Bayonet-type pressure cooker with control module

Abstract

To propose a new food product pressure cooker which can be easily and flexibly manufactured even having a simple and inexpensive design, which simplifies washing, storage and possible repair of the cooker and has the design that allows easy upgrade of washing, storage and repair of the cooker.SOLUTION: A bayonet pressure cooker comprises: a bowl (2); a lid (3); a support (10); a manual locking / unlocking control member (11) attached to the support (10); a drive structure which is conveyed by the manual control member; a driven structure which is connected to the lid and engaged with the drive structure; and pressure adjustment means. The cooker includes a control module which is detachably attached to the lid and supports at least the pressure adjustment means and the driven structure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the general technical field of pressure cooking appliances for food, and in particular to a domestic appliance of the pressure cooker type intended to create a cooking chamber in which pressure builds up and ensures steam pressure cooking of the food contained therein. [Background technology]

[0002] The present invention more particularly relates to a bowl and a lid intended to be locked to said bowl and to form together with said bowl a cooking chamber adapted for pressure buildup; a bayonet locking system configured to securely lock and unlock the lid to the bowl by pivoting the lid relative to the bowl; a support intended to be attached to the lid so that the lid can pivot relatively about a first axis of rotation between two positions corresponding to an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, respectively; a manually operable locking / unlocking control member intended to be attached to said support by a mechanical link allowing manual movement of said control member relative to said support; a conversion device for converting manual movement of the control member into pivoting of the lid relative to the support, the conversion device including at least one drive structure intended to be carried by the manual control member and at least one driven structure attached to the lid and intended to be engaged by the drive structure; and pressure regulating means for maintaining the pressure within the cooking chamber at a set level.

[0003] Pressure cookers for home use are particularly well known and generally consist of a metal bowl with a metal lid tightly attached using a flexible annular sealing gasket to form a cooking chamber in which pressure can be built up.

[0004] The lid is connected to the bowl via a locking means such that when the lid is locked to the bowl, pressure in the cooking chamber increases, and when the lock is released, the lid is free to come off the bowl.

[0005] Various types of locking means are known in the prior art, one of the most widespread systems being the bayonet locking system, which aims to implement a gradient on the bowl and lid, which ensures that after rotation of the lid they slide into contact with each other, creating a mechanical retaining link that prevents the bowl and lid from separating under the effect of increased pressure.

[0006] Whereas the lid bevel is conventionally produced by locally bending the annular descending edge of the lid inwards, the bowl bevel is obtained by bending and cutting the free upper edge of the bowl.

[0007] Such bayonet locking systems are quite satisfactory, particularly because they are relatively lightweight, easy to manufacture, and reliable.

[0008] However, in its most basic embodiment, it has some significant drawbacks, particularly in terms of practicality and ergonomics.

[0009] To solve this problem, it has been proposed that bayonet-type pressure cookers be equipped with a force reduction control mechanism based on the implementation of a rotation control arch that drives the sliding movement of the carriage and accordingly activates a rod system that allows the rotational drive of the lid.

[0010] Such systems are quite satisfactory in terms of ease of use and ergonomics, but they do have some drawbacks.

[0011] In particular, maintenance and cleaning of this known pressure cooker can prove to be complicated and tedious, especially considering the numerous components (especially moving components) attached to the lid. Therefore, washing this known pressure cooker in a dishwasher is complicated, if not impossible. Many components attached to the lid directly or indirectly ensure safety functions. Therefore, repeated thermal and mechanical stresses must be avoided, as they can cause aging and damage. Therefore, to maintain these components and mechanisms, cleaning this known appliance in a dishwasher is prohibited. Furthermore, the bulkiness of the lid of this known pressure cooker, apart from other considerations, strongly limits or even prohibits dishwasher cleaning.

[0012] Also, the bulk of the lid of this known pressure cooker complicates stocking and storage.

[0013] Furthermore, if one of the multiple moving parts (rotating arch, sliding carriage, rod, etc.) that form the force reduction system implemented by this known pressure cooker breaks or becomes damaged, repairing it can be tedious and time-consuming, even for a professional.

[0014] Finally, most of the distinctive features of the commercial range of known pressure cookers mentioned above are generally located on the components attached to the lid. In fact, these components can be designed with a shape, color, or surface texture that clearly visually identifies the pressure cooker, more easily and at lower cost than the cover itself. Therefore, it is desirable from the viewpoint of industrial standardization to manufacture pressure cookers of the same size with separate lids and bowls and differentiate them by the control components attached to the lid.

[0015] It is therefore of particular interest to carry out the industrial task of product differentiation as late as possible in order to make maximum use of inventory flexibility and to optimally adjust the production of such models to market demands.

[0016] However, the complexity of the control mechanism implemented by the known pressure cookers described herein, resulting from the implementation of multiple moving parts (rotating arches, sliding carriages, rods, etc.), and the need to implement different parts of the mechanism carried by the lid relatively early in the production line, makes the known designs potentially preclude product differentiation at the end of the industrial process. In addition to this lack of product differentiation, the known pressure cooker designs described above also fail to take advantage of the benefits of flexible and decentralized industrial organization. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0017] The object assigned to the present invention is therefore to propose a new food pressure cooker that remedies the different drawbacks listed herein and has a design that allows a particularly simple and flexible manufacture, simplifies the cleaning and storage of the appliance as well as its possible repairs, and makes it easily upgradable, while being of a particularly simple and inexpensive design.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to propose a new food pressure cooker of particularly reliable and compact design, which allows for optimized industrial production.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to propose a new food pressure cooker that is particularly convenient.

[0020] Another object of the invention is to propose a new food pressure cooker that is particularly light and robust.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to propose a new food pressure cooker designed for easy factory assembly and product differentiation.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to propose a new food pressure cooker that is safe to use.

[0023] Another object of the invention is to propose a new food pressure cooker that is particularly ergonomic and offers outstanding comfort in use.

[0024] Another object of the invention is to propose a new food pressure cooker that is particularly intuitive to use.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to propose a new food pressure cooker that is easy and convenient to store and clean in the dishwasher. [Means for solving the problem]

[0026] The food pressure cooker that achieves the object of the present invention is: a bowl and a lid that is locked to said bowl and that together with said bowl forms a cooking chamber adapted for pressure buildup; - a bayonet locking system configured to securely lock and unlock the lid to the bowl by pivoting the lid relative to the bowl; a support intended to be attached to said lid so that said lid can pivot relatively about a first axis of rotation between two positions corresponding respectively to an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration; a manually operable locking / unlocking control member intended to be attached to said support by a mechanical link allowing manual movement of said control member relative to said support; - a conversion device for converting manual movement of the control member into a pivoting of the lid relative to the support, the conversion device including at least one drive structure intended to be carried by the manual control member and at least one driven structure connected to the lid and intended to be engaged by the drive structure; - pressure adjusting means for maintaining the pressure in the cooking chamber at a set value; The device includes a control module removably attached to the lid, the control module supporting at least a first subset including at least the pressure regulating means and the driven structure.

