FR3143306A1 - Process for cooking food implemented by a culinary preparation device - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for cooking food in a culinary preparation appliance comprising first heating means, second heating means, the method comprising: - a main heating step (T1-T2) of the first cooking space, consisting of feeding the first heating means with one or more first instantaneous heating power(s) P1, and - a mixed heating step (T0-T1, T2-T3) consisting of: powering the first heating means with one or more first instantaneous heating power(s) P1, and to supply the second heating means with one or more second instantaneous heating power(s) P2, in which, at least during the mixed heating step (T0-T1, T2-T3), a sum of the first instantaneous heating power P1 and the second instantaneous heating power P2 does not exceed a maximum total heating power Pappmaxde the culinary preparation appliance. Figure for abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Process for cooking food implemented by a culinary preparation device Technical field of the invention

The present invention generally relates to a cooking process implemented by a preparation appliance comprising different heating elements. In particular, the invention may relate to domestic grilling appliances, and more particularly to domestic grilling appliances which can be used inside the house.

State of the art

It is known in the prior art to provide culinary preparation appliances with different heating means. On the other hand, these different heating means may require significant heating powers and the total power of the culinary preparation appliance may form an obstacle to offering certain cooking options or certain particular uses of the culinary preparation appliance.

An aim of the present invention is to respond to the disadvantages of the prior art mentioned above and in particular, first of all, to propose a cooking process which makes it possible to offer more cooking options or other uses. of a culinary preparation appliance comprising several heating means, compared to the cooking processes known from the prior art.

• à alimenter les premiers moyens de chauffage avec une première puissance instantanée de chauffage P₁strictement inférieure à la première puissance maximale de chauffage, et
• à alimenter les deuxièmes moyens de chauffage avec une deuxième puissance instantanée de chauffage P₂égale ou supérieure à 80% de la deuxième puissance maximale de chauffage P_2M,

dans lequel, au moins au cours de l’étape de chauffage mixte, une somme de la première puissance instantanée de chauffage P₁et de la deuxième puissance instantanée de chauffage P₂est égale à une puissance instantanée de chauffage générale prédéterminée P_TOTet n’excède pas une puissance maximale de chauffage totale P_appmaxde l’appareil de préparation culinaire.For this, a first aspect of the invention relates to a method of cooking food implemented by a culinary preparation appliance,
the culinary preparation apparatus comprising:
- a first cooking space arranged to receive the first foods to be cooked,
- first heating means provided to provide a first maximum heating power P _1M and arranged to heat and/or cook at least the first foods received in the first cooking space,
- a second cooking space arranged to receive second foods to be cooked,
- second heating means provided to provide a second maximum heating power P _2M and arranged to heat and/or cook at least the second foods received in the second cooking space,
the cooking process comprising:
- at least one main heating step of the first cooking space, consisting of supplying the first heating means with a first instantaneous heating power P ₁ , equal to or greater than 80% of the first maximum heating power P _1M , and preferably without powering the second heating means, and
- at least one mixed heating step consisting of:

• to supply the first heating means with a first instantaneous heating power P ₁ strictly lower than the first maximum heating power, and
• to supply the second heating means with a second instantaneous heating power P ₂ equal to or greater than 80% of the second maximum heating power P _2M ,

in which, at least during the mixed heating step, a sum of the first instantaneous heating power P ₁ and the second instantaneous heating power P ₂ is equal to a predetermined general instantaneous heating power P _TOT and n does not exceed a maximum total heating power P _appmax of the culinary preparation appliance.

The cooking process comprises at least two distinct cooking phases which use or activate the heating means in a specific manner. In the main heating stage of the first cooking space, priority is given to heating and cooking in the first cooking space. For example, we can plan for the first cooking space to be a grill or a grilling space which requires high heating power at certain particular times (such as for example to mark a grill). During this phase where priority is given to the first cooking space, the first heating means are supplied for example with their first maximum power P _1M . we can plan not to power the second heating means so as not to exceed the limit of the available power. In the case of a grill, this allows you to mark the first foods, as when cooking on a professional grill or in a device dedicated to this type of cooking only. In the mixed heating stage, the first cooking space and the second cooking space are heated simultaneously. However, due to the limit of the available power, the first heating means are not supplied with their first maximum power P _1M , which makes it possible to supply the second heating means for example with their second maximum power P _2M . Consequently, we can propose to carry out cooking of the first foods which occasionally requires a lot of power, without giving up cooking the second foods: a cooking phase (the main heating step of the first cooking space) is carried out in the first cooking space with the first maximum power P _1M , and another cooking phase (the mixed heating step) is carried out in the second cooking space with for example the second maximum heating power P _2M while the first space cooking is heated with a power lower than the first maximum power P _1M . In other words, the power allocated to each cooking space is not fixed over time, which makes it possible to distribute the electrical power according to needs to properly and simultaneously cook the first foods and the second foods in depending on their specificities, without exceeding the capabilities of the culinary preparation appliance.

