Punch-down apparatus
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BALBAS PENAS GONZALO
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
Smart Images
Figure ES2026070030_30072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] SUGAR BASH
[0002] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to a punch-down device for use in the wine and macerated beverage industry to remix all parts of the grape or other fruit during fermentation. The device pumps over the must or juice to spray the cap, breaking it up, and incorporates a series of accessories to improve control of the wine or alcoholic beverage produced during fermentation. Specifically, the punch-down device incorporates a control system that, among other components, includes sensors within the device itself to monitor the characteristics of the wine inside the tank during the punch-down process. This control system can be integrated and connected with other elements, components, or machinery involved in the wine production process.
[0004] The present invention belongs to the field of wine-making facilities.
[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is well known in the state of the art of wine, macerated beverages, and wine production that carbon dioxide is produced during the fermentation of the fruit in a tank. Furthermore, the different components settle, reducing contact between them and resulting in a lower-quality product.
[0007] The lighter parts form what is called the "cap," a solid, dry layer. This layer acts as an insulator, blocking the transmission of gases between the liquid and the surrounding environment. To obtain a good product, it is necessary to break it up and moisten it frequently.
[0008] The applicant is aware of the existence of ES1298691U, ES1260774U, and ES1238509U. These Spanish utility models disclose devices that solve the cap problem by remixing the different parts of the fruit. They are effective, but it has been shown that they can still be improved to offer a more comprehensive service in the control of wine and spirit production.
[0009] The operation of this type of punch-down machine involves a body with a lower point that descends, via cables or guy wires, into the tank. The weight of the point breaks the cap. Simultaneously, liquid is drawn from the tank and poured from above onto the cap. This is done using rotating arms that end in nozzles. Once the cap is broken, the body is lowered into the tank and breaks the cap again as it emerges, usually with a different orientation.
[0010] In the prior art, the rotations between the various components of the punch-down device cause wear due to friction. One solution is the use of bearings between the different components (between the body and the support, and between the body and the rotating element), but the ingredients in the tank, components of the cap, and the must clog these bearings, causing the pump-over to seize. Replacing these elements is complicated since they are integrated into the punch-down device itself. The present invention offers an alternative to these bearings to prevent wear on the punch-down device components and allow for their easy replacement.
[0011] The applicant is unaware of any device that achieves the effectiveness of the invention.
[0012] Furthermore, state-of-the-art punch-down machines lack control and automation systems that would allow for monitoring the characteristics of the wine inside the tank during the punch-down process, using integrated sensors within the machine itself. This control system could be integrated and connected with other elements, components, or machinery involved in the wine production process.
[0013] Preferably, the control system for the punch-down machine is part of a management system for the acquisition and processing of data generated during the wine production process, from the scale where the entry of material is controlled, through the traceability of the different parameters derived from the analytical control of the wine at the different stages, and up to the decision-making by the winemaker mainly during the wine fermentation phase.
[0014] Currently, the process of recording incoming materials at the weighbridge is entirely manual, using pen and paper. All grape deliveries are manually recorded, noting the vehicle's weight, the transported material, and the destination storage facility. The typical procedure involves the tractor arriving at the weighbridge for its initial weighing, which is recorded manually. The vehicle then unloads the material and returns to the weighbridge for the final weighing, which is also recorded manually, along with the corresponding storage facility. All information generated during the day is recorded exclusively on paper. Afterward, once the daily operations are complete, the responsible personnel spend approximately half an hour manually entering all this data into the ERP system to ensure it is correctly recorded in the management system.
[0015] Currently, the analytical control and traceability of wine is carried out through a largely manual and outsourced process. Typically, and to the extent that operations allow, wine samples are taken up to twice a day from the winery's various tanks. These samples are sent to an external laboratory, which performs the necessary analyses to obtain the parameters required to guarantee product traceability and control. Once the analyses are complete, the laboratory sends the results to the winery. Upon receiving this analytical data, an operator manually enters the information into the winery's ERP system. This process is performed daily, tank by tank and parameter by parameter, resulting in significant time consumption and reliance on human intervention for accurate data entry.This procedure constitutes the current status of the analytical control and parameter recording process in the winery.
