Food heating appliance comprising a lid carried by a support structure

Abstract

The food heating appliance (2) comprises: a base (3) provided with a receiving surface (5); a bowl (8) that rests on the receiving surface (5) and delimits an inner volume intended to contain food; and a lid (23) that includes an upper heating element and is configured to be placed over the bowl (8). The base (3) comprises a support structure (37) that supports the lid (23) and is configured to provide an access opening allowing the bowl (8) to be put in place and removed by at least one translational movement parallel to a plane of extent of the receiving surface (5).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Food heating appliance comprising a cover carried by a support structure

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for heating food products, in particular for cooking them.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] As is known, an electric cooking appliance comprises:

[0007] - a base comprising a main housing provided with a receiving housing open upwards, a cooking tank housed in the receiving housing and delimiting a cooking chamber intended to contain food, and a lower heating device configured to heat food contained in the cooking tank,

[0008] - a cover mounted to move relative to the main housing between an open position in which the cover allows access to the cooking chamber, and a closed position in which the cover prevents access to the cooking chamber, and

[0009] - an upper heating device attached to the lid and configured to be located opposite the cooking chamber delimited by the cooking tank when the lid is in the closed position.

[0010] Such an electric cooking appliance allows you to cook food contained in the cooking chamber using different cooking modes.

[0011] However, such a cooking appliance is usually provided with a closed heating enclosure in which the cooking tank is arranged in a removable manner in order to allow, in particular, the cleaning of the cooking tank and also to facilitate the transfer of the contents of the cooking tank into another container.

[0012] Such an appliance comprising a closed heating enclosure has the disadvantage of generating constraints when using the appliance, the cooking tank being subjected over its entire periphery to the heat of the heating enclosure, which requires particular attention from the user to avoid burning themselves when handling the cooking tank.

[0013] Summary of the invention

[0014] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks. The technical problem underlying the invention therefore consists of providing an appliance for heating food products which is of simple and ergonomic structure, which allows easy and rapid heating and / or cooking of food, while allowing safe transport of food and tasting directly from a heating and / or cooking utensil equipping the appliance.

[0015] To this end, the present invention relates to a food heating appliance comprising:

[0016] - a base comprising a main housing provided with a receiving surface,

[0017] - a bowl which is removable and which is configured to rest on the receiving surface of the base, the bowl comprising a bottom and a side wall which delimit an internal volume intended to contain food, the side wall of the bowl comprising an upper peripheral edge delimiting an upper opening through which food can be introduced into the internal volume of the bowl,

[0018] - a cover supported by the base and configured to surmount the bowl when the bowl rests on the receiving surface, the cover comprising an upper heating element configured to heat, for example at least by radiation, a food contained in the bowl.

[0019] The base comprises a support structure which extends in height from the main housing and which is configured to support the cover, the support structure being configured to extend only around a portion of the periphery of the bowl when the bowl rests on the receiving surface of the base and to provide an access opening, also called a peripheral access opening, which is configured to allow the bowl to be placed on the receiving surface, and removed from the receiving surface, by at least one translational movement parallel to an extension plane of the receiving surface at least when the food heating appliance is in a predetermined use configuration.By predetermined use configuration is meant a use configuration in which the food heating appliance is adapted to allow the bowl to be placed and removed, and in particular a configuration in which the various movable elements of the food heating appliance occupy a predetermined position intended to allow the bowl to be placed and removed. The bowl comprises a bowl body at least partially delimiting the internal volume of the bowl and comprises at least one thermally insulating layer which at least partially envelops the bowl body.

[0020] The presence of such a thermally insulating layer around the bowl body makes it possible both to limit heat losses through the bowl body, to allow faster cooking inside the bowl, and to limit the rise in temperature of the external surface of the bowl. The access opening is configured such that at least 50% of the circumference of the side wall of the bowl is exposed, i.e. is directly accessible to a user, when the bowl rests on the receiving surface. Such a configuration of the access opening allows a user, wishing to remove the bowl from the receiving surface at the end of cooking, to firmly grasp the bowl with both hands, without the risk of burning themselves due to the presence of the thermally insulating layer around the bowl body, and to transport it safely to the location where the meal is to be enjoyed.

[0021] Such a configuration of the access opening also allows positioning of the bowl on the receiving surface, and similarly removal of the bowl from the receiving surface, in various orientations angularly offset from each other, which provides increased ergonomics to the food heating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0022] The food heating appliance according to the invention thus allows easy and rapid preparation of a meal, while allowing safe transport of this meal to a tasting location.

[0023] The food heating appliance may further have one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the access opening extends over at least 180° of the periphery of the bowl when the bowl rests on the receiving surface.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure extends only along a portion of the periphery of the main housing.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the access opening is configured to allow access to the bowl resting on the receiving surface from a first lateral side of the food heating appliance and from a second lateral side of the food heating appliance.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure is curved and extends substantially over an angular sector centered on a central vertical axis of the base and having an angle of between 10 and 180°, and advantageously between 20 and 140°, and for example between 30 and 120°.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure has a cross-section, along a cutting plane perpendicular to the central vertical axis of the base, which is substantially in the shape of an arc of a circle.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure is located in a rear portion of the base. Such an arrangement of the support structure provides further increased ergonomics to the food heating appliance according to the present invention, since the support structure does not hinder access to the bowl when the latter rests on the receiving surface.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the access opening is configured such that the bowl portion, which is accessible through the access opening when the bowl rests on the receiving surface, is exposed over its entire height. Such a configuration of the access opening further promotes access to the bowl when the latter rests on the receiving surface.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the access opening has a height greater than the height of the bowl.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure is configured to extend substantially vertically when the food heating appliance rests on a horizontal surface.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the base comprises a lower heating device configured to heat food contained in the bowl when the bowl rests on the receiving surface.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower heating device is housed in the main housing of the base, and can for example be arranged under the receiving surface.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower heating device is an induction heating device. The induction heating device may for example comprise an induction coil configured to generate a magnetic field when the induction coil is electrically energized.

