Radiation grill

Abstract

A radiation grill unit (1) comprises (i) a food support unit (100) with bars (110), (ii) a radiation unit (200) that includes a reflector (210) (with reflector opening (223)) hosting an IR radiation heater (220), wherein the radiation unit (200) is configured to provide IR radiation (201) in a direction of the food support unit (100), and (iii) a radiation grill unit cavity (3) configured to host a drip tray (300). The drip tray is configured in the radiation grill unit cavity below a lower part edge of the reflector and out of a line of sight of direct IR radiation from the IR radiation heater. The drip tray further comprises a drip tray face and at least one drip tray reservoir configured at a side edge of the drip tray in a location that does not receive direct IR radiation, and configured to store a lipid comprising liquid.

Claims

1. A radiation grill unit for grilling food in an open grill arrangement, the radiation grill unit comprising: (i) a food support unit having a cross-sectional area; (ii) two radiation units, wherein each of the two radiation units comprises a reflector and an infrared (IR) radiation heater hosted within an inner region of the reflector, wherein the reflector includes an upper part and a lower part, the upper part having a substantially parabolic-shaped surface and an upper part edge, and the lower part having at least one substantially straight surface and a lower part edge, wherein the upper part edge and the lower part edge define a reflector opening, wherein the IR radiation heater is configured at a first depth below the lower part edge and at a second depth below the upper part edge, wherein the second depth is greater than the first depth, wherein the IR radiation heater is further configured at a first horizontal distance from the lower part edge and at a second horizontal distance from the upper part edge, and wherein the second horizontal distance is smaller than the first horizontal distance, each of the two radiation units further being configured to provide IR radiation, via the IR radiation heater, through the reflector opening in a direction of the food support unit; (iii) a radiation grill unit cavity configured to host the two radiation units opposite each other at opposite ends of the radiation grill unit cavity, below opposite side edges the food support unit, wherein the lower part edge of the reflector of each respective radiation unit is spaced closer to a center point of the radiation grill unit cavity than the upper part edge of the reflector of the respective radiation unit, and wherein IR radiation from the two radiation units is uniformly distributed over the cross-sectional area and edges of the food support unit; and (iv) a drip tray, wherein the drip tray is hosted within the radiation grill unit cavity in between the two radiation units below the lower part edge of the lower part of the reflector of each respective radiation unit, wherein the at least one substantially straight surface of the lower part of the reflector of each respective radiation unit is positioned at an angle relative to horizontal, to block rays of IR radiation that would otherwise be directed towards the drip tray and the reflector of the opposite radiation unit of the two radiation units and thus render the drip tray and the reflector of the opposite radiation unit of the two radiation units out of a line of sight of direct IR radiation from the IR radiation heater of a respective radiation unit, further wherein the drip tray comprises a drip tray face and at least one drip tray reservoir, and wherein the at least one drip tray reservoir is configured at a side edge of the drip tray to store a lipid comprising liquid.

2. The radiation grill unit according to claim 1, wherein (i) the food support unit comprises a grill grid with bars, wherein the grill grid comprises a food support side and a radiation side or (ii) the food support unit comprises one or more selected from the group of a spit, a skewer, a clamp, and a hook.

3. The radiation grill unit according to claim 1, wherein each radiation unit of the two radiation units further comprises the reflector hosting an electrical IR radiation heater.

4. The radiation grill unit according to claim 1, wherein (i) the food support unit comprises a grill grid with a one-dimensional array of bars arranged in parallel, wherein the grill grid comprises a food support side and a radiation side, and (ii) each radiation unit of the two radiation units is further configured to provide IR radiation in a direction of the radiation side of the grill grid.

5. The radiation grill unit according to claim 1, wherein the drip tray face comprises a central collection channel in fluid connection with the at least one drip tray reservoir.

6. The radiation grill unit according to claim 1, wherein the drip tray reservoir has a storage volume for the lipid comprising liquid in a range of 50-350 ml.

7. The radiation grill unit according to claim 1, wherein the drip tray face comprises a curvature configured to guide the lipid comprising fluid from the drip tray face to the at least one drip tray reservoir.

8. The radiation grill unit according to claim 1, wherein the drip tray face has a saddle-like shape, and wherein the at least one drip tray reservoir comprises two or more drip tray reservoirs at side edges of the drip tray.

9. The radiation grill unit according to claim 4, wherein all IR radiation provided by each radiation unit of the two radiation units is directed to the radiation side of the grill grid.

