Patent Description:
Nowadays household and professional cooking ovens known in the art offer functionalities beyond a normal cooking or baking of foods disposed in a cooking chamber thereof. Particularly, a number of household and professional cooking ovens offer the functionality of smoking foods by using smoking substance such as aromatic wood chips either natural or chemically treated along with traditional cooking or baking of foods.

In order to achieve that, such cooking ovens typically comprise a smoking assembly which is in fluid communication with a cooking chamber of the cooking oven and that comprises an element, typically a heating element, for generating smoke from the combustion of the smoking substance. The smoke leaves the smoking assembly and reaches the cooking chamber of the cooking oven where it smokes the food contained therein.

For example, US Patent No. <CIT> discloses an oven having a first food preparation apparatus in the form of a convection heat source and/or a steam production assembly and/or a radiating heat source, and a second food preparation apparatus in the form of a smoking assembly. The oven can operate at least one of the food preparation apparatus simultaneously with the smoking assembly or separately from the smoking assembly.

US Patent No. <CIT> discloses a smoker device having a low profile fits beneath the lowermost rack of an oven thereby allowing full use of all possible shelves of the oven. The smoker device comprises a uniquely shaped bi-level heater element that allows the smoker device pan to be cradled just above the bottom wall of the oven chamber. A method and system allow a processor control of the smoker device manually or automatically as a part of a programmed recipe.

<CIT> discloses a multifunctional cooking oven for the preparation of food products including a cooking chamber, racks within the cooking chamber to support products to be prepared in the oven and a primary convection heat source. There is a drainable collection pan positioned below the racks to collect by-products rendered from the food products during preparation for later use. A steam source is positioned below the collection pan as well as a flavored smoke generator at the bottom of the preparation chamber. Airflow paths within the preparation chamber allow for the circulation of heat, steam and flavored smoke around the racks. The oven includes a programmable controller to control the primary heat source, the steam source and the flavored smoke generator that is programmed to operate any one of the heat source, the steam source and the flavor generator in any predetermined sequence, and for any predetermined duration of time to provide optimum preparation and flavoring of the products.

<CIT> discloses a smoker device having a low profile fits beneath the lower most rack of an oven thereby allowing full use of all possible shelves of the oven. The smoker device comprises a uniquely shaped bi-level heater element that allows the smoker device pan to be cradled just above the bottom wall of the oven chamber.

European Patent No. <CIT> discloses a smoke and electric heating oven that includes an oven muffle provided with a cavity therein, a smoke generator with a heating box installed in the cavity, and an outer casing. The oven muffle has at least one first heating element installed outside the cavity, and at least one second heating element installed in the cavity. The second heating element may extend into the heating box. The at least one first heating element can transmit heat to the receiving chamber to bake an object in the receiving chamber. The at least one second heating element can heat wooden chips that are placed in the heating box to produce smoke to smoke the baked object in the receiving chamber, thereby providing the oven with the function of baking with electric heat and smoking with wooden chips.

Conversely, the Applicant has found in the art no examples of household or professional appliance adapted to offer functionalities for flavoring foods by means of flavoring substances, such as for example flavoring herbs (e.g., rosemary, eucalyptus, thyme, lavender, sage, lemon balm, hop or mixtures thereof).

The Applicant has realized that the art do not provide a satisfactory solution for offering functionalities of flavoring foods disposed in a cooking chamber of a cooking oven.

Particularly, the Applicant has found that the known smoking devices are not suitable for performing a flavoring of foods disposed in a cooking chamber of a cooking oven. Indeed, known smoking devices, adapted to ignite and/or char wood pieces, would thoroughly burn flavoring substances, thus destroying any flavoring/aromatic molecules comprised in the flavoring substances and failing in flavoring foods disposed in a cooking chamber of the cooking oven.

The Applicant has tackled the problem of devising an improved solution able to overcome the above-discussed lack of smoking and/or flavoring foods functionalities for cooking ovens in the prior art, as well as, able to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above.

The aspects of the solution according to embodiments of the invention are set out in the independent claim, with advantageous features of the same solution that are indicated in the dependent claims.

An aspect of the solution according to one or more embodiments of the present invention relates to a flavoring device as set forth in claim <NUM>.

It is underlined that more than <NUM>% of the heat that is transferred from the heating element to the flavoring substance rack is transferred by the hot air that moves from the heating element to the flavoring substance rack. It is not excluded that a part of heat is transferred from the heating element to the flavoring substance rack by other means, for example by radiation or by conduction, but the heating element is positioned with respect to the flavoring substance rack in such a way that this part of heat is anyway much lower than the part of heat transferred by the flowing air.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, said at least one casing houses, at least while in operation, a temperature sensor positioned in correspondence of the flavoring substance rack and spaced apart from said heating element.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, said at least one casing further comprises at least one air inlet duct protruding from said flavoring casing, said air inlet duct comprising the air inlet opening and being arranged for allowing air to enter said flavoring casing.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the flavoring device further comprises a smoking casing having an air inlet opening arranged for allowing air external to said smoking casing, to enter said smoking casing, a smoking air outlet opening arranged for allowing air contained within said flavoring casing to pass to said cooking chamber, and a smoking air path traversing said smoking casing and fluidly connecting said air inlet opening to said smoking air outlet opening. Said smoking casing housing, at least while in operation: a smoking substance rack arranged for receiving a smoking substance, said smoking substance rack is arranged at least partially in said smoking air path, and a heating element arranged for charring said smoking substance, the smoking substance rack being positioned in correspondence of said heating element in such a way that, in operation, heat is transferred from said heating element to said smoking substance rack mainly by radiation.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the smoking substance rack is arranged for subdividing a inner space of said smoking casing in a first compartment and a second compartment, said first compartment housing at least said smoking substance rack, and said second compartment housing, at least while in operation, said smoking substance. arrangement, said actuating arrangement comprising the heating element and the temperature sensor, and wherein the actuating arrangement is coupled with the flavoring casing or the smoking casing at least while in operation.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuating arrangement is configured for selectively controlling the operation of the heating element on the basis of temperature measurements obtained from the temperature sensor.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuating arrangement further comprises a support element for supporting the flavoring casing and/or the smoking casing at least while in operation.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuating arrangement further comprises a locking element and wherein the flavoring casing and/or the smoking casing further comprise a receiving element, the locking element being configured for engaging with the receiving element for firmly coupling the actuating arrangement with the flavoring casing and/or the smoking casing.

In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the flavoring device is arranged for operating also as the smoking casing, and at least while in operation inside the cooking chamber of a cooking oven, the flavoring casing further houses a smoking substance rack adapted to contain at least one smoking substance, the smoking substance being positioned in correspondence of said heating element in such a way that, in operation, heat is transferred from said heating element to said smoking substance rack mainly by convection and/or radiation.

In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the flavoring device is arranged for operating also as the smoking casing, and said air outlet opening connected to said air inlet opening by said smoking air path is a smoking air outlet opening distinct from said flavoring air outlet opening and wherein said casing comprises a shutter element arranged for selectively obstruct said flavoring air path or said smoking air path, in order to selectively fluidly connecting said air inlet opening respectively to said flavoring air outlet opening or to said smoking air outlet opening.

In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the heating element is fixed to said flavoring and/or smoking casing, so that said heating element is fixed to said flavoring and/or smoking casing even when not in operation.

In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the temperature sensor is fixed to said flavoring and/or smoking casing, so that said temperature sensor is fixed to said flavoring and/or smoking casing even when not in operation.

In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the heating element and the temperature coupling aperture.

In one embodiment of the invention, the cooking oven further comprises an air circulating element for providing a circulating airflow within the cooking chamber, and in operation, the flavoring device is positioned within the cooking chamber in such a way that the circulating airflow is blown by the air circulating element towards the air inlet opening of the casing.

In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the components portion of the cooking oven is configured to control an operation of the heating element on the basis of temperature measurements obtained from the temperature sensor.

In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cooking oven comprises air circulating element for providing a circulating airflow within the cooking chamber, and the method further comprises: forcing an airflow in said flavoring air path through the air inlet opening.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be made apparent by the following description of some exemplary and non limitative embodiments thereof. For its better intelligibility, the following description should be read making reference to the attached drawings, wherein:.

Another aspect of the present invention proposes a method of controlling the operation of a flavoring device positioned inside or outside a cooking chamber of a cooking oven and in fluid communication with the cooking chamber of the cooking oven, the flavoring device comprising at least a flavoring casing and at least a flavoring air path traversing said casing and fluidly connecting an air inlet opening of said casing to a flavoring air outlet opening of said casing. The method comprises providing a flavoring substance in said flavoring air path. The method further comprises the step of heating the air in said flavoring air path upstream said flavoring substance, in such a way that heated air, moving through said flavoring air path, heats said flavoring substance, so as to volatilize/vaporize its flavoring molecules, and takes volatilized/vaporized flavoring molecules into said cooking chamber via said flavoring air outlet opening.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises the steps of detecting a temperature of the air in said flavoring air path, and controlling the heating of the air in said flavoring air path according to the detected temperature of the air in said flavoring air path.

Referring now to the drawings, <FIG> schematically shows a perspective side view, with removed parts, of a cooking oven <NUM> according to an embodiment of the invention. In the exemplary embodiment here considered, a freestanding professional cooking oven <NUM> is disclosed, but the principles of the invention may also be applied to built-in (household or professional) cooking ovens and to freestanding household cooking ovens. The cooking oven <NUM> may be a steam oven allowing food cooking by steam, or, as herein assumed by way of example only, a combined cooking oven selectively allowing conventional food cooking (e.g., food cooking by heat convection), food cooking by steam, or combinations thereof.

The cooking oven <NUM> advantageously comprises a cooking section <NUM>COOK for food cooking, and a components section <NUM>COMP, preferably positioned alongside the cooking section <NUM>COOK, housing some of the components that allow operation of the cooking oven <NUM> and control of food cooking.

The cooking section <NUM>COOK comprises a cooking chamber (not visible in <FIG>, and numbered <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG> ) for housing the food to be cooked, and, at a cooking oven front, a door <NUM> (shown in a closed configuration in <FIG>) for selectively allowing/preventing access to the cooking chamber.

The components section <NUM>COMP advantageously comprises a number of well-known electronic, mechanical and/or electro-mechanical components for allowing food cooking (such as a steam generator) that, for the sake of description ease and conciseness, are not herein further disclosed.

Moreover, a control arrangement (not visible in <FIG>), preferably housed in the components section <NUM>COMP, is advantageously provided for controlling the cooking oven <NUM> operation (e.g., on the basis of instructions stored in a memory comprised in the control arrangement). The control arrangement may comprise any suitable electronic and/or electromechanical devices.

The components section <NUM>COMP may also advantageously house vents 115a and 115b, preferably provided on a top cover <NUM>, for drawing fresh air in the cooking oven <NUM> and for exhausting the cooking fumes from the cooking chamber outside the cooking oven <NUM>.

