Kettle equipped with steam discharge circuit

Abstract

The kettle (2) comprises: a container (4) comprising an internal volume; a lid (11) configured to close the container (4); a grip (8); a pouring opening (9); a steam discharge circuit configured to deliver steam generated in the internal volume when water contained in the internal volume boils out of the internal volume; and a venting device provided on the lid (11) and configured to fluidly connect the internal volume with the interior cavity of the lid (11) when the lid (11) closes the container (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of liquid heating appliances, in particular to the field of electric kettles. Background Art

[0002] GB2488204 discloses an electric kettle comprising

[0003] A container having a central axis which is arranged to extend substantially vertically when the container is placed on a horizontal surface, the container defining an inner volume for holding water, the water being heated, in particular boiled, in the inner volume,

[0004] A handle fixed to the container,

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

[0006] a lid configured to close the container, the lid comprising a lower surface configured to face the interior volume, and

[0007] A steam exhaust circuit is configured to transport steam generated in the inner volume when water contained in the inner volume boils to the outside of the inner volume, for example to the outside of the kettle.

[0008] The steam exhaust circuit includes in particular:

[0009] A first steam inlet hole and a second steam inlet hole are provided on the lid and open in the lower surface of the lid and near the peripheral edge of the lower surface of the lid, the first steam inlet hole and the second steam inlet hole are configured to be fluidly connected to the internal volume and are arranged on both sides of a middle vertical plane of the kettle, the middle vertical plane passing through the pouring spout and the handle,

[0010] The inner cavity defined by the lid,

[0011] a first steam flow conduit including a first steam inlet fluidly connected to the first steam inlet hole and a first steam outlet opening in the inner cavity, and a second steam flow conduit including a second steam inlet fluidly connected to the second steam inlet hole and a second steam outlet opening in the inner cavity, and

[0012] At least one steam vent is fluidly connected to the inner cavity and is configured to allow steam contained in the inner cavity to be vented to the outside of the lid, such as to the outside of the kettle.

[0013] When such a kettle filled to the maximum filling level of the kettle is tilted downwards after the boiling cycle of the water contained in the kettle has ended, boiling water can enter the first and second steam flow conduits through the first and second steam inlet holes, and due to the thermal inertia within the internal volume, the pressure in the internal volume continues to increase even after the boiling cycle has ended, so that the amount of boiling water contained in the first and second steam flow conduits increases (due to the overpressure in the internal volume, water is "pushed" into the first and second steam flow conduits), until the first and second steam flow conduits are triggered and cause boiling water to continue to flow out of the kettle through the steam discharge circuit, in particular at least one steam discharge port, even if the pouring conduit equipped with the kettle remains blocked. However, such a flow of boiling water out of the kettle may cause scalding to the user.

[0014] In order to overcome this disadvantage, it is known to equip the lid with a check valve, such as a ball valve, which is configured to prevent water from flowing through the first and second steam flow conduits when the kettle is tipped over or tilted downwards. However, such a check valve complicates the kettle and greatly increases the manufacturing cost of the kettle. Summary of the invention

[0015] The present invention is intended to overcome all or some of these disadvantages.

[0016] The technical problem on which the invention is based is, in particular, to provide a kettle which is structurally simple, economical and at the same time very safe to use.

[0017] To this end, the present invention relates to a kettle, in particular an electric kettle, comprising:

[0018] A container having a central longitudinal axis and defining an inner volume for containing water, the water being heated, in particular boiled, in the inner volume,

[0019] a lid configured to close the container, the lid comprising a lower surface configured to face the interior volume,

[0020] a handle, which is for example fixed to the container,

[0021] a pouring spout disposed away from the handle relative to a central longitudinal axis of the container, and

[0022] A steam exhaust circuit configured to convey steam generated in the inner volume when water contained in the inner volume boils to the outside of the inner volume, for example to the outside of the kettle, the steam exhaust circuit comprising:

[0023] a first steam inlet hole and a second steam inlet hole, which are arranged on the lid and open into the lower surface of the lid, the first and second steam inlet holes being configured to be fluidly connected to the inner volume defined by the container and, for example, being located above the maximum filling level of the container and arranged on both sides of a middle vertical plane of the kettle, the middle vertical plane passing through the handle,

[0024] an interior cavity defined by the cover, and

[0025] The first steam flow conduit includes a first steam inlet fluidly connected to the first steam inlet hole and a first steam outlet opening in the inner cavity, and the second steam flow conduit includes a second steam inlet fluidly connected to the second steam inlet hole and a second steam outlet opening in the inner cavity.

[0026] The kettle further comprises a venting device, which is disposed on the lid and is configured to fluidly connect the internal volume defined by the container with the inner cavity defined by the lid when the lid closes the container.