[0036] According to another embodiment of the invention, the lower heating device comprises an electrical resistance which is in thermal contact with a sole.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid comprises a heat shield portion configured to be arranged, and in particular to protrude, inside the bowl when the bowl rests on the receiving surface such that the upper peripheral edge of the bowl is not directly subjected to radiation from the upper heating element. The specific configuration of the lid, and more particularly the fact that it is equipped with the upper heating element and the heat shield portion, allows optimal cooking of the food contained in the bowl while avoiding excessive heating of the upper peripheral edge of the bowl.Thus, at the end of cooking the food, the user can safely grasp the bowl resting on the receiving surface of the base in order to enjoy his meal, without necessarily requiring the presence of gripping handles on the bowl which would have the disadvantage of significantly increasing the manufacturing costs of the bowl and the size of the latter. In addition, the user can directly enjoy his meal directly from the bowl used for cooking this meal, and this in a safe manner, without risk of burning by coming into contact with the peripheral edge of the bowl, due to its low temperature. The food heating appliance according to the invention thus allows easy and rapid preparation of a meal, while allowing safe eating of this meal directly from the bowl used for cooking the meal.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the heat shield portion is configured to extend at least partially downward when the food heating appliance is in use.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the food heating appliance is in use, the heat shield portion and the receiving surface are spaced apart from each other by a separation distance that is less than the height of the bowl. Thus, the heat shield portion is inserted at least partially into the internal volume of the bowl when the food heating appliance is in use (and in particular when the lid is in the closed position) and reduces the volume of the cooking and / or heating enclosure provided in the bowl. Such a feature makes cooking or heating more efficient. Such a feature also makes it possible to prevent the user from inserting his hand inside the bowl and to prevent him from burning himself upon contact with the lower surface of the lid.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating element comprises an electric heating resistor.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating element is configured to extend opposite the bottom of the bowl when the food heating appliance is in use and the bowl is resting on the receiving surface.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the heat shield portion is configured to extend between the upper peripheral edge of the bowl and the upper heating element. Such an arrangement of the heat shield portion further limits the risks of heating of the upper peripheral edge of the bowl.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the heat shield portion comprises an outer circumferential surface configured to extend opposite an inner circumferential surface of the bowl, and more particularly opposite an inner circumferential surface of an upper portion of the side wall of the bowl.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the food heating appliance is configured such that, when the food heating appliance is in use and the bowl is resting on the receiving surface, a central axis of the heat shield portion is substantially coincident with a central axis of the bowl. According to one embodiment of the invention, the heat shield portion has an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the upper peripheral edge of the bowl.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the heat shield portion and the bowl are configured to delimit a space, advantageously annular, extending around the heat shield portion. Such a configuration of the cover makes it easier to insert the heat shield portion inside the bowl and to move the hot portion of the cover away from the upper peripheral edge of the bowl, and therefore further limits the risks of heating the upper peripheral edge of the bowl.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid comprises a peripheral closing portion configured to cooperate, for example in a sealed manner, with the bowl so as to prevent a flow of hot air between the upper peripheral edge of the bowl and the heat shield portion. Such a configuration of the lid further limits the risks of heating of the upper peripheral edge of the bowl.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover comprises a protective member, such as a protective plate or grid, configured to prevent a user from accessing the upper heating element, the protective member being configured to extend under the upper heating element when the food heating appliance is in use. The presence of the protective member reduces the risk of damage to the upper heating element by protecting it against food splashes. Advantageously, the protective member is removably mounted on the cover so as to facilitate its cleaning.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective member is essentially transparent to the wavelengths of the radiation emitted by the upper heating element. Thus, the protective member does not impair the cooking of food by the radiation emitted by the upper heating element.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the base comprises a centering member projecting upwardly from the receiving surface, and the bowl comprises a centering housing opening into a lower surface of the bowl and configured to receive the centering member when the bowl rests on the receiving surface. The centering member and the centering housing ensure optimal positioning of the bowl relative to the receiving surface, and in particular relative to the induction heating device when the food heating appliance is equipped with such an induction heating device.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid comprises a steam vent configured to vent, to the outside of the food heating appliance, the steam generated in the internal volume of the bowl. The presence of such a steam vent makes it possible to reduce the steam pressure in the bowl, and therefore the risk of steam escaping through the upper peripheral edge of the bowl, which further limits the risks of heating the upper peripheral edge of the bowl.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam exhaust chimney comprises a first chimney end opening into a lower face of the cover and a second chimney end opening into an upper face of the cover.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam exhaust chimney is arranged in a central part of the lid, and opens for example into a central part of the lower face of the lid. Such an arrangement of the chimney further limits the risks of heating of the upper peripheral edge of the bowl.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam exhaust chimney is configured to extend substantially vertically when the food heating appliance is in use.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating element extends at least partially around the steam exhaust chimney.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid comprises a lid insert removably mounted in the steam vent. Such a feature makes it possible to modify the degree of confinement of the steam inside the bowl and therefore to adapt the cooking method according to the desired result. The removability of the lid insert also makes it possible to add ingredients during cooking, through the steam vent, without opening the lid, and to manually stir the contents of the bowl using a tool that can be inserted into the steam vent, such as a spoon. It also allows visual access to the inside of the bowl and in particular to visually check the cooking level.