Preferably, the components section <NUM>COMP may comprise a control panel <NUM>, preferably provided at the cooking oven front alongside the door <NUM>, allowing a user to set desired cooking parameters (e.g., cooking temperature, cooking time, and/or cooking programs) and displaying cooking information.

Considering <FIG> and <FIG>, they are perspective views of a flavoring device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The flavoring device <NUM> advantageously comprises a casing <NUM>, which is preferably box-like and parallelepiped shaped.

The casing <NUM> generally comprises four sidewalls 205a-d, preferably two of which, i.e. the sidewalls 205a and 205c in the example of <FIG> and <FIG>, shorter than the other two, i.e. the sidewalls 205b and 205d in the example of <FIG> and <FIG>, and a bottom wall 205e, advantageously opposite to a main aperture 205f of the casing <NUM>.

An air inlet opening <NUM>, e.g. a slot, is provided, preferably on a first sidewall 205a of the four sidewalls 205a-d of the casing <NUM>. Preferably, the air inlet opening <NUM> has a length substantially greater than its height. Even more preferably, the air inlet opening <NUM> has a length substantially comparable with the length of the first sidewall 205a (e.g., the length of the air inlet opening <NUM> is equal to, or greater than, the <NUM>% of the length of the first sidewall 205a).

A first coupling aperture <NUM> and, preferably although not strictly necessarily, a second coupling aperture <NUM> are provided, preferably on a second sidewall 205b of the four sidewalls 205a-d of the casing 205a.

The second sidewall 205b is preferably adjacent to the first sidewall 205a with the first coupling aperture <NUM> that is preferably provided on the second sidewall 205b closer to the first sidewall 205a than the second coupling aperture <NUM>. Thanks to such a structure, the first coupling aperture <NUM> is closer to the air inlet aperture <NUM> on the first sidewall <NUM> than the second coupling aperture <NUM>.

The first coupling aperture <NUM> is sized in such a way to receive a heating element <NUM> (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) described in detail in the following. In the non limiting example of <FIG> and <FIG>, the first coupling aperture <NUM> is advantageously a rectangular slot having a length substantially greater than its height.

The second coupling aperture <NUM> is sized in such a way to receive a sensor element <NUM> (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) described in detail in the following. In the non limiting example of <FIG> and <FIG>, the second coupling aperture <NUM> is an advantageously substantially circular bore.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, between the first coupling aperture <NUM> and the second coupling aperture <NUM> a joining slit <NUM> is provided. The joining slit <NUM> is sized for receiving a protruding portion 230a of a separating element <NUM> provided within the casing <NUM>. In the non limiting example of <FIG> and <FIG>, the joining slit <NUM> is a rectangular slot having a height substantially greater than its length.

The separating element <NUM>, when positioned within the casing <NUM>, separates the space within the casing <NUM> in two separated compartments 235a and 235b, in fluid communication one with the other.

A first separated compartment 235a of the two separated compartments 235a and 235b preferably comprises the air inlet opening <NUM> and the first coupling aperture <NUM>, while a second separated compartment 235b of the two separated compartments 235a and 235b preferably comprises the second coupling aperture <NUM>.

The separating element <NUM> is preferably substantially parallelepiped shaped, having a length equal to a distance between the second sidewall 205b and a third sidewall 205c of the four sidewalls 205a-d of the casing <NUM> (i.e., slightly smaller than a length of the first sidewall 205a and of a fourth sidewall 205d of the four sidewalls 205a-d of the casing <NUM>). The height of the separating element <NUM> is preferably smaller than the height of the four sidewalls 205a-d of the casing <NUM> for defining an aperture in a lower portion of the casing <NUM> that allows a fluid communication between the two separated compartments 235a and 235b (as can be appreciated in <FIG>, and <FIG>).

Preferably, although not necessarily, the separating element <NUM> comprises a support end 230b, preferably perpendicular to a main body of the separating element <NUM>, provided for supporting a flavoring substance rack <NUM> (described in detail in the following). The support end 230b of the separating element <NUM> extends itself in the second portion 235b, when the separating element <NUM> is coupled with the casing <NUM>, with the protruding portion 230a of the separating element <NUM> fitted in the joining slit <NUM>.

The flavoring device <NUM> preferably comprises a handle element <NUM>, advantageously coupled with the casing <NUM> in order to allow a secure seizure of the flavoring device <NUM> by a user. Preferably, the handle element <NUM> is coupled with an outer surface of the fourth sidewall 205b opposite to the second sidewall 205b on which the first and second coupling apertures <NUM> and <NUM> are preferably provided.

In an embodiment of the invention, the handle element <NUM> may be removably coupled with the casing <NUM>.

Preferably, within the casing <NUM> a first support element <NUM> for supporting a smoking substance rack <NUM> is provided.

Preferably, within the casing <NUM> a second support element <NUM> for supporting the flavoring substance rack <NUM> is provided.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first support element <NUM> comprises two substantially rectangular portions, preferably one equal to the other. The two substantially rectangular portions are preferably perpendicularly coupled one with the other along one of their longer sides.

The first support element <NUM> is advantageously coupled with an inner surface of the fourth sidewall 205d opposite to the second sidewall 205b in such a way to form a cantilever structure protruding from the fourth sidewall 205d towards the inside of the casing <NUM> and preferably above the air inlet opening <NUM> on the first sidewall 205a of the casing <NUM>. The first support element <NUM> is advantageously provided facing the first coupling aperture <NUM> and, thus, the first support element <NUM> advantageously results to be comprised in the first separated compartment 235a in which the inside of the casing <NUM> is divided by the separating element <NUM>.

The smoking substance rack <NUM>, if advantageously provided, is preferably box-like and more preferably parallelepiped shaped, advantageously with four sidewalls 255a-d and a bottom wall 255e opposite to a main aperture 255f. The bottom wall 255e of the smoking substance rack <NUM> is advantageously provided with a plurality of through bores <NUM>. Preferably, the plurality of through bores <NUM> covers the whole bottom wall 255e of the smoking substance rack <NUM>.

The smoking substance rack <NUM> is adapted to contain a smoking substance such as for example wood chips (e.g., oak wood chips, cherry wood chips etc.).

The smoking substance rack <NUM> is advantageously adapted to removably fit the first separated compartment 235a of the casing, preferably resting on the first support element <NUM>, over the heating element <NUM> (when the latter is inserted in the casing <NUM> through the first coupling aperture <NUM> as described in the following), above the air inlet opening <NUM> on the first sidewall 205a of the casing <NUM>.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second support element <NUM> comprises a substantially rectangular main body 260a with two flaps 260b and 260c protruding, advantageously perpendicularly, preferably from opposite short sides of main body 260a of the support element <NUM>. The two flaps 260b and 260c have advantageously substantially a same size, and protrude from the main body 260a in a same direction. In addition, preferably, at least one of the flaps 260b and 260c, the flap 260b in <FIG> and <FIG>, comprises also a niche <NUM> for allowing the passage of the sensor element <NUM>.

The second support element <NUM> is advantageously coupled with the bottom wall 205e of the casing <NUM>, preferably by means of the main body 260a, in such a way that flaps 260b and 260c protrude towards the casing aperture 205f and with the niche <NUM> that is advantageously provided on the flap 260b and which is preferably aligned with the second coupling aperture <NUM>. The second support element <NUM> advantageously results to be comprised in the second separated compartment 235b in which the inside of the casing <NUM> is divided by the separating element <NUM>.

The flavoring substance rack <NUM> is preferably box-like and more preferably parallelepiped shaped, advantageously with four sidewalls 240a-d and a bottom wall 240e opposite to a main aperture 240f. The bottom wall 240e of the flavoring substance rack <NUM> is provided with a plurality of through bores <NUM>. Preferably, the plurality of through bores <NUM> covers the whole bottom wall 240e of the flavoring substance rack <NUM>.

The flavoring substance rack <NUM> is adapted to contain a flavoring substance such as for example rosemary, eucalyptus, thyme, lavender, sage, lemon balm, hop or other flavoring herbs and/or mixtures thereof.

The flavoring substance rack <NUM> is advantageously adapted to removably fit the second separated compartment 235b of the casing <NUM>, preferably resting on the second support element <NUM> (i.e., on free ends of the flaps 260b and 260c) and on the supporting portion 230a of the separating element <NUM> above the sensor element <NUM> (when the latter is inserted in the casing <NUM> through the second coupling aperture <NUM>, as described in the following).

The casing <NUM> of the flavoring device <NUM> further preferably comprises a lid <NUM>, more preferably rotatably coupled with rest of the casing <NUM>, to selectively closing the aperture 205f thereof. Preferably, the lid <NUM> is hinged to the second sidewall 205b of the casing <NUM> in order to be simply opened by a user, for example while holding the flavoring device <NUM> by means of handle element <NUM> (if advantageously provided). The lid <NUM>, if advantageously rotatably coupled with the casing <NUM>, may be pivoted from a closing position in that closes the aperture 205f of the casing <NUM> to an opening position that allows accessing the inside of the casing <NUM>.

In other advantageous embodiments of the present invention (not shown), the flavoring device comprises a lid coupled with the rest of the casing <NUM> in a different manner, for example the lid can be slidably coupled with the rest of the casing <NUM>.

Preferably, the lid <NUM> comprises a tab 270a, preferably provided opposite to the hinging (if advantageously provided) between the rest of the casing <NUM> and the lid <NUM>, i.e. adjacent to the fourth sidewall 205d of the casing <NUM> when the lid <NUM> is in the closing position, for facilitating the user in opening the lid <NUM>.

The lid <NUM> may advantageously comprise a first air outlet opening, alternatively also called flavoring outlet opening 270b in the following.

The lid <NUM> may advantageously comprise a second air outlet opening, alternatively also called smoking air outlet opening 270c in the following.

The smoking outlet opening 270c (if provided) may be advantageously provided in the lid <NUM> in such a way that when the latter is in the closing position the smoking outlet opening 270c is above the smoking substance rack <NUM> in the first portion 235a of the casing <NUM>.

The flavoring air outlet opening 270b is advantageously provided in the lid <NUM> in such a way that, when the latter is in the closing position, the flavoring outlet opening 270b is above the flavoring substance rack <NUM> in the second portion 235b of the casing <NUM>.

The lid <NUM> preferably comprises a plurality of sliding slots, four sliding slots 270d-g in the example of <FIG> and <FIG>. The sliding slots 270d-g are provided in proximity of the smoking air outlet opening 270c and of the flavoring air outlet opening 270b.

A shutter element <NUM> is preferably provided, more preferably slidably coupled to the lid <NUM>. Advantageously, the shutter element <NUM> is coupled to the lid <NUM> in such a way to selectively close one between the smoking air outlet opening 270c and the flavoring air outlet opening 270b.

In the example of <FIG> and <FIG>, the shutter element <NUM> is advantageously a plate having a size adapted to cover one between the smoking air outlet opening 270c and the flavoring outlet opening 270b while leaving the other accessible.

