FR2867669A1 - Food cooking appliance e.g. electric fryer, for cooking e.g. vegetable, has tub, receptacle and coupling unit coupled to each other so that preset variation of relative positioning of two of tub, receptacle and unit activates emptying unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The appliance has a cooking tub (1), and a coupling unit to couple the tub and an emptying receptacle (2) to form a single unit. The tub has an emptying unit (6) transferring liquid materials from the tub to the receptacle. The tub, receptacle and the coupling unit are functionally coupled to each other, such that preset variation of relative positioning of two of the units (1, 2) and coupling unit activates the unit (6). An independent claim is also included for a process for emptying a food cooking appliance.

Description

COOKING APPARATUS WITH OPTIMIZED DRAIN SYSTEM

  The present invention relates to the general technical field of appliances for heating or cooking food, for domestic, semiprofessional or professional use, and in particular appliances using a cooking bath such as deep fat fryers or rice cookers. example.

  The present invention relates to a food cooking appliance comprising at least the following three main elements: - a cooking tank, designed to accommodate in particular liquid material, - a drain receptacle, - a coupling means, by the intermediate of which said tank and receptacle are assembled to form with said coupling means a unitary assembly, said tank being provided with an activatable emptying means for ensuring, when activated, a transfer of said liquid material of the tank towards the receptacle.

  The present invention also relates to a method of emptying a food cooking appliance comprising at least the three following main elements: - a cooking tank, designed to accommodate in particular liquid material, - a drain receptacle, - a coupling means, through which said tank and receptacle are assembled to form with said coupling means a unitary assembly, said tank being provided with an activatable draining means for ensuring, when activated, a transfer of said liquid material from the tank to the receptacle.

  The present invention is more particularly, but not exclusively, an electric fryer for cooking food such as vegetables, meat or fish in a bath of oil or fat melted.

  The general principle of emptying an electric fryer cooking vessel in a drain receptacle is well known, in particular from EP-1 304 063 in the name of the applicant. This document thus describes a fryer comprising a tank for containing a cooking bath, said tank being provided at its bottom with a drain valve. Under this tank is disposed a drain receptacle for collecting the cooking bath during the emptying operation. Said emptying operation can be triggered by means of a control mechanism mounted on the receptacle. This mechanism involves an operating knob which allows the user, via a suitable linkage mounted on the receptacle, to actuate a cam for pushing the drain valve out of its seat, so as to causing the cooking bath to flow into the receptacle.

  Such an apparatus, if it generally gives satisfaction, however, has a number of disadvantages.

  In the first place, such an apparatus proves relatively complex and expensive in its manufacture, since it implements, in order to produce the control device for the emptying, many moving parts that need to be mounted according to precise adjustments.

  In addition, the control mechanism of the emptying of such a device is relatively bulky and constraining in terms of implantation, which affects the compactness of the device and the volume capacity of the emptying receptacle, which must have a notch to accommodate the control mechanism.

  Finally, this apparatus of the prior art, if it has a robustness or reliability quite satisfactory, still needs to be handled and maintained relatively carefully, which can be restrictive, especially in the semi-professional or professional sector.

  The object assigned to the invention therefore aims to remedy the various disadvantages listed above and to propose a new food cooking appliance comprising a means of emptying, said apparatus being of particularly simple, economical and reliable design, while being easy to manufacture.

  Another object of the invention is to propose a new food cooking appliance of the aforementioned type whose drain function is based on simple and conventional principles.

  Another object of the invention is to provide a new cooking appliance of the aforementioned type whose draining function is particularly optimized in terms of consumed external energy.

  Another object of the invention is to provide a new cooking appliance of the aforementioned type whose arrangement is particularly compact.

  Another object of the invention is to provide a new cooking appliance of the aforementioned type for easy handling of the drained material.

  Another object of the invention is to propose a new food cooking appliance whose general exterior construction is of conventional type.

  Another object of the invention is to propose a new cooking appliance of the aforementioned type whose construction is particularly simple and robust.

  Another object of the invention is to propose a new cooking appliance 10 of the aforementioned type which allows excellent preservation of the drained material.

  Another object of the invention is to propose a new cooking appliance of the aforementioned type whose operation requires a minimum of room movements, both in terms of the number of rooms involved and the amplitude of said movements.

  Another object of the invention is to propose a new cooking appliance of the aforementioned type whose use is particularly practical and ergonomic.

  Another object of the invention is to propose a new cooking appliance of the aforementioned type whose use requires a gesture very simple and intuitive from the user.

  Another object of the invention is to propose a new cooking appliance of the aforementioned type, the implementation of which implements mainly parts of standard character.

  Another object of the invention is to propose a new cooking appliance of the aforementioned type whose use is particularly safe for the user.

  Another object of the invention is to propose a new method of emptying a food cooking appliance particularly simple, economical and reliable.

  The objects assigned to the invention are achieved with the aid of a food cooking appliance comprising at least the following three main elements: a cooking vat, designed to accommodate in particular liquid material, a drain receptacle; a coupling means, through which said tank and receptacle are assembled to form with said coupling means a unitary assembly, said tank being provided with an activatable emptying means making it possible to ensure, when is activated, a transfer of said liquid material from the tank to the receptacle, said apparatus being characterized in that said three main elements are mounted and operably connected to each other for a predetermined variation in the relative positioning of at least two of these three elements, within the unitary assembly, causes the activation of the emptying means.

The

  The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved by means of a method of emptying a food cooking appliance comprising at least the following three main elements: a cooking vat, designed to accommodate in particular the liquid material, - a drain receptacle, a coupling means, through which said tank and receptacle are assembled to form with said coupling means a unitary assembly, said tank being provided with an activatable draining means allowing to ensure, when activated, a transfer of said liquid material from the tank to the receptacle, said method being characterized in that it comprises a draining step during which the relative positioning is varied in a predetermined manner; at least two of said three elements within the unitary assembly, to cause the activation of the emptying means.

