Kettle equipped with a steam vent

Abstract

The kettle (2) comprises a container (4) having an internal volume; a lid (11) configured to close the container (4); a handle (8); a spout (9); a steam venting circuit configured to convey steam generated within the internal volume during the boiling of water contained within it to the outside of the internal volume; and a venting device provided on the lid (11) and configured to fluidly connect the internal volume to an internal chamber of the lid (11) when the lid (11) closes the container (4). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Kettle equipped with a steam venting circuit technical field

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

[0002] Document GB2488204 discloses an electric kettle comprising:

[0003] - a container having a central axis configured to extend substantially vertically calmly when the container rests on a horizontal surface, the container delimiting an internal volume intended to hold water and in which the water is intended to be heated and in particular brought to a boil,

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

[0005] - a pouring spout located opposite the gripping handle with respect to the axis central part of the container,

[0006] - a lid configured to close the container, the lid comprising a face lower configured to be located opposite the internal volume, and

[0007] - 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 during the boiling of the water contained in the internal volume.

[0008] The steam evacuation circuit includes, in particular:

[0009] - a first steam inlet port and a second inlet port steam which are provided on the lid and which open into the underside of the lid and near a peripheral edge of the underside of the lid, the first and second steam inlet orifices being configured to be fluidly connected to the internal volume and to be arranged on either side of a median vertical plane of the kettle which passes through the spout and the gripping handle,

[0010] - an internal chamber delimited by the lid,

[0011] - a first vapor flow conduit comprising a first opening a steam inlet fluidly connected to the first steam inlet port and a first steam outlet opening into the internal chamber, and a second steam flow conduit comprising a second steam inlet port fluidly connected to the second steam inlet port and a second steam outlet opening into the internal chamber, and

[0012] - at least one vapor vent opening fluidly connected to the chamber internal and configured to allow for the evacuation of steam contained within the internal chamber outside the lid and for example towards the outside of the kettle.

[0013] When such a kettle, filled to its maximum fill level, is tilted downwards at the end of a boiling cycle of the water contained in the kettle, boiling water is likely to enter the first and second steam flow conduits via the first and second steam inlet orifices, and, because the pressure in the internal volume continues to increase even after the end of the boiling cycle due to thermal inertia within the internal volume, the amount of boiling water contained in the first and second steam flow conduits can increase (the water is "pushed" into the first and second steam flow conduits due to the overpressure in the internal volume) until it primes the first and second steam flow conduits and induces a continuous flow of boiling water out of the kettle,via the steam venting system, and in particular at least one steam vent opening, even though the spout on the kettle is kept sealed. Such a flow of boiling water from the kettle could cause burns to the user.

[0014] To overcome this drawback, it is known to equip the lid with check valves, such as ball valves, configured to prevent water from flowing back through the first and second steam outlets in the event of the kettle being overturned or tipped over. However, such check valves make the kettle more complex and significantly increase its manufacturing costs. Summary of the invention

[0015] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0016] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular of providing a kettle which is of simple and economical structure, while presenting a high level of safety in use.

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

[0018] - 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,

[0019] - a lid configured to close the container, the lid comprising a face lower configured to be located opposite the internal volume

[0020] - a gripping handle, for example fixed to the container,

[0021] - a pouring spout configured to be located opposite the gripping handle by relative to the central longitudinal axis of the container, and

[0022] - a steam evacuation circuit configured to convey, outside the volume internal and, for example, external to the kettle, steam generated within the internal volume during the boiling of water contained within the internal volume, the steam evacuation circuit comprising: a first steam inlet orifice and a second steam inlet orifice which are provided on the lid and which open into the underside of the lid, the first and second steam inlet orifices being configured to be fluidly connected to the internal volume delimited by the container, and for example to be located above a maximum filling level of the container, and to be arranged on either side of a median vertical plane of the kettle which passes through the gripping handle, an internal chamber delimited by the lid, and a first steam flow conduit comprising a first steam inlet opening fluidly connected to the first steam inlet orifice and a first steam outlet opening into the internal chamber, and a second steam flow conduit comprising a second steam inlet opening fluidly connected to the second steam inlet orifice and a second steam outlet opening into the internal chamber.

[0023] The kettle further includes a venting device provided on the lid and configured to fluidly connect the internal volume, delimited by the container, to the internal chamber, delimited by the lid, when the lid closes the container.

