Multifunctional electric cooking appliance

Abstract

Electric cooking appliance (1) containing: • a housing (2) comprising a cooking tray (3) which defines a cooking chamber (4) and a lid (5) which is movable between an open position in which the lid (5) allows access to the cooking chamber (4) and a closed position in which the lid (5) prevents access to the cooking chamber (4), wherein the lid (5) comprises a through-opening (6); • a fan (7) which is mechanically connected to the lid (5) and configured to generate an airflow in the cooking chamber (4); • a drive unit (9) configured to rotate the fan (7), the drive unit (9) comprising a drive motor (10) and a drive shaft (11) rotatably coupled to the drive motor (10), the drive shaft (11) extending along an extension axis (A1) and through the through-hole (6), the drive shaft (11) comprising a drive part (13) non-rotatably connected to the fan (7); • a heating device (8) attached to the lid (5) and configured to be located opposite the cooking chamber (4) when the lid (5) is in the closed position, the heating device (8) being configured to heat the airflow generated by the fan (7); • a sealing device (14) which is attached to the cover (5) or to the drive shaft (11) and configured to interact tightly with a seat part (15) which is provided on the drive shaft (11) or on the cover (5); • characterized in that the electric cooking appliance (1) also comprises a sliding element (16) configured to move the drive part (13) between a first position in which the sealing device (14) interacts with the seat part (15) to tightly close the through-opening (6) and a second position in which the sealing device (14) is removed from the seat part (15).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to an electric cooking appliance for cooking food according to a hot air cooking method and according to a pressure cooking method, such as an electric pressure cooker. State of the art

[0002] Document WO2021 / 202444 discloses an electric cooking appliance configured to cook food using a hot air cooking method and a pressure cooking method, the electric cooking appliance comprising: • a housing containing a cooking tray that defines a cooking chamber and a lid that is movable between an open position in which the lid allows access to the cooking chamber and a closed position in which the lid prevents access to the cooking chamber, wherein the lid has a through-opening; • a fan that is positioned and configured in the lid to create an airflow in the cooking chamber; • a drive unit configured to rotate the fan, the drive unit comprising a drive motor and a drive shaft rotaryally coupled to the drive motor and the fan; • a heating device configured to heat the airflow generated by the fan, wherein the heating device is located opposite the underside of the lid and configured to face the cooking chamber when the lid is in the closed position; and • a sealing device, such as a sealing ring, which is attached to the lid and arranged between the drive shaft and the through-opening provided in the lid, wherein the sealing device is elastically deformable between a first position in which the sealing device is located at a distance from the drive shaft and a second position in which the sealing device tightly closes the through-opening by interacting with the drive shaft, wherein the sealing device is configured to be deformed from the first position to the second position when the pressure inside the cooking chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0003] Such an electric cooking appliance allows food to be cooked in the cooking chamber according to a pressure cooking method when the lid simultaneously assumes the closed position and the sealing device assumes the second position, and according to a hot air cooking method when the lid simultaneously assumes the closed position and the sealing device assumes the first position.

[0004] The main disadvantage of the electric cooking appliance described above stems from the specific configuration of the sealing device. This device deforms between a state in which it ensures the pressure resistance of the cooking chamber and a state in which it allows a leak between the through-hole and the drive shaft. However, it is extremely difficult to guarantee adequate and consistent elasticity of the sealing device after numerous cooking cycles and frequent changes between hot air and pressure cooking methods. Any change in the elasticity of the sealing device can lead to pressure losses when using the electric cooking appliance for pressure cooking.If, on the other hand, the sealing device does not return perfectly to its rest position after pressure cooking, the sealing device can generate friction in the area of ​​the drive shaft and thus prevent or impair the rotation of the drive motor when using the electric cooking appliance according to a hot air cooking method, i.e. with an active fan. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to eliminate these disadvantages, either wholly or partially.

[0006] The technical problem underlying the invention is in particular to provide an electric cooking appliance that is compact, simple in design and reliable, and at the same time enables the cooking of food according to different cooking methods, and in particular according to a pressure cooking method and a hot air cooking method, and is able to carry out an increased number of recipes.

