Electric cooking appliance equipped with a cooking plate that includes a circumferential rib and a pouring spout.

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) with a cooking surface (17), • 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, and • a collection container (21) configured to collect cooking juices and condensates from the hotplate (16), wherein the hotplate (16) has a circumferential rib (23) extending over at least a portion of the circumference of the cooking surface (17) and 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 circumferential rib (23) is configured to direct at least a portion of the cooking juices or condensates present on the hotplate (16) to the pouring part (22) 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 the 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.

Description

[0001] Technical field The present invention relates generally to an electric cooking appliance for cooking food.

[0002] State of the art: As is known, an electric cooking appliance for cooking food includes: • a lower heating structure comprising a cooking accessory with a base and a perimeter rim, • an upper heating structure comprising a hotplate with a cooking surface, 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 between a closed position, in which the upper heating structure prevents access to the cooking accessories and 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 accessories and the cooking plate can support and cook food.

[0003] Such an electric cooking appliance allows, for example, the cooking of meat, fish or vegetables on the hob when the upper heating structure is in the maximum open position, and the cooking of more complex recipes in the cooking volume when the upper heating structure is in the closed position.

[0004] However, if the upper heating element shifts between the closed and fully open positions, cooking juices and / or condensate on the cooktop can fall by gravity from an edge of the cooktop, potentially soiling the electric cooking appliance or the support it rests on. Furthermore, some of the cooking juices and / or condensate falling by gravity from an edge of the cooktop may collect on the cooking accessories, which can impair the cooking of the food inside. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome these disadvantages.

[0006] The technical problem underlying the invention is in particular to provide an electric cooking appliance that is multifunctional and ensures optimal cooking of food, while minimizing the risk of contamination of the electric cooking appliance during its use.

[0007] 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 that includes a cooking accessory with a base and a perimeter wall, • an upper heating structure which includes a hotplate equipped with a cooking surface, • a pivot connection that connects the upper heating structure to the lower heating structure and is configured to pivot the upper heating structure relative to the lower heating structure about a pivot axis and to allow 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 cooking plate, 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 cooking plate can each support and cook food, and • a collection container configured to collect cooking juices and condensates coming from the cooktop, for example when the upper heating structure is moved between the closed position and the maximum open position, or assumes the maximum open position.

[0008] The cooking plate has a circumferential rib extending over at least part of the circumference of the cooking surface and a pouring spout configured to be vertically above the collection container when the upper heating structure is moved between the closed position and the maximum open position, wherein the circumferential rib is configured to direct at least some of the cooking juices or condensates on the cooking plate to the pouring spout when the upper heating structure is moved between the closed position and the maximum open position, and the pouring spout is configured to allow the cooking juices or condensates coming from the cooking plate to flow by gravity into the collection container when the upper heating structure is moved between the closed position and the maximum open position.

[0009] Such a configuration of the hotplate, in particular the circumferential rib and the pouring spout, ensures optimal drainage of cooking juices or condensates on the hotplate to the collection container when the upper heating element is moved between the closed and fully open positions. This significantly reduces the risk of contamination of the electric cooking appliance according to the present invention or of the support on which it rests, due to possible dripping of condensates or cooking juices from a circumferential edge of the hotplate.

[0010] Furthermore, the presence of the collection container allows for the collection of cooking juices and condensation from the cooktop, thus preventing food cooked on the cooktop or in cooking accessories from swimming in these juices and / or condensation. Additionally, the collection container reduces smoke production when cooking food on the cooktop.

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

[0012] 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 that of the lateral guide edges, and for example more than substantially twice the height of the lateral guide edges.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking accessory has a maximum depth greater than 40 mm, advantageously between 45 and 70 mm, and for example between 50 and 60 mm. Such a configuration of the cooking accessory ensures a large 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, and therefore allows a quiche or cake to be cooked in the cooking chamber without the upper part of the food touching the hob. Furthermore, such a configuration of the cooking accessory allows food to be cooked in water within the cooking accessory, in particular pasta or rice. In this way, the electric cooking appliance according to the present invention enables the cooking of many and varied recipes, especially cooking in water and cooking quiches and cakes.

