GAGLIARDI, Anna (Via Lamberto Corsi 55, Fabriano, I-60044, IT)
PERELLI, Federico (Via Lamberto Corsi 55, Fabriano, I-60044, IT)
PUCCI, Manuela (Via Lamberto Corsi 55, Fabriano, I-60044, IT)
DE VITO, Giovanna (Via Lamberto Corsi 55, Fabriano, I-60044, IT)
ANTONINI, Luciano (Via Lamberto Corsi 55, Fabriano, I-60044, IT)
GAGLIARDI, Anna (Via Lamberto Corsi 55, Fabriano, I-60044, IT)
PERELLI, Federico (Via Lamberto Corsi 55, Fabriano, I-60044, IT)
PUCCI, Manuela (Via Lamberto Corsi 55, Fabriano, I-60044, IT)
DE VITO, Giovanna (Via Lamberto Corsi 55, Fabriano, I-60044, IT)
| CLAIMS 1. A salamander-type coking device, comprising: - a structure (2) having a generally vertical rear portion (3), from a top region of which a generally horizontal upper portion (4) branching off, the upper portion (4) having electric irradiation heating means associated thereto (7); - a tray ( 10) having an upper face (10a) for supporting food to be cooked, in a condition of use of the device ( 1) the tray (10) being in one first position, in which the tray ( 10) is spaced apart from the upper portion (4) of the structure (2) and extends generally parallel thereto, with the upper face (10a) exposed to the heating means (7), characterized in that the structure (2) is prearranged for fixing thereof to a generally vertical wall (P) of an installation environment, with the rear portion (3) adjacent or close to said vertical wall (P), generally parallel thereto. 2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the tray ( 10) is articulated to the structure (2) so as to be displaceable between the above said first position and one second position, of non-use of the device (1 ), in the second position the tray ( 10) being generally inclined, with a front edge thereof (10c) adjacent to the upper portion (4) of the structure (2) and with a rear edge thereof preferably close to the rear portion (3) of the structure (2). 3. The device according to claim 2, comprising articulation means (16) between the tray ( 10) and the structure (2), configured such that the tray (1 0) is rotatable between the first and the second position about a substantially horizontal fixed axis ( 16c), and stop means (17) for per supporting the tray (10) in the second position. 4. The device according to claim 2, comprising articulation means ( 19, 20) between the tray ( 10) and the structure (2), configured such that the tray (1 0) carries out a roto-translational motion during passage between the first and the second position, and stop means (19-21 ) for supporting the tray (10) in the second position. 5. The device according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the stop means (17; 1 9-21 ) are configured for supporting the tray (10) in a substantially cantilever- fashion in the first position. 6. The device according to any one of claims from 2 to 5, comprising retention means (17c; 22, 23) for keeping the tray (10) in the second position, the retention means (17c; 22, 23) being manually switchable for the puipose of displacing the tray (10) to the first position. 7. The device according to claim 3, wherein the articulation means comprise at least one hinge (1 6) having one stationary hinge part ( 16a) on the structure (2) and one movable hinge part (16b) on the tray ( 10), where in particular the stationary hinge part (16a) is in a lower zone of the rear portion (3) of the structure (2) and the movable hinge part (16b) is in a rear zone of the tray (10). 8. The device according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the stop means (17; 1 9) comprise a pair of substantially parallel amis ( 17; 19), constrained at respective ends to the structure (2) and the tray ( 10). 9. The device according to claim 3 and claim 8, wherein each arm (17) has one first arm part (17a) and one second arm part (1 7b) articulated to each other by means of an intermediate joint (17c), the end of the first arm part (1 7a) opposite to the joint (17c) being hinged to the tray (10) and the end of the second arm part ( 1 7b) opposite to the joint (1 7c) being hinged to the rear portion (3) of the structure (2). 10. The device according to claim 4, wherein the articulation means (19, 20) comprises a pair of substantially parallel arms (19), each arm (19) having one first end (19a) hinged to the tray (10) and one second end (19b) which is constrained to the rear portion (3) of the structure (2) to linearly slide between a lower point and an upper point. 11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the articulation means (19, 20) comprise a pair of substantially parallel linear guides (20), fastened to the rear portion (3) of the structure (2) or formed therein, to each guide (20) there being operatively coupled the second end (19b) of a respective arm (19). 12. The device according to claim 1 0 or claim 1 1 , wherein the stop means ( 19-21 ) comprise a stop element (21 ) on which the second end (19b) of a respective arm (19) abuts when the tray (10) is in the first position. 