A liquid heater

Abstract

The utility model discloses a liquid heater belongs to the field of life electric appliances, has solved the problem that the low strength of flexible PCB board easily deforms and leads to component false welding, and the technical scheme of solving this problem mainly includes glass kettle body, the outside wall of glass kettle body is equipped with flexible detection board and circuit board support, and the end angle of flexible detection board is equipped with the end angle reinforcing position of increasing strength, and the both longitudinal sides of flexible detection board are equipped with the side reinforcing position of longitudinal extension, and circuit board support is pressed in the end angle reinforcing position and side reinforcing position, and flexible detection board is pressed and is installed in the outer wall of glass kettle body. The utility model is mainly used for improving the strength of flexible PCB board to improve the reliability of flexible PCB board.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to household appliances, and in particular to a liquid heater. Background Technology

[0002] Existing liquid heaters, such as electric kettles, water boilers, electric water bottles, and soy milk makers, often use glass bodies. To prevent overflow, an anti-overflow circuit board is typically installed on the outer wall of the kettle. This anti-overflow circuit board usually uses a rigid PCB board, requiring the outer wall of the kettle to have a relatively flat surface where it can be installed. A large curved surface is not feasible. However, glass kettles are generally rotary structures, naturally forming curved surfaces during manufacturing. Specific processing steps are needed to create a flat surface on the outer wall of the kettle, placing higher demands on the kettle's design. Otherwise, the anti-overflow circuit board may not fit snugly against the outer wall, leading to the failure of non-contact water level detection.

[0003] Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, some existing technologies use flexible PCB boards to make spill-proof circuit boards. However, due to the low mechanical strength of flexible PCB boards, they often cause problems such as poor soldering of chip pins and components due to deformation. More seriously, the pads used for straight bonding lines are prone to detachment under external force, resulting in irreparable failures. Therefore, the reliability is low. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a liquid heater that solves the problem of low strength and easy deformation of flexible PCB boards when the flexible PCB board is pressed onto the outer wall of the pot body, especially when the pot body has a curved circumference, leading to poor soldering of components and thus low reliability of the flexible PCB board. The invention aims to improve the strength of the flexible PCB board, thereby improving its reliability.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a liquid heater, comprising a glass pot body, a flexible detection plate and a circuit board support on the outer wall of the glass pot body, the corner of the flexible detection plate being provided with corner reinforcement to increase strength, the two longitudinal sides of the flexible detection plate being provided with longitudinally extending side reinforcement, the circuit board support pressing against the corner reinforcement and the side reinforcement, thereby pressing the flexible detection plate onto the outer wall of the glass pot body.

[0006] After adopting the above technical solution, this utility model has the following advantages: The flexible detection plate can effectively fit the outer wall of the glass pot, ensuring the stability and accuracy of non-contact water level detection. At the corners of the flexible detection plate, there are corner reinforcements to increase strength, and on the two longitudinal sides of the flexible detection plate, there are longitudinally extending side reinforcements, which can improve the mechanical strength of the edge of the flexible detection plate. After being pressed by the circuit board bracket, it can better withstand the pressure of the circuit board bracket and will not be excessively deformed, reducing the displacement of components relative to the flexible detection plate, thereby reducing the occurrence of poor soldering. At the same time, the circuit board bracket pressing against the corner reinforcements and side reinforcements can ensure the reliability of the flexible detection plate fixed on the outer wall of the glass pot, ensuring the reliability of long-term use.

[0007] Furthermore, the circuit board bracket includes an outer frame, which is provided with an end corner limiting groove that mates with the end corner reinforcement and a side limiting groove that mates with the side reinforcement.

[0008] By adopting the aforementioned technical solution, the outer frame of the circuit board bracket can provide higher mechanical strength. The corner limiting grooves and side limiting grooves are used to limit the edge of the flexible detection board. Even if the circuit board bracket presses excessively against the flexible detection board, it will not cause excessive deformation or displacement of the flexible detection board. This ensures the reliability of the components soldered on the flexible detection board and makes it less likely to have problems such as cold solder joints. At the same time, the distributed reinforcement positions can also allow the flexible detection board to bear the pressure of the circuit board bracket more evenly, ensuring the flatness of the flexible detection board when it is fixed.

