EP4250954A1

EP4250954A1 - Apparatus for cooking food

Info

Publication number: EP4250954A1
Application number: EP21836649.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Marco COLTRO; Alessio SUMAN; Ivan VERZÈ
Original assignee: Atihc SRL
Current assignee: Atihc SRL
Priority date: 2020-11-30
Filing date: 2021-11-30
Publication date: 2023-10-04
Also published as: WO2022113146A1

Abstract

The apparatus for cooking food includes a casing (2), which defines a cooking chamber (3), suitable for containing said food; a device for generating superheated steam (20) connected to said cooking chamber (3), said device for generating superheated steam (20) being configured to generate a predetermined quantity of superheated steam to be introduced into said cooking chamber (3); a control unit, adapted to control said device for generating superheated steam (20).

Description

APPARATUS FOR COOKING FOOD Technical field

[01] The present invention relates to an apparatus for cooking food, in particular for cooking pasta and cereal.

Prior art

[02] Food cooking apparatuses which permit to combine different types of cooking to obtain predetermined chemical-physical characteristics of the products have been known for some time.

[03] Optimization of cooking times is a further advantage of the combination of specific cooking types that has been observed. For example, in the case of rice cooking, it has been experimentally observed that when the rice is cooked in the water and the rice is also subjected to a treatment with superheated steam, the cooking time is reduced.

[04] A type of apparatus known in the art comprises a container which internally shapes a cooking chamber suitable for containing a predetermined quantity of water and the food to be cooked. The container is equipped with heating means, to heat the water, and is associated with a device for generating superheated steam, designed to generate superheated steam to be introduced inside the container.

[05] An example of this type of apparatus, designed for cooking rice, is illustrated in patent application JP2006314355.

[06] Patent CN 102727071 also describes an apparatus for cooking rice comprising a container, suitable for containing a predetermined quantity of rice, to which a superheater and a steam generating member are connected, which cooperate to generate superheated steam to be introduced inside the container.

[07] A problem related to apparatuses known in the art is the fact that the adjustment of the amount of cooking liquid is done manually by the operator in charge, and this involves an inconvenience of use as well as an increase in the time required to implement the cooking process.

[08] The need is therefore felt for an apparatus that allows the cooking process to be carried out more easily.

Disclosure

[09] The aim of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned problems by devising an apparatus which permits to carry out the cooking of food automatically.

[10] As part of this aim, it is an object of the present invention to devise an apparatus that allows to easily perform different types of cooking of food.

[11] Another object of the present invention is to devise an apparatus which permits to reduce the cooking time. [12] A further object is to provide a cooking apparatus which permits to reduce energy consumption.

[13] A still further object is to provide an apparatus which eliminates the contaminations which can occur when the cooking of different foods is carried out in sequence.

[14] An even further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for cooking food with a simple constructive and functional concept, with reliable operation, versatile use, and relatively inexpensive cost.

[15] The aforementioned objects are achieved, according to the present invention, by the apparatus according to claim 1.

[16] The apparatus for cooking food includes a casing that defines a cooking chamber inside it, suitable for containing said food; a tank connected to said cooking chamber, adapted to contain a predetermined quantity of liquid, said tank being provided with heating means for heating said liquid and with sensor means for monitoring the temperature of said liquid, said sensor means being configured to send data relating to the temperature of said liquid to a control unit; a device for generating superheated steam connected to said cooking chamber, said device for generating superheated steam comprising a steam generating member and a superheater, said superheater being associated with said steam generating member, said device for generating superheated steam being configured to generate a predetermined quantity of superheated steam to be introduced into said cooking chamber; a feeding assembly associated with said tank, said feeding assembly being operable, on command of said control unit, to supply said predetermined quantity of heated liquid in said cooking chamber.

[17] The apparatus comprises said control unit which is configured to control said heating means, based on the data sent by said sensor means, to keep said liquid at a predetermined temperature.

[18] The control unit is also configured to control said feeding assembly for inserting a predetermined quantity of heated liquid into said cooking chamber and said device for generating superheated steam for inserting a predetermined quantity of superheated steam in said cooking chamber.