13. The device according to claim 6 and claim 9, wherein the retaining means comprises the intermediate joint (17c), which includes elastic means acting between the first arm part (17a) and the second arm part ( 17b) for keeping the parts themselves at least in one condition of retention of the tray ( 10) in the second position, the condition of retention being obtained upon exceeding a predefined angle between the two arm parts (17a, 17b) during movement of the tray ( 10) from the first position to the second position. 14. The device according to claim 2, wherein the front edge of the tray (10) includes an inclined plane (10c) which, in the second position, is substantially parallel and adjacent to a lower surface of the upper portion (4) of the structure (2)· 15. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, also comprising at least one of: - safety means, configured for preventing electric supply to the heating means (7) when the tray ( 10) is in the second position; - a pair of opposite side walls ( 1 1 ), which extend between the upper portion (4) and the rear portion (3) of the structure (2), where in particular the side walls (1 1 ) have an inclined front edge (1 1 a) and, in the second position of the tray ( 10), a lower face (10b) of the tray ( 10) is substantially flush with the inclined front edge (1 1 a) of the side walls (1 1 ); - a handle ( 1 5), positioned at a lower face ( 10b) of the tray (10); - a user interface (8), positioned at a front face of the upper portion (4) of the structure (2). 16. The device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the rear portion (3) and the upper portion (4) of the structure (2) are in fixed positions relative to each other. |
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to a cooking device of a "salamander type", having the characteristics indicated in the preamble of Claim 1.
Background of the invention
Salamander cooking devices are designed for browning, candying, toasting, broiling or grilling, or heating food, or keeping food warm. In order to obtain said functions, these devices are generally provided just with means for heating by irradiation, such as a resistor or a halogen lamp. Said devices have relatively contained dimensions as compared to other electrical household appliances for cooking food, such as cooking hobs and ovens, and are configured for installation on the kitchen worktop.
DE 86 02369 U discloses a device substantially of the salamander-type having a generally L-shaped structure, with a lower horizontal portion provided with lower feet for resting on a worktop, and a generally vertical rear portion. First heating plates having fron handles are associated in a movable manner to the vertical portion, by means of vertical guides. The first plates are translatable along the guides provided in the vertical rear portion, to be brought at a greater or lower distance with respect to horizontal portion of the structure, onto which the cooking containers can be rested. The horizontal portion of the structure is provided, at the top thereof, with second electric heating plates. Thus, as a matter of fact, by acting through the handles of the first heating plates, it is possible to set the first heating plates at a variable distance with respect to a container arranged on one of the second heating plates provided at the horizontal portion.
This solution has the drawback of causing an encumbrance on the worktop of the kitchen and therefore is unsuitable for use in kitchens which have reduced dimensions, or in situations in which the worktop of the kitchen is small or have to be occupied by other built-in or free-standing household appliances. The known solution is also quite complicated, in that it requires a system for guiding the linear sliding of the first heating means and the relevant elements for electric connection.
A salamander device having the characteristics indicated in the preamble of Claim 1 is known, for example, from the document No. US-A-2009/0038482.
In this solution, the device includes a structure substantially shaped like an L turned upside down, i.e., having a generally vertical rear portion, branching off orthogonally from a top of which is a generally horizontal upper portion, the two portion being in relative fixed position. This horizontal portion has, at a bottom face thereof, the electrical means for heating by irradiation. The known device moreover includes a tray, which is mounted in a fixed position with respect to the kitchen worktop and has an upper face for resting the food to be treated thereon.
The aforesaid structure shaped like an L turned upside down is mounted on the worktop in such a way that it can be moved with respect to the tray between a position of use and a position of non-use. In order to use the device, the movable structure is brought into a raised position, such that the tray is set at a distance from the upper portion of the structure so as to extend generally parallel thereto, with the food set on the tray exposed to the heating means. In the position of non- use, instead, the stmcture is lowered with respect to the kitchen worktop, in such a way that its upper portion is practically set up against the tray.
