Domestic appliance for cooking food and associated operating method

Abstract

The invention relates to a household appliance (1) for cooking food, comprising: a frame (2) defining a temperature-controllable cooking chamber (3) having an access opening (30); a door (4) hingedly connected to the frame (2) and switchable between a cooking position, in which the door is positioned to close the opening (30) of the cooking chamber (3), an access position, in which the door freezes the opening (30) of the cooking chamber (3), and a slightly open position between the cooking position and the access position, the door (4) is at least partially spaced from the opening (30) of the cooking chamber (3) so as to allow food to be introduced into and removed from the cooking chamber (3), and a slightly open position in which the door (4) is at least partially spaced from the opening (30) of the cooking chamber (3); an opening device (5) configured to act on the door (4) to switch the door between a cooking position and a slightly open position. The household appliance (1) is characterized in that it comprises a suction unit (6) placed in fluid communication with the cooking chamber (3) when the door (4) is in the slightly open position or access position and configured to draw out at least a portion of the volume of air present in said cooking chamber (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a household appliance for cooking food according to the preamble of claim 1 , which can be effectively employed in the field of kitchen equipment.

[0002] Another object of the invention is a method of operating a domestic appliance for cooking food as described above according to the preamble of claim 11. Background Art

[0003] During the cooking of baked food, it is necessary to perform several operations of opening and closing the cooking chamber of the oven in order to be able to introduce or remove the food to be cooked.

[0004] This closing and opening operation is performed when the oven is at a temperature that is potentially harmful and irritating to the user's skin and eyes. Typically, the temperature for baking food in an oven is between 150°C and 250°C.

[0005] During the opening operation, the user is at the front of the oven and, in the act of bending down to lower the door, positions the face slightly above the opening to the oven cooking chamber.

[0006] Thus, due to the spontaneous upward movement of the hot fluid, the user's face will be exposed to the hot air flow escaping from the cooking chamber.

[0007] Disadvantageously, this can irritate the user's face and eyes, in addition to causing significant discomfort.

[0008] Furthermore, if the user wears glasses, the hot air flow escaping from the cooking chamber may damage the lenses or even the frames.

[0009] If the oven is used in steam cooking mode, the above-mentioned disadvantages are magnified.

[0010] In fact, in this case, the hot air flow leaving the cooking chamber is full of water vapor and therefore has a greater heat exchange capacity. In fact, in thermodynamics, it is known that an air flow full of water vapor allows to obtain convective heat exchanges significantly higher than those obtained by an equivalent dry air flow at the same temperature.

[0011] In view of the above, manufacturers feel a need to reduce the health risks and discomfort associated with opening the cooking chamber of an oven, particularly when used in a steam mode.

[0012] Steam ovens are known in the prior art, comprising a door locking mechanism adapted to allow the cooking chamber to be opened only when the concentration of water vapor is below a certain value and / or the temperature of the cooking chamber is below a limit temperature. An example of this type of oven is disclosed in FR2776478A1.

[0013] However, disadvantageously, although such ovens can improve safety in use on the one hand, they are particularly inconvenient to use on the other hand. In fact, the user must wait several tens of seconds before being able to access the cooking chamber.

[0014] US3032028A discloses an oven for cooking food, which has a cooking chamber that can be selectively closed using a door and a system for extracting cooking steam. In detail, the system includes a fluid-dynamically connected extraction device, the extraction device having a first opening arranged at the mouth of the oven and a second opening arranged on a wall defining the cooking chamber. During use, when a user opens the door of the cooking chamber, the extraction device increases the user's operating speed to prevent the hot air present in the cooking chamber from hitting the user.

[0015] Document US 2006 / 237425 A discloses an oven having an extraction system configured to extract hot air present in the cooking chamber through an opening made in the wall at the access opening of the cooking chamber when the oven door is opened.

[0016] It should be noted that in the ovens disclosed in US 3 032 028 A and US 2006 / 237425 A, in order to extract the volume of hot air contained in the cooking chamber, the user is required to move close to the oven and, acting on the door handle, open the cooking chamber. Therefore, if the suction effect of the extraction device, for example due to the transient state of bringing the extraction device to full speed, is not sufficient to capture the entire hot air flow escaping the cooking chamber, it is obvious that this will hit the user who is located near the oven for the purpose of opening the door.

[0017] Purpose of the Invention

[0018] In this context, the technical task of the present invention is to propose a household appliance that overcomes the above-mentioned defects of the prior art.

[0019] In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a household appliance for cooking food which is both safe and practical.

