Food preparation appliance comprising an inner lid

Abstract

Food preparation appliance comprising: • - a housing (10); • - a work bowl (13) defining a work space (100) arranged to receive the foodstuffs to be prepared; • - a main lid (20) that is movable between an open position and a closed position in order to open and close the work space (100), respectively; • - at least one inner lid (210) arranged so as to be reversibly mounted on the main lid (20) and comprising at least one handling interface to allow a user to pick up or hold the inner lid (210), characterised in that the handling interface of the inner lid (210) mounted on the main lid (20) is arranged at least partially outside the work space (100) when the main lid (20) is in the closed position.

Description

Food preparation appliance comprising an internal cover

[0001] Technical field of disclosure

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to food preparation appliances (for example, household appliances or food processors for use in preparing food, i.e. mixing, cutting, grating, kneading, etc., and / or cooking food with or without pressure and / or with or without steam, and / or simmering food, etc.). State of the art

[0003] It is known in the prior art of food preparation appliances to provide a housing with a work tank housed in or on the housing to define a work space, and a main cover generally movable between an open position and a closed position to at least partially open and close the work space. In the closed position, the cover thus places the food preparation appliance in a working configuration that allows certain recipes or work operations to be carried out. An additional accessory such as an internal cover may be provided that can be coupled in or with the main cover of the food preparation appliance and that provides additional preparation possibilities. However, the configuration operations can be tedious and complex, particularly when the user must remove the internal cover for the purposes of the recipe and it is hot.Use and / or ergonomics may be impaired by coupling or uncoupling operations of such an inner lid while it is still hot and / or soiled by cooking residues or deposits. In particular, if the appliance is used to heat and / or cook food, and a subsequent operation or recipe requires changing the inner lid, the user must handle the hot inner lid, which exposes him to the risk of burns, or the user must wait for it to cool down in order to carry out the operation without injuring himself, all of which impairs the user experience and / or ergonomics, and / or safety of use.

[0004] Disclosure Statement

[0005] An aim of the present disclosure may be to address the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above and in particular, first of all, to propose a versatile food preparation appliance whose configuration is easy, secure and rapid.

[0006] For this purpose, one aspect of the disclosure may relate to a food preparation appliance comprising: - a housing, - a work tank, defining a work space arranged to receive food to be prepared, - a main cover, movable between an open position and a closed position to respectively open and close the work space, - at least one internal cover arranged to be reversibly mounted on the main cover and comprising at least one handling interface to allow a user to grasp or hold the internal cover, characterized in that the handling interface of the internal cover mounted on the main cover is arranged at least partially outside the work space when the main cover is in the closed position, and / or the handling interface of the internal cover mounted on the main cover is arranged at least partially outside a general envelope of the housing.

[0007] According to the above implementation, the handling interface of the internal lid is positioned outside the workspace, i.e. in the ambient atmosphere around the work tank, or even around the food preparation appliance. Consequently, during cooking or heating, the handling interface is not directly subjected to the heat prevailing in the tank, so that the temperature of the handling interface remains close to the temperature of the room in which the food preparation appliance is located. Handling of the internal lid is therefore possible without risk of burns for the user, thanks to a clean handling interface, free from cooking splashes, as soon as the main lid is opened after a cooking or heating cycle.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the manipulation interface may comprise at least one handle and preferably two handles.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the handling interface (and / or a handle) of the inner cover mounted on the main cover comprises a grip portion arranged outside at least 2 cm, preferably at least 3 cm from the working space when the main cover is in the closed position, and / or the handling interface (and / or a handle) of the inner cover mounted on the main cover comprises a grip portion arranged outside at least 2 cm, preferably at least 3 cm from a general envelope of the housing

[0010] According to one embodiment, the food preparation appliance may comprise internal cover locking means on the main cover. The internal cover is therefore held in place on the main cover by the internal cover locking means on the main cover.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the internal cover locking means may be provided on the handling interface. Ergonomics is facilitated, with the internal cover locking means close to or merged with the handling interface.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the internal cover locking means may be provided outside the workspace, and / or outside a general enclosure of the housing.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the internal cover locking means may comprise:- two locking devices arranged on either side of said one of the internal cover and the main cover and- two counterforms each facing each locking device on the other of the internal cover and the main cover. Each locking device may comprise a bolt or hook movable between a disengaged position (the internal cover can be freely removed from the main cover) and a position engaged with the counterform (the internal cover cannot be freely removed from the main cover). Return means may be provided to return the bolt or hook to the engaged position. A sliding movement, or a rocking movement of the bolt or hook may be provided between the disengaged position and the engaged position.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the main cover may comprise a cover frame, and the two counterforms opposite each locking device may be formed by a rim of the cover frame. Such a rim or rib may also contribute to stiffening the part.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the food preparation appliance may comprise a device for locking the main lid on the housing and / or on the working tank. Such a device for locking the main lid on the housing and / or on the working tank makes it possible to guarantee the closed position, even if the work space is pressurized for pressure cooking with, for example, steam.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the inner cover may comprise at least one radial tab supporting said at least one handling interface, and the main cover locking device may be movable between: - a main cover unlocking position, in which the main cover may be freely moved between its open position and its closed position, - a main cover locking position, in which the main cover may be locked in its closed position, and the main cover locking device may comprise at least one passage clearance provided to allow said at least one radial tab to pass through. The passage clearance makes it possible to make the handling interface located outside the work space compatible with a locking of the main cover on the tank or the housing to secure the closure of the work space.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the main cover locking device may comprise a rotating locking ring comprising locking teeth arranged to mate with the housing and / or the work tank when the locking device may be in the locking position, and said at least one passage clearance may be provided between two locking teeth.