It is possible to provide power to the first and/or second heating means with the principle of pulse width modulation (PMI; in English: Pulse Width Modulation, or PWM). In such a case, the invention may relate to a process for cooking food implemented by a culinary preparation appliance,
the culinary preparation apparatus comprising:
- a first cooking space arranged to receive the first foods to be cooked,
- first heating means provided to provide a first maximum heating power P _1M and arranged to heat and/or cook at least the first foods received in the first cooking space,
- a second cooking space arranged to receive second foods to be cooked,
- second heating means provided to provide a second maximum heating power P _2M and arranged to heat and/or cook at least the second foods received in the second cooking space,
the cooking process comprising:
- at least one main heating step of the first cooking space, consisting of supplying the first heating means with one or more first instantaneous heating power(s) P ₁ , equal to or greater than 80% of the first maximum heating power P _1M , and preferably without powering the second heating means, and

• à alimenter les premiers moyens de chauffage avec une ou des première(s) puissance(s) instantanée(s) de chauffage P₁strictement inférieure à la première puissance maximale de chauffage, et
• à alimenter les deuxièmes moyens de chauffage avec une ou des deuxième(s) puissance(s) instantanée(s) de chauffage P₂égale ou supérieure à 80% de la deuxième puissance maximale de chauffage P_2M,

dans lequel, au moins au cours de l’étape de chauffage mixte, une somme de la première puissance instantanée de chauffage P₁et de la deuxième puissance instantanée de chauffage P₂est égale à une puissance instantanée de chauffage générale prédéterminée P_TOTet n’excède pas une puissance maximale de chauffage totale P_appmaxde l’appareil de préparation culinaire.- at least one mixed heating step consisting of:

• to supply the first heating means with one or more first instantaneous heating power(s) P ₁ strictly lower than the first maximum heating power, and
• to supply the second heating means with one or more second instantaneous heating power(s) P ₂ equal to or greater than 80% of the second maximum heating power P _2M ,

in which, at least during the mixed heating step, a sum of the first instantaneous heating power P ₁ and the second instantaneous heating power P ₂ is equal to a predetermined general instantaneous heating power P _TOT and n does not exceed a maximum total heating power P _appmax of the culinary preparation appliance.

• à alimenter les premiers moyens de chauffage avec une première puissance instantanée de chauffage P₁, pouvant être variable, strictement inférieure à la première puissance maximale de chauffage, et
• à alimenter les deuxièmes moyens de chauffage avec une deuxième puissance instantanée de chauffage P₂, pouvant être variable, égale ou supérieure à 80% de la deuxième puissance maximale de chauffage P_2M,

dans lequel, au moins au cours de l’étape de chauffage mixte, une somme de la première puissance instantanée de chauffage P₁et de la deuxième puissance instantanée de chauffage P₂est égale à une puissance instantanée de chauffage générale prédéterminée P_TOTet n’excède pas une puissance maximale de chauffage totale P_appmaxde l’appareil de préparation culinaire.In other words, the invention may relate to a method of cooking food implemented by a culinary preparation appliance,
the culinary preparation apparatus comprising:
- a first cooking space arranged to receive the first foods to be cooked,
- first heating means provided to provide a first maximum heating power P _1M and arranged to heat and/or cook at least the first foods received in the first cooking space,
- a second cooking space arranged to receive second foods to be cooked,
- second heating means provided to provide a second maximum heating power P _2M and arranged to heat and/or cook at least the second foods received in the second cooking space,
the cooking process comprising at least:
- at least one main heating step of the first cooking space, consisting of supplying the first heating means with a first instantaneous heating power P ₁ , which can be variable, equal to or greater than 80% of the first maximum heating power P _1M , and preferably without powering the second heating means, and
- at least one mixed heating step consisting of:

• to supply the first heating means with a first instantaneous heating power P ₁ , which may be variable, strictly lower than the first maximum heating power, and
• to supply the second heating means with a second instantaneous heating power P ₂ , which can be variable, equal to or greater than 80% of the second maximum heating power P _2M ,

in which, at least during the mixed heating step, a sum of the first instantaneous heating power P ₁ and the second instantaneous heating power P ₂ is equal to a predetermined general instantaneous heating power P _TOT and n does not exceed a maximum total heating power P _appmax of the culinary preparation appliance.

According to one embodiment, the cooking process may include:
- a step of preheating the culinary preparation appliance, corresponding to the mixed heating step, which can be followed by
- a prioritized cooking step for the first foods received in the first cooking space, corresponding to the main heating step of the first cooking space. In other words, the cooking cycle includes:
- a mixed heating step (on the one hand preheating the first cooking space of the appliance, and on the other hand preheating the second cooking space or even starting cooking in the second cooking space which can be an oven ),
- a step of main heating of the first cooking space (i.e. cooking in the first cooking space, for example marking meat in a grill, while the second cooking space is not specifically heated ).