[0016] During the wine fermentation phase, decision-making is primarily based on the expert interpretation of analytical parameters obtained from samples sent to an external laboratory. Once these analyses are performed and the results are received by the winery, the winemaker assumes responsibility for analyzing this information. Based on the evaluation of the various analyzed parameters, the winemaker makes the necessary decisions regarding the evolution of the fermentation process. These decisions include the gradual addition of different elements to the wine mass, with the aim of correcting, adjusting, or favoring specific conditions to achieve a proper and controlled fermentation. The decision-making process depends largely on the winemaker's availability to analyze the received data in detail, as well as their experience and technical judgment.Based on this analysis, the actions to be carried out on each tank are gradually defined to ensure the optimal development of fermentation and to achieve the ideal conditions for the wine at this stage of the process.
[0017] In the state of the art, a punch-down machine with a control system for its different elements that is integrated into a comprehensive management system for the wine production process is unknown.
[0018] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The invention is a punching machine according to the claims. In its various embodiments, it solves problems of the prior art. Thus, the object of the present invention is a punching machine according to claim 1.
[0020] In the industrial production of broths and fermented beverages, the accumulation of residual gases in processing tanks leads to the settling of solids, disrupting the homogeneous mixing of ingredients. This phenomenon produces a compact accumulation of matter at the top, known as a "cap," which acts as a physical barrier, obstructing ventilation and heat exchange with the outside.
[0021] The invention is a device that breaks the cap, sprays it with must and juice, and helps to remix all the fermentation components in a tank. This punch-down device optimizes the exchange of gases and substances between the different components and the outside environment.
[0022] The punching machine comprises a vertically movable body, supported by cables attached to a bracket. The body has a point and, preferably, two rotating radial arms with a series of nozzles. These arms are mounted on a rotating ring-shaped element, or crown, around the body. The body is connected to pipes or hoses, preferably high-pressure, generally from a top point, allowing vertical access. These pipes and hoses are connected to a pump or pumping mechanism that supplies the liquid for irrigation and remixing the components within the tank.
[0023] As described above, after placing the punch-down device on a tank or reservoir, one end of the body, the upper end, is connected by a hose or tube to a pump so that the wort contained in the tank or reservoir circulates to the punch-down device. The wort reaches a chamber inside the body, which can be connected to the arms via the rotating element. A support is placed on top of the rotating element to ensure its position. The passage of the wort through the rotating element to the arms and its exit through the nozzles causes the arms, and therefore the rotating element, to rotate due to the pressure of the wort itself.
[0024] The rotating element is supported by a protective structure made of antifriction material, preferably Teflon. This protective structure is preferably removable for replacement, as well as to facilitate preventive maintenance and the replacement of wear parts without affecting the integrity of the body. This protective structure is a friction disc independent of the punching machine's components, namely the body, the rotating element, and the support.Preferably, two friction discs are arranged between the rotating element and the body, and a third friction disc between the rotating element and the support attached to the body, to which the cables that vertically raise or lower the apparatus are connected. These protective structures, independent of the body, allow for their replacement when worn without affecting the main body, the rotating element, or the support, thus preventing wear on these components. Furthermore, these protective structures are unaffected by the components of the cap or by the must contained in the tank, which, in prior art solutions, for example, bearings placed between the moving components of the apparatus, could cause them to jam, affecting the pump or racking mechanism, which would seize up.
[0025] This system is fed through high-pressure hoses connected to the pumping unit or external machinery, which supplies the liquid from the base of the tank for irrigation and remixing of the components inside the tank, to the pumping device.
[0026] The punch-down device preferably comprises a control unit connected to, among other components, a series of sensors arranged within the punch-down apparatus. These sensors include at least one carbon dioxide sensor for the liquid. Ideally, it also includes at least one sensor for cap temperature and one for liquid temperature. Additionally, the punch-down device may incorporate, among others, density or pH sensors. These sensors are preferably wireless. The body may have a longitudinal groove or recess on its outer surface to house the various sensors. These sensors allow data to be collected from within the mass of grapes and must present in the tank.
