CA2648911C - Pressure cooking appliance with controlled decompression - Google Patents
Pressure cooking appliance with controlled decompression Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2648911C CA2648911C CA2648911A CA2648911A CA2648911C CA 2648911 C CA2648911 C CA 2648911C CA 2648911 A CA2648911 A CA 2648911A CA 2648911 A CA2648911 A CA 2648911A CA 2648911 C CA2648911 C CA 2648911C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- appliance
- flow section
- enclosure
- section
- pressure
- Prior art date
- 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.)
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J27/00—Cooking-vessels
- A47J27/08—Pressure-cookers; Lids or locking devices specially adapted therefor
- A47J27/09—Safety devices
- A47J27/092—Devices for automatically releasing pressure before opening
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J27/00—Cooking-vessels
- A47J27/08—Pressure-cookers; Lids or locking devices specially adapted therefor
- A47J27/0804—Locking devices
- A47J27/0813—Locking devices using a clamping ring or clamping segments
Abstract
The invention relates to an appliance for forming a cooking embodiment, provided with a duct defining a flow section (18) and having a pressure adjustment member (19) suitable for presenting a regulation configuration and a decompression configuration, said duct also defining a second section (21) upstream from the first section (18), said appliance being characterized in that it includes adjustment means (22) for adjusting the second section (21) and designed so that, when the adjustment member (19) is in its regulation configuration, the second flow section presents a first value, and when the adjustment member is in its decompression configuration, the second section presents a second value that is smaller than the first value. The invention applies to cooking appliances.
Description
Agent Ref: 68877/00017 PRESSURE COOKING APPLIANCE WITH CONTROLLED
DECOMPRESSION
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to the general technical field of appliances for cooking food, in particular for home use, and designed to form a leaktight cooking enclosure within which food is cooked under steam pressure.
The present invention relates more particularly to an appliance for cooking food under pressure, the appliance being arranged to form a cooking enclosure provided with a duct enabling a steam leakage flow to be established from the inside of the enclosure to the outside and defining a first flow section for steam, said appliance including a pressure adjustment member suitable for presenting firstly a regulation configuration in which it adjusts the first flow section so as to maintain the pressure that exists inside the enclosure at a predetermined level, and secondly a decompression configuration in which it adjusts the first flow section to allow the inside of the enclosure to be put into communication with the outside independently of the level of pressure that exists in the enclosure, said duct also defining a second flow section situated upstream from the first flow section in the leakage flow direction.
PRIOR ART
Pressure cooking appliances, in particular for home use, such as pressure cookers, are well known in the prior art. Such appliances generally comprise a vessel and a lid designed to be fitted on the vessel to form a hermetically closed cooking enclosure within which the food for cooking is placed.
The enclosure can thus reach high pressures and temperatures when the appliance is subjected to the influence of a source of heat.
Such appliances are also generally provided with a pressure-regulation valve that enables the pressure that exists within the enclosure to be maintained at .a predetermined level, usually referred to as the "operating pressure".
The combined effects of high levels of pressure and temperature reached within those prior art appliances enable food to be cooked extremely 21816541.1 1 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 quickly, while nevertheless providing food with good organoleptic and nutritional properties.
In order to enable the user to open the lid, it is necessary to begin by decompressing the appliance, since the pressure, due to its high level, is incompatible with safe opening, i.e. opening without any risk of the lid escaping suddenly under the effect of the pressure.
To decompress a cooking appliance in accordance with the prior art, there are several ways of proceeding.
In a first method, it is possible to place the appliance under a jet of cold water. Nevertheless, that solution is not very satisfactory since it requires the outside surface of the appliance to be thoroughly wetted, with all the drawbacks that can cause for the user. Such a decompression method is also relatively difficult for the user to perform since it requires the hot and heavy appliance to be moved to a supply of water, with all of the associated discomfort and risk.
Furthermore, such a method, at least in certain appliances, can lead to suction becoming established inside the appliance, thus preventing the vessel and the lid from being separated.
An alternative method consists in acting on the pressure-regulation valve of the appliance, so as to put the inside of the enclosure into forced communication with the outside.
Thus, appliances are known that are provided firstly with a circular orifice formed in the lid, and secondly with a spring-loaded pressure-regulation valve having a circular head of diameter greater than the diameter of the orifice and having an annular gasket projecting from the orifice thereof.
The annular gasket serves to bear in leaktight manner against the lid under the action of the spring so as to surround the orifice and thus co-operate with the head to form a hermetically-sealed chamber covering the orifice in order to prevent any leakage of steam to the outside. When the pressure that exists inside the enclosure exceeds a predetermined value, the head and its gasket are pushed away from the orifice against the action of the spring, thereby enabling the pressure that exists inside the enclosure to be regulated automatically.
Those known appliances are also provided with means for controlling the pressure-regulation valve that make it possible, regardless of the pressure level that exists within the enclosure, to force the valve into an open position, 21816541.1 2 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 in which the head and its gasket are pushed apart from the orifice, thus enabling the appliance to be decompressed.
Those known appliances thus serve to perform two functions with the pressure-regulation valve, namely a regulation function proper and also a decompression function.
In order to obtain good quality of regulation, it is necessary for the pressure-regulation valve to be extremely sensitive to variation in pressure within the enclosure, so as to be capable of reacting quickly to any fluctuations in the pressure inside the enclosure. For this purpose, it is necessary for the area of the bearing surface of the valve, i.e. the area where pressure is exchanged between the valve and the inside of the enclosure, to be as large as possible. This means that the valve head must present a diameter that is as large as possible, within the limits of constraints associated with overall size and technical feasibility.
Nevertheless, implementing such a large bearing surface, i.e. a valve head presenting a large diameter, leads to drawbacks that are not negligible when it comes to decompression. In order to guarantee that decompression is complete, in spite of tolerances in the fabrication of the various parts involved, it is necessary to move the head through a relatively large distance away from the orifice. Unfortunately, the combination of a spacing of large distance associated with a large diameter for the head leads to making a leakage section available during decompression that is particularly large.
Releasing a large leakage section does indeed enable decompression to take place quickly, but that delivers a large amount of steam. However this rush of steam and the accompanying pressure drop are so large and sudden that that can lead to a phenomenon of the food contained in the receptacle foaming (which phenomenon is sometimes also known in the art as "emulsion"), thereby leading to very hot water and/or food being ejected violently through the orifice.
In order to avoid such a disagreeable and dangerous phenomenon appearing, known appliances thus make use either of an orifice of small section, which is harmful to sensitivity of decompression, or else protection elements, such as a strainer, that disturb flow both during decompression and during regulation.
There therefore exists a need for a pressure cooking appliance that enables excellent quality of regulation to be obtained and also excellent 21816541.1 3 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 control over decompression, but without sacrificing either one of these two functions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The objects given to the invention consequently seeks to propose a novel appliance for cooking food under pressure that provides a remedy to the various above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art and that provides an excellent compromise between firstly the quality of regulation and secondly the effectiveness and safety of decompression, while nevertheless being a design that is very simple and inexpensive.
Another object of the invention is to provide a novel appliance for cooking food under pressure that makes it possible, on decompression, to limit effectively any disturbances to the steam leakage flow.
Another object of the invention is to provide a novel appliance for cooking food under pressure that is of construction that is particularly compact.
Another object of the invention is to provide a novel appliance for cooking food under pressure that is of construction that is particularly simple and makes very reliable operation possible.
Another object of the invention is to provide a novel appliance for cooking food under pressure that is of design that relies on tested principles.
Another object of the invention is to provide a novel appliance for cooking food under pressure that is capable of providing particularly fine regulation of pressure.
Another object of the invention is to provide a novel appliance for cooking food under pressure that provides excellent control over the decompression flow.
Another object of the invention is to provide a novel appliance for cooking food under pressure that is constructed from a minimum number of parts.
Another object of the invention is to provide a novel home appliance for cooking food under pressure in which decompression is particularly fast and safe, while providing regulation with excellent sensitivity.
These objects given to the invention are achieved with the help of an appliance for cooking food under pressure, the appliance being arranged to form a cooking enclosure provided with a duct enabling a steam leakage flow to be established from the inside of the enclosure to the outside and defining 21816541.1 4 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 a first flow section for steam, said appliance including a pressure adjustment member suitable for presenting firstly a regulation configuration in which it adjusts the first flow section so as to maintain the pressure that exists inside the enclosure at a predetermined level, and secondly a decompression configuration in which it adjusts the first flow section to allow the inside of the enclosure to be put into communication with the outside independently of the level of pressure that exists in the enclosure, said duct also defining a second flow section situated upstream from the first flow section in the leakage flow direction, said appliance being characterized in that it includes adjustment means for adjusting the second flow section and designed so that said, when the adjustment member is in its regulation configuration, said second flow section presents a first value, and when the adjustment member is in its decompression configuration, said second flow section presents a second value that is substantially smaller than the first value.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other features and advantages of the invention appear and can be seen in greater detail on reading the following description made with reference to the accompanying drawings purely by way of non-limiting illustration, and in which:
Figure us an exploded general view in perspective showing a cooking appliance in accordance with the invention;
= Figure 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing the lid of the Figure 1 appliance;
Figure 3 comprises three views (from top to bottom) respectively showing the bottom, the side, and the top of a control module incorporating the pressure adjustment member of the appliance and is designed to be fitted to the lid shown in Figure 2 and releasably fastened thereto;
= Figure 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing an embodiment detail in section of the module shown in Figure 3;
= Figure 5 shows a detail of the pressure regulation member when it is in its regulation configuration; and = Figure 6 shows a detail of the pressure regulation member when it is in its decompression configuration.
