Waffle plate equipped with infrared radiation blocking elements

Abstract

The waffle plate (4) has a first plate face (4.1) configured to face a heating element belonging to a grilling appliance and a second plate face opposite the first plate face (4.1); a central cooking zone (21) configured to cook a central waffle; two side cooking zones (22) configured to cook two side waffles, the side cooking zones (22) being arranged laterally on either side of the central cooking zone (21); and protruding elements (25) extending from the first plate face (4.1) and configured to at least partially block infrared radiation emitted by the heating element towards the side cooking zones (22). Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Waffle plate equipped with infrared radiation blocking elements technical field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a grilling appliance, and more particularly to a waffle plate for such a grilling appliance. State of the art

[0002] As is known, a grilling appliance, also called a meat grill cooking appliance, comprises:

[0003] - a lower cooking plate and an upper cooking plate provided Each has a cooking surface configured to allow for grilling, such as pieces of meat or fish.

[0004] - a lower waffle plate and an upper waffle plate which form accessories for the grill appliance that are configured to allow the simultaneous preparation of several waffles, with the lower and upper cooking plates and the lower and upper waffle plates being interchangeable depending on the culinary preparation to be made,

[0005] - a lower heating structure comprising a receiving location lower configured to alternately receive the lower waffle plate and the lower cooking plate, and a lower heating element associated with the lower receiving location and configured to heat by infrared radiation the lower waffle plate or the lower cooking plate received in the lower receiving location,

[0006] - an upper heating structure comprising a receiving location upper configured to alternately receive the upper waffle plate and the upper cooking plate, and an upper heating element associated with the upper receiving location and configured to heat by infrared radiation the upper waffle plate or the upper cooking plate received in the upper receiving location, and

[0007] - a pivot joint connecting the upper heating structure to the heating structure lower and configured to allow the upper heating structure to pivot relative to the lower heating structure around a pivot axis and into a closed position in which, when the lower and upper waffle plates are received respectively in the lower and upper receiving positions, the lower and upper waffle plates have a minimal gap and, for example, are in contact with each other, and a maximum opening position in which, when the lower and upper waffle plates are received respectively in the lower and upper receiving positions, the lower and upper waffle plates have a maximum gap.

[0008] Such a grilling appliance therefore makes it possible to carry out different types of culinary preparations depending on the type of plates with which it is equipped.

[0009] However, in order to reduce the manufacturing costs of such a cooking appliance, the heating elements equipping it generally have relatively simple shapes and limited lengths. Although such a configuration of heating elements is satisfactory for cooking meat, which represents the main application of the aforementioned cooking appliance, it is not optimal for cooking waffles, which requires specific cooking conditions (a very high cooking temperature and a rather short cooking time). In particular, due to the simplistic shape of the heating elements, the heat transmitted by the heating elements to the different cooking cavities of the waffle plate is distributed unevenly during waffle preparation.

[0010] However, such a heterogeneous distribution of heat transmitted by the heating elements to the waffle plates results in differences in cooking and browning between the waffles cooked in the different cooking cavities of the waffle plate. In particular, when the waffle plate is equipped with a central cooking cavity and two side cooking cavities, the waffles cooked in the two side cooking cavities are significantly more brown than the waffle cooked in the central cooking cavity, since the central cooking cavity does not benefit from sufficient heat transmission from the two heating elements. Summary of the invention

[0011] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.

[0012] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular of providing a waffle plate for a grilling appliance which is of simple and economical structure, while ensuring even cooking of the waffles.

[0013] To this end, the present invention relates to a waffle plate for a grilling appliance, also called a meat grill cooking appliance, equipped with at least one heating element, such as an electric heating element and advantageously an electric heating resistor, configured to heat the waffle plate by infrared radiation when the waffle plate is received in a receiving position provided on the grilling appliance, said waffle plate comprising:

[0014] - a first plate face configured to be oriented towards the heating element, and a second plate face that is opposite the first plate face,

[0015] - a central cooking zone configured to allow the cooking of a waffle central, and

[0016] - two lateral cooking zones configured to allow the cooking of two side waffle irons, with the side cooking zones arranged laterally on either side of the central cooking zone,

[0017] the waffle plate having protruding elements protruding from the first face of the plate and configured to block at least in part, and for example in whole or in part, infrared radiation emitted by the heating element towards the lateral cooking areas, when the waffle plate is received in the receiving location.

