Electric cooking appliance including a lid locking mechanism and a cooking vessel equipped with vessel handles

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric cooking appliance (1) comprising a housing (2), a cooking vessel (4), a lid (9) configured to occupy an open position and a closed position, a heating element (130) configured to heat the cooking vessel (4), and a control unit (CU) configured to control the operation of the electric cooking appliance (1) according to at least one pressure cooking mode. The electric cooking appliance (1) further comprises a locking member (14) movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a sealing device (19) for the pressure cooking mode. The locking member (14) defines a handle opening configured to allow passage of at least one handle equipping the electric cooking appliance (1) when the lid (9) is in the closed position and the locking member (14) is in the locked position. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Electric cooking appliance comprising a lid locking mechanism and a cooking vessel equipped with vessel handles technical field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a food preparation device for cooking food according to at least one pressure cooking method, such as an electric pressure cooker. State of the art

[0002] It is known in the prior art to use an electric cooking appliance comprising: - a housing including a receiving compartment, - a cooking vessel configured to be placed in the receiving compartment and to receive food to be cooked, - a lid configured to occupy an open position in which the lid allows access to the cooking vessel, and a closed position in which the lid prevents access to the cooking vessel, - a heating element configured to heat the cooking vessel, - a control unit configured to control the operation of the electric cooking appliance according to at least one pressure cooking mode, - a locking device, such as a locking ring for example, movable at least between a locked position in which the locking device locks the lid in the closed position and allows a seal to be achieved between the cooking vessel and the lid, and an unlocked position in which the lid can be moved between the open and closed positions, and - a sealing device configured to cooperate hermetically with an upper peripheral portion of the cooking vessel when the lid is in the closed position and the locking mechanism is in the locked position, so as to seal a cooking chamber delimited at least in part by the cooking vessel.

[0003] This type of electric cooking appliance is efficient because it allows a user to cook food in the cooking chamber using several different cooking methods, including a pressure cooking method in which the control unit activates the heating element and in which the cooking chamber delimits a sealed, enclosed space in which the pressure will increase during cooking.

[0004] In order to facilitate the handling of the cooking vessel, in particular in order to extract it from the casing, to transfer its contents into a dish or similar, or to transport it for serving at the table for example, it is known in the prior art to equip the cooking vessel of such an electric cooking appliance with one or more vessel handles.

[0005] However, such a cooking vessel configuration requires that the vessel handle(s) extend below the locking mechanism to ensure the free operation of the locking mechanism. Thus, such electric cooking appliances, combining vessel handles of the aforementioned type with a locking mechanism, are taller than electric cooking appliances lacking these two features. The vertical compactness of such an electric cooking appliance is crucial because it is common to equip the lid of such an appliance with a hot air cooking system (to allow the electric cooking appliance to operate in both pressure cooking and hot air cooking modes), which further increases the overall height of the electric cooking appliance.

[0006] Another alternative known in the prior art is to equip the housing, and more particularly a counter-tub fitted to it, with one or more notches opening into an upper peripheral edge of the counter-tub, each notch intended for the passage of a respective tub handle when the cooking tub is placed in the housing. However, this configuration requires a specific and complex manufacturing of the housing, and more particularly of the counter-tub, to allow the tub handles to pass to the outside of the electric cooking appliance. Usually, the counter-tubs used in such appliances are manufactured by stamping, and an additional machining step is required to create the aforementioned notches. Summary of the invention

[0007] The technical problem at the basis of the invention therefore consists in providing an alternative to the electric cooking appliances known in the prior art, and in particular an electric cooking appliance which is of simple, ergonomic and economical structure, whose manufacture of the casing and in particular of its counter-tub is facilitated, while presenting a compactness in height in particular when the electric cooking appliance offers a hot air cooking mode.

