Water treatment machine including a removable treatment accessory

Abstract

The water treatment machine (2) comprises a container (4) delimiting an internal volume (5); a treatment accessory (39) removable relative to the container (4) and comprising a main body (41) configured to be arranged in the internal volume (5); and a cover (11) configured to close the container (4) and cover the treatment accessory (39). The treatment accessory (39) comprises a hooking zone located in an upper part of the main body (41), and the water treatment machine (2) comprises a hooking member (53) configured to cooperate with the hooking zone so as to allow removal of the treatment accessory (39) from the container (4) when the hooking member (53) is moved, by a user and relative to the container (4), in a withdrawal direction (D1) oriented upwards. Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Water treatment machine comprising a removable treatment accessory Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of water treatment machines, and in particular to electric brewing machines, such as electric kettles and electric teapots. State of the art

[0002] A water treatment machine, and in particular an electric brewing machine, comprises in a known manner:

[0003] - a container delimiting an internal volume intended to contain water and in which the water is intended to be treated and in particular brought to a boil,

[0004] - a grip handle attached to the container,

[0005] - a pouring spout located opposite the grip handle relative to an axis central longitudinal of the container,

[0006] - an infusion accessory, such as an infusion basket, comprising a main body configured to rest on a retaining portion provided on the container and to be arranged at least partly in the internal volume of the container, the main body delimiting an infusion volume configured to contain a product to be infused, and comprising an upper opening through which the product to be infused is capable of being introduced into the infusion volume, and

[0007] - a cover configured to cover the infusion accessory and to close the container.

[0008] In order to facilitate the removal of the infusion accessory from the container, the infusion accessory may advantageously be provided with a gripping portion capable of extending outside the container and being manipulated by a user.

[0009] However, such a configuration of the infusion accessory significantly increases the risks of boiling water flowing outside the container, for example in the event of the container being overturned (due to the fact that the gripping part extends between the lid and the upper filling opening of the container), unless the lid is equipped with a sealing gasket having a complex and expensive structure.

[0010] To overcome such a drawback, the gripping part, equipping the infusion accessory, could be configured to be entirely arranged in the internal volume delimited by the container, and therefore to be located under the cover.

[0011] However, in order on the one hand to limit the contamination of the water by possible contaminants present on the gripping part and on the other hand to limit the risks of a user being burned when removing the infusion accessory from the container, it is preferable that the gripping part fitted to the infusion accessory can be kept outside the water contained in the container, including when the latter is filled to its maximum filling level.

[0012] However, in order to meet the two aforementioned criteria with an infusion accessory equipped with a gripping part arranged in an upper part of the infusion accessory and intended to be located entirely under the lid, it is necessary either to increase the height of the container, which is detrimental to the height of the latter, or to reduce the size of the gripping part, which is detrimental to the maneuverability of the infusion accessory. Summary of the invention

[0013] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0014] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in providing a water treatment machine which is of simple, ergonomic and economical structure, whilst presenting a high degree of safety in use and whilst limiting the risks of contamination of the water contained in the water treatment machine.

[0015] To this end, the present invention relates to a water treatment machine, and in particular an electric brewing machine or an electric filter carafe, comprising:

[0016] - a container delimiting an internal volume intended to contain water,

[0017] - a gripping area, such as a grip handle, associated with the container,

[0018] - a pouring area, such as a pouring spout, suitable for pouring the treated water,

[0019] - a treatment accessory removable from the container, the treatment accessory treatment comprising a main body configured to be arranged at least partly in the internal volume of the container, and

[0020] - a cover configured to occupy a closed position in which the cover closes the container and covers at least in part, and for example completely, the treatment accessory, the cover comprising a lower face configured to be located opposite the treatment accessory,

[0021] the treatment accessory comprises a hooking zone located in an upper part of the main body, and the water treatment machine further comprises a hooking member, such as a hooking finger, configured to cooperate with, i.e. to hook with, the hooking zone so as to allow removal of the treatment accessory from the container when the hooking member is moved, by a user and relative to the container, in an upwardly oriented removal direction.

[0022] The presence of such a hooking zone on the treatment accessory and such a The attachment member allows a user to remove the treatment accessory from the container without directly handling the treatment accessory and therefore without risk of contaminating the water contained in the container. Furthermore, when the water treatment machine is an electric brewing machine, the presence of the attachment zone and the attachment member allows a user to remove the treatment accessory from the container without directly touching a relatively hot portion of the treatment accessory, since it is located near or in the boiling water contained in the container, and therefore significantly limits the risk of burning a user.

[0023] The water treatment machine may further have one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water treatment machine is an electric brewing machine, such as an electric kettle or an electric teapot, and the treatment accessory is an infusion accessory, such as an infusion basket.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body delimits an infusion volume configured to contain a product to be infused, such as tea, coffee or plants, and comprises an upper opening through which the product to be infused is able to be introduced into the infusion volume.

