Electric kettle and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides an electric kettle and a control method thereof, wherein a boiling water indication unit is provided, and the boiling water indication unit includes an indication control module, a temperature acquisition module, a touch circuit module, and an indication module. When the indication control module is triggered and the water temperature reaches the set temperature, the touch circuit module is turned on, causing the indication module to light up. After the touch circuit module is turned on, as long as the indication control module is continuously triggered, the touch circuit module is continuously turned on, and the indication module is continuously lit, so that the user can easily know that the water in the kettle has been boiled, avoiding the phenomenon of water and electricity being wasted due to repeated boiling or pouring out of the water. The circuit design of this electric kettle is convenient for mass production, low cost, good consistency, and high reliability; the circuit module is small in size and can be integrated and applied to electric kettles of various shapes currently available; the modules in the boiling water indication unit can be arranged according to the shapes of different electric kettles to obtain a more beautiful shape and a more eye-catching prompt effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electric kettles, and in particular to an electric kettle and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Current electric kettles generally have an automatic power-off function, and some also have automatic water refilling or automatic keep-warm functions after boiling. However, most do not have a function to remember or indicate whether the water in the kettle has been boiled. As a result, when the boiled water in the kettle cools down, it is often impossible to determine whether it has been boiled. This can lead to people accidentally drinking raw water or repeatedly pressing the boil button to heat water, which is unhealthy and wastes electricity. If the water in the kettle is poured out and reheated, both water and electricity are wasted, which is not conducive to energy conservation and environmental protection. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the shortcomings of the prior art and to propose an electric kettle and a control method thereof, which can intuitively display whether the water in the kettle has boiled, save resources and reduce waste.

[0004] To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0005] An electric kettle comprises a heating control unit and a boiling water indication unit. The heating control unit comprises a main power module, a heating control module and a heating module. The heating control module is connected between the main power module and the heating module.

[0006] The boiling water indication unit includes an indication control module, a temperature acquisition module, a touch circuit module and an indication module. The indication control module is connected to the touch circuit module; the temperature acquisition module is connected to the indication control module and the touch circuit module respectively; and the indication module is connected to the indication control module and the touch circuit module respectively.

[0007] When the indication control module is triggered, the indication control module sends a first trigger signal to the touch circuit module; when the water temperature in the kettle reaches the set temperature, the temperature acquisition module sends a second trigger signal to the touch circuit module; when the touch circuit module receives the first trigger signal and the second trigger signal, the touch circuit module is turned on, the circuit loop where the indication module is located is turned on, and the indication module lights up; and after the touch circuit module is turned on, as long as the first trigger signal is continuously received, the touch circuit module continues to be turned on; when the indication control module stops sending the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module, the touch circuit module is turned off, the loop where the indication module is located is disconnected, and the indication module is turned off.

[0008] Preferably, the indication control module has a first output end and a second output end, the touch circuit module has a first connection end, a second connection end and a third connection end, the indication module is connected in series between the first output end of the indication control module and the first connection end of the touch circuit module, the temperature acquisition module is connected in series between the first output end of the indication control module and the second connection end of the touch circuit module, and the third connection end of the touch circuit module is connected to the second output end of the indication control module.

[0009] Preferably, the electric kettle includes a base and a kettle body, and the base and the kettle body are electrically connected through a coupler; the main power module is arranged inside the base, and the main power module is connected to the coupler; the heating control module is arranged on the kettle body, and the heating control module is connected to the coupler.

[0010] Preferably, the indication control module includes a conversion circuit, which is used to convert AC power into DC power. The input end of the conversion circuit is connected to the coupler, the positive output end of the conversion circuit corresponds to the first output end of the indication control module, and the negative output end of the conversion circuit corresponds to the second output end of the indication control module.

[0011] Preferably, when the kettle body is placed on the base and the main power module inputs AC power, the coupler is turned on, and the conversion circuit converts the AC power into DC output, so that the indication control module sends the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module; when the water temperature in the kettle reaches the set temperature, the temperature acquisition module sends the second trigger signal to the touch circuit module; when the touch circuit module receives the first trigger signal and the second trigger signal, the touch circuit module is turned on, the circuit loop where the indication module is located is turned on, and the indication module lights up; and after the touch circuit module is turned on, as long as the first trigger signal is continuously received, the touch circuit module continues to be turned on; when the kettle body is removed from the base or the input of the main power module is disconnected, the indication control module stops sending the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module, the touch circuit module is turned off, the loop where the indication module is located is disconnected, and the indication module goes out.

[0012] Preferably, the indication control module includes an auxiliary power supply and a trigger circuit, and the trigger circuit is connected to the auxiliary power supply; when the trigger circuit is triggered, the indication control module sends the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module; when the water temperature in the kettle reaches the set temperature, the temperature acquisition module sends the second trigger signal to the touch circuit module; when the touch circuit module receives the first trigger signal and the second trigger signal, the touch circuit module is turned on, the circuit loop where the indication module is located is turned on, and the auxiliary power supply supplies power to the indication module, so that the indication module lights up; and after the touch circuit module is turned on, the touch circuit module continues to be turned on as long as the first trigger signal is continuously received; when the trigger circuit stops being triggered, the indication control module stops sending the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module, the touch circuit module is turned off, the loop where the indication module is located is disconnected, and the indication module is extinguished.

[0013] Preferably, the trigger circuit includes a water level sensor and a relay, the water level sensor has a power supply end, a ground end and a signal end, and the relay has a common end, a first coil end, a second coil end, a first contact end and a second contact end; the power supply end of the water level sensor is connected to the positive end of the auxiliary power supply, the ground end of the water level sensor is connected to the common end of the relay and the negative end of the auxiliary power supply, and the signal end of the water level sensor is connected to the first coil end of the relay; the second coil end and the first contact end of the relay are both connected to the positive end of the auxiliary power supply, the second contact end of the relay corresponds to the first output end of the indication control module, and the negative end of the auxiliary power supply corresponds to the second output end of the indication control module.

