JP6362699B2 - Equipment and its components - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to household and commercial equipment, such as electrical equipment, in particular liquid heating equipment. Some aspects of the invention are directed to a control device for a liquid heating vessel, and some aspects of the invention are directed to cordless electrical equipment.

  There is a constant pressure in the household equipment industry to introduce new technologies. See, for example, the Applicant's 360 ° cordless connector disclosed in WO-A-199406185. In the past, the introduction of new technology was very limited and targeted only one device type. However, from experience, this is not necessarily the case for the Applicant, for example, 360 ° cordless connectors, which were primarily considered for use in known equipment, are now available in a variety of household and commercial equipment types. Used in conjunction with many new related technologies that could not be foreseen in 1992, the date of priority claim of WO-A-199406185.

In addition, there is always commercial pressure in the home appliance industry to reduce the price or reduce the cost of small home appliances.

  However, the Applicant believes that this problem is more than just the cost of materials and components, and there are additional interrelated factors, including commercial, logistics and environmental aspects. It has been found that there is a need to reduce the impact or cost on household equipment. Although reducing the mass and volume of materials used in a device will always have a positive effect on the cost of the raw materials for the device, other aspects also exist. For example, innovations in transportation and packaging can be a big step towards reducing costs. Also, to achieve material cost reductions, it is necessary to challenge established conventional methods and concepts.

  One way to reduce equipment costs is to optimize the material usage of the vessel body by reducing the size of the vessel body.

  One factor is to reduce the cost of the components used in these devices. We believe that this problem is greater than just the cost of materials or components, and interrelated factors, including commercial, logistics, and environmental aspects, are present in household appliances. There is a known need to reduce the impact or cost. Reducing the mass and volume of materials used in a device will necessarily have a positive effect on the cost of the raw materials for that device. However, other aspects also exist, for example innovations in rework, transportation and packaging can be a major step in reducing costs.

  Another way to reduce equipment costs is to reduce the material costs of the control device and connector system. Typically, the equipment is required to operate at very high temperatures, rated at over 240 volts and exceeding 2 kW. For example, plastics used in control devices and connector parts are highly industrial plastics with very specific properties that meet very specific safety critical requirements. Since the cost of plastics for conventional integrated 360 ° control and connector devices typically account for up to 60% of the material costs of such control devices, efforts to reduce these costs are cost of components. There is a considerable effect on. For example, it is known that reducing the size / mass of plastic components of water heating equipment can affect how the individual components work together. The Applicant has envisioned mitigating problems that may arise, such as leakage problems, cordless connector assembly docking problems, and / or bimetal actuator interaction problems.

  In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a thermal control device for a liquid heating device is provided, the thermal control device comprising an actuator mount for mounting a bimetallic actuator and the energy, vibration and / or shaking of the bimetallic actuator. Damping means for damping and / or absorbing the bimetallic actuator, the bimetallic actuator being secured to the actuator mount by at least one securing means.

  The damping means may be provided between the bimetal actuator and the fixing means. Alternatively, the damping means may be provided between the bimetallic actuator and the actuator mount.

  The thermal control device may further include a bistable actuator operable to be driven by a bimetal actuator. A bistable actuator that can operate in this way may be pivotally attached to the main mold body of the thermal control device. The bimetal actuator may be configured to be driven by steam.

  The securing means may be configured to control and / or limit the axial movement of the bimetallic actuator. The at least one securing means may comprise at least one of a star washer, a circlip, an r-clip, a fastening member, a grommet and / or other suitable fasteners.

  The damping means may comprise an elastic element. The elastic element is from one or more of O-rings, polymer materials, elastic materials, coil springs, leaf springs, wave springs, helical springs, axial spring gaskets, washers, sheaths, bushings, grommets and / or sleeves. It may be configured.

  The fixing means and the elastic element may constitute a single part. This single piece may be composed of a flat or sheet-like material having an interconnection member between the fixing means and the elastic element. The elastic element may be provided by the interconnecting member.

  The securing means and / or the damping means may further comprise at least one axially extending channel and / or an annular wall for strengthening it or reducing its twisting or bending.

  The fixing means may form a part of the main mold. Alternatively, the fixing means may be fixed to the main mold and / or removably fixed.

  The damping means may form part of the fixing means.

  A thermal control device according to a second aspect of the present invention is provided, the thermal control device damps and / or absorbs an energy mount, a vibration and / or vibration of the bimetallic actuator, and an actuator mount for mounting the bimetallic actuator. The bimetal actuator is fixed to the actuator mount by at least one fixing means.

  In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a substantially 360 ° cordless electrical connection system for connecting a device body to a power base, the cordless electrical connection system comprising a plug connector and a corresponding socket. The plug connector further includes the above-described thermal control device.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a substantially 360 ° cordless electrical connection system for connecting a device body to a power base, the cordless electrical connection system comprising a plug connector and a corresponding socket. A plug connector, wherein the plug connector has at least one circumferentially extending electrical conductor that electrically connects to a corresponding electrical conductor of the socket connector, thereby socketing at least one circumferentially extending conductor of the plug connector. A main body having at least one annular wall, the at least one annular wall being aligned with at least one circumferentially extending electrical conductor; At least two separate entities for alignment It has to have a radial projection on.

  Each of the separate substantially radial protrusions may extend radially inward. Alternatively, each of the separate substantially radial protrusions may extend radially outward.

  The separate substantially radial protrusions may extend in a substantially vertical direction. At least one of the separate substantially radial protrusions may be adapted to receive at least one of the corresponding electrical conductors described above.

  At least one corresponding electrical conductor may be disposed within the socket connector bore. The at least two separate substantially radial protrusions may be arranged locally next to and / or near the hole inlet. The at least two separate substantially radial protrusions may not extend the entire vertical direction.

  At least two separate substantially radial protrusions are provided on the inner or inner surface of the at least one annular wall and positioned relative to the outer or outer surface of the at least one circumferentially extending electrical conductor. It may be like this. Each protrusion may be defined by a line segment or string that traverses the inner diameter of the at least one annular wall.

  At least two separate substantially radial protrusions are provided on the outer peripheral surface or outer surface of the at least one annular wall so as to be positioned relative to the inner peripheral surface or inner surface of the at least one circumferentially extending electrical conductor. It may be.

  The plug connector may have at least two concentric electrical conductors that are in electrical connection with corresponding electrical conductors in the inner and outer annular holes of the socket connector. Further, the main body has at least an outer annular wall and an inner annular wall, and the at least two separate substantially radial protrusions are the outer annular wall and / or the inner annular wall. It may be provided on one or both of the walls. Further, the inner annular wall may be disposed between the inner annular hole and the outer annular hole.

At least two separate substantially radial protrusions are provided on the outer annular wall so that the at least two separate substantially radial protrusions protrude into the outer hole. The outer circumferential surface or the outer surface of the electrical conductor extending in the outer circumferential direction may be centered and / or aligned. The outer annular wall may be a circumferential wall of the socket connector.

  At least two separate substantially radial protrusions are provided on the inner annular wall so that the at least two separate substantially radial protrusions protrude into the inner hole. In addition, it may be configured to align and / or align with the outer peripheral surface or the outer surface of the electrical conductor extending in the inner circumferential direction.

  At least two separate substantially radial protrusions are provided on the inner annular wall so that at least two separate substantially radial protrusions protrude into the outer bore. The outer circumferential surface of the electrical conductor may be aligned and / or aligned with the inner or inner surface of the electrical conductor.

  The plug connector may further include an electrical conductor substantially in the center of the plug connector to electrically connect with a corresponding electrical socket conductor in a hole substantially in the center of the socket connector. . A circumferentially extending inner electrical conductor and a circumferentially extending outer electrical conductor are disposed outside the electrical conductor substantially in the center of the plug connector, each of which is substantially in the middle of the plug connector. The radial distance from the conductor may be different.

  The at least two separate substantially radial protrusions may be spaced substantially equidistantly apart.

  Furthermore, the plug connector has at least three separate substantially radial protrusions, and during docking, at least one of the above-mentioned circumferentially extending electrical conductors is at least three separate substantially At least one of the above-described circumferentially extending electrical conductors and at least three separate substantially radial protrusions that are centered and / or aligned with respect to two of the radial protrusions A clearance may be provided between the third protrusion and the third protrusion to prevent friction between them.

  An inclined surface may be provided at the inlet of the outer annular hole to provide a guide for the outer electrical conductor extending in the circumferential direction of the plug connector. The inclined surface is provided on the outer annular wall and may have a shallow angle of less than 21 °, preferably 10.5 ° or less.

  The cordless electrical connection system may further comprise one or more additional circumferentially extending electrical conductors for transmitting electrical signals between the device and the power base.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a substantially 360 ° cordless electrical connection system for connecting a device body to a power base is provided, the cordless electrical connection system comprising a plug connector and a corresponding socket connector. And at least one of the plug connector or socket connector has at least one circumferential conductor by having at least one circumferentially extending conductor that electrically connects to a corresponding electrical conductor of the plug connector or socket connector. A directionally extending conductor is configured to be positioned relative to a main body of the socket connector or plug connector, the main body having at least one annular wall, the at least one annular wall being at least one circle Electrical conductor extending in the circumferential direction So that the at least two separate substantially radial projections for centering and / or alignment.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a substantially 360 ° cordless electrical connection system for connecting a device body to a power base, the cordless electrical connection system comprising a plug connector and a corresponding socket connector. The socket connector has a main body including at least one hole for receiving at least one corresponding electrical conductor of the plug connector, the at least one hole being provided in the power base therefrom A drainage means for draining the liquid toward the drainage hole is provided, and at least the outlet of the drainage means is not in direct contact with any part or part of the power base.

  The main body of the socket connector further has an annular lip in which the annular receiving part safely collects any liquid between the top surface of the power base and the socket connector. The annular receiving portion is provided with drainage means for draining the liquid from there toward a drainage hole provided in the power base. At least the outlet may not be in direct contact with any part or part of the power base.

  At least the outlet of each drainage means may be freely suspended in the power base.

  The main body of the socket connector may have at least two holes for receiving the corresponding electrical conductors of the plug connector, and each hole is provided with drainage means for draining liquid from the hole. May be. The main body of the socket connector may have at least three holes for receiving the corresponding electrical conductors of the plug connector, and the at least two holes may share a common drainage means.

  An integrated drainage channel may be formed by the hole drainage means and the annular receiving portion. Alternatively, the drainage means may comprise a plurality of separate drainage channels.

  The power base may further include a lower power base portion that includes means for receiving the socket connector. The socket connector may further include positioning means. The positioning means engages with the corresponding positioning means provided in the lower power base portion and positions the drainage means so as to face the drainage hole provided in the power base. .

  The lower power base portion may have an annular skirt that can serve as a dam and / or barrier to contain excess liquid and divert this liquid toward the drain hole. Further, it may be possible to discharge water easily by inclining the central portion of the lower power base and / or tapering toward the drainage hole.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a substantially 360 ° cordless electrical connection system for connecting a device body to a power base, the cordless electrical connection system comprising a plug connector and a corresponding socket connector; The socket connector has a main body including at least one hole for receiving at least one corresponding electrical conductor of the plug connector, from which the at least one hole has a drain provided in the power base. A drainage means for discharging the liquid toward the liquid hole is provided, and at least the outlet of the drainage means can be freely suspended in the power base.

  At least one of the plug connector and the socket connector of the cordless electrical connection system may be a water-resistant connector. At least one of the plug connector and socket connector may be adapted to be water resistant by sealing one or more cavities that accommodate an electrical connection to the electrical conductor.

  The plug connector of the cordless electrical connection system may further include a thermal control device for the device.

  In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising the cordless electrical connection system and / or thermal control device described above. This equipment includes kettle, thermos for heating, pot, blender, iron, water heater, coffee maker or espresso maker, juicer, smoothie maker, food processor, soup maker, sauce maker, steamer, tea maker, chocolate fountain Fondue, slow cooker, vacuum pot, milk frother, water cooler, water dispenser, pan (pan), vending machine and / or on-demand hot water equipment.

A liquid heating apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a liquid tank, a heater for heating the liquid in the liquid tank, and a spout for delivering the liquid from the liquid tank. The liquid heating device is further provided with a baffle disposed behind the spout and for suppressing or preventing spout and / or discharge of turbulent liquid from the spout during heating. And this baffle
a. A first surface for diverting turbulent liquid from the spout;
b. A second surface extending substantially around the first surface and / or at least along its lower periphery, whereby the second surface abuts the inner wall on the front side of the liquid tank. And / or a seal between them.

  The first surface further comprises at least one hole, whereby the at least one hole is a means for pouring or filling the tank and for allowing excess steam to escape from the tank during the heating process. May be provided.

  In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid heating device comprising: a liquid tank; a heater for heating the liquid in the liquid tank; and a liquid from the liquid tank. The liquid heating device is disposed behind the spout and suppresses or prevents the discharge and / or discharge of turbulent liquid from the spout during heating. And a baffle having a first surface for diverting turbulent liquid to the rear side of the tank of the liquid heating device, the first surface having at least one baffle. A hole is provided whereby the at least one hole provides a means for pouring or filling the tank and a means for allowing excess steam or steam exhaust to escape from the tank during the heating process. Like You have me.

  The baffle has a second surface extending substantially around the first surface and / or along at least the lower periphery of the first surface, whereby the second surface is It abuts against and / or seals against the inner wall of the front side of the liquid tank. Alternatively, the second surface may extend substantially around and / or along the first surface.

  The at least one hole may be arranged at a position away from the spout.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a steam valve assembly is provided that includes a valve body through which steam and / or steam can flow during normal use, the valve body comprising:
a. Closed when the above equipment lies sideways with the liquid level above the valve body,
b. It opens when the above-mentioned device is laid down with the liquid level positioned below the valve body.

  Such a steam valve assembly may be in fluid communication with the steam switch.

  A steam valve assembly for a liquid heating device according to another aspect of the present invention is disclosed, the steam valve assembly comprising at least one vent for allowing the liquid heating device to vent in its upright position. A liquid heating device laid down on one side by connecting the venting channel to at least a first and a second separate valve arranged opposite each other Sometimes the first valve closes the vent channel and the second valve closes the vent channel when the liquid heating device lies sideways.

An overflow prevention system for a liquid heating device according to another aspect of the present invention is provided, the overflow prevention system comprising:
a. A first component having at least one channel to allow ventilation of the liquid heating device when upright and when the liquid heating device is laid down on one side;
b. During normal use, the liquid heating device laid down on one side while allowing liquid to pass through the spout hole for delivery from the liquid heating device and / or for filling the liquid heating device. Sometimes it is provided with a second component having a valve element that is selectively operable to prevent liquid flow.

  The first component and the second component may be separate components. Alternatively, the subassembly may be formed by integrating and / or assembling the first component and the second component.

  The second components may be connected to each other pivotably and / or using a hinge.

  As is apparent from the description herein, each embodiment described in this patent application may itself be considered a separate invention for a particular device and / or a different device, or It may be used in combination with at least one other embodiment.

In the following, a detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention will be given by way of example only with reference to the drawings.

It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the cordless liquid heating apparatus concerning one embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the conventional liquid heating apparatus with which a user operates the safety function for overflow prevention. 1 is an isometric sectional view schematically showing a device provided with a steam valve assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention, cut along an AA plane. FIG. FIG. 14 is an isometric view showing an exploded state of the steam valve assembly described in FIG. 13 ywh. FIG. 14 is a schematic view of the steam valve assembly shown in FIG. 13ywh in an upward position, cut along the plane BB. FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing the steam valve assembly shown in FIG. 13ywh in a downward-facing position, cut along the plane BB. It is a schematic front view which shows the apparatus for cordless liquid heating as described in FIG. 13ywh lying down in a different direction. It is a schematic front view which shows the apparatus for cordless liquid heating as described in FIG. 13ywh lying down in a different direction. It is a schematic front view which shows the apparatus for cordless liquid heating as described in FIG. 13ywh lying down in a different direction. It is a schematic front view which shows the cross section of the apparatus for a cordless liquid heating as described in FIG. 13ywh lying down in a different direction. 14 is a schematic cross-section showing the steam valve assembly in the position described in FIG. 13ywl, showing the position of the valve. FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-section showing the steam valve assembly in the position shown in FIG. 13ywn showing the position of the valve. FIG. 13 is a schematic view of the steam valve assembly in the position described in FIG. 13 ywp, showing the position of the valve. FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-section showing the steam valve assembly in the position described in FIG. 13ywr, showing the position of the valve. FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing an embodiment of the cordless liquid heating apparatus of ywh. FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view showing the cordless liquid heating device of FIG. 13ywh showing the angular position of the steam valve assembly. FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view showing the cordless liquid heating device of FIG. 13ywh showing the angular position of the steam valve assembly. FIG. 2 is an isometric cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a cordless liquid heating device taken along the plane AA, showing an embodiment of a steam valve assembly. FIG. 14 is an isometric view showing an exploded state of the steam valve assembly shown in FIG. 13 yww. FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view illustrating a part of the cordless liquid heating apparatus in the upright normal position illustrated in FIG. 13 yww. It is a perspective view which shows the decomposition | disassembly state of 1st Embodiment of an overflow prevention assembly. It is a perspective view which shows the assembly state of 1st Embodiment of the overflow prevention assembly. It is a rear view which shows the decomposition | disassembly state of the overflow prevention assembly as described in FIG. 13yxa and FIG. 13yxb. It is a front view which shows the overflow prevention assembly as described in FIG. 13yxa and FIG. 13yxb. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the apparatus for a cordless liquid heating provided with the pressure removal and the pressure equalization means of FIG. 13yxa-FIG. 13yxd which are lying down in a certain direction. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the apparatus for a cordless liquid heating provided with the pressure removal and pressure equalization means of FIG. 13yxa-FIG. 13yxd which are lying down in another direction. FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view showing a device provided with a modification of the pressure removal / pressure equalization means described in FIG. 13yxe and FIG. 13yxf. FIG. 14 is a schematic front view showing the device according to FIG. 13yxg, showing a state of falling (turned over) and in contact with the spout facing downward and / or the spout facing downward; . It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the cordless liquid heating apparatus provided with the pressure removal and pressure equalization means of FIG. 13yxg and FIG. 13yxj which are lying down in a certain direction. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the cordless liquid heating apparatus provided with the pressure removal and pressure equalization means of FIG. 13yxg and FIG. 13yxj which are lying down in another direction. FIG. 14 is a cutaway view of the cordless liquid heating device in an upright normal position that does not include the overflow prevention assembly described in FIGS. 13yxa to 13yxd. FIG. 14 is a cutaway view of the cordless liquid heating device in the upright normal position with the overflow prevention assembly of FIGS. 13yxa-13yxd showing the overflow prevention assembly in a closed position. FIG. 14 is a cutaway view of the cordless liquid heating device in an upright normal position with the overflow prevention assembly of FIGS. 13yxa-13yxd showing the overflow prevention assembly in an open position. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the overflow prevention assembly of the apparatus for cordless liquid heating in the upright normal position which shows the overflow prevention assembly before an assembly. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an overflow prevention assembly of a cordless liquid heating device in an upright normal position, showing the overflow prevention assembly in a closed position. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the overflow prevention assembly of the cordless liquid heating apparatus in the upright normal position, showing the overflow prevention assembly in the open position. It is a perspective view which shows the decomposition | disassembly state of 2nd Embodiment of an overflow prevention assembly. It is a perspective view which shows the assembly state of 2nd Embodiment of an overflow prevention assembly. It is a perspective view which shows the front of the overflow prevention assembly as described in FIG. 13yxs and FIG. 13yxt. FIG. 14 is a front view showing the overflow preventing assembly described in FIGS. 13yxs to 13yxu. FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a cordless liquid heating apparatus including an overflow prevention assembly in the closed position illustrated in FIGS. 13yxs to 13yxw. FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cordless liquid heating apparatus including an overflow preventing assembly in the open position described in FIGS. 13yxs to 13yxw. It is a perspective view which shows the decomposition | disassembly state of 3rd Embodiment of an overflow prevention assembly. It is a perspective view which shows the assembly state of 3rd Embodiment of an overflow prevention assembly. FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a cordless liquid heating apparatus including an overflow prevention assembly in the closed position illustrated in FIGS. 13yya and 13yyb. FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cordless liquid heating apparatus equipped with an overflow preventing assembly in the open position described in FIGS. 13yya and 13yyb. A cordless liquid lying in a certain direction with the overflow prevention means described in FIGS. 13yxa to 13yye and the steam valve assembly described in FIGS. 13ywh to 13ywy, with the spout 7 facing upward It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows embodiment with the apparatus for a heating. Cordless lying in another orientation with overflow prevention means described in FIGS. 13yxa-13yye and a steam valve assembly described in FIGS. 13ywh-13ywy with spout 7 facing upward It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows embodiment with the apparatus for liquid heating. FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing a cordless liquid heating device in an upright position including the overflow preventing means described in FIGS. 13yxa to 13yxd and the steam valve assembly described in 13ywh to 13yws. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the apparatus provided with the overflow prevention assembly and steam valve assembly concerning other embodiment of this invention. FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 13yyh showing the overflow prevention assembly in an open position. Isometric view showing the apparatus of FIGS. 13yyh and 13yyi with a steam valve assembly in an upright normal position and with the non-essential components of the lid removed for illustration, clarity and explanation. It is. FIG. 14 is a detail view of FIG. 13yyi, where the internal configuration of the steam valve assembly is indicated by a gray line. FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing the device shown in FIGS. 13yyh to 13yyk lying down in a certain direction. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the apparatus of FIG. 13yyh-FIG. 13yyk which is lying down in another direction. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the apparatus of FIG. 13yyh-FIG. 13yyk which is lying down in another direction. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the apparatus of FIG. 13yyh-FIG. 13yyk which is lying down in another direction. It is sectional drawing which shows the conventional apparatus for liquid heating with which a turbulent flow management apparatus is provided and the head space is reduced. It is sectional drawing which shows the apparatus for liquid heating concerning 1st Embodiment which is equipped with a turbulent flow management apparatus and the head space is reduced. It is an isometric view showing the front of the baffle. FIG. 50 is a schematic cutaway view showing a region of the baffle described in FIG. 49zo. It is the schematic which shows the baffle of FIG. 49zo piled up before the spout 7 of the apparatus for liquid heating concerning 1st Embodiment. FIG. 49 shows an embodiment with the baffle described in FIG. 49zqa. It is the schematic which shows the cross section of the apparatus for liquid heating concerning 1st Embodiment provided with the baffle as described in FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows in detail the baffle of the apparatus for liquid heating of FIG. 49zo in a pouring position. FIG. 50 is a cutaway view showing a liquid heating apparatus with a reduced head space before assembly, not including the baffle described in FIG. 49zo. FIG. 50 is a cutaway view showing a liquid heating device including a baffle described in FIG. 49zo and having a reduced head space after assembly. It is a perspective view which shows the back surface of the baffle and apparatus filter before an assembly. It is a perspective view which shows the back surface of the baffle and apparatus filter after an assembly. FIG. 50 is a cutaway view showing a liquid heating device including the baffle and the device filter described in FIG. 49zo and having a reduced head space after assembly. FIG. 6 is a schematic cutaway view showing another embodiment of a baffle in a pouring position. It is the schematic which shows one of three steps at the time of inserting and fixing a steam tube in a steam cap. It is the schematic which shows one of three steps at the time of inserting and fixing a steam tube in a steam cap. It is the schematic which shows one of three steps at the time of inserting and fixing a steam tube in a steam cap. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows embodiment with the steam path mold molded object provided in the lid | cover. FIG. 6 is an isometric cut-away view schematically illustrating an embodiment of a liquid heating device with a reduced head space, including a pre-assembled baffle. FIG. 50 is a schematic cut-away view showing the side of a liquid heating device with a reduced head space, including the baffle described in FIG. 49zzc before assembly. FIG. 50 is an isometric cut-away view schematically illustrating a liquid heating device with a reduced head space, comprising the baffle of FIG. 49zzc in a first assembly stage. FIG. 50 is a schematic cut-away view showing the side of a liquid heating device with a reduced head space comprising the baffle of FIG. 49zze in a first assembly stage. FIG. 50 is an isometric cut-away view schematically illustrating a liquid heating device with a reduced head space comprising the baffle of FIG. 49zzc in a final assembly stage. FIG. 50 is a schematic cut-away view showing the side of a liquid heating device with a reduced head space comprising the baffle of FIG. 49zzg in a final assembly stage. It is an isometric view showing an integrated control device 520 provided with a cordless plug connector for a cordless socket connector according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from below. 1 is an isometric view showing a cordless socket connector according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above. FIG. FIG. 54 is an isometric view showing in detail the cordless socket connector of FIG. 53mkb. FIG. 54 is a schematic plan view showing the cordless socket connector shown in FIG. 53mkc. FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic plan view showing a conventional socket connector, showing a gap width Ga and showing that the gap width is constant with respect to the diameter of the conventional socket connector. FIG. 54 is an enlarged schematic plan view showing the socket connector shown in FIGS. 53mkb to 53mkbd, showing the same gap width Ga required only for the region of the protrusion. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the cordless plug connector and cordless socket connector of FIG. 53mka and FIG. 53mkb concerning embodiment of this invention before docking. FIG. 54 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cordless plug connector and cordless socket connector described in FIGS. 53mka and 53mkb according to an embodiment of the present invention during docking. FIG. 54 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cordless plug connector and cordless socket connector described in FIGS. 53mka and 53mkb according to an embodiment of the present invention during docking. FIG. 54 is a schematic sectional view showing the cordless plug connector and the cordless socket connector shown in FIGS. 53mka and 53mkb according to the embodiment of the present invention after docking. FIG. 54 is a schematic plan view showing docking of the plug connector with the socket connector shown in FIGS. 53mkb to 53mkd and 53mkf to 53mkj according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing a further embodiment of a socket connector. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing a further embodiment of a socket connector. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing a further embodiment of a socket connector. FIG. 6 is an isometric cross-sectional view showing an exploded state of a conventional integrated control device with non-essential components removed for convenience of explanation. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a star washer. FIG. 6 is an isometric view showing another star washer. FIG. 54 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the integrated control device shown in FIG. 53qczoo in the operation stage. FIG. 54 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the integrated control device shown in FIG. 53qczoo in the operation stage. FIG. 54 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the integrated control device shown in FIG. 53qczoo in the operation stage. FIG. 54 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the integrated control device of FIG. 53qczoa with improved damping means according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is an isometric view showing a state before formation of a modified example of the improved damping means. It is an isometric view showing a state after formation of a modified example of the improved damping means. FIG. 54 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the integrated control device described in FIG. 53qczoa with the improved damping means described in FIGS. 53qczoh and 53qczoi. It is an isometric view showing a disassembled state of a cordless socket connector and a lower power base according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 53 is an isometric sectional view showing the assembly of the cordless connector described in FIG. 53qczzl and the lower power base provided with a molded body of a base cover. FIG. 53 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a structure in which a molded body of a base cover is provided in the assembly of the cordless connector and the lower power base described in FIG.