BEST MANNER OF PERFORMING THE INVENTION
The appliance 1 in accordance with the invention for cooking food 21816541.1 5 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 under pressure is designed to cook various kinds of food, under steam pressure, preferably in a home context.
Preferably, the cooking appliance 1 in accordance with the invention is constituted by a home pressure cooker. To simplify the description, below, when referring to the accompanying drawings, reference is made exclusively to an appliance 1 constituted by a home pressure cooker, it being understood that the invention can optionally also apply to appliances of professional or semi-professional type.
In conventional manner, the appliance 1 in accordance with the invention is arranged to form a cooking enclosure that is preferably substantially leaktight and designed to be subjected to the action of a source of heat, whether external (e.g. a hot plate) or internal (e.g. an on-board electrical resistance element).
Advantageously, the cooking appliance 1 in accordance with the invention comprises a vessel 2 forming a cooking receptacle and preferably presenting a shape that is substantially a body of revolution about an axis X-X' (cf. Figure 1). Below, the adjective "axial" is used to refer to the direction of said axis of symmetry X-X', which direction is substantially vertical when the appliance is in normal operation. Naturally, the shape of the vessel 2 need not be a body of revolution (for example it could be oval in shape), without that going beyond the ambit of the invention. The vessel 2 is conventionally made of a metallic material such as stainless steel or aluminum, and it is preferably provided with a heat-conducting bottom 2A secured to the vessel, e.g. by hot forming.
The vessel 2 may also include a grip member, e.g. formed by one or more handles 2B, 2C, which are preferably two in number and fastened to the vessel 2 in diametrically opposite positions.
The appliance 1 in accordance with the invention also advantageously includes a lid 3 designed to be fitted and locked onto the vessel 2 so as to co-operate therewith via a gasket 30 to form the cooking enclosure. The vessel 2 and the lid 3 are designed so that the enclosure they form is sealed sufficiently hermetically to enable pressure inside the appliance to rise.
The lid 3 is preferably complementary in shape to the vessel 2, for example being substantially disk-shaped, and it comprises firstly an inside face 3A for facing the vessel 2 when the lid is locked thereon, and secondly an outside face 3B opposite from said inside face 3A, said outside face 3B
being designed to face towards the outside of the vessel 2 when the vessel 2 21816541.1 6 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 and the lid 3 forming the cooking enclosure. The lid 3 can be locked or unlocked relative to the vessel 2 by locking/unlocking means 4. These means may be of any type known to the person skilled in the art, and for example they may be constituted by a jaw system (corresponding to the variant shown in the figures), to a segment system, to a bayonet system, or indeed to a clamp system, this list not being limiting in any way.
In a manner that is purely optional, but preferred, and as shown in the figures, the appliance 1 has a control module 5 for fitting onto the lid 3, preferably releasably by means of a threaded shaft 6 co-operating with a hole 7 formed in the lid 3 and with a retaining nut 8 designed to be screwed onto the threaded shaft 6.
In the variant shown in the figures, the module 5 carries a series of functional and safety members, such as two control buttons 9, 10 respectively controlling closing and opening of the locking/unlocking means 4, a removable timer 11, a safety valve 12 against excess pressure, and a sliding finger 13 serving firstly to prevent the appliance from rising in pressure in the event of the lid being improperly closed, and secondly to prevent the lid from being opened so long as the pressure inside the appliance is incompatible with user safety. These various control and safety members are well known as such and are therefore not described in greater detail herein.
In accordance with the invention, the appliance us provided with a duct 14 enabling a steam leakage flow to be established from the inside of the enclosure towards the outside. In the design embodied in the variant shown in the figures, the duct 14 extends from the lid 3 and continues within the module 5 towards the outside of the appliance 1. Thus, in preferred manner, the module 5 has a bottom 5A designed to be pressed against the top face 3B of the lid 3. A chamber 15 is formed in the bottom 5A, which chamber is defined laterally by an annular gasket 15A going up from the bottom 5A and surrounding the inside volume defined by said chamber 15.
The chamber 15 communicates with an exhaust pipe 16. When the module 5 is fitted and fastened on the lid 3, the gasket 15A comes to bear in leaktight manner against the top face 3B of the lid 3 so as to surround a through orifice 17 formed right through the lid 3. Thus, when the module 5 is put into place on the lid 3, the chamber 15 is put into leaktight communication firstly with the inside of the enclosure by the orifice 17, and secondly with the outside of the appliance via the exhaust pipe 16, the chamber 15 being interposed between the orifice 17 and the exhaust pipe 16. The orifice 17 thus forms an orifice for 21816541.1 7 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 putting the inside of the enclosure into communication with the duct 14. The duct 14 in this particular embodiment is formed by juxtaposing the orifice 17, the chamber 15, and the exhaust pipe 16, and putting them mutually into communication.
Naturally, this embodiment of the duct 14 is not limiting, and it is entirely possible for the duct 14 to be made in some other way, in particular when the appliance does not adopt a design that makes a use of a removable module, as shown in the figures.
In accordance with the invention, the duct 14 defines a first steam-passing section 18, with the steam contained in the enclosure passing through said section 18 in order to escape to the outside.
The term "steam" should be understood here in a broad sense, i.e. as designating the gaseous or pseudo-gaseous phase present within the cooking enclosure and coexisting with the food and the cooking liquid.
In accordance with the invention, the appliance 1 includes a pressure adjustment member 19 suitable for presenting a regulation configuration (shown in Figure 5) in which it adjusts the first section 18 so as to keep the pressure that exists inside the enclosure at a predetermined level, corresponding to the operating pressure. For example, the predetermined pressure level lies preferably substantially in the range 55 kilopascals (kPa) to 90 kPa.
In other words, the pressure adjustment member 19 is designed to adjust the size of the first section 18 as a function of the instantaneous pressure that exists in the enclosure in order:
= either to allow steam to leak through the first section 18, if its instantaneous pressure is greater than the predetermined level;
= or else to prevent any leakage of steam via the first section 18 if the instantaneous pressure inside the enclosure is less than the predetermined level, so as to enable the pressure within the appliance 1 to rise (or to be limited).
In a manner that is preferred and known as such, the pressure adjustment member 19 comprises a valve 20 which, when the adjustment member is in its regulation configuration, serves firstly to close (i.e.
eliminate) the first flow section 18 so long as the pressure that exists inside the enclosure is less than or equal to said predetermined level, and secondly to open said first section (i.e. give it a non-zero value) as soon as the pressure that exists inside the enclosure exceeds said predetermined level. In other 21816541.1 8 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 words, the valve 20 is designed, when it is in the regulation configuration, firstly to prevent any communication between the inside of the enclosure and the outside so long as the pressure that exists inside the enclosure is less than or equal to the predetermined level, and secondly to put the inside of the enclosure automatically into communication with the outside under the effect of the pressure as soon as the pressure that exists inside the enclosure exceeds said predetermined level.
In accordance with the invention, the adjustment member 19 is also capable of presenting a decompression configuration (shown in Figure 6) in which it adjusts the first flow section 18 independently of the pressure that exists inside the enclosure so as to enable the inside of the enclosure to be put into communication with the outside. In other words, when it is in its decompression configuration, the adjustment member 19 gives a non-zero value to the first section 18, which value is maintained substantially continuously (even if the pressure that exists inside the enclosure becomes less than or equal to the predetermined level), so as to allow the appliance 1 to be decompressed, i.e. so as to bring the internal pressure that exists inside the cooking enclosure into equilibrium with the atmospheric pressure that exists outside the enclosure.
In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures where the pressure adjustment member 19 comprises a valve 20, the valve thus opens the first flow section when the adjustment member 19 is in the decompression configuration. This means that the valve 20 gives a non-zero value to the first section 18, which value is preferably predetermined, and suitable for allowing a steam leakage flow to be established so as to decompress the enclosure.
In accordance with the invention, the duct 14 also defines a second flow section 21 situated upstream from the first flow section 18 in the leakage flow direction (i.e. going from the inside of the enclosure towards the outside).
In other words, the steam contained in the cooking enclosure, when escaping towards the outside of the appliance 1 via the duct 14, begins by passing through the second flow section 21 and then through the first flow section 18, said first and second sections 18 and 21 preferably being distinct and situated at a distance apart from each other, as can be seen in the figures.
In accordance with the invention, the appliance 1 includes adjustment means 22 for adjusting the second flow section 21 and designed so that when the adjustment member 19 is in the regulation configuration (cf. Figure 5), said second flow section 21 presents a first value, and when the adjustment 21816541.1 9 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 member is in the decompression configuration (cf. Figure 1), said second flow section 21 presents a second value that is significantly smaller than the first value. In other words, when the adjustment member 19 goes from its regulation configuration to its decompression configuration, the second flow section 21 is decreased, passing from a first value to a second value that is substantially smaller than the first value.
The general principle of the invention thus relies on controlling the value of the second flow section 21 that is situated upstream from the first flow section 18 on which the pressure adjustment member 19 acts. More precisely, the invention relies on implementing an upstream flow section 21 that is larger when the adjustment member 19 is in its regulation configuration than when it is in its decompression configuration. This makes it possible simultaneously to have good sensitivity in regulation by optimizing the exchange of pressure between the adjustment member 19 and the inside of the enclosure, and also optimum control over the leakage flow speed when the adjustment member 19 is in its decompression configuration, with the constriction of the upstream flow section 21 serving to prevent very hot steam and/or food material from being projected while the duct 14.
