Electric cooking appliance equipped with a cooking tray

Abstract

Electric cooking appliance (1) for cooking food, the electric cooking appliance (1) comprising: • a lower heating structure (2) comprising a cooking tray (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 tray (5) and in which the lower heating structure (2) and the upper heating structure (13) define 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 tray (5) and the cooking plate (16) can support and cook food, characterized in that the cooking tray (5) has a maximum depth of more than 40 mm.

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 tray with a base and a perimeter wall, • an upper heating structure that includes 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 about a pivot axis relative to the lower heating structure and between a closed position in which the upper heating structure prevents access to the cooking tray and in which the lower and upper heating structures define 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 tray and the cooking plate can each 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, it is not possible to cook large dishes such as quiches or cakes with such an electric cooking appliance, or to cook recipes that require a considerable amount of liquid, such as pasta or rice. 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 compact and multifunctional and enables the cooking of many and varied recipes, in particular boiling and baking quiches and cakes.

[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 with a cooking tray that has a base and a perimeter wall, • an upper heating structure with 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 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 tray and the lower heating structure and the upper heating structure, in particular the cooking tray and the cooking plate, define 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 tray and the cooking plate can each support and cook food.

[0008] The cooking tray has a maximum depth greater than 40 mm, preferably between 45 and 70 mm and, for example, between 50 and 60 mm.

[0009] Such a configuration of the cooking tray ensures a large separation distance between the bottom of the cooking tray and the cooking surface of the hob when the upper heating structure is in the closed position, and therefore allows a quiche or cake to be cooked in the cooking volume without the upper part of the food coming into contact with the hob.

[0010] Furthermore, such a configuration of the cooking tub allows cooking in water in the cooking tub, especially cooking pasta or rice.

[0011] Thus, the electric cooking appliance according to the present invention enables the cooking of many and varied recipes, in particular cooking in water and baking quiches and cakes.

[0012] The electric cooking appliance may also have one or more of the following features, individually or in combination.

[0013] 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 periphery wall of the cooking tub when the upper heating structure assumes the closed position.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking tray has a depth before overflowing that is greater than 40 mm, preferably between 40 and 60 mm and for example about 50 mm.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the upper heating element is in the closed position, the separation distance between the cooking surface of the hotplate and the bottom of the cooking tray is greater than 45 mm, preferably 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 the cooking volume without the upper part of the food coming into contact with the hotplate.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking tub is removable, which makes it easier to clean the cooking tub and to transfer the cooked food into a plate or other container.

[0017] 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 tray onto the lower frame. These arrangements ensure optimal positioning of the cooking tray on the lower frame during the execution of a recipe and also when moving the upper heating structure to its maximum open position.

[0018] 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 tray 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 tray, 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 tray onto 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 tray from the lower frame.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking tray has two gripping parts that are diametrically opposed to each other and are attached, for example, to the circumferential wall of the cooking tray. The presence of the two gripping parts facilitates handling of the cooking tray by a user and simultaneously limits the risk of burns to the user.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the gripping parts of the cooking tray is equipped with a locking device. The positioning of the at least one locking device on at least one of the gripping parts allows a user to conveniently lock or unlock the cooking tray.

[0021] 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).

[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 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 axis 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 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 reduces 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.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pouring part is a pouring spout or a pouring opening.

[0026] 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 its maximum opening position, in order to allow cooking juices or condensates coming from the hotplate to flow into the collection container by gravity while the upper heating structure is in its maximum opening position.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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 towards 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 reduces 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.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pouring part has 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 is, for example, more than twice as high as the lateral guide edges.

[0030] 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 circumferential rib when the upper heating element is moved between the closed position and the maximum open position.

[0031] 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 separated from each other and partially define the spout.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooktop includes 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 towards 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.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support ribs include a central support rib that extends in the direction of the pouring part.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central support rib extends essentially in a central longitudinal plane of the electric cooking appliance.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support ribs comprise first lateral support ribs and second lateral support ribs located on both sides of the central longitudinal plane of the electric cooking appliance, each of the first and second lateral support ribs being inclined 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.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second lateral support ribs are configured such that they direct at least a portion of the cooking juices or condensates present on the cooktop towards 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 towards the central longitudinal plane of the electric cooking appliance.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first lateral support ribs and the second lateral support ribs are arranged on both sides of a diameter range of the cooktop.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first lateral support ribs and the second lateral support ribs are arranged on both sides of the central support rib. Advantageously, the first and second lateral support ribs are configured such that they direct at least a portion of the cooking juices or condensates present on the cooktop towards the central support rib when the upper heating structure is moved between the closed position and the fully open position.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first lateral support ribs is inclined towards the central support rib (and thus inclined towards 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 towards the central support rib (and thus inclined towards 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second lateral support ribs are configured such that they converge downwards in pairs when the upper heating structure assumes a stable intermediate opening position.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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 also essentially parallel to each other.

