Electric brewing machine comprising a brewing accessory equipped with a movable gripping device

Abstract

The electric brewing machine comprises a container (4) defining an internal volume (5); an infusion accessory (39) comprising a main body (41) configured to be arranged in the internal volume (5) and defining an infusion volume (43) configured to contain a product to be brewed, and a gripping device attached to an upper part of the main body (41); and a cover (11) configured to close the container (4) and cover the infusion accessory. The gripping device (49) is mounted to move relative to the main body (41) between a raised configuration and a lowered configuration, and the cover (11) is configured to exert a pressing force against the gripping device (49) so as to maintain the gripping device (49) in the lowered configuration. Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Electric infusion machine comprising an infusion accessory equipped with a movable gripping device Technical field

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

[0002] An electric brewing machine comprises in a known manner:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0014] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in providing an electric infusion machine which is of simple, ergonomic and economical structure, while presenting a high degree of safety of use.

[0015] To this end, the present invention relates to an electric brewing machine, and in particular an electric kettle or an electric teapot, comprising:

[0016] - a container delimiting an internal volume intended to contain water and in which the water is intended to be heated,

[0017] - a grip handle attached to the container,

[0018] - a pouring spout,

[0019] - an infusion accessory, such as an infusion basket, comprising: • a main body configured to rest on a retaining portion provided on the container and to be arranged at least partly in the internal volume of the container, the main body delimiting an infusion volume configured to contain a product to be infused, such as tea, coffee or plants, and • a gripping device attached to an upper portion of the main body and comprising a gripping portion configured to allow a user to manipulate the infusion accessory, and for example to remove the infusion accessory from the container, and

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

[0021] the gripping device is mounted to be movable relative to the main body between a raised configuration in which the gripping part is capable of being manipulated by a user and a lowered configuration, and, when the cover is in the closed position, the cover is configured to exert a bearing force against the gripping device, and for example against the gripping part, so as to hold the gripping device in the lowered configuration.

[0022] Such a configuration of the gripping device, and in particular the fact that it is movable between a lowered configuration and a raised configuration, makes it possible to limit the height requirement of the infusion accessory when the latter is arranged in the internal volume and the lid occupies the closed position, while ensuring easy handling of the infusion accessory, in particular during a phase of removing the infusion accessory from the container. In addition, such an arrangement of the infusion accessory makes it possible to guarantee good sealing of the electric infusion machine when the lid is in the closed position.

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

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the infusion accessory comprises a biasing device configured to elastically bias the gripping device towards the raised configuration. The presence of such a biasing device makes it possible, after removal of the cover, to facilitate gripping of the gripping part by a user with a view to removing the infusion accessory from the internal volume, and also to move the gripping part away from the internal volume which may contain boiling water and therefore to limit the risks of burning the user.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stressing device is fixed to the main body.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stressing device is located opposite a lower face of the support part.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping device is configured to occupy an intermediate configuration located between the lowered configuration and the raised configuration, the biasing device being configured to bias the gripping device into the intermediate configuration.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover is configured to move the gripping device into the lowered configuration when the cover is moved into the closed position.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container has a central longitudinal axis, and the pouring spout is configured to be located opposite the grip handle relative to the central longitudinal axis of the container.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping device is configured to be located opposite the lower face of the cover when the cover occupies the closed position.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body comprises an upper opening through which the product to be infused is able to be introduced into the infusion volume.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping portion is configured to be offset relative to the upper opening when the gripping device occupies the lowered configuration, and to be located opposite the upper opening when the gripping device occupies the raised configuration. Such a configuration of the gripping device ensures easy introduction of the product to be infused into the infusion volume (and also easy removal of the infused product from the infusion volume), as well as stable transport of the infusion accessory when the infusion volume is filled.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body comprises a support portion configured to rest on the retaining portion provided on the container, the gripping portion being configured to be moved away from the support portion when the gripping device occupies the raised configuration and to be moved closer to the support portion when the gripping device occupies the lowered configuration.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support part is substantially flat.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support part extends at the level of the upper opening of the main body.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support portion is configured to extend substantially perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the container when the support portion rests on the retaining portion.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping device is mounted movably on the support part.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body comprises an infusion part delimiting the infusion volume. Advantageously, the infusion part has a generally cylindrical shape.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stressing device comprises at least one elastically deformable blade fixed to the main body, and for example to the support part, and configured to stress the gripping device towards the raised configuration.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one elastically deformable blade extends opposite a lower face of the support part.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping device comprises at least one actuating part, such as an actuating finger or an actuating lug, configured to project through a respective through-orifice provided on the support part and to cooperate with the stressing device, and for example with the upper face of the at least one elastically deformable blade, when the gripping device occupies the lowered configuration.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stressing device comprises two elastically deformable blades arranged on either side of a median vertical plane of the electric brewing machine which passes through the grip handle, and for example substantially on either side of the upper opening.