[0024] Such a venting device makes it possible to equalize the pressures in the internal volume and in the internal chamber during a heating cycle of the water contained in the kettle. Thus, when the kettle is tilted downwards at the end of a boiling cycle and the pouring spout fitted to the kettle is kept closed, the risks of ignition of the first and second steam outlets are considerably reduced, which significantly limits the risk of boiling water flowing through the steam venting system, and therefore the risk of scalding a user.

[0025] In addition, the presence of such a venting device allows, when pouring the contents of the kettle, an entry of air into the internal volume as the quantity of water in the kettle decreases, which ensures a balancing of pressures between the internal volume and the internal chamber and therefore an optimal flow of water out of the kettle (without gurgling noise).

[0026] The kettle may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the venting device comprises a venting orifice opening into the lower face of the cover.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vent is a calibrated orifice. Such a configuration of the vent considerably limits the amount of water that is likely to enter the internal chamber delimited by the lid during the pouring of water from the kettle.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vent is located in the rear half of the underside of the lid. This arrangement of the vent further limits the amount of water that may enter the internal chamber delimited by the lid when pouring water from the kettle.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vent is located near a peripheral edge of the lower face of the cover, and is advantageously located at a distance of less than 30 mm, and for example 20 mm, from the peripheral edge of the lower face of the cover.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vent is configured to be located opposite the spout with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the container. This arrangement of the vent further limits the amount of water that may enter the internal chamber delimited by the lid during the pouring of water from the kettle.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vent has a passage area smaller than the passage area of ​​each of the first and second steam inlet ports.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the kettle is devoid of a sealing element for the vent.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the venting device includes a filtration element configured to filter a fluid flowing through the venting orifice.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration element is removable.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the venting device includes a valve positioned across the vent opening.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam venting circuit comprises at least one steam venting opening, and for example one or more steam venting openings, provided on the cover and connected to the finite- diment to the internal chamber delimited by the lid, at least one steam vent opening being configured to allow the steam contained in the internal chamber to vent outside the lid and for example to the outside of the kettle.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam flow conduits form an anti-spill device, also called an anti-overflow device, configured to prevent the water contained in the internal volume from spilling through the steam evacuation circuit when the kettle is turned upside down.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the kettle is configured such that, when the kettle is inverted and the handle and a first side of the container are stably resting 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 handle and a second side of the container are stably resting on a horizontal surface, the second steam inlet is located above the water level in the internal volume. Thus, the kettle according to the present invention makes it possible to avoid, or at least considerably limit, the risk of boiling water escaping from the kettle if it is inverted.

[0040] 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 orifice and the second steam outlet orifice are 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 orifice and the first steam outlet orifice are located above the water level in the internal volume.

[0041] 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, and for example symmetrically with respect to the median vertical plane of the kettle.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first steam outlet opening is located near the second steam inlet orifice, and the second steam outlet opening is located near the first steam inlet orifice. Such an arrangement of the first and second steam outlet openings further limits the risk of boiling water flowing out of the kettle in case of the latter tipping over.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam outlet openings are located in a front half of the cover.

[0044] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam outlets are located in a rear portion of the internal chamber. Such an arrangement of the first and second steam outlets limits the risk of water flowing into the lid (via the first and second steam inlet ports and the first and second steam outlet channels) when a user pours boiling water into a container by tilting the kettle forward and downward. Furthermore, when the kettle includes an electromechanical control system, such an architecture facilitates the transfer of steam to the handle and to an electromechanical control system of the kettle located at the bottom, which is designed to deactivate the kettle's heating function when it detects steam.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam outlet openings are configured to be oriented away from the spout, i.e., towards 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 outlet channels) when a user pours boiling water into a container by tilting the kettle forward and downward. Furthermore, when the kettle includes an electromechanical control system, such an architecture facilitates the transfer of steam to the handle and to an electromechanical control system located at the bottom of the kettle, which is designed to deactivate the kettle's heating element when it detects steam.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first steam flow conduit has a passage cross-section which is substantially constant along the length of the first steam flow conduit, and the second steam flow conduit has a passage cross-section which is substantially constant along the length of the first steam flow conduit.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second steam flow ducts has a cross-section that is substantially circular.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second vapor flow conduits is flexible.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second steam flow ducts has a general V-shape, the general V-shape, defined by each of the first and second steam flow ducts, featuring a point located in the rear part of the lid. This configuration of the first and second steam flow channels further limits the amount of water that is likely to enter the internal chamber delimited by the lid when pouring water from the kettle.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the tip of each general V-shaped part is configured to be oriented opposite the spout.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first steam inlet orifice is positioned near the second steam outlet orifice and the second steam inlet orifice is positioned near the first steam outlet orifice, the tip of the general V-shape defined by the first steam flow duct being located near the tip of the general V-shape defined by the second steam flow duct.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first steam flow conduit comprises a first portion of primary conduit which is substantially straight and which is fluidly connected to the first steam inlet orifice, a second portion of primary conduit which is substantially straight and which comprises the first steam outlet opening, and an intermediate primary portion which is curved and which connects the first and second portions of primary conduit together, and the second steam flow conduit comprises a first portion of secondary conduit which is substantially straight and which is fluidly connected to the second steam inlet orifice, a second portion of secondary conduit which is substantially straight and which comprises the second steam outlet opening, and an intermediate secondary portion which is curved and which connects the first and second portions of secondary conduit together.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second primary conduit portions converge towards each other in the direction of a rear part of the lid, and for example substantially opposite the spout with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the container, and the first and second secondary conduit portions converge towards each other in the direction of the rear part of the lid, and for example substantially opposite the spout with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the container.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam flow conduits are arranged symmetrically with respect to the median vertical plane of the kettle.