10. The radiation grill unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a protective window, transmissive for the IR radiation, for each of the two radiation units, wherein the protective window is arranged in front of the reflector opening of a respective radiation unit, between the respective radiation unit and radiation grill unit cavity, the protective window further being at an angle (β) relative to a normal to a food support surface of the food support unit, with β>0°, and wherein the protective window further comprises a lower edge that is (a) configured above the drip tray face, and (b) horizontally extends within an inner horizontal width dimension of the drip tray face more than an upper edge of the protective window.

11. The radiation grill unit according to claim 10, wherein the protective window comprises one selected from the group consisting of glass, glass ceramic, and quartz.

12. The radiation grill unit according to claim 1, wherein the food support unit comprises a grill grid with a one-dimensional array of bars arranged in parallel, wherein the grill grid comprises a food support side and a radiation side, wherein the bars each have a bar diameter (DB) and a bar distance (PB) between adjacent bars, wherein the bar diameter (DB) comprises a diameter in a range of 1-4 mm, and wherein a ratio PB/DB between (i) the distance (PB) between adjacent bars and (ii) the bar diameter (DB) is within a range of 2≤PB/DB≤10.

13. The radiation grill unit according to claim 1, further comprising two convection channels, each convection channel configured to facilitate free convection of air, from below the lower part edge to above the upper part edge of the reflector of a respective radiation unit of the two radiation units, along a back side of the reflector of the respective radiation unit opposite to a front side of the reflector that reflects the IR radiation in the direction of the food support unit.

14. A method for cooking a food product via the radiation grill unit according to claim 1, the method comprising: arranging the food product onto the food support unit of the radiation grill unit; and providing IR radiation, via the two radiation units of the radiation grill unit, to the food product.

15. The radiation grill unit according to claim 1, wherein a location of the drip tray reservoir is behind and/or below lower edges of the radiation grill cavity.

16. The radiation grill unit according to claim 1, wherein the food support unit comprises a grill grid with a one-dimensional array of bars arranged in parallel, each bar having a bar length with two ends, an intermediate portion, and two sloping portions configured to facilitate transport of lipids in a direction of a middle of the bar, and wherein each sloping portion is in between a respective end of the bar and the intermediate portion, the intermediate portion being located in the middle of the bar.

17. A radiation grill unit for grilling food in an open grill arrangement, the radiation grill unit comprising: (i) a food support unit having a cross-sectional area; (ii) two radiation units, wherein each of the two radiation units comprises a reflector and an infrared (IR) radiation heater hosted within an inner region of the reflector, wherein the reflector includes an upper part and a lower part, the upper part having a substantially parabolic-shaped surface and an upper part edge, and the lower part having at least one substantially straight surface and a lower part edge, wherein the upper part edge and the lower part edge define a reflector opening, wherein the IR radiation heater is configured at a first depth below the lower part edge and at a second depth below the upper part edge, wherein the second depth is greater than the first depth, wherein the IR radiation heater is further configured at a first horizontal distance from the lower part edge and at a second horizontal distance from the upper part edge, and wherein the second horizontal distance is smaller than the first horizontal distance, each of the two radiation units further being configured to provide IR radiation, via the IR radiation heater, through the reflector opening in a direction of the food support unit; (iii) a radiation grill unit cavity configured to host the two radiation units opposite each other at opposite ends of the radiation grill unit cavity, below opposite side edges the food support unit, wherein the lower part edge of the reflector of each respective radiation unit is spaced closer to a center point of the radiation grill unit cavity that the upper part edge of the reflector of the respective radiation unit, and wherein IR radiation from the two radiation units is uniformly distributed over the cross-sectional area and edges of the food support unit; (iv) a drip tray, wherein the drip tray is hosted within the radiation grill unit cavity in between the two radiation units below the lower part edge of the lower part of the reflector of each respective radiation unit, wherein the at least one substantially straight surface of the lower part of the reflector of each respective radiation unit is positioned at an angle relative to horizontal, to block rays of IR radiation that would otherwise be directed towards the drip tray and the reflector of the opposite radiation unit of the two radiation units and thus render the drip tray and the reflector of the opposite radiation unit of the two radiation units out of a line of sight of direct IR radiation from the IR radiation heater of a respective radiation unit, further wherein the drip tray comprises a drip tray face and at least one drip tray reservoir, wherein the at least one drip tray reservoir is configured at a side edge of the drip tray to store a lipid comprising liquid, and wherein the drip tray face comprises collection means configured to guide the lipid comprising fluid, via migration or drainage, from the drip tray face to the drip tray reservoir; and (v) a protective window, transmissive for the IR radiation, for each of the two radiation units, wherein the protective window is arranged in front of a reflector opening of a respective radiation unit, between the respective radiation unit and radiation grill unit cavity, the protective window further being at an angle (β) relative to a normal to a food support surface of the food support unit, with β>0°, and wherein the protective window further comprises a lower edge that is (a) configured above the drip tray face, and (b) horizontally extends within an inner horizontal width dimension of the drip tray face more than an upper edge of the protective window.