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid insert comprises a steam guiding portion which is tubular and which is configured to be fluidically connected to the internal volume of the bowl, and an upper end wall which partially closes an upper end of the steam guiding portion, the upper end wall being provided with at least one steam discharge opening.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermally insulating layer extending around the bowl body comprises a thermal insulating coating made of thermally insulating material, for example elastomer, which at least partially covers an outer surface of the bowl body.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bowl body is metallic and is provided with a bottom wall and a peripheral wall extending from the bottom wall. Such a configuration of the bowl makes it possible, on the one hand, to optimally cook food contained in the bowl since this food is in contact with the bowl body which is metallic and whose thermal conduction promotes the cooking of the food, and on the other hand to be able to handle the bowl easily and safely since the presence of the thermal insulation coating prevents direct contact between the fingers and / or hands of the user and the bowl body whose temperature is relatively high at the end of cooking.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulation coating is molded independently of the bowl body and then attached to the latter by being fixed by folding a metal element carried by the bowl body or by gluing.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulation coating is fixed to the bowl body by overmolding.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulation coating is removably attached to the body of the bowl.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulation coating comprises a lower face configured to rest on the receiving surface. Such a configuration of the thermal insulation coating makes it possible, after removing the bowl from the receiving surface at the end of cooking, to position the bowl directly on a temperature-sensitive support and / or to support the bowl by its lower face without the risk of burning oneself.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the induction heating device comprises a temperature sensor configured to monitor the temperature of the bowl body.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the temperature sensor forms the centering member.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermally insulating material is substantially transparent to the magnetic field generated by the induction heating device.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulation coating at least partly covers an outer surface of the peripheral wall of the bowl body and at least partly an outer surface of the bottom wall of the bowl body.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulation coating completely covers the outer surface of the peripheral wall of the bowl body. Such a configuration of the bowl significantly limits the risk of a user being burned when handling the bowl.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulation coating covers an upper end of the peripheral wall of the bowl body and at least partially delimits the upper opening of the bowl. Such a configuration of the bowl further limits the risks of burning a user when handling the bowl or tasting food contained in the bowl.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulation coating completely delimits the upper opening of the bowl.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulation coating partially covers an inner surface of the peripheral wall of the bowl body, and for example partially covers an inner surface of an upper end portion of the peripheral wall of the bowl body. Such a configuration of the bowl further limits the risks of burning a user when tasting food contained in the bowl.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulation coating extends over a height of at least 1.5 cm, and advantageously a height of at least 2 cm, above the upper end of the peripheral wall of the bowl body. Such a feature makes it possible to limit heating in the upper part of the bowl due to the absence of the metal peripheral wall of the bowl body in this area. Such a configuration thus makes it possible to limit the risks of burning a user who would grasp the bowl by gripping the upper end of the peripheral wall using his thumb. Such a feature also makes it possible to obtain a deformable upper end of the bowl, thus making it possible to provide a good seal between the lid and the bowl once the lid is in the closed position.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the invention, an upper end portion of the peripheral wall of the bowl body delimits a retaining housing, for example annular, provided with an insertion opening, for example annular, opening into an internal volume of the bowl body, and the thermal insulation coating comprises a retaining part, for example annular, which is received and retained in the retaining housing. Such a configuration of the bowl ensures a durable and resistant fixing of the thermal insulation coating on the bowl body, which considerably limits the risks of separation of the thermal insulation coating and the bowl body and therefore of damage to the bowl.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulation coating comprises a lower opening located opposite the bottom wall of the bowl body and configured to expose a central portion of the bottom wall of the bowl body.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the invention, the temperature sensor is configured to extend through the lower opening when the bowl rests on the receiving surface, and for example to be in contact with the bottom wall of the bowl body.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bowl comprises a metal insert configured to border the lower opening formed in the thermal insulation coating. Such a metal insert makes it possible to ensure mechanical fixing of the thermal insulation coating at the edge of the lower opening. In particular, the metal insert has a part which is, in a first phase of the bowl manufacturing process, inserted inside the lower opening and then, in a second phase, curved against the lower face of the thermal insulation coating to pinch the thermal insulation coating. Such a feature makes it possible to ensure a sealed connection between the insert and the thermal insulation coating, and to prevent water infiltration, in particular when washing the bowl.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulation coating is fixed to the metal insert, for example by overmolding.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower heating device is a convection heating device, or a conduction heating device or a radiant heating device, for example by infrared radiation. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the lower wall of the bowl body is exposed, i.e. is not covered by the thermal insulation coating, so as to allow heating of the bowl body by the lower heating device.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid is movable between a closed position in which the lid is configured to cover the bowl and to prevent access to the internal volume of the bowl when the bowl rests on the receiving surface, and an open position in which the lid is configured to allow access to the internal volume of the bowl when the bowl rests on the receiving surface, the access opening being configured to allow the bowl to be placed on the receiving surface and removed from the receiving surface when the lid is in the open position. Such a configuration of the lid allows easy positioning of the bowl on the receiving surface, and also easy removal of the bowl from the receiving surface, when the lid is in the open position, which provides even greater ergonomics to the food heating appliance according to the present invention.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the invention, the food heating appliance is in the predetermined use configuration when the lid occupies the open position.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the invention, the food heating appliance is in use when the lid is in the closed position.