[0009] Furthermore, the flexible detection plate includes an overflow detection area, which is equipped with a detection electrode for detecting water level in the air. The side reinforcement includes a first side reinforcement located on the two longitudinal sides of the overflow detection area, and the first side reinforcement located on the two longitudinal sides of the overflow detection area are staggered in the height direction.

[0010] Using the aforementioned technical solution, the first side reinforcement positions are staggered in the height direction. At the same height position, one side of the overflow detection area can be pressed by the circuit board bracket. This can prevent the overflow detection area located between the two first side reinforcement positions from being excessively tensed and deformed due to simultaneous pressure on both sides of the overflow detection area, thus reducing the risk of the water level detection electrode falling off the overflow detection area.

[0011] Furthermore, the flexible detection plate includes a circuit control area, which is equipped with electronic devices for receiving water level detection signals, and the side reinforcement positions include second side reinforcement positions located on the two longitudinal sides of the circuit control area.

[0012] Using the aforementioned technical solution, since the circuit control area contains a large number of electronic components, the requirements for mechanical strength are higher. Therefore, a second side reinforcement is set on both longitudinal sides of the circuit control area. The second side reinforcement can be greater than or equal to the length of the circuit control area to minimize the deformation of the circuit control area after being pressed by the circuit board bracket. At the same time, the outer frame of the circuit board bracket provides a certain degree of protection for the electronic components in the circuit control area, which can effectively prevent accidental impacts to the electronic components in the circuit control area during assembly.

[0013] Furthermore, the flexible detection plate also includes a temperature and water detection area located at the bottom, which is equipped with a temperature measuring element and a water detection element for detecting the presence or absence of water.

[0014] By adopting the aforementioned technical solution and setting up a temperature and water detection area, the bottom water level and water temperature of the glass kettle can be detected, enabling small-capacity applications. At the same time, the water level detection range is expanded downwards, increasing the capacity and application range of the health-preserving kettle.

[0015] Furthermore, the bottom of the glass vessel has an inwardly extending contraction ring, and the temperature and water detection area is attached to the outer bottom surface of the contraction ring.

[0016] By adopting the aforementioned technical solution, the shrink ring can improve the structural strength of the glass pot body, and at the same time provide a relatively flat installation area for the temperature and water detection area, which can improve the fit of the temperature and water detection area and thus ensure the functional reliability of the temperature and water detection area.

[0017] Furthermore, the bottom end of the circuit board bracket is provided with an extension section extending to below the shrink ring, and the extension section presses against the outer bottom surface of the shrink ring.

[0018] By adopting the aforementioned technical solution, the extension section can increase the matching degree between the circuit board bracket and the glass pot body. The extension section can limit the circuit board bracket in the upward direction of height, thereby improving the accuracy of fixing the circuit board bracket.

[0019] Furthermore, the flexible circuit board includes a flexible connection area and a circuit control area. The flexible connection area connects the circuit control area and the temperature and water detection area. No electronic components are installed on the flexible connection area. There is a transition surface between the outer wall of the glass pot and the outer bottom surface of the shrink ring. The flexible connection area is attached to the transition surface.

[0020] Using the aforementioned technical solution, no electronic components are placed on the flexible connection area, only printed copper foil, which can be bent freely without worrying about electronic components falling off. After the flexible connection area is attached to the transition surface, it is beneficial for the temperature and water detection area to be attached to the outer bottom surface of the shrink ring, ensuring that the temperature and water detection area can achieve its function stably for a long time.

[0021] Furthermore, the outer wall of the glass vessel is provided with a shielding area to prevent the user from observing the flexible detection plate, and the flexible detection plate is attached to the shielding area.