[0018] Such a configuration of the waffle plate, and in particular the presence of the protruding elements that form parts of a heat shield, promotes heat transfer from the respective heating element to the central cooking zone, thus resulting in a more homogeneous heat distribution between the central cooking zone and the two lateral cooking zones. This results in more even cooking and browning of the three waffles produced in the central cooking zone and the two lateral cooking zones.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waffle plate comprises a central cooking cavity provided on the second face of the plate and defining at least in part the central cooking zone, and two lateral cooking cavities provided on the second face of the plate and defining at least in part the two lateral cooking zones.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central cooking zone and the side cooking zones each have an overall rectangular shape.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protruding elements comprise a first protruding element and a second protruding element which are arranged laterally on either side of the central cooking zone, the first and second protruding elements being configured to be located on either side of a central part of the heating element and to block at least in part, and for example in whole or in part, infrared radiation emitted by said central part towards the lateral cooking zones, when the waffle plate is received in the receiving location.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second protruding elements are configured to reflect, towards the central cooking zone, at least in part, and for example in whole or in part, the infrared radiation emitted by the central part of the heating element, when the waffle plate is received in the receiving position.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central cooking zone is configured to be located at least partly directly above, and therefore at least partly opposite, the central part of the heating element when the waffle plate is received in the receiving location.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second protruding elements are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to a sagittal plane of the waffle plate.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second protruding elements extend respectively at least partly along and near two lateral edges of the central cooking zone.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two lateral cooking zones are configured to be located respectively at least partly in line with, and therefore at least partly opposite, two lateral parts belonging to the heating element when the waffle plate is received in the receiving location.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protruding elements are elongated.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protruding elements are ribs blocking

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the protruding elements, and for example each of the protruding elements, is configured to extend along a respective heating portion belonging to the heating element and to be located at a spacing distance from said respective heating portion which is less than 5 mm, when the waffle plate is received in the receiving location provided on the grilling appliance.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protruding elements extend transversely to a general extension plane of the waffle plate.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the protruding elements, and for example each of the protruding elements, comprises at least one straight blocking portion which is configured to extend along and substantially parallel to a respective heating portion of the heating element when the waffle plate is received in the receiving location.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the straight blocking parts belonging to the first and second protruding elements extend substantially parallel to each other.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the straight blocking parts belonging to the first and second protruding elements extend substantially parallel to the sagittal plane of the waffle plate.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the protruding elements, and for example each of the protruding elements, comprises at least one curved blocking portion which is configured to extend along a respective curved heating portion belonging to the heating element, when the waffle plate is received in the receiving location.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protruding elements comprise a rear protruding element extending from the first face of the plate and into a rear portion of the waffle plate. The rear protruding element is configured to block, at least partially, and for example, all or part of, infrared radiation emitted by a rear portion of the heating element towards a front edge of the waffle plate when the waffle plate is received in the receiving position. These arrangements significantly reduce the risk of excess batter overflowing into a rear portion of the grilling appliance.Indeed, the presence of the protruding rear element influences the distribution of heat transmitted by the respective heating element to the waffle plate, and in particular promotes faster heat transfer to the rear of the waffle plate. This ensures that the waffle batter cooks faster in the rear of the waffle plate than in the front. As a result, the waffle batter solidifies more quickly due to the evaporation of its water content in the rear of the grill, which blocks the passages for excess, still-liquid batter to drain to the rear of the grill.As a result, any excess batter that is still liquid overflows advantageously at at least one excess batter drainage zone located at the front of the lower waffle plate, which prevents excess batter from overflowing into hard-to-reach areas of the grill and therefore greatly simplifies cleaning the grill.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear part of the heating element is configured to be located in a rear part of the waffle plate, when the waffle plate is received in the receiving location.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central cooking zone and the two lateral cooking zones are configured to be located respectively at least partly in line with, and therefore at least partly opposite, a respective portion of the rear part when the waffle plate is received in the receiving location.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protruding elements comprise an additional rear protruding element projecting from the first face of the plate and extending into a rear portion of the waffle plate, the additional rear protruding element being configured to block at least part, and for example all or part, infrared radiation emitted by the rear portion of the heating element. towards the rear edge of the waffle plate when the waffle plate is placed in the receiving slot. This waffle plate configuration promotes heat transfer to the rear of the waffle plate, ensuring even faster cooking of the waffle batter there and further reducing the risk of excess batter overflowing at the back of the grill.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear protruding element and the additional rear protruding element are configured to extend longitudinally on either side of the rear part of the heating element, when the waffle plate is received in the receiving location.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear protruding element and the additional rear protruding element define a receiving housing, such as a receiving channel, which is elongated and configured to house at least part of the rear part of the heating element, when the waffle plate is received in the receiving location.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear protruding element has a general U-shape.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the additional rear protruding element has a general U-shape.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear protruding element comprises at least one straight blocking portion which extends substantially parallel to the rear edge of the waffle plate.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the additional rear protruding element comprises at least one straight blocking portion which extends substantially parallel to the rear edge of the waffle plate.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, a rear part of the central cooking zone is configured to be located at least partly in line with, and therefore at least partly opposite, an electrical connection part belonging to the heating element, when the waffle plate is received in the receiving location.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waffle plate includes at least one excess batter evacuation zone disposed in a front part of the waffle plate and configured to allow a flow by gravity of excess waffle batter from the waffle plate into a collection tray equipping the grilling appliance, when the waffle plate is received in the receiving location.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waffle plate comprises a peripheral wall, for example formed by a peripheral rib, projecting from the second face of the plate and extending around the central cooking zone and the two lateral cooking zones, and at least one area for draining excess batter. includes at least one drainage opening provided in a front part of the peripheral wall.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one excess dough discharge zone comprises at least one dough guiding part which is located opposite at least one discharge opening and which is configured to guide excess dough from at least one discharge opening towards the collection bin.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waffle plate includes a pouring portion, such as a pouring spout, extending along the front edge of the waffle plate and configured to be located vertically above the collection tray, the pouring portion being configured to guide excess batter, from at least one excess batter discharge zone, towards the collection tray.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waffle plate has two excess batter evacuation zones arranged respectively in front parts of the two lateral cooking zones.

