Electric cooking equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric cooking appliance (1) configured to effect food cooking and comprising: a housing (2) comprising a receiving receptacle (3); the cooking container (4) is configured to be at least partially accommodated in the accommodating accommodating part (3), and the cooking container (4) comprises a container bottom (6); a cooking plate; and a hot air heating system (11) configured for heating and cooking food. The electric cooking device (1) comprises a positioning system configured for positioning the cooking plate in dependence on at least one first cooking position, in which the cooking plate extends in a first cooking plane and is located at a first distance from the container bottom (6), and a second cooking position, in which the cooking plate extends in a second cooking plane and is located at a second distance from the container bottom (6). The cooking plate extends in a second cooking plane and is located at a second distance from the container bottom (6), the second distance being smaller than the first distance.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] It is known in the prior art to use an electric cooking device which is configured for cooking food and comprises:

[0003] - a housing comprising a receiving portion;

[0004] a cooking container, configured to be at least partially housed in the receiving housing, the cooking container comprising a container bottom and a peripheral wall, the peripheral wall extending from the container bottom and defining a cooking volume together with the container bottom;

[0005] - a cooking plate configured to be supported by the cooking container and to support the food to be cooked; and

[0006] - a hot air heating system configured to heat and cook food present inside the storage receptacle according to a hot air cooking mode.

[0007] Such an electric cooking device allows a user to cook food inside the cooking container and more specifically on the cooking plate when the cooking plate is supported by the cooking container.

[0008] This type of electric cooking device has particularly good properties, since it allows the user to cook food products inside the cooking vessel in an extremely simple way; in fact, it is sufficient to place the food on the cooking plate and start the operation of the electric cooking device. However, the cooking performance of such an electric cooking device is limited, in particular due to the specific position occupied by the cooking plate relative to the cooking vessel. Summary of the invention

[0009] The technical problem underlying the present invention is therefore to provide an electric cooking device configured for cooking food according to at least one hot air cooking mode, which electric cooking device is modular and at the same time has a simple, compact and economical structure.

[0010] To this end, the present invention relates to an electric cooking device configured to achieve food cooking and comprising:

[0011] - a housing, comprising a receiving portion;

[0012] a cooking container, configured to be at least partially accommodated in the receiving receptacle, the cooking container comprising a container bottom and a peripheral wall, the peripheral wall extending from the container bottom and defining a cooking space together with the container bottom;

[0013] - a cooking plate, such as a cooking rack, which is configured to be supported by the cooking container and to support the food to be cooked;

[0014] - a hot air heating system configured to heat and cook food present inside the storage housing according to at least one hot air cooking mode;

[0015] The electric cooking device includes a positioning system, which is configured to position the cooking plate according to at least one first cooking position and a second cooking position. In the first cooking position, the cooking plate extends in a first cooking plane and is located at a first distance from the bottom of the container. In the second cooking position, the cooking plate extends in a second cooking plane and is located at a second distance from the bottom of the container, and the second distance is smaller than the first distance. The positioning system includes a supporting portion arranged in the cooking container and a supporting portion arranged on the cooking plate. When the cooking plate is in the first cooking position, the supporting portion is configured to be supported by the supporting portion so as to be supported on the supporting portion.

[0016] This configuration of the invention allows positioning the cooking plate in different positions relative to the container bottom and thus varying the distance between the food positioned on the cooking plate and the heating system when the cooking plate is placed on the cooking container. These arrangements allow optimizing the cooking performance and, for example, obtaining more or less toasted or grilled food depending on the cooking position occupied by the cooking plate.

[0017] Additionally, for example, it is easier to hold a salmon fillet when the grill pan is grilled in the first cooking position than when the grill pan is grilled in the second cooking position.

