Electric cooking appliance equipped with a handle that can be moved between a gripping position and a support foot position.

Abstract

Electric cooking appliance (1) for cooking food, the electric cooking appliance (1) comprising: • a lower heating structure (2) comprising a cooking accessory (5) with a base (5.1) and a perimeter wall (5.2), • an upper heating structure (13) comprising a hotplate (16) provided with a cooking surface (17) and a handle (29) configured to be handled by a user, • a pivot connection (15) that connects the upper heating structure (13) to the lower heating structure (2) and is configured to allow the upper heating structure (13) to pivot relative to the lower heating structure (2) about a pivot axis (A1) and to allow movement between a closed position in which the upper heating structure (13) prevents access to the cooking accessory (5) and in which the lower heating structure (2) and the upper heating structure (13) limit a cooking volume (19) in which food can be cooked, and a maximum open position in which the lower heating structure (2) and the upper heating structure (13) have a maximum distance when the cooking appliance rests on a support surface, and in which both the cooking accessory (5) and the cooking plate (16) can each support and cook food, characterized in that the handle (29) can be positioned between a gripping position in which the handle (29) can be grasped and handled by a user,when the upper heating structure (13) is in the closed position and movable in a support foot position in which the handle (29) is in contact with the horizontal surface, when the lower heating structure (2) rests on a horizontal surface and the upper heating structure (13) is in the maximum open position.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to an electric cooking appliance for cooking food. State of the art

[0002] As is well known, an electric cooking appliance for cooking food includes: • a lower heating structure comprising a cooking accessory with a base and a perimeter wall, • an upper heating structure comprising a cooking plate with a cooking surface and a handle configured to be handled by a user, and • a pivot connection that connects the upper heating structure to the lower heating structure and is configured to allow the upper heating structure to pivot relative to the lower heating structure about a pivot axis and to allow between a closed position in which the lower and upper heating structures limit a cooking volume in which food can be cooked, and a maximum open position in which the lower and upper heating structures have a maximum distance when the cooking appliance rests on a support surface, and in which both the cooking accessory and the cooking plate can each support and cook food.

[0003] The handle of the upper heating element is specifically designed to rest on a support surface (thus forming a support foot) when the cooking appliance is placed on this surface and the upper heating element is in its fully open position. This handle configuration ensures a stable and optimal position for the upper heating element, and therefore the cooktop, when the upper heating element is in its fully open position.

[0004] To ensure such a stable and optimal position, the handle is usually located near the front edge of the upper heating structure and rests against the upper surface of the upper heating structure.

[0005] However, such a handle configuration results in a large vertical space requirement for the electric cooking appliance when the upper heating element is in the closed position, and poses a risk of burns when handling the handle, as the hand of the user handling the handle may be near a possible steam leak when the upper heating element is moved to the maximum open position. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to overcome these disadvantages.

[0007] The technical problem underlying the invention is in particular to provide an electric cooking appliance that is compact and multifunctional while enabling safe handling of an upper heating structure belonging to the electric cooking appliance.

[0008] For this purpose, the present invention relates to an electric cooking appliance for cooking food, wherein the electric cooking appliance comprises: • a lower heating structure comprising a cooking accessory with a base and a perimeter wall, • an upper heating structure comprising a hotplate with a cooking surface and a handle configured to be handled by a user, • A pivot connection that connects the upper heating structure to the lower heating structure and is configured to allow the upper heating structure to pivot relative to the lower heating structure about a pivot axis and to allow movement between a closed position in which the upper heating structure prevents access to the cooking accessories and in which the lower heating structure and the upper heating structure, and in particular the cooking accessories and the hotplate, limit a cooking volume in which food can be cooked, and a maximum open position in which the lower heating structure and the upper heating structure have a maximum distance when the cooking appliance rests on a support surface, and in which both the cooking accessories and the hotplate can each support and cook food.

[0009] The handle is movable between a gripping position, in which the handle can be grasped and handled by a user when the upper heating structure is in the closed position, and a support foot position, in which, when the lower heating structure rests on a horizontal surface and the upper heating structure is in the maximum open position, the handle is in contact with the horizontal surface.

[0010] This handle configuration ensures stable positioning of the upper heating element when it is in its fully open position, while simultaneously giving the electric cooker a compact height when the upper heating element is in its closed position. Furthermore, this handle configuration allows it to be removed from the front edge of the upper heating element without affecting the cooktop's position when the upper heating element is in its fully open position.

