Electric infusion device including accessory for infusion including grip tool
The electric infusion device addresses ergonomic and safety concerns by positioning the handle outside the device and incorporating a sealing mechanism and steam exhaust paths, enhancing user safety and usability.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025053771
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-03-27
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing electric infusion devices face challenges in balancing ergonomic design, safety, and ease of handling while minimizing the risk of burns and water spillage, often requiring compromises in size or handle usability.
The electric infusion device features a handle positioned outside the device, a sealing mechanism with offset sealing rings, and steam exhaust paths to prevent water spillage, ensuring safety and ease of use.
The configuration reduces the risk of burns and water spillage, optimizing ergonomic design and usability without compromising on size or handle functionality.
Smart Images
Figure 2025156194000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electric infusion machines, in particular electric kettles and electric teapots. [Background technology]
[0002] As is well known, electric infuser has the following features: a container defining an interior volume for containing water, in which the water is heated, in particular brought to a boil; a gripping handle fixed to the container; a spout located on the opposite side of the container from the grip handle relative to a central longitudinal axis of the container; - an infusion accessory, such as an infusion basket, having a body configured to be at least partially disposed within the interior volume of the container, the body defining an infusion volume configured to contain an infusion object, the infusion accessory having an opening providing a passageway through which the infusion object can be introduced into the infusion volume; - a lid configured to cover the infusion accessory and close the container; Includes:
[0003] To facilitate easy removal of the brewing accessory from the container, the brewing accessory advantageously has a handle that can be handled by the user.
[0004] The gripping portion is more particularly configured to be disposed entirely within the interior volume defined by the container, and therefore in a position below the lid.
[0005] In order to reduce the risk of contamination of the water if there is a source of contamination in the handle, and to reduce the risk of the user being burned when removing the infusion accessory from the container, it is preferable that the handle attached to the infusion accessory be kept outside the water in the container, even when the container is filled with water to the full position.
[0006] In this case, in order to meet the two criteria mentioned above, that the handle of the brewing accessory be placed on top of the brewing accessory while the entire accessory be positioned under the lid, it is necessary to either increase the dimensions of the container at the expense of the overall height, or reduce the size of the handle at the expense of the ease of handling of the brewing accessory. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] The present invention aims to remedy all or some of these disadvantages.
[0008] The technical problem underlying the present invention is, inter alia, to provide an electric infusion device of simple, ergonomic and economical construction, while at the same time having excellent safety in use.
[0009] Therefore, the present invention provides - a container defining an interior volume for containing water and heating the water therein, the container having an upper periphery defining an upper water inlet opening into the interior volume; a gripping handle fixed to the container; - a spout, - an infusion accessory, such as a brewing basket, detachable from the container, a body configured to be disposed at least partially within the interior volume of the container, the body defining an infusion volume configured to contain an infusion target, such as tea, coffee, or a plant; A handle fixed to the top of the main body, the handle having a grip portion configured to allow a user to handle the brewing accessory, such as removing the brewing accessory from the container; a brewing accessory comprising: - a lid configured to assume a closed position in which the lid closes the container and at least partially covers the brewing accessory, the lid having a lower surface configured to be positioned opposite the body of the brewing accessory; 1. An electric infusion machine comprising: The present invention relates to an electric infusion device, in particular an electric kettle or electric teapot, wherein the handle is configured to be at least partially outside the electric infusion device, i.e., accessible from outside the electric infusion device, when the lid is in the closed position, the handle comprises a coupling fixed to the top of the body and mechanically coupling the handle with the body, the coupling being configured to extend between the lid and the container when the lid is in the closed position, and the electric infusion device comprises a sealing mechanism configured to sealingly cooperate with the container and the handle when the lid is in the closed position.
[0010] This configuration of the handle significantly reduces the risk of burns when the user removes the infusion accessory from the container, particularly since the handle is located outside the electric infusion device and therefore away from the hot water in the container.
[0011] Furthermore, the unique configuration of the sealing mechanism significantly reduces the risk of boiling water spilling out of the container if the container is tipped over (as the sealing mechanism can cooperate with the gripping tool in a sealed state).
[0012] The electric infuser may also comprise one or more of the following features, either alone or in combination:
[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the body has a bearing portion, such as an annular portion, configured to rest on a holding portion, such as an annular portion, provided on the container.
[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bearing is configured to extend substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the container when the bearing rests on the retainer.
[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the brewing accessory is attached to the container and the lid is in the closed position, the bearing is pressed sealingly against the holding part.
[0016] According to one embodiment, the support portion is provided with a shoulder suitable for cooperating with the holding portion when the brewing accessory is attached to the container, and capable of providing a seal between the support portion and the holding portion, particularly when the lid is in the closed position.
[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the lid is in the closed position, the lid can exert pressure on the body, providing a support effect from the bearing to the holding part.
[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sealing mechanism includes first and second sealing rings that are configured to be offset from one another along the central longitudinal axis of the container when the lid is in the closed position. This configuration of the sealing mechanism further reduces the risk of water leaking out between the lid and the container, for example, if the container is tipped over.