[0007] For this purpose, the present invention relates to an electric cooking appliance comprising: • a housing comprising a cooking tray that defines a cooking chamber and a lid that is movable between an open position in which the lid allows access to the cooking chamber and a closed position in which the lid prevents access to the cooking chamber, wherein the lid includes a through-opening; • a fan that is mechanically connected to the lid and configured to create an airflow in the cooking chamber; • a drive unit configured to rotate the fan, the drive unit comprising a drive motor and a drive shaft rotatably coupled to the drive motor, the drive shaft extending along an axis of extension and through the through-hole, the drive shaft comprising a drive part that is non-rotatably connected to the fan; • a heating device attached to the lid and configured to face the cooking chamber when the lid is in the closed position, the heating device being configured to heat the airflow generated by the fan; and • a sealing device, such as a sealing ring, which is attached to the cover or the drive shaft and configured to interact tightly with a seat part provided on the drive shaft or the cover.

[0008] The electric cooking device also includes a sliding element configured to move the drive part between a first position in which the sealing device interacts with the seat part to tightly close the passage opening (advantage: fluidically isolates the room from the outside in the area of ​​the opening), and a second position in which the sealing device is removed from the seat part.

[0009] The sealing device ensures a tight seal between the interior and exterior of the cooking chamber in the area of ​​the connection between the through-opening and the drive shaft when the drive part is in the first position, and prevents friction and / or friction from being generated between the lid and the drive shaft when the drive part is in the second position.

[0010] The electric cooking appliance may also have one or more of the following features, individually or in combination.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the heating device is arranged opposite an underside of the lid.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing device is arranged between the fan and the cover.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive part is mounted so as to be movable translationally with respect to the cover along a translational direction which is essentially parallel to the axis of expansion.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the translation direction of the drive part extends essentially vertically when the cover is in the closed position and the housing rests on a horizontal surface.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance comprises a control unit configured to control the operation of the electric cooking appliance according to at least one hot air cooking method and one pressure cooking method, wherein the drive part is configured to assume the first position when the electric cooking appliance operates according to the pressure cooking method, and to assume the second position when the electric cooking appliance operates according to the hot air cooking method.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to control the activation of the drive motor only when the drive part assumes the second position.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the displacement element is configured to interact with the drive shaft in the area of ​​the drive part.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fan is translationally fixed to the drive part.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fan is displaceable along the axis of expansion, so that the fan is brought closer to the heating device when the drive element assumes the first position, and that the fan is moved away from the heating device when the drive element assumes the second position. Advantageously, in the hot air cooking method, the fan is brought closer to the heating device, which makes it possible to effectively obtain an airflow coming from the fan's rotation in the vicinity of the heating device.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance also includes a guide bearing which is provided and configured on the lid to guide the drive shaft in rotation.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive motor is an asynchronous motor in order to reduce noise emissions during the use of the electric cooking appliance.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the seat part and the sealing device are configured to interact by positive locking.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the seat part and the sealing device have a substantially circular shape.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing device has a contact end whose shape is comparable to a collar. Advantageously, the specific shape of the sealing device allows the contact between the sealing device and the seat to increase with increasing pressure in the cooking chamber. This ensures a tight seal in the area of ​​the through-opening when the electric cooking appliance is used according to the "pressure method".

