WO1993025854A1

WO1993025854A1 - Solar cooker-sterilizer

Info

Publication number: WO1993025854A1
Application number: PCT/FR1993/000567
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mickaël GRUPP; Joan Beall; Hannelore Bergler
Original assignee: Grupp Mickael; Joan Beall; Hannelore Bergler
Priority date: 1992-06-17
Filing date: 1993-06-14
Publication date: 1993-12-23
Also published as: AU4331793A; FR2692660B1; OA10119A; FR2692660A1

Abstract

Solar cooker or sterilizer consisting of an open heat-insulated chamber (1) for receiving a recipient (2) with or without a lid made of a heat conducting material in which are disposed the products to be cooked. An absorber (3) is fitted on at least one of the walls of the inner chamber, the opening of the latter being provided with a glass panel (4). The cooker according to the invention includes a first and second assembly capable of fitting into and/or onto one another with freedom and amplitude of motion in relation to one another, thereby enabling the cooker's inner volume to be adjusted to that of the recipient.

Description

SOLAR COOKER-STERILIZER.

The present invention relates to a new type of box-type solar cooker-sterilizer.

Known solar cooker-sterilizers generally consist of a box or enclosure open at the top.

The walls of the enclosure are insulated. In the enclosure is placed a heat-insulating and possibly absorbent container with the food to be cooked and on the opening is arranged a movable glazing to allow light to penetrate.

They can be fitted with exterior and interior reflectors.

In a more advanced form, the bottom of the box is provided with a heat-conducting absorbing wall and the fixed glazing is cut out from a recess opening of the fixed container which is preferably closed by a glass cover.

In the first case, the thermal transport is not optimized.

In the second case, the container is fitted to the box at least because of the diameter of the orifice of the vitra¬ ge and the distance between the glazing and the absorber.

The present invention aims to present a new type of cooker-sterilizer with removable container in which the heat transfer between one absorber and the interior of the container is optimized.

To this end, the solar cooker-sterilizer according to the invention consisting of an open enclosure made of a material thermal insulation intended to receive a container made of a heat-conducting material, the said enclosure being provided on at least one of its internal walls with an absorber and the opening being closed by a glazing is essentially characterized in that it consists of '' a first assembly and a second assembly nestable one inside the other and / or one on the other with a freedom and a range of motion relative to one with respect to the other without heat discontinuity , which allows the internal volume of the cooker to be adapted to that of the container.

Advantageously, the first set consists of the sides of the enclosure and the glazing and the second set consists of the bottom of the enclosure.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on reading the following description of an embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the accompanying drawings in which:

- Figures 1 and 2 are views showing box type cookers of the prior art.

- Figures 3 and 4 show a first embodiment of the invention.

- Figures 5 and 6 show another embodiment of the invention. - Figure 7 is yet another embodiment of the invention.

- Figures 8 and 9 show another embodiment. - Figures 10 - 11 are variants of Figures 8-9.

- Figures 12-13 and 14-15 show another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 16 represents an embodiment with an auxiliary burner,

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the open cooker-sterilizer,

- Figure 18 shows the same closed, - Figure 19 shows a top view,

FIGS. 20 to 24 show embodiments with a reflector,

- Figure 25 shows an incli¬ nable cooker-sterilizer, - Figures 26 and 27 show another embodiment with tilting "cover",

FIGS. 28 and 29 represent systems for fixing the "cover" and the bottom,

FIGS. 30 and 31 represent an embodiment of the bottom with absorber, covered by a protection, in particular a film,

FIGS. 32 and 33 represent two embodiments with an auxiliary burner,

FIGS. 34 and 35 are a view of another embodiment of the cooker-sterilizer according to the invention,

FIG. 36 is a sectional view with a spring between the container lid and the glazing,

FIG. 37 represents another embodiment with illumination from above and below, FIGS. 38 and 39 represent a support system,

FIGS. 40 and 41 represent a device with articulation of the two assemblies,

FIGS. 42 and 43 represent a device with articulation and lock,

- Figures 44, 45 and 46 show another embodiment with heat input.

In FIGS. 1 and 2 are shown the box type cookers of the prior art. In FIG. 1, it can be seen that the enclosure open on the top is closed by a glazing 2.

The containers 3 are at a distance from the glazing 2.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the bottom of the enclosure is provided with an absorber 4. The glazing 2 is drilled for the passage and the encas¬ ing of the container 3.

Therefore the cooker is linked to the container and vice versa.

As shown in the accompanying drawings, Figures 3/4 the cooker according to the invention, consists of an enclosure 1 of any shape, for example, rectangular or round.

This enclosure is made of heat-insulating material.

