Immersion electric cooking apparatus with condensation water collection tank

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric immersion cooking apparatus (1) comprising a housing (2) comprising a cooking vessel (3), a lid (4) movable about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position, a heating device configured to heat a cooking liquid and a condensate water collection trough comprising an upper peripheral edge delimiting an upper opening. The condensate water collection trough is configured to protrude beyond a side wall of the housing (2) such that a portion of the upper opening of the condensate water collection trough is located outside said side wall of the housing (2). Thus, the condensate water collection trough is configured to collect condensate water flowing out of at least one external aperture of the electric cooking apparatus (1), said external aperture being located on the same vertical line as said portion of the upper opening of the condensate water collection trough.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliance cooking equipment technology, including cooking containers and lids, and more specifically, to the recovery of condensate generated during the use of immersion electric cooking equipment. Background Technology

[0002] An immersion electric cooking device is known in the prior art, configured to cook food, and includes: - A housing comprising a cooking container configured to contain cooking liquid; - A lid, movable about a pivot axis between 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 and, together with the cooking container, defines the cooking chamber; - A heating device configured to heat a cooking liquid; and - A condensate collection tank, the condensate collection tank including an upper peripheral edge defining an upper opening.

[0003] This device allows users to cook food in a cooking liquid (such as oil), and the cooking process takes place in a cooking chamber partially defined by a lid.

[0004] However, this type of electric cooking appliance has a major drawback, one of which is that condensation generated during the cooking process in the cooking liquid can flow outside the appliance when the lid is moved to the open position. In fact, the lid of such electric cooking appliances typically has a steam vent configured to allow steam generated during cooking to escape to the outside. However, when the user opens the lid, some of the condensation present in the lid may flow outside through the steam vent, subsequently spreading onto the working surface of the appliance and / or flowing onto the outer surface of the housing. This condensation is partly composed of cooking liquid, so its discharge through the steam vent easily soils the working surface and the outer surface of the housing. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the technical problem upon which this invention is based is to provide an electric cooking device configured to cook food in a cooking liquid, which is simple, compact and economical in structure, and can also recover condensate that may flow to the outside of the electric cooking device.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention relates to an immersion electric cooking appliance, such as an oil bath fryer, configured to cook food, and comprising: - A housing comprising a cooking container configured to contain cooking liquid; - A lid, movable about a pivot axis between 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 and, together with the cooking container, defines the cooking chamber; - A heating device configured to heat a cooking liquid; and - A condensate collection tank, the condensate collection tank including an upper peripheral edge defining an upper opening; The condensate collection tank is configured to protrude beyond the sidewall of the housing, such that a portion of the upper opening of the condensate collection tank is located outside the sidewall of the housing. The condensate collection tank is configured to collect condensate flowing from at least one external hole of the electric cooking appliance, the external hole and the portion of the upper opening of the condensate collection tank being located on the same vertical line.

[0007] In other words, the upper peripheral edge of the condensate collection tank includes an edge portion configured to project relative to the sidewall of the housing, such that the upper opening of the condensate collection tank extends beyond the sidewall of the housing.

[0008] The phrase "protruding beyond the side wall of the shell" means that the condensate collection tank extends horizontally beyond the side wall of the shell and protrudes outwards from the electric cooking appliance.

[0009] In this document, "external hole" refers to a hole that leads to the outer surface of an electric cooking appliance.

[0010] This configuration of the electric cooking appliance according to the invention, particularly the configuration of the condensate collection tank, allows for the collection of condensate generated during food cooking and which may flow out of the electric cooking appliance by gravity through at least one external hole, thereby preventing condensate and cooking juices from spreading to the working surface or the surface on which the housing is located.

[0011] The electric cooking device may also have one or more of the following features, which may be used individually or in combination.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one external hole includes at least one steam vent (e.g., a steam outlet) disposed on the cover and configured to be in fluid connection with the cooking chamber when the cover is in the closed position, the at least one steam vent being configured to be at least partially on the same vertical line as said portion of the upper opening of the condensate collection tank when the cover is in the open position.