This type of solution enables limitation of the overall dimensions of the salamander device, in particular when the device itself is not being used. However, the known solution presents the drawback of constituting in any case a non- negligible encumbrance of the kitchen worktop. Consequently, also the devices of this type are far from suitable for application in small kitchens, or in situations where the kitchen worktop is small or has to be occupied by other electrical household appliances of the built-in type or of the free-standing type.
The known solution is moreover complex, in so far as it implies the need to provide relatively complex mechanisms for bringing about raising and lowering of the movable structure bearing the heating means, and this - in addition to complicating the use of the device - has significant effects also on its cost.
Summary of the invention
The object of the present invention is basically to overcome one or more of the aforesaid drawbacks and to provide a salamander-type cooking device that can be advantageously installed even in small kitchens, or in kitchens where the space available is minimal, and that is simple and economically advantageous to produce, as well as being convenient and ergonomic for a user.
The above and yet further objects, which will emerge more clearly hereinafter, are achieved according to the present invention by a salamander-type cooking device having the characteristics specified in the annexed claims. The claims form an integral part of the technical teaching provided herein in relation to the invention.
Brief description of the drawings
Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge clearly from the ensuing description, with reference to the annexed drawings, which are provided purely by way of non-limiting example and in which:
- Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a salamander device according to the present invention, in a position of use;
- Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the device of Figure 1 ;
- Figures 3 and 4 are schematic perspective views of the device of Figures 1 and 2, in the condition of use and in the condition of non-use, respectively;
- Figure 5 is a partial and schematic perspective view of the device of Figures 1-4, with some components removed;
- Figure 6 is a perspective view of an ami for supporting a tray of the device of Figures 1 -5;
- Figure 7 is a schematic cross section, at an enlarged scale, of a portion of the device of Figures 1 -5;
- Figures 8 and 9 are two perspective views of a second embodiment of the salamander device according to the invention, in a position of use and a position of non-use, respectively; and
- Figures 10 and 1 1 are two schematic lateral sections of the device of
Figures 8 and 9, in the respective conditions of use and non-use.
Description of preferred embodiments of the invention
Reference to "an embodiment" or "one embodiment ' " in the framework of this description is meant to indicate that a particular configuration, structure, or characteristic described in relation to the embodiment is comprised in at least one embodiment. Hence, phrases such as "in an embodiment" or "in one embodiment" and the like that may be present in different points of this description do not necessarily all refer to one and the same embodiment. In addition, the particular configurations, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any adequate way in one or more embodiments. The references used in what follows are only provided for convenience and do not define the sphere of protection or the scope of the embodiments.
With particular reference to Figures 1 to 4, designated as a whole by 1 is a salamander-type cooking device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As may be seen also in Figure 5 - where some components and covering walls of the device have been removed for the sake of greater clarity - the device 1 has a fixed structure 2, which comprises a generally vertical rear part, axially extended, designated by 3, branching off from the top of which is a generally horizontal upper portion 4, also axially extended. The two portions 3 and 4 of the structure 2 are in fixed or stationary positions relative to each other. In the case exemplified, the rear portion 3 is constituted by a body 5, preferably made of metal, substantially configured as a plate bent so as to define at least two substantially flange-like opposite wall portions 5a, which are generally plane, coplanar and vertical, and an intermediate wall portion 5b, which is substantially plane and is parallel to the plane identified by the two portions 5a, the portions 5a and 5b being radiused via wall portions 5c. In the wall portions 5a holes or passages 6 are provided, the functions of which will be clarified hereinafter (see also Figure 1 ).
Once again with reference to the example of embodiment exemplified, the generally horizontal upper portion 4 basically consists of a quadrangular metal frame, mounted within which are electrical means for heating by irradiation, designated as a whole by 7 (see also Figure 1). These heating means 7 may, for example, be represented by a resistor or else by a halogen lamp. Once again with particular reference to Figures 1 to 5, it may be noted that, set at the front face of the stationary upper portion 4 is a user interface or control panel 8 of the salamander device 1 .