18. A radiation grill unit for grilling food in an open grill arrangement, the radiation grill unit comprising: (i) a food support unit having a cross-sectional area; (ii) two radiation units, wherein each of the two radiation units comprises a reflector and an infrared (IR) radiation heater hosted within an inner region of the reflector, wherein the reflector includes an upper part and a lower part, the upper part having a substantially parabolic-shaped surface and an upper part edge, and the lower part having at least one substantially straight surface and a lower part edge, wherein the upper part edge and the lower part edge define a reflector opening, wherein the IR radiation heater is configured at a first depth below the lower part edge and at a second depth below the upper part edge, wherein the second depth is greater than the first depth, wherein the IR radiation heater is further configured at a first horizontal distance from the lower part edge and at a second horizontal distance from the upper part edge, and wherein the second horizontal distance is smaller than the first horizontal distance, each of the two radiation units further being configured to provide IR radiation, via the IR radiation heater, through the reflector opening in a direction of the food support unit; (iii) a radiation grill unit cavity configured to host the two radiation units opposite each other at opposite ends of the radiation grill unit cavity, below opposite side edges the food support unit, wherein the lower part edge of the reflector of each respective radiation unit is spaced closer to a center point of the radiation grill unit cavity than the upper part edge of the reflector of the respective radiation unit, and wherein IR radiation from the two radiation units is uniformly distributed over the cross-sectional area and edges of the food support unit; and (iv) a drip tray to store a lipid comprising liquid, wherein the drip tray is hosted within the radiation grill unit cavity in between the two radiation units below the lower part edge of the lower part of the reflector of each respective radiation unit, and wherein the at least one substantially straight surface of the lower part of the reflector of each respective radiation unit is positioned at an angle relative to horizontal, to block rays of IR radiation that would otherwise be directed towards the drip tray and the reflector of the opposite radiation unit of the two radiation units and thus render the drip tray and the reflector of the opposite radiation unit of the two radiation units out of a line of sight of direct IR radiation from the IR radiation heater of a respective radiation unit.

19. The radiation grill unit according to claim 18, wherein the drip tray further comprises a drip tray face and at least one drip tray reservoir, and wherein the at least one drip tray reservoir is configured at a side edge of the drip tray.

20. The radiation grill unit according to claim 18, wherein the food support unit comprises a grill grid with a one-dimensional array of bars arranged in parallel, each bar having a bar length with two ends, an intermediate portion, and two sloping portions configured to facilitate transport of lipids in a direction of a middle of the bar, and wherein each sloping portion is in between a respective end of the bar and the intermediate portion, the intermediate portion being located in the middle of the bar.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

(2) FIGS. 1a-1d schematically depict some aspects;

(3) FIGS. 2a-2f schematically depict some aspects, especially with respect to grid dimensions;

(4) FIGS. 3a-3b schematically depict some aspects, especially with respect radiation units;

(5) FIGS. 4a-4c schematically depict some aspects, especially with respect to a protective window;

(6) FIGS. 5a-5b schematically depict some aspects, especially with respect to convection channel;

(7) FIGS. 6a-6c schematically depict some aspects, especially with respect to the drip tray; and

(8) FIGS. 7a-7c schematically depict some aspects; especially with respect to the radiation units and variations thereon.

(9) Where applicable, the (schematic) drawings are not necessarily on scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

(10) FIG. 1a schematically depicts an embodiment of a radiation grill unit 1. The radiation grill unit 1 comprises (i) a food support unit 100, here especially a grill grid 1100 with bars 110 (not individually depicted; see however below), (ii) a radiation unit 200 and (iii) a radiation grill unit cavity 3. The grill grid 1100 comprises a food support side 101 and a radiation side 102. By way of example, a food product 2 is depicted, which is arranged on the food support side 101 of the grill grid 1100. The radiation unit 200 comprises a reflector 210 hosting an (electrical) IR radiation heater 220. The reflector 210 comprises a reflector opening 223. For clarity reasons, the electrical infrastructure to provide power to the IR radiation heater 220 is not depicted. However, this is known to the person skilled in the art. Also a housing is not depicted for clarity reasons.

(11) The radiation unit 200 is configured to provide IR radiation 201 in a direction of the radiation side 102 of the grill grid 1100. Here, by way of example only one radiation unit 200 is depicted. In general, at least a single set of two radiation unit 200 is applied, each providing radiation from opposite sides relative to the radiation grill unit cavity, and each configured to provide IR radiation 201 in a direction of the radiation side 102 (see also below). Further, the radiation grill unit cavity 3 configured to host a drip tray 300, Here, the drip tray is indicated to be present. However, the drip tray 300 is in general a removable item (like in general also the grill grid 1100 is).