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

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance is configured such that when the handle is moved from the gripping position to the support foot position, the handle, and in particular a gripping section of the handle, moves away from an upper frame of the upper heating structure, and in particular from a top of the upper frame.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the handle is mounted pivotably about a pivot axis with respect to the upper frame of the upper heating structure.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis of the handle is configured such that it extends essentially horizontally when the electric cooking appliance rests on a horizontal surface.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking accessory has a maximum depth greater than 40 mm, preferably between 45 and 70 mm, and for example between 50 and 60 mm. Such a configuration of the cooking accessory ensures a significant separation distance between the base of the cooking accessory and the cooking surface of the hob when the upper heating element is in the closed position, thus enabling the cooking of a quiche or a pie within the cooking volume without the upper part of the food coming into contact with the hob. Furthermore, such a configuration of the cooking accessory allows for cooking in water within the cooking accessory, in particular the cooking of pasta or rice. Therefore, the electric cooking appliance according to the present invention enables the cooking of numerous and varied recipes, especially cooking in water as well as the cooking of quiches and pie.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating structure is configured to close an upper opening which is bounded by an upper circumferential edge of the wall of the cooking accessory when the upper heating structure assumes the closed position.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking accessory has a depth before overflowing that is greater than 40 mm, preferably between 40 and 60 mm, and is for example about 50 mm.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the separation distance between the cooking surface of the hotplate and the base of the cooking accessory is greater than 45 mm, advantageously between 45 and 65 mm, and for example approximately 55 mm when the upper heating element is in the closed position. Such a separation distance allows for the cooking of a quiche or a cake of considerable thickness without the upper part of the food coming into contact with the hotplate.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking accessories are removable, which makes it easier to clean the cooking accessories and to transfer the cooked food into a plate or other container.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower heating structure comprises a lower frame and a locking mechanism configured to reversibly lock the cooking accessories to the lower frame. These arrangements ensure optimal retention of the cooking accessories on the lower frame during the execution of a recipe and also during movement of the upper heating structure to its maximum open position.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism comprises at least one locking element, which may for example include a locking finger, provided on the cooking accessory or on the lower frame, and at least one locking element, such as a locking recess, provided on the lower frame or on the cooking accessory, wherein the at least one locking element is movable between a locking position in which the locking element is configured to cooperate with the at least one locking element to lock the cooking accessory to the lower frame, and an unlocking position in which the at least one locking element is configured to release the locking element to allow removal of the cooking accessory from the lower frame.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking accessory comprises two gripping elements that are diametrically opposed to each other and are, for example, attached to the circumferential wall of the cooking accessory. The presence of the two gripping elements facilitates handling of the cooking accessory by a user and thereby limits the risk of burns to the user.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the gripping parts of the cooking accessory is equipped with a locking device. The positioning of the at least one locking device on at least one of the gripping parts makes it easier for a user to lock or unlock the cooking accessory.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance also includes a collection container configured to collect cooking juices and condensates from the cooktop, particularly when the upper heating element is moved between the closed and fully open positions or is in its fully open position. The presence of such a collection container limits the risk of soiling of the electric cooking appliance or the support on which it rests when the upper heating element is moved between the closed and fully open positions, and also reduces smoke generation when cooking food on the cooktop (when the upper heating element is in its fully open position).

