Kettle with lid, equipped with at least one waterproof locking mechanism

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of liquid heating appliances, and in particular electric kettles. State of the art

[0002] An electric kettle is known to include: a container having a central longitudinal axis and delimiting an internal volume intended to contain water and in which the water is intended to be heated and in particular brought to a boil, a gripping handle fixed to the container, a pouring spout located opposite the gripping handle with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the container, a lid configured to be arranged at the upper filling opening and to close the container, an annular seal fixed to the lid and configured to cooperate in a sealed manner with the upper filling opening, a fixing device configured to removably fix, that is to say temporarily and reversibly, the lid to the container, and a steam evacuation circuit configured to convey, outside the internal volume and for example towards the outside of the kettle,steam generated in the internal volume when the water contained in the internal volume boils.

[0003] The fastening device may for example comprise at least one locking member housed at least partly in the lid and configured to protrude from the lid through a through opening provided on the lid, and at least one locking element provided on the container, the at least one locking member being mounted to move relative to the lid between a locking position in which the at least one locking member protrudes through the through opening provided on the lid and is configured to cooperate with the at least one locking element so as to fix the lid to the container, and a release position in which the at least one locking member is configured to release the at least one locking element so that the lid can be removed from the container.

[0004] If such an electric kettle is tipped over, some of the boiling water contained in the internal volume of the container may enter the lid via the through opening and then flow out of the lid via steam release openings provided on the lid. Such flow of boiling water out of the kettle may cause burns to a user.

[0005] Document WO 2022 / 130437 A1 shows an electric kettle. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0007] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in providing a kettle which is of simple and economical structure, while offering great safety of use.

[0008] To this end, the present invention relates to a kettle, and in particular an electric kettle, comprising: a container having a central longitudinal axis and delimiting an internal volume intended to contain water and in which the water is intended to be heated and in particular brought to a boil, the container comprising an upper filling opening opening into the internal volume, a gripping handle, a pouring spout configured to be located opposite the gripping handle relative to the central longitudinal axis of the container, a lid configured to be arranged at the upper filling opening and to close the container, the lid being equipped with an annular seal configured to cooperate in a sealed manner with the container, and for example with the upper filling opening, and a fixing device configured to removably fix, that is to say temporarily and reversibly, the lid to the container.

[0009] The fastening device comprises at least one locking member, such as a locking tab or a locking finger, housed at least partly in the lid and configured to protrude from the lid through a through opening provided on the lid, and at least one locking element, such as a locking housing or a locking notch, provided on the container, the at least one locking member being mounted movably relative to the lid between a locking position in which the at least one locking member protrudes through the through opening provided on the lid and is configured to cooperate with the at least one locking element so as to fix the lid to the container, and a release position in which the at least one locking member is configured to release the at least one locking element so that the lid can be removed from the container.

[0010] The fixing device comprises at least one sealing member separate from the annular seal and configured to ensure sealing at the through opening provided on the cover.

[0011] Such a configuration of the fixing device, and in particular the presence of the sealing member, prevents the penetration of water into the lid via the through opening in the event of the kettle being overturned, and therefore significantly reduces the risk of boiling water flowing out of the kettle in the event of the latter being overturned. As a result, the kettle according to the present invention has increased safety of use compared to kettles of the prior art.

[0012] The kettle may further have one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one sealing member is configured to cooperate in a sealed manner with the at least one locking member and the through opening.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking member is configured to compress the at least one sealing member when the at least one locking member occupies the locking position.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one sealing member extends around the at least one locking member, and is for example annular.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one sealing member is fixed to the cover.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the through opening provided on the cover opens into an external peripheral surface of the cover and is located below the annular seal. Thus, the at least one locking member is configured to extend partly below the annular seal when the at least one locking member occupies the locking position.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking member is configured to be located set back from the outer peripheral surface of the cover or to be flush with the outer peripheral surface of the cover when the at least one locking member occupies the release position.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking member is mounted to slide relative to the cover in a sliding direction.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sliding direction extends substantially radially relative to a central axis of the lid. Such a sliding direction ensures optimal fixing of the lid on the container when the at least one locking member occupies the locking position.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing device comprises a return member configured to return the at least one locking member to the locking position.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the return member is housed in the cover.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the kettle comprises an actuating mechanism provided on the lid and configured to move the at least one locking member into the release position when the actuating mechanism is actuated by a user.

