Removable sealing device and monitoring assembly for monitoring properties of the matter in a container

Abstract

Removable sealing device for an opening of a container for detecting property of a matter contained in said container, said device comprising a body that comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion is intended in use to be coupled to the container and comprises a reversible expansion mechanism for determining an expansion of the second portion; wherein the actuation mechanism is kinematically connected to the reversible expansion mechanism; and wherein the device comprises at least one detection element of said property of the matter, the detection element being configured to emit in use a first electromagnetic radiation from the second end to perform a detection inside the container; detect in use a second electromagnetic radiation which hits the second end and is emitted by matter irradiated by said first electromagnetic radiation and generate an identification signal of the second detected electromagnetic radiation and representative of the property of the irradiated matter.

Description

[0001] REMOVABLE SEALING DEVICE AND MONITORING ASSEMBLY FOR MONITORING PROPERTIES OF THE MATTER IN A CONTAINER

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD OF APPLICATION

[0004] The present invention relates to a removable sealing device for an opening of a container for detecting at least one property of a matter in a container.

[0005] The invention further relates to a monitoring assembly for monitoring the characteristics of a matter present in a container.

[0006] In particular, the present invention relates to the field of conservation and storage of matter, in more detail it relates to the refining process.

[0007] The refining process is a processing step that improves the quality and characteristics of a product, often used in contexts such as oenology, gastronomy and the dairy industry.

[0008] In particular, in the wine sector, wine is placed in suitable containers and over time can undergo various physical changes (variations in temperature, evaporation, coagulation, decantation) with consequent variation in physical properties (such as volume, temperature, pressure, density, physical state) and chemical properties (oxidation, fermentation, acidification).

[0009] For a company operating in such sectors, it is therefore of fundamental importance to discern the evolution of these changes and above all to distinguish and identify undesired changes from desired ones.

[0010] PRIOR ART

[0011] As is known, within the wine supply chain, the wine undergoes a first fermentation process, a second refining process and a third process of bottling the liquid.

[0012] During the refining process the wine develops and improves its organoleptic characteristics, it is thereby possible to produce wines with certain final characteristics and it is therefore possible to generate high quality wines.

[0013] In particular, during refining the liquid is conserved in wooden barrels, barriques and tonneaux for a few months or for many years. During the maturation phase, the wine undergoes a series of chemical and physical transformations that affect its taste, aroma and structure.

[0014] Various factors influence maturation: the grape variety plays a fundamental role, since each type has its own characteristics and responds differently to maturation; wine-making techniques, such as the use of particular yeasts or the fermentation temperature; environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity and light.

[0015] By controlling the aforementioned factors, it is possible to produce a final product with final characteristics as close as possible to the desired characteristics.

[0016] Therefore, to facilitate the formation of a final product with certain characteristics and, therefore, a high quality final product, it is necessary to monitor the properties of the wine contained in the wooden barrels, barriques and tonneaux and possibly apply corrective actions to prevent the alteration of the final product.

[0017] One of the biggest problems during the maturation phase is excessive evaporation and the consequent more or less intense losses of product, with a significant economic impact in terms of fewer volumes of final product that can be placed on the market. Product evaporation during maturation requires continuous monitoring to control the associated risks and providing for appropriate corrective actions, such as "topping up", that is, the introduction of another product inside the barrel to fill the level of evaporated liquid.

[0018] Additionally, due to evaporation, an excessive volume of oxygen present in the barrel and the exposure of a large surface of the product thereto can accumulate, triggering chemical processes (oxidation) outside the producer's control.

[0019] Furthermore, to date the product is periodically checked by means of manual actions carried out by operators who evaluate the product characteristics on the basis of subjective sensory evaluations and manual empirical checks, with a wide margin of human error and low precision.

[0020] For example, during the control of the state of the product inside the containers, visual manual control is widely used by periodically opening the container containing the liquid of interest.

[0021] For the analysis of chemical properties, the product producers rely on chemical analysis laboratories, often external to the company, which periodically require samples of the liquid be taken to perform expensive property evaluation analyses. Furthermore, this type of manual control involves a great risk of contamination of the contained liquid as contaminants or, even generally, air comprising oxygen can be introduced during the sampling due to the opening of the container or incorrect sterilization of the sampling instrument.

[0022] Recently, the prior art has seen the emergence of new tools to support the process of monitoring the state of liquids placed in containers which are capable of overcoming these practices, thanks to the application of mature techniques, technologies and tools. Such new technologies introduce the use of liquid property detection devices capable of automatically controlling the state of the liquid, automatically detecting data representative of the characteristics of the liquid without incurring human error.

[0023] Disadvantageously, such new solutions also have unresolved drawbacks.