[19] The apparatus allows cooking to be carried out automatically, thanks to the tank containing a liquid heated by the heating means and to the control unit, which controls the introduction of the superheated steam and liquid into the chamber, respectively by means of the device for generating superheated steam and the feeding assembly. Therefore, the user does not have to insert a predetermined amount of liquid, such as water, into the cooking chamber but the insertion takes place automatically, if the cooking in the liquid mode is selected. An advantage of the apparatus is the possibility of carrying out different types of cooking since the control unit commands the insertion of the heated liquid and the superheated steam into the cooking chamber. It is therefore possible to combine cooking according to needs, for example to treat the food with superheated steam and, subsequently, to cook the food in water. The treatment of food with superheated permits to preserve the nutritional characteristics of the food, increasing the healthiness of the food.

[20] A further advantage of the apparatus according to the present invention is the reduction of the overall time necessary for cooking since the heating means of the tank, which heats the liquid contained inside the tank during a cooking process that takes place in the chamber, make the heated liquid readily available for following cooking. Furthermore, the provision of a tank containing liquid, separate from the cooking chamber allows for improved control over the cooking process. It must also be considered that an advantageous aspect is the automatic control of the temperature of the cooking liquid, thanks to the control unit, the sensor means and the heating means.

[21] The reduction of cooking time also reduces energy consumption.

[22] Preferably the cooking liquid is water.

[23] Preferably, said tank is insulated from the external environment. It is noted that the insulated tank is advantageous from the point of view of energy saving and, moreover, the fact that the tank does not exchange heat with any food, as well as with any component of the cooking chamber, contributes to energy saving.

[24] Preferably, said heating means of said tank are adapted to heat said liquid, on command of said control unit, up to a temperature lower than the boiling temperature.

[25] Preferably said cooking chamber is equipped with at least one heating element.

[26] Preferably, said at least one heating element is adapted to heat said liquid, when it is inserted in said cooking chamber, up to the boiling temperature, cooperating with said heating means of said tank.

[27] Preferably the apparatus is equipped with a control panel comprising a series of commands, for example of the type of buttons, or a touch screen, in order to set the desired cooking method.

[28] Preferably, said feeding assembly comprises a pump, connected to said tank, and valve means, said valve means being activated to convey, upon activation of said pump, said heated liquid into said cooking chamber.

[29] Preferably, said valve means are controlled by said control unit.

[30] Preferably, said sensor means of said tank comprise at least one temperature sensor, adapted to monitor the temperature of the liquid, to carry out, if necessary, an adjustment of said heating means by means of said control unit.

[31] Preferably, said sensor means comprise at least one level sensor, adapted to monitor the level of the liquid inside said tank and to send a signal to said control unit, if the level of said liquid is lower than a predetermined limit value. The level sensor therefore has the effect of promptly restoring the liquid in the tank, following a cooking process. It is noted that the apparatus has the advantage of eliminating the risk of contamination when cooking different foods in sequence, because the level sensor permits to fill the tank and make, therefore, non-contaminated liquid available for the next cooking.

[32] Preferably, said apparatus comprises collection means, connected to said cooking chamber, for discharging the liquid outside the chamber, following a cooking process.

[33] Advantageously, a conveyor device is mounted inside said cooking chamber, configured to make the distribution of the cooking fluid in the cooking chamber easier.

[34] Preferably, said cooking fluid is superheated steam or heated air.

[35] Preferably, said conveyor device is removably mounted in said cooking chamber, to allow easy removal thereof in the event that it is necessary to clean the device.

[36] Preferably, said conveyor device comprises at least one conveyor member.

[37] Preferably, each conveyor member is made of a plate having a series of openings for the passage of the fluid.

[38] Alternatively, each conveyor member comprises a series of tubular elements provided with a series of openings for the passage of the fluid.

[39] Preferably, each conveyor member extends on a plane transversal to a bottom wall of said cooking chamber, said bottom wall being arranged at the bottom, in use.

[40] Preferably, a collection member which is adapted to receive the superheated steam to be introduced into said cooking chamber, is associated with said cooking chamber.

[41] Preferably, said collection member is associated with a lower portion of said cooking chamber.

[42] Preferably, said collection member is arranged below said bottom wall of said cooking chamber.

[43] Preferably, said collection member has a box-like shape.

[44] Preferably, said cooking chamber has, on said bottom wall and/or on at least one side wall, at least one opening for introducing the superheated steam into said cooking chamber.

[45] According to an aspect of the invention, a series of openings are made on said bottom wall for the passage of superheated steam.

