Electric cooking tool

Abstract

To provide a simple and compact electric cooking tool.SOLUTION: An electric cooking tool (1) is configured to cook food, including: a casing (2) having a receiving compartment (3); and a cooking recipient (4) configured to be at least partially stored in the receiving compartment (3). The cooking recipient (4) includes: a recipient bottom part (6); a baking tray; and a hot air heating system (11) configured to heat and cook the food. The electric cooking tool (1) includes a positioning system configured to position the baking tray based on at least one cooking position at which the baking tray extends on a first cooking plane and is positioned at a first distance from the recipient bottom part (6), and based on a second cooking position at which the baking tray extends in a second cooking plane and is positioned at a second distance from the recipient bottom part (6) that is shorter than the first distance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to an electric cooking appliance for cooking food according to at least one hot-air cooking mode. [Background technology]

[0002] From the prior art, it has been found that an oven is configured to cook food, a casing comprising a receiving compartment; - a cooking recipient configured to be at least partially contained within the receiving compartment, the cooking recipient including a recipient bottom and a peripheral wall extending from the recipient bottom and defining a cooking volume together with the recipient bottom; - a baking tray configured to be supported by a food recipient and to support food; - a hot air heating system configured to heat and cook food present in the receiving compartment according to a hot air cooking mode; It is known to use electric cooking appliances, including

[0003] Such electric cooking appliances allow a user to cook food in a cooking recipient, and more specifically, on a baking tray, when the baking tray is supported by the cooking recipient.

[0004] This type of electric cooker is particularly effective because it allows the user to perform cooking of food in the cooking recipient in a very simple manner, in fact all that is required is to place the food on the baking tray and start the operation of the electric cooker. However, such electric cookers are limited in their cooking performance, in particular due to the specific position occupied by the baking tray relative to the cooking recipient. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the technical problem at the origin of the present invention is to provide a method for cooking food according to at least one hot air cooking mode. To provide an electric cooking appliance designed for cooking, having a simple, compact and economical structure and being modular.

[0006] To this end, the present invention is adapted to perform food preparation, a casing comprising a receiving compartment; - a cooking recipient configured to be at least partially contained within the receiving compartment, the cooking recipient including a recipient bottom and a peripheral wall extending from the recipient bottom and defining a cooking volume together with the recipient bottom; - a baking tray, for example a cooking grid, configured to be supported by a cooking recipient and to support food to be cooked; - a hot air heating system configured to heat and cook food present in the receiving compartment according to at least one hot air cooking mode; With respect to electric cooking appliances, including The electric cooking appliance includes a positioning system configured to position the baking tray according to at least one first cooking position in which the baking tray extends in a first cooking plane and is located at a first distance from the recipient bottom, and according to a second cooking position in which the baking tray extends in a second cooking plane and is located at a second distance from the recipient bottom that is shorter than the first distance, the positioning system including a support portion disposed in the cooking recipient and a bearing portion disposed on the baking tray and configured to be supported by, and thus to bear, the support portion when the baking tray occupies the first cooking position.

[0007] Such configurations of the invention allow the baking tray to be positioned in different positions relative to the recipient bottom, thus modifying the distance between the food placed on the baking tray and the heating system when the baking tray is resting on the cooking recipient. These configurations make it possible to optimize the cooking performance and, for example, to obtain more or less grilled or grilled food depending on the cooking position occupied by the baking tray.

[0008] Furthermore, it is easier to catch, for example, a salmon fillet when cooked on a baking tray occupying the first cooking position than when cooked on a baking tray occupying the second cooking position.

[0009] The electric cooking appliance may further have one or more of the following features, which may be considered individually or in combination:

[0010] According to an embodiment of the invention, the baking tray is configured to be oriented according to a first relative orientation with respect to the cooking recipient when the baking tray occupies a first cooking position, and to be oriented according to a second orientation with respect to the cooking recipient when the baking tray occupies a second cooking position, the first orientation and the second orientation being angularly offset from each other about an axis of rotation transverse to the first firing plane. Such a configuration of the invention advantageously allows for easy positioning of the baking tray in either one of the first cooking position and the second cooking position, depending on a user's selection.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the baking tray and the bearing part are made in one piece.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the invention, the baking tray is configured to be positioned within the cooking volume at least when occupying the second cooking position, and, for example, both when occupying the first cooking position and when occupying the second cooking position.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the invention, a hot air heating system includes a fan configured to generate an air flow in a cooking volume and a drive unit configured to drive the fan in rotation.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the hot air heating system is provided at the top of the casing.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fan is configured to extend substantially opposite the baking tray.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the hot air heating system further comprises a heating element, such as an electric heating resistor, configured to heat the airflow generated by the fan.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cooking recipient and the baking tray are configured to cooperate by form-fitting.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cooking recipient includes a cross-section having a substantially rectangular or square shape.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a cooking recipient is contained in the receiving compartment and the casing rests on a horizontal surface, the recipient bottom extends substantially horizontally.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first cooking plane and the second cooking plane are substantially parallel and configured to extend substantially horizontally when the casing rests on a horizontal surface.

[0021] Such a configuration of the present invention advantageously allows for good distribution of food on the baking tray when the baking tray occupies either the first or second cooking position and when the lower casing is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the invention, the cooking recipient includes an access opening defined by an upper periphery of the cooking recipient, the access opening being configured to allow placement and removal of a baking tray in and from the cooking volume, in particular to allow placement of the baking tray in a first cooking position via at least one vertical translational movement, i.e. a movement substantially perpendicular to the recipient bottom. The invention and such a configuration of the access opening allows for simplified placement and removal of food products on the baking tray.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the support portion includes a support member provided on the cooking recipient and configured to cooperate with a bearing portion arranged on the baking tray to support the bearing portion when the baking tray occupies the first cooking position.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the invention, the baking tray comprises a lower surface configured to be oriented towards a recipient bottom and an upper surface on which the food to be cooked is intended to be placed, and the support member is configured to cooperate with a peripheral portion of the lower surface of the baking tray when the baking tray occupies the first cooking position, said peripheral portion forming a bearing portion.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the invention, each support member includes an upper support surface configured to support a bearing portion disposed on the baking tray, more specifically a respective portion of the underside of the baking tray, when the baking tray occupies the first cooking position.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each support member is configured to protrude into the cooking volume.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the invention, each support member is configured to extend substantially vertically when the casing rests on a horizontal surface.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the invention, each support member is a positioning stud.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the invention, the support member is configured to allow the baking tray to pass through a tilt of the baking tray about the tilt axis from the first position towards the second position. Such a configuration of the invention allows the baking tray to be switched from the first cooking position to the second cooking position without requiring any mechanical modification of the baking tray.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the invention, the tilt axis is a substantially horizontal axis passing through two opposite peripheral walls of the cooking recipient that does not include a support member.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the invention, the baking tray, and advantageously the lower surface of the baking tray, is configured to be placed on a lower support surface provided on the cooking recipient when the baking tray is in the second cooking position, said lower support surface partially forming the positioning system.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the invention, the lower support surface extends over the inner contour of the cooking recipient and over each of the peripheral walls such that the lower support surface defines an inner circumferential boundary within the cooking volume.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the support members are provided on at least two peripheral walls of the cooking recipient.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the invention, the support members are distributed on two peripheral walls of the cooking recipient facing each other.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the invention, the positioning system includes a positioning recess, such as a positioning groove provided on the baking tray, and the positioning system is configured to enable displacement of the baking tray at the second cooking position, e.g. via a substantially vertical translational movement, when each support member is positioned opposite the respective positioning recess.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the positioning recesses are asymmetric with respect to the midplane of the baking tray, which is perpendicular to the extension surface of the baking tray.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the invention, the central plane allows to define the symmetry of the baking tray's contour (except for the positioning recesses), and such a configuration of the invention allows cooperation between the baking tray and the top of the cooking recipient according to at least two different orientations of the baking tray, the two orientations being, for example, shifted by an angle of 90° or 180° around a rotation axis transverse to the first cooking surface. Such a configuration of the invention advantageously makes it possible to obtain a baking tray that is configured to switch from a high cooking position to a low cooking position by a simple translational movement, and to obtain a baking tray that rests on a support member when it is placed in the cooking volume after it has rotated 180° around a rotation axis transverse to the first cooking plane.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the support members includes two lateral guide portions that are substantially parallel to one another and configured to enable indexing and guiding of the baking tray during its movement towards the second cooking position.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the invention, the two lateral guide portions are configured to extend substantially vertically when the casing rests on a horizontal surface.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the invention, the lower portion extends from the recipient bottom to the lower support surface. Advantageously, this makes it possible to avoid food items present on the baking tray in the cooking juices when the baking tray is positioned in the second cooking position.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cooking recipient is removable with respect to the casing.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the invention, the baking tray further comprises a gripping handle configured to enable placement and removal of the cooked recipient in and from the receiving compartment, for example via a translational motion. Advantageously, the electric cooking appliance is configured such that the translational motion is substantially horizontal when the casing rests on a horizontal surface.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the invention, a grip handle is provided on the outer surface of one of the surrounding walls.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the invention, the grip handle extends substantially vertically.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the baking tray is configured to be received in the cooking recipient both when occupying the first cooking position and when occupying the second cooking position.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the invention, the casing includes a cap configured to alternately occupy a closed position in which the cap prevents access to the receiving compartment and an open position in which the cap allows access to the receiving compartment.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the invention, the cap is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis that is substantially horizontal when the casing rests on a horizontal surface.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the invention, the baking tray includes gripping means, such as gripping fingers, configured to enable gripping of the baking tray by insertion of a user's fingers when the baking tray is in the first cooking position or the second cooking position.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the support members includes two lateral guide portions that are substantially parallel to each other and configured to enable indexing and guiding of the baking tray during its movement towards the second cooking position.

