SPRAYING PIGMENTING DEVICE WITH ROTATION AND AUTOMATIC EMPTYING

Abstract

SPRAYING PINNING DEVICE, WITH ROTATION AND AUTOMATIC EMPTYING The invention relates to a spraying punching device, with rotation and automatic emptying, comprising a main body (1), movable by means of a forward and reverse system (24); the main body (1) having two ends defining a longitudinal direction, one end having a point (2), and the other end having: a blind tubular rod (3) with one or more outlets (8) to a distribution chamber (18) defined in a rotating element (9), the rotating element (9) having radial arms (10) with nozzles (11) for spraying and being able to rotate freely on the rod (3); the rod (3) is connected to a fitting (4) of a riser pipe (5); notable in that it includes a support (13), which can be detached from the upper closing rod (3) of the distribution chamber (18), for connection to the forward and reverse system (24). Figure for the abridged version: 5

Description

Title of the invention: Rotating and Automatically Draining Spraying Freezing Apparatus FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a spray-punching device, with automatic rotation allowing to mix all parts of the fruit for better fermentation in the fermentation tanks of beverages, mainly for the production of wine.

[0002] The invention is mainly related to the field of application of installations enabling the production of high-quality wines with high expression.

[0003] This is a self-rotating sprayer which moves axially on its axis through the carrier tank, completed in turn by a punch to break the upper solid layer of the mixture, called "cap" in the art.

[0004] The object of the invention is a major improvement over the prior art. It is a complement to the vats where fruit (generally grapes) is vinified or fermented, in order to obtain musts and improve them.

[0005] Its multiple functions include pumping over the must, spraying the must cap from below and breaking it up; fragmenting and immersing the fragmented cap in the must to mix it with the must and, at the same time, optimizing the exchange of its contents through continuous contact with the must. Furthermore, the device empties automatically for cleaning.

[0006] All this is done in a single unit, a self-rotating, self-draining and self-cleaning sprayer for punching, which is the main difference in the improvement and is complemented by the fact that it can be positioned according to the needs in the different tanks.

[0007] Considering the technology applied, the layout, the ingenuity applied, and the design, this gives the invention a major advance over the current state of the art, particularly with regard to the concepts applied. Furthermore, the device is very efficient and requires little maintenance.

[0008] PREVIOUS INVENTION

[0009] It is well known in the prior art, and particularly in wine production, that carbon dioxide is produced during the fermentation of the fruit, once it has been broken up and placed in a vat.

[0010] Conversely, the less dense parts, due to this property and pushed by the gas produced, float and form a solid layer that accumulates and dries, called a "cap". The cap acts as thermal insulation, stops fermentation, the aromas and CO2 are trapped and the cap blocks the extraction of these components. Furthermore, the cap retains compounds such as tannins, anthocyanins, aromatics, and other active ingredients that one wishes to incorporate into the blend or wine.

[0011] The cap quickly reforms each time it disperses, forming a dense and compact structure. It is therefore necessary to break it frequently and with considerable effort.

[0012] Consequently, the use of punches (initially sticks or hand tools), which break the cap and mix the contents of the vat, and the raising of the liquid from the bottom of the vat towards the mouth, which allows the cap to be wetted while mixing it, have been known since antiquity.

[0013] Among all these systems, there are some that can be described as principal:

[0014] ES1238509U, ES1260774U, FR2778411, ES2379891, ES2190301, ES1063660U, ES2297144, US3871272, FR2797783, ES2181035, FR2767532, ES0110914, and others. These documents may be consulted for a better understanding of the prior art, but are not essential to understanding the present invention.

[0015] The documents cited above present cap punchers and devices for pumping over the mixture or wine (must), but the present document surpasses and improves them, by facilitating their construction, use and efficiency (all in one) and especially their automatic emptying and cleaning, which is difficult for the punchers mentioned in these documents.

[0016] Nowhere are such simple control systems known as that of this invention.

[0017] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The proposed invention solves the aforementioned problem in a very satisfactory manner, based on a simple and very effective solution which uses the existing installations of the tanks and the assembly units.

