Multifunctional electric cooking appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric cooking appliance comprising a housing that comprises a cooking vessel defining a cooking chamber, a cover (5) and a heating device. The cover (5) comprises a first through-opening (6.1) having an air inlet device (11.1) movably mounted in the first through-opening (6.1) and comprising at least one air inlet opening (12.1), and a second through-opening (6.2) having an air outlet device (11.2) movably mounted in the second through-opening (6.2) and comprising at least one air outlet opening (12.2). The air inlet device (11.1) and the air outlet device (11.2) are movable between a raised configuration in which the air inlet device (11.1) and the air outlet device (11.2) seal off the first and second through-openings (6.1; 6.2), respectively, and a lowered configuration.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Multifunction electric cooking appliance

[0003] The present invention relates generally to an electric cooking appliance for cooking food in a pressure cooking mode and a hot air cooking mode, such as an electric pressure cooker.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] An electric cooking appliance, for cooking food using a pressure cooking method and a hot air cooking method, comprises in a known manner:

[0006] - 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;

[0007] - a fan mechanically connected to the lid and configured to generate an air flow in the cooking chamber;

[0008] - a drive unit configured to rotate the fan;

[0009] - a heating device configured to be located opposite the cooking chamber when the lid occupies the closed position, the heating device being configured to heat the air flow generated by the fan;

[0010] - at least one air circulation opening provided on the lid and opening into the cooking chamber,

[0011] - a closure member movable between a closure position in which the closure member closes the at least one circulation opening, and a circulation position in which the closure member releases the at least one air circulation opening and allows the flow of an air stream through the at least one air circulation opening, the closure position and the circulation position corresponding respectively to a pressure cooking mode and a hot air cooking mode.

[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 closure member occupies the closure position, and in a hot air cooking mode when the lid simultaneously occupies the closed position and the closure member occupies the circulation position.

[0013] However, the closure member, which is formed by a flap pivotally mounted on the cover between the closure position and the circulation position, does not ensure proper circulation of the air flow within the cooking chamber when the electric cooking appliance is in the hot air cooking mode. Furthermore, such a closure member does not ensure effective renewal of the air present inside the cooking chamber, which is likely to be saturated with water vapor when using the electric cooking appliance in the hot air cooking mode.

[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, of simple design and of increased reliability, while allowing food to be cooked using different types of cooking, and in particular using a pressure cooking mode and a hot air cooking mode.

[0017] To this end, the present invention relates to an electric cooking appliance comprising:

[0018] - a housing comprising a cooking tank which delimits a cooking chamber, and a cover designed to occupy 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;

[0019] - a fan mechanically connected to the lid and configured to generate an air flow in the cooking chamber;

[0020] - a drive unit configured to rotate the fan about an axis of rotation;

[0021] - a heating device attached to the cover and configured to heat the airflow generated by the fan;

[0022] - a first passage opening and a second passage opening provided on the lid and configured to open into the cooking chamber when the lid occupies the closed position, the first and second passage openings being angularly offset relative to the axis of rotation;

[0023] - an air intake device movably mounted in the first passage opening and comprising at least one air intake opening,

[0024] - an air discharge device mounted movably in the second passage opening and comprising at least one air discharge opening, the air intake device and the air discharge device being movable between a raised configuration in which the air intake device and the air discharge device respectively seal the first and second passage openings, and a lowered configuration in which the at least one air intake opening is fluidically connected to the cooking chamber and allows air to be admitted into the cooking chamber and in which the at least one air discharge opening is fluidically connected to the cooking chamber and allows air to be discharged from the cooking chamber, the raised and lowered configurations corresponding respectively to a pressure cooking mode and a hot air cooking mode.

[0025] Such a configuration of the electric cooking appliance according to the invention makes it possible, when the air intake device and the air exhaust device occupy the lowered configuration and the fan and the heating device are active, to renew the air present in the cooking chamber efficiently, and therefore to ensure optimal hot air cooking of food placed in the cooking chamber. Such a configuration of the electric cooking appliance according to the invention also makes it possible, when the air intake device and the air exhaust device occupy the raised configuration, to guarantee a stable and optimal pressure within the cooking chamber, and in particular a pressure which is higher than atmospheric pressure, which ensures rapid cooking of the food according to the pressure cooking mode.