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the collection container is arranged in a rear part of the lower heating structure. Such a positioning of the collection container allows the cooking juices and condensates to be collected at a distance from a user standing in front of the electric cooking appliance. The collection container can, for example, be centered with respect to the central longitudinal plane of the electric cooking appliance.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the collection container is removable to facilitate its emptying and cleaning.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hotplate has a spout configured to be located vertically above the collection container when the upper heating element is moved between the closed and fully open positions. The spout is configured to allow cooking juices or condensates from the hotplate to flow by gravity into the collection container when the upper heating element is moved between the closed and fully open positions. Such a configuration of the electric cooking appliance according to the present invention further limits the risk of contamination of the electric cooking appliance or the support on which it rests when the upper heating element is moved between the closed and fully open positions.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pouring part is a pouring spout or a pouring opening.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pouring part is configured to be located vertically above the collection container when the upper heating structure is in the maximum opening position, in order to allow cooking juices or condensates coming from the hotplate to flow into the collection container by gravity when the upper heating structure is in the maximum opening position.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hotplate is configured to be inclined towards the collection container and, for example, downwards and forwards when the electric cooking appliance rests on a horizontal surface and the upper heating element is in its maximum open position. This arrangement promotes the flow of cooking juices or condensates present on the hotplate towards the collection container when the electric cooking appliance rests on a horizontal surface and is used in the second operating mode. Such a hotplate configuration thus prevents the food cooked on the hotplate from swimming in the cooking juices and / or condensates.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooktop has a circumferential rib extending over at least a portion of the circumference of the cooking surface, the circumferential rib being configured to direct at least a portion of the cooking juices or condensates present on the cooktop to the pouring spout when the upper heating element is moved between the closed and fully open positions. The presence of such a circumferential rib further limits the risk of soiling of the electric cooking appliance or the support on which it rests when the upper heating element is moved between the closed and fully open positions.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pouring part comprises two lateral guide edges configured to direct cooking juices or condensates coming from the hotplate to the collection container, wherein the circumferential rib has a greater height than the height of the lateral guide edges and, for example, more than twice the height of the lateral guide edges.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the circumferential rib has a height of more than 10 mm, and for example approximately 15 mm. Such a configuration of the circumferential rib significantly limits the risk of condensate present on the cooktop overflowing the upper circumferential edge of the rib when the upper heating element is moved between the closed position and the maximum open position.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the circumferential rib is interrupted only in the area of ​​the spout. In other words, the circumferential rib has a first end edge and a second end edge that are spaced apart from each other and partially define the spout.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooktop has support ribs on its cooking surface, the support ribs being configured to support food placed on the cooktop and to direct at least a portion of the cooking juices and / or condensate present on the cooktop to the pouring spout. The presence of such support ribs significantly limits the risk of condensate present on the cooktop overflowing the upper circumferential edge of the rib when the upper heating element is moved between the closed and fully open positions.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support ribs comprise a central support rib that extends in the direction of the pouring part.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central support rib extends essentially in a central longitudinal plane of the electric cooking appliance.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support ribs comprise first lateral support ribs and second lateral support ribs arranged on both sides of the central longitudinal plane of the electric cooking appliance, each of the first and second lateral support ribs being inclined with respect to a reference axis passing through a geometric center of the spout and a geometric center of the cooking plate. Preferably, the reference axis is contained in an extension plane of the cooking plate.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second lateral support ribs are configured to direct at least a portion of the cooking juices or condensates present on the cooktop to the central longitudinal plane of the electric cooking appliance when the upper heating element is moved between the closed and fully open positions. Advantageously, the first and second lateral support ribs are configured to be inclined relative to the central longitudinal plane of the electric cooking appliance.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second lateral support ribs are arranged on both sides of a diameter range of the cooktop.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second lateral support ribs are arranged on both sides of the central support rib. Advantageously, the first and second lateral support ribs are configured to direct at least a portion of the cooking juices or condensates present on the cooktop to the central support rib when the upper heating element is moved between the closed position and the fully open position.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first lateral support ribs is inclined with respect to the central support rib (and thus inclined with respect to the direction of extension of the central support rib), so that the distance between the first lateral support rib and the central support rib decreases in the direction of the pouring part, and each of the second lateral support ribs is inclined with respect to the central support rib (and thus inclined with respect to the direction of extension of the central support rib), so that the distance between the second lateral support rib and the central support rib decreases in the direction of the pouring part.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first lateral support ribs define first drainage channels configured to direct and align at least a portion of the cooking juices and / or condensates present on the hotplate towards the central support rib, and the second lateral support ribs define second drainage channels configured to direct and align at least a portion of the cooking juices and / or condensates present on the hotplate towards the central support rib.