[0008] To this end, the present invention relates to an electric cooking appliance comprising: - a housing including a receiving compartment, - a cooking vessel configured to be placed in the receiving compartment and to hold food to be cooked, - a lid configured to occupy an open position in which the lid allows access to the cooking vessel, and a closed position in which the lid prevents access to the cooking vessel, - a heating element configured to heat the cooking vessel, - a control unit configured to control the operation of the electric cooking appliance according to at least one pressure cooking mode, - a movable locking mechanism at least between a locked position in which the locking mechanism locks the cover in the closed position, and an unlocked position in which the cover is movable between the open and closed positions, - a sealing device for implementing the pressure cooking mode, said sealing device being configured to cooperate hermetically with an upper peripheral portion of the cooking vessel when the lid is in the closed position and the locking mechanism is in the locked position, so as to seal a cooking chamber delimited at least in part by the cooking vessel,

[0009] the locking member delimiting at least in part at least one handle passage configured to allow passage, from the inside to the outside, of at least one handle equipping the electric cooking appliance and coming from an internal space delimited at least in part by the locking member, when the lid is in the closed position and the locking member is moved between the locked position and the unlocked position.

[0010] In other words, the at least one handle passage is configured to allow movement of the locking member between the locked position and the unlocked position when the at least one handle extends through the at least one handle passage.

[0011] The presence of at least one handle opening on the locking mechanism allows the passage of at least one handle fitted to the electric cooking appliance, below the locking mechanism when the lid is in the closed position, and allows movement of the locking mechanism in the locked position, so as to effectively lock the lid in the position of closure, this while reducing the overall height of the electric cooking appliance compared to known alternatives of the prior art.

[0012] In addition, a second advantage resulting from the implementation of the invention is to simplify the overall manufacturing process of the electric cooking appliance by transferring the machining step at least in part to the locking member.

[0013] The electric cooking appliance may also have one or more of the following characteristics, which may be taken alone or in combination.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover is movable by pivoting around a pivot axis which is substantially horizontal when the housing rests on a horizontal surface.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking vessel comprises at least one handle configured to be accessible from outside the electric cooking appliance and / or the electric cooking appliance comprises an inner lid comprising at least one handle, the at least one handle equipping the electric cooking appliance being the at least one handle and / or the at least one handle. The presence of such a handle allows food to be cooked in the cooking vessel, and then the cooking vessel to be handled by means of the handle in such a way that a user can easily remove the cooking vessel from its housing and transport it to serve food directly from the cooking vessel, once the cooking phase in the appliance is complete.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one handle passage is at least partly formed by a radial gap between the housing and the locking member.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the inner cover is removable.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing device is carried by the inner cover, the inner cover assembly and sealing device being configured to occupy a closed position in which said assembly rests on the cooking vessel and delimits the cooking chamber with the cooking vessel, and a retracted position in which said assembly is separated from the housing and allows access to the cooking vessel when the cover is in the open position.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one handle passage is configured to allow movement of the locking member between the locking position and the unlocking position when the cooking vessel is positioned in the receiving housing and / or when the inner lid is in the closing position and the lid occupies the closed position.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the inner lid is configured to be interposed between the lid and the cooking vessel when the lid is in the closed position and the inner lid is in the sealed position. The presence of the inner lid allows food to be cooked in the cooking vessel at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure when the inner lid is in the closed position and the control unit commands the electric cooking appliance to operate according to the pressure cooking mode.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one lid handle is configured to be accessible from outside the electric cooking appliance when the inner lid is in the closed position.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the inner lid comprises exactly two lid handles which are symmetrical with respect to a point of symmetry. Advantageously, said point of symmetry coincides with a central axis of the inner lid.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one lid handle comprises a lid gripping area and a lid handle support configured to connect the lid gripping area to a central part of the inner lid, the lid handle support being offset from the lid gripping area.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid handle support defines a clearance configured to allow passage of the locking mechanism. Such a configuration of the invention makes it possible to limit the width of at least one handle passage.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking tank comprises a tank body and at least one tank handle is integral with the tank body.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one tank handle comprises a gripping area and a handle support configured to connect the gripping area to the tank body of the cooking tank, the handle support being offset from the gripping area.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the handle support defines a clearance configured to allow passage of the locking member.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking vessel comprises exactly two handles that are symmetrical with respect to a point of symmetry. Advantageously, said point of symmetry coincides with a central axis of the cooking vessel, for example.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the housing includes a counter-tub delimiting the receiving housing.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member is configured to lock the cover onto the housing when the locking member is in the closed position.