[0013] The condensate collection tank is specifically configured to recover condensate that may flow to the outside of the housing through the at least one steam vent when the cover is in the open position.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover includes a plurality of steam vent holes, which are arranged, for example, at the rear of the cover.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance includes a steam exhaust circuit configured to direct a flow of steam from the cooking chamber to the at least one steam exhaust port.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the steam discharge circuit is disposed inside the cover.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam venting circuit includes an airflow guiding device disposed within the lid and comprising an upper guide wall and a lower guide wall, the upper and lower guide walls defining a baffle-type flow channel in fluid communication with the at least one steam venting hole. This configuration of the electric cooking appliance, and more specifically, this configuration of the airflow guiding device, allows for the creation of an obstruction to slow and deflect the steam flow when the lid is in the closed position. Advantageously, the baffle-type flow channel allows for the separation of condensate from the steam flow from the cooking chamber.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the steam discharge circuit includes an internal chamber, and the airflow guiding device is arranged in the internal chamber.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one steam discharge port leads to the internal chamber.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one steam vent is elongated and includes a lower end configured to be on the same vertical line as the condensate collection tank when the cover is in the open position. Advantageously, the lower end is the lowest point of the at least one steam vent when the cover is in the open position.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover includes at least one peripheral rib extending from the inner surface of the cover and located around the at least one steam vent.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the housing is placed on a horizontal surface and the cover is in the closed position, the at least one steam vent is configured to extend substantially vertically.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the cover is in the closed position, the at least one steam vent includes a lower wall that slopes downwards and inwards toward the interior of the inner chamber. This configuration of the invention advantageously allows for limiting the amount of condensate that may flow out through the at least one steam vent when the cover is in the closed position.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid includes a plurality of peripheral ribs, each peripheral rib located around a corresponding steam vent and configured to define a condensate flow channel between the steam vents. This configuration of the electric cooking appliance advantageously allows condensate to be directed to the lower part of the internal chamber when the lid is in the open position.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one external hole includes at least one side discharge hole, which is disposed on the housing and leads to the outer surface of the housing.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one side discharge hole is disposed in the side wall of the housing.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the condensate collection tank is removable relative to the housing. This configuration of the condensate collection tank advantageously allows for convenient emptying of its contents without operating the entire electric cooking appliance.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the housing includes a receiving cavity configured to at least partially accommodate a condensate collection tank. Advantageously, the receiving cavity is located at the rear of the housing.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the condensate collection tank includes a bottom wall, and the upper opening of the condensate collection tank has a flow cross-section larger than the area of ​​the bottom wall. In other words, the condensate collection tank expands in the upward opening direction.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the condensate collection tank is disposed at the rear of the housing.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover includes a hinge support, the hinge support at least partially including a pivoting connection configured to allow the cover to pivot between a closed position and an open position.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hinge support is detachably mounted on the housing, such that the cover is removable relative to the housing. This configuration of the invention advantageously allows the cover to be removed, for example, to simplify its cleaning.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one side discharge hole is provided on the hinge support.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hinge support includes a first fixing portion, and the housing includes a second fixing portion, the second fixing portion being configured to cooperate with the first fixing portion through complementary shapes.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first fixing portion includes at least one fixing finger, and the second fixing portion includes at least one fixing hole, wherein the at least one fixing finger can be at least partially accommodated in the at least one fixing hole.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electric cooking device comprises: - A collection device configured to extend at least partially into the cooking chamber and collect condensate from food cooking when the lid is in the closed position, the collection device including at least one drain hole; and - A condensate delivery circuit, which is fluidly connected to the at least one drain hole and configured to deliver condensate from the at least one drain hole to a condensate collection tank.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one external hole is fluidly connected to the condensate delivery circuit.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance includes an observation window (e.g., an observation hole) disposed on the lid and configured to allow a user to observe the contents of the cooking chamber when the lid is in the closed position.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the viewing window is at least partially transparent to light radiation and may be made, for example, at least partially of a transparent synthetic material (e.g., polycarbonate polymers) or a transparent inorganic material (e.g., glass, borosilicate glass, crystal, or quartz).

