallel to the bottom inside the enclosure inside the enclosure and is movable relative to the bottom of the enclosure, and the fixing means cooperating with the enclosure so as to maintain the first plate in position relative to the enclosure when the second plate approaches said first plate during pressing.

[0019] The enclosure has a section adapted to the plates of the pressing device or vice versa (plates adapted to the enclosure). Thus for rectangular plates, the enclosure will be parallelepiped.

[0020] The features set out in the following paragraphs may, optionally, be implemented, independently of one another or in combination with one another:

[0021] - the enclosure is in the form of a skip, for example a polyskip;

[0022] - each screw of a screw-nut system rests on the bottom of the enclosure to guide said screw;

[0023] - the system comprises a connection for venting the space between the bottom of the enclosure and the perforated tray and the exterior of the enclosure, a valve for adjusting the vacuum level in said space;

[0024] - the second plate carries two plates, preferably perforated, forming a dihedral, the screws of the screw-nut systems being partially housed inside said dihedral;

[0025] - the first tray is in the form of a cover, possibly with a concavity oriented towards the second plate, said cover being fixed on a periphery of the upper opening of the enclosure.

[0026] According to another aspect, there is provided a winemaking process comprising a stage of transporting a harvest and a pressing stage, characterized in that harvested grapes are placed in the enclosure equipped with a pressing and / or transport system as described above, between the first tray and the second tray of the pressing device, in that the pressing is carried out in said enclosure, and in that solid matter is removed from said enclosure after the pressing step. The solid matter is for example removed after loosening the two trays so that the solid matter is released (is no longer constrained) and by opening the enclosure, advantageously provided with a sealed door, the solid matter can be evacuated by tilting the enclosure, for example using a tilting cylinder of a tipper truck.

[0027] According to an alternative embodiment, the enclosure is a polybenne, said winemaking system is transported beforehand to a vineyard, the winemaking system is at least partially filled with fresh harvest at the vineyard, the pressing and / or transport system is transported to a winery, and the pressing in the enclosure begins at the vineyard or during the transport journey between the vineyard and the winery.

[0028] A tipper truck is a truck intended to transport a tipper body. It has means for loading and unloading a tipper body that it can handle with an articulated arm (hydraulically operated). Brief description of the drawings

[0029] Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the attached drawings, in which: Fig.l

[0030] [Fig.l] shows one embodiment of a pressing and / or transport system in perspective. Fig. 2

[0031] [Fig.2] shows the system of [Fig.l] in cross-section. Fig. 3

[0032] [Fig.3] shows a section of an alternative embodiment. Fig. 4

[0033] [Fig.4] shows in cross-section another variant embodiment with a cover fixed to the walls of a container and acting as an upper tray. Fig. 5

[0034] [Fig.5] is a schematic top view of a pressing and / or transport system according to another variant having a drainage system, and Fig. 6

[0035] [Fig.6] shows in external perspective the variant embodiment of figures 4 and 5. Description of the embodiments

[0036] The present disclosure relates first of all to an original pressing device. In an original manner, this device cooperates with an enclosure 2 such as that illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The present disclosure shows an enclosure corresponding to a multi-tipper and means for carrying out pressing in a multi-tipper. This type of tipper is commonly used in the agricultural world and also in wine-growing. Other types of tippers can also be used here, preferably tippers having a substantially parallelepiped shape with an opening whose edge is substantially arranged in a plane. It can for example be a trailer, a tractor tipper, etc.

[0037] It is proposed here to first describe the enclosure 2 before then describing the elements cooperating with this enclosure 2 to press a fresh harvest.

[0038] The enclosure 2 is made from a polytipper of known type and can therefore be easily transported and moved. This enclosure 2 has a bottom 4, which is most often substantially flat. The shape of the bottom of the enclosure when seen from above may for example be rectangular or else generally rectangular with rounded corners. A side wall 6 extends from this bottom 4 and has a cylindrical shape of rectangular section, corresponding to the bottom 4. The side wall 6 therefore corresponds to a wall extending substantially perpendicularly from the contours of the bottom 4 of the enclosure so that when the contour of the bottom is rectangular, the side wall seen from above is also and the bottom 4 and the side wall 6 define a parallelogram open over the entire face opposite the bottom 4.A front face of the side wall is provided with a counter-hook 60 which allows a tipper truck arm provided with a corresponding hook to manipulate the enclosure 2 in particular to load and unload it from a tipper truck. The rear face of the side wall 6, opposite the front face with the counter-hook 60, can be provided with a door. The latter is for example a pivoting door corresponding to the entire rear face of the enclosure. A drain valve, or a hatch of reduced size compared to the pivoting door, can be provided at the bottom of the door, that is to say near the bottom 4. The figures thus represent a substantially parallelepiped enclosure.

