EP1955621B1 - Device for adjusting the level of water in the heating cavity of a household appliance - Google Patents

Device for adjusting the level of water in the heating cavity of a household appliance Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1955621B1
EP1955621B1 EP20080356022 EP08356022A EP1955621B1 EP 1955621 B1 EP1955621 B1 EP 1955621B1 EP 20080356022 EP20080356022 EP 20080356022 EP 08356022 A EP08356022 A EP 08356022A EP 1955621 B1 EP1955621 B1 EP 1955621B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tank
water
support
container
opening
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP20080356022
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1955621A1 (en
Inventor
Bernard Allemand
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SEB SA
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SEB SA
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Publication date
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Publication of EP1955621A1 publication Critical patent/EP1955621A1/en
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Publication of EP1955621B1 publication Critical patent/EP1955621B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24C—DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES ; DETAILS OF DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F24C15/00—Details
    • F24C15/32—Arrangements of ducts for hot gases, e.g. in or around baking ovens
    • F24C15/322—Arrangements of ducts for hot gases, e.g. in or around baking ovens with forced circulation
    • F24C15/327—Arrangements of ducts for hot gases, e.g. in or around baking ovens with forced circulation with air moisturising

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the field of household appliances for steam cooking, and in particular in the field of ovens. It is more particularly a device for automatic regulation of the water level of a heating cavity disposed in the cooking chamber.
  • the document FR 2398433 shows a removable water tank for a steam oven having a spring-mounted valve for sealing the tank when it is removed from the furnace for filling with water, a corresponding part on the furnace for opening the valve against the return force of the spring.
  • the valve connected to the reservoir, is disposed in the enclosure of the oven, so that the removal of the tank out of the oven for its filling requires a specific passage made in the wall of the oven to allow the removal of the valve.
  • said valve placed in the cooking chamber, is subjected to the vaporization temperature of the water and is soiled by the cooking environment and therefore by the food, which can generate problems of bacterial proliferation.
  • filling the tank is inconvenient since it is necessary to remove the valve to access the inside of the tank.
  • the document AU 797166 describes a steam cooker comprising a cooking chamber in which is disposed a heating element of the immersion heater type, this chamber being connected, by two ducts arranged at the bottom of the enclosure, to two water tanks each of which can receive a bottle of water. water upside down.
  • the neck of each bottle is connected to a vertical tube extending downwards to a distance from the lower wall, this distance defining the water level in the cooking chamber, the tube allowing the air to replace the water in the bottle, and vice versa.
  • the orifice of filling the water bottles also corresponds to the orifice through which the water flows into the cooking chamber.
  • the present invention aims to overcome the disadvantages mentioned above and to provide a simple device for making and using.
  • the present invention is achieved by means of a device for automatic regulation of the water level in a heated or heated cavity of a household appliance, said cavity comprising a ventilation link with the outside of the appliance, said device comprising an airtight water tank in its upper part, in removable connection with a container, the tank having a water filling opening in the upper part, and an opening in the lower part of the passage of the water to the container made by a duct, the duct leading to a level n in the container, the latter having a connection with the outside of the appliance, the container having, under the level n, an opening of flow of water to the heating cavity, the level n being a defined filling level of the heating cavity, characterized in that the water filling opening of the reservoir is located in the upper part of the tank and is closed by a removable plug accessible from the outside of the tank, said plug sealing air with the tank inside when set up.
  • the present invention thus proposes a removable water reservoir of a container in communication with the water evaporation cavity, having the particularity of not being in direct connection with the heating cavity, which has various advantages, in particular that of reducing the contamination by the cooking environment, while offering the possibility of remaining in a cold zone.
  • the connection between the reservoir and the heating cavity is performed by a container, this part being at the same pressure as that of the heating cavity, thus allowing a balancing of the levels between the two compartments.
  • This balancing of the levels which corresponds to the desired water level in the cavity, can only be achieved by having a sealed reservoir, in particular in the air, except the opening for the passage of water to the container, and by a judicious arrangement of the end of the conduit connecting the tank to the container.
  • the water level stabilizes when the air can no longer communicate from the container to the inside of the tank. to replace the water that arrives in said cavity.
  • Such automatic regulation is simple to implement and requires no electronic device.
  • an opening in the upper part of the tank closed by a tight plug when in place, and removable from the outside of the tank, facilitates the filling operation of water, while ensuring a seal at the tank air, guarantor of the operation of the device as previously mentioned.
  • the reservoir comprises reversible means for closing the water passage opening in the lower part when the reservoir is no longer in contact with the receptacle, these means allowing the opening of the passage of the water when the tank is positioned in the container.
  • the container forms part of a support of the reservoir, the reservoir being removable from said support.
  • the closure means consist of a part in connection with the reservoir and having a water passage opening at the bottom and actuating rods may be in relation to two ramps integral with the support, acting or allowing to act on at least one of the actuating rods to move during the insertion of the reservoir into the support, the piece in an open position of the passage of water to the container.
  • This embodiment of the invention makes it possible to realize an additional functionality of comfort of use, remaining with mechanical means, without the use of electronics, in order to present an economical alternative to current systems.
  • a first configuration consists in that the support comprises ramps acting or acting on at least one of the actuating rods to move the piece in the closed position the opening of passage of the water from the tank to the container during the extraction of the reservoir from the support.
  • This configuration thus uses the same principle as for the opening of the water passage from the tank to the container, by a set of complementary ramps.
  • the opening for passage of water from the reservoir to the receptacle is delimited by a vertical guide comprising at least one orifice for the passage of water over a portion of its base, the workpiece shutter being a hollow piston, slidable in the guide under the effect of the cooperation between the actuating bars of the workpiece and the ramps of the support.
  • the closure part comprises at least one hole on a part of its periphery, substantially halfway up, said hole being capable of either communicating with the water passage orifice of the guide, or being isolated said orifice, depending on the position of the closure piece.
  • the shutter piece sliding in a guide to allow or not the fluid connection between the reservoir and the container is similar to the operation of a valve-drawer, the control being entirely mechanical. Such an arrangement is of simple design.
  • the closure piece is connected to a vertical rod around which is arranged a return spring, said spring being mounted in compression between the end of the rod and the closure piece.
  • This second configuration uses a return spring which is constrained during the displacement of the shutter in the open position of the water passage, where the reservoir is positioned in the support, allowing said part to resume its position when the tank is slid out of the holder for water filling.
  • a vertical guide as previously mentioned, is advantageously used, in order to maintain the spring substantially vertical.
  • Such designs allow in particular to be able to arrange the actuator bars under the tank, said bars being an extension of the shutter piece, which keeps a compact device.
  • the closure part constitutes the conduit linking the reservoir to the container, the opening in the lower part of the part opening to the level n of the container, constituted by a lower zone of the support closed by the reservoir and having a ventilation link with the outside, said area having the water flow opening of the container to the heating cavity.
  • the reservoir comprises a handle and is removable from the support by substantially horizontal sliding, facilitating the filling and cleaning operations.
  • the ramps of the support are arranged on at least one of the sliding walls of said support, advantageously the side walls, being inclined at an angle ⁇ relative to the direction of sliding. of the tank.
  • This configuration makes it possible, by the sliding movement of the reservoir relative to the support, to perform a translational or rotational movement of the closure piece so that the latter has the two previously mentioned opening and closing positions.
  • the two lateral walls of the support each carry at least one ramp with which cooperate the actuating bars of the closure piece, thus ensuring a more secure movement of said part.
  • the guide of said part is tubular, the part being cylindrical and comprising at least three peripheral seals. sealing bearing on the inside of the tubular guide, two of these seals being arranged on either side of the hole on a part of the periphery of the shutter piece, the third being disposed in the lower part of the part.
  • the tank has a lid having a guide of the upper part of the shutter piece, in order to limit the risk of jamming of said part.
  • the present invention also relates to a household appliance comprising a device for automatically regulating the water level in a heating cavity according to one of the characteristics mentioned above, and more particularly to an electric household oven where the heating cavity represents the sole of said oven.
  • the tank support is placed outside the enclosure of the oven, in a cold zone, to avoid any risk of deformation and malfunction due to heating.
  • the tank support is open at the front face of the oven, the tank then sliding horizontally from the rear to the front of the oven.
  • the present invention relates to a device for supplying water to a heating cavity.
  • the figure 1 schematically illustrates the operation of the device.
  • the invention relates to a tank 100 in connection with a tank 110 by a opening 102, the reservoir being removable relative to the tray. Apart from the opening 102, the tank is airtight, while the tank 110 has an opening 112 to the outside.
  • This tank 110 is connected to an evaporator 120 through an opening 116 and a duct 118.
  • the evaporator 120 also has an outward connection.
  • the two containers 110 and 120 being at the same pressure, the water level equilibrates, essentially by passing water from the tank 110 to the evaporator 120.
  • a conduit 104 connects the reservoir 100 and the tank 110, this duct penetrating the tank 110 to a level n located above the duct 118.
  • the device thus performs an automatic regulation of the water level in the evaporator.
  • Such an oven comprises a door 2 actuated by a handle 4 allowing access to a cooking chamber 6.
  • Various control buttons 8 allow in particular an adjustment of the temperature and the cooking time.
  • Other functions may be associated with these control members, such as, for example, the selection of a particular mode of operation of the oven.
  • the oven comprises a device 10 for feeding and automatic regulation of the water level of a heating cavity, as previously explained, allowing the creation of steam in the cooking chamber 6.
  • a device is presented figure 3 .
  • the heating cavity 60 is the hearth of the furnace and comprises a vacuum zone 62, having a large surface and a shallow depth, allowing the reception and the vaporization of the water coming from the supply device 10
  • the sole advantageously metallic and protected against corrosion, comprises an underlying heating element. It thus constitutes the evaporator presented in the introduction of the invention.
  • the water supply device of the heating cavity 60 is connected to said cavity by a duct 12.
  • the figure 4 shows an exploded view of the device which comprises a support 20 of parallelepipedal shape, open in the front part 22 and whose upper part is closed by a flat piece 24 coming, by clipping, to be fixed on said support.
  • the front portion 22, bordered by a frame 36, is wider than the rear portion, having a notch 37.
  • the internal configuration of the support 20 comprises lateral flanges 28, these flanges being substantially horizontal, as well as two slides 30 placed facing the lateral walls of the support, under the flanges 28, over a significant length of said support, either about at least half the length of said support.
  • These slides are composed of an upper ramp 301 and a lower ramp 302, the groove thus formed between the two ramps being connected, in the rear part, with a stop made by a vertical recess 32 of the underside of the support.
  • This lower face comprises, at the front, a flat portion 34, extended rearwardly by a downwardly inclined wall 204, to a detachable recess, through the substantially horizontal wall 202, a lower region 206 forming a bowl.
  • this zone is the opening 26. With reference to the figure 1 this zone 206 can be likened to the container 110.
  • the slide is inclined relative to the horizontal by an angle ⁇ close to 4 °, the lower part of the slide being located towards the rear of the support, in the zone 206.
  • the lower ramp 302 opens, in the front part, on the flat part 34 forming a frame.
  • the lower ramp 302 has a recess which follows the curvature of the opening 26, this recess being necessary for demolding the part during its production of plastic.
  • the corresponding ramp located on the opposite side wall of the support does not have such a recess.
  • the device also comprises an airtight water tank 40 assembled to be slidably disposed in the support 20. Its shape is therefore substantially parallelepipedal, adapted to the inner shape of the support 20.
  • the reservoir 40 thus comprises a recess 48 to be positioned on the inner edges 28 of the support for sliding said tank.
  • the upper part of the tank is closed by a welded lid 42, as visible figure 15 , having a filling orifice 44 closed in an airtight manner by a plug 46, in the form of a plug.
  • a recess 47 of the cover 42 makes it easy to slide the fingers to grip the bung.
  • a removable cover assembled on the tank with screws or clips, using a seal over the entire periphery of the lid to ensure the necessary seal.
  • the filling orifice is then no longer indispensable.
  • the lid 42 also comprises a vertical tubular guide 420 oriented towards the inside of the tank, the function of which will be explained later.
  • This guide comprises two indentations 422 at its end, diametrically opposite.
  • the reservoir 40 has an opening 400 on its bottom wall, this opening being delimited, inside the tank, by a guide 430, similar in shape to the guide 420, as shown in FIG. figure 6 .
  • This guide also comprises two notches 432 formed at its base and allowing a connection with the interior of said guide, and therefore with the opening 400, said notches being oriented towards the front and towards the rear of the tank.
  • the front face 50 of the reservoir 40 comprises a gripping handle 52, said face being able to bear against the frame 34 of the support 20.
  • the front part of the reservoir 40 comprises a notch 54, capable of cooperating with the notch 37 of the support.
  • the device comprises a piston 70, inserted by the lower face of the reservoir 40 in the guide 430.
  • This piston is presented in more detail in the figure 7 .
  • the piston 70 represents the duct 104.
  • This piston is thus composed of a cylinder 702 hollow, open at both ends, and can therefore slide in the guide 430.
  • actuating bars in the form of two radial slides 704 arranged opposite each other.
  • These sliders 704 are of tubular shape and are capable of cooperating with the slides 30 of the support 20. They are therefore perpendicular to the side faces of the tank when the piston is inserted into said tank.
  • the sliders 704 are arranged under the lower part of the tank 40, two arches 56 formed at this level, under the tank, for guiding said sliders.
  • two indentations 706 are made on the cylinder of the piston at the sliders, at the end of the cylinder, that is to say under the reservoir 40, these windows being diametrically opposed and oriented towards the front and the rear of the tank when the piston is inserted into said tank.
  • Two other openings 708 are made substantially at mid-height of the cylinder, these openings also being diametrically opposite and located vertically from the notches 706. These openings are thus offset by one angle close to 90 ° relative to the sliders 704 and are likely to coincide with the indentations 432 of the guide 430.
  • O-ring seals are disposed around the cylinder of the piston: an upper seal 710 located at the end of the cylinder 702, a lower seal 712, a seal 714 disposed just above the openings 708, and a seal 716 disposed just below the openings 708.
  • the reservoir 40 is disposed in the support 20, the recesses 48 of the reservoir bearing on the inner flanges 28 of the support. This position is illustrated in particular in Figures 2, 3 , 10 at 12 , 16a, 17a , as well as on Figures 18 and 19 .
  • the reservoir 40 is completely disposed in the support 20, the front face 50 bearing on the frame 36 of the support 20.
  • the lower zone 206 is then closed in the upper part by the underside of the reservoir.
  • the various clearances between the reservoir and the support allow in particular a ventilation link between the lower zone 206 and the outside of the device.
  • the sliders 704 of the piston 70 are arranged at the rear end of the sliders 30, against the vertical recess 32 forming a stop.
  • the slides being inclined downwards, the piston 70 is thus in the low position relative to the guides 420 and 430.
  • the openings 708 of the piston are located opposite the notches 432, as shown in FIG. figure 12 .
  • the seal 710 is positioned at the end of the guide, so that a portion of the notch 422 of the guide 420 is located above the end of the cylinder 702, as shown in FIG. figure 16a .
  • the notches 706 are positioned at a level n , with reference to the explanations of the figure 1 this level being located slightly above the opening 26 of water passage from the container to the hearth.
  • the sole 60 is thus in aeraulic connection with the outside, as the area 206 of the support, which allows the passage of water to the sole to tender to balance the levels between the zone 206 and the sole.
  • air can go up from the lower zone 206 towards the inside of the piston and into the volume of the reservoir, through the parts of the indentations 422 left free by the seal 710, in order to replace the water flowing towards the hearth 60.
  • Such an air inlet is represented by the arrow G on the figure 17a .
  • seal 714 prevents water introduction by the free end of the guide 430.
  • a space l is provided between the lower end of the piston and the wall 202 defining the lower zone 206, to facilitate the flow of water, but also to reduce the consequences of scale formation.
  • This figure 19 also shows a slight gradient in the conduit 12, so that a low level of water in the tank is sufficient to transfer this water in the sole.
  • Such a level corresponds substantially to the indicated level n figure 19 .
  • This level corresponds substantially to a filling at mid-height of the depression zone 62 of the hearth 60.
  • the level n determines the level of water in the lower zone 206 and therefore in the heating cavity. It may vary slightly depending on the wettability of the materials used for the piston, the tank, and the support, as well as any residual pressure in the cooking chamber.
  • Such a position of the piston corresponding to the positioning of the tank 40 completely in the support 20, is called the open position, since it allows, such an open tap, to transfer the water from the tank to the oven floor.
  • the user When the user wishes to fill or clean the reservoir 40, he grasps the latter by the handle 52 on the front of the oven and slides the reservoir relative to the support 20 in a substantially horizontal movement and perpendicular to the front face of the oven.
  • This sliding movement induces a guiding of the sliders 704 of the piston in the slideways 30, which causes a vertical upward movement of the piston 70 in the guides 420, 430.
  • Figs 13 to 15, 16b and 17b show the positioning of the piston when the sliders 704 are near the end of the slides.
  • the tank can thus be completely out of the support, which causes a slight upward movement of the piston, reinforcing the positions that have just been presented.
  • the angle of inclination ⁇ of the slides of about 4 ° allows a vertical movement of the piston of the order of 1.5 cm, which allows the different positions of the joints as shown.
  • the replacement of the reservoir 40 in the support 20 makes it possible to slide the piston downwards so as to bring the openings 708 of the piston 70 in register with the indentations 432 of the guide 430, allowing the passage of water in the support and then in the sole.
  • the device according to the invention also has the advantage of being easily dismountable.
  • the piston can be removed from the guide 430 in case of difficulty of sliding for thorough cleaning.
  • the present invention also covers the technical equivalents of the various parts and functions that have just been mentioned, as well as the various possible arrangements of the support and the reservoir in the device.
  • the support can indeed be arranged on one of the side walls or on the bottom wall, depending on the use.
  • a spring and valve device such as that described in the document FR 2398433 can also be used effectively, such elements being widely known in the field of liquid tank connections.
  • the piston 70 as previously explained is replaced by a piece 80 comprising a hollow body 82 provided with two openings 86, like the openings 706 of the piston 70, as well as two actuating rods 84.
  • the piece 82 is connected to a rod 90 by means of a seal 88 bearing against the bottom of the piece 80, the rod 90 being mounted in a guide 900.
  • a spring 94 is fixed around this rod slightly in compression between a piece 92 coming from the rod 90 and abutting against the end of the guide 900, and an extension of the piece 80.
  • the lower part of the guide 900 has notches 902 in correspondence with the actuating bars 84.
  • Two slots 904 are formed in the guide 900, allowing a fluid connection between the outside and the inside of the guide.
  • a base 906 allows the fixing of the guide 900 to the tank. This base also comprises a conduit 908 in the extension of the guide 900, extending towards the workpiece 80.
  • the spring 94 and the rod 90 are located in the guide 900, the rod 90 opening outwardly of the base 906, at the conduit 908.
  • the part 80 and the seal 88 bear against the end 91 of the rod 90 via a screw connecting the piece 80 to the end of the rod 90, the actuating rods 84 being partially located in the notches 902.
  • the figure 21a has such a rest configuration, where the seal 88, by the compression of the spring 94, bears against the end of the conduit 908, and prevents water, entering the openings 904, from flowing more downstream.
  • This situation corresponds to that where the reservoir is slid from its support for a filling of water.
  • the figure 22 which represents a partial section of the device 910 for feeding and automatically regulating the water level of a heating cavity, not shown, shows the situation where the reservoir is arranged in its support.
  • the guide 900 is disposed in a reservoir 940 slidable in a support 920, in a configuration similar to that presented to the Figures 4, 5 and 14 in particular, the piece 80 is therefore located under the reservoir 940.
  • the latter is similar to the reservoir 40, in particular having a water filling opening in the upper part, as previously described, this opening being closed by a removable cap.
  • the support 920 has a notable structural and functional difference with respect to the support 20, presenting only one set of laterally arranged functional ramps 922, under which the actuating rods 84 are arranged.
  • the support 920 comprises an opening 260 water flow to the heating cavity, visible figure 23 , identical to the opening 26. As is clearly visible on the figure 23 the ramps 922 are inclined at an angle ⁇ , as previously explained.
  • the set of ramps 922 will urge the actuating rods 84, causing a downward movement of the assembly formed of the piece 80 , of the gasket 88 and of the rod 90, against the restoring force of the spring 94, as indicated in figures 21a , 22 and 23 , resulting in the opening of the passage of water through the end of the conduit 908. Therefore, water in the reservoir 940 can flow through the lights 904 and the conduit 908, through the room 80 from which it exits through the openings 86. The water can then flow through the opening 260 provided in the support 920, to the heating cavity.
  • the compression spring 94 progressively reduces the piece 80 and thus the seal 88 towards the end of the conduit 908, by cooperation between the actuating rods 84 and the ramps 922, until the contact between the seal and the end of said duct, which closes the opening passage of the water.
  • a single set of ramps allows the opening or closing of the opening of the water passage, the spring 94 performing the complementary operation of closing or opening during the reverse movement of the reservoir relative to the support.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Cookers (AREA)

