Kettle including a lid equipped with a drain hole

Abstract

The kettle comprises a container comprising an internal volume; and a lid (11) movable between closed and open positions; and a steam discharge circuit formed in part by the lid (11) and configured to convey, outside the internal volume (5), steam generated in the internal volume (5). The lid (11) comprises a drain orifice (42) through which water contained in the lid (11) can be discharged from the lid (11), and the container (4) comprises a closure member (43) configured to close the drain orifice (42) when the lid (11) occupies the closed position and to release the drain orifice (42) when the lid (11) occupies the open position. Figure 15

Description

Title of the invention: Kettle comprising a cover equipped with a drain hole 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 comprises in a known manner:

[0003] - a container delimiting an internal volume intended to contain water and in which the water is intended to be heated, the container comprising an upper filling opening opening into the internal volume,

[0004] - a movable cover between a closed position in which the cover closes the upper filling opening and an open position in which the cover releases the upper filling opening, and

[0005] - a steam exhaust circuit configured to convey, outside the volume internal and for example towards the outside of the kettle, steam generated in the internal volume when the water contained in the internal volume boils, the steam evacuation circuit being formed in part by the cover.

[0006] When using such an electric kettle, some of the steam generated in the internal volume of the container and flowing into the steam discharge circuit is likely to condense in the lid. This results in an accumulation of water and stagnation of water in the lid.

[0007] This water accumulated in the lid is likely to flow undesirably out of the lid via steam release openings provided on the lid, for example in the event of the kettle being overturned or during a subsequent operation of pouring the water contained in the internal volume of the container into a receptacle, such as a cup. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0009] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in providing a kettle which is of simple, reliable and economical structure, while avoiding an accumulation of water in the lid.

[0010] To this end, the present invention relates to a kettle, and in particular an electric kettle, comprising:

[0011] - a container 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,

[0012] - a movable cover between a closed position in which the cover closes the upper filling opening and an open position in which the cover releases the upper filling opening, and

[0013] - a steam evacuation circuit configured to convey, outside the volume internal and for example towards the outside of the kettle, steam generated in the internal volume when the water contained in the internal volume boils, the steam evacuation circuit being formed in part by the cover,

[0014] characterized in that the lid comprises a drain orifice through which water contained in the lid can be discharged from the lid, and in that the container comprises a closing member configured to close the drain orifice when the lid occupies the closed position and to release the drain orifice when the lid occupies the open position.

[0015] Such a configuration of the lid allows, when the latter is moved into the open position, to ensure evacuation of the water vapor condensed in the lid from the latter via the drain orifice. Consequently, the kettle according to the present invention significantly reduces the risks of water accumulation and water stagnation in the lid.

[0016] Furthermore, the presence of the closure member prevents, during a pouring operation, water contained in the internal volume from entering the lid via the drain orifice. In addition, in the event of the kettle being overturned, the boiling water contained in the latter is not likely to flow through the drain orifice, and therefore subsequently flow out of the lid via steam discharge openings provided on the lid.

[0017] As a result, the kettle according to the present invention has increased safety of use compared to kettles of the prior art.

[0018] The kettle may further have one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the closure member is static relative to the container.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid is configured to be arranged at the upper filling opening and to close the container.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drain orifice opens into a lower face of the lid. Such a configuration of the drain orifice allows gravity flow of the water vapor condensed in the lid directly into the container when the lid is moved into the open position.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the closure member is a finger plug configured to enter the drain hole and plug the drain hole when the cover is in the closed position.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drain orifice is located in a rear portion of the lid. Such an arrangement of the drain orifice further reduces the risk of water entering the lid via the drain orifice during a pouring operation, particularly when the upper portion of the kettle is tilted sharply downwards.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover is removable relative to the container.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the invention, the cover is pivotally mounted on the container between the open position and the closed position.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam discharge circuit comprises an internal chamber delimited by the cover, the drain orifice being fluidically connected to the internal chamber.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drain orifice opens into a bottom wall of the internal chamber. Such an arrangement of the drain orifice further promotes the evacuation of the water contained in the cover when the latter is moved into the open position.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container has a central longitudinal axis and comprises a gripping handle and a pouring spout configured to be located opposite the gripping handle relative to the central longitudinal axis of the container.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam discharge circuit comprises at least one steam inlet orifice which is provided on the lid and which is configured to be fluidically connected to the internal volume, delimited by the container, when the lid occupies the closed position.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one steam inlet orifice comprises a first steam inlet orifice and a second steam inlet orifice which are provided on the cover and which open into a lower face of the cover.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam inlet orifices are located near a peripheral edge of the lower face of the cover.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam inlet orifices are configured to be arranged on either side of a median vertical plane of the kettle which passes through the pouring spout and the gripping handle, when the lid occupies the closed position. Such positioning of the first and second steam inlet orifices makes it possible to avoid or at least to significantly limit the risks of boiling water spilling out of the kettle if it is knocked over.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam inlet ports are located in a front half of the lower face of the cover.

