Food heating appliance comprising a lid equipped with a vertically movable heating device

Abstract

The invention relates to a food heating appliance (2) comprising a base (3) provided with a receiving surface (5), a bowl (8) resting on the receiving surface (5), and a lid (23) configured to be placed on top of the bowl (8), the lid (23) comprising a lid body (24) and an upper heating device (25) that is attached to the lid body (24) and provided with an upper heating element (26). The upper heating device (25) is movable relative to the lid body (24) between a lowered position in which the upper heating device (25) can be located at a first distance (D1) from the bottom (8.1) of the bowl (8) and a raised position in which the upper heating device (25) can be located at a second distance (D2) from the bottom (8.1) that is greater than the first distance (D1).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Food heating appliance comprising a lid equipped with a vertically movable heating device

[0003] technical field

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

[0005] State of the art

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

[0007] - a housing comprising a cooking vessel that delimits a cooking chamber intended to hold food,

[0008] - a lid that is movable relative to the housing between an open 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

[0009] - a heating device attached 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.

[0010] Such an electric cooking appliance allows food contained in the cooking chamber to be cooked according to different cooking methods.

[0011] However, the number of recipes that can be made with such an electric cooking appliance is limited.

[0012] Furthermore, the electrical consumption of such an electric cooking appliance is high, even when the amount of food in the cooking chamber is relatively small.

[0013] Summary of the invention

[0014] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.

[0015] The technical problem underlying the invention is therefore to provide a food heating device which is of simple and economical structure, which allows for easy and quick reheating and / or cooking of food, while having reduced electrical consumption and allowing for an increased number of recipes.

[0016] To this end, the present invention relates to a food heating apparatus comprising:

[0017] - a base equipped with a receiving surface,

[0018] - a removable bowl configured to rest on the receiving surface of the base, the bowl comprising a bottom and a side wall defining 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

[0019] - a lid supported by the base and configured to extend over the bowl when the bowl rests on the receiving surface, the lid comprising a lid body and an upper heating device fixed to the lid body, the upper heating device having an upper heating element configured to heat at least by radiation, and for example by infrared radiation, food contained in the bowl, the upper heating device being movable, for example movable in translation,relative to the lid body, between a lowered position in which the upper heating element is located at a first distance from the bottom of the bowl when the food heating appliance is in use and the bowl rests on the receiving surface, and a raised position in which the upper heating element is located at a second distance from the bottom of the bowl when the food heating appliance is in use and the bowl rests on the receiving surface, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

[0020] The specific configuration of the upper heating device, and more particularly the fact that it can be moved between a lowered position and a raised position, allows the upper heating device to be positioned as close as possible to the food contained in the bowl, and thus to increase the cooking performance of the food heating device according to the present invention.

[0021] Furthermore, the fact that the upper heating element can be moved into the lowered position allows a user to reduce the cooking chamber defined by the bowl and the upper heating element, thereby decreasing the energy required to heat the food in the bowl. This results in a significant reduction in the power consumption of the food heating appliance according to the present invention, as well as a decrease in the cooking time of the food in the bowl. Thus, the upper heating element and the bowl are configured to define a cooking chamber with a variable volume.

[0022] Furthermore, the specific configuration of the upper heating element allows for an increase in the number of recipes that can be prepared with the food warmer according to the present invention, without increasing the heating power of the upper heating element. In particular, the upper heating element can be moved into a lowered position, for example, to ensure optimal browning of the food in the bowl.

[0023] The food heating appliance may also have one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination. According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating element comprises an electrical heating element.