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first lateral support ribs and the central support rib define a first collecting channel configured to collect cooking juices and / or condensates flowing in the first drainage channels and to direct and align the collected cooking juices and / or condensates towards the pouring part, and the second lateral support ribs and the central support rib define a second collecting channel configured to collect cooking juices and / or condensates flowing in the second drainage channels and to direct and align the collected cooking juices and / or condensates towards the pouring part.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second lateral support ribs converge in pairs essentially in the direction of the spout. Such a configuration of the first and second lateral support ribs promotes the flow of condensate present on the cooktop to the spout and thus ensures optimal collection of the condensate by the collection container.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second lateral support ribs has a first inner edge that is less than 20 mm away from the central support rib and a second outer edge that is less than 20 mm away from the circumferential rib.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second lateral support ribs are configured in pairs such that they converge downwards when the upper heating structure assumes a stable intermediate opening position.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second lateral support ribs define paired herringbone shapes that are configured to be oriented downwards when the upper heating structure assumes an intermediate opening position.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first lateral support ribs are essentially parallel to each other, and the second lateral support ribs are essentially parallel to each other.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second lateral support ribs are arranged symmetrically to the central longitudinal plane of the electric cooking appliance.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second lateral support ribs are straight.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking accessory includes an overflow element configured to be located vertically above the collection container. Thus, if a liquid contained in the cooking accessory overflows during a recipe, this overflowing liquid is collected by the container. The overflow element can, for example, be located in a rear section of the cooking accessory.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance is configured such that the lower heating structure and the upper heating structure define an angle of inclination between 150 and 200°, preferably between 170 and 190° and, for example, about 180°, when the upper heating structure assumes the maximum opening position.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis defined by the pivot connection is essentially horizontal when the electric cooking appliance rests on a horizontal surface.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating structure can assume a stable intermediate opening position, which is located between the closed position and the maximum opening position.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pouring part is configured such that it is located vertically above the collection container when the upper heating structure is in the stable intermediate opening position.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance is configured such that the lower heating structure and the upper heating structure define an angle of inclination between 90 and 120° and, for example, about 105° when the upper heating structure assumes the stable intermediate opening position.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hotplate has a substantially circular shape.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the handle is arranged on a front part of the upper heating structure.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the handle is arranged at a distance from a front edge of the upper heating structure. Such an arrangement of the handle makes it possible to position a user's hand at a minimum distance from any potential steam escape when moving the upper heating structure to its maximum opening position, thus greatly reducing the risk of burns to the user when handling the handle.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance comprises an actuation device such as an actuation spring, which is configured to actuate the handle into the support foot position.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance includes a locking mechanism configured to reversibly lock the handle in the gripping position. Such a locking mechanism ensures safe handling of the handle when the user wishes to move the upper heating element into an intermediate opening position, for example, to access the cooking accessories to check the cooking status of the food.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism comprises a locking element such as a locking button, which is movably mounted and, for example, mounted on the upper heating structure between a locking position in which the locking element is configured to cooperate with the handle to fix the handle in the gripping position, and a release position pivotably mounted about a pivot axis in which the locking element is configured to release the handle to allow the handle to be moved into the support foot position.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis of the blocking device is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the electric cooking appliance rests on a horizontal surface.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the blocking element comprises a blocking rib configured to interact with a blocking notch provided on the handle when the blocking element assumes the blocking position.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism comprises a return element, such as a return spring, configured to actuate the locking element in the locking position. These arrangements ensure automatic locking of the handle in the gripping position when the upper heating element reaches the closed position.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the blocking element is located at least partially below the handle. Such an arrangement of the blocking element ensures thermal separation between the handle and an upper frame of the upper heating structure and enables a reduction in the temperature in the area of ​​the handle under operating conditions of the electric cooking appliance.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance comprises a lower heating device, which is provided and configured in the lower heating structure to heat the cooking accessories, and an upper heating device, which is provided and configured in the upper heating structure to heat the cooking plate.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower heating device is arranged below the cooking accessories.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower heating device comprises a lower heating resistance element.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating device is configured to be arranged above the hotplate when the upper heating structure is in the closed position.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating device comprises an upper heating resistance element.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking accessory is a cooking tub. Brief description of the characters