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the collecting device includes a collecting channel disposed on the lid, the collecting channel including a collecting portion and a guiding portion, the collecting portion being configured to be at least partially aligned with the flow area around the viewing window and to collect condensate flowing from the viewing window when the lid is in the closed position, the guiding portion being configured to guide the condensate collected by the collecting portion to the outside of the cooking chamber when the lid is moved to the open position.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the collection channel is fixed to the cover, such that it pivots integrally with the cover.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the collection channel includes the at least one discharge port, and the guiding portion is configured to guide condensate collected through the collection channel to the at least one discharge port.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one discharge hole is disposed at the rear of the cover.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one discharge hole is configured to be the lowest point of the collection channel when the cover is in the open position.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the condensate delivery circuit includes a collection chamber fluidly connected to the at least one drain hole and configured to collect condensate from the at least one drain hole.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the collection cavity at least partially accommodates a pivoting connector (e.g., at least partially accommodates a pivoting shaft belonging to the pivoting connector), the pivoting connector being configured to allow the cover to pivot between a closed position and an open position.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the collection chamber is disposed within the cover (e.g., at the rear of the cover). In other words, the collection chamber is pivotally integrated with the cover.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis of the cover is located at the rear of the housing.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis is substantially horizontal when the housing is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the collection chamber includes at least one drain hole.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the condensate delivery circuit includes an intermediate cavity disposed within a housing, the intermediate cavity being configured to receive condensate flowing out from a collection cavity.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate cavity is configured to be on the same vertical line as the collection cavity, and more specifically on the same vertical line as the at least one drain hole, such that condensate can flow from the collection cavity to the intermediate cavity through the at least one drain hole.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate cavity includes at least one lower discharge port configured to allow condensate to flow from the intermediate cavity to a condensate collection tank.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the condensate delivery circuit includes a lower drain hole configured to allow condensate to flow from the condensate delivery circuit to a condensate collection tank.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower discharge hole is configured to be on the same vertical line (e.g., facing each other) as the upper opening of the condensate collection tank.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate cavity is disposed at the rear of the housing.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the hinge support is installed in the intermediate cavity and partially defines the condensate delivery circuit.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second fixing portion is disposed within the intermediate cavity.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one drain hole of the collection chamber is configured to be substantially on the same vertical line as the intermediate chamber and configured to allow condensate to flow from the collection chamber to the intermediate chamber.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate cavity is configured such that at least a portion of it is located on the same vertical line as the collection cavity and is located below the collection cavity.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate cavity includes the at least one side drain hole, and the condensate collection tank is configured to collect condensate that may flow out from the at least one side drain hole by gravity.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the cover is in the open position and the housing is placed on a horizontal surface, the angle of inclination of the cover relative to the vertical axis is strictly less than 90°, for example, strictly less than 80°. This configuration of the invention allows condensate to flow from the collection device to the condensate delivery circuit when the cover is in the open position. Attached Figure Description

[0063] The invention will be better understood from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals correspond to structurally and / or functionally identical or similar elements.

[0064] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an electric cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention, with its lid in the open position; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of an electric cooking appliance with its lid in the closed position; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial 3D view of an electric cooking appliance; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A partial perspective view of the rear of an electric cooking appliance, cut along the first vertical cutting plane; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A partial perspective view of the rear of an electric cooking appliance, cut along a second vertical cutting plane offset relative to the first vertical cutting plane; Figure 6 yes Figure 5A partial perspective view of the rear of an electric cooking appliance, cut along a third vertical cutting plane offset relative to the first and second vertical cutting planes; Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the inner surface of the lid of an electric cooking appliance; Figure 8 yes Figure 5 A partial perspective view of the rear of an electric cooking appliance, showing the collection device, condensate delivery circuit, and condensate collection tank; Figure 9 yes Figure 5 A partial perspective view of the rear of an electric cooking appliance, cut along the second vertical cutting plane; Figure 10 yes Figure 7 A partial 3D view of the cover, which integrates an airflow guiding device. Detailed Implementation

[0065] In this document, the terms “front,” “rear,” “upper,” and “lower” are defined relative to the normal operating condition of the electric cooking appliance, in which the housing is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0066] Unless otherwise specified, the term “basic” in this document means “accurate or within 10% or 10° of error”.

[0067] Figures 1 to 10 The illustration shows all or part of an electric cooking appliance 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as an oil bath fryer, configured for cooking food. The electric cooking appliance 1 particularly includes a housing 2, which comprises a cooking container 3 configured to contain cooking liquid, a lid 4 movable between a closed position and an open position, and a heating device 50 configured to heat the cooking liquid (see [link to documentation]). Figure 1 and Figure 3 Furthermore, the electric cooking appliance 1 includes a control unit UC disposed within the housing 2 and configured to control the operation of the electric cooking appliance 1.

