Electric kettle spill prevention structure in case of tipping and electric kettle

Abstract

Even if the electric kettle tips over, damage to the temperature-sensing and electrical control components will be avoided. [Solution] A control passage 3 is provided horizontally above the steam passage, and a communication opening 31 is provided at the bottom of the control passage, which is recessed downward in the center, and communicates with the steam passage. The communication opening is located at the very bottom of the control passage 3. The control passage includes a control passage that communicates with the internal space of the electric kettle, a first sphere 4 provided within the control passage and having a ventilation passage through which steam can pass, and two second spheres 5 arranged on both sides of the first sphere. When the electric kettle is upright, the first sphere is located at the communication opening in the control passage, and the steam passage and the control passage communicate. When the electric kettle is tipped over, the first sphere and the second spheres roll inside the control passage, and the second spheres are located at the communication opening in the control passage, blocking the communication opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of household appliances, and more specifically, to an anti-overflow structure for preventing water leakage when an electric kettle is overturned and an electric kettle.

Background Art

[0002] Electric kettles have become essential electrical appliances in people's daily lives because they have advantages such as fast boiling, ease of use, and portability. There are various auto-power-off methods for electric kettles, and a commonly seen method is the power-off method by steam. An electric kettle includes a steam passage. When the water in the electric kettle boils, a large amount of steam is generated, and the steam is pushed into the steam passage due to the pressure difference between the internal environment of the kettle and the atmospheric pressure. The bottom of the steam passage is aligned with a temperature-sensitive component. When the temperature-sensitive metal spring of the thermostat senses that the steam temperature has reached a predetermined value (for example, 100°C), the metal spring receives heat and deforms, activating the power switch to achieve the purpose of auto-power-off.

[0003] However, the above auto-power-off method has the following drawbacks. When the electric kettle accidentally overturns, the water in the kettle may flow along the steam passage into the temperature-sensitive component provided at the bottom of the kettle body, which may damage the temperature-sensitive component and the electric control component.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an anti-overflow structure for preventing water leakage when an electric kettle is overturned, which has higher safety compared to the current situation of the prior art. Even when the electric kettle is overturned, it can prevent the water in the kettle from overflowing to the bottom of the kettle body and avoid damage to the temperature-sensitive component and the electric control component.

[0005] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an electric kettle using the above anti-overflow structure for preventing water leakage when overturned in view of the current situation of the prior art.

[0006] To solve the first technical challenge mentioned above, the following technical solution will be employed.

[0007] A structure for preventing hot water leakage when an electric kettle tips over, which is provided in the internal space of the electric kettle and located above the steam passage, A control passage is provided laterally above the steam passage, with a central portion recessed downwards and inclined surfaces on both sides that slope upwards. A communication opening is provided at the bottom of the control passage, which communicates with the steam passage. The communication opening is located at the lowest point of the inclined surface at the bottom of the control passage, and the control passage is further provided with a second inlet hole that communicates with the internal space of the electric kettle. A first sphere is provided so as to be able to roll within a control passage and is provided with a ventilation passage through which steam can pass, At least two second spheres are provided so as to be able to roll within a control passage, and are positioned on both sides of the first sphere, with the number of second spheres on each side being equal. Equipped with, When the electric kettle is upright, the first sphere is located at the communication opening in the control passage, thereby connecting the steam passage and the control passage. When the electric kettle is tipped over, the first and second spheres roll within the control passage while their positions are restricted, causing the first sphere to move away from the communication opening and the second sphere to position itself at the communication opening in the control passage, thereby blocking the opening. Electric kettle with a spill-prevention mechanism to prevent water leakage in case of tipping.

[0008] Preferably, the inclined surface at the bottom of the control passage is arc-shaped, and the control passage is provided symmetrically in the lateral direction with respect to the communication opening. With this configuration, as the state of the kettle body changes, the first sphere and the second sphere can roll back and forth along the arc-shaped inclined surface to the target position, and since the control passage is provided symmetrically, the communication opening can be blocked regardless of which side the kettle body tips over in the lateral direction.

