Kitchen equipment for housing wired food monitoring sensors

Abstract

The present invention provides a kitchen device (100) including a food preparation chamber. The kitchen device further includes a first housing portion (102) and a second housing portion (104) movable relative to each other to enable the food preparation chamber to be opened and closed. At least a portion of a channel (122) for accommodating at least one wire (110) (e.g., a wire connected to a food monitoring sensor) is located at an interface between the first housing portion and the second housing portion to allow routing of the at least one wire accommodated in the channel into the food preparation chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to routing the wire(s) of a food monitoring sensor into a closed food preparation chamber of a kitchen appliance having a first housing portion and a second housing portion that are movable relative to each other to enable opening and closing of the food preparation chamber. Background Art

[0002] The use of sensors in food preparation chambers of kitchen appliances is well known. A wireless or wired connection to the sensor enables communication with the kitchen appliance.

[0003] The most common sensor device is a food temperature probe that can be inserted into a piece of food to sense the core temperature of the food. The connection to such a food temperature probe tends to be wired, in other words, via a wire.

[0004] A disadvantage of a wired connection to the sensor is that the wires can be damaged and / or interfered with so as to accidentally move out of the sensor, particularly since the wires extend between the exterior and the interior of the food preparation chamber.

[0005] CN 217 365 464U is an air fryer that includes a heating element, a circulation system, and a food cooking chamber. The air fryer also has a first housing portion and a second housing portion that are movable relative to each other to enable the food cooking chamber to be opened and closed. The first housing portion has a U-shaped wire slot at its opening edge for accommodating wires connected to a temperature sensor, and a sealing element at the wire slot. A hole is configured to pass through the sealing element to form a passageway, allowing the wires to be routed into the food cooking chamber. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a kitchen device is provided, comprising: a food preparation chamber; a first shell portion; a second shell portion; and a channel, wherein the first shell portion and the second shell portion are movable relative to each other so that the food preparation chamber can be opened and closed, and the channel is used to accommodate at least one wire connected to a food monitoring sensor, at least a portion of the channel being located at an interface between the first shell portion and the second shell portion so as to allow the at least one wire accommodated in the channel to be routed into the food preparation chamber.

[0008] At least part of the channel being located at the interface between the first housing part and the second housing part may mean that a first surface of the first housing part faces a second surface of the second housing part, wherein the channel is defined between the first surface and the second surface.

[0009] The channel can help minimize the risk of damage to the at least one conductor due to being trapped between the first and second housing portions. This can help increase the lifespan of the at least one conductor. Similarly, the channel can help minimize the risk of damage (e.g., scratching and / or permanently deforming) to the edges of the first and second housing portions at the interface of the at least one conductor.

[0010] The passage may also reduce the risk of accidental disconnection of the at least one wire from a connection point external to the food preparation chamber.

[0011] In some embodiments, the passage can help minimize uncontrolled release of gas from the closed food preparation chamber, which is associated with at least one conductor opening a gap at the interface between the first housing portion and the second housing portion when such a passage is not provided.

[0012] In addition, by arranging at least a portion of the channel at the interface between the first shell portion and the second shell portion, a user can directly route at least one wire extending from the food monitoring sensor from the inside of the food preparation chamber to the outside of the food preparation chamber after the food monitoring sensor is arranged in the food, and there is minimal interference with the arrangement of the food monitoring sensor, for example, there is a smaller risk of the food monitoring sensor falling out of the food.

[0013] In some embodiments, one of the first and second housing portions is a drawer that is slidably movable relative to the other of the first and second housing portions to enable the food preparation chamber to be opened and closed. This can provide a particularly convenient way to access the food preparation chamber for accommodating food therein and the aforementioned food monitoring sensor.

[0014] In other embodiments, one of the first and second housing portions is a lid or door that is movable relative to the other of the first and second housing portions to enable the food preparation chamber to be opened or closed.

[0015] For example, such relative movement of the cover or door may be by the cover or door being pivotable relative to the other of the first and second housing parts and / or by the cover or door being detachable from the other of the first and second housing parts.

[0016] In some embodiments, one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion includes a food basket receivable in the food preparation chamber, particularly when the food preparation chamber is closed.

[0017] In embodiments where one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion is a drawer that is slidably movable relative to the other of the first housing portion and the second housing portion, the food basket is advantageously comprised in the drawer.

[0018] This may facilitate monitoring of food being cooked in the food preparation chamber, since the food monitoring sensor may be arranged directly in the food basket, e.g. in the food accommodated in the food basket, before accommodating the food basket in the food preparation chamber via sliding the drawer to close the food preparation chamber.

[0019] In some embodiments, at least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion includes a circular surface that at least partially defines the channel.

[0020] Such a rounded surface may help to minimize the risk of damaging the at least one wire housed in the channel.

[0021] For example, the rounded surface may comprise a concave (in other words, U-shaped) surface extending along at least part of the channel, for example at least part of the channel at the interface between the first and second housing parts.

[0022] Such a concave surface may help retain the at least one guide wire within the channel.

