Cooking bath type electric cooking utensil with condensate collecting device
By introducing a collection channel and condensate recovery tank into electric cooking appliances, the problem of scalding caused by condensate accumulation is solved, and the safe recovery of condensate and convenient cleaning of the appliances are achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHEJIANG SHAOXING SUPOR DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing electric cooking appliances produce condensate during cooking, which accumulates inside the cooking cavity, potentially causing burns to users from hot liquid splashes.
An electric cooking appliance with a collection device was designed, including a collection channel and a condensate recovery tank. The condensate on the lower wall of the lid is collected through the collection channel, and when the lid is opened, it is guided into the condensate recovery tank by gravity, thus preventing the condensate from falling into the cooking bath.
It effectively recovers condensate, prevents hot liquid splashing, ensures safe use, and simplifies the cleaning process.
Smart Images

Figure CN224251212U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of household cooking appliances, including a cooking basin and a lid. More specifically, this utility model relates to the recovery of condensate generated during the use of an electric cooking appliance with a cooking basin. Background Technology
[0002] Electric cooking appliances with a cooking basin are known from the prior art, including:
[0003] - Includes the housing of the cooking tub, which is configured to receive the cooking bath;
[0004] - A lid that moves between a closed position and an open position about a pivot axis; in the closed position, the lid, together with the cooking bowl, defines and prevents access to the cooking cavity; in the open position, the lid allows access to the cooking cavity; and
[0005] - A heating device designed to heat a cooking bath.
[0006] This type of electric cooking appliance allows users to cook food in a cooking bath (e.g., oil), where the cooking bath is located in a cooking cavity (chamber) defined by a cover and a cooking tank.
[0007] However, this device has a major flaw. The first flaw is that condensation produced during cooking in the cooking bath accumulates inside the cooking chamber. In particular, when the user opens the lid, the condensation formed on the lower surface of the lid may fall into the cooking bath, causing hot liquid to splash and potentially scald the user.
[0008] When using this type of electric cooking appliance, cooking juices from the food in the cooking tub evaporate during cooking and then condense upon contact with the lower wall of the lid, forming condensate. This condensate, primarily composed of water, may drip into the cooking bath, causing hot liquid splashing and potentially scalding the user. Utility Model Content
[0009] The technical problem addressed by this invention is to provide an electric cooking appliance suitable for cooking food in a cooking bath, which has a simple, compact and economical structure, and can also recover the condensate generated during food cooking.
[0010] Therefore, this utility model relates to a cooking bath type electric cooking appliance, such as an oil bath type electric fryer, which is configured to cook food and includes:
[0011] - A housing comprising a cooking tank configured to receive a cooking bath;
[0012] - A cover body, including a lower wall, is connected to the housing via an axis defining a pivotal connection, the pivotal connection being configured such that the cover body is pivotally movable between an open position and a closed position, in which the cover body allows access to the cooking tank, and in the closed position, the cover body prevents access to the cooking tank, and the lower wall of the cover body together with the cooking tank defines a cooking cavity.
[0013] - Heating equipment, which is set to heat the cooking bath;
[0014] - A collection device, which is at least partially arranged in the cooking cavity and is configured to collect condensate formed on the lower wall of the lid during food cooking when the lid is in the closed position, the collection device including at least one drain hole;
[0015] - Condensate recovery tank; and
[0016] - A condensate delivery circuit configured to deliver condensate from the at least one drain hole to a condensate recovery tank; 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, the collection chamber at least partially accommodating the pivot connection and including at least one drain hole;
[0017] The electric cooking appliance is configured such that when the lid is moved to the open position, the condensate collected by the collection device flows into the collection chamber under gravity through the at least one drain hole.
[0018] This design of the electric cooking appliance allows condensate to flow under gravity from at least one drain hole in the collection device, via a condensate delivery circuit, to the condensate recovery tank when the lid is in the open position. This recovers condensate while the lid is open, preventing condensate from falling into the cooking bath and causing hot liquid splashes that could scald the user. Furthermore, this design allows for easy emptying of the condensate recovery tank after use.
[0019] The electric cooking appliance according to this utility model also has one or more of the following features, which can be used individually or in combination.
