Device for heating a liquid

Abstract

An apparatus (10) for heating a liquid, comprising a container (11) and a heating means (12), and also comprising a drive system (13) configured to drive a plurality of different types of lids (14, 15) that can be accommodated in the container (11).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for heating a liquid, such as an electric kettle for water or other liquids. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a device for heating a liquid. [Background technology]

[0002] An apparatus for heating a liquid, such as an electric kettle, may comprise a container for containing the liquid to be heated and heating means, which are typically housed in the base of the apparatus. The heating means may, for example, comprise one or more electrical resistors housed in the base of the apparatus, which electrical resistors may be connected to a power supply if required.

[0003] The container has an opening at the top for filling with the liquid to be heated, and this opening can be closed by two or more types of lid. The most common types of lid are generally of two types:

[0004] The first type is a lid hinged to one side of a container, suitable for being placed in a lower position to close an opening of the container, and for being placed in an upper position to open the container. The container may have a spout for pouring heated liquid, which spout typically remains open at all times when the lid is in the lower or upper position.

[0005] Typically, the lid is associated with a locking system in the lower position, which the user can act on by, for example, a button, thereby releasing the lid from the container and rotating it around a hinge to raise it.

[0006] A second type of lid, particularly for electric kettles, is a hingeless safety lid, which is typically sealingly received in the top opening.

[0007] The lid is equipped with an opening and closing valve which is associated with a corresponding actuation system that can be actuated by a dedicated button, which usually has to be actuated again to return the valve to the closed state.

[0008] The safety lid is further provided with an additional button for disengaging the safety lid from the container in which it is housed.

[0009] Therefore, known devices for heating liquids must be equipped with suitable accommodation means for accommodating the lid, as well as suitable systems and mechanisms for unlocking and locking the lid and for opening and closing the valves, depending on the type of lid that the device is to accommodate.

[0010] Each known heating device must have specific structural features to be suitable for accommodating one or other type of lid and one or other type of locking / unlocking system or opening / closing system of the valve for delivering the liquid.

[0011] In the case of a lid portion provided with a liquid delivery valve, this valve may be inadvertently left open, which may cause a safety hazard to the device, such as boiling liquid leaking from the container portion.

[0012] Generally, therefore, devices for heating liquids of the above type are not very flexible in terms of possible applications, are complex in construction, and often leave room for improvement in terms of the safety of the device.

[0013] EP 2 483 745 A1 describes various solutions for devices for heating liquids, including safety lids with a liquid dispensing valve or lids hinged to the central zone of a container for containing the liquid. However, these solutions are independent of each other and cannot be combined with each other. Furthermore, in the case of safety lids, the valve can only be opened when the device for heating liquids is tilted to the liquid dispensing position.

[0014] GB 2 486 229 A1 and DE 299 02 995 A1 describe other devices for heating liquids of a known type.

[0015] In view of the foregoing, there exists a need for an apparatus for heating a liquid that overcomes at least one of the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0016] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for heating liquids, such as an electric kettle, that is efficient, safe and flexible in terms of application.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for heating a liquid that can associate a plurality of different types of lids with the same container portion for containing the liquid, and that is characterized by simplicity of construction and use.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a device for heating liquids, which essentially comprises a universal container part to which a number of different types of lid parts can be associated according to various usage needs, such as a rotatable lid part or a safety lid part.

[0019] Applicant has conceived, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to achieve these and other objects and advantages. Summary of the Invention

[0020] The invention is defined in the independent claims, which describe its features, while the dependent claims describe further features of the invention or variants of the main idea of ​​the invention.

[0021] In view of the above object, the present invention provides an apparatus for heating a liquid, comprising a container for containing a liquid, and means for heating the liquid in the container.

[0022] In one aspect of the present invention, a heating device comprises a drive system configured to drive a plurality of different types of lid portions that can be alternately accommodated in a storage portion, the drive system comprising at least one actuating element outside the lid portion and at least one actuator inside the lid portion, the actuating element being actuable by a user and the actuator cooperating with the actuating element.

