PRESSURE COOKER WITH BAYONET LOCK EQUIPPED WITH A CONTROL MODULE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the general technical field of appliances for cooking food under pressure, and in particular to domestic appliances of the pressure cooker type intended to form a cooking chamber capable of increasing pressure in order to ensure the cooking under steam pressure of the food contained within it.

[0002] The present invention relates more particularly to an appliance for cooking food under pressure comprising: a tank and a lid intended to be locked relative to the tank to form with it a cooking chamber capable of increasing pressure, a bayonet locking system configured to ensure the locking and unlocking of the lid relative to the tank by pivoting the lid relative to the tank, a support intended to be attached to said lid so that the latter can pivot relative to said support along a first axis of rotation between two positions corresponding respectively to an unlocking configuration and a locking configuration, a manually actuated locking / unlocking control member intended to be attached to said support by a mechanical connection allowing the manual movement of said control member relative to said support, a device for transforming said manual movement of the control member into pivoting of the lid relative to the support,said transformation device comprising at least one driving conformation intended to be carried by the manual control member and at least one receiving conformation intended to be connected to the cover and to be engaged by said driving conformation, and a pressure regulating means for maintaining the pressure prevailing within the cooking enclosure at a set level.

[0003] Appliances for cooking food under pressure, particularly for domestic use, are well known. They generally comprise a metal tank onto which a lid, also made of metal, is intended to be attached in a sealed manner, by means of a flexible annular sealing gasket, so as to constitute a cooking chamber capable of increasing pressure. The lid is intended to be connected to the tank by means of locking means allowing the pressure cooker to move between a configuration in which the lid is locked relative to the tank, in which the cooking chamber is capable of increasing pressure, and an unlocking configuration in which the lid can be freely separated from the tank.

[0004] There are various types of locking means well known in the prior art. One of the most widespread systems is the bayonet locking system, which is based on the implementation of tank and cover ramps intended to come into sliding mutual support after rotation of the cover to thus ensure a mechanical retaining connection preventing the separation of the tank and the cover under the effect of the pressure increase. The cover ramps are conventionally produced by localized folding inwards of the annular falling edge of the cover, while the tank ramps are obtained by folding and cutting the free upper edge of the tank.

[0005] Such a bayonet locking system is generally satisfactory, particularly due to its relatively low weight, its simplicity of manufacture and its reliability.

[0006] However, in its most basic embodiments, it presents certain significant drawbacks, particularly in terms of practicality and ergonomics.

[0007] In order to overcome these drawbacks, a bayonet pressure cooker has been proposed, equipped with a force-reducing control mechanism based on the use of a rotary control arch which causes the sliding movement of a carriage which itself actuates in response a connecting rod system which allows the lid to rotate.

[0008] This system is very satisfactory in terms of ease of use and ergonomics. However, it also has certain drawbacks.

[0009] In particular, the maintenance and cleaning of this known pressure cooker can be complex and tedious, particularly given the large number of parts, particularly moving parts, mounted on the lid. It is therefore complicated, if not impossible, to wash this known pressure cooker in the dishwasher. Many components mounted on the lid perform, directly or indirectly, safety functions. They must therefore avoid being subjected to repeated thermal or mechanical stresses, which could cause them to age prematurely or even damage them. This prohibits the complete washing of this known appliance in the dishwasher, in order to preserve the aforementioned components and mechanisms. In addition, the bulkiness of the lid of this known pressure cooker, apart from any other consideration, severely limits, or even prohibits on its own, washing in a dishwasher.

[0010] The bulkiness of the lid of this popular pressure cooker also complicates its storage and tidying.

[0011] Furthermore, in the event of breakage or deterioration of one of the multiple moving components (rotating arch, sliding carriage, connecting rod, etc.) which form the force reduction system implemented by this well-known pressure cooker, the repair can prove tricky and time-consuming to carry out, even by a professional.

[0012] Finally, the distinctive signs of belonging to a commercial range of the known pressure cookers described above are generally located for the most part on parts mounted on the lid. Indeed, these parts lend themselves, more easily and at a lower cost than the lid itself, to work on shape, color, or even surface appearance, which make it possible to clearly identify the pressure cooker visually. For reasons of industrial standardization, it is therefore interesting, for a given size of pressure cooker, to produce a single model of lid and tank, the differentiation of the products being made thanks to the parts forming the control mechanism, mounted on the lid.

[0013] It is therefore particularly interesting to carry out this industrial operation of product differentiation as late as possible, in order to benefit from maximum stock flexibility and to best adjust the production of this or that model according to market demands.

[0014] However, the complexity of the control mechanism implemented by the known pressure cooker described above, and which results from the implementation of a multiplicity of moving components (rotating arch, sliding carriage, connecting rod, etc.), requires relatively early assembly, on the production line, of the various parts of the mechanism carried by the lid, so that the known design prevents differentiation of the products at the very end of the industrial process. In addition to this impossibility of late differentiation of the products, the design of the aforementioned known pressure cooker also does not allow for the benefit of a flexible and decentralized industrial organization.

[0015] Document EP-3 100 652 A1 describes a pressure cooking appliance comprising a tank, a lid, a bayonet locking system, a locking control member which is attached to a support by a mechanical connection allowing the movement of said control member and is connected to the lid by a device for transforming said movement of the control member into pivoting of the lid, said mechanical connection being designed so that said manual movement of the control member is formed by a rotational movement around an axis of rotation parallel to the central vertical axis and / or by a translational movement.

[0016] The objects assigned to the invention therefore aim to remedy the various drawbacks listed above, and to propose a new pressure food cooking appliance which, while being of particularly simple and inexpensive construction, has a design which allows particularly easy and flexible industrial manufacturing, simplifies the cleaning and storage of the appliance, as well as its possible repair, while making it easily upgradeable.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to propose a new pressure food cooking appliance of particularly reliable and compact construction which allows industrial manufacturing to be optimized.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to propose a new pressure cooking appliance which is particularly practical to use.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to propose a new pressure cooking appliance that is particularly light and robust.

[0020] Another object of the invention is to propose a new pressure food cooking appliance whose design makes it easier to assemble and differentiate products in the factory.

[0021] Another object of the invention is to propose a new pressure food cooking appliance which provides a high level of safety of use.

[0022] Another object of the invention is to propose a new pressure food cooking appliance which is particularly ergonomic and provides remarkable comfort of use.

[0023] Another object of the invention is to propose a new pressure cooking device which is particularly intuitive to use.

[0024] Another object of the invention is to provide a new pressure food cooking appliance which is easy and convenient to store and to wash in a dishwasher.

[0025] The objects assigned to the invention are achieved using a pressure food cooking appliance comprising: a tank and a lid intended to be locked relative to the tank to form with it a cooking chamber capable of increasing pressure, a bayonet locking system configured to ensure the locking and unlocking of the lid relative to the tank by pivoting the lid relative to the tank, a support intended to be attached to said lid so that the latter can pivot relative to said support along a first axis of rotation between two positions corresponding respectively to an unlocking configuration and a locking configuration, a manually actuated locking / unlocking control member intended to be attached to said support by a mechanical connection allowing the manual movement of said control member relative to said support, a device for transforming said manual movement of the control member into pivoting of the lid relative to the support,said transformation device comprising at least one driving conformation intended to be carried by the manual control member and at least one receiving conformation intended to be connected to the cover and to be engaged by said driving conformation, a pressure regulating means for maintaining the pressure prevailing within the cooking enclosure at a set level, , said apparatus being characterized in that it comprises a control module removably attached to said cover, said control module incorporating at least a first subassembly which includes at least said pressure regulating means and said receiving conformation.