[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the collecting device includes a collecting channel that is configured to extend at least partially within the cooking cavity and collect condensate formed on the lower wall of the lid.
[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electric cooking appliance is configured such that when the lid is in the closed position, at least a portion of the condensate collected by the collecting device flows into the collecting chamber under gravity.
[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the collection channel and the cover are pivotally connected as one unit.
[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one drain hole is connected (opened) to the collection chamber.
[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electric cooking appliance includes an observation window, such as a porthole, which is disposed on a cover and configured such that when the cover is in the closed position, the user can observe the contents of the cooking cavity.
[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the observation window is at least partially transparent to light.
[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the collection channel includes a collection portion and a guide portion. The collection portion is configured to be arranged at least partially corresponding to (consistently aligned with) the flow area of the observation window when the cover is in the closed position, and to collect the condensate flowing from the observation window. The guide portion is configured to guide the condensate collected by the collection portion to the outside of the cooking cavity when the cover is moved to the open position.
[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cover includes a hinge support, which at least partially includes a pivotal connection configured to pivot the cover between a closed position and an open position.
[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the hinge support is configured to be detachable relative to the housing, so that the cover is detachable relative to the housing. This configuration of the present invention advantageously allows the cover to be removed for example, to facilitate its cleaning.
[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the hinge support includes a first fixed portion, and the housing includes a second fixed portion, which is configured to cooperate with the first fixed portion through shape complementarity.
[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the condensate delivery circuit is disposed in the housing, more specifically, in the rear portion of the housing.
[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pivot axis of the cover is located in the rear part of the housing.
[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the housing is placed on a horizontal surface, the pivot axis is approximately horizontal.
[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the observation window, more specifically, has an inner wall that is generally flat and tilted relative to the horizontal direction when the cover is in the closed position and the housing rests on a horizontal surface. This arrangement of the observation window advantageously allows for maximizing the flow of condensate formed on the inner wall of the observation window toward the collection portion of the collection channel, thereby maximizing the collection of the condensate through the collection channel.
[0034] According to one embodiment of this invention, the viewing window is tilted downwards and towards the front (front) side of the housing. This arrangement allows the user to better observe the contents of the cooking cavity.
[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the cover is in the closed position and the housing rests on a horizontal surface, the viewing window is tilted at an angle greater than 5 degrees, advantageously greater than 6 degrees, for example greater than 8 degrees, relative to the horizontal direction. This arrangement of the electric cooking appliance ensures that condensate flows effectively from the viewing window to the collection section of the collection channel, while preventing condensate from forming droplets that could fall into the cooking bath.
[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the collection section of the collection channel includes an upper opening, which is configured to allow condensate to flow from the flow area of the observation window into the collection section under the action of gravity.
[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the guiding portion is configured to guide the condensate collected by the collection channel to the at least one drain hole.
[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one drain hole is disposed in the rear portion of the cover.
[0039] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one drain hole is configured to be located at the lowest point of the collection channel when the cover is in the open position.
[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the collection cavity is disposed in the cover. In other words, the collection cavity and the cover are pivotally connected as one unit.
[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the collection cavity is configured to at least partially accommodate a pivot shaft belonging to a pivot connection.
[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the collection chamber is disposed in the rear portion of the housing, located at the pivot axis.
[0043] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the collection cavity includes at least two support walls configured to partially support a pivot shaft belonging to a pivotal connection.
[0044] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the collecting cavity includes a sidewall that is different from the supporting wall and is configured to partially support the pivot shaft.
[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the collecting chamber includes a plurality of internal compartments separated from each other, and each internal compartment includes at least one drain hole. This arrangement of the present invention enables the prevention of condensate accumulation in the internal compartments.
[0046] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each internal compartment is defined at least partially by one of the supporting walls.
[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the condensate delivery circuit further includes an intermediate cavity, and at least one drain hole is disposed on the lower wall of the collection cavity and is configured to allow the condensate to flow from the collection cavity to the intermediate cavity under the action of gravity.
[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one drain hole is located at the lowest point of the collection chamber when the cover is in the closed position.
[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one drain hole is configured to extend along a generally horizontal plane when the cover is in the closed position.