[0031] According to another embodiment of the invention, the locking member is configured to lock the cover onto the counter tank when the locking member is in the closed position.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one handle passage is at least partly formed by a passage notch provided on the locking member, and for example on a peripheral wall of the locking member, the at least one handle equipping the electric cooking appliance being configured to protrude radially through the at least one passage notch.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member is mounted to rotate movably relative to the cover around a locking axis and between the unlocking position and the locking position.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member is substantially annular and is centered on the locking axis.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral wall is substantially cylindrical and extends around the locking axis.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member is pivotally fixed to the cover around the pivot axis.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member comprises a plurality of retaining members configured to cooperate with a plurality of retaining elements provided on the housing, and for example on the inner tank, when the locking member is in the locked position and the lid is in the closed position, so as to lock the lid in the closed position. Advantageously, such a configuration of the invention makes it possible to maintain the lid in the closed position when the locking member is in the locked position and to prevent unintentional movement of the lid to the open position.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one handle passage is laterally delimited by two retaining members belonging to the plurality of retaining members and configured to be located immediately on either side of at least one handle equipping the electric cooking appliance when the lid is in the closed position.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two retaining members delimiting at least one handle passage are located at a distance from at least one handle equipping the electric cooking appliance when the locking member moves between the locking position and the unlocking position.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two retaining members, configured to be located immediately on either side of at least one handle, exhibit an angular spacing greater than the angular spacing between all other pairs of adjacent retaining elements.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one handle passage is defined at least in part by two retaining elements belonging to the plurality of retaining elements and configured to be located immediately on either side of the at least one tank handle when the cooking tank is disposed in the receiving housing, and / or of the at least one lid handle when the inner lid occupies the closing position.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two retaining elements configured to be located immediately on either side of at least one tank handle and / or at least one lid handle, have an angular spacing greater than the angular spacing between all other pairs of adjacent retaining elements.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining members and retaining elements are angularly offset with respect to the locking axis so as to allow movement of the cover from the closed position to the open position when the locking member is in the unlocked position, and such that, when the locking member is in the locked position, the retaining members and retaining elements are respectively opposite each other so as to prevent movement of the cover from the closed position to the open position.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, each retaining element is provided on the counter tank.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, each retaining element is configured to protrude radially from the locking axis and outwards from the electric cooking appliance.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, each retaining member is configured to protrude radially with respect to the locking axis and in the direction of the interior of the electric cooking appliance.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking axis is substantially coaxial with a central axis of the cover.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rotation axis of the fan is substantially coaxial with the locking axis of the locking member.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing device is configured to extend substantially at the level of an access opening of the cooking vessel which is delimited by an upper peripheral edge when the lid is in the closed position.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing device is configured to extend between the lid and the upper peripheral edge of the cooking vessel when the lid is in the closed position.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing device is mounted, for example in a removable manner, on an underside of the cover.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing device is mounted, for example in a removable manner, on an underside of the inner cover.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing device is configured to extend between the cooking vessel and the inner lid when the inner lid is in the closed position.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the access opening delimited by the upper peripheral edge of the cooking vessel is configured to allow the introduction of food into the cooking vessel when the lid is in the open position.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to control the operation of the electric cooking appliance according to at least one pressure cooking mode and one hot air cooking mode.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to allow the operation of the electric cooking appliance in hot air cooking mode when the locking member is in the unlocked position.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance comprises a hot air cooking system configured to generate a flow of hot air over food received in the cooking chamber, the hot air cooking system comprising a fan mechanically connected to the lid and configured to generate a flow of air over food received in the cooking chamber, a drive unit configured to drive the fan in rotation around an axis of rotation, and a heating device mechanically connected to the lid and configured to heat the airflow generated by the fan.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the heating element is disposed in the housing, and is for example configured to extend to the level of a lower part of the cooking tank.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to activate the heating element when the electric cooking appliance is in pressure cooking mode.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing device is configured such that, when the electric cooking appliance is in pressure cooking mode, the contact surface, which is defined by the junction between the device The sealing pressure between the cooking chamber and the cooking vessel increases as the pressure inside the cooking chamber increases. This configuration of the electric cooking appliance ensures a seal at the sealing device when using the appliance in both hot air cooking mode and pressure cooking mode.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member is configured to ensure compression of the sealing device when the lid is in the closed position and the locking member is in the locked position. Such a configuration of the electric cooking appliance improves the effectiveness of the sealing device, and thus limits the risk of fluid leakage at the sealing device.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one tank handle has a handle width and at least one handle passage has a passage width that is strictly greater than the handle width. Such a configuration of the invention allows the locking member to move between the locked position and the closed position by pivoting the locking member around the locking axis.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance includes a user interface configured to allow a user to select at least one cooking program.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking axis is substantially vertical when the housing rests on a horizontal surface.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooking vat has two vat handles which are substantially diametrically opposed with respect to a central axis of the cooking vat. Brief description of the figures