[0020] In detail, the object of the present invention is to provide a household appliance for cooking food which has a comparable ease of use as a conventional oven in terms of the availability of access to the cooking chamber and which at the same time avoids the above-mentioned risks to the health of the user. Summary of the invention

[0021] The invention relates to a domestic appliance for cooking food, comprising a frame defining a cooking chamber suitable for containing one or more foods to be cooked.

[0022] In detail, the cooking chamber is temperature controllable and has an access opening configured to allow introduction and removal of food.

[0023] The household appliance further comprises a door hingedly connected to the frame and switchable between a cooking position, an access position and a slightly open position between the cooking position and the access position. In detail, in the cooking position, the door is positioned to close the opening of the cooking chamber, in the access position, the door frees the opening to allow food to be introduced into and removed from the cooking chamber, and in the slightly open position, the door is at least partially spaced from the opening of the cooking chamber. The door has a hinged portion rotatably connected to the frame and a push portion opposite to the hinged portion.

[0024] The household appliance further comprises: an opening device configured to act on the door to switch the door between the cooking position and the slightly opened position; and a suction unit configured to extract at least a portion of the volume of air present in the cooking chamber when the door is in the slightly opened position or the access position. In detail, the opening device is configured to abut against a push portion of the door and exert an opening force on the push portion, i.e., a force suitable for switching the door from the cooking position to the slightly opened position.

[0025] The invention also aims at a method of operating a household appliance of the type disclosed above. The method comprises the steps of bringing the cooking chamber to a defined use temperature with the door in the cooking position, actuating the opening means and the suction unit simultaneously, keeping the suction unit in operation as long as the door is in the slightly opened position, and deactivating the suction unit when the door enters the access position or the closed position.

[0026] It should be noted that the simultaneous activation of the opening means and of the suction unit allows the removal of at least part of the volume of air present in the cooking chamber that tends to escape when the door is moved from the cooking position to the ajar position, and therefore of heat. Thus, when the door is in the ajar position, as is common in conventional ovens, the user can immediately access the cooking chamber by bringing the door to the ajar position, without risking being hit by a stream of hot air.

[0027] It is thus evident that the synergistic effect of the opening device and the suction unit allows the ease of use of the household appliance to be increased without compromising its safety in use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of an exemplary but non-exclusive and therefore non-limiting preferred embodiment of a household appliance, as shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] - Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a household appliance for cooking food according to the invention, said household appliance being shown with the door in an access configuration;

[0030] - Figure 2a A diagram is shown for illustrating some of the internal components. Figure 1 A perspective cutaway view of a household appliance of , the household appliance being shown with the door in an access configuration;

[0031] - Figure 2b Shows Figure 2a A zoom-in to better illustrate some technical details;

[0032] - Figure 3a Shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a household appliance of , wherein the door is in a cooking configuration;

[0033] - Figure 3b Shows Figure 3a A zoom-in to better illustrate some technical details;

[0034] - Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 a perspective cross-sectional view of the device of claim 1, wherein the door is in a cooking configuration, arrows indicating the fluid dynamic path of the air flow when the door is in the cooking configuration;

[0035] - Figure 5a Shows from Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a household appliance viewed from the side, wherein the door is in a slightly open position, and arrows indicate the fluid dynamic path of the air flow when the door is in the slightly open position;

[0036] - Figure 5b Shows Figure 5a A zoom-in to better illustrate some technical details;

[0037] - Figure 6 Shows from Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a household appliance viewed from the side with the door in an access configuration, with arrows indicating the fluid dynamic path of the air flow when the door is in the access configuration;

[0038] - Figure 7 Shows from Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a household appliance viewed from the front, with arrows indicating the fluid dynamic path of the air flow drawn from the hob;

[0039] - Figure 8The use of the invention is shown Figure 1 Block diagram of a method of a household appliance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Even if not explicitly highlighted, individual features disclosed with reference to a particular embodiment should be understood to be dependent upon and / or interchangeable with other features disclosed with reference to other embodiments.

[0041] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention relates to a domestic appliance 1 for cooking food in a thermally controlled environment. Classically, this type of method of cooking food in an oven is known as baking.

[0042] Reference Figure 1 , the household appliance 1 comprises a frame 2 defining a cooking chamber 3 which is temperature controllable and suitable for containing food to be cooked.

[0043] In the context of the present invention, a temperature-controlled cooking chamber 3 means a cavity of a certain volume, the periphery of which is delimited by the frame 2 of the household appliance 1 and is constructed to reach a temperature suitable for cooking food by means of dedicated heating means, which will not be further described as they are known to a person skilled in the art.

[0044] like Figure 7 As shown, the cooking chamber 3 is delimited above, below and at least partly laterally by respective walls of the frame 2. According to a preferred embodiment, the cooking chamber 2 is in the shape of a parallelepiped.

