BACKLIGHTING DEVICE FOR VITICULATE AND BREWING SIGHTSEEMER, BACKLIGHTING METHOD FOR VITICULATE AND BREWING SIGHTSEEMER

Abstract

TITLE OF THE INVENTION: BACKLIGHTING DEVICE FOR WINE AND BREWING CANDLES, BACKLIGHTING METHOD FOR WINE AND BREWING CANDLES. The backlighting device (100) for wine and brewing candles comprises: - a frame (105) for supporting a light source, - a means (110) for attaching it to the candler (130) mechanically fixed to the frame, - the light source (115), and - a power supply (120) independent of the light source. The abstract figure: Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: BACKLIGHTING DEVICE FOR VITICULTURE AND BREWING SIGHTSEEMER, BACKLIGHTING METHOD FOR VITICULTURE AND BREWING SIGHTSEEMER Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a backlighting device for wine and brewery sight glasses, and a method for backlighting wine and brewery sight glasses. It is particularly applicable to the fields of winemaking and brewing. Prior art

[0002] During winemaking or brewing, racking or settling are key steps in the production of wine or beer. The objective of these steps is to transfer the fermented wine or beer to a different container, particularly to remove particles that have settled at the bottom.

[0003] In the wine industry, this step occurs twice a year and allows, through this transfer, the separation of the wine from its lees, which are too rich in tannins. The tank receiving the wine is supplied by a set of food-grade pipes and pumps. To carry out this transfer, a stainless steel dipstick is immersed in a winemaking container to extract the wine and transfer it to another winemaking container. This technique allows the wine or beer to be separated from the lees by visually checking the color of the wine or beer: as soon as the wine or beer becomes cloudy, this indicates the presence of lees. When lees are detected, the dipstick is removed and inserted into the next container. To perform this visual check, a sight glass, i.e., a transparent tube, is added between the pipe and the dipstick.

[0004] Such mirrors are also used in other operations of transferring wine or beer from one container to another.

[0005] Currently, systems are known that involve manually positioning a flashlight near the sight glass to facilitate visual inspection of the wine or beer passing through it. However, such systems are mechanically unstable and do not allow for consistent inspections. These drawbacks result in a degradation of the quality of the wine or beer produced. Description of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0007] To this end, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a backlighting device for wine and brewery sight glasses, which comprises: - a support frame for a light source, - a means of attachment to the mirror mechanically fixed to the frame, - the light source and - a self-contained power supply for the light source.

[0008] Thanks to these provisions, during racking or desliming, the device can be easily installed and visual control can be carried out in a repeatable, reliable and efficient manner.

[0009] In some embodiments, the attachment means comprises a mechanical jaw.

[0010] These embodiments allow the device to be installed on different models of sights, regardless of the diameter or number of reinforcing rods of the sight.

[0011] In embodiments, the frame includes a window having a first side configured to be oriented towards the mirror and a second side configured to be oriented towards the light source so that the light from the light source passes through the window and then the mirror.

[0012] These embodiments allow correct orientation of the light source for any type of mirror.

[0013] In some embodiments, the chassis includes a protective and / or sealed housing.

[0014] These embodiments have the advantage of protecting all the internal elements of the device. The internal elements being, for example, the power supply and / or an electronic board for managing the light source.

[0015] In some embodiments, the chassis includes a removable cover configured to delimit a hollow volume corresponding to the housing.

[0016] These embodiments have the advantage of protecting the internal elements and allowing access to the technical elements of the device.

[0017] In embodiments, the device of the present invention comprises a means for setting the wavelength of light emission by the light source

[0018] These embodiments have the advantage of allowing better visual control of the color change of the wine or beer in the sight glass.

[0019] In embodiments, the parameterization means includes a mechanical selector, the parameterization means being configured to parameterize the wavelength according to a position of the selector.

[0020] These embodiments have the advantage of allowing the adaptation of the light spectrum emitted by the light source in order to enhance the visibility of the color of the wine or beer passing through the mirror.

[0021] In embodiments, the parameterization means is configured to select one wavelength from among three predetermined wavelengths.

[0022] The advantage of these embodiments is that they allow, depending on the color of the wine (red, white or rosé) to quickly select the appropriate light spectrum in order to detect the lees contained in the flow of wine passing through the sight glass.

[0023] In embodiments, the device of the present invention comprises a detector configured to return a signal according to the state of an opacity sensor controlling the wine or beer passing through the sight glass.

[0024] These embodiments have the advantage of allowing the sending of a signal which can be audible, visual or electrical, which can warn the user when the wine or beer in the sight glass exceeds a set level of opacity.