[0066] The present invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the accompanying figures, in which identical reference signs correspond to structurally and / or functionally identical or similar elements.

[0067] [Fig-1] is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electric cooking appliance according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0068] [Fig.2] is a partial view from below of the electric cooking appliance of the [Fig.1] showing a locking device, belonging to the electric cooking appliance, occupying a locked position;

[0069] [Fig.3] is a partial side perspective view of the electric cooking appliance of [Fig.2], showing the locking mechanism in the locked position;

[0070] [Fig.4] is a partial view from below of the electric cooking appliance of the [Fig.l] showing the locking mechanism in an unlocked position;

[0071] [Fig.5] is a partial side perspective view of the electric cooking appliance of [Fig.4], showing the locking mechanism in the unlocked position;

[0072] [Fig.6] is a partial side perspective view of a cooking appliance electric according to a second embodiment of the invention, comprising a locking member in a locking position and an inner cover in a closing position, in which the cover is not shown;

[0073] [Fig.7] is a side perspective view of the electric cooking appliance of the [Fig.6];

[0074] [Fig.8] is a side perspective view of the electric cooking appliance of the [Fig.6], in which the locking mechanism is in an unlocked position and in which the cooking vessel is not shown;

[0075] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of the underside of the electric cooking appliance of the [Fig.8];

[0076] [Fig. 10] is a partial view from below of the electric cooking appliance of [Fig. 6], in which the cooking chamber and the counter-chamber are not shown. Detailed description

[0077] In this document, the terms "upper" and "lower" are defined with respect to normal use of the electric cooking appliance during which the housing rests on a horizontal surface.

[0078] Unless otherwise stipulated, the term "substantially" means, in this document, "exactly or to within 10% or to within 10°".

[0079] Figures 1 to 5 represent all or part of an electric cooking appliance 1, such as an electric pressure cooker or an electric multi-cooker, according to a first embodiment of the invention. The electric cooking appliance 1 is configured for cooking food, such as meat, fish, vegetables, or other foods, and includes a control unit UC configured to control the operation of the electric cooking appliance 1 according to at least one hot air cooking mode and one pressure cooking mode, the operation of which will be detailed below.

[0080] The electric cooking appliance 1 comprises a housing 2 including a receiving compartment 3, and a cooking chamber 4 configured to be removably placed in the receiving compartment 3 and to hold food to be cooked. The housing 2 further comprises a counter-chamber 5 which delimits the receiving compartment 3.