[0045] The household appliance 1 comprises an oven, and the cooking chamber 3 realizes a cooking cavity of said oven.

[0046] Thus, the cooking chamber 3 may comprise all typical components of a cooking cavity of an oven, such as a ventilation system for the cavity or a supporting grill that can be adjusted to different levels.

[0047] In addition, preferably, the cooking chamber 3 may be suitable for implementing steam cooking of food.

[0048] To this end, for example, the lower wall of the frame 2 delimiting the cooking chamber 3 may have a recessed area suitable for filling with water.

[0049] Alternatively, the steam may be generated in a pot and then placed in the cooking chamber.

[0050] Reference Figure 1 2 , the cooking chamber 3 has an opening 30 configured to allow the introduction and removal of food from the cooking chamber 3 itself.

[0051] In other words, the opening 30 is specifically dimensioned to allow containers for cooking food, such as small cups, cake tins and trays, to be easily moved to and from the cooking chamber 3 .

[0052] Preferably, refer to Figure 1 , the opening 30 of the cooking chamber 3 is delimited by a peripheral contour C defined by the frame 2. Preferably, the peripheral contour has an upper edge C1 and an opposite lower edge C2. Further preferably, the opening 30 has a polygonal geometry, in particular a quadrilateral.

[0053] The household appliance 1 further comprises a door 4 hingedly connected to the frame 2 , the door 4 being configured to selectively close an opening 30 of the cooking chamber 3 .

[0054] In the embodiment of the figures, the door 4 is rotatably attached to the frame by means of dedicated hinge means; however, in an alternative embodiment, the door 4 may be translationally connected to the frame by means of sliding guides or the like.

[0055] Preferably, referring to the embodiment of the drawings, the door 4 has a hinge portion 4a rotatably connected to the frame 2 by a hinge device and a push portion 4b opposite to the hinge portion 4a.

[0056] It should be noted that the hinge means join the door 4 to the frame 2 along an axis of rotation AA, about which the door 4 , rotating, assumes different angles relative to the opening 30 of the cooking chamber 3 .

[0057] Preferably, the hinge portion 4 a of the door 4 is joined to the frame 2 at a lower edge C2 of the peripheral contour C of the opening 30 , and the push portion 4 b of the door 4 may be connected to an upper edge C1 of the peripheral contour C of the opening 30 .

[0058] Special reference Figure 4 , the household appliance 1 has a cooling duct 31 which at least partially surrounds the cooking chamber 3 and is configured to induce a cooling air flow therein which is suitable for preventing an area of ​​the frame 2 close to the cooking chamber 3 from overheating.

[0059] Preferably, the cooling duct 31 extends at least partially near the upper wall of the cooking chamber 3 .

[0060] Still refer to Figure 4 , the door 4 comprises a cooling gap 40 suitable for inducing a cooling air flow inside.

[0061] According to one aspect, the cooling gap 40 is obtained between an inner wall 41 of the door 4 , which may be connected to the opening 30 of the cooking chamber 3 , and an outer wall 42 opposite the inner wall 41 .

[0062] The cooling gap 40 is delimited on opposite sides by an inlet opening 40 a and an outlet opening 40 b which are configured to allow the introduction and discharge of a cooling air flow of the door 4 , respectively.

[0063] The door 4 can be in the cooking position ( Figure 3a , Figure 3b and Figure 4 ), access location( Figure 6 ) and the slightly open position between the cooking position and the access position ( Figure 5a and Figure 5b )

[0064] exist Figure 3a , Figure 3b and Figure 4 In the cooking position shown, the door 4 is positioned to close the opening 30 of the cooking chamber 3. In other words, in the cooking position, the door prevents access to the cooking chamber 3 by completely blocking the opening 30.

[0065] It should be noted that the cooking chamber 3 is an environment containing a predetermined volume of air defined between the frame 2 and the door 4 when the door 4 is in the cooking position.

[0066] In the cooking position, the door 4 rests on the peripheral edge C of the opening 30. In order to avoid heat dissipation, a sealing gasket is interposed between the peripheral edge C and the door 4.

[0067] Preferably, in the cooking position, the door 4 is oriented substantially parallel to the opening 30 , ie the angle between the door 4 and the opening 30 is almost zero.

[0068] Reference Figure 4 It can be seen that in the cooking position, the cooling gap 40 is in fluid communication with the cooling duct 31. In particular, the cooling duct 31 is associated with the outlet opening 40b of the cooling gap 40 so as to generate an air flow in the cooling gap 40 for cooling the door 4.

