RU2820728C2 - Kettle - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: household appliances.

SUBSTANCE: disclosed is an electric household appliance for heating a liquid, comprising: reservoir (212) for receiving the liquid to be heated, said reservoir (212) having a substantially central vertical longitudinal axis (218), lower housing (220) and side wall (222) extending upward from lower housing (220), wherein side wall (222) comprises lower portion (224) located inside lower housing (220) and inclined to said axis (218), wherein section of lower housing (220) and side wall (222) at least partially confines chamber (234), inside which liquid is heated; heating element (238) in thermal contact with chamber (234); first deformable sealing element (260), tightly connected to side wall (222) for tight connection of side wall (222) and lower housing (220); second deformable sealing element (268), tightly connected to heating element (238) for tight connection of heating element (238) and lower housing (220); and a compression element designed for local application of pressure to one of the first and second deformable sealing elements (260, 268) or to both of them so that to cause pressing of sealing elements (260, 268) and lower section (224) of side wall (222); wherein first deformable sealing element (260) comprises first sealing surface (262) in tight engagement with outer surface of lower portion (224), wherein the inclination of first sealing surface (262) substantially coincides with the inclination of lower portion (224).

EFFECT: objective of the present invention is essentially to eliminate or at least reduce one or more of the above disadvantages.

17 cl, 19 dwg

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to electric household appliances for heating liquids and more particularly, but not exclusively, to electric jugs and kettles.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

[0002] Kettles are well-known devices for quickly boiling water, for example for brewing tea, cooking or the like. A disadvantage inherent in currently known kettles is that when water is heated by a heating element, a small amount of water adjacent to the heating element is heated above its boiling point.

Some water enters the vapor phase and collects as a vapor bubble in the area where the vapor bubble occurs, which is typically a surface roughness. Since the density of the vapor bubble is less than the density of water, the vapor bubble moves upward due to buoyant force. When the vapor bubble moves upward, the temperature

the surrounding water is below the boiling point, as a result of which the vapor bubble is also cooled below the boiling point. Cavitation of a vapor bubble causes the generation of sound waves of significant power. The noise caused by cavitation is undesirable in a home environment. In addition, it is difficult to distribute heat from a tubular heating element of the type used in various kettles over the surface of the kettle. Thus, water close to the tubular heating element tends to heat up faster compared to water away from it, creating a temperature imbalance and increasing cavitation.

PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The object of the present invention is to substantially eliminate or at least reduce one or more of the above-described disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention provides an electrical household appliance for heating a liquid, the electrical household appliance comprising:

a reservoir for housing a heated liquid, said reservoir having a substantially central vertical longitudinal axis, a lower housing, and a side wall extending upward from the lower housing, wherein a portion of the lower housing and the side wall at least partially define a chamber within which the liquid is heated;

and a heating element in thermal contact with the chamber such that heat generated by said element can be transferred to the fluid by convection, the housing comprising a deformable sealing element,

sealedly coupled to the heating element to seal the heating element and the lower housing, said sealing element preventing the transmission of sound from the chamber.

[0005] Preferably, the deformable sealing element is a second deformable sealing element, wherein said electrical household appliance further comprises a first deformable sealing element sealably coupled to the side wall for sealing the side wall and the lower body, wherein said sealing elements prevent the transmission of sound from cameras.

[0006] Preferably, the housing includes a support structure having a plurality of projections for locally applying pressure to the underside of the second sealing member to inhibit transmission of sound from the chamber to the housing.

[0007] Further disclosed herein is an electric household appliance for heating a liquid, said electric household appliance comprising:

a reservoir for housing a heated liquid, said reservoir having a substantially central vertical longitudinal axis, a lower housing, and a side wall extending upward from the lower housing, wherein a portion of the lower housing and the side wall at least partially define a chamber within which the liquid is heated;

and a heating element in thermal contact with the chamber such that heat generated by said element can be transferred to the fluid by convection, the housing comprising a first deformable sealing element sealed with the side wall for sealing the side wall and the lower housing, and a second a deformable sealing element sealed with the heating element to seal the heating element and the lower housing, said sealing elements preventing the transmission of sound from the chamber.