[0014] Preferably, when the water level in the kettle reaches a set water level, the water level sensor is triggered and controls the relay to be turned on, so that the indication control module sends the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module; when the water temperature in the kettle reaches the set temperature, the temperature acquisition module sends the second trigger signal to the touch circuit module; when the touch circuit module receives the first trigger signal and the second trigger signal, the touch circuit module is turned on, the circuit loop where the indication module is located is turned on, and the auxiliary power supply supplies power to the indication module, so that the indication module lights up; and after the touch circuit module is turned on, as long as the first trigger signal is continuously received, the touch circuit module continues to be turned on; when the water level in the kettle is lower than the set water level, the water level sensor stops being triggered and controls the relay to be turned off, so that the indication control module stops sending the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module, the touch circuit module is turned off, the circuit where the indication module is located is disconnected, and the indication module is extinguished.

[0015] Preferably, the trigger circuit further includes an auxiliary switch, and the auxiliary switch is connected in series between the positive terminal of the auxiliary power supply and the power supply terminal of the water level sensor.

[0016] Preferably, the trigger circuit includes a control switch, the first end of the control switch is connected to the positive end of the auxiliary power supply, the second end of the control switch corresponds to the first output end of the indication control module, and the negative end of the auxiliary power supply corresponds to the second output end of the indication control module.

[0017] Preferably, when the control switch is closed, the indication control module sends the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module; when the water temperature in the kettle reaches the set temperature, the temperature acquisition module sends the second trigger signal to the touch circuit module; when the touch circuit module receives the first trigger signal and the second trigger signal, the touch circuit module is turned on, the circuit loop where the indication module is located is turned on, and the auxiliary power supply supplies power to the indication module, so that the indication module lights up; and after the touch circuit module is turned on, as long as the first trigger signal is continuously received, the touch circuit module continues to be turned on; when the control switch is disconnected, the indication control module stops sending the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module, the touch circuit module is turned off, the circuit where the indication module is located is disconnected, and the indication module is extinguished.

[0018] Preferably, the touch circuit module includes a thyristor, a first resistor, a second resistor, a third resistor and a first capacitor, the anode of the thyristor corresponds to the first connection end of the touch circuit module, the first end of the first resistor corresponds to the second connection end of the touch circuit module, the second end of the first resistor corresponds to the third connection end of the touch circuit module, the second end of the first resistor is connected to the cathode of the thyristor, the first end of the second resistor is connected to the first end of the first resistor, the second end of the second resistor is connected to the first end of the third resistor, the second end of the third resistor is connected to the control electrode of the thyristor, the first end of the first capacitor is connected to the second end of the second resistor, and the second end of the first capacitor is connected to the cathode of the thyristor.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, a control method for an electric kettle is provided, wherein the electric kettle includes a heating control module, a heating module, an indication control module, a temperature acquisition module, a touch circuit module, and an indication module. The control method includes:

[0020] S1: When the indication control module is triggered, the indication control module sends a first trigger signal to the touch circuit module; the heating control module is turned on, and the heating module begins to heat the water in the kettle. When the water temperature in the kettle reaches the set temperature, the temperature acquisition module sends a second trigger signal to the touch circuit module; when the touch circuit module receives the first trigger signal and the second trigger signal, the touch circuit module starts to conduct, so that the circuit where the indication module is located is conducted, and the indication module lights up;

[0021] S2: During the process of the water in the kettle slowly cooling down to room temperature, if the indication control module is continuously triggered, the indication control module continues to send the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module. At this time, the touch circuit module continues to be turned on, so that the circuit where the indication module is located continues to be turned on, and the indication module continues to light up; when the indication control module stops sending the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module, the touch circuit module is turned off, so that the circuit where the indication module is located is disconnected, and the indication module is turned off.

[0022] Preferably, step S1 also includes: the heating module continues to heat the water in the kettle until the water boils and the heating control module is automatically disconnected. At this time, if the indication control module continues to send the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module, the touch circuit module continues to be turned on, so that the circuit where the indication module is located continues to be turned on, and the indication module continues to light up.

[0023] Preferably, the electric kettle also includes a main power module, a base and a kettle body, the kettle body and the base are electrically connected through a coupler, and the main power module is connected to the coupler; the indication control module includes a conversion circuit, and the conversion circuit is connected to the coupler; when the kettle body is placed on the base and the main power module inputs AC power, the coupler is turned on, and the conversion circuit converts the AC power into DC output, so that the indication control module sends the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module; when the kettle body is removed from the base or the input of the main power module is disconnected, the indication control module stops sending the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module.

[0024] Preferably, the indication control module includes an auxiliary power supply and a trigger circuit. When the trigger circuit is triggered, the indication control module sends the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module; when the trigger circuit stops being triggered, the indication control module stops sending the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module.

[0025] Preferably, the trigger circuit includes a water level sensor and a relay. When the water level in the kettle reaches a set water level, the water level sensor is triggered and controls the relay to be turned on, so that the indication control module sends the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module; when the water level in the kettle is lower than the set water level, the water level sensor stops being triggered and controls the relay to be turned off, so that the indication control module stops sending the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module.