[0069] In the access position shown in FIG. 5 , the door 4 leaves the opening 30 of the cooking chamber 3 free in order to allow the introduction of food into the cooking chamber 3 and the removal of food from the cooking chamber 3 .

[0070] Thus, when the door 4 is in the access position, the cooking chamber 3 is an environment partially defined by the frame 2 and in fluid communication with the external environment of the household appliance 1 through the opening 30 .

[0071] In the embodiment in which the door 4 is hinged to the frame 2, when the door 4 is in the access position, an angle of substantially 90° is created with the opening 30 of the cooking chamber.

[0072] It should be noted that the angle formed between the door 2 and the opening 30 must allow easy introduction and removal of containers for cooking food; therefore, it cannot be less than 85°.

[0073] exist Figure 4 In the slightly open position shown, the door 4 is at least partially spaced apart from the opening 30 of the cooking chamber 3 .

[0074] Preferably, the door 4 is at least partially away from the opening 30 of the cooking chamber 3, forming a gap. The gap puts the cooking chamber 3 in fluid communication with the environment outside the household appliance.

[0075] It should be noted that the gap is not wide enough to allow food to be introduced into or removed from the cooking chamber.

[0076] Preferably, if the door is hinged to the frame 2 , in the slightly opened position the door 4 forms an angle of between 5° and 15° with the opening 30 of the cooking chamber 3 .

[0077] Even more preferably, in the slightly open position, the angle between the door 4 and the opening is 8°.

[0078] In other words, in the slightly open position, the door 4 partially closes the opening 30 of the cooking chamber 3 so as to leave a vent or gap through which the air flow can flow.

[0079] It should be noted that in order to switch the door 4 from the cooking position to the access position and vice versa, the door 4 passes through an intermediate ajar position.

[0080] It should be noted that in the slightly opened position and in the access position, the cooling gap 40 of the door 4 is hydrodynamically disconnected from the cooling duct 31 .

[0081] In particular, in such a slightly open position and access position, as described in more detail below, according to Figure 5a and Figure 6 As shown, ie through the extraction slit 7 , a cooling duct 31 is placed in fluid communication with the cooking chamber 3 .

[0082] Refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 , the household appliance 1 comprises an opening device 5 which is configured to act on the door 4 to switch the door 4 between a cooking position and a slightly opened position.

[0083] Preferably, the opening device 5 is integrated into the frame 2 , however, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the opening device 5 can be arranged in the door 2 in a completely equivalent manner.

[0084] It is obvious that in this alternative embodiment, the opening means 5 must exert a force on the frame 2, the reaction force of which (according to the third principle of dynamics) will move the door 4 between the cooking position and the ajar position.

[0085] According to a preferred aspect, also refer to Figure 2b , the opening device 5 is integrated into the frame 2 at the upper edge C1 of the peripheral contour C of the opening 30 .

[0086] exist Figure 2a and Figure 2b In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the opening device 5 is arranged at the side of the upper edge C1 ; however, in an alternative embodiment, the opening device 5 may be arranged in the middle of the upper edge C1 .

[0087] In an alternative embodiment, more than one opening device 5 is arranged at the upper edge C1 , for example at a peripheral portion of the upper edge C1 .

[0088] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the opening device 5 is configured to rotate the door 4 about the aforementioned rotation axis AA in order to switch the door 4 from the cooking position to the slightly open position. Preferably, the opening device is configured to rotate the door by between 5° and 15°, preferably equal to 8°.

[0089] According to one aspect, Figure 5a As shown, the opening device 5 is configured to act on the aforementioned push portion 4 b of the door 4 .

[0090] In detail, the opening device 5 is configured to abut against the push portion 4 b of the door 4 and apply a force suitable for switching the door 4 from the cooking position to the slightly opened position.

[0091] exist Figure 2a and Figure 5a In the embodiment shown, the push portion 4 b is arranged in a side region of the door 4 .

[0092] Reference Figure 5b The opening device 5 includes a push rod 50, which is configured to exert a pushing action on the door 4 to switch the door 4 from the cooking position to the slightly opened position.

[0093] In detail, the push rod 50 has an end 50 a configured to abut against the push portion 4 b of the door 4 and exert a force on the push portion 4 b suitable for switching the door 4 from the cooking position to the slightly opened position.

[0094] The opening device 5 comprises motorized means 51 configured to move the push rod 50 between an extracted position and a retracted position.

[0095] Reference Figure 3b The opening device 5 comprises a limit switch 52 which abuts against the end 5b of the push rod 50 when the door 4 is in the cooking position. The limit switch comprises a sensor element adapted to detect contact with the end 5b of the push rod 50 and thus the position of the door 4.