[0018] According to one embodiment, in a direction of movement between the main cover locking position and the main cover unlocking position: the passage clearance may have a passage dimension greater than or equal to a dimension of said at least one radial tab added to a movement stroke of the main cover locking device between the main cover unlocking position and the main cover locking position.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the main cover locking device may be arranged to move between the main cover unlocking position and the main cover locking position according to a rotation about an axial direction of the working tank. A rotation of about 40°, or about 20° may be envisaged.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the inner cover may comprise sealing means arranged to allow pressure cooking in the working space closed by the main cover equipped with the inner cover. A lip seal may be provided, for example made of polymer and / or synthetic material.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the sealing means can be arranged between the working tank and the internal cover mounted on the main cover in the closed position. The sealing is carried out directly between the working tank and the internal cover, and not between the working tank and the main cover: the structure is simpler.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the inner cover may comprise pressure regulating means, arranged to open an exhaust valve if a pressure in the working space is greater than or equal to a working pressure. A pressure regulating valve in the working space and a safety valve may typically be provided to prevent any overpressure in the working space.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the main cover may comprise cover heating means arranged to heat food received in the workspace when the inner cover is removed from the main cover. Such heating means make it possible to provide additional food cooking and / or heating options to the user. Modularity of use is improved.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the food preparation appliance may comprise a safety device arranged to inhibit the operation of the lid heating means if the inner lid is mounted on the main lid and / or if the main lid is in the open position. Such a safety device may be provided to cut off a power supply circuit of the heating means to prevent any untimely operation, in particular if the inner lid is in place, and / or if the main lid is not correctly mounted. However, the heating means may be provided on the inner lid.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the main cover in the closed position can be arranged to close the work space at least partially.

[0026] Another purpose of the present disclosure may be to propose a versatile food preparation appliance whose working configuration allows a wide range of recipes and / or work operations to be carried out.

[0027] For this purpose, another aspect of the disclosure may relate to a food preparation appliance comprising:- a housing,- a work tank, defining a work space arranged to receive food to be prepared,- a main cover, movable between an open position and a closed position to open and close at least partially the work space,- a control unit arranged to execute a plurality of predetermined food preparation programs,characterized in that the food preparation appliance has a plurality of working configurations, at least one working configuration being defined by a reversible coupling of one of the housing and the main cover with an internal cover chosen from at least:- a first internal cover with sealing means and / or pressure regulating means, so as to allow for example the execution of a food preparation program under pressure,and- a second internal cover with ventilation and / or heating means, so as to allow for example the execution of a culinary preparation program with forced convection heating, each working configuration allowing the execution of at least one predetermined culinary preparation program among the plurality of predetermined culinary preparation programs.,

[0028] According to the above implementation, the food preparation appliance can reversibly receive an internal cover (i.e., a secondary cover or an accessory cover) to be put in a particular working configuration, which makes it possible to offer varied and different or specific uses. Thus, a first sealed internal cover can be proposed to offer pressure cooking. A second internal cover can be proposed with heating and / or ventilation means, to offer convective cooking cycles by circulation of hot air (to cook fries without frying them, i.e., without oil or with little oil).

[0029] In other words, one aspect of the disclosure may relate to a food preparation appliance comprising:- a housing,- a work tank, defining a work space arranged to receive food to be prepared,- a main cover, movable between an open position and a closed position to at least partially open and close the work space,characterized in that the food preparation appliance comprises at least two internal covers arranged to each couple reversibly with one of the housing and the main cover so as to provide, in cooperation with the main cover in the closed position, a predetermined closure of the work space to allow the execution of a predetermined food preparation program.

[0030] In other words, one aspect of the disclosure may relate to a food preparation appliance comprising:- a housing,- a work tank, defining a work space arranged to receive food to be prepared,- a main cover, movable between an open position and a closed position to at least partially open and close the work space,- a control unit arranged to execute a plurality of predetermined food preparation programs,characterized in that the food preparation appliance comprises at least two internal covers arranged to each couple reversibly with one of the housing and the main cover so as to allow, in cooperation with the main cover in the closed position, the execution of a predetermined food preparation program among the plurality of predetermined food preparation programs.

[0031] According to one embodiment, at least one working configuration is defined by a reversible coupling of one of the housing and the main cover with a third internal cover with a feed chute, so as to allow for example the execution of a culinary preparation program with mechanical working of the food to be prepared.

[0032] This feed chute (which passes through the main cover) allows the use of a work tool (a cutting tool, a mixer, a mincer, etc.) in complete safety for the user. Other internal covers can of course be considered for other uses. In any case, the use of the food preparation appliance is easy, due to the reversible coupling which also limits complexity with internal covers dedicated to a type of food preparation.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the first internal cover may comprise: - a safety valve, and / or - a seal arranged to fit a periphery of the working tank, and / or - a safety means for opening / closing, and / or - a pressure regulating valve. The structural elements necessary for pressure cooking are brought together on the first internal cover, which makes it possible to simplify the structure of the rest of the food preparation appliance.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the second internal cover may comprise at least:- a heating means such as a heating resistor, and / or- a fan, and / or- at least one air inlet and / or steam outlet chimney, and / or- a viewing window, and / or- a secondary mechanical drive connection interface for connecting the fan with a drive device of the food preparation appliance, and / or- a secondary electrical connection interface for connecting the heating means with a power supply device of the food preparation appliance. The structural elements necessary for cooking by convection or hot air projected into the working tank (for example to cook fries without frying) are brought together on the second internal cover, which makes it possible to simplify the structure of the rest of the food preparation appliance.It is also conceivable that the drive device is integrated into the second cover and that the latter comprises a second secondary electrical connection interface for connecting the drive device.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the third inner cover may comprise at least:- a secondary mechanical drive connection interface for connecting a mobile working tool with a drive device of the food preparation appliance, and / or- a passage hole for a mobile working tool. The structural elements necessary for mechanical food preparation (with a mincer, a knife, a press or a cutting disc installed in the working tank) are brought together on the third inner cover (in addition to the feed chute), which makes it possible to simplify the structure of the rest of the food preparation appliance. It is also conceivable that the drive device is integrated into the third cover and that the latter comprises a second secondary electrical connection interface for connecting the drive device.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the secondary mechanical drive connection interface may comprise:- a pinion, preferably bevel gear, or- a drive nut or U-shaped fork, or- a magnetic coupling.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the main cover may comprise at least:- an upper drive motor with preferably an upper motor shaft output, and / or- an upper electrical connection interface, and / or- a free window, and / or- at least one air inlet and / or one air / steam outlet, and / or- a sensor, such as a temperature sensor,- a thermal safety device, and / or- a hinge device on the housing, such as a hinge, and / or- a device for locking the main cover on the housing and / or on the working tank. In addition, the main cover could also be removable. According to these implementations, the main cover is intended to receive any type of internal cover indifferently, which makes the basic structure of the food preparation appliance ready to carry out any type of food preparation.

