Kettle with steam discharge circuit

Abstract

To provide a kettle with a simple and economical structure while offering high safety in use.SOLUTION: A kettle (2) comprises: a container (4) including internal volume; a lid (11) configured to close the container (4); a gripping handle (8); a spout (9); a steam discharge circuit configured to convey, to outside of the internal volume, steam generated within the internal volume during boiling of water contained in the internal volume; and a venting device provided on the lid (11) and configured to fluidly connect the internal volume to an internal chamber of the lid (11) when the lid (11) closes the container (4).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] GB Patent Application Publication No. 2488204 discloses an electric kettle having the following configuration. A container having a central axis configured to extend substantially vertically when the container is placed on a horizontal surface, the container defining an interior volume intended to contain water, the container intended to heat, and in particular boil, the water; A grip handle fixed to the container; a spout located on an opposite side of the grip handle with respect to a central axis of the container; a lid configured to close the container, the lid including a lower surface configured to be positioned facing the interior volume; and a steam discharge circuit configured to convey steam generated in the internal volume during boiling of water contained in the internal volume toward an exterior of the internal volume, e.g., an exterior of the kettle.

[0003] The steam discharge circuit comprises, in particular: a first steam intake orifice and a second steam intake orifice disposed in the lid and emerging from an underside of the lid and adjacent a periphery of the underside of the lid, the first steam intake orifice and the second steam intake orifice being configured to be disposed on opposite sides of a central vertical plane of the kettle passing through the spout and the grip handle, the first steam intake orifice and the second steam intake orifice being in fluid communication with the interior volume; an interior chamber separated by a lid; a first steam flow conduit having a first steam inlet opening in fluid communication with the first steam inlet orifice and a first steam outlet opening exiting the internal chamber; and a second steam flow conduit having a second steam inlet opening in fluid communication with the second steam inlet orifice and a second steam outlet opening exiting the internal chamber; A steam discharge circuit comprising: at least one steam discharge outlet portion fluidly connected to the internal chamber and configured to enable steam contained in the internal chamber to be discharged to the outside of the lid, e.g., the outside of the kettle.

[0004] If a kettle filled to a maximum fill level is tilted downwards at the end of a boiling cycle of the water contained in the kettle, boiling water is likely to flow into the first and second steam flow conduits via the first and second steam inlet orifices, and since the pressure in the internal volume continues to rise after the end of the boiling cycle due to thermal inertia in the internal volume, the amount of boiling water contained in the first and second steam flow conduits may increase until it primes the first and second steam flow conduits and induces a continuous outflow of boiling water from the kettle (water is "pushed" into the first and second steam flow conduits due to the overpressure in the internal volume) while the inlet conduit attached to the kettle remains closed through the steam discharge circuit, in particular through at least one steam discharge port. However, such a flow of boiling water from the kettle is likely to cause scalding to the user.

[0005] To overcome such shortcomings, it is known to provide the lid with a non-return valve, such as a ball valve, configured to block the flow of water through the first and second steam flow conduits if the kettle is tipped or tilted, but such a non-return valve adds complexity to the kettle and significantly increases the manufacturing costs of the latter. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks in whole or in part.

[0007] The technical problem underlying the present invention is, in particular, to provide a kettle which is of simple and economical construction whilst offering great safety of use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a kettle, in particular an electric kettle, A vessel having a central longitudinal axis and defining an interior volume intended to contain water, the vessel being intended to heat, and in particular boil, the water; a lid configured to close the container, the lid including a lower surface configured to be positioned facing the interior volume; For example, a grip handle fixed to the container; a spout configured to be located on an opposite side of the grip handle relative to a central longitudinal axis of the container; a steam discharge circuit configured to convey steam generated in the interior volume during boiling of water contained in the interior volume towards an exterior of the interior volume, e.g., an exterior of the kettle, a first steam inlet orifice and a second steam inlet orifice disposed in the lid and emerging from an underside of the lid, the first and second steam inlet orifices being in fluid communication with an interior volume defined by the container, e.g., configured to be located above a maximum fill level of the container, the first and second steam inlet orifices being disposed on either side of a central vertical plane of the kettle passing through the grip handle; an interior chamber separated by a lid; a first steam flow conduit having a first steam inlet opening fluidly connected to the first steam intake orifice, the first steam inlet opening exiting into the internal chamber; and a second steam flow conduit having a second steam outlet opening fluidly connected to the second steam intake orifice, the second steam outlet opening exiting into the internal chamber.

[0009] The kettle further includes a venting device disposed in the lid and configured to fluidly connect an interior volume bounded by the container to an interior chamber bounded by the lid when the lid closes the container.