[0026] Preferably, the trigger circuit includes a control switch. When the control switch is closed, the indication control module sends the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module; when the control switch is disconnected, the indication control module stops sending the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: the electric kettle of the present invention is provided with a boiling water indication unit, which includes an indication control module, a temperature acquisition module, a touch circuit module, and an indication module. When the indication control module is triggered and the water temperature reaches the set temperature, the touch circuit module is turned on, causing the indication module to light up. After the touch circuit module is turned on, as long as the indication control module continues to be triggered, the touch circuit module continues to be turned on, and the indication module continues to light up, so that the user can know that the water in the kettle has been boiled, especially when the water temperature in the kettle is at room temperature, thereby avoiding the phenomenon of water being repeatedly boiled or poured out, which causes water and electricity to be wasted. The circuit design of this electric kettle is convenient for mass production, low cost, good consistency, and high reliability; the circuit module is small in size and can be integrated and applied to electric kettles of various shapes currently available; the modules in the boiling water indication unit can be arranged according to the shape of different electric kettles to obtain a more beautiful shape and a more eye-catching prompt effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit module connection structure of the electric kettle according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit module connection structure of the electric kettle according to embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a circuit schematic diagram of the boiling water indicator unit in the electric kettle according to embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of an electric kettle according to embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit module connection structure of the electric kettle according to embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6This is a circuit schematic diagram of the boiling water indicator unit in the electric kettle according to embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a circuit schematic diagram of the boiling water indicator unit in the electric kettle according to embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a circuit schematic diagram of the boiling water indicator unit in the electric kettle according to embodiment 6 of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 9 Flowchart of a control method for an electric kettle according to embodiment 7 of the present invention.

[0037] In the figure, 100-electric kettle, 10-heating control unit, 11-main power module, 12-heating control module, 13-heating module, 20-boiling water indication unit, 21-indication control module, 211-conversion circuit, 212-auxiliary power supply, 213-trigger circuit, 2131-water level sensor, 2132-relay, 2133-auxiliary switch, 2134-control switch, 22-temperature acquisition module, 23-touch circuit module, 24-indication module, 31-base, 32-kettle body, 321-kettle handle, 322-kettle lid, 33-coupler, 331-lower coupler, 332-upper coupler. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In order to provide a further understanding of the purpose, structure, features and functions of the present invention, the following detailed description is given in conjunction with the embodiments.

[0039] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 The figure is a schematic diagram of the circuit module connection structure of the electric kettle of Example 1 of the present invention. An electric kettle 100 of the present invention includes a heating control unit 10 and a boiling water indicator unit 20. The heating control unit 10 includes a main power module 11, a heating control module 12, and a heating module 13. The heating control module 12 is connected between the main power module 11 and the heating module 13. The main power module 11 is used to supply power to the heating module 13, and the heating control module 12 is used to control the on and off of the heating control unit 10. In use, the main power module 11 can be connected to a socket. The heating module 13 can be a heating resistor. When it is energized, it generates heat. The heat is transferred to the water in the kettle through the inner tank of the electric kettle, raising the water temperature. The heating control module 12 can be a common steam switch. The steam generated when the water boils can deform the bimetallic strip of the steam switch. This deformation pushes the power switch to cut off the power through the principle of leverage, realizing the function of automatically cutting off the power after the water boils, ensuring the safety of the electric kettle.

[0040] The boiling water indication unit 20 includes an indication control module 21, a temperature acquisition module 22, a touch circuit module 23 and an indication module 24. The indication control module 21 is connected to the touch circuit module 23; the temperature acquisition module 22 is connected to the indication control module 21 and the touch circuit module 23 respectively; and the indication module 24 is connected to the indication control module 21 and the touch circuit module 23 respectively.

[0041] Among them, when the indication control module 21 is triggered, the indication control module 21 sends a first trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23; when the water temperature in the kettle reaches the set temperature, the temperature acquisition module 22 sends a second trigger signal to the touch circuit module; when the touch circuit module 23 receives the first trigger signal and the second trigger signal, the touch circuit module 23 is turned on, the circuit loop where the indication module 24 is located is turned on, and the indication module 24 lights up; and after the touch circuit module 23 is turned on, as long as the first trigger signal is continuously received, the touch circuit module 23 continues to be turned on; when the indication control module 21 stops sending the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23, the touch circuit module 23 is turned off, the loop where the indication module 24 is located is disconnected, and the indication module 24 goes out.

[0042] The present invention provides a boiling water indication unit 20, which includes an indication control module 21, a temperature acquisition module 22, a touch circuit module 23, and an indication module 24. When the indication control module 21 is triggered and the water temperature reaches the set temperature, the control indication module 24 lights up to serve as an indication, allowing the user to know that the water in the kettle has been boiled, thereby avoiding the phenomenon of water and electricity being wasted due to repeated boiling or pouring of water. When the indication control module 21 stops sending the above-mentioned first trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23, the indication module 24 goes out to facilitate the next use of the electric kettle. This circuit design is convenient for mass production, has low cost, good consistency, and high reliability; the circuit module is small in size and can be integrated and applied to electric kettles of various shapes.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the indication control module 21 has a first output end and a second output end, the touch circuit module 23 has a first connection end, a second connection end and a third connection end, the indication module 24 is connected in series between the first output end of the indication control module 21 and the first connection end of the touch circuit module 23, the temperature acquisition module 22 is connected in series between the first output end of the indication control module 21 and the second connection end of the touch circuit module 23, and the third connection end of the touch circuit module 23 is connected to the second output end of the indication control module 21.

[0044] Please refer to Figures 2 to 4 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit module connection structure of the electric kettle according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram of the boiling water indicator unit in the electric kettle according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the electric kettle of embodiment 2 of the present invention. In some embodiments of the present invention, the electric kettle 100 includes a base 31 and a kettle body 32, and the base 31 and the kettle body 32 are electrically connected through a coupler 33. Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the coupler 33 includes a lower coupler 331 and an upper coupler 332. The lower coupler 331 is provided on the base 31, and the upper coupler 332 is provided on the kettle body 32. The structure of the upper coupler 332 matches the structure of the lower coupler 331. The specific structure and working principle of the coupler 33 belong to the prior art and will not be described here. The main power module 11 is provided inside the base 31, and the main power module 11 is connected to the coupler 33. The heating control module 12 is provided on the kettle body 32, and the heating control module 12 is connected to the coupler 33. The heating module 13 can be provided at the bottom of the kettle body 32 or on the side wall of the kettle body 32. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the heating module 13 is located at the bottom of the kettle body 32. In other embodiments, the heating module 13 may also be located on the sidewalls of the kettle body 32, or on both the bottom and sidewalls of the kettle body 32. When the main power module 11 is powered by mains electricity and the kettle body 32 is placed on the base 31, the coupler 33 is turned on. When the heating control module 12 is turned on, the heating module 13 begins to heat the water in the kettle. When the water boils, the heating control module 12 automatically turns off, causing the heating module 13 to stop heating.