[0024] 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 locking member from the locking 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 locking 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 locking member from the locking 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.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating mechanism comprises a biasing element, such as a biasing spring, configured to bias the actuating member into the first actuating position.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating member is mounted to be able to rotate relative to the cover around an actuating axis.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation axis is substantially parallel to the central axis of the lid, and may for example be substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the container when the lid is attached to the container.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating member comprises at least one cam surface on which a portion of the at least one locking member is in contact.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the part of the at least one locking member, which is in contact on the at least one cam surface, is a lug which is provided on the at least one locking member.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lug is in sliding contact on the at least one cam surface such that, when the actuating member is moved from the first actuating position to the second actuating position, the lug moves relative to the actuating member by sliding on the at least one cam surface and causes the at least one locking member to move from the locking position to the release position.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating member comprises a manipulation part configured to be manipulated by a user, and an actuating part housed in the cover and configured to cooperate with the at least one locking member.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central longitudinal axis of the container is configured to extend substantially vertically when the container rests on a horizontal surface.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid is configured to rest on an upper portion of the container which delimits the upper filling opening.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover comprises a cover housing on which the through opening is provided and on which the annular seal is fixed, and an upper cover fixed to the cover housing and covering the cover housing, the upper cover and the cover housing delimiting a cover housing in which the at least one locking member is housed.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one sealing member is housed in the cover housing.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating part of the actuating member is housed in the cover housing.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper cover comprises a guide member, such as a guide rib, configured to guide the actuating member in rotation when the actuating member is moved between the first and second actuating positions.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing device comprises several locking members provided on the cover and distributed around a central axis of the cover.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing device comprises two locking members provided on the cover and diametrically opposed.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the kettle further comprises an angular indexing device, also called a keying device, configured to define a single position for fixing the lid to the container.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the angular indexing device comprises an indexing element, such as an indexing boss, provided on the container, and an indexing member, such as an indexing housing, provided on the lid and configured to cooperate with the indexing element when fixing the lid to the container.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the kettle further comprises a steam discharge circuit configured to convey, outside the internal volume and for example towards the outside of the kettle, steam generated in the internal volume when the water contained in the internal volume boils.

[0043] 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.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one steam discharge opening opens into an upper face of the cover.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam evacuation circuit comprises: a first steam inlet and a second steam inlet which are provided on the lid and which open into a lower face of the lid and close to a peripheral edge of the lower face of the lid, the first and second steam inlets being configured to be fluidly connected to the internal volume delimited by the container, and to be arranged on either side of a median vertical plane of the kettle which passes through the pouring spout and the gripping handle, an internal chamber delimited by the lid, and a first steam conduit comprising a first steam inlet opening fluidly connected to the first steam inlet and a first steam outlet opening opening into the internal chamber,and a second steam conduit comprising a second steam inlet opening fluidly connected to the second steam inlet port and a second steam outlet opening opening into the internal chamber.