  The following description discloses inventions that, not only independently or in combination, affect the configuration of very specific equipment, but can also be used with other household and commercial equipment.

  Embodiments are described in separate chapters of this specification, each chapter containing a concise introduction to a particular issue.

  At least some of the embodiments are improvements to the applicant's previously filed and / or co-filed applications, and appropriate patent numbers are provided to reference specific cases. Of these referenced patent applications, the contents relevant to this case are described and incorporated herein by reference.

  In order to avoid duplication of background art, each of the above aspects that may be associated with a particular disclosure should be considered when referring to price reductions, material cost reductions, size reductions, and the like.

  In the description, specification and claims of the present invention, for example, “reducing size” as described in the present invention is a potential reduction, for example how to use the material compared to conventional design and / or assembly methods. Is also included. The term “reducing size” is not intended to be limiting.

  In the description, description and claims of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, upward and downward directions refer to the orientation of the vessel when placed upright on a horizontal plane. In general, the axial direction generally refers to a substantially vertical axis of the vessel (normally vertical axis of the vessel). The radial direction refers to a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction, but does not necessarily suggest that the vessel is cylindrical.

  In the description of the present invention, the specification and the claims, unless otherwise specified, a female connector or a female connection part having a live electrical part is hereinafter referred to as a socket, A male connector or male connecting part that is inserted into a socket is hereinafter referred to as a plug.

  In the following description, parts having similar functions in different embodiments are given the same reference numerals. The drawings are schematic and dimensions and angles cannot be determined accurately from these drawings unless otherwise specified.

  In the following description, a combination of measures that have an advantageous effect on cost and price in all aspects is disclosed.

  In at least some embodiments, the reference numbers of FIG. 1 may be described to rely on or refer to components of FIG.

  In the description of the invention, the description and the claims, the terms apparatus, system, means, unit, mechanism and device shall have equivalent meanings unless expressly stated otherwise.

  In the description, specification and claims of the present invention, unless otherwise stated, the term lead for supplying power to the power base 2 or the cordless liquid heating device 1 is referred to as the term cord 13 and cable 336. May be used. Each of these terms shall have a similar or equivalent meaning.

  In the description of the invention, the description and the claims, the terms liquid and water shall have equivalent meanings unless expressly stated otherwise.

  In the description, specification and claims of this invention, the terms kettle, safety kettle, equipment, vessel and tank shall have equivalent meanings unless otherwise stated.

  In the description, specification and claims of this invention, unless otherwise stated, the terms equipment and equipment proper refer to the device and / or equipment itself, for example, a kettle, milk frother, It means a blender and / or a mixer. If the device is cordless and a portion of the device is separable from the power base, for example during filling and / or pouring, device proper means a portion separable from the power base.

  In the description, specification and claims of this invention, the terms waterproof, washable, washable and soakable shall have equivalent meanings unless otherwise stated. In addition, the term water may include, for example, other liquid types and / or aerated liquids such as foamy liquids or soap bubbles.

  In the description, description and claims of this invention, unless otherwise stated, the term waterproof cordless connector and / or waterproof component means that the cordless connector and / or component itself is waterproof. That is, preventing or suppressing the inflow or passage of water into the cordless connector and / or component.

  In the description of the invention, the specification, and the claims, the terms part and part shall have equivalent meanings unless expressly stated otherwise.

  In the description of the present invention, the specification, and the claims, unless otherwise specified, the terms individual contact, contact portion, and contact area have an equivalent meaning in the description of electrical connections.

  In the description, specification and claims of this invention, unless otherwise stated, kettles, safety kettles, equipment and vessels are tanks that do not require separate tanks, such as filtration tanks or delivery tanks. Can function as.

  In the description of the present invention, the specification, and the claims, unless otherwise specified, the upward direction and the downward direction indicate the direction of the vessel when placed upright on a horizontal plane. The axial direction generally refers to the generally vertical axis of the vessel. The radial direction refers to a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction, but does not necessarily suggest that the vessel is cylindrical.

  In the description of the present invention, specification and claims, unless otherwise specified, a female connector or a female connection part having a live electrical part is hereinafter referred to as a socket, A male connector or male connecting part that is inserted into a socket is hereinafter referred to as a plug.

  In the description, specification and claims of this invention, the terms steam chamber and steam valve assembly may have equivalent meanings unless otherwise stated. The steam chamber and steam valve assembly may be provided, for example, in a lid, tank, steam tube or handle to form part of the vessel. Alternatively, the steam chamber and steam valve assembly may be fixedly or detachably attached to a portion of the vessel, such as a lid, tank, steam tube, handle, or the like.

  In the description of the present invention, the specification, and the claims, the terms heat transfer plate and heat diffusion plate have an equivalent meaning in the explanation of a part of the heating element unless otherwise specified.

  In the description of the present invention, the specification and the claims, unless otherwise specified, in the description of a part of the vessel body, the terms “opening” and “aperture” shall have an equivalent meaning.

  In the description of the invention, the description and the claims, the terms over center and bistab 1e have equivalent meanings in the description of the trip lever and / or control device, unless otherwise specified. Shall.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows a jug kettle 1e equipped with a mechanical actuator as an example of a liquid heating apparatus to which an embodiment of the present invention can be applied. In this example, the jug kettle is a cordless electric pot, and includes a vessel body 1 and a power base 2. The vessel main body 1 and the power base 2 have a main body cordless connector 3 and a base cordless connector 4, respectively. These are described in, for example, International Publication No. WO94 / 06285, which is the patent publication of the applicant of the present application, and by Otter Controls Corporation, for example, CS4 / CS7 series (power base socket) and Al, CP7 or CP8 (equipment plug ) 360 ° cordless connector of the type sold under the name. The power base 2 can be connected to a power outlet (not shown) by a power cord 13. Each of the vessel 1, the power base 2, the cordless plug connector 3 and / or the cordless socket connector 4 is provided with an emitter, a detector 31, a light transmissive annular seal 21 and / or a light transmissive annular ring 41. It may be.

  For example, the pitcher kettle may include an electromechanical control device 60. Here, the electromechanical control device 60 is the applicant's own Al series integrated 360 ° control device or electronic control device 15. The electromechanical control device 60 may include an integrated steam switch 73, or alternatively, a separate steam switch 73a may be provided in the handle 9, for example. The liquid heating device may be provided with a switch actuator 305 or 305a. The switch actuator 305 or 305a interacts with the control device 60 using, for example, a known over-center trip lever mechanism (not shown in FIG. 1) to switch the operation state of the device. Instead, the electronic control device 15 may use another user interface 11. Either one or both of the electronic control device 15 and / or the user interface 11 may be arranged on one or both of the vessel 1 and / or the power base 2.

  The vessel body 1 includes a tank 5 for storing a liquid to be heated, a lid 8, a spout 7, a handle 9, and a base section 6 having a sub-base portion 19. The sub base portion 19 forms the bottom surface of the vessel body 1. The spout 7 may provide primary aeration and / or pressure equalization. The spout 7 may further include a spout filter 740 having a screen mesh 659. The vessel body 1 is further provided with a baffle 730 at a position behind the spout 7 as described in the applicant's own GB Patent Application Publication GB-A-2484571. Meanwhile, the discharge or discharge of water from the spout may be reduced or suppressed.

  The cordless plug connector 3 may be a waterproof or washable cordless plug connector 3 that is sealed directly and / or indirectly into the device 1 through the sub-base 19 using the seal 21. However, a sealed area and / or a waterproof compartment 6 may be provided in the device 1. In the sealed area and / or in the waterproof compartment 6, for example electrical components such as heating elements, mechanical or electronic control devices, NTC, agitators, mixers, blenders, sensors, RCDs, motors, rechargeable or non-rechargeable power supplies By accommodating the lift-off switch-off mechanism, the wiring harness, and the like, the device can be washed in a dish washer or immersed in water for washing. This is described in the applicant's own international publication WO-A1-2008 / 012506. In this case, the waterproof compartment 6 containing the internal components does not need to be further filled and / or partially filled with a sealant or filling material to make the device waterproof or washable. Also good.

  The lid 8 may be openable and closable using a user actuator, and may be fixed to the vessel by a hinge, a latch, or other means. The lid 8 may be configured to form a tightly sealed state between the lid 8 and the vessel so that the lid stays in place when the device falls and does not leak liquid.

  The vessel 1 further includes overflow prevention means such as 149 and 640 in the area of the spout 7 and / or the steam inlet as described in the applicant's own international publication WO-A2-2011 / 101642. Thus, the leakage may be reduced or eliminated when the device is accidentally overturned or overturned.

  A steam tube 70 and a steam cap 101 may be provided. The steam tube communicates from the region above the water level 225 to the steam switch 73 or 73a. The steam tube may be formed, for example, as part of the handle 9, may be formed as part of the tank wall 5, or may be formed as a separate tube, as illustrated. If the steam tube passes through the heating element, a suitable seal 584 and a further steam guide 599 may be provided. The vessel body 1 may have any shape, and may be formed of, for example, plastic, metal, glass, or ceramic. The vessel body may be made to have a single wall as illustrated, or alternatively, by making it a double wall, for example, the vessel is well insulated against heat loss, or The wall may feel cold when touched.

  The liquid is heated by the element plate 12, which can form the base of the tank 5. The tank 5 of the device 1 may be provided with a water level mark and / or other functions that indicate the state of the device 1. The element plate 12 includes heating means and is connected to receive power via the cordless connector 3. The heating means may be configured as a film element 39 as illustrated, or a thick film element, an inductive element and / or a die cast element. A heat transfer means 410 is provided and the element plate 12 may consist of stainless steel and / or other suitable substrate. As shown, the element plate 12 is encapsulated in the vessel body 1 using the Easyfix (registered trademark) seal structure described in International Publication No. WO-A-99 / 17645. Or other sealing means such as gluing, welding or clamping may be used. The element plate 12 may be supported in the vessel 1 by a detachable annular support member 401. In addition, the element sealing system may further include an intermediate flange 438 between the element plate 12 and the vessel 1.

  Each of the components described above or below may be provided as separate and / or different entities that are secured in the device 1 as part of the assembly procedure.

  At least a part of the embodiments of the present invention can be applied to a liquid heating vessel in which a heating element is immersed in water instead of providing a heating element on the bottom surface of the vessel.

  At least a part of the embodiments of the present invention is applicable to a liquid heating vessel that can be directly connected by a power cord instead of a cordless connector.

  At least some of the embodiments of the present invention include a kettle or heating thermos and pot, blender, iron, water heater, coffee and espresso maker, juicer, smoothie maker, bread (pan), soup maker, sauce maker, steamer, tea Manufacturer, chocolate fountain, fondue, slow cooker, food processor, blender, vacuum pot, milk frother, refrigerator, water cooler, water dispenser, on-demand hot water supply appliance, vending machine, and / or slot-in appliance It is applicable to. Needless to say, the above list is not exhaustive.

  At least a part of the embodiments of the present invention is applicable to non-electric appliances for storing hot water, such as a pan (pan), a container that can be used in a microwave oven, and the like.

  At least some of the embodiments of the present invention are applicable to extreme humidity outdoor applications or areas.

  In the description, specification and claims of this invention, the terms liquid and water shall have equivalent meanings unless expressly stated otherwise.

In the case of an electrical apparatus for liquid heating of a vessel overflow prevention system liquid, there is a risk that the electrical apparatus will be accidentally turned over or tripped and the hot water will leak. Since this liquid is in a boiled state or in a situation close to it, spilling out in this way can cause serious burns to the user or a nearby person.

  There is also a need to save energy by reducing or eliminating the spilling of hot water so that it is not wasted.

Many proposals have been made in the prior art for reducing or suppressing such spillage. These solutions generally fall into one of three types that require user manipulation and / or moving parts:
i) Manual type, for example, where liquid can be poured only when the valve is manually opened: see eg FIGS. 13a to 13f of WO-A-2011 / 101642. A valve is incorporated in an actuator that is operated by a user.
ii) Automatic type that can pour liquid only when the device is in a specific orientation using one or more parts that move with the orientation of the device, for example by gravity: eg WO-A-2011-101642 FIGS. 15a to 21b illustrate a gravity biased valve having a pendulum configuration pivotably mounted on a vertical axis and supported by a pendulum support member. When the device is upright or tilted forward toward the spout 7, the pendulum is acted upon by the springs on both sides so that the pendulum 159 is centered. The pendulum 159 is in equilibrium because the force of these springs is sufficient to overcome any friction between the pendulum and the pendulum support member 154. When the device is tilted towards the spout when pouring, the central recess of the pendulum causes liquid to flow through the hole into the lid chamber 71 and then into the spout through the hole. It becomes possible.
iii) Inertia type in which the valve reacts sensitively to impact and / or rapid deceleration: for example, in FIGS. 14a to 14d of WO-A-2011 / 101642, the valve seat is a spout on the bottom wall of the lid It has an inner protrusion located near the side, which allows the conical valve to slide upward and close the hole when the device is tilted forward when pouring. It is exemplified that it is prevented from being lost. However, when the device suddenly falls forward, the valve jumps over the inner protrusion and seals between the lid upper seal surface. When the device falls sideways or backwards, the valve member does not engage with the inner protrusion and seals between the upper seal surface of the lid and closes the hole.

  Very often, measures to make equipment safe make it difficult to use.

  Most advanced technologies are aimed at household water heaters. In the following description, a household water heater is referred to as a safety kettle.

  One of the problems with kettles is to remove pressure and / or vent air from the equipment during normal use (filling, pouring, heating and cooling cycles) and in abnormal conditions such as when the equipment falls. There is a need to provide. Generally speaking, the kettle spout serves as the primary pressure relief and vent for steam and also serves to accommodate expansion and contraction. For example, if the spout is sealed or partially sealed to prevent spillage, another primary venting means will usually be provided.

  Another requirement for safety kettle ventilation, for example, is that there is a need to allow water to flow freely out of the tank by equalizing the pressure between the tank and the atmosphere.

  In the case of a kettle that incorporates a temperature controller (eg, a steam switch) that is mounted away from the tank, the steam tube may be in communication between the tank and the steam switch, and the steam tube It may be adapted to provide secondary ventilation and / or pressure equalization for the device.

  In safety kettles, primary or secondary vents may be blocked by an overflow prevention mechanism, and in addition to or instead of primary or secondary vents due to excessive water pressure. There is also a possibility that a typical ventilation means will release hot water.

  In the case of a cordless kettle, even after the kettle is overturned, boiling may continue for a while due to the temperature difference between the heating element and water. There is a risk that the pressure will rise to a certain extent.

  For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008/212315 discloses a manual type safety kettle provided with a separate vent outlet for steam. In the safety kettle test marketed in Japan, and based on the contents of the patent application disclosed there, when the safety kettle lays down, boiling water erupts vigorously from the vent outlet .

  In addition, because the steam pressure caused hot water to flow through the steam tube and into the handle and / or subbase, it became hot when the user tried to pick up the device after it had fallen down There is a risk of accidental contact with surfaces and / or liquids. In addition, there is a risk of excessive water contact with electrical components that can be accommodated in the handle and / or sub-base.

  However, according to GB-A-2272629, for example, when the liquid heating vessel is completely closed by an interlock or a valve, the steam pressure rises inside the vessel and explodes. There is also a risk of doing so.

  Another problem addressed in the safety kettle is that there is a need to allow easy filling and / or pouring.

  International Publication WO-A-2011 / 101642 by the present applicant discloses a plurality of means for overcoming the above-mentioned problems. These multiple means allow the user to pour from a safety kettle without having to operate himself and also provide primary and / or secondary venting means to prevent overflow Commercial systems based on mobile pendulum structures are included.

  Obviously, these automated structures do not necessarily meet local marketing requirements. For example, an operation by a user may be considered beneficial rather than considered to be adversely affected. However, there is a need to add improvements to the user operating structure that provide overflow prevention means in the initial position as well as providing primary venting means.

  International Publication WO-A-2012 / 110925 by the present applicant discloses means for overcoming the problem of preventing overflow. According to this means, after falling down, the device is stationary with the spout facing upward. However, there is still a need to prevent and / or suppress liquid from spilling out of the spout / sometimes when the device falls forward before the device lies down and rests. In addition, a steam tube is generally present at the rear of the device, so that liquid will flow into the steam tube even if the device is stationary with the spout facing up. There is a need to prevent this.

  Each of the following embodiments identified with reference to the drawings may be used independently of or together with other embodiments to provide a solution to the above-described problem. Good. The inventors have illustrated an embodiment comprising a plurality of configurations combined in this way.

  It is clear that the full range of embodiments and combinations thereof are extensive. Needless to say, however, those skilled in the art who have read the description of this specification will be able to deal with the specific problems of individual electrical devices by combining the solutions of these embodiments. Included within the scope of the invention.

  Traditionally, overflow prevention means have been used in portable electric water heaters such as kettles or thermos and pots. Further examples of equipment may include equipment that requires some form to prevent hot water from overflowing. In this case, the embodiment of the safety kettle described below can be applied to any liquid heating device that is spilled and / or kicked down. Examples of additional equipment may include non-electrical equipment for containing hot water such as a pan and a container that can be used in a microwave oven. Therefore, the food or liquid can be heated while being safely ventilated during or immediately after cooking. During normal use, the pressure can be prevented from excessively rising and / or spilling, and excessive leakage can be prevented when the container is dropped or turned over.

  It is known that vessels that heat water require an overhead space or overhead space 222 above the water level to cope with turbulence and / or expansion that can occur when the water boils. In the figure to be described later, the water level 225d is the maximum surface level of the water heating device equipped with the steam drive control device, and the volume equivalent to that is when the device 1 is in the overturned position (the overturned position). Is used to schematically describe the water level. Each of the embodiments for preventing overflow is described with reference to the water level 225d, but this level 225d is not limiting, and different configurations may be defined for devices having different maximum water levels. .

  In the following description, parts having similar functions in different embodiments are given the same reference numerals. The drawings are schematic and dimensions and angles cannot be accurately determined from these drawings unless otherwise specified.

  In the following, embodiments are described using reference numerals corresponding to the reference numbers in FIG.

  FIG. 9a illustrates a conventional safety kettle described in International Publication No. WO-A-2011 / 101642. In this safety kettle, the lid 8 is provided with a lid chamber 71. The floor of the lid chamber 71 has a lid lower surface 66. The lid 8 is detachably sealed with a tank seal 64 between the upper end of the tank 5. The lid 8 with the lid chamber 71 can be removed from the tank 5 to allow the tank 5 to be filled or cleaned. Alternatively or additionally, the lid 8 may be attached to the vessel body 1 by a hinge.

  The lid chamber 71 serves as a passage for the liquid from the tank 5, and the liquid from the tank 5 flows into the lid chamber 71 through the hole 86 in the lid lower side surface 66 and then from the lid chamber 71 to the spout. 7 may be poured through.

  In each embodiment, the vessel body may have an outer wall 61 provided at a distance from the inner wall 62. The inner wall 62 forms the wall of the tank 5. For example, as described and claimed in British Patent Publication GB-B-2365552 and Chinese Application Publication CN-C-1239116, which are patents granted to the present applicant, It passes through the space between 62 and the outer wall 61. The steam tube may be adapted to serve as a second vent as previously described.

  The liquid flow through the hole 86 is adjusted by at least one mechanical flow management means 80 to prevent leakage of liquid from the tank 5 when the vessel body 1 falls. . This mechanical flow management means may have a user actuator 75 or may be automatic.

  As described, the overflow prevention means of FIG. 9a is arranged in a lid, but WO-A-2011 / 101642 describes such a system as a tank and / or Or explicitly disclosed for use in other parts of equipment including spouts.

  U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,266 discloses an overflow prevention mechanism for a vessel containing liquid. In this overflow prevention mechanism, the flap is closed by hydrostatic pressure to seal the opening, and is magnetically locked in the closed position (1 atch) until it is manually opened.