[0039] In examples, the enclosure 2 is for example metallic, preferably made of steel and more preferably made of stainless steel.

[0040] For purely illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the enclosure 2 may have a capacity of between 20 and 300 hl (i.e. between 2 and 30 m3).

[0041] On the side opposite the bottom 4, the tank 2 has an opening 8 whose contour corresponds to the cross-section of the tank 2 (or of its side wall 6). In its upper part, around the opening 8, the side wall 6 may have on its outer face a reinforcement tube 10. Such a reinforcement tube 10 in the example of embodiment illustrated in the drawing is present on two longitudinal sides of the enclosure 2 and on one transverse side. According to one variant among others, it can have a substantially square section as illustrated in the drawing.

[0042] As indicated above, the present document relates more particularly to an original pressing device intended to cooperate with an enclosure such as the polybenne type enclosure 2 described above. This device is notably illustrated in Figures 2 to 4.

[0043] The pressing device firstly comprises an upper plate 24 and a perforated plate 26. Said upper plate 24 is connected to said perforated plate 26 and means for moving the perforated plate 26 relative to the upper plate 24 are provided.

[0044] The pressing device may also comprise means for allowing the introduction of grapes between the two trays. For this purpose, it is possible, for example, to provide at least one opening in the upper tray 24 which cooperates with a cover 22. The latter may, for example, be pivotally mounted on the upper tray 24 and is preferably provided with locking means (visible in [Fig.6]) keeping it in the closed position.

[0045] The upper plate 24 is in a shape adapted to the shape of the enclosure. Its outline is thus in the illustrated example substantially rectangular. The upper plate 24 may have a domed shape with a concavity oriented downwards as illustrated in the figures. It thus has for example a shape of a portion of a circular cylinder (whose axis is parallel to the bottom 4). The upper plate 24 may also be flat and substantially resemble a rectangular plate. It is intended to serve as a counterpressure plate for pressing grapes and / or marc. Its shape and dimensions are therefore adapted to this enclosure 2 and in particular to its opening 8. The opening 8 being considered rectangular, the upper plate 24 has a rectangular-shaped outline with possibly rounded corners so as to be able to take place in the enclosure 2 (at least in its upper part).Furthermore, this upper plate 24 has an upper face and a lower face. This upper plate 24 is for example made of the same material as the tank 2, for example stainless steel. However, another material, metallic or composite for example, can be provided. Since it must be subjected to constraints which may be significant, it preferably has a reinforced thickness and / or structure.

[0046] The perforated tray 26 is a tray intended to allow draining during a pressing operation. Originally, it is intended to move in translation (vertical considering that the bottom 4 of the enclosure is horizontal) inside the enclosure 2, along the side wall. This perforated tray 26 has thus also an external contour adapted to the section of the enclosure 2 (or its side wall 6). Advantageously, a filtration cloth (not shown) is arranged on the face of this perforated plate 26 opposite the upper plate 24. This filtration cloth is for example a woven, or double woven cloth. It can for example be made of nylon, polyester, polypropylene and / or fluorinated materials such as polyvinylidene fluoride or polytetrafluoroethylene. Alternatively, the perforated plate 26 can receive such a filtration cloth on its two opposite faces.

[0047] In [Fig. 2] (and also 3 and 4) we note in particular the presence of two plates 38 arranged in a dihedral shape. Each plate 38 is arranged longitudinally in the enclosure 2 and has a longitudinal lower edge mounted on the perforated plate 26. These two longitudinal edges are slightly spaced apart from each other and the plates 38 move towards each other upwards. The two upper longitudinal edges of the plates 38 are connected and a seal is created between each threaded rod 12 (or each tapped sleeve 14) and the dihedral formed by the plates 38. The two plates 38 thus cover a part of each threaded rod 12 (or tapped sleeve 14) fixed to the perforated plate 26. These two plates 38 form an inverted V and their height is chosen in such a way that it does not limit the travel of the perforated plate 26 during a pressing operation.Each of the plates 38 is advantageously perforated to allow the juice contained in the grapes to drain into the heart of the solid mass during its pressing.