[0026] In addition, the electric cooking appliance according to the invention makes it possible to switch from the pressure cooking mode to the hot air cooking mode solely by moving the air intake device and the air exhaust device between the raised configuration and the lowered configuration, and in particular without requiring a movement of the lid. Furthermore, the presence of the air intake opening and the air exhaust opening allows, in the hot air cooking mode, respectively an intake of air into the cooking chamber and an exhaust of air from the latter, and thus an improved circulation of the air within the electric cooking appliance.

[0027] The electric cooking appliance may further have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one air intake opening is configured to fluidly connect the cooking chamber to the exterior of the electric cooking appliance when the air intake device occupies the lowered configuration, and the at least one air exhaust opening is configured to fluidly connect the cooking chamber to the exterior of the electric cooking appliance when the air exhaust device occupies the lowered configuration.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one air intake opening and the at least one air exhaust opening are configured to be obscured when the air intake device and the air exhaust device occupy the raised configuration.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air intake device comprises a first closing wall configured to close the first passage opening when the air intake device occupies the raised configuration, and the air exhaust device comprises a second closing wall configured to close the second passage opening when the air exhaust device occupies the raised configuration.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first closure wall and the second closure wall are arranged opposite a lower face of the cover.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air intake device comprises a first flow guide portion mounted movably in the first passage opening, the first flow guide portion comprising the at least one air intake opening, and the air discharge device comprises a second flow guide portion mounted movably in the second passage opening, the second flow guide portion comprising the at least one air discharge opening.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second flow guide portions has an oblong cross-section.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second flow guide portions is configured to protrude into the cooking chamber, and for example to protrude from a lower face of the lid when the lid occupies the closed position and the air intake device and the air exhaust device occupy the lowered configuration.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one air intake opening and the at least one air exhaust opening are configured to be arranged in the cooking chamber when the air intake device and the air exhaust device occupy the lowered configuration.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first flow guide portion comprises a first inner wall configured to extend substantially opposite the axis of rotation and a first outer wall configured to extend substantially opposite a peripheral portion of the cover, at least one air intake opening being provided on the first outer wall; and the second flow guide portion comprises a second inner wall configured to extend substantially opposite the axis of rotation and a second outer wall configured to extend substantially opposite a peripheral portion of the cover, at least one air discharge opening being provided on the second outer wall.Such an arrangement of the at least one air intake opening and the at least one air exhaust opening promotes the circulation of the air flow within the cooking chamber when the electric cooking appliance is in the hot air cooking mode.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one air intake opening is provided exclusively on the first outer wall, and the at least one air outlet opening is provided exclusively on the second outer wall. Such an arrangement of the at least one air intake opening and the at least one air outlet opening ensures optimal circulation of the air flow within the cooking chamber when the electric cooking appliance is in the hot air cooking mode.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first internal wall extends substantially parallel to the first external wall.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second internal wall extends substantially parallel to the second external wall.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first internal wall and the second internal wall are respectively devoid of an air intake opening and an air exhaust opening.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first flow guide portion and the second flow guide portion respectively delimit an air intake duct and an air exhaust duct fluidly connected to the exterior of the electric cooking appliance, the at least one air intake opening opening into the air intake duct and the at least one air exhaust opening opening into the air exhaust duct.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air intake duct is delimited externally by the first internal wall, the first external wall, and the first side walls.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air exhaust duct is delimited externally by the second internal wall, the second external wall, and the second side walls.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second passage openings each have an oblong shape and extend respectively in a first direction of extension and a second direction of extension which are inclined relative to each other.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the heating device is configured to be located opposite the cooking chamber when the lid is in the closed position.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover comprises a first guide wall configured to guide the air intake device during its movements between the lowered and raised configurations, and a second guide wall configured to guide the air exhaust device during its movements between the lowered and raised configurations.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one air intake opening and the at least one air exhaust opening are configured respectively to be opposite, i.e. facing, the first guide wall and the second guide wall when the air intake device and the air exhaust device occupy the raised configuration.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first closure wall and the second closure wall are each solid.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive unit comprises a drive motor and a drive shaft configured to rotatably couple the drive motor to the fan, the drive shaft extending along the axis of rotation and through a passage hole provided on the cover.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first passage opening and the second passage opening are configured to cooperate by form complementarity respectively with the air intake device and the air exhaust device.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one air intake opening and the at least one air exhaust opening each have a passage section of between 2 and 5 cm. 2 , and advantageously between 3 and 4 cm 2. Such sizing of the at least one air intake opening and the at least one air exhaust opening promotes the circulation of the air flow within the cooking chamber when the electric cooking appliance is in the hot air cooking mode.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first passage opening and the second passage opening are symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry containing the axis of rotation. Advantageously, the plane of symmetry is vertical when the electric cooking appliance rests on a horizontal surface, and the lid occupies the closed position.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the axis of rotation extends substantially vertically when the cover occupies the closed position and the housing rests on a horizontal surface.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first extension direction and the second extension direction are inclined relative to each other by an angle of inclination of between 20° and 90°, advantageously between 30° and 80°, and for example approximately 40°. Such an arrangement of the first and second passage openings promotes the circulation of the air flow within the cooking chamber when the electric cooking appliance is in the hot air cooking mode.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one air opening of the first passage opening and the at least one air discharge opening of the air discharge device extend in a plane perpendicular to the air flow generated by the fan.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second extension directions are configured to extend substantially horizontally when the cover occupies the closed position and the housing rests on a horizontal surface.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first internal wall and the second internal wall are substantially opposite each other.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first flow guide portion comprises two first side walls extending opposite each other and configured to respectively connect the first internal wall to the first external wall, and the second flow guide portion comprises two second side walls extending opposite each other and configured to connect the second internal wall to the second external wall.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first side walls are solid, that is to say are devoid of air intake openings.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second side walls are solid, that is to say are devoid of air discharge openings.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the first side walls may comprise at least one air intake opening.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the second side walls may comprise at least one air discharge opening.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first side walls has a rounded section, and for example substantially semi-cylindrical.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the second side walls has a rounded section, and for example substantially semi-cylindrical.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air intake device comprises a first geometric center, and the air exhaust device comprises a second geometric center, the air intake device and the air exhaust device being configured such that the first geometric center and the second geometric center are angularly offset relative to the axis of rotation by an offset angle substantially between 290° and 350°, advantageously between 310° and 330°, and for example 320°.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive unit is configured to rotate the fan around the rotation axis in a clockwise direction when the lower part of the cover faces the user.

