Bayonet-type pressure cooker with control elements having improved dynamic behavior

Abstract

To propose a new food pressure cooking appliance of simple and compact design, having high reliability, having an easily industrialized construction, and providing ergonomically remarkable comfort of use.SOLUTION: A food pressure cooking appliance (1) comprises: a bayonet locking system; and a locking / unlocking control member (11) that is connected to a lid (3) by a transformation device for transforming movement of the control member (11) into swiveling of the lid (3). The transformation device is composed of driven conformations (16, 17) attached to the lid (3) and driving conformations (18, 19) carried by the control member (11). At different locations of the control member (11), the driving conformations (18, 19) respectively engage the driven conformations (16, 17) in a simultaneous manner and, in response to the movement of the control member (11), exert on the driven conformations (16, 17) a plurality of respective forces contributing to generate drive torque for the lid (3).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

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] More particularly, the present invention relates to a food pressure cooker comprising a bowl, a lid intended to be locked relative to the bowl and to form together with the bowl a cooking chamber adapted for pressure buildup, a bayonet-type locking system configured to ensure locking and unlocking of the lid relative to the bowl by pivoting the lid relative to the bowl, a support 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, and a manually operable lock / unlock control member attached to the support on the one hand by a mechanical link allowing manual movement of the control member relative to the support, and connected to the lid on the other hand by a device that converts manual movement of the control member into pivoting of the lid relative to the support.

[0003] Pressure cookers for food preparation, particularly for home use, are well known. They typically consist of a metal bowl with a metal lid tightly attached to it using a flexible, annular sealing gasket, creating a cooking chamber capable of building up pressure. The lid is connected to the bowl via a locking mechanism, which locks the lid against the bowl to build up pressure in the cooking chamber and unlocks it to allow the lid to freely slide off the bowl. Various types of locking mechanisms are known in the prior art. One of the most widespread systems is the bayonet locking system. This system implements a bevel in the bowl and lid, which slides into contact with each other after the lid is rotated, creating a mechanical retaining link that prevents the bowl and lid from separating under pressure. While the bevel in the lid is traditionally achieved by locally bending the lid's annular, downward-facing edge inward, the bevel in the bowl is achieved by bending and cutting the free upper edge of the bowl.

[0004] Such bayonet locking systems are quite satisfactory, particularly because they are relatively lightweight, easy to manufacture, and reliable.

[0005] However, in its most basic embodiment, it has some significant drawbacks, particularly in terms of practicality and ergonomics.

[0006] 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.

[0007] Such systems are quite satisfactory in terms of ease of use and ergonomics, but they do have some drawbacks.

[0008] Indeed, the reduction system, which involves the cooperation of multiple components (e.g., rotating arch, sliding carriage, rod), has a relatively complex structure, negatively impacting the cost price of the cookware. Furthermore, the use of multiple moving parts in this design may pose risks to long-term reliability and robustness. Therefore, minimizing these risks may require the use of larger components or particularly precise assemblies, which may complicate industrial manufacturing. Furthermore, the relatively bulky nature of this known control mechanism may hinder and complicate the integration of other functional components (e.g., valves, timers, sensors, etc.). Finally, even if the force reduction provided by this known pressure cooker is particularly excellent, its comfort of use is not optimal. In fact, manually operating the rotating control arch of this known pressure cooker tends to result in a relatively sudden and awkward lid rotation, which tends to cause the lid to be unintentionally eccentric relative to the bowl, resulting in parasitic friction. These undesirable effects may affect the ergonomics of the appliance and cause stress for the user. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and to propose a new pressure cooker for food that has a simple and compact design, is highly reliable, has a structure that is easily industrialized, and is ergonomically excellent and easy to use.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to propose a new food pressure cooker that is particularly convenient.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to propose a new food pressure cooker of particularly light and robust design.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to propose a new food pressure cooker that allows a particularly progressive and continuous rotation of the lid between the locked and unlocked configurations, minimizing undesirable friction.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to propose a new food pressure cooker that is particularly compact.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to propose a new food pressure cooker whose design optimizes industrial production and allows a great deal of flexibility in the integration of the appliance's functional elements.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to propose a new food pressure cooker with a design that is easy to clean and easy to assemble in the factory and to differentiate the product.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to propose a new food pressure cooker that is safe to use.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to propose a new food pressure cooker that is particularly easy to use with one hand.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to propose a new food pressure cooker that is particularly intuitive to use.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to propose a new food pressure cooker with a design that allows the user to minimize the manual effort required to control the locking or unlocking of the lid to the bowl.