[0027] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear in more detail on reading the following description, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, given purely by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows in a schematic perspective view a food pressure cooking appliance according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the appliance in an unlocked configuration in which the lid is placed on the bowl in a predetermined relative arrangement in which a bayonet-type locking system enables the lid to be locked to the bowl by pivoting the lid, the predetermined relative arrangement corresponding to a lock-ready configuration of the appliance in which its lock / unlock control member is placed in an extended position in response to unlocking the lid relative to the bowl. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the cooking appliance of FIG. 1, here consisting of three units respectively formed by a bowl subset, a lid, and a control module intended to be preferably removably attached to the lid, forming a lid subset intended to be added onto the bowl together with the lid. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of the cooking appliance of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a detail of the device of FIGS. 1 to 3, more precisely a detail of the realization of the lid subset, in a perspective top view. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the lid subset of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing some of the components forming the lid subset of the cookware of FIGS. 1-5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a control module mounted in the lid of the cookware of FIGS. 1 to 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a bottom view schematically showing the control module of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a lid subset of the cookware of FIG. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 shows in a schematic perspective top view the cooking appliance of the previous figure in a locked configuration, with the lid locked to the bowl and the lock / unlock control member in the folded position. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing details of the implementation of the locking cookware of FIG. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a subset of the lid of the cookware of the previous figure, the cookware being provided with an opening safety means occupying a blocking position preventing unlocking of the lid, the control member being in an intermediate position between its first and second extreme positions corresponding respectively to unlocking and locking of the lid relative to the bowl, the control member being decoupled from each of the drive structures under the effect of a decoupling actuated by a releasable linkage which ensures a mechanical link between the control member and each of the drive structures carried by the latter. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a schematic perspective view of a food pressure cooker according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a locked configuration in which the lid is locked to the bowl with the lock / unlock control member in the folded position. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective top view of the removable lid and control module from the cookware of FIG. 13, with the control module being removable from the lid. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is the same as FIG. 14 except that it is a side perspective view. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows the control module of FIGS. 14 and 15, now formed by first and second subsets that are decoupled from each other. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is the same as FIG. 16 except that it is a side perspective view. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of a subset of the lids of the cookware of FIGS. 13-17. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] As shown in the figure, the present invention relates to a food pressure cooker 1 intended to ensure the cooking of various foods at pressure levels higher than atmospheric pressure in the presence of steam, e.g., water vapor. Steam is generated by heating a cooking liquid, e.g., an aqueous liquid, in the presence of food within the appliance 1. The appliance 1 according to the present invention is primarily intended for domestic use, although it is understood that the present invention may also be relevant to professional or semi-professional appliances. The appliance 1 according to the present invention is designed so that pressure buildup occurs solely through the effect of a heat source (built-in or external) without the application of external pressure. Thus, the food pressure cooker 1 constitutes a pressure cooker and is primarily intended to be placed on a separate cooking plate to heat its contents. The cooker 1 according to the present invention includes at least a bowl 2 forming a cooking vessel intended to receive the food to be cooked. The bowl 2 has substantial rotational symmetry about a vertical central axis X-X' extending along a direction that can be likened to the vertical when the appliance 1 is in normal operation, i.e., when placed on a horizontal surface. The bowl 2 is, as before, made of a metal material such as stainless steel or aluminum. Bowl 2 comprises a bottom 2A, e.g., a multilayer heat conductor bottom. Bowl 2 also has an annular side wall 2B rising between bottom 2A and a free upper edge 2C, which here is circular and defines an opening for accessing the interior of bowl 2. The shape of this free upper edge 2C will be explained in more detail below in connection with the locking means of utensil 1. Advantageously, and as shown in the figures, cooking utensil 1 comprises at least one bowl handle 2D attached to bowl 2 in such a way that it projects outward from bowl 2. In the illustrated embodiment, bowl handle 2D is attached to the outer surface of bowl 2's side wall 2B so as to extend radially outward from bowl 2 and form a grip intended for a user to take by hand for handling bowl 2 (e.g., to lift and move it). In the illustrated embodiment, the cooking utensil 1 comprises two identical handles 2D, 2E attached to the side wall 2B of the bowl 2 in diametrically opposed relation to the central axis X-X', the bowl handles 2D, 2E being located near the free upper edge 2C of the bowl 2.However, it is entirely conceivable for the bowl 2 to have only one bowl handle or to have more than two bowl handles (for example, three or four) without thereby departing from the framework of the invention.

[0030] The appliance 1 according to the invention also comprises a lid 3, which is intended to be associated with the bowl 2 and locked to the bowl 2 to form together a cooking chamber adapted for pressure buildup, i.e., a cooking chamber sufficiently rigid to allow pressure buildup in the appliance 1. To achieve this sealed and rigid property, the appliance 1 advantageously includes a sealing gasket (not shown), for example formed by a flexible annular gasket made of elastomer, interposed between the lid 3 and the bowl 2 and intended to prevent uncontrolled leakage of steam and / or air between the interior and exterior of the cooking chamber. The lid 3 is, as before, made of a metal material such as stainless steel or aluminum. It advantageously has a shape conjugated to the shape of the bowl 2, for example a generally disk-like shape, and advantageously extends substantially parallel to the extension plane (i.e., here, a substantially horizontal plane) of the bottom 2A of the bowl 2 when it is applied to and locked to the bowl 2. The lid 3 has an inner surface 30 intended to face the bowl 2 and an opposite outer surface 31. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 3 includes a disk-shaped covering element 3A whose shape and size are conjugated with those of the access opening defined by the free upper edge 2C of the annular side wall 2B of the bowl 2. In this embodiment, the lid 3 also advantageously includes an annular band 3B, e.g., substantially cylindrical or truncated. In the illustrated embodiment, the annular band 3B is formed by a descending edge extending downward from the periphery of the disk-shaped covering element 3A. In this embodiment, the lid 3 is adapted to substantially cover the top of the bowl 2, with the annular band 3B externally surrounding the top of the annular side wall 2B and the free upper edge 2C, while the disk-shaped covering element 3A bears against the free upper edge 2C via a sealing gasket (not shown) interposed between the bowl 2 and the lid 3. However, it is entirely conceivable that the annular band 3B could alternatively be inserted into the bowl 2 and thereby be surrounded and contained by the bowl 2 without departing from the framework of the present invention.

[0031] The food pressure cooker 1 according to the present invention preferably comprises a pressure regulating means 4, which may comprise, for example, a weight- or spring-loaded valve, for maintaining the pressure in the cooking chamber at a setpoint level, which may be user-adjustable (adjustable calibration valve). Advantageously, the pressure regulating means 4 is preferably attached to the lid 3 in such a way that it is carried by the lid 3. The pressure regulating means 4 is configured to maintain the pressure in the cooking chamber at a substantially constant predetermined value (setpoint level), called the working pressure, which exceeds atmospheric pressure by a certain threshold, for example, between about 10 and 120 kPa, preferably in the order of 100 kPa. The general operating principle of such a pressure regulating means is well known per se and therefore need not be described in more detail here. It should be noted that the food pressure cooker 1 may, of course, comprise other operating elements (e.g., an open safety means 5, an overpressure safety valve 6, etc., which will be described in more detail below).

