Apparatus and method for treating food placed in a container

Abstract

To provide a device for processing foods arranged in a vessel which can be cleaned more easily, and an improved method for handling such a device.SOLUTION: A device for processing foods received in a vessel 2, in particular pre-prepared foods, includes a steam generator unit for generating steam, and a steam probe 5 with at least one steam discharge opening, and comprises a steam delivery unit 4 which is connected to the steam generator unit in a steam-conductive manner via a steam feed line 23. The device further comprises a coupling mechanism 10 which includes locking means 11 and which releasably connects the steam delivery unit 4 to the steam feed line 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing food, in particular cooked food, contained in a container, as defined in the preamble of claim 1, comprising a steam generation unit, preferably arranged in a housing, for generating steam, and a steam delivery unit, including a steam probe having at least one steam outlet (steam discharge unit) and connected to the steam generation unit via a steam supply line in a steam conducting manner. The invention further relates to a method for operating such an apparatus as claimed in claim 14. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a device for cooking food placed in a container, the device comprising a steam probe for delivering steam to the cooked food to be heated, the steam delivery unit being rigidly connected to a steam supply line, the steam delivery unit being rotatable about a rotation axis so as to improve the distribution of the steam and to mix the cooked food. The value of this known device has been proven. However, it is desirable to have one that is easier to clean. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] DE 102015221005 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Starting from the above-mentioned prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved device for cooking food placed in a container, which can be more easily cleaned, and a method for treating such a device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] With regard to the device, the above object is achieved by the features of claim 1, i.e. for a universal device, comprising a coupling mechanism including locking means for detachably coupling, in particular without tools, a steam delivery unit to a steam supply line. For this purpose, preferably, the steam delivery unit has a coupling section, in particular an elongated coupling section, which couples, in particular translationally couples, with the coupling mechanism, preferably which is inserted, in particular translationally inserted, into the coupling mechanism.

[0006] As regards the method, the above object is achieved by the features of claim 14, i.e. for a general method, whereby after release (unlocking) of the locking means, in particular manual release (unlocking), the steam delivery unit is separated from the steam supply line and preferably thereafter the steam delivery unit is washed, in particular in a dishwasher.

[0007] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims. Every combination of two or more features disclosed in the description and / or claims and / or drawings forms part of the scope of the invention.

[0008] To avoid repetition, features disclosed in relation to the apparatus are also deemed to relate to the method. Similarly, features disclosed in the context of a method are also considered to be related to an apparatus and thus may be claimed in an apparatus claim.

[0009] The idea of ​​the invention is that by disposing the steam delivery unit in a detachable manner in the steam supply line, rather than by permanently fixing the steam delivery unit in the steam supply line, after processing, in particular heating, a certain number of food products, preferably cooked food products, the steam delivery unit can be automatically washed separately from the steam supply line, for example in a dishwasher that is typically provided in restaurants or homes, without the need to manually wash the device or the housing of the device as before, which allows for a much more efficient and convenient cleaning.

[0010] To implement the invention, the device comprises a coupling mechanism for detachably connecting the steam delivery unit to the steam supply line, the coupling mechanism being adapted to lock or fix the steam delivery unit in a mounting or fixed position, in particular comprises a locking means capable of locking or fixing the steam delivery unit against removal in the opposite direction to the mounting or fixing direction. Preferably, the coupling mechanism is realized to allow the steam delivery unit to be mounted and fixed, in particular to allow the connection section of the steam delivery unit to be axially inserted into the coupling mechanism by a translational mounting movement, preferably along a rotation axis, which is set out in one embodiment of the present invention, as described below. In a preferred embodiment, the steam delivery unit is capable of rotating about the rotation axis, preferably together with the coupling mechanism, to improve the distribution of steam. The coupling mechanism and the locking means of the coupling mechanism may be realized in alternative embodiments, for example in the form of a quick lock, for example in the form of a bayonet lock for tool-free mounting.