[0027] Such a venting device allows equalizing the pressure in the internal volume and in the inner cavity during the heating cycle of the water contained in the kettle. Thus, when the kettle is tilted downwards after the boiling cycle and the pouring duct with which the kettle is equipped remains blocked, the risk of triggering the first and second steam flow ducts is greatly reduced, which greatly limits the risk of boiling water flowing through the steam discharge circuit and thus the risk of scalding the user.

[0028] Furthermore, the presence of such a vent allows air to enter the internal volume as the amount of water in the kettle decreases when pouring the kettle's contents, which ensures pressure balance between the internal volume and the inner cavity so that water flows out of the kettle in an optimal state (without gurgling).

[0029] The kettle may also have one or more of the following features, either alone or in combination:

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cover includes a front portion located on the pouring spout side and a rear portion located on the handle side.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lower surface of the lid includes a front half located on the pouring spout side and a rear half located on the handle side.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the venting means comprises a vent hole opening in the lower surface of the cover.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vent hole is a calibrated hole. Such a configuration of the vent hole greatly limits the amount of water that may enter the inner cavity defined by the lid during a pouring operation of the water contained in the kettle.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vent hole is located in the rear half of the lower surface of the lid. This arrangement of the vent hole allows further limiting the amount of water that may enter the inner cavity defined by the lid during a pouring operation of the water contained in the kettle.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vent hole is close to the peripheral edge of the lower surface of the cover, and advantageously has a distance from the peripheral edge of the lower surface of the cover less than 30 mm, such as less than 20 mm.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vent hole is arranged opposite the pouring spout relative to the central longitudinal axis of the container. This arrangement of the vent hole allows further limiting the amount of water that may enter the inner cavity defined by the lid during the pouring operation of the water contained in the kettle.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the passage cross section of the ventilation hole is smaller than the passage cross section of each of the first and second steam inlet holes.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the kettle has no element for blocking the vent hole.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vent device includes a filter element configured to filter a fluid flowing through the vent hole.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filter element is removable.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vent means comprises a valve positioned across the vent aperture.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the steam exhaust circuit includes at least one steam exhaust port, such as one or more steam exhaust ports, which are arranged on the lid and are connected to the fluid of the inner cavity defined by the lid, and at least one steam exhaust port is configured to allow the steam contained in the inner cavity to be discharged outside the lid, for example, to the outside of the kettle.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam flow ducts form an anti-overflow device, also called an anti-overflow device, which is configured to prevent water contained in the inner volume from overflowing through the steam discharge circuit when the kettle tips over.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the kettle is configured such that when the kettle is tipped over and the handle and the first side of the container are stably placed on a horizontal surface, the first steam inlet hole is located above the water level in the inner volume, and such that when the kettle is tipped over and the handle and the second side of the container are stably placed on a horizontal surface, the second steam inlet hole is located above the water level in the inner volume. Thus, the kettle according to the invention allows avoiding or at least greatly limiting the risk of boiling water flowing out of the kettle in the event of the kettle tipping over.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the kettle is configured so that when the kettle is overturned and the handle and the first side of the container are stably placed on a horizontal surface, the first steam inlet hole and the second steam outlet are located above the water level in the internal volume, and so that when the kettle is overturned and the handle and the second side of the container are stably placed on a horizontal surface, the second steam inlet hole and the first steam outlet are located above the water level in the internal volume.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second steam outlets are configured to be arranged on both sides of a middle vertical plane of the kettle, for example, symmetrically arranged relative to the middle vertical plane of the kettle.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first steam outlet is located near the second steam inlet hole, and the second steam outlet is located near the first steam inlet hole. This arrangement of the first and second steam outlets further limits the risk of boiling water flowing out of the kettle in the event of the kettle tipping over.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam outlets are located in the front half of the lid.