The shutter element <NUM> is preferably slidably mounted to an inner surface of the lid <NUM> (i.e., the surface facing the inside of the casing <NUM> when the lid <NUM> is in the closing position), preferably by means of four sliding pins 280a-d (of which only one end coupled with the shutter element <NUM> is visible in the <FIG> and <FIG>) each of which passes through a respective one of the four sliding slots 270d-g provided in the lid <NUM>. In order to maintain the shutter element <NUM> slidably coupled with the lid <NUM>, the sliding pins 280a-d preferably comprise a top end (visible in <FIG> and <FIG>) exposed on an outer surface of the lid <NUM> (i.e., the surface opposite to the inside of the casing <NUM> when the lid <NUM> is in the closing position) and advantageously larger than a smaller dimension (i.e., between an height and a length) of the four sliding slots 270d-g (in order to sustain the shutter element <NUM> against the gravity when the lid <NUM> is in its closing position).

In other embodiments of the present invention, different shutter elements and means for coupling such shutter elements with the lid may be provided without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, two independent shutter elements may be provided each one adapted to close a respective one between the flavoring air outlet opening and the smoking air outlet opening.

The flavoring device <NUM> is preferably made of a heat resistant material (i.e., a material that is not deformed and/or damaged at the operating temperatures of the cooking oven <NUM>). For example, the flavoring device <NUM> may be made of a metal, such as steel. In this case, the casing <NUM>, the support elements <NUM> and <NUM> (if advantageously provided), the separating element <NUM> (if advantageously provided), the racks <NUM> and <NUM> (if advantageously provided), the lid <NUM> and the shutter element <NUM> (if advantageously provided) may be manufactured by cutting, punching and folding a metal sheet, thus with a cheap and fast manufacturing procedure.

Turning to <FIG> and <FIG>, they are a schematic partly cross sectional top view of the cooking oven <NUM> shown without the door <NUM> receiving the flavoring device <NUM> in a cooking chamber <NUM> thereof, and a perspective view of the cooking oven <NUM> comprising a receiving rack <NUM> for cooking plates (not shown), respectively.

In the cooking oven <NUM> the heating element <NUM> is advantageously part of the cooking chamber <NUM> and preferably it protrudes at least partly from a backwall 315a thereof.

Preferably, although not necessarily, the cooking oven <NUM> comprises the sensor element <NUM> that is part of the cooking chamber <NUM> and advantageously protrudes at least partly from a backwall 315a thereof.

In the example of <FIG> and <FIG>, the heating element <NUM> is advantageously an electric heating element exposed in the cooking chamber <NUM> of the cooking oven <NUM>. Preferably, the heating element <NUM> has a serpentine structure. The heating element <NUM> is advantageously wired by (electric) power wirings 305a to a (electric) power element (not shown) of the cooking oven <NUM> for being selectively energized by it according to an energizing command provided by the control arrangement (not shown) of the cooking oven <NUM> (as described in the following). The power wirings 305a are preferably provided behind the backwall 315a of the coking chamber <NUM>, thus, outside the latter.

In the example of <FIG> and <FIG>, the sensor element <NUM> comprises a temperature sensor (e.g., a thermocouple). Preferably, the sensor element <NUM> has a rod-like structure. The sensor element <NUM> is wired by (electric) signal wirings 310a to the control arrangement (not shown) comprised in the components section <NUM>COMP of the cooking oven <NUM> for providing temperature information thereto (as described in the following). The signal wirings 310a are preferably provided behind the backwall 315a of the cooking chamber <NUM>, thus, outside the latter.

The flavoring device <NUM> is provided in its working position inside the cooking chamber <NUM> of the cooking oven <NUM> inserting the heating element <NUM> and the sensor element <NUM> inside the casing <NUM> of the flavoring device <NUM> through the first coupling aperture <NUM> and the second coupling aperture <NUM>, respectively.

For example, the flavoring device <NUM> is pushed towards the backwall 315a until an outer surface of the second sidewall 205b reaches the backwall 315a and the heating element <NUM> and the sensor element <NUM> are housed in the casing.

Preferably, the heating element <NUM> and the sensor element <NUM> may be provided protruding from a lower portion of the backwall 315a of the cooking chamber <NUM>, preferably in proximity of a bottom wall 315b of the coking chamber <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the heating element <NUM> and the sensor element <NUM> are advantageously provided in the lower portion of the backwall 315a in such a way that the flavoring device <NUM> rests on the bottom wall 315b of the cooking chamber <NUM> (i.e., an outer surface of the bottom wall 205e of the casing <NUM> is in contact with the bottom wall 315b) when the flavoring device <NUM> houses the heating element <NUM> and the sensor element <NUM>.

In this case, the flavoring device <NUM> may be advantageously slid along the bottom wall 315b of the cooking chamber <NUM> until the heating element <NUM> and the sensor element <NUM> are completely inserted inside the casing <NUM> of the flavoring device <NUM>. Therefore the heating element <NUM> and the sensor element <NUM> results to be housed within the casing <NUM> of the flavoring device <NUM> when the latter is in an operating position inside the cooking chamber <NUM>.

Advantageously, when the heating element <NUM> is completely inserted inside the casing <NUM> of the flavoring device <NUM>, the heating element <NUM> is housed in the first compartment 235a in proximity of the smoking substance rack <NUM> when the latter is fitted in the first compartment 235a.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the heating element <NUM> is distant from the smoking substance rack <NUM> a distance comprised between <NUM>/<NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM> (o between <NUM>% - <NUM>%) of the height of the second sidewall 205b.

Advantageously, when the sensor element <NUM> is completely inserted inside the casing <NUM> of the flavoring device <NUM>, the sensor element <NUM> is housed in the second compartment 235b in proximity of the flavoring substance rack <NUM> when the latter is fitted in the second compartment 235b.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the sensor <NUM> is distant from the flavoring substance rack <NUM> a distance comprised between <NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM> (o between <NUM>% - <NUM>%) of the height of the second sidewall 205b.

In the example of <FIG>, the cooking oven <NUM> advantageously comprises a receiving rack <NUM> for cooking plates (not shown) used for arranging food to be cooked within the cooking chamber <NUM>.

Preferably, a lowermost portion of the receiving rack <NUM> comprises a rest slab 320a on which the flavoring device <NUM> may be positioned.

Moreover, the heating element <NUM> and the sensor element <NUM> are preferably provided protruding from a lower portion of the backwall 315a of the cooking chamber <NUM> having a position relative to the rest slab 320a of the receiving rack <NUM> adapted to allow the insertion of the heating element <NUM> and the sensor element <NUM> inside the casing <NUM> of the flavoring device <NUM> through the first coupling aperture <NUM> and the second coupling aperture <NUM> while the flavoring device <NUM> rests on the rest slab 320a of the receiving rack <NUM>.

In this case, the flavoring device <NUM> may be advantageously slid along the rest slab 320a of the receiving rack <NUM> until the heating element <NUM> and the sensor element <NUM> are completely inserted inside the casing <NUM> of the flavoring device <NUM>. Again, the heating element <NUM> and the sensor element <NUM> advantageously result to be housed within the casing <NUM> of the flavoring device <NUM> when the latter is in an operating position inside the cooking chamber <NUM>.

In another advantageous embodiment of the invention (not shown), guides may be provided either on the bottom wall 315b of the cooking chamber <NUM> and/or on the rest slab 320a of the receiving rack <NUM> for facilitating the insertion of the heating element <NUM> and of the sensor element <NUM> inside the casing <NUM> of the flavoring device <NUM> by guiding a sliding of the latter towards the heating element <NUM> and the sensor element <NUM>.

Considering <FIG> and <FIG>, they are perspective views of a flavoring device <NUM> according to another advantageous embodiment of the present invention.

The flavoring device <NUM> differs from the flavoring device <NUM> previously described in what follows (wherein similar elements are denoted by similar numeral references and their description is not repeated for the sake of conciseness).

The flavoring device <NUM> advantageously comprises a heating element <NUM> and a sensor element <NUM> housed within the casing <NUM>.

To this purpose, the flavoring device <NUM> may advantageously comprise an additional separating element <NUM>, in which case the separating element <NUM>' is shorter than the separating element <NUM> provided in the flavoring device <NUM> described above. The separating element <NUM>' and the additional separating element <NUM> separate the inside of the casing in three distinct separated compartments 235a-c.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the additional separating element <NUM> preferably comprises two substantially rectangular shaped portions 415a and 415b. The two portions 415a and 415b are substantially perpendicularly coupled one with the other along one of their longer sides.

The additional separating element <NUM> has preferably a length equal to a distance between the first sidewall 205a and the third sidewall 205c of the four sidewalls 205a-d of the casing <NUM> (i.e., slightly smaller than a length of the second and fourth sidewall 205a and 205d). The height of the separating element <NUM> is preferably substantially equal to the height of the four sidewalls 205a-d of the casing <NUM> for completely separating the two separated compartments 235a and 235b from the third separated compartment 235c.

The first portion 415a of the additional separating element <NUM> is preferably coupled to the bottom wall 205e of the casing <NUM> in such a way that the second portion 415b of the additional separating element <NUM> protrudes from the bottom wall 205e towards the inside of the casing <NUM> transversal to the bottom wall 205e.

The second portion 415b of the additional separating element <NUM> preferably comprises a couple of first through holes 415c. A respective end of the heating element <NUM> is advantageously mounted to each one of first through holes 415c (e.g., by means of coupling elements such as washers and nuts coupled with the, preferably threaded, ends of the heating element <NUM>).

The second portion 415b of the additional separating element <NUM> further preferably comprises a second through hole 415d. The sensor element <NUM> is mounted to the second through hole 415d (e.g., by means of coupling elements such as washers and nuts).

The first through holes 415c are advantageously provided on the second portion 415b of the additional separating element <NUM> in such a way that the heating element <NUM> is housed within the first compartment 235a of the inside of the casing <NUM> in proximity of the smoking substance rack <NUM> when the latter is fitted in the first compartment 235a. Preferably, but not necessarily, the heating element <NUM> is distant from the substance rack <NUM> a distance comprised between <NUM>/<NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM> (o between <NUM>% - <NUM>%) of the height of the second sidewall 205b. Conversely, the second through hole 415d is advantageously provided on the second portion 415b of the additional separating element <NUM> in such a way that the sensor element is housed within the second portion 235b of the inside of the casing <NUM> in proximity of the flavoring substance rack <NUM> when the latter is fitted in the second compartment 235b. Preferably, but not necessarily, the sensor <NUM> is distant from the flavoring substance rack <NUM> a distance comprised between <NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM> (o between <NUM>% - <NUM>%) of the height of the second sidewall 205b. Within the third separated compartment 235c of the inside of the casing <NUM>, power wirings 405a are preferably disposed, operatively coupled with the ends of the heating element <NUM>. Moreover, within the third separated compartment 235c of the inside of the casing <NUM>, signal wirings 410a are preferably disposed, operatively coupled with the end of the sensor element <NUM>.