[0038] Alternatively, the upper drive motor can be housed in the second inner cover.

[0039] In any event, the main cover includes a mechanical interface for mating with an inner cover, and / or may include at least one actuator (e.g., a motor) for cooperating with a structure of the inner cover (e.g., a fan).

[0040] According to one embodiment, the main cover locking device may be movable between:- a main cover unlocking position, in which the main cover may be freely moved between its open position and its closed position,- a main cover locking position, in which the main cover is locked in its closed position. A hooking projection or interface may typically be provided on the housing and a sliding lock on the main cover that may engage or disengage with the hooking projection or interface.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the pressure regulating valve of the first inner cover may be arranged to engage with the air / vapor outlet of the main cover.

[0042] According to one embodiment: - the at least one air inlet and / or steam outlet chimney of the second inner cover may be arranged to engage with the air inlet and / or the air / steam outlet of the main cover, and / or - the viewing window of the second inner cover may be arranged to engage or face the free window of the main cover, and / or - the secondary mechanical drive connection interface of the second inner cover may be arranged to engage or face the upper drive motor of the main cover, and / or - a secondary electrical connection interface of the second inner cover may be arranged to engage or face the upper electrical connection interface of the main cover.

[0043] According to one embodiment: - the feed chute of the third internal cover can be arranged to engage or face the free window of the main cover, (so as to pass through the main cover) and / or, - the secondary mechanical drive connection interface of the third internal cover can be arranged to engage or face the upper drive motor of the main cover, and / or - the passage hole of the third internal cover can be arranged to engage or face the upper drive motor of the main cover.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the food preparation appliance may comprise internal cover locking means on one of the housing and the main cover.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the main cover locking device may comprise at least one cover arranged to at least partially cover the internal cover locking means, when the main cover locking device is in the main cover locking position. Thus, the main cover locking device prevents manipulation of the internal cover locking means, when the main cover is in the closed and locked position.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the food preparation appliance may comprise heating and / or cooking means.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the food preparation appliance may comprise at least one mobile working tool and / or a lower motor for rotating a mobile working tool. Typically, the lower motor may be housed in the housing and a passage hole may be provided in the working tank for passing a drive member, a shaft output or a portion of the working tool.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the food preparation appliance may comprise steam generation means, and preferably pressurized steam generation means. Water storage and heating means may be provided.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the food preparation appliance may comprise at least one human-machine interface arranged to allow the selection of a food preparation program.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the food preparation appliance may comprise detection and / or error-proofing means, arranged to detect or error-proof the internal cover and / or the type of internal cover.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the food preparation appliance may comprise detection and / or keying means, arranged to detect or key the internal cover and / or the type of internal cover, and in which the control unit is arranged to propose, depending on the detected and / or keyed internal cover, a control interface adapted to the configuration of the appliance, for example a program of recipes filtered from a recipe library.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the food preparation appliance may comprise control means arranged to execute a food preparation program.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the inner cover may be arranged to reversibly couple with the main cover.

[0054] Another purpose of the present disclosure may be to provide a versatile food preparation appliance whose configuration is easy, safe and quick.

[0055] For this purpose, another aspect of the disclosure may relate to a food preparation appliance comprising: - a housing, - a work tank, defining a work space arranged to receive food to be prepared, - a main cover, movable between an open position and a closed position to respectively open and close at least partially the work space, - at least one internal cover arranged to be reversibly mounted on the main cover, - internal cover locking means on the main cover, characterized in that the internal cover locking means on the main cover are arranged outside the work space.

[0056] According to the above implementation, the food preparation appliance comprises at least one removable inner lid, which allows at least one configuration allowing a specific recipe or food preparation. The inner lid can be reversibly coupled with the main lid, and inner lid locking means on the main lid are arranged outside the workspace, which facilitates the use of the food preparation appliance. Indeed, this allows cooking and / or preparation to be carried out quickly using the different lids without the risk of the user burning themselves when removing an inner lid that is still hot or getting dirty when handling an area of ​​an inner lid that has received splashes.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the internal cover locking means are arranged outside the main cover.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the work tank comprises a side wall arranged between the work space and the internal cover locking means.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the internal cover locking means are separated from the work space by at least one partition of the work tank, and / or at least one partition of the housing, and / or at least one partition of the main cover.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the inner cover locking means comprise:at least one locking device with a movable bolt arranged on one of the inner cover and the main cover, the movable bolt being movable between a locking position in which the inner cover can be locked to the main cover and an unlocking position in which the inner cover can be freely mounted or dismounted from the main cover,at least one counterform arranged on the other of the inner cover and the main cover to engage with the movable bolt in the locking position to lock the inner cover to the main cover.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the locking device may comprise a control trigger, arranged to be actuated by a user, and connected to the movable bolt. The control trigger simplifies the use of the locking means.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the locking device may comprise a frame formed on said one of the inner cover and the main cover.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the control trigger can be slidably mounted in the frame. Installation is simple and use is intuitive: simply pull or slide the control trigger.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the internal cover locking means comprises a handling interface arranged to allow a user to hold the internal cover.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the manipulation interface comprises a portion of the control trigger and a portion of the frame to be pinched together.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the movable bolt can be pivotally mounted on said one of the inner cover and the main cover. The assembly is simple.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the locking device may comprise at least one elastic member such as a spring, arranged to push the movable bolt into the locking position. The return to the locking position is automatic, which simplifies the use of the locking means.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the movable bolt and / or the counterform may comprise at least one slope or an attack chamfer to facilitate automatic movement of the movable bolt to the unlocking position when mounting the internal cover on the main cover. Mounting the internal cover automatically causes the movable bolt to move to the unlocking position, which simplifies the use of the locking means.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the locking device may have an ear or handle shape on said one of the inner cover and the main cover. Handling is facilitated.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the food preparation appliance may comprise:- two locking devices arranged on either side of said one of the internal cover and the main cover and- two counterforms each facing each locking device on the other of the internal cover and the main cover.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the main cover may comprise a device for locking the main cover on the housing and / or on the work tank.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the main cover locking device may be movable between:- a main cover unlocking position, in which the main cover may be freely moved between its open position and its closed position,- a main cover locking position, in which the main cover may be locked in its closed position,and the main cover locking device may comprise at least one cover arranged to at least partially cover the internal cover locking means, when the main cover locking device is in the main cover locking position. Thus, the main cover locking device prevents manipulation of the internal cover locking means, when the main cover is in the closed and locked position.