[0096] Now refer to Figure 5b In the pulled-out configuration, the push rod 50 at least partially protrudes from the frame 2 relative to the opening 30 of the cooking chamber 3 .

[0097] In the extracted configuration, at least a portion of the push rod 50 is arranged outside the frame 2 .

[0098] In the extracted configuration, the push rod 50 projects from the frame 2 at the upper edge C1 of the peripheral contour of the opening 30 .

[0099] Reference Figure 3b , in the retracted configuration, the push rod 50 is arranged inside the frame 2.

[0100] The motorization device 51 is preferably of the electromechanical type, ie the motorization device 51 comprises an electric motor kinematically connected to the push rod 50 .

[0101] It should be noted that the kinematic connection between the electric motor and the push rod 50 is configured to switch the push rod 50 between the extracted position and the retracted position.

[0102] By way of example, the kinematic connection may be of the worm type.

[0103] The household appliance comprises an electronic control unit 12 (not visible in the figures) which supervises the operation of the various devices forming part of the household appliance itself.

[0104] According to one aspect, the electronic control unit 12 comprises a user interface 11 configured to generate various electrical signals according to the command and control of the devices present in the domestic appliance 1 .

[0105] In particular, the interface 11 is configured to send a signal to actuate the opening device 5 so as to switch the door 4 between the cooking position and the ajar position.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the electronic control unit 12 is in signal communication with the opening means 5 , ie through the interface 11 the user can send an actuation signal of the motorized means 51 in order to switch the door between the cooking position and the ajar position.

[0107] Preferably, the motorization device 51 is configured to move the push rod 50 in a direction transverse to the opening 30 of the cooking chamber 3. It should be noted that the direction transverse to the opening 30 means the direction incident on the reference plane in which the opening 30 of the cooking chamber 3 is located.

[0108] Even more preferably, the motorization means 51 are configured to move the push rod 50 along a direction orthogonal to the opening 30 of the cooking chamber 3 .

[0109] In an alternative embodiment, the motorization means 51 may be of purely mechanical type, for example, the motorization means 51 may comprise a kinematic system with levers and springs.

[0110] It should be noted that the door 4 is manually operated to switch from the open position via the ajar position to the cooking position.

[0111] Reference Figure 2a , the household appliance 1 comprises a suction unit 6, which comprises at least one impeller driven in rotation by an electric motor.

[0112] The suction unit is fluidically connected to the cooling duct 31 of the cooking chamber 3 to generate a cooling flow in the cooling gap 40 of the door 4 when the door 4 is in the closed position, and is configured to extract a certain volume of air present in the cooking chamber 3 when the door 4 is in the slightly open position or the access position.

[0113] According to one aspect, the suction unit 6 is arranged outside the cooking chamber 3 and inside the frame 2 of the domestic appliance 1 .

[0114] In other words, the impeller of the suction unit 6 is configured to be activated when the door 4 is in the slightly opened position or the access position ( Figure 5a , Figure 6 ) generates an extraction flow suitable for removing at least a portion of the volume of air present in the cooking chamber 3, and is configured to generate an extraction flow suitable for removing at least a portion of the volume of air present in the cooking chamber 3 when the door 4 is in the cooking position ( Figure 4 ) generates a cooling flow in the cooling gap 40 of the door 4.

[0115] It should be noted that when the door 4 is in the slightly open position or the access position ( Figure 5a , Figure 6 ), the fluid dynamic connection between the cooling duct 31 of the cooking chamber and the gap 40 of the door 4 is interrupted, since there is no continuity any more. In this case (i.e. slightly open position), the suction unit 6 extracts the air present in the cooking chamber 3 which tends to escape through the gap C created between the door 4 and the peripheral edge C of the opening 30.

[0116] It should be noted that the electronic control unit 12 of the household appliance 1 is also in signal communication with the suction unit 6 in order to supervise the operation of the suction unit in the manner disclosed below.

[0117] According to one aspect, the operating intensity of the suction unit 6 can be controlled by the electronic control unit 12 to generate a flow rate having a certain volume flow rate (m 3 / h) of suction flow.

[0118] In detail, the suction unit 6 is switchable between a first operating configuration, in which the extracted flow has a first flow rate value P1, and a second operating configuration, in which the extracted flow has a second flow rate value P2 different from the first flow rate value P1.

[0119] Still preferably, the first flow rate value P1 is at least 150 m 3 / h, and the second flow rate value P2 is 200m 3 / h and 400m 3 / h.

[0120] Preferably, the size of the suction unit 6 is designed to have a diameter equal to 1300 m 3 Maximum volume flow rate of / h.