[0011] In a highly preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention, at least a part of the steam delivery unit comprising the steam probe, in particular the whole steam delivery unit (detachably or releasably fixable) is made rotatable about a rotation axis, in particular back and forth, so as to improve the distribution of steam in the food and / or to mix the food. In particular for the preparation of certain foods such as spaghetti, said rotational movement is realised as a back and forth movement, i.e. as an alternating movement in two opposite rotational directions, in order to avoid the food wrapping around at least one, preferably several, steam probes. The rotation axis, preferably realised as a vertical axis, is preferably also the mounting axis for the translational displacement of the steam delivery unit for coupling and locking it to the coupling mechanism, and for the reverse displacement for decoupling or removing it. To be able to rotate the steam delivery unit about the rotation axis, the coupling mechanism comprises corresponding torque transmission means for establishing a torque-transmitting connection with a drive motor, preferably installed in the housing of the device, very preferably an electric drive motor. Very preferably, the torque transmission means comprises a receiving part, in particular a central receiving part, which when the steam delivery unit is mounted, can radially engage with the axis of rotation into a corresponding radial recess in the aforementioned connection section, in particular in the elongated connection section, more precisely in the drive section of the connection section, of the steam delivery unit, thereby driving the steam delivery unit in rotation. Very preferably, the torque transmission means is furthermore realized as a gear or as having a gear ring on the periphery, the teeth of which are in particular at least 1. The steam delivery unit is connected to a drive motor via a gear or a drive screw in such a way that it can transmit a corresponding torque to the drive motor. Preferably, the torque transmission means interacts with the aforementioned coupling section of the steam delivery unit, which preferably extends along the axis of rotation.

[0012] In a highly preferred embodiment of the device and the method, a hood separate from the steam delivery unit is arranged above the steam delivery unit, in particular above the steam probe. The hood is arranged in a manner such that, together with the container (which is preferably not part of the device), it realizes a cooking chamber in which steam is applied to the food. Preferably, the hood has the function of a pressurizing device and presses against the container during the steaming operation. The hood is attached to the steam delivery unit and the steam delivery unit is rotatable about the axis of rotation relative to the hood. In one embodiment of the invention, the hood can be removed, i.e. detached or separated, together with the steam delivery unit from the coupling mechanism. Preferably, the hood is arranged loosely on the steam delivery unit or is fixed to the steam delivery unit in such a way that it can be attached and detached, preferably without tools. When the steam delivery unit is fixed to the coupling mechanism, the hood is constrained between the lower part of the steam delivery unit comprising the at least one steam probe and the housing of the device, in particular the housing of a lifting unit. The hood can be easily removed from the steam delivery unit by a user and can be washed separately from the steam delivery unit after the steam delivery unit has been removed from the coupling mechanism, in particular in a dishwasher. Preferably, the hood has the aforementioned coupling section of the steam delivery unit passing through it along the axis of rotation.

[0013] In a highly preferred embodiment, the locking means is realized in such a way that it automatically locks, in particular axially locks, the steam delivery unit to the coupling mechanism when the steam delivery unit is moved, in particular translationally, preferably manually, into a fixed or installed position. For this purpose, the locking means preferably comprises spring means which can cause the locking means to open automatically during the installation process (in particular during the insertion process of the connection section into the coupling mechanism) and which ensures that the locking means is automatically moved again into the locked state when the steam delivery unit reaches the target installed or fixed position in the coupling mechanism, in which a steam conducting connection with the steam supply line is established. In this way, the device can be handled very simply. To release the lock, the locking means only needs to be moved, by means of a drive or preferably manually, into the release or unlocked position (released state), whereby the connection section can be removed from the coupling mechanism.