[0024] In particular, the known device consists of two elements: a first element fixed on the container containing the product and a second element couplable with the first element so as to generate a hermetic closure when the two elements are coupled. A disadvantage is caused by the coupling of the first and second element that generate an air bubble that makes it difficult and unreliable to detect the at least one property of the product.

[0025] The known device also has a protective glass on the free end of the steel tube so as to protect the sensors positioned inside the cap.

[0026] Disadvantageously, the protective glass is in direct contact with the product contained in the container, determining a reduction in the clarity of the glass and a reduction in the ability to obtain reliable detected data.

[0027] Furthermore, the second element of the known device is a cap comprising a detection sensor and a steel tube protruding from the cap and couplable with the first element. That is, the detection sensor is interposed between the cap and the steel tube that is placed in coupling with the first element.

[0028] Disadvantageously, the steel tube reduces the area available to the detection sensors to detect the properties of the product.

[0029] A further disadvantage is the presence of the steel tube, which interferes with the detection of the product characteristics and makes the data detected by the detection sensors unreliable. Even more disadvantageously, the reduced area available to the detection sensors makes the entire volume of the cap unusable, and in particular, the cap is arranged to contain a limited number of sensors.

[0030] Therefore, the known devices are hardly variable and versatile for different types of products.

[0031] A further disadvantage of the known device is caused by the need to correctly apply a first and a second device in order to have a hermetic closure of the container when the device is in use and, therefore, it is difficult to preserve the product properties.

[0032] A still further disadvantage is caused by the presence of the first fixed element on the container, which determines a reduction in the opening of the container and therefore a difficulty in performing corrective actions and / or the insertion of the product in the container.

[0033] The general object of the present invention is to make a device for detecting at least one property of a matter contained in a container which obviates the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0034] The object of the present invention is to make a device for detecting properties of matter more efficiently and reliably.

[0035] A further object of the present invention is to make a device capable of detecting parameters of the matter more accurately, directly and reliably.

[0036] Another object of the present invention is to use a plurality of detection sensors suitably arranged to have a more complete and complex analysis of the characteristics of the matter.

[0037] Still another object of the present invention is to create a device which is versatile and adaptable to any type of container.

[0038] A further object of the present invention is to make a device with reduced volumetric dimensions.

[0039] A further object of the present invention is to make a monitoring assembly capable of ensuring an efficient hermetic closure of the container and of not altering the characteristics of the matter.

[0040] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect, the aforesaid objects are achieved by a device in accordance with claim 1 .

[0041] According to a further aspect, the aforesaid objects are achieved by a monitoring assembly in accordance with claim 16.

[0042] According to a further aspect, the aforesaid objects are achieved by a system for monitoring containers of matter in accordance with claim 19.

[0043] The invention achieves the following technical effects and advantages:

[0044] - detection of the simplest, most reliable and efficient characteristics of matter;

[0045] - analysis of the most complex and complete property of matter;

[0046] - device adaptable to any type of container and product;

[0047] - application of the simplest device;

[0048] - preserving the optimal conditions for refining the matter, in particular wine;

[0049] - making the hermetic closure more reliable and simple;

[0050] - reduced volumetric dimensions.

[0051] The aforesaid technical effects / advantages and other technical effects / ad vantages of the invention will emerge in greater detail from the description, set forth below, of an example of an embodiment given by way of non-limiting approximation with reference to the appended drawings.

[0052] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] Figures 1 A and 1 B show an overall view of a sealing device for an opening of a container, according to the invention.

[0054] Figures 2A and 2B show in section the device illustrated in Figures 1 A,1 B.

[0055] Figures 3A and 3B schematically show some internal components of the second portion of the device of Figures 1 A,1 B.

[0056] Figure 4 schematically shows some internal components of the first portion of the device of Figures 1 A,1 B.

[0057] Figure 5 shows a view of some components of the device of Figures 1 A, 1 B.

[0058] Figure 6 shows the device of Fig. 1 A,1 B when inserted in a container.

[0059] Figure 7 shows an element of the second portion of the device of Figures 1 A,1 B.

[0060] DETAILED DESCRIPTION With reference to the attached figures, 1 denotes a sealing device for the noncontact detection of at least one physical property of a matter contained in a container "C", wherein the container "C" is used for the purpose of storing the matter or used during physical and chemical transformation processes of the matter.

[0061] Preferably matter means a liquid substance, for example wine.

[0062] The device 1 has the purpose of tracking the at least one property of the liquid contained inside the container "C".

[0063] Typically, such a device 1 is associated with containers used in the maturation process of wine products, in particular wine, such as for example wooden barrels used for the wine maturation process.

[0064] The device 1 comprises a body 10 couplable to the container "C".