[0026] Other features and advantages of the invention will appear and emerge in more detail on reading the description given below, with reference to the appended drawings, given as purely illustrative and non-limiting examples, in which: Therefigure 1 illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, a pressure food cooking appliance according to a first embodiment of the invention, which is in an unlocking configuration in which the lid is attached to the tank according to a predetermined relative arrangement allowing the bayonet locking system to lock the lid to the tank by pivoting the lid, said predetermined relative arrangement thus corresponding to a waiting configuration for locking the appliance, the locking / unlocking control member of which is in a deployed position corresponding to the unlocking of the lid relative to the tank. figure 2 is an exploded view of the cooking appliance of the figure 1, which in this case consists of three units formed respectively by a tank sub-assembly, a cover and a control module intended to be removably attached to the cover, to form with the latter a cover sub-assembly intended to be attached to the tank. The figure 3 is a top view of the cooking appliance of the figure 1 . There figure 4 illustrates a detail of the device of the figures 1 to 3 , and more precisely a detail of the production of the cover subassembly, according to a perspective view from above. The Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view of the cover subassembly of the figure 4 . There figure 6 is an exploded view showing some of the components forming the lid subassembly of the cooking appliance figures 1 to 5 . There figure 7 illustrates, in a partially sectional view, the control module which equips the cover of the cooking appliance figures 1 to 6 . There figure 8illustrates, in a schematic perspective view from below, the control module of the figure 7 . There figure 9 illustrates, in a sectional view, the cover subassembly of the cooking appliance of the figure 1 . There figure 10 illustrates, in a schematic perspective view from above, the cooking appliance of the preceding figures which is this time in a locking configuration, according to which the lid is locked relative to the tank with the locking / unlocking control member in a folded position. figure 11 illustrates, in a partially sectional view, a detail of the construction of the locked cooking appliance of the figure 10 . There figure 12is a partial sectional view of the lid subassembly of the apparatus of the preceding figures, which is provided with an opening safety means occupying a blocking position in which it prevents the lid from being unlocked, the control member being in an intermediate position between its first and second extreme positions corresponding respectively to the unlocking and locking of the lid relative to the tank, the control member being uncoupled from each driving conformation under the effect of a clutch operated by a disengageable connecting device ensuring the mechanical connection between the control member and each driving conformation carried by the latter. figure 13illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, a pressure food cooking appliance according to a second embodiment of the invention, which is in a locking configuration, according to which the lid is locked relative to the tank with the locking / unlocking control member in a folded position. figure 14 illustrates, in a perspective top view, the cover and the detachable control module of the cooking appliance of the figure 13 , the control module being detached from the cover. The figure 15 is identical to the figure 14 except that this time it is a side perspective view. figure 16 illustrates the control module of the figures 14 And 15 , which is formed by a first and a second subset which are here detached from each other. The figure 17 is identical to the figure 16except that this is a side perspective view. figure 18 illustrates, in a sectional view, the cover subassembly of the cooking appliance figures 13 to 17 .

[0027] As illustrated in the figures, the invention relates to an appliance 1 for cooking food under pressure, intended to ensure the cooking of different foods at a pressure level higher than atmospheric pressure, in the presence of steam, and for example water vapor. Said steam is generated by heating, within the appliance 1 and in the presence of the food, a cooking liquid, for example an aqueous liquid. The appliance 1 according to the invention is preferably intended for domestic use, it being understood however that the invention can also relate to professional or semi-professional appliances. The appliance 1 according to the invention is designed to increase in pressure exclusively under the effect of a heating source (on-board or external), without the supply of external pressure. The appliance 1 for cooking food under pressure therefore constitutes a pressure cooker, preferably intended to be placed on an independent cooking plate to heat the contents.The cooking appliance 1 according to the invention comprises at least one tank 2 forming a cooking container, intended to receive the food to be cooked and having in this case substantially a symmetry of revolution about a central vertical axis X-X', which extends in a direction which is similar to the vertical direction when the appliance 1 is in normal operation, that is to say resting on a horizontal plane. The tank 2 is conventionally manufactured from a metallic material such as stainless steel or aluminum. The tank 2 comprises a bottom 2A, which is for example a multi-layer heat-conducting bottom. The tank 2 also comprises an annular side wall 2B which rises between said bottom 2A and a free upper edge 2C, which is in this case circular in shape, and which delimits an access opening to the interior of the tank 2.The conformation of this free upper edge 2C will be described in more detail below, in relation to the locking means of the appliance 1. Advantageously, and as illustrated in the figures, the cooking appliance 1 comprises at least one bowl handle 2D which is fixed to said bowl 2, so as to project externally from the latter. In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, said bowl handle 2D is mounted on the external face of the side wall 2B of the bowl 2, so as to extend radially towards the outside of the bowl 2 and thus to form a grip intended to be grasped manually by the user to manipulate the bowl 2 (for example to lift and move it).In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the cooking appliance 1 comprises two identical handles 2D, 2E fixed to the side wall 2B of the tank 2 in a diametrically opposite manner relative to the central axis X-X', said tank handles 2D, 2E being in this case arranged close to the free upper edge 2C of the tank 2. It is however perfectly conceivable that the tank 2 is provided with only one tank handle, or with more than two tank handles (for example three or four), without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0028] The appliance 1 according to the invention also comprises a cover 3 intended to be associated with the tank 2 and locked relative to the latter to form with it a cooking enclosure capable of increasing pressure, that is to say a cooking enclosure sufficiently hermetic to allow the pressure of the appliance 1 to increase. In order to obtain this hermetic, leaktight character, the appliance 1 advantageously includes a sealing gasket (not illustrated), preferably formed by a flexible annular seal, made of elastomer for example, intended to be interposed between the cover 3 and the tank 2, to thus prevent any uncontrolled leakage of steam and / or air between the interior of the enclosure and the exterior. The cover 3 is conventionally manufactured from a metallic material such as stainless steel or aluminum.It advantageously has a shape conjugated to that of the tank 2, for example a generally discoid shape, which advantageously extends in a mean plane substantially parallel to the mean plane of extension of the bottom 2A of the tank 2 (that is to say a substantially horizontal plane in this case) when it is attached and locked to the latter. The cover 3 has an internal face 30 intended to be located opposite the tank 2 and an opposite external face 31. In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the cover 3 includes a discoid cover element 3A of shape and dimensions conjugated to those of the access opening delimited by the free upper edge 2C of the annular side wall 2B of the tank 2. In this embodiment, the cover 3 also advantageously includes an annular belt 3B, for example of substantially cylindrical or frustoconical shape.In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the annular belt 3B is formed by a falling edge which extends downwards from the periphery of the discoidal covering element 3A. In this embodiment, the cover 3 is intended to cover the top of the tank 2 in a substantially adjusted manner, so that the annular belt 3B surrounds from the outside the top of the annular side wall 2B and the free upper edge 2C, while the discoidal covering element 3A rests on the free edge 2C, by means of the seal (not illustrated) interposed between the tank 2 and the cover 3. It is however perfectly conceivable that the annular belt 3B is alternatively intended to be inserted within the tank 2, so as to be surrounded by, and contained in, the tank 2, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0029] The appliance 1 for cooking food under pressure according to the invention comprises a pressure regulating means 4, preferably including a valve, for example a weight or spring valve, for maintaining the pressure prevailing within the cooking chamber at a set level, which may optionally be adjustable by the user (adjustable setting valve). Advantageously, the pressure regulating means 4 is mounted on the cover 3, for example so as to be carried by the latter. Said pressure regulating means 4 is configured to maintain the pressure prevailing in the cooking chamber at a substantially constant predetermined value (set level), called the operating pressure, which exceeds atmospheric pressure by a threshold value which is, for example, between substantially 10 and 120 kPa, preferably of the order of 100 kPa.The general operating principle of such a pressure regulating means is well known as such, so that it is not necessary to describe it further here. The apparatus 1 for cooking food under pressure may of course include other operating members (for example an opening safety means 5 which will be described in more detail below, an overpressure safety valve 6, . etc.).

