Cooking utensils with rotating handles

By designing a pivotable second structure and operating components on the electric cooking appliance, the visibility and accessibility issues of the user interface in grilling and roasting modes are solved, achieving ergonomic design and the effect of cooking juice collection.

CN117796681BActive Publication Date: 2025-10-28SEB SA
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202311259545.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-09-30
Filing Date
2023-09-27
Publication Date
2025-10-28
Estimated Expiration
2043-09-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing electric cooking appliances have imperfect ergonomics in grilling and roasting modes, limited user interface visibility, and difficulty in collecting cooking juices from the front.

Method used

A cooking appliance is designed, including a pivotable second structure and an operating component. The user interface is arranged on the operating component and can switch positions in different usage modes to ensure that the user interface is easily accessible in each mode. It is also equipped with a cooking juice collection device.

Benefits of technology

It features an ergonomic design for grilling and roasting modes, an easy-to-access user interface in different modes, and efficient collection of cooking juices.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A cooking appliance (1) for cooking food includes: a first structure (2) including a first cooking plate (4); a second structure (5) including a second cooking plate (7) and a handle (8) including an operating component (9); a pivoting connector (11) connecting the second structure (5) and the first structure (2) configured to allow the second structure (5) to pivot about a pivot (A) relative to the first structure (2); a user interface (18) disposed on the operating component (9); and a control unit configured to control the operation of the cooking appliance (1). The operating component (9) carrying the user interface (18) is movable relative to a second cooking module (6) between at least a first use position and a second use position.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to a cooking appliance for cooking food, and more particularly to an electric cooking appliance capable of operating in a grilling mode and a roasting mode. Background Technology

[0002] Existing technology knows of electric cooking appliances that allow two different cooking modes: a first cooking mode called "grilling" and a second cooking mode called "grilling". Such electric cooking appliances generally include:

[0003] - A first structure, which includes a first cooking plate;

[0004] - A second structure, comprising a second cooking plate, the second structure being mounted hinged to the first structure and rotatable about a pivot; and

[0005] - A user interface, which is set on the first structure and configured to allow the user to select at least one operating parameter of the electric cooking appliance.

[0006] Electric cooking appliances known in the prior art can selectively employ a "roasting" mode and a "grilling" mode. In the "roasting" mode, food is sandwiched between a first cooking plate and a second cooking plate and cooked. In the "grilling" mode, the first cooking plate and the second cooking plate are spaced 180° apart, so that they are substantially in the same plane, which is approximately horizontal when the cooking appliance is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0007] The cooking appliances described in the prior art have the advantage of allowing the use of a single household appliance to perform two different functions: food grilling and roasting.

[0008] However, integrating the user interface into the first structure, i.e., into the lower part of the electric cooking appliance, has the disadvantage of imperfect ergonomics, as the user's physical contact with the user interface is limited and its visibility is restricted. This arrangement of the user interface also hinders the ability to collect cooking juices from the front of the first structure.

[0009] Integrating the user interface into a more accessible area, such as the second structure, becomes complicated due to the coexistence of two usage modes. This requires the second structure to occupy two orientations spaced 180° apart, according to the usage mode of the electric cooking appliance. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The technical problem upon which this invention is based is particularly to provide a cooking appliance that allows food to be cooked in a grilling or roasting configuration, while also being ergonomic, easy to use, and allowing cooking juices to be collected from the front of the first structure.

[0011] Therefore, the present invention relates to a cooking utensil for cooking food, the cooking utensil comprising:

[0012] - A first structure, comprising a first cooking module, the first cooking module including a first cooking plate.

[0013] - A second structure includes a second cooking module comprising a second cooking plate, and a handle including operating components configured for user operation.

[0014] A pivotal connector connecting the second structure and the first structure, configured to allow the second structure to pivot about a pivot relative to the first structure and to pivot between a closed position and a maximum open position, wherein the first and second cooking plates have minimal spacing in the closed position and maximum spacing in the maximum open position when the cooking utensil is placed on the support surface.

[0015] - User interface, which is arranged on the operating components, and

[0016] - A control unit configured to control the operation of cooking appliances.

[0017] The cooking appliance has a first usage mode, namely a grilling mode, in which food is sandwiched between a first cooking plate and a second cooking plate; and a second usage mode, namely a grilling mode, in which each of the first and second cooking plates can support and cook its respective food.

