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

Abstract

The electric brewing machine includes a container (4) defining an internal volume (5); a brewing accessory (39) comprising a main body (41) configured to be disposed within the internal volume (5) and defining a brewing volume (43) configured to hold a product to be brewed, and a gripping device attached to an upper portion of the main body (41); and a lid (11) configured to close the container (4) and cover the brewing accessory. The gripping device (49) is mounted to move relative to the main body (41) between a raised and a lowered configuration, and the lid (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. Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Electric brewing machine comprising a brewing accessory equipped with a movable gripping device technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electric brewing machines, and in particular to 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 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 an axis longitudinal central part 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 disposed at least partially within the internal volume of the container, the main body delimiting an infusion volume configured to contain a product to be infused, and comprising a top opening through which the product to be infused is suitable for introducing into the infusion volume, and

[0007] - a lid 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 part capable of extending outside the container and being manipulated by a user.

[0009] However, such a configuration of the infusion accessory significantly increases the risk of boiling water flowing outside the container, for example in the event of the container being overturned (because 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 disposed within the internal volume delimited by the container, and therefore to be located under the lid.

[0011] However, in order to limit water contamination by any contaminants present on the gripping part and to limit the risk of burns to a user when removing the brewing accessory from the container, it is preferable that the gripping part of the brewing accessory be kept out of the water contained in the container, including when the latter is filled to its maximum fill level.

[0012] However, in order to comply with the two aforementioned criteria with an infusion accessory equipped with a gripping part located 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 impairs the height of the latter, or to reduce the size of the gripping part, which impairs 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 of providing an electric brewing machine which is simple in structure, ergonomic and economical, while also offering a high level of safety in use.

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

[0016] - a container delimiting an internal volume intended to hold water and in which The water is intended to be heated.

[0017] - a gripping 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 retention portion provided on the container and to be disposed at least partially within the internal volume of the container, the main body defining an infusion volume configured to contain a product to be infused, such as tea, coffee or herbs, and • a gripping device fixed to an upper part of the main body and comprising a gripping portion configured to allow a user to manipulate the brewing accessory, and for example to remove the brewing accessory from the container, and

[0020] - a cover configured to occupy a closed position in which the The lid closes the container and covers at least part, and for example completely, the brewing accessory; the lid includes a lower face configured to be positioned opposite the brewing accessory.

[0021] The gripping device is mounted movable relative to the main body between a raised configuration in which the gripping part is suitable for manipulation 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 maintain the gripping device in the lowered configuration.

[0022] Such a configuration of the gripping device, and in particular the fact that it can be moved between a lowered and a raised position, makes it possible to limit the height of the brewing accessory when it is placed inside the internal volume and the lid is in the closed position, while ensuring easy handling of the brewing accessory, especially when removing it from the container. Furthermore, such an arrangement of the brewing accessory ensures a good seal for the electric brewing machine when the lid is in the closed position.

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

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the brewing accessory includes a tensioning device configured to elastically tension the gripping device towards the raised position. The presence of such a tensioning device makes it easier, after the lid is removed, for a user to grasp the gripping part in order to remove the brewing accessory from the internal volume, and also keeps the gripping part away from the internal volume that may contain boiling water, thus limiting the risk of scalding the user.

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

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stressing device is located opposite an underside 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 stressing device being configured to stress the gripping device in the intermediate configuration.

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

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container has a central longitudinal axis, and the spout is configured to be located opposite the gripping handle with respect 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 underside of the lid when the lid is in the closed position.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body has a top 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 from the upper opening when the gripping device is in the lowered position, and to be positioned opposite the upper opening when the gripping device is in the raised position. 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 part configured to rest on the retention part provided on the container, the gripping part being configured to be away from the support part when the gripping device occupies the raised configuration and to be closer to the support part 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 portion extends at the level of the upper opening of the main body.

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

[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 portion delimiting the infusion volume. Advantageously, the infusion portion has an overall 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, at least one elastically deformable blade extends opposite an underside 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 protrude through a respective through orifice provided on the support part and to cooperate with the actuating device, and for example with the upper face of at least one elastically deformable blade, when the gripping device occupies the lowered configuration.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the excitation device comprises two elastically deformable blades arranged on either side of a median vertical plane of the electric brewing machine which passes through the gripping 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 lid includes a bearing surface configured to exert a bearing force on the gripping device when the lid 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 support 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 axis of articulation 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 axis of articulation.

