Leak-proof electric kettle

Abstract

We offer electric kettles with a leak-proof design. [Solution] The kettle includes a kettle body having an internal water-retaining space 1a, and a kettle lid including an upper lid 2 and a lower lid 3, with a lid chamber formed between the upper and lower lids. A C-shaped steam pipe 4 is arranged inside the lid chamber, and the steam pipe is provided along the perimeter of the side wall of the lid chamber. The opening 41 at the first end of the steam pipe communicates downward with the internal water-retaining space, and the opening 42 at the second end of the steam pipe communicates upward with the external environment. The steam pipe provided inside the lid chamber is used to release pressure by discharging gas. Because the steam pipe surrounds the side wall of the lid chamber, when the kettle body tips over, the water in the internal water-retaining space does not immediately leak from the steam pipe. The leak-proof structure according to this invention is simple to design, efficient, has low implementation costs, effectively prevents leaks, is highly safe, lightweight, and is particularly suitable for electric kettles with a spout connected to the bottom of the kettle body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electric kettles, and particularly to an electric kettle with anti - water - leakage function.

Background Art

[0002] In conventional electric kettles, it is common to achieve the function of preventing water leakage when overturned by means of sealing through a gravity part. For example, when a sealing method using a weight is adopted, when the kettle body is overturned, the weight will seal the steam hole under the action of gravity, thus suppressing the leakage of the liquid in the kettle along the steam hole to the outside. However, since the weight of the weight is large, when pouring water or removing the lid of the kettle, the weight may cause a collision sound, which is not user - friendly. Moreover, the cost of the weight is high, and there is a possibility of malfunction due to long - term wear.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an anti - water - leakage electric kettle with a simple structure that can effectively prevent water leakage in view of the current situation of the prior art. The anti - water - leakage electric kettle is low - cost, highly safe, and lightweight.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] In order to solve the above - mentioned technical problems, the following technical solutions are used in the present invention.

[0005] The leak-proof electric kettle includes a kettle body having an internal water-holding space, and a kettle lid including an upper lid and a lower lid, with a lid chamber formed between the upper lid and the lower lid. A C-shaped steam pipe is arranged inside the lid chamber, and the steam pipe is provided along the perimeter of the side wall of the lid chamber, the opening at the first end of the steam pipe is downward and communicates with the internal water-holding space, and the opening at the second end of the steam pipe is upward and communicates with the external environment.

[0006] To improve the effectiveness of preventing hot water leakage, when water is filled to the highest water level line in the water-retaining internal space and the kettle body is in an inverted state, the height of the highest inverted liquid level formed in the water-retaining internal space does not exceed the highest height at which the inner edge of the steam pipe is located. When the kettle body is inverted, the steam pipe is in a nearly vertical position, and the water inside the kettle body flows into the steam pipe from the first end of the steam pipe. If the height of the liquid level inside the kettle after inverting does not exceed the highest height at which the inner edge of the steam pipe is located, the water inside the kettle body cannot flow out from the second end of the steam pipe.

[0007] To allow water in the steam pipe to easily recirculate into the kettle body, when the kettle body is upright, the height at which the first end of the steam pipe is located is lower than the height at which the second end of the steam pipe is located. If the kettle body tips over, a certain amount of water will accumulate in the steam pipe, and during the boiling process, liquefied water will be produced in the steam pipe. Since the first end of the steam pipe is lower than the second end, the water in the steam pipe will flow into the kettle body through the first end of the steam pipe, thus maintaining the hygiene of the steam pipe.

[0008] To ensure that the highest point at which the inner edge of the steam pipe is located after the kettle body has tipped over is higher than the liquid level inside the kettle body, the central angle corresponding to the steam pipe is 350° or greater. The steam pipe surrounds the inside of the lid chamber, and after the kettle body has tipped over, the water inside the kettle body flows into the steam pipe from its first end. As long as the highest point at which the inner edge of the steam pipe is located is higher than the liquid level inside the kettle body, the water inside the kettle body will not flow out of the steam pipe. In other embodiments, the central angle corresponding to the steam pipe may exceed 360°. Because the steam pipe surrounds the entire chamber, the highest point at which the inner edge of the steam pipe is located can reach a predetermined maximum value, and the first and second ends of the steam pipe can be located at any position on the side wall of the lid chamber.