[0047] 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.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second lateral support ribs are straight.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking pan has an overflow section configured to be located vertically above the collection container. If a liquid contained in the cooking pan overflows during a recipe, this overflow liquid is collected by the collection container. The overflow section can, for example, be located in a rear part of the cooking pan.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating structure is capable of assuming a stable intermediate opening position, which lies between the closed position and the maximum opening position.

[0053] 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 assumes the stable intermediate opening position.

[0054] 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.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hotplate has a substantially circular shape.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating structure includes a handle configured to be operated by a user.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the handle is arranged on a front part of the upper heating structure.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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 foot 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 and gives the electric cooking appliance a very compact design when the upper heating element is in the closed position.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance includes an actuation device, such as an actuation spring, which is configured to actuate the handle into the support foot position.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance includes a locking mechanism that can 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 tray to check the cooking progress of the food.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism includes a locking element, such as a locking button, which is movably mounted and, for example, on the upper heating structure, is pivotable about a pivot axis 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 in which the locking element is configured to release the handle to allow the handle to be moved into the support foot position.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis of the blocking device is configured such that it extends substantially horizontally when the electric cooking appliance rests on a horizontal surface.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the blocking element includes a blocking rib configured to interact with a blocking notch provided on the handle when the blocking element assumes the blocking position.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism includes a return element, such as a return spring, which acts on the locking element in the locking position. This arrangement ensures automatic locking of the handle in the gripping position when the upper heating element reaches the closed position.

[0066] 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 thermal separation between the handle and the upper frame of the upper heating structure and enables a reduction in temperature in the area of ​​the handle under operating conditions of the electric cooking appliance.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance includes a lower heating device provided in the lower heating structure and configured to heat the cooking pan, and an upper heating device provided in the upper heating structure and configured to heat the cooking plate.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower heating device is arranged below the cooking tray.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower heating device includes a lower heating resistance element.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating device is configured to be positioned above the hotplate when the upper heating structure is in the closed position.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating device includes an upper heating resistance element. Brief description of the characters

[0072] The present invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the accompanying figures, in which identical reference numerals correspond to structurally and / or functionally identical or similar elements: Fig. Figure 1 is a top view in perspective of an electric cooking appliance according to the invention, showing an upper heating structure in the closed position; Fig. Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the electric cooking appliance. Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a top view in perspective of the electric cooking appliance of the 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 that belongs 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. 8 is a top view in perspective of the cooking tray that belongs to the electric cooking appliance of the Fig. 1 belongs; Fig. 9 is a top view in perspective of the electric cooking appliance of the Fig. 1, showing a handle in the support foot position; Fig. Figure 10 is a partial cross-section of the longitudinal view of the electric cooking appliance. Fig. 1, showing the handle in the gripping position; Fig. Figure 11 is a partial cross-section of the longitudinal view of the electric cooking appliance. Fig. 1, showing the handle in the support foot position. Detailed description

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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 worktop.

[0075] The lower heating structure 2 also includes a cooking tray 5, which is configured to hold food for cooking. As particularly in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the cooking tray 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 tray 5 is circular. However, the circumferential wall 5.2 could have a completely different shape, such as square or rectangular.

[0076] The cooking tray 5 has a maximum depth greater than 40 mm, and is, for example, between 50 and 60 mm. Advantageously, the cooking tray 5 has a depth before overflow P1 that is greater than 40 mm, preferably between 40 and 60 mm, and is, for example, approximately 50 mm.

[0077] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the cooking tray 5 is detachably mounted on the lower frame 3 and has two gripping parts 6 that are diametrically opposed to each other and make it easier to grip the cooking tray 5, for example for the purpose of cleaning it or transferring the cooked food into a plate or other container.

[0078] Advantageously, the lower heating structure 2 includes a locking mechanism 7 configured to reversibly lock the cooking tray 5 onto the lower frame 3. In 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 tray 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.

[0079] Each locking element 8 comprises in particular a locking finger 11 and is movable and, for example, slidably mounted between a locking position, in which the locking finger 11 provided on this locking element 8 is configured to cooperate with the respective locking element 9 to lock the cooking tray 5 onto the lower frame 3, and a release position, in which the locking finger 11 is configured to release the respective locking element 9 to allow the cooking tray 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 locking 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 release position when the cooking tray 5 is inserted into the lower frame 3.

[0080] The lower heating structure 2 also includes a lower heating device 12, which is provided in the lower frame 3 and configured to heat the cooking tray 5. The lower heating device 12 is advantageously arranged below the cooking tray 5 and includes, for example, a lower heating element.

[0081] The electric cooking appliance 1 also includes an upper heating structure 13 with 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.

[0082] The upper heating structure 13 also includes a hotplate 16 with a cooking surface 17. Advantageously, the hotplate 16 has an essentially circular shape.