[0068] Advantageously, the cover 4 is pivotable relative to the housing 2 about a pivot axis A1 between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the cover 4, together with the cooking container 3, defines the cooking chamber and prevents entry into the cooking container 3; in the open position, the cover 4 allows entry into the cooking container 3. Figures 1 to 10 In the embodiment shown, the pivot axis A1 is located at the rear AR of the housing 2 and is substantially horizontal when the housing 2 is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0069] The electric cooking appliance 1 also includes an observation window 5 (e.g., an observation hole) and a collection device 6; the observation window 5 is disposed on the cover 4 and configured to allow the user to observe the contents of the cooking chamber when the cover 4 is in the closed position; the collection device 6 is configured to partially extend into the cooking chamber and includes a collection channel 6.1 configured to collect condensate formed on the observation window 5 and flowing out from the flow area 7 of the observation window 5 when the cover 4 is in the closed position. Furthermore, the collection device 6 is configured to guide the collected condensate to the outside of the cooking chamber. Advantageously, the flow area 7 is located at the front of the cover 4.

[0070] More specifically, the viewing window 5 is transparent to light radiation and can be made of a material suitable for use in the electric cooking appliance 1; the material can be a transparent synthetic material (e.g., polycarbonate polymers) or a transparent inorganic material (e.g., glass, borosilicate glass, crystal, or quartz).

[0071] According to an embodiment of the invention, the observation window 5 (more specifically, the inner surface 8 of the observation window 5) is substantially flat and inclined downwards and toward the front surface AV of the housing 2; when the cover 4 is in the closed position and the housing 2 is placed on a horizontal surface, the flow area 7 of the observation window 5 is the lowest peripheral portion of the observation window 5. Advantageously, when the cover 4 is in the closed position and the housing 2 is placed on a horizontal surface, the observation window 5 is inclined relative to the horizontal plane at an angle greater than 5 degrees, advantageously greater than 6 degrees, for example greater than 8 degrees. This configuration of the electric cooking appliance 1 allows the user to better observe the contents of the cooking chamber while ensuring that condensate flows effectively from the observation window 5 to the collection channel 6.1, preventing condensate from falling into the cooking liquid due to gravity before reaching the flow area 7.

[0072] The collection channel 6.1 (more specifically shown in...) Figure 1 The housing 5 (with the cover 4) pivots integrally with the cover 4 and includes a collection section with an upper opening configured at least partially on the same vertical line as the flow area 7, allowing condensate to flow by gravity from the flow area 7 of the viewing window 5 into the volume defined by the collection section when the cover 4 is in the closed position. The collection channel 6.1 also includes a guide section configured to guide the condensate collected in the collection section to the outside of the cooking chamber when the cover 4 moves to the open position. This configuration of the electric cooking appliance 1 advantageously allows for the recovery of condensate formed on the inner surface 8 of the viewing window 5 during food cooking and its collection in the collection section of the collection channel 6.1. Therefore, the condensate is recovered before it falls into the cooking liquid, thus preventing the hot liquid constituting the cooking liquid from splashing outside the housing 2 and potentially onto the user.

[0073] According to an embodiment of the invention, the collection channel 6.1 is annular and extends substantially around the cooking container 3 when the lid 4 is in the closed position. The width of the collection portion may, for example, be greater than the width of the guide portion in order to maximize the recovery of condensate flowing from the viewing window 5. The collection channel 6.1 may be integral (i.e., one-piece molded) and includes at least one drain hole 6.3 disposed at the rear of the lid 4, the guide portion being configured to guide the condensate collected by the collection channel 6.1 to the at least one drain hole 6.3. Advantageously, the at least one drain hole 6.3 is configured to be the lowest point of the collection channel 6.1 when the lid 4 is in the open position.

[0074] According to an embodiment of the invention, the guide portion of the collection channel 6.1 is adjacent to the collection portion (i.e., extends from the collection portion). Advantageously, when the cover 4 is in the closed position, the guide portion is located below the collection portion, such that when the cover 4 is in the closed position and the housing 2 is placed on a horizontal surface, condensate is allowed to flow from the collection portion to the guide portion by gravity.