[0008] Preferably, the sealing elements prevent the transmission of sound from the chamber to the housing.

[0009] Preferably, the first deformable sealing element includes a groove extending substantially upwardly and parallel to the axis, said groove being configured to receive a lower portion of the side wall such that at least a portion of the first deformable sealing element is located on either side of the lower side wall. section of the side wall.

[0010] Preferably, the second deformable sealing element contains a groove extending transversely relative to the axis, and said groove of the second deformable sealing element is configured to accommodate a portion of the heating element so that the specified portion of the heating element is located at a distance from the lower portion of the side walls.

[0011] Preferably, the heating element portion is the periphery of the heating element.

[0012] Preferably, the housing includes a frame, said frame having a recess for receiving a portion of the first deformable sealing element.

[0013] Preferably, the second deformable sealing element is located adjacent to the frame.

[0014] Preferably, the sealing elements are resiliently deformable.

[0015] Preferably, the sealing elements are formed from silicone material.

[0016] Preferably, the electrical household appliance further comprises a sound-absorbing layer disposed relative to the sealing members to prevent the transmission of sound from the chamber.

[0017] Preferably, the layer is formed from a foam material.

[0018] Preferably, the heating element is a printed heating element for substantially uniformly distributing heat across the heating surface of the heating element to at least minimize the occurrence of cavitation of the liquid as it is heated.

[0019] Further disclosed herein is an electric household appliance for heating a liquid, said electric household appliance comprising:

a reservoir for housing a heated liquid, said reservoir having a substantially central vertical longitudinal axis, a lower housing, and a side wall extending upward from the lower housing, wherein a portion of the lower housing and the side wall at least partially define a chamber within which the liquid is heated; And

a heating element in thermal contact with the chamber such that heat generated by said element can be transferred to the fluid by conduction, the housing comprising:

a first deformable sealing element sealingly connecting the side wall and the lower body; and a second deformable sealing element sealingly connecting the heating element, the side wall and the lower body, wherein a portion of the side wall is located between the sealing elements, and wherein the sealing elements prevent the transmission of sound from the chamber.

[0020] Preferably, the electrical household appliance further includes a compression member for locally applying pressure to one of the sealing elements so as to cause compression of the sealing elements and the side wall portion to at least minimize the release of liquid from the chamber.

[0021] Preferably, the sealing elements and the compression element prevent the transmission of sound from the chamber to the housing.

[0022] Preferably, the side wall includes a lower portion located within the housing, said lower portion being inclined in the direction of said axis, the first deformable sealing element comprising a first sealing surface in sealed engagement with an outer surface of the lower portion, and a second deformable sealing element the element contains a second sealing surface in sealed engagement with the inner surface of the lower portion.

[0023] Preferably, the second deformable sealing element comprises an outer portion, an inner portion, and a connecting portion that connects the outer and inner portions, the outer portion comprising said second sealing surface.

[0024] Preferably, the housing includes a frame, said frame having a recess for receiving both sealing elements.

[0025] Preferably, the sealing elements are resiliently deformable.

[0026] Preferably, the electrical household appliance further comprises a sound-absorbing layer disposed relative to the sealing members to prevent the transmission of sound from the chamber.

[0027] Preferably, the layer is formed from a foam material.

[0028] Preferably, the electrical household appliance further comprises a controller for supplying energy to the heating element, said controller being located between the layer and the housing.

[0029] Preferably, the heating element is resiliently supported by the controller to at least minimize resonance from the heating element.

[0030] Preferably, the heating element is elastically supported by one or more electrical spring contacts.

[0031] Preferably, the heating element is a printed heating element for substantially uniformly distributing heat across the heating surface of the heating element to at least minimize the occurrence of cavitation of the liquid as it is heated.

