Deep fryer-type oil bath cooking appliance with a three-way control valve

Abstract

The invention relates to an oil bath cooking apparatus (1) comprising at least one frame (10), an upper cooking tank (20) having a drain outlet, oil heating means (30), a lower oil recovery tank (100), draining means for transferring oil from the upper tank (20) to the lower tank (100), and pumping means, characterized in that it further comprises a three-way valve (150) equipped with a manual actuator (151) movable between a first position in which the heating means (30) are activated, a second intermediate position in which the draining means are open, and a third position in which the pumping means are activated to fill the upper tank (20) with the oil contained in the lower tank (100). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Deep fryer-type oil bath cooking apparatus comprising a three-way control valve. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an oil bath cooking device of the fryer type. Previous technique

[0002] In the field of professional catering, particularly in canteens, restaurants or food trucks, it is very common to use deep fryer-type oil bath cooking appliances.

[0003] These devices, most often made of food-grade stainless steel, typically include a chassis, at least one upper cooking tank receiving the oil to be heated and into which the food to be fried is immersed using, in particular, a basket, means for heating the oil to a chosen temperature, for example an ideal frying temperature (typically around 160°C to 190°C depending on the oil used), means for regulating the temperature (thermostat), means for draining the upper cooking tank, an oil filter, a lower tank for collecting filtered oil and means for filling the upper tank with the filtered oil from the lower collection tank.

[0004] However, the transition from draining the upper cooking tank to the lower collection tray to refilling the upper cooking tank with the filtered oil from the lower collection tray is often complex, impractical, and requires several steps, necessitating constant supervision by a user to ensure everything proceeds as planned. Attempts have been made to solve this problem by using a timer for one or both of these operations, but this is not ideal, and risks remain if the appliance is left unattended.

[0005] Similarly, the cooking operation may present a danger if the oil level is too low in the upper tank, for example due to incorrect handling of the heating control buttons (thermostat, timer duration), or if the draining has been accidentally activated, thereby emptying the upper tank during the oil heating phase. Presentation of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks with a totally innovative approach, facilitating the use of the cooking appliance and significantly improving user safety with regard to heating, draining and filling.

[0007] To this end, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to an oil bath cooking apparatus of the fryer type comprising at least: - a chassis, - an upper cooking tank designed to contain a determined quantity of frying oil and having a drain hole, - means of heating the oil contained in the upper cooking vessel to bring it to a chosen cooking temperature, - a lower oil collection tray,

[0008] - draining means for evacuating the oil from the upper cooking tank to the lower recovery tank, and - pumping means, characterized in that it further comprises a single three-way valve equipped with a movable manual actuator between: - a first extreme position in which said valve activates the heating means for the oil contained in the upper cooking tank up to the chosen temperature, - a second intermediate position in which the drainage means are open to pour the oil contained in the upper cooking tank into the lower collection tray, and - a third extreme position in which said valve activates the pumping means to fill the upper cooking tank with the oil contained in the lower recovery tank.

[0009] In this way, on the one hand, the heating, draining, and filling operations are completely separate and cannot be carried out simultaneously, and on the other hand, the selection among these three operating modes is facilitated by the use of a three-way valve. Users thus feel confident and secure with the device because they cannot perform any inappropriate operation.

[0010] The invention is implemented according to the embodiments and variants set out below, which are to be considered individually or according to any technically feasible combination.

[0011] Advantageously, the three-way valve is equipped with at least one first electromechanical contactor connected to the heating means and a second electromechanical contactor connected to the pumping means, and the manual actuator is of the rotary type so that it activates only the first electromechanical contactor in the first extreme position, and only the second electromechanical contactor in the third extreme position and does not activate any of the contactors in the second intermediate position.

[0012] Thus, users must not, under any circumstances, perform any improper handling that could damage the device or violate hygiene standards. Furthermore, selecting the different operating modes and activating the associated functions (heating, draining, pumping / filling) are intuitive, simple, and safe.

[0013] Preferably, the device further comprises a lower threshold sensor for the level of oil contained in the upper cooking tank, said sensor being connected to the heating means to deactivate the latter in the first extreme position of the manual actuator as soon as said lower threshold is reached.

[0014] This solution avoids overheating of the oil and considerably reduces the risks that can result from it, such as the emission of harmful fumes following the exceeding of the maximum operating temperature of the oil, the outbreak of a potential fire or the destruction of the upper cooking tank.

[0015] According to a further feature, the threshold detection means comprise a vertical pipe having a lower end disposed near and substantially above the opening so that the oil present in the upper cooking tank can enter said pipe and rise, by communicating vessels effect, to an oil level identical to that inside said tank, and a lower capacitive type oil level threshold sensor disposed opposite the pipe at a level corresponding to said threshold.