[0073] According to a variant, the locking device of the main cover can be movable in rotation or in translation.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the food preparation appliance may comprise inner cover guiding means, arranged to guide the inner cover to a position mounted on the main cover.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the guide means of the internal cover can be arranged on the locking device, to guide the counterform towards the movable bolt. A flared groove can be provided which gradually guides the counterform. Description of figures

[0076] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure given as non-limiting examples and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0077] represents a general isometric view of a first variant of a food preparation appliance comprising a housing and a main cover;

[0078] represents an exploded perspective and bottom view of the main cover of the to show an internal cover;

[0079] represents a detail of the to show internal cover locking means on the main cover;

[0080] represents a section of the food preparation appliance to show the main cover in a closed position on the housing and closing a work space defined by a work bowl of the housing;

[0081] represents a bottom view of the food preparation appliance, without the housing but with the working bowl, to show a device for locking the main cover on the housing and / or on the working bowl in an unlocked position;

[0082] represents the view of the, to show the main cover locking device on the housing and / or on the work tank in a locking position;

[0083] depicts a perspective view of a second variation of a food preparation appliance, comprising a housing, an open main cover, and three internal covers capable of coupling to the main cover;

[0084] represents a perspective view from above of the food preparation appliance with the main cover closed;

[0085] represents a perspective view from above of the main cover of the food preparation appliance of the;

[0086] represents a perspective view from below of the main cover of the food preparation appliance of the;

[0087] represents a perspective view from below of a first internal cover of the food preparation appliance of the;

[0088] represents a perspective view from above of a second internal cover of the food preparation appliance of the;

[0089] represents a perspective view from below of the second internal cover of the food preparation appliance of the;

[0090] represents a perspective view from above of a third internal cover of the food preparation appliance of the;

[0091] represents an exploded view of an internal cover locking device on the main cover of the food preparation appliance of the;

[0092] represents another view of the locking device of an internal cover on the main cover of the food preparation appliance of the.

[0093] represents a first variant of a drive device that can be housed in the main cover of the food preparation appliance of the;

[0094] represents a second variant of a drive device that can be housed in the main cover of the food preparation appliance of the;

[0095] represents a third variant of a drive device that can be housed in the main cover of the food preparation appliance of the.

[0096] Detailed description of embodiment(s)

[0097] The figure represents a general isometric view of a food preparation appliance comprising a housing 10 and a main cover 20 covering the housing 10. The food preparation appliance comprises a working tank 13 (visible) housed in the housing 10 for preparing and cooking food.

[0098] For example, the food preparation appliance may be a pressure cooker, a rice cooker, or a food preparation appliance capable of combining several cooking modes. It may be provided that the food preparation appliance comprises heating means in the housing 10 and / or in the main cover 20 for heating and / or cooking the food received in the working tank 13, it may be provided to propose a pressure cooking mode, it may be provided for a cooking mode by hot air and / or convection directly in the working tank 13, and it may be provided for a cooking mode by heating the wall of the working tank 13. It may optionally be provided for working means (such as a knife, a rotating chopper, a mixing or kneading blade, etc.) in the working tank 13.

[0099] The housing 10 comprises in particular a base 13, a human-machine interface 12 for controlling the food preparation appliance and a side wall 11 provided with housing handle covers 111. The main cover 20 comprises an upper wall 221 provided with cover handle covers 224. As can be seen, the main cover 20 comprises a ventilation grille on its upper part for bringing in air and / or discharging hot air and / or cooking vapors. Other openings may be provided in the main cover 20.

[0100] To enable the various cooking modes described above, a removable inner cover may be provided on the main cover 20. In particular, several removable inner covers may be provided, each designed to couple to the main cover 20 so as to provide a specific cooking mode or configuration. As shown in, the main cover 20 includes in particular a cover frame 220 and an inner cover 210, removable relative to the cover frame 220. However, provision may be made to enable one or more specific cooking modes with the main cover 20 without the inner cover 210.

[0101] The cover frame 220 comprises in particular the upper wall 221 provided with the cover handle covers 224, cover heating means 223, a toothed locking ring 222, and a striker or counter-form 225.

[0102] In this example, the internal cover 210 is provided to configure the food preparation appliance to provide a pressure cooking mode. The internal cover 210 comprises in particular a main wall 217, pressure regulating means 214, sealing means (a seal 213), a handling interface formed here by handles 221 connected to the main wall 217 by radial tabs 216. The handles 211 are provided with triggers 212.

[0103] As shown, the triggers 212 are formed in one piece with locks 215, and housed in the handles 211 according to a sliding connection, with a spring 218 which pushes the locks 215 towards the inside of the food preparation appliance. The locks 215 are provided to be opposite the counterforms 225 of the cover frame 220, and sliding of the triggers 212 in the handles 211 makes it possible to easily lock or unlock the internal cover 210 on the main cover 20 (via the cover frame 220).

[0104] While Figures 2 and 3 show the inner cover 210 separated from the cover frame 210, 1 shows the inner cover 210 docked and locked onto the cover frame 210.