[0018] The electric cooking device may also have one or more of the following features, which may be employed individually or in combination.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cooking plate is configured to be oriented along a first relative orientation relative to the cooking container when the cooking plate occupies a first cooking position, and to be oriented along a second orientation relative to the cooking container when the cooking plate occupies a second cooking position, the first orientation and the second orientation being angularly offset relative to each other about a rotation axis transverse to the first cooking plane. This configuration of the present invention can advantageously facilitate positioning of the cooking plate in one or the other of the first cooking position and the second cooking position according to the user's selection.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking plate and the supporting member are integral.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the invention, the cooking plate is configured to be arranged in the cooking volume at least when it occupies the second cooking position, and for example when it occupies the first cooking position and when it occupies the second cooking position.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the hot air heating system comprises a fan and a driving unit, the fan being configured to generate an airflow in the cooking space, and the driving unit being configured to drive the fan to rotate.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the hot air heating system is arranged at an upper portion of the housing.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fan is configured to extend generally facing the cooking plate.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the hot air heating system further comprises a heating member, such as a heating resistor, which is configured to heat the air flow generated by the fan.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking container and the cooking plate are configured to cooperate by complementary shapes.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking container comprises a substantially rectangular or square shaped cross section.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the cooking container is accommodated in the receiving cavity and the housing is placed on a horizontal surface, the container bottom extends substantially horizontally.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first cooking plane and the second cooking plane are substantially parallel and are configured to extend substantially horizontally when the housing is located on a horizontal surface.

[0030] This configuration of the invention advantageously allows good distribution of food on the cooking plate when the cooking plate occupies one or the other of said first and second cooking positions and when the lower housing is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking container comprises an access opening defined by the upper edge of the cooking container, the access opening being configured to allow the placement of the cooking plate inside the cooking space and removal outside the cooking space, and in particular for allowing the placement of the cooking plate in the first cooking position by at least a vertical translation movement (i.e. substantially perpendicular to the bottom of the container). This configuration of the access opening of the invention allows simplifying the placement and removal of food on the cooking plate.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the support portion comprises a support member disposed on the cooking container, and the support member is configured to cooperate with and support a support portion disposed on the cooking plate when the cooking plate is in the first cooking position.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cooking plate comprises a lower surface configured to be oriented toward the bottom of the container and an upper surface on which the food to be cooked is arranged, and the support member is configured to cooperate with a peripheral portion of the lower surface of the cooking plate when the cooking plate occupies a first cooking position, and the peripheral portion forms a supporting portion.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each supporting member includes an upper supporting surface, which is configured to support the support portion arranged on the cooking plate when the cooking plate is in the first cooking position, and more specifically, when the cooking plate occupies the first cooking position, the upper supporting surface supports together with the corresponding portion of the lower surface of the cooking plate.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the invention, each supporting member is configured to protrude inside the cooking space.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, each support member is configured to extend substantially vertically when the housing is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, each support member is a dowel pin.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support member is configured to allow the cooking plate to be moved from the first cooking position to the second cooking position by tilting the cooking plate about a tilting axis. This configuration of the invention allows the cooking plate to be brought from the first cooking position to the second cooking position without requiring any mechanical modification of the cooking plate.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the tilting axis is a substantially horizontal axis passing through two opposing peripheral walls of the cooking container excluding the supporting member.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking plate, and advantageously its lower surface, is configured to rest on a lower support surface provided on the cooking container when the cooking plate is in the second cooking position, said lower support surface partially constituting the positioning system.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower support surface extends over the inner periphery of the cooking container and over each peripheral wall, such that the lower support surface defines an inner peripheral edge within the cooking volume.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the invention, the support member is provided on at least two of the peripheral walls of the cooking container.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the invention, the supporting members are distributed on two peripheral walls of the cooking container facing each other.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the positioning system includes a positioning notch, such as a positioning groove, disposed on the cooking plate, and the positioning system is configured to allow the cooking plate to be moved to a second cooking position, such as by a substantially vertical translational movement, when each support member is positioned to align with its respective positioning notch.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the positioning notch is asymmetrical with respect to a middle plane of the cooking plate, the middle plane being perpendicular to the extension plane of the cooking plate.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate plane allows the symmetry of the profile defining the cooking plate (except for the positioning grooves), this configuration of the invention allowing cooperation between the cooking plate and the upper part of the cooking container in at least two different orientations of the cooking plate, the two orientations being angularly offset, for example by an angle of 90° or 180°, about a rotation axis transverse to the first cooking plane. This configuration of the invention advantageously allows obtaining a cooking plate configured to be transferred from an upper cooking position to a lower cooking position by a simple translation movement and a cooking plate which, after a rotation of 180° about an axis of rotation transverse to the first cooking plane, rests on the support member when the cooking plate is positioned in the cooking space.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, each support member comprises two side guide portions which are substantially parallel to each other and are configured to allow alignment and guidance of the cooking plate when the cooking plate is moved towards the second cooking position.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the housing is placed on a horizontal surface, the two side guide portions are configured to extend substantially vertically.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower portion extends from the container bottom to the lower support surface. Advantageously, this allows avoiding that food present on the cooking plate is soaked by cooking juices when the cooking plate is placed in the second cooking position.

