An electric cooking apparatus including a lid locking member and a cooking vessel equipped with a vessel handle
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
Smart Images
Figure CN122250790A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a cooking preparation apparatus, such as an electric pressure cooker, for cooking food according to at least one pressure cooking mode. Background Technology
[0002] An electric cooking appliance is known from the prior art, comprising: - A housing, which includes a receiving and accommodating section; - A cooking container configured to be disposed in a storage compartment and configured to hold food to be cooked; - A lid configured to occupy an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the lid allows entry into the cooking container and in the closed position the lid prevents entry into the cooking container; - A heating element configured to heat a cooking container; - Control unit configured to control the operation of an electric cooking appliance according to at least one pressurized cooking mode; - A locking member, such as a locking ring, displaceable at least between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein in the locked position the locking member locks the lid in a closed position and allows a seal between the cooking container and the lid, and in the unlocked position the lid is displaceable between an open position and a closed position; and - A sealing device configured to cooperate in a sealing manner with the upper periphery of the cooking container when the lid is in the closed position and the locking member is in the locked position, so as to seal the cooking chamber defined at least partially by the cooking container.
[0003] This type of electric cooking appliance is efficient because it allows users to cook food in a cooking container according to a variety of different cooking modes, especially a pressure cooking mode, in which the control unit activates the heating element and the cooking chamber defines a sealed closed space in which the pressure increases during cooking.
[0004] To facilitate gripping of the cooking container, especially for removing it from its housing and transferring its contents to a plate or similar object, or for transporting the cooking container for, for example, to enable dining service, it is known in the prior art to equip the cooking container of such an electrical cooking device with one or more container handles.
[0005] However, this construction of the cooking container requires one or more container handles to extend below the locking member to ensure the free operation of the locking member. Therefore, electric cooking appliances combining the aforementioned type of container handle and locking member have a greater height than those without these two features. However, the vertical compactness of this type of electric cooking appliance is crucial because a hot air cooking system is typically fitted to the lid of such appliances (to allow the electric cooking appliance to operate in both pressurized cooking and hot air cooking modes), which still affects the height of the electric cooking appliance.
[0006] Another known alternative in the prior art is to provide one or more notches for the housing, and more specifically for the mating container equipped with the housing, which open to the upper peripheral edge of the mating container and, when the cooking container is disposed in the housing, each allow passage for the respective container handle. However, this configuration requires specific and complex manufacturing of the housing, and more specifically the mating container, to allow passage of the container handle toward the outside of the electric cooking appliance. Typically, the mating container used in such an appliance is manufactured by stamping and requires additional processing steps to form the aforementioned notches. Summary of the Invention
[0007] Therefore, the technical problem upon which this invention is based is to provide an alternative to existing electric cooking appliances, particularly a simple, ergonomic, and economical electric cooking appliance whose housing and, in particular, its matching container are easy to manufacture, while being highly compact, especially when the electric cooking appliance provides a hot air cooking mode.
[0008] Therefore, the present invention relates to an electric cooking appliance, comprising: - A housing, the housing including a receiving and accommodating portion; - A cooking container configured to be disposed in the receiving compartment and configured to receive food to be cooked; - A lid configured to occupy an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the lid allows entry into the cooking container, and in the closed position the lid prevents entry into the cooking container; - A heating element configured to heat the cooking container; - A control unit configured to control the operation of the electric cooking appliance according to at least one pressurized cooking mode; - A locking member, the locking member being displaceable at least between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein in the locked position the locking member locks the cover in the closed position, and in the unlocked position the cover is displaceable between the open position and the closed position; - A sealing device for implementing the pressurized cooking mode, the sealing device being configured to cooperate in a sealing manner with the upper peripheral portion of the cooking container when the lid is in the closed position and the locking member is in the locked position, so as to seal the cooking chamber defined by the cooking container at least partially; The locking member at least partially defines at least one handle passage configured to allow at least one handle to pass from the inside out when the lid is in the closed position and the locking member is displaced between the locked and unlocked positions. The handle is equipped with the electric cooking appliance and originates from an interior space at least partially defined by the locking member.
[0009] In other words, the at least one handle passage is configured to allow the locking member to displace between the locked position and the unlocked position when the at least one handle extends through the at least one handle passage.