[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first seal ring and the second seal ring are fixed to the lid.
[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first sealing ring is fixed to the bottom of the lid, and the second sealing ring is fixed to the top of the lid.
[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a first sealing ring extends around the periphery of the lower portion of the lid and a second sealing ring extends around the periphery of the lower portion of the lid.
[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second sealing rings extend substantially coaxially relative to each other, for example, substantially coaxially with the central axis of the lid.
[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first sealing ring is configured to sealingly cooperate with the body of the brewing accessory, e.g., with a bearing provided on the body, when the lid is in the closed position, and the second sealing ring is configured to sealingly cooperate with the container and the grip, e.g., with a connection or grip, when the lid is in the closed position. Such an arrangement of the sealing mechanism further reduces the risk of water leaking between the lid and the container, for example, if the container is tipped over.
[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second sealing ring is configured to sealingly cooperate with the upper rim of the container and the gripping device when the lid is in the closed position.
[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gripper has an overall L-shaped configuration.
[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gripping device, eg, the gripping portion thereof, is configured to extend between the lid and the upper periphery of the container.
[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the coupling portion is configured to extend at least partially between an outer periphery of the lid and an inner periphery of the container.
[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the container comprises a receiving recess configured to at least partially accommodate the connector, i.e., the container comprises a receiving zone with a depression configured to at least partially accommodate the connector. By locating the connector in such a receiving recess, the lid can be positioned closest to the container, thereby further reducing the risk of water leaking between the lid and the container, for example, if the container is tipped over.
[0029] Advantageously, the receiving recess is provided in a position close to the rear of the container, for example close to the grip handle.
[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving recess at least partially opens onto an inner circumferential surface of the container that is adapted to face an outer circumferential surface of the lid when the lid is in the closed position.
[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the receiving recess is at least partially open to the upper periphery of the container.
[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the coupling portion is configured to extend substantially vertically when the container is placed on a horizontal surface.
[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the receiving recess has a first receiving portion that opens onto the inner circumferential surface of the container and a second receiving portion that opens onto the upper periphery of the container, the first receiving portion being configured to at least partially accommodate, for example, the connecting portion, and the second receiving portion being configured to partially accommodate, for example, the gripping portion.
[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the coupling portion is configured to be substantially flush with or recessed from the inner periphery of the container.
[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the portion of the gripping portion accommodated in the receiving recess, e.g., the second receiving portion, is configured to be approximately flush with the upper peripheral edge of the container or recessed from the upper peripheral edge of the container.
[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the receiving recess is provided with an additional seal that can cooperate with a gripping tool when the brewing accessory is attached to the container.
[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gripping portion is a gripping tab.
[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lid has an annular bearing surface against which the second sealing ring rests, the annular bearing surface being configured to face towards the upper periphery of the container when the lid is in the closed position.
[0039] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gripping device is configured to extend at least partially between an annular bearing surface provided on the lid and the upper periphery of the container.
[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second sealing ring is adapted to be supported by a gripping tool, for example a gripping portion.
[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the grip is configured to extend rearwardly of the electric infusion device, for example, opposite the spout.
[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the container has a central longitudinal axis and the spout is configured to be located on an opposite side of the central longitudinal axis of the container from the grip handle.
[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the infusion accessory comprises an upper opening through which the infusion object can be introduced into the infusion volume.
[0044] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gripping part is configured to be offset laterally from the top opening, such a configuration of the gripping device allowing for easy introduction of the infusion object into (and likewise easy removal of) the infusion object from) the infusion volume.
[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the body comprises an infusion portion defining an infusion volume. Advantageously, the infusion portion has a generally cylindrical shape.
[0046] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electric infusion device comprises an angular indexing device, also called a foolproof device, configured to angularly index the infusion accessory relative to the container so that the holding position is uniquely defined.
[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electric infuser comprises a steam exhaust configured to deliver steam generated within the internal volume when water within the internal volume boils away from the internal volume, such as to the exterior of the electric infuser.
[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the steam discharge path comprises: - first and second steam inlets provided on the lid and opening onto an underside of the lid, the first and second steam inlets being configured to be fluidly connected with an interior volume defined by the container, e.g., located above the fill level of the container and positioned on either side of a vertical median plane passing through the grip handle of the electric infusion device; an interior chamber defined by a lid; a first vapor flow conduit having a first vapor inlet opening fluidly connected to the first vapor inlet and a first vapor outlet opening opening into the interior chamber, and a second vapor flow conduit having a second vapor inlet opening fluidly connected to the second vapor inlet and a second vapor outlet opening opening into the interior chamber; Equipped with.
[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first steam flow line and the second steam flow line form a spill prevention device, also called an overflow prevention device, configured to prevent water within the internal volume from flowing out through the steam discharge path when the electric infuser is overturned.