[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 upper heating element is movable relative to the lid body in a direction of movement that is substantially vertical when the food warmer is in use and the base rests on a horizontal surface. Such a configuration of the upper heating element further enhances the cooking performance of the food warmer according to the present invention.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the food heating device includes a guide device configured to guide the upper heating device in translation relative to the lid body. The guide device may, for example, include at least one guide rib provided on one part of the upper heating device and the lid body, and one guide groove provided on the other part of the upper heating device and the lid body.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating device, and for example the upper heating element, is located at least partially inside the bowl when the food warmer is in operation, the bowl rests on the receiving surface, and the upper heating device is in the lowered position. Such a configuration of the upper heating device further enhances the cooking performance of the food warmer according to the present invention.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid body includes a receiving housing having a lower opening which is configured to be oriented downwards when the food heating device is in use, the receiving housing being configured to house at least part, and for example entirely, the upper heating device when the upper heating device is in the raised position and the upper heating device being configured to protrude out of the receiving housing and through the lower opening when the upper heating device is in the lowered position.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating device is configured to be manually moved between the lowered and raised positions. Such a configuration of the upper heating device helps to limit the manufacturing costs of the food heating appliance according to the present invention.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the food heating appliance includes a movement mechanism configured to move the upper heating element between the lowered and raised positions. According to another 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 within the bowl, and therefore the risk of steam escaping from the upper peripheral edge of the bowl, thus limiting the risk of overheating of the upper peripheral edge of the bowl.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam exhaust chimney comprises a first chimney end opening into a lower face of the upper heating device and a second chimney end opening into or projecting from a higher face of the cover body.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam vent is located in a central portion of the lid. This arrangement of the vent further reduces the risk of overheating of the upper peripheral edge of the bowl.

[0033] 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.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating element extends at least partially around the steam exhaust chimney.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the food heating device is configured such that, when the food heating device is in use and the bowl rests on the receiving surface, a central longitudinal axis of the steam exhaust chimney is substantially coincident with a central axis of the bowl.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam vent is attached to the upper heating device and includes a gripping portion configured to be grasped by a user, enabling the user to manually move the upper heating device between the lowered and raised positions. These features help to limit the manufacturing costs of the food heating appliance according to the present invention.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping part protrudes from the upper face of the lid body. This arrangement facilitates gripping the part by a user.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the movement mechanism is motorized. Advantageously, the movement mechanism comprises a drive motor located in the cover body.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the displacement mechanism comprises a toothed wheel which is mounted movably in rotation on the cover body and which is coupled in rotation with the drive motor, and a rack which is integral in translation with the upper heating device and which is configured to cooperate with the toothed wheel.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rack is fixed to the steam exhaust chimney or to the upper heating device.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rack is configured to extend substantially vertically when the food heating device is in operating configuration and the base rests on a horizontal surface.

[0042] According to another embodiment of the invention, the displacement mechanism comprises:

[0043] - a drive element, such as a gear, having a central axis and mounted to rotate freely relative to the cover body around the central axis, the drive element comprising a threaded bore, and

[0044] - a drive element, such as a drive pin, which is fixed in translation to the upper heating device and which has an external threaded surface cooperating with the tapped bore.

[0045] According to such an embodiment of the invention, the tapped bore and the external threaded surface form a helical connection.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the displacement mechanism further comprises a motion transmission mechanism mechanically coupled on one side to the output shaft of the drive motor and on the other side to the drive member, and for example to a peripheral toothing provided on the drive member.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the displacement mechanism is configured such that a rotation of the drive motor in a first direction of rotation causes a displacement of the upper heating device from the lowered position to the raised position and such that a rotation of the drive motor in a second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation, causes a displacement of the upper heating device from the raised position to the lowered position.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating device includes a reflector configured to deflect at least part 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam vent is attached, for example by screwing, to the reflector, and for example to a central portion of the reflector. According to another embodiment of the invention, the upper heating element includes a protective element, such as a protective plate or grille, 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 operation. The presence of the protective element reduces the risk of damage to or soiling of the upper heating element by protecting it from food splashes, and thus prevents the production of smoke. Advantageously, the protective element is removable to facilitate cleaning.

[0051] 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.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the reflector and the protective element define an internal housing, for example annular, in which the upper heating element is disposed.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam exhaust chimney is telescopic and is configured to occupy a retracted configuration when the upper heating device is in the raised position and to occupy a deployed configuration when the upper heating device is in the lowered position.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the displacement mechanism comprises a movable actuating lever, for example on the cover body, between a first lever position and a second lever position which are stable, the displacement mechanism being configured such that a displacement of the actuating lever from the first lever position to the second lever position results in a displacement of the upper heating device from the lowered position to the raised position, and such that a displacement of the actuating lever from the second lever position to the first lever position results in a displacement of the upper heating device from the raised position to the lowered position.

[0055] 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.

[0056] The lower heating unit can, for example, be housed in a main casing of the base, and can, for example, be positioned under the receiving surface.