[0027] The body has a cylindrical shape, and its lower free end, designed to impact the "cap" in the tank, can be either conical or have two angled cuts forming a line between them. This second option allows for greater penetration into the cap, as it impacts not just at a single point, like a conical tip, but along a line, opening the cap along that line.
[0028] Preferably, the punch-down unit is mobile or can be moved horizontally along a series of guides, or on walkways above the tanks or reservoirs in the hold, by means of a trolley on which the punch-down apparatus is mounted. Hoses and cables pass through this trolley and connect to the support attached to the unit. This trolley preferably includes a motor for lowering and raising the unit inside the tank. This motor preferably has two outputs, each with a cable, one on each side of the unit, to control the descent of the apparatus and prevent unintentional tilting of the unit, especially when it comes into contact with the cap. The trolley preferably incorporates a punch-down unit control system, preferably comprising a computer, a screen, sensors, and the motor.
[0029] In one embodiment, the cables have tensioners.
[0030] In a further embodiment, the arms are foldable between a vertical position, attached to the body, with one end of the arm connected to the rotating element and the other end free at the bottom, and a working position, where the arms are substantially perpendicular to the body. This working position includes a safety screw functioning as a latch.
[0031] As mentioned, the punching machine, preferably its carriage, incorporates a control unit or system for its components, such as sensors and motors, and ideally includes an HMI (Human-Machine Interface) screen or monitor. This control system is preferably integrated into the carriage itself, so that all components are housed within a single structure, thus facilitating transport and handling.
[0032] The control system features a control unit or computer, IPC (Industrial Computer), which acts as the central element of the punching machine's control system. This unit is responsible for collecting data from the sensors installed on the punching machine, as well as controlling its actuators and motor controllers. The IPC also manages the initiation and execution of predefined work cycles, ensuring stable and repeatable operation.
[0033] The control peripheral associated with the IPC is responsible for reading all the information provided by the sensors and executing the necessary actions on the various actuators. This peripheral can be expanded and scalable, allowing the system to grow progressively in capabilities and complexity as the process needs evolve. The IPC can also be specially configured for human-machine interaction, incorporating simple and intuitive interfaces that allow the operator to clearly monitor and control the different elements of the installation, such as motors or the opening and closing of solenoid valves. This facilitates both daily operation and future system expansions. Through the aforementioned HMI control screen or monitor, users have a simple and intuitive interface from which to centrally manage and monitor the punching process.Key features include process activation and deactivation, cycle time configuration, and real-time monitoring of various system variables. Users can also define values and setpoints, establishing maximum and minimum limits to ensure safe and controlled operation. Motors can be controlled from this same screen, and alarms can be viewed in case of any issues. The system also provides access to historical operating data, facilitating process tracking, and allows for report generation, offering a clear and structured overview of the most relevant information.
[0034] The control system features different types of communication between its various components. At the lowest level of communication, several clearly differentiated connections are identified. On the one hand, communication between the sensors and the control peripherals is carried out using analog signals or the IO-Link protocol, which provides flexibility and facilitates the integration of different types of sensors. Communication between the IPC and the peripherals is performed using a real-time industrial protocol, ensuring a fast and reliable response in actuator control. On the other hand, communication between the IPC and the HMI does not require additional physical links, as both elements are preferably housed within the same IPC machine, thus simplifying the system architecture.Finally, communication between the IPC and a data storage system, or datalogger, is carried out using an industrial protocol, allowing for a structured, secure exchange of information that is ready for future system expansions.