[0075] According to an embodiment of the invention, when the housing 2 is placed on a horizontal surface and the cover 4 is in the closed position, the guide portion extends along a substantially horizontal extending plane. Alternatively, when the housing 2 is placed on a horizontal surface and the cover 4 is in the closed position, the guide portion may extend along an extending plane inclined toward the rear AR of the housing 2. This configuration prevents condensation from accumulating at the front of the guide portion.

[0076] The guiding portion forms a guiding conduit (i.e., a guiding channel with a closed cross-section). This configuration of the invention allows for the prevention of condensate present in the collection channel 6.1 from accumulating and overflowing from the guiding portion into the cooking liquid when the lid 4 moves to the open position after a cooking cycle. In practice, when the lid 4 is opened, condensate will be simultaneously transported to the lowest point of the collection channel 6.1 (i.e., the guiding portion) under gravity, which may lead to localized overflow of condensate, for example, if the guiding portion has an upper opening.

[0077] The electric cooking appliance 1 also includes a condensate collection tank 12 (see...). Figures 3 to 6The invention includes a condensate collection tank 12 and a condensate delivery circuit 13, wherein the condensate collection tank 12 includes an upper peripheral edge 12.1 defining an upper opening 12.2, and the condensate delivery circuit 13 is fluidly connected to and configured to deliver condensate from the at least one drain hole 6.3 to the condensate collection tank 12. Furthermore, when the cover 4 is in the open position and the housing 2 is placed on a horizontal surface, the angle of inclination of the cover 4 relative to the vertical axis is strictly less than 90°, for example, strictly less than 80°. This configuration of the invention allows ensuring that when the cover 4 is moved to the open position, condensate flows from the collection device 6 to the condensate delivery circuit 13 and ultimately to the condensate collection tank 12.

[0078] Advantageously, such as Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the condensate delivery circuit 13 includes a collection chamber 14.1 disposed within the cover 4 (e.g., at the rear of the cover 4), fluidly connected to the at least one drain hole 6.3, and configured to collect condensate from the at least one drain hole 6.3. The collection chamber 14.1 is also configured to at least partially accommodate a pivoting connection of the cover 4, particularly a pivot shaft belonging to the pivoting connection.

[0079] The condensate delivery circuit 13 also includes an intermediate cavity 14.2, which is located at the rear of the housing 2 and is configured to extend below the collection cavity 14.1.

[0080] According to embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 5 More specifically, the collection chamber 14.1 includes at least one drain hole 20 disposed in the lower wall of the collection chamber 14.1 and configured to be substantially on the same vertical line as the intermediate chamber 14.2 when the housing 2 is placed on a substantially horizontal surface, such that the intermediate chamber 14.2 is in fluid connection with the collection chamber 14.1. The intermediate chamber 14.2 includes at least one lower drain hole 30 disposed in the lower wall of the intermediate chamber 14.2 and configured to be substantially on the same vertical line as (e.g., facing) the upper opening 12.2 of the condensate collection tank 12 when the housing 2 is placed on a substantially horizontal surface. Advantageously, the at least one drain hole 20 and the at least one lower drain hole 30 are respectively configured to allow condensate to flow from the collection chamber 14.1 to the intermediate chamber 14.2 by gravity and to the condensate collection tank 12 by gravity.

[0081] Advantageously, the condensate collection tank 12 is disposed at the rear AR of the housing 2, more specifically in the receiving cavity 15 of the housing 2, and is removable relative to the housing 2. This configuration of the condensate collection tank 12 advantageously allows for convenient emptying of its contents without operating the entire electric cooking appliance.

