Multifunctional electric cooking appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric cooking appliance comprising a housing having a cooking vessel which delimits a cooking chamber, a lid (5) and a heating device. The lid (5) includes a first passage opening (6.1) having an air intake device (11.1) movablely mounted in the first passage opening (6.1) and having at least one air intake opening (12.1), and a second passage opening (6.2) having an air exhaust device (11.2) movablely mounted in the second passage opening (6.2) and having at least one air exhaust opening (12.2). The air intake device (11.1) and the air exhaust device (11.2) are movable between a raised configuration in which the air intake device (11.1) and the air exhaust device (11.2) hermetically seal the first and second passage openings (6.1; 6.2), and a lowered configuration. Figure 2.

Description

Title of the invention: Multifunctional electric cooking appliance technical field

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

[0002] An electric cooking appliance for cooking food using a pressure cooking method and a hot air cooking method comprises, in a known manner:

[0003] - a housing comprising a cooking tank which delimits a cooking chamber, and a movable lid 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;

[0004] - a fan mechanically connected to the cover and configured to generate a flow air in the cooking chamber;

[0005] - a drive unit configured to rotate the fan;

[0006] - a heating device configured to be located opposite the chamber of cooking when the lid is in the closed position, the heating device being configured to heat the airflow generated by the fan;

[0007] - at least one air circulation opening provided on the lid and leading to the interior of the cooking chamber,

[0008] - a movable obturating element between an obturating position in which the sealing device closes at least one circulation opening, and a circulation position in which the sealing device releases at least one air circulation opening and allows the flow of air through at least one air circulation opening, the sealing position and the circulation position corresponding respectively to a pressure cooking mode and a hot air cooking mode.

[0009] Such an electric cooking device makes it possible to cook food contained in the cooking chamber according to a pressure cooking mode when simultaneously the lid is in the closed position and the sealing element is in the sealing position, and according to a hot air cooking mode when simultaneously the lid is in the closed position and the sealing element is in the circulation position.

[0010] However, the sealing element, which is formed by a flap pivotally mounted on the cover between the sealing position and the circulation position, does not allow to ensure proper airflow within the cooking chamber when the electric cooking appliance is in convection mode. Furthermore, such a damper does not guarantee effective air renewal within the cooking chamber, which is likely to become saturated with water vapor when using the electric cooking appliance in convection mode. Summary of the invention

[0011] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0012] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular of providing an electric cooking appliance which is compact, of simple design and of increased reliability, while allowing food to be cooked according to different types of cooking, and in particular according to a pressure cooking mode and a hot air cooking mode.

[0013] To this end, the present invention relates to an electric cooking appliance comprising:

[0014] - a housing comprising a cooking tank which delimits a cooking chamber, and a lid designed to occupy 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;

[0015] - a fan mechanically connected to the cover and configured to generate a flow air in the cooking chamber;

[0016] - a drive unit configured to drive the fan in rotation around of an axis of rotation;

[0017] - a heating device attached to the lid and configured to heat the airflow generated by the fan;

[0018] - a first opening of passage and a second opening of passage planned on the lid and configured to open into the cooking chamber when the lid is in the closed position, the first and second passage openings being angularly offset relative to the axis of rotation;

[0019] - an air intake device mounted movably in the first passage opening and comprising at least one air intake opening,

[0020] - a movable air exhaust device mounted in the second opening of passage and including at least one air exhaust opening,

[0021] the air intake device and the air exhaust device being movable between a raised configuration in which the air intake device and the air exhaust device hermetically seal the first and second passage openings respectively, and a lowered configuration in which at least one air intake opening is fluidly connected to the cooking chamber and allows air to be admitted into the cooking chamber and in which at least one air exhaust opening is fluidly connected to the cooking chamber and allows air to be exhausted from the cooking chamber, the raised and lowered configurations corresponding respectively to a pressure cooking mode and a hot air cooking mode.

[0022] Such a configuration of the electric cooking appliance according to the invention allows, when the air intake and exhaust devices are in the lowered position and the fan and heating device are active, for the air in the cooking chamber to be renewed efficiently, thus ensuring optimal hot air cooking of food placed in the cooking chamber. Such a configuration of the electric cooking appliance according to the invention also allows, when the air intake and exhaust devices are in the raised position, for a stable and optimal pressure within the cooking chamber, and in particular a pressure that is higher than atmospheric pressure, which ensures rapid cooking of food using the pressure cooking method.

[0023] Furthermore, the electric cooking appliance according to the invention makes it possible to switch from pressure cooking mode to hot air cooking mode only by moving the air intake device and the air exhaust device between the raised and lowered configurations, and in particular without requiring a movement of the lid.

[0024] In addition, the presence of the air intake opening and the air exhaust opening allows, in the hot air cooking mode, respectively an intake of air into the cooking chamber and an exhaust of air out of the latter, and thus an improved circulation of air within the electric cooking appliance.

