WO2022017615A1

WO2022017615A1 - Barbecue-type cooking appliance comprising a vessel for receiving a fuel and a device for initiating the combustion of the fuel

Info

Publication number: WO2022017615A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/070875
Authority: WO
Inventors: Axel SIMOES
Original assignee: Simoes Axel
Priority date: 2020-07-23
Filing date: 2020-07-23
Publication date: 2022-01-27

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooking appliance (1) of the barbecue type, having at least one enclosure (20) in the form of an upwardly open shell for receiving, on the bottom (22) thereof, a solid fuel (CS), in particular in the form of charcoal, and a support (26) for a grill for cooking a foodstuff above said fuel, without being in contact with the latter, characterized in that it also has a device (30) for initiating the at least partial combustion of the solid fuel and converting it into embers, said device comprising at least one external element for producing a hot air flow at a temperature above 200°C and preferably above 500°C, and a means for feeding the hot air flow as close as possible to the solid fuel, said hot-air-flow-feed means having an inlet mouth provided at the bottom of the vessel (20) for receiving the external hot-air-flow-producing element, an upright pipe for transporting the hot air flow from said mouth and intended to be surrounded by the solid fuel (CS), and an upper diffuser that orients the air flow in a direction as close as possible to the solid fuel (CS).

Description

Barbecue-type cooking appliance comprising a tank for receiving a fuel and a device for initiating the combustion of the latter

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a barbecue-type cooking appliance comprising at least one enclosure in the form of a shell open on the top for receiving at its bottom a solid fuel, in particular in the form of charcoal, a support grill for cooking food above the fuel, without contact with the latter, and a device for initiating at least partial combustion of the solid fuel and transforming it into embers.

Prior technique

The ignition of a cooking appliance using embers (for example charcoal) as solid fuel, for example a barbecue comprising an enclosure in the form of a shell open on the top (hollow tank) for receiving said fuel, can become particularly long and laborious, even dangerous. Normally, the charcoal can only be ignited gradually, for example by using crumpled up papers or newspapers which one burns (with a match, a gas lighter or equivalent) under/in the charcoal, sometimes accompanied by twigs and kindling.

However, the charcoal often takes several minutes to several tens of minutes to form embers (incandescent to bring it to a high temperature) in sufficient number, hot enough and which remain incandescent long enough to cook food placed on a grill. overlooking the open tank without having to reapply too often. It is also known that such a fire, unlike a gas or electric combustion, must be maintained frequently. This diverts a large number of consumers from this cooking technique which is nevertheless effective, festive and practical (no gas bottle to store/transport/connect, with the risk of leakage or even explosion which may occur, no electrical resistance to clean ). The use of flammable liquid/gaseous products (methylated spirit, gasoline or equivalent) or a combustion initiator (briquettes soaked in flammable liquid/gas such as methylated spirit, ethanol or a hydrocarbon) to accelerate the creation of embers can be extremely dangerous (extremely hot and/or toxic flashback/fume) and of reduced effectiveness, the charcoal generally not being brought to a sufficiently high temperature and for a long enough time. large enough to create lasting embers. Many charcoal barbecue enthusiasts nevertheless use this type of external accessories, which can cause domestic accidents that are sometimes extremely serious.

The use of a manual bellows is also possible to initiate the combustion of charcoal but here again, this operation is quite long, potentially tiring and dangerous (few consumers volunteer to do it), and d limited and uncertain efficiency because the air flow and its direction can be poorly controlled.

Thus, the rapid ignition and temperature adjustment of a charcoal barbecue hearth, or other solid fuels, are difficult parameters to master which very often put off fans of this type of food cooking.

Presentation of the invention

The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks with a solution that is easy to use and particularly effective in terms of saving time, up to 10 to 20 times faster than the solutions mentioned above.

To this end, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a cooking appliance (of the barbecue type comprising at least one enclosure in the form of a shell open on the top for receiving at its bottom a solid fuel, in particular in the form of charcoal, and a grid support for cooking food above the fuel, without contact with the latter, characterized in that it further comprises a device for initiating at least partial combustion of the solid fuel and transform it into embers, said device comprising at least:

- an external element for producing a stream of hot air at a temperature greater than 200°C and preferably greater than 500°C, and - a means for bringing the hot air flow as close as possible to the solid fuel, said means for supplying the hot air flow comprising an inlet mouth provided at the bottom of the vessel to receive the external element for producing the hot air flow, a pipe for transporting the hot air flow erected from said mouth and intended to be surrounded by the solid fuel, and a diffuser upper directing the air flow in a direction closest to the solid fuel.

The invention is implemented according to the embodiments and variants set out below, which are to be considered individually or according to any technically effective combination.