[0046] Such positioning of the first and second steam inlet orifices makes it possible to avoid or at least significantly limit the risks of boiling water flowing out of the kettle in the event of the latter being overturned.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one steam discharge opening is fluidically connected to the internal chamber delimited by the lid, the at least one steam discharge opening being configured to allow discharge of the steam contained in the internal chamber outside the lid and for example towards the outside of the kettle.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the kettle comprises an electromechanical control device comprising a bimetallic element, the steam discharge circuit being configured to direct the steam generated in the internal volume towards the bimetallic element, the electromechanical control device being configured such that an influx of steam onto the bimetallic element triggers a stoppage of the heating of the kettle.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one steam vent opening is configured to direct steam contained in the internal chamber towards the bimetallic element.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover housing comprises a lower housing and an upper housing fixed to each other and delimiting the internal chamber.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the internal chamber is located under the cover housing.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one steam discharge opening opens into the cover housing.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam discharge circuit comprises at least one through-hole provided on the lid housing, and for example provided on the upper housing, configured to fluidically connect the inner chamber to the lid housing. Thus, the steam contained in the inner chamber can flow to the outside of the lid via the at least one through-hole, the lid housing and the at least one steam discharge opening.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one through-hole is provided in a rear portion of the lid. As a result, even if a user tilts the kettle sharply to pour water out of the container and water enters the inner chamber through the first and second steam conduits, the water having entered the inner chamber moves towards the front of the lid and therefore away from the at least one through-hole. Consequently, such an arrangement of the at least one through-hole limits the risks of water flowing through the at least one steam discharge opening during a pouring operation.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam discharge circuit comprises several passage holes. Advantageously, the passage holes are distributed, for example regularly distributed, around the central axis of the cover.

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

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam inlet ports are located in a front half of the underside of the cover.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam outlet openings are located in a rear portion of the inner chamber. Such an arrangement of the first and second steam outlet openings limits the risks of water flowing into the lid (via the first and second steam inlet ports and the first and second steam conduits) when a user pours boiling water into a container by tilting the kettle forward and downward.

[0060] 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 kettle. These arrangements further limit the risk of water flowing into the lid (via the first and second steam inlet openings and the first and second steam conduits) when a user pours boiling water into a container by tilting the kettle forward and downward.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam conduits are housed in the internal chamber delimited by the cover.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first steam conduit comprises a first primary conduit portion fluidly connected to the first steam inlet and a second primary conduit portion extending from the first primary conduit portion, the second primary conduit portion being curved towards the rear of the kettle, and the second steam conduit comprises a first secondary conduit portion fluidly connected to the second steam inlet and a second secondary conduit portion extending from the first secondary conduit portion, the second secondary conduit portion being curved towards the rear of the kettle.These provisions further limit the risk of water flowing into the lid (via the first and second steam inlets and the first and second steam conduits) when a user pours boiling water into a container by tilting the kettle forward and downward.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container comprises the pouring spout.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container comprises a heating base located under the internal volume and configured to heat the water contained in the internal volume. Advantageously, the heating base houses an electric heating element.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the kettle comprises a support base on which the container is intended to rest. Brief description of the figures

[0066] 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 examples, several embodiments of this kettle. Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a kettle according to the present invention. Figure 2 is a top perspective view of a container of the kettle of the figure 1 . Figure 3 is a top perspective view of a kettle lid from the figure 1 . Figure 4 is a perspective view from below the cover of the figure 3 . Figure 5 is a perspective view from below the cover of the figure 3 in which a lower cover housing has been deposited. Figure 6 is a perspective view from below of an actuating mechanism and two fixing members provided on the cover of the figure 3 . Figure 7is a perspective view from above of one of the fixing members of the figure 6 . Figure 8 is a perspective view from below of the actuating mechanism of the figure 6 . Figure 9 is a perspective view from above of the cover of the figure 3 in which a top cover of the lid has been removed. Figure 10 is a perspective view from above of the actuating mechanism and the two fixing members of the figure 6 . Figure 11 is a perspective view from below of a top cover of the lid of the figure 3 . Figure 12 is a partial side view of the kettle of the figure 1 showing the kettle inverted on a horizontal surface and occupying a stable position in which a handle of the kettle and the left lateral side of the container rest on the horizontal surface. Figure 13 is a partial side view of the kettle of the figure 1showing the kettle inverted on a horizontal surface and occupying a stable position in which a handle of the kettle and the right lateral side of the container rest on the horizontal surface. Figure 14 is a sectional view of the cover of the figure 3 . Figure 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of the kettle of the figure 1 . Detailed description

[0067] THE figures 1 to 15 represent a kettle 2, and in particular an electric kettle, according to the invention.