In the flavoring device <NUM>, the fourth sidewall 205d preferably comprises a wiring aperture <NUM> through which the power wirings 405a and the signal wirings 410a are passed through, advantageously in order to reach a control unit (not visible in <FIG> and <FIG>, and numbered <NUM> in the <FIG> and <FIG>) described in the following.

Preferably, the power wirings 405a and the signal wirings 410a are enclosed in a single sheath (not visible in <FIG> and <FIG>, and numbered <NUM> in the <FIG> and <FIG>), even more preferably the sheath <NUM> is made of a material resistant to the operating temperatures of the cooking oven (e.g., up to <NUM>).

Preferably, in the flavoring device <NUM>, the second sidewall 205b of the casing <NUM> is not provided with the coupling apertures <NUM> and <NUM> provided in the flavoring device <NUM> previously described.

In the second support element <NUM> of the flavoring device <NUM>, the niche <NUM>' is provided on the flap 260c (instead that being provided on the flap 260b as in the second support element <NUM> of the flavoring device <NUM> previously described) for receiving the sensor element <NUM> protruding from the additional separating element <NUM>.

In the flavoring device <NUM>, the first support element <NUM> is preferably coupled with an inner surface of the second sidewall 205b opposite to the fourth sidewall 205d (i.e., opposite with respect to the disposition in the flavoring device <NUM>) advantageously in such a way to form a cantilever structure protruding from the fourth sidewall 205d towards the inside of the casing <NUM> and above the air inlet opening <NUM> on the first sidewall 205a of the casing <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG> and <FIG> they are a schematic partly cross-sectional top view and a perspective view of a cooking oven <NUM>' shown without the door <NUM> receiving the flavoring device <NUM> in the cooking chamber <NUM> thereof.

The cooking oven <NUM>' differs from the cooking oven <NUM>, previously described, only for not comprising the heating element <NUM> and the sensor element <NUM>.

The flavoring device <NUM> is provided in the cooking chamber <NUM> of the cooking oven <NUM>' for example resting on the bottom wall 515b of the cooking chamber <NUM>, with the power wirings 405a and the signal wirings 410a preferably enclosed in the single sheath <NUM>, and connected to the control unit <NUM> which may be positioned in the proximity or on the cooking oven <NUM>', preferably outside the cooking chamber <NUM>. In the example of <FIG> and <FIG>, the control unit <NUM> is advantageously positioned on the top cover <NUM> of the cooking oven <NUM>'.

The control unit <NUM> can advantageously comprise a casing 505a having a control interface 505b exposed on a surface of the casing 505b.

Preferably, the control unit <NUM> comprises an electric cord (not shown) that may be coupled to the power grid for receiving electric power supply.

The control interface 505b advantageously allows the user setting (e.g., by means of pushbuttons and/or a touch-screen) an operation of the flavoring device <NUM> (as described in the following).

Inside the casing 505a the control unit <NUM> advantageously comprises electric and electronics components adapted to selectively energizing the heating element <NUM>, preferably according to temperature information obtained by means of the sensor element <NUM> (as described in the following) and the settings selected by the user through the control interface 505b.

It should be noted that, preferably, any position within the cooking chamber <NUM> of the cooking oven <NUM>' may be considered an operating position for the flavoring device <NUM>. For example, the flavoring device <NUM> may rest on any portion of the bottom wall 515b of the cooking chamber <NUM> or on a cooking plate or slab (not shown) inserted in a receiving rack (not shown) possibly provided in the cooking chamber <NUM>.

During operation, the door <NUM> may be advantageously partially closed in order to avoid excessively compressing the power wirings 405a and the signal wirings 410a within the single sheath <NUM>.

More advantageously, a sealing gasket (not shown) positioned along borders of the door <NUM> (in order to seal the cooking chamber <NUM> from the external environment) bends and compresses itself allowing the power wirings 405a and the signal wirings 410a within the single sheath <NUM> connecting the control unit <NUM> with flavoring device <NUM> even with the door <NUM> in a closing position completely closing the cooking chamber <NUM>.

In another advantageous embodiment of the present invention (not shown), the power for energizing the heating element and/or the temperature information collected by the sensor element can be transmitted between the control arrangement and the flavoring device in a different manner other than wired. For example, the temperature information collected by the sensor element can be transmitted between the control arrangement and the flavoring device by means of radio frequency signals; in this case both the control arrangement and the flavoring device may advantageously comprise respective radio frequency transceiver elements adapted to perform such radio frequency signals transmission.

It should be noted that the flavoring device <NUM> with the control unit <NUM> are independent form the cooking oven <NUM>'. Indeed, the flavoring device <NUM> with the control unit <NUM> are adapted to be used with substantially any type of existing cooking oven without requiring any modification to the latter.

Thanks to the heating element <NUM> or <NUM> housed spaced apart from the flavoring substance rack <NUM> and from the sensor element <NUM> or <NUM>.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the heating element <NUM> or <NUM> is distant from the flavoring substance rack <NUM> and/or from the sensor element <NUM> or <NUM> a distance comprised between <NUM>/<NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM> (o between <NUM>% - <NUM>%) of the length of the second sidewall 205b.

The flavoring device <NUM> and the flavoring device <NUM> according to the present invention allow efficiently volatilizing or vaporizing flavoring molecules of the flavoring substances contained in the flavoring substance rack <NUM> by heating the flavoring substances through a controlled air convection, thus avoiding destroying the flavoring molecules by exposure to an excessive heat.

Moreover, if smoking substance rack <NUM> is advantageously provided in flavoring device <NUM> and flavoring device <NUM> according to the present invention, the possibility to control heating element <NUM> and <NUM>, possibly in relation to the temperature information collected respectively by sensors <NUM> and <NUM>, also allow generating and diffusing smoking molecules of the smoking substances contained in the smoking substance rack <NUM> substantially by heating the smoking substances through controlled radiation and convection of heat, thus providing a correct intensity of heat avoiding conferring an unpleasant burnt taste to a food being smoked.

In other advantageous embodiments of the present invention (not shown), the smoking substance rack <NUM> may be omitted, therefore, also the first support element <NUM>, the smoking air outlet opening 270c, the sliding slots 270d-e and the shutter element <NUM> may be omitted as well.

In a further advantageous embodiment, not illustrated in attached Figures, the flavoring device <NUM> can be associated to an oven externally to the cooking chamber; in this case a suitable conduit or pipe should be advantageously provided, fluidly connected at one side to the flavoring outlet opening(s) and/or smoking air outlet opening(s) of the flavoring device, and fluidly connected, at the other side, to the internal of the cooking chamber, so as to allow taking the flavored or smoked air coming from the flavoring device into the cooking chamber. In this advantageous embodiment a fan can be advantageously provided, for enhancing the air flow from the flavoring device to the cooking chamber.

By making reference to <FIG>, which are cross-sectional and top views, respectively, of the flavoring device <NUM>, a first air path, alternatively called also flavoring air path in the following, indicated in <FIG> with arrows <NUM> for air crossing the flavoring device during a flavoring process is described.

During the flavoring process, the shutter element <NUM> is advantageously positioned in such a way to close the smoking air outlet opening 270c, while the flavoring air outlet opening 270b of the lid <NUM> is accessible; therefore the flavoring air path is formed between the air inlet opening <NUM> and the flavoring outlet opening 270b.

The flavoring substance rack <NUM> is least partially disposed along the flavoring air path, so that flavoring substance(s) <NUM> contained in the flavoring substance rack <NUM> can be crossed (and heated) by the air flux heated by heating element <NUM>.

During the flavoring process, according to convection principles, the air travels along the flavoring air path <NUM> in the following manner.

Air entering the first portion 235a of the casing <NUM> from the air inlet opening <NUM> is heated by the energized heating element <NUM>. The (turbulent) heated air moves from the hotter first portion 235a to the colder second portion 235b (the first portion 235a is hotter than the second portion 235b since the first portion 235a houses the energized heating element <NUM>) where the heated air crosses the through holes <NUM> in the bottom wall 240e of the flavoring substance rack <NUM> in order to reach the flavoring air outlet opening 270b on the lid <NUM> and then spreading in the cooking chamber <NUM> therefrom.

The heated air crossing the through holes <NUM> reaches the flavoring substance(s) <NUM> provided in the flavoring substance rack <NUM> and heats it up, thereby volatilizing flavoring molecules comprised in the flavoring substance(s) <NUM>. The flavoring molecules are then carried by the heated air away from the flavoring substance rack <NUM> and from the flavoring device <NUM> through the flavoring air outlet opening 270b, thus diffusing in the cooking chamber <NUM>, flavoring any food disposed in the cooking chamber <NUM> surrounding the flavoring device <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, which are cross-sectional and top views, respectively, of the flavoring device <NUM>, a second air path, alternatively called also smoking air path in the following, indicated in <FIG> with arrows <NUM> for air crossing the flavoring device during a smoking process is described.

It should be noted that the following description may be applied to the flavoring device <NUM> as well.

During the smoking process, the shutter element <NUM> is positioned in such a way to close the flavoring air outlet opening 270b, while the smoking air outlet opening 270c of the lid <NUM> in its closing position is accessible, therefore the smoking air path <NUM> is formed between the air inlet opening <NUM> and the smoking outlet opening 270c.

Along the smoking air path <NUM> is at least partially disposed the smoking substance rack <NUM>, in which a smoking substance(s) <NUM> is disposed.

During the smoking process, according to convection principles, the air travels along the smoking air path <NUM> in the following manner.

Air entering the first portion 235a of the casing <NUM> from the air inlet opening <NUM> is heated by the energized heating element <NUM>. The (turbulent) heated air moves from the hotter surroundings of the heating element <NUM> in the lower part of the first portion 235a, to the smoking air outlet opening 270c on the lid <NUM> in the colder surroundings of the upper part of the first portion 235a (the lower part of the first portion 235a is hotter than the upper part of the first portion 235a since the lower part of the first portion 235a houses the energized heating element <NUM>) and then spreading in the cooking chamber <NUM> therefrom.

Moreover, thanks to the proximity between the heating element <NUM> and the smoking substance rack <NUM> the smoking substance <NUM> receives heat directly radiated from the heating element <NUM>.

Therefore, the energized heating element <NUM> transmits heat mainly by convection (i.e., through the heated air in the second air path <NUM>) and by radiation (since the heating element <NUM> is provided in the proximity of the smoking substance rack <NUM>) to the smoking substance rack <NUM>.

Advantageously, the smoking substance(s) <NUM> contained in the smoking substance rack <NUM> are heated up and charred, thus releasing smoke.

The heated air crossing the through holes <NUM> facilitates the release of the smoke generated from the smoking substance through the smoking air outlet opening 270c on the lid <NUM>. The smoke generated from the smoking substance diffuses in the cooking chamber <NUM>, smoking any food disposed in the cooking chamber <NUM> surrounding the flavoring device <NUM>.