Description

L'invention se rapporte au domaine des appareils électroménagers de cuisson à la vapeur, et notamment au domaine des fours. Elle vise plus particulièrement un dispositif de régulation automatique du niveau d'eau d'une cavité chauffante disposée dans l'enceinte de cuisson.The invention relates to the field of household appliances for steam cooking, and in particular in the field of ovens. It is more particularly a device for automatic regulation of the water level of a heating cavity disposed in the cooking chamber.

Il est connu, dans le domaine des fours électroménagers, des dispositifs de génération de vapeur par l'intermédiaire d'un pot d'évaporation disposé au niveau de la sole du four. Le document EP 0277337 montre un four équipé d'un tel dispositif, le four comportant par ailleurs un réservoir d'eau permettant l'alimentation du pot à l'aide d'une électrovanne et d'un clapet anti-retour. Par ailleurs, le pot d'évaporation dispose d'un élément chauffant propre. Globalement, le dispositif est complexe et surtout relativement onéreux, nécessitant une carte électronique de commande.It is known, in the field of household electric furnaces, steam generating devices via an evaporation pot disposed at the hearth of the furnace. The document EP 0277337 shows an oven equipped with such a device, the oven further comprising a water tank for feeding the pot with a solenoid valve and a non-return valve. In addition, the evaporation pot has a clean heating element. Overall, the device is complex and above all relatively expensive, requiring an electronic control card.