[0026] According to another embodiment of the invention, the water treatment machine is an electric filter carafe and the treatment accessory comprises a filtration assembly, such as a filter cartridge and / or a water stirring member.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hooking member comprises a hooking portion which is curved towards the lower face of the cover. Advantageously, the hooking portion is oriented towards a central axis of the cover.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the withdrawal direction is configured to extend substantially vertically when the container rests on a horizontal surface.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the treatment accessory comprises a gripping device located in the upper part of the main body and configured to allow a user to manipulate the treatment accessory, the gripping device forming the attachment zone.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping device extends across the upper opening.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping device comprises two lateral fixing parts which are located at a distance from each other and which are fixed to the main body, and a gripping part connecting the two lateral fixing parts to each other and configured to allow a user to manipulate the treatment accessory.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping device is a gripping handle, and for example a gripping handle fixed to the upper part of the main body. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the gripping device could be formed by a simple rod configured to extend substantially horizontally.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping device is fixed relative to the main body. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the gripping device could be mounted articulated relative to the main body around a hinge axis and between a raised configuration and a lowered configuration.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping part is located opposite the upper opening.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the treatment accessory comprises a hanging hole provided in the upper part of the main body, the hanging area being formed by the hanging hole.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hooking member is fixed to the lid. Such a configuration of the hooking member avoids having to provide the user with an additional accessory, and limits the risks of losing the hooking member. In addition, such a configuration of the hooking member makes it possible to easily remove the treatment accessory from the container directly after moving the lid into an open position.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hooking member is located in a rear portion of the lid. Such a configuration of the hooking member requires the lid to be tilted backwards in order to allow the hooking area to be hooked with the hooking member, and therefore prevents any water that may be contained in the lid from flowing out of the container or onto the user's hands.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hooking member projects from the lower face of the lid and forms a hook for gripping the hooking zone. Such a configuration of the hooking member facilitates the phase of hooking the hooking zone by the hooking member, and therefore facilitates the removal of the treatment accessory from the container.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hooking member is configured to be oriented downwards, and for example to extend substantially vertically, when the lid is in the closed position and the container is resting on a horizontal surface.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water treatment machine includes a gripping accessory which is separate from the lid and the container, the gripping accessory including the hooking member.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping accessory comprises an accessory handle configured to be manipulated by a user.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid comprises an obstruction wall projecting from the lower face of the lid and configured to be inserted into the upper opening provided on the main body so as to prevent the product to be infused from exiting the infusion volume.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the obstruction wall extends around the attachment member.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hooking member projects from a lower edge, and for example from a lower peripheral edge, of the obstruction wall.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the obstruction wall has a generally cylindrical shape, and has, for example, a circular cross-section.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water treatment machine comprises a steam discharge circuit configured to convey, outside the internal volume and for example towards the outside of the water treatment machine, steam generated in the internal volume during boiling of the water contained in the internal volume.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping zone is formed by a grip handle fixed to the container, and the steam evacuation circuit comprises:

[0048] - a first steam inlet and a second steam inlet steam which are provided on the cover and which open into the lower face of the cover, the first and second steam inlet orifices being configured to be fluidically connected to the internal volume delimited by the container, and for example to be located above a maximum filling level of the container, and to be arranged on either side of a median vertical plane of the water treatment machine which passes through the gripping handle,

[0049] - an internal chamber delimited by the cover, and

[0050] - a first steam flow conduit comprising a first opening steam inlet fluidly connected to the first steam inlet and a first steam outlet opening opening into the internal chamber, and a second steam flow conduit comprising a second steam inlet opening fluidly connected to the second steam inlet and a second steam outlet opening opening into the internal chamber.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam flow conduits form an anti-spill device, also called an anti-overflow device, configured to prevent spillage of the water contained in the internal volume via the steam discharge circuit when the water treatment machine is overturned.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam discharge circuit comprises at least one steam discharge opening, and for example one or more steam discharge opening(s), provided on the cover and fluidly connected to the internal chamber delimited by the cover, the at least one steam discharge opening being configured to allow discharge of the steam contained in the internal chamber to the outside of the cover and for example to the outside of the water treatment machine.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping area is formed by a grip handle attached to the container and the pouring area is formed by a pouring spout.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one steam discharge opening is configured to be located near a pouring spout forming the pouring zone.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water treatment machine is configured such that, when the water treatment machine is inverted and the gripping handle and a first lateral side of the container are resting stably on a horizontal surface, the first steam inlet is located above the water level in the internal volume, and such that, when the water treatment machine is inverted and the gripping handle and a second lateral side of the container are resting stably on a horizontal surface, the second steam inlet is located above the water level in the internal volume. Thus, the water treatment machine according to the present invention makes it possible to avoid or at least considerably limit the risks of boiling water flowing out of the water treatment machine in the event of the latter being overturned.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water treatment machine is configured such that, when the water treatment machine is inverted and the gripping handle and a first lateral side of the container are stably resting on a horizontal surface, the first steam inlet and the second steam outlet opening are located above the water level in the internal volume, and such that, when the water treatment machine is inverted and the gripping handle and a second lateral side of the container are stably resting on a horizontal surface, the second ... steam inlet and the first steam outlet opening are located above the water level in the internal volume.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam outlet openings are configured to be arranged on either side of the median vertical plane of the water treatment machine.