[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the collecting chamber includes a first chamber wall and a second chamber wall, which are disposed opposite to each other and located on both sides of the pivot axis of the cover. The second chamber wall is farther from the central axis of the cover than the first chamber wall. The at least one drain hole includes at least one distal drain hole adjacent to the second chamber wall. This arrangement of the present invention avoids the formation of dead zones in the collecting chamber, thereby enabling the emptying of all condensate present in the collecting chamber when the cover is in the open position.
[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electric cooking appliance is configured such that when the lid is moved to the open position, the second cavity wall is configured to guide at least a portion of the condensate collected in the collection cavity toward the distal drain hole.
[0052] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one drain hole includes at least one proximal drain hole located near the first cavity wall.
[0053] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one distal drain hole and the at least one proximal drain hole are respectively disposed on both sides of a vertical plane including a pivot axis.
[0054] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the cover is in the open position, the at least one distal drain hole is configured to extend at a height lower than that of the at least one proximal drain hole.
[0055] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one proximal drain hole is disposed on one side of the first cavity wall of the collecting chamber, for example, immediately adjacent to the first cavity wall. This arrangement of the present invention enables the accumulation of condensate in the collecting chamber when the cover is in the closed position by arranging the at least one proximal drain hole in the region adjacent to the at least one drain hole of the collecting device.
[0056] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each support wall is configured to extend generally transversely to the lower wall of the collection chamber.
[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the condensate delivery circuit includes an intermediate cavity disposed in a housing and configured to receive condensate flowing out of a collection cavity. The intermediate cavity includes at least one output port configured to allow condensate to flow from the intermediate cavity into a condensate recovery tank.
[0058] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate cavity is disposed in the rear portion of the housing.
[0059] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a hinge support is installed in the intermediate cavity and partially defines the condensate delivery circuit.
[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one output hole is configured to extend along a generally horizontal plane when the housing is placed on a horizontal plane.
[0061] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one drain hole is configured to extend approximately directly above the intermediate cavity and to allow condensate to flow from the collection cavity to the intermediate cavity.
[0062] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one output hole is configured to extend approximately directly above the condensate recovery tank and is configured to allow condensate to flow from the intermediate cavity into the condensate recovery tank.
[0063] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a condensate recovery tank is installed on the housing.
[0064] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the condensate recovery tank is detachable from the housing.
[0065] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the condensate recovery tank includes an upper periphery defining an upper opening, and the at least one outlet hole of the intermediate cavity is configured to face directly opposite the upper opening of the condensate recovery tank. In other words, the at least one outlet hole is configured to extend directly above the upper opening of the condensate recovery tank.
[0066] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate cavity is configured to extend at least partially below and aligned with the collection cavity.
[0067] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate cavity includes at least one lateral output hole that communicates (opens) to the outer surface of the housing, and the condensate recovery tank is configured to recover any condensate that may flow out from the at least one lateral output hole under gravity.
[0068] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the upper periphery of the condensate recovery tank includes an edge portion that is configured to protrude (bulge) relative to the peripheral wall of the housing when the condensate recovery tank is in use. This configuration of the condensate recovery tank advantageously enables the recovery of condensate flowing out from at least one steam vent provided on the cover, or from said at least one lateral outlet.
[0069] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the condensate recovery tank is configured to extend in a manner substantially aligned with the pivot axis of the cover.
[0070] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the cover is in the open position and the housing rests on a horizontal surface, the tilt angle of the cover relative to the vertical axis is strictly less than 90°, for example, strictly less than 80°. This arrangement of the present invention ensures that condensate flows from the collection device to the condensate delivery circuit when the cover is in the open position.
[0071] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the cover is in the closed position, the guide portion is located at a height lower than that of the collection portion, so that when the cover is in the closed position and the housing is placed on a horizontal surface, the condensate flows from the collection portion to the guide portion under the action of gravity.
[0072] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the lid is in the closed position, the collection channel extends approximately around the periphery of the cooking tank.
[0073] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the collection channel is generally annular.
[0074] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the collection channel is fixed to the cover so that it is pivotally connected to the cover as one unit.
