COOKING APPLIANCE WITH DOUBLE USER INTERFACE

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a cooking appliance for cooking food products, and in particular to an electric cooking appliance of the grill and / or barbecue type. State of the art

[0002] It is known from the prior art to use a cooking appliance which comprises: a first structure comprising a first cooking plate configured to cook a food; a second structure comprising a second cooking plate, the second structure being mounted articulated relative to the first structure about a pivot axis, and a user interface which is provided on the first structure and which is configured to allow a user to select at least one operating parameter of the cooking appliance.

[0003] The cooking appliance as known in the prior art can alternatively occupy a so-called "grill" function in which food is intended to be enclosed and cooked between the first and second cooking plates, and a second so-called "barbecue" function in which the first and second cooking plates are spaced apart at 180° so as to be substantially in the same plane, said plane being generally horizontal when the cooking appliance rests on a horizontal surface.

[0004] The cooking appliance as described in the prior art advantageously allows a single household appliance to be used to fulfill two distinct functions: that of a food grill, and that of a barbecue.

[0005] In order to improve the use and ergonomics of this family of cooking appliances, it is advantageous to provide a user interface that is easy and practical to access for a user in all cooking modes, namely the grill mode and the barbecue mode. For this purpose, it is known to arrange the user interface on a front face of the first structure; however, such an arrangement of the user interface prevents the collection of cooking juices from a front face of the first structure.

[0006] It is also known from the prior art to provide the user interface on the second structure of the cooking appliance, and more precisely on a handling part which is mechanically connected to the second structure; however this configuration is problematic because it makes the handling of the user interface complex when the cooking appliance is in “barbecue” mode.

[0007] Document US2007 / 119442A1 discloses a prior art cooking apparatus. Summary of the invention

[0008] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in providing a cooking appliance allowing the cooking of food products in a grill configuration but also in a barbecue configuration, while being ergonomic and simple to use in the grill configuration as well as in the barbecue configuration and while possibly allowing the collection of cooking juices from a front face of the first structure.

[0009] To this end, the present invention relates to a cooking appliance for cooking food products, the cooking appliance comprising: - - a first structure comprising a first cooking module comprising a first cooking plate, - - a second structure comprising a second cooking module comprising a second cooking plate, - - a pivot connection connecting the second structure to the first structure and configured to allow pivoting of the second structure relative to the first structure around a pivot axis and between a closed position in which the first cooking plate and the second cooking plate have a minimum spacing, and for example are in contact, and a maximum open position in which the first cooking plate and the second cooking plate have a maximum spacing when the cooking appliance rests on a support surface which is horizontal, - - a first user interface arranged on the first structure,- - a control unit configured to control the operation of the cooking appliance, , the cooking appliance having a first mode of use, called grill mode, in which a food is intended to be sandwiched between the first and second cooking plates, and a second mode of use, called barbecue mode, in which each of the first and second cooking plates is capable of supporting and cooking a respective food, that is to say in which each of the first and second cooking plates is operational, characterized in that the cooking appliance comprises a second user interface arranged on the second structure, in that the first user interface is dedicated to the first mode of use and the second user interface is dedicated to the second mode of use, and in that the control unit is configured to activate the first user interface and deactivate the second user interface when the cooking appliance is in the first mode of use,and to activate the second user interface and deactivate the first user interface when the cooking appliance is in the second mode of use. ,

[0010] The presence of a second user interface provided on the second structure as well as a first user interface provided on the first structure allow the user to interact in an easy and ergonomic manner with the cooking appliance regardless of the position of the second structure. Advantageously also, the interdependence between the activation of the first user interface and the deactivation of the second user interface makes it possible to limit the possible risks of an unwanted interaction with one or other of the user interfaces of the cooking appliance during its handling for example.

