GARDEN APPLIANCE WITH EXHAUST FUME MONITORING

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the general technical field of food cooking appliances in a steam-charged atmosphere, preferably for domestic use, and in particular to appliances such as pots, casseroles, stockpots, steamers or even appliances " two-in-one » can be used alternately in pressure cooker mode and in stockpot mode (at atmospheric pressure).

[0002] The present invention relates more particularly to a food cooking apparatus comprising at least on the one hand a first lid and on the other hand a tank on which said first lid is intended to rest freely to form a cooking chamber.

[0003] Stockpots are well-known cooking utensils, consisting of a pot with a bowl and a lid that sits loosely on top, creating a cooking chamber for food. Stockpots are designed to be heated on a stovetop, but can also be used in the oven if necessary.

[0004] It is common to add a relatively large volume of liquid (often water) to a pot to cook the food inside. During cooking, the liquid boils and turns into steam, which escapes from the pot through the gap between the pot and the lid. If this newly released steam hits a surface near the vent, it can condense into water droplets, wetting the surface. This is why pot handles are generally designed to prevent condensation, which would make them slippery and uncomfortable to use.

[0005] In an attempt to overcome this problem of steam condensation on the handles of known saucepans, various designs have been proposed.

[0006] We know of cooking pots with handles that extend almost horizontally below the upper edge of the pot, so as not to be exposed to steam escaping from the container. Indeed, due to its high temperature, the steam escaping at the interface between the lid and the pot rises vertically as soon as it leaves the container, so that it cannot strike the handles because of their specific positioning below the rim. However, this handle positioning is not optimal in terms of ergonomics, ease of use, and safety. In particular, the grip provided by these horizontal handles can be somewhat unstable when the pot is full, due to the handles being placed below the rim. This specific handle positioning also constitutes a significant constraint for industrial manufacturing and the overall aesthetic appearance (" design") of the stockpot.

[0007] To provide a more ergonomic and stable grip, an alternative method is to use handles that extend above the top edge of the cooking vessel. These handles are extremely long and wide, almost like a loop, designed to keep the handle's surface area away from the steam escaping from the cooking chamber, thus minimizing its exposure to the steam. However, this design results in a significantly larger cooking appliance, making it more difficult to store. Manufacturing can also be more complex, as these wide, wide handles can be difficult, if not impossible, to produce by molding a single piece of metal along with the cooking vessel.Therefore, in this case, an alternative fastening method is necessary, such as riveting, which complicates industrial manufacturing and increases costs. Furthermore, the use of a handle shaped like a loop introduces specific manufacturing constraints that are absent from the production of solid, solid parts.

[0008] The known designs described above make it possible to reduce the phenomenon of condensation on the tank handles, without eliminating it completely, and at the cost of the significant constraints and disadvantages mentioned above.

[0009] To minimize condensation on the handles, they are generally made of a metallic material. As a result, the handles are likely to heat up quickly due to the heat of the tank from which they are made (handles molded as a single piece with the tank) or with which they come into contact (handles riveted to the tank). The high temperature reached by the handles reduces the risk of steam condensation on them. However, the use of metal handles presents drawbacks in terms of user comfort and safety. While the high temperature reached by the handles limits potential steam condensation, it prevents the user from gripping them directly with their bare hands without risking burns. Therefore, it is necessary to use protective cloths (oven mitts) to grip the handles without getting burned when moving the tank.The use of oven mitts constitutes an additional constraint in use. It also increases the risk of the handle slipping inadvertently, particularly when the handle has a loop shape, because the mitt can obscure the loop opening, making it more difficult for the user to understand the shape of the handle and to grasp it in a perfectly safe and proper manner.

[0010] To address the aforementioned drawbacks, and in particular to allow for a less restrictive handle design, it is also known to use a lid with an opening in its upper surface to allow vertical steam escape. However, creating such an escape hole is itself a source of complexity and disadvantages. It requires additional manufacturing operations, which can be delicate and may lead to initial weakening of the lid. This is especially true when the lid is made of a fragile material such as enameled cast iron or glass.Furthermore, the use of such a localized vent, which alone ensures the escape of all the steam contained within the chamber, leads, particularly when significant heating power is applied, to the generation of a rapid and powerful upward jet of steam that is a source of discomfort, or even a safety hazard, for the user. This steam jet also causes potentially significant heat loss.

[0011] Document CN-111 035 244 A describes a cooking appliance whose lid has 6 bosses to provide a free space for steam escape.

[0012] The objects assigned to the present invention therefore aim to remedy the various disadvantages listed above and to propose a new food cooking apparatus which, while being of particularly simple construction, reliable and limiting heat losses, has a design minimizing the risk of steam condensation on the tank handles, regardless of the shape, positioning and material of the latter.

[0013] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new food cooking device of particularly compact and lightweight construction.

[0014] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new food cooking device that is both particularly robust and easy to use.