[0032] The appliance 1 according to the invention also includes a bayonet locking system in such a way that the cooking chamber formed by the association of the lid 3 with the bowl 2 can reach at least the above-mentioned operating pressure without the risk of the lid 3 escaping under the influence of the pressure in the chamber. In other words, the locking system is designed to ensure a mechanical link between the bowl 2 and the lid 3 that is strong enough to prevent the lid 3 from separating from the bowl 2 under the influence of an increase in pressure in the cooking chamber. More precisely, the bayonet locking system is designed to ensure locking and unlocking by pivoting the lid 3 relative to the bowl 2 about the vertical central axis X-X', and subsequently switch the appliance 1 from a locked, ready-to-lock configuration (FIG. 1), in which the lid 3 is placed on the bowl 2 and rests freely thereon, to a locked configuration (FIG. 10), in which the bowl 2 and the lid 3 interact with each other to prevent their free separation, and vice versa. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the appliance 1 is switched from the ready-to-lock configuration to the locked configuration by rotating the lid 3 in a first direction relative to the bowl 2 along a predetermined angular stroke (e.g., 10° to 30°, preferably 10° to 20°, e.g., 15°) about the central axis X-X'. Conversely, the appliance 1 is switched from the locked configuration to the ready-to-lock configuration by rotating the lid 3 in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the bowl 2 along a predetermined angular stroke about the central axis X-X'. The bayonet locking system of the cooking appliance 1 advantageously comprises first and second series of protrusions 7A-7J, 8A-8J, which are integral with the lid 3 (see Figures 5, 15, 18) and the bowl 2 (see Figure 2), respectively, and which are designed to engage with and separate from each other upon rotation of the lid 3 relative to the bowl 2 along a predetermined angular stroke about the vertical central axis X-X' to ensure locking and unlocking of the lid 3 relative to the bowl 2. As is well known, the first and second series of projections 7A-7J, 8A-8J, respectively, are intended to cooperate two-to-two, i.e. each projection of one series passes under a corresponding projection of the other series, upon rotation of the lid 3 relative to the bowl 2, thereby locking the lid 3 relative to the bowl 2.In the illustrated embodiment, a first series of projections 7A-7J integral with lid 3 project radially toward the inside of lid 3, while a second series of projections 8A-8J integral with bowl 2 project radially from the outer surface of sidewall 2B of bowl 2 toward the outside of bowl 2. However, it is entirely conceivable that locking projections 7A-7J of lid 3 project toward the outside of lid 3, and then projections 8A-8J of bowl 2 project radially toward the inside of bowl 2. Thus, the present invention is not limited to a particular configuration of the locking ramps (formed by projections 7A-7J, 8A-8J) of the bayonet system, but essentially, it is the lid projections 7A-7J and bowl projections 8A-8J that form the lid ramp and bowl ramp, respectively. Relative rotation of bowl 2 and lid 3 about vertical central axis X-X' cooperates with each other so that the lid ramp is below the bowl ramp, forming a mechanical link between bowl 2 and lid 3 that can resist internal pressure within the cooking chamber. In the illustrated example, each of the projections 7A-7J on the lid is constituted by a volume element resulting from a local volumetric deformation of the material encasing the lid 3, more precisely, the annular band 3B on which the projections 7A-7J are preferably arranged at regular intervals. Each projection thus forms an integral bulge with the annular band 3B, protruding from the band by defining a convex inner surface on one side and an opposite concave outer surface on the other side, corresponding, for example, to the application marks of a forming tool, preferably a drawing tool. However, the invention is not absolutely limited to the specific embodiment of the projections 7A-7J, particularly those obtained by drawing, such as the example shown in the figure. For example, it is entirely conceivable for the projections 7A-7J on the lid to be formed by a flat tab obtained by a local inward folding of the free edge of the annular band 3B of the lid 3. In the example shown, bowl projections 8A-8J are formed by annular rims projecting outward from free upper edge 2C, and recesses 9A-9J are formed through the annular rim to allow passage of lid projections 7A-7J, such that the portions of the annular rim extending between each recess 9A-9J form respective bowl ramps intended to cooperate with lid projections 7A-7J forming lid ramps. Thus, when lid 3 covers bowl 2, lid projections 7A-7J can pass through recesses 9A-9J to reach a position lower than the annular rim.The appliance 1 is then in a pre-lock configuration (also called a wait-to-lock configuration), from which the locked configuration can be reached simply by rotating the lid 5 relative to the bowl 2 about the vertical axis X-X', which has the effect of angularly offsetting the projections 7A-7J and annular rim recesses 9A-9J of the lid 3, providing a "bayonet" type lock.

[0033] According to the invention, the appliance 1 also comprises a support 10 intended to be attached to the lid 3 in a removable (FIGS. 1-12) or permanent (FIGS. 13-18) manner, so that the lid 3 can pivot relative to the support 10 about a first axis of rotation Y-Y' (which merges with the vertical central axis X-X' when the lid 3 is placed on the bowl 2) between two positions corresponding to an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, respectively. The pivot link between the lid 3 and the support 10 can be made by any known means. The two positions into which the lid 3 can pivot relative to the support 10 are separated by a predetermined angular stroke corresponding to that required for the appliance 1 to switch from the pre-locked configuration shown in FIG. 1 to, for example, the locked configuration shown in FIGS. 10 and 13.

[0034] Preferably, the device 1 comprises a lid subset 300 including both the lid 3 and at least the support 10, and is designed so that the lid subset 200 in the unlocked configuration (i.e., a state in which the lid 3 is in a position corresponding to the unlocked configuration relative to the support 10) and the bowl 2 can be combined according to at least one predetermined relative arrangement corresponding to a pre-lock configuration of the device 1, and the bayonet-type locking system can rotate the lid 3 about the first rotation axis Y-Y' to lock the lid subset 300 to the bowl 2, so as to switch the lid subset 300 from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. In other words, by combining the lid subset 300 in the unlocked configuration with the bowl 2 according to the predetermined relative arrangement (pre-lock arrangement) illustrated in Figure 1, an interlock is created between the support 10 and the bowl 2, thereby preventing the support 10 from rotating about the vertical central axis X-X' while resting on the bowl 2. This locking of the relative angular position of the support 10 and the bowl 2 causes the support 10 to act as a fixed frame that does not move relative to the bowl 2, with respect to which the lid 3 can be pivoted around the vertical central axis X-X' along a predetermined angular stroke and switched from an unlocked state (shown in Figure 1) to a locked state (shown in Figures 10 and 13).

[0035] Advantageously, support 10 and bowl 2 are provided with complementary support structures 12, 13 and bowl structures 14, 15, respectively, intended to cooperate with, and preferably fit together, when lid subset 300 in the unlocked configuration and bowl 2 are combined according to a predetermined relative arrangement (FIG. 1). The fitting of complementary support structures 12, 13 and bowl structures 14, 15 makes it possible to lock the relative angular position of support 10 and bowl 2 in a horizontal plane, i.e., in a plane perpendicular to vertical central axis X-X'.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the bowl 2 comprises two bowl structures 14, 15 arranged diametrically opposite each other with respect to the vertical central axis X-X'. These two bowl structures 14, 15 are advantageously formed, for example, by pieces having a substantially C-shaped profile, as can be seen in the figures. The C-shaped pieces are, for example, carried by and / or belong to the bowl handles 2D, 2E, respectively. Advantageously, the support 10 comprises two support structures 12, 13, each of a shape complementary to that of the bowl structures 14, 15. The two support structures 12, 13 are advantageously arranged diametrically opposite each other on the lid 3 with respect to the first rotation axis Y-Y', and the support structures 12, 13 advantageously project radially from the lid 3 to cooperate with the complementary bowl structures 14, 15. However, without thereby departing from the framework of the invention, it is entirely conceivable that support 10 and bowl 2 comprise a single support structure and a single bowl structure, respectively, or that instead of support 10 and bowl 2 being respective support and bowl structures intended to cooperate by fitting together, the relative angular position of support 10 and bowl 2 is even locked by interlocking elements of another nature, based on the implementation of another type of cooperation (friction, clips, magnetic attraction, etc.). Advantageously, each bowl structure 14, 15 forms a female element, while each support structure 12, 13 forms a male element complementary to the female element, advantageously intended to be inserted into the female element to establish a link blocking rotation between support 10 and bowl 2 about the vertical central axis X-X'.