(12) Reference 311 indicates an edge of the drip tray 300. Within the edge(s) 311 of the drip tray, lipid droplets, indicated with reference 7, may be collected (see also below).

(13) FIG. 1b schematically depicts a top view of the grill unit 1. Reference 221 indicates an axis of elongation of the IR radiation heater 220. As indicated above, in general the IR radiation heater 220 comprises a bar. As FIG. 1b shows, the grid 1100 especially refers to a 1D array of bars 110, and not to a 2D array of bars (with e.g. two sets of bars which are perpendicularly arranged to each other). References 116 and 117 indicate the ends of the bars 110 of the grid 100. At those ends, there may be connecting means to provide the set of parallel bars 110. These connecting means (having especially a length of about LG, see below) may also comprise bars. Note however, that when perpendicular connecting means are available, those means may be limited in number, such as only 2. Would intermediate connecting means (having especially a length of about LG, see below) be used, this number will in embodiments be smaller than the total number of bars such as 50% or less. For instance there may be less than 2 intermediate connecting means, like no intermediate connecting means. Herein, intermediate connecting means are not depicted as they may especially be absent. Hence, in embodiments the grill grid essentially consists of an (1D) array of parallel arranged grid bars

(14) Reference 1000 indicates a housing of the grill unit 1. Reference LR indicates the length of the radiation unit 100; reference LRH indicates the length of the IR radiation heater, which will in general only slightly smaller than the length LR of the radiation unit 100; reference LG indicates the length of grid 100; and reference WG indicates the width of the grid. The area WG*LG will (approximately) be the cross-sectional area of the grill grid 1100. Note that substantially all IR radiation, or especially substantially all direct IR radiation may impinge on the radiation side of the grill grid (and is thus distribution of this cross-sectional area). The plane of the grill grid 1100 is also indicated with reference 105. Note in FIG. 1b that the bars 110 are perpendicular to the IR radiation heater 110. Or, the grill bars 110 are in a plane parallel to the axis of elongation 221, with the bars perpendicular to such axis.

(15) FIG. 1b also shows connecting means 1111 (having especially a length of about LG, see below), which may in an embodiment also comprise bars. The connecting means 1111, at the ends of the bars, provide together with the bars the grill grid. Note however, that when perpendicular connecting means are available, those means may be limited in number, such as only 2. As indicated above, would intermediate connecting means (having especially a length of about LG, see below) be used, this number will in embodiments be smaller than the total number of bars such as 50% or less. FIG. 1b shows an embodiment without intermediate connecting means. The bar ends are all connected to both connecting means. In this way, a 1D array of bars can be provided.

(16) FIGS. 1c-1d schematically depict some alternative embodiments, wherein reference 1200 indicates a hook as embodiment of the food support unit 100, and wherein reference 1300 indicates a spit or skewer as embodiment of the food support unit 100. In both examples a food product 2 is arranged to the food support unit 100.

(17) FIG. 2a schematically depicts in more detail the grill grid 1100, again with by way of example a piece of food (i.e. food product 2). FIG. 2a is a top view; FIG. 2b schematically depicts a side view, indicating the pitch or distance between the grill bars 110, which is indicated with reference PB (see FIG. 2b). The diameter of the bars 110 is indicated with reference DB (see FIG. 2b). Especially, the bars HO have bar diameters DB and bar distances PB, wherein the bar diameters DB are selected from the range of 1-4 mm, and a ratio PB/DB between the bar distances PB and bar diameters DB is selected from the range of 2-10. The length of the bars 110 is indicated with reference LB (which can substantially be identical to the width of the grid WG).

(18) A number of experiments were performed, of which some data are indicated below:

(19) TABLE-US-00001 Thickness Pitch Absence Direction of bars of bars between bars of smoke Longitudinal 2.5 mm 13 + Perpendicular 2.5 mm 13 ++ Perpendicular   3 mm 17 ++ Perpendicular   4 mm 13 +/− Perpendicular   6 mm 13 − (∩-shape)

(20) Perpendicular bars with thicknesses in the range of 3 mm and a pitch of 17 mm gave the best results. Further, it appears that better results can be obtained with perpendicular bars. Here, perpendicular bars are bars that are “perpendicular” to an elongated radiation heater 220 (see FIG. 1b).