[0010] Such a venting device allows the pressures in the internal volume and chamber to balance during the heating cycle of the water contained in the kettle, so that when the kettle is tilted downwards at the end of the boiling cycle and the inlet conduit attached to the kettle is kept closed, the risk of priming the first and second steam flow conduits is significantly reduced, and the risk of boiling water flowing through the steam discharge circuit and therefore the risk of scalding the user.

[0011] Furthermore, the presence of such a venting device ensures that, when pouring the contents of the kettle, as the amount of water in the kettle decreases, air enters the interior of the internal volume, ensuring a pressure balance between the internal volume and the internal chamber, and therefore an optimal outflow of water from the kettle (without gurgling noises).

[0012] The kettle may further comprise one or more of the following features, either alone or in combination:

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid includes a front portion flanking the spout and a rear portion flanking the grip handle.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the underside of the lid includes a front half portion flanking the spout and a rear half portion flanking the grip handle.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the venting device includes a vent orifice extending from the underside of the lid.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vent orifice is a calibrated orifice, the configuration of which significantly limits the amount of water that may enter the interior chamber bounded by the lid during the pouring operation in the kettle.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ventilation orifice is located in the rear half of the underside of the lid, which makes it possible to further limit the amount of water that may enter the internal chamber bounded by the lid during the operation of pouring the water contained in the kettle.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ventilation orifice is located near the periphery of the underside of the lid, advantageously at a distance of less than 30 mm, such as less than 20 mm, from the periphery of the underside of the lid.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vent orifice is configured to be located on the opposite side of the spout relative to the central longitudinal axis of the container, which makes it possible to further limit the amount of water that may enter the interior chamber bounded by the lid during the operation of pouring water contained in the kettle.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vent orifice has a flow cross section that is smaller than the flow cross section of each of the first and second steam inlet orifices.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the kettle has no elements for closing the ventilation orifice.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, a venting device includes a filtering element configured to filter fluid flowing through a vent orifice.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the filtering element is removable.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the venting device includes a valve positioned across the vent orifice.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam discharge circuit includes at least one steam discharge opening, e.g., one or more steam discharge openings, provided in the lid and fluidly connected to an internal chamber defined by the lid, and the at least one steam discharge outlet is configured to enable steam contained in the internal chamber to be discharged towards the outside of the lid, e.g., towards the outside of the kettle.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam flow conduits form a spill prevention device (also referred to as a spill prevention device) configured to prevent the escape of water contained in the internal volume through the steam discharge circuit when the kettle is tipped over.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the kettle is configured such that when the kettle is inverted and the grip handle and the first side of the container are stably placed on a horizontal surface, the first steam inlet orifice is located above the water level in the internal volume, and when the kettle is inverted and the grip handle and the second side of the container are stably placed on a horizontal surface, the second steam inlet orifice is located above the water level in the internal volume. Thus, the kettle according to the invention makes it possible to avoid or at least significantly limit the risk of boiling water spilling out of the kettle if the kettle is tipped over.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the kettle is configured such that when the kettle is tilted and the grip handle and the first side of the container are stably placed on a horizontal surface, the first steam intake orifice and the second steam intake orifice are located above the water level in the internal volume, and when the kettle is tilted and the grip handle and the second side of the container are stably placed on a horizontal surface, the second steam intake orifice and the first steam outlet opening are located above the water level in the internal volume.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam outlet openings are configured to be located on either side of a central vertical plane of the kettle, for example symmetrically relative to the central vertical plane of the kettle.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first steam inlet opening is located near the second steam inlet orifice and the second steam outlet opening is located near the first steam inlet orifice. Such an arrangement of the first and second steam outlet openings further limits the risk of hot water spilling out of the kettle if the kettle is tipped over.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam outlet openings are located in the front half of the lid.