[0067] The relatively large value of the offset angle separating the air intake device and the air exhaust device, in combination with the direction of rotation of the fan, makes it possible to maximize the air flow coming from the air intake opening and exiting through the air exhaust opening. The specific characteristic of the offset angle makes it possible to ensure that the hot air present inside the cooking chamber is efficiently renewed by an air flow whose humidity level is significantly lower than the humidity level inside the cooking chamber when the electric cooking appliance occupies the hot air operating mode.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover comprises a first seat portion extending around the first passage opening and a second seat portion extending around the second passage opening, and the air intake device and the air exhaust device respectively comprise a first sealing device and a second sealing device, such as annular seals for example, configured to cooperate in a sealed manner with the first and second seat portions when the air intake device and the air exhaust device occupy the raised configuration.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second seat parts are provided on the underside of the lid. Such an arrangement of the first and second seat parts ensures optimal sealing at the first and second seat parts when the air intake device and the air exhaust device occupy the raised configuration, and thus ensures optimal cooking of the food when the electric cooking appliance is in the pressure cooking mode. In particular, such an arrangement of the first and second seat parts ensures increasingly greater compression of the first and second sealing devices as the pressure increases in the cooking chamber.According to one embodiment of the invention, the first sealing device and the second sealing device are configured to extend respectively around the first flow guiding portion and the second flow guiding portion.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance further comprises a first displacement member and a second displacement member movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, such that a movement of the first displacement member and the second displacement member from the first configuration to the second configuration respectively causes a movement of the air intake device and the air exhaust device from the raised configuration to the lowered configuration and such that a movement of the first displacement member and the second displacement member from the second configuration to the first configuration causes a movement of the air intake device and the air exhaust device from the lowered configuration to the raised configuration.Such a configuration of the electric cooking appliance ensures easy movement of the air intake device and the air exhaust device between the raised configuration and the lowered configuration.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance further comprises at least one return device, such as a return spring for example, configured to urge the first displacement member and the second displacement member towards the first configuration.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first displacement member and the second displacement member are distinct from one another.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first displacement member and the second displacement member are provided on the same part.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first displacement member and the second displacement member are pivotally mounted on the cover around a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis respectively.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first displacement member and the second displacement member are mounted to move in translation relative to the cover respectively in a first translation direction and a second translation direction.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second translation directions are substantially vertical when the cover is in the closed position and the housing rests on a horizontal surface.