[0030] The appliance 1 according to the invention also comprises a bayonet locking system, in order to allow the cooking chamber formed by the combination of the lid 3 and the tank 2 to reach at least the aforementioned operating pressure without the risk of the lid 3 escaping under the effect of the pressure prevailing within the chamber. In other words, the locking system is designed to ensure a mechanical connection between the tank 2 and the lid 3 which is sufficiently robust to prevent the lid 3 from separating from the tank 2 under the effect of the increase in pressure within the cooking chamber.More specifically, said bayonet locking system is configured to ensure the locking and unlocking of the cover 3 relative to the tank 2, by pivoting the cover 3 relative to the tank 2, in this case along said central vertical axis X-X', to thereby move the apparatus 1 from a locking standby configuration, in which the cover 3 is attached to the tank 2 and rests freely on the latter (. figure 1 ), to a locking configuration in which the tank 2 and the cover 3 interact to prevent their free separation ( figure 10), and vice versa. Thus, in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the appliance 1 passes from its waiting locking configuration to its locking configuration by rotating the lid 3 relative to the tank 2 according to a predetermined angular travel (for example between 10° and 30°, preferably between 10° and 20°, for example 15°) around the central axis X-X', in a first direction. The appliance 1 passes inversely from its locking configuration to its waiting locking configuration by rotating the lid 3 relative to the tank 2 according to said predetermined angular travel around the central axis XX' in a second direction opposite to said first direction. The bayonet locking system of the cooking appliance 1 advantageously comprises for this purpose first and second series of protrusions 7A-7J, 8A-8J which are secured respectively to the lid 3 (cf. figures 5 , 15 And 18 ) and tank 2 (cf. figure 2) and which are designed, in order to ensure the locking and unlocking of the cover 3 relative to the tank 2, to engage, respectively disengage, each other by rotation of the cover 3 relative to the tank 2 around the central vertical axis XX' according to said predetermined angular stroke. As is well known as such, the protrusions 7A-7J, 8A-8J of each of said first and second series are intended to cooperate two by two, that is to say that each protrusion of one of said series is caused, by rotation of the cover 3 relative to the tank 2, to pass under a corresponding protrusion of the other series to lock the cover 3 relative to the tank 2.In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the protrusions 7A-7J of the first series, integral with the cover 3, project radially towards the inside of the cover 3, while the protrusions 8A-8J of the second series, integral with the tank 2, project radially from the external face of the side wall 2B of the tank 2, towards the outside of the latter. It is however perfectly conceivable that the locking protrusions 7A-7J of the cover 3 project towards the outside of the cover 3 and that the tank protrusions 8A-8J then project radially towards the inside of the latter.The invention is therefore not limited to a particular configuration of the locking ramps (formed by the protrusions 7A-7J, 8A-8J) of the bayonet system, the essential thing being that the lid 7A-7J and tank 8A-8J protrusions, respectively forming lid and tank ramps, cooperate together by relative rotation of the tank 2 and the lid 3, in this case along the central vertical axis X-X', so that the lid ramps are positioned under the tank ramps in order to create a mechanical connection between the tank 2 and the lid 3 capable of resisting the internal pressure prevailing in the cooking chamber.In the examples illustrated in the figures, each protrusion 7A-7J of the cover is constituted by a volume element obtained by a local volume deformation of the material constituting the envelope of the cover 3, and more precisely of the annular belt 3B along which the protrusions 7A-7J are preferably arranged, at regular or irregular intervals. Each protrusion thus forms a protuberance, which is integral with the annular belt 3B and which projects from said annular belt, defining on one side a convex inner face and on the other side, in . " negative ",an opposite concave outer face corresponding for example to the application imprint of a forming tool, preferably a stamping tool. The invention is however absolutely not limited to the implementation of specific protrusions 7A-7J, and in particular obtained by stamping as in the examples illustrated in the figures. It is for example entirely conceivable that the protrusions 7A-7J of the cover are formed by flat tabs obtained by localized folding inwards of the free edge of the annular belt 3B of the cover 3.In the examples illustrated in the figures, the tank protrusions 8A-8J are formed by an annular rim which projects outwards from the free upper edge 2C, notches 9A-9J being provided through said annular rim so as to allow the passage of said cover protrusions 7A-7J, so that the portions of said annular rim which extend between each notch 9A-9J form the respective tank ramps intended to cooperate with the cover protrusions 7A-7J which form the cover ramps. Thus, when the cover 3 comes to cover the tank 2, the cover protrusions 7A-7J can pass through the notches 9A-9J to end up lower than the annular rim.The apparatus 1 is then in its pre-locking configuration (also called the locking standby configuration), from which the locking configuration can be reached by simply rotating the cover 3 relative to the tank 2 along the vertical axis X-X', which has the effect of angularly offsetting the protrusions 7A-7J of the cover 3 and the notches 9A-9J of the annular rim, achieving a " . with bayonet.

[0031] According to the invention, the apparatus 1 also comprises a support 10 intended to be attached to said cover 3, in a removable manner ( figures 1 to 12 ) or permanent ( figures 13 to 18), so that the latter can pivot relative to said support 10 along a first axis of rotation YY' (which merges with the central vertical axis XX' when the cover 3 is attached to the tank 2), between two positions corresponding respectively to an unlocking configuration and a locking configuration. The pivot connection between the cover 3 and the support 10 can be achieved by any known means. The two positions between which the cover 3 can pivot relative to the support 10 are separated by a predetermined angular travel corresponding to that required to move the device 1 from its pre-locking configuration (locking waiting configuration) illustrated in figure 1 to its locking configuration illustrated for example in the figure 10 and to the figure 13 .

[0032] Preferably, the apparatus 1 comprises a lid subassembly 300 which includes both said lid 3 and at least said support 10, the lid subassembly 300 in the unlocking configuration (i.e. with the lid 3 being in a position, relative to the support 10, which corresponds to the unlocking configuration) and the tank 2 being designed to be joined together in at least one predetermined relative arrangement, which corresponds to the aforementioned pre-locking configuration of the apparatus 1, allowing said bayonet locking system to lock the lid 3 to the tank 2 by pivoting the lid 3 about said first rotation axis Y-Y', in order to move the lid subassembly 300 from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration.In other words, the joining of the lid subassembly 300 in the unlocking configuration and the tank 2 according to the predetermined relative arrangement (pre-locking arrangement) illustrated in the . figure 1 causes an interlocking of the support 10 and the tank 2 which in this case prevents the support 10 from rotating about the central vertical axis XX' while resting on the tank 2. This locking of the relative angular position of the support 10 and the tank 2 allows the support 10 to play the role of a fixed frame immobile relative to the tank 2 and with respect to which the cover 3 can pivot about the central vertical axis XX' according to a predetermined angular travel to pass from an unlocked state (illustrated in figure 1 ) to a locked state (shown in figure 10 and to the figure 13 ).

[0033] Advantageously, said support 10 and tank 2 are provided respectively with complementary support 12, 13 and tank 14, 15 conformations intended to cooperate, preferably by interlocking, when the cover subassembly 300 in the unlocking configuration and the tank 2 are joined according to said predetermined relative arrangement ( figure 1 ). Said interlocking of the complementary conformations of support 12, 13 and tank 14, 15 makes it possible to lock the relative angular position of the support 10 and the tank 2 in a horizontal plane, that is to say a plane which is perpendicular to said central vertical axis X-X'.