[0016] This solution is simple to implement from the point of view of the design of the device, while being very reliable and very practical for the user who does not have to look at the bottom of the upper cooking tank to check the oil level, and who can even be away while leaving the heating means on because they will automatically switch off if necessary thanks to the sensor.

[0017] Advantageously, the sensor's sensitivity can be adjusted from outside the chassis.

[0018] Thus, the user can choose to modify the minimum oil level threshold at the bottom of the upper cooking chamber below which the heating elements are automatically switched off. This allows, for example, this threshold to be adjusted according to the type of oil used, as each oil has a certain density / viscosity and, above all, a maximum operating temperature that must not be exceeded.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device also includes a lower threshold sensor for the level of oil contained in the lower recovery tank, said sensor being connected to the pumping means to deactivate the latter in the third extreme position of the manual actuator as soon as said lower threshold is reached.

[0020] This solution prevents the pumping means from drawing air into a vacuum and creating air bubbles in the oil contained in the upper cooking tank, which can, for example, cause splashing. It also helps improve appliance maintenance because the pumping means wear out less quickly.

[0021] According to a complementary aspect, the lower oil level threshold sensor in the lower recovery tank includes a detector measuring the weight of said tank and the quantity of oil contained, said detector being calibrated to a weight value below which the pumping means stop automatically.

[0022] This solution is simple to implement, very reliable, and requires no modification of the tank or interaction between the oil and a detector that could become dirty or damaged. The measurement is very fast, and the user does not need to remain near the device during the filling phase of the upper cooking tank with oil from the lower recovery tank, since the pumping means automatically shut off when the lower threshold is reached.

[0023] More specifically, the weight detector connects the lower oil recovery tray to the chassis using an adjustable spring system(s) connected to the chassis at different points, each corresponding to a different calibration.

[0024] Thus, the user can modify the tare of the weighing system according in particular to the type of lower recovery container used (i.e. its shape and / or material, which can each influence its empty weight) and / or the type of oil used (each oil has a different density and therefore a different weight for the same volume).

[0025] Advantageously, the pumping means comprise a pump and a flexible suction hose extending to the bottom of the lower oil recovery tank.

[0026] This solution allows the user to easily manipulate the suction hose to quickly place it in the right place at the bottom of the lower recovery tray so that the oil suction is optimized.

[0027] Advantageously, the suction pipe has a suction end oriented upwards, opposite the bottom of the lower oil recovery tank.

[0028] This solution allows a small amount of oil to remain at the bottom of the lower collection tray and also prevents the suction pipe from sucking up the bottom of the tray and sticking to it.

[0029] According to a supplementary feature, the suction end of the suction pipe is equipped with a removable strainer.

[0030] Thus, the used oil which returns to the upper cooking tank is finely filtered, avoiding aggregates of calcined food matter which could create hot spots when heating the oil to high temperature.

[0031] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the chassis includes a support hook for the suction pipe, particularly when the lower oil recovery tray is removed.

[0032] This solution makes it easy to store the suction hose, especially when it is desirable to take the lower collection tray out of the chassis for example to clean it.

[0033] According to a particularly interesting aspect of the present invention, the pumping means are connected to the drain / fill orifice located at the bottom of the upper cooking tank so that the evacuation of the oil to the lower recovery tank is carried out by gravity through the three-way valve in the second position of the latter and the filling of the lower recovery tank to the upper cooking tank is carried out by pumping through said bottom opening with the pumping means.

[0034] This solution reduces the number of oil transport pipes and prevents any oil splashes that might occur when filling the upper cooking tank from the top, as is usually done. Thus, the improvement in safety and hygiene is significant thanks to this solution of "sharing" the drain opening of the upper cooking tank and the use of the three-way valve according to the invention.

[0035] Preferably, the lower oil recovery tray is supported in a removable manner by a sliding support along parallel rails fixed to the chassis, said sliding support being further detachable from said rails to be removed from said chassis from the front and / or the rear thereof.

[0036] This solution allows the lower oil recovery tank to be removed, in particular to replace it (if it is damaged or to install a new one of a different capacity) and / or to clean it.

[0037] According to a complementary aspect, the sliding support has a base having protrusions / pins in the rear part on which the lower oil recovery tray rests so that the latter is not horizontal but raised at the rear to be inclined towards the front of the device.

[0038] This solution allows the suction end of the suction pipe to be positioned where the oil level is highest (the front part of the lower tank), in order to pump a maximum amount of oil to fill the upper cooking tank, but also to avoid the suction effect linked to the accumulation of oil between the tank and its support.