[0082] The upper peripheral edge 12.1 of the condensate collection tank 12 defining the upper opening 12.2 is configured to protrude beyond the sidewall of the housing 2, such that a portion of the upper opening 12.2 of the condensate collection tank 12 lies outside the sidewall of the housing 2. Therefore, the condensate collection tank 12 is configured to collect condensate flowing from the external hole 16 of the electric cooking appliance 1, the external hole 16 and the portion of the upper opening 12.2 of the condensate collection tank 12 being on the same vertical line. In other words, the upper peripheral edge 12.1 of the condensate collection tank 12 includes an edge portion configured to protrude relative to the sidewall of the housing 2, such that a portion of the upper opening 12.2 of the condensate collection tank 12 extends beyond the sidewall of the housing 2. The phrase "protrudes beyond the sidewall of the housing 2" means that the condensate collection tank 12 extends horizontally beyond the sidewall of the housing 2 and protrudes outwards from the electric cooking appliance 1. This configuration of the electric cooking appliance 1 allows for the recovery of condensate, which is generated during food cooking and flows out of the volume defined by the electric cooking appliance 1 due to gravity through the at least one external hole 16 when the lid 4 moves to the open position; a specific configuration of the condensate collection tank 12 allows for the collection of condensate flowing out of the electric cooking appliance 1. Advantageously, this configuration of the invention allows for the prevention of condensate and cooking juices from spreading onto the working surface of the electric cooking appliance 1 and / or flowing onto the outer surface of the housing 2. The condensate is partly composed of cooking juices, and therefore its discharge through the steam vent hole can easily soil the working surface and the outer surface of the housing. Advantageously, to limit the volume of the electric cooking appliance, the flow cross-section of the upper opening 12.2 of the condensate collection tank 12 is larger than the area of ​​the bottom wall 12.3 of the condensate collection tank 12. In other words, the condensate collection tank 12 expands in the upward opening direction.

[0083] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 More specifically, the external opening 16 includes a steam vent 17 (e.g., a steam outlet) disposed at the rear of the cover 4. Each steam vent 17 is configured to be in fluid connection with the cooking chamber when the cover 4 is in the closed position, thereby allowing steam flow from the cooking chamber to be discharged to the outside of the electric cooking appliance 1.

[0084] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the steam vent 17 is elongated, and each steam vent 17 extends along a substantially vertical plane when the housing 2 is placed on a horizontal surface and the cover 4 is in the closed position. Furthermore, each steam vent 17 includes a lower end portion 17.1 configured to lie on the same vertical line as the portion of the upper opening 12.2 of the condensate collection tank 12 when the cover 4 is in the open position. This configuration of the steam vent 17 allows for the recovery of condensate that flows outside the housing 2 when the cover 4 is in the open position, more specifically, through the at least one steam vent 17.

[0085] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the electric cooking appliance 1 includes a steam exhaust circuit 18 configured to guide steam flow from the cooking chamber to the at least one steam exhaust port 17 when the cover 4 is in the closed position.

[0086] The steam exhaust circuit 18 is disposed within the cover 4 and includes an internal chamber 19, which is defined by the cover 4 and is in fluid connection with the cooking chamber. Figure 5 More specifically, each steam vent 17 includes a lower wall 17.2 ( Figure 5 When the cover 4 is in the closed position, the lower wall 17.2 slopes downward and inward toward the inner chamber 19. This configuration of the invention advantageously allows for limiting the amount of condensate that may flow out through the one or more steam vent holes 17 when the cover 4 is in the closed position.

[0087] The cover 4 also includes peripheral ribs 17.3 (see...) Figure 7 Each peripheral rib 17.3 is located around a corresponding steam vent 17 and configured to define a condensate flow channel between the steam vents 17. The peripheral ribs 17.3 extend from the inner surface of the cover 4 (e.g., the inner surface of the internal chamber 19). This configuration of the electric cooking appliance 1 advantageously allows condensate to be directed to the lower part of the internal chamber 19 when the cover 4 is in the open position. The condensate from the condensate flow channel is then collected by the condensate delivery circuit 13. More specifically, the condensate is collected in the collection chamber 14.1 and then flows through the at least one drain hole 20 to the intermediate chamber 14.2, and then through the at least one lower drain hole 30 into the condensate collection tank 12.

[0088] The steam exhaust circuit 18 also includes an airflow guiding device 220, which is integral and arranged in the internal cavity 19 of the cover 4. The airflow guiding device 220 (see...) Figure 9 and Figure 10It includes an airflow inlet opening 240 and an airflow outlet opening 250, the airflow inlet opening 240 being configured to partially face the cooking chamber, and the airflow outlet opening 250 being configured to partially face the steam exhaust port 17. Advantageously, the steam exhaust port 17 leads to the internal chamber 19.