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

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

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the articulation 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 part.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid has an obstruction wall projecting from the underside 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 escaping the infusion volume.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the obstruction wall has an overall 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 includes 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 unique retention position of 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 includes a steam evacuation circuit configured to convey, outside the internal volume and for example to the outside of the electric brewing machine, steam generated in the internal volume during the boiling of the water contained in the internal volume.

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

[0062] - a first steam inlet port and a second inlet port steam vents 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 electric brewing machine which passes through the gripping handle,

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

[0064] - a first vapor flow conduit comprising a first opening a steam inlet fluidically 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 opening steam inlet fluidly connected to the second steam inlet port and a second steam outlet 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 the water contained in the internal volume from spilling through the steam evacuation circuit when the electric brewing machine is turned upside down.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam evacuation circuit includes at least one steam evacuation opening, and for example one or more steam evacuation opening(s), provided on the lid and fluidly connected to the internal chamber delimited by the lid, the at least one steam evacuation opening being configured to allow evacuation 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, at least one steam vent opening is configured to be located near the 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 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 electric brewing machine 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 electric brewing machine according to the present invention makes it possible to avoid, or at least considerably limit, the risk of boiling water escaping from the electric brewing machine if the latter is inverted.

[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 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 electric brewing machine 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.

[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 outlets are located in the rear half of the internal chamber. This 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 electric brewer forward and downward. Furthermore, when the electric brewer includes an electromechanical control system, this architecture facilitates the transfer of steam to the handle and to an electromechanical control system of the electric brewer located at the bottom, which is designed to deactivate the heating element of the electric brewer when it detects steam.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam outlet openings are configured to be oriented opposite to the spout, i.e., towards the rear of the electric brewing machine. 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 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 ducts 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 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 electric brewing machine if it is tipped over.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container includes a top filling opening leading into the internal volume.

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

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

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

[0081] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric brewing machine 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.

[0082] 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 housing, 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening device includes a return element, such as a return spring, configured to return at least one fastening element to the fastening position.

[0085] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric brewing machine 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.

[0086] 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 fixed position to the release position. The actuating member is mounted to move between a first 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 to the second actuation position results in a movement of at least one fastening member from the fixed position to the release position. This configuration of the actuation mechanism allows a user to remove the cover by simply actuating the mechanism.

[0087] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid includes a pouring conduit configured to convey water contained in the volume to the spout Internally, the electric brewing machine includes a movable shutter on the lid that can be positioned between a closed position, in which the shutter seals the spout and prevents water from flowing through it, and an open position, in which the shutter opens the spout and allows water to flow through it. This lid configuration significantly reduces the risk of water spilling through the spout if the electric brewing machine is tipped over.

[0088] 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.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one steam vent is located near the water outlet.

[0090] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric brewing machine includes an actuation system provided on the lid 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 results in a movement of the shutter from the shutter position to the opening 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 results in a movement of the shutter from the shutter 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 shutter 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 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

[0095] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings representing, by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of this electric brewing machine.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0103] [Fig.8] is a perspective view from under the lid of [Fig.6].

[0104] [Fig.9] is a partial top perspective view of the lid of [Fig.6].

[0105] [Fig. 10] is a partial top perspective view of the lid of [Fig.6].

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

[0107] [Fig. 12] is a top perspective view of the infusion accessory of the [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.1] showing the electric brewing machine upside down 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 rest on the horizontal surface.

[0110] [Fig. 15] is a partial side view of the electric brewing machine of [Fig.1] showing the electric brewing machine upside down 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 rest on the horizontal surface. Detailed description

[0111] It should be noted that in this document, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "lower", "Superior", "front", "rear" and "longitudinal" used to describe the electric brewing machine refer to this electric brewing machine in a situation of use, when it is lying flat on a work surface.

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

[0113] In the following description, an electric brewing machine is understood to mean a device intended to heat water to a temperature above 50°C, preferably above 70°C, and allowing the brewing of a product to be brewed.

[0114] The electric brewing machine 2 includes 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 about the central longitudinal axis A.

[0116] 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.

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

[0118] The electric brewing machine 2 further includes a gripping handle 8 fixed to the container 4, and a spout 9 located opposite the gripping handle 8 with respect to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4. The 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 sealing gasket 13 fixed to the lower face 12 of the lid 11 and configured to cooperate hermetically with the container 4.

[0120] The electric brewing machine 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.

[0121] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the fastening device comprises two fastening members 14 (see in particular Figures 6 and 7), 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.