[0049] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam outlets are located in the rear part of the inner cavity. This arrangement of the first and second steam outlets limits the risk of water flowing into the lid (through the first and second steam inlet holes and the first and second steam flow ducts) when the user pours boiling water into the container by tilting the kettle forward and downward. In addition, when the kettle includes an electromechanical control system, this architecture allows to facilitate the transmission of steam to the handle and the electromechanical control system of the kettle, which is located at the bottom and is suitable for deactivating the kettle heating when steam is detected.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam outlets are configured to face away from the pouring spout, i.e. towards the rear of the kettle. These arrangements further limit the risk of water flowing into the lid (through the first and second steam inlet holes and the first and second steam flow ducts) when the user pours boiling water into the container by tilting the kettle forward and downward. In addition, when the kettle includes an electromechanical control system, this architecture allows to facilitate the transmission of steam to the handle and the electromechanical control system of the kettle, which is located at the bottom and is suitable for deactivating the kettle heating when steam is detected.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the channel cross section of the first steam flow duct is substantially constant along the length of the first steam flow duct, and the channel cross section of the second steam flow duct is substantially constant along the length of the first steam flow duct.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second steam flow conduits is substantially circular in cross-section.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second steam flow conduits is flexible.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second steam flow ducts has a V-shaped overall shape, the V-shaped overall shape defined by each of the first and second steam flow ducts having a top end located in the rear portion of the lid. This configuration of the first and second steam flow ducts allows further limiting the amount of water that may enter the inner cavity defined by the lid during a pouring operation of the water contained in the kettle.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the apex of each V-shaped overall shape is arranged facing away from the pouring spout.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first steam inlet hole is positioned close to the second steam outlet, and the second steam inlet hole is positioned close to the first steam outlet, and the top end of the overall shape of the V defined by the first steam flow conduit is close to the top end of the overall shape of the V defined by the second steam flow conduit.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first steam flow conduit includes a first primary conduit portion which is basically straight and fluidly connected to the first steam inlet hole, a second primary conduit portion which is basically straight and includes a first steam outlet, and a primary middle portion which is arcuate and connects the first and second main conduit portions to each other, and the second steam flow conduit includes a first secondary conduit portion which is basically straight and fluidly connected to the second steam inlet hole, a second secondary conduit portion which is basically straight and includes a second steam outlet, and a secondary middle portion which is curved and connects the first and second secondary conduit portions to each other.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second primary duct portions converge with each other in the direction of the rear of the lid, for example substantially opposite to the pouring spout relative to the central longitudinal axis of the container, and the first and second secondary duct portions converge with each other in the direction of the rear of the lid, for example substantially opposite to the pouring spout relative to the central longitudinal axis of the container.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second steam flow ducts are arranged symmetrically with respect to a middle vertical plane of the kettle.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central longitudinal axis of the container is configured to extend substantially vertically when the container is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam flow ducts are housed in an inner cavity defined by the cover.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second steam inlet holes are located in the front half of the lower surface of the cover.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam inlet holes are close to the peripheral edge of the lower surface of the lid. This arrangement of the first and second steam inlet holes further limits the risk of boiling water flowing out of the kettle in the event of the kettle tipping over.

[0064] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second steam inlet holes are configured to be symmetrically arranged with respect to a middle vertical plane of the kettle.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam flow conduits are configured to extend substantially horizontally when the container is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0066] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first steam flow duct is configured to be inclined relative to the horizontal plane when the container is placed on a horizontal surface so as to direct the water contained in the first steam flow duct towards the first steam inlet hole, and the second steam flow duct is configured to be inclined relative to the horizontal plane when the container is placed on a horizontal surface so as to direct the water contained in the second steam flow duct towards the second steam inlet hole. These arrangements limit the risk of water accumulation and stagnation in the lid.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one steam discharge opening opens into the outer peripheral surface of the lid.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one steam discharge opening is arranged close to the pouring opening, for example facing the pouring opening.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container comprises an upper filling port opening into the inner volume.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover is configured to be arranged at the level of the upper filling opening.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pouring opening is located at the level of the upper filling opening.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container comprises a pouring spout.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid is detachable relative to the container.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the invention, the kettle comprises fixing means configured to detachably, ie temporarily and reversibly, fix the lid to the container.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing device includes at least one fixing member, such as a fixing ear or a fixing finger, arranged on the lid, and at least one fixing element, such as a fixing groove, arranged on the container, and the at least one fixing member is configured to occupy a fixing position and a release position. In the fixing position, the at least one fixing member is configured to cooperate with the at least one fixing element to fix the lid to the container. In the release position, the at least one fixing member is configured to release the at least one fixing element so as to remove the lid from the container.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one securing member is mounted so as to be movable relative to the cover between a securing position and a release position.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one fixing member is mounted to slide relative to the cover in a sliding direction. The sliding direction may extend substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the cover, for example substantially radially relative to the central axis of the cover.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing device comprises a reset member configured to reset at least one fixing member to a fixed position.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the kettle comprises an actuation mechanism disposed on the lid, the actuation mechanism being configured to move the at least one fixing member to a release position when a user actuates the actuation mechanism.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the actuation mechanism comprises an actuation member that can be manually actuated by a user, the actuation member is configured to move at least one fixed member from a fixed position to a release position, the actuation member is mounted to be movable between a first actuation position and a second actuation position, the actuation member and the at least one fixed member are configured so that the movement of the actuation member from the first actuation position to the second actuation position causes the at least one fixed member to move from the fixed position to the release position. Such an actuation mechanism configuration allows the user to remove the cover by simply actuating the actuation mechanism.

[0081] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one actuation member comprises a manipulation portion configured to be manipulated by a user.

[0082] According to an embodiment of the invention, the actuation mechanism comprises a return element, such as a return spring, which is configured to return the actuation member to the first actuation position.