[0081] The cooking vessel 4 has an access opening 6 delimited by an upper peripheral edge 7 of the cooking vessel 4, through which food can be introduced into the cooking vessel 4. The cooking vessel 4 has In addition, at least one handle 8 of the cooking vessel is configured to be accessible from outside the housing 2. According to the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 5, the cooking vessel 4 has two handles 8 which are substantially diametrically opposite with respect to a central axis of the cooking vessel, and which are located near the upper peripheral edge 7 of the cooking vessel 4 (see Figures 2 and 4). More particularly, the cooking vessel 4 has a body of the vessel and each handle 8 of the cooking vessel is integral with the body of the vessel.

[0082] The electric cooking appliance 1 includes a lid 9, movable and pivotally mounted about a pivot axis that is substantially horizontal when the housing 2 rests on a horizontal surface. The lid 9 is configured to occupy an open position in which the lid 9 allows access to the cooking chamber 4, and a closed position (see Figures 1 to 4) in which the lid 9 prevents access to the cooking chamber 4 and, together with the cooking chamber 4, delimits a cooking chamber.

[0083] The electric cooking appliance 1 further includes a hot air cooking system 10 disposed at least partly in the lid 9 and configured to generate a flow of hot air over food received in the cooking chamber 4 when the electric cooking appliance 1 is in hot air cooking mode.

[0084] The hot air cooking system 10 includes a fan 11 mechanically connected to the lid 9 and configured to generate an airflow over food received in the cooking vessel 4, a drive unit 12 configured to rotate the fan 11 around an axis of rotation A1, and a heating device 13, comprising a heating electric element, mechanically connected to the lid 9 and configured to heat the airflow generated by the fan 11. Advantageously, the fan 11 and the heating device 13 are respectively configured to extend at least partially in relation to the cooking vessel 4, and more particularly in relation to the access opening 6, when the lid 9 is in the closed position.

[0085] The electric cooking appliance 1 further includes a heating element 130 configured to heat the cooking tank 4. Advantageously, the heating element 130 is located in the housing 2, and is, for example, configured to extend to the lower part of the cooking tank 4. The control unit UC is in particular configured to activate the heating element 130 when the electric cooking appliance 1 is in pressure cooking mode.

[0086] The electric cooking appliance 1 also includes a locking member 14, such as a locking ring for example, which is movable between a locked position in which the locking member 14 locks the lid 9 onto the housing 2 or onto the inner cooking chamber 5 and the closed position (see Figures 2 and 3), and an unlocked position in which the locking member 14 releases the cover 9 and allows movement of the cover 9 between the open and closed positions (see Figures 4 and 5). More specifically, the locking member 14 is mounted to rotate freely between the unlocked and locked positions relative to the cover 9 about a locking axis A2 that is substantially vertical when the housing 2 rests on a horizontal surface. Furthermore, the locking member 14 is pivotally fixed to the cover 9 about the pivot axis. Advantageously, the locking axis A2 is substantially coaxial with a central axis of the cover 9 and with the rotation axis A1 of the fan 11 of the cover 9.

[0087] As shown more specifically in Figures 2 to 5, the locking member 14 is substantially annular and is centered on the locking axis A2. The locking member 14 includes in particular a peripheral wall 15 which is substantially cylindrical and which extends around the locking axis A2.

[0088] The locking member 14 delimits at least partially at least one handle passage 16 configured to allow passage of a respective pot handle 8 belonging to the cooking pot 4 when the cooking pot 4 is positioned in the receiving housing 3, the lid 9 is in the closed position, and the locking member 14 is in the unlocked position. Furthermore, at least one handle passage 16 is configured to allow movement of the locking member 14 between the locked and unlocked positions when the cooking pot 4 is positioned in the receiving housing 3 and the lid 9 is in the closed position. Advantageously, the locking member 14 delimits at least partially two handle passages 16 that are diametrically opposed with respect to the locking axis A2 and that are each configured to allow passage of a respective pot handle 8.