[0009] Preferably, the spill-proof structure in case of tipping further comprises a control case having a storage space, and the control passage is housed within the storage space. With the above configuration, the structure of the control passage is shielded by the control case, simplifying the internal structure of the electric kettle and preventing the accumulation of limescale and dirt.

[0010] Preferably, an upper vent is provided within the containment space, located above the control passage, and the upper vent is used to connect the control passage with the internal space of the electric kettle. A lower vent is also provided within the containment space, located between the control passage's connection port and the steam passage, and the lower vent is a tubular structure with a port at its lower end that connects to the steam passage. When the above configuration is used, the lower vent has a tubular structure with a port, making it easy to connect the steam passage to the port.

[0011] Preferably, the control case is provided with an annular retaining wall that protrudes toward the inner wall side of the kettle body of the electric kettle, and the control passage is formed by being surrounded by the control case and the annular retaining wall. When the above configuration is used, the control passage is formed to be enclosed in the spill-proof structure in the event of tipping, thus simplifying the processing of the spill-proof structure in the event of tipping. The annular retaining wall forms an arc-shaped control passage, and both ends of the control passage are closed, and the annular retaining wall restricts the rolling paths of the first sphere and the second sphere in the control passage, and also prevents the first sphere and the second sphere from detaching from the control passage.

[0012] Preferably, the annular retaining wall includes an upper retaining wall portion and a lower retaining wall portion provided at a distance from each other, and the control case is further provided with a first retaining wall and a second retaining wall projecting toward the inner wall side of the kettle body, the first retaining wall partially in contact with the upper retaining wall portion, the second retaining wall is located above the first retaining wall and provided at a distance from the first retaining wall, the upper ventilation passage is formed by being surrounded by the control case, the first retaining wall and the second retaining wall, the control case is provided with a first inlet hole between the first retaining wall and the second retaining wall, and a second inlet hole is provided at the point where the upper retaining wall portion and the first retaining wall are in contact. By using the above configuration and defining the upper ventilation passage and control passage with the control case and retaining wall structure, the processing of the spill-proof structure in case of tipping is simplified, and raw materials for manufacturing the spill-proof structure in case of tipping are saved, resulting in cost savings.

[0013] The surface of the first sphere only needs to have gaps that allow airflow to pass through without blocking the communication opening. Preferably, the first sphere is a hollow sphere, and by hollowing out the surface of the sphere, multiple ventilation passages are formed in all directions within the first sphere. According to the design of the hollowed-out structure, the communication opening will not be blocked no matter how the first sphere rolls. Moreover, it can provide ventilation passages through which steam can pass directly up and down.

[0014] Preferably, the control passage has two ends whose inner walls are shaped to resemble a sphere, and the distance between the inner wall of each end and the center point of the communication opening is greater than the distance between the center of the first sphere and the outermost edge of the second sphere.

[0015] To solve the second technical problem described above, the present invention employs the following technical solution.

[0016] The present invention provides an electric kettle equipped with one of the above-mentioned structures to prevent hot water leakage in the event of tipping over.

[0017] Preferably, the spill-proof structure in case of tipping is attached to the inner wall of the electric kettle body, corresponding to the handle of the electric kettle, and the handle is provided corresponding to a communication opening in the control passage. With this design, when the electric kettle is tilted as usual to pour water, the sphere will not roll through the control passage.

[0018] Compared to conventional technology, the present invention has the following advantages.