Advantageously, the second flow section 21 is situated substantially towards and preferably at the interface between the enclosure and the duct 14. In other words, the second flow section 21 defined by the duct 14 is preferably situated as far upstream as possible from said duct 14 relative to the leakage flow direction, i.e. the steam contained in the enclosure penetrates into the duct 14 by passing initially via the second section 21.
This technical measure makes it possible to generate a flow rate constriction on the steam leakage flow that is as close as possible to the inside of the enclosure, thereby minimizing disturbances to the flow of steam and thus conserving a flow that is substantially constant and under control during decompression.
Advantageously, the adjustment means 22 for adjusting the second flow section 21 are functionally connected to the adjustment member 19 for adjusting the pressure that exists inside the enclosure, in such a manner that changing the adjustment member 19 from its regulation configuration to its decompression configuration leads to a decrease in the value of the second flow section 21 from its first value to its second value, and vice versa.
In even more preferred manner, the means 22 for adjusting the second flow section 21 are carried by the pressure adjustment member 19, as shown 21816541.1 10 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 in the figures. This makes it possible to use a single subassembly that is particularly compact, being formed by the adjustment member 19 and the adjustment means 22 to perform numerous functions, and in particular a regulation function, a decompression function, and a function of adjusting the size of the second flow section 21.
Advantageously, the means 22 for adjusting the second flow section 21 comprise an elongate body 23. This body is preferably cylindrical in shape, presenting a first segment 23A and a second segment 23B of section greater than that of the first segment 23A. The elongate body 23 is preferably mounted to slide coaxially in the orifice 17 for putting the inside of the enclosure into communication with the duct 14, so that when the adjustment member 19 is in the regulation configuration, the second flow section 21, which then presents its first value, is defined by co-operation between the first segment 23A and the orifice 17 (as shown in Figure 5), whereas when the adjustment member 19 is in its decompression configuration, the second flow section 21, which then presents its second value, is defined by the co-operation between the second segment 23B and the orifice 17 (as shown in Figure 6).
In the embodiment shown in the figures, the orifice 17 for putting the inside of the enclosure into communication with the duct 14 is circular in shape, i.e. it extends through the thickness of the lid 3 between the outside face 3B and the inside face 3A thereof with an outline that is cylindrical on a circular base about an axis of symmetry Y-Y that is parallel to the axis X-X'.
The elongate body 23 is advantageously mounted to move in translation along the axis Y-Y', so as to penetrate into the orifice 17 concentrically therewith. The first segment 23A and the second segment 23B are positioned in line with each other and they are separated by a shoulder, the first segment 23A and the second segment 23B preferably constituting bodies of revolution about the axis Y-Y'. The first segment 23A is radially smaller than the second segment 23B, i.e. the maximum diameter presented by the first segment 23A is smaller than the maximum diameter presented by the second segment 23B. Thus, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the second flow section 21 presents the shape of a circular ring that is defined on the inside by the first segment 23A (or by the second segment 23B depending on the configuration adopted by the adjustment means 19), and on the outside by the outline of the orifice 17.
21816541.1 11 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 In the example shown in the figures, the first value S1 presented by the second flow section 21 can thus be obtained by the following formula:
S1 = nLi (2R - L1) where R is the radius of the orifice 17 and L1 is the width of the annular interstitial space defined by the orifice 17 and the first segment 23A.
Similarly, the second value S2 of the second flow section 21 can be obtained from the formula:
S2 = 7CL2(2R - L2) where R is the radius of the orifice 17 and L2 is the width of the annular interstitial space defined by the orifice 17 and the second segment 23B.
Advantageously, when the adjustment member 19 is in its regulation configuration and is opening the first section 18 so as to bring the pressure that exists inside the enclosure to a predetermined level corresponding to the operating pressure, the first flow section 18 presents a value that does not significantly exceed the first value for the second flow section 21. In other words, when the adjustment member 19 opens the first section 18 while it is in its regulation configuration, the second flow section 21, then preserving its first value, is greater than the first section 18 opened by the valve 20. This technical provision avoids any untimely phenomenon of pressure rising within the duct 14 during regulation, which could be harmful for the accuracy and the speed of regulation.
Advantageously, when the adjustment member 19 is in its decompression configuration, the first flow section 18 presents a value that is substantially greater than the second value of the second flow section 21. In other words, the first section 18 defined by the valve 20 in the decompression configuration is greater than the second flow section 21, which then presents its second value. This technical provision enables an excellent compromise to be achieved between these two fundamental functions, namely firstly speed of decompression to enable the user to open the appliance 1 quickly, and secondly safety in use to avoid any dangerous projections of scalding hot food and/or liquid. The small section (second value for the second flow section 21) defined by the second segment 23B and the orifice 17 limits the steam leakage flow rate sufficiently to limit the appearance of a phenomenon whereby water and/or food is ejected (the "foaming" phenomenon also known as the "emulsion" phenomenon), while the first section 18 then presents a predetermined value that is large, greater than that of the second section 21, and selected so as to make a rapid drop in pressure possible.
21816541.1 12 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 In embodiments of the kind shown in the figures, in which the pressure adjustment member 19 comprises a valve 20, the valve advantageously comprises a head 24 preferably mounted on the end of a valve stem 25 that is itself preferably mounted to slide axially along the axis Y-Y' in the module 5.
The head 24 preferably extends substantially perpendicularly to the axis Y-Y' and is advantageously generally in the shape of a disk, as can be seen in the figures. Advantageously, the valve 20 also has an annular gasket 26 projecting from the head 24, preferably at the periphery thereof. When the valve 20 is closing the first flow section 18 (as shown in Figure 5), this gasket 26 is designed to bear in substantially leaktight manner against the cooking enclosure, i.e. specifically against the outside face 3B of the lid 3, so as to surround the orifice 17 and thereby prevent the inside of the enclosure being put into communication with the outside, since the orifice 17 then opens out into a chamber that is closed by the gasket 26 and the head 24.
Preferably, the gasket 26 is made integrally with the head 24, i.e.
together they form a single one-piece part, which part covers the stem 25.
Preferably, and as shown in the figures, the elongate body 23 also projects from the head 24 of the valve 20 along the axial direction X-X'.
In particularly advantageous manner, as shown in the figures, the elongate body 23, the head 24, and the gasket 25 are formed by a single one-piece part, which is preferably a cap made of elastomer material, e.g. of the silicone kind, for engagement by force on the stem 25.
The stem 25 is advantageously subjected to the axial return action of a spring 27. As is well known, the spring 27 urges the gasket 26 of the head 24 permanently against the outside face 3B of the lid 3, which thus forms a seat for the valve 20, whenever the adjustment member 19 is in its regulation configuration. When the pressure that exists inside the enclosure is sufficient to overcome the return force exerted by the spring 27, the valve 20 is lifted, thereby opening the first flow section 18 and thus enabling pressure to be regulated automatically.
Changing the adjustment member 19 to the decompression configuration corresponds to exerting thereon an opposing force that is greater than the return force exerted by the spring 27, so as to keep the first flow section 18 open regardless of the level of the pressure that exists within the enclosure, so as to enable the enclosure to be decompressed.
Advantageously, the ratio of the first value for the second flow section 21 over the second value for the second flow section 21 lies substantially in 21816541.1 13 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 the range 1.05 to 2.5, and more preferably in the range 1.5 to 2. Using such section ratios makes it possible to obtain an excellent compromise between firstly regulation sensitivity, and secondly the speed and safety of decompression.
In preferred manner, the first value for the second flow section 21 lies substantially in the range 10 square millimeters (mm2) to 15 mm2, and still more preferably is substantially equal to 12.4 mm2, while the second value for the second flow section 21 preferably lies substantially in the range 5 mm2 to 9 mm2, and more preferably is substantially equal to 7.1 mm2.
The cooking appliance 1 of the invention in its embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6 operates in a manner that is described below.
The user begins by placing the module 5 on the lid 3 by engaging the threaded shaft 6 in the corresponding hole 7 formed in the lid 3 and by fastening the module 5 by means of the retention nut 8 screwed onto the threaded shaft 6. In this configuration, the annular gasket 15A comes to bear in leaktight manner against the outside face 3B of the lid 3, thereby co-operating with the orifice 17 to form the duct 14. Positioning the module 5 on the lid 3 also causes the elongate body 23 to penetrate into the orifice 17, coaxially therein and in such a manner as to define a second flow section 21 in the form of a circular ring.
The user places the food for cooking within the vessel 2, where necessary with the help of a cooking basket (not shown) placed within the vessel 2. The user then fits the lid together with its control module 5 on the vessel 2 and proceeds to lock the appliance 1 with the help of the jaws 4, with radial movement thereof being controlled by the buttons 9 and 10.
Using a rotary selector 28, the user then acts on the axial position of the valve 20. The user thus brings the valve into its regulation configuration as shown in Figure 5. The appliance shown in the figures may have a plurality of indexed regulation sub-configurations, with each of the regulation sub-configurations corresponding to the valve 20 having a different pressure setting, with this being achieved by compressing a spring 27 to a greater or lesser extent.