[0014] In detail, the locking means preferably comprises a locking element which interacts directly with the steam delivery unit, in particular with a locking section, in particular with a locking section realised at one end of the aforementioned connection section, which locking element can be displaced, preferably by rotation, between a locked position, which prevents detachment of the steam delivery unit, and a released position, i.e. the locking element preferably opens an axial installation / detachment path in the released position and blocks said path in the locked position. To do this, the locking element preferably interacts with the aforementioned locking section of the connection section of the steam delivery unit. Preferably, the locking section is connected to a torque-receiving section of the connection section. The locking element is preferably provided with a locking mechanism for locking the steam delivery unit in a locking position, the locking element being provided with a locking lever and a locking member for locking the steam delivery unit in a locking position, the locking element being provided with a locking member for locking the steam delivery unit in a locking position, the locking member ... The actuator must be displaced from the locked position to the unlocked position against the spring force by means of the actuation unit.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, the actuation unit, in particular the rocker lever of the actuation unit, is releasably, i.e. non-permanently, force-transmittingly coupled to the locking element, in order to allow the steam delivery unit to rotate together with the coupling mechanism, in particular in the mounted and fixed state, and in the locked position of the locking element, the actuation unit is decoupled, in particular disengaged, from the locking element, allowing the locking element, in particular the entire coupling mechanism, to rotate together with the steam delivery unit around the rotation axis. In other words, the actuation unit, in particular the rocker lever of the actuation unit, is displaceable between a first and a second displacement position and is not torque-transmittingly coupled to the locking element in either final displacement position. In one of these positions, the locking element is free to move and rotate together with the steam delivery unit.

[0016] Very preferably, the actuating unit has a toothing section which meshes with a gear ring of the locking element. Very preferably, the toothing section is embodied and / or arranged so as to be radially elastic with respect to the gear ring, so that the toothing section can spring back when the toothing section and the gear ring mesh tooth-to-tooth.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, in order to further reduce tooth-tooth problems between the toothing section of the actuation unit and the gear ring of the locking element, synchronizing means are assigned to the toothing section, which synchronize the toothing of the toothing section with the toothing of the gear ring. Preferably, said synchronizing means can be activated by displacing the actuation unit, in particular a rocker lever of the actuation unit. Preferably, said synchronizing means are realized in such a way that before the toothing section of the actuation unit engages with the gear ring of the locking element, they rotate the locking element, preferably the entire coupling mechanism, a little around the rotation axis, thereby ensuring that the teeth of the toothing section engage with the inter-tooth spaces or inter-tooth gaps of the gear ring.

[0018] Preferably, the synchronizing means comprises a preferably hook-shaped synchronizing element, in particular embodied and / or arranged to be elastic, which has at least one synchronizing tooth meshing with the gearing of the locking element or with any drive gearing of the coupling mechanism which is rotatable together with the gearing of the locking element and drives the steam delivery unit in rotation. Preferably, the drive gearing is fixedly aligned with the gearing of the locking element, i.e. non-rotatably located with respect to said gearing, at least in the locked position of the locking element, in particular by means of the aforementioned spring section, which is preferably provided and which permanently applies a spring force to the locking element towards the locked position of the locking element. The synchronizing tooth is offset with respect to the teeth of the toothing section by a distance which is not evenly divisible, preferably by the tooth extension of the meshing of the toothing section. In other words, this distance does not correspond to a multiple of the tooth pitch. Preferably, the synchronizing means is realised to synchronize the teeth of the gearing and the toothing section of the actuating unit by rotating the gearing before the toothing section of the actuating unit meshes with, i.e. engages with, the gearing.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the device comprises sensor means for ensuring reliability of operation. Preferably, sensor means are provided for monitoring the state (locked and / or unlocked) of the locking means. Preferably, said sensor means are connected to a controller of the device, which causes or allows the delivery of steam only if a locked state is detected by said sensor means. Alternatively or preferably in addition, sensor means are provided that can monitor whether a steam delivery unit is (actually) releasably located in the coupling mechanism, i.e. whether said steam delivery unit is in a mounted position for connection to the steam supply line. Preferably, such sensor means (also such sensor means) are connected to the controller of the device, and the start or release of steam is triggered only if said sensor means detects the presence or corresponding installation of said steam delivery unit.