Le document FR 2398433 montre un réservoir d'eau amovible pour four à vapeur comportant un clapet monté sur ressort permettant d'assurer l'étanchéité du réservoir lors de son extraction du four pour le remplissage en eau, une partie en correspondance sur le four permettant d'ouvrir le clapet contre la force de rappel du ressort. Le clapet, lié au réservoir, est disposé dans l'enceinte du four, de sorte que le retrait du réservoir hors du four pour son remplissage nécessite un passage spécifique réalisé dans la paroi du four pour permettre le retrait du clapet. De plus, ledit clapet, placé dans l'enceinte de cuisson, est soumis à la température de vaporisation de l'eau et est sali par l'ambiance de cuisson et donc par les aliments, ce qui peut générer des problèmes de prolifération bactérienne. Par ailleurs, le remplissage du réservoir est peu commode puisqu'il est nécessaire d'ôter le clapet pour accéder à l'intérieur du réservoir.The document FR 2398433 shows a removable water tank for a steam oven having a spring-mounted valve for sealing the tank when it is removed from the furnace for filling with water, a corresponding part on the furnace for opening the valve against the return force of the spring. The valve, connected to the reservoir, is disposed in the enclosure of the oven, so that the removal of the tank out of the oven for its filling requires a specific passage made in the wall of the oven to allow the removal of the valve. In addition, said valve, placed in the cooking chamber, is subjected to the vaporization temperature of the water and is soiled by the cooking environment and therefore by the food, which can generate problems of bacterial proliferation. Moreover, filling the tank is inconvenient since it is necessary to remove the valve to access the inside of the tank.

Le document AU 797166 décrit un cuiseur vapeur comportant une enceinte de cuisson dans laquelle est disposé un élément chauffant de type thermoplongeur, cette enceinte étant reliée, par deux conduits disposés au niveau du fond de l'enceinte, à deux réservoirs d'eau pouvant chacun recevoir une bouteille d'eau disposée à l'envers. Le goulot de chaque bouteille est en liaison avec un tube vertical s'étendant vers le bas jusqu'à une certaine distance de la paroi inférieure, cette distance définissant le niveau d'eau dans l'enceinte de cuisson, le tube permettant à l'air de remplacer l'eau dans la bouteille, et vice-versa. L'orifice de remplissage des bouteilles d'eau correspond également à l'orifice par lequel l'eau s'écoule dans l'enceinte de cuisson.The document AU 797166 describes a steam cooker comprising a cooking chamber in which is disposed a heating element of the immersion heater type, this chamber being connected, by two ducts arranged at the bottom of the enclosure, to two water tanks each of which can receive a bottle of water. water upside down. The neck of each bottle is connected to a vertical tube extending downwards to a distance from the lower wall, this distance defining the water level in the cooking chamber, the tube allowing the air to replace the water in the bottle, and vice versa. The orifice of filling the water bottles also corresponds to the orifice through which the water flows into the cooking chamber.

La présente invention vise à pallier les inconvénients cités précédemment et à proposer un dispositif simple de réalisation et d'emploi.The present invention aims to overcome the disadvantages mentioned above and to provide a simple device for making and using.

La présente invention est atteinte à l'aide d'un dispositif de régulation automatique du niveau d'eau dans une cavité chauffante ou chauffée d'un appareil électroménager, ladite cavité comportant une liaison aéraulique avec l'extérieur de l'appareil, ledit dispositif comportant un réservoir d'eau étanche à l'air dans sa partie supérieure, en liaison amovible avec un récipient, le réservoir présentant une ouverture de remplissage d'eau en partie supérieure, ainsi qu'une ouverture en partie inférieure de passage de l'eau vers le récipient réalisé par un conduit, le conduit débouchant à un niveau n dans le récipient, ce dernier disposant d'une liaison avec l'extérieur de l'appareil électroménager, le récipient présentant, sous le niveau n, une ouverture d'écoulement d'eau vers la cavité chauffante, le niveau n étant un niveau de remplissage défini de la cavité chauffante, caractérisé en ce que l'ouverture de remplissage d'eau du réservoir est située en partie supérieure du réservoir et est fermée par un bouchon amovible accessible de l'extérieur du réservoir, ledit bouchon réalisant une étanchéité à l'air avec l'intérieur du réservoir lorsque mis en place.The present invention is achieved by means of a device for automatic regulation of the water level in a heated or heated cavity of a household appliance, said cavity comprising a ventilation link with the outside of the appliance, said device comprising an airtight water tank in its upper part, in removable connection with a container, the tank having a water filling opening in the upper part, and an opening in the lower part of the passage of the water to the container made by a duct, the duct leading to a level n in the container, the latter having a connection with the outside of the appliance, the container having, under the level n, an opening of flow of water to the heating cavity, the level n being a defined filling level of the heating cavity, characterized in that the water filling opening of the reservoir is located in the upper part of the tank and is closed by a removable plug accessible from the outside of the tank, said plug sealing air with the tank inside when set up.

La présente invention propose ainsi un réservoir d'eau amovible d'un récipient en communication avec la cavité d'évaporation de l'eau, présentant la particularité de ne pas être en liaison directe avec la cavité chauffante, ce qui présente divers avantages, notamment celui de réduire la contamination par l'ambiance de cuisson, tout en offrant la possibilité de rester dans une zone froide. La liaison entre le réservoir et la cavité chauffante est réalisée par un récipient, cette partie étant à la même pression que celle de la cavité chauffante, permettant ainsi un équilibrage des niveaux entre les deux compartiments. Cet équilibrage des niveaux, qui correspond au niveau d'eau souhaité dans la cavité, n'est réalisable qu'en disposant d'un réservoir étanche, notamment à l'air, hormis l'ouverture de passage d'eau vers le récipient, et par une disposition judicieuse de l'extrémité du conduit reliant le réservoir au récipient.The present invention thus proposes a removable water reservoir of a container in communication with the water evaporation cavity, having the particularity of not being in direct connection with the heating cavity, which has various advantages, in particular that of reducing the contamination by the cooking environment, while offering the possibility of remaining in a cold zone. The connection between the reservoir and the heating cavity is performed by a container, this part being at the same pressure as that of the heating cavity, thus allowing a balancing of the levels between the two compartments. This balancing of the levels, which corresponds to the desired water level in the cavity, can only be achieved by having a sealed reservoir, in particular in the air, except the opening for the passage of water to the container, and by a judicious arrangement of the end of the conduit connecting the tank to the container.

De la sorte, dès que le niveau baisse dans la cavité, cette eau est automatiquement remplacée par de l'eau provenant du réservoir. Ce système auto-régulant à niveau constant utilise ainsi la gravité pour le transfert de l'eau.In this way, as soon as the level drops in the cavity, this water is automatically replaced by water coming from the reservoir. This self-regulating constant level system uses gravity for the transfer of water.

A l'instar des systèmes d'abreuvoirs à oiseaux, le niveau d'eau se stabilise lorsque l'air ne peut plus communiquer du récipient vers l'intérieur du réservoir afin de remplacer l'eau qui arrive dans ladite cavité. Une telle régulation automatique est simple à mettre en oeuvre et ne nécessite aucun dispositif électronique.Like watering systems, the water level stabilizes when the air can no longer communicate from the container to the inside of the tank. to replace the water that arrives in said cavity. Such automatic regulation is simple to implement and requires no electronic device.

Par ailleurs, la disposition d'une ouverture en partie supérieure du réservoir, obturée par un bouchon étanche lorsque mis en place, et amovible de l'extérieur du réservoir, facilite l'opération de remplissage d'eau, tout en assurant une étanchéité à l'air du réservoir, garant du fonctionnement du dispositif tel que précédemment mentionné.Furthermore, the provision of an opening in the upper part of the tank, closed by a tight plug when in place, and removable from the outside of the tank, facilitates the filling operation of water, while ensuring a seal at the tank air, guarantor of the operation of the device as previously mentioned.

Avantageusement, le réservoir comporte des moyens réversibles d'obturation de l'ouverture de passage d'eau en partie inférieure lorsque le réservoir n'est plus en liaison avec le récipient, ces moyens permettant l'ouverture du passage de l'eau lorsque le réservoir est positionné dans le récipient. Un tel agencement permet un remplissage du réservoir lorsque ce dernier n'est pas complètement vide, sans fuite d'eau.Advantageously, the reservoir comprises reversible means for closing the water passage opening in the lower part when the reservoir is no longer in contact with the receptacle, these means allowing the opening of the passage of the water when the tank is positioned in the container. Such an arrangement allows a filling of the tank when the latter is not completely empty, without leakage of water.

Afin de réduire l'encombrement du dispositif, le récipient constitue une partie d'un support du réservoir, le réservoir étant amovible dudit support.In order to reduce the bulk of the device, the container forms part of a support of the reservoir, the reservoir being removable from said support.

Selon un mode préféré de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, les moyens d'obturation consistent en une pièce en liaison avec le réservoir et comportant une ouverture de passage d'eau en partie basse ainsi que des barres d'actionnement susceptibles d'être en relation avec deux rampes solidaires du support, agissant ou permettant d'agir sur au moins l'une des barres d'actionnement pour déplacer lors de l'insertion du réservoir dans le support, la pièce dans une position d'ouverture du passage de l'eau vers le récipient.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the closure means consist of a part in connection with the reservoir and having a water passage opening at the bottom and actuating rods may be in relation to two ramps integral with the support, acting or allowing to act on at least one of the actuating rods to move during the insertion of the reservoir into the support, the piece in an open position of the passage of water to the container.

Ce mode de mise en oeuvre de l'invention permet de réaliser une fonctionnalité supplémentaire de confort d'utilisation, en restant avec des moyens mécaniques, sans utilisation d'électronique, afin de présenter une alternative économique aux systèmes actuels.This embodiment of the invention makes it possible to realize an additional functionality of comfort of use, remaining with mechanical means, without the use of electronics, in order to present an economical alternative to current systems.

Selon ce mode de mise en oeuvre, une première configuration consiste en ce que le support comporte des rampes agissant ou permettant d'agir sur au moins l'une des barres d'actionnement pour déplacer la pièce en position d'obturation de l'ouverture de passage de l'eau du réservoir vers le récipient lors de l'extraction du réservoir hors du support.According to this embodiment, a first configuration consists in that the support comprises ramps acting or acting on at least one of the actuating rods to move the piece in the closed position the opening of passage of the water from the tank to the container during the extraction of the reservoir from the support.

Cette configuration utilise ainsi le même principe que pour l'ouverture du passage d'eau du réservoir vers le récipient, par un jeu de rampes complémentaires.This configuration thus uses the same principle as for the opening of the water passage from the tank to the container, by a set of complementary ramps.

Selon l'une ou l'autre de ces configurations, l'ouverture de passage d'eau du réservoir vers le récipient est délimitée par un guide vertical comportant au moins un orifice de passage d'eau sur une portion de sa base, la pièce d'obturation étant un piston creux, pouvant coulisser dans le guide sous l'effet de la coopération entre les barres d'actionnement de la pièce et les rampes du support.According to one or other of these configurations, the opening for passage of water from the reservoir to the receptacle is delimited by a vertical guide comprising at least one orifice for the passage of water over a portion of its base, the workpiece shutter being a hollow piston, slidable in the guide under the effect of the cooperation between the actuating bars of the workpiece and the ramps of the support.

Avantageusement, la pièce d'obturation comporte au moins un trou sur une partie de sa périphérie, sensiblement à mi-hauteur, ledit trou étant susceptible, soit de communiquer avec l'orifice de passage d'eau du guide, soit d'être isolé dudit orifice, selon la position de la pièce d'obturation.Advantageously, the closure part comprises at least one hole on a part of its periphery, substantially halfway up, said hole being capable of either communicating with the water passage orifice of the guide, or being isolated said orifice, depending on the position of the closure piece.