[0019] When the electric kettle body is upright, the first sphere is positioned at the communication opening in the control passage, so the steam passage and the control passage are in communication. When steam from inside the kettle body enters the steam passage via the control passage, the steam activates the temperature-sensing component and the electrical control component, allowing the electric kettle to be powered off. If the electric kettle body is unintentionally tipped over, the first and second spheres roll along the control passage, causing the first sphere to move away from the communication opening in the control passage and the second sphere to block the opening. As a result, water inside the electric kettle cannot flow from the control passage into the steam passage, preventing damage to the temperature-sensing component and the electrical control component inside the electric kettle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of an electric kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the electric kettle shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the structure for preventing hot water leakage in the event of tipping and the steam passage in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the electric kettle in an upright position, including the spill prevention mechanism and steam passage in case of tipping. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of a part of the structure for preventing hot water leakage in the event of tipping over, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the spill prevention structure and steam passage in the event of an electric kettle tipping over, as shown in Figure 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] The present invention will be described in more detail while referring to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0022] In FIGS. 1 to 6, preferred embodiments of the anti-boiling-over water leakage prevention structure for an electric kettle according to the present invention are depicted. The anti-boiling-over water leakage prevention structure for the electric kettle is provided in the internal space 100a of the electric kettle 100 and is disposed above the steam passage 102. Also, the anti-boiling-over water leakage prevention structure and the handle 101 of the kettle are provided at the same position on the kettle wall, corresponding to the inner wall and the outer wall, respectively. In this embodiment, the bottom of the steam passage 102 communicates with the temperature control unit of the electric kettle 100. The temperature control unit includes a temperature-sensitive component and an electric control component. When the water in the internal space 100a of the electric kettle 100 boils, water vapor sequentially passes through the anti-boiling-over water leakage prevention structure and the steam passage 102 and reaches the temperature control unit, causing changes to the temperature-sensitive component and the electric control component, and turning off the circuit of the electric kettle 100.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the anti-boiling-over water leakage prevention structure includes a control case 1, an upper ventilation passage 21, a lower ventilation passage 22, a control passage 3, a first sphere 4, and a second sphere 5. Here, the control case 1 includes a panel 11 and a side plate 12 extending from the periphery of the panel 11 to the inner wall side of the kettle body. The panel 11 and the side plate 12 surround and form an accommodation space 1a, and the upper ventilation passage 21, the lower ventilation passage 22, the control passage 3, the first sphere 4, and the second sphere 5 are all provided in the accommodation space 1a. By shielding the structures such as the upper ventilation passage 21, the lower ventilation passage 22, the control passage 3, the first sphere 4, and the second sphere 5 with the control case 1, the internal structure of the electric kettle 100 is simplified and it is difficult for scale and dirt to accumulate.

[0024] Specifically, the lower vent passage 22 has a tubular structure and is provided vertically at the bottom of the control case 1. A port is provided at the lower end of the lower vent passage 22, through which the steam passage 102 communicates. The control passage 3 is provided horizontally above the lower vent passage 22. The upper vent passage 21 is provided above the control passage 3. The upper part of the upper vent passage 21 communicates with the interior of the electric kettle 100, the lower part of the upper vent passage 21 communicates with the top of the control passage 3, and the bottom of the control passage 3 communicates with the lower vent passage 22. When the water in the internal space 100a of the electric kettle 100 boils, steam passes sequentially through the upper vent passage 21, the control passage 3, and the lower vent passage 22 and enters the steam passage 102.

[0025] Specifically, the bottom of the control passage 3 is an inclined surface with a downward recess in the center and upward sloping sides. At the lowest point of the inclined surface at the bottom of the control passage 3, there is a communication port 31 that connects to the steam passage 102. The inclined surface at the bottom of the control passage 3 is arc-shaped, and the control passage 3 is arranged symmetrically (laterally) with respect to the communication port 31. The upper end of the lower ventilation passage 22 faces the communication port 31, and the lower end of the lower ventilation passage 22 faces the steam passage 102. The control passage 3 is connected to the steam passage 102 via the lower ventilation passage 22.

[0026] The first sphere 4 is provided so as to be able to roll left and right (laterally) in the control passage 3. The first sphere 4 is provided so as to be able to roll along the control passage 3. The first sphere 4 is provided with ventilation passages 41 through which steam can pass. The first sphere 4 is a hollow sphere with its surface hollowed out. Multiple ventilation passages 41 communicate with the first sphere 4 in all directions. Because the surface of the first sphere 4 is hollowed out, the communication openings 31 will not be blocked no matter how the first sphere 4 rolls. Moreover, ventilation passages 41 through which steam can pass directly up and down can be provided.