[0011] The electric cooking appliance may further have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second structure occupies the maximum open position when the cooking appliance is in the second mode of use.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking appliance is configured such that the first cooking plate and the second cooking plate define a first angle of inclination of between 150 and 200°, advantageously between 170 and 190° and for example approximately 180°, when the second structure occupies the maximum open position.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second user interfaces is configured to allow a user to select at least one operating parameter of the cooking appliance.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the activation of the first user interface is conditioned by the deactivation of the second user interface, and conversely, the activation of the second user interface is conditioned by the deactivation of the first user interface.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second user interface and the first user interface are configured to allow a user in particular to turn on or off the cooking appliance, to adjust the temperature of the first and second cooking modules, and / or to access automatic cooking programs.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first cooking module and the second cooking module respectively comprise a first heating element and a second heating element.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to activate the first user interface and deactivate the second user interface when a first activation condition is detected by the control unit, and to activate the second user interface and deactivate the first user interface when a second activation condition is detected by the control unit.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second cooking plates are substantially parallel when the second structure is in the maximum open position.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first user interface and the second user interface may have different keys or buttons or a touch screen for accessing a menu.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking appliance is configured such that the first activation condition is reached when the second structure is pivoted, from the maximum open position, towards the closed position and reaches a first predetermined position located between the closed position and the maximum open position, and such that the second activation condition is reached when the second structure is pivoted, from the closed position, towards the maximum open position and reaches a second predetermined position located between the closed position and the maximum open position.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second predetermined positions are identical.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second predetermined positions are distinct from each other.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second structure is capable of occupying an intermediate opening position which is stable and located between the closed position and the maximum opening position.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking appliance is configured such that the first cooking plate and the second cooking plate define a second tilt angle of between 90 and 120° when the second structure occupies the intermediate opening position.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the cooking appliance is in the first mode of use, the second structure occupies a position located between the closed position and the intermediate open position.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second predetermined positions correspond for example to the same position located close to, and for example immediately after, the intermediate opening position, or located close to the maximum opening position.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second structure comprises at least one connecting arm connected to the pivot connection, and for example two lateral connecting arms each connected to the pivot connection. Advantageously, the gripping handle comprises the two lateral connecting arms.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking appliance comprises at least one additional pivot connection which is configured to connect the second cooking module to the at least one connecting arm and to allow rotation of the second cooking module relative to the at least one connecting arm around an additional pivot axis. Advantageously, the at least one additional pivot connection makes it possible to position the second cooking module in the desired orientation, and generally substantially parallel to the first cooking module, without being influenced by the relative spacing of the first and second cooking modules, and more particularly of the first and second cooking plates.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the additional pivot axis is substantially parallel to the pivot axis.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis is substantially horizontal when the cooking appliance rests on a horizontal surface.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking appliance further comprises an electrical contact configured to occupy a first state when the cooking appliance is in the first mode of use, and for example when the second structure occupies a position located between the closed position and the intermediate open position, and configured to occupy a second state when the cooking appliance is in the second mode of use, and for example when the second structure occupies a position located between the intermediate open position and the maximum open position.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrical contact is configured to occupy the first state as long as the second structure occupies a position located between the closed position and the intermediate open position, and to occupy the second state as long as the second structure occupies a position located between the intermediate open position and the maximum open position, excluding the intermediate open position.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrical contact is an all-or-nothing sensor, and for example a switch, a lever switch, a push button or a micro switch.

[0035] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the electrical contact is configured to be moved into the second state when the second structure is pivoted from the intermediate opening position towards the maximum opening position and reaches the second predetermined position, and to be moved into the first state when the second structure is pivoted from a position between the maximum opening position and the intermediate opening position towards the intermediate opening position and reaches the first predetermined position.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking appliance comprises an actuating device configured to move the electrical contact into the first state when the second structure is pivoted, from the maximum opening position, towards the closing position and reaches the first predetermined position, and to move the electrical contact into the second state when the second structure is pivoted, from the closing position, towards the intermediate opening position and reaches the second predetermined position.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating device comprises an actuating member, such as an actuating finger, which is pivotally secured to the second structure and which is configured to activate or deactivate the electrical contact when the second structure reaches the first predetermined position and to deactivate or activate the electrical contact when the second structure reaches the second predetermined position. According to such an embodiment, the electrical contact may for example be fixed to the first structure and be static.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating device comprises a movable actuating member, for example in translation, between an actuating position in which the actuating member is configured to activate the electrical contact and a rest position in which the actuating member is configured to deactivate the electrical contact, and a cam configured to move the actuating member from the rest position to the actuating position when the second structure reaches the first predetermined position or the second predetermined position.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating device is at least partly provided inside one of the lateral connecting arms. Such an arrangement makes it possible to reduce the size of the cooking appliance.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cam is pivotally integral with the second structure.