[46] Advantageously, said apparatus comprises a shutter member adapted to direct the superheated steam, or a portion of the superheated steam towards said at least one inlet opening made on said bottom wall and/or towards said at least one inlet opening made on at least one side wall of said cooking chamber. The shutter member therefore permits to establish the amount of superheated steam that enters the chamber through at least one opening on the bottom and through the opening on a side wall, depending on the type of cooking the user wishes to implement. The distribution of superheated steam in the chamber can be controlled.

[47] Preferably, said shutter member communicates with said collection member.

[48] Preferably, said shutter member is arranged inside said collection member.

[49] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, said apparatus also comprises an assembly for distributing heated air adapted to convey heated air inside the cooking chamber.

[50] Preferably, said distribution assembly conveys heated air into said cooking chamber upon command of said control unit.

[51] Preferably, said distribution assembly comprises a ventilation device, connected to said cooking chamber, which is adapted to suck the air from said cooking chamber, and a heating device associated with said ventilation device, arranged to heat the air sucked from said cooking chamber.

[52] Preferably, said ventilation device is arranged outside said casing.

[53] Preferably, said distribution assembly comprises a distribution circuit to convey the heated air into said cooking chamber.

[54] Preferably said distribution circuit comprises at least one inlet duct which connects said cooking chamber to said ventilation device.

[55] Preferably, said distribution circuit comprises at least one delivery duct which connects said heating device to said cooking chamber.

[56] Preferably, said ventilation device comprises an impeller and a motor, said impeller being rotated by said motor.

[57] Preferably said superheater of said device for generating superheated steam comprises at least one electrically conductive element which is powered, in use, to heat the steam up to a predetermined operating temperature.

[58] Preferably, said electrically conductive element is powered by an electrical energy source at a temperature such as to emit electromagnetic radiation. The steam is heated up to the operating temperature by radiation.

[59] Preferably said superheater is connected to said collection member.

[60] According to an aspect of the invention, said heating device of said distribution assembly consists of said superheater. In this configuration, the superheater of the device for generating superheated steam also functions as a heater for the distribution assembly and this aspect is advantageous because it allows the air to be heated while ensuring, at the same time, a smaller dimensions of the apparatus and a simpler structure of the apparatus.

[61] Preferably the apparatus comprises further valve means, interposed between said device for generating superheated steam and said cooking chamber, said valve means being controlled by the control unit.

[62] Preferably, said valve means can be activated, on command of said control unit, between a closed configuration, in which they prevent the passage of superheated steam in said cooking chamber, and an open configuration, in which they put in communication said device for generating superheated steam with said cooking chamber.

[63] Preferably, said apparatus comprises a container, suitable for supporting food, said container being removably associated to an internal wall of said cooking chamber.

[64] Advantageously, said container is rotatably associated with said cooking chamber, said container being rotated around an axis of rotation, during the cooking process. In this way, the container allows the food to be rotated during cooking, exposing it to superheated steam or heated liquid or heated air in a better way, obtaining greater homogeneity in cooking food.

[65] Preferably, said container has a mesh structure that allows the food to come into contact with the cooking fluid, be it the cooking liquid, the superheated steam or the heated air.

Description of drawings

[66] The details of the invention will become more evident from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus for cooking food according to the invention, illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic top view of the apparatus object of the present invention in a first operational step;

Figure 2 is a schematic top view of the apparatus in a second operational step;

Figures 3 and 4 are respective schematic top views of the apparatus in which additional components are visible;

Figures 5 and 6 are respective schematic top views of different embodiments of the apparatus;

Figure 7 is a front view of the apparatus;

Figure 8 is a front view of the apparatus from an opposite side with respect to the side visible in Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a top view of the apparatus, in which some components are not visible;

Figure 10 is a side view of the apparatus;

Figure 11 is a front view of an embodiment of the apparatus;

Figure 12 shows a sectional view of the apparatus, according to the sectional plane indicated as XII-XII in Figure 11 ;

Figure 13 is a top view of the apparatus according to this embodiment, in which some components are not visible;

Figure 14 is a side view of the apparatus according to this embodiment.

Description of embodiments of the invention [67] With particular reference to these figures, 1 indicates the apparatus for cooking food according to the present invention as a whole.

[68] The apparatus 1 comprises a casing 2 which defines a cooking chamber 3 inside thereof, suitable for containing the food to be cooked.

[69] The term food means fresh, frozen, pre-cooked or pre-fried products.