[0048] Depending on the enclosure, the perforated tray 26 may therefore have a rectangular outline. This outline is intended to be in a position substantially parallel to the bottom 4 of the tank 2.

[0049] Finally, as its name indicates, the perforated tray 26 is perforated in such a way that liquid can pass from one side of the perforated tray 26 to the other. The dimensions of the perforations are adapted to the pressing of the grapes so as to allow the flow of grape juice (fermented or not) without allowing the passage of solid matter (skin and seeds, or marc) through said perforations. If the perforated tray 26 carries a filter cloth on at least one of its faces, the juice resulting from this pressing operation will also be filtered. A subsequent filtration / clarification step can then be avoided.

[0050] In the embodiment of [Fig.2], the perforated plate 26 is in the form of a plate, substantially flat, provided on its lower face (facing the bottom 4 - or opposite the first plate 24 -) with reinforcement and stability brackets 28.

[0051] According to a variant not illustrated here, the perforated plate 26 may for example have a concavity oriented towards the upper plate 24 with a face of the perforated plate 26 facing the upper plate substantially in the shape of a circular cylindrical portion.

[0052] It is proposed in the illustrated embodiments to drive the perforated plate 26 in vertical translation in the tank 2 using a screw-nut system. Other means, for example a rack system, or a double-acting hydraulic cylinder could also be envisaged. It is understood here that different means of connection between the upper plate 24 and the perforated plate 26 and different means of driving the perforated plate 26 towards the upper plate 24 in vertical translation inside the enclosure 2 can be implemented.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, it is proposed to hold the upper plate 24 in position, to extend a threaded rod 12 into the enclosure 2 and to associate a threaded sleeve 14 with the perforated plate 26.

[0054] The upper plate 24 is held on the enclosure 2 by two gantries 16 each having a beam 18 and two legs 20.

[0055] Two variants are possible here. As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the upper plate 24 has an external contour allowing it to be inserted into the enclosure 2. In this embodiment, the upper plate 24 is made integral with the gantries 16. According to another variant (Figures 4 to 6), the upper plate has a contour slightly larger than the opening 8 of the enclosure 2 so that it rests like a cover 240 on the enclosure 2 so as to close the opening 8.

[0056] Each beam 18 is arranged in a transverse position above the opening 8 of the enclosure 2 and coincides with the positioning of a threaded rod 12 and is crossed by the latter. Each gantry 16 is fixed to the enclosure using the legs 20 which cooperate with the enclosure 2 and in particular with the reinforcement tube 10 of the enclosure. Each gantry 16 is in particular held relative to the enclosure 2 by clamping the legs 20 on a reinforcement tube 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the gantries 16 are fixed to the enclosure 2 and support the upper plate 24 which is located in the enclosure 2. According to another variant (not illustrated), the gantries 16 can pinch the upper plate 24 (whose shape is then adapted) on the edge of the opening 8 of the enclosure 2.

[0057] Each beam 18 in the illustrated embodiment carries a drive device 34 for rotating the threaded rod 12 around its longitudinal axis. This may, for example, be an electric or preferably hydraulic motor.

[0058] The drive device 34 may be located above the beam 18 (i.e. on the side opposite the enclosure 2 as shown in the figures) or below it (i.e. between the enclosure and the beam). In the illustrated case, the threaded rod 12 passes first through the beam 18, then the upper plate 24 and the perforated plate 26 and bears on a sole 36. This threaded rod 12 is engaged (screw-nut connection) only with the threaded sleeve 14 associated with the perforated plate 26 and a A sealing gasket 32 ​​is advantageously provided between the threaded rod 12 and the upper plate 24.