[0045] The indication control module 21 includes a conversion circuit 211, which is used to convert AC power into DC power. The input end of the conversion circuit 211 is connected to the coupler 33. The positive output end of the conversion circuit 211 corresponds to the first output end of the indication control module 21, and the negative output end of the conversion circuit 211 corresponds to the second output end of the indication control module 21. The conversion circuit 211 has the function of converting AC power into DC power and may include functional circuits such as step-down rectification, filtering, and voltage stabilization. The specific structure and operating principles of these functional circuits are related to the prior art and will not be repeated here.

[0046] When the kettle body 32 is placed on the base 31 and the main power module 11 inputs AC power, the coupler 33 is turned on, and the conversion circuit 211 converts the AC power into DC output, so that the indication control module 21 sends a first trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23; when the water temperature in the kettle reaches the set temperature, the temperature acquisition module 22 sends a second trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23; when the touch circuit module 23 receives the first trigger signal and the second trigger signal, the touch circuit module 23 is turned on, the circuit loop where the indication module 24 is located is turned on, and the indication module 24 lights up; and after the touch circuit module 23 is turned on, as long as the first trigger signal is continuously received, the touch circuit module 23 continues to be turned on; when the kettle body 32 is removed from the base 31 or the input of the main power module 11 is disconnected, the indication control module 21 stops sending the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23, the touch circuit module 23 is turned off, the circuit where the indication module 24 is located is disconnected, and the indication module 24 goes out.

[0047] The set temperature range is 50°C (Celsius) to 100°C. In one embodiment, the set temperature is 70°C. In other embodiments, the set temperature may be set to other suitable temperatures such as 80°C, 90°C, or 100°C, depending on the structure and application requirements of different electric kettles, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0048] Furthermore, the kettle body 32 is provided with a kettle handle 321 and a kettle lid 322. The indication control module 21 (conversion circuit 211) can be provided at the bottom of the kettle body 32 or inside the kettle handle 321 or inside the kettle lid 322. The temperature acquisition module 22 can be provided at the bottom of the kettle body 32 or on the side wall of the kettle body 32. The touch circuit module 23 can be provided at the bottom of the kettle body 32 or inside the kettle handle 321 or inside the kettle lid 322. The indication module 24 can be provided at the side wall of the kettle body 32 or on the kettle handle 321 or on the kettle lid 322. For example, in Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the indication control module 21 (conversion circuit 211) is disposed at the bottom of the kettle body 32, the temperature acquisition module 22 is disposed at the bottom of the kettle body 32, the touch circuit module 23 is disposed at the bottom of the kettle body 32, and the indication module 24 is disposed on the kettle handle 321. Of course, in other embodiments, the positions of the modules can be arranged according to the shape of different electric kettles to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing design and a more eye-catching prompt effect.

[0049] See Figure 5 , Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the circuit module connection structure of an electric kettle according to Example 3 of the present invention. In some embodiments of the present invention, the indication control module 21 includes an auxiliary power supply 212 and a trigger circuit 213, wherein the trigger circuit 213 is connected to the auxiliary power supply 212. When the trigger circuit 213 is triggered, the indication control module 21 sends a first trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23. When the water temperature in the kettle reaches a set temperature, the temperature acquisition module 22 sends a second trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23. When the touch circuit module 23 receives both the first trigger signal and the second trigger signal, the touch circuit module 23 turns on, the circuit loop containing the indication module 24 turns on, and the auxiliary power supply 212 supplies power to the indication module 24, causing the indication module 24 to illuminate. After the touch circuit module 23 turns on, the touch circuit module 23 remains on as long as it continues to receive the first trigger signal. When the trigger circuit 213 stops being triggered, the indication control module 21 stops sending the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23, the touch circuit module 23 turns off, the circuit containing the indication module 24 is disconnected, and the indication module 24 turns off. The auxiliary power source 212 may be a normal battery or a rechargeable battery.

[0050] Please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a circuit schematic diagram of a boiling water indication unit in an electric kettle according to Example 4 of the present invention. In some embodiments of the present invention, the indication control module 21 includes an auxiliary power supply 212 and a trigger circuit 213. The trigger circuit 213 includes a water level sensor 2131 and a relay 2132. The water level sensor 2131 has a power supply terminal, a ground terminal, and a signal terminal. The relay 2132 has a common terminal, a first coil terminal, a second coil terminal, a first contact terminal, and a second contact terminal. The power supply terminal of the water level sensor 2131 is connected to the positive terminal of the auxiliary power supply 212. The ground terminal of the water level sensor 2131 is connected to the common terminal of the relay 2132 and the negative terminal of the auxiliary power supply 212. The signal terminal of the water level sensor 2131 is connected to the first coil terminal of the relay 2132. The second coil terminal and the first contact terminal of the relay 2132 are both connected to the positive terminal of the auxiliary power supply 212. The second contact terminal of the relay 2132 corresponds to the first output terminal of the indication control module 21, and the negative terminal of the auxiliary power supply 212 corresponds to the second output terminal of the indication control module 21.