La pièce d'obturation coulissant dans un guide pour permettre ou non la liaison fluidique entre le réservoir et le récipient est similaire au fonctionnement d'une valve-tiroir, le contrôle étant entièrement mécanique. Une telle disposition est de conception simple.The shutter piece sliding in a guide to allow or not the fluid connection between the reservoir and the container is similar to the operation of a valve-drawer, the control being entirely mechanical. Such an arrangement is of simple design.

Selon une seconde configuration, la pièce d'obturation est liée à une tige verticale autour de laquelle est agencée un ressort de rappel, ledit ressort étant monté en compression entre l'extrémité de la tige et la pièce d'obturation.According to a second configuration, the closure piece is connected to a vertical rod around which is arranged a return spring, said spring being mounted in compression between the end of the rod and the closure piece.

Cette seconde configuration utilise un ressort de rappel qui est contraint lors du déplacement de la pièce d'obturation en position d'ouverture du passage d'eau, où le réservoir est positionné dans le support, permettant à ladite pièce de reprendre sa position lorsque le réservoir est coulissé hors du support pour le remplissage d'eau.This second configuration uses a return spring which is constrained during the displacement of the shutter in the open position of the water passage, where the reservoir is positioned in the support, allowing said part to resume its position when the tank is slid out of the holder for water filling.

Comme pour la première configuration, un guide vertical, tel que précédemment mentionné, est avantageusement utilisé, afin de maintenir le ressort sensiblement vertical.As for the first configuration, a vertical guide, as previously mentioned, is advantageously used, in order to maintain the spring substantially vertical.

De telles conceptions permettent notamment de pouvoir disposer les barres d'actionnement sous le réservoir, lesdites barres étant une extension de la pièce d'obturation, ce qui permet de garder un dispositif compact.Such designs allow in particular to be able to arrange the actuator bars under the tank, said bars being an extension of the shutter piece, which keeps a compact device.

Avantageusement, la pièce d'obturation constitue le conduit liant le réservoir au récipient, l'ouverture en partie basse de la pièce débouchant au niveau n du récipient, constitué par une zone inférieure du support fermée par le réservoir et comportant une liaison aéraulique avec l'extérieur, ladite zone comportant l'ouverture d'écoulement d'eau du récipient vers la cavité chauffante.Advantageously, the closure part constitutes the conduit linking the reservoir to the container, the opening in the lower part of the part opening to the level n of the container, constituted by a lower zone of the support closed by the reservoir and having a ventilation link with the outside, said area having the water flow opening of the container to the heating cavity.

Une telle disposition permet de simplifier la conception en limitant le nombre de pièces.Such an arrangement simplifies the design by limiting the number of parts.

Selon un mode de réalisation avantageux de l'invention, le réservoir comporte une poignée et est amovible du support par coulissement sensiblement horizontal, facilitant les opérations de remplissage et de nettoyage.According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the reservoir comprises a handle and is removable from the support by substantially horizontal sliding, facilitating the filling and cleaning operations.

Selon l'un des aspects des différentes configurations évoquées, les rampes du support sont disposées sur au moins l'une des parois de coulissement dudit support, avantageusement les parois latérales, en étant inclinées d'un angle α par rapport à la direction de coulissement du réservoir.According to one of the aspects of the various configurations mentioned, the ramps of the support are arranged on at least one of the sliding walls of said support, advantageously the side walls, being inclined at an angle α relative to the direction of sliding. of the tank.

Cette configuration permet, par le mouvement de coulissement du réservoir par rapport au support, de réaliser un mouvement de translation ou de rotation de la pièce d'obturation afin que cette dernière présente les deux positions d'ouverture et d'obturation précédemment mentionnées.This configuration makes it possible, by the sliding movement of the reservoir relative to the support, to perform a translational or rotational movement of the closure piece so that the latter has the two previously mentioned opening and closing positions.

Avantageusement, les deux parois latérales du support portent chacune au moins une rampe avec laquelle coopèrent les barres d'actionnement de la pièce d'obturation, assurant ainsi un déplacement plus sûr de ladite pièce.Advantageously, the two lateral walls of the support each carry at least one ramp with which cooperate the actuating bars of the closure piece, thus ensuring a more secure movement of said part.

Avantageusement, afin d'assurer un coulissement étanche à l'eau et à l'air de la pièce d'obturation dans le guide du réservoir, le guide de ladite pièce est tubulaire, la pièce étant cylindrique et comportant au moins trois joints périphériques d'étanchéité prenant appui sur l'intérieur du guide tubulaire, deux de ces joints étant disposés de part et d'autre du trou ménagé sur une partie de la périphérie de la pièce d'obturation, le troisième étant disposé en partie basse de la pièce. Cette configuration n'autorise l'entrée d'air exclusivement que par l'intérieur de la pièce d'obturation lorsque celle-ci est hors de la position d'obturation.Advantageously, in order to ensure a watertight and airtight sliding of the closure part in the reservoir guide, the guide of said part is tubular, the part being cylindrical and comprising at least three peripheral seals. sealing bearing on the inside of the tubular guide, two of these seals being arranged on either side of the hole on a part of the periphery of the shutter piece, the third being disposed in the lower part of the part. This configuration allows air entry exclusively only from the inside of the shutter when it is out of the shutter position.

Avantageusement, le réservoir dispose d'un couvercle comportant un guide de la partie supérieure de la pièce d'obturation, afin de limiter les risques de coincement de ladite pièce.Advantageously, the tank has a lid having a guide of the upper part of the shutter piece, in order to limit the risk of jamming of said part.

La présente invention vise également un appareil électroménager comportant un dispositif de régulation automatique du niveau d'eau dans une cavité chauffante selon l'une des caractéristiques précédemment mentionnées, et plus particulièrement un four électroménager où la cavité chauffante représente la sole dudit four.The present invention also relates to a household appliance comprising a device for automatically regulating the water level in a heating cavity according to one of the characteristics mentioned above, and more particularly to an electric household oven where the heating cavity represents the sole of said oven.

Avantageusement, le support du réservoir est disposé hors de l'enceinte du four, dans une zone froide, afin d'éviter tout risque de déformation et de dysfonctionnement lié à l'échauffement.Advantageously, the tank support is placed outside the enclosure of the oven, in a cold zone, to avoid any risk of deformation and malfunction due to heating.

Selon une mise en oeuvre préférée de l'invention dans ce type d'appareil, le support de réservoir est ouvert au niveau de la face avant du four, le réservoir coulissant alors horizontalement, de l'arrière vers l'avant du four.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention in this type of apparatus, the tank support is open at the front face of the oven, the tank then sliding horizontally from the rear to the front of the oven.

La manière de réaliser l'invention ainsi que les avantages qui en découlent, ressortiront bien de la description du mode de réalisation qui suit, donné à titre indicatif et non limitatif, à l'appui des figures annexées dans lesquelles :

  • La figure 1 est un schéma illustrant le principe de l'invention.
  • La figure 2 est une vue en perspective d'un four équipé de la présente invention.
  • La figure 3 est une vue en perspective du dispositif d'alimentation en eau selon l'invention.
  • La figure 4 représente ce dispositif d'alimentation dans une vue éclatée.
  • La figure 5 est une coupe partielle d'une partie du dispositif.
  • La figure 6 est une vue de dessus en plongée de certains éléments du dispositif.
  • La figure 7 est une vue en perspective d'un détail du dispositif.
  • La figure 8 est une vue de dessus du dispositif où certains éléments ont été omis.
  • La figure 9 est une coupe longitudinale selon A-A de la figure 8.
  • La figure 10 est une coupe partielle de certains éléments du dispositif suivant les axes longitudinal et transversal des pièces principales.
  • La figure 11 est également une coupe partielle du dispositif similaire à la figure 10, où d'autres éléments ont été représentés,
  • La figure 12 montre un détail d'une coupe transversale de certains éléments du dispositif.
  • Les figures 13, 14 et 15 sont des vues analogues aux vues respectives des figures 10, 11 et 12, où certains éléments sont dans une position différente de fonctionnement.
  • Les figures 16a et 17a sont des vues respectivement en perspective et en coupe longitudinale d'un détail du dispositif dans une position de fonctionnement.
  • Les figures 16b et 17b sont des vues en perspective et en coupe d'un détail du dispositif, analogues aux figures 16a et 17a, dans une autre position de fonctionnement.
  • La figure 18 est une vue de dessus du dispositif selon l'invention.
  • La figure 19 est une vue en coupe transversale selon B-B de la figure 18.
  • La figure 20 est une vue éclatée d'un détail d'une variante de réalisation.
  • Les figures 21a et 21b représentent un détail d'une variante de réalisation selon deux positions.
  • La figure 22 est une coupe partielle d'une partie du dispositif selon la variante de réalisation.
  • La figure 23 est une vue en coupe longitudinale selon C-C de la figure 18 d'une partie de la variante de réalisation.
The manner of carrying out the invention as well as the advantages which result therefrom, will emerge clearly from the description of the embodiment which follows, given by way of indication and not limitation, in support of the appended figures in which:
  • The figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the invention.
  • The figure 2 is a perspective view of an oven equipped with the present invention.
  • The figure 3 is a perspective view of the water supply device according to the invention.
  • The figure 4 represents this feeder in an exploded view.
  • The figure 5 is a partial section of a part of the device.
  • The figure 6 is a dive top view of some elements of the device.
  • The figure 7 is a perspective view of a detail of the device.
  • The figure 8 is a top view of the device where some elements have been omitted.
  • The figure 9 is a longitudinal section along AA of the figure 8 .
  • The figure 10 is a partial section of some elements of the device along the longitudinal and transverse axes of the main parts.
  • The figure 11 is also a partial section of the device similar to the figure 10 , where other elements have been represented,
  • The figure 12 shows a detail of a cross section of some elements of the device.
  • The Figures 13, 14 and 15 are views similar to the respective views of Figures 10, 11 and 12 , where some elements are in a different position of operation.
  • The Figures 16a and 17a are views respectively in perspective and in longitudinal section of a detail of the device in an operating position.
  • The Figures 16b and 17b are views in perspective and in section of a detail of the device, similar to Figures 16a and 17a in another operating position.
  • The figure 18 is a top view of the device according to the invention.
  • The figure 19 is a cross-sectional view along BB of the figure 18 .
  • The figure 20 is an exploded view of a detail of an alternative embodiment.
  • The Figures 21a and 21b represent a detail of an embodiment variant according to two positions.
  • The figure 22 is a partial section of a part of the device according to the embodiment variant.
  • The figure 23 is a longitudinal sectional view along CC of the figure 18 part of the variant embodiment.

Comme précédemment mentionné, la présente invention est relative à un dispositif d'alimentation en eau d'une cavité chauffante.As previously mentioned, the present invention relates to a device for supplying water to a heating cavity.

La figure 1 illustre de manière schématique le fonctionnement du dispositif. Ainsi, l'invention concerne un réservoir 100 en liaison avec un bac 110 par une ouverture 102, le réservoir étant amovible par rapport au bac. Hormis l'ouverture 102, le réservoir est étanche à l'air, alors que le bac 110 comporte une ouverture 112 vers l'extérieur. Ce bac 110 est en liaison avec un évaporateur 120 par une ouverture 116 et un conduit 118. L'évaporateur 120 comporte également une liaison vers l'extérieur. Les deux récipients 110 et 120 étant à la même pression, le niveau d'eau s'équilibre, essentiellement par passage d'eau du bac 110 vers l'évaporateur 120. Selon l'invention, un conduit 104 relie le réservoir 100 et le bac 110, ce conduit pénétrant dans le bac 110 jusqu'à un niveau n situé au dessus du conduit 118.The figure 1 schematically illustrates the operation of the device. Thus, the invention relates to a tank 100 in connection with a tank 110 by a opening 102, the reservoir being removable relative to the tray. Apart from the opening 102, the tank is airtight, while the tank 110 has an opening 112 to the outside. This tank 110 is connected to an evaporator 120 through an opening 116 and a duct 118. The evaporator 120 also has an outward connection. The two containers 110 and 120 being at the same pressure, the water level equilibrates, essentially by passing water from the tank 110 to the evaporator 120. According to the invention, a conduit 104 connects the reservoir 100 and the tank 110, this duct penetrating the tank 110 to a level n located above the duct 118.