[0025] The electric cooking appliance may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one air intake opening is configured to fluidly connect the cooking chamber to the outside of the electric cooking appliance when the air intake device is in the lowered configuration, and at least one air exhaust opening is configured to fluidly connect the cooking chamber to the outside of the electric cooking appliance when the air exhaust device is in the lowered configuration.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one air intake opening and at least one air exhaust opening are configured to be concealed when the air intake device and the air exhaust device occupy the configuration shown.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air intake device comprises a first sealing wall configured to seal the first passage opening when the air intake device occupies the raised configuration, and the air exhaust device includes a second sealing wall configured to seal the second passage opening when the air exhaust device occupies the raised configuration.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first sealing wall and the second sealing wall are arranged opposite an underside face of the lid.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air intake device comprises a first flow guide portion mounted movable in the first passage opening, the first flow guide portion comprising at least one air intake opening, and the air exhaust device comprises a second flow guide portion mounted movable in the second passage opening, the second flow guide portion comprising at least one air exhaust opening.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second flow guidance portions has an oblong cross-section.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second flow guide portions is configured to protrude inside the cooking chamber, and for example to protrude from an underside of the lid when the lid is in the closed position and the air intake device and the air exhaust device are in the lowered configuration.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one air intake opening and at least one air exhaust opening are configured to be arranged in the cooking chamber when the air intake device and the air exhaust device are in the lowered configuration.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first flow guide portion comprises a first internal wall configured to extend substantially in relation to the axis of rotation and a first external wall configured to extend substantially in relation to a peripheral portion of the cover, at least one air intake opening being provided on the first external wall; and the second flow guide portion comprises a second internal wall configured to extend substantially in relation to the axis of rotation and a second external wall configured to extend substantially in relation to a peripheral portion of the cover, at least one air exhaust opening being provided on the second external wall.Such an arrangement of at least one air intake opening and at least one air exhaust opening promotes airflow within the cooking chamber when the electric cooking appliance is in hot air cooking mode.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one air inlet opening is provided exclusively on the first external wall, and at least one air outlet opening is provided exclusively on the second external wall. Such an arrangement of at least one air inlet opening and at least one air outlet opening ensures optimal airflow within the cooking chamber when the electric cooking appliance is in hot air cooking mode.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first inner wall extends substantially parallel to the first outer wall.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second inner wall extends substantially parallel to the second outer wall.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first internal wall and the second internal wall are respectively devoid of an air intake opening and an air exhaust opening.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first flow guide portion and the second flow guide portion respectively delimit an air intake duct and an air exhaust duct fluidly connected to the outside of the electric cooking appliance, with at least one air intake opening into the air intake duct and at least one air exhaust opening into the air exhaust duct.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air intake duct is delimited externally by the first internal wall, the first external wall, and the first lateral walls.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air exhaust duct is delimited externally by the second internal wall, the second external wall, and the second lateral walls.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second passage openings each have an oblong shape and extend respectively along a first direction of extension and a second direction of extension which are inclined relative to each other.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the heating device is configured to be located opposite the cooking chamber when the lid is in the closed position.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover comprises a first guide wall configured to guide the air intake device during its movements between the lowered and raised configurations, and a second guide wall configured to guide the air exhaust device during its movements between the lowered and raised configurations.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one air intake opening and at least one air exhaust opening are configured respectively to be opposite, i.e. facing, the first guide wall and the second guide wall when the air intake device and the air exhaust device occupy the configuration shown.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first sealing wall and the second sealing wall are each solid.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive unit comprises a drive motor and a drive shaft configured to rotationally couple the drive motor to the fan, the drive shaft extending along the axis of rotation and through a passage hole provided on the cover.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first passage opening and the second passage opening are configured to cooperate by complementarity of form respectively with the air intake device and the air exhaust device.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one air inlet opening and at least one air outlet opening each have a cross-sectional area of ​​between 2 and 5 cm², and advantageously between 3 and 4 cm². Such sizing of at least one air inlet opening and at least one air outlet opening promotes airflow within the cooking chamber when the electric cooking appliance is in hot air cooking mode.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second openings are symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry containing the axis of rotation. Advantageously, the plane of symmetry is vertical when the electric cooking appliance rests on a horizontal surface and the lid is in the closed position.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the axis of rotation extends substantially vertically when the cover is in the closed position and the housing is resting on a horizontal surface.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second directions of extension are inclined relative to each other at an angle of inclination between 20° and 90°, advantageously between 30° and 80°, and for example, approximately 40°. Such an arrangement of the first and second openings promotes the circulation of airflow within the cooking chamber when the electric cooking appliance is in hot air cooking mode.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one air opening of the first passage opening and at least one air exhaust opening of the air exhaust device extend in a plane perpendicular to the airflow generated by the fan.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second extension directions are configured to extend substantially horizontally when the cover is in the closed position and the housing is resting on a horizontal surface.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first inner wall and the second inner wall are substantially opposite each other.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first flow guidance portion comprises two first lateral walls extending opposite each other and configured to connect respectively the first inner wall to the first outer wall, and the second flow guidance portion comprises two second lateral walls extending opposite each other and configured to connect the second inner wall to the second outer wall.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first side walls are solid, that is to say, they are without an air intake opening.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second side walls are solid, that is to say, they are without an air evacuation opening.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the first side walls may include at least one air intake opening.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the second side walls may include at least one air evacuation opening.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first side walls has a rounded, and for example substantially semi-cylindrical, cross-section.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the second lateral walls has a rounded, and for example substantially semi-cylindrical, cross-section.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air intake device comprises a first geometric center, and the air exhaust device comprises a second geometric center, the air intake device and the air exhaust device being configured such that the first geometric center and the second geometric center are angularly offset with respect to the axis of rotation by an offset angle substantially between 290° and 350°, advantageously between 310° and 330°, and for example 320°.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive unit is configured to drive the fan in rotation around the axis of rotation in a clockwise direction when the lower part of the cover faces the user.