[0020] Very advantageously, a positioning element, preferably a link guide type positioning element, is assigned to the sensor means, in particular the sensor means monitoring the state of the locking means, which is able to displace, in particular axially, relative to a sensor of the sensor means, in particular a switch of the sensor means, when the locking means is activated, in particular a rotation of the locking element, thereby activating the switch, if present, i.e. to sense or detect the locked and / or unlocked state of the locking means, if present, a switch.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a relative movement drive, in particular a lifting drive, which brings about a translational relative movement between the steam delivery unit and the container and / or the surface supporting the container, generally allowing an active displacement of the steam delivery unit and / or the container. However, in another preferred embodiment, a fixed container and a steam delivery unit that can be actively displaced relative to the container are provided. In a very preferred embodiment, the lifting drive ensures that the hood described above, as provided in one embodiment of the invention, can be placed on the container to hold it down or apply a force to it, and between the hood and the container a cooking chamber for steam treatment is realized. Preferably, the lifting unit with the coupling mechanism is vertically displaced by the lifting drive. Preferably, the coupling mechanism and a drive, preferably an electric drive, which rotates the coupling mechanism together with the steam delivery unit fixed in the coupling mechanism are located in the housing of the lifting unit.

[0022] In a highly preferred embodiment, the steam delivery unit is made up of multiple parts and has a lower part with multiple steam probes, which together with a lid fixed to the lower part defines a steam distribution space in which steam can be distributed to the multiple steam probes. Preferably, multiple steam distribution lines extend in the steam distribution space, each between one of the steam probes and a steam distribution section of a steam line, preferably centrally located in the steam delivery unit. Preferably, the distribution lines and / or the steam distribution section are made of metal.

[0023] The invention further relates to a method for treating the device as detailed above. The features disclosed in relation to the device are also deemed to relate to the method, which is characterized in that after unlocking, in particular manual unlocking, of the locking means, i.e. after moving the locking means into an unlocked operating state or into a unlocked position, the steam delivery unit is separated from the steam supply line (and the coupling mechanism), preferably together with any of the above-mentioned hoods realizing a cooking chamber. In a further highly preferred method step, the steam delivery unit (and, if necessary, also the hood removably arranged on the steam delivery unit) is washed and then cooled. After removing the hood, the dishwasher is washed, in particular in a dishwasher.

[0024] Further advantages, features and details of the invention can be derived from the following description of exemplary preferred embodiments and from the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention for cooking food placed in a container, suitable and intended for carrying out the method according to the invention; FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a unit of the apparatus to which a steam delivery unit is detachably fixed and which can be displaced vertically by a lifting drive unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is an exploded view showing a coupling mechanism including a locking means for receiving a vapor delivery unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a lower part of the coupling mechanism. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of the coupling mechanism after installation. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 shows a functional unit of the coupling mechanism, consisting of a locking element and a positioning element which can be translated, in this example vertically, upon rotation of the locking element and which serves to interact with the sensor means. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows how the functional units of FIG. 6 interact with a sensor realized as a microswitch. [Figure 8a] FIG. 2 shows a view of a locking means actuation unit with a rocking lever, in which a locking element displaceable by said locking means is depicted in the release position. [Figure 8b] FIG. 8b shows the arrangement of FIG. 8a in a locked position. [Figure 9a] 1 shows different operating states of a locking means incorporating synchronizing means for synchronizing the gearing of the locking element with the toothing section of the actuation unit; FIG. [Figure 9b] 5A-5C show other operating states of a locking means incorporating synchronizing means for bringing the gearing of the locking element into synchronism with the toothing section of the actuation unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a steam delivery unit with a hood positioned on the steam delivery unit to provide a cooking chamber in cooperation with a container containing the food to be heated. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a vapor delivery unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] In the drawings, the same components or components having the same functions are given the same reference numerals.

[0027] In Fig. 1, a device 1 for cooking food placed in a container 2 is shown. The device 1 comprises a housing 3 in which a steam generating unit (not shown) is installed and, if necessary, a steam overheating unit arranged downstream of the steam generating unit for providing steam. Depending on the concrete embodiment of the device 1, steam can be generated using water stored in a water tank of the device and / or using fresh water provided via a fresh water connection. The steam generating unit is connected in steam communication via a steam supply line (not shown) (see Fig. 4, reference 23) to a steam delivery unit 4, which comprises a number of elongated steam probes 5, each having at least one outlet opening or steam delivery port. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a lifting unit, reference 6, can be translated vertically between an open position shown in Fig. 1 and a lower functional position by means of a lifting drive. In the open position, a container can be placed under the steam delivery unit 4 or removed from under it. In the lower functional position, a hood 7 arranged on the steam delivery unit 4 is arranged above the container 2 to realize a cooking chamber. As will be described later, the steam delivery unit 4 is able to rotate relative to the hood 7 about an axis of rotation coinciding with the vertical axis of displacement of the lifting unit 6.