According to one embodiment, the prioritized cooking step of the first foods can be followed by:
- a core cooking stage, corresponding to the mixed heating stage. In other words, the cooking cycle, once the main heating step of the first cooking space is completed, continues with a mixed heating step to, for example, thoroughly cook the first foods in the first cooking space (meat in a grill) and cook the second foods thoroughly in the second cooking space (vegetables in an oven). Cooking first foods or second foods thoroughly does not necessarily require the mobilization of maximum power. Indeed, after the main heating step of the first cooking space and in particular a marking phase which requires maximum power in the first cooking space to counter the drop in temperature in the plates and guarantee the Maillard effect , the device will regulate to a set temperature to avoid burning the food. In practice, this regulation is functional in the first cooking space, with cycling according to an alternation model of the first heating means.

According to one embodiment, during the main heating step of the first cooking space, the first heating means can be supplied with the first maximum heating power P _1M , preferably equal to the maximum total heating power P _appmax of the food preparation appliance.

According to one embodiment, during the main heating step of the first cooking space, the second heating means can be powered with an electrical power less than or equal to 20% of the second maximum heating power P _2M , and preferably the second heating means may not be powered.

According to one embodiment, the culinary preparation appliance may comprise control means,
the first heating means may comprise a first heating element and a second heating element,
the control means can be arranged to control:
- the first heating element according to a first sequence alternating first power supply phases and first power cut phases,
- the second heating element according to a second sequence alternating second power phases and second power cut phases,
and during the mixed heating step, the first power phases may be distinct and separate from the second power phases. Two embodiments can be considered depending on the regulation technology used.

In a first embodiment, there is an alternation of first power phases and second power phases with heating elements operating individually at full power during these phases. In such an embodiment, regulation is managed by simple relays. This mode of alternating activation of the heating elements of the first cooking space, in addition to the needs of the second cooking space, allows the thermal capacities of the product to be exploited as closely as possible without exceeding a capped maximum power. This with a simple, reliable and inexpensive construction. The complementarity of the cooking processes in the first cooking space and in the second cooking space is fully exploited: while it is necessary to preheat the first cooking space (to guarantee a Maillard reaction) we take advantage of this "time dead” to start cold cooking in the second cooking space.

In a second embodiment, the power of the heating elements is modulated. In such an operating mode, control electronics are necessary. This requires a more complex and expensive construction but which makes it possible to manage the power distribution between the different heating elements more precisely.

In these two embodiments, during the mixed heating step, the first heating element and the second heating element are never powered at the same time and at full power. This frees up power to power the second heating means.

According to one embodiment, during the mixed heating step, the first power supply phases and the first power cut-off phases can be inverted with respect to the second power supply phases and the second power cut-off phases. food. Schematically, when the first heating element is powered, the second heating element is not powered, and vice versa.

According to one embodiment, during the main heating step of the first cooking space, at least one first supply phase can be concomitant or cumulative with at least one second supply phase. In other words, during the main heating stage of the first cooking space, the first heating element and the second heating element can be powered at the same time, and/or at full power. In fact, the second heating means are not powered during the main heating stage of the first cooking space.

According to one embodiment, the device may comprise temperature measuring means arranged to measure a temperature of the first cooking space and/or a temperature of the second cooking space,
and the method may comprise at least one step consisting of adjusting a supply power and/or a supply duration of the first heating means and/or the second heating means during the main heating step of the first space cooking and/or during the mixed heating step, as a function of a temperature of the first cooking space and/or a temperature of the second cooking space.

According to one embodiment, the device may comprise means for measuring a cooking thickness of the first foods and/or a cooking thickness of the second foods,
and the method may comprise at least one step consisting of adjusting a supply power and/or a supply duration of the first heating means and/or the second heating means during the main heating step of the first space cooking and/or during the mixed heating step, depending on a cooking thickness of the first foods and/or a cooking thickness of the second foods.

According to one embodiment, the total maximum heating power P _appmax of the culinary preparation appliance is less than a sum of the first maximum heating power P _1M and the second maximum heating power P _2M .

In particular, we can provide the following formula:
[equation 1]
P _TOT ≤ P _appmax < P _1M +P _2M

Description of figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description which follows of an embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

There represents a general perspective view of a culinary preparation appliance defining a grilling space and a cooking enclosure;

there represents a schematic sectional view of the culinary preparation apparatus of the to present first heating means intended to heat the grilling space and second heating means intended to heat the cooking chamber;

there represents a first example of controlling the first heating means and the second heating means during a cooking process according to the invention;

there represents a second example of controlling the first heating means and the second heating means during a cooking process according to the invention.