[0032] Preferably, the housing is molded through a multi-layer casting to at least assist in inhibiting sound transmission.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF GRAPHIC MATERIALS

[0033] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, where

[0034] in FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a teapot in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] in FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a section taken along the longitudinal axis of the teapot shown in FIG. 1;

[0036] in FIG. 3 is a top view of the teapot shown in FIG. 1;

[0037] in FIG. 4 is a vertical side view of the heating element and associated kettle controller shown in FIG. 1;

[0038] in FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the base of the kettle heating device shown in FIG. 1;

[0039] in FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the teapot shown in FIG. 1;

[0040] in FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a teapot in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] in FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of the kettle shown in FIG. 7;

[0042] in FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a teapot taken along line B-B shown in FIG. 8;

[0043] in FIG. 10 is a schematic top view with spatial linear division of the parts of the teapot shown in FIG. 7;

[0044] in FIG. 11 is a schematic bottom view with spatial linear division of the parts of the teapot shown in FIG. 7;

[0045] in FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of the first sealing member of the kettle shown in FIG. 7;

[0046] in FIG. 13 is a schematic top view of the sealing element shown in FIG. 12;

[0047] in FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the sealing element taken along line C-C shown in FIG. 13;

[0048] in FIG. 15 is a schematic detailed view on an enlarged scale of portion D of the sealing member shown in FIG. 14;

[0049] in FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of part of the compression element of the kettle shown in FIG. 7;

[0050] in FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of the second sealing member of the kettle shown in FIG. 7;

[0051] in FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view of the body of the kettle shown in FIG. 7; And

[0052] in FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating the relationship between components of the kettle shown in FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF IMPLEMENTATION OPTIONS

[0053] In FIG. 1-6 of the accompanying drawings schematically depict an electric household appliance for heating water, which is preferably a kettle 110. The kettle 110 includes a reservoir or jug 112 and a heating device base 114 on which the jug 112 rests. The base 114 carries out

supply of electrical energy to the jug 112.

[0054] The jug 112 includes a hollow body 116 that defines a substantially central vertical longitudinal axis 118. The body 116 includes a lower body 120 from which a side wall 122 extends upward. The body 116 also includes a handle 124 attached to the side wall 122. The side wall 122 defines a rim 126. The rim 126 surrounds a top opening 128, which is closed by a closure or cap 130. The rim 126 defines a pouring spout 132 (see FIG. 6). Side wall 122 may be formed from glass or other suitable material.

[0055] As particularly illustrated in FIG. 2 and 6, a housing 120, a side wall 122, and a cover 130 surround a chamber 134 that is intended to contain the water to be heated. Located within the housing 120 is a controller 121 containing electrical connections that engage electrical contacts 136 of the base 114, causing the base

114 may provide electrical power to the jug 112 to heat water contained in the jug 112.

[0056] To heat the water in the chamber 134, the jug 112 is provided with a heating element 138 in thermal contact with the chamber 134 so that the heat generated by the element 138 can be transferred to the water by conduction. In a preferred embodiment, member 138 defines a bottom 139 of jug 112 extending radially outward from

shaft 118 such that the bottom 139, together with the side wall 122 and the lid 130, at least partially surround the chamber 134. In an alternative embodiment, the kettle 110 may have a bottom separate and distinct from the element 138.

[0057] Element 138 is operatively coupled to controller 121 such that element 138 is electrically coupled to power module 140 located within base 114 when pitcher 112 is supported by base 114. Module 140 is configured to supply power to element 138 to provide resistance heating member 138. In particular, the base 114 includes a top surface 142 on which the jug 112 rests. The top surface 142 includes a mounting projection in the form of a rotatable electrical connector 144 (see FIG. 5) containing contacts 136. The connector 144 is configured to fit into a corresponding hole 146 located on the underside of the housing 120. Contacts 136 engage connections of the controller 121 in the housing 120 by mating the connector 144 with the hole 146 to supply power to the element 138 when the jug 112 is electrically connected to the base 114. The element 138 is preferably configured in the form of a printed heating element to distribute heat substantially evenly across the heating surface of the element to at least minimize the occurrence of cavitation of the water as it heats.