  Other features and advantages of the invention will appear and will appear in more detail on reading the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given for purely illustrative and non-limiting purposes, in which: - Figure 1 illustrates, according to a schematic view in perspective excluding certain elements not necessary for the understanding of the invention (heating means in particular), a first embodiment of a food cooking apparatus, in this case a fryer, according to the invention. invention.

  - Figure 2 illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, the cooking apparatus shown in Figure 1, the coupling means of the tank and the emptying receptacle is no longer shown.

  - Figure 3 illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, the cooking apparatus shown in Figure 2, from another angle of view.

  - Figure 4 illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, the cooking apparatus shown in Figures 2 and 3, the tank, with the exception of its bottom, not being shown.

  FIG. 5 illustrates, in a sectional side view, a detail of embodiment of the cooking apparatus represented in FIGS. 1 to 4, said detail including the emptying means, which is represented both in its activated and deactivated configuration. .

  - Figure 6 illustrates, in a partial schematic side view, the various positions that can adopt the emptying receptacle of the cooking apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 5.

  - Figure 7 illustrates, in a partial schematic perspective view, a second embodiment of a cooking apparatus, in this case a fryer, according to the invention.

  - Figure 8 illustrates, in a partial side view in section, the cooking apparatus shown in Figure 7.

  - Figure 9 illustrates, in a side view, the tank of a food cooking apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention. t

  - Figure 10 illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, a fourth embodiment of a food cooking appliance according to the invention.

  - Figure 11 illustrates, in a side view in section, the cooking apparatus illustrated in Figure 10.

  In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 11, the food cooking apparatus according to the invention is constituted by an electric fryer intended for and designed for the frying of food of any kind in the material oily, as in an oil bath. Said electric fryer may be designed either for domestic use, that is to say for family purposes, or for a semiprofessional use, which implies in particular a more intensive use and larger quantities of food, or finally for a truly professional use.

  For the purposes of the invention, it will nevertheless be appropriate to include in the terminology food cooking appliance all appliances for cooking domestic, semi-professional or professional food that can provide heating and / or cooking of food, especially in a cooking bath. The invention can thus obviously apply to appliances such as rice cookers or multi-purpose cookers, as soon as these cooking appliances perform a cooking which uses liquid food material, and in particular a cooking bath.

  The food cooking apparatus according to the invention, illustrated in the figures, in this case a semi-professional electric fryer, comprises at least three main structural elements. z

  The first of these three main elements is a cooking vessel 1, generally of metal, preferably comprising, in a conventional manner, a tank side wall 1A extending between a bottom of tank 1B and an opposite tank filling opening 1C, said opening 1C tank filler being delimited by a tank edge 1 D, made from the tank side wall 1A, and extending outwardly of the vessel 1.

  The cooking vessel 1 is designed to include, but not exclusively, liquid material, and in particular liquid food material, for example oil-based and / or water-based, intended to serve as a bath of water. cooking, that is to say coolant surrounding the food for heating and cooking. In general, the liquid material referred to above must, whatever its chemical or physical nature and its function, be sufficiently fluid to flow during an emptying operation of the tank 1.

  The content of the tank is intended to be heated by means of integrated heating means (not shown in the figures), which can be conventionally composed of heating resistors, mounted for example integral with the tank, or independently under the tank said heating means being connected via an electrical connection block (not shown) and an ad hoc electrical wiring to the electrical network. Also known to those skilled in the art, the cooking appliance will be provided with all the electrical or electronic safety means (temperature sensors, fuses, etc.) usually required for the design of these appliances.

  The cooking apparatus also comprises, as a second main element, a drain receptacle 2. The emptying receptacle 2 is a receptacle delimited by at least one receptacle floor 2A, from the periphery of which rises a wall receptacle side 2B to form a receptacle body. The emptying receptacle 2 is intended to collect, at the end of a draining operation, the liquid material initially contained in the tank 1.

  As for the third main element, it consists of a coupling means 3 (shown in Figures 1 and 10), through which the cooking vessel 1 and the emptying receptacle 2 are assembled to form with said means coupling 3 a unitary assembly. In other words, the function of the coupling means 3 is therefore a unifying function, which consists of joining the tank 1 and the receptacle 2 to form a functional cooking unit capable of producing, in the case of a deep fryer, frying food.

  Preferably and conventionally, said coupling means 3 comprises, as is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 10, a monoblock case 3A in which the cooking tank 1 and the emptying receptacle 2 are mounted. This case 3A comprises itself a base 4, extending from a housing bottom 33, designed to form the base of the device and intended to rest on a plane or a support. Preferably, a housing for receiving the emptying receptacle 2 is formed in the base 4. This housing is accessible through a lateral access opening formed in the base 4 and provided for the introduction of the receptacle 2. From the base 4, extends an outer skirt 5, surrounding the vessel 1, and in particular to protect the user from direct contact with said vessel 1 which can be hot.

  It is also quite possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, that the housing 3A does not have a one-piece character but consists of two distinct subsets, namely on the one hand the skirt 5 to in which is mounted the vessel 1, and secondly the base 4 in which is mounted the receptacle 2, the means for securing the skirt 5 and the base 4 being provided to report the subset formed by the skirt 5 and the tank 1 on the subassembly formed by the receptacle 2 and the base 4. These securing means may consist for example of a fastening system like screw / nut, or a simple system of docking, in which case the skirt 5 is for example simply placed on the base 4. In this case, the device has a high degree of modularity.

  In accordance with the invention, the vessel 1 is provided with an activatable emptying means 6 making it possible, when activated, to transfer the liquid material that may be contained in the vessel 1, said transfer being carried out effected from the tank 1 to the receptacle 2. In a manner known per se, the emptying means 6 thus allows, when activated directly or indirectly by the user, to transfer all or part of the cooking bath contained in the tank 1 to and into the drain receptacle 2.