[0050] According to an embodiment of the invention, the baking tray is open to allow cooking juices produced by food placed on the baking tray to flow by gravity to the bottom of the cooking recipient.

[0051] The present invention also relates to a method for using the electric cooking appliance according to the present invention, the method comprising at least one step of pivoting the baking tray about a pivot axis to reach either a first cooking position or a second cooking position.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the step of moving the baking tray from the first cooking position to the second cooking position includes at least the following steps: - lifting the baking tray from the first cooking position and at a distance from the support member, for example according to a first upward translational movement substantially perpendicular to the first cooking plane; - pivoting the baking tray about a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the first cooking plane to position the positioning recesses on the opposite side of the support member, the pivoting of the baking tray being performed, for example, by rotating the baking tray through 180° about the pivot axis; - moving the baking tray in the direction of the recipient bottom, for example according to a second downward translational movement substantially perpendicular to the first cooking plane, until a second cooking position is reached; may include.

[0053] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the step of moving the baking tray from the first cooking position to the second cooking position includes at least the following steps: - lifting the baking tray from the first cooking position and at a distance from the support member, for example according to a first upward translational movement substantially perpendicular to the first cooking plane; - pivoting the baking tray about a first pivot axis substantially parallel to the first cooking plane in a first pivot direction according to a first pivot angle comprised between 10 and 70 degrees, advantageously between 20 and 60 degrees, and similarly, for example, 40 degrees; - moving the baking tray between the support members and in the direction of the recipient bottom, for example according to a second downward translational movement substantially perpendicular to the first cooking plane, until the baking tray is located below the support members; - pivoting the baking tray substantially parallel to the first cooking plane in a second pivot direction opposite to the first pivot direction and according to a second pivot angle substantially identical to the first pivot angle about a second pivot axis substantially parallel to the first cooking plane, such that the baking tray extends substantially parallel to the second cooking plane; - placing the baking tray in a second cooking position, for example by following a third downward translational movement substantially perpendicular to the second cooking plane; may include.

[0054] The first grilling effect and the second grilling effect of the food being cooked are different from each other due to the respective distances between the baking tray and the heating system in the first cooking position and the second cooking position.

[0055] Unless otherwise specified, the term "substantially" is used herein to mean "exactly, or within a margin of 10% or 20%." [Brief description of the drawings]

[0056] The present invention will be better understood from the following description and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers correspond to structurally and / or functionally identical or similar elements.

[0057] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an electric cooking appliance according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the electric cooking appliance of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective top view of a cooking recipient belonging to the electric cooking appliance of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooking recipient of FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooked recipient of FIG. 3 with a baking tray placed in a first cooking position. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooked recipient of FIG. 3, with the baking tray positioned in a second cooking position. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the recipient of FIG. 3, with the baking tray switching from the first cooking position to the second cooking position; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective top view of a cooking recipient and a baking tray belonging to an electric cooking appliance according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 9 is a perspective top view of the cooked recipient and baking tray of FIG. 8, with the baking tray occupying a first cooking position and a second cooking position, respectively. [Figure 10] 10 is a top view of the cooked recipient of FIG. 9, with the baking trays respectively occupying the first and second cooking positions. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0058] Figures 1 to 7 show all or part of an electric cooking appliance 1 configured for cooking food according to a first embodiment of the invention. In particular, the electric cooking appliance 1 comprises a casing 2 defining a receiving compartment 3, a cooking recipient 4 configured to be housed inside the receiving compartment 3, and a baking tray 5 configured to be supported by the cooking recipient 4 and intended to support food to be cooked.