The salamander device 1 according to the invention further comprises a tray, designated as a whole by 10, mounted movable with respect to the fixed structure 2 and having an upper face 10a, on which the food to be prepared is rested, preferably but not necessarily contained in a corresponding cooking container.
In Figures 1 , 2, 3 and 5, the device 1 is illustrated in a condition of use, in which the tray 10 occupies a first position: as may be seen, in said first position the tray 10 is set at a distance from the upper portion 4 of the structure 2 and extends generally parallel thereto. In this way, as may be appreciated, the food set resting on the surface 10a of the tray 10 is exposed to the electrical means for heating by irradiation.
According to the main aspect of the present invention, the fixed structure 2 of the device 1 , and particularly the rear vertical portion 3 thereof, is pre-arranged to be fixed to a generally vertical wall of an environment where it is to be installed. A portion of said wall is represented by way of example in Figure 2, where it is designated by P.
In the installed condition of the device 1 , the rear portion 3 is adjacent or close to the aforesaid vertical wall P of the environment, generally parallel thereto. More in particular, with reference to the example of embodiment illustrated, the flange portions 5 of the rear portion 3 are set, with possible interposition of spacer means, up against the wall P, and the structure 2 is fixed in position via screws, exploiting the presence of the holes 6 represented in Figures 1 and 5. Fixing of the structure 2 to the wall P can be carried out for example using screw anchors, inserted in corresponding holes made in the wall P, and screws in turn screwed in the aforesaid screw anchors, according to techniques in themselves known.
As may be appreciated, in this way, the salamander device according to the invention can be mounted in a kitchen in a position different from the kitchen worktop itself, without causing encumbrance thereon. The solution moreover enables mounting the device 1 at a height such that the user interface 8 is in an advantageous position, from an ergonomic standpoint, for the end user. The choice of the position of installation in height can be evidently made in order to favour use also of the tray 10 from the ergonomic standpoint.
In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the tray 10 is articulated to the structure 2 so as to be displaceable between the aforesaid first position, represented in Figures 1 , 2, 3 and 5, and a second position, where the device 1 is not in use. In this position of non-use, visible in Figure 4, the tray 10 is generally inclined, with a front edge thereof that is generally adjacent to the lower face of the upper portion 4, whilst the rear edge of the tray 10 is close to the rear portion 3 of the structure 2, in the lower area of the latter.
This solution enables the overall dimensions of the device 1 to be as a whole contained in so far as - in the position of non-use - the space occupied at the front by the tray 10 is markedly reduced. For this reason, when the device 1 is provided with side walls, as in the case exemplified in Figures 1 -4, they have preferably a front edge inclined in a way substantially corresponding to the inclination assumed by the tray 10 in the position of non-use.
The aforesaid opposite side walls are designated by 1 1 in Figures 1 to 4 and are mounted, for example via screws, between the upper portion 4 and the rear portion 3 of the structure. As has been said, for requirements of greater clarity, the walls 1 1 have not been represented in Figure 5, as neither has an upper wall 12 of the structure 2, visible, instead, for example in Figures 3 and 4. Not shown either in Figure 5 are an inner wall 13 (see Figures 1 and 7) and a outer wall 14 (see Figure 7) applied to the rear portion 3 of the structure 2.
As may be seen for example in Figures 2-4, the side walls 1 1 have at least one inclined front-edge stretch, designated by 1 1 a. From Figure 4 it may be noted how, in the position of non-use, i.e., with the tray 10 in its second raised or inclined position, the lower face 10b of the tray is substantially flush with the aforesaid inclined front edge 1 1 a of the side walls 1 1.
In Figures 1 -5 it may be noted how, on the lower face 10b of the tray 10, which is preferably generally parallel to the upper face 10a, a generally recessed region R is provided, substantially formed by a step, mounted at which is a front handle 1 5, designed to facilitate displacement of the tray 10 between the lowered position and the raised position, i.e., the position of use and the position of non- use. As may be noted in Figure 4, in the raised position, the handle 1 5 is readily accessible in the proximity of the user interface 8, in a position advantageous from the ergonomic standpoint; the fact that the handle 15 is mounted in the recessed region R enables also the encumbrance of the handle itself of to be contained, in particular within the limits of the edges 1 l a of the side walls 1 1. From Figure 2, for example, it may be noted how, the step-like conformation of the recessed region R enables in any case ease of access to the handle 15, also in the position of use of the device 1 , i.e., with the tray 10 lowered.