[0027] Similarly, the four second spheres 5 are provided so as to be able to roll from side to side (laterally) in the control passage 3. The second spheres 5 are provided so as to be able to roll along the control passage 3. The second spheres 5 are located on both sides (left and right sides) of the first sphere 4, and two second spheres 5 are provided on each side of the first sphere 4. The second spheres 5 are solid spheres and are not hollowed out. After the kettle body is unintentionally tipped over, the second spheres 5 can block the communication opening 31. In this embodiment, the control passage 3 has two ends, left and right, and the inner walls of each end are shaped to match the shape of the spheres described above. The first sphere 4 is made of plastic, and the four second spheres 5 are made of metal. The five spheres in total are of the same size and roll in the control passage 3 with their positions restricted so that they can roll freely in contact with each other. As shown in Figure 4, when the electric kettle 100 is in an upright position, the two second spheres 5 are in contact with the left and right sides of the first sphere 4, respectively, so that the first sphere 4 stops precisely at the communication opening 31 of the control passage 3.

[0028] In other embodiments, the number of second spheres 5 may be any other even number, such as 2, 6, or 8. In order for the second spheres 5 to be directly facing the communication opening 31 in the control passage 3 after the electric kettle 100 unexpectedly tips over, a predetermined relationship may be satisfied between the arc length of the control passage 3 and the diameter of the spheres, such that when the total number of second spheres 5 is 2N (where N is a positive integer), the arc length between the end of the control passage 3 and the center point of the communication opening 31 is equal to the diameter of (N+0.5)+M spheres (where M is a positive integer less than or equal to N). In Figure 6, the arc length between the end of the control passage 3 and the center point of the communication opening 31 is equal to the diameter of 3.5 spheres, and when the electric kettle 100 unexpectedly tips over, the first second sphere 5 to the right of the first sphere 4 is directly facing the communication opening 31 in the control passage 3. The length of the control passage 3 in this embodiment may be increased. When the arc length between the end of the control passage 3 and the center point of the communication opening 31 is equal to the diameter of 4.5 spheres, the second sphere 5 to the right of the first sphere 4 is located in the communication opening 31 when the electric kettle 100 unexpectedly tips over.

[0029] When the electric kettle 100 is upright, the first sphere 4 is located at the communication opening 31 in the control passage 3, and the control passage 3 and the lower ventilation passage 22 are connected by the ventilation passage 41 of the first sphere 4. When the electric kettle 100 unexpectedly tips over, the first sphere 4 and the second sphere 5 roll in the control passage 3 with their positions restricted, causing the first sphere 4 to move away from the communication opening 31 in the control passage 3, the second sphere 5 to move into the communication opening 31, and the communication between the control passage 3 and the lower ventilation passage 22 to be blocked by the second sphere 5.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the panel 11 is provided with an annular retaining wall 13 that protrudes toward the inner wall side of the kettle body, and the annular retaining wall 13 has an overall arc shape with an upward opening. The panel 11 and the annular retaining wall 13 form a structure surrounding the control passage 3. The annular retaining wall 13 includes an upper retaining wall portion 131 and a lower retaining wall portion 132, which are spaced apart from each other, and a left retaining wall portion 133 and a right retaining wall portion 134, which are also spaced apart from each other. The panel 11 is further provided with a first retaining wall 14 and a second retaining wall 15 that protrude toward the inner wall side of the kettle body, and both the first retaining wall 14 and the second retaining wall 15 have an arc shape with an upward opening. The uppermost ends of both the first retaining wall 14 and the second retaining wall 15 extend to the uppermost side plate 12 of the control case 1. The first retaining wall 14 is in partial contact with the upper retaining wall portion 131, and the second retaining wall 15 is located above the first retaining wall 14 and is provided at a distance from the first retaining wall 14. The panel 11, side plate 12, first retaining wall 14, and second retaining wall 15 are formed to surround the upper ventilation passage 21. A first inlet hole 111 is provided between the first retaining wall 14 and the second retaining wall 15 of the panel 11. A second inlet hole 32 is provided at a slight distance from the upper retaining wall portion 131 and the first retaining wall 14 to connect the upper ventilation passage 21 and the control passage 3. A communication opening 31 is provided at the very bottom of the lower retaining wall portion 132. When the electric kettle 100 is upright, the first sphere 4 is located at the communication opening 31, and the steam inside the kettle passes through the first inlet hole 111, the second inlet hole 32, the ventilation passage 41 in the first sphere 4, the communication opening 31, and the lower ventilation passage 22 in that order before entering the steam passage 102. If the electric kettle 100 is unexpectedly tipped over, the first sphere 4 and the second sphere 5 roll along the control passage 3, causing the second sphere 5 to be located at the communication opening 31, and the second sphere 5 blocks the communication opening 31. As a result, the water inside the kettle is prevented from entering the steam passage 102. Here, the left retaining wall portion 133 and the right retaining wall portion 134 are for preventing the second sphere 5 from rolling away and detaching from the control passage 3.