[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the steam exhaust path comprises at least one steam exhaust port provided in the lid, e.g., one or more steam exhaust ports, that are fluidly connected to the internal chamber defined by the lid, and the at least one steam exhaust port is configured to allow steam contained in the internal chamber to be exhausted outside the lid, e.g., outside the electric infuser.
[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one steam outlet is configured to be located proximate to the spout.
[0052] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electric infusion device is configured such that when the electric infusion device is tipped over with the grip handle and the first side of the container lying stably on a horizontal surface, the first steam inlet is above the water level in the internal volume, and when the electric infusion device is tipped over with the grip handle and the second side of the container lying stably on a horizontal surface, the second steam inlet is above the water level in the internal volume, thereby avoiding or at least significantly reducing the risk of boiled water spilling out of the electric infusion device when it is tipped over.
[0053] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electric infusion device is configured such that when the electric infusion device is inverted and the grip handle and the first side of the container lie stably on a horizontal surface, the first steam inlet and the second steam outlet opening are above the water level in the internal volume, and when the electric infusion device is inverted and the grip handle and the second side of the container lie stably on a horizontal surface, the second steam inlet and the first steam outlet opening are above the water level in the internal volume.
[0054] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first steam outlet opening and the second steam outlet opening are configured to be located on either side of a vertical median plane of the electric infuser.
[0055] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first and second steam outlet openings are located in the rear half of the internal chamber. Such placement of the first and second steam outlet openings reduces the risk of water spilling into the lid (through the first and second steam inlets and the first and second steam flow lines) when a user tilts the electric infusion device forward or downward to pour boiling water into the vessel. Also, if the electric infusion device includes an electromechanical control system, the design allows steam to be easily transported toward the grip handle and toward the electromechanical control system located below, which can stop heating the electric infusion device when steam is detected.
[0056] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second steam outlet openings are configured to face away from the spout, i.e., towards the rear of the electric infusion device, which further reduces the risk of water spilling out of the lid (through the first and second steam inlets and the first and second steam flow conduits) when a user tilts the electric infusion device forward or downward to pour boiling water into a vessel.
[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first vapor flow line and the second vapor flow line are contained within an interior chamber defined by a lid.
[0058] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first vapor inlet and the second vapor inlet are located in the front half of the underside of the lid.
[0059] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second steam inlets are located near the periphery of the underside of the lid. This placement of the first and second steam inlets further reduces the risk of boiling water spilling out of the electric infusion device if the electric infusion device is tipped over.
[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lid is configured to be laid out at the level of the upper water supply opening.
[0061] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the container comprises a spout.
[0062] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lid is removable from the container.
[0063] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electric infusion device comprises a fastening device configured to removably, i.e. temporarily and reversibly, attach the lid to the container.
[0064] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the securing device comprises at least one securing element, such as a securing tab or a securing claw, on the lid and at least one securing element, such as a securing groove, on the container, the at least one securing element being configured to occupy a securing position in which the at least one securing element cooperates with the at least one securing element to attach the lid to the container, and a release position in which the at least one securing element is configured to release the at least one securing element to allow the lid to be removed from the container.
[0065] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one fastener is movably mounted relative to the lid between a locked position and an unlocked position.
[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing device comprises a return element, such as a return spring, configured to return the at least one fixing element to the fixing position.
[0067] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electric infuser comprises an operating mechanism provided on the lid, the operating mechanism being configured to move the at least one retainer to a release position when the operating mechanism is operated by a user.
[0068] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the operating mechanism includes an operating device manually operable by a user and configured to move the at least one locking element from a locked position to a released position, the operating device being mounted to be movable between a first operating position and a second operating position, the operating device and its at least one locking element being configured such that moving the operating device from the first operating position to the second operating position effects movement of the at least one locking element from the locked position to the released position. This configuration of the operating mechanism allows the user to remove the lid by simply operating the operating mechanism.
[0069] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lid includes a dispensing tube configured to convey water within the interior volume to the spout, and the electric infuser includes a shutter attached to the lid, the shutter being movable between a closed position that closes the dispensing tube to prevent the flow of water therethrough and an open position that opens the dispensing tube to allow the flow of water therethrough. Such a lid configuration significantly reduces the risk of water spilling through the spout if the electric infuser is tipped over.
[0070] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pouring pipe has a water inlet opening at the bottom surface of the lid and a water outlet opening at the outer peripheral surface of the lid.
[0071] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one steam outlet is located adjacent to the water outlet.
[0072] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electric infusion device comprises an operating system provided on the lid, the operating system being configured to move the shutter between an open position and a closed position.
[0073] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the operating system includes an operating button operable by a user and movable between a first button position and a second button position, and the operating system is configured such that the user's movement of the operating button from the first position to the second position causes movement of the shutter from the closed position to the open position.
[0074] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vessel comprises a heated bottom located below the interior volume and configured to heat water within the interior volume.