The airflow flowing through the flavoring air path <NUM> and the smoking air path <NUM> may be enhanced by a fan <NUM> provided in the cooking oven <NUM>' as shown in <FIG>, which is a front cross-sectional view of the cooking oven <NUM>' with the flavoring device <NUM> inside the cooking chamber <NUM> thereof, with the fan <NUM> of the cooking oven <NUM> providing a forced airflow through the flavoring device <NUM>.

It should be noted that, although in the following reference is made only to the flavoring air path <NUM> of the flavoring device <NUM> in the cooking oven <NUM>', same considerations apply for the smoking air path <NUM> thereof and for the flavoring air path <NUM> and the smoking air path <NUM> of the flavoring device <NUM> in the cooking oven <NUM>.

The cooking oven <NUM>' can advantageously comprise a fan, for example a radial fan <NUM>, provided preferably in a cavity <NUM> between a sidewall <NUM> of the cooking chamber <NUM> and a component portion wall <NUM>. The fan <NUM> is advantageously operatively coupled with a fan motor <NUM>, preferably provided in the component portion <NUM>COMP of the cooking oven <NUM>'.

The radial fan <NUM> is advantageously exposed on a sidewall <NUM> of the cooking chamber <NUM> of the cooking oven <NUM>'. Preferably, the radial fan <NUM> is exposed at a fan opening 810a of the sidewall <NUM> of the cooking chamber <NUM>. Preferably, the fan opening 810a is provided at a central position of the sidewall <NUM>.

The sidewall <NUM> of the cooking chamber <NUM> advantageously comprises at least top and bottom air passages 810b and 810c provided in proximity of a top wall <NUM> of the cooking chamber <NUM> and in proximity of the bottom wall 515e of the cooking chamber <NUM>, respectively.

During the operation of the radial fan <NUM> (i.e., when the radial fan <NUM> is rotated by the fan motor <NUM>) air is sucked from the cooking chamber <NUM> trough the fan opening 810a on the sidewall <NUM> and blown into the cavity <NUM> for re-entering the cooking chamber <NUM> of the cooking oven <NUM>' through (at least) the top and bottom air passages 810b and 810c.

By providing the flavoring device <NUM> with the air inlet opening <NUM> facing the bottom air passage 810c, the forced flow of air (i.e., forced by the fan <NUM>) re-entering the cooking chamber <NUM> of the cooking oven <NUM>' directly hits the outer surface of the first sidewall 205a of the flavoring device <NUM>.

Therefore, part of such forced flow of air is injected into the casing <NUM> producing an enhanced airflow that crosses the flavoring air path <NUM> previously described. Thanks to the forced flow of air crossing the flavoring air path <NUM> it is possible to speed up a flavoring process and the flavoring molecules are diffused more evenly within the whole cooking chamber <NUM>. It should be noted that the same consideration applies to air flowing in the smoking air path <NUM> in case of a smoking process.

Naturally, in order to satisfy local and specific requirements, a person skilled in the art may apply to the solution described above many logical and/or physical modifications and alterations. More specifically, although this solution has been described with a certain degree of particularity with reference to two embodiments thereof, it should be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form and details as well as other embodiments are possible.

For example, in an advantageous embodiment of the present inventions (not shown) the air inlet opening and outlet openings may have a different shape such as circular shaped. Moreover, the air inlet opening and the air outlet openings may comprise a plurality of through holes (of any shape).

In other advantageous embodiments of the present invention (not shown), the air paths inside the casing may have a different design.

For example, in another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the flavoring device comprises two independent air path each fluidly connecting a respective air inlet opening to a respective air outlet opening.

In another advantageous embodiment of the present invention (not shown), the flavoring device comprises a pair of air inlet openings, i.e. one associated with the flavoring air path and the other associated with the smoking air path, and a single outlet opening. Advantageously, a shutter element may be advantageously provided in correspondence of the pair of air inlet openings in order to selectively opening/closing one thereof.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the flavoring device comprises a single inlet air opening and a single outlet opening. Advantageously, a flap element may be provided in the casing in order to route air in a flavoring air path (along which the flavoring substance rack is provided) or in a smoking air path (along which the smoking substance rack is provided) formed within the casing of the flavoring device.

In yet other advantageous embodiments of the present invention, a single air path may be provided in the casing of the flavoring device. It should be noted that such yet other advantageous embodiments allows performing both a flavoring process and a smoking process as well. For example, one selected between the flavoring substance rack and the smoking substance rack is preferably positioned along the single air path in order to perform the corresponding flavoring process or smoking process, respectively.

Moreover, in a yet further advantageous embodiment of the present invention (not shown) the flavoring device is adapted to be operated in a combined smoking and flavoring process. To this purpose, the flavoring device can advantageously comprise a shutter element adapted to selectively allow the passage of air through both the flavoring air outlet opening and the smoking air outlet opening in addition to selectively close one between the flavoring air outlet opening and the smoking air outlet opening (as described above). Alternatively, in yet another advantageous embodiment the shutter element may be omitted, or the lid may be removed, and the flavoring device may be used only to perform to combined smoking and flavoring processes (with the aperture of the casing that acts as air outlet opening).

Having described the flavoring device according to embodiments of the present invention it will be now described a method of operating the flavoring device <NUM> by means of <FIG>, which is a schematic flowchart of a method of operating the flavoring device <NUM> according to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention.

It should be noted that, although the following method is described by making reference to the flavoring device <NUM> and to the control unit <NUM>, the flavoring control herein described may be used exactly in the same way for controlling the operation of the flavoring device <NUM> and the control arrangement of the cooking oven <NUM> as well.

Initially (block <NUM>), the flavoring device <NUM> is positioned inside the cooking chamber <NUM> of the cooking oven <NUM>' together with the food to be processed, which is not illustrated.

If the flavoring process is going to be performed, the shutter element <NUM> is positioned in such a way to close the smoking air outlet opening 270c, while the flavoring air outlet opening 270b is accessible (i.e., the smoking air path <NUM> is blocked while the flavoring air path <NUM> is opened). A selected flavoring substance(s) <NUM> is(are) provided in the flavoring substance rack <NUM> fitted in the second compartment 235b of the casing <NUM> and the lid <NUM> is positioned in its closed position. Optionally, the smoking substance rack <NUM> may be removed from the casing <NUM> (or it can be not provided at all in the casing <NUM>). Advantageously the flavoring substance(s) <NUM> can be provided in the flavoring substance rack <NUM> before or after the positioning of the flavoring device <NUM> into the cooking chamber <NUM>.

Conversely, if a smoking process is to be performed, the shutter element <NUM> is positioned in such a way to close the flavoring air outlet opening 270b, while the smoking air outlet opening 270c is accessible (i.e., the flavoring air path <NUM> is blocked while the smoking air path <NUM> is opened). A selected smoking substance(s), not illustrated, is(are) provided in the smoking substance rack <NUM> fitted in the first compartment 235a of the casing <NUM>, and the lid <NUM> is positioned in its closed position. Optionally, the flavoring substance rack <NUM> may be removed from the casing <NUM> (or it can be not provided at all in the casing <NUM>). Advantageously the smoking substance(s) <NUM> can be provided in the smoking substance rack <NUM> before or after the positioning of the flavoring device <NUM> into the cooking chamber <NUM>.

Optionally (block <NUM>), the user interface 505b of the control unit <NUM> can advantageously be operated for selecting a type (e.g., meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, cheese, etc.) and, possibly, an amount of food to be processed (i.e., flavored or smoked).

Then (block <NUM>), the user interface 505b of the control unit <NUM> is operated for selecting a flavoring process or a smoking process according to which between the selected flavoring substance and the selected smoking substance has been provided in the flavoring substance rack <NUM> or in the smoking substance rack <NUM>, respectively.

In addition to advantageously selecting between a flavoring process and a smoking process, it may be also advantageously specified (through the user interface 505b) the selected flavoring substance or the selected smoking substance housed in the flavoring substance rack <NUM> or in the smoking substance rack <NUM>, respectively. To this purpose, the user interface 505b may provide a list of selectable flavoring substances and smoking substances to the user.

In addition (e.g., if it is used a non-listed flavoring or smoking substance) or alternatively, the user may be preferably allowed to directly indicate through the user interface a custom flavoring temperature and a custom flavoring time, or a custom smoking power and a custom smoking time to be used in an automated flavoring process or in an automated smoking process, respectively, described below.

Afterwards, an automated procedure is performed by the control unit <NUM> according to the indication provided through the user interface 505b of the control unit <NUM> (at previous blocks <NUM> and <NUM>).

According to whether the flavoring process or the smoking process has been selected, the automated procedure proceeds with the automated flavoring process or the automated smoking process (decision block <NUM>).

In the case the flavoring process has been selected (exit branch Y of decision block <NUM>) the control unit <NUM> retrieves (block <NUM>) from a memory element (not shown; e.g., a ROM-type memory or a Look-Up Table) of the control unit <NUM> a flavoring temperature Tflav and a flavoring time tflav (or the custom flavoring temperature and the custom flavoring time previously indicated by the user) associated with the selected flavoring substance (defined at block <NUM>) and possibly associated with the type of food to be processed (defined at optional block <NUM>).

The memory element of the control unit <NUM> advantageously comprises a plurality of flavoring temperatures Tflav or range of flavoring temperatures [Tflavmin, Tflavmax] and a flavoring times tflav associated to respective selected flavoring substance (defined at block <NUM>) and possibly associated to the type of food to be processed (defined at optional block <NUM>).

In fact, each flavoring substance used for flavoring the food has a preferred specific volatilization/vaporization temperature or range of volatilization/vaporization temperatures that should be fulfilled in order to not alter the flavoring molecules and to prevent the formation of harmful substances. An example of flavoring temperatures Tflav for different flavoring substance is shown in the following Table <NUM>:.

The flavoring times tflav associated with respective selected flavoring substance (defined at block <NUM>) and possibly associated with the type of food to be processed (defined at optional block <NUM>) are times deemed sufficient to perform a satisfactory flavoring of the food within the cooking chamber <NUM>.

Then, the control unit <NUM> energizes (block <NUM>) the heating element <NUM> in order to heat the air inside the casing <NUM> of the flavoring device <NUM>, as previously described.

The control unit <NUM> monitors (e.g., periodically or continuously) the temperature information provided by the sensor element <NUM> checking (block <NUM>) whether an actual temperature Tact (comprised in, or attainable from, the temperature information provided by the sensor element <NUM>) of the air inside the casing <NUM> (in the proximity of the flavoring substance rack <NUM>) is substantially equal to the flavoring temperature Tflav or falls within the range of flavoring temperatures [Tflavmin, Tflavmax] associated with the selected flavoring substance.