[0057] 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 bowl's internal volume when the bowl rests on the receiving surface, and an open position, in which the lid is configured to allow access to the bowl's internal volume when the bowl rests on the receiving surface. This lid configuration 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 appliance according to the present invention.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the food heating device is in operating condition when the lid is in the closed position.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the opening position of the lid is stable.

[0060] 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.

[0061] According to another embodiment of the invention, the cover is fixed and is located opposite the receiving surface provided on the base.

[0062] 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.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure is located in a rear part of the base.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bowl comprises a bowl body, advantageously metallic, delimiting at least part of the internal volume of the bowl and includes at least one thermally insulating layer which at least partially envelops the bowl body.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] Brief description of the figures 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.

[0068] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a food heating device according to a first embodiment of the invention occupying a first configuration of use.

[0069] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the food heating device in Figure 1 occupying a second usage configuration.

[0070] Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the food heating device in Figure 1 occupying the first usage configuration.

[0071] Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the food heating device in Figure 1 occupying the second usage configuration.

[0072] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the food heating device in Figure 1, showing a lid in the open position and an upper heating device in a raised position.

[0073] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the food heating device in Figure 1, showing the lid in the open position and the upper heating device in a lowered position.

[0074] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the food heating device in Figure 1, showing the lid in the closed position and with the bowl removed.

[0075] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the bowl of the food heating device in Figure 1.

[0076] Figure 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the bowl in Figure 8.

[0077] Figure 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of a food heating device according to a second embodiment of the invention occupying the first configuration of use.

[0078] Figure 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the food heating device in Figure 10 occupying the second usage configuration.

[0079] Detailed description

[0080] In this document, the terms "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "above" and "below" are defined with respect to a use of the food heating appliance during which the base rests on a horizontal surface and the user is located opposite a human-machine interface with which the food heating appliance is equipped.

[0081] Unless otherwise specified, the term "approximately" in this document means "exactly, to within 10%, or to within 10°". Figures 1 to 9 depict a food heating appliance 2, and more specifically an electric cooking appliance, for cooking foods such as meat, fish, vegetables, rice, or other foods.

[0082] The food heating appliance 2 has a base 3 configured to rest on a flat surface, such as a worktop. The base 3 has a main housing 4 with a receiving surface 5. Advantageously, the receiving surface 5 is flat and circular.

[0083] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the base 3 includes a lower heating device 6 (see figures 3 and 4) housed in the main casing 4. According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower heating device 6 has a power of less than 1200 W, and preferably less than 800 W.

[0084] Advantageously, the lower heating device 6 is an induction heating device and includes an induction coil 7 located below the receiving surface 5, configured to generate a magnetic field when the induction coil 7 is electrically energized. However, according to one embodiment of the invention, the lower heating device 6 could be a convection heating device, a conduction heating device, or even a radiant heating device, for example, by infrared radiation.

[0085] The food heating appliance 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.

[0086] The bowl 8 further includes a base 8.1 and a side wall 8.2 having an upper peripheral rim 11 defining a top opening 12 through which food can be introduced into the internal volume 9 delimited by the bowl 8.

[0087] As shown more particularly in Figure 9, 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.

[0088] 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. Advantageously, the thermal insulation coating 14 completely covers the external surface of the peripheral wall 13.2 of the bowl body 13, and comprises a lower opening 15 (see in particular Figure 9) 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.

[0089] As shown in Figures 3 and 7, 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 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.

[0090] As shown more particularly in Figure 9, 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 mainly around the 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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 Figure 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 Figure 5) 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 is located in a rear part of the base 3 and extends substantially horizontally when the base 3 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0093] 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.

[0094] As shown in Figure 3, the lid 23 comprises a lid body 24 and an upper heating device 25 attached to the lid body 24. The upper heating device 25 includes, in particular, an upper heating element 26 configured to heat by infrared radiation a food contained in the internal volume 9 of the bowl 8. Advantageously, the upper heating element 26 is an electric heating element, and is configured to extend in relation to 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 26 may, for example, extend at least partially around the central axis of the lid 23, and may, for example, have a power rating of less than 1200 W, preferably less than 800 W and advantageously between 300 W and 500 W.

[0095] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the upper heating device 25 further includes a reflector 27 configured to deflect at least part of the radiation from the upper heating element 26 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 27 is configured to extend over the upper heating element 26 when the lid 23 is in the closed position.