[0020] 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]

[0021] The object of the present invention is achieved by a food pressure cooker comprising a bowl, a lid that is locked relative to the bowl and that together with the bowl forms a cooking chamber adapted for pressure build-up, a bayonet-type locking system that ensures locking and unlocking of the lid relative to the bowl by pivoting the lid relative to the bowl, a support attached to the lid so that the lid can pivot relatively between two positions, corresponding to an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, about a first axis of rotation, and a conversion device attached to the support by a mechanical link that allows manual movement of the control member relative to the support on the one hand and converts manual movement of the control member into a pivoting of the lid relative to the support on the other hand. and a manually operable locking / unlocking control member connected to the lid by a first rotation axis, wherein the conversion device comprises, on the one hand, at least a plurality of driven structures attached to the lid and arranged at a distance from one another, and, on the other hand, at least a plurality of drive structures arranged at a distance from one another and all carried by the control member at different positions of the control member, wherein the drive structures simultaneously engage the driven structures in response to movement of the control member and apply to the driven structures a plurality of respective forces that contribute to generating a drive torque for rotating the lid relative to the support, and the conversion device comprises a hub attached to the lid coaxially with the first rotation axis, the hub carrying the plurality of driven structures.

[0022] 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]

[0023] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 shows in a schematic perspective view a food pressure cooking appliance according to the present invention, the appliance in an unlocked configuration in which the lid is placed on the bowl in a predetermined relative position in which the bayonet-type locking system allows the lid to be locked to the bowl by pivoting the lid, the predetermined relative position 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 integrated subsets each formed by a bowl subset, a lid, and an integrated control module intended to be attached to the lid, preferably in a removable manner, to form 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 an integrated control module mounted in the lid of the cookware of FIGS. 1-6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic bottom view of the integrated 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 in a schematic top view a detail of the realisation of the illustrated device, in which the locking / unlocking control member is in a folded, locked position and a drive structure carried by the control member engages with a drive structure carried by a hub intended to be fixed to the lid, to drive the lid in rotation. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the lock / unlock control member switching from a folded position (corresponding to locked) to a raised position (corresponding to unlocked), where the control member is rotated through a 90° angular stroke to switch from the folded position to the raised position. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows in a schematic perspective view the cooking appliance of the previous figure, the cooking appliance comprising 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 the drive structures under the effect of a decoupling actuated by a releasable linkage ensuring a mechanical link between the control member and the plurality of drive structures carried by the control member. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a lid subset of the device of FIG. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows in a partially exploded view a detail of the realisation of the locking / unlocking control member of the cooking appliance shown in the previous figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] As shown in the figures, 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. While the appliance 1 according to the present invention is primarily intended for domestic use, 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] The food pressure cooker 1 according to the invention advantageously comprises a valve 4 for regulating the pressure in the cooking chamber, preferably attached to the lid 3, for example in such a way that it is carried by the lid 3. The valve 4 is configured to maintain the pressure in the cooking chamber at a substantially constant predetermined value, called the working pressure, which exceeds atmospheric pressure by a certain threshold, for example about 10 to 120 kPa, preferably of the order of 100 kPa. The general operating principle of such pressure regulating means is well known per se and therefore does not need to be described in more detail here. It should be noted that the food pressure cooker 1 may of course comprise other operating elements (for example an opening safety means 5, an overpressure safety valve 6, etc., which will be described in more detail below).

[0027] 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 FIG. 5) and the bowl 2 (see FIG. 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.

[0028] According to the invention, the appliance 1 also comprises a support 10 preferably attached in a detachable manner to the lid 3, 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 pivotal 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 illustrated in Figure 1 to, for example, the locked configuration illustrated in Figure 10.

[0029] 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 about 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 Figure 10).

[0030] 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'.

[0031] 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'.

[0032] 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 adapted to cooperate with complementary receptacles 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 ends, fins constituting support structures 12, 13 complementary to receptacles 14, 15 bounded by C-shaped pieces integral with bowl 2.

[0033] 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.