Ainsi, lorsque le réservoir 100 est mis en liaison avec le bac 110, de l'eau s'écoule du réservoir vers le bac jusqu'à ce que l'eau atteigne le niveau n dans le bac et dans l'évaporateur, auquel cas, l'air ne peut plus remplacer, dans le réservoir 100, l'eau s'écoulant dudit réservoir. Ce niveau n correspond au niveau d'eau optimum souhaité dans l'évaporateur.Thus, when the tank 100 is connected to the tank 110, water flows from the tank to the tank until the water reaches the level n in the tank and in the evaporator, in which case , the air can no longer replace, in the tank 100, the water flowing from said tank. This level n corresponds to the desired optimum water level in the evaporator.

Il en est de même lorsque l'eau s'évapore de l'évaporateur, entraînant une baisse du niveau n, ce qui provoque une entrée d'air par l'extrémité 114 du conduit 104 permettant une entrée d'eau dans le bac 110 et donc dans l'évaporateur.It is the same when the water evaporates from the evaporator, causing a lowering of the level n , which causes an air inlet through the end 114 of the conduit 104 allowing a water inlet in the tank 110 and therefore in the evaporator.

Le dispositif réalise donc une régulation automatique du niveau d'eau dans l'évaporateur.The device thus performs an automatic regulation of the water level in the evaporator.

L'illustration qui va suivre de cette invention et la mise en oeuvre du principe qui vient d'être présenté concerne un four électroménager 1 tel que présenté à la figure 2.The following illustration of this invention and the implementation of the principle which has just been presented concerns an electric household appliance 1 as presented to the figure 2 .

Un tel four comporte une porte 2 actionnée par une poignée 4 permettant l'accès à une enceinte de cuisson 6. Différents boutons de commande 8 permettent notamment un réglage de la température et du temps de cuisson. D'autres fonctions peuvent être associées à ces organes de commandes, telles par exemple la sélection d'un mode de fonctionnement particulier du four.Such an oven comprises a door 2 actuated by a handle 4 allowing access to a cooking chamber 6. Various control buttons 8 allow in particular an adjustment of the temperature and the cooking time. Other functions may be associated with these control members, such as, for example, the selection of a particular mode of operation of the oven.

Selon l'invention, le four comporte un dispositif 10 d'alimentation et de régulation automatique du niveau d'eau d'une cavité chauffante, tel que précédemment expliqué, permettant la création de vapeur dans l'enceinte de cuisson 6. Un tel dispositif est présenté figure 3. Selon l'exemple de réalisation, la cavité chauffante 60 est la sole du four et comporte une zone en dépression 62, présentant une grande surface et une faible profondeur, permettant la réception et la vaporisation de l'eau provenant du dispositif d'alimentation 10. Par ailleurs, la sole, avantageusement métallique et protégée contre la corrosion, comporte un élément chauffant sous-jacent. Elle constitue ainsi l'évaporateur présenté en introduction de l'invention.According to the invention, the oven comprises a device 10 for feeding and automatic regulation of the water level of a heating cavity, as previously explained, allowing the creation of steam in the cooking chamber 6. Such a device is presented figure 3 . According to the exemplary embodiment, the heating cavity 60 is the hearth of the furnace and comprises a vacuum zone 62, having a large surface and a shallow depth, allowing the reception and the vaporization of the water coming from the supply device 10 Furthermore, the sole, advantageously metallic and protected against corrosion, comprises an underlying heating element. It thus constitutes the evaporator presented in the introduction of the invention.

Le dispositif d'alimentation en eau de la cavité chauffante 60 est relié à ladite cavité par un conduit 12.The water supply device of the heating cavity 60 is connected to said cavity by a duct 12.

La figure 4 montre une vue éclatée du dispositif qui comprend un support 20 de forme parallélépipédique, ouvert en partie avant 22 et dont la partie supérieure est fermée par une pièce plate 24 venant, par clipage, se fixer sur ledit support. La partie avant 22, bordée par un cadre 36, est plus large que la partie arrière, en présentant une échancrure 37.The figure 4 shows an exploded view of the device which comprises a support 20 of parallelepipedal shape, open in the front part 22 and whose upper part is closed by a flat piece 24 coming, by clipping, to be fixed on said support. The front portion 22, bordered by a frame 36, is wider than the rear portion, having a notch 37.

En partie inférieure du support est ménagée une ouverture 26 en liaison avec le conduit 12.In the lower part of the support is provided an opening 26 in connection with the conduit 12.

La configuration interne du support 20 comprend des rebords latéraux 28, ces rebords étant sensiblement horizontaux, ainsi que deux glissières 30 disposées en vis-à-vis sur les parois latérales du support, sous les rebords 28, sur une longueur significative dudit support, soit environ sur au moins la moitié de la longueur dudit support. Ces glissières sont composées d'une rampe supérieure 301 et d'une rampe inférieure 302, la rainure ainsi ménagée entre les deux rampes étant en liaison, en partie arrière, avec une butée réalisée par un décrochement vertical 32 de la face inférieure du support. Cette face inférieure comprend, à l'avant, une partie plane 34, prolongée vers l'arrière par une paroi 204 inclinée vers le bas, jusqu'à un décrochement ménageant, par la paroi 202 sensiblement horizontale, une zone inférieure 206 formant cuvette. Dans cette zone se situe l'ouverture 26. En référence à la figure 1, cette zone 206 peut être assimilée au récipient 110.The internal configuration of the support 20 comprises lateral flanges 28, these flanges being substantially horizontal, as well as two slides 30 placed facing the lateral walls of the support, under the flanges 28, over a significant length of said support, either about at least half the length of said support. These slides are composed of an upper ramp 301 and a lower ramp 302, the groove thus formed between the two ramps being connected, in the rear part, with a stop made by a vertical recess 32 of the underside of the support. This lower face comprises, at the front, a flat portion 34, extended rearwardly by a downwardly inclined wall 204, to a detachable recess, through the substantially horizontal wall 202, a lower region 206 forming a bowl. In this zone is the opening 26. With reference to the figure 1 this zone 206 can be likened to the container 110.

Telle qu'elle est bien visible figure 3, la glissière est inclinée par rapport à l'horizontale d'un angle α voisin de 4°, la partie basse de la glissière étant située vers l'arrière du support, dans la zone 206. Par ailleurs, la rampe inférieure 302 débouche, en partie avant, sur la partie plane 34 formant un cadre.As it is clearly visible figure 3 , the slide is inclined relative to the horizontal by an angle α close to 4 °, the lower part of the slide being located towards the rear of the support, in the zone 206. Moreover, the lower ramp 302 opens, in the front part, on the flat part 34 forming a frame.

Au niveau de l'ouverture 26, la rampe inférieure 302 présente un décrochement qui suit la courbure de l'ouverture 26, ce décrochement étant nécessaire pour le démoulage de la pièce lors de sa réalisation en plastique. Toutefois, la rampe correspondante située sur la paroi latérale opposée du support ne présente pas un tel décrochement.At the opening 26, the lower ramp 302 has a recess which follows the curvature of the opening 26, this recess being necessary for demolding the part during its production of plastic. However, the corresponding ramp located on the opposite side wall of the support does not have such a recess.

Le dispositif comporte également un réservoir d'eau 40 assemblé étanche à l'air, destiné à être disposé en coulissement dans le support 20. Sa forme est donc sensiblement parallélépipédique, adaptée à la forme intérieure du support 20. Le réservoir 40 comporte ainsi un décrochement 48 venant se positionner sur les rebords internes 28 du support pour le coulissement dudit réservoir.The device also comprises an airtight water tank 40 assembled to be slidably disposed in the support 20. Its shape is therefore substantially parallelepipedal, adapted to the inner shape of the support 20. The reservoir 40 thus comprises a recess 48 to be positioned on the inner edges 28 of the support for sliding said tank.

La partie supérieure du réservoir est fermée par un couvercle soudé 42, tel que visible figure 15, comportant un orifice de remplissage 44 fermé, de manière étanche à l'air par un bouchon 46, se présentant sous la forme d'une bonde. Un renfoncement 47 du couvercle 42 permet facilement de glisser les doigts pour se saisir de la bonde.The upper part of the tank is closed by a welded lid 42, as visible figure 15 , having a filling orifice 44 closed in an airtight manner by a plug 46, in the form of a plug. A recess 47 of the cover 42 makes it easy to slide the fingers to grip the bung.

En variante, afin de faciliter le nettoyage du réservoir, il peut être prévu un couvercle amovible assemblé sur le réservoir à l'aide de vis ou de clips, en utilisant un joint sur toute la périphérie du couvercle pour assurer l'étanchéité nécessaire. L'orifice de remplissage n'est alors plus indispensable.Alternatively, to facilitate the cleaning of the tank, it can be provided a removable cover assembled on the tank with screws or clips, using a seal over the entire periphery of the lid to ensure the necessary seal. The filling orifice is then no longer indispensable.

Le couvercle 42 comporte également un guide tubulaire 420 vertical orienté vers l'intérieur du réservoir, dont la fonction sera expliquée ultérieurement. Ce guide comporte deux échancrures 422 en son extrémité, diamétralement opposées.The lid 42 also comprises a vertical tubular guide 420 oriented towards the inside of the tank, the function of which will be explained later. This guide comprises two indentations 422 at its end, diametrically opposite.

Par ailleurs, le réservoir 40 comporte une ouverture 400 sur sa paroi inférieure, cette ouverture étant délimitée, à l'intérieur du réservoir, par un guide 430, similaire dans sa forme au guide 420, tel que le montre la figure 6. Ce guide comporte également deux échancrures 432 ménagées à sa base et permettant une liaison avec l'intérieur dudit guide, et donc avec l'ouverture 400, lesdites échancrures étant orientées vers l'avant et vers l'arrière du réservoir.In addition, the reservoir 40 has an opening 400 on its bottom wall, this opening being delimited, inside the tank, by a guide 430, similar in shape to the guide 420, as shown in FIG. figure 6 . This guide also comprises two notches 432 formed at its base and allowing a connection with the interior of said guide, and therefore with the opening 400, said notches being oriented towards the front and towards the rear of the tank.

La face avant 50 du réservoir 40 comprend une poignée de préhension 52, ladite face pouvant venir en appui contre le cadre 34 du support 20. De même que pour le support 20, la partie avant du réservoir 40 comporte une échancrure 54, susceptible de coopérer avec l'échancrure 37 du support.The front face 50 of the reservoir 40 comprises a gripping handle 52, said face being able to bear against the frame 34 of the support 20. Likewise for the support 20, the front part of the reservoir 40 comprises a notch 54, capable of cooperating with the notch 37 of the support.