[0051] When the water level in the kettle reaches the set water level, the water level sensor 2131 is triggered and controls the relay 2132 to turn on, causing the indication control module 21 to send a first trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23. When the water temperature in the kettle reaches the set temperature, the temperature acquisition module 22 sends a second trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23. When the touch circuit module 23 receives the first trigger signal and the second trigger signal, the touch circuit module 23 is turned on, the circuit loop where the indication module 24 is located is turned on, and the auxiliary power supply 212 supplies power to the indication module 24, causing the indication module 24 to light up. After the touch circuit module 23 is turned on, the touch circuit module 23 remains on as long as it continues to receive the first trigger signal. When the water level in the kettle falls below the set water level, the water level sensor 2131 stops being triggered and controls the relay 2132 to turn off, causing the indication control module 21 to stop sending the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23. The touch circuit module 23 is turned off, the circuit where the indication module 24 is located is disconnected, and the indication module 24 is turned off. By detecting the water level and temperature in the kettle, the indicator module 24 is controlled to turn on and off, allowing the user to know whether the water in the kettle has boiled, thereby saving resources. The boiling water indicator unit 20 is independently powered. When the kettle body and base are electrically connected using a coupler, the indicator module 24 lights up and remains lit as long as the water level in the kettle does not fall below the set level, even after the kettle body is removed from the base, providing a more effective indication effect.

[0052] The water level can be set within a range of 0-150 mm above the bottom surface of the kettle body; the temperature can be set within a range of 50°C (degrees Celsius) to 100°C. In one embodiment, the water level is set at 30 mm above the bottom surface of the kettle body, and the temperature is set at 70°C. In other embodiments, depending on the structure and application requirements of different electric kettles, the water level can be set to other suitable heights, such as 20 mm, 40 mm, or 50 mm, and the temperature can be set to other suitable temperatures, such as 80°C, 90°C, or 100°C. The present invention is not limited thereto.

[0053] In practice, the water level sensor 2131 may be an existing photoelectric water level sensor, a capacitive water level sensor, an electrode water level sensor, or the like, and the relay 2132 may be an existing five-pin relay, although the present invention is not limited thereto. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the trigger circuit 213 may be another suitable electronic device that can achieve the functions of the trigger circuit 213, although the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0054] See Figure 7 , Figure 7This is a circuit diagram of the boiling water indicator unit in the electric kettle according to Example 5 of the present invention. In other embodiments, the indicator control module 21 includes an auxiliary power supply 212 and a trigger circuit 213. The trigger circuit 213 includes a water level sensor 2131, a relay 2132, and an auxiliary switch 2133. The auxiliary switch 2133 is connected in series between the positive terminal of the auxiliary power supply 212 and the power supply terminal of the water level sensor 2131. The auxiliary switch 2133 is used to manually control the on and off of the boiling water indicator unit 20. When the user does not need to use the boiling water indicator function, the auxiliary switch 2133 can be turned off to reduce power consumption.

[0055] See Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a circuit schematic diagram of a boiling water indicator unit in an electric kettle according to Example 6 of the present invention. In some embodiments of the present invention, the indicator control module 21 includes an auxiliary power supply 212 and a trigger circuit 213. The trigger circuit 213 includes a control switch 2134. A first terminal of the control switch 2134 is connected to the positive terminal of the auxiliary power supply 212. A second terminal of the control switch 2134 corresponds to the first output terminal of the indicator control module 21, and a negative terminal of the auxiliary power supply 212 corresponds to the second output terminal of the indicator control module 21.

[0056] When the control switch 2134 is closed, the indication control module 21 sends a first trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23; when the water temperature in the kettle reaches the set temperature, the temperature acquisition module 22 sends a second trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23; when the touch circuit module 23 receives the first trigger signal and the second trigger signal, the touch circuit module 23 is turned on, the circuit loop where the indication module 24 is located is turned on, and the auxiliary power supply 212 supplies power to the indication module 24, so that the indication module 24 lights up; and after the touch circuit module 23 is turned on, as long as the first trigger signal is continuously received, the touch circuit module 23 continues to be turned on; when the control switch 2134 is disconnected, the indication control module 21 stops sending the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23, the touch circuit module 23 is turned off, the circuit where the indication module 24 is located is disconnected, and the indication module 24 goes out.

[0057] In application, the control switch 2134 can adopt a common single-pole single-throw switch or other reasonable switch devices. The user can disconnect the control switch 2134 when the boiling water indication function is not needed to reduce power consumption.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the touch circuit module 23 includes a thyristor (SCR), a first resistor R1, a second resistor R2, a third resistor R3, and a first capacitor C1. The anode A of the SCR corresponds to the first connection terminal of the touch circuit module 23, the first end of the first resistor R1 corresponds to the second connection terminal of the touch circuit module 23, and the second end of the first resistor R1 corresponds to the third connection terminal of the touch circuit module 23. The second end of the first resistor R1 is connected to the cathode K of the SCR, the first end of the second resistor R2 is connected to the first end of the first resistor R1, the second end of the second resistor R2 is connected to the first end of the third resistor R3, and the second end of the third resistor R3 is connected to the control electrode G of the SCR. The first end of the first capacitor C1 is connected to the second end of the second resistor R2, and the second end of the first capacitor C1 is connected to the cathode K of the SCR. In the touch circuit module 23, the first resistor R1, the second resistor R2, the third resistor R3, and the first capacitor C1 provide circuit protection to prevent damage to the SCR.