Steam chamber / steam valve assembly structure to prevent liquid from entering the steam chamber and / or steam tube As previously described, the description, specification and claims of the present invention are particularly clarified. Unless otherwise, the terms steam chamber and steam valve assembly may have equivalent meaning, but for the sake of brevity these will be referred to as a steam valve assembly in the following description.

  As shown, the steam valve assembly 640vi may be removably attached to the steam tube as part of a steam path from the tank 5 to the instrument control device, eg, the steam sensor 73, or steam. It may be formed as a part of the tube. However, in further embodiments, the steam valve assembly 640vi is removably attached to other parts of the vessel that form part of the steam path, such as a lid, tank, steam chamber, or handle. Or it may be formed as part of it.

  For convenience and clarity, non-essential components are omitted from the figure.

  FIGS. 13ywh to 13yws illustrate a first embodiment of the steam valve assembly 640vi, in which the steam access and secondary when the device 1c is in an upright or pouring position. However, when the device 1c is lying on its side, the inflow of liquid into the steam tube 70 is prevented.

  FIG. 13ywh shows the device 1c cut along the center plane AA, where the device 1c is placed in an upright position, and the steam valve assembly 640vi can be fixed to or removed from the end of the steam tube 70. FIG. As shown, the steam valve assembly 640vi is offset from the center plane AA of the instrument 1c and has an angle of about 90 ° with respect to the center plane AA towards the outer periphery of the vessel 1c. Although it is preferable to arrange | position, it is not limited to it. More preferably, the steam valve assembly 640vi is disposed downward at an angle toward the central axis of the device 1c so that the steam valve assembly 640vi is always open when the device 1c is in the upright position. The range of angles at which the steam valve assembly 640vi can be disposed downward toward the central axis of the device 1c is in the range of 15 ° to 75 ° with respect to the horizontal axis of the device 1c. Preferably, the angle may be 45 °.

  13ywi is an isometric view showing an exploded state of the steam valve assembly 640vi, and FIG. 13ywj is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the steam valve assembly 640vi in an upright position cut along the center plane BB and partly cut away. 13ywk is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the steam valve assembly 640vi in the fall position cut along the center plane BB and partially cut away. Hereinafter, these figures will be described in more detail.

  As shown, the steam valve assembly 640 vi includes a chamber 640 that can be formed as part of the main body 637 and a cover 638. The chamber 640 may have at least one channel 682d for receiving the valve body 159a. The valve body 159a is movable in the channel 682d.

  A first hole 160 is provided in a side surface of the chamber 640 so that the tank 5 is in fluid communication with the channel 682d. A second hole 92 is provided in the other side of the chamber 640 and the tank 5 is in fluid communication with the steam tube 70 via the channel 682d of the steam valve assembly 640vi by fluidly communicating the channel 682d with the steam tube 70. It is like that. As shown, the holes 92, 160 are located on either side of the channel 682d, but in other embodiments, these holes 92, 160 may be on the same side of the chamber 640, for example. In other embodiments, at least one hole 92, 160 may be disposed in the end wall of the chamber 640.

  As shown in the figure, since the valve body 159a is circular and its side surface is flat, the valve body 159a can be easily moved / rotated along the channel 682d according to gravity, and the fall position The side surface of the valve body 159a can close at least one of the holes 92 and 162.

  Further, as shown in the figure, since the holes 92 and 160 are arranged on substantially the same axis, the valve body 159 is engaged with one or both of the holes 92 and 160 in the overturned position. It may be closed. In further embodiments, the holes 92, 160 may be offset or coplanar. Further, any shape / form of the valve body 159a and how the valve body 159a contacts, fits or closes the holes 92, 160 may be used. In still further embodiments, it goes without saying that the valve body 159a is an interengaging member that is provided in the holes 92, 160 to ensure an effective seal between the valve body 159a and the holes 92, 160. To cooperate, it may be rectangular, square, oval or spherical, for example.

  As shown, the steam valve assembly 640vi may be connected to the steam tube 70 via a steam guide 599, but in a further embodiment, the steam valve assembly 640vi is directly connected to the steam tube 70. May be connected, or may be attached to or form part of another part of the vessel, such as a lid, tank, steam chamber or handle, as previously described Also good.

  When the device 1c is in the upright position as described in FIG. 13ywj, the steam valve assembly 640vi is directed to the first downward position as indicated by the arrow and the valve body 159a is stationary at the lower end of the channel 682d. Thereby, both holes 92 and 160 are opened, allowing the tank 5 to be in fluid communication with the steam tube 70. In the following description, any described steam valve assembly 640vi is considered to be open when it is in a downward position.

  When the device 1c is in the overturned position as shown in FIG. 13ywk, the steam valve assembly 640vi is oriented in the upward position indicated by arrow B, in which the valve body 159a moves to the other end of the channel 682d. As a result, at least one of the holes 92, 160 is closed and the tank 5 is cut from the steam tube 70. In the following description, when the described steam valve assembly 640vi is in the upward position, it is considered to be in a closed state.

  13ywl, FIG. 13ywn, FIG. 13ywp, and FIG. 13ywr are schematic front views showing the device 1c of FIG. 13ywh laid down in four different directions. In FIG. 13ywl and FIG. 13ywp, the spout 7 is upward, and in FIG. 13ywn and FIG. 13ywr, the spout 7 is downward.

  13ywm, FIG. 13ywo, FIG. 13ywq, and FIG. 13yws are schematic sectional views of the steam valve assembly 640vi in the respective positions of FIG. 13ywl, FIG. 13ywn, FIG. 13ywp, and FIG. .

  As shown in the first overturned position described in FIGS. 13ywl and 13ywm, the spout 7 is directed to the upper left and the steam valve assembly 640vi is above the water level 225d. In this case, no liquid will flow into the steam valve assembly 640vi. The valve assembly 640vi is in a first downward position, in which the valve body 159 is stationary at a distance from both holes 92, 160 in the channel 682d. Also in this position, the steam valve assembly 640vi can safely release excess steam pressure from the tank 5.

  As shown, in the second fall position described in FIGS. 13ywn and 13ywo, the spout 7 is directed downward to the left, but the steam valve assembly remains above the water level 222d. In this case, no liquid will flow into the steam valve assembly 640vi. The valve assembly 640vi is in the second downward position, in which case the valve body 159 is stationary at a distance from both holes 92, 160 in the channel 682d. Also in this position, the steam valve assembly 640vi can safely release excess steam pressure from the tank 5.

  As shown, in the third tipping position described in FIGS. 13ywp and 13ywq, the spout 7 is directed to the upper right and the steam valve assembly 640vi is below the water level 225d. Steam valve assembly 640vi is in a first upward position and valve body 159 moves to the other end of channel 682d to close at least one of holes 92, 160 so that the contents of tank 5 are Inflow into channel 682d is prevented.

  As shown, in the fourth tipping position described in FIGS. 13ywr and 13yws, the spout 7 is directed to the lower right side and the steam valve assembly 640vi is at the water level 225d as before. It is down. Steam valve assembly 640vi is in a second upward position and valve body 159 closes at least one of holes 92, 160 to prevent the contents of tank 5 from flowing into channel 682d. ing.

  As shown, in at least one orientation when overturned, the steam valve assembly 640vi provides full access to the steam tube 70 to serve as a primary or secondary vent. It is designed to prevent it by blocking it. In this case, providing another ventilation method at least in the direction of the fall position, such as, but not limited to, pouring as described in the Applicant's International Publication No. WO-A2-2011 / 101642. It is preferred to vent through the mouth and / or provide a pressure relief valve.

  In another embodiment described in FIG. 13ywt, at least a second steam valve assembly 640vii may be provided on the opposite side of the vessel 1c from the first steam valve assembly 640vi. The second steam valve assembly 640vii may be connected to the same steam tube 70 as the first steam valve assembly 640vi. Thus, in the first and second fall positions, the second steam valve assembly 640vii is below the liquid level when the first steam valve assembly 640vi is above the liquid level. In this case, the second steam valve assembly 640vii acts as a valve to prevent liquid from flowing into the steam tube 70, and the first steam valve assembly 640vi acts as a vent.

  In contrast, in the third and fourth fall positions, the second steam valve assembly 640vii is above the liquid level when the first steam valve assembly 640vi is below the liquid level. In this case, the first steam valve assembly 640vi acts as a valve to prevent the inflow of liquid into the steam tube 70, and the second steam valve assembly 640vii acts as a vent. Therefore, ventilation is provided by the first steam tube 70 at the first fall position, the second fall position, the third fall position, and the fourth fall position.

  Although the embodiment described in FIGS. 13ywt to 13ywh illustrates a steam valve assembly 640vi arranged to form approximately 90 ° with respect to the centerline AA, this angle is limited. is not. In a further embodiment, the steam valve assembly 640vi may be inclined toward the handle 9, as shown at angle A described in FIG. 13ywu. Alternatively, the steam valve assembly 640vi may be inclined away from the handle 9, as shown at angle B in FIG. 13ywv. The appropriate range of angles varies depending on, for example, the water level, overhead space and / or instrument shape.

  A second embodiment according to the steam valve assembly 640vii is illustrated in FIGS. In this embodiment, steam access and secondary ventilation are provided when the device 1c is in an upright or pouring position. However, when the device 1c is lying on its side, the inflow of liquid into the steam tube 70 is prevented.

  FIG. 13yww shows the device 1c cut along the center plane AA, in the device 1c upright position, where the steam valve assembly 640viii according to the second embodiment is the end of the steam tube 70. An isometric cross-sectional view schematically showing a state of being fixed to the detachable or detachably fixed. As shown, the steam valve assembly 640viii is preferably offset from the central plane AA of the instrument 1c, but is not so limited. This will be described in more detail below. As previously described, it is further preferred that the steam valve assembly 640vi be disposed downward at an angle toward the central axis of the instrument 1c.

  FIG. 13 ywx is an isometric view showing an exploded state of the steam valve assembly 640viii according to the second embodiment. As previously described, the steam valve assembly 640viii includes a chamber 640 that may be formed as part of the main body 637 and a cover 638. The chamber 640 may have at least one channel 682d for accommodating the valve body 159. The valve body 159 is movable in the chamber 640. Unless otherwise stated, these matters are not further explained.

  As previously described, determining the placement / orientation of these assemblies 640 is complex. There is a need to ensure that the valve body 159 moves from the closed state to the open state (or from the open state to the closed state) as required at each fall position.

  As previously described, it is essential that the valve described above be at least in the first downward position when the device is in the upright position. In the following description described with respect to FIG. 13wwy, means are disclosed for determining the optimal angular position of the channel 682 of the assembly 640 in plan view so that the valve can function in at least four fall positions. Yes.

  FIG. 13ywy illustrates a schematic plan view of the device in the upright normal position according to the second embodiment by cutting. As shown, the line A represents a first tangent, and along the first tangent, the side of the spout 7 and the device 1c is directed toward the side toward the first direction. When it falls, it comes to rest on the substantially flat surface. The horizontal plane and the line B represent the second tangent, and when the side surface of the handle 9 and the device 1c falls in the same first direction toward the side surface along the second tangent, it is flat. It comes to rest against the surface. Since line C bisects the angle AB between line A and line B, the device can be placed on the spout or handle when channel 682 of steam valve assembly 640vii is oriented parallel to line C. Regardless of whether or not the camera is stationary downward, it is the optimum position when it always falls down in the first direction.

  The line X represents a third tangent, and when the side surface of the spout 7 and the device 1c falls down in the second direction toward the side surface along the third tangent, the line X becomes a flat surface. It comes in contact and stops. The horizontal plane and the line Y represent the fourth tangent, and when the handle 9 and the side surface of the device 1c fall in the same second direction toward the side surface along the fourth tangent, they are flat. It comes to rest on the opposite surface. Line Z bisects the angle XY between line X and line Y, so placing channel 682 of steam valve assembly 640vii in a direction parallel to line Z causes the device to spout or Regardless of whether or not the handle is stationary toward the lower side of the handle, the position is optimal when the device always falls down in the second direction.

  It should be noted that although the angle C and the angle Z are substantially the same, the tangent lines form a octopus shape, so the lines C and Z are not parallel and are substantially parallel to each other at the central point of the device. Intersect to form angle CZ. Intersection line M bisects angle CZ to provide an average angle between lines C and Z. In this case, placing the channel 682 of the steam valve assembly 640vii in a direction parallel to the intersection line M may cause the device to fall to both sides regardless of whether the spout or handle faces downward. In some cases, the position is optimal.

  Ideally, the channel 682 of the steam valve assembly 640 should be substantially parallel to the intersection line M and should be tilted parallel to at least any intersection line within the angle CZ. .

  As will be apparent, angle C and angle Z may vary and / or may depend on the design structure of the instrument. However, the principle remains consistent, i.e., the steam valve assembly 640viii is substantially parallel to the intersection line M so that the valve member 159 is substantially parallel to the horizontal axis in four different orientations. So that they are at the same angle.

  For example, if the device is equipped with two steam valve assemblies as illustrated in FIG. 13ywt, it is necessary to determine the angle between line C and line Z as described above, and Preferably, one valve is arranged in a direction substantially parallel to the equivalent line C and a second valve is arranged in a direction substantially parallel to the equivalent line Z.

  The steam valve assembly or parts thereof may be made of plastic or may be made of a corrosion resistant material such as stainless steel. Alternatively, the valve body 159a may be covered with a corrosion-resistant coating and / or an anti-stick coating. By this coating, it is possible to prevent the deposition of flakes that may cause the valve body 159a to adhere to the surface.

Overflow prevention means operated by a user In the conventional technical field, for example, as disclosed in International Publication No. WO-A-2011 / 101642, when a shock is applied and / or when the vehicle is decelerated, It is known to employ inertial type valves or mechanisms that provide overflow prevention means. However, the conventional mechanism does not solve the primary ventilation problem after the device rolls over. Furthermore, since the conventional mechanism is placed in the lid of the device, there is a risk of a more complicated and bulky design structure.

  GB-A-2499065 by the present applicant provides primary venting, pouring and filling from the spout during normal use and provides primary venting and overflow protection when the device rolls over The above-mentioned problem is solved by using a combination of a manifold system that performs this and an inertia type ball valve that functions as an overflow prevention means. Inertial ball valves are held in the chamber during normal use and allow liquid to be pumped and filled through the spout hole, but when the device falls forward, it fits into the spout hole. To prevent leakage.

  The disclosed manifold system with an inertia-type ball valve is automatic and / or intuitive and may not require user interaction, but its structure is more suitable for larger equipment. It is believed that there is. This is because there is a risk that this manifold system will reduce the liquid capacity of small size equipment.

  As previously described, it is clear that these automatic and / or intuitive devices do not necessarily meet local marketing requirements. According to local marketing requirements, for example, manipulation by a user may not be considered disadvantageous, and in some cases even beneficial. However, there is a need to add improvements to the user actuator device that provide overflow prevention means in the initial position and also provide primary venting means.

  One embodiment of the present invention serves to allow liquid to be delivered and filled through the hole 698 during normal use and to act as an overflow prevention means when the device 1 falls forward. An overflow prevention assembly 635vi is provided. The overflow prevention assembly 635vi may further include pressure removing / equalizing means 685 that operate in all positions, for example, the fall position, the normal position, and the operation position. This will be described in more detail below.

  For convenience of explanation and clarity, non-critical components have been omitted from the figure.

  As shown in FIGS. 13yxa to 13yxp, the spout 7 communicates with the tank 5 via an overflow prevention assembly 635vi, and the overflow prevention assembly 635vi has at least one filling and / or pouring. A pressure relief and pressure equalization means 685 having at least one pressure relief and / or vent hole, and at least one pivotably supported and / or attached to the overflow prevention assembly 635vi. One valve body 93 is provided. These are described in further detail below.

  In the fall position, normal position and operation position, ie all positions, the pressure relief / pressure equalization means 685 allows the device 1d to relieve pressure and equalize, that is, primary ventilation from the spout during normal use, and When the device 1d rolls over, primary ventilation is provided. These are described in further detail below.

  The valve body 93 selectively opens and closes the hole 698 provided in the first surface 705 of the overflow prevention assembly 635vi so that the device 1d can be emptied and filled through the hole 698 and the spout hole 632g. It is like that. This will be described in more detail below.

  13yxa and 13yxb illustrate perspective views illustrating the exploded and assembled state of the first embodiment of the overflow prevention assembly 635vi with at least two components 705,707. The first component 705 includes pressure relief / pressure equalization means 685 and at least one hole 698 that cooperates with the spout 7, and the second component 707 includes at least one valve body 93. ing. A valve seat surface 706 may be formed around or in the hole 698. As shown, the function of the assembly 635vi may be provided in the first component 705 and the second component 707 or their cooperation when the assembly is attached to the vessel 1d. May be provided by action, or alternatively (as described below), at least part of the valve function, eg valve sealing means and / or hinge 732 may be provided, for example, vessel 1 and / or lid 8 may be provided as a part of 8, that is, integrally.

  As shown, the first component 705 abuts the inner wall 5a of the vessel Id on the front side of the tank 5 and / or so that the hole 698 is in fluid communication with the spout 7 and / or the spout hole 632g. The space between the inner wall 5a of the vessel Id may be sealed. The first component 705 is formed between the first component 705 and the inner wall 5a of the tank 5 by matching and / or mating with the contour of the inner wall 5a on the front side of the tank 5. It is preferred to prevent water from leaking out of the spout 7 through a potentially dangerous gap.

  As shown, the overflow prevention assembly 635vi may be provided with at least one hinge 732. This hinge 732 allows the valve body 93 to be pivotally attached to the overflow prevention assembly 635vi via at least one pivot 118. In the initial position, the valve body 93 is biased to close the hole 698 so that the valve body 93 remains in the closed position without any user operation in the overturned position. The abutment 703 may be provided in the valve body 93 and the hole 698 may be opened by the user directly or indirectly operating the valve body 93 for the spout hole. As shown in the figure, the abbot 703 may be configured to open the valve body 93 when pushed toward the spout 7. However, in a further embodiment (not shown), the abbot 703 may be configured to open the valve body 93 when pulled away from the spout 7.

  Although not shown, the biasing means may be provided at least partially within the overflow prevention assembly 635vi, or alternatively, at least partially as part of the user actuator assembly. For example, it may be provided in cooperation with the actuator 75b.

  13yxc illustrates a rear view of the overflow prevention assembly 635vi in an exploded state, and FIG. 13yxd illustrates a front view of the overflow prevention assembly 635vi corresponding thereto. As shown, a conduit, chamber, compartment or channel 682 may be formed as part of the overflow prevention assembly 635vi to provide pressure relief and pressure equalization means. For ease of reference, the conduits, chambers, compartments or channels 682 of the overflow prevention assembly 635vi are referred to as channels 682 and shall have the same meaning in the specification and claims unless otherwise specified.

  In further embodiments, the channel 682 may be a separate component that is secured to or detachably secured to the anti-overflow assembly 635vi, or alternatively, the channel is combined with a second component. May be formed. For example, as described later, at least one wall of the channel 682 may be formed in combination with the inner wall of the tank.

  At least one hole 632a, 632b is provided on the tank side in the channel 682 so that the tank 5 can be in fluid communication with the atmosphere through the channel 682 and the associated holes 632a, 632b, 632n, 632m. Also, at least one additional hole 632n, 632m may be provided through the front face on the spout side of the overflow prevention assembly 635vi. As shown, at least one hole 632a, 632b may be provided at each end of the channel 682.

  It is clear that channel 682 provides primary ventilation both during normal use and when device 1d rolls over.

  The overflow prevention assembly 635vi may be provided as a separate and / or different removable component that is removably secured to at least the body or lid 8 of the device 1d. This will be described in more detail below.

  Alternatively, the overflow prevention assembly 635vi may be pivotally connected to the main body or lid 8 of the device 1d by a hinge provided on the overflow prevention assembly 635vi operated by the user. In this case, for example, at least the first component 705 may be formed as a single molded body together with at least the main body or the lid 8 of the device 1d.

  13yxe and 13yxf are cross-sectional views schematically showing the device 1d provided with the pressure relief / pressure equalizing means 685 described in FIGS. 13yxa to 13yxd lying on the side surface in two different directions.

  As previously disclosed, since the valve element 93 for the spout hole remains in the closed position in the overturned position, the liquid does not flow out of the hole 698 when overturned.

  For example, by configuring the device 1d so that the center of gravity of the device 1d is substantially located in the vicinity of the handle 9, when the device 1d falls, the spout 7 may easily lie in a state of facing upward. Since it is clear, FIGS. 13yxe and 13yxf illustrate the vessel 1b with the spout facing upward.

  As shown, in the first fall position described in FIG. 13yxe, the spout 7 is facing the upper left side and the holes 632b, 632m are above the water level 225d, so the holes 632b, 632m are Acts as a primary vent for tank 5 as indicated by arrow 634. Since the hole 632a of the pressure relief / pressure equalizing means 685 is below the water level 225d, only the lower part of the channel 682 can be submerged. Since the holes 632b, 632m are above the water level 225d, the outflow of water from the spout 7 is avoided.

  As shown, in the first overturned position described in FIG. 13yxf, the spout 7 is pointing to the upper right and the holes 632a, 632m are above the water level 225d, so the holes 632a, 632m are Acts as a primary vent for tank 5 as indicated by arrow 634. Since the hole 632b of the pressure relief / pressure equalization means 685 is below the water level 225d, only the lower part of the channel 682 can be submerged. Since the holes 632a, 632m are above the water level 225d, the outflow of water from the spout 7 is avoided.

  Obviously, in the upright normal position, the holes 632a, 632b, 632m, 632n and the channel 682 are above the water level 225d and the spout 7 is in fluid communication with the tank 5 via the channel 682. The size of these holes is selected depending on the type of the vessel, the amount of water, etc., and pressure removal / pressure equalization means 685 via the spout 7 is provided during normal use and in the illustrated fall position. Yes.

  If the device 1d falls sideways after the device 1d falls forward with the spout in front, the holes 632a, 632 632b 632m, 632n and the channel 682 will momentarily fall below the water level. It is possible. For this moment, the channel 682 can minimize spillage from the spout 7 by adjusting the dimensions of at least one of the holes 632a, 632b, 632m and / or the channel 682. In this case, these holes are selected depending on the type of the vessel, the amount of water, etc., and pressure removal / pressure equalization means 685 via the spout 7 is provided during normal use and in the illustrated fall position. . Each of the holes 632m, 632n further inhibits this liquid flow from leaking / released outside the device 1, for example by directing the liquid flowing through the holes 632m, 632 downwards towards the spout. It may be further configured to prevent. Advantageously, the liquid thus retained in the spout 7 can be returned into the tank 5 when the device 1 is placed upright.

  As described above, since the device 1d is urged by the center of gravity to rotate toward the handle, that is, the spout 7 is easily directed upward, at least one of the holes 632a, 632b and the hole 632m. One is located above the water level 225d so that leakage from the spout 7 is further minimized.

  One or more baffles (not shown) may be provided in channel 682 to provide a complex path. This complex path can prevent the flow of effluent from the spout 7 when it falls forward. These baffles may be staggered or inclined to further impede liquid and effluent flow.

  In other embodiments, the pressure relief / pressure equalization means 685i may further extend around the device. In this case, the holes 632a and 632b may be at a position substantially higher than the water level 225d at the fall position. This makes it possible for the device 225d to have a larger water carrying capacity and / or to prevent liquid leakage when the device falls forward.