[0055] 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.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam flow conduits are housed in the internal chamber delimited by the cover.

[0057] 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.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam inlet ports are located near a peripheral edge of the underside of the lid. This arrangement of the first and second steam inlet ports further reduces the risk of boiling water escaping from the kettle if it is tipped over.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam inlet ports are configured to be arranged symmetrically with respect to the median vertical plane of the kettle.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second vapor flow conduits are configured to extend substantially horizontally when the container rests on a horizontal surface.

[0061] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first vapor outlet is configured to be inclined relative to the horizontal when the container rests on a horizontal surface, so as to guide water contained in the first vapor outlet to the first vapor inlet orifice, and the second vapor outlet is configured to be inclined relative to the horizontal when the container rests on a horizontal surface, so as to guide water contained in the second vapor outlet to the second vapor inlet orifice. These arrangements limit the risks of water accumulation and stagnation in the lid.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one steam vent opens into an external peripheral surface of the cover.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one steam vent opening is configured to be located near the spout, and for example opposite the spout.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container includes a top filling opening leading into the internal volume.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid is configured to be arranged at the level of the upper filling opening.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pouring spout is located at the level of the upper filling opening.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container includes the pouring spout.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid is removable relative to the container.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, the kettle includes a fastening device configured to fix the lid to the container in a removable manner, that is to say in a temporary and reversible manner.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening device comprises at least one fastening member, such as a fastening tab or a fastening finger, provided on the lid and at least one fastening element, such as a fastening notch, provided on the container, the at least one fastening member being configured to occupy a fastening position in which the at least one fastening member is configured to cooperate with the at least one fastening element so as to fix the lid to the container, and a release position in which the at least one fastening member is configured to release the at least one fastening element so that the lid can be removed from the container.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one fastening member is mounted movable relative to the cover between the fastening position and the release position.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one fastening member is mounted to slide relative to the cover along a sliding direction. The sliding direction may extend substantially perpendicularly to a central axis of the cover, and for example substantially radially with respect to the central axis of the cover.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening device includes a return member configured to return at least one fastening member to the fastening position.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the invention, the kettle includes an actuation mechanism provided on the lid and configured to move the at least one fixing member into the release position when the actuation mechanism is operated by a user.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation mechanism comprises an actuating member that is manually actuated by a user and configured to move at least one fastening member from the fastening position to the release position. The actuating member is mounted to move between a first actuation position and a second actuation position. The actuating member and the at least one fastening member are configured such that a movement of the actuating member from the first actuation position to the second actuation position results in a movement of at least one fastening member from the fastening position to the release position. Such a configuration of the actuation mechanism allows a user to be able to release the lid by a simple actuation of the actuation mechanism.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one actuation member comprises a manipulation part configured to be manipulated by a user.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation mechanism includes a return element, such as a return spring, configured to return the actuation member to the first actuation position.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the invention, the kettle includes an angular indexing device, also called a keying device, configured to angularly index the lid relative to the container, so as to define a unique fixing position of the lid on the container.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the invention, the angular indexing device comprises at least one indexing element provided on the container, and at least one indexing member provided on the lid and configured to cooperate with the at least one indexing element when the lid is attached to the container.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one indexing member is located in a front part of the cover.