[0018] The feature is that the operating component carrying the user interface is movable relative to the second cooking module between at least a first use position and a second use position, wherein the first use position is dedicated to a first use mode, and the user interface is accessible to the user when the cooking appliance is in the first use mode; and the second use position is dedicated to a second use mode, wherein the user interface is accessible to the user when the cooking appliance is in the second use mode.

[0019] Cooking utensils may also have one or more of the following features, either individually or in combination.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the cooking appliance is in the second usage mode, the second structure occupies the maximum open position.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking appliance is configured such that when the second structure is in its maximum open position, the first and second cooking plates are defined at a first tilt angle between 150° and 200°, advantageously between 170° and 190°, and for example, about 180°.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the operating component is elongated and extends along an extension axis substantially parallel to the pivot.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot is substantially horizontal when the cooking appliance is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the operating component includes a front panel having a substantially flat main surface on which a user interface is provided.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking appliance is configured such that when the cooking appliance is placed on a horizontal surface, the second structure is in the closed position and the operating component is in the first use position, the main surface is tilted relative to the vertical surface at an angle between 30° and 60°, advantageously between 40° and 50°.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking appliance is configured such that when the cooking appliance is placed on a horizontal surface, the second structure is in the maximum open position and the operating component is in the second use position, the main surface is tilted relative to the vertical surface at an angle between 30° and 60°, advantageously between 40° and 50°.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the operating component is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the cooking appliance is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the operating component defines an inner groove in which an electronic card associated with the user interface is placed.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the operating component includes a housing, a front panel fixed to the housing, and the housing and the front panel defining an inner groove.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the operating component is mounted to be rotatable about a rotation axis.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first use position and the second use position are offset from each other by approximately 90° in terms of angle.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the axis of rotation is substantially parallel to the pivot.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second structure includes at least one connecting arm connected to a pivoting connector, the operating component being supported by the at least one connecting arm and mounted to be rotatable about a rotation axis relative to the at least one connecting arm.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second structure includes two connecting arms connected to a pivot connector and configured to extend laterally on both sides of the second cooking module, and the operating component is supported by the two connecting arms and mounted to be rotatable relative to the two connecting arms about a rotation axis.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the handle includes two connecting arms and is generally U-shaped.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one connecting arm includes a support portion that is generally cylindrical, and an operating component includes a mounting portion having a receiving groove in which the support portion is received and mounted to be rotatable relative to the mounting portion about a rotation axis. Advantageously, the support portion is tubular and includes a central channel configured to allow a power cable to pass through, the power cable being capable of powering the user interface, or more specifically, an electronic card associated with the user interface.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central channel is centered on the axis of rotation.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central channel is also configured to allow at least one connecting cable for connecting the user interface and the control unit to pass through.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking appliance includes at least one additional pivoting connection configured to connect a second cooking module to two connecting arms and allow the second cooking module to rotate about an additional pivot relative to the two connecting arms.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the additional pivot is substantially parallel to the pivot.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking appliance further includes a dividing system configured such that each of the first and second use positions is stable.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the indexing system includes at least two indexing grooves disposed on one of the operating member and the connecting arm, and includes at least one indexing member disposed on the other of the operating member and the connecting arm, wherein the at least one indexing member is configured to engage with the respective indexing groove when the operating member occupies a first use position or a second use position.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the indexing grooves are distributed around the axis of rotation.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one indexing member is formed of an indexing ball. Advantageously, the indexing ball is mounted to slide within a tubular receiving member disposed on an operating member or connecting arm.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the indexing system includes at least one biasing element configured to bias the indexing ball toward the indexing position.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the indexing system includes a plurality of indexing members distributed around a rotation axis.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the user interface is configured to display at least one display parameter in a first orientation when the cooking appliance is in a first use mode and the operating component is in a first use position, and to display at least one display parameter in a second orientation different from the first orientation, such as the opposite orientation, when the cooking appliance is in a second use mode and the operating component is in a second use position.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking appliance further includes an electrical contact configured to occupy a first state when the cooking appliance is in a first usage mode, and configured to occupy a second state when the cooking appliance is in a second usage mode.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrical contact is located in the first structure, for example, in the rear support leg of the first structure.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrical contact is located in at least one connecting arm.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking appliance includes an actuation device configured to move an electrical contact to a first state when the second structure pivots from the maximum open position in the direction of the closed position and reaches a first predetermined position, and to move the electrical contact to a second state when the second structure pivots from the closed position in the direction of the maximum open position and reaches a second predetermined position.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position may be the same or different.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation device includes an actuation member, such as an actuation finger, which is movable between an actuation position in which the actuation member is configured to activate an electrical contact and a release position in which the actuation member is configured to deactivate an electrical contact.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating member is pivotally integrated with at least one connecting arm, for example, disposed on at least one connecting arm.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the actuating member can be translated.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the actuating member is rotatable.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation device further includes a cam configured to move the actuating member between an actuation position and a release position when the second structure reaches a first predetermined position or a second predetermined position.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the user interface is configured to display at least one display parameter in a first orientation when the electrical contact is in a first state, and is configured to display at least one display parameter in a second orientation when the electrical contact is in a second state.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the first structure is placed on a horizontal surface and the second structure is in the maximum open position, the handle contacts the horizontal surface.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second structure is capable of occupying an intermediate open position, which is stable and located between a closed position and a maximum open position.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking appliance is configured such that when the second structure occupies the intermediate open position, the first cooking plate and the second cooking plate are defined at a second tilt angle between 90° and 120°.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first cooking plate is configured to tilt downwards and toward the front surface of the first structure when the cooking utensil is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking appliance further includes a cooking liquid collection tray configured to collect at least the cooking liquid from the first cooking plate, the cooking liquid collection tray being disposed at least partially below the first cooking module.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first cooking plate includes a front overflow component disposed on the front edge of the first cooking plate and vertically positioned along a vertical line with the front portion of the cooking liquid collection tray. The front overflow component is configured to allow cooking liquid from the first cooking plate to flow into the cooking liquid collection tray under the influence of gravity.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking appliance further includes a motion chain that mechanically connects an operating component and a pivoting connector, the motion chain being configured to move the operating component between a first use position and a second use position based on the position of the second structure relative to the first structure.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the kinetic chain is at least partially disposed in at least one connecting arm.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the kinematic chain includes at least one drive element, such as a belt. Attached Figure Description