[0009] To facilitate the processing of the steam pipe, the central angle corresponding to the steam pipe is 350° to 359°, a handle is provided on the outer circumferential wall of the kettle body opposite to the handle, and the second end of the steam pipe is provided on the side wall of the lid chamber furthest from the handle. If the central angle corresponding to the steam pipe is less than 360°, an upward-facing steam outlet and a downward-facing steam inlet may be provided at each end of the steam pipe. If the central angle of the steam pipe is less than 360°, and the second end of the steam pipe is at the highest point of the entire steam pipe due to the kettle body 1 tipping over, the highest height at which the inner edge of the steam pipe is located is the lowest. Under this premise, if the second end of the steam pipe is installed on the side wall of the lid chamber furthest from the handle, the handle will restrict the second end of the steam pipe from being at its highest point. Therefore, even if the central angle corresponding to the steam pipe is slightly less than 360°, it does not affect the highest height at which the inner edge of the steam pipe is located.

[0010] Preferably, the lower lid includes a lower lid bottom plate and a lower lid side plate extending upward from the periphery of the lower lid bottom plate, the upper lid and the lower lid are formed surrounding the lid chamber, and the lower lid side plate constitutes the side wall of the lid chamber.

[0011] To facilitate exhaust, the first end of the steam pipe has a first steam inlet that opens downward, and the bottom plate of the lower cover is provided with a second steam inlet that communicates with the first steam inlet. The second end of the steam pipe has a first steam outlet that opens upward, and the upper cover is provided with a second steam outlet that communicates with the first steam outlet.

[0012] To reduce the exhaust volume from the second steam outlet, a condensation mechanism is provided below the lower cover, and a condensation chamber is formed by being surrounded by both the condensation mechanism and the bottom plate of the lower cover. The condensation mechanism is provided with a through-hole for connecting the condensation chamber to the internal space of the water storage.

[0013] Preferably, the condensation mechanism includes a condensation bottom plate and condensation side plates extending upward from the periphery of the condensation bottom plate, wherein the upper end of the condensation side plate is in contact with the bottom plate.

[0014] To facilitate the recirculation of water within the condensation chamber, the condensation bottom plate has a downward-sloping recess, and the through-hole is located at the very bottom of the lower recess.

[0015] To secure the steam pipe, a support holder for the steam pipe extends upward from the upper surface of the lower cover, and the support holder is provided with a support groove that opens upward. Since the steam pipe is located within the support groove, oscillation is less likely to occur. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] Compared to conventional technology, this invention offers the following advantages. The steam pipe provided inside the lid chamber is used to release pressure by discharging steam generated by boiling ordinary water. Because the C-shaped steam pipe surrounds the side wall of the lid chamber, when the kettle body tips over, regardless of the angle at which the kettle lid tips over, the opening at the first end of the C-shaped steam pipe will be either lower than or at the highest point of the C-shaped steam pipe. Even if some of the water in the water-containing internal space enters the steam pipe through the opening at the first end of the C-shaped steam pipe, it will not ultimately flow out through the opening at the second end of the C-shaped steam pipe (in principle, for water to pass through the highest point of the C-shaped steam pipe and finally flow out through the opening at the second end, the pressure in the water-containing internal space needs to be higher than 1 atmosphere). Therefore, when the kettle body tips over, regardless of the angle at which the kettle lid tips over, the hot water in the water-containing internal space will not immediately overflow from the C-shaped steam pipe and cause burns to the user.

[0017] The leak-proof structure according to this invention is simple to design, efficient, has low implementation costs, effectively prevents leaks, is highly safe, is lightweight, and is particularly suitable for electric kettles in which the spout is connected to the bottom of the kettle body. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a leak-proof electric kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the kettle lid's structure. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the exploded view of the kettle lid. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the kettle lid in Figure 2. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lower lid in Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the combination of the lower cover and the steam pipe. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing the water level inside a leak-proof electric kettle after it has been tipped over, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail while associating the accompanying drawings with embodiments.