[0035] This data storage system communicates with a database, which is a central component of the punching machine's control system. The database is responsible for storing, organizing, and making available all the information generated by the sensors. Ideally, this database will be hosted in the cloud and will be scalable as both the number of sensors and the data acquisition frequency increase, since the volume of stored information will grow progressively. Preferably, the database is structured to primarily manage time-based data, as the information from the sensors consists of values associated with timestamps. Each record stores, at a minimum, the sensor or variable identifier, the measured value, the timestamp, and, when applicable, additional information such as data quality or status.This approach allows for efficient storage and optimized access to historical data for later analysis. Additionally, the database includes structural and configuration information, such as sensor definitions, variable types, locations, relationships with controllers, and acquisition parameters. This separation between historical sensor data and configuration data facilitates system maintenance, traceability, and scalability, allowing for the addition of new sensors or configuration modifications without impacting existing data. Furthermore, the punch-down control system is integrated into a wine production process management system with the autonomy to capture, process, and store information, or data, from the various stages of the production process. In this management system, the aforementioned database serves as a common element for information exchange.
[0036] The information collected in the database is managed by an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system. Furthermore, the management system includes a dashboard that allows the winemaker to perform objective and detailed analyses of the wine production process, enabling them to act accordingly and ensure product quality at all times. Additionally, the same infrastructure that houses the sensor database also contains a second, independent database for storing information generated by a scale application. This second database contains data specific to the weighing operation and the associated application, and is logically separated from the sensor database to guarantee improved performance, organization, and maintenance.However, being hosted in the same environment facilitates their future integration, joint analysis of information, and centralized infrastructure management.
[0037] This scale application allows for the structured and simple recording of each grape delivery in the database. With each weighing, information is entered regarding the originating plot, the number of kilograms of grapes received, and the assigned destination tank. This ensures complete traceability of the grapes from their origin to their destination within the production process. The application allows users to check at any time which tank the incoming grapes have been assigned to and from which plot they originate. For example, it is possible to identify that a specific quantity of kilograms from a particular plot has been assigned to a specific tank, as well as to group contributions from different plots that converge in the same tank. This functionality facilitates operational control and decision-making based on reliable and up-to-date data.
[0038] To optimize the production process and maximize the quality of the resulting wine, the management system will also take into account the data from laboratory analyses, which will also be stored in the database. This data, along with data from other components or machinery involved in the production process, such as information obtained from the scale or the punch-down equipment, can be used to have all the information about the process stored for management and use in process improvement.
[0039] The collected information will form the basis of an artificial intelligence agent that will automatically control the punch-down process or send information, alerts, and recommendations to the winemaker to optimize decision-making during manual operations. This AI agent can connect to databases, collect the necessary information, and process it periodically or on demand. The agent does not modify the original data but rather analyzes, correlates, and evaluates it based on predefined rules, AI models, or criteria aligned with oenological knowledge and industry best practices. Thus, by analyzing the wine's parameters, the system will be able to detect deviations, trends, or situations requiring attention.When one or more parameters fall outside the established ranges or show an undesirable trend, the system will generate alerts for the winemaker. These alerts will allow for early identification of potential problems and facilitate corrective action.
[0040] In addition to detecting issues, the decision support system provided by the artificial intelligence agent will offer recommendations on possible actions to correct or adjust the detected parameters. These recommendations will be based on available information, artificial intelligence models, predefined rules, and the winemaking expertise incorporated into the system, acting as a decision aid and not as a substitute for the winemaker's judgment.
[0041] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] To complement the description provided, and to aid in a better understanding of the invention's features, a section of drawings is included, depicting:
[0043] Figure 1 shows an overview of an example of a punching device. Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a punching device with its arms extended and separated from the body.
[0044] Figure 3 shows a punch on a cart.
[0045] Figure 4 shows a block diagram of a control system for a punch-down machine integrated into a wine production process management system.
[0046] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION.
[0047] The figures provided show an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of the invention comprising a body (1) that is vertically movable by means of cables (8) attached to a support 13 fixed to the body (1). The puncher has a lower tip (2) for breaking the cap, and radial arms (10) with a series of nozzles (11). The arms (10) are rotatable relative to the body (1), generally by means of fluid exiting through the nozzles (11), as in irrigation sprinklers. The cross-section of the nozzles (11) is controlled according to the fluid pressure in the circuit and the size of the fruit pulp pieces. To achieve rotation, the arms (10) are mounted on a ring-shaped rotating element (9) around the body (1). The fluid is supplied to the body (1) from the base of the tank (6) by means of tubes or hoses (5) and a replenishment pump (7). These elements are shown in Figure 1.
