Food heating appliance comprising a lid equipped with a prominent gripping part

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; and a lid (23) supported by the base (3) and movable between a closed and an open position, the lid (23) comprising an upper heating element (25) configured to heat food contained in the bowl (8) and a prominent gripping portion (36) configured to project beyond a side wall of the bowl (8) when the lid (23) is in the closed position. Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Food heating apparatus comprising a lid equipped with a prominent gripping part. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to an electric cooking appliance for cooking food products. 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 moving the lid of such a cooking appliance to the open position, particularly towards the end of cooking, a user is liable to be burned by contact with a high-temperature area of ​​the lid, especially during the final phase of lifting the lid. Indeed, during this final phase, the gripping handle, for example, located on the top of the lid, becomes difficult for a user to access, so the user is tempted to place at least one finger, such as a thumb, against the underside of the lid in order to push it until it reaches the open position. Since the underside of the lid is high-temperature, being located near the heating element attached to the lid, the user is therefore liable to be burned. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.

[0009] The technical problem underlying the invention therefore consists of providing a food heating device which is of simple and ergonomic structure, while allowing easy and safe handling of the lid.

[0010] To this end, the present invention relates to a food heating apparatus comprising:

[0011] - a base provided with a receiving surface,

[0012] - 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 hold 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, and

[0013] - a cover supported by the base and mounted movable relative to the base 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 lid comprising an upper heating element configured to heat, for example at least by radiation and more particularly by infrared radiation, food contained in the bowl.

[0014] The lid has a prominent gripping portion which is configured to be grasped by a user when moving the lid between the open position and the closed position, the prominent gripping portion being configured to protrude beyond the side wall of the bowl when the lid is in the closed position and the bowl is resting on the receiving surface.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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 firmly grasp the lid by the prominent gripping portion, which is away from the hot part of the lid, and thus to then handle the lid safely. The presence of the prominent gripping portion therefore considerably reduces the risk of the user being burned when handling the lid.

[0017] The food heating device may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0018] 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.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover is pivotally mounted by ratio to the base around a pivot axis, which can for example be located in a rear part of the base.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis extends substantially horizontally when the base rests on a horizontal surface.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, 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.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the prominent gripping portion extends over at least part of the circumference of the lid, and for example over at least 30°, and advantageously over at least 90°, and even more advantageously over at least 180°, of the circumference of the lid. Such a configuration of the prominent gripping portion allows for easy and secure gripping of the lid by both right-handed and left-handed users.

[0023] 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.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the prominent gripping part extends at least from a first lateral side of the lid to a second lateral side of the lid via the front part of the lid.

[0025] 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 above and at least partly opposite the upper peripheral edge of the bowl when the lid is in the closed position and the bowl is resting on the receiving surface.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid is configured such that the underside of the protruding gripping portion is located at a distance from the upper peripheral edge of the bowl when the lid is in the closed position and the bowl is resting on the receiving surface. Preferably, the protruding gripping portion is located more than 1 cm from the upper peripheral edge of the bowl when the bowl is in the closed position.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the prominent gripping part extends radially with respect to a central axis of the lid.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the prominent gripping portion is configured to extend at least partially downwards and at least partially opposite an external surface of the bowl, and in particular an external surface of an upper end portion of the side wall of the bowl, when the lid is in the closed position, said prominent gripping portion extending below from the upper peripheral edge of the bowl when the lid is in the closed position. Thus, when the lid is in the open position, the prominent gripping part forms a protective barrier limiting access for a user to the upper heating element, or at least to the hot area of ​​the lid, which further reduces the risk of burns to the user.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid comprises a heat shield portion configured to be positioned, and in particular to protrude, inside the bowl when the lid is in the closed position and the bowl rests on the receiving surface, such that the upper peripheral edge of the bowl is not directly exposed 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 for optimal cooking of the food contained in the bowl while preventing excessive heating of the upper peripheral edge of the bowl.Thus, once the food is cooked, the user can safely pick up the bowl resting on the base's receiving surface to enjoy their meal, without necessarily requiring handles on the bowl, which would significantly increase both the bowl's manufacturing costs and its size. Furthermore, the user can safely eat their meal directly from the bowl used to cook it, without risk of burns from contact with the bowl's edge, due to its low temperature.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the prominent gripping part extends around the thermal screen part.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the heat shield part protrudes downwards relative to the lower face of the prominent gripping part.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the heat shield portion is configured to extend at least partially downwards when the cover is in the closed position.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the lid is in the closed position, 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 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.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating element comprises an electrical heating resistance.