[0065] In particular, the body 10 has an overall geometry, preferably axial-symmetric and extends along a longitudinal direction L between a first end 40 and a second end 50, wherein the second end 50 is intended to be at least partially inserted inside the container "C" when the body 10 is operatively in use.

[0066] The body 10 comprises a first portion 3 near the first end 40 and a subsequent second portion 2 extending from the first portion 3 up to the second end 50 of the body 10.

[0067] The first portion 3 comprises an actuation mechanism 21 which can be actuated by means of a manoeuvring member 60 which is associated with the first end 40 of the body 10 so as to be rotatably supported in rotation and, in use, be accessible and manoeuvrable from outside the container C.

[0068] With reference to Figures 1 A-1 B and 2A-2B, it should be noted that the first portion 3 is a substantially cylindrical hollow structure, extending around the longitudinal axis L, which defines a containment volume 3a therein.

[0069] Preferably the manoeuvring member 60 is a ring nut.

[0070] With reference to Figures 2A and 2B, it should be noted that the containment volume 3a comprises the actuation mechanism 21 .

[0071] Such an actuation mechanism 21 comprises a planetary gear 26 connected to the ring nut 60.

[0072] Advantageously, the device 1 , although compact and lightweight, allows to ensure an effective sealing action of the opening of the container C.

[0073] Preferably the planetary gear 26 comprises a crown 24 with internal toothing carried internally by the ring nut 60.

[0074] That is, the crown 24 is integral with the ring so as to rotate with the same rotation of the ring nut 60.

[0075] Preferably, the planetary gear 26 comprises a plurality of satellites 23 meshing on the crown 24 with internal toothing.

[0076] In a non-limiting embodiment shown in Figure 4, there are three satellites 23. Such satellites 23 are meshed on the crown 24 with internal toothing, thereby the rotation imposed on the ring nut is transmitted to the crown 24 with internal toothing and consequently to the satellites 23. Preferably each satellite 23 has a centred through hole.

[0077] Preferably the planetary gear 26 comprises a central pinion 19 meshing with the satellites 23.

[0078] With reference to Figure 4, it should be noted that the diameter of the central pinion 19 is smaller than the diameter of the satellites 23. In particular, the central pinion 19 is centred relative to the three satellites 23 and aligned with the longitudinal extension axis L of the body 10.

[0079] Thereby, the rotation of the ring nut 60 is transmitted to the central pinion 19 and, in particular, a rotation of the ring nut 60 corresponds to a plurality of rotations of the central pinion 19.

[0080] Therefore, a rotation set to the ring nut 60 by a user is transmitted to the central pinion 19 so as to determine a plurality of rotations of the central pinion 19, thus making a device that multiplies the rotations applied to the ring nut 60. This allows a user to determine the hermetic seal of an outflow opening of the container C by the device 1 by rotating the ring nut 60 by a single turn, or a little more.

[0081] In the illustrated but non-limiting embodiment, the rotation ratio between the ring nut 60 and the central pinion 19 is approximately 1 :15; that is, fifteen rotations of the central pinion 19 correspond to one rotation of the ring nut 60.

[0082] Advantageously, the planetary gear 26 is therefore able to ensure a hermetic seal of the device 1 in use easily, quickly and safely.

[0083] Preferably, the planetary gear 26 comprises a threaded screw 27 integral in rotation with the central pinion 19.

[0084] In an embodiment better illustrated in Figure 2B, the central pinion 19 has a seat to retain the head of the threaded screw 27 so that the threaded screw 27 is integral in rotation with the central pinion 19. Consequently, the threaded screw 27 also extends along the longitudinal axis L.

[0085] As shown in Figures 2A, 2B, 4 and 5, the planetary gear 26 and, therefore, the head of the threaded screw 27 are supported by a support element 19a.

[0086] The support element 19a has a through hole 27a crossed by the threaded screw 27 and a plurality of through holes 23a.

[0087] Preferably, each through hole 23a of the plurality of holes is aligned with a relative hole of a satellite 23.

[0088] Preferably, the planetary gear 26 comprises a threaded nut 28 in screw-nut screw engagement with the thread of the threaded screw 27.

[0089] Thereby, when the ring nut 60 rotates, the rotation is transmitted to the threaded screw 27 and consequently to the threaded nut 28.

[0090] Therefore, a rotation in one direction or the other of the ring nut 60 entails a corresponding rotation in one direction or the other of the central pinion 19 and the threaded screw 27.

[0091] As better shown in Figure 2B, the threaded screw 27 protrudes from the first portion 3 and away from the first end 40. Thereby, the body of the threaded screw 27 extends inside the second portion 2.

[0092] The second portion 2 of the body 10 is intended in use to be coupled to the opening of a container C and comprises a reversible expansion mechanism 25 for determining an expansion of the second portion 2 in a radial direction R perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L.