[0019] The invention consists of an apparatus which, by bringing up the must, pulverizes it in the cap, while breaking or fragmenting it and immersing the fragments of the cap in the must to mix it with the latter, while further optimizing the exchange of its contents, by the churning and the continuous contact of the whole, completed, in turn, by the fact that it is self-draining and self-cleaning; which makes it possible to improve the mixing of the active ingredients, to the extent that this is desirable.

[0020] This result is obtained by combining in a single element the function of pumping over the must, the function of sprinkling the cap with the must, and the function of stirring; by fragmenting and submerging the cap in the must, and in its cycles of descent and ascent through the wine and the vat, by fragmenting the cap and diluting it in the must through churning, this improves the mixing of the active ingredients in the desired proportions and frequency.

[0021] In addition, the most complete version is self-draining, self-cleaning and can be placed in the various tanks, including other equipment in certain versions.

[0022] The rotating and self-draining spraying device for remixing the contents of a tank comprises a main body, movable by means of a forward and reverse drive system on a moving structure. The main body has two ends defining a longitudinal direction, one end having a pointed tip, and the other end having a blind tubular rod with one or more outlets to a distribution chamber defined in a rotating element. This rotating element has radial arms with spray nozzles that can rotate freely on the rod. The rod is connected to a fitting on a return hose, and the rotating element has sealing elements on both sides. The device includes a support, which can be detached from the upper closing rod of the distribution chamber, for connection to the forward and reverse drive system.

[0023] The recommended invention improves, optimizes and resolves the aforementioned and other shortcomings and disadvantages in a simple and direct, but effective and highly satisfactory manner.

[0024] The operating steps of its embodiments are based on the following steps:

[0025] • The entire cap is sprayed with the must brought up by means of the arms radial spraying, either by spray nozzles or by automatic rotation of the arms. This saturates and softens the cap, making it easier to break open and release interesting compounds.

[0026] • The hat is broken by the weight of the main body and the rest of the apparatus on its point.

[0027] • The self-rotating radial arms finish breaking the cap and introduce the pieces in the must. Because they are rotating, the breakage is even more significant.

[0028] • In their immersion, already in the fluid, the radial arms continue their force self-rotation and stir the fluid, viscous and solid mixture, on the one hand, in the form of rotation by the rays, and on the other hand, by the ascending-descending convective turbulence of the realization.

[0029] • Finally, when the device is removed, the radial arms break the cap of the other side (on the underside) with the spray rays, randomly at its entry, whether the rotary spraying continues or not.

[0030] This circuit is simple, requiring no motorization other than the raising of the wort and the movement of the vertical apparatus to be placed on the corresponding tank. For this second movement, the radial arms can advantageously be folded back onto the main body, towards the nozzle, so as to allow it to be extracted or inserted. into the vat through its mouth.

[0031] The system is further improved by the self-draining and self-cleaning of the brewing unit simply by closing the wort return flow. When the wort flow is interrupted, the pipes empty by gravity, and since the wort outlet of the brewing unit is located at the lowest point of all piping, it simply empties by gravity. For final cleaning, it is sufficient to circulate the cleaning fluid instead of the wort from the tank, which will then empty itself completely from the brewing unit.

[0032] This is the main objective of the invention, as well as the simplicity of its adjustment without the need for auxiliary elements.

[0033] The acquisition of uniformity of operation makes the invention an element of optimal simplicity, efficiency and performance, of maximum simplicity and adaptable to any tank, since it is an external element which only requires the possibility of accessing the tank from its upper part (mouth of the tank).

[0034] The invention relates to an apparatus which advances the state of the art for the improvement of wines produced by the controlled fermentation of fruit in fermentation tanks, by the pumping and punching down of the must towards the cap and a better and more controlled recirculation of the mixture, improving the extraction or transfer of the most interesting active principles of the fermentation of the fruit.

[0035] To achieve this, the aforementioned embodiment has been recommended, consisting of the combination of the use of the pump and pipes for the raising of the must and the mass of the embodiment itself, as well as its axial displacement on its axis and the self-rotation generated by the outlet of the must.