In the negative case (exit branch N of decision block <NUM>), i.e. the actual temperature Tact substantially differs from the flavoring temperature Tflav, or is not within the range of flavoring temperatures [Tflavmin, Tflavmax], the control unit <NUM> adjusts (block <NUM>) the electric power provided to the heating element <NUM> in order to obtain an actual temperature Tact substantially equal to the flavoring temperature Tflav (i.e., Tact ≈ Tflav) or within the range of flavoring temperatures [Tflavmin, Tflavmax] (i.e., Tflavmin ≤ Tact ≤ Tflavmax), and operation returns to block <NUM>. For example, the control unit <NUM> increases or decreases (or interrupts) the electric power energizing the heating element <NUM> according to whether the actual temperature Tact is lower than the flavoring temperature Tflav or the actual temperature Tact is higher than the flavoring temperature Tflav, respectively.

It should be noted that the control unit <NUM> implements a refined temperature control on the actual temperature Tact of air provided to the flavoring substance rack <NUM> by controlling the energizing of the heating element <NUM> and the feedback provided by sensor element <NUM> (in other words the steps performed at block <NUM> and block <NUM> provide a feedback loop for controlling the actual temperature Tact).

Such a refined temperature control is improved by the position of the sensor element <NUM> at the flavoring substance rack <NUM> and spaced apart from the heating element <NUM>, so that the sensor element <NUM> is able to provide a precise and reliable temperature information, related to the actual temperature Tact of air at the flavoring substance rack <NUM> which is heating the flavoring substance within the latter, to the control unit <NUM>.

Indeed, the position of the sensor element <NUM> confers to the temperature control a relatively high sensitivity to any temperature variations localized in the proximity of the flavoring substance rack <NUM>, such as for example temperature variations due to variations in the airflow of air traveling in the flavoring air path <NUM>.

Therefore, the temperature control implemented by the control unit <NUM> ensures that the actual temperature Tact is substantially equal to the desired flavoring temperature Tflav or within the desired range of flavoring temperatures [Tflavmin, Tflavmax] during the whole flavoring process. Accordingly, the volatilizing of the flavoring molecules from the flavoring substance is substantially uniformly at the flavoring temperature Tflav or within the range of flavoring temperatures [Tflavmin, Tflavmax] during the flavoring process, providing an improved flavoring of the food in the cooking chamber <NUM> of the cooking oven <NUM>'.

Advantageously, this leads to an enhanced flavoring of food processes, since the flavoring molecules comprised in the flavoring substance are not altered by an excessively high or instable actual temperature Tact. For example, the reaching of a combustion temperature of the flavoring substance (that causes the destruction of the majority of the flavoring molecules) may be utterly avoided.

If the actual temperature Tact is substantially equal to the flavoring temperature Tflav (exit branch Y of decision block <NUM>), or within the range of flavoring temperatures [Tflavmin, Tflavmax] , the electric power energizing the heating element <NUM> is kept substantially constant, and the control arrangement <NUM> checks (decision block <NUM>) whether an actual time tact, for example provided by a clock element or timer (not shown) comprised in the control unit <NUM>, is lower than the flavoring time tflav associated with the selected flavoring substance (i.e., tact < tflav).

In the affirmative case (exit branch Y of decision block <NUM>), i.e. the actual time tact is lower than the flavoring time tflav, the flavoring process is not yet completed and the operation returns at block <NUM>.

In the negative case (exit branch N of decision block <NUM>), i.e. the actual time tact is equal to, or greater, than the flavoring time tflav, the flavoring process is considered completed and the control unit <NUM> de-energizes (block <NUM>) the heating element <NUM>.

Back at block <NUM>, in the case the smoking process has been selected (exit branch N of decision block <NUM>) the control unit <NUM> retrieves (block <NUM>) from the memory element (not shown) of the control unit <NUM> a smoking power Psmoke and a smoking time tsmoke (or the custom smoking power and the custom smoking time previously indicated by the user) associated with the selected smoking substance <NUM> (defined at block <NUM>) and possibly associated with the type of food to be processed (defined at optional block <NUM>).

The memory element of the control unit <NUM> can advantageously comprise a plurality of smoking powers Psmoke and a smoking times tsmoke associated with respective selected smoking substance <NUM> (defined at block <NUM>) and possibly associated with the type of food to be processed (defined at optional block <NUM>).

In fact, each smoking substance used for smoking the food has a specific smoking temperature that may be reached and maintained by energizing the heating element <NUM> with a predefined smoking power Psmoke that must not be exceeded in order to not excessively burn the associated smoking substance, thus preventing the formation of harmful substances.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the smoking powers Psmoke are indicated as a percentage of a maximum power Pmax with which the heating element <NUM> may be energized.

For example, the smoking powers Psmoke associated with each respective selected smoking substance <NUM> may be provided to the heating element <NUM> by adjusting an intensity of an electric current crossing the heating element <NUM> or, alternatively, by adjusting a duty cycle of the electric current crossing the heating element <NUM>.

The smoking times tsmoke associated with respective selected smoking substance (defined at block <NUM>) and possibly associated with the type of food to be processed (defined at optional block <NUM>) are times deemed sufficient to perform a satisfactory smoking of the food within the cooking chamber <NUM>.

Then, the control unit <NUM> energizes (block <NUM>) the heating element <NUM> at the smoking power Psmoke associated with the selected smoking substance (defined at block <NUM>) in order to heat the smoking substance contained in the smoking substance rack <NUM> housed in the casing <NUM> of the flavoring device <NUM> as previously described.

The control unit <NUM> checks (e.g., periodically or continuously; decision block <NUM>) whether the actual time tact is lower than the smoking time tsmoke associated with the selected flavoring substance (i.e., tact < tsmoke).

In the affirmative case (exit branch Y of decision block <NUM>), i.e. the actual time tact is lower than the flavoring time tsmoke, the smoking process is not yet completed and the operation remains at block <NUM>.

In the negative case (exit branch N of decision block <NUM>), i.e. the actual time tact is equal to, or greater, than the smoking time tsmoke, the smoking process is considered completed and the control unit <NUM> de-energizes (block <NUM>) the heating element <NUM>.

It should be noted that the method described above may undergo several modification, e.g. similar steps with the same functions may substitute several steps or portions thereof, some non-essential steps may be removed, or additional optional steps may be added, the steps may be performed in different order, in parallel or overlapped (at least in part), without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For example, an alternative advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the user may preferably select a smoking temperature rather than a smoking power for the smoking process to be performed and the control unit or the control arrangement advantageously uses a smoking power associated with the selected smoking temperature.

In a yet alternative advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the smoking process may be controlled trough the (indirect, since the sensor element is spaced apart from the heating element) temperature information provided by the sensor element. Similarly, in a different embodiment of the present invention an additional sensor element may be provided in proximity of the smoking substance rack in order to provide additional temperature information referred associated with a temperature of the smoking substance. In both cases, the user may preferably select a smoking temperature rather than a smoking power for the smoking process to be performed and the control of the smoking process is performed in a manner similar to the control of the flavoring process described above.

Turning now to <FIG>, they are various views of a flavoring device <NUM> according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

The flavoring device <NUM> differs from the flavoring devices <NUM> and <NUM> previously described in what follows (wherein similar elements are denoted by similar numeral references and their description is not repeated for the sake of conciseness).

The flavoring device <NUM> preferably is a stand alone structure with respect to a cooking oven, such as the cooking oven <NUM>', with which is used as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Preferably, the flavoring device <NUM> comprises a flavoring casing <NUM>, a smoking casing <NUM> and an actuating arrangement <NUM>.

The flavoring casing <NUM> generally comprises four sidewalls 1003a-d and a bottom wall 1003e, advantageously opposite to a main aperture 1003f of the flavoring casing <NUM>.

An air inlet duct <NUM>, e.g. a parallelepiped-shaped pipe, is provided, preferably protruding from a third sidewall 1003c of the four sidewalls 1003a-d of the flavoring casing <NUM>.

Preferably, the air inlet duct <NUM> is transversal to the third sidewall 1003c of the casing <NUM> and is in fluid communication with the inside of the casing <NUM> through a first end 1012a while a second end 1012b (opposite to the first end 1012a) faces the external environment, i.e. a cooking chamber of a cooking oven, such as for example the cooking chamber <NUM> of the cooking oven <NUM>', in which flavoring device <NUM> may be positioned in operation, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Advantageously the second end 1012b operates as an air inlet opening for the flavoring casing <NUM>.

A first coupling aperture <NUM> and, preferably a second coupling aperture <NUM> are provided, preferably on a second sidewall 1003b of the four sidewalls 1003a-d of the flavoring casing 1003a.

The first coupling aperture <NUM> is shaped and sized in such a way to receive a heating element <NUM> of the actuating arrangement <NUM>.

The second coupling aperture <NUM> is shaped and sized in such a way to receive a sensor element <NUM> of the actuating arrangement <NUM>.

The flavoring casing <NUM> preferably comprises a removable separating element <NUM>, which when positioned within the flavoring casing <NUM>, separates the space within the flavoring casing <NUM> in two separated compartments 1024a and 1024b, in fluid communication one with the other.

A first separated compartment 1024a of the two separated compartments 1024a and 1024b preferably comprises the first end 1012a of the air inlet duct <NUM>, the first coupling aperture <NUM> and the second coupling aperture <NUM>. Conversely, a second separated compartment 1024b of the two separated compartments 1024a and 1024b is adapted to be fitted by a flavoring substance rack <NUM> (described in detail in the following).

In one embodiment of the invention, the removable separating element <NUM> preferably is a plate having a step-like shape having a length substantially equal to a distance between the second sidewall 1003b and a (opposite) fourth sidewall 1003d of the four sidewalls 1003a-d of the flavoring casing <NUM> (i.e., slightly smaller than a length of a first sidewall 1003a and of the sidewall 1003d of the four sidewalls 1003a-d of the flavoring casing <NUM>). A height of a higher tread 1021a of the removable separating element <NUM> is preferably slightly smaller than the height of the four sidewalls 1003a-d of the flavoring casing <NUM>, while a lower tread 1021b has a height preferably slightly higher than a position of the second coupling aperture <NUM> on the a second sidewall 1003b of the flavoring casing <NUM>.

Preferably, the lower tread 1021b of the separating element <NUM> comprises an opening 1021c for allowing a fluid communication between the two separated compartments 1024a and 1024b. Even more preferably the lower tread 1021b comprises a border encircling the opening 1021c provided for supporting the flavoring substance rack <NUM>.

The flavoring substance rack <NUM> is preferably box-like and more preferably parallelepiped shaped, advantageously with four sidewalls 1027a-d and a bottom wall 1027e opposite to a main aperture 1027f. The bottom wall 1027e of the flavoring substance rack <NUM> is provided with a plurality of through bores (not shown). Preferably, the plurality of through bores covers the whole bottom wall 1027e of the flavoring substance rack <NUM>. Alternatively, the bottom wall 1027e may comprise a net or grid (not shown) instead of comprising a through bored plate as described above.

The flavoring substance rack <NUM> is adapted to contain a flavoring substance <NUM> such as for example rosemary, eucalyptus, thyme, lavender, sage, lemon balm, hop or other flavoring herbs and/or mixtures thereof.