[0093] The actuation mechanism 21 is kinematically and operatively connected to the reversible expansion mechanism 25 to determine a reversible radial expansion of the second portion 2 following an actuation of the manoeuvring member 60.

[0094] Preferably the reversible expansion mechanism 25 (Fig. 5) comprises an expanding element 22 rigidly integral in translation and rotation with the threaded nut 28.

[0095] As can be seen from Figures 3A and 3B, the expanding element 22 has a structure with a truncated cone shape converging towards the second end 50 of the body 10.

[0096] Preferably, the expanding element 22 comprises a plurality of through passages 36 extending in the longitudinal direction L. The plurality of through passages 36 corresponds to the plurality of through holes 23a of the plurality of satellites 23. In particular, each through passage 36 is aligned with a respective through hole 23a. Typically the expanding element 22 is overmoulded to the threaded nut 28. Thereby, the movement of the expanding element 22 is controlled by the movement of the threaded nut 28.

[0097] The reversible expansion mechanism 25 comprises a plurality of guide elements 35 extending in the body 10 parallel to the threaded screw 27 and integral with the body 10.

[0098] Preferably, each guide element 35 comprises a main element 35a and a relative secondary element 35b. The main element 35a has a hollow cylindrical structure so that the secondary element 3b is inserted inside the cavity of the main element 35a.

[0099] With reference to Figure 5, it is evident that the plurality of guide elements 35 substantially has three guide elements 35. The guide elements 35 are joined together by means of a plate 35c having three holes at each cavity of the main element 35a and a hole at the threaded screw 27.

[0100] In the present invention, each hole of the plate 35c is aligned with a through hole 23 of a respective satellite 23. Consequently, each hole of the plate 35c is also aligned with a respective through passage 36 of the expanding element 22.

[0101] Accordingly, a respective guide element 35 is inserted in each through passage 36, in each plate hole 35c and in the through hole 23 of a respective satellite 23. The engagement of the guide elements 35 in said through passages 36 of the expanding element 22 determines a slider-guide constraint of the expanding element 22 relative to the guide elements 35 which allows a translation in the longitudinal direction L of the body 10, preventing a relative rotation of the expanding element 22 relative to the guide elements 35.

[0102] Consequently, such a constraint is also imposed on the threaded nut 28 which, being integral with the expanding element 22, can translate in the longitudinal direction L of the body 10 and along the thread of the threaded screw 27.

[0103] Preferably, the reversible expansion mechanism 25 comprises a radially expandable annular element 12.

[0104] With reference to Figure 7, it is evident that the annular element 12 comprising an annular base 12a and an annular crown formed by a plurality of sectors 12b circumferentially spaced from each other and projecting from the annular base 12a towards the expanding element 22.

[0105] The plurality of sectors 12b of the annular element 12 determines a flare partially counter-shaped to the expanding element 22.

[0106] That is, in the portion distal from the annular base 12a, the plurality of sectors 12b determine a lead-in flare for the insertion of the expanding element 22.

[0107] The plurality of sectors 12b is intended to expand in the radial direction R following an insertion of the expanding element 22 in the annular crown identified by the plurality of sectors 12b.

[0108] In particular, the annular element 12 is positioned in the second portion of the body 10 and substantially extends around the longitudinal axis L so as to be crossed by the threaded screw 27 and the guide elements 35. Preferably, the annular element 12 is positioned in the central portion of the second portion 2 of the body 10.

[0109] The annular element 12 has a smaller internal diametric dimension than the largest diameter of the expanding element 22.

[0110] Therefore, the expanding element 22 and the threaded nut 28, moving vertically, determine the insertion of the same expanding element 22 inside the area of the annular element 12; the expanding element 22 interacts with the annular element 12 expanding it along the radial direction R.

[0111] Preferably, the second portion 2 comprises an outer covering sheath 11 extending longitudinally with a tapered shape from the first portion 3 up to the second end 50 of the body 10.

[0112] As shown in Figures 1A and 1 B, the larger diametric dimension of the second portion 2 is smaller than the diametric dimension of the first portion 3.

[0113] Preferably, the outer covering sheath 11 is made of food-grade silicone material. The covering sheath 11 extends around the longitudinal axis L of the body 10 and has the function of interacting with the opening of the container C when the device 1 is in use.

[0114] In particular, the outer covering sheath 11 comprises the annular element 12.

[0115] With reference to Figures 2A, 2B and 6, it should be noted that the annular element 12 is located in a central portion relative to the longitudinal extension of the second portion 2 and, therefore, of the covering sheath 11 .

[0116] In accordance with the illustrated embodiment (see Figures 2, 2B and 5), the device 1 has the expanding element 22 in a position near the actuation mechanism 21 relative to the annular element 12.

