Water treater including attachable / detachable treatment accessory

Abstract

To provide a water treater with an ergonomically simple and cost-effective structure which can maintain a maximum safety in use and reduce a contamination risk of water stored in the water treater.SOLUTION: A water treater (2) includes: a container (4) defining an inner volume (5); a treatment accessory (39) having a body (41) which can be attached to and detached from the container (4) and which is arranged in the inner volume (5); and a cover (11) configured to close the container (4) and cover the treatment accessory (39). The treatment accessory (39) includes a locking zone positioned above the body (41). The water treater (2) includes a locking member (53) configured to cooperate with the locking zone such as to remove the treatment accessory (39) from the container (4) by a user to move the locking member (53) from the container (4) along an upward remove direction (D1).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of water treatment devices, in particular electric infusion devices such as electric kettles and electric teapots. [Background technology]

[0002] Water treatment devices, especially electric decoction devices, a vessel defining an interior volume adapted to contain water and in which the water is treated, in particular boiled; - a handle fixed to the container; - a spout located on the opposite side of the handle relative to a central longitudinal axis of the container; - an infusion accessory, such as a tea strainer, comprising a body configured to rest on a holder provided on the container and to be positioned at least partially within the interior volume of the container, the body defining an infusion volume configured to contain an infusion product, the infusion accessory comprising an upper opening through which the infusion product can be dispensed into the infusion volume; - a lid configured to cover the infusion accessory and close the container; It is known to contain

[0003] To facilitate removal of the brewing accessory from the container, the brewing accessory may advantageously be provided with a handle extending outside the container and operable by the user.

[0004] However, such a configuration of the brewing accessory substantially increases the risk of hot water spilling outside the container, for example if the container is tipped over (because the handle extends between the lid and the upper pouring opening of the container), unless the lid is equipped with a gasket having a complex and expensive structure.

[0005] To overcome this type of drawback, it is conceivable to configure the handle of the brewing accessory so that it is entirely located within the internal volume defined by the container, i.e., underneath the lid.

[0006] However, in order to, on the one hand, prevent contamination of the water by contaminants that may be present in the handle, and, on the other hand, to reduce the risk of burns to the user when removing the brewing accessory from the container, it is desirable that the handle provided on the brewing accessory be kept outside the water contained in the container, including when the container is filled to the full level.

[0007] However, in order for an infusion accessory with a handle that is located at the top of the accessory and is entirely located under the lid to meet the above two standards, it is necessary to either increase the height of the container or reduce the size of the handle, but the former has a negative effect in terms of the bulkiness in the height direction of the container, and the latter has a negative effect on the operability of the infusion accessory. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention seeks to overcome all or some of these drawbacks.

[0009] The main technical problem underlying the present invention is to provide a water treatment device of simple, ergonomic and inexpensive design that ensures maximum safety in use and reduces the risk of contamination of the water contained therein.

[0010] To this end, the present invention relates to a water treatment device, in particular an electric decoction or an electric filtering carafe, which: a container defining an interior volume for containing water; - a gripping zone, such as a handle, associated with the container; - A pouring zone, such as a spout for pouring treated water; - a processing accessory detachable from the container, the processing accessory including a body configured to be at least partially disposed within the interior volume of the container; - the lid is configured to close the container and assume a closed position covering at least partly, e.g. entirely, the processing accessory, the lid comprising a lower surface configured to be positioned in front of the processing accessory, The processing accessory includes a latching zone located on the upper part of the main body, and the water treatment device further includes a latching member, such as a latching claw, that cooperates with the latching zone, in other words, is configured to hook onto the latching zone, so that the processing accessory can be removed from the container when the user moves the latching member from the container along an upward removal direction.

[0011] The presence of this type of locking zone and this type of locking member on the processing accessory allows a user to remove the processing accessory from a container without directly manipulating the processing accessory and thus without risking contamination of the water contained in the container. Furthermore, if the water treatment device is an electric decoction device, the presence of the locking zone and locking member allows the user to remove the processing accessory from the container without directly touching parts of the processing accessory that are relatively hot due to being located near or in the hot water contained in the container, thus substantially reducing the risk of the user being burned.

[0012] The water treatment device may further have one or more of the following features taken alone or in combination:

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the water treatment device is an electric infusion device such as an electric kettle and an electric teapot, and the treatment accessory is an infusion accessory such as a tea strainer.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the body defines an infusion volume configured to contain an infusion product such as tea, coffee or botanicals, and includes an upper opening through which the infusion product can be dispensed into the infusion volume.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the water treatment device is an electric filtering carafe and the treatment accessories include a filtering assembly, such as a filtering cartridge and / or a water agitating member.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the latching member includes a latching portion bent toward the underside of the lid, advantageously oriented in the direction of the central axis of the lid.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the removal direction is configured to extend substantially vertically when the container is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the processing accessory comprises a gripping device located on top of the body and configured to allow a user to manipulate the processing accessory, the gripping device forming a latching zone.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gripping device extends across the top opening.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gripping device includes two side fixing portions fixed to the main body and spaced apart from each other, and a gripping portion configured to connect the two side fixing portions to each other and enable a user to operate the processing accessories.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping device is a handle, for example a handle fixed to the top of the body, although according to a variant embodiment of the invention it is also conceivable that the gripping device is formed by a simple rod arranged to extend substantially horizontally.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping device is fixed to the body, although according to a variant embodiment of the invention it is also conceivable that the gripping device is articulated relative to the body about an articulation axis between a raised and a lowered configuration.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the grip is located in front of the top opening.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the processing accessory includes a latching hole provided on the top of the body, and the latching zone is formed by the latching hole.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the latching member is fixed to the lid. This configuration of the latching member eliminates the need for providing additional accessories to the user and reduces the risk of losing the latching member. Furthermore, this configuration of the latching member allows the processing accessories to be easily removed from the container immediately after moving the lid to the open position.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the latching member is located at the rear of the lid, such a configuration of the latching member requires the lid to be tilted backwards so that the latching zone can hook onto the latching member, thereby avoiding any water that may be contained in the lid spilling out of the container or onto the user's hands.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the latching member protrudes from the underside of the lid and forms a gripping hook of the latching zone. Such a configuration of the latching member facilitates the process of latching the latching member to the latching zone, i.e., facilitating the removal of the processing accessory from the container.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the latching member is configured to extend downwards, for example substantially vertically, when the lid is in the closed position and the container is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the water treatment device includes a gripping attachment distinct from the lid and the container, the gripping attachment including a latching member.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the grasping accessory includes an accessory grip configured to be manipulated by a user.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lid comprises a closure wall protruding from the underside of the lid, configured to be inserted into an upper opening provided on the body so as to prevent the infusion product from escaping outside the infusion volume.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the closure wall extends around the latch member.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the latching member projects from a lower edge, for example a lower peripheral edge, of the closure wall.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the closure wall has a generally cylindrical shape, for example a circular cross section.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the water treatment device includes a steam exhaust circuit configured to pump steam generated within the internal volume when water contained within the internal volume boils out of the internal volume, e.g., out of the water treatment device.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gripping zone is formed by a handle fixed to the container, and the vapor exhaust circuit comprises: - a first steam inlet and a second steam inlet on the lid and communicating with an underside of the lid, the first steam inlet and the second steam inlet configured to be fluidly connected with an interior volume defined by the container, for example, the first steam inlet and the second steam inlet configured to be disposed on either side of a central vertical plane of the water treatment device located above a fill level of the container and passing through a handle; an interior chamber defined by a lid; a first vapor delivery pipe including a first vapor inlet fluidly connected to the first vapor inlet and a first vapor outlet communicating with the interior chamber; and a second vapor delivery pipe including a second vapor inlet fluidly connected to the second vapor inlet and a second vapor outlet communicating with the interior chamber. Includes.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first steam delivery pipe and the second steam delivery pipe form a spill prevention device, also referred to as a flood prevention device, configured to prevent water contained in the internal volume from spilling through the steam exhaust circuit when the water treatment device falls over.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the steam exhaust circuit includes at least one steam exhaust outlet, e.g., one or more steam exhaust outlets, provided on the lid and fluidly connected to an internal chamber defined by the lid, and the at least one steam exhaust outlet is configured to allow steam contained in the internal chamber to be exhausted outside the lid, e.g., outside the water treatment device.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gripping zone is formed by a handle fixed to the container and the pouring zone is formed by a spout.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one steam outlet is configured to be located proximate to the spout to form a pour zone.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the water treatment device is configured such that when the water treatment device is tilted and the handle and the first side of the container are stably placed on a horizontal surface, the first steam inlet is located above the water level in the internal volume, and when the water treatment device is tilted and the handle and the second side of the container are stably placed on a horizontal surface, the second steam inlet is located above the water level in the internal volume. In this way, the water treatment device of the present invention can avoid, or at least significantly reduce, the risk of hot water spilling out of the water treatment device when the water treatment device is tilted.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the water treatment device is configured so that when the water treatment device is tilted and the handle and the first side of the container are stably placed on a horizontal surface, the first steam intake and the second steam outlet are located above the water level in the internal volume, and when the water treatment device is tilted and the handle and the second side of the container are stably placed on a horizontal surface, the second steam intake and the first steam outlet are located above the water level in the internal volume.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first steam outlet and the second steam outlet are configured to be located on opposite sides of a central vertical plane of the water treatment device.