[70] Preferably the food is pasta and cereals.

[71] The casing 2 may have a prismatic or cylindrical shape.

[72] The casing 2 is associated with a control panel, not visible in the figures, which includes a series of commands, such as buttons, or a touch screen. The control panel permits to set the desired cooking method.

[73] The casing 2 is provided with an opening, not visible in the figures, to allow the insertion of food in the chamber 3.

[74] The opening is associated with a lid, also not shown, which is movable between a first configuration, in which it is spaced from the opening, and a second configuration, in which it is arranged close to the opening, creating a hermetic closure. More specifically, when the lid is in the second configuration, the cooking chamber 3 is insulated from the external environment.

[75] The opening is preferably made on a portion of the casing 2 which is turned upwards in the configuration of use.

[76] The cooking chamber 3 comprises, in use, a container 4 for supporting the food. The container 4 is removably associated with the cooking chamber 3.

[77] The container 4 is made up of a basket having a mesh structure that allows the food to come into contact with the cooking fluid, be it water, superheated steam or heated air, as explained below.

[78] According to a preferred embodiment, the basket 4 is rotatably associated with the cooking chamber 3 and can be rotated around a rotation axis, helping to carry out uniform cooking of the food. The basket is associated with actuator means, not shown, which, when activated, rotates it around the rotation axis.

[79] The rotation axis can be substantially horizontal.

[80] At least one heating element 5 is arranged inside the cooking chamber 3, which can be activated, during the cooking step, to heat the fluid used for cooking.

[81] Preferably the cooking chamber 3 comprises a series of heating elements 5. Each heating element 5 comprises an electrical resistance.

[82] A conveyor device 6 is preferably mounted in the cooking chamber 3, which facilitates the distribution of superheated steam inside the chamber 3. The conveyor device 6 also facilitates the distribution of the heated air, according to the embodiment which provides a distribution assembly 40, as explained below. [83] The conveyor device 6 is removably mounted in the chamber 3 in order to be easily removed, when it is necessary to clean the device 6.

[84] The conveyor device 6 comprises at least one conveyor member 60 arranged in the cooking chamber 3, which extends on a plane lying transversely with respect to a bottom wall 30 of the cooking chamber 3.

[85] The plane of positioning of each conveyor member can be orthogonal to the bottom wall 30 of the chamber 3.

[86] Each conveyor member 60 can be made up of a plate on which a series of openings 7 are made for the passage of the fluid (see Figure 3).

[87] Alternatively, each conveyor member comprises one or more tubular elements provided with a series of openings for the passage of the fluid.

[88] According to an embodiment, illustrated in Figures 11-13, the conveyor device 6 comprises a pair of members arranged at the opposite side walls of the chamber 3, to facilitate the distribution of the superheated steam along these walls. A further conveyor member 60 is associated with the pair of members, which extends transversely with respect to the pair of members, to improve the distribution of steam also along this wall.

[89] According to this embodiment, the conveyor device has a U-shaped plan.

[90] At least one opening 8 for introducing superheated steam into the chamber is made on one wall of the cooking chamber 3. Preferably, the cooking chamber 3 has a plurality of inlet openings 8.

[91] Advantageously, the inlet openings 8 are made on the bottom wall 30 of the cooking chamber 3 (see Figure 9 and Figure 13) to allow superheated steam to be inserted into the cooking liquid, in the event that a method is implemented which provides to combine cooking with liquid and cooking with superheated steam.

[92] The inlet openings 8 are homogeneously distributed on the bottom wall 30.

[93] Preferably the inlet openings 8 are made both on the bottom wall 30 and on at least one further wall of the cooking chamber 3, which is preferably a side wall of the chamber 3.

[94] Each inlet opening 8 forms a slot. It is obviously possible that the inlet openings 8 have a different shape.

[95] A collection member 9 is associated with the cooking chamber 3, which has the function of receiving the superheated steam to be inserted into the cooking chamber 3.

[96] The collection member 9 is associated with a lower portion of the chamber 3, for example it is arranged below the bottom wall 30.

[97] The apparatus also includes a shutter member, not shown, which is communicating with the collection member.