  13yxg to 13yxj are schematic cross-sectional views of a device 1d provided with a modification of the pressure relief / pressure equalizing means 635vi, and the device 1a is turned sideways after the device 1d falls forward with the spout 7 in front. In order to prevent leakage in such a case, a movable member 617 may be provided in the channel 682.

  FIG. 13yxg illustrates a state where the device 1d is in the upright normal position. Since the holes 632a, 632b, 632m and the channel 682 are above the water level, the pressure relief / pressure equalization means 685 can provide primary ventilation from the spout 7 during normal use. . For example, the member 617, which is a ball, stays in the concave portion 109 due to gravity in the upright normal position and away from the hole 632m, and allows primary ventilation from the spout 7 through the hole 632m.

  FIG. 13yxh illustrates the device 1d in the fall position with the spout 7 facing downward and / or the spout contacting and facing downward. In this case, the member 617 moves forward by gravity and seals between the hole 632 m and prevents the liquid from flowing out from the spout 7. As previously described, the steam generated in device 1d may be discharged through a steam chamber or steam tube (not shown) located above the water level.

  The mechanism provided to remove the member 617 may be manual, automatic, mechanical, electrical, or an inertia type mechanism that is sensitive to shock and / or sudden deceleration, such as a magnet It may be.

  Member 617 may automatically return to its original position (eg, due to gravity) and then be held or unlocked by holding means (not shown) for further deployment.

  13yxi and 13yxj schematically show the device 1d, in which the pressure relief / pressure equalization means 685i described in FIGS. 13yxg and 13yxh lie in two different directions and the spout 7 is upward It is sectional drawing which shows the state which has faced. As previously described, the center of gravity may allow the device to easily face the spout 7 upward.

  As previously described, in the first overturned position described in FIG. 13yxi, the spout 7 is directed to the upper left, the holes 632b, 632m are above the water level 225d, and the hole 632a is at the water level 22d. Below. The movable member 617 moves from the hole 698 by gravity and engages the hole 632a of the pressure relief / pressure equalization means 685i to prevent and / or minimize the inflow of water into the channel 682. It may be. Holes 632b, 632m serve as primary vents for tank 5 as indicated by arrow 634.

  In the first fall position shown in FIG. 13yxj, the spout 7 is directed to the upper right side, the holes 632a and 632m are above the water level 225d, and the hole 632b is below the water level 22d. The movable member 617 moves from the hole 698 by gravity and engages the hole 632b of the pressure relief / pressure equalization means 685i to prevent and / or minimize the inflow of water into the channel 682. It may be. The holes 632a, 632m serve as primary vents for the tank 5 as indicated by arrows 634.

  In many of the above-described embodiments, the member 617 is described and exemplified as the ball 617. However, the member 617 is not limited thereto, and can be similarly applied to other shapes or forms such as a disk.

  Usually, the ball 617 may be made of metal, for example, a ball bearing, or may be made of plastic, glass, or ceramics. The ball 617 may be coated so as to be seen in, for example, a ball operation type computer mouse. Advantageously, the ball 617 may consist of a corrosion-resistant material, such as stainless steel, and / or a non-stick and / or corrosion-resistant coating, such as PTFE, Teflon, earthenware or It may be coated with enamel. A non-stick and / or anti-corrosion coating can provide additional benefits by preventing or inhibiting the deposition of flakes on the surface of the ball 617 that can cause the ball 617 to stick into the chamber 682. is there. In further embodiments, the ball 617 may be plated, eg, nickel plated, to provide a similar property of not sticking.

  The channel 682 may be configured to move the ball 617 away from the hole 698 when the device 1d is stationary in the upright normal position.

  The channel 682 is a liquid from the device 1d when the device 1d moves from the sideways position to the forward position, and the ball 617 returns to the center position and seals with the hole 698 so that the device 1d is picked up after being turned over. May be configured to prevent leakage.

  FIGS. 13yxk, 13yxl, and 13yxm are diagrams showing the overflow prevention device 1d in the upright normal position, and schematically showing the overflow prevention device 1d in the pre-assembly state, the closed state, and the open state. FIG.

  As shown, the overflow prevention assembly 635vi protrudes from the inner wall of the device 1d in the vicinity of the lower end of the spout hole 632g and / or protrudes downward in the peripheral flange 743 to form the overflow prevention assembly 635vi in the tank 5 of the device 1d. At least one tab 734 may be provided that serves to support and secure within. Alternatively, other known means, such as snap-on fittings, screws, friction fittings and / or clamping members, may be provided for releasably securing the overflow prevention assembly 635vi to the device 1d. .

  As shown, holes 632m, 698 are in fluid communication with spout hole 632g.

  A button or trigger 99 may be provided on the handle 9 of the device 1d to allow the user to directly or indirectly operate the spout hole valve body 93. As illustrated in FIG. 13 yxl, the spout hole valve element 93 is in an initial closed position where the spout hole valve element 93 is biased to close the hole 698. A spring or elastic biasing means (not shown) may be provided to bias the spout hole valve element 93 to the closed position.

  FIG. 13yxm illustrates a spout hole valve body 93 in the open position. In this figure, as schematically indicated by arrow 704, a button or trigger 99 acts on the first actuator 75a so that the spout hole valve body 93 can open the hole 698. One actuator 75a acts on the abbot 703 indirectly or directly. This will be described in more detail below.

  13yxn, FIG. 13yxo, and FIG. 13yxp are diagrams showing the overflow prevention device 1d in the upright normal position, schematically showing the overflow prevention device 1d placed in the pre-assembly state, the closed state, and the open state. It is sectional drawing shown in FIG.

  As shown, at least one further actuator 75b may be provided in the lid 8, for example. The actuator 75b can serve as an intermediate member that connects the first actuator 75a to the abutment 703 of the valve element 93 for the spout hole. A button or trigger 99 acts on the first actuator 75 a, which then engages the abutment 703 and leaves the spout away from the hole 698, as indicated by arrow 704. The valve body 93 for holes is pivoted to act on the second actuator 75b so as to open the valve assembly member 93. This allows the device 1d to be emptied or filled using the hole 698 and the spout hole 632g during normal use. In this case, the user needs to operate the button or trigger 99 to fill or empty the device 1d. Advantageously, when placed in the lid, the intermediate actuator does not interfere with, for example, the cleaning of the kettle when / when the lid is removed, but in other embodiments the first actuator 75a is directly In some cases, it may be engaged with the abbot 703.

  When the user releases the button or trigger 99, the valve body 93 returns to the initial closed position and prevents leakage from the spout when it falls.

  In a further embodiment, the trigger 99 may be moved below the handle so that the first actuator 75a is pulled away from the direction of the spout 7. In this case, it may be necessary to provide an additional pivot (not shown) for translating the movement of the actuator towards the spout, or (as previously described) the valve assembly may be It may be configured to respond to the backward movement of at least one actuator 75.

  As previously described, the biasing means is not shown, but may be provided at least partially in the overflow prevention assembly 635vi in cooperation with the actuator 75b or alternatively. And may be at least partially provided as part of the user actuator assembly.

  The lid 8 may be provided with a lock mechanism for fixing to the device 1d, or provided with at least a peripheral elastic seal (not shown) for sealing between the device 1d and the hole 20 of the device 1d. Sometimes it may be designed to prevent water from spilling out of the device 1d. In other embodiments, this seal may be provided in the hole 20 of the device 1d.

  A second embodiment of an overflow prevention assembly 635vii is illustrated in FIGS. 13yxs-13yya. In this figure, the channel 682 has at least one open side and, when assembled, abuts the inner wall 5a of the tank 5 and / or seals between it and is substantially closed between them. Is illustrated. As previously described, at least two holes 632 may be provided so that the tank 5 is in fluid communication with the spout 7.

  FIGS. 13yxs and 13yxt illustrate rear perspective views showing the disassembled and assembled state of the second embodiment of the overflow prevention assembly 635vii with two components 705, 707q as previously described. ing.

  13yxu illustrates a front perspective view of the first component 705 of the second embodiment 635vii, and FIG. 13yxw illustrates a front view of the corresponding overflow prevention assembly 635vii. . This overflow prevention assembly 635vii is provided with at least one slot 632o, 632p below the channel 682, which overlaps the spout hole 632g of the tank 5 and pours into the channel 682. Holes 632 m and 632 n may be formed between the mouth 7.

  As shown, the first component hole 698 and the corresponding valve body 93 of the second component 707 are circular and a valve seat 706 is formed in or around the hole 698. You may come to be.

  As shown, the valve body 93 may be pivotally supported by the overflow prevention assembly 635vii. In the initial position, the valve body 93 is biased so as to close the hole 698. Therefore, if there is no user operation, the valve body 93 remains in the closed position in the overturned position.

  As shown, at least one hole 632a, 632b may be provided at each end of the channel 682. As previously described, holes 632a, 632b, 632m and 632n may be designed to provide primary ventilation during normal use and when device 1d rolls over.

In addition to simplifying the molding procedure, it is advantageous to form a channel 682 that is open on one side to improve control and retention of liquids that may flow out of the tank 5 through the holes 632a, 632b. Further, the channel 682 can be further configured. For example,
a) The volume of the channel 682 may be increased so that a predetermined amount of liquid can be retained in the channel 682.
b) A baffle or other means may be provided in the channel 682 to suppress the flow of liquid that can flow into the channel 682 due to pressure from the tank 5.
c) The channel 682 is inclined downwardly toward the tank so that the liquid held in the channel 682 in the overturned position returns into the tank 5 when the device 1 is upright, and the hole 632a and 632b may be provided in the vicinity of the lowest point of the channel 682.

  FIGS. 13yxx and 13yxy are schematic views of the overflow prevention device 1d provided with the overflow prevention assembly 635vii according to the second embodiment (cut along the A-A plane of FIG. 13yx). It is sectional drawing which shows the closed state and open state of the overflow prevention apparatus 1d in an upright normal position.

  As shown, the pressure relief / pressure equalization means 685 may abut and / or seal against the inner wall 5a of the tank 5 to form a channel 682 therebetween.

  As previously described, the first component is provided with at least one slot 632o, 632p that overlaps the spout hole 632g of the tank 5 between the first component and the second component. At least one hole 632n, 632m may be formed. However, in other embodiments, at least one slot 632 is provided in the inner wall of the tank 5 to overlap the channel 682 and at least one hole 632n between the first component and the second component, 632m may be formed.

  In a further embodiment, the open end of the channel 682 may be in direct communication with the spout 5.

  As previously described, a button or trigger 99 may be provided on the handle 9 of the device 1d to allow the user to directly or indirectly operate the spout hole valve body 93. . As shown in FIG. 13yxx, the spout hole valve body 93 is placed in the initial closed position. In the initial closed position, the spout hole valve element 93 is biased to close the hole 698. In order to bias the spout hole valve 93 to the closed position, a spring or an elastic biasing means (not shown) may be provided.

  FIG. 13yxy illustrates a spout hole valve body 93 in the open position. In this figure, as schematically indicated by arrow 704, a button or trigger 99 acts on the first actuator 75a so that the spout hole valve body 93 can open the hole 698. One actuator 75a acts on the abbot 703 indirectly or directly.

  As shown and as previously described, at least one further actuator 75b may be provided in the lid 8, for example. The actuator 75b can serve as an intermediate member that connects the first actuator 75a to the abbot 703 of the valve element 93 for the spout hole. A button or trigger 99 acts on the first actuator 75a, which then engages the abutment 703 (as indicated by arrow 704) and pours away from the hole 698. The valve body 93 for the hole is pivoted to act on the second actuator 75b so as to open the valve body 93. For example, other variations of user operation means as previously described may be used.

  FIGS. 13yya to 13yyd illustrate a third configuration of an overflow prevention assembly 635viii in which the valve body 93 is directly engaged with the spout hole 632g.

  FIGS. 13yya and 13yyb illustrate rear perspective views showing the exploded and assembled state of a third embodiment of an overflow prevention assembly 635viii with two components 705, 707 as previously described. Yes. Unless otherwise stated, these matters are not further explained.

  As shown, the lower portion of the first component 705 may not be required so that the valve body 93 can engage directly with the spout hole 632g. Of course, reducing the size of the first component 705 can provide the additional benefit of reduced material and / or cost.

  As shown, the valve body 93 may be pivotally supported by the overflow prevention assembly 635vii. In the initial position, the valve body 93 is biased so as to close the hole 698, so that the valve body 93 remains in the closed position in the overturned position if there is no user operation.

  FIGS. 13yyc and 13yyd are schematic cross-sectional views of the overflow prevention device 1d according to the third embodiment in the upright position, showing the overflow prevention device 1d in the closed state and the open state.

  As shown, at least one further actuator 75b may be provided in the lid 8, for example. The first actuator 75a can function as an intermediate member that is connected to the abbot 703 of the valve body 93 for the spout hole. A button or trigger 99 acts on the first actuator 75a, which then engages the abutment 703 (as indicated by arrow 704) away from the hole 698. The valve body 93 for the spout hole is pivoted to act on the second actuator 75b so as to open the valve assembly 93.

  Although described from the perspective of the overflow prevention assembly 635vi according to the first embodiment, the above-described configuration of 635viii is similarly applicable to other embodiments including, for example, the overflow prevention assembly 635vii.

  FIGS. 13yye and 13yyf schematically illustrate an embodiment of an apparatus 1c with overflow prevention means 635vi-635viii and steam valve assemblies 640vi-640viii lying in two different arrangements with the spout 7 facing upwards. FIG. Needless to say, the overflow prevention device 1d may be urged to rotate toward the handle by the center of gravity as described above, that is, the spout 7 may easily be directed upward. This can be achieved by configuring the overflow prevention device 1d so that gravity is substantially located in the vicinity of the handle 7.

  As previously described, in the overturned position, the spout hole valve body 93 remains in the closed position, ie, the hole 698 remains closed.

  As shown in the first overturned position of FIG. 13yye, the spout 7 faces the upper left side with the valve body 93 closed, and both holes 632b, 632m are above the water level 225d. In this case, the holes 632b, 632m serve as primary vents for the tank 5 as indicated by arrows 634. Since the valve body 93 is closed and the hole 632m is above the water level 225d, the outflow of water from the spout 7 is prevented. In addition, as previously described, since the steam valve assembly 640 is located above the water level, the outflow of water from the overflow prevention device 1d via the steam tube 70 is also prevented.

  Each of the disclosed assemblies 635 and valves 640 may function independently of or together with other overflow prevention or vent chamber / steam chamber structures. It may be. However, Applicants believe that the function of each of the spout assemblies 635vi-635viii complements the steam valve assemblies 640vi-640viii. Accordingly, they combine to provide a user-operated fail-safe spill prevention and venting means that works with a steam valve structure that automatically prevents the inflow of liquid into the steam tube 70 in the overturned position. It is.

  As shown in the figure, in the first fall position shown in FIG. 13yyf, the spout 7 faces the upper right side with the valve body 93 closed, and both holes 632a, 632m are above the water level 225d. Is located. In this case, the holes 632a, 632m serve as primary vents for the tank 5 as indicated by arrows 634. Since the valve body 93 is closed and the hole 632m is above the water level 225d, the outflow of water from the spout 7 is prevented. In addition, as previously described, the steam valve assembly 640 is positioned below the water level, the valve (not shown) closes the steam valve assembly 640, and the contents of the tank 5 are channeled (not shown). )). However, the equipment is inherently safe because the overflow prevention assembly 635 provides primary ventilation.

  13yyg is a preferred embodiment of the device 1c in an upright position comprising the overflow prevention means 635vii described in FIGS. 13yxa-13yxd and the steam valve assembly 640vi described in FIGS. 13ywh-13yws.

  As shown, the overflow prevention means 635vii may be provided immediately behind the spout hole 632g so that the corresponding holes 698, 632g are in fluid communication. The channel 682 may be closed by the inner wall of the tank, and the liquid flowing into the chamber 682 when the device 1d is in the overturned position flows out through at least the hole 632a when the device 1d is upright. 682 may face downward toward the tank 5. By making the slot 632o communicate between the channel 682 and the spout hole 632g to form the hole 632m, the tank 5 can be communicated with the atmosphere through at least the holes 632a and 632m (ventilating the tank 5). You may be able to do it. As shown, the user-operated valve body 93 is in the initial closed position.

  The steam valve assembly 640vi provides access for the inflow of steam into the steam tube 70 in the upright position and prevents the inflow of liquid into the steam tube in the overturned position.

  13yyg describes a preferred embodiment of the overflow prevention device 1d comprising the overflow prevention means 635vii described in FIGS. 13yxa to 13yxd and the steam valve assembly 640vi described in FIGS. 13ywh to 13yws. It is possible to achieve further improvements, for example to reduce the number of required components and / or to simplify the means for discharging from the device in the fall position, normal position and operating position.

  FIGS. 13yyh to 13yo illustrate a further embodiment of the present invention comprising an overflow prevention assembly 635ix and a steam valve assembly 640ix. The overflow prevention assembly 635ix may comprise at least one filling and / or pouring hole 698 to allow the device 1e to be filled and / or emptied. This will be described in more detail below.

  The steam valve assembly 640ix provides and functions pressure relief and pressure equalization means at all positions, eg, overturned position, normal position and operating position, but also provides fluid communication between the tank 5 and the steam drive control device. It has come to offer. This will be described in more detail below. Thus, the steam valve assembly 640ix serves as a primary and secondary vent. For convenience and clarity, non-essential components are omitted from the figure.

  The following embodiments may have previously described features. Unless otherwise stated, these matters are not further explained.

  FIG. 13yyh illustrates a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the device 1e in the upright normal position including the overflow prevention assembly 635ix and the steam valve assembly 640ix. As shown, a steam valve assembly 640 ix may be provided in the lid 8 and / or integrated with the lid 8. Alternatively, the steam valve assembly 640ix may be provided in the tank 5 of the device 1e and / or as a separate component attached to the device 1e.

As shown in FIG. 13yyh, a button or trigger 99 is provided between the lid 8 and the spout 7 of the device 1e to allow the user to fill and / or empty the device 1e. The valve body 93 for holes may be operated directly or indirectly. As illustrated in FIG. 13 yyh, the spout hole valve element 93 is placed in the initial closed position with the spout hole valve element 93 biased to close the hole 698. In order to bias the spout hole valve 93 to the closed position, a spring or an elastic biasing means (not shown) may be provided.

  FIG. 13yyy schematically shows the device 1e with the button or trigger 99 pressed and the spout hole valve body 93 in the open position for pouring and / or filling the device 1e. The cross-sectional view shown is illustrated.

  Alternatively, a button or trigger 99 may be placed on the lid 8 of the device 1e. In other variations, a button or trigger 99 may be provided on the handle 9 of the device 1e as described in the previous embodiment.

  FIG. 13yyj illustrates an isometric view of the device 1e with the steam valve assembly 640ix in the upright normal position. For illustration, clarity and explanation, the non-essential components of the lid 8 have been removed from FIG.

  FIG. 13yyk illustrates a detailed view of FIG. 13yyy in which the internal structure of the steam valve assembly 640ix is shown by a gray line.

  As shown in FIGS. 13yyh to 13yyk, the lid 8 includes a lid chamber 71. The floor of the lid chamber 71 includes a lid lower side surface 66 that is detachably sealed between the upper end of the container 5 by a container seal 63. The lid 8 with the lid chamber 71 can be removed from the tank 5 in order to allow the tank 5 to be filled or cleaned. Alternatively or in addition, the lid 8 may be attached to the vessel body 1 by a hinge.

  A steam valve assembly 640 ix may be provided in the lid chamber 71. The steam valve assembly 640ix is provided in the first hole 92a provided in the lid lower surface 66 and the other part of the lid 8 adjacent to the handle 9 in order to make the tank 5 of the device 1e in fluid communication with the steam drive control device 60. A steam path mold body 100 having a provided second hole 92b is provided. When water boils in the tank 5, steam is directed through the first hole 92 a toward the steam drive control device 60, and heating is turned off or reduced when steam is detected. Yes.

  A seal 67 is provided between the second hole 92b of the steam valve assembly 640ix and the handle 9 to prevent outflow of steam from the gap between the lid 8 and the handle 9 and / or to prevent leakage. It may be.

  As shown in FIGS. 13yyj and 13yyk, the steam pass mold 100 includes a central channel 682e for directing the steam 72 toward the steam drive control device, and the first valve housing. A channel 682f and a second valve housing channel 682g are connected to the central channel 682e and arranged to be substantially opposite each other. Preferably, the first valve housing channel 682f and the second valve housing channel 682g are offset from each other and extend in directions that are non-parallel to each other, with the first valve body 159b and the second valve body 159c respectively. It is designed to be accommodated. Further, the first valve housing channel 682f and the second valve housing channel 682g may extend downward in different directions. This will be described in more detail below.

  As shown, the first valve housing channel 682f and the second valve housing channel 682g may be arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the axis of the central channel 682e. Alternatively, the first valve housing channel 682f and the second valve housing channel 682g may be disposed at an angle with respect to the axis of the central channel 682e. This will be described in more detail below.

  As shown in FIG. 13 yyk with the device 1 e in the upright normal position, the first valve body 159 b and the second valve body 159 c are separated from the central channel 682 e in the lower ends of the valve housing channels 682 f and 682 g, respectively. So that the central channel 682e is opened so that the steam pressure can be safely relieved from the tank 5 to the steam drive control device.

  When the device 1e is in the overturned position, either the first valve body 159b or the second valve body 159c is separated from the lower ends 682f and 682g of the corresponding valve housing channel depending on the direction of the overturned position. Move toward the central channel 682e, thereby closing the central channel 682e and separating the tank 5 from the rest of the steam path mold 100 and preventing leakage from the device 1e via the steam valve assembly 640ix. It is supposed to be.

  13yyl to 13yyo illustrate perspective views schematically illustrating the device 1e described in FIGS. 13yh to 13yyk lying in four different directions. In FIG. 13yyl and FIG. 13yyn, the spout 7 faces upward, and in FIG. 13yml and FIG. 13yo, the spout 7 faces downward.

  As shown in the first overturned position of FIG. 13yyl, the spout 7 is directed to the upper left and the first hole 92a of the steam valve assembly 640xi is above the water level 225d. The second valve body 159c moves from the lower end of the valve housing channel 682g to close the central channel 682e so that turbulent liquid does not leak from the device 1e via the steam valve assembly 640ix. .

  As shown in the second tipping position of FIG. 13 yym, the spout 7 is directed downward to the left and the first hole 92a of the steam valve assembly 640xi is below the water level 225d. The second valve body 159cg moves from the lower end of the valve housing channel 682g to close the central channel 682e and prevent leakage of the contents of the tank 5 from the equipment 1e via the steam valve assembly 640ix. It has become.

  As shown in the third overturned position of FIG. 13yyn, the spout 7 is directed to the upper right and the first hole 92a of the steam valve assembly 640xi is above the water level 225d. The first valve body 159b moves from the lower end of the valve housing channel 682f to close the central channel 682e so that turbulent fluid does not leak from the device 1e via the steam valve assembly 640ix. .

  As shown in the fourth overturned position of FIG. 13yo, the spout 7 is directed downward and to the right and the first hole 92a of the steam valve assembly 640xi is below the water level 225d. The first valve body 159b moves from the lower end of the valve housing channel 682f to close the central channel 682e and prevent leakage of the contents of the tank 5 from the device 1e via the steam valve assembly 640ix. It has become.

