Multifunctional electric cooking appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric cooking appliance (1) comprising a housing that comprises a cooking vessel which defines a cooking chamber, a cover (5) and a through-opening (6); a fan (7) configured to generate an airflow in the cooking chamber; a drive unit (9) having a drive motor (10) and a drive shaft (11) extending through the through-opening (6), the drive shaft (11) having a drive portion (13) that rotates with the fan (7); a heating device (8) attached to the cover (5) and configured to heat the airflow generated by the fan (7); a sealing device (14) configured to co-operate with a seat portion (15); a movement member (16) configured to move the drive portion (13) between a first position in which the sealing device (14) co-operates with the seat portion (15) and a second position in which the sealing device (14) is moved away from the seat portion (15).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Multifunction electric cooking appliance

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates generally to an electric cooking appliance for cooking food in a hot air cooking mode and in a pressure cooking mode, such as an electric pressure cooker.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Document WO2021 / 202444 discloses an electric cooking appliance configured to cook food in a hot air cooking mode and in a pressure cooking mode, the electric cooking appliance comprising:

[0007] - a housing comprising a cooking tank which delimits a cooking chamber, and a cover movable between an open position in which the cover allows access to the cooking chamber, and a closed position in which the cover prevents access to the cooking chamber, the cover comprising a passage orifice;

[0008] - a fan arranged in the lid and configured to generate an air flow in the cooking chamber;

[0009] - a drive unit configured to rotate the fan, the drive unit comprising a drive motor and a drive shaft rotatably coupled to the drive motor and rotatably coupled to the fan;

[0010] - a heating device configured to heat the airflow generated by the fan, the heating device being arranged opposite a lower face of the cover and being configured to be located opposite the cooking chamber when the cover occupies the closed position; and

[0011] - a sealing device, such as a gasket, fixed to the cover and arranged between the drive shaft and the passage orifice provided on the cover, the sealing device being elastically deformable between a first position in which the sealing device is located at a distance from the drive shaft and a second position in which the sealing device seals the passage orifice by cooperating with the drive shaft, the sealing device being configured to be deformed from the first position to the second position when the pressure inside the cooking chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

[0012] Such an electric cooking appliance makes it possible to cook food contained in the cooking chamber in a pressure cooking mode when the lid simultaneously occupies the closed position and the sealing device occupies the second position, and in a hot air cooking mode when the lid simultaneously occupies the closed position and the sealing device occupies the first position.

[0013] The major drawback of the electric cooking appliance described above arises from the specific configuration of the sealing device. Indeed, the sealing device deforms between a state in which it ensures the pressure resistance of the cooking chamber and a state in which it allows leakage between the passage orifice and the drive shaft. However, it is very difficult to guarantee adequate and identical elasticity of the sealing device after numerous cooking cycles and numerous alternations between hot air cooking modes and pressure cooking modes. However, a change in the elasticity of the sealing device can lead to pressure losses when using the electric cooking appliance in pressure cooking mode.Conversely, if the sealing device does not return perfectly to the rest position after pressure cooking, the sealing device is likely to generate friction at the drive shaft and thus prevent or impair the rotation of the drive motor when using the electric cooking appliance in hot air cooking mode, i.e. with the fan active.

[0014] Summary of the invention

[0015] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0016] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in providing an electric cooking appliance which is compact and of simple and reliable design, while allowing food to be cooked using different types of cooking, and in particular using a pressure cooking method and a hot air cooking method, and in being able to produce an increased number of recipes.

[0017] To this end, the present invention relates to an electric cooking appliance comprising: - a housing comprising a cooking tank which delimits a cooking chamber, and a cover movable between an open position in which the cover allows access to the cooking chamber, and a closed position in which the cover prevents access to the cooking chamber, the cover comprising a passage orifice;

[0018] - a fan mechanically connected to the lid and configured to generate an air flow in the cooking chamber;

[0019] - a drive unit configured to rotate the fan, the drive unit comprising a drive motor and a drive shaft rotatably coupled to the drive motor, the drive shaft extending along an extension axis and through the passage orifice, the drive shaft comprising a drive portion integral in rotation with the fan;

[0020] - a heating device attached to the lid and configured to be located opposite the cooking chamber when the lid occupies the closed position, the heating device being configured to heat the airflow generated by the fan; and

[0021] - a sealing device, such as a gasket for example, fixed to the cover or to the drive shaft and configured to cooperate in a sealing manner with a seat part which is respectively provided on the drive shaft or on the cover.