[0077] 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.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member comprises a first actuating part configured to cooperate with the first displacement member when the locking member is moved between the unlocking position and the locking position; and a second actuating part configured to cooperate with the second 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 first displacement member and the second displacement member from the second configuration to the first configuration,and such that a movement of the locking member from the locking position to the unlocking position causes a movement of the first movement member and the second movement member from the first configuration to the second configuration. Such a configuration of the electric cooking appliance makes it possible, when the lid is locked in the closed position by the user, to simultaneously ensure an automatic movement of the air intake device and the air exhaust device to the raised configuration.,

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

[0080] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second actuating portion comprises a second actuating ramp configured to pivot the second displacement member from the first configuration to the second configuration and around the pivot axis when the locking member is moved from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0081] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member is configured such that a movement from the unlocked position to the locked position simultaneously causes a movement of the first movement member and the second movement member from the second configuration to the first configuration, and vice versa.

[0082] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air intake device extends substantially along a first extension plane, and the air exhaust device extends substantially along a second extension plane.

[0083] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second extension planes extend substantially vertically when the housing rests on a horizontal surface and the cover occupies the closed position.

[0084] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance further comprises a control unit 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, and in particular the resistive heating element of the heating device, the drive motor and the fan.

[0085] According to one embodiment of the invention, the movement of the first movement member and the second movement member can be carried out by an independent control of the locking member, for example by means of a latch or a control button.

[0086] Brief description of the figures

[0087] 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.

[0088] Figure 1 is a sectional view of an electric cooking appliance according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of the underside of the cover of the electric cooking appliance of Figure 1 according to a hot air cooking mode; Figure 3 is a bottom view of the cover of the electric cooking appliance of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a side perspective view of the cover of the electric cooking appliance of Figure 1 according to a pressure cooking mode, and centered on the air evacuation device; Figure 5 is a side perspective view of the cover of the electric cooking appliance of Figure 1 according to the hot air cooking mode, and centered on the air evacuation device; Figure 6 is a side perspective view of the cover of the electric cooking appliance of Figure 1, centered on the air intake device;Figure 7 is a side perspective view of the cover of the electric cooking appliance according to a second embodiment of the invention and centered on the air exhaust device; Figure 8 is a perspective view of another side of the cover of the electric cooking appliance according to the second embodiment of the invention, which is centered on the air intake device.;

[0089] Detailed description

[0090] 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.

[0091] The electric cooking appliance 1 comprises a housing 2 which comprises a cooking tank 3 delimiting 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] The cover 5 comprises in particular a first passage opening 6.1 and a second passage opening 6.2 which open into a lower face of the cover 5, and for example into a peripheral portion of said lower face, and the function of which will be described below.

[0094] The first and second passage openings 6.1, 6.2 each have an oblong shape and extend respectively in a first direction of extension D1 and a second direction of extension D2 which are inclined relative to each other by an angle of inclination of between 20° and 90°, advantageously between 30° and 80°, and for example approximately 40°. The first and second directions of extension D1, D2 are more particularly configured to extend substantially horizontally when the cover 5 occupies the closed position and the housing 2 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0095] The electric cooking appliance 1 also comprises a fan 7 (see in particular figures 1 to 3) which is mechanically connected to the cover 5 and which is configured to generate an 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.

[0096] According to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 7, 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.

[0097] The electric cooking appliance 1 comprises a drive unit 9 configured to rotate the fan 7 about an axis of rotation AR1 and for example in a clockwise direction when the lower part of the cover 5 faces the user. Advantageously, the axis of rotation AR1 extends substantially vertically when the cover 5 occupies the closed position and the housing 2 rests on a horizontal surface. The drive unit 9 comprises in particular a drive motor and a drive shaft which is coupled in rotation on the one hand to the drive motor and on the other hand to the fan 7. The drive shaft extends through a passage orifice provided on the cover 5, and more particularly provided in a central portion of the cover 5. Advantageously, the drive motor is an asynchronous motor so as to reduce noise emissions during use of the electric cooking appliance 1.