  As shown in FIGS. 13yyl to 13yo, when the device 1e is laid down in four different orientations, either the first valve body 159b or the second valve body 159c closes the central channel 682e. It is like that. In order to prevent the tank 5 of the equipment 1e from being over-pressed when the water falls while being heated, the overhead space of the equipment 1e is increased to cope with the expansion of water and steam. It may be necessary to do so. In this embodiment, it may be necessary to increase the overhead space volume by preferably 10% to 18%.

  Alternatively, a part of the lid 8 may have one or more seals that open under pressure from the inside of the tank 5. As disclosed in International Publication No. WO-A2-2011 / 101642 by the present applicant, when the device falls down, the seal is opened and the pressurized water and steam can flow into the lid chamber 71. By doing so, the pressure in the tank 5 is balanced.

  In other variations (not shown), the first valve housing channel 682f and the second valve housing channel 682g may be arranged at an angle with respect to the axis of the central channel 682e. In this modification, when the device 1e falls down and the spout 7 is directed to the upper left side or the upper right side, the first hole 92a of the steam valve assembly 640xi is positioned above the water level 225d. It has become. Depending on whether the first valve housing channel 682f and the second valve housing channel 682g are at an angular position and the device 1e falls the spout 7 upward or leftward, the first Valve body 159b or second valve body 159c remain at the lower end of the corresponding valve housing channel 682f, 682g, thereby opening the central channel 682e and causing excess steam pressure through the steam valve assembly 640ix. It is possible to safely escape from the tank 5.

  However, if the device 1e falls and the spout 7 is directed to the lower left or lower right and the first hole 92a of the steam valve assembly 640xi is above the water level 225d, the first valve element 159b or second The valve body 159c moves from the lower end of the corresponding valve housing channel 682f, 682g to close the central channel 682e, thereby leaking the contents of the tank 5 from the device 1e via the steam valve assembly 640ix. Is prevented.

  In all cases, the figures are schematic, for example the size and dimensions of the vents, holes, inlets and outlets should be determined according to the requirements of the equipment.

Each of the embodiments described before the other embodiments may have an alarm for warning the user that the vessel body 1 has fallen. In its simplest form, this alarm, eg, a bell, may be adapted to mechanically cooperate with the steam valve assembly 640. Instead, this alarm is triggered by a valve mechanism or tilt switch and is electronically powered by a rechargeable battery, a capacitor, a thermocouple, or preferably an “environmentally friendly” power source such as a photovoltaic cell. Alternatively, an electromechanical alarm system may be used.

  Alternatively or in addition, each of the previously described embodiments may comprise, for example, a tilt switch that disconnects power to the heater 12 and / or other motorized components when the device 1 falls.

  Any of the previously described flow management means and pressure relief means may be provided to the equipment manufacturer as a separate component and secured to the equipment 1 as part of the assembly procedure.

  Although not shown, in a further embodiment, the flow management means and the pressure relief means are provided with threads, flanges, bayonet fittings, etc. so that they can be easily attached to the equipment by the equipment manufacturer. May be. In further embodiments, flow management means and pressure relief means may be provided to the equipment manufacturer as part of other functional parts of the equipment, such as spouts, lids, controls, handles or steam control devices.

  In further embodiments, the flow management means and pressure relief means may be provided with bimetal or other actuators so that their function is temperature dependent.

  In further embodiments, other parts of the device, such as the handle, sub-base, or gap between the outer wall and the inner wall, may be a “buffer” region or “for liquid or vapor that would otherwise be discharged from the spout. It may be used as an “overflow” region.

  In some embodiments, the overflow prevention means may not function sufficiently until, for example, the device 1 reaches a stable state. In these embodiments, the flow rate of the spout 7 or the manifold 635 is set to a maximum flow rate suitable for normal use by selecting the size of the hole 632, for example, before the overflow prevention means becomes functional at the fall position. Preferably, it is limited or controlled so that leakage can be limited to the same maximum flow rate.

  Advantageously, unlike conventional equipment in which an overflow prevention mechanism is provided inside the lid 8, one or both of overflow prevention means 635 and / or 640 are provided inside the tank 5 to increase the overall height of the equipment. It may be possible to reduce packing costs and transportation costs by lowering.

  In at least some embodiments, excessive boiling that occurs after the device is powered down can be reduced by using a low mass heating element, such as a thick film or printed heating element.

  Since it is advantageous to avoid leakage accidents of not only heated liquid but also liquid in general, at least some aspects of the present invention can be applied to vessels that do not have a heating function.

  In all cases, the drawings are schematic, for example, the size and dimensions of the vents, holes, inlets and outlets should be determined according to the requirements of the equipment.

Water heating equipment with reduced head space In a water heating equipment, such as a kettle, it is preferred that water not be expelled or released from the spout during the heating process. Usually, after the water reaches the boiling point, i.e. when the movement of the water can be referred to as turbulent flow, it is most likely that the water will be discharged or spouted from the spout. Usually, the longer the boiling time of water, the more severe the turbulent flow, and the higher the possibility that water will be discharged or spouted from the spout. In general, the higher the power of the heating element, the more severe the turbulence.

  It is known to add a flap or other means to the spout to help reduce water discharge or discharge during the heating process. However, flaps or other means may require moving parts, adding complexity to the assembly. Usually, the movable part may require some interaction with the user so that the device can be filled or emptied from the spout, for example as disclosed in GB-A-952689. is there.

  It is known to provide a baffle in the area of the spout to prevent draining or discharging water during the heating process. Typically, these baffles are provided to act as a barrier behind the spout. However, a problem with such a configuration is that a baffle can only provide a barrier if turbulent water flows towards and / or impinges on the surface of the baffle. . Depending on the kettle, turbulent water may be omnidirectional because it may boil violently and flow in all directions. In such a case, the turbulent water may avoid the baffle through the gap between the baffle and the kettle body, so the baffle is effective enough to prevent water discharge or discharge during the heating process. May not work.

  For convenience and clarity, non-essential components are omitted from the figure.

  FIG. 49ze shows a conventional device 1a disclosed in International Publication WO-A1-2012 / 085602 by the present applicant. In the conventional device 1a, a curved baffle 730 is provided in the tank 5 of the device 1a so that turbulent water is deflected from the spout 7 and flows toward the rear of the device 1a. In this conventional configuration, it is possible to allow excess steam to flow out of the tank 5 when water is heated by providing a gap between the upper end portion of the baffle 730 a and the lid 8.

  49ze may further depend on the combination of the curved baffle 730 and the heat distribution means 741, 742 when dealing with turbulent water in the liquid heating device 1a.

  “Head space above the water level to help reduce water discharge or discharge during the heating process by providing a space between the water level and the spout to accommodate turbulent boiling water” Is further known. The higher the kettle heating power, the more head space is needed to accommodate more intense turbulence. Typically, the head space provided in a 3 kilowatt, 1.7 liter kettle may occupy up to 30% of the tank volume. This increases both the material costs for manufacturing the equipment and the shipping and transportation costs.

  For example, a typical 3 kW, 1.7 liter kettle with parallel sides has a head space height of about 47 mm, and a similar 3 kW, 1.7 liter conical kettle has a head The height of the partial space is about 64 mm.

  In the following description, means for reducing the head space required for the liquid heating device are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, the need for user operated or automatic spout flaps is eliminated, head space is reduced by about 11.5 mm for conical kettles, and for side-parallel kettles It is reduced by about 8.5 mm.

  By reducing this height, it is possible to reduce the amount of material used and the volume of the package size. Based on typical packaging sizes, it has been speculated that reducing the height of the device by 8.5 to 11.5 mm can further reduce the packaging volume by 3 to 4%.

  In addition, reducing the height of the equipment will also reduce the head space volume. Accordingly, this further enables the time it takes for the steam generated by boiling water to fill the head space 222 and the steam sensitive control switch to respond and / or drive more quickly and heat up. The power supplied to the plate 12 can be cut off. Therefore, this makes it possible to reduce the energy consumption of the device 1.

  Discharge or discharge water from the spout by reducing power supply early to reduce “after-boil” (residual heat of the heating element continues to boil water after the power is turned off) It becomes possible to lower the opportunity.

  In addition, the present embodiment provides a configuration in which the effect and / or function of the baffle is not affected by the heat distribution of the element plate.

  FIG. 49zo illustrates a first embodiment of the device 1b with a reduced head space, and a baffle 730a is provided in the tank 5 of the device 1b. The tank 5 may be provided with a hole 632g on the front side so that the tank 5 and the spout 7 can communicate with each other. As shown, baffle 730a is positioned behind hole 632g and spout 7 so that baffle 730a acts as a barrier to prevent turbulent water from being discharged from boiling spout 7. It has become. By controlling the turbulent flow in this way, the head space 222 above the water level 225 can be easily reduced.

  The apparatus 1b includes the baffle 730a, the spout 7, the lid 8, and the sheath heating element 39 attached to the heating plate 12 that forms the base of the tank 5. Further, the device 1b is provided with a filter 740, a steam tube 70, a steam drive control device 60, and an emptying prevention control device (not shown). A steam guide 599 for allowing the steam tube 70 to be in fluid communication with the steam drive control device 60 may be provided. The steam guide 599 may be a separate component, or may be formed as part of the steam tube 70 or the steam drive control device 60. In other embodiments, the steam drive control device 60 may be provided inside the handle 9. In addition or alternatively, other control means, for example electronic control (not shown), may be provided.

  A downward peripheral flange 743 may be provided in a part of the hole 20 located at the top of the tank 5, and the lid 8 may be in contact with the downward peripheral flange 743. As shown in FIG. 49zo, the lid 8 is a double wall, and the lower wall is in contact with the downward peripheral flange 743.

  As shown, the baffle 730a is located behind the spout 7 so that when the baffle 730a is provided with at least one hole 737a for pouring from or filling the tank 5, the water will cause the baffle 730a to flow. You may be able to pass. This will be described in more detail below. Unlike the invention disclosed in International Publication No. WO-A1-2012 / 085602 by the applicant of the present invention described earlier, excess steam when the water is heated or steam released at that time is allowed to escape from the tank 5 The gap for this purpose need not be provided between the upper end portion of the baffle 730 a and the lid 8. More precisely, excess steam or discharged steam exhaust 746 may escape from the tank 5 through the at least one hole 737 described above. This will be described in more detail below. For clarity and for convenience of explanation, the filter 740 is not shown in FIGS. 49zo-49zt.

  As shown in FIGS. 49zo and 49zp, the baffle 730a is provided with a first surface 765 for diverting and / or turning the intense turbulence 735 of boiling water towards the rear side of the tank 5. It may come to be.

  As shown, the deflecting surface 765 described in FIG. 49ze has a substantially inclined shape. In other embodiments (not shown), the first surface 765 may be, for example, arched or vertical.

  FIG. 49zp illustrates a baffle 730a when viewed from the front (spout) direction. The baffle 730a may include a second surface 747 that extends from the baffle 730a and contacts the inner wall 5a on the front side of the tank 5 and / or seals between the inner wall 5a. Preferably, the second surface 747 diverts and / or redirects the intense turbulence 735 of boiling water from the gap between the inner wall 5a and the deflecting surface 765 and / or the baffle 730a. The contour and the shape of the inner wall 5a on the front side of the tank 5 are matched and / or closely matched. This will be described in more detail below.

  Abutting and / or between the downward peripheral flange 743 to further deflect and / or redirect the turbulent boiling water 735 from the gap between the downward peripheral flange 743 and the deflecting surface 765 and / or the baffle 730a. A third surface 748 may be provided on the top of the baffle 730a.

  Alternatively, the third surface 748 may abut against and / or seal against a portion of the lid 8. In this case, the third surface 748 can deflect and / or redirect the intense turbulence 735 of boiling water from the gap between the lid 8 and the deflecting surface 765 and / or the baffle 730a.

  As shown, the second surface 747 can substantially form and / or along the baffle 730a so that a third surface 748 can be formed on top of the second surface 747. It may be extended. The second surface 747 and the third surface 748 of the baffle 730a may be provided with flanges 749a and 749b. This will be described in more detail below.

  As shown in FIG. 49zo, the third surface 748 is substantially horizontal in shape. In other embodiments (not shown), the third surface 748 may be curved, inclined, or vertical, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 49zo, by combining the second mating surface 747 and the third mating surface 748 to provide a barrier between the spout 7 and the tank 5, for example, water from the tank 5 can be obtained. When pouring or filling the tank 5 with water, water may be allowed to flow out of the baffle 730a only through the hole 737. Similarly, these holes 737 allow excess steam or steam exhaust 746 to flow out of the tank 5 during the heating process.

  In other embodiments, the third surface 748 of the baffle 730a may be a separate and / or different component from the second surface 747 of the baffle 730a. For example, the third surface 748 may be formed and fixed to the lid 8 or the peripheral flange 743, and the second surface 747 and the lower portion of the baffle 730 a may be fixed to the tank 5. The third surface 748 may be arranged on the inner side of the lower part of the baffle 730a or arranged on the outer side, on the assumption that the liquid discharge from the spout 7 is suppressed or prevented. You may do it.

  As shown in FIG. 49zo, the lower end portion of the baffle 730a may extend downward beyond the lower end portion of the spout 7, and the head space is further reduced. Further, it may extend downward below the maximum water level 225 of the device 1b. Further, the hole 737 may be positioned above the maximum water level 225 to prevent and / or limit turbulent water 735 from flowing through the hole 737 during the heating process.

  Advantageously, in this configuration, the function of the baffle 730a is not affected by the orientation of the heat zone 741 of the heating plate 12, so a series of existing It can be installed in all types of equipment.

  The present invention is also applicable to other heating structures such as thick film-like heating elements, induction heating elements and / or die cast heating elements.

  The peripheral flange 743 is provided around the periphery of the hole 20 to capture the upwardly moving turbulent fluid that naturally flows into the region or interface of the lid 8 and the hole 20, thereby moving the turbulent fluid upward. This may help prevent the lid 8 from opening.

  49zp to 49zr illustrate that two holes 737 can be provided on both sides of the deflected surface 765 of the baffle 730a. These holes 737 allow the water to flow out of the baffle 730a as shown by the arrow 739 when pouring from the tank 5 by fluidly communicating the tank 5 with the spout 7. As described above, the same hole 737 is used to fill the tank 5 via the spout 7 and also allows for the discharge of excess steam or steam exhaust 746 from the tank 5 during the heating process. It may be.

  As shown in FIG. 49zq, the baffle 730a is wider than the opening width of the spout 7 so that the hole 737 can be arranged at a position shifted from the position of the spout 7 and / or the hole 632g. Also good. Therefore, the water flowing out from the hole 737 collides with the inner wall 5a of the tank 5 and is guided horizontally across the baffle 730a, so that turbulent water flows out or is discharged from the spout 7 through the hole 737 during the heating process. It is designed to help prevent this. During use, the hole 737 is not in a position opposite the spout 7 and / or the hole 632g.

  49zqa and 49zqb schematically illustrate that a baffle 730a is placed in front of the spout 7 of the device 1b. 49qzc illustrates a plan view schematically showing the device 1b including the baffle 730a.

  As illustrated, since the hole 737 of the baffle 730a is shifted (offset) on both sides of the spout hole 632g, the spout hole 632g may not directly face the hole 737 in some cases. For example, when the user looks through the spout 7, the inside of the device 1b may not be seen. Dimension A indicates the minimum offset distance between the end of hole 737 and the end of spout hole 632g. The dimension A which is the minimum offset distance may be determined by the width of the spout 632g. Furthermore, the inventors have discovered that a dimension A in the range of 6 mm to 10 mm may be appropriate to accommodate a wide width of the spout hole and prevent spout of turbulent water from the spout 7. did. For example, it has been discovered that a dimension A of 8 mm may be appropriate to accommodate spout hole widths in the range of 20 mm to 70 mm.

The dimension B indicates the minimum width of the hole 737, and this minimum width is
a. Without generating back pressure in the tank which can discharge turbulent water from the spout 7; and b. Without disturbing the flow of water when the device 1b is tilted at the pouring position or when filling the device,
It provides sufficient area to allow steam discharge and water replenishment or discharge through holes 737.

  The inventors have discovered that a dimension B in the range of 6 mm to 10 mm may be appropriate to accommodate a wide range of equipment, and further that the lowest area of the hole 737 in the range between 120 mm2 and 200 mm2 is steam. It has also been found that it provides sufficient area for discharge and water injection.

  The dimension C is the minimum distance between the upper end of the hole 737 and the upper end of the spout hole 632g, and a deflecting portion 766 for further diverting the turbulent water located above the hole 737 from the spout 7 is provided. It is possible to define. The inventors have discovered that a dimension C in the range of 0 mm to 14 mm may be sufficient to divert turbulent water from the spout 7.

  In all cases, the figures are schematic, for example the size and dimensions of the vents, holes, inlets and outlets should be determined according to the requirements of the equipment.

  In other embodiments, such as described in FIG. 49zqb, hole 737 may extend upward. In this case, the deflecting portion 766a may be provided on the inner wall of the tank located directly above the spout hole 632g. As shown, dimension D is the minimum distance between the upper end of hole 737 and the upper end of spout hole 632g.

  As shown in FIG. 49zqc, the second surface 747 abuts the inner wall 5a on the front side of the tank 5 and / or seals between the turbulent water 735a generated on the lateral side of the tank 5. It has come to divert. As indicated by the dashed line, steam 746 represents a tortuous path for discharging steam. Of course, the same winding path 746 may be used to fill or empty the device 1b.

  The baffle 730a may be provided as a separate and / or different component that is detachably fixed to at least the main body or the lid 8 of the device 1b. Alternatively, the baffle 730a is pivotally connected to the body or lid 5 of the device 1b by means of a hinge provided on the baffle 730a, for example, so that the baffle 730a is united with at least the body or lid 5 of the device 1b. It may be formed as a single molded body. This will be described in more detail below.

  As shown in FIGS. 49zs and 49zt, a tab 734 that protrudes from the inner wall of the device 1b near the lower end of the hole 632g and acts on the baffle 730a and supports and fixes the baffle 730a is provided. It may be.

  The baffle 730a is fixed in the tank 5 of the apparatus 1b by providing flanges 749a and 749b on the second surface 747 and the third surface 748 of the baffle 730a and engaging the tab 734 and the downward peripheral flange 743 with each other. You may do it. Alternatively, other known means such as a snap joint, a screw, a friction joint, and / or a clamp may be provided when the baffle 730a is detachably fixed to the device 1b.

  49zu and 49zv are perspective views showing in detail the rear side of the baffle 730a with the detachable filter 740 in a pre-assembly state and a post-assembly state. The baffle 730a may be provided with a channel 760 for receiving the filter 740. Filter 740 may include a frame 657 and / or a series of ribs 762 to form at least one hole 737a. Frame 657 and / or rib 762 may serve as a support for a filter mesh (not shown). The hole 737a is arranged to face the hole 737 of the baffle 730a to provide a direct path for water flow. However, limiting the surface area of the filter 740 may cause clogging of the filter mesh 652, particularly the hard water region. In this case, it is preferable to increase the size of the filter 740 according to the hole 737.

  As shown, at least one additional hole 737b may be provided in the filter 740 to increase the surface area of the mesh 652. In this case, in order to provide an appropriate gap between the baffle 730a and the filter 740, the supporting channel 760 should be positioned substantially away from the deflecting surface 765 and the abutment surface 761 extending therefrom from the hole 737. May be. Thus, when assembled, the filter 740 is positioned away from the baffle 730a and allows water to flow through the central region of the filter 740 toward the hole 730a.

  A series of positioning and / or securing structures 763a may be provided on and / or around the baffle 730a so that the filter 740 is removably secured to the channel 760 of the baffle 730a. Good.

  A flange 749c may be provided on top of the filter 740 to assist the user in removing the filter 740 from the baffle 730a for cleaning. As shown, the flange 749c may extend inwardly away from the spout 7 and the flange 749c assists in diverting turbulent water back into the tank 5. You may come to do.

  FIG. 49zw illustrates the state after the assembly of the device 1b illustrated in FIG. 49zt including the filter 740. As described above, the structure 763a for positioning and / or fixing may be provided in the baffle 730a, and the filter 740 may be detachably fixed to the baffle 730a. Instead, a structure for positioning and / or fixing is provided on the lid (not shown), the spout 7, the tank 5 and / or the downward peripheral flange 743, and the filter 740 is detachably fixed to the device 1b. You may make it do.

  In a further embodiment, a separate removable filter may be provided in each of the holes 737. In still other embodiments, the screen mesh may be supported directly on the baffle 730a and / or may be provided directly on the baffle 730a.

  FIG. 49zx illustrates another embodiment in which the baffle 730a can be further provided with a slot 745 and a louver 731. As illustrated, the louver 731 may extend from the baffle 730a downward and outward. During pouring and filling, slot 745 allows fluid flow 739c through baffle 730a, and louver 731 helps to prevent drainage or spout of spout 7 during the heating process. It has become. Alternatively, the louver 731 may extend inward and / or upward or in other directions during the heating process to prevent turbulent water from being discharged or spouted from the spout 7. As previously described, a hole 737 may be provided for filling and pouring from the tank 5.

  When the steam tube 70 is provided to guide the steam to the steam switch (not shown) of the controller 60, the hole of the steam tube 70 is protected from the inflow of water. Is preferred. For example, as shown in FIG. 49zo, the hole of the steam tube 70 is shielded from the front side by the steam tube cap 101, and can be accessed from between the back of the steam tube 70 and the tank wall. . Alternatively, the steam tube 70 may terminate in a peripheral flange 743 (not shown).

  As shown in FIGS. 49zs, 49zt, and 49zw, the steam tube cap 101 is molded or formed as part of the downward peripheral flange 743 or body of the device 1b, for example on at least the side of the steam cap 101 It may be pivotally connected to it by a hinge so that it can be folded into an appropriate position in the assembly.

  49zy to 49zza schematically illustrate three stages when the steam tube 70 is inserted and fixed in the steam cap 101. For clarity and convenience of description, FIGS. 49zy-49zza show cross-sectional views of the instrument 1b, from which non-essential components have been removed.

  FIG. 49zy illustrates the first assembly stage. The steam cap 101 includes a front wall 764a, a lateral wall 764b, a rear wall 764c, and a bottom wall 764. The bottom wall 764 is pivotally connected to the front wall 764a by a hinge 732. The hinge 732 may be formed as a single continuous hinge 732 or, for example, as a series of webs (not shown) that form the hinge 732. The rear wall 764c may include a tab 734 extending therefrom to interengage with a hole 733a provided in the bottom wall 764d. The bottom wall 764d further includes a hole 733b for a steam tube. This will be described in more detail below.

  FIG. 49zz illustrates the second assembly stage. In the second assembly stage, the bottom wall 764 d is folded into place and secured to the tab 734 to form the steam chamber 116. At least one hole 632c may be provided in the steam cap 101 to allow the steam to be in fluid communication with the steam tube 70.

  FIG. 49zza illustrates the final assembly stage. In the final assembly stage, the steam tube 70 is inserted through the hole 733b. The hole in the steam tube 70 is preferably located in the upper part of the steam cap 101 so as to abut against at least one positioning and / or support structure 763b. As shown, front wall 764a, side wall 764b, rear wall 764c and bottom wall 764d prevent turbulent fluid 735 from flowing into steam chamber 116 and / or into steam tube 70. You may come to work. As previously described, the steam tube 70 is in fluid communication with the steam control device through at least one hole 632c provided in the lower portion of the steam cap 101, as indicated by line 72. Also good. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the steam tube 70 may allow the accumulated excess steam pressure to escape.