[0075] According to one embodiment of this invention, the guide portion forms a guide channel, i.e., a guide channel with a closed cross-section. This arrangement of the present invention prevents condensate present in the collection channel from accumulating and overflowing from the guide portion (and falling into the cooking bath) when the lid moves to the open position, for example after a cooking cycle. In fact, when the lid is opened, the condensate is simultaneously sent to the lowest point of the collection channel under gravity, which may cause localized overflow of condensate, for example, if the guide portion has an upper opening.
[0076] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cover includes a cover body and a collecting member fixed to the cover body. The collecting member includes a main channel with an open cross section. The main channel includes a first channel portion forming a collecting portion and a second channel portion forming a guiding portion. The cover body is configured to cover and block the second channel portion, such that the cover body and the second channel portion form a guiding portion, more specifically, forming a guiding portion with a closed cross section.
[0077] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the condensate recovery tank is disposed in the rear part of the housing.
[0078] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electric cooking appliance includes a sealing element, such as a seal, which is configured to extend at least partially between the lid and the housing when the lid is in the closed position, the sealing element at least partially defining a collection channel. Attached Figure Description
[0079] The present invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals correspond to elements that are the same or similar in structure and / or function.
[0080] [ Figure 1 [This is a perspective view of an electric cooking appliance according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the electric cooking appliance including a lid in the open position;]
[0081] [ Figure 2 ]yes Figure 1 A perspective view of an electric cooking appliance, with the lid in the closed position;
[0082] [ Figure 3 ]yes Figure 1 A partial perspective view of an electric cooking appliance;
[0083] [ Figure 4 ]yes Figure 1 A partial top-view perspective of an electric cooking appliance;
[0084] [ Figure 5 [This is a longitudinal sectional view of the front portion of the cover according to the first embodiment of the present invention;]
[0085] [ Figure 6 [This is a longitudinal sectional view of the rear portion of the cover according to the first embodiment of the present invention;]
[0086] [ Figure 7 [This is a perspective view of the collection channel of the cover of an electric cooking appliance according to the first embodiment of the present invention;]
[0087] [ Figure 8 ]yes Figure 1 A partial perspective view of the rear portion of an electric cooking appliance, cut along a first vertical section;
[0088] [ Figure 9 ]yes Figure 1 A partial perspective view of the rear portion of an electric cooking appliance, cut along a second vertical section offset relative to a first vertical section.
[0089] [ Figure 10 ]yes Figure 1 Rear view of an electric cooking appliance, with the lid in the closed position;
[0090] [ Figure 11 ]yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the rear portion of an electric cooking appliance, with the lid in the open position;
[0091] [ Figure 12 [This is a cross-sectional view of the lid of an electric cooking appliance according to the second embodiment of the present invention.] Detailed Implementation
[0092] In this article, the terms “front,” “back,” “up,” and “down” are defined relative to the normal use of the electric cooking appliance, during which the housing is supported on a horizontal surface.
[0093] Unless otherwise specified, the word “approximately” in this article means “exactly or within 10% of the mark”.
[0094] Figures 1 to 11 The illustration shows an entire or partial electric cooking appliance 1 (e.g., an oil bath fryer) according to a first embodiment of the present invention, configured to cook food. The electric cooking appliance 1 particularly includes a housing 2, a cover 4, and a heating device 50 (see...). Figure 4 The housing includes a cooking bath 3 configured to receive a cooking bath, the cover being movable between a closed position and an open position, and a heating device configured to heat the cooking bath. Furthermore, the electric cooking appliance 1 also includes a control unit UC, which is disposed within the housing 2 and configured to control the operation of the electric cooking appliance 1.
[0095] Advantageously, the cover 4 includes a lower wall 4.1 and is mounted to pivot about a pivot axis A1 relative to the housing 2 between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the cover 4 allows access to the cooking tank 3; in the closed position, the cover 4 prevents access to the cooking tank 3, and the lower wall 4.1 of the cover 4, together with the cooking tank 3, defines a cooking cavity. The open position of the cover 4 refers to the position where the cover 4 is tilted at an angle of less than 90° relative to the vertical direction when the housing 2 is placed on a horizontal surface. Figures 1 to 11 The first embodiment of the present invention shown has a pivot A1 located in the rear portion AR of the housing 2 and is substantially horizontal when the housing 2 is placed on a horizontal surface.