[0059] As shown in the figures, the cooking recipient 4 includes a recipient bottom 6 and a peripheral wall 7 extending from the recipient bottom 6 and defining a cooking volume 8 together with the recipient bottom 6. The recipient bottom 6 extends substantially horizontally when the cooking recipient 4 is contained in the receiving compartment 3 and the casing 2 rests on a horizontal surface. More specifically, the baking tray 5 includes a lower surface configured to be oriented towards the recipient bottom 6 and an upper surface on which the food product to be cooked is intended to be placed.

[0060] The cooking recipient 4 further includes a lower support surface 9 that extends over the inner contour of the cooking recipient 4 and over each of the peripheral walls 7, such that the lower support surface 9 defines an inner peripheral boundary within the cooking volume 8. Advantageously, the recipient bottom 6 and the lower support surface 9 define a lower portion 10 of the cooking recipient 4, the function of which will be explained in more detail below.

[0061] According to the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 7, the cooking recipient 4 has a cross-section with a substantially rectangular shape and is configured to cooperate with the baking tray 5 by form-fitting.

[0062] To facilitate handling and cleaning of the cooking recipient 4 , the latter is advantageously removable with respect to the casing 2 .

[0063] According to the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 7, the baking tray 5 is open and can be assimilated into the cooking grid. Advantageously, such a configuration of the baking tray 5 allows the cooking juices produced by the food during cooking to flow by gravity into the lower part 10 of the cooking recipient 4.

[0064] The electric cooking appliance 1 further comprises a hot air heating system 11 configured to heat and cook food present in the receiving compartment 3 according to at least one hot air cooking mode. Advantageously, the hot air heating system 11 comprises a fan 11.1 provided in the upper part of the casing 2 and configured to generate an air flow in the cooking volume 8. The hot air heating system 11 further comprises a drive unit 11.2 configured to rotate and drive the fan 11.1 during use of the electric cooking appliance 1 in the hot air cooking mode. The hot air heating system 11 further comprises a heating element 11.3, such as a heating electric resistance, configured to heat the air flow generated by the fan 11.1. Advantageously, in order to obtain an effective hot air cooking, the fan 11.1 and the heating element 11.3 are configured to extend substantially on opposite sides of the baking tray 5 and, consequently, on opposite sides of the food present on the baking tray 5.

[0065] The electric cooking appliance 1 further comprises a positioning system 12 configured to position the baking tray 5 according to a first cooking position, in which the baking tray 5 extends in a first cooking plane P1 and is located at a first distance from the recipient bottom 6, and according to a second cooking position, in which the baking tray 5 extends in a second cooking plane P2 and is located at a second distance from the recipient bottom 6 that is shorter than the first distance. Such a configuration of the invention makes it possible to vary the distance between the food placed on the baking tray 5 and the hot air heating system 11 when the baking tray 5 rests on the cooking recipient 4. This advantageously makes it possible to influence the result expected during cooking, i.e. for example more or less grilled or browned food. More specifically, cooking food placed on the baking tray 5 occupying a first cooking position makes it possible to achieve a first grilled or browned effect, whereas cooking food on the baking tray 5 occupying a second cooking position makes it possible to obtain a second grilled or browned effect that is less than the first grilled or browned effect.

[0066] More specifically, the first cooking plane P1 and the second cooking plane P2 are substantially parallel and configured to extend substantially horizontally when the casing 2 rests on a horizontal surface. Advantageously, such a configuration of the present invention allows for good distribution of food on the baking tray 5 when the baking tray 5 occupies either the first or second cooking position and when the lower casing 2 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0067] For obvious reasons related to the use of the electric cooking appliance 1, the cooking recipient 4 includes an access opening defined by an upper peripheral edge 13 of the cooking recipient 4. The access opening is configured to place the baking tray 5 in the first cooking position and to enable its removal through at least one upward vertical translational movement, i.e. a movement substantially perpendicular to the recipient bottom 6. The invention and such a configuration of the access opening makes it possible to simplify the placement and removal of food products on the baking tray.