[0051] The present invention further relates to a grilling appliance comprising at least two cooking plates, also called meat grill plates, and at least one waffle plate according to the present invention.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the grilling appliance comprises two waffle plates according to the present invention, and for example a lower waffle plate and an upper waffle plate.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the grilling appliance comprises:

[0054] - a lower heating structure comprising a receiving location lower configured to receive alternately one of the two waffle plates, and for example the lower waffle plate, and one of the two cooking plates, and a lower heating element associated with the lower receiving location and configured to heat by infrared radiation the waffle plate or the cooking plate which is received in the lower receiving location,

[0055] - an upper heating structure comprising a receiving location upper configured to alternately receive the other of the two waffle plates, for example the upper waffle plate and the other of the two cooking plates, and an upper heating element associated with the upper receiving location and configured to heat by infrared radiation the waffle plate or the cooking plate which is received in the upper receiving location, and

[0056] - a pivot joint connecting the upper heating structure to the heating structure lower and configured to allow the upper heating structure to pivot relative to the lower heating structure around an axis of pivoting and between a closed position in which, when the two waffle plates are received respectively in the upper and lower receiving positions, the two waffle plates have a minimum gap and, for example, are in contact with each other, and a maximum open position in which, when the two waffle plates are received respectively in the upper and lower receiving positions, the two waffle plates have a maximum gap.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the lower and upper heating elements extends substantially along a respective extension plane.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the grilling device has a sagittal plane which defines a plane of symmetry of each of the lower and upper heating elements.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the grilling appliance includes a collection tray configured to collect excess batter from the waffle plate received in the lower receiving location.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the collection tray is arranged in a front part of the lower heating structure. Advantageously, the collection tray is removable. Brief description of the figures

[0061] The invention will be well understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the attached schematic drawings representing, by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of this grilling device.