[0068] The kettle 2 comprises a support base (not shown in the figures) configured to be electrically powered by a power cord (not shown in the figures), and a container 4 configured to rest on the support base.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] The container 4 further comprises a heating base 7 located under the internal volume 5 and configured to heat the water contained in the internal volume 5. In a known manner, the heating base 7 houses an electrical heating element (not shown in the figures) configured to be electrically powered when the container 4 rests on the support base.

[0072] The kettle 2 further comprises a gripping handle 8 fixed to the container 4, and 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 can for example be fixed to the container 4.

[0073] The kettle 2 further comprises a lid 11 configured to rest on an annular shoulder provided on an upper part of the container 4 and to close the container 4. The lid 11 is more particularly configured to be arranged at the level of the upper filling opening 6 and to seal the upper filling opening 6. The lid 11 is provided with a lower face 12 configured to be located opposite the internal volume 5 of the container 4, and an upper face 13 configured to be oriented away from the container 4.

[0074] According to the embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, the cover 11 comprises a cover housing 14 comprising a lower housing 14.1 and an upper housing 14.2 which are fixed to each other and which delimit an internal chamber 15 whose function will be described below. The cover 11 further comprises an upper cover 16 fixed to the upper housing 14.2 and covering the upper housing 14.2. The upper cover 16 and the upper housing 14.2 delimit a cover housing 17 (see figure 9 ) whose function will be described below.

[0075] The lid 11 also comprises an annular seal 18 fixed to the lid housing 14, and more particularly to the upper housing 14.2, and extending around the lid housing 14. The annular seal 18 is configured to cooperate in a sealed manner with the container 4, and more particularly with the upper filling opening 6.

[0076] The kettle 2 further comprises a fixing device configured to removably fix, i.e. temporarily and reversibly, the cover 11 to the container 4.

[0077] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the fastening device comprises several locking members 19, such as locking fingers or locking latches, provided on the cover 11 and distributed around a central axis of the cover 11, and more particularly two locking members 19 which are diametrically opposite with respect to the central axis of the cover 11. Each locking member 19 is housed in the cover housing 17 and is configured to project out of the cover 11 through a respective through opening 21 which opens into an outer peripheral surface of the cover 11, and more particularly of the cover housing 14, and below the annular seal 18. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each through opening 21 extends through the upper cover 16 and the lower and upper housings 14.1, 14.2.

[0078] The fixing device comprises at least one locking element 22 provided on an internal surface of the container 4 and located near the upper filling opening 6. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the fixing device comprises a single locking element 22 and the latter is formed by a peripheral rim which is oriented towards the heating bottom 7 of the container 4 and which partly delimits the upper filling opening 6. The locking members 19 are more particularly configured to abut against a lower edge of the peripheral rim when the cover 11 is fixed to the container 4. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the fixing device could comprise several locking elements 22, and the latter could be for example locking housings or locking notches configured to respectively house the locking members 19.

[0079] The locking members 19 are slidably mounted relative to the lid 11 in a sliding direction and between a locking position in which each locking member 19 projects out of the lid housing 14 through the respective through opening 21 and is configured to cooperate with the respective locking element 22 so as to fix the lid 11 to the container 4, and a release position in which each locking member 19 is configured to release the respective locking element 22 so that the lid 11 can be removed from the container 4. Advantageously, the sliding direction extends substantially radially relative to a central axis of the lid 11.

[0080] Each locking member 19 may for example be configured to be located set back from the outer peripheral surface of the cover 11 or to be flush with the outer peripheral surface of the cover 11 when the locking members 19 occupy the release position.