Detailed description of embodiment(s)

There represents a general perspective view of a culinary preparation appliance comprising:
- a first structure 10 forming a base with feet 11,
- a second structure 20 forming a cover of the culinary preparation appliance and movable relative to the first structure 10 between a cooking position ( ) and an open position (as shown by the arrow ),
- a hinge C forming an articulation to allow rotation of axis Ax between the first structure 10 and the second structure 20,
- a handle 21 secured to the second structure 20 for opening and closing the cover formed by the second structure,
- a man-machine interface 30 intended to control the culinary preparation appliance, comprising for example a screen and control buttons and arranged on the front of the culinary preparation appliance,
- a first cooking space, here a grilling space EG, defined between the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 in the cooking position of the , and arranged to receive first foods to be grilled such as for example a piece of meat,
- a second cooking space, here a cooking enclosure EC formed by a drawer 12 sliding in the first structure 10, and arranged to receive second foods to be cooked such as for example an accompaniment to the first foods (vegetables, a gratin, potatoes…)
- a juice tray formed in this example by a side drawer 13 arranged under the grilling space EG.

The culinary preparation appliance of the is intended to simultaneously heat and/cook first foods in the grilling space EG and second foods in the cooking chamber EC. A single device can therefore be used to prepare a complete dish (grilled meat and its accompaniment), which simplifies the user's task with only one device to use. It can also be noted that the EG grilling space and the EC cooking chamber are superimposed, which provides a compact construction and easy access to both the EG grilling space and the EC cooking chamber. , from the same front of the culinary preparation appliance. However, other implementations could be planned with the grilling space EG and the cooking enclosure EC offset, or inverted in relation to the construction of the .

The grilling space EG is defined between the first structure 10 and the second structure 20. As shown in , simply open the cover (the second structure 20) to access the grilling space EG and place the first foods to be cooked there. The culinary preparation appliance of the comprises a hinge C to allow rotation between the first structure 10 and the second structure 20, but any other type of kinematics (translation, combination of rotation and translation, movement, etc.) can be provided with slides, connecting rods or articulated levers…

The culinary preparation appliance includes a side drawer 13 located under the grilling space EG to collect cooking juices. Typically, the side drawer 13 is placed under a cooking plate of the grilling space EG, opposite a drain hole which can let the cooking juices from the grill flow into the side drawer 13. Alternatively, a retention tray can be provided in the drawer 12 of the cooking enclosure EC, placed under a juice evacuation channel, which allows the cooking juices from the grilling space EG to flow from a plate of cooking from the grilling space EG towards the retention tray in the drawer 12. The side drawer 13 can be located rather in the rear part of the culinary preparation appliance, as on the , or towards the front, that is to say just behind or below the man-machine interface 30. We can even provide this juice recovery drawer on the front face, above or next to the drawer 12 of the EC cooking chamber.

The EC cooking enclosure is typically a closed space provided in the first structure 10. The drawer 12 (forming a cooking tray) allows second foods to be quickly introduced into it to heat and/or cook them as in an oven for example. The drawer 12 is designed to slide, but other types of structure could be provided such as for example a vertical axis pivot with drum opening/closing, or a system combining translation and rotation movements, or even a first structure 10 in several pieces that opens into a wallet…

The culinary preparation appliance of the typically includes an electronic control unit provided to control operation. The man-machine interface 30 allows a user to choose a type of operation (the user can be asked to select a recipe, a type of cooking, a type of food, etc.). Depending on the user's choice, the first foods in the grilling space EG and the second foods in the cooking chamber EC, the control unit controls the culinary preparation appliance to carry out heating and/or appropriate cooking. The culinary preparation appliance may include means for measuring the temperature in the grilling space EG, and/or in the cooking enclosure EC to modulate the control of the culinary preparation appliance. It is also possible to provide means for measuring a cooking thickness of the first foods in the grilling space EG to specifically modulate the heating and/or cooking there.

There represents a schematic sectional view of a first implementation of the culinary preparation apparatus of the . The first structure 10 comprises the drawer 12 placed in the cooking enclosure EC, and a first cooking plate 41 placed above the cooking enclosure EC, to define a lower face of the grilling space EG. The second structure 20 comprises a second cooking plate 42 to define an upper face of the grilling space EG.

As explained above, the culinary preparation appliance is intended to heat and/or cook food. For this purpose, the culinary preparation appliance includes heating means. There shows an implementation, with the heating means which include:
- first heating means comprising in particular a first heating element 51 arranged in the first structure 10 to heat and/or grill the first foods received in the grilling space EG and to heat the second foods received in the cooking enclosure EC , and comprising a second heating element 52, arranged in the second structure 20 to heat and/or grill the first foods received in the grilling space EG. We can also provide a first power relay which can connect or disconnect the first heating element 51 from a power source. A second power relay can also be provided which can connect or disconnect the second heating element 52 from a power source. Alternatively, one (or two) power supply unit(s) can be provided to independently power the first heating element 51 and the second heating element 52 according to the principle of pulse width modulation,
- second heating means comprising in particular a base heating element 53, arranged under the cooking enclosure EC to heat the second foods received in the cooking enclosure EC. A third power relay can also be provided which can connect or disconnect the base heating element 53 from a power source. Alternatively, a power supply unit can be provided to power the base heating element 53 according to the principle of pulse width modulation.