Selon l'invention, le dispositif comporte un piston 70, inséré par la face inférieure du réservoir 40 dans le guide 430. Ce piston est présenté plus en détail à la figure 7. En référence à la figure 1, le piston 70 représente le conduit 104.According to the invention, the device comprises a piston 70, inserted by the lower face of the reservoir 40 in the guide 430. This piston is presented in more detail in the figure 7 . With reference to the figure 1 the piston 70 represents the duct 104.

Ce piston est ainsi composé d'un cylindre 702 creux, ouvert en ses deux extrémités, et pouvant donc coulisser dans le guide 430. Au niveau de la base du cylindre, sont agencées des barres d'actionnement sous la forme de deux coulisseaux 704 radiaux disposés à l'opposé l'un de l'autre. Ces coulisseaux 704 sont de forme tubulaire et sont susceptibles de coopérer avec les glissières 30 du support 20. Ils sont donc perpendiculaires aux faces latérales du réservoir lorsque le piston est inséré dans ledit réservoir.This piston is thus composed of a cylinder 702 hollow, open at both ends, and can therefore slide in the guide 430. At the base of the cylinder, are arranged actuating bars in the form of two radial slides 704 arranged opposite each other. These sliders 704 are of tubular shape and are capable of cooperating with the slides 30 of the support 20. They are therefore perpendicular to the side faces of the tank when the piston is inserted into said tank.

De plus, tel que le montre notamment la figure 11, les coulisseaux 704 sont disposés sous la partie inférieure du réservoir 40, deux arches 56 ménagées à ce niveau, sous le réservoir, permettant le guidage desdits coulisseaux.Moreover, as shown in particular figure 11 , the sliders 704 are arranged under the lower part of the tank 40, two arches 56 formed at this level, under the tank, for guiding said sliders.

Par ailleurs, deux échancrures 706 sont réalisées sur le cylindre du piston au niveau des coulisseaux, à l'extrémité du cylindre, c'est-à-dire sous le réservoir 40, ces fenêtres étant diamétralement opposées et orientées vers l'avant et l'arrière du réservoir lorsque le piston est inséré dans ledit réservoir.Furthermore, two indentations 706 are made on the cylinder of the piston at the sliders, at the end of the cylinder, that is to say under the reservoir 40, these windows being diametrically opposed and oriented towards the front and the rear of the tank when the piston is inserted into said tank.

Deux autres ouvertures 708 sont réalisées sensiblement à mi-hauteur du cylindre, ces ouvertures étant également diamétralement opposées et situées à la verticale des échancrures 706. Ces ouvertures sont ainsi décalées d'un angle voisin de 90° par rapport aux coulisseaux 704 et sont susceptibles de venir en coïncidence des échancrures 432 du guide 430.Two other openings 708 are made substantially at mid-height of the cylinder, these openings also being diametrically opposite and located vertically from the notches 706. These openings are thus offset by one angle close to 90 ° relative to the sliders 704 and are likely to coincide with the indentations 432 of the guide 430.

Différents joints toriques d'étanchéité sont disposés autour du cylindre du piston : un joint supérieur 710 situé à l'extrémité du cylindre 702, un joint inférieur 712, un joint 714 disposé juste au dessus des ouvertures 708, et un joint 716 disposé juste au dessous des ouvertures 708.Various O-ring seals are disposed around the cylinder of the piston: an upper seal 710 located at the end of the cylinder 702, a lower seal 712, a seal 714 disposed just above the openings 708, and a seal 716 disposed just below the openings 708.

Ces différents joints, outre les fonctions d'étanchéité qui seront expliquées ultérieurement, permettent un guidage du piston lors de son déplacement vertical dans les guides 430 et 420, tel que le montre notamment la figure 9, qui est une coupe selon A-A de la figure 8 représentant la vue de dessus du réservoir.These various seals, in addition to the sealing functions that will be explained later, allow a guide of the piston during its vertical movement in the guides 430 and 420, as shown in particular by the figure 9 which is a section according to AA of the figure 8 representing the top view of the tank.

En fonctionnement, le réservoir 40 est disposé dans le support 20, les décrochements 48 du réservoir prenant appui sur les rebords internes 28 du support. Cette position est notamment illustrée aux figures 2, 3, 10 à 12, 16a, 17a, ainsi que sur les figures 18 et 19.In operation, the reservoir 40 is disposed in the support 20, the recesses 48 of the reservoir bearing on the inner flanges 28 of the support. This position is illustrated in particular in Figures 2, 3 , 10 at 12 , 16a, 17a , as well as on Figures 18 and 19 .

Tel qu'il est visible sur ces figures, dans cette position, le réservoir 40 est complètement disposé dans le support 20, la face avant 50 prenant appui sur le cadre 36 du support 20. Ainsi, seule dépasse la poignée 52 du réservoir 40 de la face avant du four, tel que le montre la figure 2. La zone inférieure 206 est alors fermée en partie supérieure par la face inférieure du réservoir. Les différents jeux entre le réservoir et le support permettent notamment une liaison aéraulique entre la zone inférieure 206 et l'extérieur du dispositif.As is visible in these figures, in this position, the reservoir 40 is completely disposed in the support 20, the front face 50 bearing on the frame 36 of the support 20. Thus, only exceeds the handle 52 of the reservoir 40 of the front of the oven, as shown in figure 2 . The lower zone 206 is then closed in the upper part by the underside of the reservoir. The various clearances between the reservoir and the support allow in particular a ventilation link between the lower zone 206 and the outside of the device.

Dans cette position, les coulisseaux 704 du piston 70 sont disposés à l'extrémité arrière des glissières 30, contre le décrochement vertical 32 formant butée. Les glissières étant inclinées vers le bas, le piston 70 se trouve ainsi en position basse par rapport aux guides 420 et 430. Dans cette situation, les ouvertures 708 du piston sont situées en regard des échancrures 432, tel que le montre la figure 12. En partie haute du piston, le joint 710 est positionné à l'extrémité du guide, de telle sorte qu'une partie de l'échancrure 422 du guide 420 soit située au dessus de l'extrémité du cylindre 702, tel que le montre la figure 16a.In this position, the sliders 704 of the piston 70 are arranged at the rear end of the sliders 30, against the vertical recess 32 forming a stop. The slides being inclined downwards, the piston 70 is thus in the low position relative to the guides 420 and 430. In this situation, the openings 708 of the piston are located opposite the notches 432, as shown in FIG. figure 12 . In the upper part of the piston, the seal 710 is positioned at the end of the guide, so that a portion of the notch 422 of the guide 420 is located above the end of the cylinder 702, as shown in FIG. figure 16a .

Par ailleurs, les échancrures 706 sont positionnées à un niveau n, en référence aux explications de la figure 1, ce niveau étant situé légèrement au dessus de l'ouverture 26 de passage d'eau du récipient vers la sole.Moreover, the notches 706 are positioned at a level n , with reference to the explanations of the figure 1 this level being located slightly above the opening 26 of water passage from the container to the hearth.

Ainsi, dans cette position, et tel que le montre la figure 17a, lorsque le réservoir 40 comporte de l'eau, cette dernière peut s'introduire dans la zone inférieure 206 formant cuvette du support en passant dans le piston 70 par les ouvertures 432 et 708 puis en sortant du piston par les échancrures 706. L'eau peut alors quitter le support 20 pour alimenter la sole 60 par l'ouverture 26 puis le conduit 12 afin d'équilibrer les niveaux entre la zone inférieure 206 et la sole 60. Un tel trajet est présenté figure 17a, par la flèche F.So, in this position, and as shown in figure 17a when the reservoir 40 comprises water, the latter can be introduced into the bottom region 206 forming a cup of the support, passing through the piston 70 through the openings 432 and 708 and then leaving the piston through the notches 706. water can then leave the support 20 to supply the sole 60 through the opening 26 and the conduit 12 to balance the levels between the lower zone 206 and the sole 60. Such a path is presented figure 17a , by the arrow F.

Etant donné que le four ne réalise pas une étanchéité parfaite avec l'extérieur, la sole 60 est ainsi en liaison aéraulique avec l'extérieur, tout comme la zone 206 du support, ce qui permet le passage d'eau vers la sole pour tendre à équilibrer les niveaux entre la zone 206 et la sole.Since the oven does not achieve a perfect seal with the outside, the sole 60 is thus in aeraulic connection with the outside, as the area 206 of the support, which allows the passage of water to the sole to tender to balance the levels between the zone 206 and the sole.

Dans le même temps, de l'air peut remonter de la zone inférieure 206 vers l'intérieur du piston et s'introduire dans le volume du réservoir, par les parties des échancrures 422 laissées libres par le joint 710, afin de remplacer l'eau s'écoulant vers la sole 60. Une telle entrée d'air est représentée par la flèche G sur la figure 17a.At the same time, air can go up from the lower zone 206 towards the inside of the piston and into the volume of the reservoir, through the parts of the indentations 422 left free by the seal 710, in order to replace the water flowing towards the hearth 60. Such an air inlet is represented by the arrow G on the figure 17a .

Par ailleurs, le joint 714 évite une introduction d'eau par l'extrémité libre du guide 430.Furthermore, the seal 714 prevents water introduction by the free end of the guide 430.

Tel que le montre la figure 19, un espace l est ménagé entre l'extrémité inférieure du piston et la paroi 202 délimitant la zone inférieure 206, afin de faciliter l'écoulement d'eau, mais également afin de diminuer les conséquences de la formation de tartre.As shown in figure 19 , a space l is provided between the lower end of the piston and the wall 202 defining the lower zone 206, to facilitate the flow of water, but also to reduce the consequences of scale formation.

Cette figure 19 montre également une légère déclivité dans le conduit 12, de sorte qu'un faible niveau d'eau dans le réservoir suffit à transférer cette eau dans la sole.This figure 19 also shows a slight gradient in the conduit 12, so that a low level of water in the tank is sufficient to transfer this water in the sole.

Lorsque le niveau d'eau dans la zone inférieure 206 est suffisamment haut pour boucher les passages par les échancrures 706, l'eau ne s'écoule plus car l'air ne peut plus compenser l'eau descendante.When the water level in the lower zone 206 is high enough to plug the passages by the indentations 706, the water no longer flows because the air can no longer compensate the descending water.

Un tel niveau correspond sensiblement au niveau n indiqué figure 19. Ce niveau correspond sensiblement à un remplissage à mi-hauteur de la zone en dépression 62 de la sole 60.Such a level corresponds substantially to the indicated level n figure 19 . This level corresponds substantially to a filling at mid-height of the depression zone 62 of the hearth 60.

Dès que la résistance fait évaporer l'eau, le niveau baisse, les passages par les échancrures 706 sont à nouveau ouverts, libérant ainsi le passage à l'air. L'eau évaporée est alors automatiquement compensée.As soon as the resistance evaporates the water, the level drops, the passages through the notches 706 are opened again, thus freeing the passage to the air. The evaporated water is then automatically compensated.

Le niveau n, correspondant à la hauteur des échancrures 706, détermine ainsi le niveau d'eau dans la zone inférieure 206 et donc dans la cavité chauffante. Il peut légèrement varier en fonction de la mouillabilité des matériaux utilisés pour le piston, le réservoir, et le support, ainsi qu'en fonction d'une éventuelle pression résiduelle dans l'enceinte de cuisson.The level n , corresponding to the height of the indentations 706, thus determines the level of water in the lower zone 206 and therefore in the heating cavity. It may vary slightly depending on the wettability of the materials used for the piston, the tank, and the support, as well as any residual pressure in the cooking chamber.