[0081] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid comprises a pouring spout configured to convey water contained in the internal volume to the spout. The kettle includes a shutter movable on the lid between a closed position in which the shutter closes the pouring spout and prevents water from flowing through it, and an open position in which the shutter opens the pouring spout and allows water to flow through it. Such a configuration of the lid considerably reduces the risk of water flowing through the spout when the kettle is tipped over.

[0082] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pouring conduit comprises a water inlet opening opening into the lower face of the lid and a water outlet opening opening into an external peripheral surface of the lid.

[0083] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one steam vent opening is located near the water outlet opening.

[0084] According to one embodiment of the invention, the kettle includes an actuation system provided on the lid and configured to move the shutter between the open position and the closed position.

[0085] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation system comprises an actuation button that can be operated by a user and is movable between a first button position and a second button position, the actuation system being configured such that a movement, by a user, of the button Moving the button from the first position to the second position causes the shutter to move from the closed position to the open position.

[0086] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation system comprises a bistable control device, for example of the ballpoint pen type, configured such that a movement, by a user, of the actuation button from the first button position to the second button position results in a movement of the shutter from the closed position to the open position, and such that a movement, by a user, of the actuation button from the second button position to the first button position results in a movement of the shutter from the open position to the closed position.

[0087] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container comprises a heating base located beneath the internal volume and configured to heat the water contained within the internal volume. Advantageously, the heating base houses an electric heating element.

[0088] According to one embodiment of the invention, the kettle includes a support base on which the container is intended to rest.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam flow ducts are formed respectively by first and second steam flow tubes. Advantageously, each of the first and second steam flow tubes is formed in one piece and is monobloc. Brief description of the figures

[0090] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the attached schematic drawings representing, by way of non-limiting examples, several embodiments of this kettle.

[0091] [Fig-1] is a top perspective view of a kettle according to the invention.

[0092] [Fig.2] is a top perspective view of a container of the kettle of the [Fig.l].

[0093] [Fig.3] is a top perspective view of a lid of the kettle of [Fig.1].

[0094] [Fig.4] is a front view of the lid of [Fig.3].

[0095] [Fig.5] is a perspective view from under the lid of [Fig.3].

[0096] [Fig.6] is a view from below of the lid of [Fig.3].

[0097] [Fig.7] is a partial perspective top view of the lid of the [Fig.3] in which has a top cover housing removed.

[0098] [Fig.8] is a partial view from below the cover of [Fig.3] in which the lower housing of the cover has been removed.

[0099] [Fig.9] is a partial side view of the kettle in [Fig.1] showing the kettle upside down on a horizontal surface and occupying a stable position in which a handle of the kettle and the left side of the container rest on the horizontal surface.

[0100] [Fig. 10] is a partial side view of the kettle from [Fig. 1] showing the kettle upside down on a horizontal surface and occupying a stable position in which a handle of the kettle and the right side of the container rest on the horizontal surface.

[0101] [Fig. 11] is a truncated perspective view of the lid of [Fig.3]. Detailed description

[0102] Figures 1 to 11 represent a kettle 2, and in particular an electric kettle, according to the invention.

[0103] In the following description, kettle means a device intended to heat water to a temperature above 50°C, preferably above 70°C.

[0104] The kettle 2 includes a support base 3 configured to be electrically powered by a power cord, and a container 4 configured to rest on the support base 3.

[0105] 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 about the central longitudinal axis A.

[0106] The container 4 delimits an internal volume 5 intended to hold water and in which the water is intended to be heated, in particular brought to a boil. The container 4 further includes a top filling opening 6 leading into the internal volume 5.

[0107] 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 electric heating element (not shown in the figures) configured to be electrically powered when the container 4 rests on the support base 3.

[0108] 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 with respect to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4. The pouring spout 9 may, for example, be provided on the container 4 and be located at the level of the upper filling opening 6.

[0109] The kettle 2 further comprises a lid 11 configured to close the container 4, and more particularly to be arranged at the level of the upper filling opening 6. The lid 11 is provided with a lower face 12 configured to be situated opposite the internal volume 5 of the container 4. Advantageously, the kettle 2 has an annular sealing gasket 13 fixed to the underside 12 of the lid 11 and configured to cooperate hermetically with the container 4.

[0110] The kettle 2 further includes a fastening device configured to fix the lid 11 to the container 4 in a removable manner, i.e. temporarily and reversibly.