[0010] The presence of at least one handle passage on the locking member allows at least one handle equipped with the electric cooking appliance to pass under the locking member when the lid is in the closed position and permits the locking member to be displaced to the locked position in order to effectively lock the lid in the closed position, while reducing the overall height of the electric cooking appliance compared to known alternatives in the prior art.
[0011] Furthermore, a second advantage arising from the implementation of this invention is that the entire manufacturing process of the electric cooking appliance is simplified by transferring at least part of the processing steps to the locking member.
[0012] The electric cooking device may also have one or more of the following features, which may be used individually or in combination.
[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the housing is placed on a horizontal surface, the cover is pivotable about a substantially horizontal pivot axis.
[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking container includes at least one container handle configured to be accessible from the outside of the electric cooking appliance, and / or the electric cooking appliance includes an inner lid including at least one lid handle. The at least one handle of the electric cooking appliance is the at least one container handle and / or the at least one lid handle. The presence of such a container handle allows food in the cooking container to be cooked, and then the cooking container can be manipulated by means of the container handle so that when the cooking stage in the cooking appliance is completed, the user can easily remove the cooking container from the storage compartment and transport the cooking container to achieve direct food service from the cooking container.
[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one handle passage is formed at least in part by a radial gap between the housing and the locking member.
[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inner cover is removable.
[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing device is carried by the inner cover, and the assembly including the inner cover and the sealing device is configured to occupy a closed position and a removed position. In the closed position, the assembly rests on the cooking container and defines the cooking chamber together with the cooking container. In the removed position, the assembly is separated from the housing and allows access to the cooking container when the cover is in the open position.
[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one handle passage is configured to allow the locking member to move between the locked position and the unlocked position when the cooking container is positioned in the receiving portion and / or the inner lid is in the closed position and the lid occupies the closed position.
[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the inner lid is configured to be inserted between the lid and the cooking container when the lid is in the closed position and the inner lid is in the closed position. The presence of the inner lid allows food cooking in the cooking container at pressures above atmospheric pressure to be achieved when the inner lid is in the closed position and the control unit controls the operation of the electric cooking appliance according to the pressurized cooking mode.
[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one lid handle is configured to be accessible from the outside of the electric cooking appliance when the inner lid is in the closed position.
[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the inner cover specifically includes two cover handles symmetrical about a point of symmetry. Advantageously, the point of symmetry coincides with the central axis of the inner cover.
[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one lid handle includes a lid gripping area and a lid handle support, the lid handle support being configured to connect the lid gripping area to a central portion of the inner lid, the lid handle support being eccentric relative to the lid gripping area.
[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover handle support defines a gap configured to allow passage of the locking member. This configuration of the invention allows for limiting the width of the at least one handle passage.
[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cooking container includes a container body, and the at least one container handle is integral with the container body.
[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one container handle includes a gripping area and a handle support, the handle support being configured to connect the gripping area to the container body of the cooking container, the handle support being eccentric relative to the gripping area.
[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the handle support defines a gap that is configured to allow the passage of the locking member.
[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking container specifically includes two container handles symmetrical about a point of symmetry. Advantageously, the point of symmetry coincides, for example, with the central axis of the cooking container.
[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes a mating container that defines the receiving and accommodating portion.
[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member is configured to lock the cover onto the housing when the locking member is in the closed position.
[0030] According to another embodiment of the invention, the locking member is configured to lock the cover onto the mating container when the locking member is in the closed position.
[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one handle passage is formed at least partially by a passage recess provided on the locking member and, for example, on the peripheral wall of the locking member, and the at least one handle equipped with the electric cooking device is configured to protrude radially through the at least one passage recess.
[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member is mounted to be rotatable relative to the cover about a locking axis between the unlocked position and the locked position.
[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member is substantially annular and centered on the locking axis.
[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral wall is substantially cylindrical and extends about the locking axis.
[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member is integral with the cover and pivots about the pivot axis.
[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member includes a plurality of retaining members configured to cooperate with a plurality of retaining elements disposed on the housing and, for example, on the mating container, when the locking member is in the locked position and the cover is in the closed position, to lock the cover in the closed position. Advantageously, this configuration of the invention allows the cover to be held in the closed position when the locking member is in the locked position and prevents untimely displacement of the cover toward the open position.
[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one handle passage is laterally defined by two retaining members, which belong to the plurality of retaining members and are configured to be located directly on both sides of the at least one handle equipped with the electric cooking appliance when the cover is in the closed position.