[0083] The upper heating structure 13 also includes an upper heating device 18, which is provided in the upper frame 14 and configured to heat the hotplate 16. The upper heating device 18 includes, for example, an upper heating resistance element.

[0084] The pivot connection 15 is configured in particular to allow the upper heating structure 13 to pivot about the pivot axis A1 relative to the lower heating structure 2 and between a closed position (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 7), in which the upper heating structure 13 covers the cooking tray 5 and in particular the lower heating structure 2 and the upper heating structure 13 limit a cooking volume 19, and to allow a maximum opening position (see Fig. 4), in which the lower heating structure 2 and the upper heating structure 13 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 tub 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.

[0085] The electric cooking appliance 1 thus offers 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 tray 5 and the cooking plate 16 can each hold and cook a food item.

[0086] The upper heating structure 13 can also assume a variety of stable 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 angle of inclination between 90 and 120°, and for example about 105°.

[0087] 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 bottom 5.1 of the cooking tub 5 greater than 45 mm, preferably between 45 and 65 mm, and for example about 55 mm.

[0088] 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 the rear part of the lower heating structure 2 and is removable.

[0089] The cooking plate 16 includes, in particular, a pouring spout 22 configured to be positioned vertically above the collection container 21 when the upper heating element 13 is moved between the closed and maximum open positions, and especially when the upper heating element 13 is in the stable intermediate open position or the maximum open position. The pouring spout 22 is thus configured to allow cooking juices or condensates from the cooking plate 16 to flow by gravity to the collection container 21 when the upper heating element 13 is moved between the closed and maximum open positions, for example, when it is in the stable intermediate open position or the maximum open position.

[0090] In order to promote the flow of cooking juices or condensates from the hotplate 16 by gravity to the collection container 21 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 when the upper heating structure is in its maximum opening position.

[0091] 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 be formed by a simple pouring opening.

[0092] As especially in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the cooking plate 16 has a circumferential rib 23 that extends over part of the outline 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 has a first end edge and a second end edge that are separated 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.

[0093] 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 height of the lateral guide edges 22.1, and, for example, more than substantially twice the height of the lateral guide edges 22.1.

[0094] 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.

[0095] In 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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 substantially in pairs 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.

[0098] 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 towards 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 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, 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 cooking juices and / or condensates flowing into the second drainage channels 27.1 and to direct and align the collected cooking juices and / or condensates towards the spout section 22.

[0099] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second lateral support ribs 26, 27 are arranged in a straight line and symmetrically with respect 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.

[0100] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the cooking trough 5 contains an overflow element 28 configured to be located vertically above the collection container 21. This ensures that if a liquid contained in the cooking trough 5 overflows during a recipe, the overflowing liquid is collected by the collection container 21. The overflow element 28 could, for example, be located in a rear section of the cooking trough 5.

[0101] 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 part of the upper heating structure 13 and is positioned at a distance from a front edge of the upper heating structure 13.

[0102] 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, 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.

[0103] 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 move the handle 29 into the support foot position.

[0104] 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 pivotable 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.

[0105] 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 actuate the locking element 33 into the locking position.

[0106] 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.

[0107] In 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 enables a temperature reduction in the area of ​​the handle 29 under operating conditions of the electric cooking appliance 1.

[0108] Of course, the present invention is by no means limited to the described and illustrated embodiment, which is given only as an example. Modifications remain possible, in particular 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 tray (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 tray (5) and in which the lower heating structure (2) and the upper heating structure (13) define 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 tray (5) and the cooking plate (16) can support and cook food, characterized by , that the cooking tray (5) has a maximum depth of more than 40 mm. [2] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1, wherein, when the upper heating structure (13) assumes the closed position, a separation distance (D) between the cooking surface (17) of the hotplate (16) and the bottom (5.1) of the cooking tub (5) is greater than 45 mm. [3] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cooking tub (5) is removable. [4] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 3, wherein the lower heating structure (2) comprises a lower frame (3) and a locking mechanism (7) configured to reversibly lock the cooking tub (5) onto the lower frame (3). [5] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which further comprises a collection container (21) configured to collect cooking juices and condensates coming from the hotplate (16). [6] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 5, wherein the hotplate (16) has 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. [7] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 6, wherein the cooking plate (16) has 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. [8] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the hotplate has 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) towards the pouring part (22). [9] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 8, wherein the support ribs (24) include a central support rib (25) extending towards the pouring part (22). [10] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 8 or 9, 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 to a reference axis (A) passing through a geometric center of the pouring part (22) and a geometric center of the cooking plate (16). [11] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the upper heating structure (13) is capable of assuming a stable intermediate opening position which lies between the closed position and the maximum opening position. [12] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the upper heating structure (13) includes 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 a control element (31) configured to move the handle (29) into 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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