[0111] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the fastening device comprises two fastening members 14 (see in particular Figures 4 and 6), such as fastening fingers, provided on the cover 11 and diametrically opposed. Each fastening member 14 is housed in the cover 11 and is configured to protrude from the cover 11 through a respective through opening 15 provided in the cover 11. Advantageously, each through opening 15 opens into the outer peripheral surface of the cover 11 and above the annular sealing gasket 13.

[0112] The fastening device further includes two fastening elements 16 (see [Fig.2]), such as fastening notches or retaining tabs, 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 fastening members 14 are more particularly configured to respectively penetrate into the fastening elements 16 when the lid 11 is attached to the container 4.

[0113] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the fastening members 14 are mounted to slide relative to the cover 11 in a sliding direction and between a fixed position in which each fastening member 14 is configured to cooperate with the respective fastening element 16 so as to fix the cover 11 to the container 4, and a release position in which each fastening member 14 is configured to release the respective fastening element 16 so that the cover 11 can be removed from the container 4. Advantageously, the sliding direction extends substantially radially with respect to a central axis of the cover 11.

[0114] The fastening device may further include two return members 17 (see [Fig.1 1]) housed in the cover 11 and configured to return the fastening members 14 respectively to the fastening position.

[0115] As shown more particularly in Figures 1 and 3, the kettle 2 has an actuation mechanism 18 provided on the lid 11 and configured to move the fixing members 14 into the release position when the actuation mechanism 18 is operated by a user.

[0116] The actuation mechanism 18 more particularly comprises two actuation members 19 (see [Fig. 3]) which are manually actuated by a user The actuators are configured to move the fastening members 14 from the fastening position to the release position. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the actuating members 19 each comprise two manipulable parts 21 which are accessible from an upper face of the cover 11 and which are configured to be manipulated by a user.

[0117] The actuating members 19 are mounted to slide relative to the cover 11 between a first actuating position and a second actuating position. The actuating members 19 and the fastening members 14 are configured such that a movement of the actuating members 19 from the first actuating position to the second actuating position results in a movement of the fastening members 14 from the fastening position to the release position. Advantageously, each actuating member 19 and its respective fastening member 14 are made in one piece, and the two actuating members 19 are configured to move the fastening members 14 into the release position by pinching the two manipulating parts 21, that is, by bringing the two manipulating parts 21 closer together.

[0118] As shown more particularly in [Fig.3], the kettle 2 may include an angular indexing device, also called a keying device, configured to define a unique fixing position of the lid 11 on the container 4. The angular indexing device may, for example, include at least one indexing element, such as an indexing housing, provided on the container 4 and at least one indexing boss 23 provided on the lid 11 and configured to cooperate with the at least one indexing element.

[0119] The lid 11 further includes a pouring conduit 24 configured to convey water contained in the internal volume 5 to the pouring spout 9. The pouring conduit 24 more particularly includes a water inlet opening 25 opening into a front half of the lower face 12 of the lid 11, and a water outlet opening 26 opening into an external peripheral surface of the lid 11 and intended to be located substantially opposite the pouring spout 9 when the lid 11 is attached to the container 4.

[0120] The kettle 2 further includes a shutter 27 (see figures 4 to 6) movably mounted on the lid 11 between a closed position in which the shutter 27 closes the pouring conduit 24 and prevents water from flowing through the pouring conduit 24, and an open position in which the shutter 27 releases the pouring conduit 24 and allows water to flow through the pouring conduit 24.

[0121] The kettle 2 further comprises an actuation system provided on the lid 11 and configured to move the shutter 27 between the open position and the closing position. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the actuation system includes an actuation button 28 that can be operated by a user and is movable between a first button position and a second button position, the actuation system being configured such that a movement, by a user, of the actuation button 28 from the first button position to the second button position results in a movement of the shutter 27 from the closing position to the opening position.

[0122] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the actuation system comprises a bistable control device 29, for example of the ballpoint pen type, configured such that a movement by a user of the actuation button 28 from the first button position to the second button position causes the shutter 27 to move from the closed position to the open position, and such that a movement by a user of the actuation button 28 from the second button position to the first button position causes the shutter 27 to move from the open position to the closed position. The first and second button positions therefore correspond to stable positions of the actuation button 28.

[0123] The kettle 2 may also include a tea basket (not visible in the figures) configured to rest on a retaining portion 32 provided on the container 4 and to be disposed in the internal volume 5 of the container 4. Advantageously, the tea basket is removable.

[0124] The kettle 2 also includes a steam venting circuit configured to convey, outside the internal volume 5 and for example to the outside of the kettle 2, steam generated in the internal volume 5 during the boiling of the water contained in the internal volume 5.