[0059] According to an alternative embodiment, the drive system (electric or preferably hydraulic motor) can rotate a nut engaged with the threaded screw which is then secured to the perforated plate. In this embodiment, when the lower perforated plate 26 rises towards the upper plate 24, the threaded rod 12 rises and protrudes upwards, thereby indicating the position of the perforated plate 26 in the enclosure 2 and thus making it possible to follow the progress of the pressing. This embodiment does not require the presence of a sole at the bottom of the enclosure.

[0060] To raise or lower the perforated plate 26, it is sufficient to rotate the drive device 34 in one direction or in the opposite direction. The threaded rod 12 then rotates on itself around its longitudinal axis without translational movement (neither vertical nor otherwise). Thus, in this embodiment the height requirement of the assembly formed by the enclosure and the pressing device is limited.

[0061] The embodiment illustrated in the drawing shows two screw-nut systems but it is possible to adapt the number of systems according to the size of the enclosure. Thus for a “small” enclosure, only one system will be necessary (for example, an enclosure that is substantially cubic or with a substantially square opening 8). For a larger enclosure, it is possible to have more than two systems of this type. With two (or more) screw-nut systems, it is possible to connect the screws to each other by a drive shaft driven by a single motor, said drive shaft being provided for example each time with an angle transmission making it possible to transmit the movement of the shaft to a screw of a corresponding screw-nut system.

[0062] [Fig. 3] shows an alternative embodiment in which the perforated tray 26 is adapted and cooperates with drainage rims 40 in order to increase the external surface area of ​​the solid material through which juice can be discharged. By increasing this surface area, it is possible to better extract the juice from the fruit and to obtain drier marc.

[0063] Compared to the embodiment of [Fig. 2], it is noted that the perforated tray 26 (assuming that the enclosure 2 remains similar) is of reduced dimensions. Indeed, whereas in the embodiment of [Fig. 2] the perforated tray 26 with its reinforcing and stability brackets 28 provides a seal with the side wall 6 of the enclosure 2 to prevent solid matter from falling into the juice collected at the bottom 4 of the enclosure 2, in the embodiment of [Fig. 3], the perforated tray 26 and its reinforcing and stability brackets 28 remain at a distance from the side wall 6 and drainage edges 40 extend between the periphery of the perforated tray 26 and the side wall 6. Drainage edges 40 are preferably found around the entire periphery of the perforated tray 26 but these drainage edges 40 can only be arranged partially around the perforated tray 26, for example only at the longitudinal edges. The drainage edges 40 preferably extend towards the upper tray and form an inclined drainage surface between the perforated tray 26 and the side wall 6.

[0064] In the embodiment of [Fig. 4], the upper plate is in the form of a cover 240 which is fixed on the edge of the opening 8 of the enclosure 2. Preferably, the cover 240 closes the enclosure 2 in a sealed manner, advantageously with the presence of a seal 42. To hold the cover 240 on the enclosure, connecting means in the form of bolts 44 may be provided. Other connecting means, for example a system of clamping clips, or articulated closing hooks, etc.

[0065] Here we find a screw-nut system for driving the perforated plate 26 towards the cover 240 similar to the system illustrated in figures 2 and 3.

[0066] The embodiment of [Fig. 4] provides a drainage system for the extracted juice (which could be adapted in whole or in part to the other embodiments of the present disclosure). It is provided to provide, on the one hand, horizontal drainage at the level of the cover 240 and, on the other hand, vertical drainage along the side wall 6. The horizontal drainage has the purpose of collecting juice extracted from the side of the cover 240 to conduct it towards the side wall 6 and the vertical drainage has the purpose of collecting juice extracted from the side of the side wall 6, receiving juice from the horizontal drainage and conducting all this juice towards the bottom 4 of the enclosure. The horizontal drainage may have, for example, several drainage tunnels 242 arranged along an inner face of the cover 240.Similarly, the vertical drainage may have several drainage tunnels 62 arranged along the side wall 6 extending from the opening 8 of the enclosure 2 (or close to it) towards the bottom 4. Each drainage tunnel 242 or 62 may be in the form of a perforated sheet or a grid folded to have a U-shaped section, the free ends of the branches of the U being in contact with the inner face of the cover 240 or the side wall 6.