[0081] According to one embodiment of the invention, in the closed position, the lid does not rest on the upper edge of the side wall of the bowl. In other words, a space is provided between the upper edge of the side wall of the bowl and the lower surface of the lid which comes opposite. Such a feature makes it possible to limit heating of the upper edge of the bowl by avoiding heat transfer by conduction between the lid and the bowl. According to one embodiment of the invention, the open position of the lid is stable.

[0082] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover is pivotally mounted relative to the base about a pivot axis, which may for example be located in a rear portion of the base. Advantageously, the pivot axis extends substantially horizontally when the base rests on a horizontal surface.

[0083] According to another embodiment of the invention, the cover is fixed and is located opposite the receiving surface provided on the base.

[0084] According to one embodiment of the invention, the internal volume of the bowl is less than 1.3 liters, and for example less than 1 liter. Such a configuration of the bowl ensures efficient and rapid cooking of the food contained in the bowl, gives great compactness to the food heating appliance according to the invention, and encourages a user to use the food heating appliance according to the invention for the preparation of a meal for a single person.

[0085] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid comprises a protruding gripping portion which is configured to be grasped by a user when moving the lid between the open position and the closed position, the protruding gripping portion being configured to protrude, and for example to extend radially, beyond the side wall of the bowl when the food heating appliance is in use and the bowl is resting on the receiving surface. Such a configuration of the food heating appliance according to the invention allows a user, wishing to move the lid to the open position, to be able to firmly grasp the lid by the protruding gripping portion, which is remote from the hot portion of the lid, and thus subsequently to handle the lid in a secure manner.The presence of the prominent gripping part thus considerably limits the risk of burns to the user when handling the cover.

[0086] By protruding beyond the side wall of the bowl is meant that the protruding grip portion projects horizontally from the side wall of the bowl and projects outwardly from the food heating appliance.

[0087] Advantageously, the protruding gripping portion is configured to protrude beyond the side wall of the bowl by a protrusion distance greater than 1 cm, and for example greater than 2 cm.

[0088] According to one embodiment of the invention, the prominent gripping portion extends over at least part of the periphery of the cover.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the invention, the prominent gripping portion is located at least partly in a front portion of the lid, i.e. a portion of the lid intended to be located opposite a user located in front of the food heating appliance.

[0090] According to one embodiment of the invention, the prominent gripping portion extends from a first lateral side of the lid to a second lateral side of the lid via the front portion of the lid.

[0091] According to one embodiment of the invention, the prominent gripping portion has a lower face, for example substantially planar, which is configured to be located at least partly opposite the upper peripheral edge of the bowl when the food heating appliance is in use and the bowl is resting on the receiving surface.

[0092] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving surface is substantially circular.

[0093] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving surface is flat.

[0094] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover comprises a reflector configured to deflect at least a portion of the radiation from the upper heating element towards the bowl when the food heating appliance is in use and the bowl is resting on the receiving surface.

[0095] According to one embodiment of the invention, the reflector is configured to extend above the upper heating element when the food heating appliance is in use.

[0096] According to one embodiment of the invention, the reflector and the protective member delimit an internal housing, for example annular, in which the upper heating element is arranged.

[0097] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bowl is devoid of a grip handle.

[0098] According to one embodiment of the invention, the food heating appliance comprises a single bowl.

[0099] According to one embodiment of the invention, the food heating appliance comprises a fan mechanically connected to the lid and configured to generate an airflow, the upper heating element being configured to heat the airflow generated by the fan. Thus, the food heating appliance according to the present invention makes it possible to cook food contained in the bowl according to a hot air cooking mode.

[0100] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower heating element has a power of less than 1200 W and preferably less than 800 W. According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating element has a power of less than 1200 W, preferably less than 800 W and advantageously between 300 W and 500 W.

[0101] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower heating element has a higher power than the upper heating element.

[0102] Brief description of the figures

[0103] The present invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the appended figures, in which identical reference signs correspond to structurally and / or functionally identical or similar elements.

[0104] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a food heating apparatus according to the invention.

[0105] Figure 2 is a front view of the food heating appliance of Figure 1.

[0106] Figure 3 is a side view of the food heating appliance of Figure 1.

[0107] Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the food heating apparatus of Figure 1.

[0108] Figure 5 is an enlarged scale view of a detail of Figure 4.

[0109] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the food heater of Figure 1, in which a bowl of the food heater has been removed.

[0110] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the food heating appliance of Figure 1, showing a lid in the open position.

[0111] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the food heating appliance of Figure 1, showing the lid in the open position and in which the bowl has been removed.

[0112] Figure 9 is a truncated perspective view of the food heating appliance of Figure 1, showing the lid in the open position.

[0113] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the bowl of the food heating appliance of Figure 1.

[0114] Figure 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of the bowl of Figure 10.

[0115] Figure 12 is an enlarged scale view of a detail of Figure 11.

[0116] Detailed description

[0117] In this document, the terms "front" and "rear" are defined in relation to use of the food heating appliance in which the user is located in front of the food heating appliance, and the rear part of the base is located opposite the user and the front part of the base, for example equipped with a human-machine interface, is located facing the user.

[0118] Figures 1 to 12 show a food heating appliance 2, and more particularly an electric cooking appliance, for cooking food, such as meat, fish, vegetables, rice or others.