[0121] It should be noted that when the cooking chamber 3 is at a temperature normally used for cooking food and the door 4 is in the slightly opened position or in the access position, the suction unit 6 allows to remove at least part of the volume of air present in the cooking chamber and therefore allows to remove the heat present in the cooking chamber.

[0122] The household appliance 1 , object of the present disclosure, therefore makes it possible to avoid the aforementioned risks to the user's health.

[0123] Reference Figure 4 Preferably, the frame 2 comprises at least one withdrawal slit 7, and when the door 4 is in the slightly opened position or the access position, the withdrawal slit 7 is in fluid communication with the cooking chamber 3.

[0124] When the door 4 is in the slightly opened position or the access position, the suction unit 6 is in fluid communication with the extraction gap 7 .

[0125] It follows that, when the door is in the slightly open position or the access position, the suction unit 6 is fluidly connected to the cooking chamber 3 through the extraction slit 7 so as to extract through the extraction slit 7 at least a portion of the volume of air present in the cooking chamber 3 that tends to escape through the gap created between the door 4 and the peripheral edge C of the opening 30b.

[0126] In particular, when the door is in the slightly opened position or in the access position, the suction unit 6 is in fluid communication with the cooking chamber 3 by means of a first extraction duct 10a extending between the suction unit 6 and the extraction slit 7.

[0127] In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the extraction line 10 a is implemented by a cooling line 31 .

[0128] The extraction slit 7 is preferably arranged on the frame 2 in such a way that it is produced at the upper edge C1 of the peripheral contour C of the opening 30 .

[0129] Even more preferably, the extraction slit 7 faces the gap created between the opening 30 and the door 4 when the door 4 is in the slightly opened position.

[0130] Further preferably, the extraction slit 7 extends parallel to the upper edge C1 of the peripheral contour C of the opening 30 .

[0131] Advantageously, in this way, the extraction flow affects the entire width extension of the opening 30 .

[0132] It should be noted that the extraction slit 7 may be associated with a grease filter (not visible in the figures) capable of filtering the air coming from the cooking chamber 3 .

[0133] The grease filter can be located upstream or preferably downstream of the extraction slit 7 .

[0134] Further references Figure 4 , when the door 4 is in the cooking position, the extraction slit 7 is in fluid communication with the cooling gap 40 of the door 4. In this way, the suction unit 6 is configured to generate a cooling flow in the cooling gap 40 of the door 4 when the door 4 is in the cooking position.

[0135] It should also be noted that even before opening the device 5 to switch the door between the cooking position and the ajar position, the electronic control unit 12 of the household appliance 1 can operate the suction unit 6 at the second flow rate value P2 in order to limit the hot air flow exposed to the user.

[0136] In particular, according to one embodiment, the predetermined delay interval is coded in the firmware of the electronic control unit 12 from the moment the user uses the interface 11 to command the opening device 5 to switch the position of the door from the cooking position to the ajar position.

[0137] During this predetermined delay interval, the electronic control unit 12 acts to vary the actuation intensity of the suction unit 6 .

[0138] The predetermined delay interval may vary between a few seconds and tens of seconds.

[0139] Reference Figure 1 Preferably, the household appliance 1 comprises a hob 8 arranged above the cooking chamber 3 .

[0140] It should be noted that in the context of the present invention, the term hob 8 refers to a device having a plurality of cooking zones configured to support pots containing food to be heated.

[0141] In detail, the hob 8 is of induction type, electric type or hybrid type (ie induction type or electric and gas type) and comprises one or more extraction openings 80 for cooking fumes coming from a pot arranged on the hob.

[0142] According to one aspect, the electronic control unit 12 of the household appliance 1 controls and manages a plurality of cooking zones of the hob 8 .

[0143] Reference Figure 2a and Figure 7 Preferably, the household appliance 1 comprises a lower suction hood 9 which uses the suction unit 6 and the first extraction duct 10 a disclosed above to extract the cooking fumes downwards through the extraction opening 80 .

[0144] Reference Figure 7 The lower suction hood 9 further comprises a second extraction duct 10 b which is configured to fluidically connect the suction unit 6 with the extraction opening 80 of the furnace frame 8 .

[0145] The second extraction duct 10 b extends from the suction unit 6 to the extraction opening 80 of the hob 8 .

[0146] The electronic control unit 12 of the household appliance 1 is also in signal communication with the lower suction hood 9 to control and manage the functions of the lower suction hood 9, such as the extraction speed.

[0147] The present invention also aims at a method of using the household appliance 1 disclosed above.