  According to an important feature of the invention, the three main elements described above (tank 1, receptacle 2 and coupling means 3) are mounted and operably connected to each other for a predetermined variation in the relative positioning of at least two of these three elements, within the unitary assembly, causes the activation of the emptying means 6.

  In other words, the three main elements 1, 2, 3 are mounted relative to one another in order to be able to adopt alternately, within the unitary unit: a first configuration, called a cooking configuration, in which a the emptying means 6 is deactivated and, on the other hand, the three main elements 1, 2, 3 occupy a first position relative to each other, and a second configuration, called the emptying configuration, in which at least two of the three main elements (namely the tank 1 and the receptacle 2, or the tank 1 and the coupling means 3, or the receptacle 2 and the coupling means 3, or the three elements 1, 2, 3) have varied in their relative positioning to reach a second relative positioning, said relative positioning variation leading to the activation of the emptying means 6.

  Thus, it is therefore the variation of the relative positioning of at least two of the three main elements, while they form a unitary assembly, which directly and positively controls the triggering of the emptying of the tank 1 in the receptacle. 2.

  The invention is therefore based on the idea of communicating a movement to at least one of the main elements of the apparatus, while the latter is in the form of a unitary assembly, said movement permitting the operation of the apparatus. activation of the emptying means 6. Such a technical measure is such as to eliminate the need for a specific activation kinematics of the emptying means 6, such as a linkage.

  It will further be noted that in accordance with the invention, the variation in the relative positioning of at least two of said three elements 1, 2, 3 is of a predetermined nature, that is to say that the displacements of elements implied by this relative positioning variation each have a stroke and a direction that are not random, but are predefined and fixed by construction.

  Advantageously, said predetermined variation in the positioning of at least two of the three elements 1, 2, 3 generates the exercise of a triggering force of a mechanical nature on the emptying means 6, said triggering force being sufficient to activate the means 6. This technical provision also flows naturally from the general concept of the invention, since the displacement of an element within a fixed environment can lead to the direct impact of said element with its environment, said impact being by essence producing a mechanical effort. The general principle of triggering the means of emptying by a mechanical force, which is commonly used in the prior art, can therefore be retained within the scope of the invention, which allows to benefit from its simplicity and reliability. However, it is entirely possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, for the emptying means 6 to be actuated according to a different principle, and for example using a magnetic or electromotive force. , the predetermined variation of relative positioning having in this case, for example, to mechanically close the switch of an electrical or electronic circuit.

  Advantageously, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 11, the vessel 1, the receptacle 2 and the coupling means 3 are mounted and operably connected to each other so that a predetermined variation, within the unitary assembly, of the positioning of the tank 1 relative to the receptacle 2 causes the activation of the emptying means 6.

  Advantageously, the draining means 6 comprises on the one hand at least one leakage orifice 9 formed in the tank 1 and on the other hand a tank valve 10 equipping said orifice 9, said valve 10 being capable of moving between one part a closed return position and secondly an open position corresponding to the activation of the emptying means 6, said apparatus comprising a control member 7 mounted integral with the receptacle 2 so as to engage the valve 10 under the effect of said predetermined positioning variation, to push the valve 10 into its open position.

  Advantageously, the receptacle 2 comprises a collection orifice 8, said orifice 8 being positioned to be substantially facing the emptying means 6 at the end of said predetermined positioning variation.

  Preferably, the collection orifice 8 is provided with a receptacle valve 21 capable of occupying on the one hand a closed return position or on the other hand an open position, said receptacle valve 21 being arranged to form the control member 7.

  Preferably, the receptacle 2 comprises a receptacle cover 2C, the orifice 8 being formed in said cover 2C.

  Advantageously, and in a manner known per se, the receptacle 2 is positioned at an altitude substantially lower than that of the tank 1, so that when the emptying means 6 is activated, the transfer to the receptacle 2 takes place under the effect of gravity. Such an arrangement is well known to those skilled in the art and will therefore not be discussed further.

  Note however that it is quite possible that the receptacle 2 is positioned at an altitude equal to or greater than that of the tank 1, which would then require the implementation of additional pumping means.

  We will now describe more specifically the embodiments shown in the figures.

  In these embodiments, the coupling means 3 comprises a housing 3A in one-piece character, within which are mounted the vessel 1 and the receptacle 2 to form the unitary assembly. Such a housing 3A has already been described previously, so that it is not necessary to return to its general constitution.

  Note however that the tank 1 can be mounted either permanently in the skirt 5, or removably in said skirt 5. This removable character is of particular interest to carry out the maintenance and cleaning of the vessel 1 In the following, reference will only be made, for the sake of simplicity of description, to a tank 1 removably mounted in the housing 3A. This removable character can be obtained simply by providing the tank rim 1D, which then advantageously forms a support rim, on the upper edge 3B of the housing 3A.

  Similarly, the receptacle 2 can be removably mounted in the housing 3A, which allows the user, once the emptying operation performed, to dispose as it sees fit the receptacle 2 and its contents. This removable character must also be distinguished from the possible mobility that could have the receptacle 2 within the unitary unit. In what follows, reference will be made more particularly to a removable receptacle 2 integrated in or forming a drawer, said drawer being intended to be inserted into a complementary shaped housing formed in the base 4 of the housing 3A, above the bottom of the housing. casing 33.

  Preferably, and in accordance with the different embodiments shown in the figures, the vessel 1 is mounted, within the unitary assembly, immobile, that is to say fixed in position relative to the housing 3A. In other words, this embodiment does not require that the tank 1 has a particular mobility within the unitary unit. The tank 1 remains non removable.

  On the contrary, the receptacle 2 is mounted, within the unitary assembly, movably relative to the housing 3A and to the vessel 1.