[0068] The invention will be well understood with reference to the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals correspond to structurally and / or functionally identical or similar elements.

[0069] Figure 1 This is a side perspective view of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first usage mode;

[0070] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side-view perspective view of the cooking utensils in the second usage mode;

[0071] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the handle of a cooking utensil in the image;

[0072] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the operating components of a cooking appliance;

[0073] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A partial three-dimensional rear view of the cooking appliance, showing in particular the electrical contacts in the first state;

[0074] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A partial three-dimensional rear view of the cooking appliance, showing the electrical contacts in the second state;

[0075] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A side view of a cooking appliance in a first usage mode according to a variant embodiment;

[0076] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The cooking appliance in the middle is shown in a side view in a second usage mode according to a variant implementation. Detailed Implementation

[0077] Figures 1 to 6 This refers to a cooking utensil 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The cooking utensil 1 is configured for cooking food, such as meat, fish, vegetables or other foods.

[0078] The cooking appliance 1 includes a first structure 2 and a second structure 5. The first structure includes a first cooking module 3, which itself includes a first cooking plate 4 and a first heating element (not shown) configured to heat the first cooking plate 4. The second structure includes a second cooking module 6, which itself includes a second cooking plate 7 and a second heating element (not visible) configured to heat the second cooking plate 7. The first cooking plate 4 is configured to tilt downwards and toward the front surface of the first structure 2 when the cooking appliance 1 is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0079] The cooking appliance 1 has a first use mode, namely a grilling mode, in which food is sandwiched between a first cooking plate and a second cooking plate 4, 7; and a second use mode, namely a grilling mode, in which each of the first cooking plate and the second cooking plate 4, 7 can support and cook its respective food.

[0080] The second structure 5 also includes a handle 8 configured to support the second cooking module 6. The handle 8 is U-shaped and includes an operating component 9 configured for user operation, and two lateral connecting arms 10 configured to extend laterally on both sides of the second cooking module 6 and support the operating component 9. The two connecting arms 10 are connected to a pivoting connector 11.

[0081] The second structure 5 is connected to the first structure 2 via a pivot connector 11, which defines a pivot A. The pivot connector 11 is configured such that the second structure 5 is hinged to the first structure 2 and is movable between a closed position in which the first cooking plate 4 and the second cooking plate 7 have a minimum distance between them and a maximum open position in which the first cooking plate 4 and the second cooking plate 7 have a maximum distance between them when the cooking appliance 1 is placed on the support surface SA. When the cooking appliance 1 is in a second usage mode, the second structure 5 occupies the maximum open position.