[0044] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first and second steam outlets are located in the rear half of the internal chamber. This arrangement of the first and second steam outlets reduces the risk of water in the lid spilling out (via the first and second steam inlets and the first and second steam delivery pipes) when a user tilts the water treatment device forward and downward to pour hot water into the device. Furthermore, if the water treatment device includes an electromechanical control system, this structure facilitates the transfer of steam toward the handle and toward the electromechanical control system of the water treatment device, which is located below the water treatment device and can turn off the heating of the water treatment device when steam is detected.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second steam outlets are configured to face away from the spout, i.e., toward the rear of the water treatment device. This arrangement further reduces the risk of water in the lid spilling out (via the first and second steam inlets and the first and second steam delivery pipes) when a user tilts the water treatment device forward and downward to pour hot water into the vessel.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first vapor delivery tube and the second vapor delivery tube are each flexible.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first vapor delivery pipe and the second vapor delivery pipe are formed by a first vapor delivery tube and a second vapor delivery tube, respectively, which are advantageously each integrally formed and monoblock.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first vapor delivery conduit and the second vapor delivery conduit are housed within an interior chamber defined by the lid.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first steam inlet and the second steam inlet are located in the front half of the lower surface of the lid.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first steam inlet and the second steam inlet are located near the periphery of the underside of the lid, which further reduces the risk of hot water spilling out of the water treatment device if the water treatment device falls over.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the container has a central longitudinal axis and the pouring zone is configured to be located on an opposite side of the central longitudinal axis of the container from the gripping zone.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping device is configured to be located in front of the underside of the lid when the lid is in the closed position.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the body includes a bearing configured to rest on a holder provided on the container.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bearing extends to the height of the upper opening of the body.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bearing is configured to extend substantially perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the container when the bearing rests on the holder.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the body includes an infusion part defining an infusion volume. Advantageously, the infusion part has a generally cylindrical shape.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the water treatment machine includes an angular indexing device, also referred to as a poka-yoke device, configured to determine an angular index of the treatment accessory relative to the container so as to determine a unique holding position of the treatment accessory on the container.

[0058] 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 corresponding indexing member provided on the body configured to cooperate with the at least one indexing element when the processing accessory is disposed within the internal volume, more particularly when the processing accessory is resting on the holder.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the container includes an upper fill opening leading to the interior volume.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lid is configured to be placed at the height of the upper filling opening.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the container includes 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 water treatment device includes a fastening device configured to removably, in other words temporarily and reversibly, fasten the lid to the container.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the securing device includes at least one securing member, such as a securing lug or a securing tab, provided on the lid and at least one securing element, such as a securing groove, provided on the container, the at least one securing member being configured to occupy a securing position, in which the at least one securing member is configured to cooperate with the at least one securing element to secure the lid to the container, and a release position, in which the at least one securing member is configured to release the at least one securing element, so that the lid can be removed from the container.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one locking member is movably attached to the lid between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the locking device includes a return member, such as a return spring, configured to return the at least one locking member to the locked position.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the water treatment device includes an actuation mechanism provided on the lid, the actuation mechanism configured to move at least one locking member to a release position when the actuation mechanism is activated by a user.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the actuation mechanism includes an actuation member manually operable by a user and configured to move the at least one locking member from a locked position to a released 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 locking member being configured such that moving the actuation member from the first actuation position to the second actuation position moves the at least one locking member from the locked position to the released position. This configuration of the actuation mechanism allows a user to set the lid by simply operating the actuation mechanism.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lid includes a pour tube configured to deliver water contained within the interior volume to the spout, and the water treatment device includes a stopper mounted on the lid for movement between a closed position in which the stopper blocks the pour tube and prevents water from flowing through the pour tube, and an open position in which the stopper opens the pour tube and allows water to flow through the pour tube. This configuration of the lid significantly reduces the risk of water spilling through the spout if the water treatment device is tipped over.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pouring tube includes a water inlet that opens onto the underside of the lid and a water outlet that opens onto the outer periphery of the lid.