[0122] The fastening device further includes two fastening elements 16 (see [Fig.2]), such as fastening 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 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.

[0123] 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.

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

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

[0126] The actuation mechanism 18 more particularly comprises two actuating members 19 (see Figures 1 and 9) which are manually actuated by a user and which 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.

[0127] The actuating members 19 are mounted to slide relative to the cover 11 between a first actuation position and a second actuation position, and the actuation members 19 and the fastening members 14 are configured such that a movement of the actuation members 19 from the first actuation position to the second actuation position results in a movement of the fastening members 14 from the fastening position to the release position. Advantageously, each actuation member 19 and its respective fastening member 14 are fixed to each other (and thus fixed together during movement), and the two actuation members 19 are configured to move the fastening members 14 into the release position by pinching the two manipulator parts 21, that is, by bringing the two manipulator parts 21 closer together.

[0128] The electric brewing machine 2 may include an angular indexing system configured to define a unique fixing position of the lid 11 on the container 4. The angular indexing system may, for example, include 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 lid 11 further comprises a pouring conduit 24 (see [Fig. 5]) configured to convey water contained in the internal volume 5 to the 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 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 spout 9 when the lid 11 is attached to the container 4.

[0130] The electric brewing machine 2 further includes a shutter 27 (see figures 4, 5 and 8) movably mounted on the cover 11 between a shuttered position in which the shutter 27 seals 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.

[0131] The electric brewing machine 2 further comprises an actuation system provided on the lid 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 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 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 the shutter 27 to move from the shutter position to the opening 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 opening position to the shutter position. The first and second button positions thus correspond to stable positions of the actuation button 28.

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

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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 electric brewing machine 2 which passes through the 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 ports 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 includes:

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

[0138] - 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

[0139] - a second vapor flow conduit 37 comprising a second steam inlet opening fluidically connected to the second inlet port of steam 34 and a second steam outlet opening 370 leading 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 a spillage of the water contained in the internal volume 5 via the steam evacuation circuit when the electric brewing machine 2 is overturned.

[0141] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, and in particular as seen 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 monobloc. 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 that is circular and a passage cross-section that 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 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 33 and the second steam outlet 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 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 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 evacuation circuit further includes several steam evacuation openings 38 provided on the cover 11 and fluidly connected to the internal chamber 35 delimited by the cover 11. The steam evacuation openings 38 are configured to allow evacuation 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 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 when the lid 11 is attached to the container 4. Such a configuration of the electric brewing machine 2 allows steam to escape from the container 4 via the lid 11 and the spout 9.

[0151] The electric brewing machine 2 further comprises a brewing accessory 39, such as a brewing basket, configured to be disposed 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 brewing accessory 39 is removable from 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 disposed at least partially within 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 opposed 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 herbs, and has a top opening 44 through which the product to be infused is suitable for being 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 escaping 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 lid 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 an overall cylindrical shape, and comprises a tubular wall 47.1 of circular cross-section and provided with an upper end delimiting the upper opening 44 and a lower end opposite the upper end, and a sealing member 47.2 sealing the lower end of the tubular wall 47.1.

[0157] As shown in [Fig.12], the bearing portion 46 is substantially flat and is configured to extend substantially perpendicularly 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 part 46 further includes a passage opening 48 configured to be located opposite the shutter 27 and to allow movement of the shutter 27 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 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 hinged on the support part 46 provided on the main body 41, and the hinge axis B is configured to extend substantially perpendicularly to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4 when the infusion accessory 39 rests on the part of retention 42. The hinge axis B can 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 away 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 closer to the support part 46, and can for example rest on the support part 46.

[0163] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the gripping part 52 is configured to be offset from the upper opening 44 when the gripping device 49 is in the lowered configuration, and to be located opposite the upper opening 44 when the gripping device 49 is in 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 part 42, the lid 11 exerts a bearing force against the gripping device 49, and for example against the gripping part 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 includes 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 support surface 53 can for example be flat and be located near 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 support surface 53 is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the container 4 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0167] Advantageously, the brewing accessory 39 further comprises a straining device 54 fixed to the main body 41 and configured to elastically strain the gripping device 49 towards the raised configuration, and more particularly into an intermediate configuration located between the lowered and raised configurations, when the lid 11 is removed from the container 4. The presence of such a straining device 54 makes it easier for a user to grasp the gripping part 52 in order to remove the brewing 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 actuation device 54 comprises two elastically deformable blades 54.1 fixed to the support portion 46 and extending opposite an underside of the support portion 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 brewing machine 2, and for example substantially on either side of the upper opening 44.