[0117] When the device 1 is used (Figure 6) and the operator rotates the ring nut 60, the rotation is transmitted by means of the expansion mechanism 25 to the expanding element 22 which, translating downwards, determines an interaction between the expanding element 22 and the annular element 12.

[0118] Consequently, the annular element 12 undergoes an expansion in the radial direction R. The expansion of the annular element 12, being in direct connection with the outer covering sheath 1 1 , determines an expansion in the radial direction R of the central portion of the outer covering sheath 11 , and therefore, of the central portion of the second portion 2.

[0119] Advantageously, the outer covering sheath 11 adapts to the opening of the container.

[0120] The device 1 is reversible, therefore by rotating the ring nut in the opposite direction the expanding element 22 translates towards the actuation mechanism and the covering sheath 1 1 contracts so as to recover its tapered shape.

[0121] The device 1 preferably comprises a support element 32. As shown in Figure 5, the support element 32 comprises a first resting surface 32a for supporting the threaded screw 27 so that the vertical translation of the expanding element 22 and the threaded nut 28 is limited by the first resting surface 32a.

[0122] Preferably, the support element 32 is interposed between the annular element 12 and the second end 50 of the body 10.

[0123] Preferably, the support element 32 has a plurality of through holes configured to be crossed by the guide elements 35.

[0124] Preferably, the support element 32 has a second resting surface 32b so that the secondary element 35b abuts with the second resting surface 32b. Preferably, the support element 32 is positioned in a housing seat 31 obtained in the outer covering sheath 11 .

[0125] That is, the outer covering sheath 11 comprises a distal portion 1 1 a near the second end 50 and arranged to internally receive the housing seat 31 .

[0126] Preferably, the distal portion 1 1 a of the outer covering sheath 1 1 comprises a further housing seat 33 interposed between the housing seat 31 of the support element 32 and the second end 50 of the body 10.

[0127] As shown in Figures 2A, 2B and 6, the further housing seat 33 receives a protection element 15.

[0128] Preferably, the protection element 15 is made of transparent material.

[0129] Thereby, an empty zone is created between the second end 50 and the protection element 15 that promotes the absence of contact between the protection element 15 and the matter contained in the container C, thus avoiding dirtying the protection element 15 and interfering with the operation of the device 1 .

[0130] The surface of the protection element 15 facing the empty zone, generated near the second end 50 of the device, has an outer surface, in use intended to face inside the container C, having hydrophobic characteristics, being coated or made or can be made of a material having hydrophobic characteristics, in use to repel adhesion with liquids contained in the container.

[0131] Advantageously, if the surface of the protection element 15 comes into contact with the matter contained in the container C, the hydrophobic behaviour of the outer surface of the protection element 15 allows preventing parts of the same matter from remaining adhered to the surface of the protection element 15 itself, safeguarding the operation of the device 1 and the detection capabilities thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the protection element 15, which, in particular, is made of glass, has been treated with a hydrophobic coating, for example obtained / deposited by means of PECVD (or PACVD) technology, any transparent coating or paint can obviously be used, as long as it is hydrophobic, for example with a surface tension of less than 35 mN / m, suitable for coming into contact with food.

[0132] The device 1 further comprises at least one detection element 4 of the at least one property of the matter. The detection element 4 is positioned near the second end 50 and, in particular, is interposed between the support element 32 and the protection element 15. Preferably, the detection element 4 is positioned on the second resting surface 32b.

[0133] Thereby, the operation of the detection element 4 is more reliable and the detected information and the related generated identification signals are not adversely affected and / or disturbed.

[0134] The detection element 4 is configured to emit in use a first electromagnetic radiation from the second end 50 with a direction away from the first portion 3 to perform a detection inside the container C; to detect in use a second electromagnetic radiation which hits the second end 50 and is emitted by matter irradiated by the first electromagnetic radiation and to generate an identification signal of the second detected electromagnetic radiation and representative of at least one property of the irradiated matter.

[0135] That is, the structure of the device 1 creates a step between the protection element 15 and the second end 50 of the second portion 2, thereby the path of the first and the second electromagnetic radiation is free of disturbance elements.

[0136] The detection element 4 preferably comprises a laser and / or Lidar emission optical sensor, preferably having a solid detection angle comprised between 5° and 30°, more preferably comprised between 15° and 20°.

[0137] Advantageously, when the device 1 is in coupling with the container C, the detection element 4 is as close as possible to the matter to be analysed.

[0138] Therefore, the first and the second electromagnetic radiation reach the matter without undergoing interference.

[0139] The detection element 4 is preferably arranged on a first printed circuit board and which comprises processing means adapted to convert the second electromagnetic radiation received from the liquid into an identification signal transmittable outside the device 1 .