[0125] The vapor evacuation circuit includes in particular a first vapor inlet orifice 33 and a second vapor inlet orifice 34 which are provided on the cover 11 and which open into the lower face 12 of the cover 11 and near 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 vapor inlet orifices 33, 34 open into the internal volume 5 delimited by the container 4 and above a maximum filling level of the container 4.

[0126] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second steam inlet ports 33, 34 are arranged on either side of a median vertical plane P of the kettle 2 which passes through the spout 9 and the handle 8, and are located in the front half of the lower face 12 of the lid 11. Advantageously, the first and second steam inlet ports 33, 34 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the median vertical plane P of kettle 2.

[0127] As shown more particularly in Figures 7 and 11, the steam evacuation circuit also includes:

[0128] - an internal chamber 35 delimited by the lid 11,

[0129] - a first vapor flow conduit 36 ​​comprising a first opening steam inlet fluidly connected to the first steam inlet orifice 33 and a first steam outlet 360 opening into the internal chamber 35 delimited by the cover 11, and

[0130] - a second vapor flow conduit 37 comprising a second steam inlet opening fluidly connected to the second steam inlet orifice 34 and a second steam outlet opening 370 opening into the internal chamber 35.

[0131] The first and second steam flow conduits 36, 37 form an anti-spill device, also called an anti-overflow device, configured to prevent a spillage of the water contained in the internal volume 5 via the steam evacuation circuit when the kettle 2 is overturned.

[0132] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, and in particular as seen in [Fig.7], the first and second steam flow conduits 36, 37 are flexible and are housed in the internal chamber 35. The first and second steam flow conduits 36, 37 can for example be formed respectively by first and second steam flow tubes which are advantageously formed in one piece and therefore monobloc.

[0133] Advantageously, each of the first and second steam flow conduits 36, 37 has a cross-section that is circular and a passage cross-section that is substantially constant along its length.

[0134] The first and second steam outlet openings 360, 370 are more particularly configured to be arranged on either side of the median vertical plane P of the kettle 2, and advantageously to be arranged symmetrically with respect to the median vertical plane P of the kettle 2.

[0135] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each of the first and second steam flow conduits 36, 37 has a general V shape, and the first and second steam outlet openings 360, 370 are located in a front half of the cover 11.

[0136] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the general V-shape, defined by each of the first and second vapor flow conduits 36, 37, has a point located in a rear portion of the cover 11, and which is more particularly configured to be oriented opposite the spout 9. A This configuration of the first and second steam flow conduits 36, 37 makes it possible to limit the amount of water that is likely to enter the internal chamber 35 delimited by the cover 11 during an operation of pouring the water contained in the kettle 2.

[0137] Advantageously, the first and second steam flow conduits 36, 37 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the median vertical plane P of the kettle 2, and are configured to extend substantially horizontally when the container 4 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0138] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first steam outlet 360 is located near the second steam inlet 34, and the second steam outlet 370 is located near the first steam inlet 33. The kettle 2 is thus more particularly configured such that, when the kettle 2 is inverted and the handle 8 and a first lateral side of the container 4 rest stably on a horizontal surface (see [Fig. 9]), the first steam inlet 33 and the second steam outlet 370 are located above the water level in the internal volume, and such that, when the kettle 2 is inverted and the handle 8 and a second lateral side of the container 4 rest stably on a horizontal surface (see [Fig. 9]), the first steam inlet 33 and the second steam outlet 370 are located above the water level in the internal volume.

[10] ), the second steam inlet 34 and the first steam outlet 360 are located above the water level in the internal volume. Thus, the kettle 2 according to the present invention makes it possible to avoid, or at least considerably limit, the risk of boiling water flowing out of the kettle 2 in the event of the latter being overturned, while also allowing the maximum filling volume of the container 4 of the kettle 2 to be optimized.

[0139] As shown in [Fig.7], the first steam flow conduit 36 ​​comprises a first primary conduit portion 36.1 which is straight and which is fluidly connected to the first steam inlet orifice 33, a second primary conduit portion 36.2 which is straight and which comprises the first steam outlet opening 360, and an intermediate primary portion 36.3 which is curved and which connects the first and second primary conduit portions 36.1, 36.2 to each other. Similarly, the second steam flow conduit 37 comprises a first secondary conduit portion 37.1 which is straight and is fluidically connected to the second steam inlet port 34, a second secondary conduit portion 37.2 which is straight and includes the second steam outlet port 370, and an intermediate secondary portion 37.3 which is curved and connects the first and second secondary conduit portions 37.1, 37.2 of them.