[0023] When the actuating element is driven, the actuator can move the lid between a first closed position and a second open position, or vice versa.

[0024] For example, in the case of a rotatable lid, the "open state" refers to the lid being rotated up relative to the container. For example, in the case of a safety lid, the "open state" refers to the liquid being able to pass through the liquid delivery valve, thereby at least partially opening the valve.

[0025] Preferably the actuator engages the valve to allow it to open regardless of the position and / or tilt of the container, in other words it is possible to open the valve even if the container is in a substantially vertical position during pouring and not necessarily tilted.

[0026] Advantageously, the device for heating a liquid, such as for example an electric kettle, effectively provides a universal container with a plurality of different types of interchangeable lid parts, which are driven by a drive system that can be selectively activated to interact with at least a first rotatable lid part and with at least a second safety lid part provided with a valve.

[0027] The drive system is partly provided in the lid, which is equipped with an actuator, and partly in the housing, which is equipped with a movable actuating element that can be actuated by the user. The actuating element can be adapted to a number of different types of lids and can actuate the actuators of a number of different types of lids. The heating device is extremely flexible in terms of its possible uses, and has proven to be both highly effective and safe for the user.

[0028] When the drive system is activated, in the case of a rotatable lid, the rotatable lid opens relative to the container, and in the case of a safety lid, the valve opens at least partially.

[0029] In some embodiments, the actuation element may be associated with elastic return means, which essentially allows the actuator to return to an initial position when the user releases the cursor, for example the position where the first rotatable lid is closed, or the valve is closed in the case of the second safety lid.

[0030] The hinged first lid may be provided with a hinge for rotating from a first closed state of the container to a second open state of the container, or vice versa, with an actuator acting as a restraining element between the first lid and the container, the actuator being provided relative to the first lid and configured to engage the container to maintain the first lid in the first closed state, and an actuation element being configured to act on the actuator to release the first lid from the container and place the first container in the second open state.

[0031] The rotating hinge is arranged at its periphery substantially corresponding to the handle of the device for heating liquid.

[0032] In some embodiments, the device for heating a liquid may include a flange for receiving a rotatable lid, and the actuator may be configured to abut the flange in a closed position of the lid.

[0033] The above device may also include an articulation mechanism disposed between the actuator and the actuation element, the articulation mechanism being configured to enable rearward movement of the actuator in response to actuation of the actuation element, thereby enabling opening of the rotatable lid portion.

[0034] The hinge of the rotatable lid may comprise resilient means to allow automatic opening of the rotatable lid when the actuator is released from the container part.

[0035] The lid may be received in the receptacle as described above and may be a safety lid provided with at least one liquid delivery valve with a shutter, the valve being in fluid communication with the interior of the receptacle, wherein the actuating element is configured to thrust the actuator towards the shutter to enable at least partial opening of the valve.

[0036] The valve may be provided with a resilient return means which causes automatic closing of the shutter when the user releases the actuating element.

[0037] The safety lid is provided with a duct having an inlet and an outlet for the liquid, and a liquid feed valve is arranged in the duct.

[0038] The duct is substantially L-shaped having a substantially vertical first segment and a substantially horizontal second segment, the shutter being axially movable along the horizontal segment.

[0039] The heating device may also be provided with a fluid-tight seal disposed between the container and the safety lid.

[0040] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a device for heating a liquid, comprising providing a substantially universal container, the container comprising means for heating the liquid therein, and providing a drive system that can be selectively activated to interact with a plurality of different types of lids that can be alternately accommodated in the container, the lids comprising at least a first rotatable lid and at least a second safety lid provided with a valve, the drive system comprising at least one actuating element external to the lid and at least one actuator internal to the lid, the actuating element being actuable by a user and the actuator cooperating with the cursor, and wherein activation of the drive system causes the rotatable lid to open relative to the container, in the case of a rotatable lid, or the valve to at least partially open in the case of a safety lid, regardless of the position and / or tilt of the container.