[0041] According to another embodiment of the invention, the cam is stationary relative to the first structure.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating member is mounted on the second structure, and is therefore mounted to be able to rotate around the pivot axis.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating member has a first actuating portion configured to cooperate with the cam and a second actuating portion configured to cooperate with the electrical contact, and more particularly to activate and deactivate the electrical contact.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating device also comprises a biasing member, such as a return spring for example, configured to bias the actuating member towards the rest position when the cam is angularly offset relative to the actuating member.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping handle is configured to be located on the side of a front face of the first structure when the second structure is in the closed position.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second user interface is provided on the gripping handle, and for example on the gripping part.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first user interface is provided on a side face of the first structure.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking appliance comprises a locking device movable between a locking state in which the pivoting amplitude of the second structure is restricted to a pivoting between the closed position and the intermediate open position, and an unlocking state in which the second structure is able to be moved to the maximum open position.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking device comprises a handling part and a locking part which are mechanically connected, the handling part being mounted to move, for example in translation, between a first position and a second position, the locking device is configured such that a movement of the handling part from the first position to the second position causes a movement of the locking part into a locking position corresponding to the locking state of the locking device, and such that a movement of the handling part from the second position to the first position causes a movement of the locking part into an unlocking position corresponding to the unlocking state of the locking device.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the blocking device comprises an electrical contact configured to occupy a first state, and for example to be deactivated or activated, when the blocking part occupies the blocking position, and configured to occupy a second state, and for example to be activated or deactivated, when the blocking part occupies the unlocking position.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking portion is configured to be held in the unlocked position as long as the second structure occupies a position located between the intermediate opening position and the maximum opening position, excluding the intermediate opening position.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking appliance is configured such that the first activation condition is reached when the blocking portion is moved into the unlocking position, and such that the second activation condition is reached when the blocking portion is moved into the locking position.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking portion is automatically moved into the unlocking position when the second structure is pivoted from a position between the maximum opening position and the intermediate opening position, towards the intermediate opening position and reaches the intermediate opening position.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the handling part is provided on the at least one connecting arm of the second structure.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating device is formed at least in part by the locking device.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second structure comprises a gripping handle configured to be manipulated by a user, the second user interface being provided on the gripping handle.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the first structure rests on a horizontal surface and the second structure occupies the maximum open position, the grip handle is in contact with said horizontal surface.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping handle is configured to support the second cooking module.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first cooking plate is configured to be inclined downwardly and towards a front face of the first structure when the cooking appliance rests on a horizontal surface.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second cooking plate is configured to be inclined downwards and towards the front face of the first structure when the cooking appliance rests on a horizontal surface and the second structure is in the maximum open position.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking appliance further comprises a cooking juice collection tray configured to collect cooking juices coming at least from the first cooking plate, the cooking juice collection tray being arranged at least partly under the first cooking module.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first cooking plate comprises a front spill portion which is provided on a front edge of the first cooking plate and which is located vertically in line with a front portion of the cooking juice collection tray, the front spill portion being configured to allow a flow by gravity of the cooking juices coming from the first cooking plate into the cooking juice collection tray. Such a configuration of the first cooking plate, associated with a downward and forward inclination of the first cooking plate, makes it possible to generate a flow of the cooking juices, present on the first cooking plate, towards the cooking juice collection tray when the cooking appliance rests on a support surface which is substantially horizontal.These provisions limit the emission of fumes and ensure the release of burning vapors at the rear of the cooking appliance, and therefore away from a user.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second cooking plate comprises an additional spill portion which is provided on a transverse edge of the second cooking plate and which is configured to be located vertically in line with a rear portion of the cooking juice collection tray when the second structure is in the maximum open position, the additional spill portion is configured to allow a flow by gravity of the cooking juices coming from the second cooking plate into the cooking juice collection tray when the second structure is in the maximum open position.Such a configuration of the second cooking plate, associated with a downward and forward tilt of the second cooking plate when the second structure occupies the maximum open position, makes it possible to generate a flow of cooking juices, present on the second cooking plate, towards the cooking juice collection tray when the cooking appliance rests on a support surface which is substantially horizontal and is used in a barbecue configuration.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking juice collection tray is removable.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking appliance comprises a position detection device configured to detect the modes of use, the position detection device being an angular sensor such as a potentiometer for example. Brief description of the figures