[0058] Module 140 includes a microprocessor (not shown) and a power input 148. In one embodiment, a user interface (not shown) is provided for interacting with the microprocessor to control said microprocessor.

[0059] Housing 120 includes a frame 150 extending circumferentially around member 138. Frame 150 includes a bottom wall 152 and inner and outer side walls 153, 154 extending upward from the bottom wall 152. A flange 156 extends substantially transversely from the top portion inner side wall 153 to axis 118.

A bottom wall 152 and side walls 153, 154 at least partially surround a channel or recess 158 that extends circumferentially. The recess 158 is configured to receive at least a portion 161 of the first deformable sealing element 160. The sealing element 160 includes a groove 162 extending substantially upward and parallel to the axis 118. The groove 162 is configured to receive a lower portion 164 of the side wall 122 such such that the portion 161 is located on either side of the lower portion 164. A spherical boss 166 is provided in the area of the lower portion 164 to apply pressure to the walls of the groove 162 to secure the side wall 122 and at least minimize the release of water outside the chamber 134.

[0060] A second deformable sealing element 168 is located below the flange 156. The element 168 is located internally and concentrically relative to the first sealing element 160.

In a preferred embodiment, the lateral width dimension of member 168 is substantially equal to the lateral width dimension of flange 156, and the vertical height dimension of member 168 is substantially equal to the vertical height dimension of portion 161. Member 168 includes a groove 170 extending transversely relative to axis 118 and by

towards her. The groove 170 is configured to receive the periphery of the member 138 such that the periphery of the member 138 is spaced inwardly from the lower portion 164 of the side wall 122.

[0061] The elements 160, 168 are elastically deformable to prevent the transmission of sound created by cavitation of water as it heats up from the chamber 134 into the housing 120 and beyond the chamber 134.

In a preferred embodiment, the elements 160, 168 are formed from silicone material, but it should be understood that the elements may be formed from other suitable materials and may be formed from the same material or different materials.

[0062] The housing 120 also includes a support structure 172 that is substantially positioned underneath the frame 150 to support the frame 150. The structure 172 is secured to the housing 120 by a set of fasteners, such as screws 174. The structure 172 has a plurality of projections 176 for locally applying pressure to the underside of the second sealing element 168 to at least minimize the penetration of water to the controller 121 located in the housing 120. The support 172 is preferably formed from plastic. The amount of pressure applied to the sealing element 168 affects the noise level, that is, the lower the clamping force on the element 168, the less noise the kettle 110 makes during operation. The amount of compression of element 168 is preferably from 0.3 mm to 2 mm to provide a reliable seal while maintaining relatively low sound levels.

[0063] An acoustic absorption layer 178 is provided between the structure 172 and the bottom wall 180 of the housing 120 to further inhibit the transmission of sound from the chamber 134. In a preferred embodiment, the layer 178 is formed from a foam material.

[0064] Heating element 138, sealing elements 160, 168, and layer 178 are arranged to absorb and dampen sound energy created by water cavitation to minimize or eliminate noise produced by kettle 110 during operation.

Additionally, in combination with this, the distribution of heat across the printed circuit element reduces the likelihood of cavitation compared to a standard heating element, thereby further minimizing or eliminating the noise produced by the kettle 110 during operation.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 4, controller 121 is not rigidly coupled to heating element 138 itself. Preferably, contact between controller 121 and heating element 138 is via a plurality of electrical spring supports or contacts 182. The purpose of this is to minimize resonance from heating element 138 through controller 121 to base 114, such that significantly affects the noise levels of the kettle 110 during operation. Preferably, the contacts 182 are formed from an elastic material.