[0043] According to another embodiment of the invention, the stressing device comprises at least one elastically deformable blade fixed to the gripping device.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower face of the cover comprises a bearing surface configured to exert a bearing force on the gripping device when the cover is in the closed position, so as to maintain the gripping device in the lowered configuration.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bearing surface is substantially flat.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support surface is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the container rests on a horizontal surface.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping device comprises two lateral mounting parts which are located at a distance from each other and which are movably mounted on the main body, the gripping part connecting the two lateral mounting parts to each other.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping device is a gripping handle.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping device is mounted articulated relative to the main body around an articulation axis and between the lowered configuration and the raised configuration.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two lateral mounting parts are mounted articulated on the main body by means of two pivot links defining the articulation axis.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hinge axis is configured to extend substantially perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the container when the infusion accessory rests on the retaining portion.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hinge axis is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the container rests on a horizontal surface.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hinge axis is configured to extend above and across the upper opening.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping device comprises a thermal insulation coating, such as a thermal insulation sleeve, extending around the gripping portion.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid comprises an obstruction wall projecting from the lower face of the lid and configured to be inserted into the upper opening provided on the main body so as to prevent the product to be infused from exiting the infusion volume.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the obstruction wall has a generally cylindrical shape, and has, for example, a circular cross-section.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the infusion accessory is removable from the container.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric brewing machine comprises an angular indexing device, also called a keying device, configured to angularly index the brewing accessory relative to the container, so as to define a single position for retaining the brewing accessory on the container.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the angular indexing device comprises at least one indexing element provided on the container, and at least one corresponding indexing member provided on the main body and configured to cooperate with the at least one indexing element when the infusion accessory rests on the retaining part.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric brewing machine comprises a steam evacuation circuit configured to convey, outside the internal volume and for example towards the outside of the electric brewing machine, steam generated in the internal volume when the water contained in the internal volume boils.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam evacuation circuit comprises:

[0062] - a first steam inlet and a second steam inlet steam which are provided on the lid and which open into the lower face of the lid, the first and second steam inlet orifices being configured to be fluidically connected to the internal volume delimited by the container, and for example to be located above a maximum filling level of the container, and to be arranged on either side of a median vertical plane of the electric brewing machine which passes through the grip handle,

[0063] - an internal chamber delimited by the cover, and

[0064] - a first steam flow conduit comprising a first opening steam inlet fluidly connected to the first steam inlet and a first steam outlet opening opening into the internal chamber, and a second steam flow conduit comprising a second opening steam inlet fluidly connected to the second steam inlet and a second steam outlet opening opening into the internal chamber.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam flow conduits form an anti-spill device, also called an anti-overflow device, configured to prevent spillage of the water contained in the internal volume via the steam discharge circuit when the electric brewing machine is overturned.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam discharge circuit comprises at least one steam discharge opening, and for example one or more steam discharge opening(s), provided on the lid and fluidly connected to the internal chamber delimited by the lid, the at least one steam discharge opening being configured to allow discharge of the steam contained in the internal chamber to the outside of the lid and for example to the outside of the electric brewing machine.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one steam discharge opening is configured to be located near the pouring spout.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric brewing machine is configured such that, when the electric brewing machine is inverted and the gripping handle and a first lateral side of the container are resting stably on a horizontal surface, the first steam inlet is located above the water level in the internal volume, and such that, when the electric brewing machine is inverted and the gripping handle and a second lateral side of the container are resting stably on a horizontal surface, the second steam inlet is located above the water level in the internal volume. Thus, the electric brewing machine according to the present invention makes it possible to avoid or at least considerably limit the risks of boiling water flowing out of the electric brewing machine in the event of the latter being overturned.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric brewing machine is configured such that, when the electric brewing machine is inverted and the gripping handle and a first lateral side of the container are stably resting on a horizontal surface, the first steam inlet and the second steam outlet opening are located above the water level in the internal volume, and such that, when the electric brewing machine is inverted and the gripping handle and a second lateral side of the container are stably resting on a horizontal surface, the second steam inlet and the first steam outlet opening are located above the water level in the internal volume.

[0070] 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 electric brewing machine.

[0071] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam outlet openings are located in a rear half of the internal chamber. Such an arrangement of the first and second steam outlet openings limits the risks of water flowing into the lid (via the first and second steam inlet ports and the first and second steam flow conduits) when a user pours boiling water into a container by tilting the electric brewing machine forward and downward. In addition, when the electric brewing machine comprises an electromechanical control system, such an architecture makes it possible to facilitate the transfer of steam to the grip handle and to an electromechanical control system of the electric brewing machine located in the lower part and capable of deactivating the heating of the electric brewing machine when it detects steam.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam outlet openings are configured to face away from the spout, i.e., toward the rear of the electric brewing machine. These arrangements further limit the risks of water flowing into the lid (via the first and second steam inlet ports and the first and second steam flow conduits) when a user pours boiling water into a container by tilting the electric brewing machine forward and downward.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second vapor flow conduits is flexible.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam flow conduits are housed in the internal chamber delimited by the cover.