Une telle position du piston, correspondant donc au positionnement du réservoir 40 complètement dans le support 20, est appelée position d'ouverture, puisqu'elle permet, tel un robinet ouvert, de transférer l'eau du réservoir vers la sole du four.Such a position of the piston, corresponding to the positioning of the tank 40 completely in the support 20, is called the open position, since it allows, such an open tap, to transfer the water from the tank to the oven floor.

Lorsque l'utilisateur désire remplir ou nettoyer le réservoir 40, il saisit ce dernier par la poignée 52 en face avant du four et fait coulisser le réservoir par rapport au support 20 dans un mouvement sensiblement horizontal et perpendiculaire à la face avant du four.When the user wishes to fill or clean the reservoir 40, he grasps the latter by the handle 52 on the front of the oven and slides the reservoir relative to the support 20 in a substantially horizontal movement and perpendicular to the front face of the oven.

Ce mouvement de coulissement induit un guidage des coulisseaux 704 du piston dans les glissières 30, qui provoque un déplacement vertical vers le haut du piston 70 dans les guides 420, 430.This sliding movement induces a guiding of the sliders 704 of the piston in the slideways 30, which causes a vertical upward movement of the piston 70 in the guides 420, 430.

Les figues 13 à 15, 16b et 17b montrent le positionnement du piston lorsque les coulisseaux 704 sont à proximité de l'extrémité des glissières.Figs 13 to 15, 16b and 17b show the positioning of the piston when the sliders 704 are near the end of the slides.

Dans cette position, les ouvertures 708 du piston ne sont plus en coïncidence avec les échancrures 432 du guide 430, et les joints 712 et 716 isolent les échancrures 432, de sorte qu'aucune entrée d'eau dans le corps du piston ne peut être effectuée par lesdites échancrures.In this position, the openings 708 of the piston are no longer in coincidence with the notches 432 of the guide 430, and the seals 712 and 716 isolate the notches 432, so that no water entering the piston body can be performed by said notches.

Par ailleurs, en partie supérieure du piston, tel que le montre la figure 16b, le joint 710 est désormais positionné au dessus des échancrures 422, de sorte qu'aucune entrée d'eau ne peut se faire par les échancrures 422.Moreover, in the upper part of the piston, as shown by figure 16b , the seal 710 is now positioned above the indentations 422, so that no water entry can be made by the indentations 422.

De la sorte, l'intérieur du piston est complètement isolé du volume intérieur du réservoir. Une telle position peut donc être appelée position d'obturation.In this way, the interior of the piston is completely isolated from the interior volume of the tank. Such a position can therefore be called the shutter position.

Le réservoir peut donc ainsi être complètement sorti du support, ce qui provoque un léger déplacement vers le haut du piston, confortant les positions qui viennent d'être présentées.The tank can thus be completely out of the support, which causes a slight upward movement of the piston, reinforcing the positions that have just been presented.

L'angle d'inclinaison α des glissières d'environ 4° permet un mouvement vertical du piston de l'ordre de 1,5 cm, ce qui permet les différents positionnements des joints tels que présentés.The angle of inclination α of the slides of about 4 ° allows a vertical movement of the piston of the order of 1.5 cm, which allows the different positions of the joints as shown.

Le remplissage ultérieur d'eau dans le réservoir ne provoque ainsi aucune fuite par les échancrures 706 du piston.The subsequent filling of water in the tank thus causes no leakage through the indentations 706 of the piston.

Le replacement du réservoir 40 dans le support 20 permet de faire coulisser le piston vers le bas afin d'amener les ouvertures 708 du piston 70 en coïncidence avec les échancrures 432 du guide 430, permettant le passage d'eau dans le support puis dans la sole.The replacement of the reservoir 40 in the support 20 makes it possible to slide the piston downwards so as to bring the openings 708 of the piston 70 in register with the indentations 432 of the guide 430, allowing the passage of water in the support and then in the sole.

Outre les avantages qui viennent d'être évoqués, et notamment l'ajustement automatique du niveau d'eau par des moyens simples et uniquement mécaniques, le dispositif selon l'invention présente également l'avantage de pouvoir être facilement démonté. En particulier, le piston peut être sorti du guide 430 en cas de difficulté de coulissement pour un nettoyage approfondi.In addition to the advantages which have just been mentioned, and in particular the automatic adjustment of the water level by simple and only mechanical means, the device according to the invention also has the advantage of being easily dismountable. In particular, the piston can be removed from the guide 430 in case of difficulty of sliding for thorough cleaning.

La présente invention couvre également les équivalents techniques des différentes pièces et fonctions qui viennent d'être évoquées, ainsi que les différents agencements possibles du support et du réservoir dans l'appareil. Le support peut en effet être disposé sur l'une des parois latérales ou bien sur la paroi de fond, selon l'usage.The present invention also covers the technical equivalents of the various parts and functions that have just been mentioned, as well as the various possible arrangements of the support and the reservoir in the device. The support can indeed be arranged on one of the side walls or on the bottom wall, depending on the use.

Par ailleurs, des versions plus simplifiées ou plus usuelles des moyens d'obturation du passage d'eau du réservoir vers le récipient peuvent être envisagées dans le cadre de l'invention, le piston étant réduit à un bouchon entièrement disposé dans le récipient et actionné en obturation ou hors de l'obturation du passage d'eau par les barres d'actionnement. Il sera alors privilégié un mouvement en rotation, permettant plus facilement de garantir une étanchéité au niveau du réservoir, un système de cames permettant par exemple la transformation du mouvement de translation lors de l'insertion ou du retrait du réservoir, en mouvement de rotation des barres d'actionnement.Furthermore, more simplified or more usual versions of the means for closing the water passage from the tank to the container can be envisaged within the scope of the invention, the piston being reduced to a plug completely placed in the container and actuated in shutter or out of the shutter of the passage of water by the bars of actuation. It will then be preferred a rotational movement, making it easier to guarantee a seal at the reservoir, a cam system allowing for example the transformation of the translational movement during the insertion or removal of the reservoir, in rotational movement of actuating bars.

Un dispositif de ressort et de clapet, tel celui décrit dans le document FR 2398433 peut également être utilisé avec efficacité, de tels éléments étant largement connus dans le domaine des connexions de réservoir de liquide.A spring and valve device, such as that described in the document FR 2398433 can also be used effectively, such elements being widely known in the field of liquid tank connections.

Une telle utilisation est décrite aux figures 20 à 23. Selon cette variante de réalisation, le piston 70 tel que précédemment expliqué est remplacé par une pièce 80 comportant un corps creux 82 pourvu de deux ouvertures 86, à l'instar des ouvertures 706 du piston 70, ainsi que deux barres d'actionnement 84.Such use is described in Figures 20 to 23 . According to this variant embodiment, the piston 70 as previously explained is replaced by a piece 80 comprising a hollow body 82 provided with two openings 86, like the openings 706 of the piston 70, as well as two actuating rods 84.

La pièce 82 est en liaison avec une tige 90 par l'intermédiaire d'un joint d'étanchéité 88 en appui au fond de la pièce 80, la tige 90 étant montée dans un guide 900. Un ressort 94 est fixé autour de cette tige, légèrement en compression entre une pièce 92 issue de la tige 90 et venant en butée contre l'extrémité du guide 900, et une extension de la pièce 80.The piece 82 is connected to a rod 90 by means of a seal 88 bearing against the bottom of the piece 80, the rod 90 being mounted in a guide 900. A spring 94 is fixed around this rod slightly in compression between a piece 92 coming from the rod 90 and abutting against the end of the guide 900, and an extension of the piece 80.

La partie basse du guide 900 comporte des échancrures 902 en correspondance avec les barres d'actionnement 84. Deux lumières 904 sont ménagées dans le guide 900, permettant une liaison fluidique entre l'extérieur et l'intérieur du guide. Une embase 906 permet la fixation du guide 900 au réservoir. Cette embase comprend par ailleurs un conduit 908 dans le prolongement du guide 900, s'étendant en direction de la pièce 80.The lower part of the guide 900 has notches 902 in correspondence with the actuating bars 84. Two slots 904 are formed in the guide 900, allowing a fluid connection between the outside and the inside of the guide. A base 906 allows the fixing of the guide 900 to the tank. This base also comprises a conduit 908 in the extension of the guide 900, extending towards the workpiece 80.

Dans la mise en oeuvre de cette solution, le ressort 94 et la tige 90 sont situés dans le guide 900, la tige 90 débouchant à l'extérieur de l'embase 906, au niveau du conduit 908. La pièce 80 et le joint 88 sont en appui contre l'extrémité 91 de la tige 90 par l'intermédiaire d'une vis liant la pièce 80 à l'extrémité de la tige 90, les barres d'actionnement 84 étant partiellement situées dans les échancrures 902.In the implementation of this solution, the spring 94 and the rod 90 are located in the guide 900, the rod 90 opening outwardly of the base 906, at the conduit 908. The part 80 and the seal 88 bear against the end 91 of the rod 90 via a screw connecting the piece 80 to the end of the rod 90, the actuating rods 84 being partially located in the notches 902.

La figure 21a présente une telle configuration de repos, où le joint d'étanchéité 88, par la compression du ressort 94, est en appui contre l'extrémité du conduit 908, et empêche l'eau, pénétrant dans les ouvertures 904, de s'écouler plus en aval. Cette situation correspond à celle où le réservoir est coulissé de son support en vue d'un remplissage d'eau.The figure 21a has such a rest configuration, where the seal 88, by the compression of the spring 94, bears against the end of the conduit 908, and prevents water, entering the openings 904, from flowing more downstream. This situation corresponds to that where the reservoir is slid from its support for a filling of water.

La figure 22, qui représente une coupe partielle du dispositif 910 d'alimentation et de régulation automatique du niveau d'eau d'une cavité chauffante, non représentée, montre la situation où le réservoir est disposé dans son support.The figure 22 , which represents a partial section of the device 910 for feeding and automatically regulating the water level of a heating cavity, not shown, shows the situation where the reservoir is arranged in its support.

Ainsi, le guide 900 est disposé dans un réservoir 940 pouvant coulisser dans un support 920, selon une configuration analogue à celle présentée aux figures 4, 5 et 14 notamment, la pièce 80 étant donc située sous le réservoir 940. Ce dernier est semblable au réservoir 40, en présentant notamment une ouverture de remplissage d'eau en partie supérieure, telle que précédemment décrite, cette ouverture étant obturée par un bouchon amovible.Thus, the guide 900 is disposed in a reservoir 940 slidable in a support 920, in a configuration similar to that presented to the Figures 4, 5 and 14 in particular, the piece 80 is therefore located under the reservoir 940. The latter is similar to the reservoir 40, in particular having a water filling opening in the upper part, as previously described, this opening being closed by a removable cap.

Le support 920, présente une différence structurelle et fonctionnelle notable par rapport au support 20, en ne présentant qu'un seul jeu de rampes fonctionnelles 922 disposées latéralement, et sous lesquelles sont agencées les barres d'actionnement 84. Le support 920 comporte une ouverture 260 d'écoulement d'eau vers la cavité chauffante, visible figure 23, de manière identique à l'ouverture 26. Tel que bien visible sur la figure 23, les rampes 922 sont inclinées d'un angle α, tel que précédemment expliqué.The support 920 has a notable structural and functional difference with respect to the support 20, presenting only one set of laterally arranged functional ramps 922, under which the actuating rods 84 are arranged. The support 920 comprises an opening 260 water flow to the heating cavity, visible figure 23 , identical to the opening 26. As is clearly visible on the figure 23 the ramps 922 are inclined at an angle α, as previously explained.