[0032] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam outlet openings are located at the rear of the internal chamber. Such an arrangement of the first and second steam outlet openings limits the risk of water flowing into the lid (through the first and second steam inlet orifices and the first and second steam flow conduits) when a user tilts the kettle forward and downward to pour hot water into a saucer. Furthermore, in the case where the kettle comprises an electromechanical control system, such a structure allows for easy transmission of steam to the grip handle and the electromechanical control system of the kettle located at the bottom, which can stop the heating of the kettle when steam is detected.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second steam outlet openings are configured to be positioned in a direction opposite to the spout, i.e., towards the rear of the kettle. These positions further limit the risk of water flowing into the lid (through the first and second steam inlet orifices and the first and second steam flow conduits) when a user tilts the kettle forward and downward to pour hot water into the container. Furthermore, in case the kettle comprises an electromechanical control system, such a structure allows for easy transmission of steam to the grip handle and the electromechanical control system of the kettle located at the bottom, which can stop the heating of the kettle when steam is detected.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first vapor flow conduit has a substantially constant flow cross-section along the length of the first vapor flow conduit, and the second vapor flow conduit has a substantially constant flow cross-section along the length of the first vapor flow conduit.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second vapor flow conduits has a substantially circular cross-section.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second vapor flow conduits are each flexible.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second steam flow conduits has a generally V-shape, with the general V-shape defined by each of the first and second steam flow conduits having an apex located at the rear of the lid. This configuration of the first and second steam flow conduits may further limit the amount of water that may enter the interior chamber bounded by the lid during a filling operation within the kettle.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the tip of each general V-shape is configured to face toward the spout.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first steam inlet orifice is located proximate the second steam outlet opening, the second steam inlet orifice is located proximate the first steam inlet opening, and the tip of the general V-shape defined by the first steam flow conduit is located proximate the tip of the general V-shape defined by the second steam flow conduit.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first vapor flow conduit comprises a first primary conduit portion that is substantially straight and in fluid communication with the first vapor inlet orifice, a second primary conduit portion that is substantially straight and includes a first vapor outlet opening, and a primary intermediate portion that is curved and connects the first and second primary conduit portions together; the second vapor flow conduit comprises a first secondary conduit portion that is substantially straight and in fluid communication with the second vapor inlet orifice, a second secondary conduit portion that is substantially straight and includes a second vapor outlet opening, and a secondary intermediate portion that is curved and connects the first and second secondary conduit portions.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second primary conduit portions converge towards each other toward the rear of the lid, e.g., substantially opposite the spout relative to the central longitudinal axis of the container, and the first and second secondary conduit portions converge towards each other toward the rear of the lid, e.g., substantially opposite the spout relative to the central longitudinal axis of the container.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second vapour flow conduits are arranged symmetrically relative to a central vertical plane of the kettle.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central longitudinal axis of the container is configured to extend substantially vertically when the container is stably placed on a horizontal surface.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second vapor flow conduits are contained in an internal chamber bounded by a lid.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam inlet orifices are located in the front half of the underside of the lid.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam inlets are located near the periphery of the underside of the lid. Such a location of the first and second steam intake orifices further limits the risk of hot water spilling out of the kettle if the kettle is tipped over.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam inlet orifices are configured to be symmetrically positioned relative to a central vertical plane of the kettle.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second vapour flow conduits are configured to extend substantially horizontally when the vessel is resting on a horizontal surface.

[0049] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first steam flow conduit is configured to be inclined relative to the horizontal when the container is resting on a horizontal surface to direct water contained in the first steam flow conduit towards the first steam inlet orifice, and the second steam flow conduit is configured to be inclined relative to the horizontal when the container is resting on a horizontal surface to direct water contained in the second steam flow conduit towards the second steam inlet orifice, such an arrangement reduces the risk of water pooling or stagnation in the lid.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one steam exhaust opening is located on the outer periphery of the lid.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one steam outlet is configured to be located proximate to the spout, for example facing the spout.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container includes a top fill opening that opens into the interior volume.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid is configured to be placed in the top fill opening.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the spout is located at the top fill opening.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container includes a spout.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid is removable from the container.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the kettle includes a fastening device configured to releasably, ie, temporarily and reversibly, secure the lid to the vessel.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening device comprises at least one fastening member, such as a fastening tab or fastening finger, on the lid and at least one fastening element, such as a fastening notch, on the container, the at least one fastening member 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 to fasten 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.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one fastening member is movably mounted relative to the lid between a fastened position and a released position.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one fastening member is slidably attached to the lid in a sliding direction, which may extend substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the lid, for example, substantially radially to the central axis of the lid.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening device includes a return member configured to return at least one fastening member to a fastened position.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the kettle includes an actuation mechanism provided on the lid and configured to displace at least one fastening member to an open position when the actuation mechanism is actuated by a user.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation mechanism includes an actuation member that can be manually actuated by a user and configured to displace at least one fastening member from a fastened position to an open position, the actuation member being movably mounted between a first actuation position and a second actuation position, the actuation member and the at least one fastening member being configured such that displacement of the actuation member from the first actuation position to the second actuation position causes displacement of the at least one fastening member from the fastened position to the open position. This configuration of the actuation mechanism allows a user to remove the lid by simply actuating the actuation mechanism.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one actuation member includes a handling portion configured to be operated by a user.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation mechanism includes a return element, such as a return spring, configured to return the actuation member to the first actuation position.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the kettle includes an angular indexing device, also referred to as a foolproof device, configured to angularly index the lid relative to the container to define a unique position for securing the lid to the container.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the angular indexing device includes at least one indexing element provided on the container and at least one indexing member provided on the lid and configured to cooperate with the at least one indexing element when the lid is secured to the container.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one indexing member is located at the front of the lid.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid includes a pour conduit configured to convey water contained in the interior volume towards the spout, and the kettle includes a closure movably mounted on the lid between a closed position in which the closure closes the pour conduit and prevents the flow of water therethrough, and an open position in which the closure opens the pour conduit and allows the flow of water therethrough. Such a lid configuration significantly limits the risk of water spilling out of the spout when the kettle is tipped over.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water inlet conduit includes a water inlet opening exiting the underside of the lid and a water outlet opening exiting the outer periphery of the lid.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one steam outlet is located near the water outlet opening.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the invention, the kettle includes an actuation system provided on the lid and configured to displace the obturator between an open position and a closed position.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation system includes an actuation button that can be actuated by a user and is movable between a first button position and a second button position, and the actuation system is configured such that displacement of the actuation button by the user from the first button position to the second button position causes displacement of the obturator from the closed position to the open position.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation system includes, for example, a ballpoint pen type bistable control device and is configured such that displacement of the actuation button by a user from a first button position to a second button position causes displacement of the obturator from a closed position to an open position, and displacement of the actuation button by the user from the second button position to the first button position causes displacement of the obturator from the open position to the closed position.