[0015] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new food cooking device whose design facilitates industrial manufacturing and allows great freedom of design.

[0016] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new food cooking device whose design avoids any risk of untimely pressure build-up in the cooking chamber.

[0017] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new food cooking appliance whose design provides great ease of use, combined with a high level of safety.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to propose a new food cooking device that can be manufactured with conventional industrial means and that allows great freedom in the design of the lid and the tank.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to propose a new food cooking device that can be gripped and handled in a particularly efficient, reliable and comfortable manner.

[0020] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new food cooking device whose design allows use under pressure (pressure cooker mode) or at atmospheric pressure (stockpot mode) by using only one and the same tank.

[0021] The objects assigned to the invention are reached using a food cooking device according to claim 1.

[0022] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent and will be described in greater detail upon reading the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are given purely for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting, including: there figure 1illustrates, according to a schematic perspective view with a local cross-section, a food cooking apparatus according to the invention. figure 2 illustrates, according to a schematic view in full cross-section, the apparatus of the Figure 1 . there figure 3 is similar to the Figure 2 The only difference is that the lid is separate from the tank. figure 4 is an enlarged view of a detail of the Figure 2 , corresponding to the interface between the tank and the lid when the latter is placed on the tank to form the cooking chamber. figure 5 is a view analogous to that of the figure 4 , which illustrates the trajectory of steam escaping from the containment structure. figure 6 is a view of a detail of the figure 5 , with a closed dotted line schematically illustrating the first circumferential portion of the interstitial free space between the first lid and the tank. figure 7 is analogous to the figure 6 and illustrates with closed dotted lines an upstream passage and an expansion chamber which are part of said first circumferential portion, as well as a second circumferential portion which forms a downstream passage located downstream of the expansion chamber in the direction of steam escape. figure 8 illustrates, in cross-section, a detail of the cooking apparatus shown in the preceding figures. figure 9 illustrates, according to a schematic cross-sectional view, another detail of the construction of the apparatus shown in the preceding figures. Figure 10 illustrates, according to a schematic perspective view from below, the lid of the food cooking appliance from the previous figures.

[0023] As illustrated in the figures, the invention relates to a food cooking apparatus 1, intended to cook various foods in the presence of steam, for example, water vapor. Said steam is generated by heating, within the apparatus 1 and in the presence of the food, a cooking liquid, for example, an aqueous liquid, which contains, for example, at least 50% water by weight.

[0024] The term " steam " must be taken here in a broad sense and thus refers indifferently to: a substance (preferably aqueous) in the gaseous state, or said substance (preferably aqueous) in the liquid state in the form of a mist of droplets and / or microdroplets, or a mixture of said substance (preferably aqueous) in the gaseous state and said substance (preferably aqueous) in the liquid state in the form of a mist of droplets and / or microdroplets.

[0025] In other words, the expression " steam "Water" is not limited here to its strictly scientific definition and covers water in the gaseous state, liquid water particles suspended in the air, or a mixture of water in the gaseous state and liquid water particles (droplets and / or microdroplets) suspended in the air.

[0026] The device 1 is preferably intended for domestic use, it being understood, however, that the invention may also relate to professional or semi-professional devices. The device 1 is designed to be heated by a heating source that is preferably external, that is to say, not part of the device 1. The device 1 is, for example, intended to be placed on a separate cooking hob to heat its contents.

[0027] The food cooking appliance 1 comprises at least a first lid 2 and a cooking chamber 3 on which the lid 2 is designed to rest freely to form a cooking chamber. The first lid 2 is thus advantageously separate and independent from the cooking chamber 3, and is designed to be associated with the cooking chamber 3, preferably by being attached to it, in order to form the cooking chamber. Because the first lid 2 rests freely on the cooking chamber 3, preferably without any seal between the first lid 2 and the cooking chamber 3, the cooking chamber cannot build up pressure; that is to say, the cooking chamber is designed so that the internal pressure within it does not substantially exceed atmospheric pressure, or only slightly (for example, by a value between 1 and 3 kPa) and temporarily exceeds atmospheric pressure.The first lid 2 is also advantageously devoid of any pressure-regulating means, such as a regulating valve. In other words, the cooking chamber formed by the combination of the first lid 2 and the tank 3 constitutes a cooking pot at atmospheric pressure, and preferably a stockpot.

[0028] In this case, the device 1 lacks a means of locking the first lid 2 relative to the tank 3, so that the first lid 2 can at any time, including during the cooking cycle, be manually separated from the tank 3.