[0036] For this purpose, it is configured, by way of preferential but non-limiting description of the embodiment, in a body as the principal and primary element, surmounted at one end by a lance tip, and at the other end by a rod with a fitting to receive the lift pipes through which the must is received from the lower part of the tank by a pump for the lift of fluids and viscous liquids.

[0037] This body distributes the must through one or more outlet holes located at the bottom of the stem, which are radial with respect to the stem, and the stem does not rotate.

[0038] The must is received inside a rotating element around the stem, containing the corresponding rotating and sealing elements, and finally the must is discharged by one or more radial arms coupled to the rotating element. As the must flows through these arms and escapes or exits, it is discharged through one or more nozzles or outlet spouts. The nozzles are very favorably tangential to the radial arms and cause them to rotate, in turn driving the rotating element that contains them.

[0039] The radial arms are coupled to the rotating element and can also, preferably, The arms pivot, tilt, and rotate radially within their coupling to become parallel to the longitudinal direction of the main body (tip-to-stem direction), reducing the radial volume of the assembly so that they can be easily, simply, and freely inserted into or removed from the tanks through their upper opening. During this operation, the arms also self-empty by gravity. Thus, the device self-empties by gravity.

[0040] This system is complemented by an axial feed and return system. This system is coupled to the rod, the pipe fitting, or a support element itself, which limits and suspends the embodiment at the desired depth of the tank by means of tie rods. This does not restrict other means of advancing and retracting the embodiment.

[0041] To control the depth at which the system is inserted into the tank, a limit switch and a safety limit switch are provided, either on the tie rods, the rod, or another system. These stops must be adjustable or removable depending on the different system settings. If the stops are correctly adjusted, it is even possible to prevent the lance tip from penetrating the cap, thus reducing the operations to simply retrieving the must.

[0042] The operation of the most complete embodiment begins with the positioning of the embodiment's support structure in the upper opening of the tank, so that the rotating element is already inside the tank. Once inside, the radial arms are opened and secured. The pump is started, the pipes are filled, the rod is also filled, and the must flows through the holes in the central rod and enters the rotating element. It passes through the radial arms, presses against the cap and the tank, and upon exiting, it exerts a tangential force, creating jets that rotate the rotating element. Thus, the upward spraying of the cap and the self-rotation are already in operation, sweeping the entire cap and even the tank walls.

[0043] The axial displacement of the assembly begins, the body and its mass or weight and the thrust of the displacement affect the cap and pierce it, breaking it and once the radial arms reach the cap, they perform a radial cutting effect on the cap, completing the previous one.

[0044] Once the cap is covered by the radial arms, these, in their autorotation, remove and remix the fluids, the cap fragments and the film.

[0045] The drive system stops when the lower limit switch is reached.

[0046] When the advancement system is reversed, the tie rods that pull the assembly are tightened, the radial arms again encounter the cap, randomly, cutting it again in a similar but reversed manner to the previous one, and when it comes out of the cap, the system sprays the must again onto the remains of the cap, to reach the upper end of the stroke and the advancement of the system is stopped.

[0047] This maneuver can be repeated as many times as necessary, either manually, automatically, or by means of the various automated systems available on the market, and ends with the stopping of the pumping unit which leaves the tank to be transferred to another tank, stored or cleaned.

[0048] To remove the system from the tank, it is necessary to bend the radial arms which are coupled to the rotating element, and also to pivot, tilt, rotate them in their coupling, radially, until they become coplanar to the axis of the embodiment, and in its smaller volume, radially, of the assembly, the assembly can be easily, simply and freely introduced or removed from the tanks by its upper mouth, through the mouth of the tank.

[0049] Questions which increase and improve each of the characteristics of the systems developed so far, giving a maximum value, much higher than what is currently known.

[0050] Other variants will be described in the last part of this description. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] To this end, and in order to supplement the description provided and to allow for a better understanding of the features of the invention, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of this description, in which the following has been shown for illustrative and non-limiting purposes:

[0052] [Fig-1]: General view of the assembly mounted on a tank.