[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the locking member moves between the locked position and the unlocked position, the two retaining members defining the at least one handle passage are located at a distance from the at least one handle equipped with the electric cooking device.
[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two retaining members configured to be located directly on both sides of the at least one handle have an angular spacing greater than the angular spacing between all other adjacent retaining member pairs.
[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one handle passage is defined at least partially by two retaining elements, which are part of the plurality of retaining elements and are configured to be located directly on both sides of the at least one container handle when the cooking container is disposed in the receiving portion, and / or directly on both sides of the at least one lid handle when the inner lid occupies the closed position.
[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two retaining members configured to be located directly on both sides of the at least one container handle and / or both sides of the at least one cap handle have an angular spacing greater than the angular spacing between all other adjacent retaining member pairs.
[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining member and the retaining element are offset at an angle relative to the locking axis so as to allow the cover to be displaced from the closed position to the open position when the locking element is in the unlocked position, and such that when the locking member is in the locked position, the retaining member and the retaining element face each other to prevent the cover from being displaced from the closed position to the open position.
[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, each retaining element is disposed on a mating container.
[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, each retaining element is configured to project radially outward relative to the locking axis and toward the outside of the electric cooking device.
[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, each retaining element is configured to project radially relative to the locking axis and toward the interior of the electric cooking device.
[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking axis is substantially coaxial with the central axis of the cover.
[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rotation axis of the ventilator is substantially coaxial with the locking axis of the locking member.
[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing device is configured to extend substantially at the inlet opening of the cooking container when the lid is in the closed position, the inlet opening being defined by an upper peripheral edge.
[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing device is configured to extend between the upper peripheral edges of the lid and the cooking container when the lid is in the closed position.
[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing device is, for example, detachably mounted on the lower surface of the cover.
[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing device is, for example, detachably mounted on the lower surface of the inner cover.
[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing device is configured to extend between the cooking container and the inner lid when the inner lid occupies the closed position.
[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the entry opening defined by the upper peripheral edge of the cooking container is configured to allow food to be introduced into the cooking container when the lid is in the open position.
[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to control the electric cooking appliance to operate according to at least one pressurized cooking mode and a hot air cooking mode.
[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to allow the electric cooking device to operate according to a hot air cooking mode when the locking member is in the unlocked position.
[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance includes a hot air cooking system configured to generate a hot airflow over food contained in the cooking container. The hot air cooking system includes: a ventilator mechanically connected to the lid and configured to generate an airflow over the food contained in the cooking container; a drive unit configured to drive the ventilator to rotate about a rotation axis; and a heating device mechanically connected to the lid and configured to heat the airflow generated by the ventilator.
[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the heating element is disposed in the housing and is configured, for example, to extend at the lower part of the cooking container.
[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to activate the heating element when the electric cooking device is in the pressurized cooking mode.
[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing device is configured such that when the electric cooking appliance is in the pressurized cooking mode, the contact area defined by the joint between the sealing device and the cooking container increases with increasing internal pressure within the cooking chamber. This configuration of the electric cooking appliance allows for a seal to be ensured at the sealing device when the electric cooking appliance is used in both the hot air cooking mode and the pressurized cooking mode.
[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member is configured to ensure compression of the sealing device when the cover is in the closed position and the locking member is in the locked position. This configuration of the electric cooking appliance allows for increased efficiency of the sealing device and thus limits the risk of fluid leakage at the sealing device.
[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one container handle has a handle width, and the at least one handle passage has a passage width that is substantially greater than the handle width. This configuration of the invention allows the locking member to pass between the locked position and the closed position by pivoting the locking member about the locking axis.
[0062] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electric cooking appliance includes a user interface configured to allow a user to select at least one cooking program.
[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking axis is substantially vertical when the housing is placed on a horizontal surface.
[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking container includes two container handles that are substantially radially opposite each other with respect to the central axis of the cooking container. Attached Figure Description
[0065] The present invention will be better understood with reference to the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals correspond to structurally and / or functionally identical or similar elements.