[0037] Advantageously, support 10 preferably consists of a crossbar 100 extending longitudinally on lid 3 (connected to lid 3 by a pivot link) between two opposite ends, which are preferably free ends. Crossbar 100 is advantageously formed by a substantially elongated portion extending radially on lid 3. Opposite ends of crossbar 100 forming support 10 project radially from lid 3, as shown in the figures, to form support structures 12, 13 configured to cooperate with complementary receiving portions forming bowl structures 14, 15, respectively. For example, crossbar 100 is in the form of a one-piece rigid metal strip forming, at its free end, fins (in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 12) or down-turned edges (in the embodiment of Figures 13 to 18) that form support structures 12, 13 complementary to receiving portions 14, 15 defined by C-shaped parts integral with bowl 2.

[0038] Lid subset 300 thus forms an independent, single element intended to form a cooking chamber in association with bowl subset 400 (formed by bowl 2 itself and at least bowl handles 2D, 2E, as well as bowl structures 14, 15 advantageously carried by these latter). In other words, when lid subset 300 is in the unlocked configuration, docking of support 10 to bowl 2 at a predetermined position corresponding to a predetermined relative arrangement positions lid 3 and support 10 relative to one another such that lid ramps 7A-7J can pass under bowl ramps 8A-8J via recesses 9A, 9J separating the bowl ramps, after which lid subset 300 covers bowl 2 in a standby position. From this standby position, lid 3 can then be pivoted relative to bowl 2 to lock lid 3 relative to bowl 2. In other words, once the bowl 2 and lid subset 300 in the unlocked configuration combined according to the predetermined relative pre-locking arrangement shown in FIG. 1 are held in position relative to the bowl 2, the lid ramps 7A-7J are aligned with the bowl ramps 8A-8J, and the lid 3 is pivoted relative to the support 10 under these bowl ramps 8A-8J to lock the lid 3 to the bowl 2.

[0039] According to the present invention, the cooking appliance 1 comprises a manually operable lock / unlock control member 11, i.e., configured to be directly handled by a user, so as to control the bayonet-type locking system, such that manual operation of the control member 11 advantageously switches the appliance 1 from a pre-locked configuration (FIG. 1) to a locked configuration (FIGS. 10 and 13), and vice versa. The control member 11 is therefore advantageously mounted so as to be movable relative to the support 10 between a first position and a second position, which correspond to unlocking and locking, respectively, of the lid 3 relative to the bowl 2. More precisely, the control member 11 is intended to be permanently (as shown in the figures) or removably mounted to the support 10 by a mechanical link that allows manual movement of the control member 11 relative to the support 10 between a first position and a second position, which correspond to unlocking (FIG. 1) and locking (FIGS. 10 and 13), respectively, of the lid 3 relative to the bowl 2. In other words, the control member 11 is advantageously removably or permanently attached to the support 10 while maintaining mobility relative to the support 10 so that a user can manually move the control member 11 from a first position to a second position relative to the support 10 and vice versa.

[0040] The appliance 1 according to the present invention further comprises a device for converting manual movement of the control member 11 into a pivoting of the lid 3 relative to the support 10. That is, the control member 11 is connected to the lid 3 by a conversion device. Thus, a user can control switching from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration and vice versa by manual movement of the control member 11 relative to the support 10 between its first and second positions. The conversion device is therefore configured to convert movement of the control member 11 relative to the support 10 into a rotational movement of the lid 3 relative to this same support 10, here about the first axis Y-Y', such that when the lid 3 is placed on a bowl 2 having lid ramps 7A-7J below the bowl ramps 8A-8J, the user can control locking / unlocking by pivoting the lid 3 relative to the support 10 in that way by simply manipulating the control member 11. Thanks to the interaction between the support 10 and the bowl 2, which is advantageously achieved by cooperation between the support structures 12, 13 and the bowl structures 14, 15, the support 10 is prevented from pivoting relative to the bowl 2, here about the vertical central axis X-X', when the control member 11 moves between its first and second positions (or vice versa).

[0041] As shown in the figures, the conversion device comprises at least one drive structure 18, 19 intended to be carried by the manual control member 11 and at least one driven structure 16, 17 connected to the lid 3 and intended to be engaged by the drive structure 18, 19. According to a first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 12, the conversion device comprises, on the one hand, two driven structures 16, 17 attached to the lid 3 and arranged at a distance from each other, and, on the other hand, two drive structures 18, 19, preferably at different positions on the control member 11, also at a distance from each other and carried by the control member 11. In a second embodiment of FIGS. 13 to 18, the conversion device comprises a single drive structure 18 engaged with a single driven structure 16. Of course, the invention is not limited to a specific number of drive structures and driven structures, nor to a specific shape of the drive and driven structures.

[0042] In a first embodiment corresponding to Figures 1 to 12, the instrument 1 comprises a releasable linkage 42 ensuring a releasable mechanical link between the control member and the respective drive structure 18, 19, providing the possibility of relative movement between the control member 11 and the respective drive structure 18, 19 carried by the latter in certain abnormal situations. The releasable linkage 42 will be explained in more detail below. According to an alternative embodiment corresponding to Figures 13 to 18, each drive structure 18 is integral with the control member 11 and forms a single, integral part with the control member 11, eliminating the possibility of relative movement between the control member 11 and the drive structure 18.

[0043] Advantageously, one of the driven structures 16, 17 and the driving structures 18, 19 forms a female structure, while the other of the driven structures 16, 17 and the driving structures 18, 19 forms a male structure intended to be received inside the female structure. Advantageously, each male structure is slidable within the female structure in which it is received along a sliding direction substantially parallel to the first rotation axis Y-Y', i.e., advantageously a vertical sliding direction. In this preferred embodiment, each female structure is, for example, in the form of a cavity or rectangular hollow that allows longitudinal guidance of the male structure inserted therein while allowing the male structure to pivot on itself. Such an arrangement is extremely simple and reliable, and allows the implementation of a control member 11 that is pivotally mounted around a second axis different from the first rotation axis Y-Y'.

[0044] 1-12, where the transducer device comprises a plurality of driven structures 16, 17 intended to cooperate with a plurality of conjugate driving structures 18, 19, the plurality of driven structures 16, 17 and one of the plurality of driven structures 16, 17 form a plurality of female structures, and the other of the plurality of driven structures 16, 17 and the plurality of driving structures 18, 19 form a plurality of male structures intended to be received within the respective female structures. In the illustrated example, each male structure is formed by a driving structure 18, 19, while each complementary female structure for receiving the male structure is formed by a driven structure 16, 17. However, the reverse configuration is fully contemplated without departing from the spirit of the invention. Advantageously, the cooperation between each drive structure 18, 19 and each corresponding driven structure 16, 17 has a reversible character, i.e., the driven structures 16, 17 and the drive structures 18, 19 are advantageously coupled to one another and can be decoupled, for example, under user action on the device 1. When coupled to one another, i.e., when each driven structure 16, 17 is engaged by its corresponding drive structure 18, 19, the driven structures 16, 17 and the drive structures 18, 19 form a drive mechanism that, under the action of manual operation by a user, can impart a rotational force to the lid 31 in response to movement of the control member 11. In the example shown, each drive structure 18, 19 is advantageously formed by a stud, while each driven structure 16, 17 is formed by a conjugated cavity that receives a corresponding stud. However, the invention is not entirely limited to this particular example, and it is entirely conceivable that, as an alternative, for example, the drive structure is formed by a gear and each driven structure is formed by a rack cooperating with the gear.