[0031] Furthermore, the structure to prevent hot water leakage in the event of tipping over is further provided with a connection part 6 for connecting to the kettle wall, and the connection part 6 is provided with a mounting hole 61.

[0032] The present invention further discloses an electric kettle, the electric kettle 100, which is provided with the above-described spill-proof structure in case of tipping. The spill-proof structure in case of tipping is provided on the inner wall of the kettle body by a mounting hole 61 and is attached in accordance with the handle 101 of the electric kettle 100 (see Figure 2). The handle 101 also corresponds to the communication port 31 in the control passage 3. The spill-proof structure in case of tipping corresponds to the handle 101, and the spill-proof structure and the handle 101 may be attached to the kettle wall by the same screw. The spill-proof structure in case of tipping is attached in accordance with the handle 101 of the electric kettle 100. When the electric kettle 100 tips over, there is a high probability that it will tip to the left or right of the handle 101. The direction in which the electric kettle 100 tips over coincides precisely with the direction in which the first sphere 4 and the second sphere 5 roll in the control passage 3. Therefore, the tipping of the electric kettle 100 is linked to the rolling of the first sphere 4 and the second sphere 5, ensuring the reliability of the spill-proof structure in case of tipping.

[0033] The process of using the electric kettle 100 in the present invention is as follows. As shown in Figure 4, when the electric kettle 100 is upright, the steam passage 102 extends vertically with respect to the table surface on which the electric kettle 100 is placed, and the control passage 3 extends laterally with respect to the table surface on which the electric kettle 100 is located. The four second spheres 5 are arranged symmetrically in the control passage 3 with respect to the first sphere 4. The first sphere 4 is uniformly pressed down by the second spheres 5 on both sides and is positioned precisely at the communication opening 31. Steam inside the kettle can smoothly enter the steam passage 102 by passing through the first inlet hole 111, the second inlet hole 32, the ventilation passage 41 in the first sphere 4, the communication opening 31, and the lower ventilation passage 22.

[0034] As shown in Figure 6, when the electric kettle 100 unexpectedly tips over, the direction of extension of the control passage 3 relative to the table surface on which the electric kettle 100 is placed changes as a result of the tipping over. That is, the control passage 3 is no longer lateral to the table surface on which the electric kettle 100 is located. Here, it can be understood that, with respect to the table surface, one end of the control passage 3 extends almost downward, while the other end extends upward. In this case, the first sphere 4 and the four second spheres 5 are caused by gravity to roll downward along the control passage 3 (with respect to the table surface on which the electric kettle 100 is located), and two of the second spheres 5 on one side of the first sphere 4 reach the lowest end of the control passage 3, while one of the second spheres 5 on the other side of the first sphere 4 is positioned just in front of the communication opening 31, thus blocking the communication opening 31. As a result, water inside the kettle is prevented from flowing into the steam passage 102, and damage to electronic components and other mechanisms located at the bottom of the steam passage 102 is avoided.