En fonctionnement, lorsque le réservoir 940, une fois rempli, est poussé vers le fond du support 920, le jeu de rampes 922 va solliciter les barres d'actionnement 84, amenant un déplacement vers le bas de l'ensemble formé de la pièce 80, du joint 88 et de la tige 90, contre la force de rappel du ressort 94, tel qu'indiqué aux figures 21a, 22 et 23, entraînant l'ouverture du passage de l'eau par l'extrémité du conduit 908. Dès lors, de l'eau située dans le réservoir 940 peut s'écouler par les lumières 904 et le conduit 908, au travers de la pièce 80 d'où elle ressort par les ouvertures 86. L'eau peut alors s'écouler par l'ouverture 260 prévue dans le support 920, vers la cavité chauffante.In operation, when the reservoir 940, when filled, is pushed towards the bottom of the support 920, the set of ramps 922 will urge the actuating rods 84, causing a downward movement of the assembly formed of the piece 80 , of the gasket 88 and of the rod 90, against the restoring force of the spring 94, as indicated in figures 21a , 22 and 23 , resulting in the opening of the passage of water through the end of the conduit 908. Therefore, water in the reservoir 940 can flow through the lights 904 and the conduit 908, through the room 80 from which it exits through the openings 86. The water can then flow through the opening 260 provided in the support 920, to the heating cavity.

Lorsque le réservoir 940 est coulissé vers l'avant pour le remplir en eau, le ressort de compression 94 ramène progressivement la pièce 80 et donc le joint 88 vers l'extrémité du conduit 908, par coopération entre les barres d'actionnement 84 et les rampes 922, jusqu'au contact entre le joint et l'extrémité dudit conduit, ce qui ferme l'ouverture de passage de l'eau.When the reservoir 940 is slid forward to fill it with water, the compression spring 94 progressively reduces the piece 80 and thus the seal 88 towards the end of the conduit 908, by cooperation between the actuating rods 84 and the ramps 922, until the contact between the seal and the end of said duct, which closes the opening passage of the water.

Lorsque le réservoir est déplacé à son maximum par rapport au support, sans pouvoir être complètement sorti dudit support, le joint 88, disposé dans la pièce 80, se trouve au contact de l'extrémité 91 de la tige 90, les barres d'actionnement 84 étant alors proches des contours des échancrures 902, tel que le montre la figure 21 b.When the reservoir is moved at its maximum relative to the support, without being able to be completely out of said support, the seal 88, placed in the workpiece 80, is in contact with the end 91 of the rod 90, the operating rods 84 being then close to the contours of the indentations 902, as shown by FIG. figure 21 b.

De la sorte, la compression du joint sur le conduit 908 interdit tout passage d'eau dans la pièce 80, ce qui donc coupe l'alimentation en eau de la cavité chauffante.In this way, the compression of the seal on the conduit 908 prohibits any water passage in the part 80, which therefore cuts the water supply of the heating cavity.

Il pourrait être également envisagé un fonctionnement par effet inverse du ressort, les barres d'actionnement 84 prenant appui sur des rampes, telles les rampes 922, le ressort agissant en détente pour maintenir les barres d'actionnement contre les rampes en position d'ouverture du passage de l'eau.It could also be envisaged an operation by inverse effect of the spring, the actuator bars 84 being supported on ramps, such as the ramps 922, the spring acting in expansion to hold the actuating rods against the ramps in the open position of the passage of water.

Ainsi, un seul jeu de rampes permet l'ouverture ou la fermeture de l'ouverture du passage de l'eau, le ressort 94 réalisant l'opération complémentaire de fermeture ou d'ouverture lors du mouvement inverse du réservoir par rapport au support.Thus, a single set of ramps allows the opening or closing of the opening of the water passage, the spring 94 performing the complementary operation of closing or opening during the reverse movement of the reservoir relative to the support.

Bien que l'illustration de la présente invention concerne un four électroménager, d'autres appareils peuvent être équipés d'un tel dispositif, tels notamment les cuiseurs vapeur.Although the illustration of the present invention relates to an electric household appliance, other appliances can be equipped with such a device, such as steam cookers.

Claims (19)

  1. A device (10, 910) for automatically adjusting the level of water in a heating or heated cavity (120, 60) of a household appliance, said cavity (120, 60) having a ventilating connection with the outside of the appliance, said device (10, 910) containing an airtight water tank (100, 40, 940) in the upper portion thereof, detachably connected with a container (110), the tank (100, 40, 940) having a water filling opening (44) in an upper portion, as well as an opening (102, 400) in a lower portion for water to flow towards the container (110) realised by a duct (104), the duct (104) opening out at a level n in the container (110), this container having a connection (112) with the outside of the household appliance, the container (110) having, under the level n, an opening (116, 26, 260) for water to flow towards the heating cavity, the level n being a defined filling level of the heating cavity (120, 60), characterised in that the water filling opening (44) of the tank (100, 40, 940) is located in the upper portion of the tank (100, 40, 940) and is closed by a removable stopper (46), accessible from outside the tank (100, 40, 940), said stopper (46) ensuring airtightness inside of the tank (100, 40, 940) when the stopper is placed.
  2. A device (10, 910) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the tank (100, 40, 940) contains a reversible means for closing (70, 80) the water flow opening (102, 400) in the lower portion when the tank (100, 40, 940) is no longer connected with the container (110), this means allowing the opening of the flow of water when the tank (100, 40, 940) is positioned in the container.
  3. A device (10, 910) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the container forms a part of a support (20, 920) of the tank (40, 940), said tank (40, 940) being removable from the support (20, 920).
  4. A device (10, 910) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the closure means consists of a part (70, 80) connected to the tank (40, 940) and having a water flow opening (706, 86) in a lower portion as well as actuating rods (704, 84) that can be in relation with two ramps (301, 922) integral with the support (20, 920) acting or making it possible to act on at least one of the actuating rods (704, 84) to move the part (70, 80) to a position wherein the flow of water towards the container is opened, when the tank (40, 940) is inserted in the support (20, 920).
  5. A device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the support includes ramps (302) acting or making it possible to act on at least one of the actuating rods (704) to move the part (70) to a position wherein the opening for the flow of water from the tank (40) to the container is closed, when the tank (40) extracted out of the support (20).
  6. A device (10, 910) according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterised in that the opening (400) for the flow of water from the tank (40, 940) to the container is delimited by a vertical guide (430, 900) having at least one water flow orifice (432, 904) on one portion of the base thereof, the closure part (70, 80) being a hollow piston that can slide in the guide (430, 900) under the effect of the cooperation between the actuating rods (704, 84) of the part (70, 80) and the ramps (301, 302, 922) of the support (20, 920).
  7. A device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the part (70) contains at least one hole (708) on a portion of the periphery thereof, substantially at half height, said hole (708) being capable either of communicating with the water flow orifice (432) of the guide (430) or of being isolated from said orifice (432), depending on the position of the closure part (70).
  8. A device (910) according to one of claims 4 or 6, characterised in that the closure part (80) is connected to a vertical rod (90) around which is arranged a return spring (94), said spring (94) being mounted in compression between the end of the rod (90) and the closure part (80).
  9. A device (10, 910) according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterised in that the actuating rods (704, 84) are arranged under the tank (40, 940).
  10. A device (10, 910) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterised in that the closure part (70, 80) forms the duct (104) connecting the tank (40, 940) to the container, the opening (706, 86) in the lower portion of the part (70, 80) opening out at the level n of the container made up of a lower zone (206) of the support (20, 920) closed by the tank (40, 940) and containing a ventilating connection with the outside, said zone (206) having the opening (26, 260) for the flow of water from the container to the heating cavity (60).
  11. A device (10, 910) according to claim 3 characterised in that the tank (40, 940) has a handle (52) and is removable from the support (20, 920) by a substantially horizontal sliding.
  12. A device (10, 910) according to one of claims 4 or 5 characterised in that the ramps (301, 302, 922) of the support (20, 920) are arranged on at least one of the sliding walls of said support, being inclined at an angle a with respect to the direction of sliding of the tank (40, 940).
  13. A device (10, 910) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the ramps (301, 302, 922) are arranged on one of the side walls of the support (20, 920).
  14. A device (10, 910) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the two side walls of the support (20) each have at least one ramp (301, 302, 922) with which the actuating rods (704, 84) of the closure part (70, 80) cooperate.
  15. A device (10) according to claim 6, characterised in that the guide (430) of the closure part (70) is tubular, said part (70) being cylindrical and having at least three peripheral seals (712, 714, 716) resting on the inside of the tubular guide (430), two (714, 716) of these seals (712, 714, 716) being arranged on either side of the hole (708) provided on a portion of the periphery of the closure part (70), the third (712) being arranged in a lower portion of the part (70).
  16. A device (10) according to claim 5, characterised in that the tank (40) has a lid (42) having a guide (420) of the upper portion of the closure part (70).
  17. A household appliance having a device (10, 910) for automatically adjusting the level of water in a heating cavity (60) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that the heating cavity (60) represents the floor of an electric oven (1).
  18. A household appliance according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the support (20, 920) is arranged outside the chamber of the oven (1).
  19. A household appliance according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the support (20, 920) is open at the level of the front side of the oven (1), the tank (40, 940) then sliding horizontally, from the rear to the front of the oven (1).
EP20080356022 2007-02-08 2008-02-07 Device for adjusting the level of water in the heating cavity of a household appliance Not-in-force EP1955621B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0700893A FR2912302B1 (en) 2007-02-08 2007-02-08 DEVICE FOR REGULATING THE WATER LEVEL OF A HEATING CAVITY OF AN ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1955621A1 EP1955621A1 (en) 2008-08-13
EP1955621B1 true EP1955621B1 (en) 2013-04-03

Family

ID=38282873

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20080356022 Not-in-force EP1955621B1 (en) 2007-02-08 2008-02-07 Device for adjusting the level of water in the heating cavity of a household appliance

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1955621B1 (en)
ES (1) ES2420160T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2912302B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102009055071A1 (en) * 2009-12-21 2011-06-22 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH, 81739 household appliance
FR2958718B1 (en) * 2010-04-09 2014-08-29 Fagorbrandt Sas COOKING OVEN COMPRISING AN ANTI-OVERFLOW DEVICE OF A GUIDE BRACKET POSITIONED ABOVE A WATER FILLING OPENING OF A WATER FILLING DRAWER.
FR2958726B1 (en) * 2010-04-09 2013-01-04 Fagorbrandt Sas COOKING OVEN COMPRISING A DEVICE FOR RECOVERING A WATER FILLING DRAWER COOPERATING WITH A FIXED SUPPORT ELEMENT.
EP3429443B1 (en) * 2016-03-18 2023-08-09 Koninklijke Philips N.V. A cooker
DE102020207164A1 (en) 2020-06-08 2021-12-09 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Steam cooker with specific receptacle for a water tank

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU797166A (en) * 1967-07-04 1969-01-09 Simpson Robert An improved steam cooker
NL7707963A (en) * 1977-07-18 1979-01-22 Philips Nv STEAMER FOR GRILL.
DE3773176D1 (en) 1987-02-05 1991-10-24 Juno Kuechentech Electrolux COOKER WITH ELECTRIC HEATING OF A COOKING ROOM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THIS COOKING DEVICE.
GB2394888B (en) * 2002-05-22 2005-08-24 Uni Splendor Corp Steam grill

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2912302A1 (en) 2008-08-15
ES2420160T3 (en) 2013-08-22
FR2912302B1 (en) 2013-04-05
EP1955621A1 (en) 2008-08-13

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