[0089] The airflow guiding device 220 includes an upper guide wall 260 and a lower guide wall 270, which define a baffle-type flow channel 280 in fluid communication with the steam discharge port 17. The lower guide wall 270 extends from the lower wall of the airflow guiding device 220, while the upper guide wall 260 extends from the upper wall of the airflow guiding device 220.

[0090] When the cover 4 is in the closed position and the housing 2 is placed on a horizontal surface, the upper guide wall 260 is more specifically configured to extend downward, while when the cover 4 is in the closed position and the housing 2 is placed on a horizontal surface, the lower guide wall 270 is more specifically configured to extend upward. Advantageously, when the cover 4 is in the open position and the housing 2 is placed on a horizontal surface, the upper guide wall 260 and the lower guide wall 270 are respectively configured to be inclined relative to the horizontal plane.

[0091] When the lid 4 is in the open position, the lower guide wall 270 is configured to be partially on the same vertical line as and below the lower longitudinal edge 261 of the upper guide wall 260, allowing condensate present on the upper guide wall 260 to flow from the upper guide wall 260 to the lower guide wall 270 under gravity. This configuration of the electric cooking appliance allows condensate to flow from the upper guide wall 260 to the lower guide wall 270 under gravity when the lid 4 is moved to the open position, thereby preventing uncontrolled inflow or outflow of condensate into or out of the electric cooking appliance.

[0092] Furthermore, the presence of the lower guide wall 270 and the upper guide wall 260 creates obstructions to slow and deflect the steam flow when the cover 4 is in the closed position. In particular, the baffle-type flow channel 280 helps to separate condensate from the steam flow from the cooking chamber.

[0093] The upper guide wall 260 and the lower guide wall 270 are laterally offset from each other. In other words, when the lid 4 is in the closed position, the upper guide wall 260 and the lower guide wall 270 are respectively located at different distances relative to the central axis of the cooking container 3.

[0094] The lower guide wall 270 includes an upper longitudinal edge 271 configured, together with a lower longitudinal edge 261, to at least partially define a steam passage opening defining a baffle-type flow channel 280. The upper longitudinal edge 271 of the lower guide wall 270 and the lower longitudinal edge 261 of the upper guide wall 260 extend substantially in the same plane, which is substantially horizontal when the cover 4 is in the closed position. This configuration of the steam passage opening allows the steam flow to be redirected upwards to separate condensate present in the steam flow by gravity; thereby significantly improving the separation efficiency of steam and condensate within the steam discharge loop 18.

[0095] Furthermore, the airflow guiding device 220 includes reinforcing walls 290, each extending along a substantially vertical plane and configured to ensure the mechanical strength of the airflow guiding device 220. Advantageously, each reinforcing wall 290 mechanically connects the lower guide wall 270 to the upper guide wall 260.

[0096] Advantageously, the airflow guiding device 220 includes a flow orifice 310 configured to allow condensate to flow out of the airflow guiding device 220. More specifically, the flow orifice 310 is fluidly connected to the collection chamber 14.1 of the condensate delivery circuit 13, thereby allowing condensate to be guided from the airflow guiding device 220 to the condensate collection tank 12. The flow orifice 310 and the collection chamber 14.1 are located on the same vertical line, regardless of the position of the cover 4.

[0097] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the flow orifice 310 includes an upstream flow orifice 311, which is disposed on the lower wall of the airflow guiding device 220 and located upstream of the lower guide wall 270. Advantageously, the downstream flow orifice 311 is adjacent to the lower portion of the lower guide wall 270 to facilitate the flow of condensate from the upper guide wall 260 and the lower guide wall 270 to the outside of the steam discharge circuit 18.

[0098] Furthermore, the flow hole 310 includes at least one downstream flow hole 312, which is disposed on the lower wall of the airflow guide device 220, downstream of the lower guide wall 270, and configured to allow condensate between the lower guide wall 270 and the inner surface of the cover 4 to flow to the collection chamber 14.1.

[0099] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the external hole 16 further includes a side discharge hole 21, which is disposed on the housing 2 and leads to the outer surface, more specifically to the side wall of the intermediate cavity 14.2.