[0119] The food heating appliance 2 comprises a base 3 configured to rest on a flat support, such as a worktop. The base 3 comprises a main housing 4 provided with a receiving surface 5. Advantageously, the receiving surface 5 is flat and is circular.

[0120] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the base 3 comprises a lower heating device 6 (see figures 4 and 9) housed in the main housing 4. Advantageously, the lower heating device 6 is an induction heating device, and comprises an induction coil 7 which is located under the receiving surface 5 and which is configured to generate a magnetic field when the induction coil 7 is electrically powered.

[0121] The food heating appliance 2 further comprises a bowl 8 which is removable and which is configured to rest on the receiving surface 5 of the base 3, and to be heated in particular by the lower heating device 6. The bowl 8 delimits an internal volume 9 intended to contain food. Advantageously, the internal volume 9 of the bowl 8 is less than 1 liter.

[0122] The bowl 8 further comprises a base 8.1 and a side wall 8.2 provided with an upper peripheral edge 11 delimiting an upper opening 12 through which food can be introduced into the internal volume 9 delimited by the bowl 8.

[0123] As shown more particularly in Figure 11, the bowl 8 comprises a bowl body 13 which is metallic, for example made of stainless steel, iron or the like, and which at least partly delimits the internal volume 9 of the bowl 8, and a thermal insulation coating 14 which is made of thermally insulating material, for example elastomer, and which at least partly covers an outer surface of the bowl body 13. Advantageously, the thermally insulating material is transparent to the magnetic field generated by the lower heating device 6.

[0124] The bowl body 13 comprises a bottom wall 13.1 and a peripheral wall 13.2 extending upwardly from the bottom wall 13.1, and the thermal insulation coating 14 at least partially covers an outer surface of the peripheral wall 13.2 of the bowl body 13 and at least partially an outer surface of the bottom wall 13.1 of the bowl body 13. The thermal insulation coating 14 comprises in particular a lower face configured to rest on the receiving surface 5. Advantageously, the thermal insulation coating 14 completely covers the outer surface of the peripheral wall 13.2 of the bowl body 13, and comprises a lower opening 15 (see in particular FIG. 11) located opposite the bottom wall 13.1 of the bowl body 13 and configured to expose a central portion of the bottom wall 13.1 of the bowl body 13.According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the bowl 8 comprises a metal insert 16 which is fixed by welding or gluing against the bottom wall 13.1 of the metal bowl body 13. The metal insert 16 has a part which is, in a first stage of the manufacturing process of the bowl 8, inserted into the interior opening 15 before being folded against the lower surface of the thermal insulation coating 14, pinching the latter against the bottom wall 13.1 in order to hold it in position and to ensure a sealed connection between the metal insert 16 and the thermal insulation coating 14.

[0125] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the base 3 comprises a centering member 17 projecting upwards from the receiving surface 5, and the bowl 8 comprises a centering housing 18 which is formed by the metal insert 16 and the bottom wall 13.1 of the bowl body 13 and which is configured to receive the centering member 17 when the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5. Such a configuration of the base 3 and the bowl 8 ensures an optimal relative position of the bowl 8 with respect to the lower heating device 6, and in particular with respect to the induction coil 7.

[0126] The centering member 17 may for example be formed by a temperature sensor belonging to the lower heating device 6 and configured to monitor the temperature of the bowl body 13. Advantageously, the centering member 17, and therefore the temperature sensor, is configured to be in contact with the bottom wall 13.1 of the bowl body 13 when the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5.

[0127] As shown more particularly in Figure 12, the thermal insulation coating 14 covers an upper end of the peripheral wall 13.2 of the bowl body 13, and also partially covers the inner surface of an upper end portion of the peripheral wall 13.2 of the bowl body 13. Advantageously, the thermal insulation coating 14 extends over the entire inner periphery of the upper end portion of the peripheral wall 13.2 of the bowl body 13, fully delimits the upper opening 12 of the bowl 8 and forms the upper peripheral edge 11 of the bowl 8.

[0128] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the upper end portion of the peripheral wall 13.2 of the bowl body 13 delimits a retaining housing 19, for example annular, such as an annular retaining groove, provided with an insertion opening 21, for example annular, which opens into the bowl body 13, and the thermal insulation coating 14 comprises a retaining part 22, for example annular, such as an annular retaining bead, which is received and retained in the retaining housing 19. The food heating appliance 2 further comprises a cover 23 supported by the base 3 and configured to surmount the bowl 8, i.e. to extend above the bowl 8, when the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5.

[0129] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the cover 23 is pivotally mounted relative to the base 3 about a pivot axis and between a closed position (see Figure 1) in which the cover 23 is configured to cover the bowl 8 and to prevent access to the internal volume 9 of the bowl 8 when the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5, and an open position (see Figure 7) in which the cover 23 is configured to allow access to the internal volume 9 of the bowl 8 when the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5. Advantageously, the open position of the cover 23 is stable, and the pivot axis extends substantially horizontally when the base 3 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0130] The cover 23 is more particularly configured such that, when the cover 23 occupies the closed position and the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5, a central axis of the cover 23 is substantially coincident with a central axis of the bowl 8, and such that, when the cover 23 occupies the open position and the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5, the central axis of the cover 23 is not intersecting with the bowl 8.