[0025] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a backlighting method for wine and brewery sight glasses, which comprises: - a step involving positioning the backlighting device on a wine and brewery viewing mirror, - a step of attaching the device to a wine and beer inspection lamp, - a step of switching on the device's light source and - a visual inspection step of a flow of wine or beer passing through the sight glass. Brief description of the figures

[0026] Other advantages, purposes and particular features of the invention will become apparent from the following non-limiting description of at least one particular embodiment of the device and method of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] [Fig.1] schematically represents a particular embodiment of the backlighting device for wine and brewery sight glasses that is the subject of the present invention, [Fig.2] represents, in step-by-step form, a specific logic diagram for implementing the backlighting process for wine and brewery visualizers, which is the subject of the present invention.

[0028] [Fig.3] schematically represents a particular embodiment of the device of backlighting for wine and brewery mirrors, the subject of the present invention and

[0029] [Fig.4] schematically represents a particular way of using the backlighting device for wine and brewery sighting device, the subject of the present invention. Description of the implementation methods

[0030] The present description is given by way of non-limiting grammar, each feature of an embodiment being able to be advantageously combined with any other feature of any other embodiment.

[0031] A device for observing wine or beer passing through a pipe is called a "mireur"; this device is generally composed of a transparent glass tube and a multitude of metal reinforcing rods on its periphery.

[0032] The operations of changing the container of wine or beer in order to eliminate particles deposited at the bottom of the original container are called "racking" and "degreasing".

[0033] The term "lees" refers to a residue of dead yeast (and possibly some plant residue) which settles at the bottom of a container after fermentation.

[0034] The term “tannin” refers to the organic substances present in wine or beer that come from the plants used in their production.

[0035] Figure 1, not to scale, shows an embodiment of the backlighting device 100 for a wine and brewery sight glass 130, which is the subject of the present invention. This device 100 comprises: - a chassis 105 for supporting a light source, - a means 110 for attaching to the mirror 130 mechanically fixed to the frame, - the light source 115 and - a 120 independent power supply for the light source 115.

[0036] The chassis 105 is, for example, a box and / or a support having fixings for other elements forming the device 100. This chassis 105 is configured to allow the protection of the elements forming the device 100. This chassis 105 preferably comprises a structure, defined by a selection of materials and / or a particular arrangement of said materials, selected to resist the risks of use such as drops, shocks, extreme temperatures and humidity.

[0037] In some embodiments, the device 100 of the present invention comprises a light source 115 configured so that the light from the light source passes through the mirror. This light source may be a light-emitting diode.

[0038] In variants, the device may include one or more light sources 115.

[0039] In embodiments, the chassis 105 includes a window 145 having a first side configured to be oriented towards the mirror 130 and a second side configured to be oriented towards the light source 115 so that the light from the light source 115 passes through the window 145 and then the mirror 130.

[0040] This window 145 can be closed by a transparent part, for example a glass and / or polymer plate.

[0041] In variants, a part implemented to close the window 145 can be removable in order to carry out maintenance operations on the device 100.

[0042] In variants, the device 100 of the present invention includes a means for directing the light beam. Such a directing means is, for example, a lens associated with the window 145. This allows for better visibility for the user.

[0043] In some embodiments, the chassis 105 includes a removable cover 125 configured to delimit a hollow volume corresponding to the housing.

[0044] This removable cover 125 is configured to allow the protection of the elements composing the device 100. This removable cover 125 preferably has a structure, defined by a selection of materials and / or a particular arrangement of said materials, selected to resist the risks of use such as drops, shocks, temperatures and humidity.

[0045] The hood 125 may include a locking system to keep the housing, delimited by the chassis-hood assembly, closed. The locking system may be a system of notches and / or screws.

[0046] In variants the chassis 105 includes a protective and / or sealed housing.

[0047] In some embodiments, the chassis 105 is mechanically associated with the means 110 attachment.

[0048] In some embodiments, the means 110 for attaching to the sight 130 is a mechanically constrained jaw, for example, by a spring. In such embodiments, the jaw can be connected to the frame 105 by a pivot joint 140. In such embodiments, the jaw can be attached to a sight 130, regardless of the diameter of that sight 130.

[0049] In variants, the means 110 for attaching to the mirror 130 can be an elastic element configured to allow attachment to the mirror 130.

[0050] In variants, the means 110 for attaching to the mirror 130 can be a magnetic element configured to allow attachment to the mirror 130.

[0051] Figure 3, which is not to scale, shows an embodiment of the backlighting device 300 for a wine and brewery viewing window 130, which is the subject of the present invention. This device 300 comprises, in addition to the elements described opposite the device 100 shown in Figure 1: - a means 305 for setting the wavelength of light emission by the light source 115 and - a means 310 for managing the parameterization of a wavelength of light emission by the light source 115.

[0052] In embodiments, the device 100 of the present invention includes a parameterization means configured to allow the selection of the wavelength of light emission by the light source 115.

[0053] In variants, the parameterization means includes a mechanical selector, the parameterization means being configured to parameterize the wavelength according to a position of the selector.