[0074] The present invention will be better understood with reference to the following description and the accompanying figures, in which identical reference numerals correspond to structurally and / or functionally identical or similar elements. Fig. 1 is a perspective top view of an electric cooking appliance according to the invention, showing an upper heating structure in a closed position; Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the electric cooking appliance of the Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective top view of the electric cooking appliance. Fig. 1, showing the upper heating structure in an intermediate opening position; Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the electric cooking appliance. Fig. 1, showing the upper heating structure in a maximum open position; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a collection container belonging to the electric cooking appliance of the Fig. 1 belongs; Fig. Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the electric cooking appliance. Fig. 1, in which the collection container was removed; Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the electric cooking appliance. Fig. 1; Fig. 8 is a perspective top view of a cooking accessory that belongs to the cooking appliance of the Fig. 1 belongs; Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective top view of the electric cooking appliance. Fig. 1, showing a handle in support foot position; Fig. Figure 10 is a partial longitudinal section view of the electric cooking appliance. Fig. 1, showing the handle in the gripping position; Fig. Figure 11 is a partial longitudinal section view of the electric cooking appliance. Fig. 1, showing the handle in the support foot position. Detailed description

[0075] The Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10 to Fig. Figure 11 shows an electric cooking appliance 1 for cooking foods such as meat, fish, vegetables, rice, cakes, quiches or others.

[0076] The electric cooking appliance 1 includes a lower heating structure 2, which contains a lower frame 3 with feet 4 configured to rest on a flat support such as a worktop.

[0077] The lower heating structure 2 also includes a cooking accessory 5, and in particular a cooking tray configured to hold food for cooking. As especially in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the cooking accessory 5 is provided with a base 5.1 and a circumferential wall 5.2. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the circumferential wall 5.2 of the cooking accessory 5 is circular. However, the circumferential wall 5.2 could also have a completely different shape and, for example, be square or rectangular.

[0078] The cooking accessory 5 has a maximum depth greater than 40 mm, for example between 50 and 60 mm. Advantageously, the cooking accessory 5 has a depth before overflow P1 that is greater than 40 mm, preferably between 40 and 60 mm, for example approximately 50 mm.

[0079] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the cooking accessory 5 is detachably mounted on the lower frame 3 and comprises two gripping parts 6 which are diametrically opposed to each other and facilitate the handling of the cooking accessory 5, for example for its cleaning or for transferring the cooked food into a plate or other container.

[0080] Advantageously, the lower heating structure 2 includes a locking mechanism 7 configured to reversibly lock the cooking accessory 5 to the lower frame 3. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking mechanism 7 comprises two locking elements 8 mounted on the two gripping parts 6 of the cooking accessory 5, and two locking elements 9, such as locking recesses, provided and configured on the lower frame 3 to interact with the locking elements 8.

[0081] Each locking element 8 includes in particular a locking finger 11 and is movable, for example slidably mounted, between a locking position in which the locking finger 11 provided on the locking element 8 is configured to interact with the respective locking element 9 to lock the cooking accessory 5 to the lower frame 3, and an unlocking position in which the locking finger 11 is configured to release the respective locking element 9 to allow the cooking accessory 5 to be removed from the lower frame 3.Advantageously, the locking mechanism 7 can include two return devices such as return springs configured to return the two locking elements 8 to their locked position, and each locking finger 11 can be equipped with an inclined surface that can interact with the lower frame 3 to cause automatic displacement of the locking element 8 into the unlocked position when the cooking accessory 5 is inserted into the lower frame 3.

[0082] The lower heating structure 2 also includes a lower heating device 12, which is provided and configured in the lower frame 3 to heat the cooking accessory 5. The lower heating device 12 is advantageously arranged below the cooking accessory 5 and includes, for example, a lower heating resistance element.

[0083] The electric cooking appliance 1 also includes an upper heating structure 13, which includes an upper frame 14, which is pivotally mounted with respect to the lower heating structure 2 by means of a pivot connection 15, which defines a pivot axis A1, which is essentially horizontal when the electric cooking appliance 1 is resting on a horizontal surface.

[0084] The upper heating structure 13 also includes a hotplate 16 equipped with a cooking surface 17. Advantageously, the hotplate 16 has an essentially circular shape.

[0085] The upper heating structure 13 also includes an upper heating device 18, which is provided and configured in the upper frame 14 to heat the cooktop 16. The upper heating device 18 includes, for example, an upper heating resistance element.