[0020] Figs. 1 to 7 show preferred embodiments of the anti - water - leakage type electric kettle according to the present invention. The anti - water - leakage type electric kettle includes a kettle body 1, an upper lid 2, a lower lid 3, and a steam pipe 4. The kettle body 1 has a water - containing internal space 1a inside. A lid chamber 2a is formed between the upper lid 2 and the lower lid 3. A C - shaped steam pipe 4 is provided in the lid chamber 2a, and the water vapor generated in the water - containing internal space 1a is discharged to the external environment by the steam pipe 4. The pouring spout of the electric kettle according to this embodiment is connected to a lower position of the kettle body, and a sealing member capable of sealing the pouring spout is provided between the pouring spout and the kettle body 1. For details of the structure, refer to the prior application by the applicant of the present application.

[0021] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, a lower lid 3 is connected below the upper lid 2, and a plurality of locking ports 23 protrude downward on the lower surface of the upper lid 2. The lower lid 3 includes a lower lid bottom plate 31 and a lower lid side plate 32 extending upward from the periphery of the lower lid bottom plate 31. A plurality of locking portions 322 engaged with the locking ports 23 are provided on the inner peripheral wall of the lower lid side plate 32. The plurality of locking portions 322 are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the lower lid side plate 32. By locking the locking portions 322 of the lower lid 3 to the locking ports 23 of the upper lid 2, the connection between the upper lid 2 and the lower lid 3 is realized. At this time, the upper end of the lower lid side plate 32 contacts the lower surface of the upper lid 2, and the upper lid 2, the lower lid bottom plate 31, and the lower lid side plate 32 surround and form the lid chamber 2a. Here, a sealing ring 7 is further provided on the outer periphery of the lower lid side plate 32.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the first end of the steam pipe 4 is bent downward to form a first steam inlet 41 that opens downward, and the lower cover bottom plate 31 is provided with a second steam inlet 311 that communicates corresponding to the first steam inlet 41. The first end of the steam pipe 4 is inserted into the second steam inlet 311. The second end of the steam pipe 4 is bent upward to form a first steam outlet 42 that opens upward, and the upper cover 2 is provided with a second steam outlet 21 that communicates corresponding to the first steam outlet 42. When steam is generated from the water inside the kettle body 1, the steam enters from the second steam inlet 311 of the lower cover bottom plate 31 into the first steam inlet 41 of the steam pipe 4, and then enters the external environment from the first steam outlet 42 of the steam pipe 4 through the second steam outlet 21 in the upper cover 2.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, on the upper surface of the lower cover bottom plate 31, a support holder 312 for supporting the steam pipe 4 extends upward, and the support holder 312 is provided with a plurality of support concave grooves 3121 that open upward. By arranging the steam pipe 4 in the support concave grooves 3121, the position of the steam pipe 4 in the lid chamber 2a is fixed. In particular, along the exhaust direction by the steam pipe 4, the height of the lowest point of the support concave grooves 3121 gradually increases, whereby the steam pipe 4 is arranged to rise in a spiral shape. That is, when the kettle body 1 is in a upright state, the height of the lowest point of the first end of the steam pipe 4 is lower than the height of the lowest point of the second end of the steam pipe 4. When the kettle body 1 falls down, a certain amount of water accumulates in the steam pipe 4. Also, in the process of boiling the water, liquefied water is formed in the steam pipe 4. Since the first end of the steam pipe 4 is lower than the second end of the steam pipe 4, when the kettle body 1 is returned to the upright state, the water inside the steam pipe 4 flows into the inside of the kettle body through the first end of the steam pipe 4.