[0028] 2 is an enlarged view of the lifting unit 6 to which the steam delivery unit 4 is detachably fixed. The lifting unit 6 is provided therein with a coupling mechanism, described below, for receiving the steam delivery unit 4. The steam delivery unit 4 can be locked or fixed against removal by a locking means having an actuation unit 8 (a manual actuation unit in this example) with a rocking lever 9.

[0029] FIG. 3 shows the coupling mechanism 10 as described above in an exploded view. During the locked state of the locking means 11, more precisely of the locking element 12, the coupling mechanism 10 is allowed to rotate about the rotation axis R. For this purpose, the coupling mechanism 10 includes a drive gearing 13, in this example as part of a bearing sleeve. In the mounted state, the drive gearing 13 is fixedly or non-rotatably arranged with a receiving part 14 which receives an elongated coupling section (see reference number 38 in FIGS. 10 and 11) of the steam delivery unit 4. The receiving part 14, together with the drive gearing 13, forms part of a torque transmission means for transmitting the drive torque of an electric drive motor (not shown) in the housing 3, for example of the lifting unit 6 (see FIG. 2), and of the steam delivery unit 4. For this purpose, the receiving part 14 radially engages into a corresponding recess in the drive section of said coupling section of the steam delivery unit 4. This causes the vapour delivery unit 4 to rotate, preferably back and forth, about the axis of rotation R when the drive gear ring 13 rotates circumferentially.

[0030] The coupling mechanism 10 also includes the aforementioned locking element 12 for locking or fixing the vapor delivery unit 4 in the coupling mechanism 10. For this purpose, the locking element 12 is allowed to rotate only through a limited angle, e.g. 30°, about a rotation axis R relative to the drive gearing 13, as shown in Figure 5, i.e. between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking element 12 is allowed to rotate about the rotation axis R together with the drive gearing 13 or in a coupling movement synchronous with the drive gearing 13.

[0031] As will be described below, when the locking element 12 is displaced between said release position and said locking position, the positioning element 15 is displaced axially with respect to a sensor 30 of the sensor means by a corresponding guide mechanism, whereby said locked state is sensed.

[0032] As can be seen from figure 3, the locking element 12 is assigned a spring 16 (spring means) which applies a spring force to the locking element 12 in the direction of the locking position of the locking element 12. In this example, the spring 16 is realised as a torsion spring.

[0033] 3 further shows the axial fit of the locking element 12, the drive gear ring 13 and the optional positioning element 15 between two rolling bearings 17, 18. In this example, the rolling bearings 17, 18 are realised as deep groove ball bearings. The rolling bearings 17, 18 serve to radially support the rotatable coupling mechanism 10 in the lifting unit 6.

[0034] FIG. 3 further illustrates how a centering member 19 having an inner rotating seal 20 is axially received within the bearing sleeve having the drive gear ring 13 and secured thereto by a lid 21 which is threadedly fitted onto the bearing sleeve.

[0035] 4 is a cross-sectional view of a coupling mechanism 10, in particular a coupling section for transmitting torque to an interposed coupling or drive section (not shown) of a steam delivery unit 4. The receiving portion 14 or the drive web 22 is shown facing radially inward.

[0036] A steam supply line 23, which is connected in steam communication to the steam generating unit, terminates in the coupling arrangement 10. The steam generating unit is provided with a ring seal 24 on its periphery, which is realized as an O-ring seal providing a radial seal, particularly for the central steam line portion, within the connection section of the removable steam delivery unit 4 as shown.

[0037] A locking element 12 is also shown which in the locked position defines, locks or blocks an upper located lock chamber 25, whilst in the released position it opens said chamber to allow the steam delivery unit 4 to be removed axially.