[0035] 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 lid is in the closed position and the bowl is resting on the receiving surface.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the heat shield part has an overall cylindrical shape.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the food heating device is configured such that, when the lid is in the closed position and the bowl is resting on the receiving surface, a central axis of the heat shield part is substantially coincident with a central axis of the bowl.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover comprises a protective element, such as a protective plate or grille, configured to prevent a user from accessing the upper heating element, the protective element being configured to extend under the upper heating element when the cover The lid is in the closed position. The protective cover reduces the risk of damage to the upper heating element by protecting it from food splashes. Advantageously, the cover is removable and mounted on the lid for easy cleaning.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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 prepared with the food warmer according to the present invention.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating element extends at least partially around the steam exhaust chimney.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bowl comprises a bowl body delimiting at least part of the internal volume of the bowl, and includes at least one thermally insulating layer which envelops at least part of the bowl body.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulation coating is attached to the bowl body by overmolding.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulation coating is removably attached to the body of the bowl.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulation coating has a lower face configured to rest on the receiving surface. Such a configuration of the thermal insulation coating allows, after removal of the bowl from the receiving surface at the end of cooking, the bowl to be positioned directly on a temperature-sensitive support and / or to be supported by its lower face without risk of burns.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the induction heating device includes a temperature sensor configured to monitor the temperature of the bowl body.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the temperature sensor forms the centering element.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermally insulating material is substantially transparent to the magnetic field generated by the heating device by induction.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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 bowl configuration significantly reduces the risk of burns to a user when handling the bowl.

[0064] 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 bowl configuration further limits the risk of burns to a user when handling the bowl or eating food contained in the bowl.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulation coating completely delimits the upper opening of the bowl.

[0066] 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.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulation coating extends to a height of at least 1.5 cm, and advantageously 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 to a user who might 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, thereby providing a good seal between the lid and the bowl once the lid is in the closed position.

[0068] 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 risks of separation of the thermal insulation coating and the bowl body and therefore of degradation of the bowl.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the invention, the opening position of the lid is stable.

[0074] 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.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure is configured to provide an access opening extending over at least 180°, and for example over 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 unloading location. meal tasting. Such a configuration of the access opening also allows the bowl to be positioned on the receiving surface, and similarly removed from the receiving surface, according to various orientations that are angularly offset from each other, which gives increased ergonomics to the food heating device according to the present invention.

[0076] 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 device and from a second lateral side of the food heating device.

[0077] 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°.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure is located in a rear part of the base.

[0079] 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 heating appliance according to the invention a highly compact size, and encourages a user to use the electric cooking appliance according to the invention for preparing a meal for one person.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving surface is substantially circular.

[0081] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving surface is flat.

[0082] 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 lid is in the closed position and the bowl is resting on the receiving surface.

[0083] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bowl is devoid of a gripping handle.

[0084] According to one embodiment of the invention, the food heating device comprises a single bowl.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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

[0089] 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.

[0090] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a food heating apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0091] [Fig.2] is a front view of the food heating apparatus of [Fig.1].

[0092] [Fig.3] is a side view of the food heating device of [Fig.1].

[0093] [Fig.4] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the food heating apparatus of the [Fig.l].

[0094] [Fig.5] is an enlarged scale view of a detail of [Fig.4].

[0095] [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.

[0096] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of the food heating apparatus of [Fig.1], showing a lid in the open position.

[0097] [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.

[0098] [Fig.9] is a truncated perspective view of the food heating apparatus the [Fig.1], showing the lid in the open position.

[0099] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of the bowl of the food heating device of [Fig.1].

[0100] [Fig.11] is a longitudinal sectional view of the bowl of [Fig.10].

[0101] [Fig.12] is an enlarged scale view of a detail of [Fig.11].

[0102] [Fig. 13] is a front view of a food heating apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0103] [Fig.14] is a side view of the food heating apparatus of [Fig.13].

[0104] [Fig. 15] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the food heating apparatus the [Fig. 13], Detailed description

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] The bowl 8 further comprises 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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 external surface of the peripheral wall 13.2 of the bowl body 13 and at least part of an external 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 receiving surface 5.

[0112] 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 wall of The bottom 13.1 of the bowl body 13 is 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 includes 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 initial 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 lining 14, thus pinching the latter against the bottom wall 13.1 in order to hold it in position and ensure a watertight seal between the metal insert 16 and the thermal insulation lining 14.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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 has a retaining part 22, for example annular, such as an annular retaining bead, which is received and retained in the retaining housing 19.

[0117] The food heating device 2 further comprises a lid 23 supported by the base 3 and configured to extend over the bowl 8, i.e., to extend over the bowl 8, when bowl 8 rests on receiving surface 5.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] As shown in [Fig. 4], the lid 23 comprises a lid body 24 and an upper heating element 25 attached 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the lid 23 further comprises a reflector 26 fixed to the lid body 24 and configured to deflect at least a portion 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 rests on the receiving surface 5. Advantageously, the reflector 26 is configured to extend to the- top of the upper heating element 25 when the cover 23 is in the closed position.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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 portion 28 coincides with the central axis of the bowl 8.