[0098] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the first passage opening 6.1 and the second passage opening 6.2 are angularly offset relative to the axis of rotation AR1, and are symmetrical relative to a plane of symmetry containing the axis of rotation AR1. Advantageously, the plane of symmetry is vertical when the electric cooking appliance 1 rests on a horizontal surface, and the cover 5 occupies the closed position.

[0099] The electric cooking appliance 1 also comprises an air intake device 11.1 movably mounted in the first passage opening 6.1 and comprising an air intake opening 12.1, as well as an air exhaust device 11.2 movably mounted in the second passage opening 6.2 and comprising an air exhaust opening 12.2. Advantageously, the first passage opening 6.1 and the second passage opening 6.2 are configured to cooperate by form complementarity respectively with the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2.

[0100] The air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 are movable between a raised configuration (see in particular Figure 4) in which the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 respectively seal the first and second passage openings 6.1, 6.2, and a lowered configuration (see in particular Figure 5) in which the air intake opening 12.1 is fluidically connected to the cooking chamber 4 and allows air to be admitted into the cooking chamber 4 and in which the air exhaust opening 12.2 is fluidically connected to the cooking chamber 4 and allows the air flow to be evacuated from the cooking chamber 4. The raised and lowered configurations correspond respectively to the pressure cooking mode and the hot air cooking mode.

[0101] The air intake opening 12.1 and the air exhaust opening 12.2 are configured to fluidly connect the cooking chamber 4 to the exterior of the electric cooking appliance 1 when the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device occupy the lowered configuration. Conversely, the air intake opening 12.1 and the air exhaust opening 12.2 are configured to be obscured when the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 occupy the raised configuration. In order to ensure optimal circulation of the air flow, the air intake opening 12.1 and the air exhaust opening 12.2 each have a passage section of between 2 and 5 cm 2 , and advantageously between 3 and 4 cm 2 .

[0102] Advantageously, the electric cooking appliance 1 according to the invention makes it possible to cook food according to several operating modes. The hot air cooking mode is active when in particular the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 occupy the lowered configuration and the fan 7 as well as the heating device 8 are active; the lowered configuration of the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 corresponding to the hot air cooking mode makes it possible to evacuate and renew the air present in the cooking chamber 4, the latter being able to be saturated with water vapor during the cooking of the food. The pressure cooking mode is active when in particular the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 occupy the configuration shown, that the heating device 8 is active and that the fan 7 is inactive; the pressure cooking mode makes it possible to obtain a pressure in the cooking chamber 4 which is higher than atmospheric pressure, which in particular allows faster cooking of the food.

[0103] More specifically, the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 respectively comprise a first closure wall 13.1 and a second closure wall 13.2 configured to respectively close the first passage opening 6.1 and the second passage opening 6.2 when the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 occupy the raised configuration. Each of the first and second closure walls 13.1, 13.2 is solid and has an oblong shape. According to the first embodiment of the invention, the first and second closing walls 13.1, 13.2 are arranged opposite the lower face of the cover 5. Advantageously, the first and second closing walls 13.1, 13.2 are configured to extend substantially horizontally when the cover 5 is in the closed position and the housing 2 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0104] The air intake device 11.1 further comprises a first flow guide portion 14.1 which is movably mounted in the first passage opening 6.1, and the air discharge device 11.2 further comprises a second flow guide portion 14.2 which is movably mounted in the second passage opening 6.2. The first flow guide portion 14.1 advantageously comprises the air intake opening 12.1, while the second flow guide portion 14.2 advantageously comprises the air discharge opening 12.2. Each of the first and second flow guide portions 14.1, 14.2 has a generally tubular shape, and has an oblong cross-section. The first and second flow guide portions 14.1, 14.2 are configured to protrude into the cooking chamber 4, and for example to protrude from the underside of the lid 5, when the lid 5 occupies the closed position and the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 occupy the lowered configuration.