[0140] The properties of the liquid analysed by the detection element 4 are chosen in such a way as to obtain feedback on the state of the liquid, in particular, to analyse the presence of any changes in volume due to evaporation or other chemical phenomena. The identification signal generated by the detection element 4 comprises at least one of: liquid temperature, liquid level inside the container, liquid density, liquid composition by means of spectroscopic analysis.

[0141] Preferably, the device 1 comprises at least one auxiliary detection element 42 configured to detect at least one property of the environment outside the container C.

[0142] The auxiliary detection element 42 is preferably positioned in the first portion 3, and in particular is arranged on a second printed circuit board and which comprises processing means adapted to process the data detected in further identification signals representative of the characteristics of the external environment.

[0143] Advantageously, the auxiliary detection element 42 is closer to the environment outside the container C and, therefore, the data detected are more reliable.

[0144] Specifically, the auxiliary sensing element 42 comprises at least one temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor and / or a pressure sensor.

[0145] Preferably, the auxiliary detection element 42 comprises an accelerometer configured to measure the inclination of the container C and / or the variation of the positioning of the device 1 relative to the container C.

[0146] The device then comprises a processing unit 40 configured to process the identification signals of the detection element 4 and the auxiliary detection element 42 and generate a status signal representative of the status of the matter, for example the level of the liquid.

[0147] That is, the device 1 generates an identification signal by means of the detection element 4 which is representative, for example, of the level of the liquid in the container C.

[0148] In detail, the detection element 4 detects the distance of the detection element 4 from the liquid, processes the detected data by converting it into litres of liquid contained in the container C and generates an identification signal representative of the level of liquid present in the container C.

[0149] Then, the processing unit compares the generated identification signal with a reference threshold value representative of the liquid stored in the container C. Consequently, the processing unit 40 generates the liquid status signal representative of the status of the liquid and, in the specific case, representative of the amount of liquid missing.

[0150] The device 1 comprises at least one proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of an operator.

[0151] In particular, the proximity sensor is positioned in the first upper portion. Thereby, the proximity sensor can detect the presence of an operator even when the device 1 is in coupling with the container C.

[0152] Preferably, the device 1 comprises one or more low energy consumption LED lighting devices 7.

[0153] Preferably, the first portion 3 comprises RGB LEDs arranged to generate a visual signal representative of the status signal, when the presence of an operator is detected.

[0154] That is, when the proximity sensor detects the presence of the operator, at least one RGB LED 7 lights up in a specific colour representative of the generated status signal.

[0155] An LED extending along the circumference of the first portion 3 is shown by way of example in Figure 1 .

[0156] Preferably the visual signal has a different colour as a function of the amount of liquid missing.

[0157] Advantageously, the device 1 is capable of interacting with the operator without the device being removed and, therefore, knowing the status of the matter contained in the container C and avoiding contamination of the material.

[0158] Preferably the device can comprise an interface that can be engaged by an operator by means of a double physical touch on the interface itself. By means of the double touch, an operator can immediately be able to activate the LED.

[0159] Preferably, the device 1 comprises a memory configured to receive the identification signal generated by the detection element 4 and the identification signal generated by the auxiliary detection element 42 and store the aforesaid signals.

[0160] Preferably, the processing unit is configured to transmit the identification signal generated by the detection element 4 and the identification signal generated by the auxiliary detection element 42 to the memory.

[0161] The device can comprise a short-range signal emitter (not shown) for transmitting the signals detected by the detection element 4 or by the auxiliary detection element 42 to a remote receiving device.

[0162] Short-range transmission is intended as wireless signal emissions of specific frequencies for a distance in the order of a hundred metres. This type of transmission is particularly useful in the event of wirelessly sending non-complex data to devices or interfaces within a work area.

[0163] In the present embodiment such a transmitter can entail a Wi-Fi or, preferably Bluetooth or BLE or UWB transmission.

[0164] Such emission can be detected by portable devices such as, for example, smartphones or tablets, by operators directly inside the work area.

[0165] The device can further comprise a long-range signal emitter and, in particular, of the LoRaWAN type. LoRaWAN devices preferably use the 863-870 MHz band in Europe, and constituting transmission networks between several devices, available both inside and outside the work area for transmission distances from a few tens of metres to hundreds of metres.

[0166] The acquired data is transferred via a wireless communication (LORA) to a Gateway, which through a modem and a network connection transmits this data to a remote computer, capable of processing and storing this data.

[0167] Both the short-range transmission element and the long-range element are arranged inside the first portion 3 of the device 1 , preferably on suitable printed circuit boards (not shown). Advantageously, the use of BLE and LoRaWAN transmitters entail a low power consumption required by the device 1 and ensure greater autonomy.

[0168] The transmission of the short-range signals and the long-range transmission are managed by a monitoring system, capable of alternately or jointly monitoring a plurality of containers C located in the same work area, each container C being coupled to a device 1 .