[0023] As an alternative or in addition to the circular surface defining the channel, the channel may be defined by a plastic or rubber material, such as a molded plastic or rubber material.

[0024] This material may help protect the at least one conductor from damage and may also provide additional electrical insulation.

[0025] In some embodiments, the channel is at least partially defined by a groove that is arranged in (in other words, provided to) an edge portion of one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0026] In such an embodiment, the edge portion faces another edge portion of the other of the first housing portion and the second housing portion.When the food preparation chamber is closed, the other edge portion can help retain the at least one wire in the groove.

[0027] The groove can have any suitable shape.In some embodiments, the groove has a concave cross-sectional shape.

[0028] This concave cross-sectional shape may help protect the at least one conductor from damage.

[0029] The further groove may be arranged in (in other words provided to) the further edge portion, wherein the channel is defined between the groove and the further groove.

[0030] In such an embodiment, for example, the channel may have a circular or elliptical cross-sectional shape resulting from the opposing groove and the semi-circular or semi-elliptical cross-sectional shape of the other groove.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment, a groove is arranged in an edge portion, but no further groove is arranged in another edge portion.

[0032] In some embodiments, the kitchen appliance includes a handle mounted to one of the first and second housing portions via a mounting portion extending between the respective housing portion and the handle.

[0033] The handle may facilitate relative movement of the first housing portion and the second housing portion to open and close the food preparation chamber.

[0034] In some embodiments, a handle can be mounted to one of the first and second shell parts in the form of a drawer (e.g., a drawer including a food basket) and thereby facilitate sliding of one of the first and second shell parts relative to the other of the first and second shell parts.

[0035] In some embodiments, at least part of the channel can be arranged in the surface of the mounting portion, for example, built into the surface of the mounting portion. This can provide a particularly ergonomic location for the channel, since after arranging the food in the food basket and / or in the food preparation chamber, the user can directly position the at least one wire in the channel during operation of the handle to close the food preparation chamber.

[0036] In some embodiments, the kitchen appliance comprises a closing member arranged to close the channel when the at least one wire is not accommodated in the channel.

[0037] When the passage does not house the at least one wire, the closure member can help minimize or prevent gas from escaping from the food preparation chamber via the passage. Thus, when the passage is not being used to route the at least one wire into the food preparation chamber, the closure member can help mitigate the impact on the efficiency of the kitchen appliance caused by including the passage.

[0038] In some embodiments, the closure member is biased into a closed position in which the passage is closed by the closure member when the at least one wire is not received in the passage.

[0039] This biasing can be achieved in any suitable manner.In some embodiments, the biasing is achieved by a spring-loaded closure member, wherein the spring urges the closure member to close the channel.

[0040] In such an embodiment, the bias can be overcome by at least one wire housed in the channel. The at least one wire housed in the channel can force the closure member backwards against the bias urging the closure member into the closed position, such as against the force applied by the spring.

[0041] In some embodiments, the closure member includes a rounded profile for contacting the at least one wire when the at least one wire is received in the channel.

[0042] The rounded profile may help minimize or prevent damage to the at least one wire due to compression of the at least one wire by the closure member when the at least one wire is received in the passageway.

[0043] In some embodiments, the kitchen appliance includes one or more labyrinth seals and / or (one or more) deformable components and / or (one or more) flexible components installed in or provided with the channel to retain at least one wire when the at least one wire is inserted into the channel and to seal the channel when no wire is accommodated in the channel.

[0044] For example, such a component may be made of an elastomeric material, such as rubber.

[0045] In some embodiments, the kitchen appliance includes a wire retention and release mechanism configured to releasably retain the at least one wire after the at least one wire is received in the channel. Releasably retaining the at least one wire in this manner can help reduce the risk of damage to the at least one wire (e.g., due to being pinched between the first housing portion and the second housing portion).

[0046] In some embodiments, the lead retention and release mechanism is configured to cause release of the retained lead(s) in response to movement of the first housing portion and the second housing portion relative to each other to open the food preparation chamber.

[0047] Such release of at least one wire can help minimize the risk of at least one wire being accidentally deformed and / or disconnected, for example at a user-accessible connection point (e.g., a jack socket) due to relative movement of the first and second housing portions to open the food preparation chamber.

[0048] In embodiments where one of the first and second housing portions is a drawer, a length of the at least one wire between the interface and the user accessible connection point may be shorter than a travel length of the drawer required to open the food preparation chamber.

[0049] However, in such an embodiment the risk of accidental deformation and / or disconnection of the at least one conductor may be reduced due to the release of the at least one conductor being achieved by a conductor retention and release mechanism.

[0050] Furthermore, user convenience may be enhanced because the user only needs to open the food preparation chamber in order for the lead retaining and releasing mechanism to cause the retained lead(s) to be released.

[0051] The wire retention and release mechanism may include a wire receiving portion configured to align with the channel so that when the food preparation chamber is opened, at least one wire can be released from the wire receiving portion via the channel, and when the food preparation chamber is closed, the wire receiving portion can be displaced relative to the channel to retain the at least one wire in the wire receiving portion.

[0052] The wire receiving portion may be configured to align with the passageway in response to the first housing portion and the second housing portion moving relative to each other to open the food preparation chamber.