[0127] The heat shield portion 28 has an external diameter that is less than one internal diameter of the upper peripheral edge 11 of the bowl 8. Thus, the heat shield part 28 and the bowl 8 are configured to delimit a space 32, advantageously annular, extending around the heat shield part 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the lid 23 has a peripheral closing part 35 configured to cooperate, for example in a sealed manner, 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 heat shield part 28.

[0133] The lid 23 also has 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] As shown in [Fig. 5], the prominent gripping part 36 comprises a lower face, for example substantially flat, which is configured to be situated 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 situated at a distance 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] As shown in [Fig.8], the support structure 37 has a section transverse, along a cutting plane perpendicular to a central vertical axis of the base 3, which is substantially in the form of a circular arc, 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, for example, between 60 and 120°.

[0138] The support structure 37 is more particularly configured to provide an access opening 38 which is configured to allow access to the bowl 8 to allow the bowl 8 to be placed in place and removed by at least one movement of translation 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 allows in particular a firm two-handed grip on the bowl 8 by a user, for the purpose of removing the bowl 8 from the receiving surface 5, and this in particular when the lid 23 is in the open position.Advantageously, the access opening 38 has a height greater than the height of the bowl 8, and is configured so 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] An example of a method for cooking food using the food heating device 2 according to the present invention is described below.

[0142] Such a cooking process comprises the following steps:

[0143] - moving the lid 23 into the open position,

[0144] - positioning of the bowl 8 on the receiving surface 5,

[0145] - insertion of the food to be cooked into the internal volume 9 of the bowl 8,

[0146] - movement of the cover 23 into the closed position,

[0147] - selection of operating parameters, for example cooking temperature and the cooking time, using the human-machine interface 41, and

[0148] - cooking food according to the selected operating parameters.

[0149] 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 the transports to the location where he / she will enjoy their meal.

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] Figures 13 to 15 depict a food heating apparatus 2 according to a second embodiment of the invention, which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the prominent gripping portion 36 is configured to extend at least partially downwards and at least partially opposite an outer surface of the bowl 8, and in particular an outer surface of an upper end portion of the side wall 8.2 of the bowl 8, when the lid 23 is in the closed position. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the prominent gripping portion 36 descends below the upper peripheral edge 11 of the bowl 8 when the lid 23 is in the closed position.

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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.

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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.

[0159] 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.

[0160] 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) 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 mounted to be movable relative to the base (3) 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 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), the lid (23) comprising an upper heating element (25) configured to heat a food contained in the bowl (8), wherein the lid (23) has a protruding gripping portion (36) which is configured to be grasped by a user during a movement of the lid (23) between the open position and the closed position, the protruding gripping portion (36) being configured to protrude beyond the side wall (8.2) of the bowl (8) when the lid (23) occupies the closed position and the bowl (8) rests on the receiving surface (5).,

2. A food heating appliance (2) according to claim 1, wherein the protruding gripping portion (36) extends over at least a portion of the periphery of the lid (23).

3. A food heating appliance (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the protruding gripping portion (36) is located at least partly in a front portion of the lid (23).

4. A food heating appliance (2) according to claim 3, wherein the protruding gripping portion (36) extends at least from a first lateral side of the lid (23) to a second lateral side of the lid (23) via the front portion of the lid (23).

5. Food heating apparatus (2) according to any one of the claims- indications 1 to 4, wherein the protruding gripping portion (36) has a lower face 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) occupies the closed position and the bowl (8) rests on the receiving surface (5).

6. Food heating appliance (2) according to claim 5, wherein the lid (23) is configured such that the underside of the protruding 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).

7. A food heating appliance (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the protruding gripping portion (36) extends radially relative to a central axis of the lid (23).

8. A food heating appliance (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the protruding gripping portion (36) is configured to extend at least partly downwards and at least partly opposite an outer surface of the bowl (8) when the lid (23) occupies the closed position, said protruding gripping portion (36) descending below the upper peripheral edge (11) of the bowl (8) when the lid (23) occupies the closed position.

9. Food heating appliance (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cover (23) comprises a heat shield portion (28) configured to be arranged inside the bowl (8) when the cover (23) occupies the closed position and 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).

10. A food heating apparatus (2) according to claim 9, wherein the protruding grip portion (36) extends around the heat shield portion (28).

11. A food heating apparatus (2) according to claim 9 or 10, 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).

12. A food heating appliance (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, 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 under the upper heating element (25) when the cover (23) occupies the closed position.

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

14. A food heating appliance (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, 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).

15. Food heating appliance (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, 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).

16. A food heating appliance (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the base (3) comprises a main housing (4) on which the receiving surface (5) is provided, and a support structure (37) which extends vertically 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).

Images