Lower waffle plate equipped with infrared radiation blocking elements

Abstract

The lower waffle plate (41) has a first plate face (4.1) configured to be oriented towards a lower heating element (9) belonging to a grilling appliance and a second plate face which is opposite the first plate face (4.1); at least one excess batter discharge zone disposed in a front part of the lower waffle plate (41); and at least one projecting element (25) projecting from the first plate face (4.1), the at least one projecting element (25) comprising a rear projecting element (253) extending into a rear portion of the lower waffle plate (41), the rear projecting element (253) being configured to block at least part of the infrared radiation emitted by a rear portion (9.3) of the lower heating element (9) towards a front edge of the lower waffle plate (41) when the lower waffle plate (41) is received in the grilling appliance. Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Lower 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 lower 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, cooking waffles with such a grilling device almost systematically involves the overflow of excess batter from the lower waffle plate at the beginning of the waffle cooking cycle, because, at that moment, the waffle batter increases in volume significantly.

[0010] In order to collect this excess batter, it is known to equip the lower waffle plate with at least one excess batter discharge zone disposed in a front part of the lower waffle plate, and to equip the grilling appliance with a collection tray configured to collect the excess batter from the at least one excess batter discharge zone.

[0011] However, such a technical solution does not allow for satisfactory management of excess dough. Indeed, despite the presence of at least one of the aforementioned excess dough drainage zones, overflows at the rear of the grilling appliance are regularly observed, resulting in soiling in hard-to-reach areas of the grilling appliance. Summary of the invention

[0012] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.

[0013] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular of providing a lower waffle plate for a grilling appliance which is of simple and economical structure, while allowing easy cleaning of the grilling appliance.

[0014] To this end, the present invention relates to a lower waffle plate for a grilling appliance, also called a meat grill cooking appliance, equipped with at least one lower heating element, such as a lower electric heating element and advantageously a lower electric heating element, configured to heat the lower waffle plate by infrared radiation when the lower waffle plate is received in a lower receiving location provided on the grilling appliance, said lower waffle plate comprising:

[0015] - a first plate face configured to be oriented towards the heating element lower, and a second plate face that is opposite the first plate face,

[0016] - at least one excess paste evacuation zone located in a front part from the lower waffle plate,

[0017] the lower waffle plate has at least one protruding element projecting from the first plate face, the at least one protruding element having a rear protruding element extending into a rear part of the lower waffle plate, the rear protruding element being configured to block at least part, and for example all or part, infrared radiation emitted by a rear part of the lower heating element towards a front edge of the lower waffle plate, when the lower waffle plate is received in the lower receiving location.

[0018] The specific configuration of the rear protruding element on the lower waffle plate, in combination with at least one excess batter drainage zone, significantly reduces the risk of excess batter overflowing into the rear of the grill. Indeed, the presence of the rear protruding element influences the distribution of heat transmitted by the lower heating element to the lower waffle plate, and therefore the cooking dynamics of the waffle batter. In particular, it promotes faster heat transfer to the rear of the lower waffle plate, ensuring that the waffle batter cooks more quickly in the rear of the lower waffle plate than in the front.This results in the waffle batter solidifying more quickly as it dries due to the vaporization of its water content in the rear section of the grill. This blocks any potential drainage channels for excess batter to escape to the back of the grill. Consequently, any remaining liquid batter overflows through at least one overflow drain located at the front of the lower waffle plate. This prevents excess batter from spilling into hard-to-reach areas of the grill and greatly simplifies cleaning.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one protruding element comprises a plurality of protruding elements protruding from the first plate face and configured to block at least part of an infrared radiation emitted by the lower heating element, when the lower waffle plate is received in the lower receiving location.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear part of the lower heating element is configured to be located in a rear part of the lower waffle plate, when the lower waffle plate is received in the lower receiving location.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear protruding element has a general U-shape.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one protruding element comprises an additional rear protruding element extending into the rear portion of the lower waffle plate. This additional rear protruding element is configured to block, at least partially, and for example, all or part of, infrared radiation emitted by the rear portion of the lower heating element towards a rear edge of the lower waffle plate when the lower waffle plate is received in the lower receiving position. Such a configuration of the lower waffle plate promotes heat transfer to the rear portion of the lower waffle plate, thereby ensuring even faster cooking of the waffle batter in the rear portion of the lower waffle plate and thus further reducing the risk of excess batter overflowing from the rear of the grill.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the additional rear protruding element has a general U-shape.

[0024] 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 lower heating element, when the lower waffle plate is received in the lower receiving location.