[0053] In this manner, the lead retention and release mechanism may facilitate the release of the retained lead(s).

[0054] Alternatively or additionally, the wire receiving portion may be configured to be displaced relative to the passageway in response to user actuation and / or in response to the first housing portion and the second housing portion being moved relative to each other to close the food preparation chamber.

[0055] In some embodiments, the closure member configured to close the channel when at least one wire is not received in the channel is further configured to urge the wire(s) out of the wire receiving portion and out of the channel when the wire receiving portion is aligned with the channel.

[0056] In some embodiments, the kitchen appliance includes a user-accessible connection point at which at least one conductor is electrically connectable to a cooking control and / or monitoring system.

[0057] For example, the user accessible connection point may be arranged at the exterior of a kitchen appliance included in the kitchen apparatus, such as an air fryer.

[0058] In some embodiments, the user accessible connection point includes a socket, such as a jack socket, into which a plug (e.g., a jack plug) at the end of at least one wire can be positioned to electrically connect the at least one wire to the cooking control and / or monitoring system.

[0059] In some embodiments, a cooking control and / or monitoring system is included in a kitchen appliance and includes a user interface configured to transmit (e.g., display) cooking monitoring information based on a sensor signal transmitted from a food monitoring sensor via at least one conductor.

[0060] The user accessible connection point (eg, a jack socket) may be adjacent to a user interface (eg, a display).

[0061] In some embodiments, a kitchen appliance includes at least one wire, and a food monitoring sensor that can be arranged in a food preparation chamber to monitor food contained in the food preparation chamber when the at least one wire is routed from the food monitoring sensor to the outside of the food preparation chamber via a passage.

[0062] In at least some embodiments, the food monitoring sensor includes a food temperature monitoring probe.

[0063] Such food temperature monitoring probes may be inserted into food contained within a food preparation chamber to sense the core temperature of the food within the food preparation chamber during cooking.

[0064] In other embodiments, the kitchen appliance is provided separately from the food monitoring sensor and / or the at least one wire, eg, supplied to a user.

[0065] More generally, the at least one conductor may be formed from any suitable thermally stable material, in particular suitable thermally stable insulating material(s) surrounding the conductive material(s), so as to enable the at least one conductor to withstand cooking conditions within the food preparation chamber.

[0066] In some embodiments, at least one of the wires includes a fluoropolymer insulation material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0067] Kitchen equipment may include or be kitchen appliances, such as cooking appliances.

[0068] Examples of cooking appliances include air fryers, convection ovens, food steamers, and the like.

[0069] Special mention is made of kitchen appliances including air fryers or air fryers.

[0070] Air fryers can achieve frying effects without or with only a relatively small amount of cooking oil. However, it is desirable to utilize the above-mentioned food monitoring sensors (e.g., food temperature probes) to monitor the cooking process occurring in the food preparation chamber of the air fryer to ensure that the desired cooking results are achieved.

[0071] A slight overpressure in the food preparation chamber (in other words, the cooking chamber) of an air fryer may increase the risk of uncontrolled release of gas from the closed food preparation chamber if at least one wire opens a gap at the interface between the first and second housing parts. This uncontrolled release of gas to the user can compromise user comfort and safety. Preventing such a gap from opening due to a passageway at the interface between the first and second housing parts can help reduce the risks associated with this gas release.

[0072] In some embodiments, the kitchen appliance comprises a heating element and a circulation system arranged to circulate gas heated by the heating element in the food preparation chamber. In such embodiments, the kitchen appliance may be considered to comprise, for example, a convection oven or an air fryer.

[0073] In some embodiments, when oriented for use, the food preparation chamber has a top and a bottom, wherein the circulation system is arranged to circulate the gas upwardly through food contained in the food preparation chamber in a direction toward the top and / or downwardly through food contained in the food preparation chamber in a direction toward the bottom.

[0074] Circulation of gases (eg, air, smoke, and / or steam) upward and / or downward through food contained in the food preparation chamber may provide the aforementioned frying effect provided by an air fryer.

[0075] These and other aspects will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] For a better understanding of the present invention, and in order to show more clearly how it may be put into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0077] Figure 1 shows a portion of a kitchen apparatus according to an example;

[0078] Figure 2 shows a housing portion of a kitchen appliance according to an example;

[0079] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a kitchen appliance according to another example is provided;

[0080] Figure 4 Shows the direction to Figure 3 wires in a food preparation compartment of a kitchen appliance shown in ;

[0081] Figure 5 Shown Figure 3 and Figure 4 Only one housing part of the housing parts of the kitchen appliance shown in ;

[0082] Figure 6 shows a portion of a housing portion of a kitchen appliance according to yet another example;

[0083] Figure 7 Provided to be installed to Figure 6 a side view of the wire retention and release mechanism of the housing portion shown in FIG; and

[0084] Figure 8 Provided to be installed to Figure 6 A perspective view of the wire retention and release mechanism of the housing portion shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0086] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods, are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are schematic and not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0087] A kitchen appliance including a food preparation chamber is provided. The kitchen appliance further includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion that are movable relative to each other to enable the food preparation chamber to be opened and closed. At least a portion of a passageway for accommodating at least one wire (e.g., one or more wires connected to a food monitoring sensor) is located at an interface between the first housing portion and the second housing portion to allow routing of the at least one wire accommodated in the passageway into the food preparation chamber.

