Food heating appliance comprising a lid capable of occupying two different cooking configurations

Abstract

The invention relates to a food heating appliance (2) which comprises a base (3) provided with a receiving surface (5), a bowl (8) that can rest on the receiving surface (5), and a lid (23) comprising an upper heating device. The lid (23) is configured to occupy a first cooking configuration in which, when the bowl (8) is received on the receiving surface (5), the lid (23) is located in line with the receiving surface (5) and the upper heating device is configured to heat food contained in the bowl (8), and a second cooking configuration in which the lid (23) is horizontally offset relative to the receiving surface (5) and the upper heating device can heat food contained in a cooking container (40) on top of which the lid (23) is placed.

Description

Food warmer with a lid that can accommodate two different cooking configurations

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

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

[0003] - a housing comprising a cooking vessel that delimits a cooking chamber intended to hold food,

[0004] - a lid mounted to move 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

[0005] - 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.

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

[0007] However, the number of recipes that can be made with such an electric cooking appliance is limited.

[0008] Furthermore, such an electric cooking appliance generally takes up a significant amount of space.

[0009] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.

[0010] The technical problem underlying the invention is therefore to provide a food heating device that is simple, economical and compact in structure, while allowing for an increased number of recipes.

[0011] To this end, the present invention relates to a food heating apparatus comprising:

[0012] - a base equipped with a receiving surface,

[0013] - 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

[0014] - a lid comprising a lid body and an upper heating device attached to the lid body,

[0015] the lid being configured to occupy a first cooking configuration in which, when the bowl is received on the receiving surface, the lid is located at least partly in line with the receiving surface and is configured to surmount the bowl and the upper heating device is configured to heat food contained in the bowl, and a second cooking configuration in which the lid is offset horizontally from the receiving surface, i.e. not located in line with the receiving surface, and the upper heating device is configured to heat food contained in a cooking container surmounted by the lid and therefore offset horizontally from the receiving surface.

[0016] Such a lid configuration allows two different recipes to be prepared simultaneously with the food heating appliance according to the present invention. Indeed, when the lid is in the second cooking position, a user can, for example, prepare a first recipe, such as a water-based recipe, in the bowl resting on the receiving surface and a second recipe, such as a gratin, in a cooking container covered by the lid.

[0017] Such a lid configuration also allows for a single recipe to be made, for example in the bowl when it rests on the receiving surface and the lid occupies the first cooking configuration, or in a cooking container when the lid occupies the second cooking configuration and surmounts said cooking container.

[0018] Furthermore, the specific configuration of the food heating device according to the present invention makes it possible to limit the size of said food heating device when it is in storage configuration. To achieve this, simply place the bowl on the receiving surface and position the lid in the initial cooking configuration.

[0019] The food heating appliance may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the food heating device is configured such that, when the base rests on a horizontal surface, an orthogonal projection of the lid, occupying the first cooking configuration, on a horizontal reference plane and an orthogonal projection of the lid, occupying the second cooking configuration, on said horizontal reference plane are distinct from each other, i.e. are not at least partially confused.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first cooking configuration and the second cooking configuration are angularly offset from each other around an offset axis which extends substantially vertically when the base rests on a horizontal surface.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first cooking configuration and the second cooking configuration are angularly offset from each other by an offset angle of approximately 180°.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the base comprises a front part configured to be located facing a user and a rear part configured to be located opposite a user.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid is configured to be positioned at the rear of the base when the lid occupies the second cooking configuration.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first cooking configuration and the second cooking configuration are laterally offset from each other.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid is movable in translation relative to the base along a direction of movement which extends substantially perpendicularly to a sagittal plane of the base (and therefore a vertical plane which divides the base into a left part and a right part).

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid is configured to be laterally offset from the base when the lid occupies the second cooking configuration.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid is configured to be moved manually between the first cooking configuration and the second cooking configuration.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid is height-adjustable relative to the base. In other words, the lid can be moved translationally relative to the base along a direction that is substantially vertical when the base rests on a horizontal surface. These features allow, in particular, the height of the lid to be adjusted when it is in the second cooking position, so that it can adapt to the cooking vessel it covers.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the food heating device is configured such that, when the lid occupies the first cooking configuration and the base rests on a horizontal surface, the lid is located at a first distance from the horizontal surface, and such that, when the lid occupies the second cooking configuration and the base rests on a horizontal surface, the lid is located at a second distance from the horizontal surface which is less than the first distance.