[0083] According to one embodiment of the invention, the kettle comprises an angular indexing device, also called poka-yoke, configured to angularly index the lid relative to the container so as to define a single fixed position of the lid on the container.

[0084] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the angle indexing device comprises at least one indexing element disposed on the container, and at least one indexing member disposed on the lid, the indexing member being configured to cooperate with the at least one indexing element when the lid is secured to the container.

[0085] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one indexing member is located in the front portion of the cover.

[0086] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid comprises a pouring channel configured to convey water contained in the inner volume to the pouring opening, and the kettle comprises a valve mounted on the lid to be movable between a closed position and an open position, in which the valve blocks the pouring channel and prevents water from flowing through the pouring channel, and in which the valve releases the pouring channel and allows water to flow through the pouring channel. This configuration of the lid significantly reduces the risk of water flowing through the pouring opening when the kettle tips over.

[0087] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pouring duct includes a water inlet opening in the lower surface of the cover and a water outlet opening in the outer peripheral surface of the cover.

[0088] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one steam discharge port is located near the water outlet.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the invention, the kettle comprises an actuation system disposed on the lid and configured to move the shutter between an open position and a closed position.

[0090] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the actuation system includes an actuation button that can be actuated by a user and can be moved between a first button position and a second button position. The actuation system is configured so that movement of the actuation button from the first button position to the second button position by the user causes the valve to move from a closed position to an open position.

[0091] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the actuation system includes a bistable control device, such as a ballpoint pen type, which is configured so that movement of the actuation button by the user from a first button position to a second button position causes the valve to move from a closed position to an open position, and so that movement of the actuation button by the user from the second button position to the first button position causes the valve to move from an open position to a closed position.

[0092] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container comprises a heating bottom located below the inner volume and configured for heating water contained in the inner volume. Advantageously, the heating bottom is provided with an electric heating element.

[0093] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the kettle comprises a supporting base, and the container is placed on the supporting base.

[0094] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second steam flow ducts are formed by first and second steam flow tubes, respectively. Advantageously, each of the first and second steam flow tubes is integrally formed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0095] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description made with reference to the attached schematic drawings, which present several embodiments of the kettle by way of non-limiting examples.

[0096] Figure 1 It is a top perspective view of a kettle according to the present invention.

[0097] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top perspective view of the container of a kettle.

[0098] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top perspective view of a lid of a kettle.

[0099] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Front view of the cover.

[0100] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A bottom perspective view of the lid.

[0101] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Bottom view of the lid.

[0102] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A partial top perspective view of a cover with the upper shell of the cover removed.

[0103] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 A partial bottom view of the cover with the lower shell of the cover removed.

[0104] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 A partial side view of a kettle of FIG. 1 is shown overturned on a horizontal surface and occupying a stable position, wherein the handle of the kettle and the left side of the container are against the horizontal surface.

[0105] Fig.10 yes Figure 1 A partial side view of a kettle of FIG. 1 is shown overturned on a horizontal surface and occupying a stable position, wherein the handle of the kettle and the right side of the container are against the horizontal surface.

[0106] Fig.11 yes Figure 3 A truncated perspective view of the lid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0107] In the present context, the terms "front" and "rear" are defined relative to use of the kettle, during which a user holds the kettle by the handle and holds the kettle substantially horizontally with the pouring spout facing away from the user.

[0108] Figures 1 to 11 A kettle 2 according to the invention is shown, in particular an electric kettle.

[0109] In the following description, a hot water kettle refers to a device that heats water to above 50°C, preferably above 70°C.

[0110] The kettle 2 includes a support base 3 and a container 4 . The support base is configured to be powered by a power cord, and the container is configured to be placed on the support base 3 .

[0111] The container 4 has a central longitudinal axis A which is arranged to extend substantially vertically when the container 4 is placed on a horizontal surface. Advantageously, the container 4 has an overall shape which is rotated about the central longitudinal axis A.

[0112] The container 4 defines an inner volume 5 for containing water and for heating the water therein, in particular to boiling. The container 4 also comprises an upper filling opening 6 opening into the inner volume 5.

[0113] The container 4 further comprises a heating bottom 7, which is located below the internal volume 5 and is configured for heating the water contained in the internal volume 5. In a known manner, the heating bottom 7 houses an electric heating element (not shown) which is configured to be powered when the container 4 is placed on the supporting base 3.

[0114] The kettle 2 further comprises a handle 8 fixed to the container 4 and a pouring spout 9 located opposite the handle 8 relative to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4. For example, the pouring spout 9 can be arranged on the container 4 and at the level of the upper filling opening 6.

[0115] The kettle 2 further comprises a lid 11 configured to close the container 4, in particular arranged at the level of the upper filling opening 6. The lid 11 is provided with a lower surface 12 configured to face the inner volume 5 of the container 4. Advantageously, the kettle 2 comprises an annular seal 13 fixed to the lower surface 12 of the lid 11 and configured to cooperate sealingly with the container 4.