[0067] [Fig. 5] illustrates with a top view as a non-limiting exemplary embodiment a drainage network in a pressing and / or transport system according to the present disclosure. In this embodiment, there are horizontal drains (at the cover 240) extending transversely. As illustrated, at least one horizontal drain 242 may be provided at the cover 22 (note: there may be several covers 22) allowing a harvest to be introduced into the enclosure 2. These horizontal drains 242 are connected to drains vertical drains 62 provided on an inner face of the side wall 6. Vertical drains 62 can also be provided which are not connected to horizontal drains 242.

[0068] The process which will be described is more particularly, but not exclusively, adapted to the vinification of a plot in order to produce, from only the grapes of this plot, a wine which will thus have the typicity of this plot with its exclusive characteristics. This process begins in the vineyard and thus also allows excellent traceability by being associated with management means, preferably computer management means.

[0069] Prior to the actual vinification, the enclosure 2 can be brought to the vineyard. For its transport, a truck with an articulated arm is advantageously used allowing the loading and unloading onto a platform of said truck of a polybenne type dumpster. Such a truck / dumpster configuration is commonly used in urban areas and in the agricultural / wine-growing environment.

[0070] Conventionally, the winemaking process begins with the harvesting of grapes from a vineyard plot. The harvested grapes are sorted or mechanically harvested. The harvested and possibly sorted grapes are placed in the enclosure 2. The harvested grapes can be directly placed in the enclosure 2 in the vineyard. The grapes are introduced through the opening made in the upper tray 24 (opening associated with the cover 22) and then come to rest on an upper face (facing the upper tray 24) of the perforated tray 26. The latter can then be in its position as close as possible to the bottom 4 of the enclosure 2 or in an intermediate position adapted to the size of the harvested plot and therefore the expected quantity of grapes.

[0071] The winemaking process then includes pressing the grapes. In the case of white or rosé winemaking (but sometimes also red), the grapes are preferably pressed quickly. In this case, the pressing can be carried out already in the vineyard and / or during a stage of transport of the fresh harvest placed in enclosure 2 from the vineyard to the cellar. The grapes can also be pressed as the enclosure fills.

[0072] The pressing comprises a vertical translation of the perforated tray 26 on which the grapes rest upwards by the action of the screw-nut systems and the drive device(s). The perforated tray 26 is brought back towards the upper tray 24 so that the grapes of the fresh harvest are pressed between the perforated tray 26 and the upper tray 24. The gantries 16 participate in holding the upper tray 24 when the pressure is exerted on the grapes to extract the juice.

[0073] During this pressing, the grapes between the two trays create a seal between the lower part of the enclosure 2 and the outside so that a depression appears in the enclosure 2 as the perforated tray 26 rises in the enclosure 2. This depression is favorable to the extraction of the juices from the grapes. It must not, however, prevent the perforated plate 26 from rising or deform the bucket (enclosure 2) by creating too great a vacuum. Advantageously, a vent valve is provided for controlling the vacuum prevailing in the enclosure 2, between its bottom 4 and the perforated plate 26. This valve can be integrated for example into the pressing device, by providing for example a connection extending, possibly parallel to the threaded rods 12, from the perforated plate 26 towards the outside by crossing the upper plate 24.

[0074] The extracted juice that is in the enclosure can be discharged from the bucket. Generally a bucket has a door mounted pivoting at the rear of the bucket. In this door, in the lower position, a drain hatch (or a drain valve) can be provided. Both the door and the hatch allow for a liquid-tight closure of the enclosure. In the case of a multi-bucket bucket, a tilt cylinder generally present on a multi-bucket type truck can be used to tilt the bucket and facilitate the transfer of the extracted juice by pressing through the hatch (or the drain valve).

[0075] Once the juice has been transferred, the perforated tray 26 can move away from the first tray 24 (or the cover 240). The marc contained between these trays is then loosened and released. After opening the rear door of the bin, it can also be evacuated by gravity by tilting the bin.