Once again from Figures 1 -5 it may be noted how the front edge of the tray 10 is basically formed by an inclined surface 10c. In the raised position of the tray 10, this inclined surface 10c is substantially parallel to a plane surface belonging to the upper portion 4 of the structure (see Figure 1 1 ).
The means used for articulating the tray 10 to the structure 2 can be of various types. In the embodiment represented in Figures 1 to 5 these articulation means are configured in such a way that the tray 10 can be turned between its two positions about a fixed axis. In said embodiment also provided are stop means, designed to support the tray 10 in its position of use.
In the embodiment exemplified, the aforesaid articulation means comprise at least one hinge, preferably two hinges, operating between the rear portion 3 of the structure 2 and the tray 10. A hinge of the above sort is represented schematically in Figure 7, where it is designated as a whole by 6. As may be noted in said figure, the hinge 16 has a fixed hinge part 16a, belonging or in any case fixed with respect to the rear portion 3 of the structure 2, as well as a movable hinge part 1 6b, belonging or in any case fixed with respect to the tray 10. The aforesaid hinge parts 16a- 16b are shaped so as to be both engaged by a hingepin 16c, which defines the axis of rotation. In the example provided, the hinge parts 16a are formed by respective flaps of the intermediate wall portion 5b of the body 5, set in a position corresponding to its bottom edge (see also Figure 5); also the movable parts 16b can advantageously be obtained via deformation of flaps obtained by shearing from a metal sheet that forms part of the tray 10.
Once again with reference to Figure 7, it may be noted how the fixed hinge part 16a is located substantially in a lower area of the portion 3, whilst the movable hinge part 16b is located substantially in a rear area of the tray 10, even though it is not set in a position corresponding to the rear face of the tray itself. Obviously, this arrangement is to be understood merely as an example, albeit particularly advantageous for the puiposes of implementation of the invention.
In a preferred embodiment, such as the one illustrated in Figures 1 -5, the stop means that enable support of the tray 10 in its position of use are configured for supporting the tray substantially in cantilever fashion. In the example, these stop means comprise a pair of arms 17 (see in particular Figure 1) that are substantially parallel to one another. As may be seen in particular in Figures 5-7, each arm 1 7 comprises a first arm part designated by 17a and a second arm part designated by 17b, which are articulated to one another by means of an intermediate articulated joint 17c. The end of the arm part 17a opposite to the articulated joint 17c is hinged to the tray 10, whilst the end of the arm part 17b opposite to the articulated joint 17c is hinged to the rear portion 3 of the structure 2. For the purposes of the aforesaid hinging, fixed hinge elements are used, designated in Figures 5 and 6 by 1 8, which define respective hingepins 18a in which the free end of each of the arms 17a and 17b, which is purposely provided with a corresponding through hole 17d, is rotatably coupled. In the example, two elements 18 are fixed to the tray 10 on its own upper face 10a, whilst the other two elements 1 8 are fixed to the rear portion 3 at the wall portions 5c (see Figure 5).
As may be appreciated for example from Figures 5 and 7, when the tray 1 0 is in its lowered position, the arms 17 are in a generally extended configuration. In the example illustrated, in said condition the two parts 17a and 17b form between them an obtuse angle, close on 180°. Since the arms 17 are generally inclined and constrained at the two ends between the structure 2 and the tray 10, the tray itself is supported substantially in cantilever fashion.
To enable the tray 1 0 to pass into the condition of non-use, the user simply has to displace the front part of the tray 10 upwards by acting for example on the handle 1 5. By so doing, and thanks to the presence of the articulated joint 1 7c, the two arms 17 can "fold" backwards, angularly moving with respect to one another, until they form between them an angle smaller than the previous one, which in the example of embodiment is a substantially acute angle.
The device 1 also includes retention means, operative for supporting the tray 10 in its raised or inclined position. These retention means can be variously configured, for example by providing a classic snap-action engagement mechanism between the front region of the tray 10 and the lower surface of the upper portion 4 of the structure 2, said means being manually engageable and disengageable by displacing the tray 10.