[0066] In FIG. 7-18 of the accompanying drawings schematically depict an electric household appliance for heating water, the electric household appliance preferably being a kettle 210. The kettle 210 includes a reservoir or jug 212 and a heating device base 214 on which the pitcher 212 rests. The base 214 supplies electrical power. to jug 212.

[0067] Jug 212 includes a hollow body 216 that defines a substantially central vertical longitudinal axis 218. Body 216 includes a lower housing 220 from which a side wall 222 extends upward. The side wall 222 includes a lower portion 224 located within the lower housing 220. The lower a portion 224 is generally inclined toward the axis 218. The body 216 may also include a handle (not shown) attached to the side wall 222. The side wall 222 defines a rim 226. The rim 226 surrounds a top opening 228 that is closed by a closure or cap (not shown). The rim 226 defines the pouring spout 232. The side wall 222 may be formed from glass or other suitable material.

[0068] As particularly illustrated in FIG. 9, a lower housing 220, a side wall 222, and a lid surround a chamber 234 that is intended to contain the water to be heated. Located within the lower housing 220 is a controller 221 containing electrical connections that engage electrical contacts 236 of the base 214 such that the base 214 can provide electrical power to the pitcher 212 to heat water contained in the pitcher 212.

[0069] To heat the water in the chamber 234, the jug 212 is provided with a heating element 238 that is in thermal contact with the chamber 234 so that the heat generated by the element 238 can be transferred to the water by conduction. In a preferred embodiment, member 238 defines a bottom 239 of the jug 212 extending radially outward from the axis 218 such that the bottom 239, together with the side wall 222 and lid, at least partially surrounds the chamber 234. In an alternative embodiment, the kettle 210 may have a separate and separate bottom. different from element 238.

[0070] Element 238 is operatively coupled to controller 221 such that element 238 is electrically coupled to power module 240 located within base 214 when pitcher 212 is supported by base 214. Module 240 is configured to supply power to element 238 to provide resistance heating element 238. As shown in FIG. 10, the base 214 includes a top surface 242 upon which the jug 212 rests. The top surface 242 includes a mounting projection in the form of a rotatable electrical connector 244 containing contacts 236. The connector 244 is configured to fit into a corresponding hole 246 extending through the underside of the lower housing 220 The contacts 236 engage connections of the controller 221 in the lower housing 220 by mating the connector 244 with the hole 246 to supply power to the element 238 when the jug 212 is electrically connected to the base 214. The element 238 is preferably in the form of a printed heating element for substantially uniform operation. heat distribution over the heating surface of the element in order to at least minimize the occurrence of water cavitation during the heating process.

[0071] Module 240 includes a microprocessor (not shown) and a power input (not shown). In one embodiment, a user interface (not shown) is provided for interacting with a microprocessor to control said microprocessor.

[0072] The lower housing 220 includes a frame 250 extending circumferentially around the member 238. The frame 250 includes a bottom wall 252 and inner and outer side walls 253, 254 extending circumferentially and upwardly from the bottom wall 252.

[0073] A bottom wall 252 and side walls 253, 254 at least partially surround a channel or recess 258 that extends circumferentially. The recess 258 is configured to receive at least a portion of the first deformable sealing element 260. The sealing element 260 includes a sealing surface 262 that is in sealed engagement with the outer surface of the lower portion 224 of the side wall 222. The inclination of the sealing surface 262 is substantially coincident with the inclination of the lower area 224. The sealing member 260 also includes an annular flange 261 (see FIG. 17) for attaching the member 260 to the frame 250. The flange 261 includes a plurality of holes 264.

[0074] Located in recess 258 adjacent the inner side wall 253 is a second deformable sealing element 268. Element 268 is located internally and concentrically relative to the first sealing element 260. Element 268 includes a reservoir sealing surface 270 in sealed engagement with the inner surface of the lower side portion 224 wall 222. The inclination of the reservoir sealing surface 270 substantially matches the inclination of the lower portion 224. Thus, the lower portion 224 is sealed between the first and second sealing elements 260, 268.