[0116] The kettle 2 further comprises a fixing device configured to detachably, ie temporarily and reversibly, fix the lid 11 to the container 4 .

[0117] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the fixing device comprises two fixing members 14 (see in particular Figure 4 and 6 ), such as fixing fingers, which are arranged on the cover 11 and are diametrically opposed. Each fixing member 14 is accommodated in the cover 11 and is configured to extend from the cover 11 through a respective through hole 15 provided on the cover 11. Advantageously, each through hole 15 opens in the outer peripheral surface of the cover 11 and above the annular seal 13.

[0118] The fastening device also includes two fixing elements 16 (see Figure 2 ), such as fixing grooves or restraining pieces, which are arranged on the inner surface of the container 4 and are located near the upper filling port 6. According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the fixing member 14 is more particularly configured to penetrate into the fixing element 16 when the lid 11 is fixed on the container 4, respectively.

[0119] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the fixing members 14 are mounted to slide relative to the lid 11 along a sliding direction between a fixing position in which each fixing member 14 is configured to cooperate with a respective fixing element 16 so as to fix the lid 11 on the container 4 and a release position in which each fixing member 14 is configured to release a respective fixing element 16 so that the lid 11 can be removed from the container 4. Advantageously, the sliding direction extends substantially radially relative to the central axis of the lid 11.

[0120] The fixing device may further comprise two reset members 17 (see Fig.11 ), the two reset members are accommodated in the cover 11 and are configured to reset the fixing member 14 to a fixed position respectively.

[0121] More specifically Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the kettle 2 includes an actuation mechanism 18 disposed on the lid 11 and configured to move the fixing member 14 to the release position when the actuation mechanism 18 is actuated by a user.

[0122] More specifically, the actuation mechanism 18 includes two actuation members 19 (see Figure 3 ), which can be manually actuated by the user and are configured to move the fixing member 14 from the fixing position to the release position. According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the actuating member 19 includes two operating parts 21 respectively, which can be touched from the upper surface of the cover 11 and are configured to be operated by the user.

[0123] The actuating member 19 is mounted to slide between a first actuating position and a second actuating position relative to the cover 11. The actuating member 19 and the fixing member 14 are configured so that the movement of the actuating member 19 from the first actuating position to the second actuating position causes the movement of the fixing member 14 from the fixing position to the release position. Advantageously, each actuating member 19 and the respective fixing member 14 are made in one piece, and the two actuating members 19 are configured to move the fixing member 14 to the release position by clamping the two operating portions 21, i.e. by bringing the two operating portions 21 close to each other.

[0124] More specifically Figure 3 As shown, the kettle 2 may include an angle indexing device, also called an error-proofing device, which is configured to define a single fixed position of the lid 11 on the container 4. For example, the angle indexing device may include at least one indexing element, such as an indexing chamber, disposed on the container 4, and at least one indexing boss 23 disposed on the lid 11, the indexing boss being configured to cooperate with the at least one indexing element.

[0125] The lid 11 also comprises a pouring duct 24 configured to convey the water contained in the internal volume 5 towards the pouring opening 9. The pouring duct 24 more particularly comprises a water inlet 25 opening in the front half of the lower surface 12 of the lid 11 and a water outlet 26 opening in the peripheral surface of the lid 11 and substantially facing the pouring opening 9 when the lid 11 is fixed on the container 4.

[0126] The kettle 2 further comprises a valve 27 mounted on the lid 11 so as to be movable between a closed position and an open position (see Figures 4 to 6), in the closed position, the valve 27 blocks the pouring conduit 24 and prevents water from flowing through the pouring conduit 24, and in the open position, the valve 27 releases the pouring conduit 24 and allows water to flow through the pouring conduit 24.

[0127] The kettle 2 also includes an actuation system, which is disposed on the lid 11 and is configured to move the valve 27 between an open position and a closed position. According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the actuation system includes an actuation button 28 that can be actuated by a user and can be moved between a first button position and a second button position, and the actuation system is configured so that the movement of the actuation button 28 from the first button position to the second button position by the user causes the valve 27 to move from the closed position to the open position.

[0128] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the actuation system comprises a bistable control device 29, for example of the ballpoint pen type, which is configured so that the movement of the actuation button 28 by the user from a first button position to a second button position causes the valve 27 to move from the closed position to the open position, and so that the movement of the actuation button 28 by the user from the second button position to the first button position causes the valve 27 to move from the open position to the closed position. Thus, the first and second button positions correspond to a plurality of stable positions of the actuation button 28.

[0129] The kettle 2 may further comprise a tea basket (not visible in the figure), which is configured to be placed on the restraining portion 32 provided on the container 4 and arranged in the inner volume 5 of the container 4. Advantageously, the tea basket is detachable.