[0066] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electric cooking appliance according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial bottom view of an electric cooking appliance shows a locking component that belongs to the electric cooking appliance and occupies the locked position; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A partial perspective side view of an electric cooking appliance, showing the locking mechanism in the locked position; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A partial bottom view of an electric cooking appliance, showing the locking mechanism in the unlocked position; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A partial perspective side view of an electric cooking appliance, showing the locking mechanism in the unlocked position; Figure 6 This is a partial perspective side view of an electric cooking appliance according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which includes a locking member in a locked position and an inner cover in a closed position, wherein the cover is not shown. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional side view of an electric cooking appliance; Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A perspective side view of an electrical cooking appliance, wherein the locking component is in the unlocked position and the cooking container is not shown; Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A three-dimensional bottom view of an electric cooking appliance; Figure 10 yes Figure 6 A partial bottom view of an electric cooking appliance, where the cooking container and the matching container are not shown. Detailed Implementation
[0067] In this document, the terms “upper” and “lower” are defined relative to normal use of the electric cooking appliance, during which the housing rests on a horizontal surface.
[0068] Unless otherwise specified, the term “substantially” in this document means “within precise or 10% or 10°”.
[0069] Figures 1 to 5 An electric cooking appliance 1, such as an electric pressure cooker or an electric multi-functional steamer, according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown in whole or in part. The electric cooking appliance 1 is configured to cook food, such as meat, fish, vegetables, etc., and includes a control unit UC configured to control the electric cooking appliance 1 to operate according to at least one hot air cooking mode and a pressure cooking mode, and its operation will be described in detail below.
[0070] The electric cooking appliance 1 includes: a housing 2, which includes a receiving portion 3; and a cooking container 4, which is configured to be detachably disposed in the receiving portion 3 and configured to hold food to be cooked. The housing 2 also includes a mating container 5, which defines the receiving portion 3.
[0071] The cooking container 4 includes an inlet opening 6 defined by its upper peripheral edge 7, through which food can be introduced into the cooking container 4. The cooking container 4 also includes at least one container handle 8 configured to be accessible from the outside of the housing 2. Figures 1 to 5 In the embodiment of the invention shown, the cooking container 4 includes two container handles 8, which are substantially radially opposite each other with respect to the central axis of the cooking container, and the two container handles 8 are located near the upper peripheral edge 7 of the cooking container 4 (see...). Figure 2 and Figure 4 More specifically, the cooking container 4 includes a container body, and each container handle 8 is integral with the container body.
[0072] The electric cooking appliance 1 includes a cover 9, which is mounted to pivot about a substantially horizontal pivot axis when the housing 2 is placed on a horizontal surface. The cover 9 is configured to occupy an open position and a closed position (see...). Figures 1 to 4 In the open position, the lid 9 allows entry into the cooking container 4; in the closed position, the lid 9 prevents entry into the cooking container 4 and, together with the cooking container 4, defines the cooking chamber.
[0073] The electric cooking appliance 1 also includes a hot air cooking system 10, which is at least partially disposed in the cover 9 and configured to generate a flow of hot air over the food contained in the cooking container 4 when the electric cooking appliance 1 is in a hot air cooking mode.
[0074] The hot air cooking system 10 includes: a ventilator 11 mechanically connected to a lid 9 and configured to generate an airflow over food contained in a cooking container 4; a drive unit 12 configured to drive the ventilator 11 to rotate about a rotation axis A1; and a heating device 13 including a heating resistor mechanically connected to the lid 9 and configured to heat the airflow generated by the ventilator 11. Advantageously, the ventilator 11 and the heating device 13 are respectively configured to extend at least partially toward the cooking container 4 and more specifically toward the access opening 6 when the lid 9 is in the closed position.
[0075] The electric cooking appliance 1 also includes a heating element 130 configured to heat the cooking container 4. Advantageously, the heating element 130 is disposed within the housing 2 and is configured, for example, to extend at the lower portion of the cooking container 4. The control unit UC is specifically configured to activate the heating element 130 when the electric cooking appliance 1 is in a pressurized cooking mode.
[0076] The electric cooking appliance 1 also includes a locking member 14, such as a locking ring, which is displaceable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking member 14 locks the cover 9 onto the housing 2 or the mating container 5 and locks it in the closed position (see [link to product description]). Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this unlocked position, locking member 14 releases cover 9 and allows cover 9 to be in the open and closed positions (see...). Figure 4 and Figure 5 The locking member 14 is mounted such that when the housing 2 rests on a horizontal surface, it can rotate relative to the cover 9 about a substantially vertical locking axis A2 between an unlocked position and a locked position. Furthermore, the locking member 14 is integral with the cover 9 and pivots about a pivot axis. Advantageously, the locking axis A2 is substantially coaxial with the central axis of the cover 9 and with the axis of rotation A1 of the ventilator 11.