[0068] In particular, the positioning system 12 includes a support portion 12.1 arranged on the cooking recipient 4 and a bearing portion arranged on the baking tray 5 and configured to be supported by the support portion 12.1 when the baking tray 5 occupies the first cooking position.

[0069] According to a first embodiment of the invention shown in figures 1 to 7, the support part 12.1 comprises a support member 14 which is provided in the cooking recipient 4 and which lies in the same extension plane parallel to the recipient bottom 6. The support member 14 is configured to protrude into the cooking volume 8 and may be assimilated into a positioning stud.

[0070] The support member 14 is configured to cooperate with and support the peripheral portion 15 of the underside of the baking tray 5 when the baking tray 5 occupies the first cooking position. Thus, according to the first embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 7, the peripheral portion 15 forms the aforementioned bearing portion, and the baking tray 5 and the bearing portion are made in one piece.

[0071] Advantageously, the cooking recipient 4 comprises four support members 14 distributed on two opposite peripheral walls 7 of the cooking recipient 4, such that two support members 14 are provided on a first peripheral wall 7 and two other support members 14 are provided on a peripheral wall 7 opposite the first peripheral wall 7. Each support member 14 comprises an upper support surface 16 configured to support a respective portion of the underside of the peripheral portion 15 when the baking tray 5 occupies the first cooking position.

[0072] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the support member 14 is configured to allow the baking tray 5 to be passed from the first cooking position to the second cooking position by tilting the baking tray 5 about a tilt axis passing through two opposite peripheral walls 7 of the cooking recipient 4 which are substantially horizontal and do not include the support member 14. Such a configuration of the invention allows the baking tray 5 to be easily moved from the first cooking position towards the second cooking position and allows it to be so moved without mechanically modifying the baking tray 5.

[0073] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the lower support surface 9 partly forms a positioning system 12 and is configured to support the baking tray 5 horizontally in the second cooking position.

[0074] A method of using the electric cooking appliance 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0075] When a user wants to carry out cooking of food on the baking tray 5 occupying the second cooking position, more specifically, to move the baking tray 5 from the first cooking position to the second cooking position, the method of use includes the following steps: - lifting the baking tray 5 from the first cooking position and at a distance from the support member 14, for example according to a first upward translational movement substantially perpendicular to the first cooking plane P1; - pivoting the baking tray 5 about a first pivot axis substantially parallel to the first cooking plane P1 (and therefore substantially horizontal), in a first pivot direction according to a first pivot angle comprised between 10 and 70 degrees, advantageously between 20 and 60 degrees, and similarly, for example, 40 degrees; - moving the baking tray 5 between the support members 14 and in the direction of the recipient bottom 6, for example according to a second downward translational movement substantially perpendicular to the first cooking plane P1, until the baking tray 5 is located below the support members 14; - pivoting the baking tray 5 substantially parallel to the first cooking plane P1 in a second pivot direction opposite to the first pivot direction and according to a second pivot angle substantially identical to the first pivot angle about a second pivot axis substantially parallel to the first cooking plane P1, such that the baking tray 5 extends substantially parallel to the second cooking plane P2; - moving the baking tray 5 in the direction of the recipient bottom 6, for example according to a third downward translational movement substantially perpendicular to the second cooking plane P2, until the second cooking position is reached; Includes.

[0076] A user wishing to move the baking tray 5 from the second cooking position to the first cooking position can simply perform the above operations by following the reverse order.

[0077] A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 8 to 10. The second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment essentially by the positioning and configuration of the support member 14.

[0078] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the cooking recipient 4 comprises three support members 14, two of which are provided on the first peripheral wall 7, while the third support member 14 is provided on the peripheral wall 7 opposite the first peripheral wall 7.

[0079] The configuration of the support members 14 also differs between the first and second embodiments of the invention in that each of the support members 14 includes two lateral guide portions 17 substantially parallel to one another and configured to enable indexing and guiding of the baking tray 5 during its displacement towards the second cooking position. Each lateral guide portion 17 is configured to extend substantially vertically when the casing 2 is resting on a horizontal surface.

[0080] Figures 9 and 10 each show the baking tray 5 in a first cooking position and a second cooking position respectively.