The appliance 1 is then subjected to heat from a hot plate on which it stands. The heat given off by the hot plate is transmitted via the bottom 2A
to the food placed inside the cooking enclosure formed by assembling together the vessel 2 and the lid 3. Under the effect of this supply of heat, the pressure that exists inside the enclosure increases. As soon as this pressure 21816541.1 14 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 exceeds a predetermined level, corresponding to the sefting of the spring 27, the head 24 and the gasket 26 move away from the outside face 3B of the lid, thereby causing steam to leak towards the outside and thus enabling the pressure to be regulated automatically. This steam leakage flow begins by following the second flow section 21, then passes via the first flow section situated downstream from the second flow section 21 in the flow direction, then passes through the chamber 15, and finally escapes via the exhaust pipe 16. In order to obtain good regulation sensitivity, i.e. in order to benefit from a valve 20 that is very responsive to a change of pressure within the enclosure, it is advantageous to provide a bearing surface area, i.e. a pressure exchange surface area between the valve 20 and the inside of the enclosure that is as large as possible. For this purpose, the head 24 of diameter that determines directly the bearing surface area, presents a diameter that is large, e.g. a diameter at the gasket 26 of 10.5 mm, i.e. a perimeter of 33 mm. When the valve 20 is in its regulation configuration, as shown in Figure 5, the second flow section 21 is relatively large, and for example substantially equal to 12.4 mm2, so as to enable an excellent exchange of pressure between the inside of the enclosure and the exchange surface area constituted by the head 24. For example, the orifice 17 advantageously presents a diameter of 6 mm, while the first segment 23A of the elongate body 23 presents a diameter substantially equal to 4.5 mm.
At the end of the cooking cycle, the user can proceed to decompress the appliance by bringing the selector 28 into an indexed decompression position, thereby causing an axial force to be exerted that opposes and is greater than the return force exerted by the spring 27. This enables the valve 20 to be lifted to a predetermined height, that is sufficient to ensure loss of contact between the gasket 26 and the outside face 3B of the lid 3, thereby opening the first flow section 18 and bringing the second segment 23 into co-operation with the orifice 17 so as to confer the second value to the second section 21. In order to guarantee that decompression is complete, the valve 20 should be moved as far as possible from its seat formed by the outside face 3B of the lid 3, i.e. so as to make the interstitial space between the outside face 3B of the lid 3 and the gasket 26 for injecting from the head 24 as large as possible, its value being selected as a function of the second value for the section 21 so as to obtain a maximum rate of flow without leading to scalding hot food and/or water being projected outwards via the duct 14. Preferably, the second segment 23B presents a diameter 21816541.1 15 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 substantially equal to 5.2 mm, thereby co-operating with the orifice 17 (of diameter preferably substantially equal to 6 mm) to define a second flow section 21 presenting a second value that is substantially equal to 7.1 mm2.
Tests performed in the laboratory by the Applicant, using the geometrical configuration shown in the figures and described above (diameter of head 24 up to the gasket 26: 10.5 mm; diameter of orifice 17: 6 mm;
diameter of first segment 23A: 4.5 mm; diameter of second segment 23B:
5.2 mm) have enabled the technical effect of the invention to be quantified.
The tests in question were performed with an appliance 1 having a vessel with a capacity of six liters, filled so as to be half full and placed on a cast iron electric hot plate delivering a power of 1.5 kilowatts (kW).
Under such conditions, decompression of the appliance 1, after it has been removed from the hot plate, took place in 16 seconds so as to pass from an internal pressure of 80 kPa to an internal pressure of 40 kPa when the second section 21 was equal to 12.4 mm2, whereas 26 seconds were required when said section was equal to 7.1 mm2, other things remaining equal.
Similarly, the fineness of regulation, which corresponds to the difference between the trigger value (i.e. opening of the first section 18) for the valve 20 and the maximum regulation value was 4 kPa when the first section was substantially equal to 12.4 mm2, whereas it was substantially equal to 6 kPa when said second section 21 was substantially equal to 7.1 mm2, other things remaining equal.
Adjusting the second section 21 enables it to be increased when the pressure adjustment means 19 from the regulation configuration to the decompression configuration, and vice versa, thus making it possible, in the example described, to slow down decompression with a gain of about 62%
(thus making it possible to avoid dangerous projection of any food and/or water while remaining within a decompression duration that is acceptable for the user), and to obtain a gain of about 50% in terms of regulation sensitivity.
The above example also shows the considerable advantage presented by the invention for mass production of reliable cooking appliances in a manner that is inexpensive.
If it is desired to obtain a value of 7.1 mm2 for the first flow section 18 so as to reduce the violence of decompression, the gasket 26 needs to be moved away from the outside face 3B of the lid 3 through a distance of 0.2 mm (for the gasket 26 having a diameter of 10.5 mm, corresponding to a 21816541.1 16 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 perimeter of 33 mm). Fabrication tolerances, in particular in the context of mass production, do not enable such accuracy to be obtained in the spacing, so there exists a risk of decompression being violent (if, in fact, the spacing distance turns out to be greater than 0.2 mm because of fabrication tolerances), or to the absence of satisfactory decompression (if, in fact, the spacing distance turns out to be less than 0.2 mm because of fabrication tolerances).
In contrast, by controlling a section 21 situated upstream from the section 18 that is adjusted by the regulation valve, the invention makes it possible to be insensitive to the constraints relating to fabrication tolerances, making it possible to use a spacing that is much greater than 0.2 mm but without that encouraging violent exhaust phenomena to appear.
SUSCEPTIBILITY OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION
The invention finds industrial application in the design and fabrication of pressure cooking vessels.
21816541.1 17
DECOMPRESSION
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to the general technical field of appliances for cooking food, in particular for home use, and designed to form a leaktight cooking enclosure within which food is cooked under steam pressure.
The present invention relates more particularly to an appliance for cooking food under pressure, the appliance being arranged to form a cooking enclosure provided with a duct enabling a steam leakage flow to be established from the inside of the enclosure to the outside and defining a first flow section for steam, said appliance including a pressure adjustment member suitable for presenting firstly a regulation configuration in which it adjusts the first flow section so as to maintain the pressure that exists inside the enclosure at a predetermined level, and secondly a decompression configuration in which it adjusts the first flow section to allow the inside of the enclosure to be put into communication with the outside independently of the level of pressure that exists in the enclosure, said duct also defining a second flow section situated upstream from the first flow section in the leakage flow direction.
PRIOR ART
Pressure cooking appliances, in particular for home use, such as pressure cookers, are well known in the prior art. Such appliances generally comprise a vessel and a lid designed to be fitted on the vessel to form a hermetically closed cooking enclosure within which the food for cooking is placed.
The enclosure can thus reach high pressures and temperatures when the appliance is subjected to the influence of a source of heat.
Such appliances are also generally provided with a pressure-regulation valve that enables the pressure that exists within the enclosure to be maintained at .a predetermined level, usually referred to as the "operating pressure".
The combined effects of high levels of pressure and temperature reached within those prior art appliances enable food to be cooked extremely 21816541.1 1 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 quickly, while nevertheless providing food with good organoleptic and nutritional properties.
In order to enable the user to open the lid, it is necessary to begin by decompressing the appliance, since the pressure, due to its high level, is incompatible with safe opening, i.e. opening without any risk of the lid escaping suddenly under the effect of the pressure.
To decompress a cooking appliance in accordance with the prior art, there are several ways of proceeding.
In a first method, it is possible to place the appliance under a jet of cold water. Nevertheless, that solution is not very satisfactory since it requires the outside surface of the appliance to be thoroughly wetted, with all the drawbacks that can cause for the user. Such a decompression method is also relatively difficult for the user to perform since it requires the hot and heavy appliance to be moved to a supply of water, with all of the associated discomfort and risk.
Furthermore, such a method, at least in certain appliances, can lead to suction becoming established inside the appliance, thus preventing the vessel and the lid from being separated.
An alternative method consists in acting on the pressure-regulation valve of the appliance, so as to put the inside of the enclosure into forced communication with the outside.
Thus, appliances are known that are provided firstly with a circular orifice formed in the lid, and secondly with a spring-loaded pressure-regulation valve having a circular head of diameter greater than the diameter of the orifice and having an annular gasket projecting from the orifice thereof.
The annular gasket serves to bear in leaktight manner against the lid under the action of the spring so as to surround the orifice and thus co-operate with the head to form a hermetically-sealed chamber covering the orifice in order to prevent any leakage of steam to the outside. When the pressure that exists inside the enclosure exceeds a predetermined value, the head and its gasket are pushed away from the orifice against the action of the spring, thereby enabling the pressure that exists inside the enclosure to be regulated automatically.
Those known appliances are also provided with means for controlling the pressure-regulation valve that make it possible, regardless of the pressure level that exists within the enclosure, to force the valve into an open position, 21816541.1 2 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 in which the head and its gasket are pushed apart from the orifice, thus enabling the appliance to be decompressed.
Those known appliances thus serve to perform two functions with the pressure-regulation valve, namely a regulation function proper and also a decompression function.
In order to obtain good quality of regulation, it is necessary for the pressure-regulation valve to be extremely sensitive to variation in pressure within the enclosure, so as to be capable of reacting quickly to any fluctuations in the pressure inside the enclosure. For this purpose, it is necessary for the area of the bearing surface of the valve, i.e. the area where pressure is exchanged between the valve and the inside of the enclosure, to be as large as possible. This means that the valve head must present a diameter that is as large as possible, within the limits of constraints associated with overall size and technical feasibility.