[0130] The kettle 2 further comprises a steam exhaust circuit configured to convey steam generated in the inner volume 5 when water contained in the inner volume 5 boils to outside the inner volume 5 , for example to the exterior of the kettle 2 .

[0131] In particular, the steam exhaust circuit comprises a first steam inlet opening 33 and a second steam inlet opening 34, which are arranged on the lid 11 and open in the lower surface 12 of the lid 11 and near the peripheral edge of the lower surface 12 of the lid 11. When the lid 11 is fixed to the container 4 and the container 4 is placed on a horizontal surface, the first and second steam inlet openings 33, 34 open in the internal volume 5 defined by the container 4 and above the maximum filling level of the container 4.

[0132] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the first and second steam inlet holes 33, 34 are arranged on both sides of the middle vertical plane P of the kettle 2, which passes through the pouring spout 9 and the handle 8 and is located in the front half of the lower surface 12 of the lid 11. Advantageously, the first and second steam inlet holes 33, 34 are symmetrically arranged relative to the middle vertical plane P of the kettle 2.

[0133] More specifically Figure 7 and Fig.11 As shown, the steam exhaust circuit also includes:

[0134] The inner cavity 35 defined by the cover 11,

[0135] a first steam flow conduit 36 ​​including a first steam inlet fluidly connected to the first steam inlet hole 33 and a first steam outlet 360 opening into the inner cavity 35 defined by the cover 11, and

[0136] The second steam flow conduit 37 comprises a second steam inlet fluidly connected to the second steam inlet hole 34 and a second steam outlet 370 opening in the inner cavity 35. The first and second steam flow conduits 36, 37 form an anti-overflow device, also called an anti-overflow device, which is configured to prevent the water contained in the inner volume 5 from overflowing through the steam discharge circuit when the kettle 2 falls over.

[0137] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, in particular Figure 7 In the embodiment visible in FIG. 1 , the first and second steam flow ducts 36, 37 are flexible and are housed in the inner cavity 35. For example, the first and second steam flow ducts 36, 37 may be formed by first and second steam flow tubes, respectively, which are advantageously integrally formed and thus in one piece.

[0138] Advantageously, each of the first and second steam flow ducts 36, 37 is circular in cross-section, and the channel cross-section is substantially constant along its length.

[0139] The first and second steam outlets 360 , 370 are more particularly configured to be arranged on both sides of a middle vertical plane P of the kettle 2 , and are advantageously arranged symmetrically relative to the middle vertical plane P of the kettle 2 .

[0140] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each of the first and second steam flow ducts 36 , 37 has a V-shaped overall shape, and the first and second steam outlets 360 , 370 are located in the front half of the cover 11 .

[0141] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the V-shaped general shape defined by each of the first and second steam flow ducts 36, 37 has a top end which is located in the rear part of the lid 11, more particularly arranged to face away from the pouring spout 9. This arrangement of the first and second steam flow ducts 36, 37 allows limiting the amount of water that may enter the inner cavity 35 defined by the lid 11 during a pouring operation of the water contained in the kettle 2.

[0142] Advantageously, the first and second steam flow ducts 36, 37 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a middle vertical plane P of the kettle 2 and are configured to extend substantially horizontally when the container 4 is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0143] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the first steam outlet 360 is close to the second steam inlet hole 34, and the second steam outlet 370 is close to the first steam inlet hole 33. Therefore, the kettle 2 is more particularly configured so that when the kettle 2 is overturned and the handle 8 and the first side of the container 4 are stably placed on a horizontal surface (see Fig. 9 ), the first steam inlet hole 33 and the second steam outlet 370 are located above the water level in the inner volume, and when the kettle 2 is overturned and the handle 8 and the second side of the container 4 are stably placed on a horizontal surface (see Fig.10 ), the second steam inlet hole 34 and the first steam outlet 360 are located above the water level in the inner volume. Thus, the kettle 2 according to the invention allows avoiding or at least greatly limiting the risk of boiling water flowing out of the kettle 2 in the event of the kettle tipping over, while allowing the maximum filling volume of the container 4 of the kettle 2 to be optimized.

[0144] like Figure 7 As shown, the first steam flow conduit 36 ​​includes a first primary conduit portion 36.1, a second primary conduit portion 36.2, and an intermediate primary portion 36.3, wherein the first primary conduit portion is straight and fluidly connected to the first steam inlet hole 33, the second primary conduit portion is straight and includes a first steam outlet 360, and the intermediate primary portion is curved and connects the first and second primary conduit portions 36.1 and 36.2 to each other. In a similar manner, the second steam flow conduit 37 includes a first secondary conduit portion 37.1 that is straight and fluidly connected to the second steam inlet hole 34, a second secondary conduit portion 37.2 that is straight and includes a second steam outlet 370, and an intermediate secondary portion 37.3 that is curved and connects the first and second secondary conduit portions 37.1 and 37.2 to each other.