[0054] In variants, the wavelength selection is made using a potentiometer allowing manual scanning of a range of wavelengths. corresponding to the visible spectrum. This allows a user to identify the ideal wavelength for optimal visibility in the 130 sight.

[0055] In variants, the parameterization means is configured to select a wavelength from among three predetermined wavelengths.

[0056] In some embodiments, the wavelength selection can be made by a switch. The wavelengths are selected to maximize the visibility of the lies, the color of which is known or located within a predetermined confidence interval.

[0057] In variants, the parameterization means is connected to a parameterization management means 310 for a wavelength of light emission by the light source 115.

[0058] In embodiments, the device 100 of the present invention comprises an opacity sensor controlling the wine or beer passing through the mirror 130.

[0059] In embodiments, the device 100 of the present invention includes a detector configured to emit a signal according to the state of the opacity sensor controlling the wine or beer passing through the sight glass 130.

[0060] The opacity sensor is, for example, an infrared sensor. Depending on the opacity level, the sensor emits a signal representative of the opacity of the wine or beer. Based on a predetermined limit value, the detector emits a signal to indicate that the opacity level has been reached. Such a signal is, for example, electrical, audible, and / or electronic.

[0061] In variants, the signal sent can, for example, stop the pump, consequently stopping the flow of wine or beer in the pipeline.

[0062] Figure 4, which is not to scale, shows a method of using the backlighting device 400 for the wine and brewery sighting device 130 that is the subject of the present invention. This method of using 400 comprises two steps: - a first stage in which device 100 is used on a sight glass 130 with wine or beer not loaded with lees 405 and - a second stage in which device 100 is used on a sight glass 130 with wine or beer loaded with lees 410.

[0063] Figure 2 shows a specific step flowchart of the process 200 that is the subject of the present invention. This process 200 comprises: - a step 205 of positioning the backlighting device 100 on a mirror 130, - a step 210 of attaching the device 100 to a viticultural and brewing sight 130, - a step 215 of switching on the light source of the device 100, - a step 220 for adjusting the light spectrum and - a step 225 of visual control of a flow of wine or beer passing through the sight glass 130.

[0064] Step 205 of positioning the device 100 is carried out, for example, by installing the device 100 on a sight 130.

[0065] Step 210 of attaching the device 100 to a sight 130 is carried out, for example, by fixing the device 100 using the mechanical jaw system described previously. In this type of variant, the mechanical jaw can be adjusted.

[0066] Step 215 of switching on the light source of device 100 is carried out, for example, by a switch.

[0067] Step 220 of adjusting the light spectrum is carried out, for example, by manipulating a switch and / or a potentiometer.

[0068] Step 225, which involves visually monitoring the flow of wine or beer through the sight glass 130, is carried out, for example, by a user who can observe the change in color of the wine or beer. When the user observes the change from wine or beer free of lees 405 to wine or beer loaded with lees 410, the transfer can be stopped.

Claims

Claims

1. Backlighting device (100, 300) for wine and brewery inspection mirror (130), characterized in that it comprises: - a frame (105) for supporting a light source, - a means (110) for attaching to the inspection mirror (130) mechanically secured to the frame, - the light source (115) and - an independent electrical power supply source (120) for the light source (115).

2. Device (100, 300) according to claim 1, wherein the attachment means (110) comprises a mechanical jaw.

3. Device (100, 300) according to one of claims 1 or 2, in which the frame (105) comprises a window (145) having a first side configured to be oriented towards the viewer (130) and a second side configured to be oriented towards the light source (115) so that the light from the light source (115) passes through the window (145) then the viewer (130).

4. Device (100, 300) according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the chassis (105) comprises a protective and / or sealed housing.

5. Device (100, 300) according to claim 4, in which the chassis (105) comprises a removable cover (125) configured to delimit a hollow volume corresponding to the housing.

6. Device (300) according to one of claims 1 to 5, which comprises means (305) for setting a wavelength of light emission by the light source (115).

7. A device (300) according to claim 6, wherein the setting means (305) comprises a mechanical selector, the setting means being configured to set the wavelength as a function of a position of the selector.

8. Device (300) according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the parameterizing means (305) is configured to select a wavelength from three predetermined wavelengths.

9. Device (100, 300) according to one of claims 1 to 8, which comprises a detector being configured to return a signal depending on the state of an opacity sensor monitoring a liquid passing through the mirror (130), the liquid being wine or beer.

10. Method (200) of backlighting for wine and brewery inspection mirror (130), characterized in that it comprises: - a step (205) of positioning the backlighting device (100), according to one of claims 1 to 9, on a wine and brewery viewing device (130), - a step (210) of attaching the device (100) to a wine and brewing inspection device (130), - a step (215) of switching on the light source of the device (100), - a step (220) of adjusting the light spectrum and - a step (225) of visual control of a flow of wine or beer passing through the mirror (130).

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