[0075] 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.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam inlet orifices are located near a peripheral edge of the lower face of the cover. Such an arrangement of the first and second steam inlet orifices further limits the risks of boiling water flowing out of the electric brewing machine in the event of the latter being overturned.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container comprises an upper filling opening opening into the internal volume.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid is configured to be arranged at the upper filling opening.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container comprises the pouring spout.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover is removable relative to the container.

[0081] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric brewing machine comprises a fixing device configured to removably fix, i.e. temporarily and reversibly, the lid to the container.

[0082] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing device comprises at least one fixing member, such as a fixing tab or a fixing finger, provided on the lid and at least one fixing element, such as a fixing housing, provided on the container, the at least one fixing member being configured to occupy a fixing position in which the at least one fixing member is configured to cooperate with the at least one fixing element so as to fix the lid to the container, and a release position in which the at least one fixing member is configured to release the at least one fixing element so that the lid can be removed from the container.

[0083] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one fixing member is mounted to move relative to the cover between the fixing position and the release position.

[0084] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing device comprises a return member, such as a return spring, configured to return the at least one fixing member to the fixing position.

[0085] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric brewing machine comprises an actuating mechanism provided on the cover and configured to move the at least one fixing member into the release position when the actuating mechanism is actuated by a user.

[0086] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating mechanism comprises an actuating member which can be manually actuated by a user and which is configured to move the at least one fixing member from the fixing position to the release position, the actuating member being mounted to move between a first actuating position and a second actuating position, the actuating member and the at least one fixing member being configured such that a movement of the actuating member from the first actuating position to the second actuating position causes a movement of the at least one fixing member from the fixing position to the release position. Such a configuration of the actuating mechanism allows a user to be able to remove the cover by simply actuating the actuating mechanism.

[0087] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover comprises a pouring conduit configured to convey water contained in the volume to the pouring spout. internally, the electric brewing machine comprising a shutter movably mounted on the lid between a shutter position in which the shutter closes the pouring conduit and prevents water from flowing through the pouring conduit and an open position in which the shutter releases the pouring conduit and allows water to flow through the pouring conduit. Such a configuration of the lid considerably limits the risks of water flowing through the pouring spout when the electric brewing machine is overturned.

[0088] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pouring conduit comprises a water inlet opening opening into the lower face of the cover and a water outlet opening opening into an external peripheral surface of the cover.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one steam discharge opening is located close to the water outlet opening.

[0090] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric brewing machine comprises an actuation system provided on the cover and configured to move the shutter between the open position and the closed position.

[0091] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation system comprises an actuation button operable by a user and movable between a first button position and a second button position, the actuation system being configured such that a movement, by a user, of the actuation button from the first button position to the second button position causes a movement of the shutter from the shutter position to the open position.

[0092] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation system comprises a bistable control device, for example of the ballpoint pen type, configured such that a movement, by a user, of the actuation button from the first button position to the second button position causes a movement of the shutter from the closing position to the opening position, and such that a movement, by a user, of the actuation button from the second button position to the first button position causes a movement of the shutter from the opening position to the closing position.

[0093] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container comprises a heating base located under the internal volume and configured to heat the water contained in the internal volume.

[0094] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam flow conduits are formed respectively by first and second steam flow tubes. Advantageously, each of the first and second steam flow tubes is formed in one piece and is a single piece. Brief description of the figures

[0095] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows with reference to the appended schematic drawings representing, by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment of this electric infusion machine.

[0096] [Fig-1] is a perspective view from above of an electric brewing machine according to the invention.

[0097] [Fig.2] is a partial perspective view from above of the brewing machine electric of [Fig.l].

[0098] [Fig.3] is a partial perspective view from above of a container belonging to the electric brewing machine of [Fig.l].

[0099] [Fig.4] is a longitudinal sectional view of the electric brewing machine of the [Fig.l].

[0100] [Fig.5] is a view, on an enlarged scale, of a detail of [Fig.4].

[0101] [Fig.6] is a top perspective view of a cover of the brewing machine electric of [Fig.l].

[0102] [Fig.7] is a top perspective view of the cover of [Fig.6].

[0103] [Fig.8] is a perspective view from below of the cover of [Fig.6].

[0104] [Fig.9] is a partial perspective view from above of the cover of [Fig.6].

[0105] [Fig. 10] is a partial perspective view from above of the cover of [Fig.6].