[0065] The relatively large value of the offset angle separating the air intake device and the air exhaust device, in combination with the direction of rotation of the fan, makes it possible to maximize the airflow from the opening air intake and exhaust through the air outlet. The specific characteristic of the offset angle ensures that the hot air inside the cooking chamber is efficiently renewed by an airflow with a humidity level significantly lower than the humidity level inside the cooking chamber when the electric cooking appliance is operating in hot air mode.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover comprises a first seat part extending around the first passage opening and a second seat part extending around the second passage opening, and the air intake device and the air exhaust device respectively comprise a first sealing device and a second sealing device, such as annular seals for example, configured to cooperate hermetically with the first and second seat parts when the air intake device and the air exhaust device occupy the raised configuration.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second seat sections are provided on the underside of the lid. This arrangement of the first and second seat sections ensures optimal sealing at the first and second seat sections when the air intake and exhaust devices are in the raised configuration, and thus ensures optimal cooking of food when the electric cooking appliance is in pressure cooking mode. In particular, this arrangement of the first and second seat sections ensures increasingly greater compression of the first and second sealing devices as the pressure rises in the cooking chamber.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first sealing device and the second sealing device are configured to extend respectively around the first flow guide portion and the second flow guide portion.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance further comprises a first moving member and a second moving member movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, such that a movement of the first moving member and the second moving member from the first configuration to the second configuration results in a movement of the air intake device and the air exhaust device respectively from the raised configuration to the lowered configuration, and such that a movement of the first moving member and the second moving member from the second configuration to the first configuration results in a movement of the air intake device and the air exhaust device from the lowered configuration to the raised configuration. Such a configuration of the cooking appliance The electric system ensures easy movement of the air intake and air exhaust devices between the raised and lowered configurations.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance further comprises at least one return device, such as a return spring for example, configured to urge the first moving member and the second moving member towards the first configuration.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first moving member and the second moving member are distinct from each other.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first moving member and the second moving member are provided on the same part.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first moving member and the second moving member are pivotally mounted on the cover around respectively a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first moving member and the second moving member are mounted to move in translation relative to the cover respectively along a first direction of translation and a second direction of translation.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second directions of translation are substantially vertical when the cover is in the closed position and the housing rests on a horizontal surface.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance further comprises a locking member, such as a locking ring for example, movable at least between a locking position in which the locking member locks the lid in the closed position, and an unlocking position in which the lid is movable between the open position and the closed position.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member comprises a first actuating part configured to cooperate with the first moving member when the locking member is moved between the unlocking position and the locking position;and a second actuation part configured to cooperate with the second moving member when the locking member is moved between the unlocking position and the locking position, the electric cooking appliance being configured such that a movement of the locking member from the unlocking position to the locking position results in a movement of the first moving member and of the second moving member from the second configuration to the first configuration, and such that a movement of the locking member from the locking position to the unlocking position results in a movement of the; The first moving element and the second moving element move from the first configuration to the second configuration. This configuration of the electric cooking appliance allows, when the lid is locked in the closed position by the user, for the simultaneous automatic movement of the air intake and exhaust devices to the raised configuration.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first actuation part comprises a first actuation ramp configured to rotate the first displacement member from the first configuration to the second configuration and around the pivot axis when the locking member is moved from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second actuation part comprises a second actuation ramp configured to rotate the second displacement member from the first configuration to the second configuration and around the pivot axis when the locking member is moved from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member is configured such that a movement from the unlocking position to the locking position simultaneously causes a movement of the first moving member and the second moving member from the second configuration to the first configuration, and vice versa.

[0081] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air intake device extends substantially along a first extension plane, and the air exhaust device extends substantially along a second extension plane.

[0082] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second extension planes extend substantially vertically when the housing rests on a horizontal surface and the cover occupies the closed position.

[0083] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance further comprises a control unit which includes, for example, a controller, such as a microcontroller, or a processor, such as a microprocessor, and which is configured to control the operation of the electric cooking appliance, and in particular the resistive heating element of the heating device, the drive motor and the fan.

