Food heating appliance including a lid equipped with a heat shield section

Abstract

The food heating apparatus (2) comprises a base (3) having a receiving surface (5); a bowl (8) resting on the receiving surface (5) and defining an internal volume (9) for holding food, the bowl (8) having an upper peripheral rim (11); and a lid (23) supported by the base (3) and configured to cover the bowl (8), the lid (23) having an upper heating element (25) configured to heat, at least by radiation, food contained in the bowl (8), the lid (23) having a portion of a heat shield (28) configured to be arranged inside the bowl (8) such that the upper peripheral rim (11) of the bowl (8) is not directly subjected to radiation from the upper heating element (25). Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Food heating apparatus comprising a lid equipped with a heat shield portion technical field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for heating food products, in particular for cooking them. State of the art

[0002] As is known, an electric cooking appliance comprises:

[0003] - a housing comprising a cooking tank which delimits a cooking chamber intended to contain food,

[0004] - a cover mounted movable relative to the housing between an opening position in which the lid allows access to the cooking chamber, and a closed position in which the lid prevents access to the cooking chamber, and

[0005] - a heating device fixed to the lid and configured to be located opposite the cooking chamber delimited by the cooking vessel when the lid is in the closed position.

[0006] Such an electric cooking appliance allows food contained in the cooking chamber to be cooked according to different cooking methods.

[0007] However, when the food in the cooking chamber of such an electric cooking appliance is cooked, the user must transfer the food to another container, such as a plate or dish, for consumption, particularly because the shape, size, volume, and high temperature of the external surfaces of the cooking chamber are not suitable for consuming food directly from the cooking chamber. Therefore, using such an electric cooking appliance requires, at a minimum, cleaning both the cooking chamber and the container used, which can be tedious for the user.

[0008] Consequently, a user may be discouraged from using an electric cooking appliance of the aforementioned type for cooking a small quantity of food, for example for preparing a meal for one person.

[0009] In addition, when cooking food in an electric cooking appliance of the aforementioned type, the upper peripheral edge of the cooking vessel is directly exposed to the radiation emitted by the heating device attached to the lid, and therefore has a relatively high temperature at the end of cooking, which requires special attention from the user to avoid getting burned when handling the cooking vessel, in particular when grasping the cooking vessel or when trying to grab the food contained in the cooking vessel with a spoon. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.

[0011] The technical problem underlying the invention therefore consists of providing a food heating device which is of simple and economical structure, which allows easy and quick heating and / or cooking of food, while allowing safe consumption of food directly from a heating and / or cooking utensil equipping the food heating device.

[0012] To this end, the present invention relates to a food heating apparatus comprising:

[0013] - a base provided with a receiving surface,

[0014] - a bowl which is removable and which is configured to rest on the receiving surface from the base, the bowl comprising a bottom and a side wall which define an internal volume intended to contain food, the side wall of the bowl comprising an upper peripheral edge defining a top opening through which food can be introduced into the internal volume of the bowl,

[0015] - a lid supported by the base and configured to cover the bowl when the bowl rests on the receiving surface, the lid comprising an upper heating element configured to heat, at least by radiation, and more particularly by infrared radiation, food contained in the bowl,

[0016] the lid comprising a portion of heat shield configured to be disposed, and in particular to protrude, inside the bowl when the bowl rests on the receiving surface in such a way that the upper peripheral edge of the bowl is not directly subjected to radiation from the upper heating element.

[0017] The specific configuration of the lid, and more particularly the fact that it is equipped with the upper heating element and the heat shield, allows for optimal heating and / or cooking of the food contained in the bowl while avoiding excessive heating of the upper peripheral edge of the bowl.

[0018] Thus, at the end of the reheating and / or cooking process, the user can safely grasp the bowl resting on the base's receiving surface to eat their meal, without necessarily requiring handles on the bowl, which would increase the bowl's manufacturing costs and size, and limit the possible relative angles between the bowl and the receiving surface. Furthermore, the user can safely eat their meal directly from the bowl used to cook it, without risk of burning themselves by touching the bowl's edge, due to its low temperature.