[0105] Indeed, the shows the main cover 20 mounted on the housing 10. The sectional view of the shows the working tank 13 housed for example in a counter-tank forming a side wall 11 and fixed in or on the housing 10, covered by the main wall 217 and defining a working space 100. As a variant or in addition, a double-walled working tank can be provided.

[0106] It may be noted that the main cover 20 also comprises ventilation means 226 typically comprising a motor for rotating a fan provided with blades, or comprising ventilation vanes or fins, and arranged above the cover heating means 223. In this, the internal cover 210 is coupled and locked onto the main cover 20. Indeed, the locks 215 are engaged in the counterforms 225. Consequently, the internal cover 210 is integral with the main cover 20 (via the cover frame 220). Thus, in the configuration shown, the seal 213 can fit the upper rim of the working tank 13 to ensure a good seal in order to provide a pressure cooking mode.

[0107] It may be noted that the work tank 13 comprises tank handles 131 arranged under the handles 211, the whole being housed between the lid handle covers 224 and the housing handle covers 111. In particular, it may be noted that the tank handles 131 form stops for the triggers 212, so that in the working configuration of the, it is not possible to unlock the internal cover 210 from the main cover 20. Safety of use is improved.

[0108] It can also be noted that the handles 211 are provided outside the working space 100 and / or even outside the general cylindrical envelope of the side wall 11 of the housing 10. In the same way, it can also be noted that the internal cover locking means (the triggers 212, locks 215, counter-forms 225) are provided outside the working space 100 and / or even at least partly outside the general cylindrical envelope of the side wall 11 of the housing 10.

[0109] Consequently, the handles 211 and / or the triggers 212 are located away from the work space 100 heated and / or bathed by cooking vapors, so that the handling interfaces of the main cover 20 and especially of the internal cover 210 (the handles 211) remain cold and / or spared from cooking vapors. The handling of the internal cover 210 is safe, the risks of burns are reduced for the user who can easily change the internal cover 210, immediately after opening the main cover 20, for example during culinary preparation to move from one configuration of the culinary preparation appliance to another configuration.

[0110] Furthermore, in this pressure cooking mode, the lid heating means 223 and the ventilation means 226 are deactivated to avoid any untimely heating, and means for detecting the presence and / or the type of internal lid 210 can be provided (switches, optical sensors, etc. can be provided), to inhibit or authorize the operation of the lid heating means 223 and / or the ventilation means 226 precisely as a function of the presence and / or the type of internal lid 210.

[0111] Figures 5 and 6 show a bottom view of the food preparation appliance 10, without the housing 10 but with the working tank 13, to show a device for locking the main cover 20 on the housing 10 and / or on the working tank 13.

[0112] As indicated above and shown in Figures 2 and 3, the main cover 20, and the cover frame 220 in particular, comprises a toothed locking ring 222, provided in pivot connection with respect to the cover frame 220. On the side of the housing 10, the counter-tank forming the side wall 11 has a toothed or notched upper edge, and when the main cover 20 is in the closed position, then the toothed locking ring 222 can pivot so that its own teeth engage with the teeth 132 of the counter-tank, so that the main cover 20 is then locked on the counter-tank and therefore on the housing 10 and on the working tank 13.

[0113] It may be provided that the teeth of the toothed locking ring 222 and / or the teeth 132 of the working tank 13 are inclined or have a slope according to the direction of relative movement between the parts to facilitate their relative engagement at the start of the locking movement, and / or to bring the main cover 20 into a final locking position which ensures compression of the seal 213.

[0114] In detail and, the locking device of the main cover 20 on the housing 10 (in particular on the counter-tank) and / or on the working tank 13 is in a main cover unlocking position, in which the main cover 20 can be freely moved between its open position and its closed position. Indeed, one can see the hatched teeth of the toothed locking ring 222 disengaged from the teeth 132 of the counter-tank. It can also be noted that the lower tooth of the toothed locking ring 222 is separated by a clearance J from the radial tab 216 of the internal cover 210. The clearance J can even be zero if it is provided that the toothed locking ring 222 comes into abutment with the radial tab 216 of the internal cover 210.

[0115] , the main cover locking device 20 on the housing 10 and / or on the working tank 13 is in a main cover locking position, in which the main cover 20 is locked in its closed position. Indeed, it can be seen that the toothed locking ring 222 has pivoted (relative to the configuration of the) in the counterclockwise direction over a stroke C, so that the hatched teeth of the toothed locking ring 222 are engaged with the teeth 132 of the counter tank. It can also be noted that the upper tooth of the toothed locking ring 222 is separated by a clearance J from the radial tab 216 of the inner cover 210. The clearance J can be zero if it is provided that the toothed locking ring 222 comes into abutment with the radial tab 216 of the inner cover 210.

[0116] Consequently, it can be noted that the toothed locking ring 222 comprises a clearance between at least two of its teeth to allow the passage of the radial tab 216. In other words, it can be noted that the space between two teeth of the locking ring 222 allows rotation of the locking ring 222 from stop to stop with the radial tabs 216 connecting the handles 211 with the main wall 217 of the internal cover 210.

[0117] It can be noted that on the housing side 10, the locking teeth are provided in this example on the counter-tank forming the side wall 11, but these locking teeth can quite easily be provided directly on the working tank 13, or even on another part integral with the housing 10.

[0118] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art may be made to the various embodiments of the disclosure described in the present description without departing from the scope of the disclosure of the first variant described above with reference to Figures 1 to 6.

[0119] In particular, it can be noted that the triggers and locks can be provided in several pieces, and / or mounted according to other kinematics (pivot, articulated, etc.).

[0120] Other heating means and / or other heating technologies may also be provided. Any type of articulation or mounting of the main cover on the housing may be provided (articulated, pivoting, with a lever, with a deformable parallelogram, etc.). Other types of locking of the main cover on the housing may also be provided, such as for example a device for locking the main cover that is movable in rotation or in translation, in particular with jaws arranged on the main cover 20 and not obstructing the passage of the handling interface of the at least one internal cover 210.