Nevertheless, implementing such a large bearing surface, i.e. a valve head presenting a large diameter, leads to drawbacks that are not negligible when it comes to decompression. In order to guarantee that decompression is complete, in spite of tolerances in the fabrication of the various parts involved, it is necessary to move the head through a relatively large distance away from the orifice. Unfortunately, the combination of a spacing of large distance associated with a large diameter for the head leads to making a leakage section available during decompression that is particularly large.
Releasing a large leakage section does indeed enable decompression to take place quickly, but that delivers a large amount of steam. However this rush of steam and the accompanying pressure drop are so large and sudden that that can lead to a phenomenon of the food contained in the receptacle foaming (which phenomenon is sometimes also known in the art as "emulsion"), thereby leading to very hot water and/or food being ejected violently through the orifice.
In order to avoid such a disagreeable and dangerous phenomenon appearing, known appliances thus make use either of an orifice of small section, which is harmful to sensitivity of decompression, or else protection elements, such as a strainer, that disturb flow both during decompression and during regulation.
There therefore exists a need for a pressure cooking appliance that enables excellent quality of regulation to be obtained and also excellent 21816541.1 3 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 control over decompression, but without sacrificing either one of these two functions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The objects given to the invention consequently seeks to propose a novel appliance for cooking food under pressure that provides a remedy to the various above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art and that provides an excellent compromise between firstly the quality of regulation and secondly the effectiveness and safety of decompression, while nevertheless being a design that is very simple and inexpensive.
Another object of the invention is to provide a novel appliance for cooking food under pressure that makes it possible, on decompression, to limit effectively any disturbances to the steam leakage flow.
Another object of the invention is to provide a novel appliance for cooking food under pressure that is of construction that is particularly compact.
Another object of the invention is to provide a novel appliance for cooking food under pressure that is of construction that is particularly simple and makes very reliable operation possible.
Another object of the invention is to provide a novel appliance for cooking food under pressure that is of design that relies on tested principles.
Another object of the invention is to provide a novel appliance for cooking food under pressure that is capable of providing particularly fine regulation of pressure.
Another object of the invention is to provide a novel appliance for cooking food under pressure that provides excellent control over the decompression flow.
Another object of the invention is to provide a novel appliance for cooking food under pressure that is constructed from a minimum number of parts.
Another object of the invention is to provide a novel home appliance for cooking food under pressure in which decompression is particularly fast and safe, while providing regulation with excellent sensitivity.
These objects given to the invention are achieved with the help of an appliance for cooking food under pressure, the appliance being arranged to form a cooking enclosure provided with a duct enabling a steam leakage flow to be established from the inside of the enclosure to the outside and defining 21816541.1 4 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 a first flow section for steam, said appliance including a pressure adjustment member suitable for presenting firstly a regulation configuration in which it adjusts the first flow section so as to maintain the pressure that exists inside the enclosure at a predetermined level, and secondly a decompression configuration in which it adjusts the first flow section to allow the inside of the enclosure to be put into communication with the outside independently of the level of pressure that exists in the enclosure, said duct also defining a second flow section situated upstream from the first flow section in the leakage flow direction, said appliance being characterized in that it includes adjustment means for adjusting the second flow section and designed so that said, when the adjustment member is in its regulation configuration, said second flow section presents a first value, and when the adjustment member is in its decompression configuration, said second flow section presents a second value that is substantially smaller than the first value.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other features and advantages of the invention appear and can be seen in greater detail on reading the following description made with reference to the accompanying drawings purely by way of non-limiting illustration, and in which:
Figure us an exploded general view in perspective showing a cooking appliance in accordance with the invention;
= Figure 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing the lid of the Figure 1 appliance;
Figure 3 comprises three views (from top to bottom) respectively showing the bottom, the side, and the top of a control module incorporating the pressure adjustment member of the appliance and is designed to be fitted to the lid shown in Figure 2 and releasably fastened thereto;
= Figure 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing an embodiment detail in section of the module shown in Figure 3;
= Figure 5 shows a detail of the pressure regulation member when it is in its regulation configuration; and = Figure 6 shows a detail of the pressure regulation member when it is in its decompression configuration.
BEST MANNER OF PERFORMING THE INVENTION
The appliance 1 in accordance with the invention for cooking food 21816541.1 5 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 under pressure is designed to cook various kinds of food, under steam pressure, preferably in a home context.
Preferably, the cooking appliance 1 in accordance with the invention is constituted by a home pressure cooker. To simplify the description, below, when referring to the accompanying drawings, reference is made exclusively to an appliance 1 constituted by a home pressure cooker, it being understood that the invention can optionally also apply to appliances of professional or semi-professional type.
In conventional manner, the appliance 1 in accordance with the invention is arranged to form a cooking enclosure that is preferably substantially leaktight and designed to be subjected to the action of a source of heat, whether external (e.g. a hot plate) or internal (e.g. an on-board electrical resistance element).
Advantageously, the cooking appliance 1 in accordance with the invention comprises a vessel 2 forming a cooking receptacle and preferably presenting a shape that is substantially a body of revolution about an axis X-X' (cf. Figure 1). Below, the adjective "axial" is used to refer to the direction of said axis of symmetry X-X', which direction is substantially vertical when the appliance is in normal operation. Naturally, the shape of the vessel 2 need not be a body of revolution (for example it could be oval in shape), without that going beyond the ambit of the invention. The vessel 2 is conventionally made of a metallic material such as stainless steel or aluminum, and it is preferably provided with a heat-conducting bottom 2A secured to the vessel, e.g. by hot forming.
The vessel 2 may also include a grip member, e.g. formed by one or more handles 2B, 2C, which are preferably two in number and fastened to the vessel 2 in diametrically opposite positions.
The appliance 1 in accordance with the invention also advantageously includes a lid 3 designed to be fitted and locked onto the vessel 2 so as to co-operate therewith via a gasket 30 to form the cooking enclosure. The vessel 2 and the lid 3 are designed so that the enclosure they form is sealed sufficiently hermetically to enable pressure inside the appliance to rise.
The lid 3 is preferably complementary in shape to the vessel 2, for example being substantially disk-shaped, and it comprises firstly an inside face 3A for facing the vessel 2 when the lid is locked thereon, and secondly an outside face 3B opposite from said inside face 3A, said outside face 3B
being designed to face towards the outside of the vessel 2 when the vessel 2 21816541.1 6 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 and the lid 3 forming the cooking enclosure. The lid 3 can be locked or unlocked relative to the vessel 2 by locking/unlocking means 4. These means may be of any type known to the person skilled in the art, and for example they may be constituted by a jaw system (corresponding to the variant shown in the figures), to a segment system, to a bayonet system, or indeed to a clamp system, this list not being limiting in any way.
In a manner that is purely optional, but preferred, and as shown in the figures, the appliance 1 has a control module 5 for fitting onto the lid 3, preferably releasably by means of a threaded shaft 6 co-operating with a hole 7 formed in the lid 3 and with a retaining nut 8 designed to be screwed onto the threaded shaft 6.
In the variant shown in the figures, the module 5 carries a series of functional and safety members, such as two control buttons 9, 10 respectively controlling closing and opening of the locking/unlocking means 4, a removable timer 11, a safety valve 12 against excess pressure, and a sliding finger 13 serving firstly to prevent the appliance from rising in pressure in the event of the lid being improperly closed, and secondly to prevent the lid from being opened so long as the pressure inside the appliance is incompatible with user safety. These various control and safety members are well known as such and are therefore not described in greater detail herein.
In accordance with the invention, the appliance us provided with a duct 14 enabling a steam leakage flow to be established from the inside of the enclosure towards the outside. In the design embodied in the variant shown in the figures, the duct 14 extends from the lid 3 and continues within the module 5 towards the outside of the appliance 1. Thus, in preferred manner, the module 5 has a bottom 5A designed to be pressed against the top face 3B of the lid 3. A chamber 15 is formed in the bottom 5A, which chamber is defined laterally by an annular gasket 15A going up from the bottom 5A and surrounding the inside volume defined by said chamber 15.
The chamber 15 communicates with an exhaust pipe 16. When the module 5 is fitted and fastened on the lid 3, the gasket 15A comes to bear in leaktight manner against the top face 3B of the lid 3 so as to surround a through orifice 17 formed right through the lid 3. Thus, when the module 5 is put into place on the lid 3, the chamber 15 is put into leaktight communication firstly with the inside of the enclosure by the orifice 17, and secondly with the outside of the appliance via the exhaust pipe 16, the chamber 15 being interposed between the orifice 17 and the exhaust pipe 16. The orifice 17 thus forms an orifice for 21816541.1 7 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 putting the inside of the enclosure into communication with the duct 14. The duct 14 in this particular embodiment is formed by juxtaposing the orifice 17, the chamber 15, and the exhaust pipe 16, and putting them mutually into communication.
Naturally, this embodiment of the duct 14 is not limiting, and it is entirely possible for the duct 14 to be made in some other way, in particular when the appliance does not adopt a design that makes a use of a removable module, as shown in the figures.
In accordance with the invention, the duct 14 defines a first steam-passing section 18, with the steam contained in the enclosure passing through said section 18 in order to escape to the outside.
The term "steam" should be understood here in a broad sense, i.e. as designating the gaseous or pseudo-gaseous phase present within the cooking enclosure and coexisting with the food and the cooking liquid.