[0045] According to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the control member 11 is advantageously pivotably mounted relative to the support 10 about a second axis of rotation Z-Z'. Preferably, in order to support control ergonomics, the second axis of rotation Z-Z' is parallel to a direction intersecting the first axis of rotation Y-Y', and preferably perpendicular to the first axis of rotation Z-Z', as shown in the figures. Advantageously, the control member 11 is pivotably mounted relative to the support 10 between, on the one hand, an extended position (first position) corresponding to the unlocked configuration, in which the control member 11 projects vertically, here outward, directly above the lid 3, and, on the other hand, a retracted position (second position) corresponding to the locked configuration, in which the control member 11 moves downwards towards the lid 3. Preferably, in its extended position, the control member 11 extends along an average direction substantially parallel to the vertical central axis X-X' (as well as to the first axis Y-Y'), while in the retracted position, it advantageously extends along an average direction substantially perpendicular to the vertical central axis X-X', as shown in the figures. In this preferred embodiment, the control member 11 therefore has a retractable property that allows it to be set aside when in its retracted position.

[0046] Advantageously, and as shown in the figures, the control member 11 comprises a handle 11A, which is therefore in the form of a bowed portion having a loop or arch shape, preferably configured for the full hand or at least between the thumb and some fingers, so as to allow a firm grip by the user. Of course, the invention is not limited to the implementation of a handle for forming the control member 11, which can alternatively be configured as a substantially straight lever, or have a T-shaped or L-shaped profile, a handle or a flared knob shape, etc. The handle 11A extends between two ends 110, 111, which are threaded by the second axis of rotation Z-Z'. In other words, the handle 11A advantageously has a substantially U- or C-shape and is articulated at the ends 110, 111 to the support 10.

[0047] Preferably, at least one drive structure 18,19 is carried by one of the ends 110,111.

[0048] 1 to 12, both ends 110, 111 therefore carry drive structures 18, 19, respectively. For example, each end 110, 111 of handle 11A advantageously forms a respective ear 110A, 111A carrying, for example, a respective pin 110B, 111B that cooperates with a respective bearing 21A, 21B for rotational mounting of handle 11A about second axis of rotation Z-Z'. Bearings 21A, 21B are themselves advantageously attached to support 10 by any suitable means (screws, etc.). As shown in the figures, each ear 110A, 111A advantageously has an inner surface arranged towards the inside of the handle, facing the inner surface of the other ear, and an opposite outer surface from which a corresponding pin 110B, 111B extends outwardly, coaxially with second axis of rotation Z-Z'. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 12, each drive structure 18, 19 is supported by a respective intermediate part 18A, 19A mounted on a corresponding lug 110A, 111A for rotation about the second axis Z-Z'. Rotation of each intermediate part 18A, 19A relative to the respective lug 110a, 111A bearing it is advantageously prevented by a lock. The latter is formed, for example, by a cavity 22 formed in the surface of each intermediate part 18A, 19A to form a striker, and a corresponding bolt 23, 24 mounted on each arm of the handle 11A for resiliency in a respective receptacle 23A, 24A formed by the cavity opening at the respective lug 110A, 111A. This reversible lock advantageously belongs to the above-mentioned detachable linkage 42. It enables a decoupling function, which will be disclosed in more detail below.

[0049] Alternatively, according to the embodiment of Figures 13 to 18, the drive structure 18 (only one) is carried by an end 111 which, by protruding inwards, is integrated with the inner surface of the handle 11A which carries it.

[0050] According to the invention, the device 1 comprises a control module 200 which is removably mounted on the lid 3. As its name suggests, the control module 200 supports, at least in part, one or several means for commanding or controlling the operation of the device 1. Preferably, the control module 200 supports the support 10.

[0051] The control module 200 can be removably attached to the lid 3 by any known means, for example by an elastic fit, a screw fastening (as in the example shown in the figures), or any other mechanical fastening means. For example, the device 1 advantageously comprises an assembly rod 27 borne by and projecting from the control module 200, the device 1 also comprising a central fastening hole 29 formed through the lid 3 and through which the rod 27 passes, in order to attach the control module 200 to the lid 3, for example in cooperation with a nut 32, when the rod 27 is threaded at least towards its free end.

[0052] More precisely, the control module 200 carries at least one first subset 200A, which includes at least the pressure regulating means 4 and the driven structures 16, 17. In other words, the control module 200 is in the form of a single set incorporating the first subset 200A, which carries both the pressure regulating means 4 and the at least one driven structure 16, 17. Thanks to the detachable nature of the control module 200, both the pressure regulating means 4 and the at least one driven structure 16, 17 can be separated from the lid 3. This facilitates cleaning of the lid 3, which can be washed or placed in a dishwasher without risking damage to the potentially fragile technical element, the pressure regulating means 4, which has safety features. Furthermore, thanks to the control module 200 also carrying at least one part of a conversion device, i.e., at least one part of a mechanism that allows the manual movement of the control member 11 to be converted into a pivoting of the lid 3 relative to the support 10, the user cannot control the locking / unlocking when the control module 200 is removed from the lid 3. Indeed, in this case, manual movement of the control member 11 cannot be applied as a driving torque to the lid 3, thereby limiting the risk of misuse of the appliance 1 in the absence of the control module 200. Likewise, thanks to the pressure regulating means 4 being mounted on the control module 200, if the control module 200 is subsequently separated from the lid 3, the leak hole 38 will not communicate with the pressure regulating means 4, and the lid 3 will not be able to form a tight cooking chamber with the bowl 2. This also ensures the safety of the appliance 1 in the absence of the control module 200 on the lid 3.

[0053] Advantageously, the device for converting the manual movement of the control member 11 into a pivoting of the lid 3 comprises a hub 25 intended to be attached to the lid 3 coaxially about the first axis of rotation Y-Y', which hub 25 carries, according to the illustrated embodiment, at least one driven structure 16, 17. As shown, the hub 25 preferably forms at least one driven structure 16, 17 on its periphery. Each driven structure 16, 17 is therefore advantageously supported by the hub 25 and forms a single, integral part with it. Preferably, the hub 25 is intended to be attached directly or indirectly, without any rotational relationship between the lid 3 and the hub 25, so that the forces for driving the hub 25 in rotation about the first axis Y-Y' are transmitted directly to the lid 3. Advantageously, the hub 25 forms a cap that serves to delimit a receptacle for receiving the pressure regulating means 4. To this end, the hub 25 has, for example, a bell shape with a top wall 25A and an annular side wall 25B, on whose surface at least one (FIGS. 13 to 18) or two (FIGS. 1 to 12) elongated cavities are formed, extending vertically and forming the driven structures 16, 17. The pressure adjustment means 4 is advantageously arranged at least partially under the cap 25, i.e., under the top wall 25A, so that it can be hidden while being located very close to the center of the lid 3, i.e., in a position where its rotation stroke relative to the support 10 is minimized. This arrangement is advantageous, for example, for the implantation of complementary functional elements that are likely to cooperate with the pressure adjustment means 4, and for this purpose are arranged, for example, on the top wall 25A. Advantageously, the device 1 also comprises a plate 26 intended to be arranged on the lid 3 and under the hub 25, and is preferably configured in such a way that, together with the hub 25, it forms a receptacle for receiving the pressure adjustment means 4. The plate 26 is advantageously attached to the hub 25, preferably in a permanent manner, and to the lid 3, preferably in a removably manner, and is intended to transmit to the lid 3 a rotational force about the first axis Y-Y' imparted to the hub 25 through cooperation between the driving structures 18, 19 and the driven structures 16, 17 borne by the hub 25. The pressure regulating means 4 are therefore advantageously carried by the plate 26 while being at least partially covered by the hub 25.