[0089] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the handle passage 16 is formed by a passage notch 16.1 provided on the locking member 14, and more particularly on the peripheral wall 15 of the locking member 14. The passage notch 16.1 is configured to allow the respective pot handle 8 to protrude radially through said passage notch 16.1. The pot handle 8 is more particularly configured to protrude radially beyond the housing 2 and the locking member 14 and to be located outside the electric cooking appliance 1 when the cooking pot 4 is received in the receiving housing 3.

[0090] Such a configuration of the electric cooking appliance 1 allows food to be cooked in the cooking chamber 4, and then the cooking chamber 4 to be manipulated by means of the chamber handle(s) 8 so that a user can perform Serving directly from the cooking vessel 4 is possible once the cooking phase in the electric cooking appliance 1 is complete. Furthermore, the handle openings 16 on the locking mechanism 14 allow the vessel handles 8 to pass through when the lid 9 is in the closed position and the locking mechanism 14 is in the locked position.

[0091] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the handle or handles of the cooking vessel 8 comprise a gripping area 8.1 and a handle support 8.2 configured to connect the gripping area 8.1 to the body of the cooking vessel, the handle support 8.2 being offset relative to the gripping area 8.1. Furthermore, the handle passage 16 has a passage width that is strictly greater than the sum of the width of the respective handle support 8.2 and the angular displacement of the locking member 14 between the locked and unlocked positions. Such a configuration of the invention allows the locking member 14 to move between the locked and closed positions by pivoting the locking member 14 around the locking axis A2, without risk of interference with the handle(s) of the cooking vessel 8.

[0092] The electric cooking appliance 1 further comprises a plurality of retaining elements 18.1 provided on the housing 2, and more particularly provided on the inner chamber 5, and a plurality of retaining members 18.2 provided on the locking member 14. The plurality of retaining elements 18.1 and the plurality of retaining members 18.2 are configured such that, when the locking member 14 is in the unlocked position, the retaining members 18.2 and the retaining elements 18.1 are angularly offset with respect to the locking axis A2 so as to allow movement of the lid 9 from the closed position to the open position, and such that, when the locking member 14 is in the locked position, the retaining members 18.2 and the retaining elements 18.1 are respectively opposite each other in such a way as to prevent the cover 9 from moving from the closed position to the open position.

[0093] The retaining elements 18.1 and the retaining members 18.2 are distributed in a non-constant manner respectively around a central axis of the counter tank 5 and a central axis of the locking member 14.

[0094] In particular, and as shown more specifically in Figures 2 to 4, each handle opening 16 is laterally delimited by two retaining members 18.2 configured to be located immediately on either side of the respective tank handle 8 when the lid 9 is in the closed position. The two retaining members 18.2 located immediately on either side of the respective handle opening 16 have, more specifically, an angular spacing greater than the angular spacing between all other pairs of retaining members 18.2. Furthermore, the two retaining members 18.2 delimiting each handle passage 16 are located at a distance from each tank handle 8 when the locking member 14 moves between the locking position and the unlocking position.

[0095] According to the first embodiment of the invention, each retaining element 18.1 is configured to protrude radially from the locking axis A2 and outwards from the electric cooking appliance 1, while each retaining member 18.2 is configured to protrude radially from the locking axis A2 and inwards from the electric cooking appliance 1 (see Figures 2 to 5).

[0096] The electric cooking appliance 1, in an electric cooking appliance 1 configuration without an inner cover, further includes a sealing device 19 (visible in [Fig.1]) configured to ensure the necessary sealing for pressure cooking mode in the closed position of the electric cooking appliance 1.

[0097] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the sealing device 19 is annular and is configured to extend substantially at the level of the access opening 6 and to cooperate with an upper peripheral portion of the cooking vessel 4 when the lid 9 is in the closed position. More specifically, the sealing device 19 can be removably mounted on an underside of the lid 9.