[0059] A thyristor (SCR) is a controlled rectifier electronic component. Two conditions must be met simultaneously for the SCR to conduct: a positive voltage must be applied between the anode A and cathode K, and a positive voltage must be applied to the control electrode G. The SCR's turn-off condition is to reduce or remove the positive voltage applied between the anode A and cathode K, so that the anode current is less than the minimum holding current. Furthermore, once the SCR is turned on, as long as a positive voltage is continuously applied between the anode A and cathode K, the SCR will remain on even if the input voltage to the control electrode G is reduced or removed. Specifically, in the present invention, when the indication control module 21 is triggered, the indication control module 21 sends a first trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23. This first trigger signal causes a positive voltage to be input between the anode A and cathode K of the SCR. At this point, if the water temperature in the kettle has not reached the set temperature, the temperature acquisition module 22 is disconnected, the touch circuit module 23 does not receive the second trigger signal, and the control electrode G of the thyristor cannot receive a positive voltage. The thyristor does not conduct, the circuit containing the indicator module 24 is not conductive, and the indicator module 24 does not illuminate. When the water temperature in the kettle reaches the set temperature, the temperature acquisition module 22 sends a second trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23. This second trigger signal causes the control electrode G of the thyristor to receive a positive voltage. This applies a positive voltage between the anode A and cathode K of the thyristor, and the control electrode G also receives a positive voltage, turning the thyristor on. This connects the circuit containing the indicator module 24, and the indicator module 24 illuminates, indicating that the water in the kettle has boiled. Furthermore, once the thyristor is conductive, as long as a positive voltage is continuously applied between its anode A and cathode K, indicating that the control module 21 remains triggered and continues to send the second trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23, the thyristor will continue to conduct. When the indication control module 21 stops sending the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23 , the forward voltage is no longer input between the anode A and cathode K of the thyristor, so that the thyristor is turned off, the circuit where the indication module 24 is located is disconnected, and the indication module 24 is turned off.

[0060] It should be noted that the touch circuit module 23 is not limited to the combination of thyristors, resistors, and capacitors in the above embodiments, the number of resistors is not limited to three, and the number of capacitors is not limited to one. In other embodiments, the touch circuit module 23 can also adopt a combination of other reasonable electronic components as long as it can realize the functions of the touch circuit module 23.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the temperature acquisition module 22 includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the water in the kettle. The temperature sensor can be a conventional contact temperature sensor or a non-contact temperature sensor, and the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the temperature acquisition module 22 can be a bimetallic temperature switch. The bimetallic temperature switch is open when the temperature at its detection end is below a set temperature, and closed when the temperature at its detection end reaches or exceeds the set temperature.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, indicator module 24 comprises an LED (light-emitting diode), which has the advantages of low cost, low energy consumption, fast response speed, stable and reliable operation. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, indicator module 24 may also utilize other devices having an indicating function.

[0063] According to another aspect of the present invention, a control method for an electric kettle is provided, wherein the electric kettle includes a heating control module 12, a heating module 13, an indication control module 21, a temperature acquisition module 22, a touch circuit module 23, and an indication module 24. Figure 9 , Figure 9 Flowchart of a control method for an electric kettle according to embodiment 7 of the present invention. The control method for an electric kettle includes:

[0064] S1: When the indication control module 21 is triggered, the indication control module 21 sends a first trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23; the heating control module 12 is turned on, and the heating module 13 starts to heat the water in the kettle. When the water temperature in the kettle reaches the set temperature, the temperature acquisition module 22 sends a second trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23; when the touch circuit module 23 receives the first trigger signal and the second trigger signal, the touch circuit module 23 starts to conduct, so that the circuit where the indication module 24 is located is conducted, and the indication module 24 lights up.

[0065] S2: During the process of the water in the kettle slowly cooling down to room temperature, if the indication control module 21 is continuously triggered, the indication control module 21 continuously sends a first trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23. At this time, the touch circuit module 23 is still continuously turned on, so that the circuit where the indication module 24 is located is continuously turned on, and the indication module 24 is continuously lit; when the indication control module 21 stops sending the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23, the touch circuit module 23 is turned off, so that the circuit where the indication module 24 is located is disconnected, and the indication module 24 is extinguished.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, step S1 also includes: the heating module 13 continues to heat the water in the kettle until the water boils and the heating control module 12 automatically disconnects. At this time, if the indication control module 21 continues to send the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23, the touch circuit module 23 continues to be turned on, so that the circuit where the indication module 24 is located continues to be turned on, and the indication module 24 continues to light up.

[0067] In practice, the heating module 13 can utilize a heating resistor wire, which generates heat when powered on. This heat is then transferred to the water inside the kettle through the inner pot, raising the water temperature. The heating control module 12 can utilize a common steam switch. The steam generated when the water boils deforms the steam switch's bimetallic strip. This deformation, through the lever principle, pushes the power switch to cut off the power, achieving the automatic power-off function after the water boils, ensuring the safety of the kettle. The temperature acquisition module 22 can include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor can be an existing contact temperature sensor or a non-contact temperature sensor. For example, the temperature sensor can utilize a bimetallic temperature-controlled switch. The bimetallic temperature-controlled switch is in an open state when the temperature at its detection end is below a set temperature, and is in a closed state when the temperature at its detection end reaches or exceeds the set temperature. The indication module 24 can utilize an LED light or other device with an indication function.

[0068] In some embodiments of the present invention, the electric kettle further comprises a main power module 11, a base 31, and a kettle body 32. The kettle body 32 and the base 31 are electrically connected via a coupler 33, and the main power module 11 is connected to the coupler 33. The indicator control module 21 comprises a conversion circuit 211, which is connected to the coupler 33. When the kettle body 32 is placed on the base 31 and the main power module 11 receives AC power, the coupler 33 is turned on, and the conversion circuit 211 converts the AC power into DC power, causing the indicator control module 21 to send the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23. When the kettle body 32 is removed from the base 31 or the input from the main power module 11 is disconnected, the indicator control module 21 stops sending the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23. When the touch circuit module 23 is turned on, the circuit in which the indicator module 24 resides is connected, and the DC power output by the conversion circuit 211 powers the indicator module 24.

[0069] In some embodiments of the present invention, the indication control module 21 includes an auxiliary power supply 212 and a trigger circuit 213. When the trigger circuit 213 is triggered, the indication control module 21 sends the aforementioned first trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23. When the trigger circuit 213 stops being triggered, the indication control module 21 stops sending the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23. The auxiliary power supply 212 can be a conventional battery or a rechargeable battery. When the touch circuit module 23 is turned on, the circuit containing the indication module 24 is turned on, and the auxiliary power supply 212 supplies power to the indication module 24.