In accordance with the invention, the appliance 1 includes a pressure adjustment member 19 suitable for presenting a regulation configuration (shown in Figure 5) in which it adjusts the first section 18 so as to keep the pressure that exists inside the enclosure at a predetermined level, corresponding to the operating pressure. For example, the predetermined pressure level lies preferably substantially in the range 55 kilopascals (kPa) to 90 kPa.
In other words, the pressure adjustment member 19 is designed to adjust the size of the first section 18 as a function of the instantaneous pressure that exists in the enclosure in order:
= either to allow steam to leak through the first section 18, if its instantaneous pressure is greater than the predetermined level;
= or else to prevent any leakage of steam via the first section 18 if the instantaneous pressure inside the enclosure is less than the predetermined level, so as to enable the pressure within the appliance 1 to rise (or to be limited).
In a manner that is preferred and known as such, the pressure adjustment member 19 comprises a valve 20 which, when the adjustment member is in its regulation configuration, serves firstly to close (i.e.
eliminate) the first flow section 18 so long as the pressure that exists inside the enclosure is less than or equal to said predetermined level, and secondly to open said first section (i.e. give it a non-zero value) as soon as the pressure that exists inside the enclosure exceeds said predetermined level. In other 21816541.1 8 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 words, the valve 20 is designed, when it is in the regulation configuration, firstly to prevent any communication between the inside of the enclosure and the outside so long as the pressure that exists inside the enclosure is less than or equal to the predetermined level, and secondly to put the inside of the enclosure automatically into communication with the outside under the effect of the pressure as soon as the pressure that exists inside the enclosure exceeds said predetermined level.
In accordance with the invention, the adjustment member 19 is also capable of presenting a decompression configuration (shown in Figure 6) in which it adjusts the first flow section 18 independently of the pressure that exists inside the enclosure so as to enable the inside of the enclosure to be put into communication with the outside. In other words, when it is in its decompression configuration, the adjustment member 19 gives a non-zero value to the first section 18, which value is maintained substantially continuously (even if the pressure that exists inside the enclosure becomes less than or equal to the predetermined level), so as to allow the appliance 1 to be decompressed, i.e. so as to bring the internal pressure that exists inside the cooking enclosure into equilibrium with the atmospheric pressure that exists outside the enclosure.
In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures where the pressure adjustment member 19 comprises a valve 20, the valve thus opens the first flow section when the adjustment member 19 is in the decompression configuration. This means that the valve 20 gives a non-zero value to the first section 18, which value is preferably predetermined, and suitable for allowing a steam leakage flow to be established so as to decompress the enclosure.
In accordance with the invention, the duct 14 also defines a second flow section 21 situated upstream from the first flow section 18 in the leakage flow direction (i.e. going from the inside of the enclosure towards the outside).
In other words, the steam contained in the cooking enclosure, when escaping towards the outside of the appliance 1 via the duct 14, begins by passing through the second flow section 21 and then through the first flow section 18, said first and second sections 18 and 21 preferably being distinct and situated at a distance apart from each other, as can be seen in the figures.
In accordance with the invention, the appliance 1 includes adjustment means 22 for adjusting the second flow section 21 and designed so that when the adjustment member 19 is in the regulation configuration (cf. Figure 5), said second flow section 21 presents a first value, and when the adjustment 21816541.1 9 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 member is in the decompression configuration (cf. Figure 1), said second flow section 21 presents a second value that is significantly smaller than the first value. In other words, when the adjustment member 19 goes from its regulation configuration to its decompression configuration, the second flow section 21 is decreased, passing from a first value to a second value that is substantially smaller than the first value.
The general principle of the invention thus relies on controlling the value of the second flow section 21 that is situated upstream from the first flow section 18 on which the pressure adjustment member 19 acts. More precisely, the invention relies on implementing an upstream flow section 21 that is larger when the adjustment member 19 is in its regulation configuration than when it is in its decompression configuration. This makes it possible simultaneously to have good sensitivity in regulation by optimizing the exchange of pressure between the adjustment member 19 and the inside of the enclosure, and also optimum control over the leakage flow speed when the adjustment member 19 is in its decompression configuration, with the constriction of the upstream flow section 21 serving to prevent very hot steam and/or food material from being projected while the duct 14.
Advantageously, the second flow section 21 is situated substantially towards and preferably at the interface between the enclosure and the duct 14. In other words, the second flow section 21 defined by the duct 14 is preferably situated as far upstream as possible from said duct 14 relative to the leakage flow direction, i.e. the steam contained in the enclosure penetrates into the duct 14 by passing initially via the second section 21.
This technical measure makes it possible to generate a flow rate constriction on the steam leakage flow that is as close as possible to the inside of the enclosure, thereby minimizing disturbances to the flow of steam and thus conserving a flow that is substantially constant and under control during decompression.
Advantageously, the adjustment means 22 for adjusting the second flow section 21 are functionally connected to the adjustment member 19 for adjusting the pressure that exists inside the enclosure, in such a manner that changing the adjustment member 19 from its regulation configuration to its decompression configuration leads to a decrease in the value of the second flow section 21 from its first value to its second value, and vice versa.
In even more preferred manner, the means 22 for adjusting the second flow section 21 are carried by the pressure adjustment member 19, as shown 21816541.1 10 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 in the figures. This makes it possible to use a single subassembly that is particularly compact, being formed by the adjustment member 19 and the adjustment means 22 to perform numerous functions, and in particular a regulation function, a decompression function, and a function of adjusting the size of the second flow section 21.
Advantageously, the means 22 for adjusting the second flow section 21 comprise an elongate body 23. This body is preferably cylindrical in shape, presenting a first segment 23A and a second segment 23B of section greater than that of the first segment 23A. The elongate body 23 is preferably mounted to slide coaxially in the orifice 17 for putting the inside of the enclosure into communication with the duct 14, so that when the adjustment member 19 is in the regulation configuration, the second flow section 21, which then presents its first value, is defined by co-operation between the first segment 23A and the orifice 17 (as shown in Figure 5), whereas when the adjustment member 19 is in its decompression configuration, the second flow section 21, which then presents its second value, is defined by the co-operation between the second segment 23B and the orifice 17 (as shown in Figure 6).
In the embodiment shown in the figures, the orifice 17 for putting the inside of the enclosure into communication with the duct 14 is circular in shape, i.e. it extends through the thickness of the lid 3 between the outside face 3B and the inside face 3A thereof with an outline that is cylindrical on a circular base about an axis of symmetry Y-Y that is parallel to the axis X-X'.
The elongate body 23 is advantageously mounted to move in translation along the axis Y-Y', so as to penetrate into the orifice 17 concentrically therewith. The first segment 23A and the second segment 23B are positioned in line with each other and they are separated by a shoulder, the first segment 23A and the second segment 23B preferably constituting bodies of revolution about the axis Y-Y'. The first segment 23A is radially smaller than the second segment 23B, i.e. the maximum diameter presented by the first segment 23A is smaller than the maximum diameter presented by the second segment 23B. Thus, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the second flow section 21 presents the shape of a circular ring that is defined on the inside by the first segment 23A (or by the second segment 23B depending on the configuration adopted by the adjustment means 19), and on the outside by the outline of the orifice 17.
21816541.1 11 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 In the example shown in the figures, the first value S1 presented by the second flow section 21 can thus be obtained by the following formula:
S1 = nLi (2R - L1) where R is the radius of the orifice 17 and L1 is the width of the annular interstitial space defined by the orifice 17 and the first segment 23A.
Similarly, the second value S2 of the second flow section 21 can be obtained from the formula:
S2 = 7CL2(2R - L2) where R is the radius of the orifice 17 and L2 is the width of the annular interstitial space defined by the orifice 17 and the second segment 23B.
Advantageously, when the adjustment member 19 is in its regulation configuration and is opening the first section 18 so as to bring the pressure that exists inside the enclosure to a predetermined level corresponding to the operating pressure, the first flow section 18 presents a value that does not significantly exceed the first value for the second flow section 21. In other words, when the adjustment member 19 opens the first section 18 while it is in its regulation configuration, the second flow section 21, then preserving its first value, is greater than the first section 18 opened by the valve 20. This technical provision avoids any untimely phenomenon of pressure rising within the duct 14 during regulation, which could be harmful for the accuracy and the speed of regulation.
Advantageously, when the adjustment member 19 is in its decompression configuration, the first flow section 18 presents a value that is substantially greater than the second value of the second flow section 21. In other words, the first section 18 defined by the valve 20 in the decompression configuration is greater than the second flow section 21, which then presents its second value. This technical provision enables an excellent compromise to be achieved between these two fundamental functions, namely firstly speed of decompression to enable the user to open the appliance 1 quickly, and secondly safety in use to avoid any dangerous projections of scalding hot food and/or liquid. The small section (second value for the second flow section 21) defined by the second segment 23B and the orifice 17 limits the steam leakage flow rate sufficiently to limit the appearance of a phenomenon whereby water and/or food is ejected (the "foaming" phenomenon also known as the "emulsion" phenomenon), while the first section 18 then presents a predetermined value that is large, greater than that of the second section 21, and selected so as to make a rapid drop in pressure possible.
21816541.1 12 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 In embodiments of the kind shown in the figures, in which the pressure adjustment member 19 comprises a valve 20, the valve advantageously comprises a head 24 preferably mounted on the end of a valve stem 25 that is itself preferably mounted to slide axially along the axis Y-Y' in the module 5.