[0022] The electric cooking appliance further comprises a displacement member configured to move the drive portion between a first position in which the sealing device cooperates with the seat portion in order to seal the passage orifice (advantage fluidly isolates the chamber from the outside at the level of the passage orifice), and a second position in which the sealing device is moved away from the seat portion.

[0023] Thus, the sealing device makes it possible to ensure a seal between the inside and the outside of the cooking chamber at the junction between the passage orifice and the drive shaft when the drive portion occupies the first position, and to not generate friction and / or friction between the cover and the drive shaft when the drive portion occupies the second position.

[0024] The electric cooking appliance may further have one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination. According to one embodiment of the invention, the heating device is arranged opposite a lower face of the cover.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing device is interposed between the fan and the cover.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive portion is mounted to move in translation relative to the cover in a translation direction which is substantially parallel to the extension axis.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the translation direction of the drive portion extends substantially vertically when the cover occupies the closed position and the housing rests on a horizontal surface.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance comprises a control unit configured to control an operation of the electric cooking appliance according to at least a hot air cooking mode and a pressure cooking mode, the drive portion being configured to occupy the first position when the electric cooking appliance operates according to the pressure cooking mode and to occupy the second position when the electric cooking appliance operates according to the hot air cooking mode.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to control an activation of the drive motor only when the drive portion occupies the second position.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the displacement member is configured to interact with the drive shaft at the drive portion.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fan is integral in translation with the drive portion.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fan is movable along the extension axis, such that the fan is moved closer to the heating device when the drive portion occupies the first position, and such that the fan is moved away from the heating device when the drive portion occupies the second position. Advantageously, the fan is moved closer to the heating device during the hot air cooking mode, this makes it possible to efficiently obtain a flow of hot air from the rotation of the fan near the heating device. According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance further comprises a guide bearing provided on the cover and configured to guide the rotation of the drive shaft.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive motor is an asynchronous motor so as to reduce noise emissions when using the electric cooking appliance.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the seat portion and the sealing device are configured to cooperate by form fit.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the seat portion and the sealing device have a substantially circular shape.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing device has a contact end whose shape is similar to a collar. Advantageously, the specific shape of the sealing device makes it possible to increase the contact between the sealing device and the seat part as the pressure inside the cooking chamber increases. This makes it possible to ensure sealing at the passage orifice when using the electric cooking appliance in “pressure” mode.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing device is an O-ring. This particular type of seal has the advantage of being very widely used in industry and of being produced at low cost. Also, O-rings have interesting pressure and temperature resistance properties.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance further comprises a return device, such as a return spring for example, configured to urge the drive portion towards the second position.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive motor is coupled in translation with the drive portion.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive shaft comprises a first shaft rotatably coupled to the drive motor, a second shaft which is rotatably coupled to the fan and which comprises the drive portion, and a connecting device configured to make the first shaft and the second shaft rotationally integral.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting device is provided between a lower end portion of the first shaft and an upper end portion of the second shaft.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive motor is decoupled from the translation of the drive portion.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting device is configured to allow relative translation between the first shaft and the second shaft along the extension axis.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting device comprises an oblong orifice provided on one of the first and second shafts, and for example on a lower end portion of the first shaft, and extending substantially parallel to the extension axis, and a connecting piece is configured to extend at least partly through the oblong orifice, the connecting piece being configured to slide in the oblong orifice when the drive portion is moved between the first and second positions.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting piece is a connecting key or a connecting pin.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the displacement member is movable between an activation position and a release position, the electric cooking appliance being configured such that a movement of the displacement member from the activation position to the release position causes a movement of the drive portion from the first position to the second position and such that a movement of the displacement member from the release position to the activation position causes a movement of the drive portion from the second position to the first position.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the movement member is pivotally mounted on the cover around a pivot axis.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to the extension axis.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis is configured to be substantially horizontal when the electric cooking appliance rests on a horizontal surface.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the displacement member comprises a lifting part, such as a lifting fork, configured to cooperate with the drive shaft, and for example with the drive portion, and a displacement part located opposite the lifting part relative to the pivot axis.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive shaft comprises a support part, for example annular, against which a lifting part provided on the displacement member is capable of coming to bear.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance further comprises a locking member, such as a locking ring for example, movable at least between a locking position in which the locking member locks the cover in the closed position, and an unlocking position in which the cover is movable between the open position and the closed position.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member comprises an actuating portion configured to cooperate with the displacement member when the locking member is moved between the unlocking position and the locking position, the electric cooking appliance being configured such that a movement of the locking member from the unlocking position to the locking position causes a movement of the displacement member from the release position to the activation position, and such that a movement of the locking member from the locking position to the unlocking position causes a movement of the displacement member from the activation position to the release position.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating portion provided on the locking member is configured to cooperate with the displacement portion provided on the displacement member.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating portion comprises an actuating ramp configured to pivot the displacement member from the release position to the activation position and around the pivot axis when the locking member is moved from the unlocking position to the locking position.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member comprises a gripping portion which is configured to be manipulated by a user.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the movement member comprises a control means which is directly accessible by the user, such as for example a latch or a button.