  In yet other embodiments, the steam tube cap 101 is removable / permanent by a known method such as gluing, fusing, snap joints, screws, friction joints and / or clamps in the downward circumferential flange 743 or the hole in the steam tube 70. It may be a separate component that is fixedly fixed.

  Although the drawing illustrates the hole in the steam tube 70 as being straight, in a further embodiment, the hole in the steam tube 70 is directed toward the handle 9, i.e., opposite the intense turbulence 735 side. The inflow of the turbulent liquid 735 into the steam tube 70 may be prevented by inclining toward the steam tube 70.

  In a further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 49zzb, the steam pass mold 100 may be provided in a lid 8 that communicates with a steam tube 70 and a steam control device (not shown). Alternatively, a hole 86 may be provided in the lid 8 to access the steam 72. As shown in the drawing, the hole 86 of the lid 8 is arranged on the rear side of the baffle 730 a, and the louver 731 is arranged on the upper side or the lower side of the hole 86, so that the turbulent water deflected by the baffle 730 a It may be designed to prevent inflow.

  In other embodiments (not shown), the holes may be capped for access to the steam (eg, as disclosed in UK patent GB-B-2332095 granted to the present applicant). You may make it provide in the vicinity of the front part. In this embodiment, a steam pass hole may be disposed in the lid between the baffle and the spout to prevent turbulent flow into the hole.

  The steam path molded body 100 may be formed as a single molded body together with the main body of the lid 8. Alternatively, the steampass mold 100 is a separate component that is detachably / permanently secured to the lid 8 by known methods such as bonding, fusing, snap joints, screws, friction joints and / or clamps. It may be.

  In each of the embodiments in which the steam path mold body 100 is provided in the lid 8, the liquid that has flowed into the steam path mold body 100 by gravity is provided in the steam path mold body 100 by providing a gradient or an inclination in the gravity path. By receiving some resistance, it may be returned to the tank 5.

  As shown, a lip 70a may be provided on a substantially vertical steam tube 70. The lip 70 a is located above the bottom height of the steam path molded body 100 and helps to prevent the liquid that may exist in the steam path molded body 100 from flowing into the steam tube 70.

  In a further embodiment, the steam tube 70 may be formed as part of the tank 5 or part of the handle 9, as described for example in GB-B-2332095 granted to the applicant. May be formed.

  49zzc-49zz schematically illustrate a further embodiment of a baffle 730b. In this embodiment, the baffle 730b can be formed as a single molded body together with the main body of the device 1c.

  49zzc, FIG. 49zz, and FIG. 49zzg illustrate isometric views schematically showing the device 1c in a pre-assembled state, a first assembled state, and a post-assembled state, with reference to FIGS. 49zzd, 49zzf, and 49zzf. FIG. 49zzh illustrates a side view schematically illustrating the device 1c in a state before assembly, a first assembly state, and a state after assembly. For clarity and for convenience of explanation, non-essential components have been removed from the drawing, and only baffle 730b is shown uncut in FIGS. 49zzc, 49zze, and 49zzg.

  As shown, the baffle 730b is pivotally connected to the downward peripheral flange 743 of the instrument 1c by at least one hinge 732 that can be provided on the third surface 748 of the baffle 730b. Also good. A flange 749b may be provided at the lower end of the baffle 730b so as to engage with a tab 734 protruding from the inner wall of the device 1a.

  49zz and 49zzf illustrate the device in the first assembled state. In this first assembled state, at least one positioning structure 794 is provided in the main body of the device 1c and can be engaged with a hole 793 provided in the third surface 748 of the baffle 730b. Yes. Of course, during assembly, the positioning structure may provide at least lateral and / or horizontal support for the baffle 730b.

  49zzg and 49zzh illustrate the device 1c in a state after assembly. In this assembled state, at least the flange 749c, the positioning structure 794 and / or the hinge 732 work to support the baffle 730b in a stable position.

  49zzc to 49zzh illustrate that the baffle 730b is pivotally connected to the hole 743 of the device 1c by one hinge 732 provided on the third surface 748 of the baffle 730b. Of course, the baffle 730b may be pivotally connected to any portion of the device 1c using a plurality of hinges without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  By providing or in combination with each of the disclosed baffles 730a, 730b, downwardly facing peripheral flanges 743, and control of water flowing across the holes 737, interaction with moving parts and the user is provided. Contributes to the management of turbulent water in the liquid heating equipment 1b without needing, for example, reducing the height of the 1.7 liter, 3 kilowatt water heating equipment previously described by 6.5-11 mm, The packing volume can be reduced by 3 to 11%.

Cordless connector and integrated control device with reduced material The embodiments described below are described in WO-A1-2013 / 093526 and WO-A1-2012 / 085602 by the applicant or It may include the constituent elements of the disclosure. Unless otherwise stated, these components are not further described.

  The principles of the present invention have been described in terms of Applicants' A8 series integrated control device and CS8 series cordless socket connector, but are equally applicable to other control devices or socket connector types.

  FIG. 53 mka illustrates an isometric view of an electromechanical control device 60 viewed from below, for example, an integrated control device 520 with Applicant's cordless plug connector 3. The integrated control device 520 includes at least a chassis assembly 675 for attaching and / or securing the integrated control device 520 to a heating element plate (not shown) and at least one for supplying power to the heating element plate. Cooperating with two wire conductors 512, a main molded body 535 for accommodating at least the central live pin 530, a neutral ring 534N, an earth ring 127, and a bimetal actuator 592 for operating the integrated control device 520, for example. And a trip lever 594 having a bi-stable mechanism. The main molded body 535 may include, for example, an inner wall 556 for cooperating with at least the circumferential wall 547 of the socket connector 4. Alternatively, for example, the inner wall of a sub-base (not shown) may be used to cooperate with at least the circumferential wall 547 of the socket connector 4.

  FIG. 53mkb illustrates an isometric view of a cordless socket connector 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above. The cordless socket connector 4 can include at least a main molded body 536. The main molded body 536 includes at least a central hole 564, inner and outer annular holes 541 and 542, an annular lip 853 for forming an annular discharge channel 852, and a collection / discharge port. It includes a wall 567 and at least one shroud 560 provided on the underside for providing electrical insulation and / or drainage for electrical connection means such as tab terminals, for example. The socket connector 4 further includes cooperative contacts 544L, 544N, 544E. These cooperative contacts 544L, 544N, 544E are fixed and / or elastic as described, for example, in International Publication No. WO-A1-2013 / 093526A1 and International Publication No. WO-A1-2012 / 085602. It is supported by a spring conductor.

Improved Docking of 360 ° Cordless Connector In the following description, several embodiments of cordless socket connectors with improvements to the docking means compared to the prior art are disclosed.

  In the prior art, the initial alignment stage of the docking procedure is typically performed by the central pin 530 of the plug connector 3 and the cooperating central hole 564 in the socket connector 4 and / or the circle of the plug connector 3. Provided between the circumferential conductor and the cooperating wall of the socket connector 4.

If the size of the mated components is reduced, the docking procedure becomes more complex and tolerances become more important. Examples include the following:
a. Relative alignment between the molded plastic molds to be fitted together and / or b. Relative alignment and required contact force between cooperating and cooperating electrical conductors when docked and in use.

  Providing a plurality of separate substantially radial protrusions 890, 891 on at least one of the walls 546, 547 of the cordless socket 4 to provide centering, positioning means during docking; and Alternatively, the docking of the cordless connector pair 3 and 4 to be fitted may be improved by performing alignment with the corresponding plug connector 3. The plurality of separate substantially radial protrusions 890 described above may extend in a substantially vertical direction.

  Advantageously, a plurality of specific separate protrusions 890, 891 may be provided in the frame of the socket connector 4 so that the overall size of the socket connector 4 does not increase, and further implementations are possible. In the embodiment, the size of the socket connector 4 may be reduced. Further, at least one of the separate portions 890, 891 may be adapted to accommodate at least one cooperating electrical contact 544 (not shown). As in the previous case, this allows the outer diameter of the socket connector 4 to be reduced.

  Although the principles of the present invention have been described in terms of Applicant's A8 series integrated control device and CS8 series cordless socket, it is equally applicable to other control devices and / or connector types.

  53mkc and 53mkd illustrate an isometric view and a plan view showing details of the first embodiment of the cordless socket connector 4, respectively. For the sake of clarity and for convenience of description, non-essential parts have been removed from the drawings. In addition, the socket connector 4 includes contacts 544L, 544N, 544E as previously described and as described later. These contacts 544L, 544N, 544E may be supported by an elastic spring conductor (not shown). However, as before, only 544E is shown for clarity.

  The socket connector 4 has a main molded body 536. In the main molded body 536, two annular holes 541 and 542 and a central hole 564 are formed by walls 546, 547 and 868. The socket connector 4 may include a shroud 560 on the lower surface for providing electrical insulation and / or water shedding to the electrical connection means described above, eg, tab terminals (not shown).

  A wall 567 may be provided in the main molded body 536 in order to form a collecting / drainage port for the annular holes 541 and 542 to discharge water from the socket connector 4 safely.

  As shown, the socket connector 4 further includes at least a first protrusion 890a, a second protrusion 890b, and a third protrusion 890c that protrude from the wall 547 into the outer annular hole 542. You may have. When viewed from above, the illustrated protrusions 890a, 890b, 890c are defined by a line segment (string) 893 that traverses the inner diameter of the circumferential wall 547. The protrusions 890a, 890b and 890c may be arranged at equal intervals in order to improve centering, alignment and positioning means during docking. This will be described in more detail below.

  A vertical conductor is provided between the circumferential wall 547a and the circumferential wall 547b that are arranged in parallel, so that a circumferential contact is provided to accommodate the minimum required lateral movement of the vertical contact 544E. By providing the necessary gap Ga between the wall 547a and the circumferential wall 547b, the vertical contact 544E can move freely and cooperate during docking and undocking. It is known in the prior art that a constant and sufficient contact pressure can still be applied to (not shown).

  In the prior art, as illustrated in FIG. 53mke, the width of the gap Ga between the circumferential wall 547a and the circumferential wall 547b is constant with respect to the diameter of the socket connector 4, The outer diameter of the conventional socket connector 4 reflects the dimension of the gap Ga.

  As shown in FIG. 53mkf, at least one contact 544 may be placed in the region of the protrusion 890, and this protrusion 890 may partially engage the side motion of the contact 544E during docking. It is possible to correspond to. In this case, the gap Ga is required only in this one region of the socket connector 4. The corresponding gap Gb between the circumferential wall 547a and the circumferential wall 547b is narrower than the gap Ga, and the outer diameter of the socket connector 4 is shortened accordingly.

  Further, when the plug connector 3 is removed from the socket connector 4, the straight line 893 may provide improved retention means that cooperate with the backstop 598 of the contact 544E. As shown, the backstop 598 may be provided on at least one side of the contact 544E, or may be provided above and / or below the contact 544E.

  53mkg to 53mkj are cross sections schematically showing the cordless plug connector 3 and the cordless socket connector 4 shown in FIGS. 53mka and 53mkb according to the embodiment of the present invention before docking, during docking and after docking. The figure is illustrated. In this sectional view, protrusions 890a, 890b, and 890c are schematically illustrated. This will be described in more detail below. For clarity and for convenience of explanation, only contact 544E is shown in FIG. 53mkg.

  The initial alignment, centering and / or docking between the connector pairs 3 and 4 cooperates with other means, at least with the circumferential wall 547 of the socket connector 4, for example the inner wall 556 of the plug connector 3 or the inner wall of the subbase (Not shown) may be realized. However, this does not limit the invention.

  It has been known in the art that the center pin 530 is susceptible to twisting and / or bending over the entire lifetime, and it is preferred that the live conductor 530 not be in contact with the periphery of the hole 564 during docking. It is not done.

  Moreover, although it is preferable that the total height of the socket connector 4 including the circumferential wall 547 remains as low as possible in terms of aesthetics and cost, it is not limited thereto.

  Further, as detailed in FIG. 53 mkg, it is preferable that the top surface of the circumferential wall 547 is provided with an inclined surface for urging the plug connector 3 toward the center of the socket connector 4. It is not limited. In order to minimize the overall height of the circumferential wall 547, the angle of the inclined surface is preferably small, for example less than 21 °. Also preferably, the angle of the inclined surface is less than 10.5 °.

  FIG. 53mkh illustrates the plug connector 3 and the socket connector 4 in the first fitting stage. In the first fitting stage, the conductor 127 may come into contact with at least a part of the top surface of the circumferential wall 547. As previously described, this portion may be inclined toward the center of the socket connector 4. This inclined surface is positioned between the plug connector 3 and the socket connector 4 by urging the central axis A of the plug connector 3 toward the central axis B of the socket connector 4 in the first fitting stage. Means, alignment and / or alignment may be improved.

  FIG. 53mki illustrates the plug connector 3 and the socket connector 4 in the second fitting stage. In the second mating stage, the conductor 127 contacts the at least one protrusion 890 to center the plug connector 3 to continue docking without contacting the wall 868 of the live conductor 530 and the inlet 562. It is like that.

  53mkj illustrates the plug connector 3 and the socket connector 4 in the final mating stage. As shown, the plug connector 3 moves downward, and each or all of the protrusions 890a, 890b and 890c further align the ground conductor 127 and contact the hole 564 in the central live conductor 530. You may come to prevent.

  Advantageously, the fixed and annular arrangement of the circumferential conductor 127 is more robust than the central safety pin and is better at absorbing initial docking forces and stress.

  Further, the clearance between the central live conductor 530 and the cooperating central hole 564 during docking by providing a substantially circumferential and / or annular lead-in and / or taper at the free end of the central live conductor 530. You may make it improve further.

  As shown in FIGS. 53mkg-53mkj, a plurality of separate substantially radial protrusions 890 may extend substantially vertically. In other embodiments (not shown), it goes without saying that in the first mating stage, at least one of the protrusions 890 is locally towards and / or near the entrance of the hole 542. It may be arranged and adapted to improve the positioning means, alignment and / or alignment between the plug connector 3 and the socket connector 4 without having to extend completely vertically.

  53mkk is a diagram showing the docking of the plug connector 3 and the socket connector 4 according to the present invention, in which the protrusion 890 is engaged with the outer peripheral surface and / or the outer surface of the earth conductor 127 on a tangent line. It is a top view showing roughly. As is apparent, the conductor 127 is well aligned with at least two of the three protrusions 890 for successful docking and between the conductor 127 and the at least third protrusion. A clearance is provided to prevent friction between them.

  Advantageously, in areas where there are no protrusions 890, a larger gap is provided between the outer diameter of the conductor 127 and the inner peripheral surface of the circumferential wall 547, so this gap is the main mold. This may help to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and / or torsion of one or both of body 536 and conductor 127.

  53mkl to 53mkn illustrate plan views schematically illustrating further embodiments of the socket connectors 4a, 4b, 4c.

  FIG. 53mkl illustrates a socket 4a having a plurality of outward projecting portions 891a, 891b, and 891c. These protrusions 891a, 891b, and 891c are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the inner wall 546, protrude into the outer annular hole 542, and engage with the inner peripheral surface and / or the inner surface of the ground conductor 127. May be.

  Advantageously, at least one contact 544N is accommodated inside one of the protrusions 891 to reduce the overall diameter of the socket 4 as previously described. Good.

  A further embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 53mkm. In this embodiment, a plurality of inwardly facing protrusions 892a, 892b, 892c are provided on the inner wall 546 of the socket connector 4b, projecting into the inner annular hole 541, and / or the outer peripheral surface of the neutral contact 534N and / or It may be adapted to engage with the outer surface. As previously described, the outer diameter of the socket 4 may be reduced by accommodating at least one contact 544N inside at least one of the protrusions 891.

  In a further embodiment illustrated in FIG. 53 mkn, protrusions 890 a, 890 b and 890 c are provided on the outer wall 547 of the socket connector 4 c so as to engage the inner surface 556 of the plug connector 3 of the device 1. Also good. Instead, the protrusion 890 may be provided on the inner surface 556 of the plug connector 3 so as to be engaged with the outer wall 547 of the socket connector 4.

  The shape and form of the protrusions 890, 891, and 892 do not limit the scope of the present invention, and may be round, oval, arched, or rectangular. Or any suitable shape.

  In further embodiments, the socket connector 4 may be provided with further protrusions 890 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  The angle, datum, and width of the inclined surface of the inlet 542 may be varied to adapt to the individual geometry of the mating part, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Absent.

  In other embodiments, the function or polarity of individual conductors, eg, center pin 530 and / or rings 534N, 127, may be reversed or changed. In a further embodiment, an additional conductor may be provided to transmit an electrical signal between the cordless base 2 and the device main body 1, for example. Alternatively, at least the central pin 530 and / or the rings 127, 534N may further provide a means for transmitting electrical signals.

Improvement of Bimetal Actuator In the conventional integrated control device for liquid heating equipment, for example, the A1 series of the present applicant, for example, a bimetal actuator is provided for operating the trip lever of the equipment 1 when a desired liquid heating temperature is reached. Is known. In the prior art, normally, a bimetal actuator is pivotally supported by an integrated control device so that at least a part of the bimetal actuator can freely move between a plurality of states at a required temperature.

As component sizes are reduced, the operation of bimetallic actuators becomes more complex and tolerances become more important. For example:
a. The relative positional relationship between the fulcrum for the bimetallic actuator and the actuator mount,
b. Relative positional relationship between fulcrum and backstop for bimetallic actuator,
c. A mechanical interface between the trip lever and / or backstop cooperating with the bimetallic actuator, and / or d. Bimetal actuator thickness and mechanical properties.

  53qczoa is an isometric view showing a cross section of the integrated control device 520 in an exploded state. In this figure, the bimetal actuator 592 is substantially supported by the actuator mount 593 at its center, and can cooperate with a point that becomes the center of rotation adjacent to the actuator mount 593, for example, a fulcrum 895. It is shown. The fulcrum 895 can be provided as a protrusion and / or a raised portion. For the sake of clarity and for convenience of explanation, non-essential components have been removed from the figure.

  The integrated control device 520 may include a star washer 888 for fixing the bimetal actuator 592 to the actuator mount 593 of the main molded body 535, and the bimetal actuator 592 includes a backstop 598 and a trip lever 594. You may come to cooperate with. As shown, the bimetallic actuator 592 is circular and may be placed in any orientation, but for convenience of explanation, the point closest to the backstop 598 is the first end. The point at which the trip lever 594 is driven will be referred to as a free end 592b.

  53qczoa illustrates a star washer 888 having a substantially planar peripheral shape, but it goes without saying that other star washer structures such as those illustrated in FIGS. 53qczob and 53qczoc are possible. May be used.

  FIG. 53qczob illustrates a star washer 888a having an annular wall 851. The annular wall 851 may extend upward from the periphery of the star washer 888a to provide additional rigidity. In FIG. 53qczoc, a star washer 888b with at least one annular channel 370 is illustrated. This annular channel 370 may be disposed near the periphery of the star washer 888b to provide additional rigidity. The annular channel 370 may protrude toward the upper surface of the bimetal actuator 592 so that the annular channel 370 can be brought into contact with the upper surface of the bimetal actuator 592.

  53qczod to 53qczof illustrate cross-sectional views schematically illustrating the integrated control device 520 at different stages of operation. In these figures, trip lever 594 pivots about point 579 and cooperates with electrical switch means (not shown) in integrated control device 520. A point 579 serving as the center of rotation, a trip lever 594, and a spring 811 are combined to form a bistable mechanism.

  As shown in FIG. 53qczod, the concave surface of the bimetal actuator 592 is substantially directed downward in the low temperature state. In the first stage (ie, the on position) when the switch means is closed, the trip lever 594 is biased toward the bimetal actuator 592 so that, for example, the portion 595a of the trip lever 594 is free end 592b of the bimetal actuator 592. It may be in contact with or located in the vicinity thereof. At this stage, the first end portion 592a of the bimetal actuator 592 may also come into contact with the backstop 598 or may be located in the vicinity thereof.

  As shown in FIG. 53qczoe, when the liquid boils, steam and / or heated vapor is directed toward the bimetallic actuator 592, reversing the direction of curvature of the bimetallic actuator 592 and freeing its free end 592b. Alternatively, the trip lever 594 may overcome the over center mechanism to open the switch means (ie, to the off position). The deflection of the free end 592b is controlled by pivoting the bimetal actuator 592 about a fulcrum 895 and restricting the movement of the first end 592a of the bimetal actuator 592 by a backstop 598. Also good.

  As the bimetallic actuator 592 is cooled, the bimetallic actuator 592 is reset to its original concave shape and / or returned as illustrated in FIG. 53qczof. During reset, the bimetal actuator 592 may vibrate and / or sway and cause stress in the bimetal actuator 592. In the prior art, a star washer 888 may be provided to attenuate and / or completely or partially absorb energy from vibrations and / or shaking. The star washer 888 can reduce the stress of the resulting bimetallic actuator 592.

  Appropriate position and tolerance between the damping means and the bimetal actuator 592 are important. For example, if the pressure applied by the damping means is too large, the operating point of the bimetal actuator 592 may be distorted. Alternatively, if the star washer 888 is positioned too far from the bimetal actuator 592, the star washer 888 may not be able to absorb vibrations and / or vibrations from the bimetal actuator 592 during operation. .

  When the size of the control device is reduced and / or when the mass of the bimetallic actuator is reduced, the tolerance becomes even more important and may require an improvement of the damping means.

  53qczog shows the first of the integrated control device 520 with improved damping means that enhances the absorption of energy dissipated from the bimetal actuator 592 and increases the positional tolerance between the star washer 888 and the bimetal actuator 592. The embodiment is illustrated.

  As shown, intermediate damping means, such as an O-ring 422, may be provided between the star washer 888 and the bimetallic actuator 592.

  This intermediate damping means is provided to elastically absorb energy, vibrations and / or vibrations distributed from the bimetallic actuator 592 and / or to elastically absorb the pressure applied by the star washer 888. It may be.

  In other embodiments (not shown), in addition to or instead of the O-ring 422, a radial wave spring, coil spring, polymeric material, elastomeric material between the star washer 888 and the bimetallic actuator 592, In some cases, at least one of a leaf spring, a spiral spring, a shaft spring, a gasket, a washer, a sheath, a bush, a grommet, and / or a sleeve may be provided.

  In other embodiments (not shown), circlips, r-clips, fastening members, grommets and / or other suitable fasteners may be provided in place of the star washer 888. .

  53qczoh and 53qczoi illustrate isometric views showing a modification of the above-described first embodiment in which vibration and / or vibration is attenuated by using means having elasticity. The resilient means, for example, spring-loaded washer 897, may be an annular member 411 and / or washer connected to the star-shaped washer portion 888 by at least one resilient interconnecting member 381. The elastic means as shown in FIG. 53qczog may be a spring-loaded washer 897 formed by stamping and folding from a sheet material as illustrated in FIG. 53qczoi. In addition, the annular member 411 may include at least one channel 370 and / or an annular wall 851 to increase its strength.

  FIG. 53qczoj illustrates a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a control device 520 provided with a washer 897 with a spring.

  It should be noted that the elasticity provided by the O-ring 422 and the elastic spring washer 897 helps to accommodate the manufacturing tolerances inherent in the critical positioning of the conventional star washer 888 and is advantageous. This is because it is possible to extend the operational years of the bimetallic actuator 592 by lowering and / or controlling the level of stress caused.