[0034] In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the tank 2 is provided with two tank conformations 14, 15 arranged diametrically opposite relative to the central vertical axis X-X'. These two tank conformations 14, 15 are advantageously formed by parts having for example a substantially C-shaped profile, as visible in the figures. Said C-shaped parts are for example carried respectively by the tank handles 2D, 2E, and / or form part of the latter. Advantageously, the support 10 comprises two support conformations 12, 13 of respective shapes complementary to those of the tank conformations 14, 15. The two support conformations 12, 13 are advantageously arranged diametrically opposite on the cover 3 relative to the first axis of rotation Y-Y', said support conformations 12, 13 advantageously projecting radially from the cover 3 to cooperate with the complementary tank conformations 14, 15.It is however perfectly conceivable, without departing from the scope of the invention, that said support 10 and tank 2 are provided respectively with a single support conformation and a single tank conformation, or even that the support 10 and tank 2 are provided, instead of respective support and tank conformations intended to cooperate by interlocking, with interlocking elements of another nature based on the implementation of another type of cooperation (friction, clipping, magnetic attraction, etc.) to lock the relative angular position of the support 10 and the tank 2.Advantageously, each tank conformation 14, 15 forms a female element, while each support conformation 12, 13 forms a male element complementary to said female element, said male element being advantageously intended to be inserted into the female element to establish a rotational locking connection along the central vertical axis XX' between the support 10 and the tank 2.

[0035] Advantageously, the support 10 comprises a crosspiece 100 which extends, preferably on the cover 3 (being connected to the latter by a pivot connection), longitudinally between two opposite ends which are preferably free ends. The crosspiece 100 is advantageously formed by a substantially elongated part which extends diametrically on the cover 3. Said opposite ends of the crosspiece 100 forming the support 10 project radially from the cover 2, as illustrated in the figures, to form said support conformations 12, 13, which are configured to cooperate respectively with complementary housings forming said tank conformations 14, 15. For example, the crosspiece 100 is in the form of a rigid metal strip in one piece which forms fins at its free ends (embodiment of the figures 1 to 12 ) or drooping edges (method of making the figures 13 to 18) constituting the support conformations 12, 13 complementary to the housings 14, 15 delimited by the C-shaped parts integral with the tank 2.

[0036] The lid subassembly 300 thus forms an independent unitary element intended to be associated with a tank subassembly 400 (formed by the tank 2 itself and at least the tank handles 2D, 2E as well as the tank conformations 14, 15 advantageously carried by the latter), to form the cooking enclosure. In other words, when the lid subassembly 300 is in the unlocking configuration, the lid 3 and the support 10 are positioned relative to each other in such a way that the docking of the support 10 on the tank 2 in a predetermined position, corresponding to said predetermined relative arrangement, makes it possible to make the lid ramps 7A-7J pass below the tank ramps 8A-8J via the notches 9A-9J separating said tank ramps, the lid subassembly 300 then covering the tank 2 in a waiting position.It will then be sufficient, from this waiting position, to pivot the cover 3 relative to the tank 2 to lock the cover 3 relative to the tank 2. In other words, once the tank 2 and the cover subassembly 300 are in the unlocking configuration, they are joined according to the predetermined relative pre-locking arrangement illustrated in . figure 1 , it is sufficient to maintain the support 10 in position relative to the tank 2 and to pivot the cover 3 relative to the support 10 according to the predetermined angular travel mentioned above in order to bring the cover ramps 7A-7J into correspondence with the tank ramps 8A-8J, under the latter, thus locking the cover 3 relative to the tank 2.

[0037] According to the invention, the cooking appliance 1 comprises a locking / unlocking control member 11 which is manually operable, that is to say it is configured to be manipulated directly by the user so as to allow the latter to control the bayonet locking system in order to be able to advantageously switch, by manually actuating the control member 11, from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration and vice versa. The control member 11 thus advantageously makes it possible to control the passage of the device 1 from its pre-locking configuration ( figure 1 ) to its locking configuration ( figures 10 And 13), and vice versa. Said control member 11 is advantageously mounted to be movable relative to the support 10 between a first and a second position corresponding respectively to the unlocking and locking of the cover 3 relative to the tank 2. More precisely, the control member 11 is intended to be attached to the support 10, permanently (as illustrated in the figures) or removable, by a mechanical connection allowing the manual movement of the control member 11 relative to the support 10 between the first position and the second position corresponding respectively to the unlocking ( figure 1 ) and to the lock ( figures 10 And 13) of the cover 3 relative to the tank 2. In other words, the control member 11 is advantageously fixed to the support 10, in a removable or permanent manner, while retaining a capacity for mobility relative to the latter, so that a user can manually move the control member 11 relative to the support 10 from the first position to the second position and vice versa.

[0038] The apparatus 1 according to the invention further comprises a device for transforming said manual movement of the control member 11 into pivoting of the cover 3 relative to the support 10. In other words, the control member 11 is connected to the cover 3 by the transformation device. The user can thus control the transition from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration, and vice versa,by manual movement of the control member 11 relative to the support 10 between its first and second positions, and vice versa. The transformation device is therefore configured to convert the movement of the control member 11 relative to the support 10 into rotary movement of the cover 3 relative to this same support 10, in this case along the first axis Y-Y', so that the user can thus control the locking / unlocking by pivoting the cover 3 relative to the support 10 by simple manipulation of the control member 11, once the cover 3 is attached to the tank 2 with the cover ramps 7A-7J arranged below the tank ramps 8A-8J.Thanks to the interaction between the support 10 and the tank 2, advantageously achieved by means of the cooperation of the support 12, 13 and tank 14, 15 conformations, the support 10 is prevented from pivoting relative to the tank 2, in this case along said central vertical axis X-X', when the control member 11 is moved between its first and second positions (or vice versa).

[0039] As illustrated in the figures, the transformation device comprises at least one driving conformation 18, 19 intended to be carried by the manual control member 11 and at least one receiving conformation 16, 17 intended to be connected to the cover 3 and to be engaged by said driving conformation 18, 19. According to the first embodiment of the figures 1 to 12, the transformation device comprises on the one hand two receiving conformations 16, 17 fixed to the cover 3 and arranged at a distance from each other, and on the other hand two driving conformations 18, 19 distant from each other and both carried by the control member 11, preferably in different locations of the latter. In the second embodiment of the figures 13 to 18 , the transformation device comprises a single motor conformation 18 which engages a single receiver conformation 16. The invention is of course not limited to a specific number of motor and receiver conformations, nor to a specific form of said motor and receiver conformations.

[0040] In the first embodiment corresponding to the figures 1 to 12, the apparatus 1 comprises a disengageable connecting device 42 ensuring a disengageable mechanical connection between the control member and each motor conformation 18, 19, to allow, in certain abnormal situations, a possibility of relative movement between the control member 11 and each motor conformation 18, 19 carried by the latter. The disengageable connecting device 42 will be described in more detail below. According to the alternative embodiment which corresponds to the figures 13 to 18 , each motor conformation 18 is integral with the control member 11 and forms with the latter a single, single-piece piece, without the possibility of relative movement between the control member 11 and the motor conformation(s) 18.

[0041] Advantageously, one of said receiving 16, 17 and driving 18, 19 conformations forms a female conformation, while the other of said receiving 16, 17 conformations forms a male conformation intended to be housed in said female conformation. Advantageously, each male conformation can slide in the female conformation within which it is respectively housed, in a sliding direction substantially parallel to said first axis of rotation Y-Y', that is to say an advantageously vertical sliding direction. In this preferred embodiment, each female conformation is for example in the form of a cavity or an oblong lumen which ensures longitudinal guidance of the male conformation which is inserted therein, while allowing said male conformation to pivot on itself.Such an arrangement proves to be extremely simple and reliable, and makes it possible to implement a control member 11 pivotally mounted along a second axis different from the first axis of rotation Y-Y'.