[0048] The pump is also mobile, moving along a series of guides or walkways (25) arranged on top of the tanks or reservoir by means of a trolley (50). Hoses (5) and cables (8) are preferably connected to this trolley (50). Preferably, this trolley (50) has a rotating support so that the connections to hoses (5) and cables (8) can be reoriented according to the position of the pump (7) and other elements in the reservoir (6) on which the pump is placed.
[0049] The trolley (50) preferably has a telescopic structure that allows it to adapt to the circumstances of each tank or hold. The punch-down device is mounted on the trolley (50) and descends relative to it, controlled by a motor (33). This motor allows the device to descend to the cap in the tank via cables (8), preferably attached to the punch-down support (13), and then rise again. The trolley (50) has wheels (51) that allow it to move along the guides or walkway (24) to position the trolley (50), and therefore the punch-down device, over the corresponding tank (6). The trolley (50) preferably includes the punch-down device control system (300), incorporating the computer (33) and the display (34) of said control system (300).The control system (300), as will be seen later, allows the acquisition of information from sensors arranged in the punching machine and the control of the motor (33), among other functions. The punching machine preferably comprises a series of sensors which may include:
[0050] - At least one carbon dioxide sensor, positioned in the tank to activate the punch-down mechanism when a predefined value is reached, which may vary depending on the fermentation stage. This carbon dioxide sensor would be located at the top. Alternatively, the sensor can be incorporated into a slot (12) on the outside of the body (1) intended to house the various sensors of the system.
[0051] - At least one temperature sensor (4) for the cap, preferably measuring the temperature at its center, which may be located at the tip (2) of the punch or at a similar point, such as the slot (12) in the body (1). This allows for greater accuracy than placing it in the reservoir, since the rim of the reservoir may be cooled. The temperature sensor (4) for the cap shall be placed on the body (1), at the tip (2), or near it, as mentioned above.
[0052] This temperature sensor (4) also measures the liquid temperature as it continues to decrease, obtaining a highly accurate and reliable result. In the prior art, this temperature sensor is mounted on the tank wall (6), where cooling is often included, which distorts the reading.
[0053] The sensors connect to a control unit (30) that decides when to activate the punch-down mechanism based on the conditions, taking into account the positive correlation between temperature and CO2 level. This may require the sensors to be digital or to have an associated digital-to-analog converter. The sensors communicate with the computer (30) preferably wirelessly, although wired communication is also possible. Other sensors that can be installed in the slot (12) of the body (1) include density or pH sensors.
[0054] Ideally, the punch-down device incorporates a sensor that continuously measures both the wort concentration and temperature during the process, providing real-time information on its evolution. This sensor is preferably installed on the pump-over line, an area suitable for obtaining representative values of the process.
[0055] On the other hand, the cables (8) preferably have tensioners to ensure that the puncher remains vertical at all times, for example, when it rests on the hat and has not yet broken it. These cables are controlled, as mentioned, from the motor (33) located on the carriage (50). One end of each cable is connected to a coil or reel, controlled by the motor (33), while the opposite end is connected to the puncher's support (13).
[0056] The rotating element (9) is supported on the body (1) by a protective structure (14), preferably made of low-friction material such as Teflon (registered trademark), and preferably embodied in a friction disc (14). Preferably, two protective structures or discs (14) are positioned between the rotating element (9) and the body (1), below the former, and another structure or disc (14) between the support (13) and the rotating element (9), above the latter. Thus, both the rotating element (9) and the body (1) may have non-metallic plastic or similar parts in the contact area. These protective structures, independent of the body, allow for their replacement when worn without affecting the main body, the rotating element, or the support, thereby preventing wear on these components.Furthermore, these protective structures are not affected by the components of the cap or by the must contained within it, as might happen with bearings.