[0024] To further ensure the effectiveness of preventing water leakage, the steam pipe 4 is installed as close as possible to the side wall of the lid chamber 2a, and as shown in Figure 7, when water is filled to the highest water level line in the water-retaining internal space 1a and the kettle body 1 is in an inverted state, the height H1 of the highest inverted liquid level formed in the water-retaining internal space 1a does not exceed the highest height H2 where the inner edge of the steam pipe 4 is located. When the kettle body 1 is inverted, the steam pipe 4 is in a nearly vertical position, and the water inside the kettle body flows into the steam pipe 4 from the first end. If the height of the liquid level inside the kettle after inverting does not exceed the highest height where the inner edge of the steam pipe 4 is located, the water inside the kettle body cannot flow out from the second end of the steam pipe 4. It should be noted that the closer the steam pipe 4 is to the side wall of the lid chamber 2a, the higher the highest height of the inner edge of the steam pipe 4 will be when the kettle body 1 is inverted. Similarly, if the diameter of the spout is larger than the diameter of the kettle body, when the kettle body 1 tips over, the highest height at which the inner edge of the steam pipe 4 is located is likely to be higher than the liquid level inside the kettle after it tips over. Therefore, in order to achieve a good leak-proof effect, the steam pipe 4 must be in close contact with the side wall of the lid chamber 2a, and at the same time, the diameter of the spout must be slightly smaller than the diameter of the kettle body, or greater than the diameter of the kettle body.

[0025] In this embodiment, the central angle corresponding to the steam pipe 4 is 350° to 359°. Due to limitations in processing conditions, only when the central angle corresponding to the steam pipe 4 is less than 360°, can both ends of the steam pipe 4 be bent upward to form a steam outlet and bent downward to form a steam inlet. When the central angle corresponding to the steam pipe 4 is less than 360°, the maximum height at which the inner edge of the steam pipe 4 is located will be somewhat lower when the kettle body 1 is at a certain inversion angle, but it is sufficient that it is higher than the highest inversion liquid level in the water-holding internal space 1a at that inversion angle. In other embodiments, the central angle corresponding to the steam pipe 4 may exceed 360°. When designed in this way, the steam inlet of the steam pipe 4 may pass through the lower lid side plate 32 and communicate with the inside of the kettle body 1, or the steam outlet of the steam pipe 4 may pass through the lower lid side plate 32 and communicate with the external environment.

[0026] To reduce the exhaust volume from the second steam outlet 21, a condensation mechanism 5 is provided below the bottom cover 3. The condensation mechanism 5 includes a condensation bottom plate 51 and a condensation side plate 50 extending upward from the periphery of the condensation bottom plate 51. The condensation bottom plate 51 has a downwardly recessed lower recess 52, and a through-hole 521 is provided at the lowest part of the lower recess 52. Studs 34 are provided on the bottom cover bottom plate 31 of the bottom cover 3, and connection holes 511 corresponding to the studs 34 are provided on the condensation bottom plate 51, with screws passing through the connection holes 511 and connecting to the studs 34. The upper end of the condensation side plate 50 is in contact with the lower surface of the bottom cover bottom plate 31. The condensation chamber 5a is formed by being surrounded by both the condensation mechanism 5 and the bottom cover bottom plate 31 of the bottom cover 3. The water vapor generated inside the kettle body 1 first passes through the through-hole 521 and condenses in the condensation chamber 5a. The water formed by the condensation then flows back into the kettle body 1 through the through-hole 521.

[0027] As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, a central axis 33 extends upward from the center of the upper surface of the bottom plate 31 of the lower lid, and a kettle lid switch 6, which is aligned with the kettle body 1, is provided on the outer circumference of the central axis 33. The kettle lid switch 6 includes two symmetrically installed switch units 60. Each switch unit 60 includes an operating part 60 that protrudes upward from the top lid 2 and out of the lid chamber 2a, allowing for user operation, and a locking part 61 that protrudes from the lid chamber 2a via the bottom lid side plate 32 of the lower lid 3. An elastic member (not shown) is provided between the outer wall of the central axis 33 and the switch unit 60 to hold them apart from each other. That is, in its natural state, the switch unit 60 tends to move radially outward along the central axis 33, and the two switch units 60 tend to move apart from each other. The locking part 61 of the switch unit 60 maintains its position protruding from the lid chamber 2a. Here, each switch unit 60 is provided with a pair of engagement parts 61, which are arranged at a certain distance from each other. A dustproof cap 22 projecting upward is provided at a location on the top lid 2 corresponding to the central axis 33, and a first retraction hole 221 through which the operating part 60 protrudes is provided on the side of the dustproof cap 22. A second retraction hole 321 is provided in the bottom lid side plate 32 of the bottom lid 3, through which each engagement part 61 passes. When the kettle lid is placed on top, the user presses the two operating parts 60 relative to each other, causing the operating parts 60 to contract radially inward along the central axis 33. At this time, each engagement part 61 also contracts into the lid chamber 2a. After the kettle lid is placed on the water inlet, when the pressure on the operating parts 60 is released, each engagement part 61 passes through the retraction hole 321 and engages with the internal structure of the kettle body 1.