The flavoring substance rack <NUM> is advantageously adapted to removably fit the second separated compartment 1024b of the flavoring casing <NUM>, preferably resting on the border of the lower tread 1021b of the separating element <NUM>.

The flavoring casing <NUM> of the flavoring device <NUM> further preferably comprises a lid <NUM>, more preferably rotatably coupled with the rest of the flavoring casing <NUM>, to selectively closing the aperture 1003f thereof. Preferably, the lid <NUM> is hinged to the second sidewall 1003b of the flavoring casing <NUM> in order to be simply opened by a user. The lid <NUM>, if advantageously rotatably coupled with the flavoring casing <NUM>, may be pivoted from a closing position in which closes the aperture 1003f of the flavoring casing <NUM> to an opening position that allows accessing the inside of the flavoring casing <NUM>.

In other advantageous embodiments of the present invention (not shown), the flavoring device comprises a lid coupled with the rest of the flavoring casing <NUM> in a different manner, for example the lid <NUM> may be slidably coupled with the rest of the flavoring casing <NUM>.

Preferably, the lid <NUM> comprises a tab 1030a, for facilitating the user in opening the lid <NUM>.

The lid <NUM> may advantageously comprise one or more air outlet openings, or flavoring outlet openings 1030b (e.g., three flavoring outlet opening 1030b in example the <FIG>). Preferably, each flavoring outlet opening 1030b may comprise a respective screen element 1030c for preventing foreign matter from falling inside the flavoring casing <NUM> when the lid <NUM> is in the closing position.

Alternatively, the flavoring device <NUM> may comprise an outlet duct (not shown) mounted to, or mountable to, the lid <NUM> in correspondence of the flavoring outlet openings 1030b. such a outlet duct is arranged for providing a fluid communication between the flavoring casing <NUM> of the flavoring device <NUM> and a cooking chamber, such as for example the cooking chamber <NUM>, of a cooking oven, such as for example the cooking oven <NUM>'. As a further alternative, an alternative lid may be provided for the flavoring casing <NUM> comprising a outlet aperture, instead of the outlet openings 1030b, configured for engaging with a corresponding end of the outlet duct. Advantageously, the provision of the outlet duct allows the flavoring device <NUM> to be operated externally (i.e., outside) the cooking chamber of the cooking oven for performing a flavoring process.

The smoking casing <NUM> generally comprises four sidewalls 1006a-d and a bottom wall 1006e, advantageously opposite to a main aperture 1005f of the smoking casing <NUM>.

A single coupling aperture <NUM> is provided, preferably on a second sidewall 1006b of the of the smoking casing 1006a.

The single coupling aperture <NUM> is shaped and sized in such a way to receive the heating element <NUM> of the actuating arrangement <NUM>.

Preferably, air inlet openings <NUM> are provided on a lower portion of two or more sidewalls 1006a-d of the smoking casing <NUM>. For example, a plurality of air inlet openings <NUM> is provided on a first sidewall 1006a and on a third sidewall 1006c of the smoking casing <NUM>.

The smoking casing <NUM> preferably comprises a removable separating element <NUM>, which when positioned within the smoking casing <NUM>, separates the space within the smoking casing <NUM> in two separated compartments 1042a and 1042b, preferably in fluid communication one with the other.

A first separated compartment 1042a of the two separated compartments 1042a and 1042b preferably comprises coupling aperture <NUM> and the air inlet openings <NUM>. Conversely, a second separated compartment 1042b of the two separated compartments 1042a and 1042b is adapted to receive the smoking substance <NUM> (e.g., wood chips). In other words, the removable separating element <NUM> is also used as a smoking substance rack.

In one embodiment of the invention, the removable separating element <NUM> preferably is a plate having a jagged shape, such as for example a substantially sawtooth-like shape. Preferably, the removable separating element <NUM> has a length substantially equal to a distance between the second sidewall 1006b and a (opposite) fourth sidewall 1006d of the smoking casing <NUM> (i.e., slightly smaller than a length of a first sidewall 1006a and of the third sidewall 1006c of the smoking casing <NUM>). At least the height of a tooth 1039a of the removable separating element <NUM> is preferably slightly higher than a position of the single coupling aperture <NUM> on the second sidewall 1003b of the smoking casing <NUM> in order to ensure that the heating element <NUM> of the actuating arrangement <NUM> is comprised within the first separated compartment 1042a, when inserted in the single coupling aperture <NUM>.

The smoking casing <NUM> of the flavoring device <NUM> further preferably comprises a lid <NUM>, more preferably rotatably coupled with rest of the flavoring casing <NUM>, to selectively closing the aperture 1006f thereof. Preferably, the lid <NUM> is hinged to the second sidewall 1006b of the flavoring casing <NUM>. The lid <NUM>, if advantageously rotatably coupled with the smoking casing <NUM>, may be pivoted from a closing position in which closes the aperture 1006f of the smoking casing <NUM> to an opening position that allows accessing the inside of the flavoring casing <NUM>.

Preferably, the lid <NUM> comprises a tab 1045a, for facilitating the user in opening the lid <NUM>.

The lid <NUM> may advantageously comprise one or more air outlet openings, or smoking outlet openings 1045b (e.g., four smoking outlet openings 1045b in example the <FIG> and <FIG>). Preferably, each flavoring outlet opening 1045b may comprise a respective screen element 1045c for preventing foreign matter from falling inside the smoking casing <NUM> when the lid <NUM> is in the closing position.

Alternatively, the flavoring device <NUM> may also comprise an outlet duct (not shown) mounted to, or mountable to, the lid <NUM> in correspondence of the smoking outlet openings 1045b. such a outlet duct is arranged for providing a fluid communication between the smoking casing <NUM> of the flavoring device <NUM> and a cooking chamber, such as for example the cooking chamber <NUM>, of a cooking oven, such as for example the cooking oven <NUM>' as shown in. As a further alternative, an alternative lid (not shown) may be provided for the smoking casing <NUM> comprising a outlet aperture, instead of the outlet openings 1045b, configured for engaging with a corresponding end of the outlet duct. Advantageously, the provision of the outlet duct allows the flavoring device <NUM> to be operated externally (i.e., outside) the cooking chamber of the cooking oven for performing a smoking process.

The actuating arrangement <NUM> advantageously comprises the heating element <NUM> and the sensor element <NUM>. Preferably, although not strictly necessarily, both the heating element <NUM> and the sensor element <NUM> have a rod-like shape.

The heating element <NUM> and the sensor element <NUM> both protrude from a front sidewall 1048d of a main body <NUM> of the actuating arrangement <NUM>.

Preferably, the main body <NUM> has substantially a box-like structure having four sidewalls 1048a-d and interposed between a bottom wall 1048e and a top wall 1048f.

Advantageously, the main body <NUM> of the actuating arrangement <NUM> encloses electric and electronic components adapted to selectively energizing the heating element <NUM>, preferably according to temperature information obtained by means of the sensor element <NUM> (as described in the following).

Preferably, the main body <NUM> has a structure adapted to withstand operating temperature inside the cooking chamber of the cooking oven and protect electric and electronic components that encloses from foreign bodies and overheating.

Possibly, the main body <NUM> may be provided with a user interface (not shown) in order to allow a user to activate the actuating arrangement <NUM> and/or set operating conditions of the flavoring device <NUM>.

In addition or alternatively, the main body <NUM> comprises a circuitry adapted to receive settings from the user by means of radio frequency signals e.g. transmitted by a remote control unit not shown. As a further alternative the main body <NUM> may be wired to an external control unit (not shown) similar to the control unit <NUM> described above.

Preferably, the actuating arrangement <NUM> further comprises a handle element <NUM> coupled with the main body <NUM>, for example in correspondence of a lower portion of the main body <NUM>. The handle element <NUM> is advantageously in order to allow a secure seizure of the flavoring device actuating arrangement <NUM> by a user. In one embodiment of the present invention, the handle element <NUM> is removably coupled with the main body of the actuating arrangement <NUM>.

Preferably, the actuating arrangement <NUM> further comprises a support element, such as for example a plate element <NUM>, coupled with the main body <NUM> of the actuating arrangement <NUM> for supporting the flavoring casing <NUM> or the smoking casing <NUM>. Even more preferably, the plate element <NUM> is coupled with the main body <NUM> of the actuating arrangement <NUM> in correspondence of a lower portion of the front sidewall 1048d of the main body <NUM>.

Preferably, the plate element <NUM> has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. Even more preferably, the plate element <NUM> has a size in plan view substantially corresponding to the bottom wall of one between the flavoring casing <NUM> or the smoking casing <NUM>. In the example of the <FIG>, the plate element <NUM> has a size in plan view substantially corresponding to the bottom wall 1003e of the flavoring casing <NUM>.

Advantageously, the plate element <NUM> comprises border elements 1054a, transversal to a main portion of the plate element <NUM>, adapted to ensure a more stable support for the casing having the bottom wall with substantially the same size of the plate element <NUM> (e.g., flavoring casing <NUM>).

Preferably, the main body <NUM> of the actuating arrangement <NUM> further comprises a locking element <NUM> adapted to engage with loop elements respectively provided on the flavoring casing <NUM> and the smoking casing <NUM>.

Advantageously, the locking element <NUM> is rotatably provided on an outer surface of a lateral sidewall 1048c of the main body <NUM> of the actuating arrangement <NUM>.

Preferably, the locking element <NUM> comprises a hooked end 1057a, adapted to engage with a corresponding receiving element advantageously provided on an outer surface of the second walls 1003b and 1006b of both the flavoring casing <NUM> and the smoking casing <NUM>, such as for example a loop element <NUM> of the provided on an outer surface of the second wall 1006b of the smoking casing <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

Advantageously, when one between the flavoring casing <NUM> and the smoking casing <NUM> is positioned on the plate element <NUM> with the respective second wall 1003b or 1006b abutting against the front sidewall 1048d of the main body <NUM>, the locking element <NUM> may be pivoted from a closing position in which hooked end 1057a engage with the corresponding loop element, such as the loop element <NUM> of the smoking casing <NUM> firmly coupling the actuating arrangement <NUM> with the smoking casing <NUM>, to an opening position in which releases the corresponding loop element, such as the loop element <NUM>.

The flavoring device <NUM> is preferably made of a heat resistant material (i.e., a material that is not deformed and/or damaged at the operating temperatures of the cooking oven). For example, the flavoring device <NUM> may be made of a metal, such as steel. In this case, the parts of the flavoring casing <NUM>, the smoking casing <NUM> and the actuating arrangement <NUM> (apart the sensing element and the electric and electronic circuitry comprised in the actuating arrangement <NUM>), may be manufactured by cutting, punching and folding metal sheets, thus with a cheap and fast manufacturing procedure.