[0096] The electric cooking appliance 1 also includes an observation window 5, such as a porthole, and a collection device 6; the observation window is disposed on the cover 4 and configured to allow the user to observe (see) the contents of the cooking cavity when the cover 4 is in the closed position; the collection device includes a collection channel 60, which is configured to extend at least partially into the interior of the cooking cavity and collect condensate formed on the observation window 5 and flowing out from a flow area 7 of the observation window 5. Advantageously, the flow area 7 is located in the front portion AV of the cover 4.
[0097] More specifically, the viewing window 5 is transparent to light and may be made of a material that conforms to the material used in the electric cooking appliance 1, which may be a transparent synthetic material (e.g., a polymer of the polycarbonate type) or a transparent inorganic material (e.g., glass, borosilicate glass, crystal or quartz).
[0098] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the inner wall 8 of the observation window 5, more specifically, is generally flat and slopes downward toward the front (front) surface AV of the housing 2; the flow area 7 of the observation window 5 is the lowest peripheral portion of the observation window 5 when the cover 4 is in the closed position and the housing 2 rests on a horizontal surface. Advantageously, when the cover 4 is in the closed position and the housing rests on a horizontal surface, the observation window 5 is tilted relative to the horizontal direction at an angle greater than 5 degrees, advantageously greater than 6 degrees, for example greater than 8 degrees. This arrangement of the electric cooking appliance 1 allows the user to better observe the contents of the cooking cavity while preventing condensate from falling into the cooking bath due to gravity before reaching the flow area 7, thereby ensuring that the condensate flows effectively from the observation window 5 to the collection channel 60.
[0099] More specifically in Figures 3 to 7 The collection channel 60 shown is pivotally connected to the cover 4 and includes a collection portion 61. The collection portion 61 includes an upper opening that is configured to be at least partially aligned with the flow area 7 of the observation window 5 when the cover 4 is in the closed position, so that condensate flows from the flow area 7 of the observation window 5 into the volume defined by the collection portion 61 under the influence of gravity.
[0100] The collection channel 60 also includes a guide portion 62, which is configured to guide the condensate collected by the collection portion 61 to the outside of the cooking chamber when the cover 4 moves to the open position. This arrangement of the electric cooking appliance 1 advantageously allows for the collection of condensate generated on the inner wall 8 of the viewing window 5 during food cooking at the collection portion 61 of the collection channel 60. Thus, the condensate is recovered before falling into the cooking bath, which prevents the hot liquid constituting the cooking bath from splashing outside the housing 2 and potentially onto the user.
[0101] According to the first embodiment of this utility model, the collection channel 60 is annular and extends approximately around the periphery of the cooking tank 3 when the cover 4 is in the closed position (see...). Figure 4 The width of the collection section 61 may be, for example, greater than the width of the guide section 62, to maximize the recovery of condensate flowing out of the observation window 5.
[0102] like Figure 7 As shown, the collection channel 60 can be a single unit, i.e., integrally formed, and includes at least one drain hole 63, which is disposed in the rear portion AR of the cover 4. The guide portion 62 is configured to guide the condensate recovered by the collection channel 60 to the at least one drain hole 63. Advantageously, the at least one drain hole 63 is configured to be located at the lowest point of the collection channel 60 when the cover 4 is in the open position.
[0103] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the guide portion 62 of the collection channel 60 is adjacent to the collection portion 61, that is, extends in the extending direction of the collection portion 61. Advantageously, when the cover 4 is in the closed position, the guide portion 62 is located at a height lower than that of the collection portion 61, so that when the cover 4 is in the closed position and the housing 2 rests on a horizontal surface, the condensate flows from the collection portion 61 to the guide portion 62 under the action of gravity.
[0104] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the guide portion 62 extends along an extension plane that is substantially horizontal when the housing 2 rests on a horizontal surface and the cover 4 is in the closed position. Alternatively, the guide portion 62 may extend along an extension plane that is inclined toward the rear portion AR of the housing 2 when the housing 2 rests on a horizontal surface and the cover 4 is in the closed position. This arrangement prevents condensate from accumulating at the front of the guide portion 62.