[0039] Advantageously, the sliding support includes at least one retractable foot, in particular automatically deployable when said support exits the chassis and retractable when said support enters said chassis.

[0040] This solution, when the lower oil recovery tray is extended forward out of the chassis, ensures better stability of the device by preventing it from tilting forward, which could cause serious burns and / or soil pollution from spilled oil.

[0041] According to a particular feature of the present invention, each foot comprises a first support part articulated around a first transverse axis, said first part being folded forward along the side wall of the sliding support when the latter is in a first position retracted into the chassis and unfolded downwards to be placed substantially vertically on the ground when said sliding support is in a second position extended out of the chassis, and a second part articulated around a second transverse axis, said second part comprising a ratchet engaged in a housing of the first support part to lock the latter in the second position of the foot and disengaged from said housing when the sliding support passes from the second position to the first position.

[0042] This solution allows the foot to automatically extend when the lower oil collection tray is ejected by sliding it in one direction, to remain stable once placed on the ground, and to retract automatically when the lower tray is ejected back into the frame by sliding it in the opposite direction. The user therefore has no need to perform any action to extend or retract the foot, resulting in significant gains in terms of efficiency, speed of use, safety (guaranteed stability of the device), and hygiene (no manual handling of the feet).

[0043] Advantageously, the device comprises two identical feet spaced transversely on either side of the lower oil recovery tray, said feet being connected to each other by a transverse bar passing under the sliding support.

[0044] This solution allows for better stability of the device once the lower collection tray is removed from the chassis and ensures synchronized movements of the feet when they are retracted and deployed.

[0045] Preferably, the device also includes a removable filter resting on the lower oil recovery tray by means of three tabs, each equipped with a locking hook limiting the lateral and transverse sliding of said filter.

[0046] This solution ensures that the filter is properly positioned and in particular that it will not fall to the bottom of the lower oil recovery tank, without preventing its removal for washing or replacement.

[0047] According to a particular feature of the present invention, the filter comprises a support structure resting on the lower oil recovery tray and a filtration structure formed by a substantially conical mesh designed to receive a removable fabric filtration cone.

[0048] Thus, even if the user does not position a removable fabric filtration cone, the filtration remains effective and allows the recovery of oil containing as little as possible of various debris (calcined food matter) before its pumping to the upper cooking tank. Brief description of the figures

[0049] Other advantages, purposes and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given for explanatory and not limiting purposes, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0050] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a perspective view of an oil bath cooking apparatus in accordance with the present invention,

[0051] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a top view of [Fig.1],

[0052] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a side view of [Fig.1],

[0053] [Fig. 4] [Fig. 4] is a front view of [Fig. 1] showing in particular a valve three ways in a first extreme position of use,

[0054] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a zoomed-in detail view of [Fig.4],

[0055] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a view similar to [Fig.4] but in which the three valves routes is in a second intermediate position of use,

[0056] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a zoomed-in detail view of [Fig.6],

[0057] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a view similar to [Fig.7] but in which the three valves ways is in a third extreme position of use,

[0058] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a rear view of [Fig.1],

[0059] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a detailed perspective view of a lower oil recovery tank and a pumping pipe,

[0060] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a perspective view similar to [Fig. 1] but in which certain elements have been removed,

[0061] [Fig.12] [Fig.12] is a detailed perspective view of [Fig.11],

[0062] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is another perspective detail view of [Fig. 11] illustrating including support feet,

[0063] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] is a perspective view similar to [Fig. 1] but in which the pipe is suspended from a hook, and

[0064] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] is a perspective view of an upper part of the cooking appliance illustrating in particular an upper cooking tank 20 and a lower threshold sensor for oil level. Description of the implementation methods

[0065] Figures 1 to 15 show an oil bath cooking apparatus 1, of the fryer type, used particularly in restaurants, canteens or food trucks. The technical means described below can, however, be adapted to a domestic fryer for household use.

[0066] The present description is given by way of non-limiting attribution, each feature of one embodiment being able to be combined with any other feature of any other embodiment.

[0067] It should be noted from the outset that the figures are not necessarily to scale, without this hindering their understanding. The terms front and rear refer respectively to the front and back of the device 1.

[0068] The fryer 1 comprises a chassis 10, preferably mostly made of food-grade stainless steel (welded sheets in particular), substantially rectangular in shape, taller than wide in this case, resting on feet 5 and closed at the lower front by a hinged door 11 and by a hinged rear hatch 80.