  In addition, the cost can be further reduced by further reducing the thickness of the bimetal actuator 592 used by improving the damping means.

  Although the foregoing improvements have been described with respect to specific damping means of Applicant's integrated control device 520, it will be appreciated that improvements to the damping means of the bimetal actuator include any thermally driven bimetal control device, thermostat. And / or switches, such as, but not limited to, integrated control devices, contact thermostats, anti-vacuum, steam thermostats, air / humidity sensors, etc., which do not depart from the scope of the present invention Absent.

  Furthermore, it goes without saying that the damping means may be provided on any face of the bimetallic actuator 592 including the edge and / or as a part of the adjacent or abutting component, for example the main mold 535. It may be provided.

Improving the drainability of 360 ° cordless connectors In the following description, several embodiments of cordless socket connectors are disclosed which have improved waste fluid means compared to the prior art.

  In a conventional 360 ° connector (not shown), for example, applicant's CS4 series, a full height molded skirt is formed as a part of the power base 2 and the power base 2 and the full height molded skirt are It is known to serve to guide the initial engagement with the plug 3. This skirt may be able to alleviate the problem of water ingress between the socket 4 and the power base 2, but the skirt molded by the equipment manufacturer as part of the power base 2 and the parts manufacturer There may be interface and tolerance problems between the supplied plug 3 and socket 4.

  It is also known to provide a cordless base without a skirt, but care must be taken to accommodate liquids that may be present where the connector 4 and power base 2 join.

  In addition, it is also known that by providing a central drainage port in the cordless connector, the liquid present on the top surface of the connector 4 is allowed to flow out of the power base through the connector 4 using the drainage channel. ing.

  We find that the interface or connecting means between the drainage channel and the lower power base can retain water, especially more precisely for components of reduced size, i.e. more precisely, There is a risk that water may be easily drawn between the component parts due to the capillary action. This can moisten and / or moisten the electrical path between the connector and the lower power base.

  Applicants' intention is to improve the drainage technique of the cordless connector assembly by providing a means for isolating the drainage function from adjacent components.

  The following embodiments may have the features described or disclosed in International Publication Nos. WO-A1-2013 / 093526A1 and WO-A1-2012 / 085602 by the applicant. Unless otherwise stated, these matters are not further explained.

  FIG. 53qczzl illustrates an isometric view showing the cordless socket connector 4 and the lower power base 2a according to an embodiment of the present invention in an exploded state. The lower power base 2a is cut for clarity and for convenience of explanation. 53qczzm illustrates an isometric view of the cordless connector 4 described in FIG. 53qczzl and the lower power base 2a covered with an assembled base cover mold molded body 343, and is an isometric view, and FIG. 53qczzn FIG. 5 illustrates a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which the cordless connector 4 and the lower power base 2a illustrated in FIG. 53qczzl covered with an assembly base cover mold molded body 343 are cut. For the sake of clarity and for convenience of description, non-essential parts have been removed from the drawings.

  An annular wall 851 may be provided in the central portion of the lower power base 2a. The annular wall 851 functions as a weir or barrier that stops excess liquid or condensate, and turns the liquid toward the hole 346b of the lower power base 2a.

  As described in International Publication No. WO-A1-2013 / 093526A1, the walls 546 and 547 of the socket connector 4 are provided with vertical holes 565a and 565b on the inner side of the collecting / drainage port 567a. The drainage from the two annular holes 541, 542 as indicated by A may be realized, so that the water present in the holes 541 and 542 is drained through the hole 346b.

  The cordless connector 4 is further provided with a series of support means located on the lower surface thereof, for example, a foot portion 884 so as to engage with the abutment mechanisms 885 and 885a provided on the lower power base 2a. It may be. Abbot mechanism 885a may be shaped to further provide indexing means and / or alignment means in addition to interengaging with its corresponding foot 884. When assembled as shown in FIG. 53qczzm, the foot portion 884 is placed on the abutment mechanisms 885 and 885a and supported by the lower power base 2a, so that the drainage port 567a of the socket connector 4 is provided. Is opposite and / or indexed to hole 346b.

  The main molded body 536 of the socket connector 4 may include an annular lip 853. In the annular lip 853, an annular receiving portion 882 is formed between the circumferential walls 547 so that liquid can be collected safely, for example, between the top surface of the base cover mold body 343 and the socket connector 4. It may be. A drainage channel 567b is provided where the outer wall of the drainage port 567a contacts the annular well 882, and water is directed from the annular well 882 toward the hole 346b of the lower power base 2a as indicated by an arrow B. May be discharged safely.

  As shown in FIGS. 53qczzm and 53qczzn, the combined drainage channel 894 formed by ports 567a, 567b is not directly connected to drainage port 346b and is located away from support means 885. Has been. Accordingly, water is taken in between the combined drainage channel 894 and the lower power base 2a by allowing the outlet of the combined drainage channel 894 to be freely suspended above the lower power base 2a. To help prevent and / or be held, thereby eliminating the possibility of the electrical path between the connector 4 and the lower power base 2a being wetted and / or wetted. Yes.

  Preferably, a gap of about 5 mm is provided between the outlet of the combined drainage channel 894 and the lower power base 2a, the support means 885 of the lower cordless base 2a and / or other parts or parts. Also good. However, the size of the gap does not limit the invention.

  The central portion of the lower power base 2a may be inclined and / or tapered toward the hole 346b to facilitate water discharge.

  The invention is not limited to a single combined drainage means, but also for embodiments in which a plurality of drainage means are provided and / or these multiple drainage means are not combined. The same applies.

It is obvious that the full scope of further embodiments and combinations thereof are extensive. However, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art who have read the description herein can combine the solutions between these embodiments to address specific issues of individual devices, which are also It is included within the scope of the present invention.

The above embodiments are intended to be illustrative and not limiting of the present invention. Other embodiments that will become apparent upon reading the above description may also be included within the scope of the present invention.
Other means for solving the problems of the present invention are described in the Clause numbered below.