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing device is an O-ring. This particular type of seal has the advantage of being very widespread in industry and inexpensive to manufacture. Furthermore, O-rings have interesting properties with regard to pressure and temperature resistance.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance also includes a return device, such as a return spring, which is configured to actuate the drive part in the second position.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive motor is coupled translationally to the drive part.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive shaft comprises a first shaft which is rotaryally coupled to the drive motor, a second shaft which is rotaryly coupled to the fan and which comprises the drive part, and a connecting device which is configured to connect the first and second shaft parts in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting device is provided between a lower end part of the first shaft and an upper end part of the second shaft.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive motor is decoupled from the translation of the drive part.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting device is configured to allow a relative translation between the first and the second shaft along the axis of expansion.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting device comprises an elongated opening provided on one of the first and second shafts, and for example on a lower end part of the first shaft, and extending substantially parallel to the axis of extension, and a connecting component is configured to extend at least partially through the elongated opening, wherein the connecting component is configured to slide in the elongated opening when the drive part is moved between the first and second positions.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting component is a connecting wedge or a connecting pin.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sliding element is movable between an activation position and a release position, wherein the electric cooking appliance is configured such that a movement of the sliding element from the activation position to the release position causes a movement of the drive part from the first position to the second position, and that a movement of the sliding element from the release position to the activation position causes a movement of the drive part from the second position to the first position.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sliding element is mounted on the lid so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis is essentially perpendicular to the extension axis.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis is configured to be essentially horizontal when the electric cooking appliance rests on a horizontal surface.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the displacement element comprises a lifting part, such as a lifting fork, configured to interact with the drive shaft, and e.g. with the drive part, and a displacement part located opposite the lifting part with respect to the pivot axis.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive shaft comprises a support element, for example ring-shaped, against which a lifting element can come into contact, which is provided on the sliding element.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance also includes a locking element, such as a locking ring, which is displaceable at least between a locking position, in which the locking element locks the lid in the closed position, and an unlocking position, in which the lid is displaceable between the open position and the closed position.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking element comprises an actuating part configured to interact with the sliding element when the locking element is moved between the unlocked position and the locked position, wherein the electric cooking appliance is configured such that a movement of the locking element from the unlocked position to the locked position causes a movement of the sliding element from the release position to the activation position, and that a movement of the locking element from the locking position to the unlocked position causes a movement of the sliding element from the activation position to the release position.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating part provided on the locking element is configured to interact with the sliding part provided on the sliding element.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating part comprises an actuating ramp configured to pivot the sliding element from the release position to the activation position and about the pivot axis when the locking element is moved from the unlocking position to the locking position.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking element comprises a gripping part that is configured to be handled by a user.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sliding element comprises a control device that is directly accessible to the user, such as a latch or a button. Brief description of the characters

[0046] The present invention will be well understood with reference to the following description in relation to the accompanying figures, in which identical reference numerals correspond to structurally and / or functionally identical or similar elements. [ Fig. Figure 1] is a sectional view of an electric cooking appliance according to a first embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 2] is a foreshortened perspective sectional view of the electric cooking appliance of the Fig. 1 according to a pressure cooking method; [ Fig. Figure 3] is a foreshortened perspective sectional view of the electric cooking appliance of the Fig. 1 according to a hot air cooking method; [ Fig. [4] is a perspective side view of the lid of the cooking appliance. Fig. 1; [ Fig. [5] is a view of the lid of the cooking appliance. Fig. 1 from the bottom; [ Fig. [6] is a perspective partial view of the lid of the electric cooking appliance of the Fig. 1 from the bottom; [ Fig. Figure 7] is a schematic view of an electric cooking appliance according to a second embodiment of the invention, wherein the cooking appliance is shown according to the hot air cooking method or the pressure cooking method; [ Fig. Figure 8] is a schematic view of an electric cooking appliance according to a third embodiment of the invention, wherein the cooking appliance is shown according to the hot air cooking method or the pressure cooking method; [ Fig. Figure 9] is a schematic view of an electric cooking appliance according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, wherein the cooking appliance is shown according to the hot air cooking method or the pressure cooking method. Detailed description

[0047] The Fig. Figures 1 to 6 represent an electric cooking appliance 1, such as an electric pressure cooker or an electric multicooker with pressure function, according to a first embodiment of the invention. The electric cooking appliance 1 is configured for cooking food, such as meat, fish, vegetables, or other foods, in particular using a pressure cooking method and a hot air cooking method.

[0048] The electric cooking appliance 1 comprises a housing 2 containing a cooking tray 3 that defines a cooking chamber 4. The cooking tray 3 can, for example, include a bottom wall, a side wall extending from the bottom wall, and an access opening through which food can be introduced into the cooking chamber 4, the access opening advantageously being defined by an upper circumferential edge of the side wall.