[0062] [Fig-1] is a front perspective view of a grilling appliance according to the present invention;

[0063] [Fig.2] is a truncated perspective view of the grilling appliance of [Fig.1];

[0064] [Fig.3] is a top perspective view of a lower waffle plate belonging to the grilling appliance of [Fig.1];

[0065] [Fig.4] is a perspective view from below the lower waffle plate of the [Fig.3];

[0066] [Fig. 5] is a perspective view from below the lower waffle plate and a lower heating element belonging to the grilling appliance of [Fig.1];

[0067] [Fig.6] is a bottom view of the lower waffle plate and the element lower heating element;

[0068] [Fig.7] is a perspective view from below of an upper waffle plate belonging to the grilling appliance of [Fig.1];

[0069] [Fig.8] is a top perspective view of the upper waffle plate of the [Fig.7];

[0070] [Fig.9] is a top perspective view of the upper waffle plate and a upper heating element belonging to the grilling appliance of [Fig.1];

[0071] [Fig. 10] is a top view of the upper waffle plate and upper heating element;

[0072] [Fig. 11] is a partial cross-sectional view of the grilling appliance of [Fig.1];

[0073] [Fig. 12] is a partial perspective view of the grilling appliance of [Fig.1];

[0074] [Fig.13] is an enlarged scale view of a detail of [Fig.12];

[0075] [Fig. 14] is a top view of an upper cooking plate belonging to the grilling appliance of [Fig.1];

[0076] [Fig. 15] is a bottom view of a lower cooking plate belonging to the grilling appliance of [Fig.1]. Detailed description

[0077] In this document, the terms "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "top" and "below" are defined with respect to a use of the grilling appliance during which the grilling appliance rests on a horizontal surface, such as a work surface, and a front part of the grilling appliance is located in relation to the user.

[0078] In the present document, a "sagittal plane" is a plane which divides the element to which it refers, for example a waffle plate or grilling appliance, into a right part and a left part.

[0079] Figures 1 to 15 represent a grilling appliance 2, also called a meat grill cooking appliance, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0080] The grilling appliance 2 has two cooking plates 3, and for example a lower cooking plate 3.1 and an upper cooking plate 3.2, each having a cooking surface configured to allow grilling, such as pieces of meat or fish.

[0081] The grilling appliance 2 also includes two waffle plates 4, and more specifically a lower waffle plate 41 and an upper waffle plate 42, which are accessories of the grilling appliance 2 and are configured to allow the simultaneous preparation of several waffles, and more specifically three waffles. The two cooking plates 3 and the two waffle plates 4 are interchangeable in the grilling appliance 2 depending on the food preparation to be carried out. The waffle plates 4 are described in more detail below.

[0082] The grilling appliance 2 further comprises a lower heating structure 5 comprising a lower chassis 6 provided for example with feet configured to rest on a flat support, such as a work surface.

[0083] The lower heating structure 5 further includes a lower receiving location 8 defined by the lower chassis 6 and configured to receive alternatively one of the two waffle plates 4, and more particularly the lower waffle plate 41, and one of the two cooking plates 3, and more particularly the lower cooking plate.

[0084] The lower heating structure 5 also includes a lower heating element 9 which is associated with the lower receiving location 8 and which is fixed to the lower chassis 6. The lower heating element 9 is configured to be disposed under the waffle plate 4 or the cooking plate 3 which is received in the lower receiving location 8, and to heat said waffle plate 4 or said cooking plate 3 by infrared radiation. Advantageously, the lower heating element 9 is an electric heating element, such as an electric heating element, and extends substantially along an extension plane which is substantially horizontal when the grilling appliance 2 rests on a horizontal support.

[0085] The grilling appliance 2 further comprises an upper heating structure 11 comprising an upper chassis 12 defining an upper receiving location 13 configured to receive alternately the other of the two waffle plates 4, and more particularly the upper waffle plate 42, and the other of the two cooking plates 3, and more particularly the upper cooking plate.

[0086] The upper heating structure 11 also includes an upper heating element 14 which is associated with the upper receiving location 13 and which is fixed to the upper frame 12. The upper heating element 14 is configured to be positioned above the waffle plate 4 or the cooking plate 3 which is received in the upper receiving location 13, and to heat said waffle plate 4 or said cooking plate 3 by infrared radiation. Advantageously, the upper heating element 14 is an electric heating element, such as an electric heating element, and extends substantially along an extension plane which is substantially horizontal when the grilling appliance 2 rests on a horizontal support.