[0019] The food heating device according to the invention thus allows for preparation easy and quick preparation of a meal, while allowing safe consumption of that meal directly from the bowl used to cook the meal, which limits the number of utensils to be washed by the user.

[0020] The food heating device may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the heat shield portion is configured to extend at least partially downwards when the food heating device is in use.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the food heating appliance is in use, the heat shield and the receiving surface are separated by a distance less than the height of the bowl. Thus, the heat shield is at least partially inserted into the internal volume of the bowl when the food heating appliance is in use (and in particular when the lid is closed), thereby reducing the volume of the cooking and / or heating chamber within the bowl. This feature makes cooking or heating more efficient. It also prevents the user from inserting their hand into the bowl and from being burned by contact with the underside of the lid.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating element comprises an electrical heating resistance.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating element is configured to extend in relation to the bottom of the bowl when the food heating device is in use and the bowl rests on the receiving surface.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover comprises a cover body including the thermal screen part.

[0026] 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 risk of overheating of the upper peripheral edge of the bowl.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the heat shielding part comprises an external circumferential surface configured to extend in relation to an internal circumferential surface of the bowl, and more particularly in relation to an internal circumferential surface of an upper part of the side wall of the bowl.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the heat shield part has an overall cylindrical shape.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the food heating device is configured so that, when the food heating device is in use and the bowl rests on the receiving surface, a central axis of the heat shield portion is substantially coincident with a central axis of the bowl.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the heat shield portion has an external diameter that is less than an internal diameter of the upper peripheral edge of the bowl.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the heat shield and the bowl are configured to define a space, advantageously annular, extending around the heat shield. This configuration of the lid facilitates the insertion of the heat shield into the bowl and keeps the hot part of the lid away from the upper peripheral edge of the bowl, thus further limiting the risk of overheating of the upper peripheral edge of the bowl.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the space has a width, measured along a radial direction with respect to a central axis of the bowl, of between 2 mm and 4 cm, and for example between 2 mm and 1 cm.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid comprises a peripheral sealing portion configured to cooperate, for example in a hermetic manner, with the bowl so as to prevent the 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 risk of overheating of the upper peripheral edge of the bowl.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid includes a protective element, such as a protective plate or grid, configured to prevent a user from accessing the upper heating element. The protective element is configured to extend under the upper heating element when the food heating appliance is in use. The presence of the protective element reduces the risk of damage to the upper heating element by protecting it from food splashes. Advantageously, the protective element is removably mounted on the lid to facilitate cleaning.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective element is essentially transparent to the wavelengths of radiation emitted by the upper heating element. Thus, the protective element does not interfere with the cooking of food due to radiation emitted by the upper heating element.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the base includes a lower heating device configured to heat food contained in the bowl when the bowl rests on the receiving surface. The presence of such a lower heating device increases the number of recipes that can be made with the food heating device according to the present invention.

[0037] The lower heating device can, for example, be housed in a main casing of the base, and can, for example, be positioned under the receiving surface.

[0038] 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.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the base comprises a centering member projecting upwards from the receiving surface, and the bowl comprises a centering recess 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 recess 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.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid includes a steam vent configured to vent the steam generated within the bowl to the outside of the food heating appliance. The presence of such a steam vent reduces the steam pressure in the bowl, and therefore the risk of steam escaping from the upper peripheral edge of the bowl, further limiting the risk of overheating of the upper peripheral edge of the bowl.

[0041] 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.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam vent is located in a central part of the lid and opens, for example, into a central part of the underside of the lid. Such a vent arrangement further reduces the risk of overheating of the upper peripheral edge of the bowl.

[0043] 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.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating element extends at least partially around the steam exhaust chimney.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover comprises a cover insert removably mounted in the steam vent. This feature allows the degree of steam confinement to be modified. The removable lid insert allows you to see inside the bowl and therefore adjust the cooking method according to the desired result. It also allows you 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 provides visual access to the inside of the bowl, allowing you to visually check the cooking progress.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid insert comprises a steam guide portion which is tubular and which is configured to be fluidly connected to the internal volume of the bowl, and an upper end wall which partially closes an upper end of the steam guide portion, the upper end wall being provided with at least one steam vent opening.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bowl comprises a bowl body, advantageously metallic, delimiting at least in part the internal volume of the bowl and includes at least one thermally insulating layer which envelops at least in part the bowl body.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermally insulating layer comprises a thermal insulation coating which is made of thermally insulating material, for example elastomer, and which covers at least part of an external surface of the bowl body.