[0050] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cooking container is detachable relative to the housing.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking container further comprises a gripping handle configured to allow the cooking container to be placed and removed within and outside the storage cavity, for example, by a translational movement. Advantageously, the electric cooking device is configured so that the translational movement is substantially horizontal when the housing is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the holding handle is arranged on the outer side of one of the surrounding walls.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the grip handle extends substantially vertically.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cooking plate is configured to be received in the cooking container when the cooking plate is in the first cooking position and the second cooking position.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the housing comprises a cover which is configured to alternately occupy a closed position in which the cover blocks access to the receiving housing and an open position in which the cover allows access to the receiving housing.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis which is substantially horizontal when the box is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cooking plate includes a gripping mechanism, such as gripping fingers, configured to allow gripping of the cooking plate by insertion of a user's fingers when the cooking plate is in the first cooking position or the second cooking position.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, each support member comprises two side guide portions which are substantially parallel to each other and are configured to allow alignment and guidance of the cooking plate when the cooking plate is moved towards the second cooking position.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking plate is perforated so that cooking juices generated by food arranged on the cooking plate can flow by gravity into the lower part of the cooking container.

[0060] The invention also relates to a method of using the electric cooking device of the invention, the method comprising at least one pivoting step of pivoting the cooking plate about a pivot axis in order to reach one or the other of the first cooking position and the second cooking position.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of moving the cooking plate from the first cooking position to the second cooking position may include the following steps:

[0062] - lifting the cooking plate from the first cooking position and away from the support member, for example according to a first ascending translational movement substantially perpendicular to the first cooking plane,

[0063] - pivoting the cooking plate about a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the first cooking plane so as to position the positioning notch facing the support member, the pivoting of the cooking plate being achieved, for example, by rotating the cooking plate by 90° or 180° about the pivot axis,

[0064] - moving the cooking plate in the direction of the container bottom until a second cooking position is reached, for example according to a second translational movement which descends approximately perpendicularly to the first cooking plane.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of moving the cooking plate from the first cooking position to the second cooking position may include the following steps:

[0066] - lifting the cooking plate from the first cooking position and away from the support member, for example according to a first ascending translational movement substantially perpendicular to the first cooking plane,

[0067] - pivoting the cooking plate about a first pivot axis substantially parallel to the first cooking plane in a first pivot direction at a first pivot angle between 10 and 70 degrees, advantageously between 20 and 60 degrees, for example 40 degrees,

[0068] - moving the cooking plate between the support members towards the bottom of the container until the cooking plate is located below the support members, for example according to a descending second translation movement substantially perpendicular to said first cooking plane,

[0069] - pivoting the cooking plate about a second pivot axis substantially parallel to the first cooking plane in a second pivot direction opposite to the first pivot direction and at a second pivot angle substantially identical to the first pivot angle, such that the cooking plate extends substantially parallel to the second cooking plane,

[0070] - placing the cooking plate in the second cooking position, for example by a third translation movement extending downwardly substantially perpendicularly to the second cooking plane.

[0071] Due to the respective distances between the cooking plate and the heating system in the first cooking position and in the second cooking position, the first grilling effect and the second grilling effect of the food to be cooked differ from each other.

[0072] Unless otherwise specified, in this document, "substantially" means exactly or within 10% or within 10°. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] The present invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals correspond to elements that are identical or similar in structure and function.

[0074] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electric cooking device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0075] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of an electric cooking device;

[0076] Figure 3 Belongs to Figure 1 A top perspective view of a cooking container of an electric cooking device;

[0077] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of a cooking container;

[0078] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of a cooking container of , wherein the cooking plate is positioned in a first cooking position;

[0079] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of a cooking container of , wherein the cooking plate is positioned in a second cooking position;

[0080] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of a container of , wherein the cooking plate is rotated from a first cooking position to a second cooking position;

[0081] Figure 8 is a top perspective view of a cooking container and a cooking plate of an electric cooking device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0082] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A top perspective view of a cooking container and a cooking plate, wherein the cooking plate occupies a first cooking position and a second cooking position, respectively;

[0083] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A top view of a cooking container, wherein the cooking plate occupies a first cooking position and a second cooking position, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] Figures 1 to 7The present invention shows all or part of an electric cooking device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, which is configured for cooking food. The electric cooking device 1 comprises in particular a housing 2 defining a receiving housing 3, a cooking container 4 configured to be received in the receiving housing 3, and a cooking plate 5 configured to be supported by the cooking container 4 and for supporting food to be cooked.