[0029] Advantageously, the food cooking apparatus 1 includes, in addition to the aforementioned first lid 2, a second lid (not shown) to be used alternately with the first lid 2 for the cooking chamber 3. In other words, the cooking chamber 3 can be used, depending on the desired cooking method, with either the first lid 2 or the second lid. The second lid and the cooking chamber 3 are advantageously equipped with complementary locking means, such as a bayonet locking system, so that the second lid and the cooking chamber together form a pressure-bearing cooking chamber.In other words, the cooking chamber formed by the combination of the second lid and the tank 3 is a pressurized food cooking chamber whose internal pressure can rise to a level exceeding atmospheric pressure, for example, by a value between 10 and 120 kPa, or between 50 and 100 kPa, or between 50 and 90 kPa. To this end, the second lid is advantageously equipped with a sealing gasket to ensure gas tightness at the interface between the second lid and the tank 3. The second lid is also advantageously equipped with a pressure regulating valve, arranged to maintain the pressure within the cooking chamber at a substantially constant predetermined value, known as the operating pressure, which exceeds atmospheric pressure by a value, for example, between 10 and 120 kPa, as previously described.The second cover advantageously includes other safety devices (for example, a safety means for opening, a safety valve for overpressure, etc.) which the first cover 2 lacks.

[0030] Device 1 can therefore be used in a " done ", in which the tank 3 is freely associated with the first lid 2, or in a " pressure cooker » , in which the same tank 3 is associated with the second lid, which is locked onto tank 3 to allow the pressure to rise in the cooking chamber.

[0031] The tank 3 forms a cooking vessel for cooking food and, for example, exhibits rotational symmetry about a central vertical axis X-X', which extends in a direction similar to the vertical direction when the apparatus 1 is in normal operation, i.e., resting on a horizontal plane. However, it is entirely conceivable, according to an alternative (not illustrated) embodiment, that the tank 3 has an ellipsoidal or oval shape rather than a circular one as shown in the figures, without departing from the scope of the invention. Advantageously, the tank 3 is made from a metallic material such as stainless steel or aluminum.It preferably comprises, as illustrated in the figures, a base 3A (which is, for example, a multilayer thermally conductive base) and an annular side wall 3B that rises between the base 3A (preferably from its periphery) and a free upper edge 3C that extends from said side wall 3B and laterally outwards from the tank 3, as illustrated in the figures. The side wall 3B advantageously has a first internal face 31B, which faces the internal volume defined by the tank 3. The free upper edge 3C of the tank 3, which forms the upper terminal part of the tank 3, extends, for example, radially outwards from the tank 3 to form at least one annular, collar-shaped surface defining a bearing area. Aon and against which the first lid 2 is intended to rest freely. In cases where the respective complementary locking means of the tank 3 and the second lid form a bayonet system, notches are provided at regular intervals in the free upper edge 3C, so that the latter forms locking ramps spaced apart from each other (by the notches in question). These locking ramps are advantageously designed to cooperate with complementary locking ramps carried by the second lid. The free upper edge 3C has a second internal face 31C, which is located in line with the first internal face 31B of the side wall 3B.

[0032] Advantageously, the apparatus 1 is provided with at least one first gripping handle 4 attached to the tank 3 to allow the latter to be handled. The first gripping handle 4 thus protrudes externally from the side wall 3D, to the external face of which it is fixed.

[0033] Preferably, the device 1 also includes a second gripping handle 5, also attached to the tank 3, said first and second gripping handles 4, 5 being arranged diametrically opposite with respect to the central axis X-X'.

[0034] According to the invention, at least one of said tank 3 and first cover 2 is provided with a plurality of localized protrusions 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, 6H, 61, intended to come into contact with the other of said tank 3 and first cover 2, in respective contact zones, when the first cover 2 rests freely on the tank 3, in order to provide, outside said contact zones, permanently and independently of the pressure level prevailing in the enclosure, a circumferential free space Ebetween said tank 3 and first lid 2. In other words, said localized protrusions 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, 6H, 61 form spacers that keep tank 3 and the first lid 2 apart when the latter rests on tank 3 to form the cooking chamber. Thanks to this spacing between tank 3 and the first lid 2, created by means of localized protrusions 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, 6H, 61, there is a free passage between tank 3 and the first lid 2, which is formed by said circumferential free space E and which ensures communication between the inside of the enclosure and the outside. The circumferential nature of the free space E corresponds to the fact that free space E extends substantially around the entire circumference of the free upper edge 3C (with the exception of the aforementioned contact zones). Thus, the circumferential free space Eextends along the circumference of the free upper edge 3C, so that it has a substantially annular shape, interrupted locally by the aforementioned contact zones at which the plurality of protrusions 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, 6H, 6I ensure the calibrated separation of the tank 3 and the first lid 2. The circumferential nature of the free space E promotes a gentle and gradual release of steam, which is distributed approximately 360°. This avoids the phenomenon of emission of a powerful jet of steam encountered, for example, with prior art devices whose lid is fitted with a leakage orifice.