[0034] According to the present invention, the cooking appliance 1 is provided with 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 (FIG. 10), and vice versa. The control member 11 is therefore advantageously mounted to the support 10 in a permanent (as shown in the figures) or removably manner by a mechanical link that allows manual movement of the control member 11 relative to the support 10 between first and second positions corresponding to unlocking (FIG. 1) and locking (FIG. 10) the lid 3 relative to the bowl 2, respectively. In other words, the control member 11 is advantageously mounted to the support 10 in a removably or permanent manner while remaining movable relative to the support 10, such that the user can manually move the control member 11 relative to the support 10 from the first position to the second position and vice versa. The control member 11 is further connected to the lid 3 by a device for converting manual movement of the control member 11 into a pivoting of the lid 3 relative to the support 10. A user can therefore control the 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 the 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 in that way control the locking / unlocking by pivoting the lid 3 relative to the support 10 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).

[0035] According to the invention, the conversion device comprises, on the one hand, at least a plurality of driven structures 16, 17 mounted on the lid 3 and arranged at a distance from one another, and, on the other hand, at least a plurality of drive structures 18, 19 mounted at different positions on the control member 11 at a distance from one another and all carried by the control member 11. That is, there are at least two driven structures 16, 17, which are mounted at separate positions on the lid 3 so as to be able to transmit a rotational force about a first axis Y-Y' to the lid 3. There are also at least two drive structures 18, 19, which are supported by the control member 11 and arranged at a distance from one another. That is, both drive structures 18, 19 move simultaneously with and together with the control member 11, i.e., are imparted with a manual movement of the control member 11 and follow a trajectory similar to that followed by the control member 11 itself (e.g., rotation along a predetermined angular stroke). According to a first embodiment, the plurality of drive structures 18, 19 are integral with the control member 11 and form a single, identical, integral part therewith, without the possibility of relative movement between the control member 11 and each of the drive structures 18, 19. According to another embodiment corresponding to the one shown in the figures, the instrument 1 comprises a releasable linkage 42 ensuring a releasable mechanical link between the control member 11 and the plurality of drive structures 18, 19, providing the possibility of relative movement between the control member 11 and the drive structures 18, 19 carried by the latter in certain exceptional cases. The releasable linkage 42 will be explained in more detail below.

[0036] According to the invention, the drive structures 18, 19 each respond to movement of the control member 11 (under the influence of manual manipulation by a user) by simultaneously engaging the driven structures 16, 17 in order to exert a plurality of respective forces on these driven structures 16, 17 that contribute to generating a driving torque for rotating the lid 3 relative to the support 10, here about the first axis Y-Y'. The forces preferably act in different respective directions and / or manners to generate the rotational driving torque. In other words, the control member 11 applies a plurality of simultaneous forces, preferably directly, to the lid 3 at different points on the lid 3 or at different points on one or several parts integral with the lid 3 (the parts are preferably immovably attached to the lid 3), which are configured to be applied directly or indirectly to the lid 3 to generate a torque for rotating the lid 3 relative to the support 10 about the first axis Y-Y'. Thanks to this technical measure, the lid 3 remains permanently centered relative to the bowl 2, or at least does not tend to become unintentionally eccentric when the lid 3 is rotated relative to the support 10 under the influence of manual operation of the control member 11 in the locking or unlocking direction. This anti-eccentricity effect reduces undesirable friction between the lid 3, the sealing gasket (e.g., an elastomeric O-ring) and the bowl 2, thereby facilitating locking / unlocking. This technical means of generating a driving torque by simultaneously applying different forces to different positions on the lid 3 or on one or more parts fixed to the lid 3 also results in a softer, gradual and continuous rotation of the lid 3 relative to the support 10.

[0037] Advantageously, the driven structures 16, 17 are arranged equidistant from the first axis of rotation Y-Y' to benefit from the effect of symmetry, which is advantageous for preventing eccentricity of the lid 3 relative to the bowl 2. Preferably, the plurality of driven structures 16, 17 includes at least, and preferably only, a first driven structure 16 and a second driven structure 17 arranged opposite each other with respect to the first axis of rotation Y-Y'. In other words, in this preferred embodiment, the plurality of driven structures includes only the first and second driven structures 16, 17 arranged diametrically opposite each other with respect to the first axis of rotation Y-Y'. In this embodiment, it is possible to generate rotation of the lid 3 relative to the support 10 through several symmetrically applied forces whose result is zero but whose resultant momentum is not zero, generating a torque that rotates the lid 3 relative to the support 10. In this embodiment, the rotation of the lid 3 is particularly soft, gradual and continuous thanks to the constant balance provided by the two driving forces applied at the two diametrically opposed driven structures 16,17.