[0076] As is clear from the above description, the equipment required for a pressing operation is limited. This makes it possible to produce wine at a lower cost. Thus, a winemaker starting out can limit his initial investment to produce his first vintages. In particular, it is unnecessary to have a specific transport bin for the harvest and a separate press. The proposed pressing device can be adapted to an enclosure, for example a wine-growing bin. It is then unnecessary to provide, on the one hand, a separate press and, on the other hand, means to allow the transfer of solid matter from the vine to the press. Industrial application

[0077] The idea of ​​having a separate pressing tool capable of cooperating with an already existing enclosure and usually used only for the transport of a harvest is completely original and very advantageous. This pressing device which comes to cooperate with this existing enclosure then is removed without transfer of solid matter. The final product is thus more qualitative and better traced. This enclosure can be a polybenne, a transport trailer, a wine-growing tipper, a tractor tipper, etc.

[0078] A transport enclosure, thanks to this pressing device, is also used as a press cage for pressing operations which can be carried out without having to transfer solid material when the harvest arrives at the cellar.

[0079] The advantages described below concern the whole of the present disclosure, both the essential characteristics thereof and optional characteristics which sometimes remain very advantageous.

[0080] The proposed pressing device allows excellent control of the pressing operation protected from air.

[0081] With a pressing system described in the present disclosure, the extraction of the must is done by pressing the fresh harvest before the start of alcoholic fermentation. During pressing, the juice level increases in the enclosure as the perforated tray rises so that the juice does not come into contact with the grape skins. A clarification operation can be avoided if the perforated tray carries a filter cloth as mentioned above. After pressing, it is then sufficient to transfer a liquid phase to a fermentation tank.

[0082] The proposed system makes it possible to greatly simplify certain operations during winemaking without loss of quality in the final product, on the contrary.

[0083] The present disclosure is not limited to the examples of pressing device, pressing / transport system described above, only as examples, but it encompasses all the variants that may be envisaged by those skilled in the art within the framework of the protection sought.

Claims

Claims

1. Grape pressing device, characterized in that it is capable of cooperating with an enclosure having an upper opening and in that it comprises: - a first plate (24; 240) having a first face, or upper face, and a second face opposite the first face, or lower face, said first plate (24; 240) having a contour adapted to the shape of the enclosure and being provided with at least one opening associated with a cover allowing the corresponding opening to be closed, - a second perforated plate (26) arranged opposite the second face of the first plate and having a second plate contour adapted to the interior of the enclosure, - mechanical connection means between the first plate (24; 240) and the second plate (26) with at least two screw / nut systems each comprising a nut engaged with a threaded rod (12), so that the second plate (26) can be driven towards the first plate (24;240), and - means for connecting said device to said enclosure.;

2. Pressing device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one cover (22) is hinged on the first plate (24; 240).

3. Pressing device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the first plate (24; 240) has a concavity oriented towards the second plate (26).

4. Pressing device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second perforated plate (26) is a substantially flat plate provided with reinforcements on its face opposite the first plate.

5. Pressing device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second perforated plate (26) is integral with a nut (14) engaged with the screw (12) of the screw-nut system.

6. Pressing device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first plate (24; 240) and the second perforated plate (26) have a substantially rectangular outline.

7. Pressing device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the screws (12) of the screw-nut systems are driven by at least one motor (34) carried by the connecting means.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the second plate (26) carries two plates (38), preferably perforated, forming a dihedron, the screws (12) of the screw-nut systems being partially housed inside said dihedron.

9. Pressing and / or transport system, characterized in that it comprises: - a pressing device according to one of claims 1 to 8, - an enclosure (2) of substantially parallelepipedal shape, comprising a base forming a bottom (4) closing the enclosure on one side and having on the side opposite the bottom an opening (8), in that the second plate (26) of the pressing device is arranged substantially parallel to the bottom inside the enclosure (2) inside the enclosure and is movable relative to the bottom (4) of the enclosure (2), and in that the fixing means (44) cooperate with the enclosure so as to maintain the first plate in position relative to the enclosure when the second plate (26) approaches said first plate (24; 240) during pressing.

10. System according to claim 9, characterized in that the enclosure is in the form of a skip, for example a polyskip.

11. System according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that each screw (12) of a screw-nut system rests on the bottom of the enclosure to guide said screw (12).

12. System according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a connection for venting the space between the bottom (4) of the enclosure (2) and the perforated plate (26) and the exterior of the enclosure (2), a valve making it possible to adjust the vacuum level in said space.

13. System according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the first tray (24) is in the form of a cover, possibly with a concavity, fixed on the periphery of the upper opening of the enclosure (2).

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