  In other words, the embodiments shown in the figures are all based on the following principle: within the unitary assembly, the vessel 1 and the housing 3A are fixed in position, that is to say immobile (the 1 tank being removable), while only the receptacle 2 is movable, the emptying being effected by moving said receptacle 2 within the unitary assembly. Therefore, the predetermined variation of the relative positioning of the receptacle 2 and the tank 1 also causes a predetermined variation in the relative positioning of the receptacle 2 and the housing 3A.

  With such an assembly, the technical effect of activation of the emptying means 6 could be obtained by predetermined variation of the relative positioning of the receptacle 2 and the tank 1, or the receptacle 2 and the housing 3A.

  In the embodiments shown in the figures, the activation of the emptying means 6 is preferably carried out, as will be described in more detail below, by a predetermined variation in the relative positioning of the receptacle 2 and the tank 1. More Specifically, the vessel 1 and the housing 3A are fixed in position in the unitary assembly, while the receptacle 2 is movable. More particularly, said predetermined variation corresponds to the passage of the receptacle 2 from a predetermined cooking position to a predetermined position of emptying, said passage causing the displacement of a control member 7 engaging, in the emptying position, the emptying means 6 and thereby cause its activation. Said engagement is preferably effected by direct contact of the member 7 and the emptying means 6.

  Advantageously, the control member 7 is integral with the receptacle 2, so that the displacement of the receptacle 2 concomitantly drives the displacement of the control member 7.

  Preferably, the receptacle 2 comprises a receptacle cover 2C opposite the receptacle bottom 2A, so that the receptacle side wall 2B extends between the receptacle bottom 2A and the receptacle cover 2C. This arrangement allows a better preservation of liquid discharge in the receptacle 2, which is not content to be a simple tray but instead forms a closed enclosure.

  More particularly, a collecting orifice 8 (see in particular Figures 5 and 8) is formed in the cover 2C, while the control member 7 is preferably positioned at said orifice 8, in the vicinity or at the plunger of the latter, so that when the emptying means 6 is activated by the control member 7, the liquid material contained in the tank 1 is discharged, under the effect of the gravity and vial'orifice collection 8, in the receptacle 2.

  Alternatively, the collection port 8 is not necessarily formed in the lid 2C, but may be formed in the body of the receptacle.

  Advantageously, the emptying means 6 comprises on the one hand at least one leakage orifice 9 formed in the tank 1, preferably in the vicinity or in the bottom of tank 1 B, and on the other hand a tank valve 10 equipping said at least one orifice 9.

  The valve 10 is advantageously able to move, for example by sliding along a translation axis X-X ', between on the one hand a closed return position and on the other hand an open position corresponding to the activation of the control means. drain 6, and wherein the valve 10 allows the passage of the liquid material contained in the tank 1 to the receptacle 2.

  The use of a valve as a draining means 6 is a technical provision well known to those skilled in the art, which may in particular refer to EP-1 304 063.

  In the particular case of the variants illustrated in the figures, the mounting of the tank valve 10 is carried out as follows.

  A through opening 11 is formed through the entire thickness of the bottom of tank 1 B. A discharge duct 12 is fitted on this opening 11, said duct 12 extending towards the outside of the vessel 1, for example substantially perpendicular to the bottom of the tank 1B (variant of FIGS. 1 to 8) or substantially obliquely relative to the vertical (for example at 45: see variant illustrated in FIG. 9, or at 30: see variant illustrated in FIG. 11) . The duct 12 extends between an inlet opening 14 situated substantially at the level of the through opening 11 and an outlet opening 15.

  A filter 13 is mounted at the inlet opening 14, said filter 13 being gripped at its periphery between on the one hand the folded edge 12A of the duct 12 delimiting the inlet opening 14, and on the other hand a plate 16 pierced with orifices 9 allowing the communication of the interior of the vessel 1 with the through opening 11. The filter 13 is advantageously dome-shaped extending inwardly of the vessel 1, so as to to avoid the accumulation of any debris that may be contained in the cooking bath.

  Advantageously and in a manner known per se, the emptying means 6 also comprises a thermosensitive safety means 35, formed for example by a bimetallic strip, arranged to keep the through opening 11 closed, as long as the temperature of the liquid material substantially exceeds one level. predetermined criticism.

  The duct 12 also comprises a section restriction zone 17, forming a seat for the valve 10 which is slidably mounted along the axis XX 'against a compression spring 18 bearing on the one hand on the plate 16, and secondly on the valve 10, so as to continuously push said valve against its seat 17, and thus maintain it in its closed return position. In this closed position, the valve 10 seals the tank 1 by virtue of the fact that it is provided with an annular sealing gasket 19, which is interposed between the valve 10 and the seat 17.

  The valve 10 is furthermore provided with a control end 10A, directed towards the outlet opening 15, and which, when it is pushed in the direction XX 'towards the tank 1, makes it possible to eliminate the contact between the seal 19 and the seat 17, thereby breaking the tightness of the vessel 1 and allowing the flow of liquid cooking materials through the conduit 12 to the outside of the vessel 1.

  Thus, the displacement of the receptacle 2 from its cooking position to its emptying position will simultaneously cause the displacement of the control means 7 in a position where it directly engages the control end 10A of the valve 10 to push said valve 10 out of position. from its seat and thus allow the flow of liquid materials through the conduit 12 to the collection port 8, said flow being advantageously channeled, as shown in Figure 5, by a funnel 20 encircling both the collecting orifice 8 and the control means 7.