[0038] 6 and 7 show additional details for detecting or sensing the state of the locking means 11. The locking element 12 is shown with a gear ring 26 on its circumference. Also shown is an axial through passage 27 with four radial sections 28, arranged in the shape of a cross in this example. In the release position, these radial sections 28 can be passed through a matching realized connection section of the steam delivery unit 4, i.e. by inserting the locking section of said connection section into the locking space 25 in FIG. 4. When the locking element 12 is rotated, the radial sections 28 rotate or are offset with respect to the matching part in the connection section or in the locking section, so that it is not possible to remove said section in the opposite direction to the mounting direction.

[0039] Rotation of the locking element 12 leads to axial displacement of the positioning element 15 along said axis of rotation by means of a corresponding guiding mechanism 29, i.e. upwards or downwards depending on the direction of rotation. As shown in Figure 7, when the positioning element 15 is displaced axially downwards, it starts to interact with a sensor 30, realized as a microswitch, of the sensor means detecting the state (locked and / or unlocked) of the locking means. Additional sensor means detecting the vapour delivery unit 4 in the mounted position are not shown. It is conceivable to use a pressure switch, but also other kinds of sensors, such as magnetic sensors.

[0040] An actuation unit 8 is provided for displacing the locking element 12 from its unlocked position (see FIG. 8a) to a locked position shown in FIG. 8b. In this example, the actuation unit 8 is manually operable. The actuation unit 8 comprises the aforementioned rocker lever 9 which can be rocked between two positions, namely a first rocker position shown in FIG. 8a and a second rocker position shown in FIG. 8b. In the first rocker position, the toothed section 32 is not engaged with the locking element 12 and the coupling mechanism 10, so that the coupling mechanism 10 can rotate freely about the axis of rotation R. In the second position, the toothed section 32 engages with teeth of the gear ring 26 of the locking element 12.

[0041] The tooth section 32 is realized as being radially elastic in the spring section 33 so that it can jump against or on the gear ring 26 or the locking element 12 if the teeth of the tooth section 32 and the gear ring 26 mesh.

[0042] In order to reduce the risk of teeth meshing, the device 1 in this example is provided with a synchronization means 34, which allows the coupling mechanism 10 to be rotated slightly so that the teeth of the toothing section 32 and the teeth of the gear ring 26 are synchronized before they mesh and engage with each other. 2. The drive gear ring 13 may be configured to directly interface with the bearing ring 26 or directly interface with the drive gear ring 13. The latter embodiment is preferred and is also implemented in this example.

[0043] In this example, the synchronizing means 34 comprise a hook-shaped synchronizing element acting as a locking lever 35, which blocks the bearing sleeve or the drive gear ring 13 when the rocker lever 9 is actuated. The engagement is achieved by means of a tooth 36 at the end part of a hook 37 of the synchronizing element which is realized radially elastically with respect to the drive gear ring 13.

[0044] FIG. 10 partially shows a preferred embodiment of the steam delivery unit 4, including steam probes 5 extending along the axis of rotation R. These steam probes 5 have steam outlet openings at their ends. In a preferred embodiment, a hood 7 is arranged on the steam delivery unit 4 in a non-coupled manner, through which a coupling section 38 of the steam delivery unit 4 passes in the axial direction. The coupling section 38 has a (lower) drive section 47 for torque-transmitting coupling with the receiver 14, i.e. with said torque-transmitting means of the coupling mechanism 10 (see FIGS. 3 and 4), and at one end a lock section 40 which can pass through the through passage 27 in said release position of the locking element 12 and which is held or blocked by the locking element 12 in said locked position. The lock section 40 and the drive section 47 are axially separated. The lock section 40 of the coupling section 38 is at the axially free end of the coupling section 38. The gap between the drive section 47 and the lock section 40 is formed as a slot or groove, and the lock element 12 engages in the gap to secure the steam delivery unit in the locked position against axial removal. FIG. 10 shows that the hood 7 has a side outlet 41 for excess steam during the heating process.