[0041] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, which are provided by way of example rather than limitation, and which are considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] 1 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a liquid heating device of the present invention with a first type of lid in a closed position; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the first type of lid of FIG. 1; [Figure 2a] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 2. [Figure 3] 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 taken along line III-III of FIG. 2, with the lid of the device in a partially open position. [Figure 4] 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 with the lid of the device in a fully open position. [Figure 5] 1 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a liquid heating device of the present invention with a second type of lid in a closed position. [Figure 6]5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 4, with the lid of the device in an open position, ie, open to allow liquid to pass through. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view of the heating device with the second type of lid removed from the container. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a three-dimensional view of a second type of lid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] For ease of understanding, wherever possible, like reference numerals have been used to designate like common elements in the figures, and it is understood that elements and features of one embodiment can be readily combined or incorporated into other embodiments without the need for further explanation.

[0044] Reference will now be made in detail to possible embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are shown by way of illustration and not limitation in the accompanying drawings, and the phraseology and terminology used herein is intended to present non-limiting examples.

[0045] Referring to the accompanying drawings, for example, Figures 1 and 7, the device 10 for heating a liquid of the present invention comprises a container portion 11 for containing a liquid, and means 12 for heating the liquid in the container portion 11.

[0046] The device 10 comprises a drive system 13 configured to drive a number of different types of lids 14 or 15 which can be alternately accommodated in the container 11 .

[0047] The lids include a first type of rotatable lid 14, known as a "flip" type, and a second type of safety lid 15 that is hermetically sealed to prevent leakage.

[0048] The drive system 13 comprises at least one actuating element 16 outside the lid portion 14 or 15 and at least one actuator 17 or 18 inside the lid portion 14 or 15, the actuating element 16 being actuable by a user and the actuator 17 or 18 cooperating with the actuating element 16.

[0049] The actuating element 16 can be, for example, a cursor that is movable in a linear direction, as shown in Figures 1, 3, 4 and 7, or, in a possible variant not shown, a button or lever suitable for movement from top to bottom or by a horizontal pivoting movement, etc.

[0050] The actuator 17 or 18 is movable between a first position in which the lid portion 14 or 15 is in a first closed state and a second position in which the lid portion 14 or 15 is in a second open state, or vice versa, upon actuation of the actuating element 16.

[0051] In the case of the second type of lid part 15, as will be explained below, the open state is a state in which the valve 19 is at least partially open to deliver liquid.

[0052] In other words, when the actuating element 16 is actuated, the rotatable lid part 14 opens relative to the container part 11 and the safety lid part 15 opens the valve 19 at least partially.

[0053] The container portion 11 may have a top opening 38 that receives the lid portion 14 or 15 and allows for filling or topping up of liquid.

[0054] The container part 11 may also be provided with a spout 20 for the outflow of liquid, which can be dispensed by means of said spout 20 when the container part 11 is tilted appropriately.

[0055] The container portion 11 may also be provided with a grip handle 21, which is preferably located on the side opposite to the side on which the spout 20 is located.

[0056] The heating means 12 of the vessel part can be located below the vessel part 11 and can be made in one piece with the vessel part 11. For example, the heating means 12 can comprise one or more electrical resistors or the like.

[0057] Typically, the container part 11 has associated thereto a base 22, which is provided with electrical energy supply means and which is connected to the power grid by means of a cable and a plug.

[0058] In some embodiments, the device 10 comprises a temperature control means, such as a thermostat 57, configured to deactivate the heating means 12 when the liquid boils. A through-flow passage 58 may be provided so that steam generated in the vessel portion 11 during boiling of the liquid can pass through the through-flow passage 58 to the vicinity of the thermostat 57 and switch off the heating means 12.