[0105] As in Figure 5 and Figure 6More specifically, the guide portion 62 forms a guide pipe 9, i.e., a guide channel with a closed cross-section. This arrangement of the present invention prevents condensate present in the collection channel 60 from accumulating and overflowing from the guide portion 62 and falling into the cooking bath when the lid 4 moves to the open position, for example after a cooking cycle. In fact, when the lid 4 is opened, the condensate is simultaneously sent to the lowest point of the collection channel 60 (in this case, the guide portion 62) under gravity, which may cause localized overflow of condensate, for example, if the guide portion 62 has an upper opening.
[0106] according to Figures 1 to 11 The first embodiment of the present invention shown includes a cover body 4 comprising a cover body 11 and a collection component 100 (see figure). Figure 7 The collector is fixed to the cover body 11 and includes a main channel 10 with an open cross-section. The main channel includes a first channel portion 10.1 forming a collection portion 61 and a second channel portion 10.2 partially forming a guide portion 62. More specifically, the cover body 11 is configured to cover and block the second channel portion 10.2 such that the cover body 11 and the second channel portion 10.2 form the guide portion 62, or more precisely, a guide channel with a closed cross-section.
[0107] The electric cooking appliance 1 also includes a condensate recovery tank 12 and a condensate delivery circuit 13, which is fluidly connected to the at least one drain hole 63 and configured to guide condensate from the at least one drain hole 63 to the condensate recovery tank 12. Advantageously, as Figures 8 to 11 As shown, the condensate delivery circuit 13 includes a collection chamber 14.1 and an intermediate chamber 14.2. The collection chamber at least partially accommodates (houses) a pivot shaft 15 belonging to the pivotal connection of the cover 4, and in particular, the pivot shaft 15 belonging to the pivotal connection. The intermediate chamber is located below the collection chamber 14.1 and is in fluid communication (connected) to the collection chamber 14.1.
[0108] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a collection chamber 14.1 is disposed in a cover 4, i.e., it is pivotally connected to the cover 4 and includes a plurality of drain holes 16, which are configured to extend generally directly above an intermediate cavity 14.2 and to allow condensate to flow from the collection chamber 14.1 to the intermediate cavity 14.2. However, according to a variation of the present invention, the collection chamber 14.1 may include a single drain hole 16.
[0109] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, each drain hole 16 is disposed on the lower wall 22 of the collection chamber 14.1 and is configured such that condensate flows from the collection chamber 14.1 to the condensate delivery circuit 13 under gravity. Advantageously, each drain hole 16 is configured to extend along a generally horizontal plane when the cover 4 is in the closed position.
[0110] More specifically, the collection chamber 14.1 includes two support walls 17 and two side walls 18. The support walls 17 are configured to support the central portion of the pivot shaft 15, and the side walls 18 are configured to support the end portions of the pivot shaft 15, respectively. According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the collection chamber 14.1 includes three internal compartments 19, which are separated from each other by the two support walls 17, and each internal compartment 19 includes at least one drain hole 16. This arrangement of the present invention makes it possible to prevent condensate from accumulating in the internal compartments 19.
[0111] The collection chamber 14.1 also includes a first chamber wall 20 and a second chamber wall 21 facing each other and located on either side of the pivot axis of the cover 4, the second chamber wall 21 being further away from the central axis of the cover 4 than the first chamber wall 20. Each internal compartment 19 is partially defined by the first chamber wall 20, the second chamber wall 21, and one of the support walls 17.
[0112] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the drain hole 16 includes at least one distal drain hole 16.1 (see...) Figure 8 and Figure 9 The second cavity wall 21 of the collection cavity 14.1 is adjacent to the collection cavity 14.1. This arrangement of the present invention makes it possible to avoid dead zones in the collection cavity 14.1, especially in each internal compartment 19, thereby allowing all condensate present in the collection cavity 14.1 to be emptied and drained when the lid 4 is in the open position. Advantageously, the electric cooking appliance 1 is configured such that when the lid 4 is moved to the open position, the second cavity wall 21 of the collection cavity 14.1 is configured to guide at least a portion of the condensate collected in the collection cavity 14.1 toward the distal drain hole 16.1.