Other means to solve the problem
[Close 1]
A thermal control device for liquid heating equipment,
  An actuator mount for mounting bimetal actuators;
  Dampening means for dampening and / or absorbing energy, vibration and / or vibration of the bimetallic actuator,
  A thermal control device, wherein the bimetal actuator is fixed to the actuator mount by at least one fixing means.
[Close 2]
The thermal control device according to claim 1, wherein the damping means is provided between the bimetal actuator and the fixing means.
[Close 3]
  The thermal control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the damping means is provided between the bimetal actuator and the actuator mount.
[Close 4]
4. The thermal control device according to claim 1, further comprising a bistable actuator operable to be driven by the bimetal actuator.
[Close 5]
The thermal control device according to claim 4, wherein the bistable actuator is pivotally attached to a main molded body of the thermal control device.
[Close 6]
The thermal control device according to claim 1, wherein the bimetal actuator is configured to be driven by steam.
[Close 7]
The thermal control device according to any one of closes 1 to 6, wherein the fixing means is configured to control and / or limit an axial movement of the bimetal actuator.
[Close 8]
  The thermal control device according to any one of closes 1 to 7, wherein the damping means is composed of a resilient element.
[Close 9]
  The thermal control device according to claim 8, wherein the elastic element is composed of a polymer material and / or an elastomer material.
[Close 10]
  The elastic element is composed of one or more of an O-ring, a coil spring, a leaf spring, a wave spring, a helical spring, a shaft spring gasket, a washer, a sheath, a bush, a grommet and / or a sleeve. The thermal control device according to claim 8 or 9.
[Close 11]
  Any of closures 1-10, wherein the securing means is comprised of at least one of a star washer, a circlip, an r-clip, a fastening member, a grommet and / or other suitable fasteners The thermal control device according to one item.
[Close 12]
  Close 11 when quoting any one of Close 8 to 10 or Close 8 to 10, wherein the fixing means and the elastic element are composed of a single component. The thermal control device described in 1.
[Close 13]
  The thermal control device according to claim 12, wherein the single component is constructed from a flat or sheet-like material having an interconnect member between the securing means and the resilient element.
[Close 14]
  The thermal control device of clause 13, wherein the resilient element comprises the interconnection member.
[Close 15]
  Close 1 wherein said securing means and / or said damping means further comprises at least one axially extending channel and / or an annular wall for strengthening it or reducing its twisting or bending The thermal control apparatus as described in any one of thru | or 14.
[Close 16]
  The thermal control device according to any one of closes 1 to 15, wherein the fixing means is formed of an annular and / or circular member.
[Close 17]
  The thermal control device according to any one of closes 1 to 16, wherein the attenuating means is composed of an annular and / or circular member.
[Close 18]
  The thermal control device according to any one of Close 1 to 10, wherein the fixing means constitutes a part of the main molded body.
[Close 19]
  The thermal control device according to any one of Close 1 to 10, wherein the fixing means is fixed to the main mold body and / or is detachably fixed.
[Close 20]
  The thermal control device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the damping means constitutes a part of the fixing means.
[Close 21]
  A substantially 360 ° cordless electrical connection system for connecting a device body to a power base,
  A plug connector;
  It has a socket connector corresponding to it,
  21. A system, wherein the plug connector further comprises a thermal control device according to any one of closures 1-20.
[Close 22]
  An apparatus comprising the thermal control device according to any one of Close 1 to 20.
[Close 23]
  A thermal control device,
  An actuator mount for mounting bimetal actuators;
  Dampening means for dampening and / or absorbing energy, vibration and / or vibration of the bimetallic actuator,
  A thermal control device, wherein the bimetal actuator is fixed to the actuator mount by at least one fixing means.
[Close 24]
  A substantially 360 ° cordless electrical connection system for connecting a device body to a power base,
  A plug connector;
  It has a socket connector corresponding to it,
  The plug connector has at least one circumferentially extending electrical conductor that electrically connects to a corresponding electrical conductor of the socket connector, thereby providing the at least one circumferentially extending electrical conductor of the plug connector to the socket. It is configured to position with respect to the main body of the connector,
  The main body has at least one annular wall, and the at least one annular wall has at least two separate bodies for centering and / or alignment of the at least one circumferentially extending electrical conductor. Cordless electrical connection system having a radial projection in general.
[Close 25]
  The cordless electrical connection system of claim 24, wherein each of said at least two separate substantially radial protrusions extends radially inward.
[Close 26]
  The cordless electrical connection system of claim 24, wherein each of said at least two separate substantially radial protrusions extends radially outward.
[Close 27]
  27. A cordless electrical connection system according to any one of clauses 24-26, wherein the at least two separate substantially radial protrusions extend substantially vertically.
[Close 28]
  28. Any of the closures 24-27, wherein at least one of the at least two separate substantially radial protrusions is configured to receive at least one of the corresponding electrical conductors. Cordless electrical connection system as described in.
[Close 29]
  29. A cordless electrical connection system according to any one of closures 24 to 28, wherein the at least one corresponding electrical conductor is disposed inside a hole in the socket connector.
[Closed 30]
  30. The cordless electrical connection system of clause 29, wherein the at least two separate substantially radial protrusions are locally disposed next to and / or near the inlet of the hole.
[Close 31]
  31. The cordless electrical connection system of claim 30, wherein the at least two separate substantially radial protrusions extend in the entire vertical direction.
[Close 32]
  The at least two separate substantially radial protrusions are provided on an inner peripheral surface or an inner surface of the at least one annular wall, with respect to an outer peripheral surface or an outer surface of the at least one circumferentially extending electrical conductor. The cordless electrical connection system according to any one of closes 24 to 31, wherein the system is positioned.
[Closed 33]
  The cordless electrical connection system of claim 32, wherein at least one of the at least two separate substantially radial protrusions is defined by a line segment or chord across the inner diameter of the at least one annular wall. .
[Close 34]
  The at least two separate substantially radial protrusions are provided on an outer peripheral surface or an outer surface of the at least one annular wall with respect to an inner peripheral surface or an inner surface of the at least one circumferentially extending electrical conductor. The cordless electrical connection system according to any one of closes 24 to 31, wherein the system is positioned.
[Close 35]
  Any of the closures 24-34, wherein the plug connector comprises at least two concentric electrical conductors that are in electrical connection with electrical conductors in the inner and outer annular holes of the socket connector. A cordless electrical connection system according to claim 1.
[Close 36]
  The main body has at least an outer annular wall and an inner annular wall, and the at least two separate substantially radial protrusions are the outer annular wall and / or the inner annular wall. 36. The cordless electrical connection system of clause 35, provided on one or both of the annular walls.
[Close 37]
  The cordless electrical connection system of claim 36, wherein the inner annular wall is disposed between the inner annular hole and the outer annular hole.
[Close 38]
  The at least two separate substantially radial protrusions are provided on the outer annular wall so that the at least two separate substantially radial protrusions are in the outer hole. Close 37 when quoting Close 32 or 33, which is configured to center and / or align with the outer circumferential surface or outer surface of the outer circumferentially extending electrical conductor projecting inwardly Cordless electrical connection system as described.
[Close 39]
  The cordless electrical connection system of claim 38, wherein the outer annular wall is a circumferential wall of the socket connector.
[Close 40]
  The at least two separate substantially radial protrusions are provided on the inner annular wall so that the at least two separate substantially radial protrusions are in the inner hole. Close 37 when quoting Close 32 or 33, which is configured to center and / or align with the outer or outer surface of the inner circumferentially extending electrical conductor projecting inwardly Cordless electrical connection system as described.
[Closed 41]
  The at least two separate substantially radial protrusions are provided on the inner annular wall so that the at least two separate substantially radial protrusions are in the outer hole. A close 37 when quoting a close 34, which is configured to be centered and / or aligned with the inner or inner surface of the outer circumferentially extending electrical conductor projecting inwardly. Cordless electrical connection system.
[Closed 42]
  Closes 35-40, wherein the plug connector further comprises an electrical conductor substantially in the center of the plug for making electrical connection with an electrical conductor in the socket in a substantially central hole in the socket connector. The cordless electrical connection system according to any one of the above.
[Closed 43]
  During docking, the free end of the electrical conductor substantially in the center of the plug further improves the clearance between the electrical conductor substantially in the center of the plug and the substantially central hole. The cordless electrical connection system of claim 42, having substantially circumferential and / or annular lead-ins and / or tapers.
[Close 44]
  The inner circumferentially extending electrical conductor and the outer circumferentially extending electrical conductor are disposed outside the electrical conductor substantially in the center of the plug, the electrical conductor being substantially in the center of the plug. 44. A cordless electrical connection system according to clause 42 or 43, wherein the radial distances from each are different.
[Close 45]
  45. A cordless electrical connection system according to any one of clauses 24-44, wherein the at least two separate substantially radial protrusions are spaced substantially equidistantly apart.
[Close 46]
  The plug connector has at least three separate substantially radial protrusions, and during docking, at least one of the circumferentially extending electrical conductors is the at least three separate substantially radial radii. Centering and / or aligning with two of the directional protrusions and at least one of said circumferentially extending electrical conductors and said at least three separate substantially radial protrusions The cordless electrical connection system according to any one of closes 24 to 45, wherein a clearance is provided between the third protrusions and friction between them is prevented. .
[Close 47]
  Closing when quoting Closing 35, which is configured to provide an inclined surface at the inlet of the outer annular hole to provide a guide for the outer circumferential direction of the plug connector. The cordless electrical connection system according to any one of 35 to 46.
[Close 48]
  48. A cordless electrical connection system according to Clause 47, wherein said inclined surface is provided on said outer annular wall and has a shallow angle of less than 21 °, preferably 10.5 ° or less.
[Close 49]
  49. A close according to any one of clauses 24 to 48, further comprising one or more further circumferentially extending electrical conductors for transmitting electrical signals between the device body and the power base. Cordless electrical connection system.
[Close 50]
  A substantially 360 ° cordless electrical connection system for connecting a device body to a power base,
  A plug connector;
  It has a socket connector corresponding to it,
  The at least one circumferential by having at least one circumferentially extending electrical conductor electrically connected to a corresponding electrical conductor of the plug connector or the socket connector, wherein at least one of the plug connector or the socket connector A conductor extending in a direction is configured to be positioned relative to a main body of the socket connector or the plug connector;
  The main body has at least one annular wall, and the at least one annular wall has at least two separate bodies for centering and / or alignment of the at least one circumferentially extending electrical conductor. Cordless electrical connection system having a radial projection in general.
[Close 51]
  A substantially 360 ° cordless electrical connection system for connecting a device body to a power base,
  A plug connector;
  It has a socket connector corresponding to it,
  The socket connector has a main body including at least one hole for receiving at least one corresponding electrical conductor of the plug connector;
  The at least one hole is provided with a drainage means for discharging the liquid from there toward a drainage hole provided in the power base,
  A cordless electrical connection system configured such that at least an outlet of the drainage means does not directly contact any part or part of the power base.
[Close 52]
  The main body of the socket connector further includes an annular lip within which an annular well safely holds any liquid between the top surface of the power base and the socket connector. The annular well is provided with a drainage means for draining liquid from there to a drainage hole provided in the power base. 52. The cordless electrical connection system according to claim 51, wherein at least the outlet of the drainage means is configured not to directly contact any part or part of the power base.
[Close 53]
  The cordless electrical connection system according to claim 51 or 52, wherein at least an outlet of the drainage means is configured to be freely suspended in the power base.
[Close 54]
  The main body of the socket connector has at least two corresponding holes for receiving the electrical conductor of the plug connector, and each hole is provided with drainage means for draining liquid from the holes The cordless electrical connection system according to any one of Closes 51 to 53.
[Close 55]
  The main body of the socket connector has corresponding at least three holes for receiving the electrical conductor of the plug connector, the at least two holes being configured to share a common drainage means; A cordless electrical connection system according to claim 54.
[Close 56]
  56. The cordless electrical connection system according to any one of claims 52 to 55, wherein an integrated drainage channel is formed by the drainage means of the hole and the annular well.
[Close 57]
  55. A cordless electrical connection system according to any one of clauses 52 to 54, wherein the drainage means comprises a plurality of separate drainage channels.
[Close 58]
  58. A cordless electrical connection system according to any one of clauses 51 to 57, wherein the power base further comprises a lower power base portion including means for receiving the socket connector.
[Close 59]
  The socket connector further includes positioning means, and the positioning means engages with corresponding positioning means provided in the lower power base portion to provide the drainage means in the power base. The cordless electrical connection system of claim 58, wherein the cordless electrical connection system is configured to be positioned to face the drainage hole formed.
[Close 60]
  Close 58 or 59, wherein the lower power base portion has an annular skirt that functions as a dam and / or barrier for containing excess liquid and redirecting the liquid toward the drain hole Cordless electrical connection system as described in.
[Close 61]
  Of the closes 58 to 60, which are configured so that water can be easily discharged by inclining the central portion of the lower power base and / or tapering toward the drainage hole. The cordless electrical connection system according to any one of the above.
[Close 62]
  A substantially 360 ° cordless electrical connection system for connecting a device body to a power base,
  A plug connector;
  It has a socket connector corresponding to it,
  The socket connector has a main body including at least one hole for receiving at least one corresponding electrical conductor of the plug connector;
  The at least one hole is provided with a drainage means for discharging the liquid from there toward a drainage hole provided in the power base,
  A cordless electrical connection system in which at least an outlet of the drainage means is freely suspended in the power base.
[Closed 63]
  63. The cordless electrical connection system according to any one of closures 21, 24 to 62, wherein at least one of the plug connector and the socket connector is a water-resistant connector.
[Close 64]
  64. The closure 63, wherein at least one of the plug connector and the socket connector is configured to exhibit water resistance by sealing one or more cavities that house electrical connections to the electrical conductor. Cordless electrical connection system.
[Close 65]
  65. A cordless electrical connection system according to any one of closures 24 to 64, wherein the plug connector further comprises a thermal control device for the device.
[Close 66]
  A device comprising the cordless electrical connection system according to any one of the closures 21, 24 to 65.
[Close 67]
  Kettle, thermos for heating, pot, blender, iron, water heater (coffeemaker), coffee or espresso maker, juicer, smoothie maker, food processor, soup maker, sauce maker, steamer, tea maker, chocolate fountain, fondue, throw The apparatus of clause 66, comprising a cooker, vacuum pot, milk frother, water cooler, water dispenser, pan, pan, vending machine, and / or on-demand hot water equipment.
[Close 68]
  A liquid heating device (1b),
  A liquid tank (5);
  A heater (12) for heating the liquid in the liquid tank (5);
  A spout (7) for delivering liquid from the liquid tank (5),
  The liquid heating device (1b) is disposed on the rear side of the spout (7), and suppresses or prevents discharge and / or discharge of turbulent liquid (735) from the spout (7) during heating. Baffles (730a, 730b) for further
  The baffles (730a, 730b)
  a. A first surface (765) for diverting the turbulent liquid from the spout (7);
  b. A second surface (747) extending substantially around said first surface (765) and / or at least along its lower peripheral edge, whereby said second surface (747). ) Is configured to abut against and / or seal between the inner wall of the liquid tank (5).
[Close 69]
  By making the second surface (747) conform to and / or closely fit the contour of the inner wall of the liquid tank (5), the second surface (747) 70. Liquid according to close 68, configured to divert and / or redirect the turbulent liquid (735) from a gap between the inner wall (5a) and the first surface (765). Heating equipment.
[Close 70]
  70. A close 68 or 69, wherein the second surface (747) extends substantially around and / or along the first surface (765). Liquid heating equipment.
[Close 71]
  The baffle (730a, 730b) further comprises a third surface (748) that abuts and / or seals between a portion of the liquid heating device or lid (8), and as a result The third surface (748) from a portion of the liquid heating device or a gap between the lid (8) and the first surface (765) and / or the baffle (730a, 730b) 71. Liquid heating device according to any one of the clauses 68 to 70, configured to deflect and / or redirect the turbulent liquid (735).
[Close 72]
  72. The liquid heating apparatus according to close 71, wherein the third surface (748) is provided on an upper portion of the baffle (730a, 730b).
[Close 73]
  The liquid heating apparatus according to claim 71 or 72, wherein the third surface (748) is formed from an upper portion of the second surface (747).
[Close 74]
  The first surface (765) further comprises at least one hole (737), the at least one hole (737) for pouring from the tank (5) or for filling the tank (5). 75. Liquid heating according to any one of closures 68 to 74, configured to provide means and means for escaping excess steam (746) from the tank (5) during the heating process. Equipment.
[Close 75]
  A liquid heating device (1b),
  A liquid tank (5);
  A heater (12) for heating the liquid in the liquid tank (5);
  A spout (7) for delivering liquid from the liquid tank (5),
  The liquid heating device (1b) is disposed on the rear side of the spout (7), and suppresses or prevents discharge and / or discharge of turbulent liquid (735) from the spout (7) during heating. A baffle (730a, 730b) for performing
  The baffle (730a, 730b) has a first surface (735) for deflecting the turbulent liquid toward the rear side of the liquid heating device (1b), Is provided with a first hole (737), whereby the at least one hole (737) pours from the liquid tank (5) or fills the liquid tank (5), heating Liquid heating equipment configured to provide a means for escaping excess steam or steam exhaust (746) from the liquid tank (5) during the process.
[Close 76]
  A second surface on which the baffles (730a, 730b) extend substantially around the first surface (765) and / or along at least the lower periphery of the first surface (765). (747), whereby the second surface (747) is configured to abut against and / or seal between the front inner wall of the liquid tank (5), The liquid heating apparatus according to Clause 75.
[Close 77]
  By causing the second surface (747) to conform and / or fit closely with the contour of the inner wall of the liquid tank (5), the second surface (747) is Liquid heating according to close 76, configured to divert and / or redirect the turbulent liquid (735) from a gap between an inner wall (5a) and the first surface (765). Equipment.
[Close 78]
  78. Liquid heating according to close 76 or 77, wherein said second surface (747) extends substantially around or along said first surface (765). Equipment.
[Close 79]
  The baffle (730a, 730b) further comprises a third surface (748) that abuts and / or seals between a portion of the liquid heating device or lid (8), thereby providing the third A surface (748) is formed from the gap between the liquid heating device or part of the lid (8) and the first surface (765) and / or the baffle (730a, 730b). ) The liquid heating device according to any one of the closures 68 to 70, configured to deflect and / or change direction.
[Closed 80]
  80. The liquid heating apparatus according to close 79, wherein the third surface (748) is provided on top of the baffle (730a, 730b).
[Close 81]
  The liquid heating apparatus according to claim 79 or 80, wherein the third surface (748) is formed from an upper portion of the second surface (747).
[Close 82] The liquid heating apparatus according to any one of Close 74 to 81, wherein the at least one hole (737) is disposed at a position offset from the spout (7).
[Closed 83]
  By making the baffle (730a, 730b) wider than the opening width of the spout (7), liquid discharged from the at least one hole (737) can be discharged from the outlet hole (632g) of the spout (7). 83. The liquid heating apparatus according to any one of the closes 74 to 82, wherein the liquid heating apparatus is configured to be guided in a direction away from the liquid.
[Close 84]
  84. The liquid heating apparatus according to any one of closes 74 to 83, wherein the baffles (730a, 730b) have at least two holes.
[Close 85]
  Closed, configured to prevent and / or limit the outflow of turbulent water (735) from that hole during the heating process by placing each hole (737) above the maximum water level (225) The liquid heating apparatus according to any one of 74 to 84.
[Close 86]
  86. Liquid heating according to any one of clauses 75 to 85, wherein the first surface (765) is formed from one of an arched surface, an inclined surface or a vertical surface or a combination thereof. Equipment.
[Close 87]
  The liquid heating device is used to capture upwardly moving turbulent liquid that can be discharged into the region or interface between the lid (5) of the liquid heating device (1b) and the upper hole (20). 87. Liquid heating device according to any one of the closes 75 to 86, further comprising a peripheral flange (743) provided substantially around the periphery of the upper hole (20) of the device (1b). .
[Close 88]
  The baffle (730a, 730b) extends downward beyond the lower end of the spout 97 and has a lower end positioned below the maximum liquid level (225) of the liquid heating device. The liquid heating apparatus according to any one of Close 75 to 87, which is provided.
[Closed 89]
  Any one of the closures 75-88, wherein the baffle (730a) is a separate and / or different component that is removably secured to at least the body or lid (5) of the liquid heating device (1b). The liquid heating apparatus according to the item.
[Closed 90]
  90. The liquid heating apparatus according to close 89, wherein a snap fitting, a screw, a friction joint, and / or a clamp are provided to detachably fix the baffle (730a) to the liquid heating apparatus (1b).
[Close 91]
  Any one of the closures 68 to 90, wherein the baffle (730b) is formed as a single molded body together with at least the main body and / or the lid (5) of the liquid heating device (1b). A device for heating a liquid as described in 1.
[Close 92]
  90. The liquid heating apparatus according to claim 91, wherein the baffle (730b) is pivotally connected to at least the main body and / or the lid (5) of the liquid heating apparatus (1b).
[Close 93]
  93. A liquid heating apparatus according to any one of clauses 75 to 92, wherein the baffles (730a, 730b) have a channel (760) that receives a filter (740).
[Close 94]
  94. The liquid heating apparatus of claim 93, wherein a cross-sectional area of the filter (740) is greater than a cross-sectional area of each hole (737).
[Close 95]
  The baffle (730a, 730b) comprises a series of positioning and / or anchoring mechanisms (763a) for removably securing the filter (740) to the channel (760), 94. The apparatus for heating a liquid according to 94.
[Close 96]
  When assembled by placing the channel (760) away from the first surface (765) and each hole (737) by an abutment surface (761) extending substantially therefrom, Of the closures 93-95, the filter (740) is disposed away from the baffle (730a, 730b) and is configured to allow water to flow through a greater surface area of the filter (740). The liquid heating apparatus according to any one of the above.
[Close 97]
  96. A liquid heating apparatus according to any one of claims 93 to 96, wherein the filter (740) comprises a frame (657) with a series of support ribs (762) for a screen mesh filter.
[Close 98]
  Any one of closures 93-97, wherein a flange (749c) is provided on top of the filter (740) to assist in removing the filter (740) from the baffle (730a, 730b). The liquid heating apparatus according to the item.
[Close 99]
  The baffle (730a, 730b) further comprises at least one slot (745) and a corresponding louver (731), during the pouring and / or during filling, the at least one slot (745) Allowing the liquid to flow through the baffles (730a, 730b), and the louver (731) is configured to prevent the discharge or discharge of liquid from the spout (7) during the heating process. The liquid heating apparatus according to any one of Close 75 to 98.
[Closed 100]
  100. The liquid heating apparatus according to any one of Clauses 75 to 99, wherein the liquid heating apparatus (1b) is a water heating apparatus.
[Close 101]
  100. The liquid heating apparatus of claim 100, further comprising a steam tube (70) or a steam path (100) in fluid communication with the steam switch.
[Close 102]
  102. The liquid heating apparatus of claim 101, wherein the steam tube (70) or the steam path (100) has a hole that is shielded from the intense turbulent flow path of water.
[Closed 103]
  105. The liquid heating apparatus of claim 102, wherein a steam tube cap (101) is provided to shield the hole from the path of intense water turbulence.
[Close 104]
  104. The liquid heating apparatus of claim 103, wherein the steam tube cap (101) is molded or formed as part of a body of the downward peripheral flange (743) or the liquid heating apparatus (1b). .
[Close 105]
  105. The liquid heating apparatus of claim 104, wherein the steam tube cap (101) is pivotally connected to the downward peripheral flange (743) or the body of the liquid heating apparatus (1b) by a hinge (732). .
[Close 106]
  Liquid heating according to close 103, wherein the steam tube cap (101) is a separate component that is detachably / permanently secured to the hole in the downward peripheral flange (743) or the steam tube (70). Equipment.
[Close 107]
  103. A liquid heating apparatus according to claim 101 or 102, wherein the holes of the steam tube (70) or of the steam path (100) are configured to terminate in the downward peripheral flange.
[Close 108]
  103. The liquid heating apparatus according to Close 101 or 102, wherein the steam tube (70) or the steam path (100) is provided in the lid (5) of the liquid heating apparatus (1b).
[Close 109]
  109. The liquid heating apparatus according to claim 108, wherein the hole of the steam tube (70) or the steam path (100) is disposed on the rear side of the baffle (730a, 730b).
[Close 110]
  109. The liquid heating apparatus according to claim 108, wherein the hole of the steam tube (70) or the steam path (100) is provided between the baffle (730a, 730b) and the spout (7).
[Closed 111]
  The steam tube (70) or the steam path (100) is inclined so that the liquid in the steam tube (70) or the steam path (100) returns to the tank (5) by gravity. 111. The liquid heating apparatus according to any one of Closures 108 to 110, which is configured as follows.
[Close 112]
  A louver (731) for preventing the water from flowing into the hole of the steam tube (70) or the steam path (100) through the hole of the steam tube (70) or the steam path (100). 111. The liquid heating apparatus according to any one of Clauses 108 to 110, comprising:
[Close 113]
  Closed 75 to 112, wherein the height of the liquid heating device (1b) is reduced compared to the height of a conventional liquid heating device (1) having a similar tank capacity. The apparatus for liquid heating as described.
[Closed 114]
  114. The liquid heating apparatus according to close 113, wherein the amount of height reduction of the liquid heating apparatus (1b) is between 6.5 and 11 mm.
[Closed 115]
  119. The liquid heating device according to any one of clauses 75 to 114, wherein the liquid heating device (1b) is a kettle.
[Close 116]
  A device package including the liquid heating device according to any one of Close 75 to 115,
  An instrument package wherein the volume of the package is reduced compared to a package including a conventional liquid heating instrument having a similar tank capacity.
[Close 117]
  119. The equipment package of clause 116, wherein the volume reduction of the package is between 3-11%.
[Close 118]
  A steam valve assembly,
  Equipped with a valve through which steam and / or steam can flow during normal use;
  The valve
  a. Configured to close when the device lies on its side with a liquid level above the valve;
  b. A steam valve assembly configured to open when the device lies sideways with a liquid level below the valve.
[Closed 119]
  Further comprising a first body, a second body, and a chamber positioned therebetween, such that the tank is in fluid communication with the steam inlet and / or the vapor inlet through the chamber. The first body has at least one first hole in fluid communication with a steam inlet and / or a steam inlet, and the second body has at least one second fluid in fluid communication with a tank of the device. 119. The steam valve assembly according to Clause 118, comprising a hole.
[Close 120]
  120. The steam valve assembly of clause 119, wherein the steam inlet and / or the steam inlet is configured to be in fluid communication with a steam switch.
[Closed 121]
  121. A steam valve assembly according to clause 119 or 120, further comprising a member movable by gravity within the chamber to open and close the valve when the device is laid down on one side.
[Close 122]
  122. The steam valve assembly of clause 121, wherein the member is configured to cooperate with the at least one hole such that the valve opens and closes when the device is laid down.
[Closed 123]
  123. A steam valve assembly according to any one of closes 118 to 122, wherein the steam valve assembly is disposed in a position such that the steam valve assembly is directed downward at an angle toward a central axis of the device.
[Closed 124]
  124. The steam valve assembly according to Clause 123, wherein the angle range is between 15 and 75 degrees with respect to the horizontal axis of the instrument, and in some cases the angle is 45 degrees.
[Closed 125]
  125. A steam valve assembly according to any one of clauses 118 to 124, wherein the steam valve assembly is offset with respect to a vertical symmetry plane of the device.
[Close 126]
  129. The closure 118-125, wherein the steam valve assembly is attached to or detachably secured to the lid, steam chamber, tank, steam tube and / or handle of the device. Steam valve assembly.
[Closed 127]
  125. Steam valve assembly according to any one of closures 118 to 125, wherein the steam valve assembly forms part of a lid, steam chamber, tank, steam tube and / or handle of the device. .
[Close 128]
  A liquid heating apparatus comprising the steam valve assembly according to any one of closes 118 to 127,
  At least a handle and a spout,
  An apparatus for heating a liquid, wherein the steam valve assembly is configured to be at an angle away from the handle or at an angle away from the spout.
[Close 129]
  A steam valve assembly for liquid heating equipment, comprising:
  Comprising at least one ventilation channel that allows ventilation of the liquid heating device in an upright position;
  The venting channel is connected to at least separate first and second valves arranged to face each other so that when the liquid heating device lies sideways, the first A steam valve assembly wherein the second valve closes the vent channel when the valve closes the vent channel and the liquid heating device lies sideways on the other side.
[Close 130]
  130. The valve assembly according to Clause 129, wherein the first valve and the second valve are independent of each other.
[Close 131]
  The first valve and the second valve have a first valve body and a second valve body, respectively, and the first valve body and the second valve body are respectively a first valve body housing channel. 130. The steam valve assembly according to Clause 129 or 130, wherein the steam valve assembly is configured to be movable within the second valve body receiving channel.
[Close 132]
  132. The steam valve assembly according to Clause 131, wherein the first valve body receiving channel and the second valve body receiving channel are offset from each other.
[Close 133]
  The steam valve assembly according to claim 131 or 132, wherein the first valve body receiving channel and the second valve body receiving channel are configured to extend in directions that are not parallel to each other.
[Close 134]
  134. The steam valve assembly according to Closure 133, wherein the first valve body housing channel and the second valve body housing channel are configured to extend in a direction in which the first valve body housing channel extends downward.
[Close 135]
  The steam according to any one of closes 131 to 134, wherein the first valve body and the second valve body are configured to be movable by gravity in each valve body housing channel. Valve assembly.
[Close 136]
  An overflow prevention system for liquid heating equipment,
  a. A first component having at least one channel to allow ventilation of the liquid heating device when upright and when the liquid heating device is laid down on one side;
  b. In normal use, the liquid heating device lies sideways on the one side although it allows liquid to pass through the spout hole for delivery from the liquid heating device and / or for filling the liquid heating device. A second component having a valve element selectively operable to prevent liquid flow when
  An overflow prevention system.
[Closed 137]
  137. The overflow prevention system of close 136, wherein the first component and the second component are separate components.
[Closed 138]
  The at least one channel for venting fluidly communicates the tank side of the liquid heating device with a steam actuator, between which a steam valve assembly that allows steam and / or steam to pass during normal use. 138. The overflow prevention system according to close 137, wherein the overflow prevention system is configured to be connected and configured to close the valve assembly when the liquid heating device is laid down.
[Closed 139]
  When the steam valve assembly has at least separate first and second valves disposed opposite each other so that the liquid heating device lies sideways on one side 138. The close 138, wherein the first valve closes the vent channel and the second valve is configured to close the vent channel when the liquid heating device lies sideways on the other side. Overflow prevention system.
[Closed 140]
  140. The overflow prevention system of close 139, wherein said first valve and said second valve are independent of each other
[Close 141]
  The first valve and the second valve have a first valve body and a second valve body, respectively, and the first valve body and the second valve body are respectively a first valve body. 141. The overflow prevention system according to close 139 or 140, wherein the overflow prevention system is configured to be transportable in the storage channel and the second valve body storage channel.
[Close 142]
  141. The overflow prevention system according to claim 140, wherein the first valve body housing channel and the second valve body housing channel are offset from each other.
[Closed 143]
  The overflow prevention system according to any one of closes 140 to 142, wherein the first valve body housing channel and the second valve body housing channel are configured to extend in directions that are not parallel to each other. .
[Close 144]
  The overflow prevention system according to close 143, wherein the first valve body accommodation channel and the second valve body accommodation channel are configured to extend in a direction of expanding downward.
[Closed 145]
  The first valve body and the second valve body are configured to be movable by gravity in each valve body housing channel, according to any one of the closes 140 to 144. Overflow prevention system.
[Closed 146]
  137. The overflow prevention system according to Clause 136, wherein the system is configured to form a subassembly by integrating and / or assembling the first component and the second component.
[Close 147]
  147. The overflow prevention system of close 146, wherein the second component is pivotally connected and / or interconnected using a hinge.
[Closed 148]
  The at least one channel is
  a. At least two first holes or slots provided on the tank side of the liquid heating device and disposed on both sides of the at least one channel, whereby the liquid heating device is laid sideways on one side; When at least one of the first holes or slots is above the liquid level and / or each first hole or slot is above the liquid level when the liquid heating device is in an upright normal position At least two first holes or slots;
  b. At least one second hole or slot provided on the atmosphere side of the liquid heating device, whereby the liquid heating device is laid down on one side and / or the liquid heating device is Having at least one second hole or slot above the liquid level when said at least one second hole or slot is in an upright position;
  As a result, the tank of the liquid heating device is in fluid communication with the atmosphere via the at least one channel, and the at least 1 when the liquid heating device is laid down on one side when in the upright normal position. 148. An overflow prevention system according to closure 146 or 147, wherein one channel is configured to allow ventilation of the liquid heating device.
[Close 149]
  An angle such that the at least one second hole or slot is inclined downward to prevent direct discharge of liquid from the spout and / or the at least one second hole or slot is at an angle from the spout 155. The overflow prevention system according to close 148, wherein the overflow prevention system is configured to tilt in a remote direction.
[Close 150]
  The size or size of at least two first holes or slots and the at least one second hole or slot are selected to restrict and / or prevent the liquid flowing out of the spout from being controlled. 150. An overflow prevention system according to close 148 or 149, configured as described above.
[Close 151]
  155. An overflow prevention system according to any one of clauses 148 to 150, wherein the at least one second hole or slot is disposed centrally in the at least one channel.
[Close 152]
  A gravity valve,
  The at least one first hole located below the liquid level when the gravity valve is provided in the at least one channel and the liquid heating device lies on one side and is in a non-pour position; or 152. Overflow prevention according to any one of the closes 148 to 151, configured to control the amount of liquid flowing into the at least one channel by closing at least one of the slots. system.
[Closed 153]
  Closes 148 through 148, wherein the at least one channel is configured to provide primary ventilation when the liquid heating device is in an upright normal position and when the liquid heating device is laid down on one side. 151. The overflow prevention system according to any one of 151.
[Close 154]
  154. The overflow prevention system according to any one of closes 136 to 153, wherein the overflow prevention device is disposed between a spout hole of the liquid heating device and the tank.
[Closed 155]
  The at least one channel has an opening, and the at least one channel becomes a closed channel when the opening is sealed and / or abuts against the inner wall of the liquid heating device; 155. The overflow prevention system according to any one of the closed 136 to 154.
[Close 156]
  The overflow prevention system according to any one of closes 136 to 155, wherein the valve body is configured to close at an initial position thereof.
[Close 157]
  156. The overflow prevention system according to close 156, further comprising biasing means configured to close the valve body in its initial position.
[Closed 158]
  The overflow prevention device according to any one of the closes 136 to 157, wherein the valve body is configured to be selectively operable by a user actuator.
[Close 159]
  Further comprising an actuator assembly;
  159. Overflow according to close 158, wherein the actuator assembly is provided between the valve body and the user actuator to transmit motion from the user actuator to the valve via the actuator assembly. Prevention system.
[Close 160]
  160. The overflow prevention system according to close 159, wherein a part and / or part of the actuator assembly is disposed in the vicinity of the lid or the spout of the liquid heating device.
[Close 161]
  161. The overflow prevention system according to close 160, wherein a portion and / or part of the actuator assembly is disposed between the lid and the spout of the liquid heating device.
[Close 162]
  160. The overflow prevention system according to close 159, wherein a portion and / or part of the actuator assembly is disposed within the lid of the liquid heating device.
[Closed 163]
  165. A close 136 to 162, wherein the overflow prevention device is attached to or detachably fixed to the lid, steam chamber, tank, steam tube and / or handle of the liquid heating device. Overflow prevention system.
[Close 164]
  164. The overflow prevention system according to any one of closes 136 to 163, which forms part of a lid, a steam chamber, a tank, a steam tube, and / or a handle of the liquid heating device.
[Closed 165]
  A steam valve assembly according to any one of the closes 118 to 135 or a liquid heating device comprising the overflow prevention system according to any one of the closes 136 to 164, comprising:
  A handle further disposed substantially opposite the spout;
  The liquid heating device is configured such that the center of gravity of the liquid heating device is arranged in the vicinity of the handle, and as a result, the pouring spout is directed upward when the liquid heating device is laid down on one side. machine.
[Closed 166]
  A lid is further provided, and the lid has a peripheral elastic seal and seals between the opening of the liquid heating device so that the liquid can be removed from the liquid heating device when the liquid heating device falls down. 165. The liquid heating apparatus according to close 165, configured to prevent the liquid from flowing out.
[Close 167]
  The liquid heating apparatus according to close 166, wherein the lid includes a lock mechanism for fixing the lid to the liquid heating apparatus.

Claims (16)

A steam valve assembly for liquid heating equipment, comprising:
Comprising at least one ventilation channel allowing ventilation of the liquid heating device in an upright position;
Connected to at least separate first and second valves, wherein the venting channels are arranged to face each other;
The first valve and the second valve have a first valve body and a second valve body, respectively, and the first valve body and the second valve body are respectively a first valve body housing channel. And is configured to be movable in the second valve body accommodating channel ,
The first valve body housing channel and the second valve body housing channel are configured to be offset from each other ,
The first valve body housing channel and the second valve body housing channel are configured to extend in directions that are not parallel to each other ,
As a result, the first valve closes the vent channel when the liquid heating device is laid down on one side, and the second valve is closed when the liquid heating device is laid down on the other side. A steam valve assembly configured to close the vent channel.   The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the first valve and the second valve are independent of each other. The steam valve assembly according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the first valve body housing channel and the second valve body housing channel are configured to extend in a direction in which the first valve body housing channel extends downward. The first valve body and the second valve body is configured to be movable by gravity in the valve element housing channel corresponding s husband to any one of claims 1 to 3 The steam valve assembly as described. An overflow prevention system for liquid heating equipment,
a. A first component having at least one channel for allowing ventilation of the liquid heating device when in an upright position and when the liquid heating device is laid down on one side;
b. In normal use, the liquid heating device lies sideways on one side, although liquid can be passed through the spout hole for delivery from the liquid heating device and / or filling of the liquid heating device. And a second component having a valve body that is selectively operable to prevent liquid flow,
Ri Na is configured to form a subassembly by integration and / or assembly of the first component and the second component,
An overflow prevention system in which the first component and the second component are pivotably and / or connected to each other using a hinge . The at least one channel is
a. At least two first holes or slots provided on the tank side of the liquid heating device and disposed on both sides of the at least one channel, whereby the liquid heating device is laid sideways on one side; At least one of the first holes or slots is above the liquid level and / or each first hole or slot is above the liquid level when the liquid heating device is in an upright normal position. At least two first holes or slots;
b. At least one second hole or slot provided on the atmosphere side of the liquid heating device, whereby the liquid heating device is laid down on one side and / or the liquid heating device is Having at least one second hole or slot above the liquid level when said at least one second hole or slot is in an upright position;
As a result, the tank of the liquid heating device is in fluid communication with the atmosphere via the at least one channel, and the at least 1 when the liquid heating device is laid down on one side when in the upright normal position. The overflow prevention system according to claim 5 , wherein one channel is configured to allow ventilation of the liquid heating device. The overflow prevention system according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein the valve body is configured to close at its initial position. The overflow prevention system according to claim 7 , further comprising biasing means configured to close the valve body in its initial position. The overflow prevention system according to any one of claims 5 to 8 , wherein the valve body is configured to be selectively operable by a user actuator. An actuator assembly is further provided, and the actuator assembly is provided between the valve body and the user actuator so that motion from the user actuator is transmitted to the valve via the actuator assembly. The overflow prevention system according to claim 9 . A part and / or part of the actuator assembly is located near the lid or spout of the liquid heating device, between the lid and spout of the liquid heating device, or of the lid of the liquid heating device. The overflow prevention system according to claim 10 , wherein the overflow prevention system is disposed therein. 12. The overflow prevention device according to any one of claims 5 to 11 , wherein the overflow prevention device is attached to or detachably fixed to a lid, a steam chamber, a tank, a steam tube and / or a handle of the liquid heating device. The overflow prevention system described in 1. The overflow prevention system according to any one of claims 5 to 12 , wherein a part of a lid, a steam chamber, a tank, a steam tube and / or a handle of the liquid heating device is formed. A liquid heating apparatus comprising comprises a prevention system overflow according to any one of claims 1 to steam valve assembly or claims 5 to 13 according to any one of the four,
A handle further disposed substantially opposite the spout;
The liquid heating device is configured such that the center of gravity of the liquid heating device is located in the vicinity of the handle, and as a result, the pouring spout is directed upward when the liquid heating device is laid down on one side. machine. A peripheral elasticity that further includes a lid that seals between the opening of the liquid heating device and prevents the liquid heating device from flowing out when the liquid heating device falls over The liquid heating apparatus according to claim 14 , comprising a seal. The liquid heating apparatus according to claim 15 , wherein the lid includes a lock mechanism for fixing the lid to the liquid heating apparatus.

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