[0059] In some embodiments, actuation element 16 may be translatably or rotationally movable towards or away from lid 14 or 15 and may cooperate with actuator 17 or 18 by suitable transmission members.

[0060] The actuating element 16 may be associated with elastic return means 23. The elastic means 23 return the actuating element 16, thereby allowing the actuator 17 or 18 to pass from the second position to the first position. In this way, essentially, the lid 14 or 15 can pass from an open state to a closed state.

[0061] In the case of the first type of rotatable lid 14, the passage occurs when the rotatable lid 14 is lowered.

[0062] The actuating element 16 may comprise an actuating button 24 outside the housing 11 and a stem 25 inside the housing 11 and integral with the actuating button 24. The stem 25 is associated with elastic return means 23.

[0063] The actuating element 16 can be guided by a suitable linear guide formed in the container part 11. For example, a ring 26 for guiding the stem 25, or a guide for the linear movement of the actuating element 16 and therefore the button 24, or the like can be provided, and the guide for the linear movement of the actuating element 16 is formed on the outer surface of the container part 11. At least a part of the stem 25 can extend out of a seating 53 formed in the container part 11, or the stem 25 can be retracted into the container part 11.

[0064] The rotatable lid 14 may be provided with a hinge 28 for rotating from a first closed position of the container 11 to a second open position of the container 11, or vice versa.

[0065] The hinge can be arranged around the periphery of the opening 38, and preferably can be arranged to correspond to the handle 21.

[0066] The actuation element 16 is configured to cooperate with an actuator 17 and in this case acts as a restraining element between the rotatable lid part 14 and the container part 11 .

[0067] An actuator 17 is connected to the rotatable lid 14 and is configured to engage the container part 11 to maintain the rotatable lid 14 in the first closed state. An actuation element 16 acts on the actuator 17 to release the rotatable lid 14 from the container part 11, placing the container part 11 in the second open state.

[0068] The closed position of the rotatable lid portion 14 is shown in Figure 1 with the rotatable lid portion 14 lowered, in which position the actuator 17 engages with the container portion 11 so that liquid can flow out of the spout 20 of the container portion 11 when the container portion 11 is tilted appropriately.

[0069] Conversely, in the open state of FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the rotatable lid 14 is in an open state so that an operation such as filling or refilling with liquid or the like can be performed.

[0070] In particular, a flange 29 can be arranged at the opening 38 of the container part 11 to accommodate the rotatable lid part 14 so that the rotatable lid part 14 fits perfectly onto the container part 11 .

[0071] In some embodiments, such as the embodiment described with reference to Figure 2a, the rim and flange 29 of the container portion 11 may be provided with interconnection means 54.

[0072] The above-mentioned connecting means 54 may comprise hook teeth 55 protruding from the side wall of the flange 29, which hook teeth 55 are suitable for insertion into a suitable seat 56 provided on the inner surface of the container part 11 corresponding to the upper edge of the container part 11.

[0073] In other embodiments of the present invention, the flange 29 may be attached by other means such as screws, rivets, welding and / or adhesives.

[0074] A sealing gasket (not shown) may be provided to prevent any possible leakage.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the actuator 17 may be arranged to abut the flange 29 to prevent rotation of the rotatable lid 14 about the hinge 28 when the rotatable lid 14 is in the closed position.

[0076] For example, as shown in FIG. 1, at least a portion of the actuator 17 may be located below the flange 29 .

[0077] In the absence of flange 29, when the rotatable lid portion 14 is in the closed position, the actuator 17 can be positioned within a hole formed in the wall of the container portion 11, or can abut against a step or other protruding element formed on the inside of the container 11, etc.

[0078] The actuator 17 may be housed in a sliding guide 30 formed inside the rotatable lid 14. The actuator 17 may also provide one end of an advancement element 31 suitable for abutting against the guide 30 when the rotatable lid 14 is in the closed position.