In addition, the cooking enclosure EC also benefits from the radiation of the heating element 51. This allows, during the complete mobilization of the heating elements 52 and 51 on the marking phase (and therefore heating element 53 turned off) to benefit from a remainder of calories to help keep warm in the EC cooking chamber.

The heating means can be electrical resistances as shown here, but convection heating means can also be provided, which can be remote and/or include a heating fan. As an alternative or in addition, radiant heating means, such as infrared lamps, can also be provided.

It can be noted that the first heating element 51 is positioned in the first structure 10 between the grilling space EG and the cooking enclosure EC, so that the first cooking plate 41 is heated by radiation/conduction or even convection to cook the first foods in the EG grilling space. With regard to the second heating element 52 provided in the second structure 20, it can be noted that it is intended to heat and/or cook the first foods received in the grilling space EG. In summary, the first heating means are dedicated to heating and/or cooking the first foods received in the first cooking space, the grilling space EG.

With regard to the base heating element 53 provided in the first structure 10 under the cooking enclosure EC, it can be noted that it is intended to heat and/or cook the second foods received in the cooking enclosure EC . In summary, the second heating means are dedicated to heating and/or cooking second foods received in the second cooking space, the EC cooking enclosure.

The culinary preparation appliance, and in particular its control unit, can be provided to independently control the constituents of the heating means, that is to say that the first heating element 51, the second heating element 52 and the base heating element 53 can be controlled independently to implement common or distinct heating phases of each heating element. These common or distinct heating phases can be implemented depending on the cooking program, recipe or foods selected by the user.

In detail, it is proposed to modulate the electrical power supply of the first heating means and the second heating means, to offer more cooking possibilities to the user, without exceeding the electrical capacities of the preparation device. culinary or the electrical capacities of the network or electrical installations. Furthermore, products that exceed a certain amperage require more expensive higher amperage class electrical components.

In particular, it can be noted that the culinary preparation appliance has a maximum total power of the culinary preparation appliance P _appmax . The first heating means are for their part provided to provide a first maximum heating power P _1M , and the second heating means are provided to provide a second maximum heating power P _2M .

It is advisable not to exceed the maximum total power P _appmax , but it may be necessary to occasionally provide a large heating power in the first cooking space and/or in the second cooking space (for example to mark meat in the EG grilling space, or to brown a dish in the EC cooking chamber).

Consequently, it can be expected that the sum of the first maximum heating power P _1M , and the second maximum heating power P _2M is greater than the maximum total power P _appmax . To avoid exceeding, even occasionally, the maximum total power P _appmax , the invention proposes particular management of the electrical power supply of the first heating means and the second heating means.

In detail, it is possible to plan to alternate cooking stages or phases during which power priority is given to one or the other of the first cooking space and the second cooking space.

There represents a first example of controlling the first heating means and the second heating means during a cooking process according to the invention. In this first example, the represents three power supply curves. Starting from the bottom of the , the first curve represents the second instantaneous heating power P ₂ of the second heating means, which can vary between 0 and the second maximum heating power P _2M , for example 800 W here. Starting from the bottom of the , the second curve represents the first instantaneous heating power P ₁ of the first heating means, which can vary between 0 and the first maximum heating power P _1M , for example 2400 W here. Starting from the bottom of the , the third curve represents the predetermined general instantaneous heating power P _TOT (sum of the first instantaneous heating power P ₁ and the second instantaneous heating power P ₂ ) which can vary between 0 and the maximum total heating power P _appmax of the food preparation appliance, for example 2400 W here.

It can be noted that the sum of the first maximum heating power P _1M and the second maximum heating power P _2M theoretically exceeds the total maximum heating power P _appmax of the culinary preparation appliance. Consequently, to cook, for example, a piece of meat in the grilling space EG and a gratin in the cooking chamber EC, several successive steps are proposed.

First of all, we can invite the user to place the gratin in the EC cooking chamber and start a first cooking stage with cold start between T0 and T1 (for example 15 minutes). During this first cooking stage, you can plan:
- to power the first heating means at half of the first maximum heating power P _1M , for example 1200 W (we can for example modulate the first instantaneous heating power P ₁ by using a rheostat, or by only powering than the first heating element 51 or the second heating element 52, or by supplying the first heating element 51 and/or the second heating element 52 with pulse width modulation),
- to power the second heating means at the second maximum heating power P _2M (800 W).