The head 24 preferably extends substantially perpendicularly to the axis Y-Y' and is advantageously generally in the shape of a disk, as can be seen in the figures. Advantageously, the valve 20 also has an annular gasket 26 projecting from the head 24, preferably at the periphery thereof. When the valve 20 is closing the first flow section 18 (as shown in Figure 5), this gasket 26 is designed to bear in substantially leaktight manner against the cooking enclosure, i.e. specifically against the outside face 3B of the lid 3, so as to surround the orifice 17 and thereby prevent the inside of the enclosure being put into communication with the outside, since the orifice 17 then opens out into a chamber that is closed by the gasket 26 and the head 24.
Preferably, the gasket 26 is made integrally with the head 24, i.e.
together they form a single one-piece part, which part covers the stem 25.
Preferably, and as shown in the figures, the elongate body 23 also projects from the head 24 of the valve 20 along the axial direction X-X'.
In particularly advantageous manner, as shown in the figures, the elongate body 23, the head 24, and the gasket 25 are formed by a single one-piece part, which is preferably a cap made of elastomer material, e.g. of the silicone kind, for engagement by force on the stem 25.
The stem 25 is advantageously subjected to the axial return action of a spring 27. As is well known, the spring 27 urges the gasket 26 of the head 24 permanently against the outside face 3B of the lid 3, which thus forms a seat for the valve 20, whenever the adjustment member 19 is in its regulation configuration. When the pressure that exists inside the enclosure is sufficient to overcome the return force exerted by the spring 27, the valve 20 is lifted, thereby opening the first flow section 18 and thus enabling pressure to be regulated automatically.
Changing the adjustment member 19 to the decompression configuration corresponds to exerting thereon an opposing force that is greater than the return force exerted by the spring 27, so as to keep the first flow section 18 open regardless of the level of the pressure that exists within the enclosure, so as to enable the enclosure to be decompressed.
Advantageously, the ratio of the first value for the second flow section 21 over the second value for the second flow section 21 lies substantially in 21816541.1 13 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 the range 1.05 to 2.5, and more preferably in the range 1.5 to 2. Using such section ratios makes it possible to obtain an excellent compromise between firstly regulation sensitivity, and secondly the speed and safety of decompression.
In preferred manner, the first value for the second flow section 21 lies substantially in the range 10 square millimeters (mm2) to 15 mm2, and still more preferably is substantially equal to 12.4 mm2, while the second value for the second flow section 21 preferably lies substantially in the range 5 mm2 to 9 mm2, and more preferably is substantially equal to 7.1 mm2.
The cooking appliance 1 of the invention in its embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6 operates in a manner that is described below.
The user begins by placing the module 5 on the lid 3 by engaging the threaded shaft 6 in the corresponding hole 7 formed in the lid 3 and by fastening the module 5 by means of the retention nut 8 screwed onto the threaded shaft 6. In this configuration, the annular gasket 15A comes to bear in leaktight manner against the outside face 3B of the lid 3, thereby co-operating with the orifice 17 to form the duct 14. Positioning the module 5 on the lid 3 also causes the elongate body 23 to penetrate into the orifice 17, coaxially therein and in such a manner as to define a second flow section 21 in the form of a circular ring.
The user places the food for cooking within the vessel 2, where necessary with the help of a cooking basket (not shown) placed within the vessel 2. The user then fits the lid together with its control module 5 on the vessel 2 and proceeds to lock the appliance 1 with the help of the jaws 4, with radial movement thereof being controlled by the buttons 9 and 10.
Using a rotary selector 28, the user then acts on the axial position of the valve 20. The user thus brings the valve into its regulation configuration as shown in Figure 5. The appliance shown in the figures may have a plurality of indexed regulation sub-configurations, with each of the regulation sub-configurations corresponding to the valve 20 having a different pressure setting, with this being achieved by compressing a spring 27 to a greater or lesser extent.
The appliance 1 is then subjected to heat from a hot plate on which it stands. The heat given off by the hot plate is transmitted via the bottom 2A
to the food placed inside the cooking enclosure formed by assembling together the vessel 2 and the lid 3. Under the effect of this supply of heat, the pressure that exists inside the enclosure increases. As soon as this pressure 21816541.1 14 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 exceeds a predetermined level, corresponding to the sefting of the spring 27, the head 24 and the gasket 26 move away from the outside face 3B of the lid, thereby causing steam to leak towards the outside and thus enabling the pressure to be regulated automatically. This steam leakage flow begins by following the second flow section 21, then passes via the first flow section situated downstream from the second flow section 21 in the flow direction, then passes through the chamber 15, and finally escapes via the exhaust pipe 16. In order to obtain good regulation sensitivity, i.e. in order to benefit from a valve 20 that is very responsive to a change of pressure within the enclosure, it is advantageous to provide a bearing surface area, i.e. a pressure exchange surface area between the valve 20 and the inside of the enclosure that is as large as possible. For this purpose, the head 24 of diameter that determines directly the bearing surface area, presents a diameter that is large, e.g. a diameter at the gasket 26 of 10.5 mm, i.e. a perimeter of 33 mm. When the valve 20 is in its regulation configuration, as shown in Figure 5, the second flow section 21 is relatively large, and for example substantially equal to 12.4 mm2, so as to enable an excellent exchange of pressure between the inside of the enclosure and the exchange surface area constituted by the head 24. For example, the orifice 17 advantageously presents a diameter of 6 mm, while the first segment 23A of the elongate body 23 presents a diameter substantially equal to 4.5 mm.
At the end of the cooking cycle, the user can proceed to decompress the appliance by bringing the selector 28 into an indexed decompression position, thereby causing an axial force to be exerted that opposes and is greater than the return force exerted by the spring 27. This enables the valve 20 to be lifted to a predetermined height, that is sufficient to ensure loss of contact between the gasket 26 and the outside face 3B of the lid 3, thereby opening the first flow section 18 and bringing the second segment 23 into co-operation with the orifice 17 so as to confer the second value to the second section 21. In order to guarantee that decompression is complete, the valve 20 should be moved as far as possible from its seat formed by the outside face 3B of the lid 3, i.e. so as to make the interstitial space between the outside face 3B of the lid 3 and the gasket 26 for injecting from the head 24 as large as possible, its value being selected as a function of the second value for the section 21 so as to obtain a maximum rate of flow without leading to scalding hot food and/or water being projected outwards via the duct 14. Preferably, the second segment 23B presents a diameter 21816541.1 15 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 substantially equal to 5.2 mm, thereby co-operating with the orifice 17 (of diameter preferably substantially equal to 6 mm) to define a second flow section 21 presenting a second value that is substantially equal to 7.1 mm2.
Tests performed in the laboratory by the Applicant, using the geometrical configuration shown in the figures and described above (diameter of head 24 up to the gasket 26: 10.5 mm; diameter of orifice 17: 6 mm;
diameter of first segment 23A: 4.5 mm; diameter of second segment 23B:
5.2 mm) have enabled the technical effect of the invention to be quantified.
The tests in question were performed with an appliance 1 having a vessel with a capacity of six liters, filled so as to be half full and placed on a cast iron electric hot plate delivering a power of 1.5 kilowatts (kW).
Under such conditions, decompression of the appliance 1, after it has been removed from the hot plate, took place in 16 seconds so as to pass from an internal pressure of 80 kPa to an internal pressure of 40 kPa when the second section 21 was equal to 12.4 mm2, whereas 26 seconds were required when said section was equal to 7.1 mm2, other things remaining equal.
Similarly, the fineness of regulation, which corresponds to the difference between the trigger value (i.e. opening of the first section 18) for the valve 20 and the maximum regulation value was 4 kPa when the first section was substantially equal to 12.4 mm2, whereas it was substantially equal to 6 kPa when said second section 21 was substantially equal to 7.1 mm2, other things remaining equal.
Adjusting the second section 21 enables it to be increased when the pressure adjustment means 19 from the regulation configuration to the decompression configuration, and vice versa, thus making it possible, in the example described, to slow down decompression with a gain of about 62%
(thus making it possible to avoid dangerous projection of any food and/or water while remaining within a decompression duration that is acceptable for the user), and to obtain a gain of about 50% in terms of regulation sensitivity.
The above example also shows the considerable advantage presented by the invention for mass production of reliable cooking appliances in a manner that is inexpensive.
If it is desired to obtain a value of 7.1 mm2 for the first flow section 18 so as to reduce the violence of decompression, the gasket 26 needs to be moved away from the outside face 3B of the lid 3 through a distance of 0.2 mm (for the gasket 26 having a diameter of 10.5 mm, corresponding to a 21816541.1 16 Agent Ref: 68877/00017 perimeter of 33 mm). Fabrication tolerances, in particular in the context of mass production, do not enable such accuracy to be obtained in the spacing, so there exists a risk of decompression being violent (if, in fact, the spacing distance turns out to be greater than 0.2 mm because of fabrication tolerances), or to the absence of satisfactory decompression (if, in fact, the spacing distance turns out to be less than 0.2 mm because of fabrication tolerances).
In contrast, by controlling a section 21 situated upstream from the section 18 that is adjusted by the regulation valve, the invention makes it possible to be insensitive to the constraints relating to fabrication tolerances, making it possible to use a spacing that is much greater than 0.2 mm but without that encouraging violent exhaust phenomena to appear.
SUSCEPTIBILITY OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION
The invention finds industrial application in the design and fabrication of pressure cooking vessels.