In operation, the flavoring device <NUM> may be advantageously positioned inside the cooking chamber of a cooking oven, such as for example the cooking oven <NUM>', for example resting on the bottom wall 515b of the cooking chamber <NUM> as shown in <FIG> or, alternatively, the flavoring device <NUM> may be positioned on a cooking plate (not shown) or even hanged to a sidewall of the cooking chamber. Alternatively or in addition, the flavoring device <NUM> may be advantageously positioned inside the cooking chamber of a cooking oven, such as for example the cooking oven <NUM>', for example attached to a rear wall 515a of the cooking chamber <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

Advantageously, the flavoring device <NUM> comprising the flavoring casing <NUM> may be positioned within the cooking chamber <NUM> of the cooking oven <NUM>' in such a way that the second end 1012b of the air inlet duct <NUM> is preferably directed towards one of the bottom air passages 810b and/or 810c providing a forced airflow through the flavoring device <NUM> as shown in the <FIG> and <FIG>.

Advantageously, according to whether a flavoring process or a smoking process is to be performed, the flavoring casing <NUM> or the smoking casing <NUM>, respectively, is associated with the actuating arrangement <NUM>. Preferably, the flavoring casing <NUM> or the smoking casing <NUM> are slid over the plate element <NUM> until the respective second sidewall 1003b or 1006b abuts against the front sidewall 1048b of the main body <NUM> of the actuating arrangement <NUM>.

Advantageously, if the flavoring casing <NUM> is selected, the heating element <NUM> and the sensing element <NUM> are received inside the flavoring casing <NUM> through the first coupling aperture <NUM> and the second coupling aperture <NUM>, respectively. Conversely, if the smoking casing <NUM> is selected, only the heating element <NUM> is received inside the smoking casing <NUM> through the coupling aperture <NUM>, while the sensing element <NUM> remains outside the smoking casing <NUM> thanks to a width of the smoking casing <NUM> that is advantageously formed to be shorter than a distance d between a border 1054a (closer to the heating element <NUM> than to the sensing element <NUM>) of the plate element <NUM> and the sensing element <NUM>.

With the second sidewall 1003b or 1006b of the flavoring casing <NUM> or the smoking casing <NUM>, respectively, abutting against the front sidewall 1048b of the main body <NUM> of the actuating arrangement <NUM>, the locking element <NUM> may be advantageously switched from the opening position to the closing position in which the hooked end 1057a engages the loop element <NUM> provided on the outer surface of the second sidewall 1003b or 1006b of the flavoring casing <NUM> or the smoking casing <NUM>, respectively.

In a flavoring process, the flavoring casing <NUM> receives the heating element <NUM> and the sensing element <NUM> through the first coupling aperture <NUM> and the second coupling aperture <NUM>, respectively, and the removable separating element <NUM> is provided in the flavoring casing <NUM> with the flavoring substance rack <NUM> positioned on the lower tread 1021b of the separating element, and with the lid <NUM> of the flavoring casing <NUM> in the closing position. Thus the sensing element <NUM> is in proximity of the flavoring substance rack <NUM> while the heating element <NUM> is substantially spaced apart therefrom.

Advantageously, a flavoring air path <NUM> (as visible in <FIG>) is formed between the second end 1012b of the air inlet duct <NUM> (i.e. the air inlet opening of the flavoring casing) and the flavoring outlet openings 1030b provided in the lid <NUM> of the flavoring casing <NUM>. Preferably the first end 1012a of the air inlet duct <NUM> is arranged in such a way to route the flow of air entering the flavoring casing <NUM> in proximity of the heating element <NUM>.

Advantageously, the flavoring air path extends from the air inlet opening 1012b trough the air inlet duct <NUM> and therefrom into the first compartment 1024a, where the air flow is directed first against the heating element <NUM> (to be heated when the heating element <NUM> is actuated), and then the air flow reaches the second compartment 1024b passing in the surroundings of the sensing element <NUM> and through the aperture 1021c and through the bottom wall 1027f of the flavoring substance rack <NUM>, and therefore passing through any flavoring substance <NUM> positioned in the flavoring substance rack <NUM> before reaching the flavoring outlet openings 1030b provided in the lid <NUM> and exiting the flavoring casing <NUM> therethrough.

Similarly, in a smoking process, the smoking casing <NUM> receives the heating element <NUM> through the coupling aperture <NUM>, and the removable separating element <NUM> is provided in the smoking casing <NUM>, and with the lid <NUM> of the smoking casing <NUM> in the closing position.

Advantageously, a smoking air path (as visible in <FIG>) is formed between the air inlet openings <NUM> and the smoking outlet openings 1045b provided in the lid <NUM> of the smoking casing <NUM>.

Advantageously, the smoking air path extends from the air inlet openings <NUM> into the first compartment 1042a, where the air flow reaches the second compartment 1042b and through gaps (not detailed in the drawings) between the removable separating element <NUM> and the inner surfaces of the sidewalls 1006a-d of the smoking casing <NUM>. In the second compartment 1042b the air flow passes through any smoking substance <NUM> (being charred by the heating element <NUM> when actuated) positioned on the removable separating element <NUM> before reaching the smoking outlet openings 1045b provided in the lid <NUM> and exiting the smoking casing <NUM> therethrough.

In both the favoring casing <NUM> and the smoking casing <NUM> the flow of air during the flavoring process and the smoking process, respectively, is mainly due to convection promoted by the heat generated by the heating element <NUM> of the actuating arrangement <NUM>. Advantageously, during the flavoring process the air in the flavoring casing <NUM> is first heated by the heating element <NUM> and then passes through the flavoring substance(s) contained in the flavoring substance rack <NUM> volatilizing or vaporizing flavoring molecules thereof before exiting from the flavoring casing <NUM> into the cooking chamber of the cooking oven. Conversely, during the smoking process the smoking substance positioned on the removable separating element <NUM> is substantially charred by the heat transmitted by the heating element <NUM> (i.e., by radiation) to the removable separating element <NUM>; the same heat generated by the heating element <NUM> promotes the flow of air from the inlet openings <NUM> to the smoking outlet openings 1045b that provides the diffusion of the smoke generated by the charred smoking substance out of the smoking casing <NUM> into the cooking chamber of the cooking oven.

Advantageously, the flavoring device <NUM> featuring two distinct casings, i.e. the flavoring casing <NUM> and the smoking casing <NUM>, ensures that process remainders of one between the flavoring process and the smoking process do not have any influence on future smoking processes and flavoring processes, respectively. For example, the flavors provided by the flavoring process performed by means of the flavoring device <NUM> is not altered by any residual soot remaining after a previously performed smoking process.

A method of operating the flavoring device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention differs from the method of operating the flavoring device <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>, in what follows.

Initially, the flavoring device <NUM> is positioned inside the cooking chamber (such as the cooking chamber <NUM>) of the cooking oven (such as the cooking oven <NUM>') together with the food to be processed.

If the flavoring process is going to be performed, the flavoring device <NUM> comprises the actuating arrangement <NUM> and the flavoring casing <NUM>. it should be noted that the flavoring casing <NUM> may be coupled with the actuating arrangement <NUM> either before or after that the actuating arrangement <NUM> is placed in the cooking chamber of the cooking oven.

Advantageously, the flavoring casing <NUM> is placed on the plate element <NUM> with the heating element <NUM> and the sensing element <NUM> inserted into the flavoring casing <NUM> through the first coupling aperture <NUM> and the second coupling aperture <NUM>, respectively. Preferably, the flavoring casing <NUM> is locked to the actuating arrangement <NUM> by engaging the locking element <NUM> with the loop element <NUM>, as described above.

Advantageously the flavoring substance(s) <NUM> may be provided in the flavoring substance rack <NUM> before or after the positioning of the flavoring device <NUM>, or only of the flavoring casing <NUM>, into the cooking chamber.

Conversely, if a smoking process is to be performed, the flavoring device <NUM> comprises the actuating arrangement <NUM> and the smoking casing <NUM>. it should be noted that the smoking casing <NUM> may be coupled with the actuating arrangement <NUM> either before or after that the actuating arrangement <NUM> is placed in the cooking chamber of the cooking oven.

Advantageously, the smoking casing <NUM> is placed on the plate element <NUM> with the heating element <NUM> inserted into the smoking casing <NUM> through the coupling aperture <NUM>. Preferably, the smoking casing <NUM> is locked to the actuating arrangement <NUM> by engaging the locking element <NUM> with the loop element <NUM>, as described above.

Advantageously the smoking substance(s) <NUM> may be provided on the removable separating element <NUM> before or after the positioning of the flavoring device <NUM>, or only of the smoking casing <NUM>, into the cooking chamber.

The following steps of the operating method substantially correspond to the step of the operating method described above with reference to <FIG> that are not herein repeated for the sake of conciseness.

Thanks to the flavoring devices <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> the control method according to the present invention it is possible to perform the flavoring process and/or the smoking process of food independently from a cooking process of the same food. Particularly, it is possible to perform the flavoring process and/or the smoking process of food either before or after the cooking process of the same food.

Claim 1:
Flavoring device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) adapted to be associated with a cooking chamber (<NUM>; <NUM>) of a cooking oven (<NUM>; <NUM>') adapted to cook food stored therein, the flavoring device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) comprising at least one flavoring casing (<NUM>; <NUM>) having an air inlet opening (<NUM>; <NUM>) arranged in a first portion (235a) of the flavoring casing (<NUM>; <NUM>) and arranged for allowing air to enter said flavoring casing (<NUM>; <NUM>), a flavoring air outlet opening (270b; 1030b) arranged in a second portion (235b) of the flavoring casing (<NUM>; <NUM>) and arranged for allowing air contained within said flavoring casing (<NUM>; <NUM>) to pass to said cooking chamber (<NUM>; <NUM>), and a flavoring air path (<NUM>; <NUM>) traversing said flavoring casing (<NUM>; <NUM>) and fluidly connecting said air inlet opening (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) to said flavoring air outlet opening (270b; 1030b), said flavoring casing (<NUM>; <NUM>) housing;
- a heating element (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) arranged in the first portion (235a) and in said flavoring air path (<NUM>; <NUM>) for heating air entering the air inlet opening (<NUM>; <NUM>) and flowing through said flavoring air path (<NUM>; <NUM>), and
- a flavoring substance rack (<NUM>; <NUM>) arranged in the second portion (235b) between the first portion (235a) and the flavoring outlet opening (270b; 1030b) and arranged at least partially in said flavoring air path (<NUM>; <NUM>) downstream said heating element (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) and adapted to contain at least one flavoring substance (<NUM>; <NUM>),
wherein the heating element (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is housed in said flavoring casing (<NUM>; <NUM>) spaced apart from the flavoring substance rack (<NUM>; <NUM>) in such a way that heat is transferred from said heating element (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) to said flavoring substance rack (<NUM>; <NUM>) mainly by air flowing inside the flavoring casing (<NUM>; <NUM>) from the air inlet opening (<NUM>; <NUM>) to the flavoring air outlet opening (270b; 1030b) through said flavoring air path (<NUM>; <NUM>).