[0014] 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 circumferential wall of the cooking accessory when the upper heating structure assumes the closed position.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking accessory has a depth before overflowing that is greater than 40 mm, advantageously between 40 and 60 mm, and is for example about 50 mm.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the separation distance between the cooking surface of the hotplate and the base of the cooking accessory, when the upper heating element is in the closed position, is greater than 45 mm, advantageously between 45 and 65 mm, and for example approximately 55 mm. Such a separation distance allows for the cooking of a quiche or a cake with a considerable thickness in volume without the upper part of the food coming into contact with the hotplate.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking accessory is removable, which makes it possible to clean the cooking accessory and to transfer the cooked food into a plate or other container.

[0018] 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 when the upper heating structure is moved to its maximum open position.

[0019] 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 at least one 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.

[0020] 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 simultaneously limits the risk of burns.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the collection container is removable to facilitate emptying and cleaning.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pouring part is a pouring spout or a pouring opening.

[0025] 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 a flow of cooking juices or condensates coming from the hotplate into the collection container by gravity when the upper heating structure is in the maximum opening position.

[0026] 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 on the hotplate towards the collection container when the electric cooking appliance is resting on a horizontal surface and is used in the second operating mode. Such a hotplate configuration prevents the food cooked on the hotplate from swimming in the cooking juices and / or condensates.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the circumferential rib has a height of more than 10 mm, and for example, about 15 mm. Such a configuration of the circumferential rib significantly minimizes the risk of condensate overflowing the upper circumferential edge of the rib when the upper heating structure is moved between the closed position and the maximum open position.

[0028] 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.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooktop has support ribs on the 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 further 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.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support ribs comprise a central support rib that extends in the direction of the pouring part.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central support rib extends essentially in a central longitudinal plane of the electric cooking appliance.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second lateral support ribs are arranged and configured on both sides of the central support rib 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 structure is moved between the closed position and the maximum open position.

[0036] 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.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 towards the spout, thus ensuring optimal collection of the condensate by the collection container.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second lateral support ribs converge in pairs in the direction of the reference axis.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second lateral support ribs comprises a first inner edge located less than 20 mm from the central support rib and a second outer edge located less than 20 mm from the circumferential rib.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second lateral support ribs are configured to converge downwards in pairs when the upper heating structure assumes a stable intermediate opening position.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second lateral support ribs define paired herringbone shapes that are configured to point downwards when the upper heating structure assumes an intermediate opening position.

[0044] 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.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second lateral support ribs are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central longitudinal plane of the electric cooking appliance.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second lateral support ribs are straight.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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°, advantageously between 170 and 190° and, for example, about 180° when the upper heating structure assumes the maximum opening position.

[0049] 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.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating structure is able to assume a stable intermediate opening position, which lies between the closed position and the maximum opening position.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pouring part is configured to lie vertically above the collection container when the upper heating structure is in the stable intermediate opening position.

[0052] 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.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hotplate has a substantially circular shape.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating structure includes a handle configured to be handled by a user.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the handle is arranged on a front part of the upper heating structure.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the handle is located 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 emission when the upper heating structure is moved to its maximum open position, which significantly reduces the risk of burns to the user when handling the handle.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the handle is movable and, for example, pivotably mounted between a gripping position in which the handle can be grasped and handled by a user when the upper heating element is in the closed position, and a support position in which, when the lower heating element rests on a horizontal surface and the upper heating element is in its fully open position, the handle is in contact with the horizontal surface. Such a handle configuration ensures stable positioning of the upper heating element when it is in its fully open position, while giving the electric cooking appliance a high degree of compactness when the upper heating element is in the closed position.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance comprises an actuation element, such as an actuation spring, which is configured to actuate the handle into the support foot position.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance includes a locking mechanism configured to reversibly lock the handle in the handle 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 and check the cooking status of the food.