[0054] Advantageously, the first subset 200A comprises a plate 26, which is also supported by the control module 200. The plate 26 and the hub 25 therefore advantageously form an integral casing in which the pressure regulating means 4 are arranged, which also forms, on a side wall 25B of the hub 25, one or several driven structures 16, 17 intended to be engaged by the driving structures 18, 19 when the control module 200 is placed on and attached to the lid 3.

[0055] Advantageously, the instrument 1 comprises a second subset 200B including at least the control member 11, at least one drive structure 18, 19, as well as the support 10. The second subset 200B is advantageously intended to be pivotably mounted with respect to the first subset 200A about a first axis of rotation Y-Y'. In the embodiment shown, the relative pivoting of the first and second subsets 200A, 200B is controlled by manual manipulation of the control member 11, causing a relative movement of the control member 11 with respect to the support 10.

[0056] In the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 12, the first and second subsets 200A, 200B are permanently attached to one another to advantageously form the control module 200.

[0057] According to a second embodiment, corresponding to Figures 13 to 18, the first and second subsets 200A, 200B are detachably attached to each other.

[0058] The present invention is therefore relevant to several scenarios, particularly the following: The control module 200 also has a second subset 200B in addition to the first subset 200A. This alternative could be a first sub-alternative in which the first and second subsets 200A, 200B are permanently attached to each other, rather than being intended to be detachable from each other, as is the case, for example, in the device 1 of Figures 1 to 12. According to the second sub-alternative, the first and second subsets 200A, 200B are detachably attached to each other, so that not only can the control module 200 be removed from the lid, but also the first and second subsets 200A, 200B that make up the control module 200 can themselves be separated from each other. The control module 200 only comprises a first subset 200A, which is removably attached to a second subset 200B, which is itself attached, for example in a permanent way, to the lid 3. In an alternative embodiment shown in Figures 13 to 18, the second subset 200 is permanently attached to the lid 3 but movable relative to the lid 3 (for example by a dowel and slide system, not shown), while the first subset 200A forming the control module 200 is removably attached to the second subset 200B.

[0059] It should be noted that this latter embodiment is particularly advantageous when implemented with a control member 11 formed by a pivotable handle between the ends of which the first subset 200A, forming the control module 200 herein, is located. Indeed, in this case, the module 200 is more difficult to separate from the second subset 200B when the handle 11A is extended (unlocked position) than when it is folded (locked position). The user is therefore encouraged to fold the handle 11A to separate the first subset 200A from the second subset 200B. In this way, the integrated subset formed by the association of the second subset 200B with the lid 3 is in a locked configuration, preventing the user from repositioning the lid 3 on the bowl 2 in a functional position. This constitutes an additional safety feature in use. Indeed, to return the lid subset 300 to the unlocked configuration, the user must first reattach the control module 200 (here formed by the first subset 200A) and then lift the handle 11A, which causes the rotation of the hub 25, which in turn rotates the lid 3 from its locked configuration to its unlocked configuration, allowing the lid 3 to be positioned in the appropriate position on the bowl 2.

[0060] 1 to 12, the crossbar 100 forming the support 10 is preferably arranged between the plate 26 and the hub 25 so that the crossbar 100, on the one hand, and the subset formed by the plate 26 and the hub 25, on the other hand, are relatively rotatable about the first axis of rotation Y-Y'. The hub 25 is preferably attached to the plate 26 by means of, for example, screws, an elastic fit, or the like, so that the crossbar 100 is sandwiched between the hub 25 and the plate 26. In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 to 18, on the other hand, the crossbar 100 is arranged below the plate 26 so as to be interposed between the lid 3 and the plate 26.

[0061] In both cases (FIGS. 1 to 12 or 13 to 18), the hub 25 and the plate 26 therefore form a first subset 200A, while the control member 11 and the crossbar 100 form a second subset 200B, the first and second subsets 200A, 200B being assembled together so as to be relatively pivotable about a first axis Y-Y'. The pressure regulating means 4 is preferably supported by the plate 26 and therefore belongs to the first subset 200A. For example, the plate 26 is preferably in the form of a cup made of plastic material and provided with a hole 26A intended to be arranged coaxially with a central hole 29 formed through the lid 3. The cup 26 advantageously has a lower surface 260 intended to face the outer surface 31 of the lid 3 and an opposite upper surface 261. Between the latter lower surface 260 and upper surface 261, a valve hole passing through the cup is arranged. This hole is surrounded at its lower face 260 by a sealing gasket 33 (not shown for the alternatives of Figures 13 to 18) and opens at its upper face 261 into a chamber 34 which communicates with the vertical hole 35 on the one hand and with the exhaust pipe 36 on the other hand. The vertical hole 35 receives a weighted or spring-loaded valve device (not visible in the alternatives of Figures 13 to 18) with a movable flap 37 slidably mounted along a direction parallel to the first axis of rotation Y-Y', for example, which is returned to its lower position (under the effect of gravity or a force exerted by an elastic body such as a spring). The flap 37 passes through a hole arranged in the cup forming the plate 26 and closes a leak hole 38 formed through the lid 3 and which, thanks to the sealing gasket 33, is in tight communication with the chamber 34. The flap 37 is therefore sensitive to the pressure in the cooking chamber and alternately opens and closes the leak hole 38, thereby regulating the pressure level in the cooking chamber. When the pressure level in the chamber exceeds a predetermined operating pressure, the flap 37 lifts, allowing the steam contained in the cooking chamber to reach first the inside of the chamber 34 and then be expelled towards the outside through the exhaust pipe 36. Advantageously, the appliance 1 further comprises a device for calibrating the pressure regulating means 4, by means of which it is possible to adjust the level of operating pressure at which the valve 4 is triggered, i.e. the pressure threshold at which the flap 37 is pushed out of its return position and opens the leak hole 38.The calibration device may be of any known type (for example, acting on the compression of the return spring of the flap 37) and is advantageously connected to a manual control device 39. The manual control device 39 is, for example, in the form of a tab pivotally mounted about a first axis of rotation Y-Y' and extending between two ends, one of which is advantageously connected to the valve forming the pressure regulating means 4 and acts to calibrate the valve, and the other is connected to a slide (alternative in Figures 1 to 12), a knob (alternative in Figures 13 to 18) or a manually operable lever. According to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 12, the tab passes, for example, through the side wall 25B of the hub 25 by passing through a slot 250 arranged through the side wall 25B. In the embodiment of Figures 13 to 18, the tab remains below the top wall 25A of the hub 25, which is provided with a slot 251 for passing a control knob intended to be operated manually. Of course, the use of pressure regulating means 4 with adjustable calibration is entirely optional, and it is entirely conceivable to use a regulating valve whose calibration cannot be altered by the user.