[0088] Figure 1 1 shows a portion of a kitchen device 100 according to an example. The kitchen device 100 includes a first housing portion 102 and a second housing portion 104. The first housing portion and the second housing portion 102, 104 can be moved relative to each other so that the food preparation chamber ( Figure 1 (not visible in the image) can be toggled on and off.

[0089] The kitchen device 100 may include any type of kitchen appliance, such as an air fryer, a convection oven, a food steamer, etc.

[0090] Particular mention is made of a kitchen device 100 comprising an air fryer or a kitchen device 100 of an air fryer. Figure 1 An example of such a kitchen appliance is shown in .

[0091] Air fryers can achieve a deep-frying effect without requiring or requiring only a relatively small amount of cooking oil. However, it is desirable to monitor the cooking process occurring in the food preparation chamber of the air fryer using suitable food monitoring sensors (e.g., food temperature probes) to ensure that the desired cooking results are achieved. Facilitating food monitoring via such food monitoring sensors is a key objective of the present disclosure, as will be described in more detail below.

[0092] In at least some embodiments, the kitchen device 100 includes a heating element and a circulation system (not visible) that is arranged to circulate gas heated by the heating element in the food preparation chamber. In such embodiments, the kitchen device 100 can be considered to include, for example, a convection oven or an air fryer.

[0093] In some embodiments, when oriented for use, the food preparation chamber has a top and a bottom, wherein the circulation system is arranged to circulate the gas upwardly through food contained in the food preparation chamber in a direction toward the top and / or downwardly through food contained in the food preparation chamber in a direction toward the bottom.

[0094] Circulation of gases (eg, air, smoke, and / or steam) upward and / or downward through food contained in the food preparation chamber may provide the aforementioned frying effect provided by an air fryer.

[0095] Relative movement of the first and second housing parts 102, 104 may be achieved in any suitable manner so long as the food preparation chamber can be opened and closed, for example to enable food to be placed in and removed from the food preparation chamber.

[0096] In some embodiments, for example, Figures 1 to 4 In those embodiments shown in , one of the first and second housing portions 102, 104 is a drawer that is slidably movable relative to the other of the first and second housing portions 104, 102 to enable the food preparation chamber 106 to be opened and closed.

[0097] exist Figures 1 to 4 In the non-limiting example shown in , the second housing portion 104 constitutes such a drawer, wherein the second housing portion 104 can slide into and out of the statically mounted first housing portion 102 to close and open the food preparation chamber 106, respectively.

[0098] In other embodiments (not shown in the figures), one of the first and second housing portions 102, 104 is a cover or door that is movable relative to the other of the first and second housing portions 104, 102 to enable the food preparation chamber 106 to be opened or closed.

[0099] For example, such relative movement of the cover or door may be via the cover or door being pivotable relative to the other of the first and second housing portions 104 , 102 and / or the cover or door being removable from the other of the first and second housing portions 104 , 102 .

[0100] In some embodiments, for example, Figure 2 As shown, one of the first and second housing portions 102, 104 includes a food basket that is receivable within the food preparation chamber, particularly when the food preparation chamber 106 is closed.

[0101] In such an embodiment, the food basket may include a perforated food support portion 108 on which food for cooking / baking / frying / steaming in the food preparation chamber 106, for example, may be supported.

[0102] In an embodiment where one of the first and second housing parts 102, 104 is a drawer that is slidably movable relative to the other of the first and second housing parts 104, 102, the food basket is advantageously included in the drawer. This can facilitate monitoring of food being cooked in the food preparation chamber 106 because a food monitoring sensor (e.g., a food temperature probe) can be placed directly in the food basket, for example, in the food contained in the food basket, before the food basket is placed in the food preparation chamber 106 by sliding the drawer to close the food preparation chamber 106.

[0103] More generally, such a food monitoring sensor may be disposed in the food preparation chamber 106 to monitor food contained therein when wire(s) 110 extending from the food monitoring sensor are routed from the interior to the exterior of the food preparation chamber 106 .

[0104] In some embodiments, for example Figure 1 The kitchen device 100 includes a cooking control and / or monitoring system 112 and a user accessible connection point 114 at which at least one wire 110 can be electrically connected to the cooking control and / or monitoring system 112 .

[0105] For example, the user accessible connection point 114 may be arranged on the exterior of a kitchen appliance (eg, an air fryer) included in the kitchen apparatus 100 .

[0106] In some embodiments, for example Figure 1The user accessible connection point 114 includes a socket (e.g., a jack socket) into which a plug 116 (e.g., a jack plug) at the end of the at least one wire 110 can be positioned to electrically connect the at least one wire 110 to the cooking control and / or monitoring system 112.