[0077] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown more specifically, the locking member 14 is substantially annular and centered on the locking axis A2. The locking member 14 particularly includes a peripheral wall 15, which is substantially cylindrical and extends about the locking axis A2.
[0078] The locking member 14 at least partially defines at least one handle passage 16 configured to allow passage of a corresponding container handle 8 belonging to the cooking container 4 when the cooking container 4 is positioned in the receiving compartment 3, the lid 9 is in the closed position, and the locking member 14 is in the unlocked position. Furthermore, at least one handle passage 16 is configured to allow displacement of the locking member 14 between a locked position and an unlocked position when the cooking container 4 is positioned in the receiving compartment 3 and the lid 9 is in the closed position. Advantageously, the locking member 14 at least partially defines two handle passages 16 radially opposite each other relative to the locking axis A2, and each handle passage 16 is configured to allow passage of a corresponding container handle 8.
[0079] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the handle passage 16, or each handle passage 16, is formed by a passage recess 16.1 provided on the locking member 14, and more specifically, on the peripheral wall 15 of the locking member 14. The passage recess 16.1 is configured to allow a corresponding container handle 8 to protrude radially through the passage recess 16.1. The container handle 8, or each container handle 8, is more specifically configured to protrude radially beyond the housing 2 and the locking member 14, and is configured to be located outside the electric cooking appliance 1 when the cooking container 4 is housed in the receiving compartment 3.
[0080] This configuration of the electric cooking appliance 1 allows food to be cooked in the cooking container 4, and then the cooking container 4 can be manipulated by one or more container handles 8 so that when the cooking stage in the electric cooking appliance 2 is completed, the user can directly receive the meal from the cooking container 4. Furthermore, the presence of the handle passage 16 on the locking member 14 allows the container handle 8 to pass through when the lid 9 is in the closed position and the locking member 14 is in the locked position.
[0081] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the container handle 8, or each container handle 8, includes a gripping area 8.1 and a handle support 8.2 configured to connect the gripping area 8.1 to the container body of the cooking container, the handle support 8.2 being eccentric relative to the gripping area 8.1. Furthermore, the gripping passage 16, or each gripping passage 16, has a passage width that is strictly greater than the sum of the width of the corresponding gripping support 8.2 and the angular displacement travel of the locking mechanism 14 between the locked and unlocked positions. This configuration of the invention allows the locking member 14 to be transferred between the locked and closed positions by pivoting it about the locking axis A2 without the risk of collision with one or more container handles 8.
[0082] The electric cooking appliance 1 also includes a plurality of retaining elements 18.1 and a plurality of retaining members 18.2. The plurality of retaining elements 18.1 are disposed on the housing 2, and more specifically on the mating container 5, and the plurality of retaining elements 18.2 are disposed on the locking member 14. The plurality of retaining elements 18.1 and the plurality of retaining members 18.2 are configured such that when the locking member 14 is in the unlocked position, the retaining members 18.2 and the retaining elements 18.1 are offset at an angle relative to the locking axis A2 to allow the lid 9 to move from the closed position to the open position, and such that when the locking member 14 is in the locked position, the retaining members 18.2 and the retaining elements 18.1 face each other to prevent the lid 9 from moving from the closed position to the open position.
[0083] The retaining element 18.1 and retaining member 18.2 are distributed non-constantly around the central axis of the mating container 5 and the central axis of the locking member 14, respectively.
[0084] In particular, and as Figures 2 to 4 More specifically, each handle passage 16 is laterally defined by two retaining members 18.2 configured to be located directly on either side of the corresponding container handle 8 when the cap 9 is in the closed position. More specifically, the two retaining members 18.2 located directly on either side of the corresponding handle passage 16 have an angular spacing greater than the angular spacing between other adjacent pairs of retaining members 18.2. Furthermore, when the locking member 14 shifts between the locked and unlocked positions, the two retaining members 18.2 defining each handle passage 16 are located at a distance from each container handle 8.
[0085] According to a first embodiment of the invention, each retaining element 18.1 is configured to project radially outward relative to the locking axis A2 and toward the outside of the electric cooking appliance 1, while each retaining member 18.2 is configured to project radially relative to the locking axis A2 and toward the outside of the electric cooking appliance 1 (see...). Figures 2 to 5 It protrudes radially outward from the outside.