[0106] [Fig. 11] is a top view of an infusion accessory belonging to the machine electric infuser of [Fig.l].

[0107] [Fig. 12] is a top perspective view of the infusion accessory of [Fig. 11]

[0108] [Fig. 13] is a perspective view from below of the infusion accessory of the [Fig.11].

[0109] [Fig. 14] is a partial side view of the electric brewing machine of [Fig.l] showing the electric brewing machine inverted on a horizontal surface and occupying a stable position in which a gripping handle of the electric brewing machine and the left lateral side of the container are supported on the horizontal surface.

[0110] [Fig. 15] is a partial side view of the electric brewing machine of [Fig.l] showing the electric brewing machine inverted on a horizontal surface and occupying a stable position in which a gripping handle of the electric brewing machine and the right lateral side of the container are supported on the horizontal surface. Detailed description

[0111] It should be noted that in this document, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “lower”, "Upper," "Front," "Rear," and "Longitudinal" used to describe the Electric Brewer refer to the Electric Brewer in use, when it is lying flat on a countertop.

[0112] Figures 1 to 15 represent an electric brewing machine 2, and in particular an electric kettle, according to the invention.

[0113] In the remainder of the description, the term “electric brewing machine” means a device intended to heat water to a temperature above 50°C, preferably above 70°C, and making it possible to brew a product to be brewed.

[0114] The electric brewing machine 2 comprises a support base (not shown in the figures) configured to be electrically powered by a power cord, and a container 4 configured to rest on the support base.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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 configured to be electrically powered when the container 4 rests on the support base.

[0118] The electric brewing machine 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 may for example be provided on the container 4 and be located at the level of the upper filling opening 6.

[0119] The electric brewing machine 2 further comprises a lid 11 configured to occupy a closed position in which the lid 11 closes the container 4, and more particularly the upper filling opening 6. The lid 11 is provided with a lower face 12 configured to be located opposite the internal volume 5 of the container 4. Advantageously, the electric brewing machine 2 comprises an annular seal 13 fixed to the lower face 12 of the lid 11 and configured to cooperate in a sealed manner with the container 4.

[0120] The electric brewing machine 2 further comprises a fixing device configured to removably fix, i.e. temporarily and reversibly, the cover 11 to the container 4.

[0121] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the fixing device comprises two fixing members 14 (see in particular figures 6 and 7), such as fixing fingers, provided on the cover 11 and diametrically opposite. Each fixing member 14 is housed in the cover 11 and is configured to project out of the cover 11 through a respective through opening 15 provided on the cover 11. Advantageously, each through opening 15 opens into the external peripheral surface of the cover 11 and above the annular seal 13.

[0122] The fixing device further comprises two fixing elements 16 (see [Fig.2]), such as fixing housings, provided on an internal surface of the container 4 and located near the upper filling opening 6. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the fixing members 14 are more particularly configured to respectively penetrate into the fixing elements 16 when the cover 11 is fixed to the container 4.

[0123] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the fixing members 14 are slidably mounted relative to the cover 11 in a sliding direction and between a fixing position in which each fixing member 14 is configured to cooperate with the respective fixing element 16 so as to fix the cover 11 to the container 4, and a release position in which each fixing member 14 is configured to release the respective fixing element 16 so that the cover 11 can be removed from the container 4. Advantageously, the sliding direction extends substantially radially relative to a central axis of the cover 11.

[0124] The fixing device may further comprise two return members 17 (see [Fig.9]) housed in the cover 11 and configured to return the fixing members 14 respectively into the fixing position.

[0125] As shown more particularly in Figures 1 and 6, the electric infusion machine 2 comprises an actuating mechanism 18 provided on the cover 11 and configured to move the fixing members 14 into the release position when the actuating mechanism 18 is actuated by a user.

[0126] The actuating mechanism 18 more particularly comprises two actuating members 19 (see FIGS. 1 and 9) which can be manually actuated by a user and which are configured to move the fixing members 14 from the fixing position to the release position. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the actuating members 19 respectively comprise two manipulation parts 21 which are accessible from an upper face of the cover 11 and which are configured to be manipulated by a user.

[0127] The actuating members 19 are mounted to slide relative to the cover 11. between a first actuating position and a second actuating position, and the actuating members 19 and the fixing members 14 are configured such that a movement of the actuating members 19 from the first actuating position to the second actuating position causes a movement of the fixing members 14 from the fixing position to the release position. Advantageously, each actuating member 19 and the respective fixing member 14 are fixed to each other (and therefore integral in movement), and the two actuating members 19 are configured to move the fixing members 14 into the release position by pinching the two manipulation parts 21, i.e. by bringing the two manipulation parts 21 closer to each other.