[0079] An articulation mechanism 32 can be arranged between the actuator 17 and the actuating element 16, and this articulation mechanism 32 is configured to allow the actuator 17 to move backward when the actuating element 16 is driven, for example when pressure is applied to the actuating element 16, thereby enabling the opening operation of the rotatable lid portion 14.

[0080] The articulation mechanism 32 may, for example, comprise a pair of connecting rods 33 and 34 that are rotatably constrained on either side of a disk 35 that is rotatably mounted inside the rotatable lid portion 14.

[0081] The first connecting rod 33 can be rotatably connected to the actuator 17, and the second connecting rod 34 can be rotatably constrained to a rod 36 suitable for cooperating with the stem 25 of the actuating element 16. In particular, the connecting rods 33 and 34 will be rotatably constrained in a disc 35 corresponding to the periphery of said disc 35.

[0082] The hinge 28 may also be provided with resilient means 37 that allow automatic opening of the rotatable lid part 14 when the actuator 17 is released from the container part 11 .

[0083] Considering the closed state of the rotatable lid 14 in Figure 1, a user can push the actuating element 16 to move it linearly in direction A1, against the action of the resilient means 23, if provided. The linear movement of the actuating element 16 in direction A1 with appropriate advancement causes the actuator 17 to move backward from the position in Figure 1 to the position in Figure 3, in which position the actuator 17 is mostly retracted into the rotatable lid 14. The rotatable lid 14 can thus be raised from the position in Figure 1 to the position in Figure 4. This raising can be done automatically by the resilient means 37 of the rotation hinge 28.

[0084] When the user releases the actuating element 16, the resilient means 23 allow the actuating element 16 to return to the position of Figure 1 and part of the actuator 17 emerges from the rotatable lid 14, in particular from a guide 30 formed in the rotatable lid 14 (see Figure 4). To achieve this, the actuator 17 may be equipped with dedicated resilient return means which thrust the actuator 17 out of the guide 30 and thus out of the rotatable lid 14.

[0085] To re-close the rotatable lid 14, the user must rotate the rotatable lid 14 down about the hinge 28 and again push the actuating element 16 in direction A1, which causes the actuator 17 to retract into the rotatable lid 14, releasing the actuating element 16, which then re-engages with the container part 11, for example engaging the underside of the flange 29.

[0086] 5 shows a safety closure 15 provided with at least one liquid delivery valve 19 in fluid communication with the inside of the container 11. The actuation element 16 is configured to thrust an actuator 18 towards a shutter 39 of the valve 19, thereby enabling the shutter 39 to be opened.

[0087] In the state shown in Figure 5, the safety lid 15 is in a closed state, i.e., the liquid supply valve 19 is closed. On the other hand, in Figure 6, the safety lid 15 is in an open state, i.e., the valve 19 is open, and liquid can flow toward the spout 20 of the container 11 if the container 11 is tilted appropriately.

[0088] The valve 19 may be provided with elastic return means 40 which determine the automatic closure of the shutter 39 when the actuating element 39 is released and the actuator 18 returns to its initial position.

[0089] The safety lid 15 is received in the container 11 using fluid-tight means 41, such as a suitably shaped gasket.

[0090] The safety lid 15 can be used when the liquid contained in the container 11 becomes hot and could become dangerous if it were to spill from the container 11 unintentionally.

[0091] In this case, the actuator 18 may include a rod having a first end 43 that cooperates with the stem 25 of the actuating element 16 and a second end 42 that cooperates with the shutter 39 of the valve 19.

[0092] A duct 44 is formed in the safety lid 15, and this duct 44 is provided with an inlet 45 and an outlet 46 for liquid. The valve 19 is arranged between the inlet 45 and the outlet 46. A shutter 39 of the valve 19 can open and close a passage 48 formed in the duct 44. The shutter 39 is provided with at least one fluid-tight means 47 such as an O-ring.