[0107] In some embodiments, the cooking control and / or monitoring system 112 includes a user interface 118 configured to communicate (eg, display) cooking monitoring information based on sensor signals communicated from the food monitoring sensor via the at least one conductor 110 .

[0108] Alternatively or additionally, the cooking control and / or monitoring system 112 may include one or more user input interfaces 120A, 120B, 120C configured to allow a user to select cooking control parameters (e.g., the temperature of the food preparation chamber 106 and / or the duration of heating of the food preparation chamber 106, by controlling a heating element), and / or configured to allow a user to connect (e.g., wirelessly) the cooking control and / or monitoring system 112 to an external device (not visible) separate from the kitchen appliance, such as a smart phone or tablet.

[0109] Note that, more generally, the at least one wire 110 can provide a convenient way to transmit sensor signals from the food monitoring sensor to the exterior of the food preparation chamber 106. However, when the cooking chamber 106 is closed, the at least one wire 110 may be at risk of being damaged by being pinched between the first and second housing portions 102, 104. The at least one wire 110 may also cause damage, such as scratches and / or permanent deformation, to the edges of the first and second housing portions 102, 104 at the interface between the first and second housing portions 102, 104.

[0110] In some cases, the uncontrolled release of gas from the closed food preparation chamber 106 may be caused by the at least one wire 110 opening a gap at the interface between the first and second housing portions 102 , 104 .

[0111] There is also a risk that when the first and second housing parts are moved relative to each other to open or close the food preparation chamber 106, at least one wire 110 is accidentally pulled out from the user accessible connection point 114, for example by pulling the plug 116 out of the above-mentioned socket included in or defining the user accessible connection point 114.

[0112] For at least these reasons, the kitchen appliance 100 includes a channel 122 for accommodating at least one wire 110 , wherein at least a portion of the channel 122 is located at the interface between the first housing portion 102 and the second housing portion 104 to allow routing of the at least one wire 110 into the food preparation chamber 106 .

[0113] At least a portion of the channel 122 being located at the interface between the first housing portion 102 and the second housing portion 104 may mean that a first surface of the first housing portion 102 faces a second surface of the second housing portion 104 with the channel 122 defined therebetween.

[0114] The channel 122 may help minimize the risk of damage to the at least one wire 110 due to being pinched between the first and second housing portions 102 , 104 , and reduce the risk of the at least one wire 110 accidentally being disconnected from the user-accessible connection point 114 .

[0115] Furthermore, by positioning the passage 122 at the interface between the first and second housing portions 102, 104, a user is able to route at least one wire 110 directly from the interior of the food preparation chamber 106 to the exterior after positioning the food monitoring sensor in the food with minimal disruption to the placement of the food monitoring sensor.

[0116] The channel 122 can be considered as a grommet for the at least one wire 110 of the food monitoring sensor (e.g., a food temperature probe), as the function of the channel 122 is to protect the at least one wire 110 from the opposite edges of the first and second housing parts 102, 104 at the interface.

[0117] In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second housing portions 102 , 104 includes a rounded surface that at least partially defines the channel 122 .

[0118] Such a rounded surface may help minimize the risk of damaging the at least one wire 110 .

[0119] For example, the rounded surface may include a concave (in other words, U-shaped) surface extending along at least a portion of the channel 122 (eg, at least a portion of the channel 122 at the interface between the first and second housing portions 102 , 104 ).

[0120] Such a concave surface may help retain the at least one wire 110 within the channel 122 .

[0121] As an alternative or in addition to the circular surface defining the channel 122, the channel 122 may be defined by a plastic or rubber material (eg, a molded plastic or rubber material).

[0122] Such material may help protect the at least one wire 110 from damage and may also provide additional electrical insulation.

[0123] In some embodiments, for example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the channel 122 is at least partially defined by a groove that is arranged in (in other words, provided to) an edge portion 124 of one of the first and second housing portions 102 , 104 .

[0124] In such an embodiment, the edge portion 124 faces another edge portion 126 of the other of the first and second housing portions 104, 102. The other edge portion 126 can help retain the at least one wire 110 in the groove 122 when the food preparation chamber 106 is closed.

[0125] In an embodiment where one of the first and second housing portions 102, 104 is a drawer, the edge portion 124 may be the edge portion 124 of the drawer. Thus, the edge portion 124 of the drawer faces another edge portion 126 of the other of the first and second housing portions 104, 102.

[0126] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, when the kitchen appliance 100 is oriented for use, the edge portion 124 of the drawer 124 may be an upper edge portion and the other edge portion 126 may be a lower edge portion.

[0127] The groove can have any suitable shape. In some embodiments, for example Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG, the grooves have a concave cross-sectional shape.

[0128] This concave cross-sectional shape may help protect the at least one wire 110 from damage.

[0129] Although not visible in the drawings, a further groove may be arranged in (in other words provided to) the further edge portion 126 , with the channel 122 being defined between the groove and the further groove.

[0130] In such an embodiment, for example, when the groove and the further groove each have a semicircular or semi-elliptical cross-sectional shape, the channel 122 may have a circular or elliptical cross-sectional shape.

[0131] In an alternative embodiment, no further groove is arranged in the further edge portion 126 .