[0069] A front control panel 12 is present on the upper part of the device 1 and typically includes a rotary switch 13 for switching on and adjusting the power, for example with various graduations (numbers) indicating a heating intensity, a power indicator 14 which lights up if the device is switched on and if the heating means are working, a rotary knob 15 for adjusting the temperature (having temperature markings ranging for example from 140°C to 200°C) and a thermostat indicator 16 which lights up if the desired temperature is reached (generally about 160°C for a first bath and about 180°C-190°C for a second bath with regard to potato fries).

[0070] The frame 10 includes an upper pit / opening which supports an upper cooking tank 20 intended to be filled with frying oil. This tank 20, made of food-grade stainless steel, has side walls 21 with an upper rim 22 so as to form a rectangular parallelepiped (a tank with a different cross-section, for example circular, is perfectly conceivable) and a bottom 23 with a draining and filling opening 24. This tank is intended to receive at least one parallelepiped-shaped metal cooking basket 25 with a handle 26.

[0071] The frame 10 also supports removable heating means 30 comprising several electric heating elements 31 (for example, of the "U" or meander type) extending into the upper cooking vessel 20 to a certain distance from its bottom 23, for example, between approximately 1 and 3 centimeters. The heating elements 31 are therefore not in contact with either the side walls 21 or the bottom 23 of the upper cooking vessel 20.

[0072] Means 40 for detecting the minimum oil level Sc present in the upper cooking tank 20 are also provided next to the latter. In this case, it consists of a vertical pipe 41 having a lower end 42 positioned slightly above the bottom opening 24 23 and rising vertically along a lateral wall 21 of the latter, preferably the front wall, towards the upper rim 22. Thus, when the oil fills the upper cooking tank 20, a small portion enters the pipe 41 by the principle of communicating vessels, so that the oil level in the bypass pipe 41 is constantly the same as that in the upper cooking tank 20. A sensor 50, for example of the capacitive type, is placed opposite a marker (fictitious or real) representing the lower oil level Sc in the upper cooking tank 20.Thus, the meniscus 45 formed by the oil located in the bypass pipe 41 and which is opposite this sensor 50 makes it possible to know whether the oil level in the upper cooking tank 20 is below or above this threshold Sc. This sensor 51 is adjustable in sensitivity, for example with a small knob 51 possibly accessible from outside the chassis 10 at the level of the control panel 12.

[0073] The chassis 10 also serves as a lower support for two lower horizontal rails 60 arranged parallel to each other. These two rails 60, for example made of food-grade stainless steel, support a support 70 which can be moved in translation by sliding via a front handle 75 towards the front or rear of the device 1 when the front door 11 or the rear hatch 80 is open.

[0074] As can be seen in particular in figures 12 and 13, the sliding support 70 takes the form of a small receptacle of low height (typically a few centimeters) such as a food-grade stainless steel drawer having side walls 71 fitted with slides 73 corresponding to the rails 60, and a flat bottom 72. The bottom 72 is itself provided with a series of rear protrusions 73 erected substantially vertically and arranged for example along a line (other patterns are conceivable, for example in a staggered or arc pattern).

[0075] The support 70 receives a lower oil recovery tray 100, illustrated in more detail in [Fig. 10] and made of stainless steel. This tray 100 also has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with side walls 101, a top edge 102, and a bottom 103. The bottom 103 of the lower recovery tray 100 rests on the bottom 72 of the sliding support 70 so as to be slightly raised rearward / inclined forwardward by means of the rear protrusions 73. More precisely, the rear of the bottom 103 of the tray 100 rests on the top of the protrusions 73, while the front of the bottom 103 rests directly on the bottom 72 of the support 70.

[0076] As can be seen in Figures 4 to 9, the cooking apparatus 1 also includes pumping means 110 materialized by an electric pump 111 of a known type mounted between the upper cooking tank 20 and the lower oil recovery tray 100. This pump is equipped with a flexible suction hose 112 (of the "shower hose" type) terminating in a suction end 113. This suction end 113 has a beveled opening 114 so that when the suction hose 112 rests on the bottom 103 of the lower oil recovery tray 100, it is directed vertically upwards and substantially parallel to said bottom 103. A distance d (see [Fig.6]) is thus defined between the lowest point of the beveled opening 114 (assuming that said opening d is not perfectly horizontal) and the bottom 103 of the lower oil recovery tank 100.It is this distance d which determines a lower threshold Sb of the oil level present in the lower recovery tank 100. The suction pipe 112 can be suspended from a lateral hook 115 when it does not rest on the bottom 103 of the lower recovery tank 100, as illustrated by [Fig. 14], which notably allows the tank 100 to be removed from the frame 10 along the rails 60.