[0038] Advantageously, one of the plurality of driven structures 16, 17 and the plurality of driving structures 18, 19 defines a plurality of female structures, while the other of the plurality of driven structures 16, 17 and the plurality of driving structures 18, 19 defines a plurality of male structures that are respectively received within the female structures. In the illustrated example, the male structures are defined by the driving structures 18, 19, while the complementary female structures within which the male structures are received are defined by the driven structures 16, 17. However, the reverse configuration is fully contemplated without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0039] Advantageously, each male structure is slidable within the female structure in which it is received, along a sliding direction substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation Y-Y', i.e. advantageously along a vertical sliding direction. In this preferred embodiment, each female structure is, for example, in the form of a cavity or rectangular hollow, which 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 makes it possible to implement a control member 11 that is pivotably mounted about a second axis different from the first axis of rotation Y-Y'.

[0040] According to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the control member 11 is advantageously mounted pivotably 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 the direction intersecting the first axis of rotation Y-Y', as shown in the figures, and is preferably perpendicular to the first axis of rotation Z-Z'. The implementation of the control member 11 pivoting relative to the support 10 about a second axis of rotation Z-Z' perpendicular to the first axis of rotation Y-Y' of the lid 3 is certainly advantageous from an ergonomic point of view, but it may also cause parasitic attempts that tend to decenter the lid 3 relative to the bowl 2. However, thanks to the present invention, and more particularly due to the simultaneous application of multiple forces by the control member 11 to create a torque that is directly transmitted to the lid 3, this undesirable deflection effect is suppressed or at least reduced. Advantageously, the control member 11 is pivotably mounted on 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, advantageously, it 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.

[0041] Advantageously, the drive structure comprises at least a first drive structure 18 and a second drive structure 19 that are misaligned with the second axis of rotation Z-Z' so that, during rotation of the control member 11 about the second axis of rotation Z-Z', each drive structure 18, 19 moves along a circular trajectory about the second axis of rotation Z-Z' and away from the second axis of rotation Z-Z'. In other words, in this preferred embodiment shown in the figures, each drive structure 18, 19 is off-centered relative to the second axis of rotation Z-Z' so as to follow an arcuate trajectory about the second axis of rotation Z-Z' and is therefore able to apply to the corresponding driven structure 16, 17 a force with a horizontal component, i.e. inscribed in a plane perpendicular to the first axis of rotation Y-Y'.

[0042] Advantageously, the orthogonal projections of the first and second drive structures 18, 19 onto a first plane P1, perpendicular to the second axis of rotation Z-Z' and inscribed with the first axis of rotation Y-Y', are respectively located on either side of the orthogonal projection of the second axis of rotation Z-Z' onto this same first plane P1. Advantageously, the orthogonal projections of the first and second drive structures 18, 19 onto a second plane P2, perpendicular to the first axis of rotation Y-Y' and inscribed with the second axis of rotation Z-Z', are respectively located at least partially on either side of the orthogonal projection of the first axis of rotation Y-Y' onto this same second plane P2, which is advantageously perpendicular to the first plane P1. In this particular configuration, which corresponds to the illustrated embodiment, the two drive structures 18, 19 are advantageously arranged opposite each other with respect to both the vertical mid-plane P1 and the horizontal mid-plane P2. Due to this double vertical and horizontal opposition and the eccentricity of the drive structures 18, 19 relative to the second rotation axis Z-Z', the first and second drive structures 18, 19 are subjected to respective movements of the same angular amplitude but in opposite directions during manual movement of the control member 11 carrying them. For example, movement of the control member 11 from its locked, retracted position to its unlocked, extended position, e.g., along an angular stroke of 90°, results in movement of the first drive structure 18 in a first direction along a first arc below plane P2, while simultaneously moving the second drive structure 19 in a second direction opposite to the first direction, along a second arc symmetrical to the first arc with respect to plane P2, and above plane P2. Movement of each of the first and second drive structures 18, 19 under the influence of movement of the control member 11 occurs while each drive structure 18, 19 is captured in a corresponding receiving portion 16, 17, which forms the first and second driven structures, respectively. This allows forces of equal magnitude to be applied to the walls of the rectangular containers, the result of which is zero but whose total momentum is not zero, in such a way that each of the rectangular containers generates a driving torque on the lid to which it is attached, advantageously forming the driven structure 16, 17, directly or indirectly.