[0031] 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 cover.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure is located in a rear part of the base.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the food heating device includes a linking device configured to mechanically connect the lid to the support structure and to allow movement of the lid between the first cooking configuration and the second cooking configuration.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting device comprises a first connecting member which is supported by the support structure and which is mounted movable in translation relative to the support structure in a direction of displacement which is substantially vertical when the base rests on a horizontal surface, and a second connecting member on which the cover is mounted, the second connecting member being mounted articulated relative to the first connecting member around an axis of articulation which is substantially vertical when the base rests on a horizontal surface.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure comprises a first bearing surface on which the second connecting member is able to rest when the lid occupies the first cooking configuration, and a second bearing surface, which is offset vertically with respect to the first bearing surface and which is closer to the lower face of the base than the first bearing surface, on which the first connecting member is able to rest when the lid occupies the second cooking configuration.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure is configured to extend only along a portion of the perimeter of the lower housing.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the food warmer comprises a trivet configured to occupy a "hosting" configuration in which the trivet is suitable for holding a cooking vessel, and a "resting" configuration in which the trivet is unsuitable for holding a cooking vessel. The lid is configured to be located at least partially directly above the trivet when the trivet is in the "hosting" configuration and the lid is in the second cooking configuration. The presence of such a trivet prevents the work surface or support surface located under the cooking vessel from heating up when the lid is in the second cooking configuration, and thus, in particular, preserves the integrity of the work surface or support surface.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the trivet is configured to be located at least partly in or under the base when the trivet is in the resting configuration, and to protrude from the base when the trivet is in the receiving configuration.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the food heating device is configured such that, when the lid occupies the second cooking configuration and a cooking container rests on the trivet in the receiving configuration, the upper heating device is capable of heating food contained in said cooking container.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the trivet is mounted to move in translation relative to the base along a direction of translation which is substantially horizontal when the base rests on a horizontal surface.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the trivet is configured to be located at the rear of the base when the trivet occupies the receiving configuration.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the trivet is height-adjustable.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the food heating device includes a movement mechanism, for example motorized, configured to move the lid between the first cooking configuration and the second cooking configuration.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid includes a steam vent opening into an underside of the lid and configured to vent steam generated in a cooking container surmounted by the lid to the outside of the food heating appliance.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating device comprises an upper heating element configured to heat at least by radiation a food contained in the bowl when the bowl rests on the receiving surface and the lid occupies the first cooking configuration.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating element extends at least partially around the steam exhaust chimney.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating element comprises an electrical heating resistance.

[0048] 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 occupies the first cooking configuration and the bowl rests on the receiving surface.

[0049] 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 downwards when the base rests on a horizontal surface and the lid is in the first cooking configuration.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the reflector is configured to extend above the upper heating element when the base rests on a horizontal surface.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper heating element includes a protective element, such as a protective plate or grid, configured to prevent a user from accessing the upper heating element. The protective element is configured to extend under the upper heating element when the base rests on a horizontal surface and the lid is in the first cooking configuration. The presence of the protective element reduces the risk of damage to the upper heating element by protecting it from food splashes. Advantageously, the protective element is removable to facilitate cleaning.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid is mounted pivoting relative to the base around a pivot axis which extends substantially horizontally when the base rests on a horizontal surface and is capable of being pivoted upwards and from the first cooking configuration to an open position in which the lid facilitates positioning of the bowl on the receiving surface.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis is located in a rear part of the base.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid is pivotally mounted on the support device, and for example on the second support member, around a pivot axis which extends substantially horizontally when the base rests on a horizontal surface.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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 design, and encourages a user to use the food warmer according to the invention for preparing a meal for one person. Brief description of the figures

[0062] 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.

[0063] is a top perspective view of a food heating device according to a first embodiment of the invention showing a lid of said food heating device occupying a first cooking configuration.

[0064] is a side view of the food heating appliance showing the lid occupying the first cooking configuration.

[0065] is a side view of the food heating appliance showing the lid in an open position.

[0066] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the food heating appliance showing the lid occupying the first cooking configuration.

[0067] is a top perspective view of the food heating appliance showing the lid occupying a second cooking configuration.

[0068] is a perspective view from below of the food heating appliance showing the lid occupying the second cooking configuration.

[0069] is another top perspective view of the food heating device, without the bowl, showing the lid occupying the second cooking configuration.