[0128] The electric brewing machine 2 may comprise an angular indexing system configured to define a single position for fixing the lid 11 on the container 4. The angular indexing system may for example comprise at least one indexing boss 22 (see [Fig.3]) provided on the container 4 and at least one indexing notch 23 (see [Fig.8]) provided on the lid 11 and configured to cooperate with the at least one indexing boss 22.

[0129] The cover 11 further comprises a pouring conduit 24 (see [Fig. 5]) configured to convey water contained in the internal volume 5 to the pouring spout 9. The pouring conduit 24 more particularly comprises a water inlet opening 25 opening into a front half of the lower face 12 of the cover 11, and a water outlet opening 26 opening into an external peripheral surface of the cover 11 and intended to be located substantially opposite the pouring spout 9 when the cover 11 is fixed to the container 4.

[0130] The electric brewing machine 2 further comprises a shutter 27 (see Figures 4, 5 and 8) movably mounted on the cover 11 between a shutter position in which the shutter 27 closes the pouring conduit 24 and prevents a flow of water through the pouring conduit 24, and an open position in which the shutter 27 releases the pouring conduit 24 and allows a flow of water through the pouring conduit 24.

[0131] The electric brewing machine 2 further comprises an actuation system provided on the cover 11 and configured to move the shutter 27 between the open position and the closed position. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the actuation system comprises an actuation button 28 actuable by a user and movable between a first button position and a second button position, the actuation system being configured such that a movement, by a user, of the actuation button 28 from the first button position to the second button position causes a movement of the shutter 27 from the closed position to the open position.

[0132] 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 a movement of the shutter 27 from the shutter position to the open position, and such that a movement, by a user, of the actuation button 28 from the second button position to the first button position causes a movement of the shutter 27 from the open position to the shutter position. The first and second button positions therefore correspond to stable positions of the actuation button 28.

[0133] The electric brewing machine 2 also comprises a steam evacuation circuit configured to convey, outside the internal volume 5 and for example towards the outside of the electric brewing machine 2, steam generated in the internal volume 5 during boiling of the water contained in the internal volume 5.

[0134] The steam discharge circuit comprises in particular a first steam inlet orifice 33 and a second steam inlet orifice 34 which are provided on the cover 11 and which open into the lower face 12 of the cover 11 and close to a peripheral edge of the lower face 12 of the cover 11. When the cover 11 is fixed to the container 4 and the latter rests on a horizontal surface, the first and second steam inlet orifices 33, 34 open into the internal volume 5 delimited by the container 4 and above a maximum filling level of the container 4.

[0135] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second steam inlet orifices 33, 34 are arranged on either side of a median vertical plane P of the electric brewing machine 2 which passes through the pouring spout 9 and the gripping handle 8, and are located in the front half of the lower face 12 of the cover 11. Advantageously, the first and second steam inlet orifices 33, 34 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the median vertical plane P of the electric brewing machine 2.

[0136] As shown more particularly in Figures 8, 10, 14 and 15, the steam evacuation circuit also comprises:

[0137] - an internal chamber 35 delimited by the cover 11,

[0138] - a first steam flow conduit 36 ​​comprising a first opening steam inlet fluidly connected to the first steam inlet orifice 33 and a first steam outlet opening 360 opening into the internal chamber 35 delimited by the cover 11, and

[0139] - a second steam flow conduit 37 comprising a second steam inlet opening fluidly connected to the second inlet port of steam 34 and a second steam outlet opening 370 opening into the internal chamber 35.

[0140] The first and second steam flow conduits 36, 37 form an anti-spill device, also called an anti-overflow device, configured to prevent spillage of the water contained in the internal volume 5 via the steam discharge circuit when the electric brewing machine 2 is overturned.

[0141] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, and in particular as visible in [Fig. 5], the first and second steam flow conduits 36, 37 are flexible and are housed in the internal chamber 35. The first and second steam flow conduits 36, 37 may for example be formed respectively by first and second steam flow tubes which are advantageously formed in one piece and therefore in one piece. The first and second steam flow conduits 36, 37 may for example be configured to extend substantially horizontally when the container 4 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0142] Advantageously, each of the first and second steam flow conduits 36, 37 has a cross-section which is circular and a passage section which is substantially constant along its length.

[0143] 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 electric brewing machine 2, and advantageously to be arranged symmetrically with respect to the median vertical plane P of the electric brewing machine 2.

[0144] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second steam outlet openings 360, 370 are located in a rear half of the internal chamber 35, and are configured to be oriented substantially opposite the spout 9, i.e. towards the rear of the electric brewing machine 2.