[0081] Furthermore, the second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment of the present invention in that the baking tray 5 further comprises a positioning recess 18, such as, for example, a positioning groove provided on the baking tray 5. The positioning system 12 is therefore configured to enable displacement of the baking tray 5 in the second cooking position through a substantially vertical translational movement when each support member 14 is arranged opposite a respective positioning recess.

[0082] The positioning recesses 18 of the baking tray 5 are asymmetrical with respect to a central plane of the baking tray 5 perpendicular to the extension plane of the baking tray 5. The central plane makes it possible to define a symmetry of the contour of the baking tray 5 (excluding the positioning recesses 18). Such a configuration of the invention enables cooperation between the baking tray 5 and the top of the cooking recipient 4 according to at least two different orientations of the baking tray 5, for example according to a first orientation relative to the cooking recipient 4 when the baking tray 5 occupies a first cooking position, and according to a second orientation relative to the cooking recipient 4 when the baking tray 5 occupies a second cooking position, the first orientation and the second orientation being angularly offset, for example, by an angle of 90° or 180° around a rotation axis transverse to the first cooking plane P1.

[0083] According to a second embodiment shown in Figures 8 to 10, the baking tray 5 advantageously comprises gripping means 19, such as gripping openings, configured to enable gripping of the baking tray 5, for example by insertion of a user's fingers. Advantageously, the gripping means 19 enables gripping of the baking tray 5 by a user in the first cooking position and in the second cooking position.

[0084] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the cooking recipient 4 further comprises a gripping handle 21 configured to enable the placement and removal of the cooking recipient 4 in and from the receiving compartment 3, for example via a translational movement. The gripping handle 21 is provided on the outer surface of one of the peripheral walls 7 and extends substantially vertically. Advantageously, the electric cooking appliance 1 is configured such that the translational movement is substantially horizontal when the casing 2 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0085] Hereinafter, a method of using the electric cooking appliance 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0086] When a user wants to carry out cooking of food on the baking tray 5 occupying the second cooking position, more specifically, to move the baking tray 5 from the first cooking position to the second cooking position, the method of use includes the following steps: - lifting the baking tray 5 from the first cooking position and at a distance from the support member 14, for example according to a first upward translational movement substantially perpendicular to the first cooking plane P1; - pivoting the baking tray 5 about a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the first cooking plane P1 to place the positioning recesses 18 on the opposite side of the support member 14, the pivoting of the baking tray 5 being advantageously carried out by rotating the baking tray 5 by 180° about the pivot axis; - moving the baking tray in the direction of the recipient bottom 6, for example according to a second downward translational movement substantially perpendicular to the first cooking plane P1, until a second cooking position is reached; Includes.

[0087] A user wishing to switch from the second cooking position to the first cooking position can simply perform the above operations by following the reverse order.

[0088] Independently of the above-mentioned two embodiments of the invention, the electric cooking appliance 1 may have variants, which are detailed below: The casing 2 may comprise a cap configured to alternately occupy a closed position, in which the cap prevents access to the receiving compartment 3, and an open position, in which the cap allows access to the receiving compartment 3. In this variant, the cap is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis that is substantially horizontal when the casing 2 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0089] Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the described and illustrated embodiments which are given by way of example only: modifications may be made, particularly with regard to the structure of the various elements or by the substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An electric cooking appliance (1) adapted to perform food preparation, comprising: a casing (2) with a receiving compartment (3), - a cooking recipient (4) configured to be at least partially accommodated in said receiving compartment (3), said cooking recipient (4) comprising a recipient bottom (6) and a peripheral wall (7) extending from said recipient bottom (6) and defining a cooking volume (8) together with said recipient bottom (6); a baking tray (5) adapted to be supported by said cooking recipient (4) and to support the food to be cooked; a hot air heating system (11) configured to heat and cook the food present in said receiving compartment (3) according to at least one hot air cooking mode; Including, The electric cooking appliance (1) comprises a positioning system (12) configured to position the baking tray (5) according to at least one first cooking position, in which the baking tray (5) extends in a first cooking plane (P1) and is located at a first distance from the recipient bottom (6), and according to a second cooking position, in which the baking tray (5) extends in a second cooking plane (P2) and is located at a second distance from the recipient bottom (6) that is shorter than the first distance, characterized in that the positioning system (12) comprises a support part (12.1) arranged in the cooking recipient (4) and a bearing part arranged on the baking tray (5) and configured to be supported by the support part (12.1) when the baking tray (5) occupies the first cooking position.