[0087] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the grilling device 2 has a sagittal plane P which defines a plane of symmetry of each of the lower and upper heating elements 9, 14.

[0088] The grilling appliance 2 further comprises a pivot joint 15 connecting the upper heating structure 11 to the lower heating structure 5 and configured to allow pivoting of the upper heating structure 11 relative to the lower heating structure 5 around a pivot axis and between a closed position in which, when the two waffle plates 4 are received respectively in the lower and upper receiving positions 8, 13, the two waffle plates 4 have a minimum gap and for example are in contact with each other, and a maximum open position in which, when the two waffle plates 4 are received respectively in the lower and upper receiving positions 8, 13, the two waffle plates 4 have a maximum gap.

[0089] The grilling appliance 2 further includes a gripping handle 16 configured to be operated by a user to allow movement of the upper heating element 11 between the closed position and the maximum open position. Advantageously, the gripping handle 16 is located on a front portion of the upper heating element 11, and is situated at a distance from a front edge of the upper heating element 11.

[0090] The grilling appliance 2 advantageously includes a user interface 17, for example provided on the gripping handle 16, configured to allow a user to select at least one operating parameter of the grilling appliance 2, such as the cooking time, the cooking temperature or a cooking mode.

[0091] As shown more particularly in [Fig.2], the grilling appliance 2 has a collection tray 18 arranged in a front part of the lower heating structure 5, and configured to collect excess batter from the two waffle plates 4 when the two waffle plates 4 are installed on the grilling appliance 2. Advantageously, the collection tray 18 is removable, and can, for example, be removed by a forward-directed pulling motion of the grilling appliance 2.

[0092] As shown in Figures 3 to 10, each waffle plate 4 has an overall rectangular shape, and comprises a first plate face 4.1 configured to be oriented towards the respective heating element, and a second plate face 4.2 which is opposite the respective first plate face 4.1.

[0093] Each waffle plate 4 comprises a central cooking zone 21 configured to allow the cooking of one central waffle, and two lateral cooking zones 22 arranged laterally on either side of the central cooking zone 21 and configured to allow the cooking of two lateral waffles. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the central cooking zone 21 and the lateral cooking zones 22 each have a generally rectangular shape.

[0094] As shown in Figures 3 and 7, each waffle plate 4 more particularly comprises a central cooking cavity 23 provided on the second face of the plate 4.2 and defining at least in part the central cooking zone 21, and two lateral cooking cavities 24 provided on the second face of plate 4.2 and defining at least in part the two lateral cooking zones 22.

[0095] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the lower heating element 9 comprises:

[0096] - a central part 9.1 which is configured to be located at least partly at the vertical alignment, and therefore at least partly opposite, of the central cooking zone 21 belonging to the respective waffle plate 4, when said waffle plate 4 is received in its receiving position,

[0097] - two lateral parts 9.2 which are configured to be located respectively at least partly directly above, and therefore at least partly opposite, the two lateral cooking zones 22 belonging to the respective waffle plate 4, when said waffle plate 4 is received in its receiving position, and

[0098] - a rear portion 9.3 which is configured to be located in a rear portion of the respective waffle plate 4 and to be located at least partly directly above, and therefore at least partly opposite, a rear portion of the central cooking zone 21 of said waffle plate 4 and a rear portion of each of the two lateral cooking zones 22 of said waffle plate 4, when the latter is received in its respective receiving location.

[0099] Advantageously, the central part 9.1 comprises two central heating sections which are spaced apart and extend substantially parallel to each other. Each central heating section is more specifically connected to a respective electrical connection part belonging to the lower heating element 9.

[0100] Similarly, the upper heating element 14 comprises:

[0101] - a central part 14.1 which is configured to be located at least partly at the vertical alignment, and therefore at least partly opposite, of the central cooking zone 21 belonging to the respective waffle plate 4, when said waffle plate 4 is received in its receiving position,

[0102] - two lateral parts 14.2 which are configured to be located respectively at least partly directly above, and therefore at least partly opposite, the two lateral cooking zones 22 belonging to the respective waffle plate 4, when said waffle plate 4 is received in its receiving position, and

[0103] - a rear portion 14.3 which is configured to be located in a rear portion of the respective waffle plate 4 and to be located at least partly directly above, and therefore at least partly opposite, a rear portion of the central cooking zone 21 of said waffle plate 4 and a rear portion of each of the two lateral cooking zones 22 of said waffle plate 4, when the latter is received in its respective receiving location.