[0085] As shown in the figure, the cooking container 4 includes a container bottom 6 and a peripheral wall 7, which extend from the container bottom 6 and define a cooking space 8 together with the container bottom 6. When the cooking container 4 is accommodated in the storage accommodating portion 3 and the housing 2 is placed on a horizontal surface, the container bottom 6 extends substantially horizontally. The cooking plate 5 more specifically includes a lower surface and an upper surface; the lower surface is configured to face the container bottom 6, and the food to be cooked is arranged on the upper surface.

[0086] The cooking container 4 also has a lower support surface 9 extending over the inner periphery of the cooking container 4 and over each peripheral wall 7, so that the lower support surface 9 defines an inner peripheral edge within the cooking space 8. Advantageously, the container bottom 6 and the lower support surface 9 define a lower part 10 of the cooking container 4, the function of which will be described in detail below.

[0087] according to Figures 1 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the cooking container 4 has a substantially rectangular cross-section and is configured to cooperate with the cooking plate 5 by form-fitting.

[0088] In order to facilitate operation and cleaning of the cooking container 4 , the cooking container 4 is advantageously detachable relative to the housing 2 .

[0089] according to Figures 1 to 7 In the embodiment shown, the cooking plate 5 is perforated and similar to a cooking grill. This structure of the cooking plate 5 is advantageous in allowing the cooking juices produced by the food to flow into the lower portion 10 of the cooking container 4 by gravity during cooking.

[0090] The electric cooking device 1 further comprises a hot air heating system 11, which is configured for heating and cooking the food present inside the storage housing 3 according to at least one hot air cooking mode. The hot air heating system 11 is advantageously arranged in the upper part of the housing 2 and comprises a fan 11.1, which is configured to generate an air flow in the cooking space 8. The hot air heating system 11 further comprises a drive unit 11.2, which is configured to drive the fan 11.1 in rotation in the hot air cooking mode when the electric cooking device 1 is in use. The hot air heating system 11 further comprises a heating member 11.3, such as a heating resistor, which is configured to heat the air flow generated by the fan 11.1. Advantageously, in order to obtain effective hot air cooking, the fan 11.1 and the heating member 11.3 are substantially configured to extend facing the cooking plate 5 and thus facing the food present on the cooking plate 5.

[0091] The electric cooking device 1 further comprises a positioning system 12 configured to position the cooking plate 5 in a first cooking position, in which the cooking plate 5 extends in a first cooking plane P1 and is located at a first distance from the container bottom 6, and in a second cooking position, in which the cooking plate 5 extends in a second cooking plane P2 and is located at a second distance from the container bottom 6, the second distance being less than the first distance. This configuration of the invention allows to vary the distance between the food positioned on the cooking plate 5 and the hot air heating system 11 when the cooking plate 5 is placed on the cooking container 4. Advantageously, this can influence the desired result during cooking, i.e., for example, more or less grilled or browned food. More specifically, when arranged on the cooking plate 5 in the first cooking position, the food is cooked so as to obtain a first grilling or browning effect, whereas when arranged on the cooking plate 5 in the second cooking position, the food is cooked so as to obtain a second grilling or browning effect that is lower than the first grilling or browning effect.

[0092] More specifically, the first cooking plane P1 and the second cooking plane P2 are substantially parallel and are configured to extend substantially horizontally when the housing 2 is placed on a horizontal surface. This configuration of the present invention advantageously allows for good distribution of food on the cooking plate 5 when the cooking plate 5 occupies one or the other of the first cooking position and the second cooking position and when the lower housing 2 is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0093] For obvious reasons related to the use of the electric cooking device 1, the cooking container 4 comprises an access opening defined by an upper peripheral edge 13 of the cooking container 4. The access opening is configured to allow the placement of the cooking plate 5 in the first cooking position and the removal of said cooking plate by at least one ascending vertical translation movement, i.e. a movement substantially perpendicular to the container bottom 6. This configuration of the access opening of the invention allows to simplify the placement and removal of food on the cooking plate 5.