(21) FIG. 2c schematically an embodiment wherein the bars 110 comprise sloping parts 115 configured to facilitate dripping of a lipid droplet 7 (not indicated in this schematic drawing, but see other drawings) into the drip tray (see also other drawings), wherein especially the sloping parts 115 are configured at one or more of a position within 0-10% and a position within 90-100% of the bar length LB. The bars 110 have a first end 116 and a second end 117 (defining the length of the bar LB, see also FIG. 2a), at end parts 112 and a bar support part 111 in between. On the bar support part 111 a food product may be arranged. Here, in this schematic embodiment the sloping parts 115 are comprised by curved parts 113, which are in this embodiment arranged between the bar support part and the end parts 112. The intermediate part, between the curved parts 113, is herein also indicated intermediate part 119. On this intermediate part the food product 2 can be arranged. The onset of the curved parts at the bars 110 at the radiation side 102 is indicated with reference 114. Especially at this position liquid lipid may gather, form (larger) droplets and fall down due to gravity. The length between the sloping parts 115 is indicated with reference SPL. Especially, this length SPL is shorter than the width of the drip tray 300 (see also FIG. 2e). In FIGS. 2c (and 2d) the bars 110 comprise intermediate parts 119 which are arranged lower relative to the bar end parts. This may advantageously automatically prevent arranging food products too close to the edge of the grill grid. FIGS. 2c & 2d show curvatures in the bars relative to a length axis of the bar(s).

(22) FIG. 2d schematically depicts a specific embodiment of the drip tray 300, wherein the bars 110 comprise bar curves 113 which provide the sloping parts 115. Liquid material may migrate in a direction away from the grid ends 116,117 to the middle. Dripping in the drip tray may thereby be facilitated and dripping on a radiation unit, if possible in the configuration, is reduced or prevented. Reference 131 indicate a handle. In embodiments, a user may get the handle(s) and place or remove the grill grid 1100 in the grill unit.

(23) FIG. 2e schematically depicts a further embodiment, wherein it can be seen that the width of the tray 300, indicated with reference WT may be smaller than the smallest radiation unit distance, which is indicated with reference WRU (which is here especially the distance between lower edges 231 of the optional protective windows, indicated with reference 230), but may be chosen such that lipid droplets 7 may fall in the drip tray 300 (i.e. SPL<WT). FIG. 2e, and other figures, schematically depicts an embodiment wherein a set of two (oppositely arranged) radiation units 200 is applied.

(24) For instance, in embodiments such as schematically depicted in e.g. FIGS. 2c-2f, SPL may be in the range of 160-210 mm, WRU may be in the range of 170-230 mm, and WT may be in the range of 180-230. Especially, WT>WRU>SPL. Note that in the embodiment schematically depicted in FIG. 2e, WT<WRU; however, this may thus also be the opposite, to further facilitate dripping in the drip tray 300 (see FIG. 3a).

(25) FIG. 2f schematically depicts a 3D figure of an embodiment of the grill unit 1. As indicated above, reference 230 indicates a protection window (see below).

(26) The radiation grill unit cavity may at two edges be confined by edges. For instance, referring to FIG. 2e, the grill unit cavity 3 may substantially be confined by (two) radiation units 200 and by (two) walls or shields. FIG. 2f shows a 3D view; the front of the grill unit 1 may thus include a wall (the housing 1000 is drawn such that the interior can be seen). Especially, these walls are above the drip tray; optionally a reservoir may extend beyond such wall (when seen from the cavity 3; see also below)). In FIGS. 2e and 2f two radiation units, each at one side of the cavity is schematically depicted. Optionally, two or more sets of such radiation units may be applied, with each set radiation unit at both sides of the cavity (or of the drip tray).

(27) Linear heaters radiate their (infrared) energy in all directions. However, the energy is only needed at the grill surface (the grid). All other parts of the grill should receive as little energy as possible, since part of the energy that those parts receive will be transformed into heat, which has to be cooled away to prevent excessive temperature rise. The most important part in the grill that should be protected from radiation is the drip tray. This is the part that collects the fat dripping from the grilled food. When the drip tray becomes too hot (above approx. 150° C.), the fat starts to decompose (burn) and produce smoke. Smoke prevention is the main goal of the grill under discussion, so this needs to be avoided at any time. However, not only direct beams to the drip tray should be avoided. Beams that hit the opposite reflector can in certain circumstances be reflected downwards and reach the drip tray indirectly. Therefore, the goal is to prevent any infrared rays from hitting the opposite reflector. Traditionally, a reflector which has a predominantly parabolic shape (in cross section) would be chosen to convert omnidirectional radiation into a focused parallel beam. However, in the grill of the present invention, a parabolic shape with the desired optical functionality would need to be much too big to fit into the appliance. Especially the lower parts of the reflector would be in the path of the dripping fat.