Advantageously, the external element for producing the flow of hot air is of the electrical type and comprises a resistor, a mechanical air propulsion member and a tube of section adapted to be introduced into the inlet mouth.

Preferably, the diffuser has the shape of a substantially hemispherical dome fixed to the pipe and covering the latter to form a mushroom so that the hot air propelled circulates in the pipe in a first upward direction, comes into contact with the top of the dome then descends all around the pipe in a second direction substantially oriented towards the bottom of the tank.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dome is fixed to the pipe at the level of an upper peripheral rim which has at least one passage space for hot air.

Advantageously, the dome is provided, at the level of a lower rim, with fine peripheral orifices to allow the radial passage of the flow of hot air in a direction substantially flat/parallel to the bottom of the tank or directed towards the latter.

According to a particularly interesting aspect of the present invention, the device comprises several means for supplying the flow of hot air.

According to an additional feature, the means for supplying the hot air flow are arranged in a regularly spaced manner on a transverse center line of the tank. According to a variant embodiment, the means for supplying the hot air flow are distributed over several parallel lines, in a cross, or in a network according to a checkerboard pattern.

Advantageously, the element for producing the hot air flow is removable and consists of a high temperature blower, for example a fan and a heating resistor, such as a heat gun in particular.

According to a particular characteristic, the bottom of the tank is inclined and has at least one water flow orifice positioned at a low elevation level of said tank. Brief description of figures

Other advantages, objects and characteristics of the present invention emerge from the description which follows given, for the purpose of explanation and in no way limiting, with regard to the appended drawings, in which:

[Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a cooking appliance according to the present invention,

[Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a top view of Figure 1,

[Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a front view of Figure 1,

[Fig. 4] figure 4 is a side view of figure 3,

[Fig. 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a detail of Figure 1, [Fig. 6] figure 6 is a detail view of figure 5, and

[Fig. 7] figure 7 is an alternative embodiment of figure 6.

Description of embodiments

FIGS. 1 to 6 represent a cooking appliance 1 of the barbecue type comprising a support frame 10 typically provided with four legs 12 and two transport wheels 14 (for a mobile version), an enclosure 20 in the form of a shell open to the above for the reception at its bottom 22 of a solid fuel CS, in particular in the form of charcoal, a windscreen 24 provided with a grid support 24 for cooking food above the fuel and without contact with the latter, and a device 30 for initiating at least partial combustion of the solid fuel CS and transforming it into embers connected to an electrical outlet 15 or to a battery (not shown) so as to make the cooking appliance 1 totally autonomous and transportable.

The combustion acceleration device 30 comprises an external element 31 for producing a flow of hot air at a temperature above 200° C. and preferably above 500° C., and a means 32 for bringing the flow of hot air as close as possible to the solid fuel.

The air flow supply means 32 comprises an inlet mouth 36 made at the bottom 22 of the tank 20 to receive the external element 32 for producing the hot air flow, a pipe 37 for transporting the flow of hot air drawn up from said inlet mouth 36 and intended to be surrounded by the solid fuel CS, and an upper diffuser 38 to direct the flow of air as close as possible to the solid fuel CS.

Typically, the pipe 37 for transporting the hot air flow protrudes vertically from the bottom 22 of the tank 20 by about 1 to 10 centimeters, preferably about 4 to 6 centimeters, so as to avoid possible water infiltration. (Rain) which could subsequently descend through said pipe 37 and spread towards the electrical part.

As illustrated in the figures, the external element 32 for producing heat consists of three electrical devices of the high temperature blower type (for example a fan and an electrical resistor, or else a heat gun) which are mounted side by side. and regularly spaced on a transverse center line of the tank 20 and are housed in a protection and control box 33 from which an electrical power outlet 15 emerges.

In accordance with the detail view of FIG. 5, each high-temperature blower comprises in particular an electrical resistor of a known type (not shown), a mechanical member 34 for producing an air flow, for example a rotating turbine, and a tube 35 of section adapted to be introduced into the inlet mouth 36.

Each diffuser 38 has the shape of a substantially hemispherical dome linked to an upper rim 37a of the transport pipe 37 and covering the latter to form a high temperature air diffusion mushroom. Thus, the hot air heated by the electrical resistance and propelled by the turbine 34 of the high temperature blower, passes through the tube 35 then rises in the transport pipe 37 and exits through peripheral spaces (openings) 39 provided in the upper end 37a of said pipe 37, closest to the dome 38. The flow of air raised to high temperature is therefore directed laterally through the openings 39, in the direction (arrow F1) of the fuel CS to be in contact with the latter and initiate its combustion (creation of embers).