[0035] As mentioned previously, the said circumferential free space E A constant clearance is maintained between tank 3 and the first cover 2, regardless of the pressure level within the enclosure. In particular, the circumferential free space is maintained.E The gap between tank 3 and the first lid 2 is not caused by a specific pressure level reached within the enclosure. In particular, it is not necessary for lid 2 to lift from tank 3 under pressure to maintain this circumferential free space. E The circumferential free space E The gap thus created between tank 3 and the first cover 2 allows steam to escape V from the inside of the enclosure to the outside. Thus, the steam V can continuously escape outwards, from the beginning of its production during the cooking cycle, passing through the circumferential free space EA gap is permanently maintained between the tank 3 and the first lid 2. This prevents a sudden expulsion of steam that could occur if, for example, the first lid 2 were to come into contact with the tank 3 around its entire circumference, and not just in localized areas. In such a situation, which the invention precisely prevents, steam would accumulate inside the enclosure and the pressure would gradually increase until it overcomes the weight of the lid, which would then briefly lift to allow the steam to be abruptly expelled. This sudden expulsion of steam is a source of discomfort, even a safety hazard, for the user. It is also likely to project steam a relatively significant distance outside the enclosure, to the point that the steam could reach the handles 4 and 5 and condense on them.On the contrary, according to the invention, the circumferential free space. E is maintained permanently, regardless of the pressure level in the tank 3 covered by the first cover 2, thus allowing a continuous, gentle and low-speed steam leak, which helps to limit all the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0036] The said plurality of protrusions 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, 6H, 61 is carried by the said first cover 2, so that the said localized protrusions 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, 6H, 61 and the said first cover 2 form a single unitary sub-assembly, independent and distinct from the tank 3. According to an example not forming part of the invention, it is however perfectly conceivable that the said plurality of protrusions 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, 6H, 61 may be alternately carried by the tank 3, or even that a part of the said protrusions may be carried by the tank 3 while another part is carried by the first cover 2.The use of localized outgrowths 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, 6H, 61 carried by the first lid 2, as illustrated in the figures, is however preferred, because it allows simplified manufacturing and offers the possibility of using the same tank 3 with different lids, and for example with the second pressure cooking lid mentioned above.

[0037] According to the invention, said circumferential free space E arranged between tank 3 and first cover 2 by the plurality of localized protrusions 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, 6H, 6I includes at least a first circumferential portion E1 (illustrated in cross-section along a radial plane by the figure 6 ) whose volume increases from the inside to the outside of the enclosure. As can be seen in particular on the figure 6, the first circumferential portion E1 flares outwards from the inside of the enclosure, that is to say that the gap between the tank 3 and the first cover 2, which is set by the height of the plurality of localized protrusions 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, 6H, 61, increases from the inside of the enclosure towards the outside.

[0038] Thanks to this characteristic, the steam V which escapes outside the enclosure, passing through the circumferential free space E The air gap between tank 3 and the first cover 2 experiences a decrease in speed and / or pressure, significantly slowing the flow of steam escaping from the enclosure. This allows for a gentle steam release. V outside the enclosure, so that the steam Vrises smoothly straight up as soon as it is outside the device 1, instead of being projected radially towards the first and second gripping handles 4, 5 attached to the tank 3.

[0039] Thus, the design according to the invention makes it possible to approach the circumferential free space as closely as possible. E each of the said first and second gripping handles 4, 5 attached to the tank 3, without risk of seeing the steam V escaping from the enclosure, they strike the surface of one or both of the handles 4, 5 and condense thereon. This effect is all the more remarkable as it is achieved simply by implementing a circumferential free space. Epermanent and independent of the pressure level prevailing in the enclosure, a first circumferential portion E1 of which flares outwards from the inside to the outside of the enclosure, so that its volume increases from the inside out as can be seen in the cross-sectional views of the figures 4 to 7 Advantageously, said circumferential free space E may open onto the outside of the enclosure approximately directly opposite said first handle 4, preferably also approximately directly opposite said second handle 5. This means that there advantageously exists a plane P which is substantially parallel to the bottom 3A of the tank 3 and which passes both through the free upper edge 3C and through at least said first gripping handle 4, as illustrated by the figure 5 Even more preferably, at least a portion of said first gripping handle 4 extends above said plane PThanks to the positioning of handles 4 and 5 directly above the circumferential free space E, Each handle 4, 5 proves particularly practical to grip, and handling the tank 3 is facilitated, as this high positioning of the handles promotes a stable grip on the appliance 1 even when it is full. This positioning of the first handle 4 (and advantageously the second handle 5) directly above the circumferential space E As illustrated in the figures, this is made possible by the absence of steam projection. V on handles 4, 5, which itself derives from the characteristics of the circumferential free space E as previously described (permanent presence and increasing volume from the inside out over at least one circumferential portion E1).

[0040] Preferably, the distance Dseparating each gripping handle 4, 5 from the circumferential free space E , which corresponds, for example, to the distance separating each gripping handle 4, 5 from the free upper edge 3C, is less than 25 mm, preferably is between 5 and 20 mm, and even more preferably is between 10 and 15 mm. The use of a distance D of reduced value, and preferably within the ranges above, allows for a particularly compact and space-saving device 1, whose handling is particularly safe, practical and stable, thanks in particular to the fact that each handle 4, 5 is positioned as close as possible to the center of gravity of the device 1. However, the steam V does not condense on handles 4, 5 thanks to the specific conformation of the circumferential free space E explained above.