[0075] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second steam flow conduits are formed by a first and second steam flow pipe, respectively, which are advantageously molded integrally to form a single body. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0076] The invention will be better understood through the following description, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show, by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment of an electric infuser. [Figure 1] 1 is a top perspective view of an electric infuser according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partial top perspective view of the electric infuser of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] 2 is a partial top perspective view of a container associated with the electric infuser of FIG. 1; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section of the electric infuser of FIG. 1; [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a detail of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the lid of the electric infuser of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the lid of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the lid of FIG. 6. [Figure 9] FIG. 7 is a partial top perspective view of the lid of FIG. 6. [Figure 10] FIG. 7 is a partial top perspective view of the lid of FIG. 6. [Figure 11] 7 is a perspective view of the underside of the lid of FIG. 6 and a brewing accessory associated with the electric infuser of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a top view of the infusion accessory of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the infusion accessory of FIG. 11. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a partial side view of the electric infuser of FIG. 1, showing the electric infuser in a stable position inverted onto a horizontal surface with the grip handle and the left side of the container of the electric infuser supported on the horizontal surface. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a partial side view of the electric infuser of FIG. 1, showing the electric infuser in a stable position inverted onto a horizontal surface with the grip handle of the electric infuser and the right side of the container supported on the horizontal surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0077] It should be noted that the terms "horizontal," "vertical," "bottom," "top," "front," "rear," and "longitudinal" used herein to describe the electric infuser refer to the electric infuser resting flat on a work surface and in use.
[0078] 1 to 15 show an electric infusion machine 2 according to the invention, in particular an electric kettle.
[0079] Hereinafter, in this specification, an electric infuser is defined as a device capable of heating water to a temperature above 50°C, preferably above 70°C, to infuse the object to be infused.
[0080] The electric infuser 2 comprises a base (not shown) adapted to be powered via a power cord, and a container 4 adapted to rest on the base.
[0081] 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 an overall shape that is rotated about the central longitudinal axis A.
[0082] The vessel 4 defines an interior volume 5 for containing water, in which the water is heated, in particular brought to a boil. The vessel 4 further comprises an upper water inlet opening 6 opening into the interior volume 5.
[0083] The vessel 4 also includes a heated bottom 7 located below the interior volume and configured to heat the water in the interior volume 5. The heated bottom 7 contains an electric heating element, as is well known, configured to be powered when the vessel 4 is placed on a pedestal.
[0084] The electric infusion device 2 further comprises a grip handle 8 fixed to the container 4 and a spout 9 located on the opposite side of the grip handle 8 with respect to the longitudinal central axis A of the container 4. The spout 9 can be provided on the container 4, for example, and can be located at the same level as the upper water supply opening 6.
[0085] The electric infuser 2 further comprises a lid 11 configured to assume a closed position for closing the container 4, in particular the upper water inlet opening 6. The lid 11 has a lower surface 12 configured to lie facing the interior volume 5 of the container 4.
[0086] The electric infuser 2 also comprises a fastening device adapted to removably, ie temporarily and reversibly, fasten the lid 11 to the container 4 .
[0087] According to the illustrated embodiment, the fastening device comprises two fasteners 14 (see in particular Figures 6, 7 and 9), such as diametrically opposed fastening tabs, provided on the lid 11. Each fastener 14 is configured to fit within the lid 11 and protrude outside the lid 11 through a respective through-hole 15 provided in the lid 11.
[0088] The fixing device further comprises two fixing elements 16 (see FIG. 2), such as fixing grooves, provided on the inner surface of the container 4 close to the upper water supply opening 6. According to the embodiment shown, the fixing devices 14 are more particularly configured to enter into the fixing elements 16, respectively, when the lid 11 is fixed to the container 4.
[0089] According to the illustrated embodiment, the fasteners 14 are mounted to slide relative to the lid 11 along a sliding direction between a fixed position, in which each fastener 14 is configured to cooperate with a respective fastening element 16 to secure the lid 11 to the container 4, and a released position, in which each fastener 14 is configured to release a respective fastening element 16 to allow the lid 11 to be removed from the container 4. Advantageously, the sliding direction extends substantially radially relative to a central axis of the lid 11.
[0090] The fixing device may further comprise two return devices 17 (see FIG. 9) housed in the lid 11 and configured to return the fixing devices 14 to their respective fixed positions (see FIG. 9).
[0091] As shown in particular detail in Figures 1 and 6, the electric infuser 2 includes an operating mechanism 18 provided on the lid 11 that is configured to move the retainer 14 to a release position when operated by a user.
[0092] More specifically, the operating mechanism 18 comprises two operating devices 19 (see Figures 1 and 9) that can be manually operated by a user and that are configured to move the locking device 14 from a locked position to a released position. According to the illustrated embodiment, the operating devices 19 comprise two manual operating parts 21 that are each accessible from the top surface of the lid 11 and that are configured to be manually operated by a user.