[0105] The first flow guide portion 14.1 comprises a first inner wall 15.1, a first outer wall 16.1 and two first side walls 17.1 each connecting the first inner wall 15.1 to the first outer wall 16.1. The first inner wall 15.1 is configured to extend substantially opposite the axis of rotation AR1, and the first outer wall 16.1 is configured to extend substantially opposite a peripheral portion of the cover 5.

[0106] The second flow guide portion 14.2 comprises a second inner wall 15.2, a second outer wall 16.2 and two second side walls 17.2 each connecting the second inner wall 15.2 to the second outer wall 16.2. The second inner wall 15.2 is configured to extend substantially opposite the axis of rotation AR1, and the second outer wall 16.2 is configured to extend substantially opposite the peripheral portion of the cover 5.

[0107] The first inner wall 15.1 extends substantially parallel to the first outer wall 16.1, while the second inner wall 15.2 extends substantially parallel to the second outer wall 16.2. In addition, the first inner wall 15.1 and the second inner wall 15.2 are substantially opposite each other.

[0108] According to the first embodiment shown in the figures, the first inner wall 15.1 and the second inner wall 15.2 are respectively devoid of an air intake opening 12.1 and an air exhaust opening 12.2. Advantageously, the air intake opening 12.1 and the air exhaust opening 12.2 are provided respectively on the first outer wall 16.1 and on the second outer wall 16.2, so that the air flow is guided around the periphery of the cooking chamber 4 in order to increase the residence time of the air flow and to further increase the mixing of the air flow in the cooking chamber 4 in the hot air cooking mode.

[0109] As can be seen more specifically in Figures 4, 5 and 6, one of the first side walls 17.1 and one of the second side walls 17.2 may respectively have an air intake opening 12.1 and an air exhaust opening 12.2. However, each of the first side walls 17.1 could be solid, i.e., without an air intake opening 12.1, and each of the second side walls 17.2 could be solid, i.e., without an air exhaust opening 12.2, depending on the flow rate and / or speed of the air flow that is desired in the cooking chamber 4 when using the electric cooking appliance 1 in hot air cooking mode.

[0110] According to the first embodiment shown in the figures, the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 respectively comprise a first geometric center 18.1 and a second geometric center 18.2 which are configured such that the first geometric center 18.1 and the second geometric center 18.2 are angularly offset relative to the axis of rotation AR1 by an offset angle substantially between 290° and 350°, advantageously between 310° and 330°, and for example 320°. Advantageously, the relatively large value of the offset angle separating the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2, in combination with the direction of rotation of the fan 7, makes it possible to maximize the air flow coming from the air intake opening 12.1 and exiting through the air exhaust opening 12.2.The specific characteristic of the offset angle ensures that the hot air present inside the cooking chamber 4 is efficiently renewed by an air flow whose humidity level is significantly lower than the humidity level inside the cooking chamber 4 when the electric cooking appliance 1 is in the hot air operating mode.

[0111] The electric cooking appliance 1 further comprises an air intake duct 19.1 which is delimited in part by the first flow guide portion 14.1, and an air exhaust duct 19.2 which is delimited in part by the second flow guide portion 14.2. The air intake duct 19.1 and the air exhaust duct 19.2 are configured to guide an air flow entering or leaving the cooking chamber 4 and passing through the air intake opening 12.1 and the air exhaust opening 12.2.

[0112] As can be seen more specifically in Figures 4, 5 and 6, the cover 5 comprises a first guide wall 20.1 configured to guide the air intake device 11.1 during its movements between the lowered and raised configurations, and a second guide wall 20.2 configured to guide the air exhaust device 11.2 during its movements between the lowered and raised configurations. Furthermore, the air intake opening 12.1 and the air exhaust opening 12.2 are configured to be opposite, that is to say opposite, respectively the first guide wall 20.1 and the second guide wall 20.2 when the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 occupy the raised configuration.

[0113] The cover 5 further comprises a first seat portion 21.1 extending around the first passage opening 6.1 and a second seat portion 21.2 extending around the second passage opening 6.2, and the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 respectively comprise a first sealing device 22.1 and a second sealing device 22.2, such as annular seals for example, configured to cooperate in a sealed manner with the first and second seat portions 21.1, 21.2 when the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 occupy the raised configuration. The first sealing device 22.1 and the second sealing device 22.2 are configured to extend respectively around the first flow guide portion 14.1 and the second flow guide portion 14.2, and for example bear respectively on the first and second closure walls 13.1, 13.2.