[0022] By adopting the aforementioned technical solution, the flexible detection board and circuit board bracket facing the glass pot can be shielded by the shielding area, preventing users from directly observing the flexible detection board and circuit board bracket facing the glass pot from the inside of the glass pot, thus improving the product's aesthetics.

[0023] Furthermore, the glass pot body is a one-piece glass structure with an open top and a closed bottom; or, the top and bottom of the glass pot body are both open, and the heating base is fixed to the bottom of the glass pot body to close the bottom opening.

[0024] The aforementioned technical solution can be applied to a variety of different models. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the outer side of the glass pot body in a liquid heater according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the flexible detection plate in this utility model;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the flexible detection plate in this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments.

[0030] The terms "first," "second," etc. (if present) in the specification and claims of this utility model are used to distinguish similar objects, not to describe a specific order or sequence. Even if "second" is used before a technical feature for distinction, it does not necessarily imply the presence of "first." It should be understood that in this utility model, "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. It should be understood that in this utility model, "multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, X and / or Y can represent: X alone, X and Y simultaneously, and Y alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "Containing X, Y, and Z," "Containing X, Y, and Z" means that all three X, Y, and Z are included; "Containing X, Y, or Z" means that one of X, Y, and Z is included; "Containing X, Y, and / or Z" means that any one, two, or three of X, Y, and Z are included.

[0031] The technical solution of this utility model will be described in detail below with specific embodiments. The following specific embodiments can be selected to be combined or substituted with each other according to the actual situation, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be described again in some embodiments.

[0032] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this utility model provides a liquid heater, including a glass pot body 100. The outer wall of the glass pot body 100 is provided with a flexible detection plate 200 and a circuit board support 300. The corner of the flexible detection plate 200 is provided with a corner reinforcement 21 to increase strength. The two longitudinal sides of the flexible detection plate 200 are provided with longitudinally extending side reinforcement 22. The circuit board support 300 presses against the corner reinforcement 21 and the side reinforcement 22 to press the flexible detection plate 200 onto the outer wall of the glass pot body 100.

[0033] This invention utilizes a flexible detection plate 200, commonly known as a flexible PCB board, which effectively conforms to the outer wall of the glass pot 100, ensuring the stability and accuracy of non-contact water level detection. The flexible detection plate 200 features corner reinforcement 21 at its corners and longitudinally extending side reinforcement 22 on its two longitudinal sides, enhancing the mechanical strength of its edges. When pressed against the circuit board support 300, it better withstands the pressure without excessive deformation, reducing component displacement relative to the flexible detection plate 200 and minimizing the occurrence of cold solder joints. Simultaneously, the circuit board support 300 pressing against the corner reinforcement 21 and side reinforcement 22 ensures the reliability of the flexible detection plate 200 fixed to the outer wall of the glass pot 100, guaranteeing long-term reliability. The corner reinforcement 21 and side reinforcement 22 increase the thickness of the flexible detection plate 200 at the corners and sides, thereby improving mechanical strength and reducing the deformation of the flexible detection plate 200. They also better withstand the pressure from the circuit board support 300, ensuring that the flexible detection plate 200 is not easily over-deformed even when pressed by the circuit board support 300, thus effectively reducing the occurrence of component solder joint defects. Besides locally increasing the thickness, the corner reinforcement 21 and side reinforcement 22 can also achieve improved mechanical strength by adding copper foil or setting reinforcing ribs.