[98] The shutter member is adapted to direct the superheated steam, or a portion of the superheated steam present in the collection member 9, towards the inlet openings 8 made on the bottom wall 30 and/or the inlet openings made on at least one side wall. The shutter member therefore establishes the amount of superheated steam that enters the chamber 3 through the openings 8 on the bottom and the amount of steam that enters the chamber 3 through the openings on at least one side wall, depending on the type of cooking that the user wants to make. The shutter member can direct the superheated steam entirely towards the openings 8 on the bottom wall 30 or towards the openings on the side wall.

[99] The shutter member is controlled by a control unit, which is described below.

[100] One or more sensors can be arranged at the cooking chamber 3, for example an oxygen sensor and a temperature sensor, both of which are not visible in the figures.

[101] The cooking chamber 3 is provided with an opening, not shown, for discharging the oxygen and the superheated steam, which is inside it. A discharge duct 10 is connected to the discharge opening to convey oxygen and/or superheated steam to the outside.

[102] A regulator member 11 , which can be activated to expel the oxygen and/or superheated steam from the cooking chamber 3 is associated with the discharge duct 10.

[103] The discharge duct 10 can be associated with a condensation system for the condensation of the superheated steam.

[104] Alternatively, it is possible to provide for a discharge duct for oxygen and a discharge duct for superheated steam.

[105] The cooking chamber 3 is connected to a tank 12 arranged to contain a predetermined quantity of a cooking liquid.

[106] The cooking liquid is preferably water.

[107] Reference is made to water as cooking liquid in the following description, but another cooking liquid can obviously be used.

[108] The tank 12 comprises heating means 13 designed to heat the water up to a predetermined temperature and to maintain it at this temperature, under control of the control unit.

[109] The heating means 13 can comprise one or more electrical resistances.

[110] Preferably this temperature is lower than the boiling temperature of the water, since the heating of the water up to boiling is completed in the cooking chamber 3, by the action of the heating means 5 of the chamber 3.

[111] The tank 12 is associated with sensor means, not visible in the figures, which include a level sensor, designed to monitor the level of the liquid inside the tank 12. If the liquid level is lower than a predetermined value, the level sensor sends a signal to the control unit to signal the need to restore the liquid level in the tank 12.

[112] The sensor means also comprise at least one temperature sensor to monitor the temperature of the water and therefore perform an adjustment of the heating means 13. These sensor means are configured to send data relating to the water temperature to the control unit which controls, based on the data received, the heating means 13 for keeping the water at a predetermined temperature.

[113] The tank 12 is arranged outside the cooking chamber 3 and is connected to the cooking chamber 3 by means of suitable connection means 14 comprising at least one duct.

[114] The tank 12 is insulated from the external environment in order to effectively maintain the temperature of the water contained within it.

[115] The tank 12 is associated with a feeding assembly 15 which can be operated, on command of the control unit, to convey a predetermined amount of heated water from the tank 12 to the cooking chamber 3.

[116] The control unit, not visible in the figures, is configured to control the apparatus 1 and, in particular, to send command signals to the feeding assembly 15 so as to command the insertion of a predetermined quantity of heated water into the cooking chamber 3.

[117] Preferably the control unit comprises an electronic processor and a memory that can be read by the electronic processor.

[118] The memory of the control unit is capable of storing data relating to the cooking methods that the apparatus can perform. More specifically, these data relate to the steps of each cooking method implemented by the apparatus, for example the duration of the steps and their sequence.

[119] The control unit is also configured to receive data from the sensor means, such as, for example, the sensors of the tank 12 and of the cooking chamber 3, which are used to generate the command signals.

[120] The feeding assembly 15 comprises a pump 16 and valve means.

[121] The pump 16 is preferably a positive displacement pump.

[122] The pump 16 is connected to the tank 12, through connection means 180, and is activated to suck the air from the external environment and put the tank 12 under pressure, in order to convey the heated water from the tank 12 to the cooking chamber 3.

[123] The valve means comprise a first regulating valve 17 interposed between the tank 12 and the cooking chamber 3, at the duct 14. The first valve 17 is movable between a block configuration, in which it prevents the passage of heated water, and an activated configuration, in which it allows the passage of water through the duct 14.

[124] The valve means also comprise a second valve 18 interposed between the pump 16 and the tank 12 which can be operated between a first configuration, in which it connects the pump 16 with the tank 12, and a second configuration, in which it interrupts the passage of the fluid between the pump 16 and the tank 12.

[125] The second valve 18 is arranged at the connection means 180.