[0084] According to one embodiment of the invention, the movement of the first moving member and the second moving member can be achieved by a control independent of the locking member, for example by means of a bolt or a control button. Brief description of the figures

[0085] The present invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the accompanying figures, in which identical reference signs correspond to structurally and / or functionally identical or similar elements.

[0086] [Fig-1] is a cross-sectional view of an electric cooking appliance according to a first method of implementing the invention;

[0087] [Fig.2] is a partial perspective view of the underside of the cover of the device electric cooking of the [Fig.l] according to a hot air cooking method;

[0088] [Fig.3] is a view from below of the lid of the electric cooking appliance of the [Fig.l];

[0089] [Fig.4] is a side perspective view of the cooking appliance lid electric of the [Fig.l] according to a pressure cooking method, and centered on the air evacuation device;

[0090] [Fig.5] is a side perspective view of the cooking appliance lid electric of the [Fig.l] according to the hot air cooking mode, and centered on the air evacuation device;

[0091] [Fig.6] is a side perspective view of the cooking appliance lid electrical [Fig.1], centered on the air intake device;

[0092] [Fig.7] is a side perspective view of the cooking appliance lid electrical according to a second embodiment of the invention and centered on the air evacuation device;

[0093] [Fig.8] is a perspective view from another side of the cover of the device electric cooking according to the second embodiment of the invention, which is centered on the air intake device. Detailed description

[0094] Figures 1 to 6 depict an electric cooking appliance 1, such as an electric pressure cooker or an electric multi-cooker with pressure, 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, particularly according to a pressure cooking method and a hot air cooking method.

[0095] The electric cooking appliance 1 comprises a housing 2 which includes a cooking vessel 3 defining a cooking chamber 4. The cooking vessel 3 may, for example, include a back wall, a side wall extending from the back wall, and an access opening through which food can be introduced into the cooking chamber 4, the access opening being advantageously defined by a upper peripheral edge of the side wall.

[0096] The electric cooking appliance 1 further comprises a movable cover 5, for example pivotally mounted, between an open position in which the cover 5 permits access to the cooking chamber 4, and a closed position in which the cover 5 prevents access to the cooking chamber 4. The cover 5 is more particularly configured to be located opposite the access opening of the cooking chamber 3 when the cover 5 is in the closed position.

[0097] The cover 5 includes in particular a first passage opening 6.1 and a second passage opening 6.2 which open into a lower face of the cover 5, and for example into a peripheral portion of said lower face, and whose function will be described below.

[0098] The first and second openings 6.1, 6.2 each have an oblong shape and extend respectively along a first extension direction DI and a second extension direction D2, which are inclined relative to each other at an angle of inclination between 20° and 90°, advantageously between 30° and 80°, and for example approximately 40°. The first and second extension directions DI, D2 are more particularly configured to extend substantially horizontally when the cover 5 is in the closed position and the housing 2 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0099] The electric cooking appliance 1 also includes a fan 7 (see in particular Figures 1 to 3) which is mechanically connected to the cover 5 and which is 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.

[0100] According to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 7, the heating device 8 is attached to the cover 5 and is positioned opposite the underside of the cover 5. The heating device 8 is more specifically configured to be located opposite the cooking chamber 4 when the cover 5 is in the closed position. The heating device 8 may, for example, include a resistive heating element.

[0101] The electric cooking appliance 1 includes a drive unit 9 configured to drive the fan 7 in rotation about an axis of rotation AR1, for example, clockwise when the lower part of the lid 5 faces the user. Advantageously, the axis of rotation AR1 extends substantially vertically when the lid 5 is in the closed position and the housing 2 rests on a horizontal surface. The drive unit 9 includes, in particular, a drive motor and a drive shaft which is rotationally coupled on the one hand to the drive motor and on the other hand to the fan 7. The drive shaft extends through a passage provided in the lid 5, and more particularly 5. Advantageously, the drive motor is an asynchronous motor so as to reduce noise emissions when using the electric cooking appliance 1.

[0102] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the first passage opening 6.1 and the second passage opening 6.2 are angularly offset with respect to the axis of rotation AR1, and are symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry containing the axis of rotation AR1. Advantageously, the plane of symmetry is vertical when the electric cooking appliance 1 rests on a horizontal surface, and the lid 5 is in the closed position.

[0103] The electric cooking appliance 1 also includes an air intake device 11.1 movablely mounted in the first passage opening 6.1 and having an air intake opening 12.1, as well as an air exhaust device 11.2 movablely mounted in the second passage opening 6.2 and having an air exhaust opening 12.2. Advantageously, the first passage opening 6.1 and the second passage opening 6.2 are configured to cooperate by complementary shape respectively with the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2.