[0094] The positioning system 12 comprises in particular a supporting portion 12.1 arranged in the cooking container 4 and a supporting portion arranged on the cooking plate 5. The supporting portion is configured to be supported by the supporting portion 12.1 when the cooking plate 5 occupies the first cooking position.

[0095] exist Figures 1 to 7 In the first embodiment of the invention shown, the support portion 12.1 comprises a support member 14 arranged on the cooking container 4 and located in the same extension plane parallel to the container bottom 6. The support member 14 is formed to protrude inside the cooking space 8 and can be similar to a positioning pin.

[0096] When the cooking plate 5 is in the first cooking position, the support member 14 is configured to cooperate with and support the peripheral portion 15 of the lower surface of the cooking plate 5. Figures 1 to 7 In the first embodiment of the invention as can be seen in FIG. 1 , the peripheral portion 15 forms the aforementioned support portion, and the cooking plate 5 and the support portion are integral.

[0097] Preferably, the cooking container 4 comprises four support members 14, which are distributed on two opposite peripheral walls 7 of the cooking container 4, such that two support members 14 are arranged on the first peripheral wall 7 and the other two support members 14 are arranged on the peripheral wall 7 opposite to the first peripheral wall 7. Each support member 14 comprises an upper support surface 16, which is configured to support a corresponding portion of the lower surface of the peripheral portion of the peripheral portion 15 when the cooking plate 5 is in the first cooking position.

[0098] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the support member 14 is configured to allow the cooking plate 5 to be moved from the first cooking position to the second cooking position by tilting the cooking plate 5 about a tilting axis which is substantially horizontal and passes through two opposing peripheral walls 7 of the cooking container 4 which do not include the support member 14. This configuration of the invention allows the cooking plate 5 to be easily moved from the first cooking position to the second cooking position without requiring any mechanical modification of the cooking plate 5.

[0099] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the lower support surface 9 partially forms the positioning system 12 and is arranged to support the cooking plate 5 horizontally and in the second cooking position.

[0100] The following describes a method of using the electric cooking device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] When the user wishes to cook food on the cooking plate 5 occupying the second cooking position, more specifically, when the cooking plate 5 moves from the first cooking position to the second cooking position, the method of use comprises the following steps:

[0102] - raising the cooking plate 5 from the first cooking position to a distance from the support member 14, for example according to a first ascending translational movement substantially perpendicular to the first cooking plane P1;

[0103] - pivoting the cooking plate 5 in a first pivot direction about a first pivot axis, which is substantially parallel to the first cooking plane P1 (and therefore substantially horizontal), by a first pivot angle of between 10 and 70 degrees, advantageously between 20 and 60 degrees, for example 40 degrees;

[0104] - moving the cooking plate 5 between the support members 14 in the direction of the container bottom 6, for example according to a second downward translation movement substantially perpendicular to the first cooking plane P1, until the cooking plate 5 is located below the support members 14;

[0105] - pivoting the cooking plate 5 about a second pivot axis substantially parallel to the first cooking plane P1 in a second pivot direction opposite to the first pivot direction and at a second pivot angle substantially identical to the first pivot angle, so that the cooking plate 5 extends substantially parallel to the second cooking plane P2;

[0106] The cooking plate 5 is moved in the direction of the container bottom 6 , for example according to a third downward translation movement approximately perpendicular to the second cooking plane P2 , until the second cooking position is reached.

[0107] If it is desired to move the cooking plate 5 from the second cooking position to the first cooking position, the user can easily perform the above operations in reverse order.

[0108] A second embodiment of the present invention is Figures 8 to 10 The second embodiment of the present invention mainly differs from the first embodiment in the position and configuration of the support member 14 .

[0109] In the second embodiment of the present invention, the cooking container 4 comprises three supporting members 14 , wherein two supporting members 14 are arranged on one first peripheral wall 7 and the third supporting member 14 is arranged on the peripheral wall 7 opposite to the first peripheral wall 7 .

[0110] The structure of the support members 14 is also different between the first and second embodiments of the present invention, characterized in that each of the support members 14 includes two side guide portions 17 that are substantially parallel to each other and are configured to allow alignment and guidance of the cooking plate 5 when the cooking plate 5 is moved toward the second cooking position. Each side guide portion 17 is configured to extend substantially vertically when the housing 2 is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0111] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The cooking plate 5 is shown in a first cooking position and in a second cooking position, respectively.