[0096] The upper heating element 25 further includes a protective element 28, such as a protective plate or grille, configured to prevent a user from accessing the upper heating element 26, particularly when the cover 23 is in the open position. The protective element 28 is configured to extend below the upper heating element 26 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 28 is substantially transparent to the wavelengths of radiation emitted by the upper heating element 26 and may, for example, be made of glass or glass-ceramic. Advantageously, the reflector 27 and the protective element 28 define an internal, for example annular, housing in which the upper heating element 26 is located.

[0097] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the upper heating element 25 is movable, for example, translationally movable, relative to the lid body 24 along a direction of movement D, between a lowered position in which the upper heating element 25 is located at a first distance D1 from the bottom 8.1 of the bowl 8 when the lid 23 is in the closed position and the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5, and a raised position in which the upper heating element 25 is located at a second distance D2 from the bottom 8.1 of the bowl 8 when the lid 23 is in the closed position and the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5, the second distance D2 being greater than the first distance D1. Advantageously, the direction of movement D is substantially vertical when the lid 23 is in the closed position and the base 3 rests on a horizontal surface.According to one embodiment of the invention, the first distance D1 is between 10 and 70% of the depth of the bowl 8, and advantageously between 30 and 60% of the depth of the bowl 8, and the second distance D2 is between 80 and 100% of the depth of the bowl 8, and advantageously between 90 and 100% of the depth of the bowl 8.

[0098] Advantageously, the food heating device 2 includes a guide device (not shown in the figures) configured to guide the upper heating device 25 in translation relative to the lid body 24 and along the direction of movement D. The guide device could, for example, include at least one guide rib provided on one of the upper heating device 25 and the lid body 24, and one guide groove provided on the other of the upper heating device 25 and the lid body 24.

[0099] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the cover body 24 includes a receiving recess 29 having a lower opening that is configured to face downwards when the cover 23 is in the closed position and the base 3 rests on a horizontal surface. The receiving recess 29 is more specifically configured to house at least partially, and for example completely, the upper heating element 25 when the upper heating element 25 is in the raised position, and the upper heating element 25 is configured to protrude from the receiving recess 29 and through the lower opening when the upper heating element 25 is in the lowered position.Advantageously, the upper heating device 25, and for example the upper heating element 26, is located at least partly inside the bowl 8 when the lid 23 is in the closed position and the upper heating device 25 is in the lowered position.

[0100] The receiving housing 29 may, for example, include an internal circumferential surface which is generally cylindrical in shape, and the upper heating device 25, and for example the reflector 27, may, for example, include a peripheral wall which is generally cylindrical in shape and which is configured to cooperate with the internal circumferential surface of the receiving housing 29.

[0101] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the lid 23 further comprises a steam vent 31 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 31 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 limits the risks of heating of the upper peripheral edge 11 of the bowl 8.

[0102] As shown in Figure 3, the steam vent 31 is located in a central portion of the cover 23, and the upper heating element 26 extends around the steam vent 31. The steam vent 31 may, for example, have a cross-section that is generally circular. Advantageously, the cover body 24 has a central passage 32 through which the steam vent 31 extends, and the steam vent 31 is configured to extend substantially vertically when the cover 23 is in the closed position and the base 3 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0103] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the steam exhaust chimney 31 comprises a steam guide portion 31.1 which is tubular and which is configured to be fluidly connected to the internal volume 9 of the bowl 8, and an upper end wall 31.2 which partially closes an upper end of the steam guide portion 31.1 and which is provided with a plurality of steam exhaust openings 31.3. Advantageously, the upper heating device 25, and more particularly the reflector 27, comprises a plurality of steam passage openings 33 configured to fluidly connect the internal volume 9 of the bowl 8 to the steam exhaust chimney 31.

[0104] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the upper heating device 25 is configured to be manually moved between the lowered and raised positions. For this purpose, the steam vent 31, and more particularly a lower end portion of the steam guide portion 31.1, is fixed, for example by screwing, to the upper heating device 25, and for example to the reflector 27, such that the steam vent 31 can also be moved parallel to the direction of travel D. In addition, the steam vent 31 has a gripping portion 34 that projects from the upper face of the cover body 24 and is configured to be grasped by a user so as to allow the user to manually move the upper heating device 25 between the lowered and raised positions.In particular, a user can move the upper heating device 25 into the raised position by pulling on the gripping part 34, and into the lowered position by pushing on the gripping part 34.