[0104] The air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 are movable between a raised configuration (see in particular [Fig.4]) in which the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 hermetically seal the first and second passage openings 6.1, 6.2 respectively, and a lowered configuration (see in particular [Fig.5]) in which the air intake opening 12.1 is fluidly connected to the cooking chamber 4 and allows air to be admitted into the cooking chamber 4 and in which the air exhaust opening 12.2 is fluidly connected to the cooking chamber 4 and allows the airflow to be expelled from the cooking chamber 4. The raised and lowered configurations correspond respectively to the pressure cooking mode and the hot air cooking mode.

[0105] The air inlet opening 12.1 and the air outlet opening 12.2 are configured to fluidly connect the cooking chamber 4 to the outside of the electric cooking appliance 1 when the air inlet device 11.1 and the air outlet device are in the lowered position. Conversely, the air inlet opening 12.1 and the air outlet opening 12.2 are configured to be closed when the air inlet device 11.1 and the air outlet device 11.2 are in the raised position. To ensure optimal airflow, the air inlet opening 12.1 and the air outlet opening 12.2 each have a cross-sectional area of ​​between 2 and 5 cm², and advantageously between 3 and 4 cm².

[0106] Advantageously, the electric cooking appliance 1 according to the invention allows food to be cooked in several operating modes. The hot air cooking mode is active when, in particular, the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 are in their lowered configuration and the fan 7 and the heating device 8 are active; the lowered configuration of the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 corresponding to the hot air cooking mode allows the air present in the cooking chamber 4 to be evacuated and renewed, as this air may become saturated with water vapor during food cooking. The pressure cooking mode is active when, in particular, the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 are in their lowered configuration.2 occupy the configuration shown, that the heating device 8 is active and that the fan 7 is inactive; the pressure cooking mode makes it possible to obtain a pressure in the cooking chamber 4 which is higher than atmospheric pressure, which notably allows for faster cooking of food.

[0107] More specifically, the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 respectively comprise a first sealing wall 13.1 and a second sealing wall 13.2 configured to seal the first passage opening 6.1 and the second passage opening 6.2 respectively when the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 are in the raised configuration. Each of the first and second sealing walls 13.1, 13.2 is solid and has an oblong shape. According to the first embodiment of the invention, the first and second sealing walls 13.1, 13.2 are arranged opposite the lower face of the cover 5. Advantageously, the first and second sealing walls 13.1, 13.2 are configured to extend substantially horizontally when the cover 5 is in the closed position and the housing 2 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0108] The air intake device 11.1 further comprises a first flow guide portion 14.1 which is movably mounted in the first passage opening 6.1, and the air exhaust device 11.2 further comprises a second flow guide portion 14.2 which is movably mounted in the second passage opening 6.2. The first flow guide portion 14.1 advantageously comprises the air intake opening 12.1, while the second flow guide portion 14.2 advantageously comprises the air exhaust opening 12.2. Each of the first and second flow guide portions 14.1, 14.2 has a generally tubular shape and an oblong cross-section. The first and second flow guide portions 14.1, 14.2 are configured to protrude inside the cooking chamber 4, and for example to protrude from the underside of the lid 5, when the lid 5 is in the closed position and that . The air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 occupy the lowered configuration.

[0109] The first flow guide portion 14.1 comprises a first inner wall 15.1, a first outer wall 16.1 and two first lateral walls 17.1 each connecting the first inner wall 15.1 to the first outer wall 16.1. The first inner wall 15.1 is configured to extend substantially in relation to the axis of rotation AR1, and the first outer wall 16.1 is configured to extend substantially in relation to a peripheral portion of the cover 5.

[0110] The second flow guide portion 14.2 comprises a second inner wall 15.2, a second outer wall 16.2 and two second lateral walls 17.2 each connecting the second inner wall 15.2 to the second outer wall 16.2. The second inner wall 15.2 is configured to extend substantially in relation to the axis of rotation AR1, and the second outer wall 16.2 is configured to extend substantially in relation to the peripheral portion of the cover 5.

[0111] The first internal wall 15.1 extends substantially parallel to the first external wall 16.1, while the second internal wall 15.2 extends substantially parallel to the second external wall 16.2. In addition, the first internal wall 15.1 and the second internal wall 15.2 are substantially opposite each other.

[0112] According to the first embodiment shown in the figures, the first internal wall 15.1 and the second internal wall 15.2 are respectively without an air inlet opening 12.1 and an air outlet opening 12.2. Advantageously, the air inlet opening 12.1 and the air outlet opening 12.2 are provided respectively on the first external wall 16.1 and on the second external wall 16.2, so that the airflow is guided around the periphery of the cooking chamber 4 in order to increase the residence time of the airflow and also to increase the mixing of the airflow in the cooking chamber 4 in the hot air cooking mode.

[0113] As can be seen more specifically in Figures 4, 5 and 6, one of the first side walls 17.1 and one of the second side walls 17.2 may respectively have an air inlet opening 12.1 and an air outlet opening 12.2. However, each of the first side walls 17.1 could be solid, i.e. without an air inlet opening 12.1, and each of the second side walls 17.2 could be solid, i.e. without an air outlet opening 12.2, depending on the flow rate and / or speed of the airflow which is desired in the cooking chamber 4 when using the electric cooking appliance 1 in hot air cooking mode.