[0098] Figures 6 to 10 represent an electric cooking appliance 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the handle passage 16 is delimited essentially by a radial gap 16.2 between the housing 2 and the locking member 14, and more particularly between the inner pot 5 and the peripheral wall 15 of the locking member 14. Such a feature of the electric cooking appliance 1 requires a path of the pot handles 8 through the handle passages 16 which is no longer simply radial, each pot handle 8 having to go around the lower end of the peripheral wall 15 before extending radially outwards from the electric cooking appliance 1.

[0099] According to the second embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance 1 comprises an inner cover 20, the sealing device 19 being carried by this inner cover 20. The assembly comprising the inner cover 20 and the sealing device 19 is removable between a closed position in which said assembly rests on the cooking chamber 4 and, together with the cooking chamber 4, defines the cooking chamber, and a retracted position in which said assembly is separated from the housing 2 and allows access to the cooking chamber 4 when the cover 9 is in the open position. The assembly comprising the inner cover 20 and the Sealing device 19 is used in pressure cooking mode to ensure the sealing of the cooking chamber.

[0100] Thus, the assembly comprising the inner cover 20 and the sealing device 19 is configured to be interposed between the cover 9 and the cooking vessel 4 when the cover 9 is in the closed position and the assembly is in the sealed position. In the second embodiment of the invention, the sealing device 19 can also be removably mounted on an underside of the inner cover 20. The presence of the assembly comprising the inner cover 20 and the sealing device 19 makes it possible to cook food in the cooking vessel 4 at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure when the assembly is in the sealed position, the locking member 14 is in the locked position, and the control unit UC controls the operation of the electric cooking appliance 1 according to the pressure cooking mode.

[0101] Advantageously, the cooperation between the plurality of retaining members 18.2 and the plurality of retaining elements 18.1 allows, when the cover 9 is in the closed position and the locking member 14 is in the locked position, for compression of the sealing device 19 between the inner cover 20 and the upper peripheral portion of the cooking vessel 4. Such a configuration of the electric cooking appliance 1 improves the efficiency of the sealing device 19, and thus limits the risks of fluid leakage at the sealing device 19 when the electric cooking appliance 1 is in pressure cooking mode.

[0102] Advantageously, the inner lid 20 comprises at least one lid handle 21 configured to be accessible from outside the electric cooking appliance 1 when the assembly comprising the inner lid 20 and the sealing device 19 is in the closed position, the handle opening 16 being configured to allow passage, from the inside to the outside, of at least one lid handle 21 when the assembly comprising the inner lid 20 and the sealing device 19 is in the closed position. Furthermore, the lid handle 21 is configured to be located opposite a respective pot handle 8.

[0103] The at least one lid handle 21 comprises a lid gripping area 21.1 and a lid handle support 21.2 configured to connect the lid gripping area 21.1 to a central portion of the inner lid 20, the lid handle support 21.2 being offset from the lid gripping area 21.1. Furthermore, the lid handle support 21.2 defines a clearance configured to allow passage of the locking member 14. A This configuration of the invention makes it possible to limit the width of at least one handle passage 16.

[0104] In such a configuration of the electric cooking appliance 1, the handle passage 16 is configured to permit passage of the respective lid handle 21 when the lid 9 is in the closed position and the locking member 14 is in the locked position.

[0105] According to the second embodiment of the invention, the inner cover 20 comprises exactly two cover handles 21 which are symmetrical with respect to a point of symmetry, said point of symmetry coinciding with a central axis of the inner cover 20 for example.