[0062] Advantageously, the conversion device includes first and second complementary transmission members 43, 44 supported by the first subset 200A and the lid 3, respectively, and intended to cooperate with each other to enable rotational driving of the first subset 200A about the first axis of rotation Y-Y′ of the lid 3. That is, the cooperation of the complementary transmission members 43, 44 allows the first subset 200A to be rotatably fixed about the first axis of rotation Y-Y′ relative to the lid 3 when the control module 200 is placed on and attached to the lid 3. For example, the first transmission member 43 consists of a stud that is integral with the plate 26 (e.g., is one piece with the plate 26) and located at a position away from the first axis of rotation Y-Y′. The stud 43 advantageously protrudes towards the bottom of the lower surface 260 of the plate 26 and is intended to be inserted into a corresponding blind hole 44 formed through the lid 3 and whose size is conjugate to that of the stud 43. The blind hole 44 therefore forms a second transmission member. Thanks to this cooperation between the stud 43 and the blind hole 44, a rotational force about the first axis Y-Y′ exerted on the first subset 200A, and thus on the plate 26, via the hub 25 to which the latter is attached, is transferred to the lid 3. An O-ring (not shown), or any other sealing system, is advantageously arranged on the stud 43 to prevent inadvertent communication between the interior of the chamber and the outside through the blind hole 44.

[0063] Advantageously, the first subset 200A supports, for example, assembly rods 27 protruding from the plate 26, preferably downwardly and coaxially with the first axis of rotation Y-Y′. The assembly rods 27 are, for example, arranged within the first subset 200A and have inner portions 27A passing through holes 28 formed through the crossbar 100, such that the second subset 200B pivots around the inner portion 27A about the first axis of rotation Y-Y′. The rods 27 also preferably have free threaded portions 27B passing through central fastening holes 29 formed through the lid 3, which cooperate with nuts 32 (not shown for the alternatives of FIGS. 13 to 18 ) to attach the first subset 200A to the lid 3.

[0064] 1 to 12, an assembly rod 27 is used to attach both the first and second subsets 200A, 200B, which in this case advantageously form the control module 200, to the lid 3. In this first embodiment, the assembly rod 27 advantageously includes a flared head, while the hub 25 consists of a tube 25C that extends substantially coaxially to the first axis of rotation Y-Y′ and that, through a hole 28 formed in the support 10 and a hole 26A formed in the plate 26, supports the rod 27 coaxially with a hole 29 formed in the lid 3 against the outer surface 31 of the lid 3. The rod 27 is advantageously threaded into the tube 25C, which tube has a constriction that forms a shoulder intended to support the head of the rod 27. The inner portion 27A is thus located on the side of the outer surface 31 of the lid 3, while the threaded free portion 27B passes through a central hole 29 formed through the lid 3 and is intended to cooperate with a nut 32. An O-ring 40 or other sealing system is threaded onto the rod 27 to ensure airtightness when the second subset 200A is attached to the lid 3.

[0065] 13 to 18, the assembly rod 27 is advantageously used only for reversibly assembling the first subset 200A, which alone forms the control module 200, formed here by the lid 3 and the second subset 200B, which is permanently attached by other means to the lid 3. In this case, the rod 27 passes, for example, through a hole 28 formed through the crossbar 100 and through the first subset 200A in such a way as to allow relative rotation about the first axis Y-Y′ between the first subset 200A and the second subset 200B around the rod 27.

[0066] The first and second subsets 200A, 200B are advantageously assembled together, thus forming an integrated control module 200 which is here removably attached to the lid 3 by means of an assembly rod 27 and a nut 32.

[0067] Advantageously, the second subset 200B also includes a crown 41 forming an upper annular cap with a central hole 41A. In the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 12, the crown 41 advantageously covers the plate 26, the crossbar 100, the bearings 21A, 21B and the pins 110B, 111B, and leaves the hub 25 emerging from its hole 41A. In the second embodiment of Figures 13 to 18, the crown 41 again forms an annular upper cap supporting the handle 11A, which is supported by and rotatably mounted relative to the crown 41. The first subset 200A, which now includes at least the hub 25 and the plate 26, is inserted into the central hole 41A formed by the crown 41 and the folded handle 11A. In this case, the driven structure 16 is advantageously formed by a groove whose lower end is open so that, when the first subset 200A is positioned in the central hole 41A of the crown 41, the stud forming the driving structure 18 can be slidably inserted into the groove.

[0068] Advantageously, the opening safety means 5 is sensitive to the pressure in the cooking chamber, and is therefore susceptible to moving between different positions depending on the pressure level in the cooking chamber. In particular, the opening safety means 5 is susceptible to assuming a blocking position (see Figures 11 and 12) that prevents the lid 3 from being unlocked when the pressure in the cooking chamber is substantially higher than atmospheric pressure, or at least higher than a predetermined pressure level higher than atmospheric pressure. Advantageously, the opening safety means 5 is at least partly permanently attached to the lid 3, i.e. supported by the lid 3, and therefore forms a permanent part of the lid subset 300. However, it is entirely conceivable that the opening safety means 5 is alternatively supported by the first subset 200A or by the second subset 200B, without thereby departing from the framework of the invention.

[0069] The opening safety means 5 is intended to cooperate with the second subset 200B in the closed position to fix the lid 3 and the second subset 200B rotatably about the first axis Y-Y'.

[0070] The opening safety means 5 consists, for example, of a movable element 5A slidably mounted on the lid 3, here adapted to slide vertically along a sliding direction parallel to the vertical central axis X-X' between an upper position (stop position) in which it can cooperate with a complementary blocking structure 5B (here a hole) carried by the support 10. It has a position for preventing the lid 3 from pivoting relative to the support 10, and a lower position (return position and stop position) in which it does not interfere with the complementary blocking structure 5B, allowing free pivoting of the lid 3 relative to the support 10. As shown in the figure, the movable element 5A is advantageously formed by a finger intended to slide vertically in a tube 5C connected to a leak hole 5D formed through the lid 3. In the upper position, the finger seals the leak hole 5D, while in the lower position it allows steam to escape through the hole 5D. A visualization window 41B is further positioned through crown 41 so as to be visible to the user when finger 5A is in the up position, indicating the presence within device 1 of a pressure level that is incompatible with the safe unlocking of lid 3. Unless the locked configuration is reached, movable element 5A is not aligned with hole 5B formed through crossbar 100 and is therefore prevented from moving upward to reach its upper sealing position because it is generally aligned below and against crossbar 100 (see FIG. 4). This prevents pressure buildup in device 1 unless the locked configuration is reached, providing security against incomplete closure.

[0071] Advantageously, the disengageable linkage 42 (embodied in the alternative of Figures 1 to 12) is configured to disengage the control member 10 from each of the drive structures 18, 19 when the control member 10 moves from its second position (a retracted position corresponding to the locked configuration) to its first position (an extended position corresponding to the unlocked configuration). On the other hand, when the opening safety means 5 is in the blocked position, the control member 10 is free to move from the second position to the first position such that the drive structures 18, 19 do not exert any drive force on the driven structures 16, 17.