[0114] The electric cooking appliance 1 further comprises a first displacement member 23.1 and a second displacement member 23.2 configured to respectively move the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 between the raised configuration in which the air flow cannot circulate between the cooking chamber 4 and the exterior, and the lowered configuration in which an air flow is able to be admitted by the air intake device 11.1 and an air flow is able to be exhausted by the air exhaust device 11.2. According to the first embodiment of the invention, the first displacement member 23.1 and the second displacement member 23.2 are distinct from each other, but they could be made in a single piece according to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures. The first displacement member 23.1 and the second displacement member 23.2 are more particularly pivotally mounted on the cover 5 around respectively a first pivot axis AP1 and a second pivot axis AP2 between a first configuration and a second configuration, so that a movement of the first movement member 23.1 and of the second movement member 23.2 from the first configuration to the second configuration respectively causes a movement of the air intake device 11.1 and of the air exhaust device 11.2 from the raised configuration to the lowered configuration and such that a movement of the first movement member 23.1 and of the second movement member 23.2 from the second configuration to the first configuration causes a movement of the air intake device 11.1 and of the air exhaust device 11.2 from the lowered configuration to the raised configuration.Advantageously, the first pivot axis AP1 and the second pivot axis AP2 extend substantially horizontally when the cover 5 is in the closed position and the housing 2 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0115] The electric cooking appliance 1 further comprises a locking member 24, such as a locking ring, configured to lock the cover 5 on the housing 2 when the cover occupies the closed position. The locking member 24 is configured to be movable between a locking position in which the locking member 24 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.

[0116] Advantageously, the electric cooking appliance 1 is configured such that a movement of the locking member 24 from the unlocking position to the locking position causes a movement of the first movement member 23.1 and the second movement member 23.2 from the second configuration to the first configuration, and such that a movement of the locking member 24 from the locking position to the unlocking position causes a movement of the first movement member 23.1 and the second movement member 23.2 from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0117] The locking member 24 more particularly comprises a first actuating part 25.1 configured to cooperate with the first displacement member 23.1 and a second actuating part 25.2 configured to cooperate with the second displacement member 23.2.

[0118] Advantageously, the first actuating portion 25.1 comprises a first actuating ramp 26.1 configured to pivot the first displacement member 23.1 from the first configuration to the second configuration and around the first pivot axis AP1 when the locking member 24 is moved from the locking position to the unlocking position. Similarly, the second actuating portion 25.2 comprises a first actuating ramp 26.2 configured to pivot the second displacement member 23.2 from the first configuration to the second configuration and around the second pivot axis AP2 when the locking member 24 is moved from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0119] Advantageously, the electric cooking appliance 1 further comprises a first return device 27.1 and a second return device 27.2, such as return springs, which are configured to respectively bias the first displacement member 23.1 and the second displacement member 23.2 towards the first configuration. Thus, when the locking member 24 is moved towards the locking position, the first actuating ramp 26.1 and the first actuating ramp 26.2 allow lifting of the first displacement member 23.1 and the second displacement member 23.2 while the first return device 27.1 and the second return device 27.2 bias the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 towards the first configuration.

[0120] Alternatively, the movement of the first movement member 23.1 and the second movement member 23.2 can be carried out by an independent control of the locking member 24, for example by means of a latch or a control button.

[0121] Furthermore, the movement of the first movement member 23.1 and the second movement member 23.2 is not necessarily linked to locking / unlocking but rather to the use of one cooking mode or another.

[0122] Thus, the first movement member 23.1 and the second movement member 23.2 will have a raised configuration for a pressure cooking mode and a lowered configuration for a hot air cooking mode or a steam cooking mode.

[0123] Also, it is also possible to have two independent controls for respectively moving the first displacement member 23.1 and the second displacement member 23.2, thus making it possible to open only one or the other of the air intake opening 12.1 and the air exhaust opening 12.2.

[0124] The electric cooking appliance 1 further comprises a control unit UC 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 and of the fan 7.

[0125] The control unit UC is more particularly configured to control an operation of the electric cooking appliance 1 according to the hot air cooking mode when simultaneously the lid 5 occupies the closed position and the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 occupy the lowered configuration, and according to the pressure cooking mode when simultaneously the lid 5 occupies the closed position and the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 occupy the raised configuration. The control unit UC is advantageously configured to control an activation of the drive motor only when the air intake device 11.1 and the air exhaust device 11.2 occupy the lowered configuration.