[0075] According to an embodiment of the invention, the vessel comprises a heated bottom located below the internal volume and configured to heat the water contained in the internal volume. Advantageously, the heated bottom houses an electric heating element.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the invention, the kettle includes a support for resting the container.

[0077] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first and second vapour flow conduits are formed by first and second vapour flow tubes, respectively, advantageously each of the first and second vapour flow tubes being integrally formed and of one piece. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0078] The invention will be better understood by means of the following description, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings which represent, by way of non-limiting example, some embodiments of this kettle. [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a kettle according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the vessel of the kettle of FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a top perspective view of the kettle lid of FIG. 1; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of the lid of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the lid of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the lid of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partial top perspective view of the lid of FIG. 3 with the upper casing of the lid removed. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partial bottom view of the lid of FIG. 3 with the lower casing of the lid removed. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a partial side view of the kettle of FIG. 1 shown inverted on a horizontal surface and in a stable position with the grip handle and left side of the vessel of the kettle resting on the horizontal surface. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partial side view of the kettle of FIG. 1, showing the kettle inverted on a horizontal surface and in a stable position with the grip handle and right side of the vessel of the kettle resting on the horizontal surface. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cutaway perspective view of the lid of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0079] In this specification, the terms "front" and "rear" are defined in relation to use of the kettle where a user holds the kettle by the grip handle and maintains it substantially horizontally, with the spout located opposite the user.

[0080] Figures 1 to 11 represent a kettle 2 according to the invention, in particular an electric kettle.

[0081] In the remainder of the specification, the term kettle refers to a device intended for heating water to a temperature above 50°C, preferably above 70°C.

[0082] The kettle 2 includes a support base 3 configured to be powered by a power cord, and a container 4 configured to rest on the support base 3.

[0083] The container 4 has a central longitudinal axis A that is configured to extend substantially vertically when the container 4 is placed on a horizontal surface. Advantageously, the container 4 has a general shape of revolution about the central longitudinal axis A.

[0084] The vessel 4 defines an interior volume 5 intended for containing water and for heating, in particular for boiling, the water. The vessel 4 further comprises an upper fill opening 6 exiting into the interior volume 5.

[0085] The vessel 4 further comprises a heated bottom 7 located below the internal volume 5 and configured to heat the water contained in the internal volume 5. In known manner, the heated bottom 7 accommodates an electric heating element (not shown) configured to be supplied with power when the vessel 4 rests on the support 3.

[0086] The kettle 2 further includes a grip handle 8 secured to the container 4 and a spout 9 located opposite the grip handle 8 relative to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4. The spout 9 may be provided on the container 4 and disposed at the top filling opening 6, for example.

[0087] The kettle 2 further comprises a lid 11 configured to close the vessel 4, in particular arranged at the upper filling opening 6. The lid 11 comprises a lower surface 12 configured to face the interior volume 5 of the vessel 4. Advantageously, the kettle 2 comprises an annular seal 13 fixed to the lower surface 12 of the lid 11 and configured to sealingly cooperate with the vessel 4.