[0131] As shown in Figure 4, the lid 23 comprises a lid body 24 and an upper heating element 25 fixed to the lid body 24. The upper heating element 25 is more particularly configured to heat by infrared radiation a food contained in the internal volume 9 of the bowl 8. Advantageously, the upper heating element 25 is an electric heating resistor, and is configured to extend opposite the bottom wall 13.1 of the bowl body 13 when the lid 23 is in the closed position and the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5. The upper heating element 25 may for example extend at least partly around the central axis of the lid 23.

[0132] According to one embodiment of the invention, the food heating appliance 2 could be provided with a contactor (not shown in the figures) configured to detect a movement of the lid 23 towards the open position, and the food heating appliance 2 could be configured to cut off the electrical supply to the upper heating element 25 when the contactor detects a movement of the lid 23 towards the open position. Such a feature has the advantage of limiting the discomfort of the user, and the risk of burning, linked to the radiation of the upper heating element 25 when the lid 23 is in the open position.

[0133] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the cover 23 further comprises a reflector 26 fixed to the cover body 24 and configured to deflect at least part of the radiation from the upper heating element 25 towards the bowl 8 when the cover 23 occupies the closed position and the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5. Advantageously, the reflector 26 is configured to extend above the upper heating element 25 when the cover 23 occupies the closed position.

[0134] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the cover 23 further comprises a protective member 27, such as a protective plate or grid, fixed to the cover body 24 and configured to prevent a user from accessing the upper heating element 25, in particular when the cover 23 occupies the open position. The protective member 27 is configured to extend under the upper heating element 25 and substantially horizontally when the cover 23 occupies the closed position and the base 3 rests on a horizontal surface. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the protective member 27 is substantially transparent to the wavelengths of the radiation emitted by the upper heating element 25, and may for example be made of glass or glass-ceramic.Advantageously, the reflector 26 and the protective member 27 delimit an internal housing, for example annular, in which the upper heating element 25 is arranged.

[0135] As shown in Figure 4, the lid 23, and more particularly the lid body 24, comprises a heat shield portion 28 configured to extend downwardly and to protrude into the bowl 8 when the lid 23 occupies the closed position and the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5. In other words, when the lid 23 occupies the closed position and the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5, the heat shield portion 28 and the receiving surface 5 are spaced from each other by a separation distance which is less than the height of the bowl 8.

[0136] The heat shield portion 28 is more particularly configured such that, when the cover 23 occupies the closed position and the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5, the upper peripheral edge 11 of the bowl 8 is not directly subjected to the infrared radiation of the upper heating element 25.

[0137] As shown in Figure 4, the heat shield portion 28 has a generally cylindrical shape, and is configured to extend between the upper peripheral edge 11 of the bowl 8 and the upper heating element 25. The heat shield portion 28 comprises an outer circumferential surface 29 configured to extend opposite an inner circumferential surface 31 of the bowl 8, and more particularly an upper portion of the side wall 8.2 of the bowl 8. Advantageously, the food heating appliance 2 is configured such that, when the lid 23 is in the closed position and the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5, a central axis of the heat shield portion 28 coincides with the central axis of the bowl 8.

[0138] The heat shield portion 28 has an external diameter which is smaller than an internal diameter of the upper peripheral edge 11 of the bowl 8. Thus, the heat shield portion 28 and the bowl 8 are configured to delimit a space 32, advantageously annular, extending around the heat shield portion 28. Advantageously, the space 32 has a width, measured in a radial direction relative to a central axis of the bowl 8, of between 2 mm and 4 cm, and for example between 2 mm and 1 cm.

[0139] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the cover 23 further comprises a steam discharge chimney 33 configured to discharge, to the outside of the food heating appliance 2, the steam generated in the internal volume 9 of the bowl 8. The presence of such a steam discharge chimney 33 makes it possible to reduce the steam pressure in the bowl 8, and therefore the risk of steam escaping through the upper peripheral edge 11 of the bowl 8, which further limits the risks of heating of the upper peripheral edge 11 of the bowl 8.

[0140] As shown in Figure 4, the steam vent 33 is arranged in a central portion of the lid 23, and the upper heating element 25 extends around the steam vent 33. The steam vent 33 may for example have a cross-section that is generally circular. Advantageously, the steam vent 33 is configured to extend substantially vertically when the lid 23 is in the closed position and the base 3 rests on a horizontal surface, and the protective member 27 has a central opening 27.1 configured to fluidly connect the internal volume 9 of the bowl 8 to the steam vent 33.

[0141] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the cover body 24 comprises a central passage forming the steam discharge chimney 33 and comprising a first passage end opening into a lower face of the cover 23 and a second passage end opening into an upper face of the cover 23, and the cover 23 comprises a cover insert 34 which is removably mounted in the central passage.

[0142] The lid insert 34 more particularly comprises a steam guiding portion 34.1 which is tubular and which is configured to be fluidically connected to the internal volume 9 of the bowl 8, and an upper end wall 34.2 which partially closes an upper end of the steam guiding portion 34.1 and which is provided with a plurality of steam discharge openings 34.3.

[0143] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the cover 23 comprises a peripheral closing portion 35 configured to cooperate, for example in a sealed manner, with the bowl 8, and in particular with the upper portion of the side wall 8.2 of the bowl 8, so as to prevent a flow of hot air between the upper peripheral edge 11 of the bowl 8 and the heat shield portion 28. The cover 23 also comprises a protruding gripping portion 36 which is configured to be grasped by a user during a movement of the cover 23 between the open position and the closed position. The protruding gripping portion 36 is configured to project, and in particular to extend radially, beyond the side wall 8.2 of the bowl 8 when the cover 23 is in the closed position and the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5.The protruding gripping portion 36 may for example be configured to protrude beyond the side wall of the bowl by a protrusion distance D that is greater than 1 cm.