[0121] In the example given, the internal cover may be provided to put the food preparation appliance in a configuration to provide a pressure cooking mode. Other types of internal covers may be provided to provide other uses. An internal cover may be provided to direct a flow of hot air into a specific part of the working tank, an internal cover may be provided with a chute to allow the addition of food during food preparation, etc. In this case, provision may be made to arrange the members of the main cover 20 to leave a passage for such a chute. In particular, provision may be made to offset such a chute relative to the heating means, and / or the ventilation means, and / or the main cover locking means.In other words, the heating means, and / or the ventilation means, and / or the main cover locking means may be provided and / or arranged in the main cover 20 to allow passage for a through chute.

[0122] In addition, the main cover, although movable between an open position and a closed position to respectively open and close the workspace, is not necessarily connected to the housing 10 and could be removable from the housing 10. In this case, a first electrical connector can be provided on the main cover arranged to interact with a second electrical connector of the housing in order to power and control the electrical elements of the main cover, such as the heating means and / or the ventilation means.

[0123] Larepresents a perspective view of a second variant of a food preparation appliance comprising:- a housing 1100, which may otherwise be called a counter-tank, with a human-machine interface 1110 (here a screen, but control buttons can be considered),- a work tank 1120 defining a work space in which food to be prepared and possibly a work tool can be placed, the work tank 1120 being removable and / or lockable on the housing 1100 in a known manner,- a main cover 1130, here open, which can pivot around a hinge anchored on the housing 1100 to occupy the open position as on the or a closed position as on the,- three internal covers each able to be reversibly coupled to the main cover, among which we can note a first internal cover 1140 (coupled to the main cover 1130),a second inner cover 1150 and a third inner cover 1160.,

[0124] According to a variant, the main cover could not be secured to the housing 1100 by a hinge but could be removable.

[0125] Typically, the food preparation appliance may also comprise in the housing 1100 heating means, one or more drive motors, a control unit, drive means provided for connecting a drive motor of the housing 1100 to a mobile working tool housed in the working tank 1120… It may also be noted that the working tank 1120 comprises handles 1121 to allow a user to handle it easily, and that the main cover 1130 comprises a locking device 1131 for the main cover 1130 on the working tank 1120, as will be explained with reference to the.

[0126] As will be explained below: - the first internal cover 1140 allows the food preparation appliance to be placed in a first configuration allowing pressure cooking, - the second internal cover 1150 allows the food preparation appliance to be placed in a second configuration allowing cooking by forced convection or hot air, - the third internal cover 1160 allows the food preparation appliance to be placed in a third configuration allowing the introduction of food into the tank through a chute when the main cover is in the closed position, so as to carry out mechanical work on the food with a mobile working tool housed in the working tank 1120.Indeed, it is planned to be able to interchange the first internal cover 1140, the second internal cover 1150 and the third internal cover 1160 to put the culinary preparation appliance in a particular configuration allowing specific recipes or preparations.

[0127] The represents a perspective view from above of the food preparation appliance with the main cover 1130 closed on the working tank 1120. A covering 1139 partially covers the main cover 1130, and shows a free window 1132, as well as the locking device 1131 of the main cover 1130 on the working tank 1120 which can slide or move in translation to lock / unlock the main cover 1130 on the housing 1100 and / or on the working tank 1120.

[0128] The figure represents a perspective view from above of the main cover 1130 of the food preparation appliance of the, without the covering 1139 of the. The main cover 1130 notably comprises the free window 1132, which is an oblong or kidney-shaped through-hole, as well as an air / steam outlet 1133.

[0129] The shows a perspective view from below of the main cover 1130 of the food preparation appliance of the. The underside of the main cover 1130 is equipped with two temperature sensors 1135, a motor shaft output 1136 because an upper motor MS (shown schematically in figures 17 to 19) is housed in the main cover 1130, a thermal safety device 1137 and an upper electrical connection interface 1138. The also shows the free window 1132 and the air / steam outlet 1133.

[0130] The represents a perspective view from below of a first inner cover 1140 of the food preparation appliance of the. Just like the second inner cover 1150 and the third inner cover 1160, the first inner cover 1140 comprises two inner cover locking devices 1170 on the main cover 1130, which are described in detail in Figures 15 and 16. The general principle of the two inner cover locking devices 1170 on the main cover 1130 is to allow easy reversible coupling, here by a self-return mechanism which engages on anchors of the main cover 1130.

[0131] Each of the inner cover locking devices 1170 is disposed outside the workspace to allow a user to lock or unlock an inner cover 1140, 1150, 1160 without having to touch a surface of the inner cover facing the workspace when the main cover is locked to the housing 1100 and / or the work tank 1120.

[0132] Furthermore, the first inner cover 1140 is provided to couple with the main cover 1130 to allow pressure cooking. For this purpose, the first inner cover 1140 comprises a pressure regulating valve 1141, an opening / closing safety means consisting of a manometric rod system of the Aroma finger type 1142, a safety valve 1143, and a seal 1144 arranged to fit a periphery of the working tank 1120. Thus, when the first inner cover 1140 is coupled with the main cover 1130, the assembly covers the working tank 1120 to provide a hermetic seal, which forms a working space that can be pressurized.

[0133] Lrepresents a top perspective view of a second internal cover 1150 of the food preparation appliance of the. Lrepresents a bottom perspective view of the second internal cover 1150 of the food preparation appliance of the. The second internal cover 1150 is provided to mate with the main cover 1130 to allow convection or hot air cooking of the food placed in the work tank 1120.For this purpose, the second internal cover 1150 comprises: - a heating means such as a heating resistor 1156, - ​​a fan 1157 (schematically visible in figures 17 to 19), - a steam exhaust chimney 1151 which can act as an air inlet / outlet (cold air inlet, hot air outlet) in a convection cooking mode of the “air fryer” type, it being understood that two separate or combined openings can be provided as here, - a viewing window 1153 which allows the interior of the working tank 1120 to be seen to monitor cooking, - a secondary interface 1154 for mechanical drive connection to connect the fan 1157 with a drive device of the food preparation appliance, and / or - a secondary interface 1152 for electrical connection to connect the heating resistor 1156 with a power supply device of the food preparation appliance.It may be noted that in particular the secondary mechanical drive connection interface 1154 and the secondary electrical connection interface 1152 are arranged facing the motor shaft output 1136 and the upper electrical connection interface 1138 respectively.