[0070] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the food heating appliance showing the lid occupying the second cooking configuration.

[0071] is a top perspective view of the food heating appliance showing the lid occupying a second cooking configuration.

[0072] is a top perspective view of a food heating device according to a second embodiment of the invention showing a lid of said food heating device occupying a first cooking configuration.

[0073] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the food heating appliance showing the lid occupying the first cooking configuration.

[0074] is a top perspective view of the food heating appliance showing the lid occupying a second cooking configuration.

[0075] is a rear perspective view of the food heating appliance showing the lid occupying the second cooking configuration.

[0076] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the food heating appliance showing the lid occupying the second cooking configuration.

[0077] is a top perspective view of the food heating appliance showing the lid in an open position. Detailed description

[0078] 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.

[0079] Unless otherwise stipulated, the term "substantially" means, in this document, "exactly or to within 10% or to within 10°".

[0080] Figures 1 to 9 depict a food heating appliance 2, and more particularly an electric cooking appliance, according to a first embodiment of the invention. The food heating appliance 2 is intended for cooking food, such as meat, fish, vegetables, rice, or other foods.

[0081] The food warmer 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, which is, for example, flat and circular. The base 3 has a front portion 3.1 configured to be located facing a user, and a rear portion 3.2 configured to be located opposite a user.

[0082] According to the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 9, the base 3 includes a lower heating device 6 (see a) 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] The bowl 8 further includes a base 8.1 and a side wall 8.2 having an upper peripheral rim 11 defining an upper opening 12 through which food can be introduced into the internal volume 9 delimited by the bowl 8.

[0086] As shown more particularly in Figure 1, the bowl 8 comprises a bowl body 13 which is metallic, for example made of stainless steel, iron or similar, and which delimits at least part of the internal volume 9 of the bowl 8, and a thermal insulation lining 14 which is made of a thermally insulating material, for example elastomer, and which covers at least part of 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. The thermal insulation lining 14 may, for example, completely cover the external surface of the peripheral wall of the bowl body 13, and include a lower opening (see in particular Figure 1) located opposite the bottom wall of the bowl body 13 and configured to expose a central portion of the bottom wall of the bowl body 13.

[0087] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, 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.

[0088] As shown more particularly in the figure, the thermal insulation coating 14 covers an upper end of the peripheral wall of the bowl body 13, and also partially covers the inner surface of an upper end portion of the peripheral wall 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 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.

[0089] The food heating device 2 further comprises a lid 23 supported by the base 3. As shown in the figure, the lid 23 comprises a lid body 24 and an upper heating device 25 attached to the lid body 24.

[0090] The lid 23 is configured to occupy a first cooking configuration (see Figure 1) in which, when the bowl 8 is received on the receiving surface 5, the lid 23 is located directly above the receiving surface 5 (and is therefore configured to surmount the bowl 8) and the upper heating device 25 is configured to heat food contained in the bowl 8, and a second cooking configuration (see Figure 1) in which the lid 23 is offset horizontally from the receiving surface 5, i.e., is not located directly above the receiving surface 5, and the upper heating device 25 is configured to heat food contained in a cooking container 40 which is separate from the bowl 8 and which is offset horizontally from the receiving surface 5. As shown in Figures 5, 6 and 8, the cooking container 40 may be identical to the bowl 8.However, as shown in the picture, this cooking container 40 may be different from bowl 8.

[0091] In particular, the food heating device 2 is configured such that, when the base 3 rests on a horizontal surface, an orthogonal projection of the lid 23, occupying the first cooking configuration, on a horizontal reference plane and an orthogonal projection of the lid 23, occupying the second cooking configuration, on said horizontal reference plane are distinct from each other, i.e. are not at least partly confused.

[0092] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, the first and second cooking configurations are angularly offset from each other about an offset axis that extends substantially vertically when the base 3 rests on a horizontal surface. Advantageously, the first and second cooking configurations are angularly offset from each other by an offset angle of approximately 180°, and the lid 23 is configured to be positioned at the rear of the base 3 when the lid 23 is in the second cooking configuration.

[0093] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, the lid 23 is configured to be moved manually between the first and second cooking configurations. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the food heating appliance 2 could include a motorized movement mechanism configured to automatically move the lid 23 between the first and second cooking configurations.