[0066] The present invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the appended figures, in which identical reference signs correspond to structurally and / or functionally identical or similar elements. [ Fig 1 ] is a side perspective view of a cooking appliance according to a first embodiment of the invention in grill configuration; [ Fig 2 ] is a side perspective view of the cooking appliance of the figure 1 in barbecue configuration; [ Fig 3 ] is a longitudinal sectional view of the cooking appliance of the figure 1 in a closed position; [ Fig 4 ] is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the cooking appliance of the figure 1 in a maximum opening position; [ Fig 5 ] is a schematic side view of a cooking appliance according to a second embodiment of the invention and in a closed position; [ Fig 6 ] is a schematic side view of the cooking appliance of the Figure 5 in the maximum opening position; [ Fig 7 ] is a schematic side view of a cooking appliance according to a third embodiment of the invention and in the closed position; [ Fig 8 ] is a schematic side view of the cooking appliance of the figure 7 in the maximum opening position. Detailed description

[0067] THE figures 1 to 4 represent a cooking appliance 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The cooking appliance 1 is configured for cooking food, such as meat, fish, vegetables or other food products.

[0068] The cooking appliance 1 comprises a first structure 2 which comprises a first cooking module 3 which itself comprises a first cooking plate 3.1 and a first heating element (not visible in the figures) configured to heat the first cooking plate 3.1, and a second structure 4 which comprises a second cooking module 5 which itself comprises a second cooking plate 5.1 and a second heating element (not visible in the figures) configured to heat the second cooking plate 5.1.

[0069] The cooking appliance 1 has a first mode of use, called grill mode, in which a food is intended to be enclosed and cooked between the first and second cooking plates 3.1, 5.1, and a second mode of use, called barbecue mode, in which each of the first and second cooking plates 3.1, 5.1 is capable of supporting and cooking a respective food, that is to say in which each of the first and second cooking plates 3.1, 5.1 is operational. The second structure 4 also comprises a gripping handle 6 comprising a gripping portion 7 configured to be manipulated by a user, as well as two lateral connecting arms 8. The gripping handle 6 is advantageously configured to support the second cooking module 5 and has a U shape.

[0070] The second structure 4 is connected to the first structure 2 by a pivot connection 9 which defines a pivot axis A1. The pivot connection 9 is configured such that the second structure 4 is mounted articulated relative to the first structure 2 and is movable between a closed position in which the first cooking plate 3.1 and the second cooking plate 5.1 have a minimum spacing, and for example are in contact with each other, and a maximum open position in which the first cooking plate 3.1 and the second cooking plate 5.1 have a maximum spacing and define a first inclination angle of between 150 and 200°, and advantageously between 170 and 190°.

[0071] Advantageously, the second structure 4 is configured to occupy: - an intermediate opening position which is stable and located between the closed position and the maximum opening position and in which the first cooking plate 3.1 and the second cooking plate 5.1 define a second inclination angle of between 90 and 120°, and - a plurality of cooking positions located between the closed position and the intermediate opening position and in each of which a food can be clamped between the first cooking plate 3.1 and the second cooking plate 5.1.

[0072] Advantageously, the first and second cooking plates 3.1, 5.1 are substantially parallel when the second structure 4 is in the maximum open position, in order to offer the user a use of the cooking appliance 1 which is comparable to an electric barbecue.

[0073] For obvious reasons of practicality, the first structure 2 comprises feet configured to rest on a flat support surface SA, such as a work surface.

[0074] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the second structure 4 comprises an additional pivot connection 24 which is configured to connect the second cooking module 5 to the lateral connecting arms 8 and to allow rotation of the second cooking module 5 relative to the lateral connecting arms 8 around an additional pivot axis A2 which is substantially parallel to the pivot axis A1. Advantageously, the additional pivot connection 24 makes it possible to position the second cooking module 5 according to the desired orientation, and generally substantially parallel to the first cooking module 3 when the second structure 4 is in one of the cooking positions. In other words, the second cooking module 5 is pivotally mounted relative to the gripping handle 6.Advantageously, the gripping portion 7 of the grip handle 6 is configured to be in contact with the bearing surface SA when the second structure 4 occupies the maximum open position.