[0093] The operating device 19 is mounted to slide relative to the lid 11 between a first operating position and a second operating position, and the operating device 19 and the locking device 14 are configured such that movement of the operating device 19 from the first operating position to the second operating position causes movement of the locking device 14 from the locked position to the released position. Advantageously, each operating device 19 and the respective locking device 14 are fixed to each other (and therefore move as one unit), and the two operating devices 19 are configured to move the locking device 14 to the released position by pinching the two manual operating parts 21 together, i.e., by drawing the two manual operating parts 21 towards each other.
[0094] The lid 11 further includes a pouring pipe 24 (see FIG. 5) configured to convey water from the internal volume 5 toward the pouring spout 9. More specifically, the pouring pipe 24 includes a water inlet 25 opening in the front half of the underside 12 of the lid 11, and a water outlet 26 opening in the outer peripheral surface of the lid 11, the water outlet 26 being positioned substantially opposite the pouring spout 9 when the lid 11 is secured to the container 4.
[0095] The electric infuser 2 further comprises a shutter 27 (see Figures 4, 5 and 8) attached to the lid 11 so as to be movable between a closed position in which the shutter 27 closes the dispensing tube 24 and prevents the flow of water therethrough, and an open position in which the shutter 27 opens the dispensing tube 24 and allows the flow of water therethrough.
[0096] The electric infuser 2 also comprises an operating system provided on the lid 11, the operating system being arranged to move the shutter 27 between an open position and a closed position. According to the embodiment shown, the operating system comprises a user-operable operating button 28, the operating button 28 being movable between a first button position and a second button position, the operating system being arranged such that the user's movement of the operating button 28 from the first button position to the second button position causes the movement of the shutter 27 from the closed position to the open position.
[0097] According to the illustrated embodiment, the operating system includes a bistable switch 29 (e.g., of a ballpoint pen type) configured such that a user moving an operating button 28 from a first button position to a second button position causes the shutter 27 to move from a closed position to an open position, and a user moving the operating button 28 from the second button position to the first button position causes the shutter 27 to move from the open position to the closed position. Thus, the first button position and the second button position correspond to stable positions of the operating button 28.
[0098] The electric infuser 2 also comprises a steam outlet configured to transport steam generated within the internal volume 5 when water within the internal volume 5 boils out of the internal volume, for example out of the electric infuser 2.
[0099] The steam discharge passage particularly comprises a first steam inlet 33 and a second steam inlet 34 provided in the lid 11, the first steam inlet 33 and the second steam inlet 34 opening on the underside 12 of the lid 11 and near the periphery of the underside 12 of the lid 11. When the lid 11 is secured to the container 4 and the container 4 is supported on a horizontal surface, the first steam inlet 33 and the second steam inlet 34 open above the full water level of the container 4 within the interior volume 5 defined by the container 4.
[0100] According to the embodiment shown, the first steam inlet 33 and the second steam inlet 34 are arranged on either side of a vertical median plane P of the electric infusion device 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 steam inlet 33 and the second steam inlet 34 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical median plane P of the electric infusion device 2.
[0101] As shown in more detail in Figures 8, 10, 14 and 15, the steam exhaust passage is an internal chamber 35 defined by the lid 11; a first steam flow conduit 36 having a first steam inlet opening fluidly connected to the first steam inlet 33 and a first steam outlet opening 360 opening into an interior chamber 35 defined by the lid 11; a second steam flow conduit 37 having a second steam inlet opening fluidly connected to the second steam inlet 34 and a second steam outlet opening 370 opening into the interior chamber 35; Further provided are:
[0102] The first steam flow line 36 and the second steam flow line 37 form a spill prevention device, also called an overflow prevention device, configured to prevent water in the internal volume 5 from flowing out through the steam discharge path when the electric infuser 2 is overturned.
[0103] According to the illustrated embodiment, and particularly as can be seen in Figure 5, first and second vapor flow conduits 36, 37 are flexible and housed within internal chamber 35. First and second vapor flow conduits 36, 37 can be formed, for example, by first and second vapor flow pipes, respectively, that are advantageously integrally molded and thus formed as a single unit. First and second vapor flow conduits 36, 37 can be configured, for example, to extend substantially horizontally when vessel 4 is supported on a horizontal surface.
[0104] Advantageously, each of the first and second steam flow conduits 36, 37 has a circular transverse cross section and a substantially constant cross-sectional area along its length.
[0105] The first steam outlet opening 360 and the second steam outlet opening 370 are more particularly configured to be arranged on either side of the median plane P of the electric infuser 2, and advantageously arranged symmetrically with respect to the median plane P of the electric infuser 2.
[0106] According to the illustrated embodiment, the first steam outlet opening 360 and the second steam outlet opening 370 are located in the rear half of the internal chamber 35 and are configured to face generally opposite the spout 9, i.e., towards the rear of the electric infuser 2.