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

[0072] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the water treatment device includes an actuation system on the lid configured to move the stopcock between an open position and a closed position.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the actuation system includes a user-operable actuation button that moves between a first button position and a second button position, the actuation system being configured such that when a user moves the actuation button from the first button position to the second button position, the bung moves from the closed position to the open position.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation system includes a bistable control device, e.g., of the ballpoint pen type, configured to move the bung from a closed position to an open position when a user moves the actuation button from the first button position to the second button position, and to move the bung from the open position to the closed position when a user moves the actuation button from the second button position to the first button position.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the container includes a heating device, such as a bottom heater located below the internal volume, configured to heat water contained within the internal volume, for example to boil water contained within the internal volume.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the latching member is movable between a cooperating configuration in which the latching member can cooperate with the latching zone and a rest configuration in which the latching member cannot cooperate with the latching zone but the processing accessory is in a use configuration, in other words located at least partially within the interior volume of the container. In this way, the latching member can enable a user to remove the processing accessory from the container by moving the latching member which is hooked on the locking zone in the cooperating configuration.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the latching member is mounted on the lid so as to be movable between a cooperating configuration and a rest configuration.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the latching member may be configured to rest recessed from the underside of the lid, for example when the latching member is in the rest configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0079] The invention will be better understood from reading the following description with reference to the accompanying schematic drawing, which shows, by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of this water treatment device. [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a water treatment device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the water treatment device of FIG. 1 as seen from above. [Figure 3] 2 is a partial perspective view of a container attached to the water treatment device of FIG. 1, seen from above. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the water treatment device of FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the water treatment apparatus of FIG. 1, showing a state in which a treatment accessory attached to the water treatment apparatus is being removed. [Figure 6] 2 is a perspective view of the lid of the water treatment device of FIG. 1 as seen from above. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the lid of FIG. 6 as seen from above. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the lid of FIG. 6 as seen from below. [Figure 9] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the lid of FIG. 6 as seen from above. [Figure 10] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the lid of FIG. 6 as seen from above. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a top view of a treatment accessory attached to the water treatment device of FIG. 1. [Figure 12] 12 is a perspective view of the processing attachment of FIG. 11 as seen from above. [Figure 13] 2 is a partial side view of the water treatment device of FIG. 1, showing the water treatment device lying on a horizontal surface and in a stable position with the handle of the water treatment device and the left side of the container in contact with the horizontal surface. [Figure 14] 2 is a partial side view of the water treatment device of FIG. 1, showing the water treatment device lying on a horizontal surface and in a stable position with the handle of the water treatment device and the right side of the container in contact with the horizontal surface. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a water treatment device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from above. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a gripping attachment included with the water treatment device of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0080] It is noted that the terms "horizontal," "vertical," "lower," "upper," "front," "rear," "above," "below," and "longitudinal" used in this document to describe the water treatment device refer to the water treatment device lying flat on a work surface and in an in-use position.

[0081] Unless otherwise specified, the term "substantially" in this document means "exactly, or within 5% or 5 degrees."

[0082] In the following description, a water treatment machine means a machine that is capable of filtering water contained within the machine (e.g., to remove chlorine odors or to remove lime and contaminants), softening water contained within the machine, heating water contained within the machine, or infusing a product into water contained within the machine to change the taste of the water and / or add vitamins and / or minerals to the water.

[0083] In the following description, an electric infusion machine means a device adapted to heat water to above 50°C, preferably above 70°C, and capable of infusing an infusion product.

[0084] 1 to 14 show a water treatment device 2 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in particular an electric infusion device such as an electric kettle.

[0085] The water treatment device 2 includes a support base (not shown) configured to be powered by an electrical cord, and a container 4 configured to rest on the support base.

[0086] 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 generally shape of revolution about the central longitudinal axis A.

[0087] The vessel 4 defines an interior volume 5 adapted to contain water and to heat, in particular boil, the water therein. The vessel 4 further includes an upper filling opening 6 leading to the interior volume 5.

[0088] The vessel 4 further includes a heating device 7, such as a bottom heater located below the interior volume 5, configured to heat the water contained within the interior volume 5. As is known, the bottom heater contains an electric heating element configured to be powered when the vessel 4 is placed on a support base.

[0089] The water treatment device 2 further comprises a gripping zone, more specifically a handle 8 fixed to the container 4, and a pouring zone, more specifically a spout 9 located on the opposite side of the handle 8 relative to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4. The spout 9 can be provided on the container 4, for example, and located at the level of the upper pour opening 6.

[0090] The water treatment device 2 further comprises a lid 11 configured to occupy a closed position, in which position the lid 11 closes the container 4, more particularly the upper fill opening 6. The lid 11 comprises a lower surface 12 configured to be positioned in front of the interior volume 5 of the container 4. Advantageously, the water treatment device 2 comprises a sealing ring 13 fixed to the lower surface 12 of the lid 11 and configured to sealingly cooperate with the container 4.

[0091] The water treatment device 2 further comprises a fastening device configured to removably, in other words temporarily and reversibly, fasten the lid 11 to the container 4 .

[0092] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 14, the fixing device comprises two fixing members 14, such as fixing tabs, provided at diametrically opposite positions on the lid 11 (see in particular Figures 6 and 7). Each fixing member 14 is accommodated in the lid 11 and is configured to protrude outside the lid 11 through a respective through-hole 15 provided on the lid 11. Advantageously, each through-hole 15 leads to the outer circumferential surface of the lid 11 above the sealing ring 13.

[0093] The fixing device further includes two fixing elements 16 (see FIG. 2), such as fixing grooves, provided on the inner surface of the container 4 and located near the upper filling opening 6. According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 14, the fixing members 14 are more specifically configured to enter into the fixing elements 16, respectively, when the lid 11 is fixed to the container 4.

[0094] 1 to 14, the fixing members 14 are slidably mounted relative to the lid 11 along a sliding direction between a fixing position, in which each fixing member 14 is configured to cooperate with a respective fixing element 16 to fix the lid 11 to the container 4, and a release position, in which each fixing member 14 is configured to release a respective fixing 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.