[0075] According to the first embodiment of the invention as presented in the figures 1 to 4 , the cooking appliance 1 also comprises a first user interface 10 which is provided on the first structure 2 and which is configured to allow a user to select at least one operating parameter of the cooking appliance 1. Advantageously, the first user interface 10 is provided on a side face of the first structure 2.

[0076] The cooking appliance 1 also comprises a second user interface 11 which is provided on the second structure 4 and which is also configured to allow a user to select at least one operating parameter of the cooking appliance 1. Advantageously, the second user interface 11 is provided on the gripping portion 7 in order to facilitate access by the user when the second structure 4 is in one of the cooking positions or in the closed position.

[0077] Advantageously, the first user interface 10 is dedicated to the first mode of use and the second user interface 11 is dedicated to the second mode of use.

[0078] The first user interface 10 and the second user interface 11 may have various keys or buttons or a touch screen for accessing a menu. The second user interface 11 and the first user interface 10 are configured in particular to allow a user to turn on or off the cooking appliance 1, to adjust the temperature of the first and second cooking modules 3, 5, or to access automatic cooking programs.

[0079] The cooking appliance 1 also comprises a control unit 13 configured to control the operation of the cooking appliance 1. Advantageously, the control unit 13 is configured to activate the first user interface 10 and deactivate the second user interface 11 when the cooking appliance 1 is in the first mode of use, and to activate the second user interface 11 and deactivate the first user interface 10 when the cooking appliance 1 is in the second mode of use.

[0080] The control unit 13 is more particularly configured to activate the first user interface 10 and deactivate the second user interface 11 when a first activation condition is detected by the control unit 13, and to activate the second user interface 11 and deactivate the first user interface 10 when a second activation condition is detected by the control unit 13. The first and second activation conditions are defined such that the first user interface 10 and the second user interface 11 are respectively activated and deactivated when the cooking appliance 1 is in the first mode of use, and such that the first user interface 10 and the second user interface 11 are respectively deactivated and activated when the cooking appliance 1 is in the second mode of use.

[0081] Furthermore, the cooking appliance 1 is configured such that the first activation condition is reached when the second structure 4 is pivoted, from the maximum opening position, towards the intermediate opening position and reaches a first predetermined position located between the intermediate opening position and the maximum opening position, and such that the second activation condition is reached when the second structure 4 is pivoted, from the intermediate opening position, towards the maximum opening position and reaches a second predetermined position located between the intermediate opening position and the maximum opening position.

[0082] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the first and second predetermined positions are adjacent and located near the maximum opening position. For example, the second predetermined position could be the maximum opening position, such that the second activation condition would be detected by the control unit 13 only when the second structure 4 reaches the maximum opening position and the first predetermined position could be located immediately before the maximum opening position, such that the first activation condition would be detected by the control unit 13 as soon as the second structure 4 leaves the maximum opening position. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the first and second predetermined positions are distant from each other or are located near the intermediate opening position.

[0083] Advantageously, the presence of a second user interface 11 provided on the second structure 4, and more particularly on the gripping part 7 of the gripping handle 6, as well as a first user interface 10 provided on the first structure 2 allow the user to access and interact easily and ergonomically with the cooking appliance 1 regardless of the position of the second structure 4. Advantageously also, the interdependence between the activation of the first user interface 10 and the deactivation of the second user interface 11 makes it possible to limit the possible risks of an unwanted interaction with one or other of the user interfaces of the cooking appliance 1 during its handling for example.

[0084] As seen more specifically on the Figures 3 and 4, the cooking appliance 1 further comprises an electrical contact 15, such as a microswitch, configured to occupy a first state, and for example to be deactivated or activated, when the cooking appliance 1 is in the first mode of use, and configured to occupy a second state, and for example to be activated or deactivated, when the cooking appliance 1 is in the second mode of use.

[0085] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the electrical contact 15 is configured to be moved into the second state when the second structure 4 is pivoted, from the intermediate opening position, towards the maximum opening position and reaches the second predetermined position, and to be moved into the first state when the second structure 4 is pivoted, from a position located between the maximum opening position and the intermediate opening position, towards the intermediate opening position and reaches the first predetermined position.