[0058] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam outlet openings are located in a rear half of the internal chamber. Such an arrangement of the first and second steam outlet openings limits the risks of water flowing into the cover (via the first and second steam inlet ports and the first and second steam flow conduits) when a user pours boiling water into a container by tilting the water treatment machine forward and downward. Furthermore, when the water treatment machine comprises an electromechanical control system, such an architecture makes it possible to facilitate the transfer of steam to the gripping handle and to an electromechanical control system of the water treatment machine located in the lower part and capable of deactivating the heating of the water treatment machine when it detects steam.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam outlet openings are configured to face away from the spout, i.e., toward the rear of the water treatment machine. These arrangements further limit the risks of water flowing into the lid (via the first and second steam inlet ports and the first and second steam flow conduits) when a user pours boiling water into a container by tilting the water treatment machine forward and downward.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second vapor flow conduits is flexible.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam flow conduits are formed respectively by first and second steam flow tubes. Advantageously, each of the first and second steam flow tubes is formed in one piece and is a single piece.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam flow conduits are housed in the internal chamber delimited by the cover.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam inlet ports are located in a front half of the lower face of the cover.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam inlet orifices are located near a peripheral edge of the lower face of the cover. Such an arrangement of the first and second orifices steam inlet further limits the risk of boiling water flowing out of the water treatment machine in the event of it being tipped over.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container has a central longitudinal axis, and the pouring zone is configured to be located opposite the gripping zone relative to the central longitudinal axis of the container.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping device is configured to be located opposite the lower face of the cover when the cover occupies the closed position.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body comprises a support portion configured to rest on a retaining portion provided on the container.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support portion extends at the level of the upper opening of the main body.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support portion is configured to extend substantially perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the container when the support portion rests on the retaining portion.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body comprises an infusion part delimiting the infusion volume. Advantageously, the infusion part has a generally cylindrical shape.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water treatment machine comprises an angular indexing device, also called a foolproofing device, configured to angularly index the treatment accessory relative to the container, so as to define a single position for retaining the treatment accessory on the container.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the invention, the angular indexing device comprises at least one indexing element provided on the container, and at least one corresponding indexing member provided on the main body and configured to cooperate with the at least one indexing element when the treatment accessory is arranged in the internal volume, and more particularly when the treatment accessory rests on the retaining part.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container comprises an upper filling opening opening into the internal volume.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid is configured to be arranged at the upper filling opening.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container comprises the pouring spout.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover is removable relative to the container.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water treatment machine comprises a fixing device configured to removably fix, that is to say, temporarily and reversibly, the lid to the container.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing device comprises at least one fixing member, such as a fixing lug or a fixing finger, provided on the lid and at least one fixing element, such as a fixing housing, provided on the container, the at least one fixing member being configured to occupy a fixing position in which the at least one fixing member is configured to cooperate with the at least one fixing element so as to fix the lid to the container, and a release position in which the at least one fixing member is configured to release the at least one fixing element so that the lid can be removed from the container.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one fixing member is mounted to move relative to the cover between the fixing position and the release position.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing device comprises a return member, such as a return spring, configured to return the at least one fixing member to the fixing position.

[0081] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water treatment machine comprises an actuating mechanism provided on the cover and configured to move the at least one fixing member into the release position when the actuating mechanism is actuated by a user.

[0082] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating mechanism comprises an actuating member which can be manually actuated by a user and which is configured to move the at least one fixing member from the fixing position to the release position, the actuating member being mounted to move between a first actuating position and a second actuating position, the actuating member and the at least one fixing member being configured such that a movement of the actuating member from the first actuating position to the second actuating position causes a movement of the at least one fixing member from the fixing position to the release position. Such a configuration of the actuating mechanism allows a user to be able to remove the cover by simply actuating the actuating mechanism.

[0083] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover comprises a pouring conduit configured to convey water contained in the internal volume to the pouring spout, the water treatment machine comprising a shutter mounted movably on the cover between a closing position in which the shutter closes the pouring conduit and prevents water from flowing through the pouring conduit and an open position in which the shutter releases the pouring conduit and allows water to flow through the pouring conduit. Such a configuration of the The cover significantly limits the risk of water flowing through the spout when the water treatment machine is turned upside down.

[0084] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pouring conduit comprises a water inlet opening opening into the lower face of the cover and a water outlet opening opening into an external peripheral surface of the cover.

[0085] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one steam discharge opening is located close to the water outlet opening.

[0086] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water treatment machine comprises an actuation system provided on the cover and configured to move the shutter between the open position and the closed position.

[0087] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation system comprises an actuation button actuable by a user and movable between a first button position and a second button position, the actuation system being configured such that a movement, by a user, of the actuation button from the first button position to the second button position causes a movement of the shutter from the shutter position to the open position.

[0088] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation system comprises a bistable control device, for example of the ballpoint pen type, configured such that a movement, by a user, of the actuation button from the first button position to the second button position causes a movement of the shutter from the shutter position to the open position, and such that a movement, by a user, of the actuation button from the second button position to the first button position causes a movement of the shutter from the open position to the shutter position.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container comprises a heating device, such as a heating base located under the internal volume, configured to heat the water contained in the internal volume, and for example to bring the water contained in the internal volume to a boil. Brief description of the figures

[0090] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows with reference to the appended schematic drawings representing, by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment of this water treatment machine.

[0091] [Fig-1] is a perspective view from above of a water treatment machine according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0092] [Fig.2] is a partial perspective view from above of the processing machine the water of [Fig.l].