[0114] According to the first embodiment shown in the figures, the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 comprise respectively tively a first geometric center 18.1 and a second geometric center 18.2 which are configured such that the first geometric center 18.1 and the second geometric center 18.2 are angularly offset with respect to the axis of rotation AR1 by an offset angle substantially between 290° and 350°, advantageously between 310° and 330°, and for example 320°. Advantageously, the relatively large value of the offset angle separating the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2, in combination with the direction of rotation of the fan 7, makes it possible to maximize the airflow from the air intake opening 12.1 and exiting through the air exhaust opening 12.2.The specific characteristic of the offset angle ensures that the hot air inside the cooking chamber 4 is efficiently renewed by an airflow with a humidity level significantly lower than the humidity level inside the cooking chamber 4 when the electric cooking appliance 1 is in hot air operating mode.

[0115] The electric cooking appliance 1 further includes an air intake duct 19.1 which is partially delimited by the first flow guide portion 14.1, and an air exhaust duct 19.2 which is partially delimited by the second flow guide portion 14.2. The air intake duct 19.1 and the air exhaust duct 19.2 are configured to guide an airflow entering or leaving the cooking chamber 4 and passing through the air intake opening 12.1 and the air exhaust opening 12.2.

[0116] As can be seen more specifically in Figures 4, 5, and 6, the cover 5 comprises a first guide wall 20.1 configured to guide the air intake device 11.1 during its movements between the lowered and raised configurations, and a second guide wall 20.2 configured to guide the air exhaust device 11.2 during its movements between the lowered and raised configurations. Furthermore, the air intake opening 12.1 and the air exhaust opening 12.2 are configured to be opposite, i.e., facing, respectively, the first guide wall 20.1 and the second guide wall 20.2 when the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 are in the raised configuration.

[0117] The cover 5 further comprises a first seat portion 21.1 extending around the first passage opening 6.1 and a second seat portion 21.2 extending around the second passage opening 6.2, and the air inlet device 11.1 and the air outlet device 11.2 respectively comprise a first sealing device 22.1 and a second sealing device 22.2, such as annular seals for example, configured to cooperate hermetically with the first and second seat portions 21.1, 21.2 when the inlet device Air 11.1 and air evacuation device 11.2 occupy the raised configuration. The first sealing device 22.1 and the second sealing device 22.2 are configured to extend respectively around the first flow guide portion 14.1 and the second flow guide portion 14.2, and bear respectively, for example, on the first and second sealing walls 13.1, 13.2.

[0118] The electric cooking appliance 1 further comprises a first moving member 23.1 and a second moving member 23.2 configured to move the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 respectively between the raised configuration in which the airflow cannot circulate between the cooking chamber 4 and the outside, and the lowered configuration in which an airflow is able to be admitted by the air intake device 11.1 and an airflow is able to be exhausted by the air exhaust device 11.2. According to the first embodiment of the invention, the first moving member 23.1 and the second moving member 23.2 are separate from each other, but they could be made in one piece according to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures.

[0119] The first displacement member 23.1 and the second displacement member 23.2 are more particularly pivotally mounted on the cover 5 around respectively a first pivot axis API and a second pivot axis AP2 between a first configuration and a second configuration, such that a displacement of the first displacement member 23.1 and the second displacement member 23.2 from the first configuration to the second configuration results in a displacement of the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 from the raised configuration to the lowered configuration and such that a displacement of the first displacement member 23.1 and the second displacement member 23.2 from the second configuration to the first configuration results in a displacement of the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 from the lowered configuration to the raised configuration.Advantageously, the first pivot axis API and the second pivot axis AP2 extend substantially horizontally when the cover 5 is in the closed position and the housing 2 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0120] The electric cooking appliance 1 further comprises a locking member 24, such as a locking ring, configured to lock the lid 5 onto the housing 2 when the lid is in the closed position. The locking member 24 is configured to be movable between a locked position in which the locking member 2 locks the lid 5 onto the housing 2 and in the closed position, and an unlocked position in which the lid 5 is movable between the open and closed positions.

[0121] Advantageously, the electric cooking appliance 1 is configured such that a movement of the locking member 24 from the unlocked position to the locked position results in a movement of the first moving member 23.1 and the second moving member 23.2 from the second configuration to the first configuration, and such that a movement of the locking member 24 from the locked position to the unlocked position results in a movement of the first moving member 23.1 and the second moving member 23.2 from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0122] The locking member 24 more particularly comprises a first actuating part 25.1 configured to cooperate with the first displacement member 23.1 and a second actuating part 25.2 configured to cooperate with the second displacement member 23.2.