[0082] When the second structure 5 is in its maximum open position, the first cooking plate 4 and the second cooking plate 7 are defined at a first tilt angle between 150° and 200°, advantageously between 170° and 190°, and for example, about 180°. Advantageously, when the first structure 2 is placed on a horizontal surface and the second structure 5 is in its maximum open position, the handle 8 contacts the horizontal surface.

[0083] Advantageously, the second structure 5 is configured to occupy:

[0084] - A centrally opened position, which is stable and located between the closed position and the maximum open position, in which the first cooking plate 4 and the second cooking plate 7 are defined at a second tilt angle between 90° and 120°, and

[0085] - Multiple cooking positions located between the closed position and the middle open position, in which food can be sandwiched between the first cooking plate 4 and the second cooking plate 7.

[0086] Advantageously, when the second structure 5 is in the fully open position, the first cooking plate 4 and the second cooking plate 7 are substantially parallel, which allows the user to use the cooking appliance 1 as if it were an electric grill.

[0087] Obviously, for practical reasons, the first structure 2 also includes a plurality of legs 14, which are configured to be placed on a flat support surface SA, such as a workbench.

[0088] According to the embodiment of the invention shown in the figure, the cooking appliance 1 includes an additional pivoting connection 15 configured to connect a second cooking module 6 to two connecting arms 10 and allow the second cooking module 6 to rotate relative to the two connecting arms 10 about an additional pivot B, which is substantially parallel to pivot A. Advantageously, when the second cooking module 6 is in one of the cooking positions, the additional pivoting connection 15 allows the second cooking module 6 to be positioned in a desired orientation and is generally substantially parallel to the first cooking module 3. In other words, the second cooking module 6 is mounted to pivot relative to the handle 8.

[0089] The cooking appliance 1 also includes a control unit 17 configured to control the operation of the cooking appliance 1. For example, the control unit 17 may be arranged in the handle 8, particularly in the operating part 9, or in the first structure 2.

[0090] according to Figures 1 to 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the operating component 9, particularly the operating component 9 having a user interface 18, is mounted so that it can rotate relative to the two connecting arms 10 about a rotation axis C at least between a first use position and a second use position. The first use position is dedicated to a first use mode and allows the user interface 18 to be accessed when the cooking appliance 1 is in the first use mode, and the second use position is dedicated to a second use mode and allows the user interface 18 to be accessed when the cooking appliance 1 is in the second use mode. The first use position and the second use position are advantageously angularly offset from each other by approximately 90°.

[0091] The operating part 9 is elongated and extends along the axis of rotation C, which is substantially parallel to the pivot A; when the cooking utensil 1 is placed on a horizontal surface, the axis of rotation is also substantially horizontal.

[0092] The operating component 9 also includes a housing 19 and a front panel 20 fixed to the housing 19. The housing 19 and the front panel 20 define an inner groove 21 in which an electronic card 22 associated with the user interface 18 is mounted. The front panel 20 has a substantially flat main surface 23 on which the user interface 18 is disposed.

[0093] According to the embodiment of the invention shown in the figure, the cooking appliance 1 is configured such that when the cooking appliance 1 is placed on a horizontal surface, the second structure 5 is in the closed position, and the operating member 9 is in the first use position, the main surface 23 is inclined at an angle between 30° and 60°, advantageously between 40° and 50°, relative to the vertical surface. Furthermore, the cooking appliance 1 is configured such that when the cooking appliance 1 is placed on a horizontal surface, the second structure 5 is in the fully open position, and the operating member 9 is in the second use position, the main surface 23 is inclined at an angle between 30° and 60°, advantageously between 40° and 50°, relative to the vertical surface.

[0094] More specifically, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, each connecting arm 10 includes a support portion 24 that is generally cylindrical, and the operating portion 9 includes two mounting portions 25, each with a receiving groove. The support portion 24 of each connecting arm 10 is received into its respective receiving groove and mounted so as to be rotatable relative to its respective mounting portion 25 about a rotation axis C. Advantageously, each support portion 24 is tubular and includes a central channel 26 centered on the rotation axis C. At least one of the central channels 26 is configured to allow a power supply cable to pass through, which is capable of powering the user interface 18, and in particular, the electronic card 22 associated with the user interface 18. The central channel 26 is also configured to allow at least one connecting cable to pass through, which connects the electronic board 22 associated with the user interface 18 to the control unit 17.