(28) Therefore, it in embodiments it is supposed to tweak the parabolic shape: on the bottom, the parabolic shape was replaced by straight segments with the same “shadow effect” for the opposite reflector, but much more compact; see FIG. 3a. Herein reference 211 indicates a lower part of the reflector 210 and reference 212 indicates a lower part edge; reference 213 indicates an upper part of the reflector 210 and reference 214 indicates an upper part edge. The lower part 211 and the upper part 213 may together form the reflector 210. The reflector may comprise (at the inner side) an aluminum coating. The shortest distance between the radiation units 200 is indicated with reference WRU, here especially the distance between the lower part edges 212 of the two oppositely arranged radiation units 200. Reference 307 indicates schematically collected (liquid) lipid (material), including optionally other material like carbon, food residues, water etc. etc. FIG. 3a also shows that a central axis or axis of elongation 221 of the radiation heater 220 of a first radiation unit (here the left one) is configured below a line through the upper reflector part edge 214 of the radiation heater 220 of a second radiation unit (here the right one) and the lower reflector part edge 212 of the first radiation unit. Of course, in a further embodiment, the entire radiation heater is below such line (thus even the upper edge of the radiation heater is below such line).

(29) To achieve this “shadow effect”, a few aspects must be carefully chosen in the design, especially with respect to the (relative) dimensions of the reflector. Looking at FIG. 3b, the following can be defined as specific embodiments:

(30) The horizontal distance between the IR radiation heater 220 and the lower part edge 212 of the reflector 210 is defined as a, the vertical distance between these same points is b. The horizontal distance between both radiation heaters 220 is defined as c. The horizontal distance between the IR radiation heater 220 and the upper part edge 214 of the reflector 210 is defined as e. Ideally the relation between the dimensions should be:
a/b=(c−e)/d  Equation 1
Or, rewritten:
a×d=b(c−e)  Equation 2
However, in practice, it can be difficult to achieve this exact relation, e.g. when the design needs to remain compact or other (design) requirements have to be fulfilled. In order to achieve more design freedom, some deviation from the relation described in equation 1 can be allowed. Our experiments have shown that especially good results may be obtained between about:
0.8≤(a×d)/(b(c−e))≤1.2  Equation 3

(31) Note that the reflector 210 may also be configured with a lower part 211 with more than two faces or with a lower part including only one face. Further, the lower part 211 of the reflector, especially at the lower part edge 212 a tangent may have an angle γ with a horizontal in the range of 10-45°, especially 10-40°, such as 15-35°.

(32) FIG. 4a schematically depicts an embodiment wherein the radiation unit 200 further comprises a protective window 230 which is transmissive for the IR radiation 201. Especially, the protective window 230 is arranged under an window angle β selected from the range of 0<β≤60° relative to a normal to the grill grid 1100, even more especially selected from the range of 10≤β≤45°, such as 15≤β≤45°. Especially, the protective window 230 (essentially) closes off the (elongated) reflector opening 223.

(33) The protective window 230 comprises a protective window lower edge 231. Further, the radiation grill unit 1 comprises here said drip tray 300. The protective window lower edge 231 may be configured above the drip tray face 301/drip tray 300. Note that in this schematic drawing this is not the case (however this is the case in FIG. 5a).

(34) Note that the drip tray 300 in this invention is especially a removable drip tray, which can be slided into the radiation grill unit (such as in the housing 1000), and can be removed for e.g. cleaning.

(35) The (smokeless) grill is designed to minimize the heat absorption by the grilling chassis or housing. This may amongst others be achieved by placing the heater at the sides of the chassis behind a glass cover/shield. Due to this placement a conventional heater—like a metal sheathed heater—may not (always be) possible due to its power/length. Thus especially a design is chosen to use heater wire wrapped around a electrical insulated coil, such as amongst others defined above. This coil can e.g. be made of quartz to withstand the high temperatures, although also other materials may be especially be chosen such as a ceramic material, like ceramic alumina. Such ceramic materials may withstand even higher temperatures. This design is able to generate the required 1000 W or so per 30 cm length available. A positive side effect is its fast heat up time. This heating coil wrapped around a quartz coil is only one of the three parts of the heater subassembly. The second part is the reflector placed around the heater at the rear side. This reflector is used to ‘aim the heat’ as good as possible towards the grilling area (and not to the chassis). The third part is the optional (glass) cover or window (made out of quartz, robax (glass ceramic) or other (substantially) zero expansion glasses or (aluminum-)borosilicate glasses), used to prevent spattering of meat juices onto the reflector or heater (clean-ability and performances). As indicated herein, the protective window may also be glass ceramic.