21816541.1 17
Claims (13)
1. An appliance (1) for cooking food under pressure, the appliance being arranged to form a cooking enclosure provided with a duct (14) enabling a steam leakage flow to be established from the inside of the enclosure to the outside and defining a first flow section (18) for steam, said appliance (1) including a pressure adjustment member (19) suitable for presenting firstly a regulation configuration in which it adjusts the first flow section (18) so as to maintain the pressure that exists inside the enclosure at a predetermined level, and secondly a decompression configuration in which it adjusts the first flow section (18) to allow the inside of the enclosure to be put into communication with the outside independently of the level of pressure that exists in the enclosure, said duct (14) also defining a second flow section (21) situated upstream from the first flow section (18) in the leakage flow direction, said appliance (1) being characterized in that it includes adjustment means (22) for adjusting the second flow section (21) and designed so that said, when the adjustment member (19) is in its regulation configuration, said second flow section presents a first value, and when the adjustment member is in its decompression configuration, said second flow section presents a second value that is substantially smaller than the first value.
2. An appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second flow section (21) is situated substantially at the interface between the enclosure and the duct (14).
3. An appliance (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the adjustment means (22) for adjusting the second flow section (21) are carried by the pressure adjustment member (19).
4. An appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it includes an orifice (17) for putting the inside of the enclosure into communication with the duct (14), the means (22) for adjusting the second flow section (21) themselves comprising an elongate body (23) presenting a first segment (23A) and a second segment (23B) of section greater than the section of the first segment (23A), the elongate body (23) being mounted to slide coaxially through said orifice (17) so that when the adjustment member (19) is in its regulation configuration, the second flow section (21), then presenting its first value, is defined by co-operation between the first segment (23A) and the orifice (17), whereas when the adjustment member (19) is in its decompression configuration, the second flow section (21) which then has its second value is defined by co-operation between the second segment (23B) and the orifice (17).
5. An appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the pressure adjustment member (19) comprises a valve (20) which:
.cndot. when the adjustment member (19) is in its regulation configuration:
firstly closes the first flow section (18) such that the pressure that exists in the enclosure is less than or equal to said predetermined level, and secondly opens said first section (18) as soon as the pressure that exists in the enclosure exceeds said predetermined level; and .cndot. when the adjustment member (19) is in its decompression configuration: opens the first flow section (18).
.cndot. when the adjustment member (19) is in its regulation configuration:
firstly closes the first flow section (18) such that the pressure that exists in the enclosure is less than or equal to said predetermined level, and secondly opens said first section (18) as soon as the pressure that exists in the enclosure exceeds said predetermined level; and .cndot. when the adjustment member (19) is in its decompression configuration: opens the first flow section (18).
6. An appliance (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that when the adjustment member (19) is in its regulation configuration, and opens the first section (18), said first section (18) presents a value that does not significantly exceed the first value for the second flow section (21).
7. An appliance (1) according to claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that when the adjustment member (19) is in its decompression configuration, said first section (18) presents a value that is significantly greater than the second value for the second flow section (21).
8. An appliance (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the valve (20) comprises a head (24) and an annular gasket (26) extending from the head (24), said gasket (26) serving, when the valve (20) closes the first flow section (18), to bear in substantially leaktight manner against the cooking enclosure so as to surround the orifice (17) and thereby prevent the inside of the enclosure being put into communication with the outside.
9. An appliance (1) according to claims 3, 4, and 8, characterized in that the elongate body (23) projects from the head (24) of the valve (20).
10. An appliance (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the elongate body (23), the head (24), and the gasket (26) of the valve (20) are formed by a single one-piece part.
11. An appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the ratio of the first value for the second flow section (21) over the second value for the second flow section (21) lies substantially in the range 1.05 to 2.5, and preferably in the range 1.5 to 2.
12. An appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the first value for the second flow section (21) lies substantially in the range 10 mm2 to 15 mm2, while the second value for the second flow section (21) lies substantially in the range 5 mm2 to 9 mm2.
13. An appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it is constituted by a home pressure cooker.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR0603199 | 2006-04-11 | ||
| FR0603199A FR2899453B1 (en) | 2006-04-11 | 2006-04-11 | PRESSURIZED COOKING APPARATUS WITH CONTROLLED DECOMPRESSION |
| PCT/FR2007/000613 WO2007116154A1 (en) | 2006-04-11 | 2007-04-11 | Pressure cooking appliance with controlled decompression |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2648911A1 CA2648911A1 (en) | 2007-10-18 |
| CA2648911C true CA2648911C (en) | 2013-12-03 |
Family
ID=36976007
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2648911A Expired - Fee Related CA2648911C (en) | 2006-04-11 | 2007-04-11 | Pressure cooking appliance with controlled decompression |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1844686B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP5200000B2 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN101420893B (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE487404T1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2648911C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE602007010371D1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2899453B1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2007116154A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (16)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP5435384B2 (en) * | 2009-04-09 | 2014-03-05 | 有限会社クリスターコーポレーション | Nursing food cooking aids, nursing food using the same, and nursing food cooking utensils |
| FR2947441B1 (en) * | 2009-07-03 | 2011-06-24 | Seb Sa | SELF-CLEANER WITH EMULSION VALVE |
| FR2975274B1 (en) * | 2011-05-20 | 2014-03-21 | Seb Sa | DOMESTIC PRESSURIZED COOKING APPARATUS WITH DECOMPRESSION CONTROL ORDER |
| CN107788829B (en) * | 2016-09-06 | 2023-05-23 | 佛山市顺德区美的电热电器制造有限公司 | Cooking utensil and upper cover assembly thereof |
| CN108143257B (en) * | 2016-12-05 | 2023-11-07 | 浙江苏泊尔家电制造有限公司 | Cooking utensil |
| CN110250935A (en) | 2017-08-09 | 2019-09-20 | 沙克忍者运营有限责任公司 | Cooking system |
| USD914447S1 (en) | 2018-06-19 | 2021-03-30 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Air diffuser |
| USD883014S1 (en) | 2018-08-09 | 2020-05-05 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Food preparation device |
| USD934027S1 (en) | 2018-08-09 | 2021-10-26 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Reversible cooking rack |
| USD903413S1 (en) | 2018-08-09 | 2020-12-01 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Cooking basket |
| USD883015S1 (en) | 2018-08-09 | 2020-05-05 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Food preparation device and parts thereof |
| EP3931493A1 (en) | 2019-02-25 | 2022-01-05 | SharkNinja Operating LLC | Cooking system with guard |
| US11033146B2 (en) | 2019-02-25 | 2021-06-15 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Cooking device and components thereof |
| USD982375S1 (en) | 2019-06-06 | 2023-04-04 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Food preparation device |
| USD918654S1 (en) | 2019-06-06 | 2021-05-11 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Grill plate |
| US11647861B2 (en) | 2020-03-30 | 2023-05-16 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Cooking device and components thereof |
Family Cites Families (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS5911689Y2 (en) * | 1979-12-27 | 1984-04-10 | シャープ株式会社 | pressure cooker |
| JPS5723225U (en) * | 1980-07-16 | 1982-02-06 | ||
| JPS5723226U (en) * | 1980-07-18 | 1982-02-06 | ||
| DE29518107U1 (en) * | 1995-11-15 | 1996-02-22 | Baumgarten Heinrich Kg | Valve |
| FR2862856B1 (en) * | 2003-11-27 | 2007-08-31 | Seb Sa | APPARATUS FOR COOKING FOODS UNDER PRESSURE |
| FR2862855B1 (en) * | 2003-11-27 | 2006-09-15 | Seb Sa | UNIQUE CONTROL UNIT PRESSURE COOKING APPARATUS FOR DECOMPRESSION AND LOCKING / UNLOCKING |
| FR2862857B1 (en) * | 2003-11-27 | 2006-02-10 | Seb Sa | PRESSURIZED COOKING APPARATUS HAVING SAFETY MEANS AT OPENING |
| FR2874805B1 (en) * | 2004-09-09 | 2008-05-23 | Seb Sa | OPTIMIZED DECOMPRESSION COOKING UNDER PRESSURE COOKER |
-
2006
- 2006-04-11 FR FR0603199A patent/FR2899453B1/en active Active
-
2007
- 2007-04-11 EP EP07356045A patent/EP1844686B1/en active Active
- 2007-04-11 AT AT07356045T patent/ATE487404T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2007-04-11 DE DE602007010371T patent/DE602007010371D1/en active Active
- 2007-04-11 JP JP2009504780A patent/JP5200000B2/en active Active
- 2007-04-11 WO PCT/FR2007/000613 patent/WO2007116154A1/en active Application Filing
- 2007-04-11 CA CA2648911A patent/CA2648911C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2007-04-11 CN CN2007800133779A patent/CN101420893B/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP1844686B1 (en) | 2010-11-10 |
| FR2899453A1 (en) | 2007-10-12 |
| CN101420893A (en) | 2009-04-29 |
| DE602007010371D1 (en) | 2010-12-23 |
| FR2899453B1 (en) | 2008-10-10 |
| JP5200000B2 (en) | 2013-05-15 |
| JP2009533117A (en) | 2009-09-17 |
| CA2648911A1 (en) | 2007-10-18 |
| CN101420893B (en) | 2011-02-16 |
| WO2007116154A1 (en) | 2007-10-18 |
| ATE487404T1 (en) | 2010-11-15 |
| EP1844686A1 (en) | 2007-10-17 |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
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