[0140] Advantageously, the first and second primary conduit portions 36.1, 36.2 converge towards each other in the direction of a rear part of the lid 11, and for example substantially opposite the spout 9 with respect to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4, and the first and second secondary conduit portions 37.1, 37.2 converge towards each other in the direction of the rear part of the lid 11, and for example substantially opposite the spout 9 with respect to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4.

[0141] The steam venting circuit further includes several steam venting openings 38 provided on the cover 11 and fluidly connected to the internal chamber 35 delimited by the cover 11. The steam venting openings 38 are configured to allow the steam contained in the internal chamber 35 to be vented to the outside of the kettle 2.

[0142] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the steam vents 38 open into an external peripheral surface of the lid 11, and are located near the water outlet 26. The steam vents 38 are therefore configured to be located near the spout 9, and for example to be located opposite the spout 9, when the lid 11 is attached to the container 4. Such a configuration of the kettle 2 allows steam to escape from the container 4 via the lid 11 and the spout 9.

[0143] Advantageously, the kettle 2 is devoid of a sealing element for the steam evacuation circuit.

[0144] As shown more particularly in Figures 9 and 10, the kettle 2 is configured:

[0145] - 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 vapor inlet orifice 33 is located above the water level in the internal volume 5, and

[0146] - such that, when the kettle 2 is overturned and the handle of grip 8 and a second lateral side, namely the right side, of the container 4 rest stably on a horizontal surface, the second vapor inlet orifice 34 is located above the water level in the internal volume 5.

[0147] Thus, the kettle 2 according to the present invention makes it possible to avoid or at least considerably limit the risks of boiling water flowing out of the kettle 2 in the event of the latter being overturned.

[0148] The kettle 2 further includes a venting device 39 provided on the lid 11 and configured to fluidly connect the internal volume 5, delimited by the container 4, to the internal chamber 35, delimited by the lid 11, when the lid 11 is attached to the container 4.

[0149] The venting device 39 more particularly includes a venting orifice 41 opening into the lower face 12 of the cover 11. The venting orifice 41 is more particularly formed by a calibrated orifice, and has a passage area smaller than the passage area of ​​each of the first and second steam inlet orifices 33, 34.

[0150] Advantageously, the venting hole 41 is located in a rear half of the lower face 12 of the lid 11, and near the peripheral edge of the lower face 12 of the lid 11. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the venting hole 41 is configured to be located opposite the spout 9 with respect to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4. The venting hole 41 has, for example, a diameter between 1 and 15 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, preferably equal to 3.

[0151] Such a venting device 39 makes it possible to equalize the pressures in the internal volume 5 and in the internal chamber 35 during a heating cycle of the water contained in the kettle 2. Thus, when the kettle 2 is tilted downwards at the end of a boiling cycle and the pouring conduit 24 equipping the lid 11 is kept closed, the risks of priming of the first and second steam flow conduits 36, 37 are considerably reduced, which considerably limits the risks of boiling water flowing through the steam evacuation circuit (and in particular through the steam evacuation openings 38), and therefore the risks of scalding a user.

[0152] In addition, the specific arrangement of the vent 41 (in a rear half of the lower face 12 of the cover 11, and near the peripheral edge of the lower face 12 of the cover 11) makes it possible to further limit the amount of water that is likely to enter the internal chamber 35 delimited by the cover 11 during an operation of pouring the water contained in the kettle 2.

[0153] In addition, the presence of such a venting device 39 allows, when pouring the contents of the kettle 2, an entry of air into the internal volume 5 as the quantity of water in the kettle 2 decreases, which ensures a balancing of pressures between the internal volume 5 and the internal chamber 35 and therefore an optimal flow of water out of the kettle 2 (without gurgling noise).

[0154] The venting device 39 further includes a filter element 42 configured to filter a fluid flowing through the venting orifice 4L. Advantageously, the filter element 42 is removable to allow, for example, its cleaning or replacement.

[0155] Furthermore, the venting device 39 is advantageously free of a sealing element. The structure of the venting device 39 and the vapor evacuation circuit is thus simplified.

[0156] Alternatively, the venting device 39 could include a valve formed, for example, by a silicone pellet having a slot formed, for example, by a split cross made in the material of the pellet. The valve is positioned across the venting orifice 41.