[0169] The monitoring system comprises a processing unit configured to receive and process the signals emitted simultaneously by each device 1. Such a processing unit can alternatively be defined by an application installed on each laptop supplied to the operators present in the work area or by the remote computer, which in turn can result in a program installed on a device on a physical medium or cloud, even outside the work area.

[0170] Such a system allows operators to constantly monitor the properties of one or more devices located in the work area in an instantaneous manner. In particular, such a processing unit is capable of automatically alerting the user of the properties detected by a device 1 as a function of the information collected in real time.

[0171] Advantageously, the processed signals can be exchanged between the remote computer and the applications installed on the portable devices supplied to the operators within the work area.

[0172] Advantageously, the device 1 can provide for activating the data transmission by means of the short-range signal emitter to a portable device by means of a double tap. Such a function allows to temporarily activate the communication between the portable device supplied to the operator and the device via short-range transmission of the detected properties of the device 1 .

[0173] Advantageously, the system described above can be used to program the various activities related to liquid containers during the year. By way of example, in the wine sector, the time dedicated to fillings can be scheduled, successfully optimising the management of human resources and working time.

[0174] Advantageously, this type of double-touch feedback is extremely intuitive to use and does not require particular technical knowledge from an operator.

[0175] In addition to the last values acquired by the sensors, the processing unit can show information on the diagnostics of the device 1 and allow to change parameters and settings related to its operation.

[0176] Thanks to the large amount of data collected, the operator is able to achieve a high awareness of the evolution of the product differentiated by container C, having access to both historical detection data and being able to rely on real-time data.

[0177] Advantageously, the monitoring system can not only be implemented to perform an environmental detection on the entire plurality of liquid containers "C" coupled to devices 1 and located within a work area, but can also be used in the case in which the devices 1 used are smaller than the number of containers "C" present in the work area.

[0178] In a further aspect, the invention describes a monitoring assembly comprising a container C of matter and a device 1 according to the present invention in matter connection with the container C for a detection of the property of the matter in the container C.

[0179] In particular, a second portion 2 of the device 1 is configured to radially expand when in coupling with the container C. Preferably the container C comprises one of barrels, barriques, tonneaux and the matter comprises a fluid, preferably alcoholic beverages.

[0180] The invention achieves the following technical effects:

[0181] - detection of the simplest, most reliable and efficient characteristics of matter;

[0182] - analysis of the most complex and complete property of matter; - device adaptable to any type of container and product;

[0183] - application of the simplest device;

[0184] - preserving the optimal conditions for refining the matter, in particular wine;

[0185] - making the hermetic closure more reliable and simple;

[0186] - reduced volumetric dimensions.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Removable sealing device (1 ) for an opening of a container (C) for detecting at least one property of a matter contained in said container (C), said device (1 ) comprising a body (10) extending along a longitudinal direction (L) between a first end (40) and a second end (50); said body (10) comprising a first portion (3) near said first end (40) and a subsequent second portion (2) extending from said first portion (3) up to said second end (50) of said body (10), wherein:- said second portion (2) of said body (10) is intended in use to be coupled to the opening of a container (C) and comprises a reversible expansion mechanism (25) for determining an expansion of said second portion (2) in a radial direction (R) perpendicular to said longitudinal direction (L);- said first portion (3) comprises an actuation mechanism (21 ) which can be actuated by means of a manoeuvring member (60) which is associated with said first end (40) of said body (10) so as to be rotatably supported in rotation and, in use, be accessible and manoeuvrable from outside the container (C);- said actuation mechanism (21 ) is kinematically connected to said reversible expansion mechanism (25) to determine a reversible radial expansion of said second portion (2) following an actuation of said manoeuvring member (60); and wherein said device (1 ) comprises at least one detection element (4) of said at least one property of the matter, said detection element (4) being positioned near said second end (50) and configured to:- emit in use a first electromagnetic radiation from said second end (50) with a direction away from said first portion (3) to perform a detection inside said container (C);- detect in use a second electromagnetic radiation which hits said second end (50) and is emitted by matter irradiated by said first electromagnetic radiation and- generate an identification signal of said second detected electromagnetic radiation and representative of at least one property of the irradiated matter.

2. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein said manoeuvringmember (60) is a ring nut and said actuation mechanism (21 ) comprises a planetary gear (26) comprising:- a crown (24) with internal toothing carried internally by said ring nut (60);- a plurality of satellites (23) meshing on said crown (24) with internal toothing;- a central pinion (19) meshing with said satellites (23);- a threaded screw (27) integrally connected in rotation with said central pinion (19) and- a threaded nut (28) in screw-nut screw engagement with the thread of said threaded screw (27); so that a rotation in one direction or the other of said ring nut (60) entails a corresponding rotation in one direction or the other of said central pinion (19) and said threaded screw (27).