[0132] In some embodiments, for example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the kitchen appliance 100 includes a handle 128 mounted to one of the first and second housing parts 102 , 104 via a mounting portion 130 extending between the respective housing part and the handle 128 .

[0133] The handle 128 may facilitate relative movement of the first and second housing portions 102 , 104 to open and close the food preparation chamber 106 .

[0134] In some embodiments, for example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the drawings, the handle 128 can be mounted to one of the first and second housing parts 102, 104 in the form of a drawer (e.g., a drawer including a food basket) and thereby facilitates sliding of one of the first and second housing parts 102, 104 relative to the other of the first and second housing parts 104, 102.

[0135] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the channel 122 can be arranged in the mounting portion 130, for example, built into a surface of the mounting portion 130. This can provide a particularly ergonomic location for the channel 122 because, after arranging food in the food basket and / or in the food preparation chamber 106, the user can directly position the at least one wire 110 in the channel 122 while manipulating the handle 128 to close the food preparation chamber 106.

[0136] In some embodiments, the kitchen apparatus 100 includes at least one wire 110 and a food monitoring sensor that may be disposed in the food preparation chamber 106 to monitor food contained therein when the at least one wire is routed from the food monitoring sensor to the exterior of the food preparation chamber 106 via a passage 122 .

[0137] In at least some embodiments, the food monitoring sensor includes or is a food temperature probe.

[0138] Such a food temperature probe may be inserted into food contained in the food preparation chamber 106 to sense the core temperature of the food in the food preparation chamber 106 during cooking.

[0139] In other embodiments, the kitchen device 100 is provided separately from the food monitoring sensor and / or the at least one wire, such as supplied to a user.

[0140] More generally, the at least one conductor 110 can be formed from any suitable thermally stable material, particularly (one or more) suitable thermally stable insulating materials surrounding (one or more) conductive materials, so as to enable the at least one conductor 110 to withstand cooking conditions within the food preparation chamber 106.

[0141] In some embodiments, at least one of the wires 110 includes a fluoropolymer insulation material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0142] In some embodiments, for example, Figures 3 to 5 In the embodiment shown in , the kitchen device 100 comprises a closing member 132 arranged to close the channel 122 when the at least one wire 110 is not accommodated in the channel 122 .

[0143] The closure member 132 can be considered a door that can help minimize or prevent gas from escaping from the food preparation chamber 106 via the passage 122 when the passage 122 does not house the at least one wire 110. Thus, when the passage 122 is not being used to route the at least one wire 110 into the food preparation chamber 106, the closure member 132 can help mitigate the impact on the efficiency of the kitchen appliance 100 due to the inclusion of the passage 122.

[0144] The closure member 132 may close the channel 122 by protruding through a portion 134 of the channel 122 that would otherwise be occupied by the at least one wire 110 .

[0145] In some embodiments, for example, Figures 3 to 5 In the embodiment shown in , the closure member 132 is biased to a closed position in which the channel 122 is closed by the closure member 132 when at least one wire 110 is not received in the channel 122 .

[0146] This biasing can be implemented in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, for example, Figures 3 to 5 In the embodiment shown in FIG, the biasing is achieved by a spring-loaded closure member 132 , wherein a spring 136 urges the closure member 132 to close the passage 122 .

[0147] In such an embodiment, the bias can be overcome by at least one wire 110 being received in the channel 122. In other words, if at least one wire 110 is present in the channel 122, the closure member 132 can be pushed upward when the food preparation chamber 106 is closed with the first and second housing portions 102, 104 in place. Figure 4 Shown in.

[0148] Thus, at least one wire 110 received in the channel 122 can force the closure member 132 rearward against the bias urging the closure member 132 into the closed position, in this non-limiting example against the force applied by the spring 136 .

[0149] The closure member 132 may include a rounded profile 138 for contacting the at least one wire 110 when the at least one wire 110 is received in the channel 122 .

[0150] The rounded profile 138 may help minimize or prevent damage to the at least one wire 110 due to the closure member 132 squeezing the at least one wire 110 when the at least one wire 110 is received in the channel 122 .

[0151] In some embodiments, the kitchen device 100 includes one or more labyrinth seals and / or (one or more) deformable components and / or (one or more) flexible components (not visible) installed in or provided together with the channel 122 to retain the at least one wire 110 when the at least one wire 110 is inserted into the channel 122 and to seal the channel 122 when the wire 110 is not accommodated in the channel 122.

[0152] For example, these components may be made of an elastic material, such as rubber.

[0153] Figure 5 The first housing portion 102 is shown with the closure member 132 when the second housing portion 104 (in the form of a drawer in this non-limiting example) is moved to open the food preparation chamber 106 (eg, with the food basket removed altogether).

[0154] In a specific non-limiting example, the kitchen apparatus 100 includes a drawer assembly comprising one of the housing portions 102, 104 in the form of a drawer that is slidable relative to the other of the housing portions 104, 102 in the form of a pan. The drawer includes a food basket, and a handle 128 is mounted to the food basket.

[0155] In such an example, the channel 122 (in other words, the grommet) may be incorporated into the handle 128 of the food basket.