[0086] Advantageously, the electrical contact 15 is configured to occupy the first state at a minimum when the second structure 4 occupies a position located between the closed position and the intermediate open position, and to occupy the second state at a minimum when the second structure 4 occupies the maximum open position. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the electrical contact 15 could be configured to occupy the first state as long as the second structure 4 occupies a position located between the closed position and the intermediate open position, and to occupy the second state as long as the second structure 4 occupies a position located between the intermediate open position and the maximum open position, excluding the intermediate open position.

[0087] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the electrical contact 15 is static and is arranged in the first structure 2, and for example near the pivot connection 9.

[0088] The cooking appliance 1 also comprises an actuating device configured to move the electrical contact 15 into the first state when the second structure 4 is pivoted, from the maximum open position, towards the closed position and reaches the first predetermined position, and to move the electrical contact 15 into the second state when the second structure 4 is pivoted, from the closed position, towards the maximum open position and reaches the second predetermined position.

[0089] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the actuating device comprises an actuating member 17, such as an actuating finger, which is pivotally secured to the second structure 4 and which is configured to activate the electrical contact 15 when the second structure 4 substantially reaches the maximum opening position and to deactivate the electrical contact 15 when the second structure 4 moves slightly away from the maximum opening position.

[0090] Advantageously, the cooking appliance 1 comprises a locking device 18 which is movable between a locking state in which the pivoting amplitude of the second structure 4 is restricted to a pivoting between the closed position and the intermediate open position, and an unlocking state in which the second structure 4 is able to be moved to the maximum open position, and is therefore movable between the closed position and the maximum open position. Advantageously, the locking state of the locking device 18 makes it possible to maintain the second structure 4 in a stable position when it is in the intermediate open position.

[0091] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the locking device 18 comprises a locking portion which is mechanically connected to a handling portion 19 which is provided on one of the lateral connecting arms 8 of the gripping handle, so as to be accessible by the user. The handling portion 19 is movable in translation between a first position and a second position. The locking device 18 is configured such that a movement of the handling portion 19 from the first position to the second position causes a movement of the locking portion into a locking position corresponding to the locking state of the locking device 18, and such that a movement of the handling portion 19 from the second position to the first position causes a movement of the locking portion into an unlocking position corresponding to the unlocking state of the locking device 18.Advantageously, the cooking appliance 1 is configured such that the handling part 19 is held in the first position when the second structure 4 is moved between the intermediate opening position and the maximum opening position.

[0092] Still according to the first embodiment of the invention, the cooking appliance 1 further comprises a cooking juice collection tray 21 which is configured to collect cooking juices from the first and second cooking modules 3, 5. The cooking juice collection tray 21 is arranged under the first cooking module 3. The cooking juice collection tray 21 may for example be removable so that it can be emptied and cleaned.

[0093] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the first cooking plate 3.1 comprises a front overflow portion 22 which is provided on a front edge of the first cooking plate 3.1 and which is located vertically in line with a front portion of the cooking juice collection tray 21. The front overflow portion 22 is more particularly configured to allow a flow by gravity of the cooking juices coming from the first cooking plate 3.1 into the cooking juice collection tray 21.

[0094] Advantageously, the second cooking plate 5.1 comprises an additional spill portion 23 which is provided on a transverse edge of the second cooking plate 5.1 and which is configured to be located vertically in line with a rear portion of the cooking juice collection tray 21 when the second structure 4 is in the maximum open position. The additional spill portion 23 is configured to allow gravity flow of the cooking juices from the second cooking plate 5.1 into the cooking juice collection tray 21 when the second structure 4 is in the maximum open position.

[0095] Advantageously, the first cooking plate 3.1 is configured to be inclined downwards and towards a front face 12 of the first structure 2 when the cooking appliance 1 rests on a horizontal surface, and the second cooking plate 5.1 is also configured to be inclined downwards and towards the front face 12 of the first structure 2 when the cooking appliance 1 rests on a horizontal surface and the second structure 4 is in the maximum open position. Such an inclination of the first and second cooking plates 3.1, 5.1 makes it possible to generate a flow of cooking juices towards the cooking juice collection tray 21 when the cooking appliance 1 rests on a support surface SA which is substantially horizontal.