[0095] The locking device may further include two return members 17 (see FIG. 9) housed within the lid 11 and configured to return the locking members 14 to their respective locking positions.

[0096] As shown more particularly in Figures 1 and 6, the water treatment device 2 includes an actuation mechanism 18 disposed on the lid 11 and configured to move the locking member 14 to a release position when the actuation mechanism 18 is activated by a user.

[0097] More specifically, the actuation mechanism 18 includes two actuation members 19 (see Figures 1 and 9) that are manually operable by a user and configured to move the locking member 14 from a locked position to a released position. According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 14, the actuation members 19 each include two operating portions 21 that are accessible from the top surface of the lid 11 and configured to be operated by a user.

[0098] The actuating member 19 is slidably mounted on the lid 11 between a first actuating position and a second actuating position, and the actuating member 19 and the fixed member 14 are configured such that moving the actuating member 19 from the first actuating position to the second actuating position moves the fixed member 14 from the fixed position to the released position. Advantageously, each actuating member 19 and each fixed member 14 are fixed to (i.e., interlocked with) each other, and the two actuating members 19 are configured to move the fixed member 14 to the released position by pinching the two operating parts 21 together, in other words, by bringing the two operating parts 21 closer to each other.

[0099] The water treatment device 2 may include an angular indexing system configured to determine a unique fixed position of the lid 11 on the container 4. The angular indexing system may include, for example, at least one indexing boss 22 (see FIG. 3) provided on the container 4 and at least one indexing notch 23 (see FIG. 8) provided on the lid 11 and configured to cooperate with the at least one indexing boss 22.

[0100] Lid 11 further includes a pour pipe 24 (see FIG. 5 ) configured to deliver water contained within interior volume 5 to spout 9. More specifically, pour pipe 24 includes a water inlet 25 that communicates with the front half of underside 12 of lid 11, and a water outlet 26 that communicates with the outer periphery of lid 11 and is positioned substantially in front of spout 9 when lid 11 is secured to container 4.

[0101] The water treatment device 2 further includes a stopcock 27 (see Figures 4, 5 and 8) mounted on the lid 11 so as to be movable between a closed position in which the stopcock 27 blocks the pour pipe 24 and prevents the flow of water through the pour pipe 24, and an open position in which the stopcock 27 opens the pour pipe 24 and allows water to flow through the pour pipe 24.

[0102] The water treatment device 2 further includes an actuation system disposed on the lid 11 and configured to move the stopcock 27 between an open position and a closed position. According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 14, the actuation system includes a user-operable actuation button 28 that moves between a first button position and a second button position, and the actuation system is configured such that when a user moves the actuation button 28 from the first button position to the second button position, the stopcock 27 moves from the closed position to the open position.

[0103] 1 to 14, the actuation system includes a bistable control device 29, e.g., of the ballpoint pen type, configured such that the bung 27 moves from the closed position to the open position when a user moves the actuation button 28 from the button first position to the button second position, and such that the bung 27 moves from the open position to the closed position when a user moves the actuation button 28 from the button second position to the button first position. In other words, the button first position and the button second position correspond to stable positions of the actuation button 28.

[0104] The water treatment device 2 further includes a steam exhaust circuit configured to pump steam generated in the internal volume 5 when the water contained in the internal volume 5 boils out of the internal volume 5, for example out of the water treatment device 2.

[0105] The steam exhaust circuit includes, among other things, a first steam inlet 33 and a second steam inlet 34 provided on the lid 11 and communicating with the underside 12 of the lid 11 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 placed on a horizontal surface, the first steam inlet 33 and the second steam inlet 34 communicate with the interior volume 5 defined by the container 4 above the full level of the container 4.

[0106] 1 to 14, the first steam inlet 33 and the second steam inlet 34 are arranged on either side of a central vertical plane P of the water treatment device 2 that passes through the spout 9 and the 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 central vertical plane P of the water treatment device 2.

[0107] As shown more particularly in Figures 8, 10, 13 and 14, the steam exhaust circuit includes: an internal chamber 35 defined by the lid 11; a first steam delivery conduit 36 ​​including a first steam inlet fluidly connected to the first steam intake 33 and a first steam outlet 360 leading to an interior chamber 35 defined by the lid 11; a second steam delivery pipe 37 including a second steam inlet fluidly connected to the second steam intake 34 and a second steam outlet 370 leading to the interior chamber 35; Further includes:

[0108] The first steam delivery pipe 36 and the second steam delivery pipe 37 form a spill prevention device, also called an overflow prevention device, configured to prevent the water contained in the internal volume 5 from spilling through the steam exhaust circuit when the water treatment device 2 falls over.