[0156] A significant advantage of this particular example is that the user can place food into the food basket and insert a food monitoring sensor (e.g., a food temperature probe) into the food while the food basket is displaced relative to a pan (e.g., a pan of an air fryer).

[0157] Because the at least one wire 110 and, therefore, the food monitoring sensor are fixed in a defined position by the channel 122, the food basket, the food contained therein, the at least one wire 110, and the food monitoring sensor can be easily placed in the food preparation chamber 106 by sliding the drawer relative to the pan to close the food preparation chamber 106.

[0158] In this way, unintentional displacement of the food monitoring sensor during closing of the food preparation chamber 106 via sliding of the drawer may be minimized or even eliminated.

[0159] When the drawer is in the proper position to close the food preparation chamber 106, the user can connect the at least one wire 110 to a user accessible connection point 114, such as a jack socket. Figure 1 As shown, the user-accessible connection point 114 may be conveniently positioned adjacent a user interface 118 (eg, a display).

[0160] Note that the channel 122 need not be incorporated into the handle 128 and may be provided at an alternative location at the interface between the first and second housing portions 102, 104. For example, Figure 6 As shown, the channel 122 may be arranged in an edge portion of a front panel defining the second housing portion 104. For example, this may be the front panel of a drawer.

[0161] In some embodiments, for example, Figures 6 to 8 In the embodiment shown in , the kitchen appliance 100 includes a wire retention and release mechanism configured to releasably retain the at least one wire 110 after the at least one wire 110 is received in the channel 122 .

[0162] Releasably retaining the at least one wire 110 in this manner may help reduce the risk of the at least one wire 110 being damaged (eg, by being clamped between the first and second housing portions 102 , 104 ).

[0163] In some embodiments, the lead retention and release mechanism is configured to facilitate release of the retained lead(s) 110 in response to movement of the first and second housing portions 102 , 104 relative to each other to open the food preparation chamber 106 .

[0164] This release of at least one wire 110 can help minimize the risk of accidental deformation and / or disconnection of at least one wire 110, for example at a user-accessible connection point 114 (e.g., a jack socket) due to relative movement of the first and second housing portions 102, 104 to open the food preparation chamber 106.

[0165] In embodiments where one of the first and second housing portions 102 , 104 is a drawer, the length of the at least one wire 110 outside the kitchen appliance (eg, air fryer) may be shorter than the travel length of the drawer required to open the food preparation chamber 106 .

[0166] However, in such an embodiment, the risk of accidental deformation and / or disconnection of the at least one lead 110 may be reduced due to the release of the at least one lead 110 being achieved by the lead retention and release mechanism.

[0167] Furthermore, user convenience may be enhanced because the user only needs to open the food preparation chamber 106 in order for the lead retention and release mechanism to cause the retained lead(s) 110 to be released.

[0168] exist Figures 6 to 8 In the non-limiting example shown in , the at least one wire 110 can be lifted upward, such as in a direction away from the second housing portion 104 (eg, a drawer), when released.

[0169] The wire retention and release mechanism may include a wire receiving portion 140 that is configured to be aligned with the channel 122 so that when the food preparation chamber 106 is opened, the at least one wire 110 can be released from the wire receiving portion 140 via the channel 122, and when the food preparation chamber 106 is closed, the at least one wire is displaced relative to the channel 122 to retain the at least one wire in the wire receiving portion 140.

[0170] The wire receiving portion 140 may be configured to align with the passageway 122 in response to the first and second housing portions 102 , 104 moving relative to each other to open the food preparation chamber 106 .

[0171] In this manner, the lead retention and release mechanism may facilitate the release of the retained lead(s) 110 .

[0172] Alternatively or additionally, the wire receiving portion 140 may be configured to be displaced relative to the passage 122 in response to user actuation and / or in response to the first and second housing portions 102 , 104 moving relative to each other to close the food preparation chamber 106 .

[0173] In some embodiments, the wire receiving portion 140 is included in a movable member 142 that is mounted at one of the first and second housing portions 102 , 104 .

[0174] In a first set of embodiments, the biasing mechanism urges the movable member 142 into a position in which the wire receiving portion 140 is displaced relative to the channel 122 . Figure 6 and Figure 7 This example is best shown in .

[0175] In this first set of embodiments, when a user wishes to insert at least one wire 110 of a food monitoring sensor, he / she may rotate the movable member 142 against the bias to open the channel 122 to accommodate the at least one wire 110. The at least one wire 110 may then be inserted into the channel 122 and into the wire-receiving portion 140. Once the movable member 142 is subsequently released by the user, the at least one wire 110 may be retained in the wire-receiving portion 140 due in part to its shape.

[0176] In an alternative second set of embodiments, the biasing mechanism instead urges the movable member 142 into a position that aligns the wire receiving portion 140 with the channel 122 when the first and second housing portions 102 , 104 are moved relative to each other such that the food preparation chamber 106 is opened.