(36) When the heater is powered the heating wire will increase in temperature, but because it's in solid contact with the quartz core or ceramic core this core will heat as well and will reach similar temperatures as the heating wire. Thus the heater consists of two radiation sources: the heating wire and the quartz coil or ceramic coil. The former will emit like a gray emitter. Quartz acts as a gray emitter too, but due to its transparency the radiation takes an odd form. Hardly any radiation can be emitted in the 1-4 micron range. The real emitting starts at 4 micron. The heating coil will transmit continuously. Especially, the heater includes a ceramic coil.

(37) This spectrum is emitted direct—or via the reflector—towards the grilling area. But due to its quartz core a major part of the spectrum is located after the 4 micron. This implies—depending on the used glass shield—a major part of the energy is absorbed by the shield, heating the shield and resulting into a second heat source. But this heat source is not aimed by a reflector, thus the radiation is (assumed) randomly distributed. This means only a part is radiated towards the grill area and is called the view factor from shield to grill surface. Calculating this view factor results in 0.37 (thus 37% of the radiated energy of the shield reaches the grill surface directly. The other 63% is intercepted by the chassis and most likely absorbed or reflected at such small angles it will not couple with the food.

(38) As shown in the picture above approx. 50% of the energy radiated from the heater reaches the grill surface direct—if reflector is designed well—and 50% is absorbed by the glass shield. From this latter 50%, 37% (thus 50%*37%=18.5%) reaches the grill surface resulting in an overall efficiency of 68.5%. Better efficiencies can be achieved by increasing the view factor by tilting the glass a bit. The view factor is calculated by means of Hottel's string rule and looks like the curve in FIG. 4c: Fsa=view factor shield to grill area; and a=angle (0° means perpendicular to grill surface, and 90° is in same plane as grill area).

(39) Thus placing the shield at an angle of 30° enhances the view factor from 0.37 to 0.63, resulting into 82% efficiency. Note that these calculations assume that: (1) the reflector is optimal (100% of heater spectrum aimed at grill surface); and (2) the absorbed energy of the glass shield is emitted (except some convection losses), but is not lost via the chassis (suspension of the glass) or additional cooling of the glass shield).

(40) Reference I indicates the radiation emitted by the quartz tube; reference II indicates the radiation emitted by the coil; reference III indicates the total emission of the heater; reference IV indicates the measured data which substantially confirm the curve III. On the x-axis the wavelength in μm is indicated; on the y-axis relative intensities are indicated.

(41) Note that a lower part edge of the reflector may penetrate the grill cavity more than the upper part edge of the reflector. Assuming two oppositely arranged radiation units, the shortest distance between the lower part edges of the two opposite radiation units will in general be shorter than the shortest distance between the upper part edges of the same two opposite radiation units. Especially, the lower part edge of the reflector may have a shortest (horizontal) distance to a central point 130 in the grill cavity that is shorter than a shortest (horizontal) distance from the upper part edge of the reflector to the central point 130 in the grill cavity.

(42) FIG. 5a schematically depicts an embodiment (in cross-section) comprising a radiation unit housing 250 with a radiation unit housing cavity 251 configured to host the radiation unit 200. The radiation unit housing 250 is constructed in such a way that this radiation unit housing 250 further comprises a convection channel 252 configured to facilitate free convection of air along the radiation unit 200. Flow of air is indicated with reference 270.

(43) The radiation unit housing 250 comprises a radiation unit housing lower opening 255 and a radiation unit housing upper opening 256 defining a first end and a second end of the convection channel 252. Relative cooler air enters radiation unit housing lower opening 255, is being heated, rises, and leaves the convection channel 252 radiation unit housing upper opening 256 (in the direction of the radiation side 102 of the grill grid 1100. This may lead to an additional heating. Here, the radiation unit housing 250 comprises a convection channel 252 configured to facilitate free convection of air along the (back side (reference 215) of the reflector (of the) radiation unit 200. Note that in embodiments there may be a separate radiation unit housing 250 integrated in housing 1000, whereas in other embodiments the housing 1000 may include the functionality of a radiation unit housing (which may in fact be the case in the schematically depicted embodiment of FIG. 5a). Here, but this may also apply to other embodiments, the housing 1000 further comprises a housing opening 8 for influx of air.

(44) FIG. 5b schematically depicts a view of this housing when seen from the food support unit, especially seen from the grill grid, to the radiation unit 200. The radiation unit housing upper opening 256 comprises a cross sectional upper opening area (A1) and the radiation unit housing lower opening 255 comprises a cross sectional lower opening area (A2). Experimentation showed that better cooking results (cooked food product quality, cooking time, efficiency) were obtained when the convection channel 252 has a ratio of the cross sectional upper opening area (A1) to the cross sectional lower opening area (A2) selected from the range of 0.8≤A1/A2≤4.