[0053] [Fig.2]: Detailed view of the sprayer punching device, with rotation and emptying automated.

[0054] [Fig.3]: Detailed view of the sprayer punching device, with automatic rotation and emptying with a lowered slate.

[0055] [Fig.4]: Detailed view of the sprayer punching device, with automatic rotation and emptying with a lowered arm.

[0056] [Fig.5] : Section in detail.

[0057] The location where the different parts or components are referenced:

[0058] 1- Main body.

[0059] 2- Point.

[0060] 3- Stem.

[0061] 4- Connection.

[0062] 5- Reassembly pipe.

[0063] 6- Tank.

[0064] 7- Winding pump.

[0065] 8- Exit holes.

[0066] 9- Rotating element.

[0067] 10- Radial arms.

[0068] 11-Nozzles.

[0069] 12- Axis.

[0070] 13- Support.

[0071] 14-Tirant.

[0072] 15- Latch.

[0073] 16- Fixing.

[0074] 17- Hat.

[0075] 18-Distribution chamber.

[0076] 19- Sealing element.

[0077] 20- First sliding element.

[0078] 21- Second sliding element.

[0079] 22- Exit.

[0080] 23- Pin.

[0081] 24- Forward and reverse gear system.

[0082] 25- Displacement structure.

[0083] 26- Mouthpiece.

[0084] 27- Pocket.

[0085] PREFERRED IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION.

[0086] In view of the figures mentioned, it can be seen that the invention, a self-rotating, self-draining spray-type punch-down device, consists of a main body (1) which defines a longitudinal direction with two ends. At one end, the main body (1) terminates in a point (2). This main body (1), during use, is placed above a tank (6) of must or other fermenting liquid, so that the point (2) is at the bottom, ready to break the cap (17).

[0087] The other end of the main body (1) is attached to a blind tubular rod (3) which terminates in the area of ​​contact with the main body (1) by one or more radial and outwardly oriented holes (8). The rod (3) receives the wort from the bottom of the tank (6) by means of a pump (7) and one or more pump lines (5). The pump line (5) is connected to the rod (3) by a fitting (4) located at the top of the rod.

[0088] The rod (3) carries a rotating element (9) that can rotate freely in the horizontal plane. The rotating element (9) is connected to the rod by sealing elements (19) so that the incoming wort does not escape through the connection area. Instead, it passes through outlets (22) to radial arms (10) comprising nozzles (11) at least at their ends, which can also be arranged at intermediate points. A distribution chamber (18) in the rotating element (9) distributes the wort through the radial arms (10) when received by the outlet openings (8) of the rod (3). The nozzles (11) are normally tangential in order to move the rotating element (9) with the must outlet through the nozzles (11), which allows the orientation of the must outlet to be varied and the entire surface of the must to be covered.

[0089] The bottom of the stem (3) and of the distribution chamber (18) is preferably convex, so that the radial arms (10) located on the perimeter are in the lowest plane and thus ensure the evacuation of the liquid through them.

[0090] The radial arms (10) are articulated on the rotating element (9) to facilitate movement of the assembly and positioning it on either tank (6) and passing through its opening (26) or to clean and empty it. As can be seen in the figures, the folding movement is downwards towards the tip (2). Therefore, the radial arms (10) can be folded towards the tip (2). To this end, they have corresponding shafts (12) in open pockets (27), which are fixed to the rotating element (9).

[0091] Each pocket (27) has a fastening device (16) with a latch (15), which marks and secures the position of the radial arms (10) when they are deployed. Thus, each radial arm (10) is coupled by a shaft (12) to a housing (27) fixed to the rotating element (9) and has a fastener (16) with a slide (15) for gripping the radial arm (10) in the deployed position. This is particularly visible in [Fig. 5]. When the user wishes to fold down the radial arms (10), they remove the fastener (16) and release the latch (15), so that it can rotate on the shaft (12). To deploy them, the radial arm (10) must be lifted until its base contacts the latch (15), pushing it outward and thus allowing the base to pass through to be caught by the fastener (16).