[0077] Means 120 for detecting this minimum threshold Sc are materialized by a sensor that measures at all times, to the nearest gram, the weight of the assembly consisting of the lower oil recovery tank 100 and the quantity of oil it contains. This is a known type load cell mounted at the rear of the lower tank 100 and connected to lateral calibration springs 122 removably attached to the frame 10. A series of vertically superimposed orifices 123 allow one of the attachment points of the end 124 of each spring 122 to be modified in order to adjust the calibration of the load cell according, in particular, to the empty weight of the lower recovery tank 100 (depending on the shape of the tank, the grade of stainless steel used, the thickness of the sheets constituting it, etc.).The weighing sensor measures the weight of the lower recovery tank 100 and the oil it contains, making it quite easy to calibrate the springs 122 so that the detection means 120 accurately determine the threshold Sb corresponding to the situation in which a height d of oil (called minimum height) remains in the bottom 103 of the lower recovery tank 100.

[0078] For example, in practice, if the height d is approximately 1.5 cm, it is easy to determine the weight of the oil occupying this height d over the total surface area of ​​the bottom 103 of the lower recovery tank 100, and therefore the overall weight of said tank 100 and this quantity of remaining oil. The weighing sensor can thus know in real time whether the weight is below or above this threshold Sb, and inform an electronic board (not shown) which manages both the heating means 30 and the pumping means 110.

[0079] As illustrated in Figures 1, 4, 6, 11 and 12, a filter 130 rests on the upper rim 102 of the lower collection tray 100. For this purpose, the filter 130 comprises a rigid support in the form of an inverted cone 131 composed of several rings (for example, five) of increasing diameters superimposed and connected parallel to each other by means of inclined circumferential rods, for example, four in number, distributed angularly at regular intervals (every 90°).The rigid support 131 receives a removable conical filtration structure 132 of the fine metal mesh type and also includes, at the level of a lower ring (the one with the smallest diameter), three feet 135 (a front foot and two lateral feet arranged on either side of the front foot at 90° to the latter) equipped respectively with upper hooks 136 resting on the rim 102 of the lower oil recovery tray 100 to reduce lateral (right to left) and longitudinal (front to back and vice versa) translational movements in order to ensure its stability (the oil which drains from the upper cooking tank being very hot).This filter 130 is therefore removable, as is its metal mesh 132 for filtration, which is also adapted to receive an optional woven material cone (not shown), of the coffee filter type, which improves the filtration of the oil by blocking particles finer than those blocked by the metal mesh 132.

[0080] The sliding support 70 is also provided with two retractable / deployable lateral feet 140. More specifically, as illustrated in Figures 11 to 13, each foot 140 comprises a first, substantially straight support portion 141 articulated about a first transverse axis 142 and a second, T-shaped portion 146 articulated about a second transverse axis 147, these two axes being fixed to the outside of the lateral wall 71 of the sliding support 70. The first two portions 141 of the feet 140 are fixed to each other by means of a transverse bar 145 passing under the sliding support 70 so that said feet are articulated together.

[0081] Each first portion 141 is folded forward along the side wall 71 of the sliding support 70 when the latter is in a first position retracted into the frame 10 (Figures 1 and 14, for example). These same first portions 141 are, conversely, unfolded downwards to be placed substantially vertically on the ground when the sliding support 70 is in a second position extended out of the frame, as will be described below with reference to Figures 11 to 13.

[0082] Each second foot part 146 has for this purpose an inclined lower ramp 148 and a ratchet 149 that can engage in an upper housing 144 of the corresponding first part 141.

[0083] More precisely, when the feet 140 move from the retracted position of the sliding support 70 inside the chassis 10 ([Fig. 1] for example) to the second In the extended position (Figures 11 to 13), the first two parts 141 naturally extend together by pivoting around their respective axes 142 to gradually descend, as the sliding support 70 extends from the frame 10, so that the feet 140 rest on the ground. Simultaneously, the second two parts 146 pivot together around their respective axes 147 so that the pawls 149 engage in the upper slots 144 to secure the feet 140 in their extended position. Thus, the lower oil collection tray 100 is stable, and the unit 1 is not at risk of tipping forward and falling on the user when, for example, the filter 130 is removed.

[0084] When the user pushes the sliding support 70 inwards towards the chassis 10 using, for example, the handle 75, the inclined lower ramp 148 of each of the second parts 146 rubs against the bottom 15 of the chassis 10, causing said second parts 146 to rotate around their respective axes 147 in the opposite direction so that the pawls 149 rise and come out of their corresponding recesses 144. By continuing to push the support 70 inwards towards the chassis 10, the rear 143 of the first foot parts 141, which are therefore no longer blocked by the pawls 149, rubs against a lower front edge of the bottom 15 of the chassis 10, causing them to rotate around their respective axes 142 in the opposite direction until these first parts 141 come into position along the wall lateral 71 of said support 70.Once the sliding support 70 is fully inserted inside the frame 10, the hinged door 11 can then be closed.