[0060] 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, on the upper heating structure, pivotably mounted between a locking position in which the locking element is configured to interact with the handle to fix the handle in the gripping position, and a release position in which the locking element is configured to release the handle to allow the handle to be moved into the support foot position.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the blocking element is located at least partially beneath the handle. Such an arrangement of the blocking element ensures a thermal break between the handle and the upper frame of the upper heating structure and makes it possible to reduce the temperature in the area of ​​the handle under operating conditions of the electric cooking appliance.

[0065] 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.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower heating device is arranged below the cooking accessories.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower heating device comprises a lower heating resistance element.

[0068] 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.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating device comprises an upper heating resistance element.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking accessory is a cooking tub. Brief description of the characters

[0071] 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 the maximum opening 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, with the collection container removed; Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the electric cooking appliance. Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective top view of a cooking accessory that belongs to the cooking appliance. 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

[0072] 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.

[0073] The electric cooking appliance 1 includes a lower heating structure 2 with a lower frame 3, which is equipped with feet 4 configured to rest on a flat support such as a work surface.

[0074] The lower heating structure 2 also includes a cooking accessory 5, in particular a cooking tray, which is configured to hold food to be cooked. As in particular in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the cooking accessory 5 is equipped 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, for example, square or rectangular.

[0075] 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, advantageously between 40 and 60 mm, for example approximately 50 mm.

[0076] 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.

[0077] Advantageously, the lower heating structure 2 includes a locking mechanism 7 configured to reversibly lock the cooking accessory 5 to the lower frame 3. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking mechanism 7 comprises two locking elements 8 mounted on the two handles 6 of the cooking accessory 5, and two locking elements 9, such as locking recesses provided on the lower frame 3 and configured to interact with the locking elements 8.

[0078] 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 onto the lower frame 3, and an unlocking position in which the locking finger 11 is configured to release the 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 the locked position, and each locking finger 11 can be equipped with an inclined surface that can interact with the lower frame 3 to cause an automatic displacement of the respective locking element 8 into the unlocked position when the cooking accessory 5 is inserted into the lower frame 3.

[0079] 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.

[0080] The electric cooking appliance 1 further comprises 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 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0081] The upper heating structure 13 also includes a hotplate 16 with a cooking surface 17. Advantageously, the hotplate 16 is essentially circular.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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°, advantageously 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 perimeter 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 positioned above the cooking plate 16 when the upper heating structure 13 is in the closed position.

[0084] The electric cooking appliance 1 thus has a first usage mode in which the upper heating structure 13 assumes the closed position and the food can be cooked in the cooking volume 19, which is 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 cooking plate 16 are suitable to each hold and cook a food item.

[0085] The upper heating structure 13 can also assume a variety of intermediate opening positions between the closed position and the maximum opening position, 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°.

[0086] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, when the upper heating structure 13 is in the closed position, there is a separation distance D between the cooking surface 17 of the hotplate 16 and the base 5.1 of the cooking accessory 5 greater than 45 mm, advantageously between 45 and 65 mm and for example about 55 mm.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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 into the collection container 21 by gravity 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.

[0089] 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 opening 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 opening position.

[0090] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the pouring part 22 is formed by a pouring spout, also called a spout. According to a variant embodiment of the invention, however, the pouring part 22 could also be formed by a simple pouring opening.

[0091] As especially in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the cooking plate 16 includes a circumferential rib 23 that extends over part of the circumference of the cooking surface 17 and is configured to direct 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 and fully open positions. The circumferential rib 23 is interrupted only in the area of ​​the pouring part 22. In other words, the circumferential rib 23 includes a first end edge and a second end edge that are spaced apart from each other and partially define the pouring part 22. Advantageously, the circumferential rib 23 has a height of more than 10 mm and, for example, approximately 15 mm.

[0092] 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 greater height than the lateral guide edges 22.1 and, for example, more than about twice the height of the lateral guide edges 22.1.

[0093] The cooking plate 16 also includes support ribs 24, which are provided on the cooking surface 17. The support ribs 24 are configured to support food located on the cooking plate 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 cooking plate 16 to the pouring spout 22.

[0094] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the support ribs 24 comprise 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, in particular on both sides of the central support rib 25.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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. 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 be downward-facing when the upper heating structure 13 assumes an intermediate opening position.