[0057] On the other hand, the arms (10) are preferably foldable, by means of a joint between the end of the arms connected via said joint to the rotating element, to facilitate the transport of the punching tool from one unit to another. In this case, the arms (10) are foldable or movable between a vertical position, attached to the body (1) with their free end at the bottom, and the working position where they are positioned substantially perpendicular to the body (1), but preferably slightly inclined so that the liquid flows by its own weight towards the nozzles (11), for example, 1%. In one embodiment, the inclination of the arms (10) is reversed, with the free ends somewhat higher. In that case, a nozzle (11) is provided at the connection of the arm (10) to the rotating element (9).
[0058] The movement of the arms (10) means that the contact between the rotating element (9) and the arms (10) can vary, creating gaps and hollow spaces. In the working position, however, these gaps and slots must be completely closed to prevent liquid from escaping. This is achieved by the pressure of the must flowing through the arms (10) and out through the nozzles (11), along with the effect of the cap on the arms (10), which pushes them upwards, ensuring engagement with the rotating element (9). Alternatively, or additionally, the punch-down device may include a system for adjusting the position of the arms (10) to ensure this closure. This system consists of a tensioner for each arm (10), which is attached to a point away from the joint. Thus, pulling or releasing the tensioner raises or lowers the corresponding arm (10).To ensure the correct position, the turnbuckle is attached to a connector (16) (e.g., a ring, a carabiner, etc.) on the arm (10). This connector (16) can be at the end of a screw attached to a nut fixed to the arm (10), so that turning the screw raises or lowers the connector, lengthening or shortening the effective length of the turnbuckle and changing the final angle of the arm (10). Alternatively, the connector (16), preferably in the form of a ring, is welded to the arms (10).
[0059] The preferred arm (10) is straight, shaped like a blind tube with nozzles (11) on one side. One of the nozzles (11) is positioned at the free end of the arm (10) to prevent the retention of some of the liquid. This optimizes the force required to break the cap, as there are no bends where the breakage force would be greater than necessary, thus reducing the resistance to breakage.
[0060] As mentioned, the punch also includes a motor (33) for lowering and raising the body (1). This motor (33) for lowering the body (1), as an alternative to the above, may have two outputs, each with a cable (8), one on each side of the body (1) to control the descent and prevent unintentional tilting of the body (1), especially when it comes into contact with the hat.
[0061] The body (1) has a cylindrical shape, and its lower free end, intended to impact the "cap" in the tank, can alternatively have a conical shape (2) or a shape with two angled cuts (21) defining a line between them. This second alternative allows for greater penetration into the cap by impacting not only at a single point, as a conical point (1) does, but along a line of the cap, opening it up along that line.
[0062] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the punching machine of the invention comprises a control system (300) for the punching machine's components, with at least one control unit or industrial computer (30) and a user interaction screen or HMI screen (34). The computer (30) receives information from the sensors (31) installed in the punching machine, information from the punching machine's reservoir (32), and information from the interaction screen (34). Furthermore, the computer (30) can transmit instructions and / or information to the punching machine's motor (33), the interaction screen (34), and a data storage system or datalogger (35). This data storage system or datalogger (35) stores information for a sufficient period of time to ensure data integrity in the event of an accidental disconnection of communications.Furthermore, this data storage system (35) communicates with a database (40) that is a central component of the punching machine's control system, as it stores, organizes, and makes available all the information generated by the sensors (31). This database (40) will preferably be hosted in the cloud. Communication between the computer (30), the data storage system (35), and the database (40) is carried out using a protocol that allows for structured, secure information exchange and is prepared for future system expansions.
[0063] The computer (30), in addition to collecting data from the sensors (31) installed in the punching machine and the rest of the installation, and controlling the various elements of the punching machine installation, such as motors or solenoid valves (33), also manages the initiation and execution of predefined work cycles, ensuring stable and repeatable operation. Communication between the sensors (31) and the computer or control unit (30) is carried out via wired or wireless means.
[0064] The HMI interface screen (34) allows for centralized management and monitoring of the punching machine process. Key functions include process activation and deactivation, cycle time configuration, and real-time monitoring of various system variables. Values and setpoints can also be defined, establishing maximum and minimum limits to ensure safe and controlled operation. This same screen (34) can also be used to control motors and other components (32) of the installation, as well as to view alarms in case of any issues.