2. 2. The electric cooking appliance (1) of claim 1, wherein the baking tray (5) is configured to be oriented with respect to the cooking recipient (4) according to a first relative orientation when the baking tray (5) occupies the first cooking position and to be oriented with respect to the cooking recipient (4) according to a second orientation when the baking tray (5) occupies the second cooking position, the first orientation and the second orientation being angularly offset from each other around an axis of rotation transverse to the first baking surface (P1).

3. The electric cooker (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the baking tray (5) and the bearing part are made in one piece.

4. 4. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first cooking plane (P1) and the second cooking plane (P2) are substantially parallel and configured to extend substantially horizontally when the casing (2) rests on a horizontal surface.

5. 5. The electric cooking appliance (1) of claim 1, wherein the cooking recipient (4) includes an access opening defined by an upper periphery (13) of the cooking recipient (4), the access opening being configured to enable the placement of the baking tray (5) into the cooking volume (8) and the removal of the baking tray (5) from the cooking volume (8).

6. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the support portion (12.1) comprises a support member (14) provided on the cooking recipient (4) and configured to cooperate with and support the bearing portion arranged on the baking tray (5) when the baking tray (5) occupies the first cooking position.

7. 7. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 6, wherein the baking tray (5) comprises a lower surface configured to be oriented towards the recipient bottom (6) and an upper surface on which the food to be cooked is intended to be placed, and wherein the support member (14) is configured to cooperate with a peripheral portion (15) of the lower surface of the baking tray (5) when the baking tray (5) occupies the first cooking position, the peripheral portion (15) forming the bearing portion.

8. 8. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein each support member (14) is configured to protrude inside the cooking volume (8).

9. 9. An electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the bearing portion arranged on the baking tray (5) is configured to rest on a lower support surface (9) provided on the cooking recipient (4) when the baking tray (5) is in the second cooking position, the lower support surface (9) partially forming the positioning system (12).

10. 10. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the support members (14) are provided on at least two peripheral walls (7) of the cooking vessel (4).

11. An electric cooking appliance (1) as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the positioning system (12) comprises positioning recesses (18) provided in the baking tray (5), the positioning system (12) being configured to enable displacement of the baking tray (5) in the second cooking position when each support member (14) is positioned opposite its respective positioning recess (18).

12. 12. The electric cookware (1) according to claim 11, wherein the positioning recess (18) is asymmetrical with respect to a mid-plane of the baking tray (5) perpendicular to an extension surface of the baking tray (5).

13. An electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein each of the support members (14) comprises two lateral guide portions (17) that are substantially parallel to each other and configured to enable indexing and guiding of the baking tray (5) during its movement towards the second cooking position.

14. 14. An electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the baking tray (5) is open so that cooking juices produced by food placed on the baking tray (5) can flow by gravity into the lower part (10) of the cooking recipient (4).

15. A method for using an electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, said method comprising at least one step of pivoting said baking tray about a pivot axis to reach either said first cooking position or said second cooking position.

16. The electric cooking appliance (1) is as claimed in claim 11 or 12, and the step of moving the baking tray (5) from the first cooking position to the second cooking position comprises at least the following steps: - lifting said baking tray (5) from said first cooking position at a distance from said support member (14); - pivoting said baking tray (5) about a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to said first cooking plane (P1) to position said positioning recess (18) on the opposite side of said support member (14); - moving said baking tray (5) towards said recipient bottom (6) until said second cooking position is reached; The method of claim 15, comprising:

17. The electric cooking appliance (1) is as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the step of moving the baking tray from the first cooking position to the second cooking position comprises at least the following steps: - lifting said baking tray (5) from said first cooking position at a distance from said support member (14); - pivoting the baking tray (5) about a first pivot axis substantially parallel to a first cooking plane (P1) in a first pivot direction and according to a first pivot angle comprised between 10 degrees and 70 degrees; - moving said baking tray (5) between said support members (14) and towards said recipient bottom (6) until said baking tray (5) is located underneath said support members (14); - pivoting said baking tray (5) about a second pivot axis substantially parallel to said first cooking plane (P1) in a second pivot direction opposite to said first pivot direction and according to a second pivot angle substantially identical to said first pivot angle, so as to extend substantially parallel to said second cooking plane (P2); - placing said baking tray (5) in said second cooking position; The method of claim 15, comprising:

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