[0107] As shown in more detail in Figures 14 and 15, the electric infuser 2 comprises, in more detail: - when the electric infusion device 2 is turned over and the grip handle 8 and the first side, i.e. the left side, of the container 4 are stably supported on a horizontal surface (see Figure 14), the first steam inlet 33 and the second steam outlet opening 370 are positioned above the water level in the internal volume 5; and When the electric infuser 2 is turned over and the grip handle 8 and the second side, i.e. the right side, of the container 4 are stably supported on a horizontal surface (see Figure 15), the second steam inlet 34 and the first steam outlet opening 360 are configured to be located above the water level in the internal volume 5.
[0108] The electric infusion device 2 according to the present invention therefore makes it possible to optimise the full water volume of the container 4, whilst avoiding or at least significantly reducing the risk of boiling water spilling out of the electric infusion device 2 when it is tipped over.
[0109] The steam exhaust path further comprises a plurality of steam exhaust ports 38 provided in the lid 11, the steam exhaust ports 38 being fluidly connected to the internal chamber 35 defined by the lid 11. The steam exhaust ports 38 are configured to allow steam within the internal chamber 35 to be exhausted to the outside of the electric infuser 2.
[0110] According to the illustrated embodiment, the steam outlet 38 opens on the outer peripheral surface of the lid 11 and is located near the water outlet 26. Therefore, the steam outlet 38 is configured to be located close to the spout 9 when the lid 11 is fixed to the container 4. This configuration of the electric infusion device 2 allows steam to be discharged outside the container 4 through the lid 11 and the spout 9.
[0111] The electric infusion device 2 further comprises an infusion accessory 39, such as an infusion basket, arranged to be at least partially disposed within the interior volume 5 of the container 4, and more particularly to be at least partially immersed in the water within the interior volume 5. Advantageously, the infusion accessory 39 is removable from the container 4.
[0112] The brewing accessory 39 comprises a body 41 adapted to rest on a retaining portion 42 provided on the container 4 and to be at least partially disposed within the internal volume 5 of the container 4. According to the embodiment shown, the retaining portion 42 is annular and is formed by an annular retaining groove provided on the inner circumferential surface of the container 4. Advantageously, the annular retaining groove extends circumferentially around the central longitudinal axis A. According to a variant embodiment of the invention, the annular retaining groove could also be replaced, for example, by two diametrically opposed retaining grooves or by an annular retaining shoulder.
[0113] The body 41 defines an infusion volume 43 configured to contain an infusion object such as tea, coffee or a plant, and has an upper opening 44 suitable for introducing the infusion object into the infusion volume 43.
[0114] 11 to 13, the body 41 more particularly comprises a bearing portion 46, such as an annular support flange, which is configured to rest on a retaining portion 42 provided on the container 4 and to be positioned opposite the underside 12 of the lid 11. Advantageously, the bearing portion 46 is substantially flat and configured to extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis A of the container 4 when the bearing portion 46 is supported by the retaining portion 42.
[0115] According to the embodiment shown, when the brewing accessory 39 is attached to the container 4 and the lid 11 is in the closed position, the bearing 46 rests in a sealed manner against the retaining part 42. Advantageously, the bearing 46 comprises a shoulder suitable for cooperating with the retaining part 42 when the brewing accessory 39 is attached to the container 4, and capable of providing a seal between the bearing 46 and the retaining part 42, in particular when the lid 11 is in the closed position. The lid 11 can more particularly exert pressure on the body 41, with the bearing 46 exerting a force against the retaining part 42, when the lid is in the closed position.
[0116] The body 41 further comprises an infusion section 47 which defines an infusion volume 43. According to the embodiment shown, the infusion section 47 has an overall cylindrical shape and comprises a cylindrical wall 47.1 of circular cross section having an upper end defining an upper opening 44 and a lower end opposite the upper end, and a closure 47.2 closing the lower end of the cylindrical wall 47.1.
[0117] Advantageously, the body 41 comprises a passage opening 48 arranged to be positioned opposite the shutter 27, thereby allowing the shutter 27 to move between an open position and a closed position.
[0118] As shown in more detail in Figures 2 and 13, the brewing accessory 39 further comprises a grip 49 fixed to the top of the body 41. According to the embodiment shown, the grip 49 has an overall L-shaped configuration.
[0119] The gripping device 49 more particularly comprises a gripping portion 51, such as a gripping tab, which is configured to enable a user to handle the brewing accessory 39, for example to remove the brewing accessory 39 from the container 4. The gripping portion 51 is more particularly configured to be at least partially located outside, i.e. accessible from outside, the electric infuser 2 when the lid 11 is in the closed position.
[0120] Advantageously, the grip 51 is configured to extend rearwardly of the electric infuser 2, for example opposite the spout 9 and laterally offset relative to the top opening 44.
[0121] The gripping tool 49 further includes a connecting part 52 fixed to the upper part of the main body 41, which mechanically connects the gripping part 51 to the main body 41.
[0122] According to the illustrated embodiment, the connecting portion 52 is configured to extend between the outer peripheral surface of the lid 11 and the inner peripheral surface of the container 4, and the gripping portion 51 is configured to extend partially between the lid 11 and the upper peripheral edge 53 of the container 4.