[0049] The electric cooking appliance 1 also includes a lid 5, which is slidably mounted, for example pivotably, between an open position in which the lid 5 allows access to the cooking chamber 4, and a closed position in which the lid 5 prevents access to the cooking chamber 4. The lid 5 is configured, in particular, to be located opposite the access opening of the cooking tray 3 when the lid 5 is in the closed position. The lid 5 includes, in particular, a through-opening 6 that opens into an underside of the lid 5, for example, into a central part of the underside, and the function of which is described below.

[0050] The electric cooking appliance 1 also includes a fan 7, which is mechanically connected to the lid 5 and configured to generate an airflow in the cooking chamber 4, and a heating device 8, which is configured to heat the airflow generated by the fan 7.

[0051] According to the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, the heating device 8 is attached to the lid 5 and positioned opposite the underside of the lid 5. The heating device 8 is specifically configured to be located opposite the cooking chamber 4 when the lid 5 is in the closed position. The heating device 8 may, for example, comprise a resistance heating element.

[0052] The electric cooking appliance 1 comprises a drive unit 9 configured to rotate the fan 7 about a rotary axis A1. The drive unit 9 specifically includes a drive motor 10 and a drive shaft 11 rotaryally coupled to the drive motor 10. Advantageously, the drive motor 10 is an asynchronous motor to reduce noise emissions during use of the electric cooking appliance 1.

[0053] The drive shaft 11 extends along the axis of expansion A1 and through the through-opening 6 provided in the cover 5. To guide the drive shaft 11 into rotation, the electric cooking appliance 1 is advantageously equipped with a guide bearing 12, which is provided on the cover 5 and arranged between the cover 5 and the drive shaft 11. The drive shaft 11 includes, in particular, a drive element 13, which is non-rotatably connected to the fan 7.

[0054] The electric cooking appliance 1 also includes a sealing device 14, such as a sealing ring, which is attached to the drive shaft 11 and configured to interact tightly with a seat part 15 provided on the lid 5 in order to tightly close the through-opening 6. According to the first embodiment of the invention, the sealing device 14 is arranged between the fan 7 and the lid 5.

[0055] The seat part 15 and the sealing device 14 are configured to interact by positive locking and essentially have a ring shape. As described in more detail in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the sealing device 14 has a contact end whose shape resembles a collar. Advantageously, the specific shape of the sealing device 14 allows the contact force between the sealing device 14 and the seat part 15 to be increased depending on the pressure increase in the cooking chamber 4. This ensures optimal sealing in the area of ​​the through-opening 6 when using the electric cooking appliance 1 with the pressure cooking method.

[0056] The drive element 13 is mounted so as to be translationally movable with respect to the cover 5 along a translational direction that is essentially parallel to the axis of expansion A1, and between a first position in which the sealing device 14 interacts with the seat element 15 to tightly close the through-opening 6, and a second position in which the sealing device 14 is removed from the seat element 15. According to the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, the first position corresponds to a raised position of the drive part 13, and the second position corresponds to a lowered position of the drive part 13.

[0057] Advantageously, the electric cooking appliance 1 also includes a return device 17, such as a return spring, configured to actuate the drive part 13 in the second position. According to the first embodiment and as specifically described in the Fig. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the reset device 17 can, for example, extend around the drive shaft 11 and be configured to engage against it.

[0058] The drive element 13 is specifically configured to assume the first position when the electric cooking appliance 1 operates according to the pressure cooking method, and the second position when the electric cooking appliance 1 operates according to the hot air cooking method. Thus, the sealing device 14 ensures a tight seal between the interior and exterior of the cooking chamber 4 in the area of ​​the connection between the through-opening 6 and the drive shaft 11 when the drive element 13 is in the first position, i.e., when the electric cooking appliance 1 operates according to the pressure cooking method. Even when the drive element 13 is in the second position, it prevents friction between the lid 5 and the sealing device 14, thereby facilitating the rotary drive of the fan 7 when the electric cooking appliance 1 operates according to the hot air cooking method.

[0059] The fan 7, which is translationally fixed to the drive element 13, is thus translationally displaceable along the axis of extension A1 and between a first fan position, in which the fan 7 is configured to be close to the bottom wall of the cooking pan 3 and advantageously also to the heating element 8, and a second fan position, in which the fan 7 is configured to be farther away from the bottom wall of the cooking pan 3 and advantageously also from the heating element 8. Advantageously, the fan 7 is close to the heating element 8 when the electric cooking appliance 1 operates according to the hot air cooking method; this makes it possible to effectively obtain a hot air stream originating from the rotation of the fan 7 in the vicinity of the heating element 8.