[0049] 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. This bowl configuration allows, on the one hand, for optimal cooking of the food contained in the bowl since this food is in contact with the metallic bowl body, whose thermal conductivity promotes cooking, and on the other hand, for easy and safe handling of the bowl since the presence of the thermal insulation coating prevents direct contact between the user's fingers and / or hands and the bowl body, which is relatively hot at the end of cooking.

[0050] 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.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulation coating is fixed to the bowl body by overmolding.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulation coating is removably attached to the body of the bowl.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulation coating comprises a lower face configured to rest on the receiving surface. A This configuration of the thermal insulation coating allows, after removal of the bowl from the receiving surface at the end of cooking, for the bowl to be positioned directly on a temperature-sensitive support and / or for the bowl to be supported by its underside without risk of getting burned.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the induction heating device includes a temperature sensor configured to monitor the temperature of the bowl body.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the temperature sensor forms the centering element.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermally insulating material is substantially transparent to the magnetic field generated by the induction heating device.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulation coating covers at least part of an outer surface of the peripheral wall of the bowl body and at least part of an outer surface of the bottom wall of the bowl body.

[0058] 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 reduces the risk of burns to a user when handling the bowl.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulation coating covers an upper end of the bowl body, and more particularly of the peripheral wall of the bowl body, and at least partially delimits the upper opening of the bowl. Such a bowl configuration further limits the risk of burns to a user when handling the bowl or eating food contained in the bowl.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulation coating completely delimits the upper opening of the bowl.

[0061] 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 bowl configuration further limits the risk of a user being burned when eating food from the bowl.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulation coating extends to a height of at least 1.5 cm, and advantageously to a height of at least 2 cm, above the upper edge of the peripheral wall of the bowl body. This feature limits heating in the upper part of the bowl due to the absence of the metallic peripheral wall of the bowl body in this area. This configuration thus limits the risk of burns. The user would grasp the bowl by gripping the upper edge of the peripheral wall with their thumb. This feature also allows for a deformable upper edge of the bowl, thus ensuring a good seal between the lid and the bowl once the lid is in the closed position.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, an upper end portion of the peripheral wall of the bowl body defines a retaining recess, 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 includes a retaining portion, for example annular, which is received and retained in the retaining recess. Such a configuration of the bowl ensures a durable and strong attachment of the thermal insulation coating to the bowl body, which considerably limits the risk of separation of the thermal insulation coating from the bowl body and therefore of damage to the bowl.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulation coating has 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bowl includes a metal insert configured to border the lower opening formed in the thermal insulation lining. Such a metal insert ensures mechanical fastening of the thermal insulation lining at the edge of the lower opening. In particular, the metal insert has a portion which, in a first phase of the bowl manufacturing process, is inserted inside the lower opening and then, in a second phase, is bent against the underside of the thermal insulation lining to clamp the thermal insulation lining. This feature ensures a watertight seal between the insert and the thermal insulation lining, and prevents water infiltration, particularly during the washing of the bowl.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulation coating is fixed to the metal insert, for example by overmolding.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower heating device is a convection heating device, 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., not covered by the thermal insulation coating, so as to allow heating of the bowl body by the lower heating device.

[0069] 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 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. Such a configuration of the lid allows for 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, thus further enhancing the ergonomics of the food heating device according to the present invention.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the food heating device is in operating condition when the lid is in the closed position.

[0071] 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 gap is provided between the upper edge of the side wall of the bowl and the lower surface of the lid opposite it. This feature limits the heating of the upper edge of the bowl by preventing heat transfer by conduction between the lid and the bowl.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the invention, the opening position of the lid is stable.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid is mounted to pivot 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.