[0094] As shown in particular on the figure, the base 3 has a support structure 26 which extends vertically from the main housing 4 and which is configured to support the cover 23. Advantageously, the support structure 26 is located in a rear part 3.2 of the base 3, and is configured to extend substantially vertically when the base 3 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0095] As shown in Figures 1 and 7, the support structure 26 extends only along part of the periphery of the main housing 4, and is therefore configured to extend only around part of the periphery of the bowl 8 when the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5 of the base 3.

[0096] The food heating device 2 further includes a linking device 27 configured to mechanically connect the lid 23 to the support structure 26 and to allow movement of the lid 23 between the first cooking configuration and the second cooking configuration.

[0097] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, the connecting device 27 comprises a first connecting member 28, which is supported by the support structure 26 and is mounted to move in translation (and for example, to slide) relative to the support structure 26 along a direction of movement D that is substantially vertical when the base 3 rests on a horizontal surface, and a second connecting member 29 on which the cover 23 is mounted. The second connecting member 29 is articulated relative to the first connecting member 28 about an articulation axis A that is substantially vertical when the base 3 rests on a horizontal surface. The first connecting member 28 may, for example, comprise a sliding portion mounted to slide in a vertical guide groove 30 provided on the support structure 26, and a support portion on which the second connecting member 29 is articulated.

[0098] According to the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 9, the cover 23 is height adjustable relative to the base 3, i.e. is movable in translation relative to the base 3 in a direction of translation which is substantially vertical when the base 3 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0099] The food heating device 2 is more particularly configured such that, when the lid 23 occupies the first cooking configuration and the base 3 rests on a horizontal surface, the lid 23 is located at a first distance D1 from the horizontal surface, and such that, when the lid 23 occupies the second cooking configuration and the base 3 rests on a horizontal surface, the lid 23 is located at a second distance D2 from the horizontal surface which is less than the first distance D1.

[0100] Advantageously, the support structure 26 comprises a first bearing surface 26.1 on which the second connecting member 29 can rest when the lid 23 is in the first cooking position, and a second bearing surface 26.2, which is offset vertically from the first bearing surface 26.1 and is closer to the underside of the base 3 than the first bearing surface 26.1, on which the first connecting member 28 (and, for example, the support portion) can rest when the lid 23 is in the second cooking position. Depending on the height of the cooking vessel 40 surmounted by the lid 23 in the second cooking position, the first connecting member 28 may not rest on the second bearing surface 26.2, and therefore may be located at a distance from it.

[0101] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, the lid 23 is pivotally mounted relative to the base 3, and more particularly relative to the support structure 26, about a pivot axis B that extends substantially horizontally when the base 3 rests on a horizontal surface. The lid 23 is specifically capable of being pivoted upwards from the initial cooking configuration to an open position (see Figure 1) in which the lid 23 facilitates positioning the bowl 8 on the receiving surface 5 and allows access to the internal volume 9 of the bowl 8 when the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5. The lid 23 can, for example, extend substantially vertically or be slightly inclined relative to the vertical when it is in the open position.

[0102] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, the food heating device 2 comprises a trivet 31 configured to occupy a receiving configuration (see Figures 5 to 8) in which the trivet 31 is suitable for holding a cooking container 40, and a resting configuration (see Figures 2 to 4) in which the trivet 31 is unsuitable for holding a cooking container 40. Advantageously, the food heating device 2 is configured such that, when the lid 23 occupies the second cooking configuration and a cooking container 40 rests on the trivet 31 in the receiving configuration, the lid 23 is located at least partially above the trivet 31 and the upper heating device 25 is suitable for heating food contained in said cooking container 40.

[0103] The trivet 31 is more specifically configured to be located at least partly in or under the base 3 when the trivet 31 occupies the resting configuration, and to protrude from the base 3 when the trivet 31 occupies the receiving configuration.

[0104] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, the trivet 31 is mounted movable in translation relative to the base 3 in a direction of translation which is substantially horizontal when the base 3 rests on a horizontal surface, and is configured to be located at the rear of the base 3 when it occupies the home configuration.

[0105] As shown in particular in Figure 1, the upper heating device 25 includes, among other things, an upper heating element 32 configured to heat by infrared radiation food contained within the internal volume 9 of the bowl 8 when the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5 and the lid 23 is in the first cooking position. Advantageously, the upper heating element 32 is an electric heating element and is configured to extend along the bottom wall of the bowl body 13 when the lid 23 is in the first cooking position and the bowl 8 rests on the receiving surface 5. The upper heating element 32 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.