[0105] Advantageously, the steam exhaust chimney 31 and the upper heating device 25 extend coaxially.

[0106] As shown in particular in Figure 3, the base 3 includes a support structure 35 which extends vertically from the main housing 4 and which is configured to support the cover 23. Advantageously, the support structure 35 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.

[0107] As shown in Figures 1 and 7, the support structure 35 extends only along a portion of the periphery of the main housing 4, and is therefore 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. The food heating device 2 also includes a control unit 36 ​​configured to control the operation of the food heating device 2, and a human-machine interface 37 configured to allow a user to select at least one operating parameter of the food heating device 2. Advantageously, the control unit 36 ​​is located in the main housing 4 of the base 3, and the human-machine interface 37 is located in a front portion of the main housing 4 of the base 3.

[0108] An example of a method for cooking food using the food heating device 2 according to the present invention is described below.

[0109] Such a cooking process includes the following steps:

[0110] - moving the cover 23 into the open position,

[0111] - positioning of bowl 8 on receiving surface 5,

[0112] - Inserting the food to be cooked into the internal volume 9 of the bowl 8,

[0113] - moving the cover 23 into the closed position,

[0114] - adjusting the position of the upper heating device 25 relative to the cover body 24,

[0115] - selection of operating parameters, for example cooking temperature and cooking time, using the human-machine interface 37, and

[0116] - cooking food according to the selected operating parameters.

[0117] When the food is cooked, the user grasps the lid 23 and moves it to the open position, and then firmly grasps the bowl 8, with one or two hands, and carries it to the place where they will enjoy their meal.

[0118] The specific configuration of the support structure 35 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 8 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.

[0119] During transport of the bowl 8 to the tasting area, if the user holds the bowl 8 with both hands, the palms of the user's hands are in contact with the outer surface of the thermal insulation lining 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 lining 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 8, in order to ensure a firm grip on the bowl 8. However, since the thermal insulation lining 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.Thus, the specific configuration of the bowl 8 according to the present invention avoids any risk of burning the user when transporting the bowl 8 after cooking the food contained in it.

[0120] Figures 10 and 11 represent a food heating device 2 according to a second embodiment of the invention which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the food heating device 2 includes a displacement mechanism configured to move the upper heating device 25 between the lowered position and the raised position.

[0121] According to the second embodiment of the invention, the movement mechanism is motorized, and includes in particular a drive motor 38 located in the cover body 24.

[0122] The displacement mechanism further comprises a toothed wheel 39 which is mounted movably in rotation on the cover body 24 and which is coupled in rotation with the drive motor 38, and a rack 41 which is fixed in translation to the upper heating device 25 and which is configured to cooperate with the toothed wheel 39, and the displacement mechanism is configured such that a rotation of the drive motor 38 in a first direction of rotation causes a displacement of the upper heating device 25 from the lowered position to the raised position and such that a rotation of the drive motor 38 in a second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation, causes a displacement of the upper heating device 25 from the raised position to the lowered position.

[0123] The aforementioned rack 41 could, for example, be fixed to the steam exhaust chimney 31 or to the upper heating device 25, and be configured to extend substantially vertically when the food heating device 2 is in operating configuration and the base 3 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0124] According to another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the displacement mechanism could comprise:

[0125] - a drive element, such as a gear, which has a central axis and is mounted to rotate freely relative to the cover body 24 around the central axis, the drive element comprising a threaded bore,

[0126] - a drive element, such as a drive pin, which is integral in translation with the upper heating device 25 and which has an external threaded surface inserted into the tapped bore and cooperating with the latter, and

[0127] - a motion transmission mechanism mechanically coupled on one side to the output shaft of the drive motor and on the other side to the drive element, and for example to a peripheral toothing provided on the drive element.

[0128] According to yet another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the displacement mechanism could for example include a movable actuating lever mounted, for example on the cover body 24, between a first lever position and a second lever position which are stable, and the displacement mechanism could be configured such that a displacement of the actuating lever from the first lever position to the second lever position results in a displacement of the upper heating device 25 from the lowered position to the raised position, and such that a displacement of the actuating lever from the second lever position to the first lever position results in a displacement of the upper heating device 25 from the raised position to the lowered position.