[0075] As particularly illustrated in FIG. 15, element 268 includes an outer portion 268a, an inner portion 268b, and a connecting portion 271 that connects the outer and inner portions 268a, 268b. The outer portion 268a includes a reservoir sealing surface 270. The outer portion 268a further includes a fastening portion 272 in the form of an annular flange for attaching the member 268 to the frame 250 and the flange 261 of the first sealing element 260 so that the fastening portion 272 is located between the frame 250 and the flange 261. The fastening portion 272 includes a plurality of holes 273. Connection portion 271 includes reservoir sealing ribs 274 for sealing engagement with the inner surface of side wall 222 adjacent the bottom portion 224. Connection portion 271 also includes a groove 276 for positioning member 268 on the inner side wall 253. Inner portion 268a includes member sealing ribs 278 for sealing engagement. with element 238. In a preferred embodiment, element 238 is attached to element 268 by element clamp 279. It should be understood that the connecting portion 271 provides vertical compliance of the element 268 due to the bending moment. In a preferred embodiment, member 268 has a Shore hardness ranging from approximately 30 to 50 Shore hardness.

[0076] The elements 260, 268 are elastically deformable to prevent the transmission of sound created by cavitation of water as it heats from the chamber 234 into the lower housing 220 and beyond the chamber 234. In a preferred embodiment, the elements 260, 268 are formed from a silicone material, but It should be understood that said elements may be formed from other suitable materials and may be formed from the same material or different materials. In addition, it should be understood that the outer portion 268a may be designed to have an effective length suitable for preventing sound transmission into the lower housing 220.

[0077] The kettle 210 also has a support structure in the form of a compression ring 280 that circumferentially surrounds a side wall 222. The compression ring 280 is secured to the frame 250 by a set of fasteners, such as screws, that are located within the screw bosses 282 the bottom side of the compression ring 280. The screw bosses 282 fit into aligned holes 264, 273 of the flanges 261, 272. The compression ring 280 has a plurality of ribs or projections 284 that are spaced circumferentially on the underside of the compression ring 280 to locally apply pressure to the upper side of the first sealing element 260. Thus, screwing the compression ring 280 to the frame 250 causes the sealing elements 260, 268 to be pressed against the lower portion 224 to at least minimize the release of fluid from the chamber 234, as well as prevent sound from being transmitted from the chamber 234 into the lower housing 220 and beyond the chamber 234. It should be understood that the amount of compressive force applied to the sealing element 260 can be varied to minimize operating noise levels of the kettle 210. In a preferred embodiment, the amount of compression of the element 260 is preferably 0.3 mm to 2 mm and more preferably 0.75 mm to ensure a reliable seal while maintaining relatively low sound levels. In a preferred embodiment, the compression ring 280 is formed from two halves (with one half shown in FIG. 16). However, it should be understood that the compression ring 280 may be formed as a single piece.

[0078] An acoustic absorption layer 286 is provided between the member 239 and the bottom wall 252 of the frame 250 to further inhibit the transmission of sound from the chamber 234. In a preferred embodiment, the layer 286 is formed from a foam material. In another embodiment, layer 286 is formed from a rubber or silicone material.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 9, the controller 221 is not rigidly connected to the element 238. Preferably, contact between the controller 221 and the heating element 238 is made through a plurality of electrical spring supports or contacts 288. The purpose of this is to minimize resonance from the element 238 through the controller 221 into the lower housing 220, which significantly affects on the noise levels of the kettle 210 during operation. Preferably, the contacts 288 are formed from an elastic material.