[0157] According to another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the first and second steam outlet openings 360, 370 could be located in a rear part of the internal chamber 35, and be configured to be oriented substantially opposite the spout 9, i.e. towards the rear of the kettle 2.

[0158] According to another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the kettle 2 could include an electromechanical control device comprising a bimetallic element, and the steam evacuation circuit could include at least one steam evacuation opening 38 which is configured to direct the steam contained in the internal chamber 35 towards the bimetallic element, the electromechanical control device being configured such that an influx of steam onto the bimetallic element triggers a shutdown of the heating of the kettle 2.

[0159] The bimetallic element can for example be disposed in the gripping handle 8. In this case, at least one vapor vent 38 is provided in a rear part of the cover 11 and is configured to be oriented towards the gripping handle 8.

[0160] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bimetallic element could be disposed in a lower part of the container 4. In this case, at least one vapor vent 38 is provided in a rear part of the lid 11 and is configured to be fluidly connected to a vapor tube which is arranged in the container 4 and which is fluidly connected to the bimetallic element.

[0161] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which have been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the construction of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. Claims Kettle (2) including: - 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, - a cover (11) configured to close the container (4), the cover (11) comprising a lower face (12) configured to be located opposite the internal volume (5), - a grip handle (8), - a pouring spout (9) configured to be located opposite the gripping handle (8) relative to the central longitudinal axis (A) of the container (4), and - a steam evacuation 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), the steam evacuation circuit comprising: • a first steam inlet orifice (33) and a second steam inlet orifice (34) which are provided on the cover (11) and which open into the lower face (12) of the cover (11), the first and second steam inlet orifices (33, 34) being configured to be fluidically connected to the internal volume (5) delimited by the container (4), and to be arranged on either side of a median vertical plane (P) of the kettle (2) which passes through the gripping handle (8), • an internal chamber (35) delimited by the cover (11), and • a first steam flow conduit (36) comprising a first steam inlet opening fluidly connected to the first steam inlet port (33) and a first steam outlet opening (360) opening into the internal chamber (35), and a second steam flow conduit (37) comprising a second steam inlet opening fluidly connected to the second steam inlet port (34) and a second steam outlet opening (370) opening into the internal chamber (35), characterized in that the kettle (2) further comprises a venting device (39) provided on the cover (11) and configured to fluidically connect the internal volume (5), delimited by the container (4), to the internal chamber (35), delimited by the cover (11), when the cover (11) closes the container (4).

2. Kettle (2) according to claim 1, in which the venting device (39) comprises a venting orifice (41) opening into the lower face (12) of the cover (11).

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

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

5. A kettle (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the vent hole (41) is located near a peripheral edge of the lower face (12) of the cover (11).

6. Kettle (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the vent orifice (41) is configured to be located opposite the pouring spout (9) relative to the central longitudinal axis (A) of the container (4).

7. Kettle (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, in which the vent orifice (41) has a passage section smaller than the passage section of each of the first and second steam inlet orifices (33, 34).

8. A kettle (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the venting device (39) comprises a filter element (42) configured to filter a fluid flowing through the venting orifice (41).

9. Kettle (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, in which the kettle (2) is devoid of an element for closing the vent opening (41).

10. A kettle (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the venting device (39) comprises a valve positioned across the venting orifice.

11. Kettle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in which the steam discharge circuit comprises at least one steam discharge opening (38) provided on the cover (11) and fluidically connected to the internal chamber (35) delimited by the cover (11), the at least one steam vent opening (38) being configured to allow venting of steam contained in the internal chamber (35) to the outside of the cover (11).

12. The kettle (2) of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the kettle (2) is configured such that, when the kettle (2) is inverted and the gripping handle (8) and a first lateral side of the container (4) are stably resting on a horizontal surface, the first steam inlet (33) 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 of the container (4) are stably resting on a horizontal surface, the second steam inlet (34) is located above the water level in the internal volume (5).

13. A kettle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each of the first and second steam flow conduits (36, 37) has a generally V-shape, the generally V-shape, defined by each of the first and second steam flow conduits (36, 37), having a tip which is located in a rear portion of the cover (11).

14. The kettle (2) of claim 13, wherein the first steam inlet (33) is positioned proximate to the second steam outlet opening (370) and the second steam inlet (34) is positioned proximate to the first steam outlet opening (360), and wherein the tip of the general V-shape defined by the first steam flow conduit is located proximate to the tip of the general V-shape defined by the second steam flow conduit.

Images