[0104] Advantageously, the central part 14.1 comprises two central heating sections which are spaced apart and extend substantially parallel to each other. Each central heating section is more specifically connected to a respective electrical connection part belonging to the upper heating element 14.

[0105] According to an embodiment shown in the figures, each of the lower and upper heating elements 9, 14 has at least one inflection point (and for example two inflection points) configured to be located opposite one of the two lateral cooking zones 22 belonging to the respective waffle plate 4, and at least one inflection point (and for example two inflection points) configured to be located opposite the other of the two lateral cooking zones 22 belonging to the respective waffle plate 4.

[0106] Each waffle plate 4 further comprises projecting elements 25 projecting from the first face of the respective plate 4.1 and configured to block at least in part, and for example in whole or in part, infrared radiation emitted by the respective heating element towards the lateral cooking zones 22 of said waffle plate 4, when said waffle plate 4 is received in its respective receiving location.

[0107] The protruding elements 25 belonging to each waffle plate 4 include, in particular, a first protruding element 251 and a second protruding element 252 which are arranged laterally on either side of the respective central cooking zone 21. The first and second protruding elements 251, 252 provided on each waffle plate 4 are more particularly configured to be located on either side of the central part 9.1, 14.1 belonging to the respective heating element and to block at least part, and for example all or part, infrared radiation emitted by said central part 9.1, 14.1 towards the lateral cooking zones 22 of said waffle plate 4, when the latter is received in its respective receiving position.

[0108] Advantageously, the first and second protruding elements 251, 252 provided on each waffle plate 4 are configured to reflect, towards the respective central cooking zone 21, at least in part, and for example in whole or in part, the infrared radiation emitted by the central part 9.1, 14.1 belonging to the respective heating element, when said waffle plate 4 is received in its respective receiving location.

[0109] Such a configuration of each waffle plate 4, and in particular the presence of the first and second protruding elements 251, 252 on each waffle plate 4, makes it possible to promote the transmission of heat from the respective heating element to the central cooking zone 21 of said waffle plate 4, and thus to obtain a distribution more even heat distribution between the central cooking zone 21 and the two side cooking zones 22 of the same waffle plate 4. This results in more even cooking and browning of the three waffles prepared from the two waffle plates 4.

[0110] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second protruding elements 251, 252 provided on each waffle plate 4 are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to a sagittal plane of said waffle plate 4, and extend respectively at least partly along and near two lateral edges of the respective central cooking zone 21.

[0111] Advantageously, each of the first and second protruding elements 251, 252 includes, in particular, a straight blocking portion 251.1, 252.1 extending substantially parallel to the sagittal plane of the respective waffle plate 4 and configured to extend along and substantially parallel to a respective central heating section of the respective heating element when the respective waffle plate 4 is received in its respective receiving position. Thus, the straight blocking portions 251.1, 252.1 belonging to the first and second protruding elements 251, 252 belonging to the same waffle plate 4 extend substantially parallel to each other.

[0112] Each of the first and second protruding elements 251, 252 also includes a curved blocking portion 251.2, 252.2 which is configured to extend along a respective curved heating portion belonging to the respective heating element, when the respective waffle plate 4 is received in its respective receiving location.

[0113] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the protruding elements 25 belonging to each waffle plate 4 further comprise:

[0114] - a rear projecting element 253 that extends into a rear portion of the plate respective waffle plate 4, the rear protruding element 253 being configured to block at least partially, and for example in whole or in part, infrared radiation emitted by the rear part 9.3, 14.3 of the respective heating element, towards a front edge of the respective waffle plate 4, when said waffle plate 4 is received in its respective receiving position, and

[0115] - an additional rear projecting element 254 which also extends into a part rear of the respective waffle plate 4, the additional rear protruding element 254 being configured to block at least in part, and for example in whole or in part, infrared radiation emitted, by the rear part 9.3, 14.3 of the respective heating element, towards a rear edge of the respective waffle plate 4, when said waffle plate 4 is received in its respective receiving location.