[0093] [Fig.3] is a partial perspective view from above of a container belonging to the water treatment machine of [Fig.l].

[0094] [Fig.4] is a longitudinal sectional view of the water treatment machine of the [Fig.l].

[0095] [Fig.5] is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the processing machine the water of [Fig.l], showing a treatment accessory, belonging to the water treatment machine, being removed.

[0096] [Fig.6] is a perspective view from above of a cover of the machine of water treatment of [Fig.l].

[0097] [Fig.7] is a top perspective view of the cover of [Fig.6].

[0098] [Fig.8] is a perspective view from below of the cover of [Fig.6].

[0099] [Fig.9] is a partial perspective view from above of the cover of [Fig.6].

[0100] [Fig. 10] is a partial perspective view from above of the cover of [Fig.6].

[0101] [Fig. 11] is a top view of the processing accessory belonging to the machine water treatment of [Fig.l].

[0102] [Fig. 12] is a top perspective view of the treatment accessory of [Fig.11].

[0103] [Fig. 13] is a partial side view of the water treatment machine of [Fig.l] showing the water treatment machine inverted on a horizontal surface and occupying a stable position in which a gripping handle of the water treatment machine and the left lateral side of the container are supported on the horizontal surface.

[0104] [Fig. 14] is a partial side view of the water treatment machine of [Fig.l] showing the water treatment machine inverted on a horizontal surface and occupying a stable position in which a gripping handle of the water treatment machine and the right lateral side of the container are supported on the horizontal surface.

[0105] [Fig. 15] is a partial perspective view from above of a water treatment machine according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0106] [Fig. 16] is a perspective view of a gripping attachment belonging to the water treatment machine of [Fig. 15]. Detailed description

[0107] It will be noted that in this document, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “lower”, “upper”, “front”, “rear”, “top”, “bottom” and “longitudinal” used to describe the water treatment machine refer to this water treatment machine in use, when it is resting flat on a work surface.

[0108] Unless otherwise stipulated, the term “substantially” means, in this document, “exactly or to within 5% or 5°”.

[0109] In the remainder of the description, the term "water treatment machine" is understood to mean a machine for filtering the water contained in the machine (for example in order to remove the taste of chlorine or to eliminate limescale and pollutants), for softening the water contained in the machine, for heating the water contained in the machine, or for infusing a product into the water contained in the machine in order to modify the taste of the water and / or to provide vitamins and / or minerals in the water.

[0110] In the remainder of the description, the term “electric brewing machine” means a device intended to heat water to a temperature above 50°C, preferably above 70°C, and making it possible to brew a product to be brewed.

[0111] Figures 1 to 14 represent a water treatment machine 2, and in particular an electric brewing machine such as an electric kettle, according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0112] The water treatment machine 2 comprises a support base (not shown in the figures) configured to be electrically powered by a power cord, and a container 4 configured to rest on the support base.

[0113] The container 4 has a central longitudinal axis A configured to extend substantially vertically when the container 4 rests on a horizontal surface. Advantageously, the container 4 has a general shape of revolution around the central longitudinal axis A.

[0114] The container 4 delimits an internal volume 5 intended to contain water and in which the water is intended to be heated and in particular brought to a boil. The container 4 further comprises an upper filling opening 6 opening into the internal volume 5.

[0115] The container 4 further comprises a heating device 7, such as a heating base located under the internal volume 5, configured to heat the water contained in the internal volume 5. In a known manner, the heating base houses an electrical heating element configured to be electrically powered when the container 4 rests on the support base.

[0116] The water treatment machine 2 further comprises a gripping zone, and more particularly a gripping handle 8, fixed to the container 4, and a pouring zone, and more particularly a pouring spout 9 located opposite the gripping handle 8 relative to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4. The pouring spout 9 may for example be provided on the container 4 and be located at the level of the upper filling opening 6.

[0117] The water treatment machine 2 further comprises a cover 11 configured to occupy a closed position in which the cover 11 closes the container 4, and more particularly the upper filling opening 6. The cover 11 is provided with a lower face 12 configured to be located opposite the internal volume 5 of the container 4. Advantageously, the water treatment machine 2 comprises an annular seal 13 fixed to the lower face 12 of the cover 11 and configured to cooperate in a sealed manner with the container 4.

[0118] The water treatment machine 2 further comprises a fixing device configured to removably fix, i.e. temporarily and reversibly, the cover 11 to the container 4.

[0119] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 14, the fixing device comprises two fixing members 14 (see in particular Figures 6 and 7), such as fixing fingers, provided on the cover 11 and diametrically opposite. Each fixing member 14 is housed in the cover 11 and is configured to project out of the cover 11 through a respective through opening 15 provided on the cover 11. Advantageously, each through opening 15 opens into the external peripheral surface of the cover 11 and above the annular seal 13.

[0120] The fixing device further comprises two fixing elements 16 (see [Fig.2]), such as fixing housings, provided on an internal surface of the container 4 and located near the upper filling opening 6. According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 14, the fixing members 14 are more particularly configured to respectively penetrate into the fixing elements 16 when the cover 11 is fixed to the container 4.