[0106] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, the upper heating device 25 further includes a reflector 33 configured to deflect at least a portion of the radiation from the upper heating element 32 downwards when the base 3 rests on a horizontal surface and the lid 23 is in the first or second cooking configuration. Advantageously, the reflector 33 is configured to extend above the upper heating element 32 when the lid 23 is in the first cooking configuration and also when the lid 23 is in the second cooking configuration.

[0107] The upper heating element 25 further includes a protective element 34, such as a protective plate or grid, configured to prevent a user from accessing the upper heating element 32. The protective element 34 is configured to extend below the upper heating element 32 and substantially horizontally when the cover 23 is in the first cooking configuration and the base 3 rests on a horizontal surface. According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, the protective element 34 is substantially transparent to the wavelengths of radiation emitted by the upper heating element 32 and may, for example, be made of glass or glass-ceramic. Advantageously, the reflector 33 and the protective element 34 define an internal, for example annular, housing in which the upper heating element 32 is located.

[0108] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, the lid 23 further comprises a steam vent 35 configured to vent steam generated in a cooking container surmounted by the lid 23, and for example into the internal volume 9 of the bowl 8 when the bowl 8 is received on the receiving surface 5 and the lid 23 occupies the first cooking configuration, to the outside of the food heating appliance 2.

[0109] As shown in the figure, the steam vent 35 is located in a central portion of the cover 23, and the upper heating element 32 extends around the steam vent 35. The steam vent 35 may, for example, have a cross-section that is generally circular. Advantageously, the cover body 24 has a central passage through which the steam vent 35 extends, and the steam vent 35 is configured to extend substantially vertically when the cover 23 is in the closed position and the base 3 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0110] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, the steam exhaust chimney 35 comprises a steam guide portion 35.1 which is tubular, and an upper end wall 35.2 which partially closes an upper end of the steam guide portion 35.1 and which is provided with a plurality of steam exhaust openings 35.3. Advantageously, the upper heating device 25, and more particularly the reflector 33, comprises a plurality of steam outlet openings configured to fluidly connect the internal volume 9 of the bowl 8 to the steam exhaust chimney 35, when the bowl 8 is received on the receiving surface 5 and the lid 23 occupies the first cooking configuration.

[0111] The food heating device 2 also includes a control unit 37 configured to control the operation of the food heating device 2, and a human-machine interface 38 configured to allow a user to select at least one operating parameter of the food heating device 2. Advantageously, the control unit 37 is located in the main housing 4 of the base 3, and the human-machine interface 38 is located in a front part of the main housing 4 of the base 3.

[0112] A first example of a method for cooking food using the food heating device 2 according to the present invention is described below.

[0113] Such a cooking process includes the following steps:

[0114] - moving the cover 23 into the open position,

[0115] - positioning of bowl 8 on receiving surface 5,

[0116] - Inserting the food to be cooked into the internal volume 9 of the bowl 8,

[0117] - moving the lid 23 into the first cooking configuration,

[0118] - selection of operating parameters, for example cooking temperature and cooking time, using the human-machine interface 38, and

[0119] - cooking food according to the selected operating parameters.

[0120] 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.

[0121] A second example of a method for cooking food using the food heating device 2 according to the present invention is described below.

[0122] Such a cooking process includes the following steps:

[0123] - moving the trivet 31 into the home configuration,

[0124] - positioning of a cooking container 40 on the trivet 31,

[0125] - Inserting the food to be cooked into the trivet 31,

[0126] - moving lid 23 into the second cooking configuration,

[0127] - positioning of bowl 8 on receiving surface 5,

[0128] - Inserting the food to be cooked into the internal volume 9 of the bowl 8,

[0129] - selection of operating parameters, for example cooking temperature and cooking time, using the human-machine interface 38, and

[0130] - cooking the food contained in the bowl 8 using the lower heating device 6, and cooking the food contained in the cooking container 40 using the upper heating device 25.

[0131] Figures 10 to 15 depict a food heating device 2 according to a second embodiment of the invention, which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the first and second cooking configurations are laterally offset from each other. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the lid 23 is connected to the support structure 26 or to the base 3 by a lid-moving mechanism 41, for example, in the form of a deformable parallelogram mechanism.

[0132] According to an alternative embodiment of the second embodiment, the lid 23 could be moved in translation relative to the base 3 along a direction of movement which extends substantially perpendicularly to a sagittal plane of the base 3 (and therefore a vertical plane which divides the base 3 into a left part and a right part).