[0095] Similarly, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the cooking appliance 1 also includes a dividing system 27, configured such that each of the first and second use positions is stable. For example, the dividing system 27 includes two dividing grooves 28 disposed on each of the two connecting arms 10, and dividing members 29 disposed on each end of the operating member 9. The dividing grooves 28 are distributed about a rotation axis C. Each dividing member 29 is configured to engage with its respective dividing groove 28 when the operating member 9 occupies the first use position, and to engage with its respective dividing groove 28 when the operating member 9 occupies the second use position.

[0096] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, each indexing member 29 is formed by an indexing ball 30. Advantageously, each indexing ball 30 is mounted to slide within a tubular receiving member 31, which is disposed at the corresponding end of the operating member 9. Furthermore, the indexing system 27 also includes two biasing elements (not shown in the figure), each associated with a respective indexing member 29. Each biasing element is advantageously configured to bias its respective indexing ball 30 toward the indexing position.

[0097] More specifically, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the cooking appliance 1 also includes an electrical contact 32, which is configured to be in a first state when the cooking appliance 1 is in a first usage mode, and configured to be in a second state when the cooking appliance 1 is in a second usage mode. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the electrical contact 32 is located in the first structure 2, for example, in the rear support leg 14 of the first structure 2.

[0098] More specifically, such as Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the cooking appliance 1 also includes an actuation device 33 configured to move the electrical contact 32 to a first state when the second structure 5 pivots from the maximum open position along the closed position direction and reaches a first predetermined position. The actuation device 33 is further configured to move the electrical contact 32 to a second state when the second structure 5 pivots from the closed position along the maximum open position and reaches a second predetermined position.

[0099] according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation device 33 includes an actuation member 34, such as an actuation finger, configured to directly actuate the electrical contact 32. The actuation member 34 is mounted to rotate about pivot A between an actuated position and a released position. In the actuated position, the actuation member 34 is configured to activate the electrical contact 32, and in the released position, the actuation member 34 is configured to deactivate the electrical contact 32. Advantageously, the actuation member 34 pivots integrally with one of the connecting arms 10. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position are the same, but they may be different according to other embodiments of the invention not shown.

[0100] Figure 7 and Figure 8A variant embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein an electrical contact 32 is located in one of the connecting arms 10. According to this variant embodiment, the actuating device 33 includes an actuating member 34, such as an actuating finger, mounted to be translatably movable between an actuated position and a released position. In the actuated position, the actuating member 34 is configured to activate the electrical contact 32, and in the released position, the actuating member 34 is configured to deactivate the electrical contact 32. The actuating member 34 is pivotally integral with one of the connecting arms 10, for example, disposed on said connecting arm 10. The actuating device 33 also includes a cam 35 disposed on the pivoting connector 11 and is static relative to the first structure 2. The cam 35 is configured to move the actuating member 34 between the actuated position and the released position when the second structure 5 reaches a first predetermined position or a second predetermined position.

[0101] according to Figures 1 to 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface 18 is configured to display at least one display parameter according to a first orientation when the cooking appliance 1 is in a first usage mode and the operating component 9 is in a first usage position; and to display at least one display parameter according to a second orientation different from (e.g., reversed from) the first orientation when the cooking appliance 1 is in a second usage mode and the operating component 9 is in a second usage position. Advantageously, the user interface 18 is configured to display at least one display parameter according to the first orientation when the electrical contact 32 is in a first state, and is configured to display at least one display parameter according to the second orientation when the electrical contact 32 is in a second state.

[0102] according to Figures 1 to 8 The implementation scheme shown, more specifically Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the cooking appliance 1 further includes a cooking liquid collection tray 36. The cooking liquid collection tray 36 is configured to collect cooking liquid from the first cooking plate 4 and the second cooking plate 7. The cooking liquid collection tray 36 is partially disposed below the first cooking module 3. The first cooking plate 4 includes a front overflow member 37 disposed at the front edge of the first cooking plate 4 and vertically positioned along a vertical line with the front portion of the cooking liquid collection tray 36. The front overflow member 37 is configured to allow cooking liquid from the first cooking plate 4 to flow into the cooking liquid collection tray 36 under gravity.