[0123] As shown in particular in Figure 3, the container 4 comprises a receiving recess 54 forming a concave receiving zone, the receiving recess 54 being adapted to at least partially accommodate the connecting part 52. Advantageously, the receiving recess 54 comprises a first receiving portion 54.1 opening onto the inner circumferential surface of the container 4 and accommodating the connecting part 52, and a second receiving portion 54.2 opening onto the upper periphery 53 of the container 4 and partially accommodating the grip part 51. Advantageously, the receiving recess 54 is provided at the rear of the container 4, for example in the vicinity of the grip handle 8.
[0124] According to the illustrated embodiment, the connecting portion 52 is configured to be approximately flush with or recessed from the inner circumferential surface of the container 4, and the part of the gripping portion 51 that is received in the second receiving portion 54.2 is configured to be approximately flush with or recessed from the upper periphery 53 of the container 4.
[0125] The connecting portion 52 is configured to extend approximately vertically when the container 4 is placed on a horizontal surface, and the portion of the gripping portion 51 that is accommodated in the second receiving portion 54.2 can be configured to extend approximately horizontally when the container 4 is placed on a horizontal surface, for example.
[0126] The electric infuser 2 further comprises a sealing mechanism 55 configured to sealingly cooperate with the container 4 and gripper 49 when the lid 11 is in the closed position.
[0127] More specifically, the sealing mechanism 55 comprises a first seal ring 56 and a second seal ring 57 configured to be offset from each other along the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4 when the lid 11 is in the closed position.
[0128] According to the illustrated embodiment, the first sealing ring 56 is fixed to the bottom of the lid 11 and the second sealing ring 57 is fixed to the top of the lid 11. Advantageously, the first sealing ring 56 and the second sealing ring 57 extend substantially coaxially with the central axis of the lid 11 and extend around the bottom and top of the lid 11, respectively.
[0129] The first sealing ring 56 is more particularly configured to be placed on the main body 41 of the brewing accessory 39 and to cooperate in a sealing manner therewith, for example to cooperate with the support portion 46 provided on the main body 41 when the lid 11 is in the closed position, and the second sealing ring 57 is more particularly configured to be placed on the upper rim 53 and gripping device 49 of the container 4 and to cooperate in a sealing manner therewith, for example to cooperate with the portion of the gripping portion 51 accommodated in the receiving recess 54 when the lid 11 is in the closed position.
[0130] In the absence of the brewing accessory 39, the first sealing ring 56 is configured to rest on and sealingly cooperate with the retaining portion 42 when the lid 11 is in the closed position.
[0131] In the absence of the brewing accessory 39, the second sealing ring 57 is configured to rest on and sealingly cooperate with the upper rim 53 and receiving recess 54 when the lid 11 is in the closed position.
[0132] 5, the lid 11 has an annular bearing surface 58 against which the second sealing ring 57 rests, and the annular bearing surface 58 is configured to face toward the upper peripheral edge 53 of the container 4 when the lid 11 is in the closed position. Advantageously, the portion of the gripping portion 51 that is received in the receiving recess 54 is configured to extend between the annular bearing surface 58 on the lid 11 and the upper peripheral edge 53 of the container 4.
[0133] In a variant, a first sealing ring 56 and a second sealing ring 57 are fixed to the container 4, in particular to the retaining portion 42 and the upper rim 53, respectively.
[0134] According to the illustrated embodiment, the electric infusion machine 2 further comprises an angular indexing device configured to angularly index the infusion accessory 39 relative to the container 4, which uniquely defines the holding position of the infusion accessory 39 on the container 4, thereby ensuring an optimal position of the infusion accessory 39, thereby enabling movement of the lid 11 to the closed position.
[0135] As shown in Figures 3 and 11, the angular indexing device includes at least one indexing element 59, such as an indexing boss, provided on the container 4, and at least one indexing tool 61, such as an indexing groove, provided on the body 41 and configured to cooperate with at least the indexing element 59 when the body 41 rests on the holder 42.
[0136] In another embodiment of the present invention not shown, the electric infuser 2 may be provided with an electromechanical control device including a bimetallic element, in which case the steam discharge path may comprise at least one steam discharge port 38 configured to direct steam in the internal chamber 35 towards the bimetallic element, and the electromechanical control device may be configured to trigger a stop of heating of the electric infuser 2 when a large amount of steam surges over the bimetallic element.
[0137] The bimetallic element may be arranged, for example, in the grip handle 8. In that case, the at least one steam outlet 38 is provided at the rear of the lid 11 and is configured to face towards the grip handle 8.
[0138] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the bimetallic element could be located at the bottom of the vessel 4. In that case, at least one steam outlet 38 would be provided at the rear of the lid 11 and would be configured to be fluidly connected to a steam pipe laid out within the vessel 4, the steam pipe being fluidly connected to the bimetallic element.
[0139] According to one variant embodiment of the invention, the receiving recess 54 is provided with an additional seal suitable for cooperating with the gripping tool 49 when the brewing accessory 39 is attached to the container 4 .