[0088] The kettle 2 further includes a fastening device configured to removably, ie temporarily and reversibly, secure the lid 11 to the container 4 .

[0089] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the fastening device is provided on the lid 11 and consists of two fastening members 14 (see in particular Figures 4 and 6), such as diametrically opposed fastening fingers. Each fastening member 14 is accommodated in the lid 11 and is arranged to project therefrom through a respective through opening 15 provided in the lid 11. Advantageously, each through opening 15 emerges on the outer circumferential surface of the lid 11 and above the annular seal 13.

[0090] The fastening device further comprises two fastening elements 16 (see FIG. 2), such as fastening notches or retaining tabs, provided on the inner surface of the container 4 and located near the top filling opening 6. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the fastening members 14 are more specifically configured to enter into the fastening elements 16, respectively, when the lid 11 is fastened to the container 4.

[0091] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the fastening members 14 are mounted slidably in a sliding direction relative to the lid 11 between a fastening position in which each fastening member 14 is configured to cooperate with a respective fastening element 16 to fasten the lid 11 to the container 4, and an open position in which each fastening member 14 is configured to release a respective fastening element 16 so that the lid 11 can be removed from the container 4. Advantageously, the sliding direction extends substantially radially relative to a central axis of the lid 11.

[0092] The fastening device may further comprise two return members 17 (see FIG. 11) housed in the lid 11 and configured to return the fastening members 14 respectively to the fastened position.

[0093] As shown in more detail in Figures 1 to 3, the kettle 2 includes an actuation mechanism 18 provided on the lid 11 and configured to displace the fastening members 14 to an open position when the actuation mechanism 18 is actuated by a user.

[0094] The actuation mechanism 18 includes, in particular, two actuation members 19 (see FIG. 3 ) that can be manually actuated by a user and are configured to displace the fastening members 14 from a fastening position to an open position. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the actuation members 19 each include two operating portions 21 that are accessible from a top side of the lid 11 and that are configured to be operated by a user.

[0095] The actuating member 19 is slidably mounted to the lid 11 between a first and a second actuating position. The actuating member 19 and the fastening member 14 are configured such that a displacement of the actuating member 19 from the first to the second actuating position causes a displacement of the fastening member 14 from the fastening position to the open position. Advantageously, each actuating member 19 and each fastening member 14 are made integrally, and the two actuating members 19 are configured to displace the fastening member 14 to the open position by sandwiching the two operating parts 21, i.e. by bringing the two operating parts 21 closer to each other.

[0096] As shown in more detail in Figure 3, the kettle 2 may include an angular indexing device, also referred to as a foolproof device, configured to define a unique position for securing the lid 11 to the vessel 4. The angular indexing device may include at least one indexing element, such as an indexing housing, provided on the vessel 4, and at least one indexing boss 23 provided on the lid 11 and configured to cooperate with the at least one indexing element.

[0097] The lid 11 includes an inlet conduit 24 configured to direct water contained within the internal volume 5 towards the spout 9. The inlet conduit 24 includes in particular a water inlet opening 25 emerging from the front half of the underside 12 of the lid 11 and a water outlet opening 26 emerging from the outer peripheral surface of the lid 11, and is intended to be positioned substantially opposite the spout 9 when the lid 11 is secured to the container 4.

[0098] The kettle 2 further includes a closure 27 (see Figures 4 to 6) mounted on the lid 11 such that it is movable between a closed position in which the closure 27 closes the inlet conduit 24 to prevent the flow of water therethrough, and an open position in which the closure 27 opens the inlet conduit 24 to allow the flow of water therethrough.

[0099] The kettle 2 further comprises an actuator provided on the lid 11 and configured to displace the obturator 27 between an open position and a closed position. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the actuation system comprises an actuation button 28 actuated by a user and movable between a first button position and a second button position, the actuation system being configured such that displacement of the actuation button 28 by the user from the first button position to the second button position causes displacement of the obturator 27 from the closed position to the open position.

[0100] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the actuation system comprises a bistable control device 29, for example of ballpoint pen type, arranged such that displacement of the actuation button 28 by a user from a first button position to a second button position causes displacement of the obturator 27 from the closed position to the open position, and displacement of the actuation button 28 by a user from the second button position to the first button position causes displacement of the obturator 27 from the open position to the closed position. The first and second button positions thus correspond to stable positions of the actuation button 28.

[0101] The kettle 2 may also include a tea basket (not shown) adapted to rest on a holder 32 provided on the vessel 4 and to be placed within the interior volume 5 of the vessel 4. Advantageously, the tea basket is removable.