[0134] Thus, when the second internal cover 1150 is coupled with the main cover 1130, the assembly covers the working tank 1120 to be able to generate a flow of hot air which can be blown or projected towards the food placed in the working tank 1120. In addition, the working tank 1120 can receive a stirring tool to carry out frying without oil for example. In such a case, the working tank 1120 can comprise a passage opening, and the working tank 1120 and / or the stirring tool can be equipped with sealing means to allow pressure cooking. Alternatively, a magnetic coupling can be provided to drive the stirring tool without requiring a passage opening in the cooking tank 1120.

[0135] The represents a perspective view from above of a third internal cover 1160 of the food preparation appliance of the. The third internal cover 1160 is intended to couple with the main cover 1130 to allow mechanical processing of food placed in the working tank 1120, which also includes a mobile working tool, such as a knife, a mincer, a press, or a cutting disc… For this purpose, to provide safe use, the third internal cover 1160 includes in particular a feed chute 161 arranged to pass through the free window 1152 of the main cover 1130 and which allows food to be introduced into the working tank 1120, while preventing a user from being able to reach the mobile working tool.Thus, when the third internal cover 1160 is coupled with the main cover 1130, the assembly covers the working tank 1120 and allows safe working of the food in the working tank 1120. As a variant, the working tool could be driven by a drive device arranged in the main cover 1130, in particular the same as that driving the fan of the second cover 1150, or in the third cover 1160. It is also conceivable that the mobile working tool is driven from below the working tank 1120 through the bottom.

[0136] Figures 15 and 16 show in detail the locking device 1170 of an internal cover on the main cover 1130 of the food preparation appliance of the. The internal cover locking device 1170 on the main cover 1130 is formed in particular by:- a locking device with a movable bolt 1173 and a control trigger 1172,- an elastic member, here a compression spring 1175, which pushes the movable bolt 1173 into a locking position as shown in figures 15 and 16,- a frame 1171, which houses the movable bolt 1173, the control trigger 1172 and the compression spring 1175,- a cover 174 which can be fixed on the frame 1171 to cover and hide the locking members, i.e. the movable bolt 1173, the control trigger 1172 and the compression spring 1175.

[0137] On the main cover 1130, a counter-form 1134 is formed as a protrusion to be able to engage with the movable bolt 1173. Indeed, the movable bolt 1173 is mounted in a pivot connection on the frame 1171, and can move between: - the locking position shown in figures 15 and 16 in which the first, second or third internal cover 1140, 1150, 1160 can be locked on the main cover 1130 and - an unlocking position in which the first, second or third internal cover 1140, 1150, 1160 can be freely mounted or dismounted from the main cover 1130.

[0138] The control trigger 1172 is slidably mounted between the frame 1171 and the cover 174, and is attached to the movable bolt 1173 so that it can be moved from the locking position to the unlocking position. Thus, a user can easily unlock the system and uncouple the first, second or third internal cover 1140, 1150, 1160 from the main cover 1130.

[0139] The compression spring 1175 housed between the frame 1171 and the movable bolt 1173 pushes the latter from the unlocking position to the locking position. Thus, the system is automatically returned to the locking position by default. Attack chamfers are provided on the movable bolt 1173 and on the counterform 1134 to allow automatic movement of the movable bolt 1173 from the locking position to the unlocking position when the first, second or third internal cover 1140, 1150, 1160 is coupled to the main cover 1130. Thus, installation is easy: the user simply pushes the first, second or third internal cover 1140, 1150, 1160 onto the main cover 1130.Finally, it can be noted that the frame 1171 forms a receiving groove flared upwards to receive and guide the counterform 1134 during the mounting of the first, second or third internal cover 1140, 1150, 1160 on the main cover 1130.

[0140] In summary, the food preparation appliance can reversibly receive one of the first, second or third internal covers 1140, 1150, 1160 to be equipped with the appropriate structure to carry out particular steps of recipes or food processing in the work tank 1120. Configuration is easy: simply push one of the first, second or third internal covers 1140, 1150, 1160 onto the main cover 1130 to clip, lock or attach it. To remove the first, second or third internal covers 1140, 1150, 1160, simply pull the control trigger 1172.

[0141] To perform these locking or unlocking operations, the user does not need to touch the surface of the internal cover facing the work space when the main cover 1130 is locked onto the housing 1100 and / or onto the work tank 1120.

[0142] Thus, when the user has to remove the inner cover for the purposes of the recipe and it is hot, which may be the case for the first inner cover 1140 or the second inner cover 1150, the user does not run the risk of burning his fingers and does not need to wait for an inner cover to cool down before being able to replace it with another inner cover. For the third inner cover 1150, the user will not dirty his fingers with any splashes that may cover all or part of the surface of the third inner cover 1160 facing the work space when the main cover 1130 is locked onto the housing 1100 and / or onto the work tank 1120.

[0143] It may be noted that the locking device 1131 of the main cover 1130 on the housing 1100 and / or on the work tank 1120 may slide to lock / unlock the main cover 1130 on the housing 1100 and / or on the work tank 1120. Provision may be made to place the locking device 1170 in a position covered or hidden by the locking device 1131 of the main cover 1130 on the work tank 1120 when it locks the main cover 1130 on the work tank 1120. For example, provision may be made for a sliding jaw of the locking device 1131 of the main cover 1130 on the housing 1100 and / or on the work tank 1120 to form a cover which covers the internal cover locking device 1170 on the main cover 1130.As a result, when the device is operating (main cover 1130 locked to the housing 1100 and / or to the work tank 1120), it is impossible to access or manipulate the internal cover locking device 1170 on the main cover 1130. Safety and ergonomics are improved.

[0144] Figures 17 to 19 show coupling variants between the main cover 1130 and in particular the second internal cover 1150. Indeed, the latter may include a fan 1157, and an upper motor MS may be provided or housed in the main cover 1130 to drive the fan 1157.