[0034] 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. Such an arrangement of the first and second steam inlets makes it possible to ensure that the steam contained in the internal volume is evacuated from the container even if the kettle is overturned.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid comprises an anti-spill device, also called an anti-overflow device, configured to prevent the water contained in the internal volume from spilling via the steam discharge circuit when the kettle is overturned. Such an anti-spill arrangement makes it possible to reduce the risks of boiling water flowing out of the kettle via the steam discharge circuit in the event of the kettle being overturned.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the anti-spill device comprises a first steam flow tube comprising a first steam inlet opening fluidly connected to the first steam inlet port and a first steam outlet opening opening into the internal chamber, and a second steam flow tube 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.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam flow tubes are housed in the internal chamber delimited by the cover.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam discharge circuit comprises at least one steam discharge opening provided on the cover.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one steam discharge opening opens into an upper face of the cover.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one steam discharge opening is fluidically connected to the internal chamber delimited by the cover, the at least one steam discharge opening being configured to allow a evacuation of the steam contained in the internal chamber outside the lid and for example towards the outside of the kettle.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the kettle comprises an angular indexing device, also called a keying device, configured to angularly index the lid relative to the container, so as to define a single closing position of the lid on the container.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drain orifice and the closure member at least partly form the angular indexing device.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the angular indexing device comprises at least one indexing element, such as an indexing tab or an indexing boss, provided on the container, and at least one indexing member, such as an indexing housing, provided on the lid and configured to cooperate with the at least one indexing element when the lid is moved towards the closed position.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one indexing member is located in a rear part of the cover.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one indexing element is arranged at least partly in the internal volume of the container.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one indexing element is located opposite the pouring spout relative to the central longitudinal axis of the container.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the closure member is located close to the at least one indexing element.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the closure member has a central axis which is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the container. The central axis of the closure member may for example be inclined relative to the central longitudinal axis of the container by an angle of inclination less than or equal to 15°, and for example less than or equal to 10°.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the closure member has a generally truncated cone shape.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one indexing element and the closure member are made in a single piece.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover comprises a sealing element which is annular and which is configured to cooperate in a sealed manner with the closure member when the cover occupies the closed position.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid is equipped with an annular seal configured to cooperate in a sealed manner with the container.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the kettle comprises a fixing device configured to temporarily and reversibly fix the cover to the container, when the lid is in the closed position.

[0054] 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.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drain orifice is located at a low point of the internal chamber. Such an arrangement of the drain orifice promotes evacuation of the water contained in the internal chamber through the drain orifice.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bottom wall of the internal chamber comprises one or more inclined guide surface(s) configured to direct and guide the water contained in the internal chamber towards the drain orifice.

[0057] 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.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one steam discharge opening is configured to direct the steam contained in the internal chamber towards the bimetallic element.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container comprises the pouring spout.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container comprises a heating base located below the internal volume and configured to heat the water contained in the internal volume. Advantageously, the heating base houses an electric heating element.

[0061] 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

[0062] 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.

[0063] [Fig-1] is a perspective view from above of a kettle according to the present the invention.

[0064] [Fig.2] is a perspective view from above of a container of the kettle of the [Fig.l].

[0065] [Fig.3] is a perspective view from above of a lid of the kettle of the [Fig.l].

[0066] [Fig.4] is a perspective view from below of the cover of [Fig.3].

[0067] [Fig.5] is a perspective view from below of the cover of [Fig.3] in which a lower cover housing was removed.

[0068] [Fig.6] is a perspective view from below of an actuating mechanism and two fixing members provided on the cover of [Fig.3].

[0069] [Fig.7] is a perspective view from above of one of the fixing members of the [Fig.6].

[0070] [Fig.8] is a perspective view from below of the actuating mechanism of the [Fig.6].

[0071] [Fig.9] is a perspective view from above of the cover of [Fig.3] in which a top cover of the lid was removed.

[0072] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view from above of the actuating mechanism and the two fixing members of [Fig.6].

[0073] [Fig. 11] is a perspective view from below of an upper cover of the lid of [Fig.3],

[0074] [Fig. 12] is a partial side view of the kettle of [Fig. 1] showing the kettle inverted on a horizontal surface and occupying a stable position in which a grip handle of the kettle and the left lateral side of the container rest on the horizontal surface.