[0041] Preferably, the first gripping handle 4, as well as advantageously the second gripping handle 5, has a solid shape, that is, a solid shape and not a curved or looped shape. The use of such a solid shape facilitates manufacturing, particularly by molding plastic, and provides a secure and comfortable grip. The implementation of such a solid shape in the immediate vicinity of the interface between the first cover 2 and the tank 3 is made possible by the low risk of steam leakage. V escaping from the enclosure, they strike the handles 4, 5, thanks to the presence of the first circumferential portion E1 whose volume increases outwards.

[0042] Advantageously, the first gripping handle 4, and preferably the second gripping handle 5, is made of a plastic material, preferably thermosetting (for example, a phenolic resin). In any case, the first gripping handle 4, and preferably the second gripping handle 5 as well, is not made of a metallic material, but preferably of a thermally insulating material, such as plastics, in particular the plastics mentioned above. This again facilitates gripping by preventing the handles from becoming hot and therefore difficult to grasp. However, the risk of condensation on the gripping handles 4 and 5 remains limited thanks to the implementation of the various features relating to the circumferential free space. E as outlined above.

[0043] Advantageously, the first cover 2 comprises an upper wall 2A which forms a cover element whose shape and dimensions are substantially conjugate to those of the access opening delimited by the free upper edge 3C of the tank 3. Preferably, said upper wall 2A is solid, that is to say, it is devoid of a through-hole, and in particular, devoid of a through-hole allowing vapor to escape from the inside of the enclosure to the outside. The upper wall 2A preferably has a peripheral contour that is substantially circular (to fit a free upper edge 3C which itself has a substantially circular contour) or ellipsoidal (to fit a tank 3 whose free upper edge 3C itself has an ellipsoidal contour). Said upper wall 2A is delimited laterally by a circumferential edge 20A, which defines said peripheral contour of the upper wall 2A.

[0044] The upper wall 2A of the first lid 2 includes a peripheral portion 200A, which preferably includes the circumferential edge 20A, and which is designed to rest on the free upper edge 3C of the tank 3 when the first lid 2 rests freely on the latter. More specifically, the peripheral portion 200A has a lower face 201A designed to bear against, preferably locally as will be described in more detail below, the second inner face 31C of the free upper edge 3C.

[0045] The first cover 2 further comprises a skirt 2B formed by an annular drop edge extending from the upper wall 2A, preferably substantially parallel to the central axis X-X'. Advantageously, the annular peripheral skirt 2B is formed from the same material as the upper wall 2A, as is the peripheral portion 200A. Preferably, the first cover 2 is thus obtained by a molding operation from a metallic material, so that the upper wall 2A and the peripheral skirt 2B advantageously form a single piece.

[0046] The skirt 2B extends from the upper wall 2A at a distance from the circumferential edge 20A, as illustrated in the figures. Advantageously, the skirt 2B has an outer face 22B, designed to be positioned opposite the first inner face 31B when the first lid 2 rests freely on the tank 3. The skirt 2B is thus designed to be located inside the tank 3 when the first lid 2 rests freely on it. The skirt 2B therefore forms a positioning and centering ring that allows the first lid 2 to be centered on the tank 3 when the first lid 2 is freely placed on it.To this end, the skirt 2B advantageously has, as illustrated in the figures, a substantially cylindrical or frustoconical shape and advantageously extends between, on the one hand, a lower free edge 20B, whose contour is substantially conjugate to that of the side wall 3B of the tank 3, and for example, of a substantially circular or ellipsoidal contour, and on the other hand, a connecting portion 21B linked to the peripheral portion 200A, which extends laterally outwards from the skirt 2B. As mentioned previously, the first cover 2 is preferably intended to fit substantially snugly over the top of the tank 3, so that the skirt 2B is bounded externally by the top of the side wall 3A and the upper free edge 3C, while the upper wall 2A rests, at the level of its peripheral portion 200A, on the free edge 3C.

[0047] Using such a lid design allows for a particularly simple and efficient adjustment of the geometry of the circumferential free space. E as will become clearer in more detail from the following description. Such a design, implementing a skirt 2B which extends at a distance from the circumferential edge 20A, so as to be closer to the central vertical axis XX' than is the circumferential edge 20A, also allows the vapor flow escaping from the enclosure through said circumferential free space to be guided in a substantially radial orientation. E This then promotes the vertical escape of steam and avoids in particular directing the steam downwards (which could lead to condensation on the metal parts possibly used to fix the tank handles 4, 5).