[0121] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 14, the fixing members 14 are slidably mounted relative to the cover 11 in a sliding direction and between a fixing position in which each fixing member 14 is configured to cooperate with the respective fixing element 16 so as to fix the cover 11 to the container 4, and a release position in which each fixing member 14 is configured to release the respective fixing element 16 so that the cover 11 can be removed from the container 4. Advantageously, the sliding direction extends substantially radially relative to a central axis of the cover 11.

[0122] The fixing device may further comprise two return members 17 (see [Fig.9]) housed in the cover 11 and configured to return the fixing members 14 respectively into the fixing position.

[0123] As shown more particularly in Figures 1 and 6, the water treatment machine 2 comprises an actuating mechanism 18 provided on the cover 11 and configured to move the fixing members 14 into the release position when the actuating mechanism 18 is actuated by a user.

[0124] The actuating mechanism 18 more particularly comprises two actuating members 19 (see FIGS. 1 and 9) which can be manually actuated by a user and which are configured to move the fixing members 14 from the fixing position to the release position. According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 14, the actuating members 19 respectively comprise two manipulation parts 21 which are accessible from an upper face of the cover 11 and which are configured to be manipulated by a user.

[0125] The actuating members 19 are slidably mounted relative to the cover 11 between a first actuating position and a second actuating position, and the actuating members 19 and the fixing members 14 are configured such that a movement of the actuating members 19 from the first actuating position to the second actuating position causes a movement of the fixing members 14 from the fixing position to the release position. Advantageously, each actuating member 19 and the respective fixing member 14 are fixed to each other (and therefore integral in movement), and the two actuating members 19 are configured to move the fixing members 14 into the release position by pinching the two handling parts 21, i.e. by bringing the two handling parts 21 closer to each other.

[0126] The water treatment machine 2 may comprise an angular indexing system configured to define a single position for fixing the cover 11 on the container 4. The angular indexing system may for example comprise at least one indexing boss 22 (see [Fig. 3]) provided on the container 4 and at least one indexing notch 23 (see [Fig. 8]) provided on the cover 11 and configured to cooperate with the at least one indexing boss 22.

[0127] The cover 11 further comprises a pouring conduit 24 (see [Fig. 5]) configured to convey water contained in the internal volume 5 to the pouring spout 9. The pouring conduit 24 more particularly comprises a water inlet opening 25 opening into a front half of the lower face 12 of the cover 11, and a water outlet opening 26 opening into an external peripheral surface of the cover 11 and intended to be located substantially opposite the pouring spout 9 when the cover 11 is fixed to the container 4.

[0128] The water treatment machine 2 further comprises a shutter 27 (see FIGS. 4, 5 and 8) movably mounted on the cover 11 between a shutter position in which the shutter 27 closes the pouring conduit 24 and prevents a flow of water through the pouring conduit 24, and an open position in which the shutter 27 releases the pouring conduit 24 and allows a flow of water through the pouring conduit 24.

[0129] The water treatment machine 2 further comprises an actuation system provided on the cover 11 and configured to move the shutter 27 between the open position and the closed position. According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 14, the actuation system comprises an actuation button 28 actuable by a user and movable between a first button position and a second button position, the actuation system being configured such that a movement, by a user, of the actuation button 28 from the first button position to the second button position causes a movement of the shutter 27 from the closed position to the open position.

[0130] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 14, the actuation system comprises a bistable control device 29, for example of the ballpoint pen type, configured such that a movement, by a user, of the actuation button 28 from the first button position to the second button position causes a movement of the shutter 27 from the shutter position to the open position, and such that a movement, by a user, of the actuation button 28 from the second button position to the first button position causes a movement of the shutter 27 from the open position to the shutter position. The first and second button positions therefore correspond to stable positions of the actuation button 28.

[0131] The water treatment machine 2 also comprises a steam discharge circuit configured to convey, outside the internal volume 5 and for example towards the outside of the water treatment machine 2, steam generated in the internal volume 5 during boiling of the water contained in the internal volume 5.

[0132] The steam discharge circuit comprises in particular a first steam inlet orifice 33 and a second steam inlet orifice 34 which are provided on the cover 11 and which open into the lower face 12 of the cover 11 and close to a peripheral edge of the lower face 12 of the cover 11. When the cover 11 is fixed to the container 4 and the latter rests on a horizontal surface, the first and second steam inlet orifices 33, 34 open into the internal volume 5 delimited by the container 4 and above a maximum filling level of the container 4.

[0133] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 14, the first and second steam inlet orifices 33, 34 are arranged on either side of a median vertical plane P of the water treatment machine 2 which passes through the pouring spout 9 and the gripping handle 8, and are located in the front half of the lower face 12 of the cover 11. Advantageously, the first and second steam inlet orifices 33, 34 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the median vertical plane P of the water treatment machine 2.

[0134] As shown more particularly in Figures 8, 10, 13 and 14, the circuit steam exhaust also includes:

[0135] - an internal chamber 35 delimited by the cover 11,

[0136] - a first steam flow conduit 36 ​​comprising a first opening steam inlet fluidly connected to the first steam inlet orifice 33 and a first steam outlet opening 360 opening into the internal chamber 35 delimited by the cover 11, and

[0137] - a second steam flow conduit 37 comprising a second steam inlet opening fluidly connected to the second steam inlet 34 and a second steam outlet opening 370 opening into the internal chamber 35.