[0075] [Fig. 13] is a partial side view of the kettle of [Fig. 1] showing the kettle inverted on a horizontal surface and occupying a stable position in which a grip handle of the kettle and the right lateral side of the container are supported on the horizontal surface.

[0076] [Fig. 14] is a sectional view of the cover of [Fig.3].

[0077] [Fig. 15] is a perspective view from below of the cover of [Fig.3], and of a angular indexing device and a closure member of the kettle of [Fig.l]. Detailed description

[0078] Figures 1 to 15 represent a kettle 2, and in particular an electric kettle, according to the invention.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] The kettle 2 further comprises a lid 11 movable between a closed position in which the lid 11 closes the upper filling opening 6 and an open position in which the lid 11 releases the upper filling opening 6. The lid 11 is more particularly configured to be arranged at the upper filling opening 6 and to seal the upper filling opening 6 when the lid 11 occupies the closed position. The lid 11 may for example be configured to rest on an annular shoulder provided on an upper part of the container 4 when the lid 11 occupies the closed position.

[0085] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the cover 11 is removable relative to the container 4. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the cover 11 could be pivotally mounted on the container 4.

[0086] The cover 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 opposite the container 4.

[0087] 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 [Fig.9]) whose function will be described below.

[0088] 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.

[0089] The kettle 2 further comprises a fixing device configured to temporarily and reversibly fix the cover 11 to the container 4, when the cover 11 occupies the closed position.

[0090] 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 opposed 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.

[0091] The fixing device comprises at least one locking element 22 provided on an internal surface of the container 4 and located close to 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 come into abutment 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] Each locking member 19 may for example be configured to be located set back from the external peripheral surface of the cover 11 or to be flush with the external peripheral surface of the cover 11 when the locking members 19 occupy the release position.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] The fixing device further comprises two sealing members 25 housed in the cover housing 17 and distinct 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] As shown more particularly in [Fig.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.

[0099] 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 movable in rotation relative to the cover 11 around 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 can for example, include a guide member 28 (see [Fig.l 1]), 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] As shown more particularly in Figures 2 and 5, the kettle 2 comprises an angular indexing device, also called a keying device, configured to angularly index the lid relative to the container, so as to define a single closing position of the lid 11 on the container 4.

[0105] The angular indexing device may for example comprise (see figures 2, 5 and 15) one or more indexing element(s) 33, such as an indexing tab or an indexing boss, provided on the container 4, and one or more indexing member(s) 34, such as an indexing housing, provided on the cover 11 and configured to cooperate with the indexing element(s) 33 when the cover 11 is moved to the closed position. Advantageously, the indexing member(s) 34 is (are) located in a rear part of the cover 11, and the or the indexing element(s) 33 is (are) arranged at least partly in the internal volume 5 of the container 4. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the indexing element(s) 33 is (are) located opposite the pouring spout 9 relative to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4.

[0106] The kettle 2 also comprises a steam evacuation 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.

[0107] 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 occupies the closed position 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. Advantageously, the first and second steam inlet orifices 35, 36 are located in a front half of the lower face 12 of the cover 11.

[0108] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, when the cover 11 occupies the closed position, 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.

[0109] Advantageously, the cover 11 comprises an anti-spill device, also called an anti-overflow device, configured to prevent the water contained in the internal volume 5 from spilling via the steam discharge circuit when the kettle 2 is overturned.

[0110] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the anti-spill device comprises (see in particular [Fig.5]) a first steam flow tube 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 flow tube 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 flow tubes 37, 38 are housed in the internal chamber 15.

[0111] 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 grip handle 8.

[0112] The first steam flow tube 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 flow tube 37 towards the first steam inlet orifice 35, and similarly the second steam flow tube 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 flow tube 38 towards the second steam inlet orifice 36.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] As shown more particularly in Figures 12 and 13, the kettle 2 is configured:

[0116] - such that when the kettle 2 is overturned and the handle of grip 8 and a first lateral side, namely the left side, of the container 4 rest stably on a horizontal surface, the first steam inlet orifice 35 is located above the water level in the internal volume 5, and

[0117] - such that when the kettle 2 is overturned and the handle of gripping 8 and a second lateral side, namely the right side, of the container 4 rest stably on a horizontal surface, the second steam inlet orifice 36 is located above the water level in the internal volume 5.

[0118] As shown more particularly in Figures 4 and 15, the cover 11 further comprises a drain orifice 42 through which water contained in the cover 11 can be evacuated from the cover 11. The drain orifice 42 is fluidically connected to the internal chamber 15 delimited by the cover 11. Advantageously, the drain orifice 42 is located in a rear part of the cover 11 and opens on the one hand into a bottom wall of the internal chamber 15 and on the other hand into the lower face 12 of the cover 11. In order to promote evacuation of the water contained in the internal chamber 15 through the drain orifice 42, the latter may for example be located at a low point of the internal chamber 15 and / or the bottom wall of the internal chamber 15 may for example comprise one or more inclined guide surface(s) configured to orient and guide the water contained in the internal chamber 15 towards the drain orifice 42.