[0072] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 12, the disengageable linkage 42 includes at least the following: - each intermediate part 20 is rotatably attached to one end of a handle 11A that is carried by and forms the control member 11; - bolts 23, 24 slidably guided in the receiving portions 23A, 24A and received in corresponding cavities (strikers) 22 formed in the surface of each intermediate part 20 to prevent its rotation;

[0073] The disengageable linkage 42 also includes, for example, elastic return elements (helical springs or other elements not shown) arranged in the receiving portions 23A, 24A for receiving the bolts 23, 24, which elastically return the bolts 23, 24 to a locked position in which the bolts 23, 24 engage with corresponding cavities 22 arranged in the surface of the intermediate part 20 (see FIG. 7), thereby preventing rotation of the intermediate part 20 relative to the handle 11A. When the opening safety means 5 is in the blocked position and the user nevertheless applies an unlocking force to the handle 11A in order to switch the handle 11A from the retracted position (folded into the lid) to the extended position, the fingers 5A are inserted into the holes 5B of the crossbar 100, disabling rotation of the hub 25. At this time, if the user continues to apply force to the handle 11A, the driving force exerted by the user on the handle 11A overcomes the restoring force exerted by the return springs on the bolts 23, 24, causing the bolts 23, 24 to be pushed out of the corresponding cavities 22, thereby allowing the handle 11A to pivot relative to the respective intermediate parts 20 without moving. Therefore, rotational movement of the handle 11A is no longer imparted to the drive structures 18, 19, as the hub 25 does not receive the driving force. This prevents inadvertent force from being applied to the locking / unlocking mechanism, which could damage part of the control mechanism. The handle 11A can then be reattached by the user by simply returning it to its retracted position, so that the bolts 23, 24 are now positioned on the opposite side of the corresponding cavities 22 and, under the influence of the restoring force exerted by the springs, are again inserted into the corresponding cavities 22, thereby creating a rotational drive link of the drive structures 18, 19 about the second axis Z-Z'.

[0074] Advantageously, the second subset 200B has a disengageable linkage 42. This makes it possible to maintain an additional safety feature permanently associated with the lid 3, for example in the embodiments of Figures 13 to 18 where the second subset 200B remains permanently attached to the lid 3.

[0075] The device 1 according to the invention therefore has a high level of safety and reliability.

Claims

1. A food pressure cooker (1), comprising: a bowl (2) and a lid (3) intended to be locked relative to said bowl (2) and to form together with said bowl (2) a cooking chamber adapted to pressure build-up; - a bayonet locking system configured to ensure locking and unlocking of the lid (3) relative to the bowl (2) by pivoting the lid (3) relative to the bowl (2); a support (10) intended to be attached to said lid (3) so that said lid (3) can pivot relative to said lid (3) about a first axis of rotation (Y-Y') between two positions corresponding respectively to an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration; a manually operable locking / unlocking control member (11) intended to be attached to said support (10) by means of a mechanical link allowing manual movement of said manually operable locking / unlocking control member (11) relative to said support (10); - a conversion device for converting a manual movement of said manually operable locking / unlocking control member (11) into a pivoting of said lid (3) relative to said support (10), said conversion device comprising at least one drive structure (18, 19) intended to be carried by said manually operable locking / unlocking control member (11) and at least one driven structure (16, 17) connected to said lid (3) and intended to be engaged by said drive structure (18, 19); - pressure regulation means (4) for maintaining the pressure in the cooking chamber at a set value; The food pressure cooking appliance (1) comprises a control module (200) removably attached to the lid (3), the control module (200) having at least one first subset (200A) including at least the pressure regulating means (4) and the driven structures (16, 17).

2. 2. The instrument (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a second subset (200B) including at least the manually operable locking / unlocking control member, the at least one drive structure (18, 19) and the support (10), the second subset (200B) being intended to be pivotally mounted relative to the first subset (200A) about the first axis of rotation (Y-Y').

3. 3. The device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first and second subsets (200A, 200B) are removably attached to each other.

4. 4. The tool (1) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the control module (200) is responsible for the second subset (200B).

5. 5. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a lid subset (300) including both the lid (3) and at least the support (10), wherein the lid subset and the bowl (2) in an unlocked configuration are designed to be combined according to at least one predetermined relative arrangement such that the bayonet-type locking system can lock the lid (3) to the bowl (2) by pivoting the lid (3) about the first rotation axis (Y-Y') so that the lid subset (300) switches from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration.

6. 6. The device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the support (10) and the bowl (2) comprise complementary support structures (12, 13) and bowl structures (14, 15), respectively, intended to cooperate by mating with each other when the lid subset (300) and the bowl (2) in the unlocked configuration are combined according to the predetermined relative arrangement, and this mating makes it possible to lock the relative angular positions of the support (10) and the bowl (2) in a horizontal plane, and wherein the support (10) includes a longitudinally extending crossbar (100) between its opposite ends projecting radially from the lid (3) to form the support structures (12, 13), which are configured to cooperate with respective complementary receiving portions forming the bowl structures (14, 15).

7. 7. The instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein one of the driven structure (16, 17) and the driving structure (18, 19) forms a female structure, and the other of the driven structure (16, 17) and the driving structure (18, 19) forms a male structure that is respectively received within the female structure, and the male structure is slidable within the received female structure along a sliding direction that is substantially parallel to the first rotation axis (Y-Y').

8. 8. The instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the manually operable locking / unlocking control member (11) is pivotally mounted to the support (10) about a second axis of rotation (Z-Z') perpendicular to the first axis of rotation (Y-Y').

9. 9. The instrument (1) according to claim 8, wherein the manually operable locking / unlocking control member (11) comprises a handle (11A) extending between two ends (110, 111) through which the second axis of rotation (Z-Z') passes, and the drive structure is carried by one of the two ends (110, 111).

10. 10. The instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first subset (200A) comprises a hub (25) intended to be mounted on the lid (3) coaxially with the first axis of rotation (Y-Y'), the hub (25) carrying the at least one driven structure (16, 17).

11. 11. The device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the hub (25) forms a cap (25) which serves to delimit a receptacle for receiving the pressure regulating means (4).

12. 12. The tool (1) according to claim 11, comprising a plate (26) attached below the hub (25) so as to form the receiving portion with the hub (25), the first subset (200A) comprising the plate (26), and the conversion device comprising first and second complementary transmission members (43, 44) carried by the first subset (200A) and the lid (3), respectively, and intended to cooperate with each other to enable the rotational drive of the lid (3) by the first subset (200A) about the first rotation axis (Y-Y').

13. 5. The appliance (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, comprising opening safety means (5) sensitive to the pressure in the cooking chamber and responsible for assuming a blocking position that prevents the unlocking of the lid (3) when the pressure in the cooking chamber is significantly higher than atmospheric pressure, said opening safety means (5) being permanently attached to the lid (3), said opening safety means (5) intended, in its locked position, to cooperate with the second subset (200B) to make the lid (3) and the second subset (200B) unable to rotate about the first axis of rotation (Y-Y').

14. 14. The device (1) according to claim 13, further comprising a disengageable linkage (42) ensuring a detachable mechanical link between the manually operable locking / unlocking control member (11) and each drive structure (18, 19), the manually operable locking / unlocking control member (11) being movably mounted relative to the support (10) between first and second positions corresponding to unlocking and locking, respectively, of the lid (3) relative to the bowl (2), the disengageable linkage (42) being configured to decouple the manually operable locking / unlocking control member (11) from each drive structure (18, 19) when the opening safety means (5) is in a blocked position so that the manually operable locking / unlocking control member (11) is free to move from the second position to the first position, and the second subset (200B) supports the disengageable linkage (42).

15. 15. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising an assembly rod (27) supported by and protruding from the control module (200), the device comprising a central fastening hole (29) formed through the lid (3) and through which the rod (27) is intended to pass in order to attach the control module (200) to the lid (3).

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