[0177] In this second set of embodiments, the movable member 142 may also have an engagement portion 144 that is configured to engage a portion of one of the housing portions 102, 104 when the food preparation chamber 106 is closed. Thus, when engaged, the engagement portion 144 is configured to limit the movement of the movable member 142 against the urging of the biasing mechanism, thereby maintaining the displacement of the wire receiving portion 140 relative to the channel 122 when the food preparation chamber 106 is closed.

[0178] As the first and second housing portions 102 , 104 move relative to each other to open the food preparation chamber 106 , the biasing mechanism can urge the movable member 142 into a position that aligns the wire receiving portion 140 with the channel 122 , thereby releasing the retained wire(s) 110 .

[0179] The closure member 132 described above may be combined with the movable member 142 to facilitate the release of the lead(s) 110 .

[0180] The closure member 132 may be configured to urge the wire(s) 110 out of the wire-receiving portion 140 and out of the channel 122 when the wire-receiving portion 140 is aligned with the channel 122 .

[0181] In some embodiments, and as Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the embodiment best shown in , the movement of the movable member 142 can be a rotation about a pivot point 146 .

[0182] The biasing mechanism may include a spring 148 arranged to urge the movable member 142 to rotate about the pivot point 146 .

[0183] In such an embodiment, the movable member 142 can be considered a rotatable, spring-loaded door.

[0184] In some embodiments, and as Figure 8 In the embodiment best shown in FIG, the engagement portion 144 includes a set of teeth 150. The set of teeth 150 can assist a user in rotating the movable member 142, as in the first set of embodiments described above.

[0185] Alternatively or additionally, and in the context of the second set of embodiments described above, the set of teeth 150 may, for example, engage complementary shaped portions of the first or second housing portions 102, 104 to limit movement of the movable member 142 when the food preparation chamber 106 is closed.

[0186] Note that the movable member 142 including the teeth engaging portion 144 may be considered to be beveled.

[0187] Other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention by studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0188] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0189] If the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or the specification, it should be noted that the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to."

[0190] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A kitchen device (100), comprising: food preparation room (106); a first housing portion (102); a second housing portion (104), the first housing portion and the second housing portion being movable relative to each other to enable the food preparation chamber to be opened and closed; as well as a passageway (122) for receiving at least one wire connected to a food monitoring sensor, at least a portion of the passageway being located at an interface between the first housing portion and the second housing portion to allow routing of the at least one wire received in the passageway into the food preparation chamber; in A handle (128) is mounted to one of the first housing portion (102) and the second housing portion (104) via a mounting portion (130) extending between the respective housing portion and the handle, wherein at least a portion of the channel (122) is disposed in the mounting portion.

2. The kitchen device (100) according to claim 1, wherein one of the first housing part (102) and the second housing part (104) is a drawer, and the drawer is slidably movable relative to the other of the first housing part and the second housing part so that the food preparation chamber (106) can be opened and closed.

3. The kitchen device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one of the first housing part (102) and the second housing part (104) comprises a food basket, which can be accommodated in the food preparation chamber (106).

4. The kitchen device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the first housing portion (102) and the second housing portion (104) comprises a circular surface at least partially defining the channel (122).

5. The kitchen device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the channel (122) is at least partially defined by a groove, which is arranged in an edge portion (124) of one of the first shell part (102) and the second shell part (104), the edge portion facing another edge portion (126) of the other of the first shell part and the second shell part.

6. The kitchen device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a closing member (132) arranged to close the channel (122) when the at least one wire is not accommodated in the channel.

7. The kitchen device (100) according to claim 6, wherein the closing member (132) is biased into a closed position in which the channel (122) is closed by the closing member when the at least one wire is not received in the channel.

8. The kitchen device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a wire holding and release mechanism configured to releasably hold the at least one wire after the at least one wire is received in the channel (122).

9. The kitchen device (100) of claim 8, wherein the wire retention and release mechanism is configured to facilitate release of the retained wire in response to movement of the first housing portion (102) and the second housing portion (104) relative to each other to open the food preparation chamber (106).

10. The kitchen device (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the wire holding and releasing mechanism comprises a wire accommodating portion (140), the wire accommodating portion (140) being configured to be aligned with the channel (122) to enable the at least one wire to be released from the wire accommodating portion via the channel when the food preparation chamber (106) is opened, and to be displaced relative to the channel to retain the at least one wire in the wire accommodating portion when the food preparation chamber is closed.

11. The kitchen device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a user accessible connection point (114) at which the at least one conductor is electrically connectable to a cooking control and / or monitoring system.

12. The kitchen device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the at least one wire (110), and the food monitoring sensor is capable of being arranged in the food preparation chamber (106) to monitor food contained in the food preparation chamber (106) when the at least one wire is routed from the food monitoring sensor to the outside of the food preparation chamber via the channel (122).

13. The kitchen appliance (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the kitchen appliance comprises an air fryer.

14. The kitchen device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a heating element and a circulation system, wherein the circulation system is arranged to circulate gas heated by the heating element in the food preparation chamber (106); optionally, wherein when oriented for use, the food preparation chamber has a top and a bottom, and the circulation system is arranged to circulate the gas upwardly towards the top through the food contained in the food preparation chamber and / or downwardly towards the bottom through the food contained in the food preparation chamber.

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