[0034] To ensure that the flexible testing board 200 does not undergo excessive deformation or displacement during installation and after fixation, in one embodiment, the circuit board bracket 300 can be designed to include an outer frame 31. The outer frame 31 is provided with corner limiting grooves that cooperate with corner reinforcement positions 21 and side limiting grooves that cooperate with side reinforcement positions 22. Since the outer frame 31 of the circuit board bracket 300 can provide higher mechanical strength, the outer frame 31 can press down on the edge of the flexible testing board 200. By using the corner limiting grooves and side limiting grooves to limit the edge of the flexible testing board 200, even if the circuit board bracket 300 excessively presses against the flexible testing board 200, it will not cause excessive deformation or displacement of the flexible testing board 200. This ensures the reliability of component soldering on the flexible testing board 200 and reduces the likelihood of problems such as cold solder joints. At the same time, the distributed reinforcement positions allow the flexible testing board 200 to bear the pressure of the circuit board bracket 300 more evenly, ensuring the flatness of the flexible testing board 200 when it is fixed. The outer frame 31 is adapted to the outer contour of the flexible detection plate 200. The flexible detection plate 200 generally adopts a rectangular structure, so the outer frame 31 can also adopt a rectangular structure, including longitudinally extending vertical frame edges and laterally extending horizontal frame edges. The two ends of the vertical frame edges are connected to the horizontal frame edges respectively, forming corner structures at the connection points. Since the side reinforcement 22 extends longitudinally, it is supported by the vertical frame edges, and the corner reinforcement 21 is supported by the corner structures. Connecting ribs can be set between the two vertical frame edges, and connecting strips can also be set between the connecting ribs and the horizontal frame edges, thereby increasing the structural strength of the outer frame 31. This helps to provide stable pressure to press the flexible detection plate 200, and the outer frame 31 is not easily deformed. It will not cause excessive local deformation of the flexible detection plate 200 due to tension parallel to the surface of the flexible detection plate 200 when pressing it, which would affect the welding and fixing effect of the components. The outer frame 31 can also form a groove on the surface of the flexible detection board 200 to accommodate the encapsulating adhesive. By filling the groove with adhesive, the flexible detection board 200 can be encapsulated, which can also improve the long-term reliability of the flexible detection board 200.

[0035] To achieve contactless, air-based water level detection, the flexible detection plate 200 includes an overflow prevention detection area 201. The overflow prevention detection area 201 is equipped with a detection electrode 2011 for air-based water level detection. The side reinforcement 22 includes first side reinforcement 221 located on the two longitudinal sides of the overflow prevention detection area 201. These first side reinforcement 221s are staggered in the height direction. This staggered distribution of the first side reinforcement 221s at the same height allows one side of the overflow prevention detection area 201 to be pressed against by the circuit board bracket 300. This prevents excessive deformation caused by excessive tension in the overflow prevention detection area 201 located between the two first side reinforcement 221s when both sides are simultaneously pressed, reducing the risk of the water level detection electrode 2011 detaching from the overflow prevention detection area 201. The first side reinforcement positions 221 on the two sides can be non-overlapping in the horizontal direction. The length of the first side reinforcement position 221 can be shortened for easier processing, or its length can be increased so that the first side reinforcement positions 221 on the two sides overlap in the horizontal direction, which is beneficial for increasing strength. Understandably, a shorter first side reinforcement position 221 has less impact on the structural strength of the outer frame due to the side limiting groove. In addition, as needed, the first side reinforcement position 221 can also extend from the top to the bottom of the spill detection area 201.

[0036] To collect and process the electrical signals generated by the water level electrodes, the flexible detection board 200 includes a circuit control area 202. The circuit control area 202 is equipped with electronic devices 2021 for receiving water level detection signals, such as chips, resistors, and capacitors. The side reinforcement positions 22 include second side reinforcement positions 222 located on the two longitudinal sides of the circuit control area 202. Given the large number of electronic devices in the circuit control area 202, higher mechanical strength requirements are imposed. Therefore, second side reinforcement positions 222 are provided on the two longitudinal sides of the circuit control area 202. These second side reinforcement positions 222 can be greater than or equal to the length of the circuit control area 202 to minimize deformation caused by pressure from the circuit board support 300. Simultaneously, the outer frame 31 of the circuit board support 300 provides a certain degree of protection for the electronic devices in the circuit control area 202, effectively preventing accidental impacts to the electronic devices during assembly. Understandably, the second side reinforcement position 222 can be connected to or separated from the first side reinforcement position 221.