[0148] For details, refer to Figure 6 , the method comprises a first step 1000 of bringing the cooking chamber 3 to a predetermined use temperature Tu when the suction unit 6 is in a first operating configuration and when the door 4 is in a cooking position.

[0149] The operating temperature Tu is set by the user through the interface 11 of the electronic control unit 12 according to the usual conditions of an ordinary kitchen oven.

[0150] In the first operating configuration, preferably the suction unit 6 is deactivated or configured to generate a first extraction flow having a first volume flow rate value P1 as disclosed above.

[0151] Preferably, when the suction unit 6 is in the first operating configuration, it is configured to generate a cooling flow in the cooling gap 40 of the door 4 in order to cool the door 4 and render the door 4 non-hazardous in case of being touched by a user.

[0152] The method comprises a second step 1001 of actuating the opening device 5 to switch the door 4 from the cooking position to the ajar position.

[0153] This second step 1001 is subject to the user's will, that is to say occurs when the user wants to access the cooking chamber to introduce new food to be cooked or to check the cooking progress of a dish already in the cooking phase.

[0154] While the opening device 5 is being actuated, the method comprises a step 1002 of bringing the suction unit 6 into a second operating configuration different from the first operating configuration, in order to extract at least part of the air present in the cooking chamber 3 .

[0155] In the second operating configuration, preferably, the suction unit is configured to generate an extraction flow having the above disclosed second volume flow rate value P2 which is higher than the first volume flow rate P1 .

[0156] It should be noted that by doing so, the suction unit 6 extracts part of the hot air of temperature Tu from the cooking chamber 3, which hot air will hit the user during the opening action of the door, potentially causing the user the above-mentioned discomfort and hazards.

[0157] From the above it can be seen that, advantageously, the household appliance 1 allows the user to open the cooking chamber, as long as the door is in the slightly opened position, without the risk of being hit by a hot air flow, as in a conventional oven.

[0158] according to Figure 6 As shown in boxes 1003 and 1004, the suction unit 6 is maintained in the second operating configuration as long as the door 4 is in the slightly opened position, and is subsequently brought back to the first operating configuration when the door 4 is in the access position or the closed position.

[0159] It should also be noted that between the actuation of the opening device 5 and the actual authorization to switch the door 4 between the cooking configuration and the slightly open position, a predetermined time interval can pass, during which the electronic control unit 12 of the household appliance 1 can control the suction unit 6 with an operating intensity that is greater than the operating intensity at which the suction unit 6 is operated at that moment.

[0160] In other words, following the actuation of the opening device 5 , an opening time interval is provided, during which the door remains in the cooking position and the suction unit 6 is operated at a higher volume flow rate value than the initial volume flow rate value.

[0161] It is thus evident that the synergistic effect of the opening device and the suction unit allows the ease of use of the household appliance to be increased without compromising its safety.

[0162] Preferably, the step of actuating the opening device 5 shown in frame 1001 includes the steps of: actuating the motorized device 51 of the opening device 5 to switch the push rod 50 from the retracted position to the extended position; as long as the door 4 is in the slightly open position, the push rod 50 is maintained in the extended position; when the door 4 is brought into the access position, actuating the motorized device 51 of the opening device 5 to switch the push rod 50 from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0163] In order to recognize the position of the door, a specific sensor may be used, for example, a position sensor for the angle of the door or a contact sensor.

[0164] Obviously, in order to meet accidental and specific needs, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to the above configurations. Such changes and modifications are all included in the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Household appliances for cooking food (1), including: - a frame (2) defining a temperature-controllable cooking chamber (3) suitable for receiving food to be cooked, said cooking chamber (3) having an opening (30) configured to allow the food to be introduced into / removed from said cooking chamber (3); - a door (4) hingedly connected to the frame (2) and capable of switching between a cooking position, an access position, in which the door is positioned to close the opening (30) of the cooking chamber (3), and a slightly open position between the cooking position and the access position, in which the door leaves the opening (30) of the cooking chamber (3) free so as to allow the food to be introduced into / removed from the cooking chamber (3), in which slightly open position the door (4) is at least partially spaced apart from the opening (30) of the cooking chamber (3), the door (4) having a hinged portion (4a) rotatably connected to the frame (2) and a push portion (4b) opposite to the hinged portion (4a); - opening means (5) configured to act on the door (4) so ​​as to switch the door (4) between the cooking position and the slightly opened position; - a suction unit (6) placed in fluid communication with the cooking chamber (3) when the door (4) is in the slightly opened position or in the access position and configured to extract at least a portion of the volume of air present in the cooking chamber (3), The invention is characterized in that the opening device (5) is configured to abut against the push portion (4b) of the door (4) and exert a force suitable for switching the door (4) from the cooking position to the slightly open position.