[0074] According to another embodiment of the invention, the cover is fixed and is located opposite the receiving surface provided on the base.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the invention, the base comprises a main housing on which the receiving surface is provided, and a support structure which extends vertically from the main housing and which is configured to support the lid, the support structure being configured to extend only along a part of the periphery of the bowl when the bowl rests on the receiving surface of the base.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure is configured to provide an access opening extending at least 180°, and for example at least 220°, from the periphery of the bowl 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 and thus transport it safely to the serving area. Such a configuration of the access opening also allows a positioning of the bowl on the receiving surface, and similarly a withdrawal of the bowl from the receiving surface, according to various orientations offset angularly from each other, which gives increased ergonomics to the food heating device according to the present invention.

[0077] Advantageously, 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.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the invention, the access opening has a height greater than the height of the bowl.

[0079] 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 between 10 and 180°, and advantageously between 20 and 140°, and for example between 30 and 120°.

[0080] 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 form of a circular arc.

[0081] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure is located in a rear part of the base.

[0082] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure is configured to extend substantially vertically when the food heating device rests on a horizontal surface.

[0083] 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 bowl configuration ensures efficient and rapid cooking of the food contained in the bowl, gives the food warmer according to the invention a highly compact size, and encourages a user to use the food warmer according to the invention for preparing a meal for one person.

[0084] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid has a prominent gripping portion configured to be grasped by a user when moving the lid from the open to the closed position. This prominent gripping portion is configured to protrude, and for example, to extend radially, beyond the side wall of the bowl when the food warmer is in operation and the bowl is resting on the receiving surface. Such a configuration of the food warmer according to the invention allows a user wishing to move the lid to the open position to firmly grasp the lid by the prominent gripping portion, which is away from the hot part of the lid, and thus to manipulate it. then securely close the lid. The presence of the prominent grip significantly reduces the risk of burns to the user when handling the lid.

[0085] By protruding beyond the side wall of the bowl, it is understood that the prominent gripping part extends horizontally beyond the side wall of the bowl and protrudes outwards from the food heating device.

[0086] Advantageously, the prominent gripping part 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.

[0087] According to one embodiment of the invention, the prominent gripping part extends over at least part of the perimeter of the lid.

[0088] According to one embodiment of the invention, the prominent gripping part is located at least partly in a front part of the lid, that is to say a part of the lid intended to be located in view of a user located in front of the food heating appliance.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the invention, the prominent gripping part extends from a first lateral side of the lid to a second lateral side of the lid via the front part of the lid.

[0090] According to one embodiment of the invention, the prominent gripping part has a lower face, for example substantially flat, which is configured to be located at least partly opposite the upper peripheral edge of the bowl when the food heating device is in use and the bowl rests on the receiving surface.

[0091] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving surface is substantially circular.

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

[0093] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid includes a reflector configured to deflect at least some 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.

[0094] According to one embodiment of the invention, the reflector is configured to extend over the upper heating element when the food heating device is in use.

[0095] According to one embodiment of the invention, the reflector and the protective element delimit an internal housing, for example annular, in which the upper heating element is disposed.

[0096] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bowl is devoid of a gripping handle.

[0097] According to one embodiment of the invention, the food heating device comprises a single bowl.

[0098] According to one embodiment of the invention, the food heating device 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 device according to the present invention makes it possible to cook food contained in the bowl using a hot air cooking method.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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. Brief description of the figures

[0102] The present invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the accompanying figures, in which identical reference signs correspond to structurally and / or functionally identical or similar elements.

[0103] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a food heating apparatus according to the invention.

[0104] [Fig.2] is a front view of the food heating apparatus of [Fig.1].

[0105] [Fig.3] is a side view of the food heating apparatus of [Fig.1].

[0106] [Fig.4] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the food heating apparatus of the [Fig.l].

[0107] [Fig.5] is an enlarged scale view of a detail of [Fig.4].

[0108] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of the food heating apparatus of [Fig.1], in which a bowl from the food heating appliance has been removed.

[0109] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of the food heating apparatus of [Fig.1], showing a lid in the open position.

[0110] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of the food heating apparatus of [Fig.1], showing the lid in the open position and into which the bowl has been removed.