[0116] Advantageously, the rear protruding element 253 and the additional rear protruding element 254 provided on each waffle plate 4 are configured to extend longitudinally on either side of the rear portion 9.3, 14.3 of the respective heating element, when said waffle plate 4 is received in its respective receiving position. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the rear protruding element 253 and the additional rear protruding element 254 provided on each waffle plate 4 define a receiving housing 26, such as a receiving channel, which is elongated and configured to house at least part of the rear portion 9.3, 14.3 of the respective heating element, when said waffle plate 4 is received in its respective receiving position.

[0117] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the rear protruding element 253 and the additional rear protruding element 254 provided on each waffle plate 4 each have a general U-shape. Thus, each of the rear protruding elements 253 and the additional rear protruding elements 254 comprises a straight blocking portion 253.1, 254.1 extending substantially parallel to the rear edge of the respective waffle plate 4 and configured to extend along a straight heating portion belonging to the respective heating element, two curved blocking portions 253.2, 254.2 located on either side of the respective straight blocking portion 253.1, 254.1 and configured to extend respectively along two curved heating portions belonging to the respective heating element, and finally two blocking portions straight lines 253.3, 254.3 extending respectively in the continuation of the two curved blocking parts 253.2, 254.2 respectively and configured to extend respectively along two respective straight heating portions belonging to the respective heating element. .

[0118] Advantageously, the projecting elements 25 provided on each waffle plate 4 are locking ribs extending transversely to a general extension plane of said waffle plate 4, and each of the projecting elements 25 is configured to extend along a respective heating portion belonging to the respective heating element and to be located at a spacing distance from said respective heating portion that is less than 5 mm, when said waffle plate 4 is received in its respective receiving location.

[0119] As shown in Figures 3, 12 and 13, the lower waffle plate 41 has at least one excess batter discharge zone 27 located in a front portion of the lower waffle plate 41 and configured to allow excess waffle batter from the lower waffle plate 41 to flow by gravity into the collection tray 18 of the grilling appliance 2. Advantageously, the lower waffle plate 41 may, for example, have two discharge zones surplus dough 27 arranged respectively in front parts of the two respective lateral cooking zones 22.

[0120] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the lower waffle plate 41 has a peripheral wall 28, for example formed by a peripheral rib, projecting from the second face of the respective plate 5.2 and extending around the central cooking zone 21 and the two respective lateral cooking zones 22, the or each excess batter evacuation zone 27 having at least one evacuation opening 29 provided in a front part of the peripheral wall 28.

[0121] The excess dough discharge zone 27 may further include a dough guide portion 31, such as a dough guide channel or dough guide recess, which is located opposite the respective discharge opening 29 and which opens into a front edge of the lower waffle plate 41. The dough guide portion 31 is more particularly configured to guide excess dough, coming from the respective discharge opening 29, towards the collection tray 18.

[0122] Advantageously, the lower waffle plate 41 further comprises a discharge portion 32, such as a discharge spout, extending along the front edge of the lower waffle plate 41 and configured to be located vertically above the collection tray 18, when the lower waffle plate 41 is received in the lower receiving location 8. The discharge portion 32 is more particularly configured to guide excess batter, from the excess batter discharge zone(s) 27, towards the collection tray 18.

[0123] The specific configuration of the rear protruding element 253 and the additional rear protruding element 254 provided on each waffle plate 4, and in particular on the lower waffle plate 41, in combination with the excess batter drainage zone(s) 27, prevents any risk of excess batter overflowing into a rear part of the grilling appliance 2. Indeed, the presence of the rear protruding element 253 and the additional rear protruding element 254 influences the distribution of the heat transmitted by the heating elements to the waffle plates and therefore the cooking dynamics of the waffle batter, and in particular ensures faster cooking of the waffle batter in the rear parts of the two waffle plates than in the front parts of the latter.This results in a faster solidification of the waffle batter, due to its drying by vaporization of the water it contains, in a rear part of the grilling unit 2, which leads to a blockage of the possible passages for the excess batter still liquid towards the rear of the grilling unit 2. As a result, any excess batter still liquid overflows at the front of the lower waffle plate 41, at the level of the excess batter evacuation zone(s) 27 and in. direction of the collection tray 18, which avoids overflows of excess dough in hard-to-reach areas and therefore greatly simplifies the cleaning of the grilling appliance 2.