[0145] Advantageously, the first and second primary conduit portions 36.1, 36.2 converge with each other in the direction of the rear of the lid 11, for example substantially opposite the pouring spout 9 relative to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4, and the first and second secondary conduit portions 37.1, 37.2 converge with each other in the direction of the rear of the lid 11, for example substantially opposite the pouring spout 9 relative to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4.

[0146] The steam exhaust circuit further comprises a plurality of steam exhaust openings 38 which are provided on the lid 11 and are fluidly connected to the inner cavity 35 defined by the lid 11. The steam exhaust openings 38 are configured to allow the steam contained in the inner cavity 35 to be exhausted to the outside of the kettle 2.

[0147] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the steam discharge port 38 opens in the outer peripheral surface of the lid 11 and is close to the water outlet 26. Therefore, the steam discharge port 38 is configured to be located near the pouring port 9, for example, facing the pouring port 9 when the lid 11 is fixed on the container 4. This configuration of the hot water kettle 2 allows steam to be discharged from the container 4 through the lid 11 and the pouring port 9.

[0148] Advantageously, the kettle 2 has no blocking elements of the steam discharge circuit.

[0149] More specifically Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the kettle 2 is configured as follows:

[0150] When the kettle 2 is tipped over and the handle 8 and the first side, i.e. the left side, of the container 4 are stably placed on a horizontal surface, the first steam inlet hole 33 is located above the water level in the inner volume 5, and

[0151] When the kettle 2 is overturned and the handle 8 and the second side, ie the right side, of the container 4 are stably placed on a horizontal surface, the second steam inlet hole 34 is located above the water level in the inner volume 5 .

[0152] Therefore, the kettle 2 according to the invention allows avoiding or at least significantly reducing the risk of boiling water flowing out of the kettle in the event that the kettle 2 tips over.

[0153] The kettle 2 further comprises a venting device 39 which is arranged on the lid 11 and is configured to fluidically connect the inner volume 5 defined by the container 4 with the inner cavity 35 defined by the lid 11 when the lid 11 is fixed on the container 4 .

[0154] The ventilation means 39 more particularly comprises a ventilation hole 41 opening in the lower surface 12 of the cover 11. The ventilation hole 41 is more particularly formed by a calibrated hole whose passage section is smaller than that of each of the first and second steam inlet holes 33,34.

[0155] Advantageously, the vent hole 41 is located in the rear half of the lower surface 12 of the lid 11, close to the peripheral edge of the lower surface 12 of the lid 11. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the vent hole 41 is arranged facing away from the pouring mouth 9 with respect to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4. For example, the diameter of the vent hole 41 is between 1 and 15 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, preferably equal to 3 mm.

[0156] Such a venting device 39 allows the pressure in the internal volume 5 and the inner cavity 35 to be equalized during the heating cycle of the water contained in the kettle 2. Therefore, when the kettle 2 is tilted downwards at the end of the boiling cycle and the pouring duct 24 equipped with the lid 11 remains blocked, the risk of initiation of the first and second steam flow ducts 36, 37 is greatly reduced, which greatly limits the risk of boiling water flowing through the steam discharge circuit (especially through the steam discharge opening 38), thereby limiting the risk of scalding of the user.

[0157] In addition, the specific arrangement of the vent 41 (located in the rear half of the lower surface 12 of the lid 11 and close to the peripheral edge of the lower surface 12 of the lid 11) allows further limiting the amount of water that may enter the inner cavity 35 defined by the lid 11 when pouring the water contained in the kettle 2.

[0158] Furthermore, the presence of such ventilation means 39 allows air to enter the internal volume 5 as the amount of water in the kettle 2 decreases as the contents of the kettle 2 are poured, which ensures pressure balance between the internal volume 5 and the inner cavity 35, thereby ensuring that water flows out of the kettle 2 in an optimal state (without gurgling).

[0159] The venting device 39 further comprises a filter element 42 configured to filter the fluid flowing through the venting aperture 41. Advantageously, the filter element 42 is removable, for example to allow it to be cleaned or replaced.

[0160] Furthermore, the ventilation device 39 advantageously has no obstruction elements, thereby simplifying the structure of the ventilation device 39 and the steam discharge circuit.

[0161] As a variant, the venting means 39 may comprise a valve, for example formed from silica gel granules, comprising grooves formed, for example, by fissures made from the granular material. The valve is positioned across the venting aperture 41 .

[0162] According to another embodiment of the present invention not shown in the figures, the first and second steam outlets 360 , 370 may be located in the rear of the inner cavity 35 and arranged substantially away from the pouring spout 9 , ie toward the rear of the kettle 2 .