[0042] When, as in the example of the figures 1 to 12, the transformation device comprises a plurality of receiving conformations 16, 17 intended to cooperate with a plurality of conjugated driving conformations 18, 19, one of said plurality of receiving conformations 16, 17 and plurality of driving conformations 18, 19 forms a plurality of female conformations, while the other of said plurality of receiving conformations 16, 17 and plurality of driving conformations 18, 19 form a plurality of male conformations intended to be respectively housed in the corresponding female conformations. In the examples illustrated in the figures, each male conformation is formed by a driving conformation 18, 19, while each complementary female conformation in which a male conformation is housed is formed by a receiving conformation 16, 17. An inverse configuration is however perfectly conceivable without departing from the scope of the invention.Advantageously, the cooperation between each driving conformation 18, 19 and each corresponding receiving conformation 16, 17 has a reversible character, that is to say that the receiving conformations 16, 17 and driving conformations 18, 19 can be advantageously coupled and uncoupled, for example under the effect of an action of the user on the device 1. In other words, the receiving conformations 16, 17 and driving conformations 18, 19 form, when they are coupled, that is to say when each receiving conformation 16, 17 is engaged by a corresponding driving conformation 18, 19, a drive mechanism which makes it possible to impart to the cover 31 a rotational force in response to the movement of the control member 11 under the effect of manual actuation by the user.In the examples illustrated in the figures, each driving conformation 18, 19 is advantageously formed by a pin while each receiving conformation 16, 17 is formed by a conjugate cavity which receives the corresponding pin. The invention is however absolutely not limited to this particular example, and it is alternatively entirely conceivable that each driving conformation is for example formed by a toothed wheel while each receiving conformation is formed by a rack which cooperates with said toothed wheel.

[0043] According to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the figures, the control member 11 is advantageously pivotally mounted relative to the support 10 along a second axis of rotation Z-Z'. Preferably, in order to promote control ergonomics, the second axis of rotation ZZ' is parallel to a direction intersecting said first axis of rotation Y-Y', and preferably is perpendicular to said first axis of rotation Z-Z', as illustrated in the figures. Advantageously, the control member 11 is pivotally mounted relative to the support 10 between, on the one hand, a deployed position (first aforementioned position) corresponding to the unlocking configuration and in which said control member 11 projects vertically, in this case in line with the cover 3 towards the outside, and, on the other hand, a retracted position (second aforementioned position) which corresponds to the locking configuration and in which said control member 11 is lowered towards the cover 3.Preferably, in its deployed position, the control member 11 extends in a mean direction substantially parallel to said central vertical axis XX' (as well as to the first axis Y-Y') while in the retracted position, it advantageously extends in a mean direction substantially perpendicular to said central vertical axis X-X', as illustrated in the figures. In this preferred embodiment, the control member 11 thus has a retractable character allowing it to disappear when it is in its retracted position.

[0044] Advantageously, and as illustrated in the figures, the control member 11 comprises a handle 11A, which is therefore in the form of an arcuate part, in the form of a loop or arch, configured to be able to be firmly grasped, preferably with the whole hand or at least between the thumb and several fingers, by a user. The invention is of course not limited to the implementation of a handle to form the control member 11, and the latter can for example be constituted alternatively by a substantially rectilinear lever, or with a T-shaped profile, an L-shaped profile, a knob shape, a flared button, etc. Said handle 11A extends between two ends 110, 111 crossed by said second axis of rotation Z-Z'. In other words, the handle 11A advantageously has a substantially U- or C-shaped shape and is articulated relative to the support 10 at the level of said ends 110, 111.

[0045] Preferably, said at least one motor conformation 18, 19 is carried by one of said ends 110, 111.

[0046] In the embodiment of the figures 1 to 12, said two ends 110, 111 thus each carry a driving conformation 18, 19. For example, each end 110, 111 of the handle 11A advantageously forms a respective ear 110A, 111A, which for example carries a respective journal 110B, 111B which cooperates with a respective bearing 21A, 21B for mounting the handle 11A to rotate along the second axis of rotation Z-Z'. The bearings 21A, 21B are themselves advantageously fixed to the support 10 by any suitable means (screwing or other). As illustrated in the figures, each ear 110A, 111A advantageously has an internal face arranged towards the inside of the handle, opposite the internal face of the other ear, and an opposite external face, from which the corresponding journal 110B, 111B extends, towards the outside, coaxially with the second axis of rotation Z-Z'. In the embodiment of the figures 1 to 12, each driving conformation 18, 19 is carried by a respective intermediate part 18A, 19A mounted to rotate, along the second axis Z-Z', on the corresponding ear 110A, 111A. The rotational capacity of each intermediate part 18A, 19A relative to the respective ear 110A, 111A which carries it is advantageously inhibited by a lock. The latter is for example formed by a cavity 22 provided on the surface of each intermediate part 18A, 19A to form a striker, and a corresponding bolt 23, 24 mounted to slide elastically in each branch of the handle 11A, within a respective housing 23A, 24A formed by a cavity which opens at the level of the respective ear 110A, 111A. This reversible lock is advantageously part of the aforementioned disengageable connection device 42. It allows a disengagement function which will be explained in more detail below.

[0047] Alternatively, depending on the method of carrying out the figures 13 to 18, the motor conformation 18 (single) is carried by a single end 111 and is made of the same material as the internal face of the handle 11A which carries it, projecting inwards.

[0048] According to the invention, the device 1 comprises a control module 200 removably attached to the cover 3. As its name indicates, the control module 200 incorporates at least in part one or more means for controlling or monitoring the operation of the device 1. Preferably, the control module 200 incorporates said support 10.

[0049] The control module 200 can be removably attached to the cover 3 by any known means, and for example by elastic interlocking, screwing (as in the examples illustrated in the figures) or any other mechanical fixing means. For example, the apparatus 1 comprises an assembly rod 27 which is advantageously embedded by the control module 200 and projects from the latter, the apparatus 1 also comprising a central fixing orifice 29 formed through the cover 3 and through which said rod 27 is intended to pass to attach the control module 200 to the cover 3, in cooperation for example with a nut 32 if the rod 27 is threaded at least towards its free end.

[0050] More specifically, the control module 200 incorporates at least a first subassembly 200A, which includes at least the pressure regulating means 4 and the receiving conformation(s) 16, 17. In other words, the control module 200 is in the form of a unitary assembly which itself incorporates a first subassembly 200A, which itself incorporates both the pressure regulating means 4 and said at least one receiving conformation 16, 17. Thanks to the detachable nature of the control module 200, it is possible to separate both the pressure regulating means 4 and said at least one receiving conformation 16, 17 from the cover 3. This makes it easier to clean the cover 3, which can be washed with plenty of water or placed in a dishwasher without risking damaging the pressure regulating means 4, which is a potentially fragile technical element and which has a security character.Furthermore, due to the fact that the control module 200 also incorporates at least part of the transformation device, i.e. at least part of the mechanism for transforming the manual movement of the control member 11 into pivoting of the cover 3 relative to the support 10, the user is unable to control the locking / unlocking when the control module 200 is detached from the cover 3. In this case, in fact, the manual movement of the control member 11 cannot be communicated, in the form of a driving torque, to the cover 3. This makes it possible to limit the risks of improper use of the device 1, in the absence of the control module 200.Similarly, due to the fact that the pressure regulating means 4 is embedded in the control module 200, the cover 3 is then incapable of forming a sealed cooking enclosure with the tank 2, because the leak orifice 38 does not communicate with the pressure regulating means 4 when the control module 200 is separated from the cover 3. This also contributes to ensuring the safety of the appliance 1 when the cover 3 is without the control module 200.