In one embodiment particularly advantageous of the invention, the retention means are obtained exploiting the intermediate articulated joint 17c of the arms 17, which is provided internally with a mechanism substantially of a bistable sort, of any known type designed for the purpose. Such a mechanism preferably includes elastic means, which act between the first arm part 17a and the second arm part 17b to keep the parts themselves in a condition of retention of the tray 10 in the raised/inclined position. As has been said, in the example provided, in this condition, the two arm parts 1 7a and 17b form between them an angle smaller than the angle that is formed in the lowered position. The condition of retention is reached when, during the movement of displacement of the tray 10 from the lowered position to the raised position, a predefined relative angular position of the two arm parts is exceeded. In practice, when a certain angle between the arm parts is exceeded, a dead centre of the articulation system is overcome, countered by the elastic means, whereby the elastic means themselves force the two parts 17a and 17b into the folded position of the arms 17 (to form an acute angle, in the example) corresponding to the raised position of the tray 10; before said dead centre is reached, instead, the elastic means force the parts 17a and 17b in the extended position of the arms 1 7 (to form an obtuse angle, in the example).
As will be appreciated, a solution of this sort is particularly advantageous, in so far as it does not involve installation on the tray 10 and on the structure 2 of means of mutual engagement, of the same type as the ones traditionally provided on doors of electric household appliances. As has been said, the means for heating by irradiation 7 are of an electrical type and are governed by a suitable control system, of a type in itself known, for example integrated in the control panel 8. These heating means 7 are electrically supplied when on the panel 8 a corresponding function is activated, after switching-on of the device itself. In normal conditions, at the end of use, the user will switch the device 1 off, via a purposely provided ON/OFF switch. Notwithstanding this, in a preferred embodiment, the device 1 is also provided with safety means, configured for preventing electrical supply to the heating means 7 when the tray 10 is in the raised position of Figure 4, i.e., in the position of non- use. These safety means can be obtained with components of a type in itself known, such as for example a microswitch that is switched into the opening condition - so as to prevent electrical supply to the heating means 7 - when the tray 10 is in the raised position. Such a microswitch may, for example, be installed in the upper portion 4 of the structure 2, and have a feeler element, which is pushed towards the position for switching into the opening condition by the inclined surface 10c of the front edge of the tray 1 0, when this is in the raised position.
Figures 8- 1 1 are schematic illustrations of a second embodiment of the invention. In these figures the same reference numbers are used as those of the previous figures to designate elements that are technically equivalent to the ones already described.
The embodiment of Figures 8-1 1 differs from the first embodiment substantially as regards the type of means for articulation of the tray 10 to the structure 2, and as regards the type of movement performed by the tray itself during passage between its two positions.
In particular, in this second embodiment, the articulation means between the tray 10 and the structure 2 are configured in such a way that the tray 10 performs a movement of rototranslation in the passage between its two possible positions. Also in this case stop means are provided for supporting the tray 1 0 in its lowered position, i.e., the position of use.
In this embodiment, the articulation means comprise a pair of non-foldable rod-like arms designated by 19, which are substantially parallel, as may be seen in Figure 8. Each arm 19 has a first end 19a (see Figures 10 and 1 1) hinged to the tray 10, via a hinge element similar to the one previously designated by 18, and a second end 19b that is constrained to the rear portion 3 of the structure 2 to slide linearly between a lower point (see Figure 1 0) and an upper point (see Figure 1 1 ), corresponding to which are, respectively, the position of use, or lowered position, and the position of non-use, or raised position, of the tray 10.
In the example represented, the linear sliding of the second ends 19b of the arms 19 is in a vertical direction. In the example, the articulation means comprise a pair of linear guides, one of which is designated by 20 in Figures 10 and 1 1 , which are generally parallel and fixed or made in the rear portion 3 of the structure 2, where slidably coupled to each guide 20 is the end 19b of the corresponding arm 19.
In the example illustrated, the guides 20 comprise cylindrical rods, slidably fitted on which is the end 19b of the con esponding arm 19, which is generally shaped like a bushing. Each cylindrical rod 20 is constrained at the ends thereof to the structure 3, in particular in a corresponding wall portion 5c (see Figure 5) via brackets 21 .