[0037] To obtain information related to low water levels, the flexible detection plate 200 can be designed to include a temperature and water detection area 203 located at the bottom. This area 203 is equipped with a temperature sensing element and a water detection element to detect the presence or absence of water. The temperature and water detection area 203 enables the detection of the bottom water level and temperature of the glass kettle 100, facilitating small-capacity applications while extending the water level detection range downwards, thus increasing the usable capacity of the kettle. The coordinated operation of the temperature sensing element and the water detection element to acquire signals also prevents the liquid heater from drying out, improving user safety. Both the water detection element and the detection electrode 2011 can be metal electrode sheets. The change in capacitance of the metal electrode sheets due to changes in water level generates an electrical signal; these are existing technologies and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0038] In one embodiment, the temperature and water detection area 203 can be attached to the bottom end of the outer wall of the glass vessel 100. The flexible detection plate 200 has four corners: the top two corners of the spill prevention detection area 201 and the bottom two corners of the temperature and water detection area 203. (Refer to...) Figure 2 In an embodiment where the temperature and water detection area 203 is attached to the bottom of the outer wall of the glass pot body 100, corner reinforcement positions 21 can be provided at the top two corners of the overflow detection area 201 and the bottom two corners of the temperature and water detection area 203. Correspondingly, corner limiting grooves are provided on the outer frame 31 of the circuit board bracket 300 for matching, thereby further improving the reliability of the flexible detection board 200. In another embodiment, to ensure the temperature and water detection area 203 is located as low as possible within the glass pot body 100, an inwardly extending shrinkage ring 11 can be provided at the bottom of the glass pot body 100, with the temperature and water detection area 203 attached to the outer bottom surface of the shrinkage ring 11. The shrinkage ring 11 can improve the structural strength of the glass pot body 100 and provide a relatively flat installation area for the temperature and water detection area 203, improving the fit of the temperature and water detection area 203 and ensuring its long-term stable and reliable function. (Reference) Figure 3 Since the lower edge of the circuit control area 202 will form a visual bottom corner after the temperature and water detection area 203 is bent, in the embodiment where the temperature and water detection area 203 is attached to the outer bottom surface of the shrink ring 11, two corner reinforcement positions 21 can be provided at the lower edge of the circuit control area 202. The outer frame 31 of the circuit board bracket 300 presses against it to improve the fit, which also helps to improve the fit between the subsequent flexible connection area and the transition surface, and can further improve the reliability of the flexible detection board 200. The corner reinforcement position 21 can be integrated with the second side reinforcement position 222 or they can be separated from each other.

[0039] To improve the ease and reliability of fixing the circuit board bracket 300, an extension section 32 extending to the bottom of the shrink ring 11 can be provided at the bottom of the circuit board bracket 300. The extension section 32 presses against the outer bottom surface of the shrink ring 11. The extension section 32 extends downward along the outer wall of the glass pot body 100. The extension section 32 can increase the matching degree between the circuit board bracket 300 and the glass pot body 100. Since the outer bottom surface of the shrink ring 11 is on a horizontal plane, the extension section 32 can be used to limit the circuit board bracket 300 in the upward direction, improving the accuracy and convenience of fixing the circuit board bracket 300. The extension section 32 can also press against the temperature and water detection area 203 to ensure the fit between the temperature and water detection area 203 and the outer bottom surface of the shrink ring 11.

[0040] Since the signal generated by the temperature and water detection area 203 also needs to be transmitted, an electrical connection is required. A bend is needed between the outer wall of the glass vessel 100 and the outer bottom surface of the shrink ring 11. To avoid affecting the fit of the temperature and water detection area 203 to the outer bottom surface of the shrink ring 11, a flexible circuit board can be designed, including a flexible connection area 204 and a circuit control area 202. The flexible connection area 204 connects the circuit control area 202 and the temperature and water detection area 203. Only conductive copper foil is placed on the flexible connection area 204; no electronic components are installed. A transition surface 12 exists between the outer wall of the glass vessel 100 and the outer bottom surface of the shrink ring 11, and the flexible connection area 204 fits against the transition surface 12. The transition surface 12 is generally a naturally formed arc surface from the shrink ring 11, thus ensuring a natural bend in the flexible connection area 204 and preventing hard bends that could break the copper foil in the flexible connection area 204.