[0051] Advantageously, the device for transforming the manual movement of the control member 11 into pivoting of the cover 3 comprises a hub 25 intended to be attached to the cover 3 coaxially with said first axis of rotation Y-Y', said hub 25 carrying said at least one receiving conformation 16, 17 in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the figures. As illustrated, said hub 25 preferably forms at its periphery said at least one receiving conformation 16, 17. Each receiving conformation 16, 17 is therefore advantageously embedded by the hub 25 and forms with the latter a single piece in one piece. The hub 25 is intended to be fixed directly or indirectly to the cover 3, preferably without the ability to rotate between the cover 3 and the hub 25 so that any rotational drive force of the hub 25 along the first axis YY' is directly transmitted to the cover 3.Advantageously, the hub 25 forms a cover which contributes to delimiting a housing accommodating said pressure regulating means 4. To this end, the hub 25 has for example a bell shape with an upper wall 25A and an annular side wall 25B, on the surface of which are provided at least one (. figures 13 to 18 ) or two ( figures 1 to 12) elongated cavity(ies) which extend(s) vertically and form(s) the receiving conformation(s) 16, 17. The pressure regulating means 4 is advantageously arranged at least partly under the cover 25, i.e. under the upper wall 25A, which makes it possible to conceal it while arranging it in the immediate vicinity of the center of the cover 3, i.e. in a location where the rotational travel relative to the support 10 is minimal. This arrangement proves advantageous for the installation of complementary functional elements capable of cooperating for example with the pressure regulating means 4 and of being arranged for this purpose for example on the upper wall 25A. Advantageously, the apparatus 1 also comprises a plate 26 intended to be arranged on the cover 3 and under the hub 25, preferably to contribute to forming with the latter said housing receiving the pressure regulating means 4.The plate 26 is advantageously fixed, preferably permanently, to the hub 25, and is intended to be fixed, preferably removably, to the cover 3, to transmit to the latter the rotational forces along the first axis YY' communicated to the hub 25 via the cooperation between the driving conformation(s) 18, 19 and the receiving conformation(s) 16, 17 carried by the hub 25. The pressure regulating means 4 is thus advantageously carried by the plate 26 while being capped at least in part by the hub 25.

[0052] Advantageously, the first subassembly 200A includes said plate 26, which is therefore also embedded by the control module 200. The plate 26 and the hub 25 thus advantageously form a unitary housing within which the pressure regulating means 4 is arranged, said unitary housing also forming, on the lateral face 25B of the hub 25, one or more receiving conformations 16, 17 intended to be engaged by the driving conformations 18, 19 when the control module 200 is attached to the cover 3 and attached to the latter.

[0053] Advantageously, the apparatus 1 comprises a second subassembly 200B which includes at least the control member 11, said at least one driving conformation 18, 19 as well as the support 10. The second subassembly 200B is advantageously intended to be pivotally mounted relative to said first subassembly 200A along said first axis of rotation Y-Y'. In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the relative pivoting of the first and second subassemblies 200A, 200B is controlled by manual actuation of the control member 11, to cause the latter to move relative to the support 10.

[0054] In the first embodiment of the figures 1 to 12 , said first and second subassemblies 200A, 200B are permanently attached to each other, so that they advantageously form the control module 200.

[0055] According to the second embodiment corresponding to the figures 13 to 18, the first and second subassemblies 200A, 200B are removably attached to each other.

[0056] The invention therefore relates to several scenarios, and in particular the following scenarios: The control module 200 also includes, in addition to the first subassembly 200A, the second subassembly 200B. This variant can itself be broken down into a first sub-variant according to which the first and second subassemblies 200A, 200B are permanently attached to each other, as is the case for example in the device 1 of the figures 1 to 12where the first and second sub-assemblies 200A, 200B are not intended to be detachable from each other. According to a second sub-variant, the first and second sub-assemblies 200A, 200B are attached to each other in a removable manner, so that not only can the control module 200 be detached from the cover, but in addition the first and second sub-assemblies 200A, 200B which make up the control module 200 in question can themselves be separated from each other. The control module 200 only includes the first sub-assembly 200A, which is removably attached to the second sub-assembly 200B which is itself attached for example permanently to the cover 3. In this variant embodiment, which is illustrated in figures 13 to 18, the second subassembly 200B is permanently attached but with a relative mobility capability (for example by a stud and slide system not shown) to the cover 3, while the first subassembly 200A, which forms the control module 200, is removably attached to the second subassembly 200B.

[0057] It should be noted that this latter embodiment is particularly advantageous when implemented with a control member 11 formed by a pivoting handle between the ends of which is arranged the first subassembly 200A which in this case forms the control module 200. Indeed, in this case, the module 200 is more difficult to separate from the second subassembly 200B when the handle 11A is deployed (unlocking position) than when it is folded down (locking position). The user is therefore encouraged to fold down the handle 11A to detach the first subassembly 200A from the second subassembly 200B. In doing so, he brings the unitary subassembly formed by the association of the second subassembly 200B and the cover 3 into a locking configuration which prevents the user from repositioning the cover 3 on the tank 2 in a functional position. This constitutes an additional safety of use.The user will indeed have to, in order to be able to return the cover subassembly 300 to the unlocking configuration, first reinstall the control module 200 (formed in this case by the first subassembly 200A) then raise the handle 11A, which will cause the hub 25 to rotate, itself causing the cover 3 to rotate from its locking configuration to its unlocking configuration, allowing the cover 3 to be placed on the tank 2 in a suitable position.

[0058] In the first embodiment of the figures 1 to 12, the crosspiece 100 which preferably forms the support 10 is arranged between the plate 26 and the hub 25, so that the crosspiece 100 on the one hand and the subassembly formed by the plate 26 and the hub 25 on the other hand have a relative rotational capacity along the first rotation axis Y-Y'. The hub 25 is preferably fixed to the plate 26, for example by screwing, elastic fitting, or any other means, with the crosspiece 100 interposed and captured between the hub 25 and the plate 26. In the second embodiment of the figures 13 to 18 , the crosspiece 100 is on the contrary arranged under the plate 26, so as to be interposed between the cover 3 and the plate 26.

[0059] In one ( figures 1 12 ) or the other ( figures 13 to 18) case, said hub 25 and plate 26 thus form the first sub-assembly 200A, while said control members 11 and crosspiece 100 form the second sub-assembly 200B, said first and second sub-assemblies 200A, 200B being assembled to each other with a relative pivoting capacity along the first axis Y-Y'. The pressure regulating means 4 is part of the first subassembly 200A since it is preferably embedded by the plate 26. For example, the plate 26 is in the form of a cup, preferably made of plastic, provided with an orifice 26A intended to be arranged coaxially with a central orifice 29 formed through the cover 3. The cup 26 advantageously has a lower face 260 intended to come opposite the external face 31 of the cover 3, and an opposite upper face 261. A valve orifice is formed through the cup between the lower 260 and upper 261 faces of the latter.This orifice is surrounded, on the lower face 260, by a sealing gasket 33 (not illustrated for the variant of the . figures 13 to 18 ) and it opens, on the side of the upper face 261, into a chamber 34 which itself communicates on the one hand with a well 35 and on the other hand with an exhaust duct 36. The well 35 accommodates a weight or spring valve device (not visible in the figures for the variant of figures 13 to 18), equipped for example with a movable valve 37 mounted to slide in a direction parallel to the first axis of rotation Y-Y', said valve 37 being returned (under the effect of gravity or a force exerted by an elastic body, of the spring type) to a low position. The valve 37 passes through the orifice provided in the cup forming the plate 26 to close a leak orifice 38 provided through the cover 3 and which communicates in a sealed manner, thanks to the sealing gasket 33, with the chamber 34. The valve 37 is thus sensitive to the pressure prevailing in the cooking chamber and alternately closes or releases the leak orifice 38 to regulate the pressure level prevailing in the chamber.When the pressure level prevailing in the enclosure exceeds the predetermined operating pressure, the valve 37 lifts, which allows the steam contained in the cooking enclosure to first reach the chamber 34 and then escape through the exhaust duct 36 to the outside. Advantageously, the appliance 1 further comprises a device for calibrating the pressure regulating means 4, which makes it possible to adjust the operating pressure level at which the valve 4 is triggered, that is to say the pressure threshold from which the valve 37 is pushed out of its return position to release the leak orifice 38. The calibrating device, which can be of any known type (and acts for example on the compression of the return spring of the valve 37), is advantageously connected to a manual control device 39.The latter is presented for example in the form of a lug pivotally mounted along the first axis of rotation YY' and extending between two ends, one of which is connected to the valve advantageously forming the pressure regulating means 4 to act on the calibration of the latter and the other to a cursor (variant of the . figures 1 to 12 ), button (variant of the figures 13 to 18 ) or manually operated lever. Depending on the method of production of the figures 1 to 12 , said tab passes for example through the side wall 25B of the hub 25, passing through a slot 250 formed through said side wall 25B. In the embodiment of the figures 13 to 18, the tab remains arranged under the upper wall 25A of the hub 25, which is provided with a slot 251 through which passes a control button intended to be actuated manually. Of course, the use of a pressure regulating means 4 whose setting is adjustable is entirely optional and it is perfectly possible to use a regulating valve whose setting cannot be modified by the user.