  Advantageously, the collection orifice 8 is itself provided with a receptacle valve 21 capable of occupying alternately on the one hand a closed return position (shown in FIG. 5), and on the other hand an open position in which it allows the communication of the interior of the receptacle 2 with the outside. According to the variant shown in particular in Figure 5, the valve 21 preferably comprises a rod extending through the collection port 8 between a tail 21A and a head 21B, the tail 21A being located inside the receptacle 2, while the head 21 B is located outside the receptacle 2. A second compression spring 22, mounted between the cover 2C and the head 21 B continuously pushes said head 21B outwardly of the receptacle 2 and thus holds the tail 21A pressed against a shoulder 23 formed in the wall of the cover 2C. In this position, which corresponds to the closed return position, the tail 21A seals the receptacle 2. In the case where a sufficient thrust is exerted on the head 21 B against the spring 22, the tail 21A s move away from the shoulder 23 to break the seal and allow admission of liquid material.

  This entirely original technical provision, which consists in providing a valve to control access to the receptacle 2, may constitute an invention as such. This invention makes it possible to maintain permanently (outside the emptying phases) the contents of the receptacle 2 isolated from the outside atmosphere and its oxidizing power in particular.

  Preferably, the receptacle valve 21 is arranged to form itself the control member 7, so that when the receptacle 2 reaches its emptying position, the receptacle valve 21 engages the emptying means 6 formed in this case by the tank valve 10, which simultaneously engenders on the one hand the activation of the emptying means (corresponding to the spacing of the valve 10 from its seat 17), and on the other hand the drive of the receptacle valve 21 in its open position (corresponding to the distance from the shank 21A of its seat 23).

  It is understood that this original technical function requires a relative dimensioning of the stiffness of the first and second springs 18, 22, so that the engagement by the control member 7 effectively leads to repel concomitantly each of the two valves 10, 21 out of his seat respective. Preferably, the stiffness of the second spring 22 of the receptacle valve 21 is less than the stiffness of the first spring 18 of the vat valve 10, so that the receptacle valve 21 passes to the open position first, while the tank valve 10 is still in the closed position.

  Advantageously, the head 21 B of the receptacle valve 21 is shaped to act as a control member 7, that is to say that its shape, combined with the direction and direction of movement of the receptacle 2 to its position of emptying, will cause a thrust force sufficient to push the tank valve 10 out of its seat 17. In this configuration, which corresponds to the emptying position of the receptacle 2, the outlet opening 15 is substantially opposite the funnel 20, so that the liquid flowing from the tank 1 through the conduit 12 will, under the effect of gravity, into the funnel 20 and then into the receptacle 2 via the collection orifice 8.

  More particularly, the head 21B advantageously forms a stop intended to cooperate with the cover 2C, and more specifically with the peripheral edge of the collecting orifice 8, so as to limit the stroke of the valve 21 when it passes from its position. closed to its open position.

  Thus, said open position is a stop position, which effectively pushes the valve 10 out of his seat, so as to trigger the drain.

  The receptacle may however also comprise, as an exclusive or non-stop means for the valve 21, a stud 60 extending substantially vertically from the receptacle bottom 2A, as shown in FIG. 11.

  The presence of this pad 60 makes it possible to use a cover 2C made of an inflexible material (for example polypropylene) without having to provide special stiffening means at the level of the valve 21.

  This pad 60 also allows, unlike a rib, easy demolding solidified fat contained in the receptacle.

  In the variant corresponding to FIGS. 1 to 6, the receptacle 2, in its cooking position, is positioned under the tank 1 and at a first predetermined distance D1 of the latter (see FIG. 6), said receptacle 2 being mounted relative to the 3A box so that from its cooking position (shown in solid lines in Figure 6), and while remaining under the tank 1, it can be at least partially raised towards the tank 1 so as to reach its position emptying (shown in broken lines in Figure 6), wherein it is located, at least locally, a second predetermined distance D2 of the vessel 1, said second distance D2 being substantially less than the first distance Dl. In other words, the receptacle 2 has, when mounted in the base 4, a predefined degree of mobility that allows it to be lifted, locally or globally, to the bottom of tank 1B, thus reducing, at least in predetermined locations, the distance which separates it from said bottom of tank I B. This reduction in distance will bring the control member 7 closer to the valve 10, so that at the end of the displacement of the 2 towards its emptying position, the control member 7 has pushed the valve 10 out of its seat 17, while in response, the valve 10 has pushed the tail 21A out of its seat 23.

  Advantageously, the passage of the receptacle 2 from its cooking position to its emptying position is ensured by means of an actuatable actuator 24 which can be deactivated by the user, said operating member 24 being arranged to exert, when it is activated, an at least local thrust on the receptacle 2, in order to exert its movement relative to the vessel 1 and the housing 3A.

  Preferably, the operating member 24 comprises a rotary handle 24A coupled to an operating cam 24B (see Figures 3 and 4), arranged to interact with the receptacle 2. It is thus possible, as is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, to mount the operating member 24 comprising the rotary handle 24A and the cam 24B directly on the receptacle 2.

  In this case, the receptacle 2 is advantageously in the form of a generally parallelepiped drawer extending: in the vertical direction, between the receptacle bottom 2A and the receptacle cover 2C, in the sliding direction of said drawer within the housing 3A, between a front face 25 and a rear face 26, and laterally between a left side wall 27 and an opposite right side wall 28.

  The cover 2C is also provided with a peripheral rim 29 extending substantially in the plane of the cover 2C outwardly of said lid 2C. This peripheral rim 29 of the cover 2C is used to fix in front of the front face 25 and substantially parallel thereto, a front drawer front 30, which when the receptacle is mounted in the housing 3A to form the unitary unit, extends substantially in the continuity of the skirt 5.

  The handle 24A is advantageously mounted in front of the front panel 30, so as to be accessible by the user from the outside of the device, said handle 24A being secured, preferably fixedly angularly, to the cam 24B by the intermediate of a shaft 31 through the front 30 at a bore formed in said facade 30. The cam 24B is thus interposed between the front panel 30 and the front face 25. The cam 24B is dimensioned to be able to exert a thrust when the handle 24A is rotated, against the bottom 33 of the housing 3A, which in turn induces a lifting of the facade 30 which itself, because of its attachment to the cover 2C, causes the front face 25 towards the high. The action of the cam thus allows the pivoting of the receptacle 2, corresponding to the lifting of the front face 25, while the rear face 26 remains permanently placed on the bottom 33 of the housing 3A. In order to promote the implementation of a precise pivoting movement of the receptacle 2 upwards, the receiving receptacle of the receptacle formed in the case 3A will preferably be adjusted to the lateral dimensions (distance separating the lateral faces 27, 28) and longitudinal (distance between the front walls 25 and rear 26) of the receptacle 2.