[0058] Brief description of the figures

[0059] The present invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the appended figures, in which identical reference signs correspond to structurally and / or functionally identical or similar elements.

[0060] [Fig 1] is a sectional view of an electric cooking appliance according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0061] [Fig 2] is a truncated perspective view in section of the electric cooking appliance of Figure 1 in a pressure cooking mode;

[0062] [Fig 3] is a truncated perspective view in section of the electric cooking appliance of Figure 1 in a hot air cooking mode;

[0063] [Fig 4] is a side perspective view of the cover of the cooking appliance of Fig. 1;

[0064] [Fig 5] is a bottom view of the cover of the cooking appliance of Fig. 1;

[0065] [Fig 6] is a partial perspective view from below of the cover of the electric cooking appliance of Fig. 1;

[0066] [Fig 7] is a schematic view of an electric cooking appliance according to a second embodiment of the invention, the cooking appliance being shown respectively according to the hot air cooking mode and the pressure cooking mode;

[0067] [Fig 8] is a schematic view of an electric cooking appliance according to a third embodiment of the invention, the cooking appliance being shown respectively according to the hot air cooking mode and the pressure cooking mode;

[0068] [Fig 9] is a schematic view of an electric cooking appliance according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, the cooking appliance being shown respectively according to the hot air cooking mode and the pressure cooking mode.

[0069] Detailed description

[0070] Figures 1 to 6 show an electric cooking appliance 1, such as an electric pressure cooker or an electric multi-cooker with pressure, according to a first embodiment of the invention. The electric cooking appliance 1 is configured for cooking food, such as meat, fish, vegetables or others, in particular according to a pressure cooking mode and according to a hot air cooking mode.

[0071] The electric cooking appliance 1 comprises a housing 2 which comprises a cooking tank 3 which delimits a cooking chamber 4. The cooking tank 3 may for example comprise a bottom wall, a side wall which extends from the bottom wall, and an access opening through which food can be introduced into the cooking chamber 4, the access opening being advantageously delimited by an upper peripheral edge of the side wall.

[0072] The electric cooking appliance 1 further comprises a cover 5 which can be moved, for example pivotally mounted, between an open position in which the cover 5 allows access to the cooking chamber 4, and a closed position in which the cover 5 prevents access to the cooking chamber 4. The cover 5 is more particularly configured to be located opposite the access opening of the cooking tank 3 when the cover 5 occupies the closed position. The cover 5 comprises in particular a passage orifice 6 which opens into a lower face of the cover 5, and for example into a central portion of said lower face, and the function of which will be described below.