Consequently, during this first cooking step T0-T1 (corresponding to a mixed heating step T0-T1):
- the temperature in the EC cooking chamber can quickly reach, for example, a temperature between 180°C and 220°C to cook the gratin,
- the grilling space EG undergoes preheating, empty, to reach for example a temperature between 150°C and 210°C,
- the predetermined instantaneous general heating power P _TOT is 2000 W and does not exceed the maximum total heating power P _appmax of the culinary preparation appliance of 2400 W.

At time T1, we can plan to move on to a main heating step T1-T2 of the first cooking space until time T2 (for example for approximately 10 minutes), consisting of supplying the first heating means with a first instantaneous power heating P ₁ , equal to or greater than 80% of the first maximum heating power P _1M , and preferably without powering the second heating means.

In the example shown, the first heating means are supplied with the first maximum heating power P _1M , and the second heating means are not supplied.

Consequently, during this main heating stage (T1-T2) of the first cooking space:
- the grilling space EG undergoes heating at full load to reach for example a temperature greater than or equal to 240 ° C, and we can then, for example a few minutes after T1, invite the user to place the piece of meat in the EG grilling space, which will lead to marking it,
- the temperature in the EC cooking chamber can decrease slowly to reach, for example, a temperature between 80°C and 150°C to cook/keep the gratin warm,
- the predetermined instantaneous general heating power P _TOT is 2400 W equal to the maximum total heating power P _appmax of the culinary preparation appliance of 2400 W.

A few moments after placing the piece of meat in the grilling space EG, at time T2, the meat is marked, and we can return to a mixed heating stage (T2-T3) during which we can plan:
- to power the first heating means at half of the first maximum heating power P _1M , for example 1200 W (as between T0 and T1, we can for example modulate the first instantaneous heating power P ₁ using a rheostat , or by supplying only the first heating element 51 or only the second heating element 52, or by supplying the first heating element 51 and/or the second heating element 52 with pulse width modulation),
- to power the second heating means at the second maximum heating power P _2M (800 W).

Consequently, during this third cooking stage T2-T3 (corresponding to a second mixed heating stage T2-T3):
- the temperature in the EC cooking chamber can again quickly reach, for example, a temperature between 180°C and 220°C to finish cooking the gratin,
- the grilling space EG can reach, for example, a cooking temperature of the piece of meat of between 210°C and 180°C,
- the predetermined instantaneous general heating power P _TOT is 2000 W and does not exceed the maximum total heating power P _appmax of the culinary preparation appliance of 2400 W.

At time T3, we can stop the heating, because the piece of meat is perfectly cooked (marked between T1 and T2 then cooked through between T2 and T3), and the gratin is also cooked. It can be noted that the time T3 can be modulated according to several parameters: the user can be asked what degree of cooking they want (meat rare, cooked to medium or well cooked), and we can also (alternatively or in addition) adjust the time T3 depending on the thickness of the piece of meat (entered by the user or measured by an internal device of the culinary preparation appliance.

There represents a second example of controlling the first heating means and the second heating means during a cooking process according to the invention. In the example of the , it can be noted that the first and second heating means are supplied continuously with a heating power constant over time along the cooking stages. It is possible to provide power to the first and second heating means with a heating power which varies over time along the cooking stages. In particular, the example of the shows that it is possible to supply the first heating means with a slotted power signal (one can of course also consider supplying the second heating means with a slotted power signal, or to simultaneously supply the first and second means heating with a slotted power signal).

In detail, starting from the bottom of the , the first curve represents the second instantaneous heating power P ₂ of the second heating means, which can vary between 0 and the second maximum heating power P _2M , for example 800 W here. Starting from the bottom of the , the second curve represents the power supply P ₅₂ of the second heating element 52, which can vary between 0 and its maximum heating power, for example 1200 W here. Starting from the bottom of the , the third curve represents the power supply P ₅₁ of the first heating element 51, which can vary between 0 and its maximum heating power, for example 1200 W here. Starting from the bottom of the , the fourth curve represents the first instantaneous heating power P ₁ of the first heating means (it is therefore the sum of the supply power P ₅₁ of the first heating element 51 and the supply power P ₅₂ of the second heating element 52), which can vary between 0 and the first maximum heating power P _1M , 2400 W here. Starting from the bottom of the , the fifth curve represents the predetermined general instantaneous heating power P _TOT (sum of the first instantaneous heating power P ₁ and the second instantaneous heating power P ₂ ) which can vary between 0 and the maximum total heating power P _appmax of the food preparation appliance, for example 2400 W here.

The cooking process of can be applied to make the same preparation as in the case of : you can plan to cook a piece of meat in the EG grilling space and a gratin in the EC cooking chamber. The supply of the second heating means is identical to that carried out within the framework of the and will not be described again.