[0041] Because the glass vessel body 100 is transparent, to improve the product's aesthetics, a shielding area can be provided on the outer wall of the glass vessel body 100 to prevent users from observing the flexible detection plate 200. The flexible detection plate 200 is adhered to the shielding area. This shielding area can cover the side of the flexible detection plate 200 and the circuit board support 300 facing the glass vessel body 100, preventing users from directly observing this side from the inside of the glass vessel body 100, thus improving the product's aesthetics. The shielding area can be processed using methods such as screen printing.

[0042] In one embodiment, the top and bottom of the glass kettle body 100 are both open, and the heating base 400 is fixed to the bottom of the glass kettle body 100 to close the bottom opening, with the heating base 400 providing the heating function. In another embodiment, the glass kettle body 100 can also be a one-piece glass structure with an open top and a closed bottom. To achieve the heating function, a heating plate can be provided on the bottom surface of the glass kettle body 100, or a heating tube can be wound around the bottom of the outer side wall of the glass kettle body 100, etc.

[0043] In addition to the preferred embodiments described above, there are other embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

Claims

1. A liquid heater comprising a glass kettle body, the outer side wall of the glass kettle body is provided with a flexible detection plate and a circuit board support, characterized in that, The flexible detection plate has corner reinforcements to increase strength at its corners, and longitudinally extending side reinforcements on its two longitudinal sides. The circuit board bracket presses against the corner reinforcements and side reinforcements to press the flexible detection plate onto the outer wall of the glass container.

2. The liquid heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circuit board bracket includes an outer frame, which is provided with an end corner limiting groove that mates with the end corner reinforcement and a side limiting groove that mates with the side reinforcement.

3. The liquid heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible detection plate includes an overflow detection area, which is equipped with a detection electrode for detecting water level in the air. The side reinforcement includes a first side reinforcement located on the two longitudinal sides of the overflow detection area. The first side reinforcements located on the two longitudinal sides of the overflow detection area are staggered in the height direction.

4. A liquid heater as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that, The flexible detection plate includes a circuit control area, which is equipped with electronic devices for receiving water level detection signals. The side reinforcement includes a second side reinforcement located on the two longitudinal sides of the circuit control area.

5. The liquid heater of claim 1, wherein, The flexible detection plate also includes a temperature and water detection area at the bottom, which is equipped with a temperature measuring element and a water detection element to detect the presence or absence of water.

6. A liquid heater as claimed in claim 5, wherein The bottom of the glass pot has an inwardly extending shrink ring, and the temperature and water detection area is attached to the outer bottom surface of the shrink ring.

7. The liquid heater according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bottom end of the circuit board bracket is provided with an extension section extending to below the shrink ring, and the extension section presses against the outer bottom surface of the shrink ring.

8. The liquid heater of claim 6, wherein, The flexible detection plate includes a flexible connection area and a circuit control area. The flexible connection area connects the circuit control area and the temperature and water detection area. No electronic components are installed on the flexible connection area. There is a transition surface between the outer wall of the glass pot and the outer bottom surface of the shrink ring. The flexible connection area is attached to the transition surface.

9. The liquid heater of claim 1, wherein, The outer wall of the glass container is provided with a shielding area to prevent the user from observing the flexible detection plate, and the flexible detection plate is attached to the shielding area.

10. The liquid heater of claim 1, wherein, The glass pot body is a one-piece glass structure with an open top and a closed bottom; or, the glass pot body has an open top and an open bottom, and the heating base is fixed to the bottom of the glass pot body to close the open bottom.

Images