[0144] Advantageously, the prominent gripping portion 36 extends over at least part of the periphery of the lid 23. The prominent gripping portion 36 may for example extend from a first lateral side of the lid 23 to a second lateral side of the lid 23 via a front part of the lid 23, in particular so as to allow easy and secure gripping of the lid 23 by a user located in front of the food heating appliance 2.

[0145] As shown in Figure 5, the prominent gripping portion 36 comprises a lower face, for example substantially planar, which is configured to be located above and at least partly opposite the upper peripheral edge 11 of the bowl 8 when the lid 23 is in the closed position and the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5. Advantageously, the lid 23 is configured such that the lower face of the prominent gripping portion 36 is located at a distance from the upper peripheral edge 11 of the bowl 8 when the lid 23 occupies the closed position and the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5.

[0146] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the base 3 comprises a support structure 37 which extends in height from the main housing 4 and which is configured to support the cover 23. Advantageously, the support structure 37 is located in a rear portion of the base 3, and is configured to extend substantially vertically when the base 3 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0147] As shown in Figure 8, the support structure 37 has a cross-section, along a section plane perpendicular to a central vertical axis of the base 3, which is substantially in an arc of a circle, and extends only along a portion of the periphery of the main housing 4. The support structure 37 is configured to extend only around a portion of the periphery of the bowl 8 when the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5 of the base 3. Advantageously, the support structure 37 extends over an angular sector centered on the central vertical axis of the base 3 and having an angle of, for example, between 60 and 120°.

[0148] The support structure 37 is more particularly configured to provide an access opening 38 which is configured to allow access to the bowl 8 and to allow the bowl 8 to be placed and removed by at least one translational movement parallel to an extension plane of the receiving surface 5. The access opening 38 extends over at least 180°, and for example over at least 240°, of the periphery of the bowl 8 when the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5. Thus, the access opening 38 is configured such that at least 50% of the circumference of the side wall 8.2 of the bowl 8 is exposed, i.e. is directly accessible to a user, when the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5. Such a configuration of the access opening 38 notably allows a user to firmly grasp the bowl 8 with two hands, with a view to removing the bowl 8 from the receiving surface. 5, and this in particular when the cover 23 occupies the open position.Advantageously, the access opening 38 has a height greater than the height of the bowl 8, and is configured such that the portion of the bowl, which is accessible through the access opening 38 when the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5, is exposed over its entire height.

[0149] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the access opening 38 is configured to allow access to the bowl 8 resting on the receiving surface 5 from a first lateral side of the food heating appliance 2, from a second lateral side of the food heating appliance 2 and also from a front portion of the food heating appliance 2.

[0150] The food heating appliance 2 also comprises a control unit 39 configured to control the operation of the food heating appliance 2, and a human-machine interface 41 configured to allow a user to select at least one operating parameter of the food heating appliance 2. Advantageously, the control unit 39 is arranged in the main housing 4 of the base 3, and the human-machine interface 41 is arranged in a front portion of the main housing 4 of the base 3.

[0151] An example of a method for cooking food using the food heating apparatus 2 according to the present invention is described below.

[0152] Such a cooking process includes the following steps:

[0153] - moving the cover 23 into the open position,

[0154] - positioning of the bowl 8 on the receiving surface 5,

[0155] - insertion of the food to be cooked into the internal volume 9 of the bowl 8,

[0156] - moving the cover 23 into the closed position,

[0157] - selection of operating parameters, for example cooking temperature and cooking time, using the human-machine interface 41, and

[0158] - cooking food according to the selected operating parameters.

[0159] When the food is cooked, the user grasps the protruding gripping portion 36 and securely moves the lid 23 into the open position, and then firmly grasps the bowl 8, with one or both hands, and carries it to the location where the meal is to be enjoyed.

[0160] The specific configuration of the access opening 38 allows in particular a user, wishing to remove the bowl 8 from the receiving surface 5 at the end of cooking, to firmly grasp the bowl with one or two hands and to extract it from the receiving surface 5 in various orientations, which gives increased ergonomics to the food heating appliance 2 according to the present invention.

[0161] During the transport of the bowl 8 to the tasting location, if the user has grasped the bowl 8 with both hands, the palms of the user's hands are in contact with the outer surface of the thermal insulation coating 14, and are therefore not directly in contact with the bowl body 13 which has a high temperature. When the user carries the bowl 8 with one hand, he generally positions the palm of the hand carrying the bowl 8 in contact with the outer surface of the thermal insulation coating 14 and the thumb of the hand carrying the bowl 8 resting against the inner circumferential surface of the upper part of the side wall 8.2 of the bowl 8, in order to ensure a firm grip of the bowl 8. However, since the thermal insulation coating 14 defines such an inner circumferential surface, the user's thumb is not directly in contact with the bowl body 13 which, as indicated above, has a high temperature.

[0162] Thus, the specific configuration of the bowl 8 according to the present invention avoids any risk of burning the user when transporting the bowl 8 after cooking the food contained in the latter.

[0163] Furthermore, while enjoying his meal, the user is not likely to burn himself since the upper peripheral edge 11 of the bowl 8 has a low temperature due to the fact that, during the food cooking step, the upper peripheral edge 11 of the bowl 8 is not directly subjected to the infrared radiation of the upper heating element 25.