[0112] The second embodiment of the present invention also differs from the first embodiment of the present invention in that the cooking plate 5 further comprises a positioning notch 18, such as a positioning groove provided on the cooking plate 5. The positioning system 12 is thus configured to allow the cooking plate 5 to be moved to the second cooking position by a substantially vertical translation movement when each support member 14 is positioned facing the respective positioning notch.

[0113] The positioning notches 18 of the cooking plate 5 are asymmetrical with respect to a middle plane of the cooking plate 5 (which is orthogonal to the plane of extension of the cooking plate 5). This middle plane allows the symmetry of the outline of the cooking plate 5 to be defined (except for the positioning notches 18). This configuration of the invention allows the cooperation between the cooking plate 5 and the upper part of the cooking container 4 in at least two different orientations of the cooking plate 5, for example a first orientation relative to the cooking container 4 when the cooking plate 5 occupies a first cooking position, and a second orientation relative to the cooking container 4 when the cooking plate 5 occupies a second cooking position; the first orientation and the second orientation are angularly offset by an angle of, for example, 90° or 180° around an axis of rotation transverse to the first cooking plane P1.

[0114] according to Figures 8 to 10 In the second embodiment shown, the cooking plate 5 advantageously comprises a gripping means 19, such as a gripping opening, configured to allow the cooking plate 5 to be gripped by inserting a user's fingers. The gripping means 19 advantageously allows the user to grasp the cooking plate 5 in the first cooking position and in the second cooking position.

[0115] According to the second embodiment of the invention, the cooking vessel 4 further comprises a gripping handle 21, which is configured to allow the cooking vessel 4 to be mounted, for example, by a translational movement, in and outside the storage housing 3. The gripping handle 21 is arranged on the outer surface of one of the peripheral walls 7 and extends substantially vertically. Advantageously, the electric cooking device 1 is configured for a translational movement that is substantially horizontal when the housing 2 is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0116] The following describes a method of using the electric cooking device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] When the user wishes to cook food on the cooking plate 5 occupying the second cooking position, more specifically, when the cooking plate 5 moves from the first cooking position to the second cooking position, the method of use comprises the following steps:

[0118] - raising the cooking plate 5 from the first cooking position to a distance from the support member 14, for example according to a first ascending translational movement substantially perpendicular to the first cooking plane P1;

[0119] - pivoting the cooking plate 5 about a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the first cooking plane P1 so that the positioning notch 18 faces the support member 14, the pivoting of the cooking plate being advantageously achieved by rotating the cooking plate 5 through 180° about the pivot axis;

[0120] - moving the cooking plate 5 in the direction of the bottom of the container 6 until reaching the second cooking position, for example according to a second downward translational movement which is substantially perpendicular to the first cooking plane P1 .

[0121] If it is desired to switch from the second cooking position to the first cooking position, the user can easily perform the above operations in the reverse order.

[0122] Independently of the two embodiments of the invention described above, the electric cooking device 1 may have an implementation variant described in detail below. The housing 2 may include a cover configured to alternately occupy a closed position in which it blocks access to the storage housing 3 and an open position in which it allows access to the storage housing 3. In this implementation variant, the cover is pivotally mounted about a substantially horizontal pivot axis when the housing 2 is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0123] Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments proposed and described as examples. Various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of protection of the invention, in particular for the composition of elements or the substitution of technical equivalents.

Claims

1. An electric cooking device (1) configured to achieve food cooking and comprising: - a housing (2), comprising a receiving and accommodating portion (3); - a cooking container (4) configured to be at least partially accommodated in the storage housing (3), the cooking container (4) comprising a container bottom (6) and a peripheral wall (7), the peripheral wall extending from the container bottom (6) and defining a cooking space (8) together with the container bottom (6); - a cooking plate (5) configured to be supported by the cooking container (4) and to support the food to be cooked; - a hot air heating system (11) configured to heat and cook food present inside the storage receptacle (3) according to at least one hot air cooking mode; The electric cooking device (1) is characterized in that the positioning system (12) is configured to position the cooking plate (5) according to at least one first cooking position and a second cooking position, wherein in the first cooking position, the cooking plate (5) extends in a first cooking plane (P1) and is located at a first distance from the bottom (6) of the container, and in the second cooking position, the cooking plate (5) extends in a second cooking plane (P2) and is located at a second distance from the bottom (6) of the container, the second distance being smaller than the first distance, and the positioning system (12) comprises a supporting portion (12.1) arranged in the cooking container (4) and a supporting portion arranged on the cooking plate (5), and when the cooking plate (5) is in the first cooking position, the supporting portion is configured to be supported by the supporting portion (12.1).