[0138] The first and second steam flow conduits 36, 37 form an anti-spill device, also called an anti-overflow device, configured to prevent spillage of the water contained in the internal volume 5 via the steam discharge circuit when the water treatment machine 2 is overturned.

[0139] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 14, and in particular as visible in [Fig. 5], the first and second steam flow conduits 36, 37 are flexible and are housed in the internal chamber 35. The first and second steam flow conduits 36, 37 may for example be formed respectively by first and second steam flow tubes which are advantageously formed in one piece and therefore in one piece. The first and second steam flow conduits 36, 37 may for example be configured to extend substantially horizontally when the container 4 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0140] Advantageously, each of the first and second steam flow conduits 36, 37 has a cross-section which is circular and a passage section which is substantially constant along its length.

[0141] The first and second steam outlet openings 360, 370 are more particularly configured to be arranged on either side of the median vertical plane P of the water treatment machine 2, and advantageously to be arranged symmetrically with respect to the median vertical plane P of the water treatment machine 2.

[0142] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 14, the first and second steam outlet openings 360, 370 are located in a rear half of the internal chamber 35, and are configured to be oriented substantially opposite the spout 9, i.e. towards the rear of the water treatment machine 2.

[0143] As shown more particularly in Figures 13 and 14, the machine of water treatment 2 is more specifically configured:

[0144] - such that when the water treatment machine 2 is overturned and the gripping handle 8 and a first lateral side, namely the left side, of the container 4 rest stably on a horizontal surface (see [Fig. 13]), the first steam inlet orifice 33 and the second steam outlet opening 370 are located above the water level in the internal volume 5, and

[0145] - such that when the water treatment machine 2 is overturned and the gripping handle 8 and a second lateral side, namely the right side, of the container 4 rest stably on a horizontal surface (see [Fig. 14]), the second steam inlet orifice 34 and the first steam outlet opening 360 are located above the water level in the internal volume 5.

[0146] Thus, the water treatment machine 2 according to the present invention makes it possible to avoid or at least considerably limit the risks of boiling water flowing out of the water treatment machine 2 in the event of the latter being overturned, while making it possible to optimize the maximum filling volume of the container 4.

[0147] The steam discharge circuit further comprises several steam discharge openings 38 provided on the cover 11 and fluidically connected to the internal chamber 35 delimited by the cover 11. The steam discharge openings 38 are configured to allow discharge of the steam contained in the internal chamber 35 to the outside of the water treatment machine 2.

[0148] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 14, the steam discharge openings 38 open into an outer peripheral surface of the cover 11, and are located near the water outlet opening 26. The steam discharge openings 38 are therefore configured to be located near the pouring spout 9 when the cover 11 is attached to the container 4. Such a configuration of the water treatment machine 2 allows steam to be discharged from the container 4 via the cover 11 and the pouring spout 9.

[0149] The water treatment machine 2 further comprises a treatment accessory 39, in particular an infusion accessory such as an infusion basket, configured to be arranged at least partly in the internal volume 5 of the container 4, and more particularly to be at least partly immersed in the water contained in the internal volume 5. Advantageously, the treatment accessory 39 is removable relative to the container 4.

[0150] The treatment accessory 39 comprises a main body 41 configured to rest on a retaining portion 42 provided on the container 4 and to be arranged at least partly in the internal volume 5 of the container 4. According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 14, the retaining portion 42 is formed by two retaining ribs 42.1 (only one is visible in the figures) provided on an internal peripheral surface of the container 4. Advantageously, the retaining ribs 42.1 are diametrically opposite with respect to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4 and extend circumferentially around the central longitudinal axis A. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the two retaining ribs 42.1 could be replaced for example by an annular retaining rib or an annular retaining shoulder.

[0151] The main body 41 delimits an infusion volume 43 configured to contain a product to be infused, such as tea, coffee or plants, and comprises an upper opening 44 through which the product to be infused is able to be introduced into the infusion volume 43.

[0152] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 14, the cover 11 comprises an obstruction wall 45 projecting from the lower face 12 of the cover 11 and configured to be inserted into the upper opening 44 provided on the main body 41 so as to prevent the product to be infused from exiting the infusion volume 43. Advantageously, the obstruction wall 45 has a generally cylindrical shape, and for example has a circular cross-section.

[0153] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the main body 41 more particularly comprises a support part 46 configured to rest on the retaining part 42 provided on the container 4 and to be located opposite the lower face 12 of the cover 11, and an infusion part 47 delimiting the infusion volume 43.

[0154] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 14, the infusion part 47 has a generally cylindrical shape, and comprises a tubular wall 47.1 of circular section and provided with an upper end delimiting the upper opening 44 and a lower end opposite the upper end, and a closing member 47.2 closing the lower end of the tubular wall 47.1.

[0155] As shown in [Fig.12], the bearing portion 46 is substantially planar and is configured to extend substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4 when the bearing portion 46 rests on the retaining portion 42. Advantageously, the bearing portion 46 extends at the level of the upper opening 44 of the main body 41, and at least partly around the upper opening 44.