[0133] According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the trivet 31 could be height-adjustable.

[0134] 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 32 would be configured to heat the airflow generated by the fan. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the food heating device 2 would allow food contained in the bowl 8 or the cooking container 40 to be cooked using a hot air cooking method.

[0135] 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

Food heating apparatus (2) comprising: - a base (3) having 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 hold 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), and - a lid (23) comprising a lid body (24) and an upper heating device (25) fixed to the lid body (24), the lid (23) being configured to occupy a first cooking configuration in which, when the bowl (8) is received on the receiving surface (5),The lid (23) is located at least partially directly above the receiving surface (5) and is configured to extend over the bowl (8), and the upper heating device (25) is configured to heat food contained in the bowl (8), and a second cooking configuration in which the lid (23) is offset horizontally from the receiving surface (5), and the upper heating device (25) is configured to heat food contained in a cooking vessel (40) surmounted by the lid (23). Food heating apparatus (2) according to claim 1, which is configured such that, when the base (3) rests on a horizontal surface, an orthogonal projection of the lid (23), occupying the first cooking configuration, on a horizontal reference plane and an orthogonal projection of the lid (23), occupying the second cooking configuration, on said horizontal reference plane are distinct from each other. Food heating apparatus (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first cooking configuration and the second cooking configuration are angularly offset from each other around an offset axis which extends substantially vertically when the base (3) rests on a horizontal surface. Food heating apparatus (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first cooking configuration and the second cooking configuration are laterally offset from each other. Food heating device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lid (23) is configured to be moved manually between the first cooking configuration and the second cooking configuration. Food heating device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the lid (23) is height-adjustable relative to the base (3). Food heating apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which is configured such that, when the lid (23) is in the first cooking configuration and the base (3) is resting on a horizontal surface, the lid (23) is located at a first distance from the horizontal surface, and such that, when the lid (23) is in the second cooking configuration and the base (3) is resting on a horizontal surface, the lid (23) is located at a second distance from the horizontal surface which is less than the first distance. Food heating apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the base (3) comprises a main housing (4) on which the receiving surface (5) is provided, and a support structure (26) which extends vertically from the main housing (4) and which is configured to support the lid (23). Food heating device (2) according to claim 8, which includes a linking device (27) configured to mechanically connect the lid (23) to the support structure (26) and to allow movement of the lid (23) between the first cooking configuration and the second cooking configuration. Food heating apparatus (2) according to claim 9, in which the connecting device (27) comprises a first connecting member (28) which is supported by the support structure (26) and which is mounted movable in translation relative to the support structure (26) in a direction of movement (D) which is substantially vertical when the base (3) rests on a horizontal surface, and a second connecting member (29) on which the cover (23) is mounted, the second connecting member (29) being mounted articulated relative to the first connecting member (28) around an articulation axis (A) which is substantially vertical when the base (3) rests on a horizontal surface. Food heating apparatus (2) according to claim 10, wherein the support structure (26) comprises a first bearing surface on which the second connecting member (29) is able to rest when the lid (23) occupies the first cooking configuration, and a second bearing surface, which is offset vertically from the first bearing surface and which is closer to the underside of the base (3) than the first bearing surface, on which the first connecting member is able to rest when the lid (23) occupies the second cooking configuration. Food heating apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the lid (23) is pivotally mounted relative to the base (3) around a pivot axis which extends substantially horizontally when the base (3) rests on a horizontal surface and is capable of being pivoted upwards from the first cooking configuration to an open position in which the lid (23) facilitates positioning of the bowl (8) on the receiving surface (5). Food heating device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which includes a trivet (31) configured to occupy a receiving configuration in which the trivet (31) is suitable for accommodating a cooking container (40), and a resting configuration in which the trivet (31) is unsuitable for accommodating a cooking container (40), the lid (23) being configured to be located at least partly under the trivet (31) when the trivet (31) is in the receiving configuration and the lid (23) occupies the second cooking configuration. Food heating device (2) according to claim 13, wherein the trivet (31) is configured to be located at least partly in or under the base (3) when the trivet (31) is in the resting configuration, and to protrude from the base (3) when the trivet (31) is in the receiving configuration. Food heating device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the base (3) has a lower heating device (6) configured to heat food contained in the bowl (8) when the bowl (8) rests on the receiving surface (5).

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