[0086] The electric cooking appliance 1, in its construction without an inner cover, also includes a sealing device 19 (in... Figure 1 As can be seen in the image, the sealing device 19 is configured to ensure the seal required for pressurized cooking mode in the off position of the electric cooking appliance 1.
[0087] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the sealing device 19 is annular and configured to extend substantially at the inlet opening 6, and configured to cooperate with the upper peripheral portion of the cooking container 4 when the lid 9 is in the closed position. More specifically, the sealing device 19 may be detachably mounted on the lower surface of the lid 9.
[0088] Figures 6 to 10An electric cooking appliance 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown. This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment primarily in that the handle passage 16 is defined mainly by a radial gap 16.2 between the housing 2 and the locking member 14, and more specifically by a radial gap 16.2 between the mating container 5 and the peripheral wall 15 of the locking member 14. This feature of the electric cooking appliance 1 requires that the container handles 8 travel through the handle passage 16, and this travel is no longer simply radial; each container handle 8 should bypass the lower end of the peripheral wall 15 before extending radially outward toward the electric cooking appliance 1.
[0089] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the electric cooking appliance 1 includes an inner cover 20, on which a sealing device 19 is carried. The assembly including the inner cover 20 and the sealing device 19 is detachable between a closed position and a removed position. In the closed position, the assembly rests on the cooking container 4 and, together with the cooking container 4, defines the cooking chamber. In the removed position, the assembly is separated from the housing 2 and allows access to the cooking container 4 when the cover 9 is in the open position. The assembly including the inner cover 20 and the sealing device 19 is used in a pressurized cooking mode to ensure the sealing of the cooking chamber.
[0090] Therefore, the assembly including the inner cover 20 and the sealing device 19 is configured to be inserted between the cover 9 and the cooking container 4 when the cover 9 is in the closed position and the assembly is in the closed position. In a second embodiment of the invention, the sealing device 19 may also be detachably mounted on the lower surface of the inner cover 20. The presence of the assembly including the inner cover 20 and the sealing device 19 allows food to be cooked in the cooking container 4 at pressures above atmospheric pressure when the assembly is in the closed position, the locking member 14 is in the locked position, and the control unit UC controls the electric cooking appliance 1 to operate according to the pressurized cooking mode.
[0091] Advantageously, the cooperation between the multiple retaining members 18.2 and the multiple retaining elements 18.1 allows for compression of the sealing device 19 between the inner lid 20 and the upper peripheral portion of the cooking container 4 when the lid 9 is in the closed position and the locking member 14 is in the locked position. This configuration of the electric cooking appliance 1 allows for increased efficiency of the sealing device 19 when the electric cooking appliance 1 is in pressurized cooking mode and thus limits the risk of fluid leakage at the sealing device 19.
[0092] Advantageously, the inner lid 20 includes at least one lid handle 21 configured to be accessible from the outside of the electric cooking appliance 1 when the assembly including the inner lid 20 and the sealing device 19 is in the closed position. The handle passage 16, or each handle passage 16, is configured to allow at least one lid handle 21 to pass from the inside out when the assembly including the inner lid 20 and the sealing device 19 is in the closed position. Furthermore, the lid handle 21, or each lid handle 21, is configured to be positioned facing the corresponding container handle 8.
[0093] At least one lid handle 21 includes a lid gripping area 21.1 and a lid handle support 21.2 configured to connect the lid gripping area 21.1 to a central portion of the inner lid 20, the lid handle support 21.2 being eccentric relative to the lid gripping area 21.1. Furthermore, the lid handle support 21.2 defines a gap configured to allow passage of the locking member 14. This configuration of the invention allows for limiting the width of at least one handle passage 16.
[0094] In this configuration of the electric cooking appliance 1, the handle passage 16 or each handle passage 16 is configured to allow passage of the corresponding lid handle 21 when the lid 9 is in the closed position and the locking member 14 is in the locked position.
[0095] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the inner cover 20 specifically includes two cover handles 21 that are symmetrical about a point of symmetry, for example, which coincides with the central axis of the inner cover 20.
[0096] Of course, the present invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described and shown by way of example. Modifications can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, especially from the viewpoint of the construction of various elements or by substituting technical equivalents.