(45) FIGS. 6a-6c schematically depicts some embodiments of a drip tray 300. Such drip tray may be used in the present grill unit 1, but may also be used in other cooking systems. In the present invention, the drip tray 300 is especially configured in the radiation grill unit cavity 3 out of the line of sight of direct IR radiation 201 from the radiation heater 220, see FIGS. 1a, 2e-2f, 3a, 4a, and 5a. The drip tray 300 comprises a drip tray face 301 and a drip tray reservoir 302 configured at an edge 311 of the drip tray 300. The drip tray reservoir is especially configured to (temporarily) store a lipid comprising liquid 307. Further, here the drip tray face 301 comprises collection means 303 configured to guide the lipid comprising fluid 307 from the drip tray face 301 to the drip tray reservoir 302. Here the collection means 303 include a V-shaped drip tray face 301 (and a collection channel 304). This (these) facilitate collection of liquid in the drip tray reservoir 302. The drip tray face 301 may include one or more flat parts, but may alternatively or additionally also include one or more curved parts. In the herein depicted embodiment, two drip tray reservoir 302 may be available. In use, especially the drip tray 300 is arranged below the food support unit, such as a grill grid, with the radiation units at both sides, and with the drip tray reservoir at the other edges (in FIG. 6a this would imply that the radiation units are configured at the left and the right side/edge of the drip tray 300). FIG. 6b schematically depicts a 3D view of an embodiment of the drip tray 300 of FIG. 6a. FIG. 6c schematically depicts an embodiment with one or more curved parts. Here a drip tray face 301 is applied with a kind of saddle shape. The saddle shape is indicated with reference 306.

(46) FIG. 6a schematically depicts a perspective top view of the drip tray 300. When arranged in the radiation grill unit 1, the radiation units may be at the left and right side, and edges of the cavity 3 may be over the reservoir(s) 302, and may especially over the drip tray face 301, but close to the reservoir(s) 302. In this way, dripping liquid may fall on the chip tray face 301 and be collected via collection means 303 into the reservoir 302.

(47) FIGS. 7a-7c schematically depict some aspect of the radiation unit again. FIG. 7a schematically depict a number of the configuration of the radiation unit 200 that were investigated. Here, five configurations are depicted (H3, H4, H5.0, H5.2, H7.2). The position of the radiation heater of configurations H4 and H5.0 overlap. Here, all radiation units comprise a protective window 320. Below some data are given of reflector shapes that were tested/simulated, of which some are depicted in FIGS. 7a-7c.

(48) TABLE-US-00002 H 3 H 4 H 5.0 H 5.2 H 6.1 H 7.2 Construction Glass Angle β 0° (vert.) 0° (vert.) 15° 15° 23° 20° a*d/(b*(c − e)) 6.0 −2.8 4.0 1.0 0.6 1.0 WRU minimal minimal minimal minimal maximal intermediate Prototype Testing Wattage high high medium low low low Grill + + ++ +++ + +++ Performance Drip Tray −−− −− − + ++ +++ Temperature Simulation values With glass + reflection on glass 10% + absorption 30% Watt at grid ++ ++ ++ Drip tray + ++ +++ staying cool Remarks: small parabolic first improved small WRU < grid inefficient shaped glass at reflector reflector width --> reflectors, reflectors, angle shape with special active lower (straight max. grid with ventilation reflector lower WRU drip necessary. part edge reflector positioning Vertical lower than part) not above window heating the glass element

(49) FIG. 7b shows a 2D-simulation (only direct radiation) perpendicular to the heating element of a reflector without a straight lower reflector part (such as configuration H5.0) that gives a shadow on the reflector on the opposite side. In FIG. 7b, the radiation of only one heating element is visible (i.e., illustrated). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7b, a part of the direct radiation from the heating element of the first reflector will be reflected via the second reflector on the opposite side into the drip tray, which will be heated up and may cause smoke after a while. In contrast, FIG. 7c shows a 2D-simulation (only direct radiation) perpendicular to the heating element of a reflector with a straight lower reflector part (such as configuration H5.2) that gives a shadow on the reflector on the opposite side. In FIG. 7c, there will be no direct radiation that ends up in the drip tray. Therefor the drip tray, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7c, may stay much cooler. Smoke formation may be reduced or prevented.

(50) Many of the drawings above elucidated different aspects that are not necessarily combined. For instance information about a drip tray may relate to the specific drawing but such embodiment of the drip tray may also be applied in other embodiments, for instance where an optimized grill grid is described and/or depicted, or wherein an optimized convection system is described and/or depicted, or wherein an optimized protective window configuration is described and/or depicted, or wherein an optimized configuration of a set of radiation units is described and/or depicted, etc.