[0093] In some embodiments, the duct 44 is substantially L-shaped, having a first substantially vertical segment 44a corresponding to the inlet 45 and a second substantially horizontal segment 44b corresponding to the outlet 46.

[0094] Valve 19 is preferably located in second segment 44b, and shutter 39 is axially movable along an axis coaxial with second segment 44b.

[0095] A through hole 59 may be provided in the first segment 44a to allow the actuator 18 to pass therethrough.

[0096] Preferably, the actuator 18 is always engaged with the shutter 39 so as to be suitable for opening the valve 19 in any state of use, i.e. in any position of the container part 11 and regardless of its tilt.

[0097] In some embodiments, the first segment 44a and the second segment 44b are positioned perpendicular to one another. In other variations not shown, the segments 44a and 44b can be inclined at an angle ranging from about 70° to about 110°.

[0098] In some embodiments, actuation of the actuating element 16 allows the shaft 25 and shutter 39 to move axially, along axes that are substantially parallel and / or coaxial with one another.

[0099] Valve 19 can be opened by a user acting on actuation element 16 in direction A1. A stem 25 associated with actuation element 16 abuts a first end 43 of actuator 18, causing actuator 18 to move linearly and displace shutter 39, opening passageway 48 (see Figures 5 and 6).

[0100] By releasing the actuating element 16, the elastic return means 23 moves the actuating element 16 from the position of FIG. 6 to the position of FIG. 5, and the elastic means 40 returns the shutter 39 to a position closing the passage 48, thereby returning the actuator 18 to the position of FIG. 4.

[0101] As can be seen from the figure, for either type of lid 14 or 15 shown, the actuating element 16 of the drive system 13 is independent of the type of lid attached to the container part 11, and furthermore, the actuator 17 or 18 is inside the lid 14 or 15 and is substantially independent of the actuating element 16. The actuating element 16 can act on the actuator 17 by means of an articulation mechanism 32, as in the case of the first type of rotatable lid 14, or can act directly on the actuator 18, as in the case of the second type of safety lid 15.

[0102] The safety lid 15 (see Figures 7 and 8) has a lower part 49 suitable for insertion into the container 11, and an upper closing part 50. The lower part 49 can be provided with teeth 51 for hooking the safety lid 15 onto a seat 52 formed on the container 11.

[0103] The teeth 51 may be configured to extend or retract from the side wall of the lower part 49 and may be provided with resilient means for maintaining the teeth 51 in a position protruding from the lower part 49. When the lid part 15 is inserted into the container part 11, the teeth 51 first retract into the lower part 49 and then snap out when they reach a position corresponding to the seat 52, with at least a certain portion of the teeth 51 retracting into the seat 52.

[0104] The safety lid 15 may be provided with a key 27 or button, such as on the upper portion 50, which is configured to retract the teeth 51 into the lower portion 49 to allow the safety lid 15 to be released.

[0105] In another embodiment, the safety lid portion 15 may be provided with a second passage duct 57, which is configured to fluidly connect the interior space of the container portion 11 with the above-mentioned passage channel 58.

[0106] A method for manufacturing the device 10 for heating a liquid of the present invention includes providing a substantially universal container part 11, but in which means 12 for heating a liquid are provided, and providing the above-mentioned drive system 13 for driving a plurality of different types of lid parts 14, 15 that can be alternately accommodated in the container part 11.

[0107] It will be apparent that modifications and / or additions of various parts may be made to the heating device described above without departing from the field and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0108] In the appended claims, the purpose of the parenthetical signs is to facilitate reading only and should not be considered as a factor limiting the scope of protection set forth in the individual claims.