[0102] The kettle 2 also includes a steam discharge circuit configured to transport steam generated within the internal volume 5 during boiling of water contained within the internal volume 5 towards the outside of the internal volume 5, e.g., the outside of the kettle 2.

[0103] The steam release circuit is in particular provided in the lid 11 and consists of a first steam intake orifice 33 and a second steam intake orifice 34 protruding into the underside 12 of the lid 11 and adjacent to the periphery of the underside 12 of the lid 11. When the lid 11 is fixed to the container 4 and the container 4 is placed on a horizontal surface, the first and second steam intake orifices 33, 34 protrude into the internal volume 5 defined by the container 4 and above the maximum filling level of the container 4.

[0104] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second steam intake orifices 33, 34 are arranged on either side of a central vertical plane P of the kettle 2 passing through the spout 9 and the grip handle 8 and are located in the front half of the underside 12 of the lid 11. Advantageously, the first and second steam intake orifices 33, 34 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central vertical plane P of the kettle 2.

[0105] As shown in more detail in Figs. 7 and 11, an internal chamber 35 bounded by a lid 11; a first steam flow conduit 36 ​​including a first steam inlet opening in fluid communication with the first steam inlet orifice 33 and a first steam outlet opening 360 exiting an interior chamber 35 defined by the lid 11; A second steam flow conduit 37 including a second steam inlet opening in fluid communication with the second steam inlet orifice 34 and a second steam outlet opening 370 exiting the internal chamber 35 is provided.

[0106] The first and second steam flow conduits 36, 37 form a spill prevention device, also called a spill prevention device, configured to prevent spillage of the water contained in the internal volume 5 through the steam discharge circuit when the kettle 2 is tipped over.

[0107] According to the illustrated embodiment, and particularly as can be seen in Figure 7, the first and second vapor flow conduits 36, 37 are flexible and are housed in an internal chamber 35. The first and second vapor flow conduits 36, 37 may be formed, for example, by first and second vapor flow tubes, respectively, which are advantageously formed integrally.

[0108] Advantageously, each of the first and second steam flow conduits 36, 37 has a circular transverse cross-section and a substantially constant flow cross-section along its length.

[0109] The first and second steam outlet openings 360, 370 are more particularly configured to be arranged on either side of a central vertical plane P of the kettle 2, and advantageously configured to be arranged symmetrically with respect to the central vertical plane P of the kettle 2.

[0110] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each of the first and second steam flow conduits 36 , 37 has a generally V-shape, with the first and second steam outlet openings 360 , 370 located in the front half of the lid 11 .

[0111] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the general V-shape defined by each of the first and second steam flow conduits 36, 37 has a point located at the rear of the lid 11, which point is particularly configured to face the spout 9. Such a configuration of the first and second steam flow conduits 36, 37 makes it possible to limit the amount of water that may enter the internal chamber 35 defined by the lid 11 during the operation of pouring the water contained in the kettle 2.

[0112] Advantageously, the first and second vapour flow conduits 36, 37 are arranged symmetrically about a central vertical plane P of the kettle 2 and are arranged to extend substantially horizontally when the vessel 4 is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0113] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first steam outlet opening 360 is located near the second steam inlet orifice 34, and the second steam outlet opening 370 is located near the first steam inlet orifice 33. The kettle 2 is therefore configured in such a way that, more specifically, when the kettle 2 is turned upside down and the grip handle 8 and the first side of the container 4 are stably placed on a horizontal surface (see FIG. 9), the first steam inlet orifice 33 and the second steam outlet opening 370 are located above the water level of the internal volume; and when the kettle 2 is turned down and the grip handle 8 and the second side of the container 4 are stably placed on a horizontal surface (see FIG. 10), the second steam inlet orifice 34 and the first steam outlet opening 360 are located above the water level of the internal volume. The kettle 2 according to the invention therefore makes it possible to optimise the maximum filling volume of the container 4 of the kettle 2, whilst avoiding or at least significantly limiting the risk of hot water spilling out of the kettle 2 in the event of the kettle 2 being tipped over.

[0114] 7, the first steam flow conduit 36 ​​includes a first straight primary conduit section 36.1 in fluid communication with the first steam inlet orifice 33, a straight second primary conduit section 36.2 including a first steam outlet opening 360, and a curved primary intermediate section 36.3 connecting together the first and second primary conduit sections 36.1, 36.2. Similarly, the second steam flow conduit 37 includes a first secondary conduit section 37.1 in fluid communication with the second steam inlet orifice 34, a straight second secondary conduit section 37.2 including a second steam outlet opening 370, and a curved secondary intermediate section 37.3 connecting together the first and second secondary conduit sections 37.1, 37.2.