[0092] For self-cleaning, simply fold down the radial arms (10) until they are vertical, parallel to the longitudinal direction of the main body (1). The remaining wort then falls by gravity into the lower nozzle. If necessary, a cleaning agent can circulate through the lifting pump (7) and the lifting pipes (5), which pass through the rotating element (9) and, from there, the radial arms (10). There are no longer any pockets or crevices.

[0093] The device is mounted on a forward and reverse drive system (24) on a travel structure (25), such as rails. The connection between the forward and reverse drive system (24) and the device is achieved by means of tie rods (14) from which the device can be suspended for raising and lowering by means of a series of cables or straps. The tie rods (14) are arranged in a support (13) fixed to the rod (3). The support (13) serves as an upper stop for the rotating element (9).

[0094] A significant portion of the support (13) consists of the removable pins (23), the removal of which allows the support (13) to be removed from the rod (3). This allows the removal the rotating element (9) and all its components. The pins (23) fix the support (1) to the rod (3) on both sides, but without affecting the inner channel of the rod (3) so as not to compromise the seal.

[0095] The support (13) presses the rod (3) against the main body (1), thereby increasing the effectiveness of the sealing means (19) on both sides of the rotating element (9).

[0096] Figure 5 shows a first sliding element (20) fixed to the rotating element (9) for clamping the sealing means or elements (19). This first sliding element (20) rotates with the rotating element (9). A second sliding element (21) on the first sliding element (20) acts as a stop in the axial movement. Thus, the device comprises a first sliding element (20) fixed to the rotating element (9) which couples the sealing elements (19) and a second sliding element (21) which stops the axial movement. The two sliding elements (20, 21) move relative to each other and, together with the seal or sealing element (19), constitute the sealing "seal" of the rotating element (9).

[0097] Various accessories can be adapted to the invention to improve it and allow it to be used for other purposes, such as: load-bearing structure, pipe holder support element, axial advancement or return system, cycle programmer, etc.

[0098] The automatic rotating and emptying device can be equipped with other forward and reverse drive systems, a movement structure, or a translation mechanism. It can also be powered by other systems, without losing priority, or simply transported by a crane, or any other type of crane, to be placed on the various tanks (6) in the cellar.

Claims

Claims

1. Automatic rotation and emptying spraying device for remixing the contents of a tank (6), comprising a main body (1), movable by means of a forward and reverse system (24) on a displacement structure (25); the main body (1) having two ends defining a longitudinal direction, one end having a tip (2), and the other end having: a blind tubular rod (3) with one or more outlets (8) to a distribution chamber (18) defined in a rotating element (9), the rotating element (9) having radial arms (10) with nozzles (11) for spraying and being freely rotatable on the rod (3); the rod (3) is connected to a connector (4) of a reassembly pipe (5); the rotating element (9) has sealing elements (19) on either side;characterized in that it comprises a support (13), which can be detached from the upper closing rod (3) of the distribution chamber (18), for connection to the forward and return system (24).;

2. Sprayer-pegging apparatus, with automatic rotation and emptying according to claim 1, characterized in that the nozzles (11) are tangential.

3. Sprayer-pegging device, with automatic rotation and emptying according to claim 1, characterized in that the bottom of the rod (3) and of the distribution chamber (18) is convex.

4. Automatic rotation and emptying spraying device according to claim 1, characterized in that the radial arms (10) can be folded towards the tip (2).

5. Sprayer-pegging apparatus, with automatic rotation and emptying according to claim 4, characterized in that each radial arm (10) is coupled by a shaft (12) to a housing (27) fixed to the rotating element (9) and comprises a fixing (16), with a slide (15) for gripping the radial arm (10) in the unfolded position.

6. Sprayer-pegging device, with automatic rotation and emptying according to claim 1, characterized in that the rod (3) is fixed to the support (13) by removable pins (23).

7. Automatic rotation and emptying sprayer tapping apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a first sliding element (20) fixed to the rotating element (9) and which couples the sealing elements (19) and a second sliding element (21) which stops the axial movement.

8. Sprayer-pegging device, with rotation and automatic emptying according to claim 1, characterized in that it empties itself by gravity.

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