[0081] Advantageously, each locking member 19 comprises an inclined surface 23, such as an end chamfer, configured to cooperate with the container 4 when the lid 11 is introduced into the upper filling opening 6, so as to automatically move the locking members 19 into the release position. Such a configuration of the fixing device allows easy fixing of the lid 11 on the container 4.

[0082] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the fixing device comprises a return member 24, such as a helical spring, housed in the cover housing 17 and configured to return the locking members 19 into the locking position. The return member 24 may for example be interposed between the two locking members 19 and extend substantially coaxially with the locking members 19.

[0083] The fixing device further comprises two sealing members 25 housed in the cover housing 17 and separate from the annular seal 18. The two sealing members 25 are each configured to ensure sealing at a respective through opening 21 provided on the cover 11.

[0084] Each sealing member 25 is fixed to the cover 11, and for example to the upper cover 16. Each sealing member 25 is annular and extends around a respective locking member 19. Each sealing member 25 is therefore more particularly configured to cooperate in a sealed manner with a respective through opening 21 and a respective locking member 19. Advantageously, each locking member 19 is configured to compress the respective sealing member 25 when the locking members 19 occupy the locking position. Such a configuration of the locking members 19 further improves the sealing at each of the through openings 21.

[0085] As shown more particularly on the figure 6, the kettle 2 comprises an actuating mechanism 26 provided on the cover 11 and configured to move the locking members 19 into the release position when the actuating mechanism 26 is actuated by a user.

[0086] The actuating mechanism 26 more particularly comprises an actuating member 27 which can be manually actuated by a user and which is configured to move the locking members 19 from the locking position to the release position. Advantageously, the actuating member 27 is mounted to be able to rotate relative to the cover 11 about an actuating axis, for example collinear with the central axis of the cover 11, and between a first actuating position and a second actuating position. The upper cover 16 may for example comprise a guide member 28 (see figure 11), such as an annular guide rib extending around the central axis of the cover 11, configured to guide the actuating member 27 in rotation when the actuating member 27 is moved between the first and second actuating positions.

[0087] The actuating member 27 and the locking members 19 are configured such that a movement of the actuating member 27 from the first actuating position to the second actuating position causes a movement of the locking members 19 from the locking position to the release position.

[0088] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the actuating member 27 comprises two cam surfaces 29, and each locking member 19 comprises a lug 31 in contact with a respective cam surface 29. Each lug 31 is in sliding contact on the respective cam surface 29 such that, when the actuating member 27 is moved from the first actuating position to the second actuating position, each lug 31 moves relative to the actuating member 27 by sliding on the respective cam surface 29 and causes a movement of the respective locking member 19 from the locking position to the release position.

[0089] Advantageously, the actuating mechanism 26 comprises a biasing element 32, such as a biasing spring housed in the cover housing 17 and bearing on the one hand on the actuating member 27 and on the other hand on the cover 11, configured to bias the actuating member 27 into the first actuating position.

[0090] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the actuating member 27 comprises a manipulation part 27.1 configured to be manipulated by a user, and an actuating part 27.2, which has a general disc shape and which is housed in the cover housing 17, configured to cooperate with the locking members 19.

[0091] As shown more particularly on the figures 2 And 5, the kettle 2 comprises an angular indexing device, also called a keying device, configured to define a single position for fixing the lid 11 on the container 4. The angular indexing device may for example comprise at least one indexing element 33, such as an indexing tab or an indexing boss, provided on the container 4 and at least one indexing member 34, such as an indexing housing, provided on the lid 11 and configured to cooperate with the indexing element 33 when fixing the lid 11 on the container 4.

[0092] The kettle 2 also comprises a steam discharge circuit configured to convey, outside the internal volume 5 and for example towards the outside of the kettle 2, steam generated in the internal volume 5 during boiling of the water contained in the internal volume 5.

[0093] The steam discharge circuit comprises in particular a first steam inlet orifice 35 and a second steam inlet orifice 36 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 35, 36 open into the internal volume 5 delimited by the container 4 and above a maximum filling level of the container 4.