[0043] 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.

[0044] Preferably, each of the two ends 110, 111 carries one of the drive structures 18, 19. For example, as shown in the figures, each end 110, 111 of the 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 the handle 11A about the second axis of rotation Z-Z'. The bearings 21A, 21B are themselves advantageously attached to the support 10 by any suitable means (such as screws). As shown in the figures, each ear 110A, 111A advantageously has an inner surface disposed toward the inside of the handle and facing the inner surface of the other ear, and an opposite outer surface from which a corresponding pin 110B, 111B extends outwardly and coaxially with the second axis of rotation Z-Z'.

[0045] According to an embodiment not shown, the drive structures 18, 19 are integral with the respective ears 110A, 111A that carry them, by projecting inwards on the underside of the respective ears 110A, 111A.

[0046] In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, each drive structure 18, 19 is supported by a respective intermediate part 18A, 19A mounted on the corresponding lug 110A, 111A for rotation around 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 by a corresponding bolt 23, 24 mounted on each arm of the handle 11A for elastic sliding movement 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.

[0047] Advantageously, the device for converting the manual movement of the control member 11 into a pivoting of the lid 3 consists of a hub 25 mounted on the lid 3 coaxially about the first axis of rotation Y-Y'. According to the embodiment shown, the hub 25 carries a plurality of driven structures 16, 17. As shown, the hub 25 preferably forms a plurality of driven structures 16, 17 on its periphery. The driven structures 16, 17 are therefore advantageously carried by the hub 25 and form a single, integral part with it. The hub 25 is preferably mounted directly or indirectly for rotation between the lid 3 and the hub 25, such that the driving force for rotating the hub 25 about the first axis Y-Y' is transmitted directly to the lid 3. Advantageously, the hub 25 forms a cap that helps to delimit the adjustment receiving the adjustment valve 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 two elongated cavities extending vertically are formed, which form the driven structures 16, 17. The valve 4 for regulating the pressure in the chamber is advantageously arranged at least partially under the cap 25, thereby being concealed and located close to the center of the lid 3, i.e., in a position where its rotational stroke relative to the support 10 is minimized, which is advantageous, for example, for the implantation of a complementary functional element that cooperates with the valve 4, for which it is arranged, for example, on the top wall 25A. Advantageously, the device 1 also comprises a plate 26 arranged on the lid 3 and below the hub 25, and preferably configured in such a way that, together with the hub 25, it forms a receptacle for receiving the regulating valve 4. The plate 26 is advantageously attached to both the hub 25 and the lid 3 and is intended to transmit to the lid 3 the 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 carried by the hub 25. The regulating valve 4 is therefore advantageously carried by the plate 26 while being at least partially covered by the hub 25 .

[0048] Advantageously, the crossbar 100, which preferably forms the support 10, is arranged between the plate 26 and the hub 25 in such a way 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, for example by means of a screw, an elastic fit or the like, so that the crossbar 100 is sandwiched between the hub 25 and the plate 26. The hub 25 and the plate 26 thus form a first integral subset, while the control member 11 and the crossbar 100 form a second integral subset, the first and second integral subsets being assembled to one another in a manner that allows them to pivot relatively about the first axis Y-Y'.