[0070] In some embodiments of the present invention, the indication control module 21 includes an auxiliary power supply 212 and a trigger circuit 213. The trigger circuit 213 includes a water level sensor 2131 and a relay 2132. When the water level in the kettle reaches a set level, the water level sensor 2131 is triggered and controls the relay 2132 to conduct, causing the indication control module 21 to send the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23. When the water level in the kettle falls below the set level, the water level sensor 2131 stops being triggered and controls the relay 2132 to disconnect, causing the indication control module 21 to stop sending the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23. In practice, the water level sensor 2131 can be an existing photoelectric water level sensor, a capacitive water level sensor, an electrode water level sensor, or the like, and the relay 2132 can be an existing five-pin relay.

[0071] In some embodiments of the present invention, the indication control module 21 includes an auxiliary power supply 212 and a trigger circuit 213. The trigger circuit 213 includes a control switch 2134. When the control switch 2134 is closed, the indication control module 21 sends the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23. When the control switch 2134 is open, the indication control module 21 stops sending the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module 23. In practice, the control switch 2134 can be a common single-pole single-throw switch or other suitable switching device. The user can disconnect the control switch 2134 when the boiling water indication function is not needed to reduce power consumption.

[0072] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the indication control module 21 may also adopt other electronic devices or a combination of electronic devices as long as they can realize the corresponding functions of the indication control module 21.

[0073] In summary, the present invention provides an electric kettle and a control method thereof. The electric kettle is provided with a boiling water indication unit, which includes an indication control module, a temperature acquisition module, a touch circuit module, and an indication module. When the indication control module is triggered and the water temperature reaches the set temperature, the touch circuit module is turned on, causing the indication module to light up. After the touch circuit module is turned on, as long as the indication control module continues to be triggered, the touch circuit module is continuously turned on, and the indication module is continuously lit, so that the user can know that the water in the kettle has been boiled, especially when the water temperature in the kettle is at room temperature, thereby avoiding the phenomenon of water being repeatedly boiled or poured out, resulting in water and electricity waste. The circuit design of this electric kettle is convenient for mass production, low cost, good consistency, and high reliability; the circuit module is small in size and can be integrated and applied to electric kettles of various shapes currently available; the modules in the boiling water indication unit can be arranged according to the shape of different electric kettles to obtain a more beautiful shape and a more eye-catching prompt effect.

[0074] The present invention has been described with reference to the above embodiments. However, the above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that the disclosed embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention. On the contrary, modifications and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention are intended to be protected by the present invention.

Claims

1. An electric kettle comprising a heating control unit and a boiling water indication unit, wherein the heating control unit comprises a main power module, a heating control module, and a heating module, wherein the heating control module is connected between the main power module and the heating module; characterized in that: The boiling water indication unit includes an indication control module, a temperature acquisition module, a touch circuit module and an indication module, wherein the indication control module is connected to the touch circuit module; the temperature acquisition module is connected to the indication control module and the touch circuit module respectively; and the indication module is connected to the indication control module and the touch circuit module respectively. When the kettle body is placed on the base and the main power module inputs AC power, or when the water level in the kettle reaches the set water level, the indication control module is triggered, and the indication control module sends a first trigger signal to the touch circuit module; when the water temperature in the kettle reaches the set temperature, the temperature acquisition module sends a second trigger signal to the touch circuit module; when the touch circuit module receives the first trigger signal and the second trigger signal, the touch circuit module is turned on, the circuit loop where the indication module is located is turned on, and the indication module lights up; and after the touch circuit module is turned on, as long as the first trigger signal is continuously received, the touch circuit module will continue to be turned on; when the kettle body is removed from the base or the input of the main power module is disconnected, or when the water level in the kettle is lower than the set water level, the indication control module stops sending the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module, the touch circuit module is turned off, the loop where the indication module is located is disconnected, and the indication module goes out.

2. The electric kettle according to claim 1, wherein: The indication control module has a first output end and a second output end, the touch circuit module has a first connection end, a second connection end and a third connection end, the indication module is connected in series between the first output end of the indication control module and the first connection end of the touch circuit module, the temperature acquisition module is connected in series between the first output end of the indication control module and the second connection end of the touch circuit module, and the third connection end of the touch circuit module is connected to the second output end of the indication control module.

3. The electric kettle according to claim 2, wherein: The electric kettle includes a base and a kettle body, and the base and the kettle body are electrically connected through a coupler; the main power module is arranged inside the base, and the main power module is connected to the coupler; the heating control module is arranged on the kettle body, and the heating control module is connected to the coupler.

4. The electric kettle according to claim 3, wherein: The indication control module includes a conversion circuit, which is used to convert AC power into DC power. The input end of the conversion circuit is connected to the coupler, the positive output end of the conversion circuit corresponds to the first output end of the indication control module, and the negative output end of the conversion circuit corresponds to the second output end of the indication control module.

5. The electric kettle according to claim 4, wherein: When the kettle body is placed on the base and the main power module inputs AC power, the coupler is turned on, and the conversion circuit converts the AC power into DC output, so that the indication control module sends the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module; when the water temperature in the kettle reaches the set temperature, the temperature acquisition module sends the second trigger signal to the touch circuit module; when the touch circuit module receives the first trigger signal and the second trigger signal, the touch circuit module is turned on, the circuit loop where the indication module is located is turned on, and the indication module lights up; and after the touch circuit module is turned on, as long as the first trigger signal is continuously received, the touch circuit module will continue to be turned on; when the kettle body is removed from the base or the input of the main power module is disconnected, the indication control module stops sending the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module, the touch circuit module is turned off, the loop where the indication module is located is disconnected, and the indication module goes out.