The difference compared to the is located at the level of the electrical supply of the first heating means. Between time T0 and T1, and between time T2 and T3 (that is to say during the mixed heating step T0-T1 or T2-T3), provision can be made to alternately power the first heating element 51 and the second heating element 52 with slotted signals which do not overlap: when the first heating element 51 is supplied, the cover heating element 52 is not supplied. Thus, the first instantaneous power of heating P ₁ does not exceed 1200 W during these mixed heating stages, and the predetermined general instantaneous heating power P _TOT is 2000 W and does not exceed the maximum total heating power P _appmax . Between T0 and T1, the grilling space EG is preheated in the same way as in the context of the , just as between T2 and T3 the piece of meat is cooked through in the same way as in the cooking process of the .

Consequently, we can note the same points as those relating to the : during the first cooking stage between T0 and T1 (corresponding to a mixed heating stage T0-T1):
- the temperature in the EC cooking chamber can quickly reach, for example, a temperature between 180°C and 220°C to cook the gratin,
- the grilling space EG undergoes preheating, empty, to reach for example a temperature between 150 °C and 210 °C,
- the predetermined instantaneous general heating power P _TOT is 2000 W and does not exceed the maximum total heating power P _appmax of the culinary preparation appliance of 2400 W.

During the main heating stage T1-T2 of the first cooking space between T1 and T2:
- the grilling space EG undergoes heating at full load to reach for example a temperature greater than or equal to 240 ° C, and we can then, for example a few minutes after T1, invite the user to place the piece of meat in the EG grilling space, which will lead to marking it,
- the temperature in the EC cooking chamber can decrease slowly to reach, for example, a temperature between 80°C and 150°C to cook/keep the gratin warm,
- the predetermined instantaneous general heating power P _TOT is 2400 W equal to the maximum total heating power P _appmax of the culinary preparation appliance of 2400 W.

During the third cooking stage T2-T3 between T2 and T3 (corresponding to a second mixed heating stage T2-T3):
- the temperature in the EC cooking chamber can again quickly reach, for example, a temperature between 180°C and 220°C to finish cooking the gratin,
- the grilling space EG can reach, for example, a cooking temperature of the piece of meat of between 210°C and 180°C,
- the predetermined instantaneous general heating power P _TOT is 2000 W and does not exceed the maximum total heating power P _appmax of the culinary preparation appliance of 2400 W.

There shows that the first heating element 51 and the second heating element 52 are supplied with signals in identical slots (and offset so as not to overlap), but different, or even variable, frequencies can be provided during these mixed heating stages. It is also possible to provide sequences without power supply to the first heating means, or to power the first heating element 51 and/or the second heating element 52 with delays.

Between time T1 and time T2, the first heating element 51 and the second heating element 52 are supplied continuously at full power, but it is perfectly possible to envisage providing a power supply with signals in overlapping slots, which partially overlap or do not overlap, for example for a certain time (for example in a cooking program dedicated to meat requiring less heat, such as minced steak or fish).

We can plan to start the supply of the first heating means after time T0, to initiate preheating shortly before time T1, if for example the dish in the cooking chamber requires a fairly long cooking time.

There shows slotted power signals, but any kind of shape can be provided, and in particular a sinusoidal shaped power supply can be provided. It is possible to adjust the power level by varying the frequency or the shape of the power supply signal, as can be done for example according to the principle of pulse width modulation.

There shows that the first heating element 51 and the second heating element 52 are each formed by an electrical resistance, which heats the grilling space on both sides. It can be noted that it is possible to provide for the first heating element and/or the second heating element to be constituted by at least two secondary resistances.

The simplest embodiment would consist of providing that the first heating element 51 comprises two first secondary resistances under the first cooking plate 41 (one of 400 W and one of 700 W for example) and that the second heating element 52 comprises two second resistances secondary in the cover 20 (one of 400 W and one of 700 W for example).

We can then plan to regulate the first instantaneous heating power P ₁ by selectively and/or independently supplying one or two of the first secondary resistors or the second secondary resistors.

For example, during the mixed heating step T0-T1 or T2-T3, it is possible to provide power only to the first and second secondary resistors of 700 W of the first heating element 51 and the second heating element 52. can alternatively provide for powering only the first secondary resistance of 700 W of the first heating element 51 and only the second secondary resistance of 400 W of the second heating element 52. Still alternatively, it is possible to provide for powering only the first and second secondary resistances of 400 W of the first heating element 51 and the second heating element 52. Thus, even with the second heating means powered, the maximum total heating power P _appmax of the culinary preparation appliance is not exceeded .

During the main heating stage T1-T2 of the first cooking space between T1 and T2, provision can be made to power all the first secondary resistances and all the second secondary resistances. As above, the second heating means are not powered during this step.

The cycling models cited above have been described without reference to a regulation condition on a set temperature so as to further illustrate these cycling models.