[0123] Advantageously, the first actuating part 25.1 includes a first actuating ramp 26.1 configured to rotate the first moving member 23.1 from the first configuration to the second configuration and around the first pivot axis API when the locking member 24 is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position. Similarly, the second actuating part 25.2 includes a first actuating ramp 26.2 configured to rotate the second moving member 23.2 from the first configuration to the second configuration and around the second pivot axis AP2 when the locking member 24 is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0124] Advantageously, the electric cooking appliance 1 further comprises a first return device 27.1 and a second return device 27.2, such as return springs, which are configured to move the first moving member 23.1 and the second moving member 23.2 respectively towards the first configuration. Thus, when the locking member 24 is moved towards the locking position, the first actuating ramp 26.1 and the first actuating ramp 26.2 allow the first moving member 23.1 and the second moving member 23.2 to be lifted, while the first return device 27.1 and the second return device 27.2 move the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 towards the first configuration.

[0125] Alternatively, the movement of the first moving member 23.1 and the second moving member 23.2 can be achieved by an independent control of the locking member 24, for example by means of a bolt or a control button.

[0126] Furthermore, the displacement of the first displacement member 23.1 and the second The moving element 23.2 is not necessarily linked to locking / unlocking but rather to the use of one cooking mode or another.

[0127] Thus, the first displacement member 23.1 and the second displacement member 23.2 will have a raised configuration for a pressure cooking mode and a lowered configuration for a hot air cooking mode or a steam cooking mode.

[0128] It is also possible to have two independent controls to move the first moving member 23.1 and the second moving member 23.2 respectively, thus allowing only one or the other of the air intake opening 12.1 and the air exhaust opening 12.2 to be opened.

[0129] The electric cooking appliance 1 further includes a control unit UC which includes, for example, a controller, such as a microcontroller, or a processor, such as a microprocessor, and which is configured to control the operation of the electric cooking appliance 1, and in particular the resistive heating element of the heating device 8, the drive motor and the fan 7.

[0130] The control unit UC is specifically configured to control the operation of the electric cooking appliance 1 in hot air cooking mode when the lid 5 is in the closed position and the air inlet device 11.1 and the air outlet device 11.2 are in the lowered position, and in pressure cooking mode when the lid 5 is in the closed position and the air inlet device 11.1 and the air outlet device 11.2 are in the raised position. The control unit UC is advantageously configured to control the activation of the drive motor only when the air inlet device 11.1 and the air outlet device 11.2 are in the lowered position.

[0131] The electric cooking appliance 1 according to the present invention also allows the food contained in the cooking chamber 4 to be gratinated. For example, by selecting a gratiné cooking mode, the control unit UC can command, at the end of the hot air cooking cycle, a stop of the drive motor while maintaining an electrical supply to the heating device 8, which ensures, due to the position of the latter in relation to the cooking chamber 4, a gratinéed cooking of the food.

[0132] Figures 7 and 8 represent an electric cooking appliance 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the first moving member 23.1 and the second moving member 23.2 are mounted to move in translation relative to the cover 5 respectively along a first direction of translation DTI and a second direction of translation DT2, which are advantageously substantially vertical when the cover 5 occupies the closed position and the housing 2 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0133] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment of the invention, the first return device 27.1 may include two return springs located for example on either side of the first flow guide portion 14.1 along the first extension direction D1, the second return device 27.2 may include two return springs located for example on either side of the second flow guide portion 14.2 along the second extension direction D2.

[0134] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which have been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the construction of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Electric cooking appliance (1) comprising: - a casing (2) comprising a cooking tank (3) which delimits a cooking chamber (4), and a lid (5) intended to occupy 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); - a fan (7) mechanically connected to the lid (5) and configured to generate an airflow in the cooking chamber (4); - a drive unit (9) configured to drive the fan (7) in rotation around an axis of rotation (AR1); - a heating device (9) attached to the cover (5) and configured to heat the airflow generated by the fan (7); - a first passage opening (6.1) and a second passage opening (6.2) provided on the lid (5) and configured to open into the cooking chamber (4) when the lid (5) is in the closed position, the first and second passage openings (6.1;6.2) being angularly offset with respect to the axis of rotation (AR1); - an air intake device (11.1) mounted movably in the first passage opening (6.1) and comprising at least one air intake opening (12.1), - an air evacuation device (11.2) mounted movably in the second passage opening (6.2) and comprising at least one air evacuation opening (12.2), The air intake device (11.1) and the air exhaust device (11.2) are movable between a raised configuration in which the air intake device (11.1) and the air exhaust device (11.2) hermetically seal the first and second passage openings (6.1; 6.2) respectively, and a lowered configuration in which at least one air intake opening (12.1) is fluidly connected to the cooking chamber (4) and allows a air intake into the cooking chamber (4) and in which at least one air exhaust opening (12.2) is fluidly connected to the cooking chamber (4) and permits air exhaust from the cooking chamber (4), the raised and lowered configurations corresponding respectively to a pressure cooking mode and a hot air cooking mode.

2. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the air intake device (11.1) has a first sealing wall (13.1) configured to seal the first passage opening (6.1) when the air intake device (11.1) is in the raised configuration, and the air exhaust device (11.2) has a second sealing wall (13.2) configured to seal the second passage opening (6.2) when the air exhaust device (11.2) is in the raised configuration.

3. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air intake device (11.1) comprises a first flow guide portion (14.1) movably mounted in the first passage opening (6.1), the first flow guide portion (14.1) comprising at least one air intake opening (12.1), and the air exhaust device (11.2) comprises a second flow guide portion (14.2) movably mounted in the second passage opening (6.2), the second flow guide portion (14.2) comprising at least one air exhaust opening (12.2).

4. Electric cooking apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein each of the first and second flow guide portions (14.1; 14.2) has an oblong cross-section.

5. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 3 and 4, wherein each of the first and second flow guide portions (14.1; 14.2) is configured to protrude inside the cooking chamber (4), and for example to protrude from an underside of the lid (5) when the lid (5) is in the closed position and the air intake device (11.1) and the air exhaust device (11.2) are in the lowered configuration.

6. An electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: - the first flow guide portion (14.1) comprises a first internal wall (15.1) configured to extend substantially in relation to the axis of rotation (AR1) and a first external wall (16.1) configured to extend substantially in relation to a peripheral portion of the cover (5), at least one air inlet opening (12.1) being provided on the first external wall (16.1); and - the second flow guide portion (14.2) comprises a second internal wall (15.2) configured to extend substantially in relation to the axis of rotation (AR1) and a second external wall (16.2) configured to extend substantially in relation to a peripheral portion of the cover (5), at least one air outlet opening (12.2) being provided on the second external wall (16.2).

7. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the first flow guide portion (14.1) and the second flow guide portion (14.2) respectively delimit an air intake duct (19.1) and an air exhaust duct (19.2) fluidly connected to the outside of the electric cooking appliance (1), at least one air intake opening (12.1) opening into the air intake duct (19.1) and at least one air exhaust opening (12.2) opening into the air exhaust duct (19.2).

8. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second passage openings (6.1;6.2) each have an oblong shape and extend respectively along a first extension direction (D1) and a second extension direction (D2) which are inclined relative to each other.

9. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first extension direction (D1) and the second extension direction (D2) are inclined relative to each other at an angle of inclination between 20° and 90°, advantageously between 30° and 80°.

10. An electric cooking appliance according to claim 8, wherein at least one air inlet (12.1) of the first passage opening (6.1) and at least one air outlet (12.2) of the device air evacuation (11.2) extend in a plane perpendicular to the airflow generated by the fan (7).

11. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air intake device (11.1) has a first geometric center, and the air exhaust device (11.2) has a second geometric center, the air intake device (11.1) and the air exhaust device (11.2) being configured such that the first geometric center (11.1) and the second geometric center (11.2) are angularly offset from the axis of rotation (AR1) by an offset angle substantially between 290° and 350°, advantageously between 310° and 330°.

12. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid (5) comprises a first seat portion (21.1) extending around the first passage opening (6.1) and a second seat portion (21.2) extending around the second passage opening (6.2), and the air intake device (11.1) and the air exhaust device (11.2) comprise respectively a first sealing device (22.1) and a second sealing device (22.2), configured to cooperate hermetically with the first and second seat portions when the air intake device (11.1) and the air exhaust device (11.2) occupy the raised configuration.

13. An electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a first moving member (23.1) and a second moving member (23.2) movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, such that a movement of the first moving member (23.1) and the second moving member (23.2) from the first configuration to the second configuration results in a movement of the air intake device (11.1) and the air exhaust device (11.2) from the raised configuration to the lowered configuration, and such that a movement of the first moving member (23.1) and the second moving member (23.2) from the second configuration to the first configuration results in a movement of the air intake device (11.1) and the air exhaust device (11.2) from the lowered configuration to the second configuration. raised.

14. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first moving member (23.1) and the second moving member (23.2) are pivotally mounted on the cover (5) around respectively a first pivot axis (API) and a second pivot axis (AP2).

15. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 13, wherein the first moving member (23.1) and the second moving member (23.2) are mounted movable in translation relative to the cover (5) respectively in a first direction of translation and a second direction of translation.

16. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a locking member (24), movable at least between a locking position in which the locking member (24) locks the lid (5) in the closed position, and an unlocking position in which the lid (5) is movable between the open position and the closed position.

17. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claims 13 and 16, wherein the locking member (24) comprises: - a first actuating part (25.1) configured to cooperate with the first moving member (23.1) when the locking member (24) is moved between the unlocking position and the locking position; and - a second actuating part (25.2) configured to cooperate with the second moving member (23.2) when the locking member (24) is moved between the unlocking position and the locking position, the electric cooking appliance (1) being configured such that a movement of the locking member (24) from the unlocking position to the locking position results in a movement of the first moving member (23.1) and the second moving member (23.2).2) from the second configuration to the first configuration, and such that a movement of the locking member (24) from the locking position to the unlocking position results in a movement of the first moving member. (23.1) and the second displacement member (23.2) from the first configuration to the second configuration.

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