[0163] According to another embodiment of the present invention not shown in the figures, the kettle 2 may include an electromechanical control device including a bimetallic element, and the steam exhaust circuit may include at least one steam exhaust port 38, which is configured to direct the steam contained in the inner cavity 35 to the bimetallic element, and the electromechanical control device is configured so that the flow of steam to the bimetallic element will trigger the heating of the kettle 2 to stop.

[0164] For example, the bimetallic element may be arranged in the handle 8. In this case, at least one steam discharge port 38 is provided in the rear portion of the lid 11 and is arranged toward the handle 8.

[0165] According to a variant embodiment of the present invention, the bimetallic element may be arranged in the lower part of the container 4. In this case, at least one steam discharge port 38 is provided in the rear part of the lid 11 and is configured to be fluidly connected to a steam pipe arranged in the container 4 and fluidly connected to the bimetallic element.

[0166] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which are merely illustrative. Without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, modifications may still be made, particularly in the structural aspects of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents.

Claims

1. A hot water kettle (2), comprising: a container (4) having a central longitudinal axis (A) and defining an internal volume (5) for containing water, in which the water is heated, a lid (11) configured to close the container (4), the lid (11) comprising a lower surface (12) configured to face the inner volume (5), Handle (8), a pouring spout (9) arranged facing away from the handle (8) relative to a central longitudinal axis (A) of the container (4), and A steam discharge circuit, the steam discharge circuit being configured to convey steam generated in the internal volume (5) when water contained in the internal volume (5) boils to the outside of the internal volume (5), the steam discharge circuit comprising: A first steam inlet hole (33) and a second steam inlet hole (34) are provided on the lid (11) and open in the lower surface (12) of the lid (11), the first and second steam inlet holes (33, 34) being configured to be fluidically connected to the inner volume (5) defined by the container (4), and arranged on both sides of a middle vertical plane (P) of the kettle (2), the middle vertical plane passing through the handle (8), an inner cavity (35) defined by the cover (11), and a first steam flow conduit (36) comprising a first steam inlet fluidically connected to the first steam inlet hole (33) and a first steam outlet (360) opening into the inner cavity (35); and a second steam flow conduit (37) comprising a second steam inlet fluidically connected to the second steam inlet hole (34) and a second steam outlet (370) opening into the inner cavity (35), The kettle (2) is characterized in that it further comprises a ventilation device (39), which is arranged on the lid (11) and is configured to fluidically connect the internal volume (5) defined by the container (4) with the inner cavity (35) defined by the lid (11) when the lid (11) closes the container (4).

2. The kettle (2) according to claim 1, wherein the ventilation device (39) comprises a ventilation hole (41) opened in the lower surface (12) of the cover (11).

3. The kettle (2) according to claim 2, wherein the vent hole (41) is a calibrated hole.

4. The kettle (2) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the vent hole (41) is located in the rear half of the lower surface (12) of the cover (11).

5. The kettle (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the vent hole (41) is located near the peripheral edge of the lower surface (12) of the lid (11).

6. The kettle (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the vent hole (41) is arranged to face away from the pouring spout (9) relative to the central longitudinal axis (A) of the container (4).

7. The kettle (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein a passage cross section of the vent hole (41) is smaller than a passage cross section of each of the first and second steam inlet holes (33, 34).

8. The kettle (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the ventilation device (39) comprises a filter element (42), and the filter element is configured to filter the fluid flowing through the ventilation hole (41).

9. The kettle (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the kettle (2) has no blocking element of the vent hole (41).

10. The kettle (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the venting means (39) comprises a valve located across the vent hole.

11. The kettle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the steam exhaust circuit comprises at least one steam exhaust port (38), which is arranged on the lid (11) and is fluidically connected to the inner cavity (35) defined by the lid (11), and the at least one steam exhaust port (38) is configured to allow the steam contained in the inner cavity (35) to be discharged outside the lid (11).

12. The hot water kettle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the hot water kettle (2) is configured so that when the hot water kettle (2) is overturned and the handle (8) and the first side of the container (4) are stably placed on a horizontal surface, the first steam inlet hole (33) is located above the water level in the inner cavity (5), and so that when the hot water kettle (2) is overturned and the handle (8) and the second side of the container (4) are stably placed on a horizontal surface, the second steam inlet hole (34) is located above the water level in the inner volume (5).

13. The kettle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each of the first and second steam flow ducts (36, 37) has a V-shaped overall shape, which is defined by each of the first and second steam flow ducts (36, 37) and has a top end located in the rear of the lid (11).

14. The hot water kettle (2) according to claim 13, wherein the first steam inlet hole (33) is positioned close to the second steam outlet (370), and the second steam inlet hole (34) is positioned close to the first steam outlet (360), and wherein the top end of the overall shape of the V defined by the first steam flow conduit is close to the top end of the overall shape of the V defined by the second steam flow conduit.

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