[0048] The plurality of protrusions 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, 6H, 61 comprises first protrusions 6A, 6C, 6E, 6G, 61 projecting from the peripheral portion 200A of the upper wall 2A, and second protrusions 6B, 6D, 6F, 6H projecting from the skirt 2B, to keep the peripheral portion 200A and the skirt 2B separated, respectively, from the free upper edge 3C and the side wall 3B when the first cover 2 rests freely on the tank 3. More specifically, the first protrusions 6A, 6C, 6E, 6G, 61 are arranged on the inner face 201A of the peripheral portion 200A, preferably in a regular distribution along the peripheral portion. 200A, so that each of the said first outgrowths 6A, 6C, 6E, 6G, 6I is separated from another first outgrowth which is adjacent to it by the same angular sector measured with respect to the central vertical axis X-X'.Each of the said first outgrowths 6A, 6C, 6E, 6G, 61 thus advantageously forms a localized protuberance, for example in the shape of a bump, which comes to rest on and against the second internal face 31C of the free upper edge 3C, to permanently provide an interstitial space between the peripheral portion 200A and the free upper edge 3C, in order to allow steam to escape. V outside the perimeter.

[0049] The second protrusions 6B, 6D, 6F, 6H, for their part, advantageously protrude radially from the external face 22B of the skirt 2B, in order to be able to bear laterally against the internal face 300 of the tank 3, at the level of the lateral wall 3B and / or the free upper edge 3C.

[0050] Advantageously, the said first inner face 31B and second inner face 31C contribute to forming said inner face 300 of the tank 3. The second protrusions 6B, 6D, 6F, 6H thus make it possible to maintain a constant spacing between the skirt 2B and the tank 3, thereby preserving, in combination with the first protrusions 6A, 6C, 6E, 6G, 61, said circumferential free space E .

[0051] Advantageously, the second outgrowths 6B, 6D, 6F, 6H are distributed regularly around the perimeter of the skirt 2B, so as to be separated from each other by the same angular sector measured with respect to the central vertical axis X-X'.

[0052] The first projections 6A, 6C, 6E, 6G, 61 thus act as stops to raise the first cover 2 relative to the tank 3 when the first cover 2 rests freely on the tank 3, while the second projections 6B, 6D, 6F, 6H act as stops to center the first cover 2 relative to the tank 3, the combination of the aforementioned centering and raising stops making it possible to maintain regular sections for steam passages V between tank 3 and the first lid 2.

[0053] Preferably, each first protrusion 6A, 6C, 6E, 6G, 61 is arranged radially with one of the second protrusions 6B, 6D, 6F, 6H, so that each first protrusion 6A, 6C, 6E, 6G, 61 extends in the same radial plane as a second protrusion 6B, 6D, 6F, 6H, as illustrated by the Figure 10. Such a feature makes it easier to manufacture the first lid 2, by limiting the extent of the areas of the first lid 2 which have geometric irregularities formed by the first and second protrusions 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, 6H, 61.

[0054] Advantageously, the apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of ribs each extending both over the peripheral portion 200A and over the skirt 2B to form both one of said first outgrowths 6A, 6C, 6E, 6G, 61, and one of the second outgrowths 6B, 6D, 6F, 6H. In this preferred embodiment, illustrated in the figures, the first cover 2 has an extremely simple construction, with ribs extending in two different planes, along the skirt 2B and the peripheral portion 200A, to provide a permanent gap between the tank 3 and the cover 2, over substantially all the circumference of the latter, except of course at the point contact areas between the protrusions 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, 6H, 61 and the tank 3.The invention thus makes it possible, through extremely simple means, the design of which allows for one-piece manufacturing, to provide point supports for the first lid 2 against the tank 3 both vertically and in various radial directions. These vertical and radial point supports allow the first lid 2 to naturally reach a stable position in which it rests on and against the tank 3, while maintaining a circumferential free space. E permanent connection between tank 3 and the first cover 2 which allows steam to escape V outside the perimeter.

[0055] The said external face 22B and lower face 201A belonging respectively to the skirt 2B and the peripheral portion 200A are advantageously intended to be located locally opposite said first internal face 31B and said second internal face 31C respectively when the first cover 2 rests freely on the tank 3.

[0056] Advantageously, the first and second internal faces 31B, 31C are connected by a first curved connecting surface 7 having a first radius of curvature as illustrated in the figures. The external face 22B and the lower face 21A are connected by a second curved connecting surface 8 having a second radius of curvature that is preferably smaller than the first radius of curvature. For example, the ratio of the first radius of curvature to the second radius of curvature is advantageously greater than or equal to 3, and preferably greater than or equal to 7.

[0057] Thanks to this difference between the first and second radii of curvature, the first and second curved connecting surfaces 7, 8, positioned approximately opposite each other, define an enlarged passage section since the internal contour of the first cover 2 does not follow the internal contour of the tank 3. This creates a chamber allowing the pressure and / or velocity of the steam V escaping from the enclosure through the circumferential free space to be reduced. E .