[0060] Advantageously, the transformation device includes a first and a second complementary transmission member 43, 44 respectively embedded by the first subassembly 200A and the cover 3, and which are intended to cooperate to allow the rotational drive along said first rotation axis YY' of said cover 3 by said first subassembly 200A. In other words, the cooperation of the complementary transmission members 43, 44 makes it possible to immobilize the first subassembly 200A in rotation along the first rotation axis YY' relative to the cover 3, when the control module 200 is attached to the cover 3 and attached to the latter. For example, the first transmission member 43 comprises a pin secured to the plate 26 (and which for example comes from the same material as the latter) and arranged at a distance from the first rotation axis Y-Y'.The pin 43 advantageously projects downwards from the lower face 260 of the plate 26, and it is intended to be inserted into a corresponding locking orifice 44 formed through the cover 3, and whose dimensions are combined with those of the pin 43. The locking orifice 44 thus forms the second transmission member. Thanks to this cooperation of the pin 43 and the locking orifice 44, the rotational forces along the first axis YY' exerted on the first subassembly 200A, and therefore on the plate 26, via the hub 25 to which the latter is fixed, are communicated to the cover 3. An O-ring (not shown), or any other sealing system, is advantageously arranged around the pin 43, to prevent any untimely communication of the interior of the enclosure with the exterior via the locking orifice 44.

[0061] Advantageously, said first subassembly 200A carries said assembly rod 27, which for example projects from the plate 26, preferably downwards and coaxially with the first axis of rotation Y-Y'. Said assembly rod 27 has for example an internal portion 27A arranged within said first subassembly 200A and passing through an orifice 28 provided through said crosspiece 100 so that said second subassembly 200B pivots around said internal portion 27A along said first axis of rotation Y-Y'. The rod 27 also preferably has a free threaded portion 27B passing through the central fixing orifice 29 provided through the cover 3, preferably in the center of the latter, said free threaded portion 27B cooperating with a nut 32 (not illustrated for the variant of figures 13 to 18 ) to fix said first subassembly 200A to the cover 3.

[0062] In the first embodiment of the figures 1 to 12, the assembly rod 27 serves to fix both the first and second subassemblies 200A, 200B, which in this case advantageously form the control module 200, to the cover 3. In this first embodiment, said assembly rod 27 advantageously comprises a flared head, while the hub 25 comprises a tube 25C which extends substantially coaxially to the first axis of rotation YY' and which passes through the orifice 28 formed through the support 10 and the orifice 26A formed through the plate 26 to bear against the external face 31 of the cover 3, coaxially to the orifice 29 formed through the cover 3. The rod 27 is advantageously threaded into the tube 25C in question, which has a section restriction forming a shoulder against which the head of the rod 27 is intended to bear.The internal portion 27A is thus arranged on the side of the external face 31 of the cover 3, while the free threaded portion 27B is intended to pass through the central orifice 29 formed through the cover 3, to cooperate with the nut 32. An O-ring 40, or any other sealing system, is threaded onto the rod 27 to ensure sealing when the second subassembly 200A is fixed to the cover 3.

[0063] In the second embodiment of the figures 13 to 18, the assembly rod 27 serves only to reversibly assemble the first subassembly 200A, which advantageously forms the control module 200 on its own, to the cover subassembly formed in this case by the cover 3 and the second subassembly 200B which is attached, by other means, permanently to the cover 3. In this case, the rod 27 passes for example through the orifice 28 formed through the crosspiece 100, so as to allow relative rotation of the first subassembly 200A and the second subassembly 200B around the rod 27, along the first axis Y-Y'.

[0064] Said first and second sub-assemblies 200A, 200B are advantageously assembled together and thus form a unitary control module 200 removably attached to the cover 3, in this case by means of said assembly rod 27 and nut 32.

[0065] Advantageously, the second subassembly 200B also comprises a crown 41 which forms an annular upper cover with a central orifice 41A. In the first embodiment of the figures 1 to 12 , the crown 41 advantageously covers the plate 26, the crosspiece 100, the bearings 21A, 21B and the journals 110B, 111B, while allowing the hub 25 to emerge through its orifice 41A. In the second embodiment of the figures 13 to 18, the crown 41 again forms an annular upper cover which carries the handle 11A, which is mounted on the crown 41 and mounted to rotate relative to the latter. The first subassembly 200A, which in this case includes at least the hub 25 and the plate 26, is inserted into the central orifice 41A formed by the crown 41 and the folded handle 11A. In this case, the receiving conformation 16 is formed by a groove which opens freely at its lower end, so as to allow the pin which advantageously forms the driving conformation 18 to be able to slide into the groove in question, when the first subassembly 200A is attached to the central orifice 41A of the crown 41.

[0066] Advantageously, the opening safety means 5 mentioned above is sensitive to the pressure prevailing in the cooking chamber. It is thus capable of evolving, under the effect of the pressure level prevailing in the cooking chamber, between different positions. In particular, the opening safety means 5 is capable of occupying a blocking position (cf. figures 11 And 12) in which it prevents the lid 3 from being unlocked when there is a pressure in the cooking chamber that is substantially higher than atmospheric pressure, or at least higher than a predetermined pressure level higher than atmospheric pressure. Advantageously, the opening safety means 5 is at least partly permanently mounted on the lid 3, i.e. it is embedded on the latter and is therefore a permanent part of the lid subassembly 300. However, it is perfectly conceivable, without departing from the scope of the invention, for the opening safety means 5 to be alternately embedded by the first subassembly 200A or the second subassembly 200B.

[0067] The opening safety means 5 is intended to cooperate, in the locking position, with the second subassembly 200B, to immobilize the cover 3 and the second subassembly 200B in rotation along said first axis Y-Y'.

[0068] The opening safety means 5 comprises, for example, a movable element 5A mounted to slide on the cover 3, and in this case to slide vertically in a sliding direction parallel to the central vertical axis X-X', between a high (stop) position in which it is capable of cooperating with a complementary blocking conformation 5B (in this case an orifice) carried by the support 10, in order to block the pivoting of the cover 3 relative to the support 10, and a low (return and stop) position in which it does not interfere with the complementary blocking conformation 5B, thus allowing the free pivoting of the cover 3 relative to the support 10. As illustrated in the figures, the movable element 5A is advantageously formed by a finger intended to slide vertically within a tube 5C connected to a leak orifice 5D provided through the cover 3.In the high position, the finger hermetically seals the leak orifice 5D in question, while in the low position the steam is allowed to leak through said orifice 5D. A viewing window 41B is also provided through the crown 41, so as to allow the user to see the finger 5A when the latter is in the high position, indicating the existence within the apparatus 1 of a pressure level high enough to be incompatible with secure unlocking of the cover 3. As long as the locking configuration is not reached, the movable element 5A is not aligned with the orifice 5B provided through the crosspiece 100, and is thus prevented from rising to reach its high sealing position, because it then comes into abutment under and against the crosspiece 100 (cf. figure 4 ). This constitutes a safety feature against improper closure, preventing the pressure build-up of device 1 until the locking configuration is reached.

[0069] Advantageously, the disengageable connecting device 42 (implemented in the variant of figures 1 to 12 ) is configured to uncouple the control member 10 and each driving conformation 18, 19 when the control member 10 is moved from its second position (retracted position corresponding to the locking configuration) to its first position (deployed position corresponding to the unlocking configuration) while the opening safety means 5 is in its locking position, such that the control member 10 is then free to move from its second to its first position, without the driving conformations 18, 19 exerting the slightest driving force on the receiving conformations 16, 17.