[0103] According to one embodiment of the invention (not shown in the figures), the cooking appliance 1 may further include a motion chain mechanically connecting the operating member 9 and the pivoting connector 11, the motion chain being configured to move the operating member 9 about a rotation axis C according to the position of the second structure 5 relative to the first structure 2. The motion chain may be at least partially disposed in one of the connecting arms 10 and includes at least one drive element, such as a belt.

[0104] Of course, the present invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which are merely illustrative examples. Modifications are possible without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, particularly from the perspective of the composition of various elements or the substitution of technical equivalents.

Claims

1. A cooking utensil (1) for cooking food, said cooking utensil (1) comprising: - A first structure (2) includes a first cooking module (3), the first cooking module including a first cooking plate (4). - A second structure (5) includes a second cooking module (6) which includes a second cooking plate (7). The second structure (5) also includes a handle (8) which includes an operating component (9) configured for user operation. - A pivoting connector (11) connecting the second structure (5) and the first structure (2), the pivoting connector being configured to allow the second structure (5) to pivot about a pivot (A) relative to the first structure (2) and to pivot between a closed position and a maximum open position, in which the first cooking plate (4) and the second cooking plate (7) have a minimum distance; and in the maximum open position, when the cooking utensil (1) is placed on the support surface (SA), the first cooking plate (4) and the second cooking plate (7) have a maximum distance. - User interface (18), which is arranged on the operating component (9), and - A control unit configured to control the operation of the cooking appliance (1), The cooking appliance (1) has a first use mode, namely a grilling mode, in which food is sandwiched between a first cooking plate and a second cooking plate. And a second usage mode, namely a grilling mode, in which each of the first and second cooking plates can support and cook its respective food. The characteristic feature is that the operating component (9) carrying the user interface (18) is rotatable relative to the second cooking module (6) between at least a first use position and a second use position, the first use position being dedicated to a first use mode, wherein the user interface (18) is accessible to the user when the cooking appliance (1) is in the first use mode; the second use position being dedicated to a second use mode, wherein the user interface (18) is accessible to the user when the cooking appliance (1) is in the second use mode. The second structure (5) includes at least one connecting arm connected to the pivot connector (11), and the operating component (9) is supported by the at least one connecting arm and mounted to be rotatable about the rotation axis (C) relative to the at least one connecting arm.

2. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1, wherein the axis of rotation (C) of the operating component (9) is substantially parallel to the pivot (A).

3. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, the cooking appliance further comprising a dividing system (27) configured such that each of the first and second use positions of the operating component (9) is stable.

4. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the user interface (18) is configured to display at least one display parameter in a first orientation when the cooking appliance (1) is in a first use mode and the operating component (9) is in a first use position, and to display at least one display parameter in a second orientation different from the first orientation when the cooking appliance (1) is in a second use mode and the operating component (9) is in a second use position.

5. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, the cooking appliance further comprising an electrical contact (32) configured to be in a first state when the cooking appliance (1) is in a first use mode, and configured to be in a second state when the cooking appliance (1) is in a second use mode.

6. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 5, the cooking appliance comprising an actuation device (33) configured to move the electrical contact (32) to a first state when the second structure (5) pivots from the maximum open position in the direction of the closed position and reaches a first predetermined position, and to move the electrical contact (32) to a second state when the second structure (5) pivots from the closed position in the direction of the maximum open position and reaches a second predetermined position.

7. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 6, wherein the actuation device (33) includes an actuation member (34) movable between an actuation position in which the actuation member (34) is configured to activate the electrical contact (32) and a release position in which the actuation member (34) is configured to deactivate the electrical contact (32).

8. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 4, the cooking appliance further comprising an electrical contact (32) configured to be in a first state when the cooking appliance (1) is in a first use mode, and configured to be in a second state when the cooking appliance (1) is in a second use mode, wherein the user interface (18) is configured to display at least one display parameter in a first orientation when the electrical contact (32) is in the first state, and configured to display at least one display parameter in a second orientation when the electrical contact (32) is in the second state.

9. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the first structure (2) is placed on a horizontal surface and the second structure (5) is in the maximum open position, the handle (8) contacts the horizontal surface.

10. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second structure (5) is capable of occupying a middle open position, the middle open position being stable and located between a closed position and a maximum open position.

11. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 4, wherein the second orientation is the opposite orientation of the first orientation.

Citation Information

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