[0109] 1 to 14, and in particular as shown in FIG. 5, the first vapor delivery pipe 36 and the second vapor delivery pipe 37 are flexible and housed within the internal chamber 35. The first vapor delivery pipe 36 and the second vapor delivery pipe 37 can be formed, for example, by a first vapor delivery tube and a second vapor delivery tube, respectively, which are advantageously each integrally formed, i.e., monoblock. The first vapor delivery pipe 36 and the second vapor delivery pipe 37 can be configured to extend substantially horizontally when the container 4 is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0110] Advantageously, the first and second steam delivery pipes 36, 37 each have a circular cross section and a substantially constant flow cross section along their length.

[0111] More specifically, the first steam outlet 360 and the second steam outlet 370 are configured to be arranged on either side of the central vertical plane P of the water treatment device 2, and advantageously are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central vertical plane P of the water treatment device 2.

[0112] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 14, the first steam outlet 360 and the second steam outlet 370 are located in the rear half of the internal chamber 35 and are configured to face substantially opposite the spout 9, in other words, toward the rear of the water treatment device 2.

[0113] As shown more specifically in FIGS. 13 and 14, the water treatment device 2 includes: - when the water treatment device 2 is inverted and the handle 8 and the first side, i.e. the left side, of the container 4 are stably placed on a horizontal surface (see Figure 13), the first steam inlet 33 and the second steam outlet 370 are positioned above the water level in the internal volume 5; When the water treatment device 2 is turned over and the handle 8 and the second side of the container 4, i.e., the right side, are placed stably on a horizontal surface (see FIG. 14), the second steam inlet 34 and the first steam outlet 360 are positioned above the water level in the internal volume 5. It is composed.

[0114] In this way, the water treatment device 2 of the present invention makes it possible to optimize the full capacity of the container 4 while avoiding, or at least significantly reducing, the risk of hot water spilling out of the water treatment device 2 when the water treatment device 2 falls over.

[0115] The steam exhaust circuit further includes a plurality of steam exhaust ports 38 disposed on the lid 11 and fluidly connected to the internal chamber 35 defined by the lid 11. The steam exhaust ports 38 are configured to allow steam contained within the internal chamber 35 to be exhausted to the outside of the water treatment device 2.

[0116] 1 to 14, the steam outlet 38 communicates with the outer peripheral surface of the lid 11 and is located near the water outlet 26. That is, the steam outlet 38 is configured to be located near the spout 9 when the lid 11 is fixed to the container 4. With this configuration of the water treatment device 2, steam can be discharged to the outside of the container 4 via the lid 11 and the spout 9.

[0117] The water treatment device 2 further comprises a treatment accessory 39, more particularly an infusion accessory such as a tea strainer, configured to be at least partially disposed within the internal volume 5 of the container 4, and more particularly configured to be at least partially immersed in the water contained within the internal volume 5. Advantageously, the treatment accessory 39 is detachable from the container 4.

[0118] The processing accessory 39 comprises a body 41 configured to be placed at least partially in the internal volume 5 of the container 4 on a retaining portion 42 provided on the container 4. According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 14, the retaining portion 42 is formed by two retaining ribs 42.1 (only one is shown in each figure) provided on the inner circumferential surface of the container 4. Advantageously, the retaining ribs 42.1 are diametrically opposed to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4 and extend circumferentially around the central longitudinal axis A. According to a variant embodiment of the invention, it is also conceivable to replace the two retaining ribs 42.1 by, for example, an annular retaining rib or an annular retaining shoulder.

[0119] The body 41 defines an infusion volume 43 configured to contain an infusion product such as tea, coffee or botanicals, and includes an upper opening 44 through which the infusion product can be dispensed into the infusion volume 43.

[0120] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 14, the lid 11 comprises a closure wall 45 projecting from the underside 12 of the lid 11, adapted to be inserted into an upper opening 44 provided on the body 41 so as to prevent the infusion product from leaving the infusion volume 43. Advantageously, the closure wall 45 has a generally cylindrical shape, for example a circular cross section.

[0121] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the main body 41 includes a support portion 46 that is configured to rest on a holding portion 42 provided on the container 4 and to be positioned in front of the lower surface 12 of the lid 11, and an infusion portion 47 that defines the infusion volume 43.

[0122] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 14, the infusion part 47 has a generally cylindrical shape and includes a cylindrical wall 47.1 of circular cross section with an upper end defining an upper opening 44 and a lower end opposite the upper end, and a closing member 47.2 closing the lower end of the cylindrical wall 47.1.

[0123] 12, bearing portion 46 is substantially flat and is configured to extend substantially perpendicular to central longitudinal axis A of container 4 when bearing portion 46 rests on retaining portion 42. Advantageously, bearing portion 46 extends to the height of top opening 44 of body 41 and at least partially around top opening 44.

[0124] The bearing 46 further includes a passage opening 48 located in front of the plug 27 and configured to allow the plug 27 to move between an open position and a closed position.

[0125] As shown more particularly in FIGS. 2 and 12, the processing accessory 39 further includes a gripping device 49 secured to the top of the body 41 and configured to allow a user to manipulate the processing accessory 39 .