[0058] Advantageously, said first circumferential portion E1 forms an upstream passage E10 having a first section, as well as an expansion chamber E11 which is located downstream of said upstream passage E10 in the direction of steam exhaust Vand into which the upstream passage E10 opens, the expansion chamber E11 having a second section larger than the first section. Preferably, the first internal face 31B and external face 22B contribute to delimiting the upstream passage E10, while the first and second connecting surfaces 7, 8 contribute to delimiting the expansion chamber E11.

[0059] Thanks to the difference in the first and second radii of curvature, the expansion chamber E11 has a larger cross-section compared to the cross-section of the upstream passage E10, and thus constitutes an expansion volume that reduces the pressure of the vapor flow escaping from the enclosure through the circumferential free space. E This pressure drop is advantageously accompanied by a drop in the speed of the vapor flow. V This allows, as explained previously, for steam to escape. Vwhich is carried out smoothly and does not come into contact with the gripping handles 4, 5 attached to the tank 3. Of course, the use of different radii of curvature to accommodate the increased volume of the expansion chamber E11 is not mandatory, and other geometric conformations, such as chamfers, can be implemented to achieve a similar technical effect.

[0060] Advantageously, said circumferential free space E includes at least a second circumferential portion E2, which forms a downstream passage located downstream of said expansion chamber E11 in the direction of steam exhaust V, and into which said expansion chamber E11 opens. Advantageously, said second inner face 31C and lower face 201A contribute to delimiting said downstream passage formed by the second circumferential portion E2. Preferably, as illustrated in the figures, the downstream passage formed by said second circumferential portion E2 has a third section that is smaller than the second section. Thus, in the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the steam V The vapor escaping from inside the enclosure to the outside first passes through the upstream passage E10, which preferably has a constant initial cross-section, then opens into the expansion chamber E11, which has a larger cross-section. This creates a free volume greater than the free volume defined by the upstream passage E10, thereby reducing the pressure and velocity of the vapor flow. V The steam flow VThe steam then passes through the downstream passage formed by the second circumferential portion E2, which advantageously has a constant cross-section defining a smaller volume compared to that of the expansion chamber E11, thus allowing the steam flow to be channeled preferably in a radial direction. This downstream passage advantageously opens into the open air, into the external environment of apparatus 1. Furthermore, the implementation, downstream of the expansion chamber E11, of a downstream passage (formed by the second circumferential portion E2) with a smaller cross-section allows for a further reduction in the cross-section of the steam flow. V escaping from device 1, which again helps to reduce the risk of condensation on handles 4, 5.

[0061] Ultimately, in the particularly preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the circumferential free space EIn a radial cross-section, the system presents a first section (corresponding to the upstream passage E10), followed by a second section higher than the first (corresponding to the expansion chamber E11), itself followed by a third section lower than the second (corresponding to the downstream passage formed by the second circumferential portion E2). Thus, around the entire perimeter, an intermediate volume corresponding to the expansion chamber E11 is created between the beginning of the steam outlet (upstream passage E10) and the end of the steam outlet (downstream passage formed by the second circumferential portion E2). The presence of the expansion chamber E11, particularly when it is interposed between two passages of smaller cross-sections and volumes, facilitates vertical steam escape from the outlet of the unit 1, regardless of the heating power level.

[0062] An example of the operation of the food cooking device 1 according to the invention, in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the figures, is as follows.

[0063] Food, along with an aqueous volume (for example, consisting mainly of liquid water), is placed in the tank 3, and then the first lid 2 is placed on the tank 3 to rest freely on it. In this configuration, the first protrusions 6A, 6C, 6E, 6G, 6I rest on the second inner face 31C of the free edge 3C, while the second protrusions 6B, 6D, 6F, 6H keep the skirt 2B away from the side wall 3B of the tank 3, thus preserving the circumferential free space. E over the entire perimeter of device 1 (with the exception of course of the contact areas between the protrusions 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, 6H, 61 and tank 3).

[0064] The device 1 is placed on a cooking hob to heat its contents. Under the effect of this heating, some of the liquid contained in the tank 3 turns into steam. This steam is in a practically closed environment due to the presence of the first lid 2 on the tank 3. Consequently, the steam pressure gradually increases as the temperature inside the enclosure rises, until it reaches a value P0 that slightly exceeds the external atmospheric pressure P atm. The steam then moves, under the effect of this pressure differential (P0 > P atm), towards the circumferential free space. E which it uses to escape from the enclosure. For this, the steam V The steam first passes through the upstream passage E10, at pressure P0, and then enters the expansion chamber E11. The expansion chamber E11 offers the steam, exiting the upstream passage E10, a larger volume, increasing the steam pressure.V decreases and goes from a value P0 to P1, with P1 < P0. The pressure P1 is therefore less than the pressure P0 prevailing in the heart of tank 3, which itself is slightly greater than the external atmospheric pressure P atm.

[0065] Device 1 cannot enter a state of depression, since it is not completely closed due to the permanent presence of the circumferential free space. E , the pressure P1 in the expansion chamber E11 is very close to the external atmospheric pressure P atm .