2. The household appliance (1) according to claim 1, wherein: An opening device (5) is integrated into the frame (2).

3. The household appliance (1) according to claim 2, wherein: - the opening (30) of the cooking chamber (3) has a peripheral contour (C) having an upper edge (C1); The opening device (5) is integrated into the frame (2) at the upper edge (C1) of the peripheral contour (C).

4. The household appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the door (4) is rotatably connected to the frame (2) at the hinge (4a) about a rotation axis (AA), the door (4) rotating about the rotation axis (AA) presenting different angles relative to the opening (30) of the cooking chamber (3); The opening device (5) is configured to rotate the door (4) about the rotation axis (AA) in order to switch the door (4) from the cooking position to the slightly opened position.

5. The household appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The opening device (5) is configured to cause the door to perform a rotation of between 5° and 15°.

6. The household appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The opening device (5) comprises a push rod (50) configured to exert a pushing action on the door (4) to switch the door (4) from the cooking position to the slightly open position.

7. The household appliance (1) according to claim 6, wherein: The opening device (5) comprises a motorized device (51) configured to move the push rod (50) between an extended position, in which the push rod (50) at least partially protrudes from the frame (2) relative to the opening (30) of the cooking chamber (3), and a retracted configuration, in which the push rod (50) is arranged inside the frame (2).

8. The household appliance (1) according to claim 7, wherein: The motorized device (51) is configured to move the push rod (50) in a direction transverse to the opening (30) of the cooking chamber (3).

9. The household appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprises an electronic control unit (12) for signal communication with the opening device (5), the electronic control unit (12) having a user interface (11), which is configured to send an actuation signal of the opening device (5) so as to switch the door between the cooking position and the slightly open position.

10. The household appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the frame (2) comprises a withdrawal slit (7) which is in fluid communication with the cooking chamber (3) when the door (4) is in the slightly opened position or in the access position; - When the door (4) is in the slightly opened position or the access position, the suction unit (6) is in fluid communication with the extraction slit (7) so as to extract at least a portion of the volume of air present in the cooking chamber (3) through the extraction slit (7).

11. The household appliance (1) according to claim 10, wherein: - the door (4) comprises a cooling gap (40); - when the door (4) is in the cooking position, the extraction slit (7) is in fluid communication with the cooling gap (40); The suction unit (6) is configured to generate a cooling flow in the cooling gap (40) when the door (4) is in the cooking position.

12. The household appliance (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: - the opening (30) of the cooking chamber (3) has a peripheral contour (C) having an upper edge (C1); The extraction slit (7) is arranged at the upper edge (C1) of the peripheral contour (C) of the opening (30).

13. The household appliance (1) according to claim 12, wherein: The extraction slit (7) extends parallel to the upper edge (C1) of the peripheral contour (C) of the opening (30).

14. The household appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - a hob (8) arranged above the cooking chamber (3) and having an extraction opening (80) for cooking fumes; - a lower suction hood (9) comprising the suction unit (6), the lower suction hood (9) having a first extraction duct (10a) and a second extraction duct (10b), the first extraction duct (10a) being configured to fluidically connect the suction unit (6) to the cooking chamber (3), the second extraction duct (10b) being configured to fluidically connect the suction unit (6) to the extraction opening (80) of the hob (8).

15. Method for operating a household appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: - bringing the cooking chamber (3) to a predetermined operating temperature (Tu) when the suction unit (6) is in the first operating configuration and the door (4) is in the cooking position; - actuating the opening device (5) to switch the door (4) from the cooking position to the slightly opened position; - while actuating the opening device (5), bringing the suction unit (6) into a second operating configuration different from the first operating configuration, in order to extract at least a portion of the air present in the cooking chamber (3); - maintaining the suction unit (80) in the second operating configuration as long as the door (4) is in the slightly opened position; - returning the suction unit (6) to the first operating configuration when the door (4) is in the access position or in the closed position.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein: - in the first operating configuration, the suction unit (6) is deactivated or configured to generate an extraction flow having a first volume flow rate value P1; In the second operating configuration, the suction unit (6) is configured to generate an extraction flow having a second volume flow rate value P2 greater than the first volume flow rate value.

17. The method (1) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: The step of actuating the opening device (5) comprises the sub-steps of: - actuating motorized means (51) of the opening device (5) to switch the push rod (50) from the retracted position to the extracted position; - keeping the push rod (50) in the withdrawn position as long as the door (4) is in the slightly opened position; - When the door (4) enters the access position, the motorized means (51) of the opening device (5) are actuated to switch the push rod (50) from the extracted position to the retracted position.

Images