This enclosure is intended to receive a container 3 made of a heat conducting material which rests on the bottom of the enclosure provided with an absorbing wall 4.

The enclosure has at least one opening, for example in the upper part and its opening is closed by a glazing 2. The cooker consists of a first set 5 and a second set 6.

The first set consists of the side walls and the glazing 2 and the second set consists of the bottom and the absorber 4.

Said first set 5 and second set 6 are fitted into one 1 over one another and / or 1 'into each other with freedom and a range of movement relative to one relative to the other. Advantageously, the interval between the assemblies 5 and 6 during their interlocking is a few millimeters.

This interval has no effect on a possible heat loss since the heat tends to rise. The interlocking of the assembly 5 on the assembly 6 can be more or less complete, there will always be thermal continuity as long as the two assemblies are nested.

The relative displacement of one relative to the other of the 5/6 assemblies makes it possible to adapt the cooker to the size of the container 3 while always obtaining pressure contact between the glazing 2, the container 3 and The absorber 4.

It goes without saying that the glazing 2 is linked to the enclosure in any known manner making it irremovable, for example by gluing, or leaving it removable.

The absorber 4 can be of any known type, functioning by conduction or any other method, for example by means of heat pipes. Advantageously according to the invention, the upper edge of the container is closed by the glazing 2. It is however conceivable that a cover is placed on the container and is under pressure, for example under the weight of the element 5. Advantageously the container can be itself absorbent, the interior being coated with a black layer.

In one embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, an elastic member 7, for example a coil spring, is disposed between the absorber 4 and the bottom of the enclosure to contribute to the pressurization of the three components, glazing, containers, absorber.

In the example of FIG. 7, the elastic member 7 is placed under the bottom constituting the element 6 which is pushed upwards, the elastic member 7 resting on a surface, the ground or a table. for example not shown.

In Figures 8 and 9 is shown another embodiment of the invention according to which the first set 5 is constituted by movable and removable glazing and the second set is constituted by the enclosure open on one of its faces, preferably the upper side.

The glazing 2 is held in position by a closing system shown diagrammatically at 8.

In Figures 10 and 11 is shown a variant of the embodiment of the invention according to Figures 8 and 9 in which an elastic member 7 for example a spring is disposed between the absorber wall and the bottom of the enclosure, this in order to obtain a satisfactory pressurization of the components, absorber, container, glazing. In Figures 12 and 13 is shown another embodiment of the invention in which the assembly 5 constituted by the sides of the enclosure and the glazing is mounted tilting and sliding on the assembly 6 constituted by the bottom and the absorber.

An oblong slot 8 ′ on one of the sides in which a pin 9 comes from the bottom guides the tilting and the insertion of the assembly 5 onto the assembly 6, depression which is a function of the height of the container (not shown). As illustrated in FIG. 13, the cooker according to the invention can rest by its bottom on a support 10.

In Figures 14 and 15 is shown an alternative embodiment in which the cooker rests on a flat support shown diagrammatically by the line 11 and in which the assembly 5 is tiltable by any known means from the assembly 6 as far as the support 11 and vice versa .

In FIG. 16 is shown a variant embodiment according to which an additional heat source is added to the cooker according to the invention, which in the embodiment is constituted by a gas burner 12 with its bottle 13, said source. being placed under or in the bottom of the enclosure.

This provision allows a calorific addition when necessary. In the exemplary embodiments of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings, the enclosure is provided with an opening in the upper part, but it goes without saying that the enclosure can be provided with openings with glazing on the sides, one or more openings with glazing being possible.

Such as. represented in FIGS. 17/18, the cooker-sterilizer according to the invention consists of an enclosure 1 made of a heat-insulating material provided with an opening closed by a glazing 2 receiving a container 3 and provided on at least one of its walls, the bottom opposite to the glazing in the example of FIGS. 17/18 of an absorber 4.

The enclosure 1 consists of two sets 5 and 6 which can be nested and / or stacked one on top of the other preferably with an amplitude of movement relative to each other.

The invention is not limited to the case in which the two assemblies 5 and 6 have an amplitude of relative movement relative to each other but also encompasses the case where they are interlocking or stacking at a fixed position, one compared to each other.

The first set 5 is formed by the sides of the enclosure and the glazing 2 constitutes the "cover". The second set 6 is constituted by the bottom of the enclosure on the upper wall of which is the absorber wall.

The container 3 is of the type provided with a lid, in particular with a self-closing closure capable of being used for high temperatures allowing sterilization.

The glazing 2 bears on the cover of the container 3.

The absorbent surface located on the conductive plate of heat can be provided with a central circular cutout 14 in which the bottom of the container 3 is housed.