[0111] [Fig.9] is a truncated perspective view of the food heating apparatus of the [Fig.1], showing the lid in the open position.

[0112] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of the bowl of the food heating device of [Fig.1].

[0113] [Fig.11] is a longitudinal sectional view of the bowl of [Fig.10].

[0114] [Fig.12] is an enlarged scale view of a detail of [Fig.11]. Detailed description

[0115] Figures 1 to 12 represent a food heating device 2, and more particularly an electric cooking device, for cooking food, such as meat, fish, vegetables, rice or other.

[0116] The food heating device 2 includes a base 3 configured to rest on a flat surface, such as a worktop. The base 3 includes a main housing 4 provided with a receiving surface 5. Advantageously, the receiving surface 5 is flat and circular.

[0117] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the base 3 includes 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 includes 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.

[0118] The food heating device 2 further comprises a removable bowl 8 configured to rest on the receiving surface 5 of the base 3 and to be heated, in particular, by the lower heating element 6. The bowl 8 defines an internal volume 9 for holding food. Advantageously, the internal volume 9 of the bowl 8 is less than 1 liter.

[0119] The bowl 8 further includes a base 8.1 and a side wall 8.2 having 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.

[0120] As shown more particularly in [Fig. 1 1], the bowl 8 comprises a bowl body 13 which is metallic, for example stainless steel, iron or similar, and which delimits at least in part 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 covers at least in part an external surface of the bowl body 13. Advantageously, the thermally insulating material is transparent to the magnetic field generated by the lower heating device 6.

[0121] The bowl body 13 comprises a bottom wall 13.1 and a peripheral wall 13.2 extending upwards from the bottom wall 13.1, and the thermal insulation coating 14 covers at least part of an outer surface of the peripheral wall 13.2 of the bowl body 13 and at least part of an outer surface of the bottom wall 13.1 of the bowl body 13. The thermal insulation coating 14 notably comprises a lower face configured to rest on the surface of reception 5.

[0122] Advantageously, the thermal insulation coating 14 completely covers the outer surface of the peripheral wall 13.2 of the bowl body 13 and has 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 has a metal insert 16 which is fixed by welding or bonding against the bottom wall 13.1 of the metal bowl body 13. The metal insert 16 has a portion which, in the first stage of the manufacturing process of the bowl 8, is inserted into the inner opening 15 before being folded against the lower surface of the thermal insulation coating 14, thus pinching the latter against the bottom wall 13.1 in order to hold it in position and ensure a watertight connection between the metal insert 16 and the thermal insulation coating 14. .

[0123] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the base 3 has a centering member 17 projecting upwards from the receiving surface 5, and the bowl 8 has 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.

[0124] The centering member 17 can 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.

[0125] As shown more particularly in [Fig.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 perimeter of the upper end portion of the peripheral wall 13.2 of the bowl body 13, completely delimits the upper opening 12 of the bowl 8 and forms the upper peripheral edge 11 of the bowl 8.

[0126] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the upper end portion of the peripheral wall 13.2 of the bowl body 13 defines 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 includes a retaining portion 22, for example annular, such as an annular retaining bead, which is received and retained in the retaining housing 19.

[0127] The food heating device 2 further includes a lid 23 supported by the base 3 and configured to surmount the bowl 8, i.e. to extend over the bowl 8, when the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5.

[0128] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the lid 23 is pivotally mounted relative to the base 3 about a pivot axis and between a closed position (see [Fig. 1]) in which the lid 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 [Fig. 7]) in which the lid 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 lid 23 is stable, and the pivot axis extends substantially horizontally when the base 3 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0129] The lid 23 is more particularly 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 lid 23 is substantially coincident with a central axis of the bowl 8, and such that, when the lid 23 is in the open position and the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5, the central axis of the lid 23 is not intersecting with the bowl 8.

[0130] As shown in [Fig. 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 electrical heating element and is configured to extend along 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 partially around the central axis of the lid 23.