Claims

1. A device (10) for heating a liquid, comprising a container (11), a means (12) for heating a liquid associated with said container (11), and exchangeable lids (14, 15), a drive system (13) that can be selectively driven to interact with at least a first rotatable lid part (14) and with at least a second safety lid part (15) provided with a valve (19), said rotatable lid part (14) and said safety lid part (15) being capable of being alternately accommodated in said accommodation part (11); the drive system (13) comprises at least one actuating element (16) outside the lid (14, 15) and at least one actuator (17, 18) inside the lid (14, 15); said actuators (17, 18) cooperating with said actuating element (16); When the actuating element (16) is actuated, the rotatable lid (14) opens relative to the container (11), and the safety lid (15) at least partially opens the valve (19) regardless of the position or inclination of the container (11).

1. An apparatus (10) comprising:

2. said actuating element (16) being associated with elastic return means (23); The device (10) of claim 1.

3. The actuating element (16) comprises a drive button (24) outside the housing (11) and a stem (25) inside the housing (11) and integral with the drive button (24), The receiving portion (11) is provided with a guide ring (26) for the shaft portion (25).

3. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The rotatable lid (14) with which the actuator (17) is associated is rotatable about a hinge (28); the actuator (17) is configured to engage the receiving portion (11) to maintain the rotatable lid portion (14) in a closed state; The actuating element (16) is configured to act on the actuator (17) to release the rotatable lid (14) from the container (11) and place the container (11) in an open state. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The actuator (17) is configured to engage and abut a flange (29) when the rotatable lid (14) is in a closed position. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. an articulation mechanism (32) disposed between the actuator (17) and the actuating element (16); The articulation mechanism (32) is configured to enable the actuator (17) to move backward and the rotatable lid (14) to open in response to the driving of the actuation element (16). The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The articulation mechanism (32) includes a pair of connecting rods (33, 34) rotatably constrained on either side of a disk (35) rotatably mounted inside the rotatable lid portion (14). The device (10) of claim 6.

8. The hinge (28) comprises elastic means (37) that allow automatic opening of the rotatable lid (14) when the actuator (17) is released from the container (11).

5. The device (10) of claim 4.

9. The liquid supply valve (19) is provided with a shutter (39), The actuating element (16) is configured to thrust the actuator (18) towards the shutter (39) to enable the at least partial opening of the valve (19). The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The actuator (18) is engaged with the shutter (39) in all states of use. The device (10) according to claim 9.

11. the shaft (25) and the shutter (39) are axially movable along parallel axes and / or are coaxial with each other; Device (10) according to claim 9 with reference to claim 3 or claim 10 with reference to claim 3.

12. The safety lid (15) comprises a substantially L-shaped duct (44), The duct (44) is provided with an inlet (45) and an outlet (46), the inlet (45) being in a first substantially vertical segment (44a) and the outlet (46) being in a second substantially horizontal segment (44b); The shutter (39) is axially movable within the second segment (44b). The device (10) according to claim 9.

13. The valve (19) comprises elastic return means (40) which cause an automatic closing movement of the shutter (39) when the actuating element (16) is released by the user. The device (10) according to claim 9.

14. and a fluid-tight means (41) disposed between the container portion (11) and the second lid portion (15). The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A method for manufacturing a device (10) for heating a liquid, comprising the steps of: providing a substantially universal container (11), said container (11) comprising means (12) for heating a liquid therein; providing a drive system (13) that can be selectively driven to interact with a plurality of different types of lids (14, 15) that can be alternately accommodated in the receptacle (11); The lids (14, 15) include at least a first rotatable lid (14) and at least a second safety lid (15) provided with a valve (19); the drive system (13) comprises at least one actuating element (16) outside the lid (14, 15) and at least one actuator (17, 18) inside the lid (14, 15); said actuating element (16) being capable of being actuated by a user; said actuators (17, 18) cooperating with said actuating element (16); When the actuating element (16) is actuated, the rotatable lid (14) opens relative to the container (11), and the safety lid (15) at least partially opens the valve (19) regardless of the position or inclination of the container (11). A method characterized by:

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