[0060] The electric cooking appliance 1 also includes a sliding element 16, such as a sliding lever, configured to move the drive part 13 between the first position, in which the sealing device 14 interacts with the seat part 15 to tightly close the through-opening 6, and the second position, in which the sealing device 14 is removed from the seat part 15. The sliding element 16 is advantageously configured to interact with the drive shaft 11 in the region of the drive part 13.

[0061] The sliding element 16 is movable, in particular, between an activation position and a release position, and the electric cooking appliance 1 is configured such that a movement of the sliding element 16 from the activation position to the release position causes a movement of the drive part 13 from the first position to the second position, and that a movement of the sliding element 16 from the release position to the activation position causes a movement of the drive part 13 from the second position to the first position. According to the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, the sliding element 16 is pivotally mounted on the lid 5 about a pivot axis A2, which is essentially perpendicular to the extension axis A1. The pivot axis A2 is advantageously configured to be essentially horizontal when the electric cooking appliance 1 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0062] According to the embodiment of the invention, which is particularly described in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the displacement element 16 comprises a lifting element 16.1, such as a lifting fork, configured to interact with the drive shaft 11, and in particular with the drive element 13, and a displacement element 16.2 located opposite the lifting element 16.1 with respect to the pivot axis A2. Advantageously, the drive shaft 11 comprises a support element 18 against which the lifting element 16.1 provided on the displacement element 16 can bear. The support element 18 can, for example, be annular and extend transversely to the axis of extension A1.

[0063] The displacement element 16 is configured in particular such that a downward pivoting of the displacement part 16.2 causes an upward pivoting of the lifting part 16.1 and thus a displacement of the drive part 13 from the second position to the first position, and this against the restoring force exerted by the restoring device 17.

[0064] The electric cooking appliance 1 also includes a locking element 19, such as a locking ring, configured to lock the lid 5 to the housing 2. The locking element 19 is configured to be slidable between a locking position, in which the locking element 19 locks the lid 5 to the housing 2 in the closed position, and an unlocking position, in which the lid 5 is slidable between the open and closed positions.

[0065] The locking element 19 comprises, in particular, an actuating part 20 configured to interact with the sliding part 16.2 belonging to the sliding element 16. The electric cooking appliance 1 is configured such that a movement of the locking element 19 from the unlocked position to the locked position causes a movement of the sliding element 16 from the release position to the activation position, and that a movement of the locking element 19 from the locking position to the unlocked position causes a movement of the sliding element 16 from the activation position to the release position.

[0066] Advantageously, the actuating part 20 includes an actuating ramp 22 configured to pivot downwards the sliding part 16.2 provided on the sliding element 16 when the locking element 19 is moved into the locking position, in order to cause the drive part 13 to move into the first position so that the electric cooking appliance 1 can be used according to the pressure cooking method.

[0067] When the locking element 19 is moved into the unlocking position, the actuating ramp 22 allows the sliding part 16.2 to be lifted, and the reset device 17 acts on the drive part 13 in the second position, which causes the sliding element 16 to pivot into the release position.

[0068] According to the Fig. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the drive shaft 11 comprises a first shaft 24 and a second shaft 25, as well as a connecting device 26. The first shaft 24 is rotatably coupled to the drive motor 10, while the second shaft 25 comprises the drive unit 13 and is rotatably coupled to the fan 7. The connecting device 26 is configured to connect the first shaft 24 and the second shaft 25 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0069] The connecting device 26 is provided and configured between a lower end part of the first shaft 24 and an upper end part of the second shaft 25 to allow a relative translational movement between the first shaft 24 and the second shaft 25 along the axis of extension A1. The connecting device 26 can, for example, be configured to allow a vertical displacement stroke of the second shaft 25 relative to the first shaft 24 of approximately 5 mm.