[0073] The electric cooking appliance 1 also comprises a fan 7 which is mechanically connected to the cover 5 and which is configured to generate an air flow in the cooking chamber 4, and a heating device 8 which is configured to heat the air flow generated by the fan 7.

[0074] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, the heating device 8 is fixed to the cover 5 and is arranged opposite the lower face of the cover 5. The heating device 8 is more particularly configured to be located opposite the cooking chamber 4 when the cover 5 occupies the closed position. The heating device 8 may for example comprise a resistive heating element.

[0075] The electric cooking appliance 1 comprises a drive unit 9 configured to rotate the fan 7 around an axis of rotation A1. The drive unit 9 comprises in particular a drive motor 10 and a drive shaft 11 coupled in rotation to the drive motor 10. Advantageously, the drive motor 10 is an asynchronous motor so as to reduce noise emissions during use of the electric cooking appliance 1. The drive shaft 11 extends along the extension axis A1, and through the passage orifice 6 provided on the cover 5. In order to guide the drive shaft 11 in rotation, the electric cooking appliance 1 is advantageously equipped with a guide bearing 12 provided on the cover 5 and interposed between the cover 5 and the drive shaft 11. The drive shaft 11 more particularly comprises a drive portion 13 integral in rotation with the fan 7.

[0076] The electric cooking appliance 1 also comprises a sealing device 14, such as a seal, which is fixed to the drive shaft 11 and is configured to cooperate in a sealing manner with a seat portion 15 which is provided on the cover 5, in order to seal the passage orifice 6. According to the first embodiment of the invention, the sealing device 14 is interposed between the fan 7 and the cover 5.

[0077] The seat portion 15 and the sealing device 14 are configured to cooperate by form fit and have a substantially annular shape. As can be seen more specifically in Figures 2 and 3, the sealing device 14 has a contact end whose shape is similar to a collar. Advantageously, the specific shape of the sealing device 14 makes it possible to increase the contact force between the sealing device 14 and the seat portion 15 as the pressure inside the cooking chamber 4 increases. This makes it possible to ensure optimal sealing at the passage orifice 6 when using the electric cooking appliance 1 in pressure cooking mode.

[0078] The drive portion 13 is mounted to move in translation relative to the cover 5 in a translation direction which is substantially parallel to the extension axis A1, and between a first position in which the sealing device 14 cooperates with the seat portion 15 in order to seal the passage orifice 6, and a second position in which the sealing device 14 is moved away from the seat portion 15. According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the first position corresponds to a raised position of the drive portion 13, and the second position corresponds to a lowered position of the drive portion 13.

[0079] Advantageously, the electric cooking appliance 1 further comprises a return device 17, such as a return spring, configured to urge the drive portion 13 towards the second position. According to the first embodiment, and as shown more specifically in FIGS. 2 to 4, the return device 17 may, for example, extend around the drive shaft 11 and be configured to bear against the latter.

[0080] The drive portion 13 is more particularly configured to occupy the first position when the electric cooking appliance 1 operates according to the pressure cooking mode, and to occupy the second position when the electric cooking appliance 1 operates according to the hot air cooking mode. Thus, the sealing device 14 makes it possible to ensure a seal between the inside and the outside of the cooking chamber 4 at the junction between the passage orifice 6 and the drive shaft 11 when the drive portion 13 occupies the first position, and therefore when the electric cooking appliance 1 operates according to the pressure cooking mode.Also, when the drive portion 13 occupies the second position, this makes it possible to not generate friction and friction between the cover 5 and the sealing device 14, which ensures easy rotational driving of the fan 7 when the electric cooking appliance 1 operates according to the hot air cooking mode.

[0081] The fan 7, which is integral in translation with the drive portion 13, is therefore movable in translation along the extension axis A1, between a first fan position in which the fan 7 is configured to be close to the bottom wall of the cooking tank 3, and advantageously also to the heating device 8, and a second fan position in which the fan 7 is configured to be distant from the bottom wall of the cooking tank 3, and advantageously also from the heating device 8. Advantageously, the fan 7 is brought closer to the heating device 8 when the electric cooking appliance 1 operates according to the hot air cooking mode, this makes it possible to efficiently obtain a flow of hot air coming from the rotation of the fan 7 close to the heating device 8.