[0140] It goes without saying that the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and shown by way of example only: it is still possible to make changes to the various elements, particularly in terms of their construction, or to replace them with technical equivalents, without thereby leaving the scope of protection of the invention.
Claims
1. a container (4) defining an interior volume (5) for containing water and for heating said water therein, said container (4) having an upper rim (53) defining an upper water supply opening into said interior volume; a grip handle (8) fixed to said container (4); - a spout (9), - a brewing accessory (39) detachable from said container (4), a body (41) adapted to be placed at least partially within the internal volume (5) of the container (4), the body (41) defining an infusion volume (43) adapted to contain an infusion object; a handle (49) fixed to an upper part of said body (41), said handle (49) having a grip portion (51) configured to allow a user to handle said infusion accessory; a brewing accessory (39) comprising: a lid (11) adapted to close the container (4) and to assume a closed position in which it at least partially covers the infusion accessory (39), the lid (11) having a lower surface (12) adapted to be positioned opposite the body (41) of the infusion accessory (39); In an electric infuser (2) comprising: the gripping part (51) is configured to be at least partially outside the electric infuser (2) when the lid (11) is in the closed position; the gripping tool (49) comprises a connecting part (52) fixed to an upper part of the body (41) for mechanically connecting the gripping part (51) to the body (41), the connecting part (52) being configured to extend between the lid (11) and the container (4) when the lid (11) is in the closed position; and the electric infuser (2) comprises a sealing mechanism (55) configured to cooperate sealingly with the container (4) and the gripping tool (49) when the lid (11) is in the closed position.
2. 2. The electric infuser (2) of claim 1, wherein the sealing mechanism (55) comprises a first sealing ring (56) and a second sealing ring (57) configured to be offset from each other along the central longitudinal axis (A) of the container (4) when the lid (11) is in the closed position.
3. 3. An electric infuser (2) according to claim 2, wherein said first sealing ring (56) and said second sealing ring (57) are fixed to said lid (11).
4. 4. An electric infuser (2) according to claim 3, wherein said first sealing ring (56) is fixed to the lower part of said lid and said second sealing ring (57) is fixed to the upper part of said lid (11).
5. 5. An electric infuser (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first sealing ring (56) is configured to cooperate sealingly with the body (41) of the infusion accessory (39) when the lid (11) is in the closed position, and the second sealing ring (57) is configured to cooperate sealingly with the container (4) and the gripping tool (49) when the lid (11) is in the closed position.
6. 6. An electric infuser (2) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second sealing ring (57) is adapted to cooperate sealingly between the upper rim (53) of the container (4) and the gripping device (49) when the lid (11) is in the closed position.
7. 7. An electric infuser (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (4) comprises a receiving recess (54) adapted to at least partially accommodate the coupling part (52).
8. 8. An electric infuser (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection (52) is configured to extend at least partially between the outer circumferential surface of the lid (11) and the inner circumferential surface of the container (4).
9. 9. An electric infuser (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the gripping portion (51) is configured to extend rearwardly of the electric infuser (2).
10. 10. An electric infuser (2) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising an angular indexing device configured to give the infusion accessory (39) an angular index relative to the container (4), thereby uniquely defining the holding position of the infusion accessory (39) in the container (4).
11. 11. The electric infuser (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a steam outlet configured to send steam generated in the internal volume (5) out of the internal volume (5) when the water in the internal volume (5) boils.
12. The steam discharge path is - a first steam inlet (33) and a second steam inlet (34) provided on said lid (11) and opening on said lower surface (12) of said lid (11), said first steam inlet (33) and second steam inlet (34) adapted to be fluidly connected to said internal volume (5) defined by said container (4) and to be located on either side of a vertical median plane (P) of said electric infusion device (2) passing through said grip handle (8); an internal chamber (35) defined by said lid (11); a first steam flow conduit (36) having a first steam inlet opening in fluid communication with the first steam inlet (33) and a first steam outlet opening (360) opening into the internal chamber (35), and a second steam flow conduit (37) having a second steam inlet opening in fluid communication with the second steam inlet (34) and a second steam outlet opening (370) opening into the internal chamber (35); 12. An electric infuser (2) according to claim 11, comprising:
13. 13. The electric infuser (2) of claim 12, wherein the steam exhaust path comprises at least one steam exhaust port (38) provided in the lid (11) and fluidly connected to the internal chamber (35) defined by the lid (11), the at least one steam exhaust port (38) being configured to allow steam within the internal chamber (35) to be exhausted to the outside of the lid (11).
14. 14. The electric infuser (2) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the electric infuser (2) is configured such that, when the electric infuser (2) is turned over and the grip handle (8) and the first side of the container (4) lie stably on a horizontal surface, the first steam inlet (33) is above the water level in the internal volume (5), and when the electric infuser (2) is turned over and the grip handle (8) and the second side of the container (4) lie stably on a horizontal surface, the second steam inlet (34) is above the water level in the internal volume (5).