[0070] According to the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 12 , the disengageable connecting device 42 includes at least: each intermediate part 20 carried by the control member 11 and mounted to rotate at one end of the handle 11A forming in this case said control member 11, as well as the bolts 23, 24 guided to slide by the housings 23A, 24A and which are housed in the corresponding cavities (keepers) 22 formed on the surface of each intermediate part 20 to block its rotation.

[0071] The disengageable connecting device 42 also includes elastic return elements (helical springs or others - not illustrated) arranged for example in each housing 23A, 24A receiving each bolt 23, 24, to elastically return each bolt 23, 24 into a locking position in which each bolt 23, 24 respectively engages the corresponding cavity 22 formed on the surface of the intermediate part 20 (cf. figure 7), thus preventing rotation of the intermediate parts 20 relative to the handle 11A. When the opening safety means 5 is in the locking position, and a user nevertheless exerts an unlocking force on the handle 11A aimed at moving the handle 11A from its retracted position (folded down onto the cover) to its deployed position, rotation of the hub 25 is made impossible by the insertion of the finger 41B into the orifice 5B of the crosspiece 100. If the user then continues to force on the handle 11A, the driving force that he exerts on the latter will overcome the return force exerted by the return spring on each bolt 23, 24, so that the latter will be pushed out of the corresponding cavity 22, thus allowing the handle 11A to pivot relative to each intermediate part 20 which remains stationary.The rotational movement of the shackle 11A is therefore no longer communicated to each driving conformation 18, 19, so that the hub 25 is not subjected to any driving force. This disengagement makes it possible to avoid subjecting the locking / unlocking mechanism to untimely forces which could cause breakage of certain parts of the control mechanism. The shackle 11A can then be rearmed by the user who simply has to bring it back into its retracted position, so that each bolt 23, 24 is opposite the corresponding cavity 22 and can again, under the effect of the restoring force exerted by the spring, return to insert itself into the corresponding cavity 22 in question, in order to thus create a rotational drive connection along the second axis ZZ' of the driving conformations 18, 19.

[0072] Advantageously, said second subassembly 200B incorporates said disengageable connecting device 42. This allows, for example, in the embodiment according to the figures 13 to 18 where the second subassembly 200B remains permanently attached to the cover 3, to maintain an additional safety function permanently associated with the cover 3.

[0073] The device 1 according to the invention thus has a high level of security and reliability.

Claims

1. A food pressure cooking appliance (1) including: - a bowl (2) as well as a lid (3) intended to be locked relative to the bowl (2) to form with the latter a cooking chamber adapted to rise in pressure, - a bayonet locking system configured to ensure the locking and unlocking of the lid (3) relative to the bowl (2) by swivelling of the lid (3) relative to the bowl (2), - a support (10) intended to be attached to said lid (3) in such a way that the latter can swivel relative to said support (10) about a first axis of rotation (Y-Y') between two positions corresponding to an unlocking configuration and a locking configuration, respectively, - a manually operable locking / unlocking control member (11), intended to be attached to said support (10) by a mechanical link allowing the manual movement of said control member (11) relative to said support (10), - a device for transforming said manual movement of the control member (11) into swivelling of the lid (3) relative to the support (10), said transformation device comprising at least one driving conformation (18, 19) intended to be carried by the manual control member (11) and at least one driven conformation (16, 17) intended to be linked to the lid (3) and engaged by said driving conformation (18, 19), - a pressure regulation means (4) for maintaining the pressure inside the cooking chamber at a set point level, said appliance (1) being characterized in that it comprises a control module (200) removably attached to said lid (3), said control module (200) bearing at least one first subset (200A) that includes at least said pressure regulation means (4) and said driven conformation (16, 17).

2. The appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a second subset (200B) that includes at least said control member, said at least one driving conformation (18, 19) as well as said support (10), said second subset (200B) being intended to be swivel-mounted with respect to said first subset (200A) about said first axis of rotation (Y-Y').

3. The appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said first and second subset (200A, 200B) are removably attached to each other.

4. The appliance (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said control module (200) also bears said second subset (200B).

5. The appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a lid subset (300) that includes both said lid (3) and at least said support (10), the lid subset (300) in unlocking configuration and the bowl (2) being designed to be combined according to at least one predetermined relative arrangement allowing said bayonet locking system to lock the lid (3) to the bowl (2) by swivelling of the lid (3) about said first axis of rotation (Y-Y'), in such a way as to cause the lid subset (300) to switch from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration.

6. The appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said support (10) and bowl (2) are respectively provided with complementary support conformations (12, 13) and bowl conformations (14, 15) intended to cooperate with each other by fitting together when the lid subset (300) in unlocking configuration and the bowl (2) are combined according to said predetermined relative arrangement, said fitting together making it possible to lock the relative angular position of the support (10) and the bowl (2) in a horizontal plane, said support (10) comprising a crossbar (100) extending longitudinally between two opposite ends that protrude radially from the lid (3) to form said support conformations (12, 13), these latter being configured to cooperate with respective complementary accommodations forming said bowl configurations (14, 15).

7. The appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of said driven conformations (16, 17) and driving conformations (18, 19) forms a female conformation, whereas the other of said driven conformations (16, 17) and driving conformations (18, 19) forms a male conformation intended to be received inside said female conformation, the male conformation being able to slide within the female conformation, inside which it is respectively received, along a sliding direction substantially parallel to said first axis of rotation (Y-Y').

8. The appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said control member (11) is swivel-mounted relative to said support (10) about a second axis of rotation (Z-Z') that is perpendicular to said first axis of rotation (Y-Y').

9. The appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said control member (11) comprises a handle (11A) that extends between two ends (110, 111) passed through by said second axis of rotation (Z-Z'), said driving conformation being carried by one of said two ends (110, 111).

10. The appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first subset (200A) comprises a hub (25) intended to be attached to the lid (3) coaxially to said first axis of rotation (Y-Y'), said hub (25) carrying said at least one driven conformation (16, 17).

11. The appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said hub (25) forms a cap (25) that helps to delimit an accommodation receiving said pressure regulation means (4).

12. The appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a plate (26) attached to said hub (25), under the latter, in such a way as to form said accommodation with the latter, said first subset (200A) including said plate (26), said transformation device including a first and a second complementary transmission members (43, 44) respectively borne by said first subset (200A) and said lid (3) and which are intended to cooperate with each other in order to allow the rotational drive about said first axis of rotation (Y-Y') of said lid (3) by said first subset (200A).

13. The appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an opening safety means (5) sensitive to the pressure inside the cooking chamber and liable to occupy a blocking position in which it prevents the unlocking of the lid (3) when the pressure inside the cooking chamber is substantially higher than the atmospheric pressure, said opening safety means (5) being permanently mounted on said lid (3), said opening safety means (5) being intended to cooperate, in locking position, with the second subset (200B) to immobilize the lid (3) and the second subset (200B) in rotation about said first axis (Y-Y').

14. The appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a disengageable link device (42) ensuring a disengageable mechanical link between said control member (11) and each driving conformation (18, 19), said control member (11) being movably mounted relative to the support (10) between a first and a second position corresponding to the unlocking and the locking, respectively, of the lid (3) relative to the bowl (2), said disengageable link device (42) being configured to uncouple the control member (10) and each driving conformation (18, 19) when the control member (10) is moved from its second position to its first position, whereas the opening safety mans (5) is in its blocking position, in such a way that the control member (10) is free to move from its second to its first position, said second subset (200B) bearing said disengageable link device (42).

15. The appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an assembly rod (27) that is borne by said control module (200) and protrudes from the latter, said appliance also comprising a central fastening hole (29) formed through the lid (3) and through which said rod (27) is intended to pass to attach said control module (200) to the lid (3).