In FIGS. 20 to 24 are shown various embodiments of the invention in which the enclosure 1 is provided with one or more lateral reflectors 15 arranged above its edges and the glazing 2. The reflector (s) are mounted by any known means so as to be mobile and tiltable. They can also be mounted in a fixed position, for example vertical as in Figure 24 or inclined as in Figure 23.

In FIG. 25 is shown an embodiment of the cooker-sterilizer according to the invention in which the bottom 6 is provided with at least one articulated foot 16 making it possible to orient the cooker by tilting. In this exemplary embodiment, the element 5 may be provided at the periphery of the glazing with reflectors 15.

Figures 26 and 27 show a form of réa¬ lisation of the cooker-sterilizer in which the element 5 is mounted articulated and tilting on one element 6 constituting the bottom.

Figures 28 and 29 show embodiments in which between the absorber wall 4 and the bottom 6 is interposed a spring member 7. The pressure attachment of the element 5 on the bottom 6 is effected by gravity or by attachment means.

In Figure 28, the fasteners 17 are arranged on either side of the cover 5. They are preferably constituted by flexible and elastic links provided in particular end rings or loops which are threaded on tabs 18 or lateral rods of the bottom 6.

In FIG. 13, the fasteners are hooks 19 or angles with elastic suspension which cooperate in locking with the legs 18 of the bottom 6.

Figures 30 and 31 show a mode of réali¬ tion of the element 6 with an exploded view (Figure 30) and a view of the assembled assembly (Figure 31).

According to this embodiment on the bottom 6, there is a heat conductive plate 20, then the absorbent surface or absorber 4, then a protective film 21. The film 21 is fixed on the periphery of the bottom.

The film 21 is provided at its center with a circular cutout 22 through which the bottom of the container 3 passes. Advantageously, a fixing ring 23 is screwed or riveted around the cutout 22.

FIGS. 32 and 33 represent partial views of embodiments of the cooker-sterilizer according to the invention provided with an additional heat source notably constituted by a gas burner 24 for example.

For this purpose, the bottom 6 is provided with a bore 25 for the passage of the burner.

The absorber plate 4 is raised relative to the bottom 6 by any known means and the combustion gases are evacuated through the space between the bottom and the absorber.

In the embodiment of FIG. 33, the absorber wall is provided with a central orifice 26 for passage of the flame from the burner towards the bottom of the container. The calorific contribution can be obtained in any other appropriate way and in particular above the absorber plate 4 and with any other calorific source than gas, for example by means of solidified alcohol tablets, kerosene, wood, electricity.

Figures 34 and 35 show a form of réa¬ reading of the cooker-sterilizer according to the invention in which wheels 27 are arranged at the base of the box and fixed, either on the element 5 or on the bottom 6. An organ elastic 7 is fixed to the glazing 2 and presses on the cover of the container 3.

A cover 28 adjustable in inclination can be mounted on the element 5 which can receive one or more removable side reflectors. For this purpose, the upper edge of the walls of the element 5 is provided with end caps 29 shown diagrammatically and allowing the attachment of the lateral reflector (s).

Figure 36 shows the cooker-sterilizer with elastic member 7 between the glazing 2 and the container lid.

In Figure 37 is shown a version of the cooker or sterilizer in which the bottom 6 consists of glazing or transparent or translucent insulation allowing the passage of light. The absorber 4 is a double-sided absorber and the light is sent by means of a reflector 30 suitably positioned at a level lower than that of the sterilizing cooker. The bottom 6 may for example be made of a pa¬ king of honeycombed polycarbonate or any other suitable material.

FIGS. 38 and 39 represent a form of embodiment in which the cooker-sterilizer according to the invention rests on a support shown diagrammatically, which is provided with a horizontal base 31 for supporting the element 6 and element 5 and a flange 32 preferably inclined but which can be horizontal and which receives element 5 at the opening. In this embodiment of the invention, the horizontal base 31 of the support is at a level below the position of the bottom 6, which allows a movement of 5 relative to 6. The inclination of the flange 32 allows the setting balance of element 5 as shown in figure 22.

In FIGS. 40 and 41, the element 5 is connected to the element 6, preferably at the base of one of its sides by means of a hinge 33.

In FIGS. 42 and 43, the elements 5 and 6 are connected by an articulation system 33.

The branch of the articulation fixed to the tilting element 5 is fixed to a rigid rod 35 on which is mounted a coil type spring 36.

Opposite the articulation 33, there are in principle two and mounted through the wall 6 a rod 35 which is fixed on the element 5 and which has an elastic member of the flange type 36 which cooperates with a transverse latch 37 of the element 5. This arrangement allows a relative amplitude of movement of the element 5 with respect to the element 6.