Of course, a temperature regulation condition can also be applied within each cycling model; Temperature regulation may depend on the cooking program selected by the user or by the appliance after selection by the user of the food(s) to be cooked. Hysteresis regulation can be applied. A correction for exceeding the set temperature during the preheating phase can also be applied, in particular by using a PID regulator (proportional, integral, derivative).

A cooking method according to the present invention, a culinary preparation device for its implementation, and the manufacture of such a device, are capable of industrial application.

It will be understood that various modifications and/or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art can be made to the different embodiments of the invention described in the present description without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, it can be noted that the first heating element 51 and/or the structure of the culinary preparation appliance is intended to primarily heat the first cooking plate 41, but also incidentally. the EC cooking chamber.

Claims (11)

Process for cooking food implemented by a culinary preparation device,
the culinary preparation appliance comprising:
- a first cooking space arranged to receive the first foods to be cooked,
- first heating means designed to provide a first maximum heating power P_1Mand arranged to heat and/or cook at least the first foods received in the first cooking space,
- a second cooking space arranged to receive second foods to be cooked,
- second heating means designed to provide a second maximum heating power P_2Mand arranged to heat and/or cook at least the second foods received in the second cooking space,
the cooking process comprising at least:
- at least one main heating step (T1-T2) of the first cooking space, consisting of supplying the first heating means with one or more first instantaneous heating power(s) P₁, equal to or greater than 80% of the first maximum heating power P_1M, and preferably without powering the second heating means, and
- at least one mixed heating step (T0-T1, T2-T3) consisting of:

• to supply the first heating means with one or more first instantaneous heating power(s) P ₁ strictly lower than the first maximum heating power, and
• to supply the second heating means with one or more second instantaneous heating power(s) P ₂ equal to or greater than 80% of the second maximum heating power P _2M ,

in which, at least during the mixed heating step (T0-T1, T2-T3), a sum of the first instantaneous heating power P₁and the second instantaneous heating power P₂is equal to a predetermined instantaneous general heating power P_EARLYand does not exceed a maximum total heating power P_appmaxof the food preparation appliance. Cooking method according to claim 1, comprising:
- a step of preheating the culinary preparation appliance, corresponding to the mixed heating step (T0-T1, T2-T3), followed by
- a prioritized cooking step for the first foods received in the first cooking space, corresponding to the main heating step (T1-T2) of the first cooking space. Cooking method according to claim 2, in which the prioritized cooking step of the first foods is followed by:
- a core cooking stage, corresponding to the mixed heating stage (T0-T1, T2-T3). Cooking method according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which, during the main heating step (T1-T2) of the first cooking space, the first heating means are supplied with the first maximum heating power P _1M , preferably equal to the maximum total heating power P _appmax of the culinary preparation appliance. Cooking method according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which, during the main heating step (T1-T2) of the first cooking space, the second heating means are supplied with an electrical power less than or equal to at 20% of the second maximum heating power P _2M , and preferably the second heating means are not powered. Cooking process according to one of claims 1 to 5,
the culinary preparation appliance comprising control means,
the first heating means comprising a first heating element (51) and a second heating element (52),
the control means being arranged to control:
- the first heating element (51) according to a first sequence alternating first power phases and first power cut phases,
- the second heating element (52) according to a second sequence alternating second power supply phases and second power cut-off phases,
in which during the mixed heating step (T0-T1, T2-T3), the first power phases are distinct and separated from the second power phases. Cooking method according to claim 6, wherein during the mixed heating step (T0-T1, T2-T3), the first power phases and the first power cut-off phases are reversed with respect to the second power phases and the second power cut phases. Cooking method according to claim 6 or 7, in which, during the main heating step (T1-T2) of the first cooking space, at least one first feeding phase is concomitant or cumulative with at least a second feeding phase. Cooking process according to one of claims 1 to 8,
the apparatus comprising temperature measuring means arranged to measure a temperature of the first cooking space and/or a temperature of the second cooking space,
the method comprising at least one step of adjusting a supply power and/or a supply duration of the first heating means and/or the second heating means during the main heating step (T1-T2) of the first cooking space and/or during the mixed heating step (T0-T1, T2-T3), depending on a temperature of the first cooking space and/or a temperature of the second cooking space . Cooking process according to one of claims 1 to 9,
the apparatus comprising means for measuring a cooking thickness of the first foods and/or a cooking thickness of the second foods,
the method comprising at least one step of adjusting a supply power and/or a supply duration of the first heating means and/or the second heating means during the main heating step (T1-T2) of the first cooking space and/or during the mixed heating step (T0-T1, T2-T3), depending on a cooking thickness of the first foods and/or a cooking thickness of the second foods . Cooking method according to one of claims 1 to 10, in which the maximum total heating power P _appmax of the culinary preparation appliance is less than a sum of the first maximum heating power P _1M and the second maximum power heating P _2M .