[0131] According to one embodiment of the invention, the food heating appliance 2 could be equipped with a contactor (not shown in the figures) configured to detect movement of the lid 23 towards the open position, and the food heating appliance 2 could be configured to cut off the power supply to the upper heating element 25 when the contactor detects movement of the lid 23 towards the open position. Such a feature has the advantage of limiting user discomfort and the risk of burns due to radiation from the upper heating element 25 when the lid 23 is in the open position.

[0132] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the lid 23 comprises in addition to a reflector 26 fixed to the lid body 24 and configured to deflect at least part of the radiation from the upper heating element 25 towards the bowl 8 when the lid 23 is in the closed position and the bowl 8 is resting on the receiving surface 5. Advantageously, the reflector 26 is configured to extend over the upper heating element 25 when the lid 23 is in the closed position.

[0133] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the cover 23 further comprises a protective element 27, such as a protective plate or grille, fixed to the cover body 24 and configured to prevent a user from accessing the upper heating element 25, particularly when the cover 23 is in the open position. The protective element 27 is configured to extend below the upper heating element 25 and substantially horizontally when the cover 23 is in the closed position and the base 3 rests on a horizontal surface. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the protective element 27 is substantially transparent to the wavelengths of 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 element 27 define an internal housing, for example annular, in which the upper heating element 25 is disposed.

[0134] As shown in [Fig.4], the lid 23, and more particularly the lid body 24, has a heat shield portion 28 configured to extend downwards and protrude into the bowl 8 when the lid 23 is in the closed position and the bowl 8 is resting on the receiving surface 5. In other words, when the lid 23 is in the closed position and the bowl 8 is resting on the receiving surface 5, the heat shield portion 28 and the receiving surface 5 are separated from each other by a separation distance that is less than the height of the bowl 8.

[0135] The heat shield part 28 is more particularly configured such that, when the lid 23 is in 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.

[0136] As shown in [Fig. 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 external circumferential surface 29 configured to extend opposite an internal 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 device 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 part 28 coincides with the central axis of the bowl 8.

[0137] The heat shield portion 28 has an external diameter that is less 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 along a radial direction with respect to a central axis of the bowl 8, of between 2 mm and 4 cm, and for example between 2 mm and 1 cm.

[0138] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the lid 23 further comprises a steam vent 33 configured to vent, to the outside of the food heating device 2, the steam generated in the internal volume 9 of the bowl 8. The presence of such a steam vent 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.

[0139] As shown in [Fig. 4], the steam vent 33 is disposed in a central portion of the cover 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 cover 23 is in the closed position and the base 3 rests on a horizontal surface, and the protective element 27 has a central opening 27.1 configured to fluidly connect the internal volume 9 of the bowl 8 to the steam vent 33.

[0140] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the cover body 24 has a central passage forming the steam exhaust chimney 33 and comprising a first end of the passage opening into a lower face of the cover 23 and a second end of the passage opening into a higher face of the cover 23, and the cover 23 has a cover insert 34 which is removably mounted in the central passage.

[0141] The lid insert 34 more particularly comprises a guide portion of steam 34.1 which is tubular and configured to be fluidly 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 guide part 34.1 and which is provided with a plurality of steam discharge openings 34.3.

[0142] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the cover 23 comprises a peripheral closing portion 35 configured to cooperate, for example in a way sealed, with the bowl 8, and in particular with the upper part 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 part of the heat shield 28.

[0143] The lid 23 also includes a prominent gripping portion 36 which is configured to be grasped by a user when moving the lid 23 between the open and closed positions. The prominent gripping portion 36 is configured to protrude, and in particular to extend radially, beyond the side wall 8.2 of the bowl 8 when the lid 23 is in the closed position and the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5. The prominent gripping portion 36 can, for example, be configured to protrude beyond the side wall of the bowl by a projection distance D that is greater than 1 cm.

[0144] Advantageously, the prominent gripping portion 36 extends over at least part of the circumference 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 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 [Fig. 5], the prominent gripping part 36 has a lower face, for example substantially flat, 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 part 36 is located away from 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.