[0082] The electric cooking appliance 1 further comprises a displacement member 16, such as a displacement lever, configured to move the drive portion 13 between the first position in which the sealing device 14 cooperates with the seat portion 15 in order to seal the passage orifice 6, and the second position in which the sealing device 14 is moved away from the seat portion 15. The displacement member 16 is advantageously configured to interact with the drive shaft 11 at the drive portion 13.The displacement member 16 is more particularly movable between an activation position and a release position, and the electric cooking appliance 1 is configured such that a movement of the displacement member 16 from the activation position to the release position causes a movement of the drive portion 13 from the first position to the second position, and such that a movement of the displacement member 16 from the release position to the activation position causes a movement of the drive portion 13 from the second position to the first position. According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the displacement member 16 is pivotally mounted on the cover 5 about a pivot axis A2 which is substantially perpendicular to the extension axis A1.The pivot axis A2 is advantageously configured to be substantially horizontal when the electric cooking appliance 1 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0083] According to the embodiment of the invention visible in particular in Figures 1 to 6, the displacement member 16 comprises a lifting part 16.1, such as a lifting fork, configured to cooperate with the drive shaft 11, and more particularly with the drive portion 13, and a displacement part 16.2 located opposite the lifting part 16.1 relative to the pivot axis A2. Advantageously, the drive shaft 11 comprises a bearing part 18 against which the lifting part 16.1 provided on the displacement member 16 is capable of coming to bear. The bearing part 18 may for example be annular and extend transversely to the extension axis A1.

[0084] The displacement member 16 is more particularly configured such that a downward pivoting of the displacement part 16.2 causes an upward pivoting of the lifting part 16.1, and therefore a displacement of the drive portion 13 from the second position to the first position, and this against the restoring force exerted by the restoring device 17.

[0085] The electric cooking appliance 1 further comprises a locking member 19, such as a locking ring, configured to lock the cover 5 on the housing 2. The locking member 19 is configured to be movable between a locking position in which the locking member 19 locks the cover 5 on the housing 2 and in the closed position, and an unlocking position in which the cover 5 is movable between the open position and the closed position.

[0086] The locking member 19 more particularly comprises an actuating part 20 configured to cooperate with the displacement part 16.2 belonging to the displacement member 16. The electric cooking appliance 1 is configured such that a movement of the locking member 19 from the unlocking position to the locking position causes a movement of the displacement member 16 from the release position to the activation position, and such that a movement of the locking member 19 from the locking position to the unlocking position causes a movement of the displacement member 16 from the activation position to the release position.

[0087] Advantageously, the actuating portion 20 comprises an actuating ramp 22 configured to pivot downwards the displacement portion 16.2 provided on the displacement member 16 when the locking member 19 is moved to the locking position, so as to cause a movement of the driving portion 13 to the first position so that the electric cooking appliance 1 is suitable for use in pressure cooking mode.

[0088] When the locking member 19 is moved to the unlocking position, the actuating ramp 22 allows the displacement part 16.2 to be lifted and the return device 17 urges the drive portion 13 to the second position, which causes the displacement member 16 to pivot to the release position.

[0089] According to the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 6, the drive shaft 11 comprises a first shaft 24 and a second shaft 25 as well as a connecting device 26. The first shaft 24 is rotationally coupled to the drive motor 10, while the second shaft 25 comprises the drive portion 13 and is rotationally coupled to the fan 7. The connecting device 26 is configured to make the first shaft 24 and the second shaft 25 rotationally integral.

[0090] The connecting device 26 is provided between a lower end portion of the first shaft 24 and an upper end portion of the second shaft 25, and is configured to allow a relative translation between the first shaft 24 and the second shaft 25 along the extension axis A1. The connecting device 26 may for example be configured so as to allow a vertical displacement stroke of approximately 5 mm of the second shaft 25 relative to the first shaft 24.