According to a variant embodiment illustrated by FIG. 7, the dome 38 is also provided, at its lower peripheral edge 38a, with fine through-holes 39a allowing the flow of hot air to be expelled (arrow F2) in a more diffuse but also with higher airflow velocity. This diffusion of the flow of hot air at the level of the orifices 39a forms a kind of radial crown substantially parallel to the bottom of the vessel, or preferably slightly inclined towards said bottom, where the solid fuel CS to be brought to red is accumulated for form embers.

The bottom 22 of the tank 20 is preferably inclined, for example towards the side remote from the electrical source, and has an orifice 25, for example placed in a corner of said tank, so as to allow the flow of water from rain.

According to various tests carried out, dry charcoal can be transformed into embers in a few tens of seconds to a few minutes, for example from 1 to 3 minutes, whereas it sometimes takes several tens of minutes with the devices of the prior art. not having the solution according to the present invention.

This device is extremely safe since no dangerous product is used, very little constraint and tiring and of an effectiveness without common measure with the prior art because it allows to bring extremely quickly (in general less than 2 minutes) the coal of wood at a high temperature, the flow of hot air being in direct or almost immediate contact with the charcoal which surrounds the diffusers. Consumers find the festive and authentic side (taste of cooked food) of cooking with charcoal without the disadvantages mentioned above. The start-up of a barbecue can thus be done in just a few minutes, the time to place the charcoal in the tank around the diffusers, to start the combustion ignition device and to place the grids on the stand. The device according to the present invention can also be used on an ad hoc basis to maintain combustion.

It should be understood that the detailed description of the subject of the invention, given solely by way of illustration, does not in any way constitute a limitation, the technical equivalents also being included in the scope of the present invention.

Thus, the orifices can be arranged differently and/or be of different shape and dimensions.

The number of high temperature blowers can also vary, as well as their position under the tank.

In particular, in the case of relatively large-sized vessels, it may be useful to provide several parallel rows of high-temperature blowers, or else a cross distribution or checkerboard type network of said blowers.

The present invention may also relate to a pizza oven, a brazier or heating devices (which can incidentally be used for cooking food) such as a fireplace or a wood stove.

Claims

Claim 1. Cooking appliance (1) of the barbecue type comprising at least one enclosure (20) in the form of a shell open on the top for receiving at its bottom (22) a solid fuel (CS), in particular presenting in the form of charcoal, and a grid support (26) for cooking food above said fuel, without contact with the latter, characterized in that it further comprises a device (30) for initiating combustion at least partially of the solid fuel and transform it into embers, said device comprising at least:

- an external element (31) for producing a flow of hot air at a temperature above 200°C and preferably above 500°C, and

- a means (32) for bringing the flow of hot air as close as possible to the solid fuel, said means (32) for supplying the flow of hot air comprising an inlet mouth (36) provided at the bottom (22) of the tank (20) to receive the external element (31) for producing the flow of hot air, a pipe (37) for transporting the flow of hot air erected from the said mouth and intended to be surrounded by the solid fuel (CS), and an upper diffuser (38) directing the airflow in a direction (F1; F2) closest to the solid fuel (CS).

Claim 2. Cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the external element (31) for producing the flow of hot air is of the electric type and comprises a resistor, a mechanical member (34) for propelling of air and a tube (35) of section adapted to be introduced into the inlet mouth (36).

Claim 3. Cooking appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diffuser (38) has the shape of a substantially hemispherical dome fixed to the pipe (37) and covering the latter to form a fungus so that the propelled hot air circulates in the pipe in a first upward direction, comes into contact with the top of the dome and then descends all around the pipe in a second direction (F1) substantially oriented towards the bottom (22) of the tank (20). Claim 4. Cooking appliance (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the dome (38) is fixed to the pipe (37) at the level of an upper peripheral edge (37a) which has at least one space (39 ) passage of hot air.

Claim 5. Cooking appliance (1) according to any one of Claims 3 to 4, characterized in that the dome (38) is provided, at the level of a lower rim (38a), with fine peripheral orifices (39a) for allow the radial passage of the hot air flow in a direction (F2) substantially flat/parallel to the bottom of the tank or directed towards the latter.

Claim 6. Cooking appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises several means (32) for supplying the flow of hot air.

Claim 7. Cooking appliance (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the means (32) for supplying the flow of hot air are arranged in a regularly spaced manner on a transverse center line of the tank (20).

Claim 8. Cooking appliance (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the means (32) for supplying the flow of hot air are distributed over several parallel lines, in a cross, or in a network according to a checkerboard pattern. .

Claim 9. Cooking appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (31) for producing the flow of hot air is removable and consists of a high temperature blower, for example a fan and a heating resistor, such as a heat gun in particular.

Claim 10. Cooking appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom (22) of the tank (20) is inclined and has at least one water flow orifice (25) positioned at a low elevation level of said tank.