Claims
1. An electric cooking appliance (1), comprising: - Housing (2), the housing (2) includes a receiving and accommodating portion (3); - A cooking container (4), which is configured to be disposed in the storage and receiving portion (3) and configured to store food to be cooked; - A lid (9) configured to occupy an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the lid (9) allows entry into the cooking container (4) and in the closed position the lid (9) prevents entry into the cooking container (4). - Heating element (130), the heating element (130) being configured to heat the cooking container (4); - Control unit (UC), the control unit (UC) being configured to control the operation of the electric cooking appliance (1) according to at least one pressurized cooking mode; - A locking member (14) is displaceable at least between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein in the locked position the locking member (14) locks the cover (9) in the closed position, and in the unlocked position the cover (9) is displaceable between the open position and the closed position; - A sealing device (19) for implementing the pressurized cooking mode, the sealing device being configured to cooperate in a sealing manner with the upper peripheral portion of the cooking container (4) when the lid (9) is in the closed position and the locking member (14) is in the locked position, so as to seal the cooking chamber defined by the cooking container in at least part; The locking member (14) is characterized in that it at least partially defines at least one handle passage (16), the at least one handle passage (16) being configured to allow at least one handle to pass from the inside out when the cover (9) is in the closed position and the locking member (14) is displaced between the locked position and the unlocked position, the handle being equipped with the electric cooking device (1) and originating from the internal space defined at least partially by the locking member (14).
2. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The cooking container (4) includes at least one container handle (8) configured to be accessible from the outside of the electric cooking appliance (1), and / or the electric cooking appliance (1) includes an inner cover (20) including at least one cover handle (21), wherein at least one handle of the electric cooking appliance (1) is at least one container handle (8) and / or at least one cover handle (21).
3. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The sealing device (19) is carried by the inner cover (20), and the assembly including the inner cover (20) and the sealing device (19) is configured to occupy a closed position and a removed position. In the closed position, the assembly rests on the cooking container (4) and defines the cooking chamber together with the cooking container (4). In the removed position, the assembly is separated from the housing (2).
4. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 3, wherein, At least one lid handle (21) is configured to be accessible from the outside of the electric cooking appliance (1) when the inner lid (20) is in the closed position.
5. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, At least one lid handle (21) includes a lid gripping area (21.1) and a lid handle support (21.2), the lid handle support (21.2) being configured to connect the lid gripping area (21.1) to a central portion of the inner lid (20), the lid handle support (21.2) being eccentric relative to the lid gripping area (21.1).
6. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The cover handle support (21.1) defines a gap that is configured to allow the passage of the locking member (14).
7. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, At least one container handle (8) includes a gripping area (8.1) and a handle support (8.2) configured to connect the gripping area (8.1) to the container body of the cooking container (4), the handle support (8.2) being eccentric relative to the gripping area (8.1).
8. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The handle support (8.2) defines a gap that is configured to allow the passage of the locking member (14).
9. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, At least one handle passage (16) is formed at least partially by a passage notch (16.1) provided on the locking member (14), and at least one handle of the electric cooking appliance (1) is configured to protrude radially through at least one passage notch (16.1).
10. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The locking member (14) is mounted so that it can rotate about the locking axis (A2) relative to the cover (9) and move between the unlocked position and the locked position.
11. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The locking member (14) includes a plurality of retaining members (18.2) configured to cooperate with a plurality of retaining elements (18.1) disposed on the housing (2) when the locking member (14) occupies the locked position and the cover (9) occupies the closed position, so as to lock the cover (9) in the closed position.
12. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 11, wherein, At least one handle passage (16) is laterally defined by two retaining members (18.2), which belong to a plurality of retaining members (18.2) and are configured to be located directly on either side of at least one handle of the electric cooking appliance (1) when the cover (9) is in the closed position.
13. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 12, wherein, When the locking member (14) moves between the locked position and the unlocked position, the two retaining members (18.2) defining at least one handle passage (16) are located at a distance from at least one handle equipped with the electric cooking device (1).
14. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the electric cooking appliance (1) comprising a hot air cooking system (10) configured to generate a flow of hot air over food contained in the cooking container (4), the hot air cooking system (10) comprising: A ventilator (11) is mechanically connected to the cover (9) and configured to generate an airflow over food contained in the cooking container (4); a drive unit (12) is configured to drive the ventilator (11) to rotate about a rotation axis (A1); And a heating device (13) that is mechanically connected to the cover (9) and configured to heat the airflow generated by the ventilator (11).
15. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The locking member (14) is configured to ensure compression of the sealing device (19) when the cover (9) is in the closed position and the locking member (14) is in the locked position.