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein said reversible expansion mechanism (25) comprises:- an expanding element (22) rigidly integral in translation and rotation with said threaded nut (28);- a radially expandable annular element (12), comprising an annular base (12a) and an annular crown formed by a plurality of sectors (12b) circumferentially spaced from each other and projecting from said annular base (12a) towards said expanding element (22), said plurality of sectors (12b) being intended to expand in said radial direction (R) following an insertion of said expanding element (22) in said annular crown identified by said plurality of sectors (12b);- a plurality of guide elements (35) extending in said body (10) parallel to said threaded screw (27) and integral with said body (10); wherein:- said expanding element (22) comprises a plurality of through passages (36) extending in said longitudinal direction (L);- a respective guide element (35) is inserted in each through passage (36);- the engagement of said guide elements (35) in said through passages (36) of said expanding element (22) determines a slider-guide constraint of said expanding element (22) relative to said guide elements (35) which allows a translation in said longitudinal direction (L) of said body (10), preventing a relativerotation of said expanding element (22) relative to said guide elements (35).

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said second portion (2) comprises an outer covering sheath (11 ) extending longitudinally with a tapered shape from said first portion (3) up to said second end (50) of said body (10).

5. Device according to claim 4, wherein said outer covering sheath (11 ) comprises a distal portion (1 1 a) near said second end (50) arranged to internally receive a housing seat (31 ) for a support element (32); wherein said support element (32) comprises a first resting surface (32a) for supporting said threaded screw (27) and a second resting surface (32b) for supporting said at least one detection element (4).

6. Device according to claim 5, wherein said distal portion (1 1 a) comprises a further housing seat (33) interposed between said housing seat (31 ) for a support element (32) and said second end (50) of said body (10) and adapted to receive a protection element (15); wherein said protection element is made of transparent material.

7. Device according to claim 5, wherein said outer surface of the protection element (15), intended in use to face the inside the container (C) and to come into contact with the matter contained in said container (C), has hydrophobic characteristics:- having been treated with a hydrophobic coating or- being made of a material having hydrophobic characteristics.

8. Device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein said expanding element (22) has a structure with a truncated cone shape converging towards said second end (50); wherein said plurality of sectors (12b) of said annular element (12) determine a lead-in flare for the insertion of said expanding element (22).

9. Device according to any one of claims from 1 to 8, wherein said detection element (4) comprises a laser and / or Lidar emission optical sensor, preferably having a solid detection angle comprised between 5° and 30°, more preferably comprised between 15° and 20°.

10. Device according to any one of claims from 1 to 9, wherein the identification signal generated by the detection element (4) comprises at least one of: liquid temperature, liquid level inside the container, liquid density, liquid composition by means of spectroscopic analysis.

11. Device according to any one of claims from 1 to 10, comprising at least oneauxiliary detection element (42) configured to detect at least one property of the environment outside the container (C); wherein the auxiliary detection element (42) comprises one or more of- at least one temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor and / or a pressure sensor;- an accelerometer configured to measure the inclination of said container (C) and / or the variation of the positioning of said device (1 ) relative to the container (C).

12. Device according to any one of the claims from 1 to 11 , wherein said first portion (3) comprises one of: at least one proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of an operator; one or more RGB LEDs arranged to generate a visual signal representative of the status signal, when the presence of an operator is detected.

13. Device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, comprising a processing unit configured to process the identification signals of the detection element (4) and the auxiliary detection element (42) and generate a status signal representative of the status of the matter.

14. Device according to any one of claims from 1 to 13, comprising a short-range signal emitter for transmitting said status signal to a remote receiving device, in particular said emitter being a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or BLE or UWB emitter.

15. Device according to any one of claims from 1 to 14, comprising a long-range signal emitter for transmitting said status signal to a remote receiving device, in particular said long-range emitter comprising a LoRaWAN emitter.

16. Assembly for monitoring comprising: a container (C) of matter; a device (1 ) according to any one of claims from 1 to 15, in matter connection with the container (C) for a detection of the property of the matter in said container (C).

17. Assembly according to claim 16, wherein the container (C) comprises one of barrels, barriques, tonneaux and the matter comprises a fluid, in particular an alcoholic beverage.

18. Assembly according to any one of claims 16 to 17, wherein a second portion (2) of the device (1) is configured to radially expand when in coupling with the container (C).

19. System for monitoring containers of matter, comprising: - a plurality of containers (C) of matter located in a work area;- a plurality of devices (1) according to one or more of the claims from 1 to 15;- wherein said monitoring system comprises a processing unit configured to receive and process the signals emitted by said detection elements (4, 42).

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