  It is also interesting to note that the handle 24A, besides its. function of rotating the cam 24B to move the receptacle 2 upwards, can also act as a handle for installing / removing the receptacle 2 in the housing 3A. Thus, it is sufficient for the user to pull on the handle 24A to slide the receptacle 2 outwards and completely disengage it from the casing 3A.

  In the foregoing, there is described, in connection with the variant of Figures 1 to 6, a control member 24 mounted directly on the receptacle 2. It is however quite possible without departing from the scope of the invention , that the operating member 24 is mounted in other ways, and for example directly in the housing 3A. In such an embodiment, the operating member 24 may then comprise a lever, or a gear wheel mounted in the housing 3A and cooperating with a rack fixed on the receptacle 2.

  In the case of the variant described above, illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the control member 7, which is integral with the lid 2C, comprises a finger arranged to engage the tank valve 10 substantially in the axial direction X-X ', so as to push it back into its open position, when the receptacle 2 reaches its emptying position. As mentioned above, the finger can consist directly of the head 21B of the receptacle valve 21, said head 21B being in the form of a cap optionally provided with a centering pin 7A s' extending substantially in the direction XX 'and intended to cooperate with a complementary depression formed in the end 10A of the tank valve 10.

  According to other embodiments, corresponding to Figures 7 and 8 on the one hand and 10 and 11 on the other hand, the receptacle 2, in its cooking position, is positioned under the vessel 1, said receptacle 2 being mounted relatively to the housing 3A, so that from its cooking position and while remaining both under the vessel 1 and at a substantially constant altitude, it can be translated to reach its emptying position.

  In other words, the receptacle 2 is slidably mounted in the housing 3A and substantially parallel to the case bottom 33, from its cooking position to its emptying position.

  In the variants shown in Figures 7, 8, 10 and 11, the receptacle 2 is slidably arranged in the unit assembly, substantially parallel to its right and left side faces 27, 28 (longitudinal translation). It is also quite possible that the receptacle 2 can slide in any other direction, and for example substantially parallel to its front and rear faces 25, 26 (lateral translation).

  In the aforementioned cases, the control of the displacement of the receptacle 2 from its cooking position to its emptying position, and vice versa, may be achieved by means of a simple handle fixedly mounted on the front panel 30, said handle serving to transmit a traction or pushing force produced by the user.

  Advantageously, the operating member 24 may, however, comprise a control lever 50, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. In this variant embodiment, a control member 51 is mounted on the skirt 5, above of the facade 30 and rotated about an axis of rotation YY 'perpendicular to said skirt 5. This control part comprises a lever 50 manually operable by the user, and a lug 52 whose displacement is directly controlled by the rotation of the handle 50.

  The control member 51 is preferably mounted between a first and a second half-moons 53, 54, themselves derived from a skirt facade 55 attached to the skirt 5, for example by screwing. The front 30 of the receptacle 2 is preferably square, and comprises a first plate 30A, extending substantially in the extension of the cover 2C and a second plate 30B, extending substantially perpendicularly in the extension of the first plate 30A, to form a falling edge.

  The lug 52 is arranged to cooperate with a slot 56 formed in the first plate 30A. Said light 56 comprises on the one hand a first portion 56A, called the locking portion, extending substantially rectilinearly parallel to the front face 25, and on the other hand a second portion 56B, said operating portion, extending substantially obliquely relative to the locking portion 56A. The lug 52 and the light 56 are arranged to form a cameramp system, so that: in the cooking position (not shown), the lug 52 is engaged in the operating portion 56B, at the end of thereof; - When the lever 50 is rotated, the lug 52 cooperates with the actuating portion 56B to push the facade 30, and thus the receptacle 2, in the emptying position; - In the emptying position (shown in Figures 10 and 11), the lug 52 cooperates with the locking portion 56A, to prevent inadvertent extraction of the receptacle 2 out of the housing 3A, extraction that could be achieved using the edge 30B falling to serve as extraction handle.

  In another alternative embodiment (not shown), a reverse arrangement to that described above is adopted for similar overall operation. In this case, the control part 50 is rotatably mounted on the receptacle facade 2, while the light 56 is formed in the skirt facade 55.

  In another embodiment, it may be envisaged to spare the light 56 on the control part 50, the lug 52 being secured to the receptacle 2 or the housing 3A.

  The operating member 24 for controlling the displacement of the receptacle 2 can of course, in the case of the variants of Figures 7, 8 and 10, 11, be in any other alternative form well known to those skilled in the art, and for example in the form of a gear system / rack or lever.

  Advantageously, the duct 12, and therefore the valve 10, are oriented so that the X-X 'axis is collinear with the axis of displacement of the receptacle 2 from its cooking position to its emptying position. In this case, the axis XX 'is therefore substantially parallel to the tank bottom I B. However, it is possible, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, to keep a pipe 12 extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom of the tank. 1 B. In this case, the control member 7 comprises a control cam 34, arranged to engage the tank valve 10 substantially laterally relative to the axial direction XX 'and more preferably perpendicular, so as to repel said tank valve 10 in its open position when the receptacle 2 reaches its emptying position. Preferably, the head 21 B of the receptacle valve 21 is shaped to have a ramp extending obliquely relative to the plane of the cover 2C, so that said head 21 B itself serves as a control cam 34 .