[0145] For this purpose, the represents a first variant of a drive device that can be housed in the main cover 1130 of the food preparation appliance of the. In this first variant, a bevel gear coupling APC is provided. A male bevel gear (here secured to the second inner cover 1150) is opposite a female bevel gear to transmit the rotational torque of the upper motor MS to the fan 1157, mounted on a bearing P. Of course, the male bevel gear and the female bevel gear can be reversed. A spring R can be provided to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and ensure the engagement of the teeth, and a centering system CEN can also be provided between the main cover 1130 and the second inner cover 1150.The CEN centering system typically involves an index and a receiving imprint (here two cylindrical shapes), but guide chamfers or any other shape can also be provided.

[0146] La represents a second variant of a drive device that can be housed in the main cover of the food preparation appliance of the. In this second variant, a magnetic coupling AM is provided between the main cover 1130 and the second internal cover 1150. The advantage of this solution is to be able to offer a sealed system that is less sensitive to misalignments between the main cover 1130 and the second internal cover 1150. In detail, the fan 1157, mounted on the bearing P of the second internal cover 1150, comprises a first magnet, which is opposite a second magnet secured to the output shaft of the upper motor MS secured to the main cover 1130.

[0147] Larepresents a third variant of a drive device that can be housed in the main cover of the food preparation appliance of the. In this third variant, quite similar to the first variant of the, a fork coupling AF is provided between the main cover 1130 and the fan 1157, mounted on the bearing P of the second inner cover 1150. In detail, a fork secured to the upper motor MS is engaged with a T of the fan 1157. Of course, the fork and the T can be reversed. A centering system CEN is also provided to ensure good alignment between the fork secured to the upper motor MS and the T of the fan 1157.

[0148] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art may be made to the various embodiments of the disclosure described in the present description without departing from the scope of the disclosure of the second variant described above in Figures 7 to 19.

[0149] In particular, it may be noted that: - the first, or the second or even the third internal cover 1140, 1150, 1160 is attached to the main cover 1130, but it may also be envisaged to attach it reversibly to the working tank 1120 or to the housing 1100, - the working tank 1120 may be removable or permanently on the housing 1100, and / or a counter-tank may be provided which is fixed or forming part of the housing, - the first, second or even the third internal cover 1140, 1150, 1160 may comprise other structural elements than those described.In particular, a fan (rotated by a ventilation motor and provided with blades, or comprising ventilation vanes or fins) or heating means may be provided on the first internal cover 1140, - the internal cover locking device 1170 on the main cover 1130 is formed in particular by a movable bolt 1173 which engages with a counterform 1134, but other locking principles may be provided (flexible tabs, a ¼ turn interface, bayonet, etc.), - the protruding counterform 1134 may, on the contrary, be a hole or a hollow shape - each internal cover 1140, 1150, 1160 incorporating specific and dedicated members, the main cover 1130 may have a simple structure which makes it possible to easily receive each of the internal covers.

[0150] A food preparation apparatus according to the present disclosure, and its manufacture, are capable of industrial application.

Claims

Food preparation apparatus comprising: - a housing (10), - a working bowl (13), defining a workspace (100) arranged to receive food to be prepared, - a main lid (20), movable between an open position and a closed position to respectively open and close the workspace (100), - at least one inner lid (210) arranged to be mounted reversibly on the main lid (20) and comprising at least one handling interface to allow a user to grasp or hold the inner lid (210), characterized in that the handling interface of the inner lid (210) mounted on the main lid (20) is arranged at least partially outside the workspace (100) when the main lid (20) is in the closed position. Food preparation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the handling interface comprises at least one handle (211) and preferably two handles (211). Food preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, comprising means for locking internal lid (210) on the main lid (20). Food preparation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the internal lid locking means (210) are provided on the handling interface. Food preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the internal lid locking means (210) comprise: - two locking devices (215) arranged on either side of said internal lid (210) and main lid (20) and - two counter forms (225) each opposite each locking device (215) on the internal lid (210) and main lid (20). Food preparation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the main lid (20) comprises a lid carcass (220), and wherein the two counter forms (225) opposite each locking device (215) are formed by a rim of the lid carcass (220). Food preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a device for locking the main lid (20) onto the casing and / or onto the working bowl (13). A food preparation apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the inner lid (210) comprises at least one radial tab (216) supporting said at least one handling interface, wherein the main lid locking device (20) is movable between: - a main lid unlocking position (20), in which the main lid (20) can be freely moved between its open position and its closed position, - a main lid locking position (20), in which the main lid (20) can be locked in its closed position, and wherein the main lid locking device (20) comprises at least one clearance provided to allow said at least one radial tab (216) to pass through. Food preparation apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the main lid locking device (20) comprises a rotating locking ring (222) comprising locking teeth arranged to couple with the housing (10) and / or the working bowl (13) when the locking device is in the locked position, and wherein said at least one clearance passage is provided between two locking teeth. Food preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein, in a direction of travel between the main lid unlocking position (20) and the main lid locking position (20): the passage clearance has a passage dimension greater than or equal to a dimension of said at least one radial leg (216) added to a travel stroke of the main lid locking device (20) between the main lid unlocking position (20) and the main lid locking position (20). Food preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the main lid locking device (20) is arranged to move between the main lid unlocking position (20) and the main lid locking position (20) by rotating around an axial direction of the working bowl (13). Food preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the inner cover (210) includes sealing means arranged to allow pressure cooking in the workspace (100) closed by the main cover (20) equipped with the inner cover (210). Food preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the inner cover (210) includes pressure regulating means (214), arranged to open an exhaust valve if a pressure in the working space (100) is greater than or equal to a working pressure. Food preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the main lid (20) includes lid heating means (223) arranged to heat food received in the workspace (100) when the inner lid (210) is removed from the main lid (20). Food preparation apparatus according to claim 14, comprising a safety device arranged to inhibit the operation of the lid heating means (223) if the inner lid (210) is mounted on the main lid (20) and / or if the main lid (20) is in the open position.

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