[0129] According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the steam exhaust chimney 31 could be telescopic and configured to occupy a retracted configuration when the upper heating device 25 is in the raised position and to occupy a deployed configuration when the upper heating device 25 is in the lowered position.

[0130] According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the cover 23 could be fixed relative to the base 3 and have a lower face located opposite the receiving surface 5 provided on the base 3.

[0131] 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.

[0132] According to another 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 26 would be configured to heat the airflow generated by the fan. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the food heating device 2 allows food contained in the bowl 8 to be cooked using a hot air cooking method.

[0133] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which have 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

DEMANDS 1. Food heating apparatus (2) comprising: - a base (3) provided with a receiving surface (5), - a bowl (8) which is removable and 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 a top opening (12) through which food can be introduced into the internal volume (9) of the bowl (8), and - a lid (23) supported by the base (3) and configured to rise above the bowl (8) when the bowl (8) rests on the receiving surface (5), the lid (23) comprising a lid body (24) and an upper heating device (25) fixed to the lid body (24), the upper heating device (25) comprising an upper heating element (26) configured to heat, at least by radiation, food contained in the bowl (8), the upper heating device (25) being movable relative to the lid body (24) between a lowered position in which the upper heating device (25) is located at a first distance (D1) from the bottom (8.1) of the bowl (8) when the food heating device (2) is in operating conditions and the bowl (8) rests on the receiving surface (5) and a raised position in which the upper heating device (25) is located at a second distance (D2) from the bottom (8.1) of the bowl (8) when the food heating device (2) is in operating conditions and the bowl (8) rests on the receiving surface (5), the second distance (D2) being greater than the first distance (D1), the upper heating device (25) and the bowl (8) being configured to delimit a variable volume cooking chamber.

2. Food heating device (2) according to claim 1, wherein the upper heating device (25) is movable relative to the lid body (24) in a direction of movement (D) which is substantially vertical when the food heating device (2) is in use and the base (3) rests on a horizontal surface.

3. Food heating device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper heating device (25) is located at least partly inside the bowl (8) when the food heating device (2) is in use, the bowl (8) rests on the receiving surface (5) and the upper heating device (25) is in the lowered position.

4. Food heating device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lid body (24) has a receiving housing (29) having a lower opening which is configured to be oriented downwards when the food heating device (2) is in use, the receiving housing (29) being configured to house at least part of the upper heating device (25) when the upper heating device (25) is in the raised position and the upper heating device (25) being configured to protrude out of the receiving housing (29) and through the lower opening when the upper heating device (25) is in the lowered position.

5. Food heating device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the upper heating device (25) is configured to be moved manually between the lowered position and the raised position.

6. Food heating device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the food heating device (2) comprises a displacement mechanism configured to move the upper heating device (25) between the lowered position and the raised position.

7. Food heating device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lid (23) has a steam vent chimney (31) configured to vent, to the outside of the food heating device (2), the steam generated in the internal volume (9) of the bowl (8).

8. Food heating device (2) according to claim 7, wherein the steam exhaust chimney (31) is fixed to the upper heating device (25) and includes a gripping part (34) configured to be grasped by a user and to enable the user to manually move the upper heating device (25) between the lowered and raised positions.

9. Food heating device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the upper heating device (25) has a reflector (27) configured to deflect at least part of the radiation from the upper heating element (26) towards the bowl (8) when the food heating device (2) is in use and the bowl (8) is resting on the receiving surface (5).

10. Food heating apparatus (2) according to claims 8 and 9, in which the steam exhaust chimney (31) is fixed to the reflector (27).

11. Food heating appliance (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the upper heating device (25) has a protective element (28) configured to prevent a user from accessing the upper heating element (26), the protective element (28) being configured to extend under the upper heating element (26) when the food heating appliance (2) is in use.

12. Food heating apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, 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).

13. Food heating apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the lid (23) is movable between a closed position 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 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).

14. Food heating apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the base (3) comprises a main housing (4) on which the receiving surface (5) is provided, and a support structure (35) which extends vertically from the main housing (4) and which is configured to support the lid (23), the support structure (35) 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).

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