[0156] The support portion 46 further comprises a passage opening 48 configured to be located opposite the shutter 27 and to allow the shutter 27 to move between the open position and the closed position.

[0157] As shown more particularly in Figures 2 and 12, the treatment accessory 39 further comprises a gripping device 49 attached to an upper portion of the main body 41 and configured to allow a user to manipulate the treatment accessory 39.

[0158] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 14, the gripping device 49 is fixed relative to the main body 41 and forms a gripping handle. For this purpose, the gripping device 49 comprises two lateral fixing parts 51 which are located at a distance from each other and which are fixed to the main body 41, and a gripping part 52 which mechanically connects the two lateral fixing parts 51 to each other and which is configured to allow a user to manipulate the treatment accessory 39.

[0159] The water treatment machine 2 further comprises a hooking member 53, such as a hooking finger, configured to cooperate with, i.e. to hook onto, a hooking zone located in an upper part of the main body 41 so as to allow removal of the treatment accessory 39 from the container 4 when the hooking member 53, hooked to the hooking zone, is moved, by a user and relative to the container 4, in a withdrawal direction DI which is oriented upwards. Advantageously, the withdrawal direction DI is configured to extend substantially vertically when the container 4 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0160] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 14, the hooking zone is formed by the gripping device 49, and the hooking member 53 is fixed to the cover 11 and projects from the lower face 12 of the cover 11. Advantageously, the obstruction wall 45 extends around the hooking member 53, and the hooking member 53 projects from a lower peripheral edge of the obstruction wall 45.

[0161] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 14, the hooking member 53 is located in a rear part of the lid 11, and is configured to be oriented downwards, and for example to extend substantially vertically, when the lid 11 is in the closed position and the container 4 rests on a horizontal surface. Advantageously, the hooking member 53 comprises a fixing part 53.1 which is substantially rectilinear and which is fixed to the lid 11, and a hooking part 53.2 which is curved towards the lower face 12 of the lid 11 and which is oriented towards the central axis of the lid 11. The hooking member 53 thus forms a gripping hook capable of cooperating with the hooking zone.

[0162] Thus, when a user wishes to remove the treatment accessory 39 from the container 4, for example after an infusion of the product to be infused, he simply has to actuate the two handling parts 21 in order to move the cover 11 into an open position, then hook the gripping part 52 with the hooking member 53 provided on the cover 11, and finally move the hooking member 53 in the withdrawal direction DI. The presence of the hooking member 53 allows therefore allows a user to remove the treatment accessory 39 from the container 4 without risk of burning and without risk of contaminating the water contained in the internal volume 5.

[0163] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 14, the water treatment machine 2 further comprises an angular indexing device configured to angularly index the treatment accessory 39 relative to the container 4, so as to define a single position for retaining the treatment accessory 39 on the container 4 and therefore to ensure an optimal position of the treatment accessory 39 allowing movement of the cover 11 into the closed position.

[0164] As shown in Figures 2, 3 and 12, the angular indexing device comprises at least one indexing element, which may for example be formed by the retaining ribs 42.1, provided on the container 4, and at least one indexing member 54, such as an indexing housing, provided on the support part 46 and configured to cooperate with the at least one indexing element when the main body 41 rests on the retaining part 42.

[0165] Figures 15 and 16 represent a water treatment machine 2 according to a second embodiment of the invention which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the water treatment machine 2 comprises a gripping accessory 55 which is distinct from the cover 11 and the container and which comprises the hooking member 53.

[0166] According to the second embodiment of the invention, the gripping accessory 55 comprises an accessory handle 56 which is configured to be manipulated by a user, and which is fixed to the hooking member 53.

[0167] Advantageously, the water treatment machine 2, and in particular the gripping handle 8 or the container 4, comprises a removable fixing member for the gripping accessory 55 to the water treatment machine 2. Such an arrangement makes it possible to secure the gripping accessory 55 to the water treatment machine 2 when the gripping accessory 55 is not in use and then to easily dispose of this accessory and to detach it from the water treatment machine 2 when the user wishes to remove the gripping accessory 55 from the container 4.

[0168] According to another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the treatment accessory 39 could be devoid of a gripping handle, and the attachment zone could be formed by a attachment hole provided in the upper part of the main body 41.

[0169] According to another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the water treatment machine 2 could comprise an electromechanical control device comprising a bimetallic element, and the steam discharge circuit could comprise at least one steam discharge opening 38 which is configured to direct the steam contained in the internal chamber 35 towards the element bimetallic, the electromechanical control device being configured such that an influx of steam onto the bimetallic element triggers a shutdown of the heating of the water treatment machine 2.

[0170] The bimetallic element may for example be arranged in the gripping handle 8. In this case, the at least one steam discharge opening 38 is provided in a rear part of the cover 11 and is configured to be oriented towards the gripping handle 8.

[0171] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the bimetallic element could be arranged in a lower part of the container 4. In this case, the at least one steam discharge opening 38 is provided in a rear part of the cover 11 and is configured to be fluidically connected to a steam tube which is arranged in the container 4 and which is fluidically connected to the bimetallic element.

[0172] According to another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the gripping device 49 could be mounted articulated relative to the main body 41 around an articulation axis and between a raised configuration in which the gripping part 52 is distant from the support part 46 and is able to be manipulated by a user, and a lowered configuration in which the gripping part 52 is brought closer to the support part 46, and can for example bear on the support part 46.