  Advantageously, and whatever the embodiment chosen, the apparatus according to the invention also comprises a locking means in the emptying position of the receptacle 2, said locking means being arranged to prohibit, when the receptacle 2 is in the emptying position, any displacement of said receptacle 2 with the exception of the displacement allowing its return to the cooking position.

  In the context of the variant of Figures 10 and 11, the locking means 25 is formed by the lug 52 and the locking portion 56A.

  In the case of the variant of Figures 1 to 6, the locking means may be implemented from the operating cam 24B, a portion could form a bolt for cooperating, when the receptacle 2 is in the empty position, with a corresponding strike in the housing 3A. Such an arrangement thus prevents the user from extracting the drawer integrating the receptacle 2 while the emptying operation is in progress.

  According to another exemplary embodiment, the locking means may be implemented by the implementation of a bolt / strike system in which the bolt is derived from the cover 2C of the receptacle 2, while the striker is itself an integral issue. B. Particularly advantageously, the bolt may be situated at the level of the control member 7, the striker being for its exit or situated at the level of the duct 12.

  It should however be noted that the safety of the user is obtained even in the absence of such a locking means, since moving the receptacle 2 away from its emptying position consecutively causes the return of the tank valve 10 in its closed position.

  The operation of an apparatus corresponding to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 will now be described.

  At first, the user sets up the emptying receptacle 2 in the housing 3A, using the extraction handle formed by the falling edge 30B. The emptying receptacle 2 then occupies its cooking position, in which the tank and receptacle valves 21 and 21 are in their closed position.

  The user then proceeds to one or more cooking cycles. At the end of these cooking operations, in order to obtain the emptying, the user exerts a rotational movement on the handle 50. The rotation of the handle 50 itself generates a rotation of the same angulation of the ergot 52, which thus exerts a thrust on the operating portion 56B of the light 56.

  This leads to a translation of the receptacle 2 parallel to the axis YY ', towards the inside of the housing 3A. Said translation brings the receptacle valve 21 and the tank valve 10 closer together to a mutual engagement of said valves 10, 21 which generates their concomitant openings. The opening of said valves 10, 21 thus leads to the transfer of the contents of the tank 1 into the receptacle 2.

  To end the emptying operation, the user exerts a rotational movement on the handle 50 in the opposite direction to the rotational movement he had given to proceed with the emptying. This leads to a translation in the opposite direction of the receptacle 2, thanks to the action of the lug 52 which cooperates with the actuating portion 56B. This reverse translation causes the control member 7 out of reach of the emptying means 6, so as to eliminate the mutual engagement of the tank and receptacle valves 10, 21. The length of the pin 52 is also calculated so that in the cooking position, the lug does not cooperate with the light 56, which allows the extraction of the receptacle 2. It will also be noted that the operating member 24 has a reversible character, since it allows to pass at will from the cooking position to the emptying position and vice versa.

  The user can then finally extract the drain receptacle 2 out of the housing, exerting traction on the extractive handle 30B.

  The variants described above are of course only given for information only. Numerous other variants may be envisaged within the context of the inventive concept, and for example the following variants: the coupling means 3 is fixed and carries the control member 7, while the tank 1 and the receptacle 2 are capable of simultaneously undergo an overall movement between a cooking position and a drain position; the coupling means 3 and the receptacle 2 are fixed while the tank 1 is movable within the unitary unit, between a position where it is pressed to activate the emptying means 6 against the control member 7 , and a position in which any interaction between the control member 7 and the emptying means 6 is suppressed.

  It is also conceivable that the coupling means 3 comprises two distinct parts, one accommodating the receptacle 2 and the other the tank 1, these two parts being movable relative to each other between a cooking position and a drain position. Thus, a predetermined variation in the relative positioning of the vessel 1 and the receptacle 2 within the unitary assembly causes the activation of the emptying means 6.

  The general technical concept implemented by the invention thus allows to exonerate a specific and distinct control linkage, while allowing great freedom of design and implementation of the emptying means 6, and the organ order 7.

  Finally, the invention also relates to a method of emptying a food cooking appliance according to the invention, said appliance comprising at least the three following main elements: firstly a cooking tank 1, designed in particular to accommodate liquid material, then a drain receptacle 2, and finally a coupling means 3, through which said vessel 1 and receptacle 2 are assembled to form with said coupling means 3 a unitary assembly, said vessel 1 being provided with an activatable emptying means 6 making it possible, when activated, to transfer the liquid material from the tank to the receptacle 2. According to an important characteristic of the process according to the invention, the latter comprises a draining step in which the relative positioning of at least two of said three elements 1, 2, 3 in the unitary assembly is varied in predetermined manner, with a view to causing er activating the emptying means 6.

  This method presents, by its simplicity, a particular interest when the apparatus is constituted by an electric fryer, whether of domestic, semi-professional or professional nature.

Claims (4)