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

[0147] As shown in [Fig. 8], the support structure 37 has a cross-section, along a cutting plane perpendicular to a central vertical axis of the base 3, which is substantially 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 a angle including 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°, from 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 allows, in particular, a user to firmly grasp the bowl 8 with both hands in order to remove the bowl 8 from the receiving surface 5, especially when the lid 23 is in the open position. Advantageously, the access opening 38 is taller than the bowl 8 and is configured so that the portion of the bowl accessible through the access opening 38 when the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5 is exposed along 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 device 2, from a second lateral side of the food heating device 2 and also from a front part of the food heating device 2.

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

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

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

[0153] - moving the lid 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] - movement of the cover 23 into the closed position,

[0157] - selection of operating parameters, for example cooking temperature and the 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 prominent gripping part 36 and securely moves the lid 23 into the open position, and then firmly grasps the bowl 8, with one or two hands, and carries it to the eating location.

[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 extract it from the receiving surface 5 in various orientations, which gives increased ergonomics to the food heating device 2 according to the present invention.

[0161] During 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 in direct contact with the bowl body 13, which is at a high temperature. When the user carries the bowl 8 with one hand, they generally position 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 against the inner circumferential surface of the upper part of the side wall 8.2 of the bowl, in order to ensure a firm grip on the bowl 8. However, since the thermal insulation coating 14 defines such an inner circumferential surface, the user's thumb is not in direct contact with the bowl body 13, which, as previously mentioned, is at a high temperature.

[0162] Thus, the specific configuration of the bowl 8 according to the present invention avoids any risk of burning the user during the transport of the bowl 8 after the food contained in it has been cooked.

[0163] Furthermore, during the enjoyment of his meal, the user is not likely to get burned since the upper peripheral edge 11 of the bowl 8 has a low temperature due to the fact that, during the food cooking stage, 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 attached 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 from 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 reception area 5 planned on 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 radiant heating device. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the lower wall of the bowl body 13 is exposed, i.e., 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 device 2 could include a fan mechanically connected to the lid 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 by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition 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) 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) 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 at least by radiation a food contained in the bowl (8), the cover (23) comprising a heat shield portion (28) configured to be arranged 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).

2. A food heating apparatus (2) according to claim 1, wherein the heat shield portion (28) is configured to extend between the upper peripheral edge (11) of the bowl (8) and the upper heating element (25).

3. A food heating apparatus (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat shield portion (28) comprises an outer circumferential surface (29) configured to extend opposite an inner circumferential surface (31) of the bowl (8).

4. A food heating apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heat shield portion (28) has a generally cylindrical shape.

5. A food heating appliance (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heat shield portion (28) and the bowl (8) are configured to define a space (32) extending around the heat shield portion (28).

6. A food heating appliance (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cover (23) comprises a protection (27) configured to prevent a user from accessing the upper heating element (25), the protection member (27) being configured to extend below the upper heating element (25) when the food heating appliance (2) is in use.

7. A food heating apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the base (3) 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 lid (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).

9. Food heating appliance (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the bowl (8) comprises a bowl body (13), advantageously metallic, delimiting at least in part the internal volume (9) of the bowl (8), and comprises at least one thermally insulating layer which at least in part envelops the bowl body (13).

10. A food heating appliance (2) according to claim 9, wherein the thermally insulating layer comprises a thermally insulating coating (14) which is made of thermally insulating material and which at least partially covers an outer surface of the bowl body (13).

11. A food heating appliance (2) according to claim 10, wherein the thermal insulation coating (14) covers an upper end of the bowl body (13) and at least partly delimits the upper opening (12) of the bowl (8).

12. A food heating appliance (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, 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).

13. A food heating apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the base (3) comprises a main housing (4) on which the receiving surface (5) is provided, and a structure of support (37) which extends upwardly from the main housing (4) and which is configured to support the cover (23), the support structure (37) being configured to extend only along a portion of the periphery of the bowl (8) when the bowl (8) rests on the receiving surface (5) of the base (3).

14. A food heating appliance (2) according to claim 13, wherein the support structure (37) is configured to provide an access opening (38) extending at least 180° of the periphery of the bowl (8) when the bowl (8) rests on the receiving surface (5).

15. A food heating appliance (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the internal volume (9) of the bowl (8) is less than 1.3 liters.

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