[0119] As shown in [Fig.2] and 15, the container 4 comprises a closure member 43 configured to close the drain orifice 42 when the cover 11 occupies the closed position and to release the drain orifice 42 when the cover 11 occupies the open position. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the closure member 43 is a closure finger configured to penetrate into the drain orifice 42 and close the drain orifice 42 when the cover 11 occupies the closed position. The closure member 43 may for example have a generally frustoconical shape.

[0120] The closure member 43 has a central axis which may for example be parallel to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4, or be inclined relative to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4 by an angle of inclination less than or equal to 15°, and for example less than or equal to 10°.

[0121] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the closure member 43 is located close to the indexing element(s) 33. Advantageously, the closure member 43 and the indexing element(s) 33 are made in a single piece.

[0122] Advantageously, the cover 11 comprises a sealing element 44 which is annular and which is configured to cooperate in a sealed manner with the closure member 43 when the cover occupies the closed position.

[0123] 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.

[0124] The bimetallic element may 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated which has been given only as an example. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Kettle (2) comprising: - a container (4) delimiting an internal volume (5) intended to contain water and in which the water is intended to be heated, the container (4) comprising an upper filling opening (6) opening into the internal volume (5), - a cover (11) movable between a closed position in which the cover (11) closes the upper filling opening (6) and an open position in which the cover (11) releases the upper filling opening (6), and - a steam discharge circuit configured to convey, outside the internal volume (5), steam generated in the internal volume (5) when the water contained in the internal volume (5) boils, the steam discharge circuit being formed in part by the cover (11),characterized in that the cover (11) comprises a drain orifice (42) through which water contained in the cover (11) can be discharged from the cover (11), and in that the container (4) comprises a closing member (43) configured to close the drain orifice (42) when the cover (11) occupies the closed position and to release the drain orifice (42) when the cover (11) occupies the open position.,

2. Kettle (2) according to claim 1, in which the drain orifice (42) opens into a lower face of the cover (11).

3. A kettle (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closure member (43) is a closure finger configured to penetrate the drain orifice (42) and close the drain orifice (42) when the cover (11) occupies the closed position.

4. A kettle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drain hole (42) is located in a rear portion of the cover (11).

5. A kettle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lid (11) is removable from the container (4).

6. Kettle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the steam discharge circuit comprises an internal chamber (15) delimited by the cover (11), the drain orifice (42) being fluidically connected to the internal chamber (15).

7. Kettle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the steam discharge circuit comprises at least one steam inlet orifice which is provided on the cover (11) and which is configured to be fluidically connected to the internal volume (5), delimited by the container (4), when the cover (11) occupies the closed position.

8. A kettle (2) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one steam inlet comprises a first steam inlet (35) and a second steam inlet (36) which are provided on the cover (11) and which open into a lower face (12) of the cover (11).

9. A kettle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lid (11) comprises an anti-spill device configured to prevent spillage of water contained in the internal volume (5) via the steam discharge circuit when the kettle (2) is overturned.

10. A kettle (2) according to claim 9 in combination with claim 6, wherein the spill prevention device comprises a first steam flow tube (37) comprising a first steam inlet opening fluidly connected to the first steam inlet port (35) and a first steam outlet opening opening into the internal chamber (15), and a second steam flow tube (38) comprising a second steam inlet opening fluidly connected to the second steam inlet port (36) and a second steam outlet opening opening into the internal chamber (15).

11. Kettle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which comprises an angular indexing device configured to angularly index the lid (11) relative to the container (4), so as to define a single closing position of the lid (11) on the container (4).

12. Kettle (2) according to claim 11, wherein the angular indexing device comprises at least one indexing element (33) provided on the container (4), and at least one indexing member (34) provided on the cover (11) and configured to cooperate with the at least one indexing element (33) when the cover (11) is moved towards the closed position.

13. Kettle (2) according to claim 12, wherein the at least one indexing member (34) is located in a rear part of the cover (H).

14. Kettle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the container (4) has a central longitudinal axis (A) and comprises a gripping handle (8) and a pouring spout (9) configured to be located opposite the gripping handle (8) relative to the central longitudinal axis (A) of the container (4).

15. Kettle (2) according to claim 14 in combination with claim 12, wherein the at least one indexing element (33) is located opposite the pouring spout (9) relative to the central longitudinal axis (A) of the container (4).

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