  Food cooking appliance comprising at least the following three main elements (1, 2, 3): - a cooking tank (1), designed to accommodate in particular liquid material, - a drain receptacle (2), - a coupling means (3), through which said vessel (1) and receptacle (2) are assembled to form with said coupling means (3) a unitary assembly, said vessel (1) being provided with an activatable draining means (6) for ensuring, when activated, a transfer of said liquid material from the tank (1) to the receptacle (2), said apparatus being characterized in that said three main elements (1, 2, 3) are mounted and operably connected to each other so that a predetermined variation in the relative positioning of at least two of these three elements (1, 2, 3), within the unitary assembly, causes the activation of the emptying means (6).   2 - Apparatus according to claim 1 characterized in that said predetermined positioning variation generates the exercise of a triggering force, of a mechanical nature, on the emptying means (6), said triggering force being sufficient to activate said means emptying (6).   3 - Apparatus according to one of claims 1 or 2 characterized in that the receptacle (2) is positioned at an altitude substantially lower than that of the tank (1), so that when the emptying means (6) is activated, the transfer takes place under the effect of gravity.   4 - Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the coupling means (3) comprises a housing (3A) in which are mounted the vessel (1) and the receptacle (2) to form the unitary set.   - Apparatus according to claim 4 characterized in that the receptacle (2) is removably mounted in the housing (3A).   6 - Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5 characterized in that, within the unitary assembly, the vessel (1) is fixedly mounted in position relative to the housing (3A), while the receptacle (2) is mounted movably relative to the housing (3A) and the vessel (1).   7 - Apparatus according to claim 6 characterized in that said predetermined relative positioning variation corresponds to the passage of the receptacle (2) from a predetermined cooking position to a predetermined emptying position, said passage causing the displacement of a control member (7) engaging the draining means (6) and causing its activation.   8 - Apparatus according to claim 7 characterized in that the control member (7) is integral with the receptacle (2).   9 - Apparatus according to claim 8 characterized in that the receptacle (2) is defined by a receptacle bottom (2A) and a receptacle cover (2C) opposite, between which extends a receptacle side wall (2B), a collection port (8) being provided in said cover (2C) while the control member (7) is positioned at said orifice (8), so that when the draining means (6) is activated by the control member (7), the liquid material contained in the tank (1) discharges through the collection port (8) into the receptacle (2).   10-Apparatus according to claim 9 characterized in that the collection port (8) is provided with a receptacle valve (21) capable of occupying on the one hand a closed return position or on the other hand a position open, said receptacle valve (21) being arranged to form the control member (7), so that when the receptacle (2) reaches its emptying position, the receptacle valve (21) engages the draining means (6), which simultaneously engenders both the activation of the emptying means (6) and the driving of the receptacle valve (21) in its open position.   11 -Apparatus according to one of claims 7 to 10 when they include the object of claim 3 characterized in that the receptacle (2), in its cooking position, is positioned under the tank (1), said receptacle (2) being mounted relative to the housing (3A), so that from its cooking position and while remaining both under the tank (1) and at a substantially constant altitude, it can be translated in a to reach its emptying position.   12 -The apparatus according to one of claims 7 to 10 when they include the object of claim 3 characterized in that the receptacle (2), in its cooking position, is positioned under the tank (1) and at a first predetermined distance (D1) of the latter, said receptacle (2) being mounted relative to the housing (3A) so that from its cooking position and while remaining under the tank (1), it can be at least partly raised towards the tank (1) so as to reach its emptying position, in which it is situated, at least locally, at a second predetermined distance (D2) from the tank (1), said second distance (D2) being substantially less than the first distance (D1).   13-Apparatus according to claim 12 characterized in that the passage of the receptacle (2) from its cooking position to its emptying position is provided by means of an actuator (24) activatable / deactivatable by the user, said operating member (24) being arranged to exert, when activated, at least a local thrust on the receptacle (2).   14-Apparatus according to claim 13 characterized in that the operating member (24) comprises a rotary handle (24A) coupled to an operating cam (24B), arranged to interact with the receptacle (2).   -Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 14 characterized in that the draining means (6) comprises on the one hand at least one leakage orifice (9) formed in the vessel (1) and on the other hand a valve tank (10) equipping said orifice (9), said valve (10) being able to move between a closed return position on the one hand and an open position corresponding to the activation of the emptying means on the other hand ( 6).   16 Apparatus according to claim 15 when it includes the subject of one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the control member (7) comprises a finger (21 B) arranged to engage the valve of tank (10) substantially in the axial direction X-X ', so as to push it into its open position, when the receptacle (2) reaches its emptying position.   17-Apparatus according to claim 15 when it includes the object of claim 11 characterized in that the control member (7) comprises a control cam (34) arranged to engage the tank valve (10) substantially laterally relative to the axial direction X-X ', so as to push it back into its open position, when the receptacle (2) reaches its emptying position.   18 -Device according to one of claims 7 to 17 characterized in that it comprises a locking means in the emptying position of the receptacle (2), said locking means being arranged to prohibit, when the receptacle (2) is in emptying position, any displacement of the receptacle (2) with the exception of the displacement allowing its return to the cooking position.   19-Apparatus according to claim 1 characterized in that the draining means (6) comprises on the one hand at least one leakage orifice (9) formed in the tank (1) and on the other hand a tank valve (10). ) equipping said orifice (9), said valve (10) being able to move between on the one hand a closed return position and on the other hand an open position corresponding to the activation of the emptying means (6), said apparatus comprising a control member (7) mounted integral with the receptacle (2) so as to engage the valve (10) under said predetermined variation in positioning to urge it into its open position.   -Apparatus according to claim 1 characterized in that the receptacle (2) comprises a collection port (8), said orifice (8) being positioned to be substantially opposite the emptying means (6) at the end of said predetermined variation of positioning.   21-Apparatus according to claims 19 and 20 characterized in that the collection port (8) is provided with a receptacle valve (21) capable of occupying on the one hand a closed return position or on the other hand an open position, said receptacle valve (21) being arranged to form the control member (7).   22-Apparatus according to one of claims 20 and 21 characterized in that the receptacle (2) comprises a receptacle cover (2C), said collection port (8) being formed in the lid (2C).   23-Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that it consists of an electric fryer.   24 -A method of emptying a food-cooking appliance comprising at least the following three main elements (1, 2, 3): - a cooking vat (1), designed to accommodate in particular liquid material, - a drain receptacle (2), - a coupling means (3), through which said tank and receptacle (2) are assembled to form with said coupling means (3) a unitary assembly, said tank (1) ) being provided with an activatable emptying means (6) for ensuring, when activated, a transfer of said liquid material from the tank (1) to the receptacle (2), said method being characterized in that it comprises a draining step in which the relative positioning of at least two of said three elements (1, 2, 3) in the unitary assembly is varied in a predetermined manner, with a view to causing the activation draining means (6).   -Draining method according to claim 24 characterized in that the apparatus is constituted by an electric fryer.