[0126] 1 to 14, the gripping device 49 is fixed to the main body 41 and forms a handle. To this end, the gripping device 49 includes two side fixing portions 51 fixed to the main body 41 and spaced apart from each other, and a gripping portion 52 configured to mechanically connect the two side fixing portions 51 to each other and enable a user to operate the processing accessory 39.

[0127] The water treatment device 2 further includes a hooking member 53, such as a hooking tab, configured to cooperate with, or in other words hook onto, a hooking zone located at the top of the main body 41 so that the treatment accessory 39 can be removed from the container 4 when a user moves the hooking member 53 hooked onto the hooking zone along an upward removal direction D1 from the container 4. Advantageously, the removal direction D1 is configured to extend substantially vertically when the container 4 is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0128] 1 to 14, the latching zone is formed by a gripping device 49, and a latching member 53 is fixed to the lid 11 and projects from the underside 12 of the lid 11. Advantageously, the closure wall 45 extends around the latching member 53, which projects from the lower peripheral edge of the closure wall 45.

[0129] 1 to 14, the latching member 53 is located at the rear of the lid 11 and is configured to extend downwards, for example substantially vertically, when the lid 11 is in the closed position and the container 4 is placed on a horizontal surface. Advantageously, the latching member 53 comprises a fixing portion 53.1 that is substantially straight and fixed to the lid 11, and a latching portion 53.2 that is bent towards the underside 12 of the lid 11 and faces in the direction of the central axis of the lid 11. The latching member 53 thus forms a gripping hook that can cooperate with the latching zone.

[0130] Thus, when a user wishes to remove the processing accessory 39 from the container 4, for example after brewing an infusion product, he or she simply activates the two operating parts 21 to move the lid 11 to the open position, then hooks the gripping part 52 onto the latching member 53 provided on the lid 11, and finally moves the latching member 53 along the removal direction D1. In other words, the presence of the latching member 53 allows the user to remove the processing accessory 39 from the container 4 without risk of burns and without risk of contamination of the water contained in the internal volume 5.

[0131] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 14, the water treatment device 2 further comprises an angular indexing device configured to determine a unique holding position for the treatment accessory 39 on the container 4, i.e. to determine the angular index of the treatment accessory 39 relative to the container 4, so as to ensure an optimal position of the treatment accessory 39 that can move the lid 11 into the closed position.

[0132] As shown in Figures 2, 3 and 12, the angular indexing device includes at least one indexing element, which may be formed, for example, by a retaining rib 42.1 and provided on the container 4, and an indexing member 54, such as an indexing groove, provided on the support portion 46 and configured to cooperate with the at least one indexing element when the body 41 rests on the retaining portion 42.

[0133] 15 and 16 show a water treatment device 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which differs from the first embodiment mainly in that the water treatment device 2 includes a gripping attachment 55 that is distinct from the lid 11 and the container and includes a latching member 53.

[0134] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the gripping accessory 55 includes an accessory grip 56 configured to be operated by a user and secured to the latch member 53 .

[0135] Advantageously, the water treatment device 2, particularly the handle 8 or the container 4, includes a fixing member for the gripping accessory 55 that is detachable from the water treatment device 2. Such an arrangement allows the gripping accessory 55 to be connected to the water treatment device 2 when not in use, and to be easily removed and detached from the water treatment device 2 when the user wishes to remove the gripping accessory 55 from the container 4.

[0136] According to another embodiment of the invention, not shown, it is also conceivable that the processing accessory 39 does not have a handle and the latching zone is formed by a latching hole provided in the upper part of the body 41 .

[0137] According to another embodiment of the present invention not shown, the water treatment device 2 may also include an electromechanical control device including a bimetallic element, the steam exhaust circuit may also include at least one steam exhaust port 38 configured to direct steam contained in the internal chamber 35 toward the bimetallic element, and the electromechanical control device is configured to cause the water treatment device 2 to stop heating when steam flows over the bimetallic element.

[0138] The bimetallic element can be arranged, for example, in the handle 8. In this case, the at least one steam outlet 38 is provided at the rear of the lid 11 and is arranged to face towards the handle 8.

[0139] According to a variant embodiment of the invention, it is also conceivable to arrange the bimetallic element 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 fluidly connected with a steam tube arranged in the container 4 and fluidly connected with the bimetallic element.

[0140] According to another embodiment of the invention not shown, the gripping device 49 may be articulated relative to the main body 41 around an articulation axis between a raised configuration in which the gripping portion 52 is away from the support portion 46 and can be operated by the user, and a lowered configuration in which the gripping portion 52 is closer to the support portion 46 and can be supported, for example, by the support portion 46.

[0141] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the two side fixing parts 51 are conceivably articulated to the main body 41 via two pivot connections that determine an articulation axis, which is conceivably configured to extend substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4 when the processing accessory 39 is resting on the holding part 42.