[0145] As shown more particularly in Figures 14 and 15, the electric brewing machine 2 is more particularly configured:

[0146] - such that when the electric brewing machine 2 is overturned and the gripping handle 8 and a first lateral side, namely the left side, of the container 4 rest stably on a horizontal surface (see [Fig. 14]), the first steam inlet orifice 33 and the second steam outlet opening 370 are located above the water level in the internal volume 5, and

[0147] - such that when the electric brewing machine 2 is overturned and the gripping handle 8 and a second lateral side, namely the right side, of the container 4 rest stably on a horizontal surface (see [Fig. 15]), the second steam inlet opening 34 and the first steam outlet opening 360 are located above the water level in internal volume 5.

[0148] Thus, the electric brewing machine 2 according to the present invention makes it possible to avoid or at least considerably limit the risks of boiling water flowing out of the electric brewing machine 2 in the event of the latter being overturned, while making it possible to optimize the maximum filling volume of the container 4.

[0149] The steam discharge circuit further comprises several steam discharge openings 38 provided on the cover 11 and fluidically connected to the internal chamber 35 delimited by the cover 11. The steam discharge openings 38 are configured to allow discharge of the steam contained in the internal chamber 35 to the outside of the electric brewing machine 2.

[0150] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the steam discharge openings 38 open into an external peripheral surface of the cover 11, and are located near the water outlet opening 26. The steam discharge openings 38 are therefore configured to be located near the pouring spout 9 when the cover 11 is attached to the container 4. Such a configuration of the electric brewing machine 2 allows steam to be discharged from the container 4 via the cover 11 and the pouring spout 9.

[0151] The electric brewing machine 2 further comprises an infusion accessory 39, such as an infusion basket, configured to be arranged at least partly in the internal volume 5 of the container 4, and more particularly to be at least partly immersed in the water contained in the internal volume 5. Advantageously, the infusion accessory 39 is removable relative to the container 4.

[0152] The infusion accessory 39 comprises a main body 41 configured to rest on a retaining portion 42 provided on the container 4 and to be arranged at least partly in the internal volume 5 of the container 4. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the retaining portion 42 is formed by two retaining ribs 42.1 (only one is visible in the figures) provided on an internal peripheral surface of the container 4. Advantageously, the retaining ribs 42.1 are diametrically opposite with respect to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4 and extend circumferentially around the central longitudinal axis A. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the two retaining ribs 42.1 could be replaced for example by an annular retaining rib or an annular retaining shoulder.

[0153] The main body 41 delimits an infusion volume 43 configured to contain a product to be infused, such as tea, coffee or plants, and comprises an upper opening 44 through which the product to be infused is able to be introduced into the infusion volume 43.

[0154] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the cover 11 comprises an obstruction wall 45 projecting from the lower face 12 of the cover 11 and configured to be inserted into the upper opening 44 provided on the main body 41 so as to prevent the product to be infused from exiting the infusion volume 43. Advantageously, the obstruction wall 45 has a generally cylindrical shape, and for example has a circular cross-section.

[0155] As shown in Figures 11 to 13, the main body 41 more particularly comprises a support part 46 configured to rest on the retaining part 42 provided on the container 4 and to be located opposite the lower face 12 of the cover 11, and an infusion part 47 delimiting the infusion volume 43.

[0156] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the infusion part 47 has a generally cylindrical shape, and comprises a tubular wall 47.1 of circular section and provided with an upper end delimiting the upper opening 44 and a lower end opposite the upper end, and a closing member 47.2 closing the lower end of the tubular wall 47.1.

[0157] As shown in [Fig. 12], the bearing portion 46 is substantially planar and is configured to extend substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4 when the bearing portion 46 rests on the retaining portion 42. Advantageously, the bearing portion 46 extends at the level of the upper opening 44 of the main body 41, and at least partly around the upper opening 44.

[0158] The support portion 46 further comprises a passage opening 48 configured to be located opposite the shutter 27 and to allow the shutter 27 to move between the open position and the closed position.

[0159] As shown more particularly in Figures 2 and 12, the infusion accessory 39 further comprises a gripping device 49 fixed to an upper part of the main body 41 and configured to allow a user to manipulate the infusion accessory 39, and for example to remove the infusion accessory 39 from the container 4.

[0160] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the gripping device 49 forms a gripping handle, and comprises two lateral mounting parts 51 which are located at a distance from each other and which are mounted articulated on the main body 41 by means of two pivot links defining an articulation axis B, and a gripping part 52 which mechanically connects the two lateral mounting parts 51 to each other and which is configured to allow a user to manipulate the infusion accessory 39.

[0161] Advantageously, the two lateral mounting parts 51 are mounted articulated on the support part 46 provided on the main body 41, and the articulation axis B is configured to extend substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4 when the infusion accessory 39 rests on the support part 46. retainer 42. The hinge pin B may for example be configured to extend above and across the upper opening 44.