[126] A third valve 19 is also associated with the tank 6 which allows the discharge of the air contained in the tank 12, through a vent duct 190, when it is necessary to fill the tank 12 again to restore the desired liquid level.

[127] Means for discharging the liquid contained in the chamber 3, not shown, are connected to the cooking chamber 3 to discharge the liquid from the chamber 3 at the end of the cooking process.

[128] The apparatus also includes a device 20 for generating superheated steam which is connected to the cooking chamber 3.

[129] In particular, the device 20 for generating superheated steam is connected to a portion of the cooking chamber 3 arranged below, in use. Preferably the device 20 for generating superheated steam is connected to the collection member 9.

[130] Additional valve means controlled by the control unit, which is not visible in the figures, are interposed between the device 20 for generating superheated steam and the cooking chamber 3.

[131] These valve means can be activated between a closed configuration, in which they prevent the passage of superheated steam into the cooking chamber 3, and an open configuration, in which they connect the device 20 for generating superheated steam with the cooking chamber 3.

[132] The device 20 for generating superheated steam is configured to generate a predetermined quantity of superheated steam to be introduced into the cooking chamber 3.

[133] According to an embodiment, the device 20 for generating superheated steam comprises a steam generation member 21 associated with a superheater 22.

[134] The steam generation member 21 comprises a container 23, suitable for containing a predetermined quantity of a liquid, and one or more heating elements 24, for example of the type of electric resistances, which are powered to evaporate the liquid and generate steam.

[135] The liquid is preferably water.

[136] The superheater 22 comprises at least one electrically conductive element 25, adapted to heat the steam up to an operating temperature which can reach 600 °C. The temperature is preferably between 100 °C and 600 °C.

[137] According to an embodiment, not visible in the figures, the superheater 22 comprises a containment body comprising inside it at least one channel for the passage of steam.

[138] Preferably, the containment body is made of metal material.

[139] The containment body comprises a support member made of a non-electrically conductive material. The support member can be made, for example, of ceramic material.

[140] The support member is inserted inside the containment body and is spaced from the internal wall of the containment body, defining an opening. [141] The support member has at least one through channel, through which passes the steam. The at least one through channel preferably extends from one end of the support member to an opposite end.

[142] The at least one electrically conductive element 25 is arranged in the at least one through channel.

[143] The electrically conductive element 25 comprises an electrically conductive filament which is powered by a source of electrical energy at a temperature such as to emit electromagnetic radiation. The steam is heated up to the operating temperature by radiation.

[144] The operation of the apparatus can be easily understood from the above description.

[145] In an initial step, the user turns on the apparatus and open the lid to insert the basket 4 containing the food inside the casing 2, in the cooking chamber 3. The user then closes the lid, making a hermetic closure of the cooking chamber 3.

[146] The user sets the desired cooking method using the control panel, involving, for example, a pre-treatment of food, a specific type of desired cooking and a post-treatment. It is obviously possible to set a single type of cooking, without pre-treatment or post-treatment of the food or to set only a pre-treatment or a post-treatment.

[147] If the cooking mode with water is selected, the control unit commands the operation of the feeding assembly 15 to allow the passage of a predetermined quantity of heated water from the tank 12 to the cooking chamber 3 through the duct 14.

[148] In particular, the control unit commands the switching on of the pump 16 and, at the same time, the activation of the second valve 18 in the configuration in which it connects the pump 16 with the tank 12. The first valve 17 is also activated to allow the passage of the heated water to the cooking chamber 3.

[149] In this step, the pump 16 sucks air from the external environment and pressures the tank 12, conveying the water to the cooking chamber 3. Once the cooking chamber 3 has been filled with a predetermined quantity of water, the first valve 17 is operated in the closed configuration.

[150] The basket 4 is rotated during the cooking process to facilitate a homogeneous cooking of the food.

[151] The sensor of the level of the tank 12 sends a signal to the control unit to restore the pre- established liquid level in the tank 12, following the insertion of a portion of the liquid in the cooking chamber 3. The third discharge valve 19 is then open, on command of the control unit, to expel the air contained in the tank 12, through the vent duct 190, towards the external environment and therefore to allow the insertion of further liquid into the tank. On the other hand, the second valve 18 is in the configuration in which it prevents communication between the pump 16 and the tank 12. [152] At the end of the cooking process with water, the water is discharged from the chamber 3, for example through the collection means.