[0085] Finally, the device includes a three-way valve 150 located for example under the upper cooking tank 20 and above the lower recovery tank 100, close to the pump 111.

[0086] This valve 150 pivots around an axis by means of a gripping handle 151 and can occupy a first extreme position (figures 1, 4 and 5) in which it activates the heating means 30 of the oil contained in the upper cooking tank 20 up to a temperature chosen by means of the rotary knob 15 of the control panel, a second intermediate position (figures 6 and 7) in which the drain opening 24 is opened to pour the oil contained in the upper cooking tank 20 into the lower recovery tank 100, and a third extreme position ([Fig.8]) in which it activates the pumping means 110 to fill the upper cooking tank 20 with the oil contained in the lower recovery tank 100.

[0087] To this end, the valve 150 includes a first contactor 152 which is activated in the first extreme position, said contactor 152 being in the present case of the electromechanical type and being connected to the electronic control board of the means of heating 30. Valve 150 also includes a second similar contactor 154 connected to the electronic control board of the pumping means 110.

[0088] Thus, in the first position, it is impossible for the pumping means 110 to be activated and / or for the draining of the upper cooking tank 20 to occur because only the first contactor 152 is engaged by the handle 151 of the valve 150.

[0089] Furthermore, in the second position, it is impossible for the heating means 110 and / or the pumping means 30 to be activated because neither of the two contactors 152 and 154 can be engaged by the handle 151 of the valve 150. The oil therefore flows by gravity from the upper tank 20 to the lower recovery tank 100 through the filter 130 to be purified (removal of cooking residues).

[0090] Finally, in the third position, it is impossible for the heating means 30 to be activated and / or for the draining to occur because only the second contactor 154 is engaged by the handle 151 of the valve 150.

[0091] This "all or nothing" type of operation is therefore extremely simple and secure.

[0092] Once the device 1 has been placed in the chosen location in a kitchen or food truck, well Stabilized on its feet 5 and connected to the mains, the user first fills the upper cooking tank 20 with new oil, up to a maximum level marked by a visible reference, for example a raised line on the inside of one of the side walls 21. Beforehand, the user places the three-way valve 150 in the first extreme position so that the pumping means 110 cannot be triggered and the drain opening 24 is closed like a tap.

[0093] The user then switches on the device 1 using the switch 13 and selects its operating mode and the desired temperature. The indicator light 14 then illuminates green to indicate that the device 1 is powered on and is about to heat up. If the lower oil level threshold detector 40 detects that there is not enough oil in the upper cooking chamber 20, then the heating elements 110 cannot be activated.

[0094] As soon as the detector 40 indicates to the electronic board that all the oil level parameters are met, the heating means 110 can be triggered.

[0095] If the user has not previously selected a heating temperature, they can do so at this time by turning the rotary knob 15. The oil then begins to heat up to the selected temperature (for example, 160°C) and the thermostat indicator 16 turns green to indicate that this temperature has been reached. The user can then immerse a basket filled with food to be fried in the oil at the correct temperature and proceed with frying.

[0096] When the user has finished using the device 1, and it is switched off (verified by checking that the indicator light 14 is no longer green), they then rotate the three-way valve 150 to the second position so that the frying oil drains out automatically by gravity into the lower 100 recovery tray through opening 24 after passing through filter 130, as previously stated.

[0097] Once all the oil has been drained from the upper cooking tank 20, the user can leave the three-way valve 150 in this second position if he does not wish to reuse the device 1 in the near future.

[0098] He can take this opportunity to remove the electric heating elements 31 in order to clean them, and do the same for the upper cooking chamber 20. He can also remove the filter 130 and clean it or discard the paper filter cone if there was one installed in the wire mesh 132.

[0099] The oil in the lower recovery tank 100 is filtered and can then be reused if needed for a new heating cycle. It should be noted that if the user intentionally or accidentally activates switch 13 or button 15 to start the heating elements while the three-way valve 150 is in the second position, the heating elements 30 will not start because the first electromechanical switch 152 is not activated. Similarly, as explained previously, if the user rotates the three-way valve 150 to the first extreme position, the heating elements 30, which could logically be activated in this position because the contactor 152 is activated, will not operate because the lower threshold sensor 40 for the oil level in the upper cooking tank 20 indicates to the electronic board that there is not enough oil in said tank 20.User safety is therefore fully guaranteed.