[0066] Steam V It then continues its outward journey towards the outside environment. It exits the expansion chamber E11 and passes through the downstream passage (formed by the second circumferential portion E2) at pressure P1, and is released to the outside. Thus, the steam VArriving outside at a pressure P1 very close to atmospheric pressure P atm and lower than the internal pressure P0, it is not forcefully expelled from the sides of the apparatus 1. It therefore does not reach the handles 4, 5, which can consequently be designed to be solid, high, and close to the edge 3C of the tank 3. The steam V Having thus escaped from the enclosure, it slowly rises vertically from the moment it exits the aforementioned downstream passage. It is therefore unable to condense on handles 4 and 5, which it does not reach.

Claims

1. Cooking appliance (1) for food, comprising at least on the one hand a first lid (2) and on the other hand a pot (3) on which said first lid (2) is intended to rest freely in order to form a cooking chamber, said first lid (2) being provided with a plurality of localized projections (6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, 6H, 61) intended to come into contact with said pot (3) at respective contact areas when the first lid (2) rests freely on the pot (3), so as to provide, outside said contact areas, permanently and independently of the pressure level prevailing in the chamber, a circumferential free space (E) between said pot (3) and first lid (2) allowing steam (V) to escape from the inside of the chamber towards the outside, said circumferential free space (E) comprising at least a first circumferential portion (E1) which flares from the inside of the cooking chamber towards the outside, that is to say the spacing between the pot (3) and the first lid (2) increases from the inside of the chamber towards the outside, said plurality of projections (6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, 6H, 61) being carried by said first lid (2), said pot (3) comprising a bottom (3A), an annular side wall (3B) which rises between the bottom (3A) and an upper free rim (3C) which extends said side wall (3B) and extends laterally towards the outside of the pot (3), said first lid (2) comprising a top wall (2A) laterally delimited by a circumferential edge (20A), said top wall (2A) comprising a peripheral portion (200A) designed to rest on said upper free rim (3C) when the first lid (2) rests freely on the pot (3), said first lid (2) further comprising a skirt (2B) formed by an annular depending edge which extends from said top wall (2A) at a distance from said circumferential edge (20A), said skirt (2B) being designed to be arranged inside the pot (3) when the first lid (2) rests freely on the pot (3), said plurality of projections comprising first and second projections (6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, 6H, 61) which protrude respectively from said peripheral portion (200A) and from said skirt (2B) so as to keep said peripheral portion (200A) and said skirt (2B) spaced apart respectively from said upper free rim (3C) and from said side wall (3B) when the first lid (2) rests freely on the pot (3).

2. Cooking appliance (1) for food according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of ribs each extending both over the peripheral portion (200A) and over the skirt (2B) so as to form both one of said first projections (6A, 6C, 6E, 6G, 61) and one of said second projections (6B, 6D, 6F, 6H).

3. Cooking appliance (1) for food according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said side wall (3B) and upper free rim (3C) respectively have a first and a second internal face (31B, 31C), while said skirt (2B) and peripheral portion (200A) respectively have an external face (22B) and a lower face (201A) intended to be located locally facing respectively said first and second internal faces (31B, 31C) when the first lid (2) rests freely on the pot (3), said first and second internal faces (31B, 31C) being connected to each other by a first curved connecting surface (7) having a first radius of curvature, while said external face (22B) and lower face (201A) are connected to each other by a second curved connecting surface (8) having a second radius of curvature which is smaller than said first radius of curvature.

4. Cooking appliance (1) for food according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first circumferential portion (E1) forms an upstream passage (E10) having a first cross-section and a relaxation chamber (E11) which is located downstream of said upstream passage (E10) in the direction of steam escape and into which said upstream passage (E10) opens, said relaxation chamber (E11) having a second cross-section greater than the first cross-section.

5. Cooking appliance (1) for food according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that said first internal face (31B) and external face (22B) contribute to delimiting said upstream passage (E10), while said first and second connecting surfaces (7, 8) contribute to delimiting said relaxation chamber (E11).

6. Cooking appliance (1) for food according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that said circumferential free space (E) comprises at least a second circumferential portion (E2) which forms a downstream passage located downstream of said relaxation chamber (E11) in the direction of steam escape and into which said relaxation chamber (E11) opens, said downstream passage having a third cross-section smaller than said second cross-section.

7. Cooking appliance (1) for food according to claims 3 and 6, characterized in that said second internal face (31C) and lower face (201A) contribute to delimiting said downstream passage.

8. Cooking appliance (1) for food according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is provided with at least a first gripping handle (4) attached to the pot (3) and having a solid shape, said circumferential free space (E) opening to the outside of the chamber substantially in line with said first gripping handle (4).

9. Cooking appliance (1) for food according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a second lid to be associated with the pot (3) alternately with said first lid (2), said second lid and pot (3) being provided with respective complementary locking means in order together to form a cooking chamber capable of being pressurized.