[0100] The cover 4 includes a hinge support 22, which includes a pivoting connection. The hinge support 22 is detachably mounted on the housing 2, such that the cover 4 is removable relative to the housing 2. This configuration of the invention advantageously allows the cover 4 to be removed, for example, to simplify its cleaning. Furthermore, the hinge support 22 includes a partial side drain hole 21.

[0101] More specifically, the hinge support 22 includes a first fixing portion, and the housing 2 includes a second fixing portion disposed in the intermediate cavity 14.2 and configured to cooperate with the first fixing portion through complementary shapes. The first fixing portion includes, for example, at least one fixing finger, and the second fixing portion includes, for example, at least one fixing hole (e.g., formed by one of the side drain holes), in which the at least one fixing finger can be at least partially accommodated. This configuration advantageously allows the recovery of condensate present in the condensate delivery circuit 13 and flowing out through the at least one fixing hole, and its collection in the condensate collection tank 12.

[0102] Of course, the present invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described and shown, which are given by way of example only. Modifications are possible without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, particularly from the perspective of the composition of various elements or by substitution with technical equivalents.

Claims

1. An immersion electric cooking device (1) configured to cook food, comprising: - Housing (2), the housing (2) comprising a cooking container (3) configured to contain cooking liquid; - A cover (4) that is movable about a pivot axis (A1) between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the cover (4) allows entry into the cooking container (3) and in the closed position the cover (4) prevents entry into the cooking container (3) and, together with the cooking container (3), defines the cooking chamber; - A heating device (50) configured to heat a cooking liquid; and - A condensate collection tank (12), the condensate collection tank (12) including an upper peripheral edge (12.1) defining an upper opening (12.2); The condensate collection tank (12) is characterized in that it is configured to protrude beyond the sidewall of the housing (2) such that a portion of the upper opening (12.2) of the condensate collection tank (12) is located outside the sidewall of the housing (2), and the condensate collection tank (12) is configured to collect condensate flowing from at least one external hole (16) of the electric cooking appliance (1), the external hole (16) and the portion of the upper opening (12.2) of the condensate collection tank (12) being located on the same vertical line.

2. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1, wherein, At least one external hole (16) includes at least one steam vent (17), the at least one steam vent (17) is disposed on the cover (4) and configured to be in fluid connection with the cooking chamber when the cover (4) is in the closed position, and the at least one steam vent (17) is configured to be at least partially on the same vertical line as said portion of the upper opening (12.2) of the condensate collection tank (12) when the cover (4) is in the open position.

3. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 2, comprising a steam exhaust circuit (18) configured to direct a steam flow from the cooking chamber to at least one steam exhaust port (17).

4. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, At least one steam vent (17) is elongated and includes a lower end (17.1) configured to be on the same vertical line as the condensate collection tank (12) when the cover (4) is in the open position.

5. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, At least one external hole (16) includes at least one side drain hole (21), which is provided on the housing (2) and leads to the outer surface of the housing (2).

6. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 5, wherein, At least one side discharge port (21) is provided in the side wall of the housing (2).

7. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The condensate collection tank (12) can be detached from the housing (2).

8. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The housing (2) includes a receiving cavity (15) configured to at least partially accommodate a condensate collection tank (12).

9. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The cover (4) includes a hinge support (22) that at least partially includes a pivoting connection configured to allow the cover (4) to pivot between a closed position and an open position.

10. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The hinge support (22) is installed so that it can be removed from the housing (2), so that the cover (4) can be removed relative to the housing (2).

11. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: - A collection device (6) configured to extend at least partially into the cooking chamber and collect condensate from food cooking when the lid (4) is in the closed position, the collection device (6) comprising at least one drain hole (6.3); and - A condensate delivery circuit (13) is fluidly connected to at least one drain hole (6.3) and configured to deliver condensate from at least one drain hole (6.3) to a condensate collection tank (12).

12. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 11, wherein, At least one external hole (16) is fluidly connected to the condensate delivery circuit (13).

13. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The condensate delivery circuit (13) includes a lower drain hole (30) configured to allow condensate to flow from the condensate delivery circuit (13) to the condensate collection tank (12).

14. The electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The condensate collection tank (12) includes a bottom wall (12.3), and the upper opening (12.2) of the condensate collection tank (12) has a flow cross-section larger than the area of ​​the bottom wall (12.3).

Images