[0113] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the drain hole 16 further includes at least one proximal drain hole 16.2, which is disposed on one side of the first cavity wall 20 of the collection chamber 14.1, for example, adjacent to the first cavity wall 20 of the collection chamber 14.1. This arrangement of the present invention, by placing the at least one proximal drain hole 16.2 in the region adjacent to the drain hole 63, prevents condensate from accumulating in the collection chamber 14.1 when the cover 4 is in the closed position. More specifically, each internal compartment 19 includes a proximal drain hole 16.2 to maximize the discharge of condensate.
[0114] Each distal drain hole 16.1 and each proximal drain hole 16.2 are respectively provided in the pivot shaft 15 (see Figure 8 The vertical plane of the cover 4 is on both sides. Furthermore, the distal drain hole 16.1 is configured to extend to a height lower than that of the proximal drain hole 16.2 when the cover 4 is in the open position.
[0115] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, an intermediate cavity 14.2 is disposed in the rear portion of the housing 2 and includes a plurality of output holes 23, which are configured to extend generally directly above the condensate recovery tank 12 and to allow condensate to flow from the intermediate cavity 14.2 to the condensate recovery tank 12. Advantageously, each output hole 23 is configured to be generally vertically oriented when the housing 2 rests on a horizontal surface. However, according to a variation of the present invention, the intermediate cavity 14.2 may include a single output hole 23.
[0116] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the cover 4 includes a hinge support 26 mounted in an intermediate cavity 14.2 and partially defining a condensate delivery circuit 13. The hinge support 26 partially includes a pivoting connection configured to allow the cover 4 to pivot between a closed position and an open position. Advantageously, the hinge support 26 is configured to be removable relative to the housing 2, allowing the cover 4 to be removed relative to the housing 2.
[0117] The hinge support 26 may include, for example, a fixing portion configured to be detachably mounted in the intermediate cavity 14.2 and equipped with at least one fixing finger, and the intermediate cavity 14.2 may include, for example, at least one lateral output hole 24 leading to the outer surface of the housing 2, and at least one finger being able to be received at least partially in the lateral output hole 24.
[0118] As in Figure 9 As can be seen, the condensate recovery tank 12 includes an upper periphery 12.1 defining an upper opening 12.2, and one or each of the output holes 23 of the intermediate cavity 14.2 is positioned directly opposite the upper opening 12.2 of the condensate recovery tank 12. In other words, one or each of the output holes 23 is configured to extend directly above the upper opening 12.2 of the condensate recovery tank 12.
[0119] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the upper periphery 12.1 of the condensate recovery tank 12 includes an edge portion 12.3, which is configured to protrude relative to the peripheral wall of the housing 2 when the condensate recovery tank 12 is in use, i.e., when the condensate recovery tank 12 is mounted on the housing 2. This configuration of the condensate recovery tank 12 advantageously allows for the collection of any condensate flowing out from one of the side outlet holes 24 of the intermediate cavity 14.2, or from any condensate flowing out from the vapor discharge hole 200 provided on the cover.
[0120] Figure 12 The diagram shows the lid 4 of an electric cooking appliance 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The main difference from the first embodiment is that the electric cooking appliance 1 includes a sealing element 25 (e.g., a seal) that is configured to extend at least partially between the lid 4 and the housing 2 when the lid 4 is in the closed position, and that the sealing element 25 at least partially defines a collection channel 60. This arrangement of the present invention advantageously allows two functions to be combined in a single component. The sealing element 25 ensures a tight seal of the cooking cavity at the lid 4 / housing 2 interface when the lid 4 is in the closed position and allows for the collection of condensate from the collection section 61 and its channeling to at least one drain hole 63.