[153] If a cooking method is selected which involves treating food with superheated steam together with cooking food in water, the control unit controls, following the insertion of water as described above, the activation of the device 20 for generating the superheated steam and relative valve means, interposed between the device for generating the superheated steam and the cooking chamber 3, for inserting a predetermined quantity of superheated steam into the cooking chamber 3.

[154] According to the embodiment which provides the inlet openings 8 on the bottom wall 30 of the cooking chamber 3, the superheated steam is introduced into the chamber 3 under the water level, favoring the heat exchange with the water, and therefore, with the food immersed in water.

[155] At the end of cooking, the superheated steam is expelled from the cooking chamber 3 through the relative discharge duct 10.

[156] According to an aspect of the invention, the apparatus also includes an assembly 40 for distributing heated air which is designed to insert a predetermined amount of heated air inside the cooking chamber 3.

[157] The distribution unit 40 comprises a ventilation device 41 connected to the cooking chamber 3, which is adapted to suck air from the cooking chamber 3. A heating device is associated with the ventilation device 41, which has the function of heating the air up to a predetermined temperature.

[158] The distribution assembly 40 also includes a distribution circuit 42 to convey the heated air to the cooking chamber 3.

[159] The ventilation device 41 comprises an impeller, arranged outside the cooking chamber 3, and a motor, adapted to rotate the impeller.

[160] The impeller can be rotated by the motor member, on command of the control unit, to suck the air from the cooking chamber 3 and convey it to a heating device.

[161] The distribution circuit 42 comprises at least one inlet duct 42a which connects the cooking chamber 3 to the ventilation device 41 and at least one delivery duct 42b which connects the heating device to the cooking chamber 3. The circuit may comprise a further delivery duct for connecting the ventilation device 41 with the heating device.

[162] The inlet duct 42a is equipped with valve means 43 which may be activated to connect the impeller of the ventilation device 41 to the cooking chamber 3.

[163] According to a preferred embodiment, the heating device consists of the superheater 22 (see Figures 5, 6 and 7). In this way it is possible to use the superheater 22 to heat the air with a consequent advantage in terms of reduced dimensions and a simpler structure of the apparatus. Furthermore, a further advantage is the possibility of heating the air to a relatively high temperature thanks to the superheater 22. This temperature, preferably, is between 150 °C and 450 °C.

[164] The delivery duct 44 may connect the ventilation device 41 directly to the superheater 22 (see Figure 5). Alternatively, the delivery duct connects the ventilation device 41 to the device 21 for generating steam and, therefore, the air sucked in by the impeller passes through the steam generator 21 before reaching the superheater 22, in which the heating takes place (see figure 6).

[165] The heating elements 5 of the cooking chamber 3 contribute to the heating of the air introduced into the cooking chamber 3.

[166] The operation of the apparatus according to this embodiment does not differ from the operation already described, with the exception of the further possibility of cooking food with heated air, on command of the control unit.

[167] If the selected cooking method involves treating the food with heated air, the control unit controls the activation of valve means 43 and the rotation of the impeller, which sucks the air from the cooking chamber 3. The sucked air is conducted by the distribution circuit 42 up to the heating device, where the air is heated. The heated air is then introduced into the cooking chamber 3.

[168] The apparatus according to the present invention achieves the purpose of cooking food automatically, facilitating the management of the entire cooking process, thanks to the provision of a water tank equipped with heating means which supplies a predetermined quantity of heated water to the cooking chamber, on command of the control unit.

[169] The use of the apparatus is facilitated since the user does not have to insert a predetermined amount of water in the cooking chamber but the insertion takes place automatically, if the cooking in water mode is selected. The user therefore only has to set the desired type of cooking from the control panel.

[170] A prerogative of the apparatus is the possibility of carrying out different types of cooking since the control unit controls the operation of the feeding assembly to insert the heated water into the cooking chamber and of the superheated steam device to insert superheated steam into the cooking chamber. It is therefore possible to combine cooking according to needs, for example to treat the food with superheated steam and, subsequently, to cook the food in water. The treatment of food with superheated steam permits to preserve the nutritional characteristics of the food, increasing the healthiness of the food.

[171] Furthermore, according to an advantageous aspect of the invention, it is also possible to cook with heated air, upon activation of the ventilation device. The combination of different types of cooking improves specific characteristics of the food, for example the use of superheated steam makes the food healthier, as already mentioned. The combination of different types of cooking also gives versatility to the apparatus as it allows the user to choose the most suitable cooking based on the type of food.