[0142] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, it is contemplated that gripping portion 52 may be configured to be offset from top opening 44 when gripping device 49 is in the lowered configuration and to be positioned in front of top opening 44 when gripping device 49 is in the raised configuration.

[0143] According to another embodiment of the invention not shown, the latching member 53 moves between a cooperating configuration in which the latching member 53 can cooperate with the latching zone and a rest configuration in which the latching member 53 cannot cooperate with the latching zone but the processing accessory 39 is at least partially positioned within the internal volume 5 of the container 4.

[0144] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown purely by way of example: modifications, especially in terms of the configuration of the individual elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, are always possible without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. A water treatment device (2), a container (4) defining an interior volume (5) for containing water; a gripping zone associated with said container (4), - a pouring zone (9) into which the treated water can be poured; a processing accessory (39) detachable from said container (4), said processing accessory (39) comprising a body (41) adapted to be at least partially disposed within said internal volume (5) of said container (4); a lid (11) adapted to occupy a closed position in which it closes said container (4) and at least partially covers said processing accessory (39), said lid (11) comprising a lower surface (12) adapted to be positioned in front of said processing accessory (39); In a water treatment device (2) comprising: The water treatment device (2) is characterized in that the processing accessory (39) includes a latching zone located at an upper portion of the main body (41), and the water treatment device (2) further includes a latching member (53) configured to cooperate with the latching zone so that the processing accessory (39) can be removed from the container (4) when a user moves the latching member (53) from the container (4) along an upward removal direction (D1).

2. 2. The water treatment device (2) of claim 1, wherein the treatment accessory (39) includes a gripping device (49) located on top of the main body (41) and configured to allow a user to operate the treatment accessory (39), the gripping device (49) forming the hanging zone.

3. The water treatment device (2) of claim 2, wherein the gripping device (49) includes two side fixing portions (51) fixed to the main body (41) and spaced apart from each other, and a gripping portion (52) configured to connect the two side fixing portions (51) to each other and enable a user to operate the treatment accessory (39).

4. The water treatment device (2) according to claim 3, wherein the gripping device (49) is a handle.

5. The water treatment device (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the gripping device (49) is fixed to the body (41).

6. The water treatment device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the latching member (53) is fixed to the lid (11).

7. The water treatment device (2) according to claim 6, wherein the latching member (53) is located at the rear of the lid (11).

8. 8. The water treatment device (2) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the latching members (53) protrude from the lower surface (12) of the lid (11) and form gripping hooks of the latching zone.

9. The water treatment device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a gripping accessory (55) distinct from the lid (11) and the container (4), the gripping accessory (55) comprising the latching member (53).

10. The water treatment device (2) of claim 9, wherein the gripping accessory (55) comprises an accessory grip (56) configured to be manipulated by a user.

11. 11. The water treatment device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a steam exhaust circuit configured to deliver steam generated in the internal volume (5) to the outside of the internal volume (5) when water contained in the internal volume (5) is boiled.

12. The gripping zone is formed by a handle (8) fixed to the container (4), and the steam exhaust circuit is - a first steam inlet (33) and a second steam inlet (34) on the lid (11) and communicating with the underside (12) of the lid (11), the first steam inlet (33) and the second steam inlet (34) being configured to be fluidly connected with the internal volume (5) defined by the container (4) and arranged on either side of a central vertical plane (P) of the water treatment device (2) passing through the handle (8); an internal chamber (35) defined by said lid (11); a first steam delivery pipe (36) including a first steam inlet fluidly connected to said first steam intake (33) and a first steam outlet (360) leading to said internal chamber (35); and a second steam delivery pipe (37) including a second steam inlet fluidly connected to said second steam intake (34) and a second steam outlet (370) leading to said internal chamber (35); 12. The water treatment device (2) according to claim 11, comprising:

13. The water treatment device (2) of claim 12, wherein the steam exhaust circuit includes at least one steam exhaust port (38) provided on the lid (11) and fluidly connected to the internal chamber (35) defined by the lid (11), and the at least one steam exhaust port (38) is configured to allow the steam contained in the internal chamber (35) to be exhausted outside the lid (11).

14. The water treatment device (2) of claim 12 or 13, wherein the water treatment device (2) is configured such that when the water treatment device (2) is tilted and the handle (8) and the first side of the container (4) are stably placed on a horizontal surface, the first steam intake (33) is positioned above the water level in the internal volume (5), and when the water treatment device (2) is tilted and the handle (8) and the second side of the container (4) are stably placed on a horizontal surface, the second steam intake (34) is positioned above the water level in the internal volume (5).

15. 15. The water treatment device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the water treatment device (2) is an electric infusion device and the treatment accessory (39) is an infusion accessory.

16. 16. The water treatment device (2) of claim 15, wherein the body (41) defines an infusion volume (43) configured to contain an infusion product and includes an upper opening (44) through which the infusion product can be introduced into the infusion volume (43).

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