[0091] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, the connecting device 26 comprises an oblong orifice 27 provided on one of the first and second shafts 24, 25, and for example on the lower end portion of the first shaft 24, and a connecting piece 29, such as a connecting key or a connecting pin, fixed to the other of the first and second shafts 24, 25, and for example to the upper end portion of the second shaft 25, and configured to extend at least partly through the oblong orifice 27. The oblong orifice 27 extends substantially parallel to the extension axis A1, and the connecting piece 29 is configured to slide in the oblong orifice 27 when the drive portion 13 is moved between the first and second positions.Advantageously, one of the first and second shafts 24, 25 comprises an axial housing opening into a free end of said shaft, and the other of the first and second shafts 24, 25 is slidably mounted in the axial housing.

[0092] Such a configuration of the connecting device 26 allows the drive motor 10 to be decoupled from the translation of the drive portion 13 by the sliding of the connecting piece 29 inside the oblong orifice 27.

[0093] The electric cooking appliance 1 further comprises a control unit 30 which comprises for example a controller, such as a microcontroller, or a processor, such as a microprocessor, and which is configured to control the operation of the electric cooking appliance 1, and in particular the resistive heating element of the heating device 8, of the drive motor 10 and of the fan 7.

[0094] The control unit 30 is more particularly configured to control an operation of the electric cooking appliance 1 according to the hot air cooking mode when simultaneously the cover 5 occupies the closed position and the drive portion 13 occupies the second position, and according to the pressure cooking mode when simultaneously the cover 5 occupies the closed position and the drive portion 13 occupies the first position. The control unit 30 is advantageously configured to control an activation of the drive motor 10 only when the drive portion 13 occupies the second position.

[0095] The electric cooking appliance 1 according to the present invention also makes it possible to brown the food contained in the cooking chamber 4. For example, by selecting a brown cooking mode, the control unit 30 can command, at the end of the hot air cooking cycle, a stopping of the drive motor 10 while maintaining an electrical supply to the heating device 8, which ensures, due to the position of the latter opposite the cooking chamber 4, brown cooking of the food.

[0096] Figure 7 shows an electric cooking appliance 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention, the left part of the figure shows the electric cooking appliance 1 in the hot air cooking mode while the pressure cooking mode is visible on the right part of the figure. The second embodiment of the invention differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the drive shaft 11 is made in one piece, and in that the sealing device 14 is fixed to the cover 5 and the seat part 15 is provided on the drive portion 13.Thus, according to the second embodiment of the invention, the drive portion 13 is coupled in translation with the drive motor 10, which has the consequence of moving the drive unit 9 in translation when the displacement member 16 is moved from the activation position to the release position and / or when the displacement member 16 is moved from the release position to the activation position.

[0097] According to the second embodiment shown, the first position of the drive portion 13 corresponds to a lowered position of the drive portion 13, and the second position of the drive portion 13 corresponds to a raised position of the drive portion 13.

[0098] Figure 8 shows an electric cooking appliance 1 according to a third embodiment of the invention, the left part of the figure shows the electric cooking appliance 1 in the hot air cooking mode while the pressure cooking mode is visible on the right part of the figure. The third embodiment of the invention differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the return device 17 is provided inside an axial housing of the drive shaft 11, and in particular at the level of the connecting device 26. Furthermore, according to the third embodiment of the invention, the sealing device 14 comprises two annular sealing lips configured to cooperate with the seat part 15. Advantageously, the annular sealing lips are concentric and centered on the extension axis A1.

[0099] Figure 9 shows an electric cooking appliance 1 according to a fourth embodiment, the left part of the figure shows the electric cooking appliance 1 in the hot air cooking mode, while the pressure cooking mode is visible on the right part of the figure. The fourth embodiment of the invention differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the sealing device 14 is fixed on the cover 5 and in that the seat part 15 is provided on the drive portion 13. The sealing device 14 may, for example, be an O-ring arranged in a receiving housing provided on the cover 5.The seat portion 15 may advantageously be provided on a conical portion of the drive portion 13 so that the seal between the seat portion 15 and the sealing device 14 will increase as the drive portion 13 moves from the first position to the second position. The use of an O-ring has the advantage of being very widely used in industry and of being produced at low cost while offering pressure and temperature resistance properties suitable for use in the context of the present invention.