[0126] 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 UC can command, at the end of the hot air cooking cycle, a stop of the drive motor while maintaining an electrical supply to the heating device 8, which ensures, due to the position of the latter opposite the cooking chamber 4, brown cooking of the food.

[0127] Figures 7 and 8 represent an electric cooking appliance 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the first displacement member 23.1 and the second displacement member 23.2 are mounted to move in translation relative to the cover 5 respectively in a first translation direction DT1 and a second translation direction DT2, which are advantageously substantially vertical when the cover 5 occupies the closed position and the housing 2 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0128] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment of the invention, the first return device 27.1 may comprise two return springs located for example on either side of the first flow guide portion 14.1 in the first direction of extension D1, the second return device 27.2 may comprise two return springs located for example on either side of the second flow guide portion 14.2 in the second direction of extension D2.

[0129] 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) provided to occupy 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); 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) around an axis of rotation (AR1); - a heating device (9) attached to the cover (5) and configured to heat the air flow generated by the fan (7); - a first passage opening (6.1) and a second passage opening (6.2) provided on the cover (5) and configured to open into the cooking chamber (4) when the cover (5) occupies the closed position, the first and second passage openings (6.1; 6.2) being angularly offset relative to the axis of rotation (AR1); an air intake device (11.1) movably mounted in the first passage opening (6.1) and comprising at least one air intake opening (12.1), an air discharge device (11.2) movably mounted in the second passage opening (6.2) and comprising at least one air discharge opening (12.2), the air intake device (11.1) and the air discharge device (11.2) being movable between a raised configuration in which the air intake device (11.1) and the air discharge device (11.2) respectively seal the first and second passage openings (6.1; 6.2), and a lowered configuration in which the at least one air intake opening (12.1) is fluidically connected to the cooking chamber (4) and allows air to be admitted into the cooking chamber (4) and in which the at least one air exhaust opening (12.2) is fluidically connected to the cooking chamber (4) and allows air to be evacuated from the cooking chamber (4), the raised and lowered configurations corresponding respectively to a pressure cooking mode and a hot air cooking mode.

2. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the air intake device (11.1) comprises a first closing wall (13.1) configured to close the first passage opening (6.1) when the air intake device (11.1) occupies the raised configuration, and the air discharge device (11.2) comprises a second closing wall (13.2) configured to close the second passage opening (6.2) when the air discharge device (11.2) occupies the raised configuration.

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

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

5. An electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of claims 3 and 4, wherein each of the first and second flow guide portions (14.1; 14.2) is configured to project into the cooking chamber (4), and for example to project from a lower face of the lid (5) when the lid (5) occupies the closed position and the air intake device (11.1) and the air exhaust device (11.2) occupy the lowered configuration.

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

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

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

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

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

11. An electric cooking appliance (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the air intake device (11.1) has a first geometric center, and the air exhaust device (11.2) has a second geometric center, the air intake device (11.1) and the air exhaust device (11.2) being configured such that the first geometric center (18.1) and the second geometric center (18.2) are offset. angularly relative to the axis of rotation (AR1) by an offset angle substantially between 290° and 350°, advantageously between 310° and 330°.

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

13. An electric cooking appliance (1) according to any preceding claim, which further comprises a first displacement member (23.1) and a second displacement member (23.2) movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, such that a movement of the first displacement member (23.1) and the second displacement member (23.2) from the first configuration to the second configuration respectively causes a movement of the air intake device (11.1) and the air exhaust device (11.2) from the raised configuration to the lowered configuration and such that a movement of the first displacement member (23.1) and the second displacement member (23.2) from the second configuration to the first configuration causes a movement of the air intake device (11.1) and the air exhaust device (11.2) from the lowered configuration to the raised configuration.

14. Electric cooking appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the first displacement member (23.1) and the second displacement member (23.2) are pivotally mounted on the cover (5) around respectively a first pivot axis (AP1) and a second pivot axis (AP2).

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

16. An electric cooking appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which further comprises a locking member (24), movable at least between a locking position in which the locking member (24) 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.

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

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