[0049] Advantageously, the regulating valve 4 belongs to the first monolithic subset, since it is preferably supported by a plate 26. For example, the plate 26 is in the form of a cup, preferably made of plastic material, and is provided with a hole 26A coaxial 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 the upper surface 261, a valve hole is arranged through the cup. This hole is surrounded at the lower surface 260 by a sealing gasket 33 and opens, on the side of the upper surface 261, into a chamber 34 which itself communicates with a longitudinal bore 35 on the one hand and with an exhaust pipe 36 on the other hand. The vertical bore 35 receives, for example, a weighted or spring-loaded valve device with a movable flap 37 slidably mounted along a direction parallel to the first rotation axis Y-Y′, which is returned to its lower position (under the effect of gravity or the 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 thus 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 steam contained in the cooking chamber to first reach the chamber 34 and then be expelled to the outside through the exhaust pipe 36. Advantageously, the instrument 1 further comprises a device for calibrating the pressure regulating valve 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 forced 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 pivotably mounted about a first axis of rotation Y-Y' and extending between two ends, one of which is connected to the valve 4 and acts on the calibration of the valve 4, and the other of which is connected to a manually operable slide, knob or lever.The tabs pass through, for example, side wall 25B of hub 25 by passing through slots 250 disposed through side wall 25B. Of course, the use of valves 4 with adjustable calibration is entirely optional, and it is entirely conceivable to use adjustable valves 4 whose calibration cannot be altered by the user.

[0050] Advantageously, the first integral subset also includes an assembly rod 27 that projects from the plate, preferably downwards, coaxially with the first axis of rotation Y-Y'. The assembly rod 27 is located within the first integral subset and has an inner portion 27A that passes through a hole 28 formed through the crossbar 100 so that the second integral subset pivots about the first axis of rotation Y-Y' around the inner portion 27A. The rod 27 also has a central fastening hole 29 formed through the lid 3 and preferably a threaded free portion 27B that passes through the center of the lid 3 and that cooperates with a nut 32 to attach the first integral subset to the lid 3. Advantageously, the assembly rod 27 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′, passes through a hole 28 formed in the support 10 and a hole 26A formed in the plate 26, and rests 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 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 free threaded portion 27B passes through a central hole 29 formed through the lid 3 and is intended to cooperate with the nut 32. An O-ring 40 or other sealing system is threaded onto the rod 27 to ensure tightness when the first integral subset is attached to the lid 3. Preferably, in order to fix the first integral subset relative to the lid 3 in rotation about the first axis of rotation Y-Y′, the plate 26 is provided with studs 43 arranged at a distance from the first axis of rotation Y-Y′ and projecting towards the bottom of the lower surface 260 of the plate 26. The studs 43 are intended to be inserted into corresponding blind holes 44 formed through the lid 3 and whose size is conjugated to that of the studs 43. Thanks to the cooperation of the studs 43 and the blind holes 44, a rotational force about the first axis Y-Y′ exerted on the plate 26 via the hub 25 to which it is attached is transferred to the lid 3. An O-ring (not shown) or any other sealing system is advantageously arranged around the studs 43 to prevent unintended communication between the inside and the outside of the chamber through the blind holes 44.

[0051] Advantageously, the second integral subset also includes a crown 41 forming an upper annular cap having a central bore 41A, which covers the plate 26, the crossbar 100, the bearings 21A, 21B and the pins 110B, 111B and allows the hub 25 to emerge from its bore 41A.

[0052] The first and second integrated subsets are advantageously assembled together, thus forming an integrated control module 200 which is removably attached, here to the lid 3, by means of an assembly rod 27 and a nut 32.

[0053] 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 14 and 15) 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] Advantageously, the disengageable linkage 42 is configured to disengage the control member 10 from the plurality of drive structures 18, 19 from one another 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.

[0056] According to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the disengageable linkage 42 includes at least: - 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;

[0057] 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'.

[0058] The device 1 according to the invention therefore has a high level of safety and reliability.

Claims

1. A food pressure cooker (1), comprising: Bowl (2) and a lid (3) that is locked to the bowl (2) and that together with the bowl (2) forms a cooking chamber adapted for pressure buildup; a bayonet locking system configured to securely lock and unlock the lid (3) to the bowl (2) by pivoting the lid (3) relative to the bowl (2); a support (10) attached to the lid (3) so that the lid (3) can pivot relative to the support (10) about a first rotation axis (Y-Y') between two positions corresponding to an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, respectively; a manually operable locking / unlocking control member (11) attached to the support (10) by a mechanical link that allows manual movement of the control member (11) relative to the support (10), and connected to the lid (3) by a converter that converts manual movement of the control member (11) into a pivoting of the lid (3) relative to the support (10); Equipped with the conversion device comprises, on the one hand, at least a plurality of driven structures (16, 17) mounted on the lid (3) and spaced apart from one another, and, on the other hand, at least a plurality of driving structures (18, 19) also spaced apart from one another and mounted at different positions on the control member (11), the drive structures (18, 19) simultaneously engage the driven structures (16, 17) to exert respective forces on the driven structures (16, 17) that contribute to a drive torque for rotating the lid relative to the support in response to movement of the control member (11); The food pressure cooker (1) is characterized in that the conversion device includes a hub (25) attached to the lid (3) coaxially with the first rotation axis (Y-Y'), and the hub (25) carries the plurality of driven structures (16, 17).