[0094] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second steam inlet orifices 35, 36 are arranged on either side of a median vertical plane P of the kettle 2 which passes through the pouring spout 9 and the gripping handle 8, and are advantageously arranged symmetrically with respect to the median vertical plane P of the kettle 2.

[0095] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second steam inlet ports 35, 36 are located in a front half of the lower face 12 of the cover 11.

[0096] As shown more particularly on the Figure 5, the steam discharge circuit also comprises a first steam conduit 37 comprising a first steam inlet opening fluidly connected to the first steam inlet orifice 35 and a first steam outlet opening 370 opening into the internal chamber 15 delimited by the cover 11, and a second steam conduit 38 comprising a second steam inlet opening fluidly connected to the second steam inlet orifice 36 and a second steam outlet opening 380 opening into the internal chamber 15. Advantageously, the first and second steam conduits 37, 38 are housed in the internal chamber 15, and are each formed by a respective flow tube.

[0097] The first and second steam outlet openings 350, 360 are more particularly configured to be arranged on either side of the median vertical plane P of the kettle 2, and advantageously to be arranged symmetrically with respect to the median vertical plane P of the kettle 2. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second steam outlet openings 350, 360 are located in a rear part of the internal chamber 15, and are configured to be oriented opposite the pouring spout 9, that is to say towards the rear of the kettle 2 and therefore towards the gripping handle 8.

[0098] The first steam conduit 37 may for example be configured to be inclined relative to the horizontal when the container 4 rests on a horizontal surface, so as to guide water contained in the first steam conduit 37 towards the first steam inlet orifice 35, and similarly the second steam conduit 38 may for example be configured to be inclined relative to the horizontal when the container 4 rests on a horizontal surface, so as to guide water contained in the second steam conduit 38 towards the second steam inlet orifice 36.

[0099] The steam discharge circuit further comprises several steam discharge openings 39 provided on the cover 11 and fluidically connected to the internal chamber 15 delimited by the cover 11. The steam discharge openings 39 are configured to allow discharge of the steam contained in the internal chamber 15 to the outside of the cover 11 and for example towards the outside of the kettle 2.

[0100] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the steam discharge openings 39 open into the upper face 13 of the cover 11, and are fluidically connected to the internal chamber 15 via the cover housing 17 and through holes 41 which are provided on the cover housing 14, and more particularly on the upper housing 14.2, and which are configured to fluidically connect the internal chamber 15 to the cover housing 17.

[0101] As shown more particularly on the figures 12 and 13, kettle 2 is configured: such that, when the kettle 2 is inverted and the gripping handle 8 and a first lateral side, namely the left side, of the container 4 rest stably on a horizontal surface, the first steam inlet 35 is located above the water level in the internal volume 5, and such that, when the kettle 2 is inverted and the gripping handle 8 and a second lateral side, namely the right side, of the container 4 rest stably on a horizontal surface, the second steam inlet 36 is located above the water level in the internal volume 5.

[0102] According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the kettle 2 could comprise an electromechanical control device comprising a bimetallic element, and the steam discharge circuit could comprise at least one steam discharge opening 39 which is configured to be fluidically connected to the internal chamber 15 delimited by the cover 11 and which is configured to direct the steam contained in the internal chamber 15 towards the bimetallic element, the electromechanical control device being configured such that an influx of steam onto the bimetallic element triggers a stoppage of the heating of the kettle 2.

[0103] The bimetallic element can for example be arranged in the gripping handle 8. In this case, the at least one steam discharge opening 39 is provided in a rear part of the cover 11 and is configured to be oriented towards the gripping handle 8.

[0104] 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 39 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.

[0105] According to another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the actuating member 27 could comprise two manipulation elements accessible for example from the upper face 13 of the cover 11 and arranged respectively on the two locking members 19. The two manipulation elements could for example be configured to move the locking members 19 into the release position by pinching the two manipulation elements, that is to say by bringing the two manipulation elements closer to each other.