In this embodiment, the stop means that enable the tray 10 to be kept substantially in cantilever fashion comprise - in addition to said arms 19 and to the rods 20 - at least one stop element, upon which the end 19b of the respective articulation arm 19 comes substantially to bear, when the tray 10 is in its lowered position. In the example represented, the aforesaid stop element is represented by a bottom bracket 21 (see Figure 10). It should, in any case, be noted that support in cantilever fashion of the tray 10 can be obtained also only via the articulation means 19-20, by exploiting the contact of the rear region of the tray 10 with the bottom end of the rear portion 3 of the structure 2.
Also in this embodiment, the aforesaid safety means are preferably provided, as well as the retention means designed to keep the tray 10 in its raised position.
Also in this case, the aforesaid retention means may be of a type in itself known. In the example represented schematically in Figures 10 and 1 1 , for example, two permanent magnets with opposite polarity are provided, of which one, designated by 22, is mounted at the front edge of the tray 10, preferably on the inclined surface 10c thereof, and the other, designated by 23, is mounted at the lower face of the upper portion 4. As may be appreciated (see, for example, Figure 1 1) when the tray 10 is in the raised position, the magnets of different polarity 22 and 23 face one another, with the force of mutual magnetic attraction that is such as to keep the tray in the raised position. Obviously, magnetic means may be provided even on just one of the tray 10 and the portion 4, provided that the other includes a metal part that can be magnetically attracted, for the purposes mentioned.
It should, in any case, be noted that the retention means could be located also in a different way, it being possible for example to act on the portion 19b of the articulation arms 19. In other words, a suitable locking/release mechanism can be associated to the rear portion 3 of the structure, which can be switched manually, for example of the type with a ball pushed by a spring to engage in a recess formed in the portion 19b of the arms 19, when these reach the position of Figure 1 1. Manual switching of such a system occurs simply by displacing the tray 10 downwards, with a force such as to overcome the elastic reaction of the aforesaid spring so as to cause disengagement of the corresponding ball from the recess formed in said end 19b.
In the second embodiment, the guides 20 and at least the ends 19b of the articulation arms 19 are hidden by the wall designated by 13. In order to enable movement of the arms 19, made in said wall 13 are corresponding vertical slits, one of which may be seen in Figure 8, designated by 24.
As mentioned previously, the rear portion of the structure 2 can be directly set up against the vertical wall P of the environment where the salamander device 1 is to be installed, or else suitable spacer means can be provided, for example in order to prevent any overheating of the wall itself (even though within the portions 3 and 4 of the structure there may be conveniently provided suitable heat-insulation means of a known type). This latter case is illustrated schematically in Figures 10 and 1 1 , where the aforesaid spacer elements, for example in the form of bushings, are designated by 25.
From the foregoing description, the characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge clearly. As explained previously, the solution proposed enables containment of the overall dimensions of the salamander-type cooking device 1 , which can be advantageously mounted on a generally vertical wall, instead, of on the kitchen worktop. This type of installation enables a choice of ergonomic positioning to be made, to the advantage of the end user, according to his specific needs. The possibility of raising the tray 10 into an inclined position, in particular allied to the conformation of the front profile 1 l a of the side walls 1 1, between the position of use and the position of non-use, enables further reduction of the actual overall dimensions of the device 1, when this is not in use. The production of the device 1 is extremely simple and inexpensive, as extremely simple is its use and the passage between the position of use and the position of non-use.
Finally, it will be appreciated that, when the device 1 is not in use, and hence with the tray 10 in its raised position, the tray itself functions as front closing element, i.e., as protection for its internal parts, such as the means for heating by irradiation and the surface 10a for resting of the food. Said solution proves hence advantageous also as regards keeping the inside of the device 1 clean.
Of course, without prejudice to the principle of the invention, the details of construction and the embodiments may vary with respect to what is described and illustrated herein purely by way of example, without thereby departing from the scope defined by the ensuing annexed claims.
It will be appreciated, for example, that, in the first embodiment, retention of the tray 10 in the lowered position could be obtained via an arrangement similar to that of the second embodiment, i.e., via arms 19 and linear guides 20, instead of the articulated arms 1 7.
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