[0045] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the steam delivery unit 4. The steam delivery unit 4 is composed of several parts, and has a plastic lid part 42 fixed to a lower part 43, for example by screwing. The lower part 43 is also made of plastic. The lower part 43 is equipped with several probes 5 to which steam is introduced via steam distribution lines 44 provided in a steam distribution space 45 defined by the lid part 42 and the lower part 43. The steam distribution lines 44 connect the steam probes 5 to a distribution section 39 of the steam line 31 located in the center of the connection section 38. When the steam delivery unit 4 is mounted in the coupling mechanism 10, the steam line 31 is connected to the steam supply line 23 (see FIG. 4) so ​​as to be capable of conducting steam, and can rotate (together with the other parts of the steam delivery unit 4) relative to the steam supply line 23. The steam distribution lines 44 and the distribution section 39 are made of metal. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 1 device 2 containers 3. Housing 4 Steam Delivery Unit 5 Steam Probe 6 Lifting unit 7. Food 8. Operating Unit 9. Oscillating lever of the operating unit 10 Coupling mechanism 11 Locking means 12 Rock Elements 13 Drive Gearing 14 Reception Department 15 Positioning Elements 16 Spring 17 Rolling bearings 18 Rolling bearings 19 Centering member 20 Rotating Seal 21 Lid 22 Drive Web 23 Steam supply line 24 Ring Seal 25 Rock Space 26 Gearing 27 Through passage 28 Radial Section 29 Guide mechanism 30 Sensors 31 Steam Line 32 Tooth Section 33 Spring Section 34 Synchronization methods 35 Lock lever 36 teeth 37 Hook 38 Connected Section 39 Distribution Section 40 Rock Section 41 Outlet 42 Lid 43 Lower 44 Steam distribution line 45 Steam distribution space 47 Drive Section R rotation axis

Claims

1. An apparatus for processing food contained in a container (2), comprising: A steam generating unit that generates steam; a steam delivery unit (4) including a steam probe (5) having at least one steam outlet and connected to said steam generating unit via a steam supply line (23) for steam communication therewith, a coupling mechanism (10) including a locking means (11) for detachably connecting the steam delivery unit (4) to the steam supply line (23); CHARACTERIZED IN THAT said locking means (11) comprises a locking element (12) displaceable between a locked position and an unlocked position, said locking element (12) being displaceable between its locked position and its unlocked position by manual or automatic displacement of an actuation unit (8) having an actuation unit (8), and said entire steam delivery unit (4) being reciprocally rotatable about a rotation axis (R).

2. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that a hood is arranged on the steam delivery unit (4) which together with the container (2) creates a cooking chamber, said hood being capable of being removed together with the steam delivery unit (4) after unlocking the locking means (11).

3. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking means (11) are realised to automatically lock the steam delivery unit (4) by moving said steam delivery unit (4) into a fixed position.

4. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuation unit (8) is capable of being releasably and force-transmittingly coupled to the locking element (12), and that disengaging the actuation unit (8) from the locking element (12) in the locked position renders the locking element (12) rotatable.

5. 5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the actuating unit (8) comprises a toothed section (32) which meshes with a gear ring (26) of the locking element (12).

6. 6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that said toothing section (32) is assigned a synchronizing means (34) for synchronizing the teeth of said toothing section (32) with the teeth of said gear ring (26).

7. 7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that sensor means for monitoring the state of the locking means (11) and / or the presence of the steam delivery unit (4) are provided in a mounting position connected to the steam supply line (23).

8. 8. A device according to claim 7, characterized in that, when the locking means (11) is activated, a positioning element (15) is applied to the sensor of the sensor means with respect to said sensor means.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising:

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a relative motion drive for inducing a translational relative motion between said vapor delivery unit (4) and said container (2).

10. 10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the steam delivery unit (4) has a lower part (43) equipped with a plurality of steam probes (5), the lower part defining, together with a lid part (42) fixed to the lower part, a steam distribution space (45) in which steam can be distributed to the plurality of steam probes (5).

11. A method for handling a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising the steps of: After unlocking of the locking means (11), the steam delivery unit (4) is disconnected from the steam supply line (23), At least a part of the steam delivery unit (4) comprising the steam probe (5) is rotatable about a rotation axis (R); and The coupling mechanism (10) is adapted to couple the steam delivery unit (4) to the steam supply line (23) for transmitting a drive torque to said steam delivery unit (4).

12. 12. The method according to claim 11 when dependent on claim 2, characterized in that the steam delivery unit (4) together with the hood (7) is disconnected from the steam supply line (23).

Images