[0025] 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 lower heating element, when the lower waffle plate is received in the lower receiving location.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one excess batter evacuation zone is configured to allow a gravity flow of excess waffle batter from the lower waffle plate into a collection tray equipping the grilling appliance, when the lower waffle plate is received in the lower receiving location.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower waffle plate has a peripheral wall, for example formed by a peripheral rib, projecting from the second face of the plate, at least one excess batter evacuation zone has at least one evacuation opening provided in a front part of the peripheral wall.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one excess dough discharge zone comprises at least one dough guidance part which is located opposite at least one discharge opening and which is configured to guide excess dough, coming from at least one discharge opening, towards the collection bin.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower waffle plate includes a pouring portion, such as a pouring spout, extending along the front edge of the lower 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.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower waffle plate comprises a central cooking zone configured to allow the cooking of a central waffle, and two lateral cooking zones configured to allow the cooking of two lateral waffles, the lateral cooking zones being arranged laterally on either side of the central cooking zone.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower waffle plate has 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.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central cooking zone and the side cooking zones each have an overall rectangular shape.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral wall extends around the central cooking zone and the two lateral cooking zones.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower waffle plate has two excess batter evacuation zones arranged respectively in front parts of the two lateral cooking zones.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one protruding element comprises a first central protruding element and a second central protruding element which are arranged laterally on either side of the central cooking zone, the first and second central protruding elements being configured to be located on either side of a central part of the lower 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 lower waffle plate is received in the lower receiving location.

[0036] Such a configuration of the lower waffle plate, and in particular the presence of the first and second central protruding elements, promotes heat transfer from the lower heating element to the central cooking zone, thus resulting in a more even heat distribution between the central cooking zone and the two lateral cooking zones. This leads to more even cooking and browning of the three waffles produced in the central cooking zone and the two lateral cooking zones.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second central 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 lower heating element, when the lower waffle plate is received in the lower receiving location.

[0038] 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 lower heating element when the lower waffle plate is received in the lower receiving location.

[0039] 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 of the lower heating element when the lower waffle plate is received in the lower receiving location.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second central protruding elements are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to a sagittal plane of the lower waffle plate.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second central projecting elements extend respectively at least partly along and near two lateral edges of the central cooking zone.

[0042] 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 lower heating element when the lower waffle plate is received in the lower receiving location.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one protruding element is elongated.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one protruding element is a locking rib.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one protruding element, and for example each of the protruding elements, is configured to extend along a respective heating portion belonging to the lower heating element and to be located at a spacing distance from said respective heating portion that is less than 5 mm, when the lower waffle plate is received in the lower receiving location.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one projecting element, and for example each of the projecting elements, extends transversely to a general extension plane of the lower waffle plate.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one protruding element, 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 lower heating element when the lower waffle plate is received in the lower receiving location.

[0048] 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 lower waffle plate.

[0049] 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 lower waffle plate.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the straight blocking parts belonging to the first and second central projecting elements extend substantially parallel to each other.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the straight blocking parts belonging to the first and second central projecting elements extend substantially parallel to the sagittal plane of the lower waffle plate.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one protruding element, 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 lower heating element, when the lower waffle plate is received in the lower receiving location.

[0053] 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 lower heating element, when the lower waffle plate is received in the lower receiving location.

[0054] The present invention further relates to a grilling appliance comprising at least two cooking plates, also called meat grill plates, and at least one lower waffle plate according to the present invention.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the grilling appliance includes an upper waffle plate.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the grilling appliance comprises:

[0057] - a lower heating structure comprising a receiving location lower compartment configured to alternately receive 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 the plate by infrared radiation to the lower waffle iron or the cooking plate which is received in the lower receiving location,

[0058] - an upper heating structure comprising a receiving location upper configured to alternately receive 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 upper waffle plate or the cooking plate that is received in the upper receiving location, and

[0059] - a pivot joint connecting the upper heating structure to the heating structure lower and configured to permit pivoting of the upper heating structure relative to the lower heating structure around a pivot axis and between 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 minimum gap and, for example, are in contact with each other, and a maximum open 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.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the lower and upper heating elements extends substantially along a respective extension plane.

[0061] 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.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the grilling appliance includes a collection tray configured to collect excess batter from the lower waffle plate.

[0063] 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

[0064] 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.