2. The electric cooking device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The cooking plate (5) is configured to be oriented in a first relative direction relative to the cooking container (4) when the cooking plate (5) occupies a first cooking position, and to be oriented in a second relative direction relative to the cooking container (4) when the cooking plate (5) occupies a second cooking position, the first orientation and the second orientation being angularly offset relative to each other about an axis of rotation transverse to the first cooking plane (P1).

3. An electric cooking device (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The cooking plate (5) and the support member are integral.

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

5. The electric cooking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The cooking container (4) comprises an access opening defined by an upper peripheral edge (13) of the cooking container (4), the access opening being configured to allow the cooking plate (5) to be placed inside the cooking space (8) and removed outside the cooking space (8).

6. The electric cooking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The support portion (12.1) comprises a support member (14) arranged on the cooking container (4), and the support member (14) is configured to cooperate with and support a support portion arranged on the cooking plate (5) when the cooking plate (5) is in the first cooking position.

7. The electric cooking device (1) according to claim 6, wherein: The cooking plate (5) comprises a lower surface configured to be oriented towards the bottom (6) of the container and an upper surface on which food to be cooked is arranged, and the support member (14) is configured to cooperate with a peripheral portion (15) of the lower surface of the cooking plate (5) when the cooking plate (5) occupies a first cooking position, the peripheral portion (15) forming a support portion.

8. The electric cooking device (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: Each support member (14) is configured to protrude inside the cooking space (8).

9. The electric cooking device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: The support portion provided on the cooking plate (5) is configured to be placed on a lower support surface (9) provided on the cooking container (4) when the cooking plate (5) is in the second cooking position, the lower support surface (9) partially forming a positioning system (12).

10. The cooking device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein: The support member (14) is arranged on at least two of the peripheral walls (7) of the cooking container (4).

11. An electric cooking device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein: The positioning system (12) includes a positioning notch (18) disposed on the cooking plate (5), and the positioning system (12) is configured to allow the cooking plate (5) to be moved to a second cooking position when each support member (14) is positioned to align with the respective positioning notch (18).

12. The electric cooking device (1) according to claim 11, wherein The positioning notch (18) is asymmetrical relative to a middle plane of the cooking plate (5), which is perpendicular to the extension plane of the cooking plate (5).

13. An electric cooking device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein: Each support member (14) comprises two side guide portions (17) which are substantially parallel to each other and are configured to allow alignment and guidance of the cooking plate (5) when the cooking plate (5) is moved towards the second cooking position.

14. The electric cooking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The cooking plate (5) is perforated so that cooking juices produced by food placed on the cooking plate (5) can flow by gravity into the lower part (10) of the cooking container (4).

15. A method of using an electric cooking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising at least one pivoting step of pivoting the cooking plate about a pivot axis in order to reach one or the other of a first cooking position and a second cooking position.

16. The method of use according to claim 15, wherein: The electric cooking device (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the step of moving the cooking plate (5) from the first cooking position to the second cooking position comprises at least the following steps: - lifting the cooking plate (5) from the first cooking position and displacing it a certain distance from the support member (14), - pivoting the cooking plate (5) about a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the first cooking plane (P1) so as to position the positioning notch (18) facing the support member (14), - Move the cooking plate (5) towards the bottom (6) of the container until the second cooking position is reached.

17. The method of use according to claim 15, wherein: The electric cooking device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, and wherein the step of moving the cooking plate from the first cooking position to the second cooking position comprises at least the following steps: - lifting the cooking plate (5) from the first cooking position and displacing it a certain distance from the support member (14), - pivoting the cooking plate (5) about a first pivot axis substantially parallel to the first cooking plane (P1) in a first pivot direction at a first pivot angle between 10 and 70 degrees, - moving the cooking plate (5) between the support members (14) towards the bottom (6) of the container until the cooking plate (5) is located under the support members (14), - pivoting the cooking plate (5) about a second pivot axis substantially parallel to the first cooking plane (P1) in a second pivot direction opposite to the first pivot direction and at a second pivot angle substantially the same as the first pivot angle, so that the cooking plate (5) extends substantially parallel to the second cooking plane (P2); - Place the cooking plate (5) in the second cooking position.

Images