Claims

1. A leak-proof electric kettle comprising a kettle body (1) having an internal water-holding space (1a), and a kettle lid including an upper lid (2) and a lower lid (3), wherein a lid chamber (2a) is formed between the upper lid (2) and the lower lid (3), A C-shaped steam pipe (4) is arranged inside the lid chamber (2a). The steam pipe (4) is provided along the perimeter of the side wall of the lid chamber (2a), the opening at the first end of the steam pipe (4) is downward and communicates with the water-containing internal space (1a), and the opening at the second end of the steam pipe (4) is upward and communicates with the external environment. A leak-proof electric kettle characterized by the following features.

2. When water is filled to the highest water level in the water-retaining internal space (1a) and the kettle body (1) is in an inverted state, the height of the highest inverted liquid level (H1) formed in the water-retaining internal space (1a) does not exceed the highest height (H2) where the inner edge of the steam pipe (4) is located. The electric kettle with a water leak prevention mechanism as described in feature 1.

3. When the kettle body (1) is in an upright position, the height at which the first end of the steam pipe (4) is located is lower than the height at which the second end of the steam pipe (4) is located. The electric kettle with a water leak prevention mechanism as described in feature 1.

4. The central angle corresponding to the steam pipe (4) is 350° to 359°. A handle (11) is provided on the outer periphery wall of the kettle body (1). The second end of the steam pipe (4) is provided on the side wall of the lid chamber (2a) that is furthest from the handle (11). The electric kettle with a water leak prevention mechanism as described in feature 1.

5. The lower cover (3) includes a lower cover bottom plate (31) and a lower cover side plate (32) extending upward from the periphery of the lower cover bottom plate (31), The upper lid (2) and the lower lid (3) are formed surrounding the lid chamber (2a), The lower lid side plate (32) constitutes the side wall of the lid chamber (2a). The electric kettle with a water leak prevention mechanism as described in feature 1.

6. The first end of the steam pipe (4) has a first steam inlet (41) that opens downward, The lower cover bottom plate (31) is provided with a second steam inlet (311) that is in communication with the first steam inlet (41), The second end of the steam pipe (4) has a first steam outlet (42) that opens upward, The upper cover (2) is provided with a second steam outlet (21) that is in communication with the first steam outlet (42). The electric kettle with a water leak prevention mechanism as described in feature 5.

7. A condensation mechanism (5) is provided below the lower cover (3). A condensation chamber (5a) is formed by being surrounded by both the condensation mechanism (5) and the bottom plate (31) of the lower lid (3). The condensation mechanism (5) is provided with a through-hole (521) for connecting the condensation chamber (5a) and the water-containing internal space (1a). The electric kettle with a water leak prevention mechanism as described in feature 6.

8. The condensation mechanism (5) includes a condensation bottom plate (51) and a condensation side plate (50) extending upward from the periphery of the condensation bottom plate (51), The upper end of the condensation side plate (50) is in contact with the lower cover bottom plate (31). The electric kettle with a water leak prevention mechanism as described in feature 7.

9. The condensation bottom plate (51) has a downward recess (52) formed therein. The through-hole (521) is located at the very bottom of the lower recess (52), The electric kettle with a water leak prevention mechanism as described in feature 8.

10. A support holder (312) for supporting the steam pipe (4) extends upward from the upper surface of the lower cover (3). The support holder (312) is provided with a support groove (3121) that opens upward. A leak-proof electric kettle according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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