[0086] The pivot connection 15 is configured in particular to allow the upper heating structure 13 to pivot relative to the lower heating structure 2 about the pivot axis A1 and between a closed position (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 7), in which the upper heating structure 13 covers the cooking accessories 5, and in particular in which the lower heating structure 2 and the upper heating structure 13 limit a cooking volume 19, and a maximum opening position (see Fig. 4) to enable the lower heating structure 2 and the upper heating structure 13 to have a maximum distance between them when the cooking appliance rests on a support surface, and in particular in which the lower heating structure 2 and the upper heating structure 13 define an angle of inclination between 150° and 200°, preferably between 170° and 190°, and for example about 180°. Advantageously, the upper heating structure 13 is configured to close an upper opening bounded by an upper circumferential edge of the circumferential wall 5.2 of the cooking accessory 5 when the upper heating structure 13 is in the closed position, and the upper heating device 18 is configured to be arranged above the cooking plate 16 when the upper heating structure 13 is in the closed position.

[0087] The electric cooking appliance 1 thus has a first usage mode in which the upper heating structure 13 assumes the closed position and food can be cooked in the cooking volume 19 limited by the lower heating structure 2 and the upper heating structure 13, and a second usage mode in which the upper heating structure 13 assumes the maximum open position and both the cooking accessory 5 and the hob 16 can each hold and cook a food item.

[0088] The upper heating structure 13 can also assume a variety of intermediate opening positions, which are located between the closed position and the maximum opening position, and in particular a stable intermediate opening position (see Fig. 3), in which the lower heating structure 2 and the upper heating structure 13 define an inclination angle between 90 and 120° and, for example, about 105°.

[0089] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, when the upper heating structure 13 is in the closed position, a separation distance D between the cooking surface 17 of the hotplate 16 and the base 5.1 of the cooking accessory 5 is greater than 45 mm, preferably between 45 and 65 mm, and for example about 55 mm.

[0090] The electric cooking appliance 1 also includes a collection container 21 (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 5), which is configured to collect cooking juices and condensates coming from the cooking plate 16. Advantageously, the collection container 21 is located in a rear part of the lower heating structure 2 and is removable.

[0091] The hotplate 16 includes, in particular, a pouring spout 22 configured to be located vertically above the collection container 21 when the upper heating element 13 is moved between the closed position and the maximum open position, and especially when the upper heating element 13 is in the stable intermediate open position and when the upper heating element 13 is in the maximum open position. The pouring spout 22 is thus configured to allow the cooking juices or condensates coming from the hotplate 16 to flow by gravity into the collection container 21 when the upper heating element 13 is moved between the closed position and the maximum open position, for example, when it is in the stable intermediate open position or the maximum open position.

[0092] In order to promote the flow of cooking juices or condensates from the hotplate 16 into the collection container 21 by gravity when the upper heating structure 13 is in its maximum open position, the hotplate 16 is advantageously configured to be inclined towards the collection container 21 and thus downwards and forwards when the electric cooking appliance 1 rests on a horizontal surface and the upper heating structure is in its maximum open position.

[0093] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the pouring part 22 is formed by a pouring spout, also called a spout. However, according to a variant embodiment of the invention, the pouring part 22 could also be formed by a simple pouring opening.

[0094] As especially in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the hotplate 16 includes a circumferential rib 23 that extends over part of the outline of the cooking surface 17 and is configured to direct any cooking juices or condensates present on the hotplate 16 to the spout 22 when the upper heating element 13 is moved between the closed and fully open positions. The circumferential rib 23 is interrupted only in the area of ​​the spout 22. In other words, the circumferential rib 23 has a first end edge and a second end edge that are spaced apart from each other and partially define the spout 22. Advantageously, the circumferential rib 23 has a height of more than 10 mm, and for example, approximately 15 mm.

[0095] Advantageously, the pouring part 22 comprises two lateral guide edges 22.1 configured to direct cooking juices or condensates coming from the cooking plate 16 to the collection container 21, and the circumferential rib 23 has a height that is greater than the height of the lateral guide edges 22.1 and, for example, greater than twice the height of the lateral guide edges 22.1.

[0096] The hotplate 16 also includes support ribs 24 provided on the cooking surface 17. The support ribs 24 are configured to support food placed on the hotplate 16 when it is in the maximum opening position, and to direct at least some of the cooking juices and / or condensates present on the hotplate 16 to the pouring part 22.

[0097] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the support ribs 24 include a central support rib 25, which extends substantially in a central longitudinal plane P of the electric cooking appliance 1, as well as first lateral support ribs 26 and second lateral support ribs 27, which are arranged on both sides of the central longitudinal plane P of the electric cooking appliance 1 and in particular on both sides of the central support rib 25.