[0065] Communication between the computer (30) and the HMI display (34) preferably does not require additional physical links, as both elements are preferably housed in the same machine.
[0066] Through the database (40), the control system for the punch-down device (300) is integrated into a wine production process management system (400) with the autonomy to capture, process, and store information, or data, from the various stages of the production process. In this management system (400), the described database (40) is a common element with the control system for the punch-down device (300) and serves as a means of information exchange. The management system (400) allows the winemaker to perform objective and detailed analyses of the characteristics of the wine production process and thus act accordingly. The information collected in the database (40) is managed in an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and is also transmitted to a dashboard (44) and an artificial intelligence agent (45).
[0067] The database (40) allows the information generated by a weighbridge application (41) to be stored within its own infrastructure. This weighbridge application (41) allows each grape delivery to be recorded in the database in a structured and simple manner, entering information about the grape's origin plot, the number of kilograms of grapes received, and the assigned destination tank (32). This ensures complete traceability of the grapes from their origin to their destination within the production process.
[0068] To optimize the production process and maximize the quality of the resulting wine, the management system (400) takes into account the data from laboratory analyses (42), which are also stored in the database (40). These data are used, along with data from other components or machinery involved in the production process, such as information obtained from the scale (41) or the punch-down control system (300), to have all the process information stored for management and use in process improvement.
[0069] All the above information forms the basis of the artificial intelligence agent (45) that will automatically control the punch-down process or send information, alerts, and recommendations to the winemaker to optimize decision-making during manual operation. This artificial intelligence agent (45) connects to the database (40) to collect the necessary information and process it periodically or on demand. It can also connect to the HMI screen (34) of the punch-down control system (300), allowing interaction with the screen user (34).
Claims
CLAIMS 1. Punch, with a body (1) movable vertically by means of cables (8) coupled to a support (13) integral with the body (1), with a point (2, 21) at one end, rotating radial arms (10) with a series of nozzles (11) mounted on a rotating element (9) in the shape of a ring around the body (1), characterized in that the rotating element (9) is supported on the body (1) by means of a protective structure.
2. Punch, according to claim 1, characterized in that the protective structure is a friction disc.
3. Punching machine, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a control unit connected to a series of sensors including: at least one carbon dioxide sensor; at least one temperature sensor (4) of the hat and the liquid, arranged in the body (1).
4. Punch, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a carriage (50) on which the body (1), the rotating element (9), the support (13) and the arms (10) are arranged and which has wheels (51) for displacement.
5. Punching machine, according to claim 4, characterized in that the carriage comprises a motor connected via cables to the support (13) for the lowering and raising of the latter.
6. Punch, according to claim 1, characterized in that the body (1) is a cylindrical body comprising at one end two inclined cuts (21) determining a line between them.
7. Punch, according to claim 1, characterized in that the body (1) comprises a groove (12) on its outer surface.
8. Punch, according to claim 1, characterized in that between the arms (10) and the rotating element (9) there is a joint for folding them between a vertical rest position, attached to the body (1) and with their free end at the bottom, and a working position where they are located substantially perpendicular to the body (1).
9. Punch, according to claim 1, characterized in that the arms (10) comprise at least one connector (16) located away from the joint for the connection of a tensioner for each arm (10) to a point above said joint.
10. Punch, according to claim 1, characterized in that the arms (10) are respective straight blind tubes with the nozzles (11) on one side.
11. Punching machine, according to previous claims, characterized in that it comprises a control system (100) comprising at least a computer (30), an interaction screen (34), a data storage system (35) and a motor controller (33).
12. Punching machine, according to claim 11, characterized in that the control system (300) is arranged on the carriage (50).
13. Punching machine, according to claim 11, characterized in that the control system (300) comprises a database (40) to which it is connected through the data storage system (35).
14. Punching machine, according to claim 13, characterized in that the database (40) forms part of a management system (400) for the wine production process.
15. Punching machine, according to claim 14, characterized in that the management system (400) comprises a control panel (44), a scale (41), a laboratory equipment (42), an enterprise resource planning system and an artificial intelligence agent.