[0100] When the user wishes to fry again, they rotate the three-way valve 150 to the third position, which activates the contactor 154 and triggers the pumping means 110, provided that the suction hose 112 is fully immersed in the oil, resting on the bottom 103 of the lower collection tray 100, and that the lower threshold Sb sensor 120 for the oil level in the lower collection tray 100 informs the electronic control board that this level is not below said threshold Sb. If all the parameters are met, the pumping means 110 then draw the filtered oil through the suction end 113 of the suction hose 112 and conveys it from the bottom 103 of said lower collection tray 100 to the upper cooking tank 20, passing through the three-way valve 150 to reach the opening 24.Thus, the upper cooking tank 20 is filled from its bottom 24 and not from the top as is usually done, which considerably reduces splashing and the risk of burns. As long as the lower oil level threshold detector 120 (Sb) has not been triggered—that is, as long as the oil level in the lower recovery tank 100 is still above said threshold Sb—the pumping means 110 continue to draw the oil. The pumping means 110 stop automatically as soon as the lower threshold Sb is reached and no oil remains. Sufficient oil at the bottom 103 of the lower recovery tank 100. Thus, the user can send a pumping sequence and attend to other tasks without fear of the pump running 111 dry, as it will stop automatically.

[0101] The user can then start using the cooking appliance 1 again and perform another frying, then perform another oil filtration phase as described above, and so on as long as the oil remains suitable for cooking and meets the food standards for use (number of use / filtration cycles).

[0102] When the user wishes to clean the lower recovery bin 100, he opens the hinged front door 11, pulls out the mobile sliding support 70 by sliding it along the side rails 60, he removes the filter 130 and he takes out the lower recovery bin 100. During this operation, the two retractable side feet 140 automatically deployed at the same time as the sliding support 70 was extracted from the chassis 10. They then came to rest on the ground, secured by the hook 146 of the second part 146 of the foot, which entered the housing 144 of the first part 141 of the foot, and this for each of the two feet 140. Once cleaned, the user can reposition the lower collection tray 100 in its support 70, ensuring that it is properly inclined forwards, and then push the support 70 back in by sliding it backwards so that it re-enters the chassis 100.During this operation, the inclined lower ramp 148 of each second leg 142 slides on the base 15 of the chassis, disengaging each hook 149 from its housing 144. This allows the first leg 141 of each foot 141 to pivot forward around its axis 142, also bearing against the lower front edge of the base 15 of the chassis 10, as the sliding support 70 is pushed inwards within the chassis 10. The first leg 141 of each foot 140 ultimately comes to rest along the edges 71 of the sliding support 70, parallel to the side rails 60 and the slides 73. The lower transverse strip 145 connecting the first two legs 141 under the sliding support 70 allows for a simultaneous rotational movement of said legs 140, in both directions (deployment) and (extension). (withdrawal).

[0103] It must be clearly understood that the detailed description of the object of the Invention, given solely by way of illustration, does not in any way constitute a limitation, technical equivalents also being included in the scope of the present invention.

[0104] Thus, the apparatus may comprise several upper cooking tanks (usable independently or simultaneously), several control elements (switches, rotary knobs, indicator lights) and therefore several heating means, several pumping means, several lower recovery tanks and several Three-way valves. A solution combining heating and pumping resources (a single pump but two suction pipes) could, however, be considered.

Claims

Demands

1. Deep fryer-type oil bath cooking apparatus (1) comprising at least: - a frame (10), - an upper cooking tank (20) intended to contain a determined quantity of frying oil and having a draining orifice (24), - means (30) for heating the oil contained in the upper cooking tank (20) to bring the latter to a chosen cooking temperature, - a lower oil recovery tray (100), - means for draining (24;150) for evacuating the oil from the upper cooking tank (20) to the lower recovery tank (100), and - pumping means (110), characterized in that it further comprises a single three-way valve (150) equipped with a manual actuator (151) movable between: - a first extreme position in which said valve (150) activates the heating means (30) of the oil contained in the upper cooking tank (20) up to the chosen temperature, - a second intermediate position in which the draining means (24) are opened to pour the oil contained in the upper cooking tank (20) into the lower recovery tank (100), and - a third extreme position in which said valve (150) activates the pumping means (110) to fill the upper cooking tank (20) with the oil contained in the lower recovery tank (100).

2. Cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: - the three-way valve (150) is equipped with at least one first electromechanical contactor (152) connected to the heating means (30) and a second electromechanical contactor (154) connected to the pumping means (110), and - the manual actuator (151) is of the rotary type such that it only activates the first electromechanical contactor (152) in the first extreme position, and only activates the second contactor

3.