[0097] The first lateral support ribs 26 define, in particular, 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 towards the central support rib 25. The second lateral support ribs 27 define, in particular, 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 towards 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. 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.

[0098] 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 also parallel to each other.

[0099] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the cooking accessory 5 includes an overflow section 28 configured to be positioned vertically 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 section 28 can, for example, be located at the rear of the cooking accessory 5.

[0100] The upper heating structure 13 also includes a handle 29, which is configured to be operated by a user to allow the upper heating structure 13 to be moved between the closed position and the maximum open position. Advantageously, the handle 29 is located on a front part of the upper heating structure 13 and is positioned at a distance from a front edge of the upper heating structure 13.

[0101] 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 pivotable about a pivot axis (see Fig. 4, Fig. 9 and Fig. 11), in which the handle 29, when the lower heating structure 2 rests on a horizontal surface and the upper heating structure 13 assumes the maximum open position, is in contact with and rests on this 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, 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] The electric cooking appliance 1 also includes a locking mechanism 32 configured to reversibly lock the handle 29 in the grip position. According to 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 is mounted pivotably about a pivot axis in a release position (see Fig. 11), in which the locking device 33 is configured to release the handle 29 to allow the handle 29 to be moved into the support foot position.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the blocking element 33 is located 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.

[0107] Naturally, the present invention is by no means limited to the described and illustrated embodiment, which is given merely as an example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the nature of the various elements or by substituting 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) with a cooking surface (17), • 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, and • a collection container (21) configured to collect cooking juices and condensates from the hotplate (16), wherein the hotplate (16) has a circumferential rib (23) extending over at least a portion of the circumference of the cooking surface (17) and 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 circumferential rib (23) is configured to direct at least a portion of the cooking juices or condensates present on the hotplate (16) to the pouring part (22) 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 the 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. [2] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1, wherein the hotplate (16) has support ribs (24) provided on the cooking surface (17), wherein the support ribs (24) are configured to support food arranged on the hotplate (16) and to direct at least a part of the cooking juices and / or condensates present on the hotplate (16) to the pouring part (22). [3] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 2, wherein the support ribs (24) comprise a central support rib (25) extending towards the pouring part (22). [4] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the support ribs (24) comprise first lateral support ribs (26) and second lateral support ribs (27) arranged on both sides of a mean longitudinal plane (P) of the electric cooking appliance (1), wherein each of the first and second lateral support ribs (26, 27) is inclined with respect to a reference axis passing through the geometric center of the pouring part (22) and a geometric center of the cooking plate (16). [5] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claims 3 and 4, wherein the first lateral support ribs (26) and the second lateral support ribs (27) are arranged and configured on both sides of the central support rib (25) to direct at least a portion of the cooking juices or condensates present on the cooking plate (16) to the central support rib (25) when the upper heating structure (13) is moved between the closed position and the maximum open position. [6] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 5, wherein 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 pouring part (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 pouring part (22). [7] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the first and second lateral support ribs (26, 27) converge in pairs substantially in the direction of the pouring part (22). [8] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pouring part (22) has two lateral guide edges (22.1) configured to direct cooking juices or condensates coming from the hotplate (16) to the collection container (21), wherein the circumferential rib (23) has a greater height than the lateral guide edges (22.1). [9] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the circumferential rib (23) has a height of more than 10 mm. [10] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the collection container (21) is arranged in the rear area of ​​the lower heating structure (2). [11] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the hotplate (16) is configured to be inclined towards the collection container (21) when the electric cooking appliance (1) rests on a horizontal surface and the upper heating structure (13) is in the maximum open position. [12] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the upper heating structure (13) comprises a handle (29) configured to be handled by a user. [13] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 12, wherein 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, when the lower heating structure (2) rests on a horizontal surface and the upper heating structure (13) is in the maximum open position, the handle (29) is in contact with the horizontal surface. [14] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 13, comprising an actuating device (31) configured to actuate the handle (29) in the support foot position. [15] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 13 or 14, comprising a locking mechanism (32) configured to reversibly lock the handle (29) in the gripping position.

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