[0065] [Fig-1] is a front perspective view of a grilling appliance according to the present invention;

[0066] [Fig.2] is a truncated perspective view of the grilling appliance of [Fig.1];

[0067] [Fig.3] is a top perspective view of a lower waffle plate belonging to the grilling appliance of [Fig.1];

[0068] [Fig.4] is a perspective view from below the lower waffle plate of the [Fig.3];

[0069] [Fig.5] is a perspective view from below of the lower waffle plate and a lower heating element belonging to the grilling appliance of [Fig.1];

[0070] [Fig.6] is a bottom view of the lower waffle plate and lower heating element;

[0071] [Fig.7] is a perspective view from below of an upper waffle plate belonging to the grilling appliance of [Fig.1];

[0072] [Fig.8] is a top perspective view of the upper waffle plate of [Fig.7];

[0073] [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];

[0074] [Fig. 10] is a top view of the upper waffle plate and upper heating element;

[0075] [Fig. 11] is a partial cross-sectional view of the grilling appliance of [Fig.1];

[0076] [Fig. 12] is a partial perspective view of the grilling appliance of [Fig.1];

[0077] [Fig.13] is an enlarged scale view of a detail of [Fig.12];

[0078] [Fig. 14] is a top view of an upper cooking plate belonging to the grilling appliance of [Fig.1];

[0079] [Fig. 15] is a bottom view of a lower cooking plate belonging to the grilling appliance of [Fig.1]. Detailed description

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] Figures 1 to 15 represent a grilling appliance 2, also called a meat grill cooking appliance, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0083] The grilling appliance 2 comprises two cooking plates 3, and for example a lower cooking plate 3.1 and an upper cooking plate 3.2, equipped each with a cooking surface configured to allow grilling, such as pieces of meat or fish.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] The upper heating structure 11 also includes an upper heating element 14 which is associated with the upper receiving position 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 position 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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 the upper heating structure 11 to pivot 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 separation 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 separation.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] As shown in Figures 3 to 10, each waffle plate 4 has a generally 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 to the respective first plate face 4.1.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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 the plate 4.2 and defining at least in part the two lateral cooking zones 22.

[0098] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the lower heating element 9 comprises:

[0099] - 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,

[0100] - 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

[0101] - 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] Similarly, the upper heating element 14 comprises:

[0104] - 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 location,

[0105] - 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

[0106] - 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] Each waffle plate 4 further comprises projecting elements 25 projecting from the respective first plate face 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.

[0110] The protruding elements 25 belonging to each waffle plate 4 include, in particular, a first central protruding element 251 and a second central protruding element 252, which are arranged laterally on either side of the respective central cooking zone 21. The first and second central protruding elements 251, 252 provided on each waffle plate 4 are more particularly configured to be located on either side of the central portion 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 portion 9.1, 14.1 in the direction of the side cooking zones 22 of said waffle plate 4, when the latter is received in its respective receiving location.

[0111] Advantageously, the first and second central 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.

[0112] Such a configuration of each waffle plate 4, and in particular the presence of the first and second central 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 more homogeneous distribution of heat between the central cooking zone 21 and the two lateral cooking zones 22 of the same waffle plate 4. This results in more homogeneous cooking and browning of the three waffles prepared from the two waffle plates 4.

[0113] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second central projecting 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.

[0114] Advantageously, each of the first and second central projecting 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 central projecting elements 251, 252 belonging to the same waffle plate 4 extend substantially parallel to each other.

[0115] Each of the first and second central projecting 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.

[0116] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the protruding elements 25 belonging to each waffle plate 4 further comprise:

[0117] - 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

[0118] - 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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 which extends substantially parallel to the rear edge of the respective waffle plate 4 and which is 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. .

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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 part 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 excess batter discharge zones 27 located respectively in front parts of the two respective lateral cooking zones 22.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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 The lower waffle plate 41, in combination with the excess batter drainage zone(s) 27, prevents any risk of excess batter overflowing into the rear of the grill 2. Indeed, the presence of the rear protruding element 253 and the additional rear protruding element 254 influences the distribution of heat transmitted by the heating elements to the waffle plates and therefore the cooking dynamics of the waffle batter. In particular, it ensures faster cooking of the waffle batter in the rear of both waffle plates than in their front. This results in faster solidification of the waffle batter, due to the vaporization of its water content, in the rear of the grill 2, which blocks any passages that could allow excess batter, still liquid, to flow to the rear of the grill 2.As a result, any excess batter that is still liquid overflows at the front of the lower waffle plate 41, at the level of the excess batter drainage area(s) 27 and towards the collection tray 18, which prevents excess batter from overflowing into hard-to-reach areas and therefore greatly simplifies the cleaning of the grilling appliance 2.