[0162] The gripping device 49 is thus mounted articulated relative to the main body 41 around the articulation axis B and between a raised configuration in which the gripping part 52 is distant from the support part 46 and is able to be manipulated by a user, and a lowered configuration (see [Fig. 5]) in which the gripping part 52 is brought closer to the support part 46, and can for example bear on the support part 46.

[0163] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the gripping portion 52 is configured to be offset relative to the upper opening 44 when the gripping device 49 occupies the lowered configuration, and to be located opposite the upper opening 44 when the gripping device 49 occupies the raised configuration.

[0164] As shown in [Fig.5], when the lid 11 is in the closed position and the infusion accessory 39 rests on the retaining portion 42, the lid 11 exerts a pressing force against the gripping device 49, and for example against the gripping portion 52, so as to maintain the gripping device 49 in the lowered configuration.

[0165] For this purpose, the lower face 12 of the lid 11 comprises a bearing surface 53 configured to exert a bearing force on the gripping device 49, and more particularly to move the gripping device 49 into the lowered configuration when the lid 11 is moved into the closed position and to maintain the gripping device 49 in the lowered configuration as long as the lid 11 is fixed to the container 4.

[0166] The bearing surface 53 may for example be flat and be located close to the water inlet opening 25 provided on the cover 11, and for example between the water inlet opening 25 and the obstruction wall 45. Advantageously, the bearing surface 53 is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the container 4 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0167] Advantageously, the infusion accessory 39 further comprises a biasing device 54 fixed to the main body 41 and configured to elastically bias the gripping device 49 towards the raised configuration, and more particularly into an intermediate configuration situated between the lowered configuration and the raised configuration, when the lid 11 is removed from the container 4. The presence of such a biasing device 54 makes it easier for a user to grip the gripping part 52 with a view to removing the infusion accessory 39, and also to move the gripping part away from the internal volume 5 which may contain boiling water.

[0168] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the biasing device 54 comprises two elastically deformable blades 54.1 fixed to the support part 46 and extending opposite a lower face of the support part 46. The two elastically deformable blades 54.1 are configured to cooperate respectively with two actuating parts 55, such as actuating fingers or actuating lugs, provided respectively on the two lateral mounting parts 51. Advantageously, the two elastically deformable blades 54.1 are arranged symmetrically on either side of the median vertical plane P of the electric infusion machine 2, and for example substantially on either side of the upper opening 44.

[0169] As shown in [Fig.12], each actuating portion 55 is configured to penetrate into and protrude through a respective through-hole 56 provided on the bearing portion 46 and to cooperate with the upper face of a respective elastically deformable blade 54.1, when the gripping device 49 is moved into the lowered configuration.

[0170] Alternatively, the biasing device 54 is fixed to the gripping device 49. The biasing device 54 comprises, for example, two elastically deformable blades provided respectively on the two lateral mounting parts 51 and capable of cooperating with the support part 46 when the gripping device 49 is moved into the lowered configuration.

[0171] More generally, the stressing device 54 is suitable for being fixed to the main body 41 or alternatively to the gripping device 49.

[0172] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the gripping device 49 further comprises a thermal insulation coating 57, such as a thermal insulation sleeve, extending around the gripping part 52. The presence of such a thermal insulation coating 57 limits the risks of a user being burned when handling the gripping device 49.

[0173] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the electric infusion machine 2 further comprises an angular indexing device configured to angularly index the infusion accessory 39 relative to the container 4, so as to define a single position for retaining the infusion accessory 39 on the container 4 and therefore to ensure an optimal position of the infusion accessory 39 allowing movement of the cover 11 into the closed position.

[0174] As shown in Figures 2, 3 and 12, the angular indexing device comprises at least one indexing element, which may for example be formed by the retaining ribs 42.1, provided on the container 4, and at least one indexing member 58, such as an indexing housing, provided on the bearing portion 46 and configured to cooperate with the at least one indexing element when the main body 41 rests on the bearing portion 46. deduction 42.

[0175] According to another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the electric brewing machine 2 could comprise an electromechanical control device comprising a bimetallic element, and the steam discharge circuit could comprise at least one steam discharge opening 38 which is configured to direct the steam contained in the internal chamber 35 towards the 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 electric brewing machine 2.

[0176] The bimetallic element may for example be arranged in the gripping handle 8. In this case, the at least one steam discharge opening 38 is provided in a rear part of the cover 11 and is configured to be oriented towards the gripping handle 8.

[0177] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the bimetallic element could be arranged in a lower part of the container 4. In this case, the at least one steam discharge opening 38 is provided in a rear part of the cover 11 and is configured to be fluidically connected to a steam tube which is arranged in the container 4 and which is fluidically connected to the bimetallic element.