[0096] THE Figures 5 and 6 represent a cooking appliance 1 which differs from the first embodiment shown in the figures 1 to 4essentially in that the first and second predetermined positions are identical and located near the intermediate opening position, and for example immediately after the intermediate opening position towards the maximum opening position, and in that the actuating device comprises a cam 16 and an actuating member 17 movable, for example in translation, between an actuating position in which the actuating member 17 is configured to activate the electrical contact 15 and a rest position in which the actuating member 17 is configured to deactivate the electrical contact 15.The cam 16 is more particularly configured to move the actuating member 17 from the rest position to the actuating position when the second structure 4 is pivoted, from a position located between the maximum opening position and the intermediate opening position, towards the intermediate opening position and substantially reaches the intermediate opening position.

[0097] Advantageously, the actuating device comprises a biasing member (not shown in the figures), such as a return spring, configured to bias the actuating member 17 into the rest position when the cam 16 is angularly offset relative to the actuating member 17.

[0098] According to the second embodiment of the invention, the cam 16 is stationary relative to the first structure 2 and comprises a cam surface which is in an arc of a circle and which is coaxial with the pivot axis A1, and the actuating member 17 is mounted on the second structure 4, and is for example housed in one of the lateral connecting arms 8. Advantageously, the electrical contact 15 is also housed in one of the lateral connecting arms 8.

[0099] The actuating member 17 has a first actuating portion, for example formed by a first end of the actuating member 17, configured to cooperate with the cam 16, and a second actuating portion, for example formed by a second end of the actuating member 17, configured to cooperate with the electrical contact 15, and more particularly to activate and deactivate the electrical contact 15. Advantageously, during the movement of the second structure 4 between the closed position and the intermediate open position, the cam 16 cooperates with the actuating member 17 and maintains it in its actuating position; conversely, during the movement of the second structure 4 between the intermediate open position and the maximum open position, the cam 16 releases the actuating member 17 and the latter is urged towards the rest position by the urging member.

[0100] THE figures 7 and 8represent a cooking appliance 1 according to a third embodiment of the invention which differs from the second embodiment in particular in that the locking device 18 also comprises an electrical contact 20, such as a microswitch, configured to occupy a first state, and for example to be deactivated or activated, when the locking part occupies the locking position, and configured to occupy a second state, and for example to be activated or deactivated, when the locking part occupies the unlocking position. Advantageously, the locking part is configured to be maintained in the unlocking position as long as the second structure 4 occupies a position located between the intermediate opening position and the maximum opening position, excluding the intermediate opening position.

[0101] Thus, according to this third embodiment of the invention, the cooking appliance 1 is configured such that the first activation condition is reached when the blocking part is moved into the unlocking position, i.e. when the manipulation part 19 is moved into the first position and the electrical contact 20 is activated, and such that the second activation condition is reached when the blocking part is moved into the blocking position, i.e. when the manipulation part 19 is moved into the second position and the electrical contact 20 is deactivated.

[0102] According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the cooking appliance 1 could comprise a position detection device, such as a linear or rotary potentiometer for example, and the position detection device could be configured to control the first and second modes of use as a function of values ​​coming from the position detection device.

[0103] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated which have been given only as examples.

Claims

1. Cooking appliance (1) for cooking food products, the cooking appliance (1) comprising: - a first structure (2) comprising a first cooking module (3) comprising a first cooking plate (3.1), - a second structure (4) comprising a second cooking module (5) comprising a second cooking plate (5.1), - a pivot connection (9) connecting the second structure (4) to the first structure (2) and configured to enable a pivoting of the second structure (4) with respect to the first structure (2) about a pivot axis (A1) and between a closing position, in which the first cooking plate (3.1) and the second cooking plate (5.1) have a minimum spacing, and a maximum opening position, in which the first cooking plate (3.1) and the second cooking plate (5.1) have a maximum spacing when the cooking appliance (1) rests on a support surface (SA) which is horizontal, - a first user interface (10) disposed on the first structure (2), - a control unit (13) configured to control the operation of the cooking appliance (1), the cooking appliance (1) having a first user mode, called grill mode, in which a food is intended to be inserted between the first and second cooking plates (3.1, 5.1), and a second user mode, called barbecue mode, in which each of the first and second cooking plates (3.1, 5.1) is capable of supporting and cooking a respective food, the cooking appliance (1) comprising a second user interface (11) disposed on the second structure (4), characterised in that the first user interface (10) is dedicated to the first use mode and the second user interface (11) is dedicated to the second use mode, and in that the control unit (13) is configured to activate the first user interface (10) and deactivate the second user interface (11) when the cooking appliance is in the first use mode, and to activate the second user interface (11) and deactivate the first user interface (10) when the cooking appliance (1) is in the second use mode.

2. Cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (13) is configured to activate the first user interface (10) and deactivate the second user interface (11) when a first activation condition is detected by the control unit (13), and to activate the second user interface (11) and deactivate the first user interface (10) when a second activation condition is detected by the control unit (13).

3. Cooking appliance (1) according to claim 2, which is configured such that the first activation condition is reached when the second structure (4) is pivoted, from the maximum opening position, in the direction of the closing position and reaches a first predetermined position located between the closing position and the maximum opening position, and such that the second activation condition is reached when the second structure (4) is pivoted, from the closing position, in the direction of the maximum opening position and reaches a second predetermined position located between the closing position and the maximum opening position.

4. Cooking appliance (1) according to claim 3, wherein the first and second predetermined positions are identical.

5. Cooking appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second structure (4) is capable of occupying an intermediate opening position which is stable and located between the closing position and the maximum opening position.

6. Cooking appliance (1) according to claim 5, which comprises a blocking device (18) which is moveable between a blocking state, in which the pivot amplitude of the second structure (4) is restricted to a pivoting between the closing position and the intermediate opening position, and an unblocking state in which the second structure (4) is capable of being moved to the maximum opening position.

7. Cooking appliance (1) according to claim 6, wherein the blocking device (18) comprises a handling part (19) and a blocking part, which are mechanically connected, the handling part (19) being movably mounted between a first position and a second position, the blocking device (18) is configured such that a movement of the handling part (19) from the first position to the second position leads to a movement of the blocking part in a blocking position corresponding to the blocking state of the blocking device (18), and such that a movement of the handling part (19) from the second position to the first position leads to a movement of the blocking part in an unblocking position corresponding to the unblocking state of the blocking device (18).

8. Cooking appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which further comprises an electric contact (15) configured to occupy a first state when the cooking appliance (1) is in the first use mode, and configured to occupy a second state when the cooking appliance (1) is in the second use mode.

9. Cooking appliance (1) according to claims 3 and 8, which comprises an actuation device configured to move the electric contact (15) in the first state when the second structure (4) is pivoted, from the maximum opening position, in the direction of the closing position and reaches the first predetermined position, and to move the electric contact (15) in the second state when the second structure (4) is pivoted, from the closing position, in the direction of the intermediate opening position and reaches the second predetermined position.

10. Cooking appliance (1) according to claim 9, wherein the actuation device comprises: - an actuation member (17) which is movable between an actuation position in which the actuation member (17) is configured to activate the electric contact (15) and a rest position in which the actuation member (17) is configured to deactivate the electric contact (15), and - a cam (16) configured to move the actuation member (17) from the rest position to the actuation position when the second structure (4) reaches the first predetermined position or the second predetermined position.

11. Cooking appliance (1) according to claim 9 combined with claim 6 or 7, wherein the actuation device is formed at least partially by the blocking device (18).

12. Cooking appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second structure (4) comprises a handle (6) configured to be handled by a user, the second user interface (11) being provided on the handle (6).

13. Cooking appliance (1) according to claim 12, wherein, when the first structure (2) rests on a horizontal surface and when the second structure (4) occupies the maximum opening position, the handle (6) is in contact with said horizontal surface.

14. Cooking appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first cooking plate (3.1) is configured to be inclined towards the bottom and towards a front face (12) of the first structure (2) when the cooking appliance (1) rests on a horizontal surface.

15. Cooking appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which further comprises a cooking juice collecting tray (21) configured to collect cooking juice coming from at least the first cooking plate (3.1), the cooking juice collecting tray (21) being disposed at least partially under the first cooking module (3).

16. Cooking appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first cooking plate (3.1) comprises a front discharge part (22) which is provided on a front edge of the first cooking plate (3.1) and which is located in vertical alignment with a front part of the cooking juice collecting tray (21), the front discharge part (22) being configured to enable a flowing, through gravity, of the cooking juices coming from the first cooking plate (3.1) into the cooking juice collecting tray (21).

17. Cooking appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first user interface (10) is disposed on a side face of the first structure (2).