[0121] Of course, this utility model is by no means limited to what has been described and shown, but is only provided as an example of the embodiments. Modifications are still possible, especially in terms of the composition of the various elements, or equivalent substitutions, without thereby exceeding the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A cooking bath electric cooking appliance (1) configured to cook food, comprising: - Housing (2), which includes a cooking tank (3) configured to receive a cooking bath; - A cover (4) including a lower wall (4.1), the cover (4) being connected to the housing (2) via an axis defining a pivotal connection, the pivotal connection being configured such that the cover (4) is pivotally movable between an open position and a closed position, in the open position allowing access to the cooking tank (3), and in the closed position preventing access to the cooking tank (3), and the lower wall (4.1) of the cover (4) together with the cooking tank (3) defining a cooking cavity; - Heating device (50), which is configured to heat the cooking bath; - A collection device (6), which is at least partially arranged in the cooking cavity and is configured to collect condensate formed on the lower wall (4.1) of the cover (4) during food cooking when the cover (4) is in the closed position, the collection device (6) includes at least one drain hole (63); - Condensate recovery tank (12); and - A condensate delivery circuit (13) configured to deliver condensate from the at least one drain hole (63) to the condensate recovery tank (12), the condensate delivery circuit (13) including a collection chamber (14.1) in fluid communication with the at least one drain hole (63) and configured to collect condensate from the at least one drain hole (63), the collection chamber (14.1) at least partially accommodating the pivot connection and including at least one drain hole (16); The electric cooking appliance (1) is configured such that when the lid (4) is moved to the open position, the condensate collected by the collecting device (6) flows under gravity through the at least one drain hole (63) into the collecting chamber (14.1).
2. The electric cooking appliance (1) as described in claim 1, wherein, The collection chamber (14.1) is disposed in the cover (4).
3. The electric cooking appliance (1) as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The collection cavity (14.1) is configured to at least partially accommodate the pivot shaft (15) belonging to the pivot connection.
4. The electric cooking appliance (1) as described in claim 3, wherein, The collection chamber (14.1) includes at least two support walls (17) configured to partially support the pivot shaft (15) belonging to the pivot connection.
5. The electric cooking appliance (1) as described in claim 4, wherein, The collection chamber (14.1) includes a plurality of internal compartments (19) separated from each other, and each internal compartment (19) includes at least one drain hole (16).
6. The electric cooking appliance (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The condensate delivery circuit (13) further includes an intermediate cavity (14.2), and at least one drain hole (16) is disposed on the lower wall (22) of the collection cavity (14.1) and is configured such that the condensate flows from the collection cavity (14.1) to the intermediate cavity (14.2) under the action of gravity.
7. The electric cooking appliance (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The collection chamber (14.1) includes a first chamber wall (20) and a second chamber wall (21), which are arranged opposite to each other and located on both sides of the pivot axis of the cover (4). The second chamber wall (21) is farther from the central axis of the cover (4) than the first chamber wall (20). The at least one drain hole (16) includes at least one distal drain hole (16.1) which is adjacent to the second chamber wall (21).
8. The electric cooking appliance (1) as described in claim 7, wherein, The at least one drain hole (16) includes at least one proximal drain hole (16.2) located near the first cavity wall (20).
9. The electric cooking appliance (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The condensate delivery circuit (13) further includes an intermediate cavity (14.2) disposed in the housing (2) and configured to receive condensate flowing out of the collection cavity (14.1). The intermediate cavity (14.2) includes at least one outlet (23) configured to allow condensate to flow from the intermediate cavity (14.2) into the condensate recovery tank (12).
10. The electric cooking appliance (1) as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The condensate recovery tank (12) includes an upper periphery (12.1) defining an upper opening (12.2), and the at least one output hole (23) of the intermediate cavity (14.2) is configured to be located opposite the upper opening (12.2) of the condensate recovery tank (12).
11. The electric cooking appliance (1) as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The upper periphery (12.1) of the condensate recovery tank (12) includes an edge portion (12.3) which is configured to protrude relative to the peripheral wall of the housing (2) when the condensate recovery tank (12) is in use.
12. The electric cooking appliance (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The condensate recovery tank (12) is configured to extend approximately in line with the pivot axis of the cover (4).
13. The electric cooking appliance (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, When the cover (4) is in the open position and the housing (2) is placed on a horizontal surface, the tilt angle of the cover (4) relative to the vertical axis is strictly less than 90°.