[0124] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated, which has been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Waffle plate (4) for a grilling appliance (2) equipped with at least one heating element (9) configured to heat the waffle plate by infrared radiation when the waffle plate (4) is received in a receiving location provided on the grilling appliance (2), said waffle plate (4) comprising: - a first plate face (4.1) configured to be oriented towards the heating element (9), and a second plate face (4.2) which is opposite the first plate face (4.1), - a central cooking zone (21) configured to allow the cooking of a central waffle, and - two lateral cooking zones (22) configured to allow the cooking of two lateral waffles, the lateral cooking zones (22) being arranged laterally on either side of the central cooking zone (21), characterized in that the waffle plate (4) comprises protruding elements (25) projecting from the first face of plate (4.1) and configured to block at least part of the infrared radiation emitted by the heating element (9) towards the side cooking areas (22), when the waffle plate (4) is received in the receiving location.

2. Waffle plate (4) according to claim 1, wherein the protruding elements (25) comprise a first protruding element (251) and a second protruding element (252) which are arranged laterally on either side of the central cooking zone (21), the first and second protruding elements (251, 252) being configured to be located on either side of a central part (9.1) of the heating element (9) and to block at least part of an infrared radiation emitted by said central part (9.1) towards the lateral cooking zones (22), when the waffle plate (4) is received in the receiving location.

3. Waffle plate (4) according to claim 2, wherein the first and second protruding elements (251, 252) are configured to reflect, towards the central cooking zone (21), at least in part the infrared radiation emitted by the central part (9.1) of the heating element (9), when the waffle plate (4) is received in the receiving location.

4. Waffle plate (4) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first and second protruding elements (251, 252) are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to a sagittal plane of the waffle plate (4).

5. Waffle plate (4) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first and second protruding elements (251, 252) extend respectively at least partly along and near two lateral edges of the central cooking area (21).

6. Waffle plate (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the protruding elements (25) are locking ribs.

7. Waffle plate (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the protruding elements (25) is configured to extend along a respective heating portion belonging to the heating element (9) and to be located at a spacing distance from said respective heating portion which is less than 5 mm, when the waffle plate (4) is received in the receiving location provided on the grilling appliance (2).

8. Waffle plate according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the projecting elements (25) extend transversely to a general extension plane of the waffle plate (4).

9. Waffle plate (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one of the protruding elements (25) comprises at least one straight blocking portion which is configured to extend along and substantially parallel to a respective heating portion of the heating element (9) when the waffle plate (4) is received in the receiving location.

10. Waffle plate (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one of the protruding elements (25) has at least one curved blocking portion which is configured to extend along a respective curved heating portion belonging to the heating element (9), when the waffle plate (4) is received in the receiving location.

11. Waffle plate (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the projecting elements (25) comprise a rear projecting element (253) projecting from the first plate face (4.1) and extending into a rear portion of the waffle plate (4), the rear projecting element (253) being configured to block at least in part infrared radiation emitted by a rear part (9.3) of the heating element (9) towards a front edge of the waffle plate (4), when the waffle plate (4) is received in the receiving location.

12. Waffle plate (4) according to claim 11, wherein the protruding elements (25) comprise an additional rear protruding element (254) protruding from the first plate face (4.1) and extending into a rear portion of the waffle plate (4), the additional rear protruding element (254) being configured to block at least part of an infrared radiation emitted by the rear portion (9.3) of the heating element (9) towards a rear edge of the waffle plate (4), when the waffle plate (4) is received in the receiving location.

13. Waffle plate (4) according to claim 12, wherein the rear projecting element (253) and the additional rear projecting element (254) are configured to extend longitudinally on either side of the rear part (9.3) of the heating element (9), when the waffle plate (4) is received in the receiving location.

14. Grilling appliance (2) comprising at least two cooking plates (3), and at least one waffle plate (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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