Claims

1. An electric kettle tipping over prevention structure is provided in the internal space (100a) of the electric kettle (100) and positioned above the steam passage (102), A control passage (3) is provided laterally above the steam passage (102), and the control passage (3) has a central part that is recessed downward and inclined surfaces on both sides that are sloped upward. A communication opening (31) is provided at the bottom of the control passage (3) that communicates with the steam passage (102), and the communication opening (31) is located at the lowest part of the inclined surface at the bottom of the control passage (3). The control passage (3) is further provided with a second inlet hole (32) that communicates with the internal space (100a) of the electric kettle (100). A first sphere (4) is provided so as to be able to roll within the control passage (3) and is provided with a ventilation passage (41) through which steam can pass, At least two second spheres (5) are provided so as to be able to roll within the control passage (3), and are positioned on both sides of the first sphere (4), with the same number of second spheres (5) on each side of the first sphere (4), Equipped with, When the electric kettle (100) is in an upright position, the first sphere (4) is positioned at the communication opening (31) in the control passage (3), thereby connecting the steam passage (102) and the control passage (3). When the electric kettle (100) is tipped over, the first sphere (4) and the second sphere (5) roll within the control passage (3) with their positions restricted, causing the first sphere (4) to move away from the communication opening (31) and the second sphere (5) to be positioned in the communication opening (31) in the control passage (3), thereby blocking the communication opening (31). A structure that prevents hot water from leaking when the device tips over.

2. The inclined surface at the bottom of the control passage (3) is arc-shaped, The control passage (3) is provided symmetrically in the lateral direction with respect to the communication opening (31). The structure for preventing hot water leakage in the event of tipping over, as described in claim 1.

3. The system further comprises a control case (1) having a storage space (1a), The control passage (3) is housed within the accommodation space (1a), The structure for preventing hot water leakage in the event of tipping over, as described in claim 1.

4. Within the aforementioned containment space (1a), an upper ventilation passage (21) is further provided, located above the control passage (3). The upper ventilation passage (21) is used to connect the control passage (3) and the internal space (100a) of the electric kettle (100). Within the aforementioned containment space (1a), a lower ventilation passage (22) is further provided, located between the communication opening (31) of the control passage (3) and the steam passage (102). The lower ventilation passage (22) has a tubular structure, and a port is provided at the lower end of the lower ventilation passage (22) to which the steam passage (102) is connected. The structure for preventing hot water leakage in the event of tipping over, as described in claim 3.

5. The control case (1) is provided with an annular retaining wall (13) that protrudes toward the inner wall side of the kettle body of the electric kettle. The control passage (3) is formed by being surrounded by the control case (1) and the annular retaining wall (13). The structure for preventing hot water leakage in the event of tipping over, as described in claim 4.

6. The annular retaining wall (13) includes an upper retaining wall portion (131) and a lower retaining wall portion (132) that are spaced apart from each other. The control case (1) is further provided with a first retaining wall (14) and a second retaining wall (15) that protrude toward the inner wall side of the kettle body of the electric kettle. The first retaining wall (14) is in partial contact with the upper retaining wall portion (131), The second retaining wall (15) is located above the first retaining wall (14) and is provided at a distance from the first retaining wall (14). The upper ventilation passage (21) is formed by being surrounded by the control case (1), the first retaining wall (14), and the second retaining wall (15). The control case (1) is provided with a first inlet hole (111) between the first retaining wall (14) and the second retaining wall (15). The second inlet hole (32) is provided at the point where the upper retaining wall (131) and the first retaining wall (14) are in close contact. The structure for preventing hot water leakage in the event of tipping over, as described in claim 5.

7. The first sphere (4) is a hollow sphere, and by hollowing out the surface of the sphere, a plurality of ventilation passages (41) are formed in all directions within the first sphere (4). The structure for preventing hot water leakage in the event of tipping over, as described in claim 1.

8. The control passage (3) has two ends whose inner walls are shaped to resemble a sphere. The distance between the inner wall of each end and the center point of the communication opening (31) is greater than the distance between the center of the first sphere (4) and the outer edge of the second sphere (5) which is positioned on the outermost side. The structure for preventing hot water leakage in the event of tipping over, as described in claim 2.

9. An electric kettle (100) characterized by being provided with a spill-prevention structure in case of tipping over, as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The aforementioned spill-proof structure in case of tipping is attached to the inner wall of the kettle body of the electric kettle, corresponding to the handle (101) of the electric kettle (100). The electric kettle according to claim 9, wherein the handle (101) is provided in correspondence with the communication opening (31) in the control passage (3).

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