[172] It should be considered that the use of a tank containing water, kept at a predetermined temperature by the heating means, allows cooking to be speeded up as it is possible to insert already heated water into the chamber. More specifically, the overall cooking time is reduced thanks to the heating means of the tank, which heats the liquid contained inside the tank during the cooking process that takes place in the chamber, making heated water readily available for the next cooking.

[173] The water tank also permits to reduce energy consumption, considering that it is insulated from the external environment and does not exchange heat with any food, as well as with any component of the cooking chamber.

[174] Finally, it should be emphasized that the apparatus according to the present invention eliminates the risk of food contamination, in the case of sequential cooking of different foods, thanks to the fact that the liquid is discharged from the cooking chamber at the end of cooking, and that the level sensor signals to the control unit that it is necessary to fill the tank, after the liquid has been taken. In this way, an uncontaminated liquid is used for each cooking process.

[175] The apparatus described by way of example is subject to changes according to different needs.

[176] In the practical embodiment of the invention, the used materials, as well as the shape and the dimensions, may be modified depending on needs.

[177] Should the technical features mentioned in any claim be followed by reference signs, such reference signs were included strictly with the aim of enhancing the understanding of the claims and hence they shall not be deemed restrictive in any manner whatsoever on the scope of each element identified for exemplifying purposes by such reference signs.

Claims

1. An apparatus for cooking food comprising a casing (2) which defines a cooking chamber (3) inside thereof, suitable for containing said food; a tank (12) connected to said cooking chamber (3), adapted to contain a predetermined quantity of a liquid, said tank (12) being provided with heating means (13) for heating said liquid and with sensor means for monitoring the temperature of said liquid, said sensor means being configured to send data relating to the temperature of said liquid to a control unit; a device (20) for generating superheated steam connected to said cooking chamber (3), said device (20) for generating superheated steam comprising a steam generating member (21) and a superheater (22), said superheater (22) being associated with said steam generating member (21), said device (20) for generating superheated steam being configured to generate a predetermined quantity of superheated steam to be introduced into said cooking chamber (3); a feeding assembly (15) associated with said tank (12), said feeding assembly (15) being operable, on command of said control unit, to supply said predetermined quantity of heated liquid in said cooking chamber (3); said control unit comprising a computer and a memory readable by said computer, said control unit being configured to control said heating means, on the basis of the data sent by said sensor means, to maintain said liquid at a predetermined temperature, said unit control being also configured to control said feeding assembly (15) for inserting said predetermined quantity of heated liquid into said cooking chamber (3) and to control said device (20) for generating superheated steam for inserting a predetermined quantity of superheated steam into said cooking chamber (3).

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said feeding assembly (15) comprises a pump (16), connected to said tank (12), and valve means (17, 18, 19), said valve means (17, 18, 19) being controlled by said control unit, to convey, upon activation of said pump (16), said heated liquid into said cooking chamber (3).

3. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said sensor means of said tank (12) also comprises at least one level sensor, adapted to detect the level of liquid inside said tank (12).

4. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises a conveyor device (6), mounted inside said cooking chamber (3) adapted to facilitate the distribution of said superheated steam in said cooking chamber (3).

5. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said cooking chamber (3) has on a bottom wall (30) and/or on at least one side wall, at least one opening (8) for inserting superheated steam inside said cooking chamber (3).

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein it comprises a collection member (9) of said superheated steam, associated with said cooking chamber (3), said collection member (9) being suitable of receiving the superheated steam supplied by said device (20) for generating superheated steam.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein it comprises a shutter member, communicating with said collection member (9), said shutter member being adapted to direct the superheated steam, or a portion of the superheated steam, towards said at least one opening (8) made on said bottom wall (30) and/or towards said at least one opening made on at least one side wall of said cooking chamber (3).

8. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein it also comprises an assembly (40) for distributing heated air configured to insert a predetermined amount of heated air inside said cooking chamber (3).

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said assembly (40) for distributing heated air comprises a ventilation device (41) connected to said cooking chamber (3), adapted to suck air from said cooking chamber (3), a heating device associated with said ventilation device (41), arranged to heat said air sucked in from said cooking chamber (3), and a distribution circuit (42) to convey said heated air into said cooking chamber (3).

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said heating device consists of said superheater (22).