[0098] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, each of the first and second lateral support ribs 26, 27 is inclined with respect to a reference axis A which passes through a geometric center of the spout 22 and a geometric center of the hotplate 16.

[0099] Advantageously, each of the first lateral support ribs 26 is inclined with respect to the central support rib 25 such that the distance between the first lateral support rib 26 and the central support rib 25 decreases in the direction of the spout 22, and each of the second lateral support ribs 27 is inclined with respect to the central support rib 25 such that the distance between the second lateral support rib 27 and the central support rib 25 decreases in the direction of the spout 22. Advantageously, the first and second lateral support ribs 26, 27 converge in pairs substantially in the direction of the spout 22. In particular, the first and second lateral support ribs 26, 27 define herringbone shapes in pairs, which are configured to point downwards when the upper heating structure 13 assumes an intermediate opening position.

[0100] The first lateral support ribs 26 particularly define first drainage channels 26.1, which are configured to direct and align at least a portion of the cooking juices and / or condensates present on the cooking plate 16 to the central support rib 25, and the second lateral support ribs 27 particularly define second drainage channels 27.1, which are configured to direct and align at least a portion of the cooking juices and / or condensates present on the cooking plate 16 to the central support rib 25. Furthermore, the first lateral support ribs 26 and the central support rib 25 define a first collecting channel 26.2, which is configured to collect cooking juices and / or condensates flowing in the first drainage channels 26.1 and to direct and align the collected cooking juices and / or condensates towards the pouring part 22, and the second lateral support ribs 27 and the central support rib 25 define a second collecting channel 27.2, which is configured to collect flowing cooking juices and / or condensates in the second drainage channels 27.1 and to direct and align the collected cooking juices and / or condensates towards the spout section 22.

[0101] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second lateral support ribs 26, 27 are arranged in a straight line and symmetrically to the central longitudinal plane P of the electric cooking appliance 1. Advantageously, the first lateral support ribs 26 are parallel to each other, and the second lateral support ribs 27 are parallel to each other.

[0102] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the cooking accessory 5 includes an overflow area 28 configured to be vertically positioned above the collection container 21. This ensures that if a liquid contained in the cooking accessory 5 overflows during a recipe, the overflowing liquid is collected by the collection container 21. The overflow area 28 can, for example, be located at the rear of the cooking accessory 5.

[0103] The upper heating structure 13 also includes a handle 29, which is configured to be operated by a user to allow movement of the upper heating structure 13 between the closed position and the maximum open position. Advantageously, the handle 29 is located on a front portion of the upper heating structure 13 and is positioned at a distance from a front edge of the upper heating structure 13.

[0104] The handle 29 is mounted in a particularly movable manner, and can be adjusted, for example, between a gripping position (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 10), in which the handle 29 can be grasped and handled by a user when the upper heating structure 13 is in the closed position, and a support foot position (see Fig. 4, Fig. 9 and Fig. 11) mounted pivotably about a pivot axis, in which, when the lower heating structure 2 rests on a horizontal surface and the upper heating structure 13 assumes the maximum open position, the handle 29 is in contact with and rests on the horizontal surface. The electric cooking appliance 1 is configured such that, when the handle 29 is moved from the gripping position to the support foot position, the handle 29, and in particular a gripping section of the handle 29, moves away from the upper frame 14 of the upper heating structure 13 and in particular from a top surface of the upper frame 14.

[0105] Advantageously, the pivot axis of the handle 29 extends horizontally when the electric cooking appliance 1 rests on a horizontal surface, and the electric cooking appliance 1 includes an actuating element 31 such as a torsion spring configured to actuate the handle 29 into the support foot position.

[0106] The electric cooking appliance 1 also includes a locking mechanism 32 configured to reversibly lock the handle 29 in the grip position. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking mechanism 32 includes a locking element 33, such as a locking button, which is movably mounted and, for example, on the upper frame 14 of the upper heating structure 13 between a locking position (see Fig. 10), in which the locking element 33 is configured to cooperate with the handle 29 to fix the handle 29 in the gripping position, and a release position (see Fig. 11) is mounted pivotably about a pivot axis in which the locking element 33 is configured to release the handle 29 in order to allow the handle 29 to be moved into the support foot position.