[0106] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated which has been given only as an example.

Claims

1. A kettle (2) comprising: - a container (4) having a central longitudinal axis (A) and delimiting an internal volume (5) intended to contain water and in which the water is intended to be heated and in particular boiled, the container (4) comprising an upper filling opening (6) emerging into the internal volume (5), - a grip handle (8), - a pouring spout (9) configured to be located opposite the grip handle (8) with respect to the central longitudinal axis (A) of the container (4), - a lid (11) configured to be arranged at the upper filling opening (6) and to close the container (4), the lid (11) being equipped with an annular seal (18) configured to sealingly cooperate with the container (4), and - a fastening device configured to removably fasten the lid (11) to the container (4), the fastening device comprising at least one locking member (19) housed at least partially in the lid (11) and configured to project from the lid (11) through a through opening (21) provided on the lid (11), and at least one locking element (22) provided on the container (4), the at least one locking member (19) being movably mounted relative to the lid (11) between a locking position in which the at least one locking member (19) projects through the through opening (21) provided on the lid (11) and is configured to cooperate with the at least one locking element (22) so as to fasten the lid (11) to the container (4), and a release position in which the at least one locking member (19) is configured to release the at least one locking element (22) so that the lid (11) can be removed from the container (4), characterized in that the fastening device further includes at least one sealing member (25) distinct from the annular seal (18) and configured to ensure sealing at the through opening (21) provided on the lid (11).

2. The kettle (2) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one locking member (19) is configured to compress the at least one sealing member (25) when the at least one locking member (19) occupies the locking position.

3. The kettle (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one sealing member (25) extends about the at least one locking member (19).

4. The kettle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one sealing member (25) is fastened to the lid (11).

5. The kettle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the through opening (21) provided on the lid (11) emerges into an outer peripheral surface of the lid (11) and is located below the annular seal (18).

6. The kettle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one locking member (19) is slidably mounted relative to the lid (11) in a sliding direction.

7. The kettle (2) according to claim 6, wherein the sliding direction extends substantially radially with respect to a central axis of the lid (11).

8. The kettle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fastening device includes a return member (24) configured to bias the at least one locking member (19) to the locking position.

9. The kettle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which includes an actuation mechanism (26) provided on the lid (11) and configured to displace the at least one locking member (19) in the release position when the actuation mechanism (26) is actuated by a user.

10. The kettle (2) according to claim 9, wherein the actuation mechanism (26) includes an actuation member (27) which can be manually actuated by a user and which is configured to displace the at least one locking member (19) from the locking position to the release position, the actuation member (27) being movably mounted between a first actuation position and a second actuation position, the actuation member (27) and the at least one locking member (19) being configured such that a displacement of the actuation member (27) from the first actuation position to the second actuation position causes a displacement of the at least one locking member (19) from the locking position to the release position.

11. The kettle (2) according to claim 10, wherein the actuation member (27) is rotatably mounted relative to the lid (11) about an actuation axis.

12. The kettle (2) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the actuation member (27) includes at least one cam surface (29) on which part of the at least one locking member (19) is in contact.

13. The kettle (2) according to claim 12, wherein the part of the at least one locking member (19), which is in contact on the at least one cam surface (29), is a lug (31) which is provided on the at least one locking member (19).

14. The kettle (2) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the actuation member (27) includes a manipulation part (27.1) configured to be manipulated by a user, and an actuation part (27.2) housed in the lid (11) and configured to cooperate with the at least one locking member (19).

15. The kettle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which further includes an angular indexing device configured to define a single position for fastening the lid (11) on the container (4).

16. The kettle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, which further includes 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).

17. The kettle (2) according to claim 16, which includes an electromechanical control device including a bimetallic element, the steam discharge circuit being configured to direct the steam generated in the internal volume (5) towards the bimetallic element, the electromechanical control device being configured such that a steam inflow on the bimetallic element triggers a stop of the heating of the kettle.