2. The instrument (1) according to claim 1, wherein the driven structures (16, 17) are arranged equidistant from the first axis of rotation (Y-Y').

3. The instrument (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the plurality of driven structures (16, 17) comprises at least first and second driven structures arranged opposite each other with respect to the first axis of rotation (Y-Y').

4. 4. The instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one of the plurality of driven structures (16, 17) and the plurality of driving structures (18, 19) forms a plurality of female structures, and the other of the plurality of driven structures (16, 17) and the plurality of driving structures (18, 19) forms a plurality of male structures respectively received within the female structures, and each male structure is slidable within the female structure in which it is respectively received along a sliding direction substantially parallel to the first rotation axis (Y-Y').

5. 5. The instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control member (11) is pivotally mounted relative to the support (10) about a second axis of rotation (Z-Z') perpendicular to the first axis of rotation (Y-Y').

6. 6. The instrument (1) according to claim 5, wherein the drive structure comprises at least first and second drive structures (18, 19) misaligned with the second axis of rotation (Z-Z') so as to move each along a circular path about the second axis of rotation while the control member (11) rotates about the second axis of rotation.

7. The instrument (1) according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the 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 two ends (110, 111) each carry a drive structure of the plurality of drive structures (18, 19).

8. 8. The appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising an adjusting valve (4) attached to the lid (3) for adjusting the pressure in the cooking chamber, the hub (25) forming a cap (25) serving to delimit a receptacle for receiving the adjusting valve (4).

9. 9. The device (1) according to claim 8, further comprising a plate (26) arranged on the lid (3) and below the hub (25) so as to form the receiving portion with the hub (25), the plate (26) being attached to the hub (25) and the lid (3).

10. 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 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, and the support (10) and the bowl (2) fit together when the lid subset (300) and the bowl (2) in the unlocked configuration are combined according to the predetermined relative arrangement; 10. The device (1) according to claim 9, comprising complementary support structures (12, 13) and bowl structures (14, 15) intended to cooperate, which engagement makes it possible to lock the relative angular positions of the support (10) and the bowl (2) in a horizontal plane, the support (10) including a crossbar (100) arranged between the plate (26) and the hub (25), the crossbar (100) extending longitudinally between two opposite ends projecting radially from the lid (3) to form the support structures (12, 13), the support structures (12, 13) being configured to cooperate with respective complementary receiving portions forming the bowl structures (14, 15).

11. 11. The device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the hub (25) and the plate (26) form a first integral subset, and the control member (11) and the crossbar (100) form a second integral subset, the first integral subset comprising an assembly rod (27) protruding from the plate (26) and comprising, on the one hand, an inner part (27A) arranged in the first integral subset and passing through a hole (28) made through the crossbar (100) so that the second integral subset pivots around the first axis of rotation (Y-Y'), and, on the other hand, a threaded free part (27B) passing through a central fastening hole (29) made through the lid (3), the threaded free part (27B) cooperating with a nut (32) to attach the first integral subset to the lid (3).

12. 12. The instrument (1) of claim 11, wherein the first and second integrated subsets are assembled together to form an integrated control module (200) removably attached to the lid by the assembly rod (27) and the nut (32).

13. an opening safety means (5) sensitive to the pressure in the cooking chamber and responsible for assuming a blocking position that prevents the lid (3) from being unlocked when the pressure in the cooking chamber is significantly higher than atmospheric pressure; a disengageable linkage (42) ensuring a detachable mechanical link between the control member (11) and the plurality of drive structures (18, 19); Equipped with 13. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the control member (11) is 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), and the disengageable linkage (42) is configured to allow the control member (10) to move freely from the second position to the first position, while being configured to decouple the control member (10) from the plurality of drive structures (18, 19) when the opening safety means (5) is in the blocked position.

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