[0115] Advantageously, the first and second primary conduit portions 36.1, 36.2 converge towards each other towards a rear portion of the lid 11, e.g. substantially opposite the spout 9 with respect to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4, and the first and second secondary conduit portions 37.1, 37.2 converge towards each other towards a rear portion of the lid 11, e.g. substantially opposite the spout 9 with respect to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4.

[0116] The steam discharge circuit further comprises a plurality of steam discharge ports 38 provided in the lid 11 and in fluid communication with the internal chamber 35 defined by the lid 11. A second steam flow conduit 37 is configured to allow steam contained in the internal chamber 35 to be discharged towards the exterior of the kettle 2.

[0117] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the steam outlet 38 appears on the outer circumferential surface of the lid 11 and is located near the water outlet opening 26. Thus, the steam outlet 38 is configured to be located near the spout 9, for example facing the spout 9, when the lid 11 is fixed to the container 4. This configuration of the kettle 2 allows steam to be released to the outside of the container 4 via the lid 11 and the spout 9.

[0118] Advantageously, the kettle 2 has no elements that block the steam discharge circuit.

[0119] As shown in more detail in Figures 9 to 10, the kettle 2 is when the kettle 2 is inverted and the grip handle 8 and the first side, i.e. the left side, of the container 4 are resting stably on a horizontal surface, the first steam inlet orifice 33 is located above the water level in the internal volume 5; When the kettle 2 is inverted and the grip handle 8 and the second side, i.e. the right side, of the vessel 4 rests stably on a horizontal surface, the second steam inlet orifice 34 is located above the water level in the interior volume 5 .

[0120] The kettle 2 according to the invention therefore makes it possible to avoid or at least significantly limit the risk of boiling water spilling out of the kettle 2 if the kettle 2 is tipped over.

[0121] The kettle 2 further includes a venting device 39 provided on the lid 11 and configured to fluidly connect the internal volume 5 bounded by the container 4 to the internal chamber 35 bounded by the lid 11 when the lid 11 is secured to the container 4.

[0122] The venting device 39 includes in particular a venting orifice 41 emerging from the underside 12 of the lid 11. The venting orifice 41 is more particularly formed by a calibrated orifice and has a flow cross section smaller than the flow cross section of the first and second steam intake orifices 33, 34, respectively.

[0123] Advantageously, the ventilation orifice 41 is located in the rear half of the underside 12 of the lid 11, close to the periphery of the underside 12 of the lid 11. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the ventilation orifice 41 is arranged to be located opposite the spout 9 with respect to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4. The ventilation orifice 41 has a diameter, for example, comprised between 1 and 15 mm, preferably less than or equal to 5 mm, more preferably 3 mm.

[0124] Such a venting device 39 makes it possible to balance the pressure in the internal volume 5 and the internal chamber 35 during the heating cycle of the water contained in the kettle 2. Thus, when the kettle 2 is tilted downwards at the end of the boiling cycle and the inlet conduit 24 attached to the lid 11 is kept blocked, the risk of priming of the first and second steam flow conduits 36, 37 is significantly reduced, which in turn significantly limits the risk of boiling water flowing through the steam discharge circuit (in particular through the steam discharge port 38) and therefore the risk of scalding the user.

[0125] Furthermore, the particular location of the ventilation orifice 41 (located in the rear half of the underside 12 of the lid 11, close to the periphery of the underside 12 of the lid 11) also makes it possible to limit the amount of water that may enter the internal chamber 35 bounded by the lid 11 during the operation of pouring water contained in the kettle 2.

[0126] Furthermore, the presence of such a venting device 39 allows air to enter the internal volume 5 as the amount of water in the kettle 2 decreases when pouring the contents of the kettle 2, thereby ensuring a balance of pressure between the internal volume 5 and the internal chamber 35 and therefore an optimal outflow of water from the kettle 2 (without gurgling noises).

[0127] The vent device 39 further includes a filter element 42 configured to filter the fluid flowing through the vent orifice 41. Advantageously, the filter element 42 is removable, for example to allow cleaning or replacement.

[0128] Furthermore, the venting device 39 is advantageously free of obstructing elements, thus simplifying the construction of the venting device 39 and the vapor release circuit.

[0129] Alternatively, the vent 39 may consist of a valve formed, for example, from a silicone pellet that includes a slot formed, for example, by a split cross formed in the material of the pellet. The valve is positioned across the vent orifice 41.