[0173] According to such an embodiment of the invention, the two lateral fixing parts 51 could be mounted articulated on the main body 41 by means of two pivot links defining the articulation axis, and the articulation axis could be configured to extend substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4 when the treatment accessory 39 rests on the retaining part 42.

[0174] According to such an embodiment of the invention, the gripping portion 52 could be configured to be offset relative to the upper opening 44 when the gripping device 49 occupies the lowered configuration, and to be located opposite the upper opening 44 when the gripping device 49 occupies the raised configuration.

[0175] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated which have been given only as examples. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Water treatment machine (2) comprising: - a container (4) delimiting an internal volume (5) intended to contain water, - a gripping zone associated with the container (4), - a pouring zone (9) suitable for pouring the treated water, - a treatment accessory (39) removable relative to the container (4), the treatment accessory (39) comprising a main body (41) configured to be arranged at least partly in the internal volume (5) of the container (4), and - a cover (11) configured to occupy a closed position in which the cover (11) closes the container (4) and at least partly covers the treatment accessory (39), the cover (11) comprising a lower face (12) configured to be located opposite the treatment accessory (39), characterized in that the treatment accessory (39) comprises a hooking zone located in an upper part of the main body (41),and in that the water treatment machine (2) further comprises a hooking member (53) configured to cooperate with the hooking zone so as to allow removal of the treatment accessory (39) from the container (4) when the hooking member (53) is moved, by a user and relative to the container (4), in a withdrawal direction (Dl) oriented upwards.,

2. A water treatment machine (2) according to claim 1, wherein the treatment accessory (39) comprises a gripping device (49) located in the upper part of the main body (41) and configured to allow a user to manipulate the treatment accessory (39), the gripping device (49) forming the hooking zone.

3. A water treatment machine (2) according to claim 2, wherein the gripping device (49) comprises two lateral fixing portions (51) which are located at a distance from each other and which are fixed to the main body (41), and a gripping portion (52) connecting the two lateral fixing portions (51) to each other and configured to allow a user to manipulate the treatment accessory (39).

4. A water treatment machine (2) according to claim 3, in in which the gripping device (49) is a gripping handle.

5. A water treatment machine (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the gripping device (49) is fixed relative to the main body (41).

6. A water treatment machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the hooking member (53) is fixed to the cover (11).

7. A water treatment machine (2) according to claim 6, wherein the hooking member (53) is located in a rear portion of the cover (11).

8. Water treatment machine (2) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the hooking member (53) projects from the lower face (12) of the cover (11) and forms a hook for gripping the hooking area.

9. Water treatment machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which comprises a gripping accessory (55) which is separate from the cover (11) and the container (4), the gripping accessory (55) comprising the hooking member (53).

10. A water treatment machine (2) according to claim 9, wherein the gripping accessory (55) comprises an accessory handle (56) configured to be manipulated by a user.

11. Water treatment machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which comprises a steam discharge circuit configured to convey, outside the internal volume (5), steam generated in the internal volume (5) during boiling of the water contained in the internal volume (5).

12. Water treatment machine (2) according to claim 11, wherein the gripping area is formed by a gripping handle (8) fixed to the container (4), and the steam discharge circuit comprises: - a first steam inlet orifice (33) and a second steam inlet orifice (34) which are provided on the cover (11) and which open into the lower face (12) of the cover (11), the first and second steam inlet orifices (33, 34) being configured to be fluidically connected to the internal volume (5) delimited by the container (4), and to be arranged on either side of a median vertical plane (P) of the water treatment machine (2) which passes through the gripping handle (8), - an internal chamber (35) delimited by the cover (11), and - a first steam flow conduit (36) comprising a first steam inlet opening fluidly connected to the first steam inlet port (33) and a first steam outlet opening (360) opening into the internal chamber (35), and a second steam flow conduit (37) comprising a second steam inlet opening fluidly connected to the second steam inlet port (34) and a second steam outlet opening (370) opening into the internal chamber (35).

13. A water treatment machine (2) according to claim 12, wherein the steam discharge circuit comprises at least one steam discharge opening (38) provided on the cover (11) and fluidically connected to the internal chamber (35) delimited by the cover (11), the at least one steam discharge opening (38) being configured to allow discharge of the steam contained in the internal chamber (35) outside the cover (11).

14. The water treatment machine (2) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the water treatment machine (2) is configured such that, when the water treatment machine (2) is inverted and the gripping handle (8) and a first lateral side of the container (4) are stably resting on a horizontal surface, the first steam inlet port (33) is located above the water level in the internal volume (5), and such that, when the water treatment machine (2) is inverted and the gripping handle (8) and a second lateral side of the container (4) are stably resting on a horizontal surface, the second steam inlet port (34) is located above the water level in the internal volume (5).

15. A water treatment machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which is an electric brewing machine and wherein the treatment accessory (39) is an infusion accessory.

16. A water treatment machine (2) according to claim 15, wherein the main body (41) delimits an infusion volume (43) configured to contain a product to be infused, and comprises an upper opening (44) through which the product to be infused is able to be introduced into the infusion volume (43).

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