[0127] 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. Lower waffle plate (41) for a grilling appliance (2) equipped with a lower heating element (9) configured to heat the lower waffle plate (41) by infrared radiation when the lower waffle plate (41) is received in a lower receiving location (8) provided on the grilling appliance (2), said lower waffle plate (41) comprising: - a first plate face (4.1) configured to be oriented towards the lower heating element (9), and a second plate face (4.2) which is opposite the first plate face (4.1), - at least one excess batter discharge zone (27) disposed in a front part of the lower waffle plate (41), characterized in that the lower waffle plate (41) comprises at least one projecting element (25) projecting from the first plate face (4.1), at least one protruding element (25) comprising a rear protruding element (253) extending into a rear portion of the lower waffle plate (41), the rear protruding element (253) being configured to block at least part of an infrared radiation emitted, by a rear portion (9.3) of the lower heating element (9), towards a front edge of the lower waffle plate (41), when the lower waffle plate (41) is received in the lower receiving location (8).

2. Lower waffle plate (41) according to claim 1, wherein at least one protruding element (25) comprises an additional rear protruding element (254) extending into the rear portion of the lower waffle plate (41), 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 lower heating element (9), towards a rear edge of the lower waffle plate (41), when the lower waffle plate (41) is received in the lower receiving location (8).

3. Lower waffle plate (41) according to claim 2, wherein the rear projecting element (253) and the additional rear projecting element (254) are configured to extend longitudinally on either side of the rear portion (9.3) of the lower heating element (9), when the waffle plate lower (41) is received in the lower receiving location (8).

4. Lower waffle plate (41) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the rear protruding element and the additional rear protruding element delimit a receiving housing (26) which is elongated and which is configured to house at least part of the rear portion (9.3) of the lower heating element (9), when the lower waffle plate (41) is received in the lower receiving location (8).

5. Lower waffle plate (41) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one excess batter discharge zone (27) is configured to permit gravity flow of excess waffle batter from the lower waffle plate (41) into a collection tray (18) fitted to the grilling appliance (2), when the lower waffle plate (41) is received in the lower receiving location (8).

6. Lower waffle plate (41) according to claim 5, which includes a peripheral wall (28) projecting from the second plate face (4.2), and at least one excess batter evacuation zone (27) having at least one evacuation opening (29) provided in a front part of the peripheral wall (28).

7. Lower waffle plate (41) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which includes a central cooking zone (21) configured to allow the cooking of a central waffle, and two side cooking zones (22) configured to allow the cooking of two side waffles, the side cooking zones (22) being arranged laterally on either side of the central cooking zone (21).

8. Lower waffle plate (41) according to claim 7, wherein at least one protruding element (25) comprises a first central protruding element (251) and a second central protruding element (252) which are arranged laterally on either side of the central cooking zone (21), the first and second central protruding elements (251, 252) being configured to be located on either side of a central portion (9.1) of the lower heating element (9) and to block at least part of the infrared radiation emitted by said central portion (9.1) towards the cooking zones lateral (22), when the lower waffle plate (41) is received in the lower receiving location (8).

9. Lower waffle plate (41) according to claim 8, wherein the first and second central 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 lower heating element (9), when the lower waffle plate (41) is received in the lower receiving location (8).

10. Lower waffle plate (41) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first and second central projecting elements (251, 252) are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to a sagittal plane of the lower waffle plate (41).

11. Lower waffle plate (41) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the first and second central projecting elements (251, 252) extend respectively at least partly along and near two lateral edges of the central cooking area (21).

12. Lower waffle plate (41) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least one projecting element (25) is a locking rib.

13. Lower waffle plate (41) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least one protruding element (25) is configured to extend along a respective heating portion belonging to the lower heating element (9) and to be located at a spacing distance from said respective heating portion that is less than 5 mm, when the lower waffle plate (41) is received in the lower receiving location (8).

14. Lower waffle plate (41) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at least one projecting element (25) extends transversely to a general extension plane of the lower waffle plate (41).

15. Lower waffle plate (41) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein at least one protruding element (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 lower (9) when the lower waffle plate (41) is received in the lower receiving location (8).

16. Lower waffle plate (41) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein at least one protruding element (25) has at least one curved blocking portion which is configured to extend along a respective curved heating portion belonging to the lower heating element (9), when the lower waffle plate (41) is received in the lower receiving location (8).

17. Grilling appliance (2) comprising at least two cooking plates (3), and at least one lower waffle plate (41) according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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