[0130] According to another embodiment not shown in the figures, the first and second steam outlet openings 360, 370 may be located at the rear of the internal chamber 35 and configured to face away from the spout 9, i.e., towards the rear of the kettle 2.

[0131] According to another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the kettle 2 may include an electromechanical control device including a bimetallic element, the steam discharge circuit may include at least one steam discharge outlet 38 configured to direct steam contained in the internal chamber 35 to the bimetallic element, and the electromechanical control device is configured such that the flow of steam into the bimetallic element triggers the cessation of heating of the kettle 2.

[0132] The bimetal element may be disposed, for example, in the grip handle 8. In this case, at least one steam outlet 38 is provided at the rear of the lid 11 and configured to face the grip handle 8.

[0133] According to one variant of the invention, the bimetallic element can be arranged in the lower part of the container 4. In this case, at least one steam outlet 38 is provided in the rear part of the lid 11 and is arranged to be in fluid communication with a steam tube arranged in the container 4 and in fluid communication with the bimetallic element.

[0134] Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the described and illustrated embodiments, which are given by way of example only: modifications can still be made, in particular with regard to the arrangement of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. A kettle (2), a vessel (4) having a central longitudinal axis (A) and defining an interior volume (5) intended to contain water and to heat the water; a lid (11) configured to close the container (4), the lid (11) including a lower surface (12) configured to be arranged facing the internal volume (5); A grip handle (8); a spout (9) configured to be located on an opposite side of the grip handle (8) with respect to the central longitudinal axis (A) of the container (4); a steam discharge circuit configured to convey steam generated in said internal volume (5) during boiling of water contained in said internal volume (5) to an exterior of said internal volume (5), a first steam inlet orifice (33) and a second steam inlet orifice (34) provided in the lid (11) and emerging from the lower surface (12) of the lid (11), the first steam inlet orifice (33) and the second steam inlet orifice (34) being arranged to be in fluid communication with the internal volume (5) defined by the container (4), the first steam inlet orifice (33) and the second steam inlet orifice (34) being arranged on either side of a central vertical plane (P) of the kettle (2) passing through the grip handle (8); an internal chamber (35) defined by said lid (11); a first steam flow conduit (36) including a first steam inlet opening in fluid communication with said first steam inlet orifice (33) and a first steam outlet opening (360) exiting into said internal chamber (35); a steam discharge circuit having a second steam flow conduit (37) including a second steam inlet opening in fluid communication with the second steam intake orifice (34) and a second steam outlet opening (370) exiting into the internal chamber (35); The kettle (2) further comprises a venting device (39) provided on the lid (11) and configured to fluidly connect the internal volume (5) defined by the container (4) to the internal chamber (35) defined by the lid (11) when the lid (11) closes the container (4).

2. 2. The kettle (2) of claim 1, wherein the venting device (39) comprises a venting orifice (41) emerging from the lower surface (12) of the lid (11).

3. 3. The kettle (2) of claim 2, wherein the vent orifice (41) is a calibrated orifice.

4. 4. The kettle (2) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the ventilation orifice (41) is arranged in the rear half of the lower surface (12) of the lid (11).

5. The kettle (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the ventilation orifice (41) is located near the periphery of the lower surface (12) of the lid (11).

6. 6. The kettle (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the ventilation orifice (41) is arranged to be located on an opposite side of the spout (9) with respect to the central longitudinal axis (A) of the vessel (4).

7. 7. The kettle (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the vent orifice (41) has a flow cross section smaller than the flow cross section of each of the first and second steam inlet orifices (33, 34).

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

9. The kettle (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the kettle (2) has no element for blocking the ventilation orifice (41).

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

11. 11. The kettle (2) of claim 1, wherein the steam release circuit includes at least one steam release outlet (38) provided in the lid (11) and fluidly connected to the internal chamber (35) defined by the lid (11), and the at least one steam release outlet (38) is configured to release steam contained in the internal chamber (35) toward the outside of the lid (11).

12. 12. The kettle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the kettle (2) is configured such that when the kettle (2) is upside down and the grip handle (8) and the first side of the container (4) are stably placed on a horizontal surface, the first steam intake orifice (33) is located above the water level in the internal volume (5), and when the kettle (2) is tilted over and the grip handle (8) and the second side of the container (4) are stably placed on a horizontal surface, the second steam intake orifice (34) is located above the water level in the internal volume (5).

13. 13. The kettle (2) of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each of the first and second steam flow conduits (36, 37) has a general V-shape, the general V-shape being defined by each of the first and second steam flow conduits (36, 37) and having an apex located at the rear of the lid (11).

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

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