[0070] According to the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, the connecting device 26 comprises an elongated opening 27 provided on one of the first and second shafts 24, 25, for example, on the lower end portion of the first shaft 24, and a connecting element 29, such as a connecting key or a connecting pin, attached to the other of the first and second shafts 24, 25, for example, on the upper end portion of the second shaft 25, and configured to extend at least partially through the elongated opening 27. The elongated opening 27 extends substantially parallel to the axis of extension A1, and the connecting element 29 is configured to slide in the elongated opening 27 when the drive element 13 is moved between the first and second positions.Advantageously, one of the first and second shafts 24, 25 has an axial receptacle which opens into a free end of the shaft, and the other of the first and second shafts 24, 25 is slidably mounted in the axial receptacle.

[0071] Such a configuration of the connecting device 26 makes it possible for the drive motor 10 to be decoupled from the translational movement of the drive part 13 by the sliding of the connecting component 29 within the elongated opening 27.

[0072] The electric cooking appliance 1 also includes a control unit 30, which includes, for example, a controller, such as a microcontroller, or a processor, such as a microprocessor, and is configured to control the operation of the electric cooking appliance 1, and in particular the resistance heating element of the heating device 8, the drive motor 10 and the fan 7.

[0073] The control unit 30 is specifically configured to control the operation of the electric cooking appliance 1 according to the hot air cooking method when the lid 5 is simultaneously in the closed position and the drive unit 13 is in the second position, and according to the pressure cooking method when the lid 5 is simultaneously in the closed position and the drive unit 13 is in the first position. Advantageously, the control unit 30 is configured to control the activation of the drive motor 10 only when the drive unit 13 is in the second position.

[0074] The electric cooking appliance 1 according to the present invention also makes it possible to gratinate the food contained in the cooking chamber 4. For example, by selecting a gratinating method, the control unit 30 can control the switching off of the drive motor 10 at the end of a hot air cooking cycle, while maintaining the power supply to the heating device 8, which, due to the position of the latter relative to the cooking chamber 4, ensures that the food is gratinated.

[0075] Fig. Figure 7 represents an electric cooking appliance 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention, wherein the left part of the figure depicts the electric cooking appliance 1 using the hot air cooking method, while the pressure cooking method is shown in the right part of the figure. The second embodiment of the invention differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the drive shaft 11 is made from a single piece, and that the sealing device 14 is attached to the lid 5 and the seat part 15 is provided on the drive part 13. Thus, according to the second embodiment of the invention, the drive part 13 is translationally coupled to the drive motor 10, which results in the drive unit 9 being translationally displaced when the displacement element 16 is moved from the activation position to the release position and / or when the displacement element 16 is moved from the release position to the activation position.

[0076] According to the second embodiment shown, the first position of the drive part 13 corresponds to a lowered position of the drive part 13, and the second position of the drive part 13 corresponds to a raised position of the drive part 13.

[0077] Fig. Figure 8 shows an electric cooking appliance 1 according to a third embodiment of the invention, wherein the left part of the figure depicts the electric cooking appliance 1 using the hot air cooking method, while the pressure cooking method is shown in the right part of the figure. The third embodiment of the invention differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the return device 17 is provided inside an axial receptacle of the drive shaft 11, and in particular in the area of ​​the connecting device 26. Furthermore, the sealing device 14 according to the third embodiment of the invention comprises two annular sealing lips configured to interact with the seat part 15. Advantageously, the annular sealing lips are concentric and centered on the expansion axis A1.

[0078] Fig.Figure 9 shows an electric cooking appliance 1 according to a fourth embodiment, wherein the left part of the figure depicts the electric cooking appliance 1 using the hot air cooking method, while the pressure cooking method is shown in the right part of the figure. The fourth embodiment of the invention differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the sealing device 14 is attached to the lid 5, and that the seat 15 is provided on the drive part 13. The sealing device 14 can, for example, be an O-ring arranged in a receptacle provided on the lid 5. The seat 15 can advantageously be provided on a conical part of the drive part 13, so that the seal between the seat 15 and the sealing device 14 increases during the movement of the drive part 13 from the first position to the second position.The use of an O-ring offers the advantage of being widely used in industry and being inexpensive to manufacture, while providing pressure and temperature resistance properties that are consistent with the use within the scope of the present invention.