[0178] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated which have been given only as examples. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. An electric brewing machine (2) comprising: - a container (4) delimiting an internal volume (5) intended to contain water and in which the water is intended to be heated, - a gripping handle (8) fixed to the container (4), - a pouring spout (9), - an infusion accessory (39) comprising: • a main body (41) configured to rest on a retaining portion (42) provided on the container (4) and to be arranged at least partly in the internal volume (5) of the container (4), the main body (41) delimiting an infusion volume (43) configured to contain a product to be infused, and • a gripping device (49) fixed to an upper portion of the main body (41) and comprising a gripping portion (52) configured to allow a user to manipulate the infusion accessory (39),and - a cover (11) configured to occupy a closed position in which the cover (11) closes the container (4) and at least partially covers the infusion accessory, the cover (11) comprising a lower face (12) configured to be located opposite the infusion accessory (39), characterized in that the gripping device (49) is mounted to move relative to the main body (41) between a raised configuration in which the gripping portion (52) is capable of being manipulated by a user and a lowered configuration, and in that, when the cover (11) is in the closed position, the cover (11) is configured to exert a bearing force against the gripping device (49), so as to maintain the gripping device (49) in the lowered configuration.,

2. The electric brewing machine (2) of claim 1, wherein the brewing accessory (39) includes a biasing device (54) configured to resiliently bias the gripping device (49) toward the raised configuration.

3. An electric brewing machine (2) according to claim 2, wherein the biasing device (54) comprises at least one elastic blade- tically deformable (54.1) fixed to the main body (41).

4. An electric brewing machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the main body (41) comprises a resting portion (46) configured to rest on the retaining portion (42) provided on the container (4), the gripping portion (52) being configured to be moved away from the resting portion (46) when the gripping device (49) occupies the raised configuration and to be moved closer to the resting portion (46) when the gripping device (49) occupies the lowered configuration.

5. An electric brewing machine (2) according to claim 4, wherein the gripping device (49) is movably mounted on the support portion (46).

6. An electric brewing machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the lower face (12) of the lid (11) comprises a bearing surface (53) configured to exert a bearing force on the gripping device (49) when the lid (11) is in the closed position, so as to maintain the gripping device (49) in the lowered configuration.

7. An electric brewing machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the gripping device (49) comprises two side mounting portions (51) which are located at a distance from each other and which are movably mounted on the main body (41), the gripping portion (52) connecting the two side mounting portions (51) to each other.

8. An electric brewing machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the gripping device (49) is mounted articulated relative to the main body (41) about a hinge axis (B) and between the lowered configuration and the raised configuration.

9. An electric brewing machine (2) according to claim 8, wherein the hinge axis (B) is configured to extend substantially perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis (A) of the container (4) when the brewing accessory (39) rests on the retaining portion (42).

10. An electric brewing machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the gripping device (49) comprises a thermal insulation coating extending around the gripping portion (52).

11. An electric brewing machine (2) according to any one of the claims- indications 1 to 10, wherein the cover (11) comprises an obstruction wall (45) projecting from the lower face (12) of the cover (11) and configured to be inserted into an upper opening (44) provided on the main body (41) so as to prevent the product to be infused from exiting from the infusion volume (43).

12. An electric brewing machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the brewing accessory (39) is removable from the container (4).

13. An electric brewing machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which comprises an angular indexing device configured to angularly index the brewing accessory (39) relative to the container (4), so as to define a single retaining position of the brewing accessory (39) on the container (4).

14. An electric brewing machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, which comprises a steam discharge circuit configured to convey, outside the internal volume (5), steam generated in the internal volume (5) during boiling of the water contained in the internal volume (5).

15. An electric brewing machine (2) according to claim 14, wherein the steam discharge circuit comprises: - a first steam inlet (33) and a second steam inlet (34) which are provided on the lid (11) and which open into the lower face (12) of the lid (11), the first and second steam inlet (33, 34) being configured to be fluidly 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 electric brewing machine (2) which passes through the gripping handle (8), - an internal chamber (35) delimited by the lid (11), and - a first steam flow conduit (36) comprising a first steam inlet opening fluidly connected to the first steam inlet (33) and a first outlet opening of steam (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).,

16. An electric brewing machine (2) according to claim 15, wherein the steam discharge circuit comprises at least one steam discharge opening (38) provided on the cover (11) and fluidly connected to the internal chamber (35) delimited by the cover (11), the at least one steam discharge opening (38) being configured to allow discharge of the steam contained in the internal chamber (35) outside the cover (11).

17. An electric brewing machine (2) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the electric brewing machine (2) is configured such that, when the electric brewing machine (2) is inverted and the gripping handle (8) and a first lateral side of the container (4) are stably resting on a horizontal surface, the first steam inlet (33) is located above the water level in the internal volume (5), and such that, when the electric brewing machine (2) is inverted and the gripping handle (8) and a second lateral side of the container (4) are stably resting on a horizontal surface, the second steam inlet (34) is located above the water level in the internal volume (5).

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