4.

5.

6.

7. electromechanical (154) in the third extreme position and that it does not activate any of the contactors (152, 154) in the second intermediate position. Cooking appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises means (40) for detecting the lower threshold (Sc) of the level of the oil contained in the upper cooking tank (20), said sensor (40) being connected to the heating means (30) to deactivate the latter in the first extreme position of the manual actuator (151) as soon as said lower threshold (Sc) is reached. Cooking appliance (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the threshold detection means (40) (Sc) comprise: - a vertical pipe (41) having a lower end (42) disposed near and substantially above the drain orifice (24) so ​​that the oil present in the upper cooking tank (20) can enter said pipe (41) and rise, by the communicating vessels effect, to an oil level identical to that inside said tank (20), and - a lower threshold (Sc) capacitive type oil level sensor (50) disposed opposite the pipeline (41) at a level corresponding to said threshold (Sc). Cooking appliance (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the sensor 50) is adjustable in sensitivity, preferably from outside the chassis (10). Cooking appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises a lower threshold sensor (120) (Sb) of the level of the oil contained in the lower recovery tray (100), said sensor (120) being connected to the pumping means (110) to deactivate the latter in the third extreme position of the manual actuator (151) as soon as said lower threshold (Sb) is reached. Cooking appliance (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the lower threshold (Sb) oil level sensor (120) in the lower recovery tank (100) comprises a detector measuring the weight of said tank (100) and the quantity of oil contained, said detector being calibrated to a weight value below which the pumping means (110) stop automatically.

8. Cooking appliance (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the weight detector connects the lower oil recovery tray to the chassis by means of an adjustable spring system (122) connected to the chassis (10) at different points (13) each corresponding to a different tare.

9. Cooking appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pumping means (110) comprise a pump (111) and a flexible suction hose (112) plunging to the bottom of the lower oil recovery tray (100).

10. Cooking appliance (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the suction pipe (112) has a suction end (113) oriented upwards, opposite the bottom of the lower oil recovery tray (100).

11. Cooking appliance (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the suction end (112) of the suction pipe is equipped with a removable strainer.

12. Cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the chassis (10) has a support hook (115) for the suction pipe (112) in particular when the lower oil recovery tray (100) is removed.

13. Cooking apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pumping means (110) are connected to the drain / fill port (24) located at the bottom of the upper cooking tank (20) so that the evacuation of the oil to the lower recovery tank (100) is carried out by gravity through the three-way valve (150) in the second position thereof and the filling of the lower recovery tank (100) with oil to the upper cooking tank (20) is carried out by pumping through said drain port (24) using the pumping means (110).

14. Cooking appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower oil recovery tray (100) is removably supported by a sliding support (70) along parallel rails (60) fixed to the chassis (10), said sliding support (70) being further detachable from said rails (60) to be removed from said chassis (10) from the front and / or the rear thereof.

15. Cooking appliance (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the sliding support (70) has a base (72) having in the rear part protrusions / pins (73) on which rests the lower oil recovery tray (100) so that the latter is not horizontal but raised at the rear to be inclined towards the front of the appliance (1).

16. Cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 15, characterized in that the sliding support (70) has at least one retractable foot (140), in particular automatically deployable when said support (70) is taken out of the frame (10) and retractable when said support (70) is taken into said frame (10).

17. Cooking appliance (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that each leg (140) comprises: - a first support portion (141) articulated about a first transverse axis (142), said first portion (141) being folded forward along a lateral wall (71) of the sliding support (70) when the latter is in a first position retracted into the frame (10) and unfolded downwards to be placed substantially vertically on the floor when said sliding support (70) is in a second position extended out of the frame (10), and - a second portion (146) articulated about a second transverse axis (147), said second portion (146) comprising a ratchet (149) engaged in a recess (144) of the first support portion (141) to lock the latter in the second position of the leg (140) and disengaged from said recess (144) when the sliding support passes (70) from the second position to the first position.

18. Cooking apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 16 to 17, characterized in that it comprises two identical feet (140) spaced transversely on either side of the lower oil recovery tray (100), said feet (140) being connected to each other by a transverse bar (145) passing under the sliding support (70).

19. Cooking appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises a removable filter (130) resting on the lower oil recovery tray (100) by means of three tabs (136) each equipped with a locking hook (136) limiting the lateral and transverse sliding of said filter (130). 21

20. Cooking apparatus (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that the filter (130) comprises a support structure (31) resting on the lower oil recovery tray (100) and a filtration structure (132) formed by a substantially conical mesh intended to receive a removable fabric filtration cone.

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