6. The electric kettle according to claim 2, wherein: The indication control module includes an auxiliary power supply and a trigger circuit, the trigger circuit being connected to the auxiliary power supply. The trigger circuit includes a water level sensor and a relay. When the water level in the kettle reaches a set level, the water level sensor is triggered and controls the relay to conduct, the trigger circuit is triggered, and the indication control module sends a first trigger signal to the touch circuit module. When the water temperature in the kettle reaches a set temperature, the temperature acquisition module sends a second trigger signal to the touch circuit module. When the touch circuit module receives the first trigger signal and the second trigger signal, the touch circuit module is turned on, the circuit loop containing the indication module is connected, and the auxiliary power supply supplies power to the indication module, causing the indication module to illuminate. After the touch circuit module is turned on, the touch circuit module remains on as long as it continues to receive the first trigger signal. When the water level in the kettle falls below the set level, the water level sensor stops being triggered and controls the relay to disconnect, the trigger circuit stops being triggered, the indication control module stops sending the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module, the touch circuit module is turned off, the circuit containing the indication module is disconnected, and the indication module is turned off.

7. The electric kettle according to claim 6, wherein: The water level sensor has a power supply terminal, a ground terminal and a signal terminal, and the relay has a common terminal, a first coil terminal, a second coil terminal, a first contact terminal and a second contact terminal; the power supply terminal of the water level sensor is connected to the positive terminal of the auxiliary power supply, the ground terminal of the water level sensor is connected to the common terminal of the relay and the negative terminal of the auxiliary power supply, and the signal terminal of the water level sensor is connected to the first coil terminal of the relay; the second coil terminal and the first contact terminal of the relay are both connected to the positive terminal of the auxiliary power supply, the second contact terminal of the relay corresponds to the first output terminal of the indication control module, and the negative terminal of the auxiliary power supply corresponds to the second output terminal of the indication control module.

8. The electric kettle according to claim 7, wherein: When the water level in the kettle reaches the set water level, the water level sensor is triggered and controls the relay to be turned on, so that the indication control module sends the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module; when the water temperature in the kettle reaches the set temperature, the temperature acquisition module sends the second trigger signal to the touch circuit module; when the touch circuit module receives the first trigger signal and the second trigger signal, the touch circuit module is turned on, the circuit loop where the indication module is located is turned on, and the auxiliary power supply supplies power to the indication module, so that the indication module lights up; and after the touch circuit module is turned on, as long as the first trigger signal is continuously received, the touch circuit module continues to be turned on; when the water level in the kettle is lower than the set water level, the water level sensor stops being triggered and controls the relay to be turned off, so that the indication control module stops sending the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module, the touch circuit module is turned off, the circuit where the indication module is located is disconnected, and the indication module is extinguished.

9. The electric kettle according to claim 6, wherein: The trigger circuit includes a control switch, a first end of the control switch is connected to the positive end of the auxiliary power supply, a second end of the control switch corresponds to the first output end of the indication control module, and the negative end of the auxiliary power supply corresponds to the second output end of the indication control module.

10. The electric kettle according to claim 9, wherein: When the control switch is closed, the indication control module sends the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module; when the water temperature in the kettle reaches the set temperature, the temperature acquisition module sends the second trigger signal to the touch circuit module; when the touch circuit module receives the first trigger signal and the second trigger signal, the touch circuit module is turned on, the circuit loop where the indication module is located is turned on, and the auxiliary power supply supplies power to the indication module, so that the indication module lights up; and after the touch circuit module is turned on, as long as the first trigger signal is continuously received, the touch circuit module continues to be turned on; when the control switch is disconnected, the indication control module stops sending the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module, the touch circuit module is turned off, the circuit where the indication module is located is disconnected, and the indication module is extinguished.

11. The electric kettle according to any one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that: The touch circuit module includes a thyristor, a first resistor, a second resistor, a third resistor and a first capacitor. The anode of the thyristor corresponds to the first connection end of the touch circuit module, the first end of the first resistor corresponds to the second connection end of the touch circuit module, the second end of the first resistor corresponds to the third connection end of the touch circuit module, the second end of the first resistor is connected to the cathode of the thyristor, the first end of the second resistor is connected to the first end of the first resistor, the second end of the second resistor is connected to the first end of the third resistor, the second end of the third resistor is connected to the control electrode of the thyristor, the first end of the first capacitor is connected to the second end of the second resistor, and the second end of the first capacitor is connected to the cathode of the thyristor.

12. A method for controlling an electric kettle, characterized in that: The electric kettle includes a heating control module, a heating module, an indication control module, a temperature acquisition module, a touch circuit module and an indication module; The control method includes: S1: When the kettle body is placed on the base and the main power module is connected to the main power supply, or when the water level in the kettle reaches the set water level, the indication control module is triggered and sends a first trigger signal to the touch circuit module; the heating control module is turned on, and the heating module starts to heat the water in the kettle. When the water temperature in the kettle reaches the set temperature, the temperature acquisition module sends a second trigger signal to the touch circuit module; when the touch circuit module receives the first trigger signal and the second trigger signal, the touch circuit module starts to conduct, so that the circuit where the indication module is located is conducted and the indication module lights up; S2: During the process of the water in the kettle slowly cooling down to room temperature, if the indication control module is continuously triggered, the indication control module continues to send the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module. At this time, the touch circuit module continues to be turned on, so that the circuit where the indication module is located continues to be turned on, and the indication module continues to light up; when the kettle body is removed from the base or the input of the main power module is disconnected, or when the water level in the kettle is lower than the set water level, the indication control module stops sending the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module, the touch circuit module is turned off, so that the circuit where the indication module is located is disconnected, and the indication module is extinguished.

13. The control method of the electric kettle according to claim 12, wherein: Step S1 also includes: the heating module continues to heat the water in the kettle until the water boils and the heating control module is automatically disconnected. At this time, if the indication control module continues to send the first trigger signal to the touch circuit module, the touch circuit module continues to be turned on, so that the circuit where the indication module is located continues to be turned on, and the indication module continues to light up.

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