[0106] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which have been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the construction of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. Demands Electric cooking appliance (1) comprising: - a housing (2) comprising a receiving compartment (3), - a cooking vessel (4) configured to be placed in the receiving compartment (3) and to receive food to be cooked, - a lid (9) configured to occupy an open position in which the lid (9) allows access to the cooking vessel (4), and a closed position in which the lid (9) prevents access to the cooking vessel (4), - a heating element (130) configured to heat the cooking vessel (4), - a control unit (CU) configured to control the operation of the electric cooking appliance (1) according to at least one pressure cooking mode, - a locking member (14) movable at least between a locking position in which the locking member (14) locks the cover (9) in the closed position, and an unlocking position in which the cover (9) is movable between the open position and the closed position, - a sealing device (19) for implementing the pressure cooking mode, said sealing device being configured to cooperate hermetically with an upper peripheral portion of the cooking vessel (4) when the lid (9) is in the closed position and the locking member (14) is in the locked position, so as to seal a cooking chamber delimited at least in part by the cooking vessel, characterized in that the locking member (14) delimits at least partially at least one handle passage (16) configured to allow passage, from the inside to the outside, of at least one handle fitting the electric cooking appliance (1) and originating from an internal space delimited at least partially by the locking member (11), when the cover (9) is in the closed position and the locking member (14) is moved between the locked position and the unlocked position.

2. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cooking pot (4) has at least one pot handle (8) configured to be accessible from outside the electric cooking appliance (1) and / or the electric cooking appliance (1) has an inner lid (20) having at least one lid handle (21), the at least one handle equipping the electric cooking appliance (1) being the at least one pot handle (8) and / or the at least one lid handle (21).

3. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 2, wherein the sealing device (19) is carried by the inner cover (20), the inner cover (20) and sealing device (19) assembly being configured to occupy a closed position in which said assembly rests on the cooking vessel (4) and delimits, with the cooking vessel (4), the cooking chamber, and a retracted position in which said assembly is dissociated from the housing (2).

4. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 3, wherein at least one lid handle (21) is configured to be accessible from outside the electric cooking appliance (1) when the inner lid (20) is in the closed position.

5. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein at least one lid handle (21) comprises a lid gripping area (21.1) and a lid handle support (21.2) configured to connect the lid gripping area (21.1) to a central part of the inner lid (20), the lid handle support (21.2) being offset from the lid gripping area (21.1).

6. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 5, wherein the lid handle support (21.1) defines a clearance configured to permit passage of the locking member (14).

7. An electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein at least one cooking pot handle (8) comprises a gripping area (8.1) and a handle support (8.2) configured to connect the gripping area (8.1) to a body of the cooking tank (4), the handle support (8.2) being offset from the gripping area (8.1).

8. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 7, wherein the handle support (8.2) defines a clearance configured to permit passage of the locking member (14).

9. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one handle passage (16) is at least partly formed by a passage notch (16.1) provided on the locking member (14), the at least one handle equipping the electric cooking appliance (1) being configured to protrude radially through the at least one passage notch (16.1).

10. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the locking member (14) is mounted to rotate movable relative to the cover (9) about a locking axis (A2) and between the unlocked position and the locked position.

11. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the locking member (14) comprises a plurality of retaining members (18.2) configured to cooperate with a plurality of retaining elements (18.1) provided on the housing (2) when the locking member (14) is in the locked position and the lid (9) is in the closed position, so as to lock the lid (9) in the closed position.

12. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 11, wherein the at least one handle passage (16) is laterally delimited by two retaining members (18.2) belonging to the plurality of retaining members (18.2) and configured to be located immediately on either side of the at least one handle equipping the electric cooking appliance (1) when the lid (9) is in the closed position.

13. An electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 12, wherein the two retaining members (18.2) delimiting at least one handle passage (16) are located at a distance from the at least one handle equipping the electric cooking appliance (1) when the member locking (14) evolves between the locked position and the unlocked position.

14. An electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, which comprises a hot air cooking system (10) configured to generate a flow of hot air over food received in the cooking chamber (4), the hot air cooking system (10) comprising a fan (11) mechanically connected to the lid (9) and configured to generate a flow of air over food received in the cooking chamber (4), a drive unit (12) configured to drive the fan (11) in rotation about an axis of rotation (A1), and a heating device (13) mechanically connected to the lid (9) and configured to heat the flow of air generated by the fan (11).

15. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking member (14) is configured to ensure compression of the sealing device (19) when the lid (9) is in the closed position and the locking member (14) is in the locked position.

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