[0169] As shown in [Fig.12], each actuating part 55 is configured to penetrate into and protrude through a respective through orifice 56 provided on the bearing part 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 stressing device 54 is fixed to the gripping device 49. The stressing device 54 comprises, for example, two elastically deformable blades provided respectively on the two lateral mounting parts 51 and adapted to cooperate with the support part 46 when the gripping device 49 is moved into the lowered configuration.

[0171] More generally, the excitation 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 risk of burns to a user when handling the gripping device 49.

[0173] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the electric brewing machine 2 further comprises an angular indexing device configured to angularly index the brewing accessory 39 with respect to the container 4, so as to define a unique retention position of the brewing accessory 39 on the container 4 and thus to ensure an optimal position of the brewing accessory 39 allowing movement of the lid 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 support portion 46 and configured to cooperate with the at least one indexing element when the main body 41 rests on the support portion. retention 42.

[0175] According to another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the electric brewing machine 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 stop of the heating of the electric brewing machine 2.

[0176] The bimetallic element can for example be disposed in the gripping handle 8. In this case, at least one steam vent 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 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.

[0178] 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

Demands

1. An electric brewing machine (2) comprising: - a container (4) delimiting an internal volume (5) intended to hold water and in which the water is intended to be heated, - a gripping handle (8) fixed to the container (4), - a spout (9), - a brewing accessory (39) comprising: • a main body (41) configured to rest on a retaining portion (42) provided on the container (4) and to be disposed at least partially within the internal volume (5) of the container (4), the main body (41) delimiting a brewing volume (43) configured to hold a product to be brewed, and • a gripping device (49) fixed to an upper part of the main body (41) and comprising a gripping portion (52) configured to allow a user to manipulate the brewing accessory (39),and - a lid (11) configured to occupy a closed position in which the lid (11) closes the container (4) and at least partially covers the brewing accessory, the lid (11) comprising a lower face (12) configured to be located opposite the brewing accessory (39), characterized in that the gripping device (49) is mounted movable relative to the main body (41) between a raised configuration in which the gripping part (52) is suitable for manipulation by a user and a lowered configuration, and in that, when the lid (11) is in the closed position, the lid (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. Electric brewing machine (2) according to claim 1, wherein the brewing accessory (39) comprises a squeezing device (54) configured to elastically squeeze the gripping device (49) towards the raised configuration.

3. Electric brewing machine (2) according to claim 2, wherein the actuation device (54) comprises at least one elastic blade tickly deformable (54.1) fixed to the main body (41).

4. Electric brewing machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the main body (41) has a support part (46) configured to rest on the retaining part (42) provided on the container (4), the gripping part (52) being configured to be away from the support part (46) when the gripping device (49) is in the raised configuration and to be closer to the support part (46) when the gripping device (49) is in the lowered configuration.

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

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

8. 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) around an articulation axis (B) and between the lowered configuration and the raised configuration.

9. Electric brewing machine (2) according to claim 8, wherein the pivot axis (B) is configured to extend substantially perpendicularly to a central longitudinal axis (A) of the container (4) when the brewing accessory (39) rests on the retaining part (42).

10. 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 part (52).

11. Electric brewing machine (2) according to any one of the claims indications 1 to 10, wherein the lid (11) has an obstruction wall (45) projecting from the underside (12) of the lid (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 escaping the infusion volume (43).

12. 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. Electric brewing machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which includes an angular indexing device configured to angularly index the brewing accessory (39) relative to the container (4), so as to define a unique retention position of the brewing accessory (39) on the container (4).

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

15. An electric brewing machine (2) according to claim 14, wherein the steam exhaust circuit comprises: - a first steam inlet port (33) and a second steam inlet port (34) provided on the lid (11) and opening into the underside (12) of the lid (11), the first and second steam inlet ports (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) passing through the 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 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 fluidically connected to the second steam inlet orifice (34) and a second steam outlet opening (370) opening into the internal chamber (35).

16. Electric brewing machine (2) according to claim 15, wherein the steam venting circuit comprises at least one steam venting 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 venting opening (38) being configured to allow venting of the steam contained in the internal chamber (35) outside the cover (11).

17. 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) rest stably on a horizontal surface, the first steam inlet orifice (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) rest stably on a horizontal surface, the second steam inlet orifice (34) is located above the water level in the internal volume (5).

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