[0079] Of course, the present invention is by no means limited to the described and illustrated embodiments, which serve only as examples. Modifications are possible, in particular with regard to the nature of the various elements or by replacing them with technically equivalent elements, without, however, departing from the scope of protection of the invention. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2021 / 202444

[0002]

Claims

[1] Electric cooking appliance (1) containing: • a housing (2) comprising a cooking tray (3) which defines a cooking chamber (4) and a lid (5) which is movable between an open position in which the lid (5) allows access to the cooking chamber (4) and a closed position in which the lid (5) prevents access to the cooking chamber (4), wherein the lid (5) comprises a through-opening (6); • a fan (7) which is mechanically connected to the lid (5) and configured to generate an airflow in the cooking chamber (4); • a drive unit (9) configured to rotate the fan (7), the drive unit (9) comprising a drive motor (10) and a drive shaft (11) rotatably coupled to the drive motor (10), the drive shaft (11) extending along an extension axis (A1) and through the through-hole (6), the drive shaft (11) comprising a drive part (13) non-rotatably connected to the fan (7); • a heating device (8) attached to the lid (5) and configured to be located opposite the cooking chamber (4) when the lid (5) is in the closed position, the heating device (8) being configured to heat the airflow generated by the fan (7); • a sealing device (14) which is attached to the cover (5) or to the drive shaft (11) and configured to interact tightly with a seat part (15) which is provided on the drive shaft (11) or on the cover (5); • characterized by , that the electric cooking appliance (1) also includes a sliding element (16) configured to move the drive part (13) between a first position in which the sealing device (14) interacts with the seat part (15) to tightly close the passage opening (6) and a second position in which the sealing device (14) is removed from the seat part (15). [2] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1, wherein the drive part (13) is mounted translationally movable with respect to the lid (5) along a translational direction which is substantially parallel to the extension axis (A1). [3] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, which further comprises a reset device (17) configured to actuate the drive part (13) in the second position. [4] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drive shaft (11) comprises a first shaft (24) coupled in rotation with the drive motor (10), a second shaft (25) coupled in rotation with the fan (7) and comprising the drive part (13), and a connecting device (26) configured to connect the first shaft (24) and the second shaft (25) in a rotationally fixed manner. [5] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 4, wherein the connecting device (26) is configured to allow a relative translational movement between the first shaft (24) and the second shaft (25) along the extension axis (A1). [6] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 5, wherein the connecting device (26) comprises an elongated opening (27) provided on one of the first and second shafts (24, 25) and extending substantially parallel to the extension axis (A1), and a connecting component (29) mounted on the other of the first and second shafts (24, 25) and configured to extend at least partially through the elongated opening (27), wherein the connecting component (29) is configured to slide in the elongated opening (27) when the drive part (13) is moved between the first and second positions. [7] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sliding element (16) is displaceable between an activation position and a release position, wherein the electric cooking appliance (1) is configured such that a displacement of the sliding element (16) from the activation position to the release position causes a displacement of the drive part (13) from the first position to the second position, and that a displacement of the sliding element (16) from the release position to the activation position causes a displacement of the drive part (13) from the second position to the first position. [8] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the sliding element (16) is pivotably mounted on the lid (5) about a pivot axis (A2). [9] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which further comprises a locking element (19) which is displaceable at least between a locking position in which the locking element (19) locks the lid (5) in the closed position and an unlocking position in which the lid (5) is displaceable between the open position and the closed position. [10] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claims 7 and 9, wherein the locking element (19) comprises an actuating part (20) configured to interact with the sliding element (16) when the locking element (19) is moved between the unlocked position and the locked position, wherein the electric cooking appliance (1) is configured such that a movement of the locking element (19) from the unlocked position to the locked position causes a movement of the sliding element (16) from the release position to the activation position, and that a movement of the locking element (19) from the locking position to the unlocked position causes a movement of the sliding element (16) from the activation position to the release position. [11] Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 10, wherein the actuating part (20) comprises an actuating ramp (22) configured to pivot the sliding element (16) from the release position to the activation position and about the pivot axis when the locking element (19) is moved from the unlock position to the locking position.

Images