In Figures 44, 45 and 46 is shown a variant embodiment of the invention of Figures 32 and 33. Figure 44 shows that between the bottom 6 and 1'absor¬ beur 4 is formed at least one passage 38 of the gases of combustion released by the burner.

Advantageously, these passages consist of channels re¬ presented in Figure 45 and extend down the sides of the bottom 6.

The element of heat input, gas burner or the like can be arranged either under the level of the absorber in a housing 39, or in the enclosure of the sterilizing cooker, the wall of the absorber being able to be provided a niche for this purpose.

FIG. 46 represents a variant of FIGS. 44 and 45 in which on the glazing 2 is mounted an insulating reflective cover 40 to reduce heat losses in gas mode. In the various embodiments, the invention is shown with a container of the pan type with or without a cover which may or may not be self-claving. It is obvious that any other type of container can be used in particular of planar shape or that in certain cases, the products to be cooked can be introduced directly.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. Solar cooker-sterilizer of the type consisting of an enclosure made of a heat-insulating material (1) intended to receive a container (3) with or without self-closing closure made of a heat-conducting material in which the products to be cooked are arranged, the interior of said enclosure being provided on at least one of its walls with an absorber (4) and at least one opening closed by a glazing (2) characterized in that it consists of two assemblies 5 and 6 nestable one inside the other and / or one on the other with an amplitude of movement relative to one relative to the other.

2. Solar cooker according to claim 1 carac¬ terized in that the glazing of the upper opening is a continuous plate of glass or any other form of glazing and that the first set (5) is constituted by the sides of the enclosure and the glazing and the second set consists of the bottom of the enclosure.

3. Solar cooker according to claim 1 and claim 2 characterized in that the sides of the enclosure constituting you with the glazing (2) the first assembly (5) fit onto the bottom of the enclosure constituting the second ¬ me together (6).

4. Solar cooker according to claim 1, charac- terized in that the glazing (2) rests on the edge of the container.

5. Solar cooker according to claim 1 carac¬ terized in that the absorber elements (4), container (3) and glazing (2) are in contact by pressure.

6. solar cooker according to claim 1 and claim 5 characterized in that an elastic member (7) is disposed between the absorber wall and the bottom constituting the assembly (6) to push the components towards the glazing (2) which presses by gravity on the container.

7. Solar cooker according to claim 1 carac¬ terized in that the first set (5) is constituted by the glazing (2) and the second set (6) by the enclosure with its bottom and its sides.

8. Solar cooker according to claim 1 carac¬ terized in that the first set (5) is pivotally mounted and sliding on the second set (6).

9. Solar cooker according to claim 1 carac¬ terized in that it comprises an additional heat source.

10. Solar cooker according to claim Précé¬ dente characterized in that the additional heat source is a gas burner (12) disposed in the bottom of one enclosure.

11. Solar cooker according to claim 1 characterized in that the enclosure 1 is provided with movable or fixed side reflectors (15).

12. Solar cooker according to claim 1 characterized in that the bottom (6) of the enclosure on which the bottom of the container (3) rests consists successively of a film (21) for protecting an absorbent surface (4 ) and a heat conducting plate (20).

13. Solar cooker according to claim 4 characterized in that the absorber plate (4) is raised relative to the bottom (6) which is provided with a passage (25), with a burner, the combustion gases being evacuated through the gap between the bottom (6) and the absorber (4).

14. Solar cooker according to claim 1 characterized in that between the bottom (6) and the absorbing plate (4) or under the bottom (6) is disposed a spring member.

15. Solar cooker according to claim 1 characterized in that the element (5) is fixed to the element (6) by gravity or by fastening devices.

16. Solar cooker according to claim 1 characterized in that an elastic member (7) is disposed between the glazing and the container lid (3).

17. Solar cooker according to claim 1 characterized in that the bottom (6) is made of a transparent insulating material letting the light rays pass through en¬ sent by a reflector (30) and that the absorber (4) is an absorber to double sided absorbent.

18. Solar cooker according to claim 1 characterized in that the movable element (5) and the fixed element (6) are hinged to each other.

19. Solar cooker according to claims 1 and 5 characterized by channels (38) of the bottom (6) between it and one gas evacuation absorber.

20. Solar cooker according to claim 1 characterized by a cover (40) insulating on the glazing

(2).

21. Floor cooker according to resale ication 1 characterized in that it rests on a support, one of which central part receives element 6, surrounded by a horizontal base (31) at a lower level with an inclined flange (32) receiving the cover (5) in equilibrium.