[0100] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which have been given only as examples. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Electric cooking appliance (1) comprising: a housing (2) comprising a cooking tank (3) which delimits a cooking chamber (4), and a cover (5) movable between an open position in which the cover (5) allows access to the cooking chamber (4), and a closed position in which the cover (5) prevents access to the cooking chamber (4), the cover (5) comprising a passage orifice (6); a fan (7) mechanically connected to the cover (5), and configured to generate an air flow in the cooking chamber (4);a drive unit (9) configured to rotate the fan (7), the drive unit (9) comprising a drive motor (10) and a drive shaft (11) coupled in rotation to the drive motor (10), the drive shaft (11) extending along an extension axis (A1) and through the passage orifice (6), the drive shaft (11) comprising a drive portion (13) integral in rotation with the fan (7); - a heating device (8) attached to the cover (5) and configured to be located opposite the cooking chamber (4) when the cover (5) occupies the closed position, the heating device (8) being configured to heat the air flow generated by the fan (7); a sealing device (14) attached to the cover (5) or to the drive shaft (11) and configured to cooperate in a sealed manner with a seat portion (15) which is respectively provided on the drive shaft (11) or on the cover (5); characterized in that the electric cooking appliance (1) further comprises a displacement member (16) configured to move the drive portion (13) between a first position in which the sealing device (14) cooperates with the seat portion (15) in order to seal the passage orifice (6), and a second position in which the sealing device (14) is moved away from the seat portion (15).

2. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1, in which the drive portion (13) is mounted to move in translation relative to the cover (5) in a translation direction which is substantially parallel to the extension axis (A1).

3. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, which further comprises a return device (17) configured to bias the drive portion (13) towards the second position.

4. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drive shaft (11) comprises a first shaft (24) rotatably coupled to the drive motor (10), a second shaft (25) which is rotatably coupled to the fan (7) and which comprises the drive portion (13), and a connecting device (26) configured to make the first shaft (24) and the second shaft (25) rotationally integral.

5. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 4, wherein the connecting device (26) is configured to allow relative translation between the first shaft (24) and the second shaft (25) along the extension axis (A1).

6. An electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 5, wherein the connecting device (26) comprises an oblong orifice (27) provided on one of the first and second shafts (24, 25) and extending substantially parallel to the extension axis (A1), and a connecting piece (29) mounted on the other of the first and second shafts (24, 25) and configured to extend at least partly through the oblong orifice (27), the connecting piece (29) being configured to slide in the oblong orifice (27) when the drive portion (13) is moved between the first and second positions.

7. An electric cooking appliance (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the displacement member (16) is movable between an activation position and a release position, the electric cooking appliance (1) being configured such that a movement of the displacement member (16) from the activation position to the release position causes a movement of the drive portion (13) from the first position to the second position and such that a movement of the displacement member (16) from the release position to the activation position causes a movement of the drive portion (13) from the second position to the first position.

8. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the displacement member (16) is pivotally mounted on the cover (5) around a pivot axis (A2).

9. An electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which further comprises a locking member (19) movable at least between a locking position in which the locking member (19) locks the cover (5) in the closed position, and an unlocking position in which the cover (5) is movable between the open position and the closed position.

10. An electric cooking appliance (1) according to claims 7 and 9, wherein the locking member (19) comprises an actuating portion (20) configured to cooperate with the displacement member (16) when the locking member (19) is moved between the unlocking position and the locking position, the electric cooking appliance (1) being configured such that a movement of the locking member (19) from the unlocking position to the locking position causes a movement of the displacement member (16) from the release position to the activation position, and such that a movement of the locking member (19) from the locking position to the unlocking position causes a movement of the displacement member (16) from the activation position to the release position.

11. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to claim 10, wherein the actuating portion (20) comprises an actuating ramp (22) configured to pivot the moving member (16) from the release position to the activation position and around the pivot axis when the locking member (19) is moved from the unlocking position to the locking position.

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