[0107] Advantageously, the pivot axis of the locking element 33 is parallel to the pivot axis of the handle 29, and the locking mechanism 32 includes a return element 34 such as a coil spring which is configured to move the locking element 33 into the locking position.

[0108] As in the Fig. 10 and Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the locking element 33 includes in particular a locking rib 35 which is configured to interact with a locking notch 36 provided on the handle 29 when the locking element 33 assumes the locking position.

[0109] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the blocking element 33 is arranged at least partially under the handle 29. Such an arrangement of the blocking element 33 ensures thermal separation between the handle 29 and the upper frame 14 of the upper heating structure 13 and makes it possible to reduce the temperature in the area of ​​the handle 29 under operating conditions of the electric cooking appliance 1.

[0110] Of course, the present invention is by no means limited to the described and illustrated embodiment, which serves only as an example. Modifications remain possible, in particular with regard to the nature of the various elements or by replacing them with technical equivalents, without, however, departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

[1] Electric cooking appliance (1) for cooking food, the electric cooking appliance (1) comprising: • a lower heating structure (2) comprising a cooking accessory (5) with a base (5.1) and a perimeter wall (5.2), • an upper heating structure (13) comprising a hotplate (16) provided with a cooking surface (17) and a handle (29) configured to be handled by a user, • a pivot connection (15) that connects the upper heating structure (13) to the lower heating structure (2) and is configured to pivot the upper heating structure (13) relative to the lower heating structure (2) about a pivot axis (A1) and to allow movement between a closed position in which the upper heating structure (13) prevents access to the cooking accessory (5) and in which the lower heating structure (2) and the upper heating structure (13) limit a cooking volume (19) in which food can be cooked, and a maximum open position in which the lower heating structure (2) and the upper heating structure (13) have a maximum distance when the cooking appliance rests on a support surface, and in which both the cooking accessory (5) and the cooking plate (16) can each support and cook food, characterized by, that the handle (29) is movable between a gripping position in which the handle (29) can be grasped and handled by a user when the upper heating structure (13) is in the closed position, and a support foot position in which the handle (29) is in contact with the horizontal surface when the lower heating structure (2) rests on a horizontal surface and the upper heating structure (13) is in the maximum open position. [2] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1, wherein the handle (29) is pivotably mounted about a pivot axis with respect to an upper frame (14) of the upper heating structure (13). [3] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising an actuating device (31) configured to actuate the handle (29) in the support foot position. [4] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a locking mechanism (32) configured to reversibly lock the handle (29) in the gripping position. [5] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 4, wherein the locking mechanism (32) comprises a locking element (33) which is movably mounted on the upper heating structure (13) between a locking position in which the locking element (33) is configured to cooperate with the handle (29) to fix the handle (29) in the gripping position and a release position in which the locking element (33) is configured to release the handle (29) to allow the handle to be moved into the support foot position. [6] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism (32) comprises a return element (34) configured to move the locking element (33) into the locking position. [7] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the locking element (33) is located at least partially under the handle (29). [8] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the handle (29) is located at a distance from a front edge of the upper heating structure (13). [9] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which further comprises a collection container (21) configured to collect cooking juices and condensates coming from the hotplate (16). [10] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 9, wherein the hotplate (16) comprises a pouring part (22) configured to be located vertically above the collection container (21) when the upper heating structure (13) is moved between the closed position and the maximum open position, wherein the pouring part (22) is configured to allow cooking juices or condensates coming from the hotplate (16) to flow by gravity into the collection container (21) when the upper heating structure (13) is moved between the closed position and the maximum open position. [11] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 10, wherein the cooking plate (16) comprises a circumferential rib (23) extending over at least a part of the circumference of the cooking surface (17), wherein the circumferential rib (23) is configured to direct at least a part of the cooking juices or condensates present on the cooking plate (16) to the pouring part (22) when the upper heating structure (13) is moved between the closed position and the maximum open position. [12] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the hotplate comprises support ribs (24) provided on the cooking surface (17), the support ribs (24) being configured to support food arranged on the hotplate (16) and to direct at least a portion of the cooking juices and / or condensates present on the hotplate (16) to the pouring part (22). [13] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the upper heating structure (13) can assume a stable intermediate opening position which is located between the closed position and the maximum opening position.

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