[0164] According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the thermal insulation coating 14 could be fixed to the bowl body 13 by overmolding or gluing.

[0165] According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the thermal insulation coating 14 could be removable relative to the bowl body 13.

[0166] According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the cover 23 could be fixed relative to the base 3 and have a lower face located opposite the receiving surface 5 provided on the base 3.

[0167] According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the cover 23 could be mounted movable in translation relative to the main housing 4 of the base 3 in a direction of movement which is substantially vertical when the base 3 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0168] According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the lower heating device 6 could be a convection heating device, a conduction heating device or a radiation heating device. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the lower wall of the bowl body 13 is exposed, i.e. is not covered by the thermal insulation coating 14, so as to allow heating of the bowl body 13 by the lower heating device 6.

[0169] According to one embodiment of the invention, the food heating appliance 2 could comprise a fan mechanically connected to the cover 23 and configured to generate an airflow, and the upper heating element 25 would be configured to heat the airflow generated by the fan.

[0170] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated, which has been given only as an example. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Food heating appliance (2) comprising: - a base (3) comprising a main housing (4) provided with a receiving surface (5), - a bowl (8) which is removable and which is configured to rest on the receiving surface (5) of the base (3), the bowl (8) comprising a bottom (8.1) and a side wall (8.2) which delimit an internal volume (9) intended to contain food, the side wall (8.2) of the bowl (8) comprising an upper peripheral edge (11) delimiting an upper opening (12) through which food can be introduced into the internal volume (9) of the bowl (8), - a cover (23) supported by the base (3) and configured to surmount the bowl (8) when the bowl (8) rests on the receiving surface (5), the cover (23) comprising an upper heating element (25) configured to heat a food contained in the bowl (8), wherein the base (3) comprises a support structure (37) which extends in height from the main housing (4) and which is configured to support the cover (23), the support structure (37) being configured to extend only around a portion of the periphery of the bowl (8) when the bowl (8) rests on the receiving surface (5) of the base (3) and to provide an access opening (38) which is configured to allow the bowl (8) to be placed on the receiving surface (5), and to be removed from the receiving surface (5),by at least one translational movement parallel to an extension plane of the receiving surface (5) at least when the food heating appliance (2) is in a predetermined use configuration, and wherein the bowl (8) comprises a bowl body (13) at least partly delimiting the internal volume (9) of the bowl (8) and comprises at least one thermally insulating layer which at least partly envelops the bowl body (13)., 2. Food heating appliance (2) according to claim 1, wherein the access opening (38) extends over at least 180° of the periphery of the bowl (8) when the bowl (8) rests on the receiving surface (5).

3. Food heating appliance (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the access opening (38) is configured to allow access to the bowl (8) resting on the receiving surface (5) from a first lateral side of the food heating appliance (2) and from a second lateral side of the food heating appliance (2).

4. Food heating appliance (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support structure (37) is curved and extends substantially over an angular sector centered on a central vertical axis of the base (3) and having an angle of between 10 and 180°.

5. Food heating appliance (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the support structure (37) is located in a rear portion of the base (3).

6. Food heating appliance (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the access opening (38) is configured such that the bowl portion, which is accessible through the access opening (38) when the bowl (8) rests on the receiving surface (5), is exposed over its entire height.

7. A food heating appliance (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the base comprises a lower heating device (6) configured to heat food contained in the bowl (8) when the bowl (8) rests on the receiving surface (5).

8. A food heating appliance (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cover (23) comprises a heat shield portion (28) configured to be disposed inside the bowl (8) when the bowl (8) rests on the receiving surface (5) such that the upper peripheral edge (11) of the bowl (8) is not directly subjected to radiation from the upper heating element (25).

9. A food heating appliance (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cover (23) comprises a protective member (27) configured to prevent a user from accessing the upper heating element (25), the protective member (27) being configured to extend below the upper heating element (25) when the food heating appliance (2) is in use.

10. Food heating appliance (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cover (23) comprises a steam exhaust chimney (33) configured to exhaust, to the outside of the food heating appliance (2), the steam generated in the internal volume (9) of the bowl (8).

11. A food heating appliance (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the bowl body (13) is metallic and is provided with a bottom wall (13.1) and a peripheral wall (13.2) extending from the bottom wall (13.1).

12. Food heating appliance (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the thermally insulating layer comprises a thermal insulating coating (14) which is made of thermally insulating material and which at least partly covers an outer surface of the bowl body (13).

13. Food heating appliance (2) according to claims 11 and 12, wherein the thermal insulation coating (14) covers an upper end of the peripheral wall (13.2) of the bowl body (13) and at least partly delimits the upper opening (12) of the bowl (8).

14. Food heating appliance (2) according to claim 13, wherein the thermal insulation coating (14) partially covers an inner surface of the peripheral wall (13.2) of the bowl body (13).

15. Food heating appliance (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the cover (23) is movable between a closed position in which the cover (23) is configured to cover the bowl (8) and to prevent access to the internal volume (9) of the bowl (8) when the bowl (8) rests on the receiving surface (5), and an open position in which the cover (23) is configured to allow access to the internal volume (9) of the bowl (8) when the bowl (8) rests on the receiving surface (5), the access opening (38) being configured to allow the bowl (8) to be placed on the receiving surface (5) and to be removed from the receiving surface (5) when the cover (23) occupies the open position.

16. Food heating appliance (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the internal volume (9) of the bowl (8) is less than 1.3 liters.

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