[0080] As particularly illustrated in FIG. 10, the base 214 may be provided with an elastomeric seal 290 to sealably engage the lower housing 220 adjacent the opening 246 to further inhibit sound transmission. In a preferred embodiment, the base 214 has a profile that is substantially curved to support compliance with the lower housing 220 to further inhibit sound transmission.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, the lower body 220 is molded through a multi-layer casting to eliminate voids in the lower body 220 and at least help inhibit sound transmission. In another embodiment, the multilayer casting and the body are separate components. The lower housing 220 preferably contains relatively thick wall sections having a relatively high mass, which may also serve to impede the transmission of sound. In a preferred embodiment, the lower housing 220 is formed from high density plastic.

[0082] In FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating various physical and electrical interactions between components of the kettle 210, with thick arrows indicating electrical interactions and thin arrows indicating physical interactions. The compression ring 280 is in compression-inducing physical contact with the first sealing element 260. The first sealing element 260, in turn, is in compression-inducing physical contact with the sealing surface 270 of the reservoir. Reservoir sealing surface 270 is also in compression-inducing physical contact with second sealing element 268. Second sealing element 268 is in compression-inducing physical contact with frame 250 and further in physical contact with heating element 238. Frame 250 is in physical contact with electrical contacts 236 The heating element 238 is electrically coupled to the controller 221 and is configured to be in physical contact with the water inside the jug 212. The controller 221 is both electrically and physically coupled to the rotary electrical connector 244. The rotary electrical connector 244 is electrically coupled to the module 240. power, while it is in physical contact with the base 214 of the heating device. The power module 240 is configured to electrically interface with an AC power supply to supply power to the kettle 210 as well as to a sensor (not shown) of the kettle 210, such as a negative temperature coefficient thermistor. The NTC thermistor is configured to be in physical contact with water within the jug 212.

[0083] The base 214, lower body 220, heating element 238, sealing elements 260, 268, and layer 286 are arranged to absorb and dampen sound energy created by water cavitation to minimize or eliminate the noise produced by the kettle 210 during operation. Additionally, in combination with this, the distribution of heat across the printed circuit element reduces the likelihood of cavitation compared to a standard heating element, thereby further minimizing or eliminating the noise produced by the kettle 210 during operation.

[0084] Although the present invention has been described with reference to a specific example, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be embodied in other forms.

[0085] List of elements

110 kettle

112 jug

114 heating device base

116 hollow body

118 axis

120 lower body

121 controllers

122 side wall

124 pen

126 rim

128 top hole

130 cover

132 pouring spout

134 camera

136 electrical contacts

138 heating element

139 bottom

140 power module

142 upper surface

144 rotary electrical connector

146 hole

148 power input

150 frame

152 bottom wall

153 inner side wall

154 outer side wall

156 flange

158 notch

160 first sealing element

161 sections of sealing element

162 groove

164 lower section

166 spherical thickening

168 second sealing element

170 groove

172 support structure

174 screws

176 lugs

178 sound-absorbing layer

180 bottom wall

182 electrical spring contacts

210 kettle

212 jug

214 heating device base

216 hollow body

218 axis

220 lower body

221 controllers

222 side wall

224 lower section of the side wall

226 rim

228 top hole

232 pouring spout

234 camera

236 electrical contacts

238 heating element

239 bottom

240 power module

242 upper surface

244 rotary electrical connector

246 hole

250 frame

252 bottom wall

253 inner side wall

254 outer side wall

258 notch

260 first sealing element

261 flange

262 sealing surface

264 holes of the first sealing element

268 second sealing element

268a external area

268b internal section

270 tank sealing surface

271 connecting sections

272 fastening section

273 holes of the second sealing element

274 tank sealing ribs

276 groove

278 element sealing ribs

279 element clamp

280 compression ring

282 screw bosses

284 lugs

286 sound-absorbing layer

288 electrical spring contacts

290 seal

300 block diagram

Claims (22)

1. Electric household appliance for heating liquids, containing: a reservoir (212) for housing a heated liquid, said reservoir (212) having a hollow body (216) having a substantially central vertical longitudinal axis (218), a lower body (220) and a side wall (222) extending upward from the lower body (220), wherein the side wall (222) includes a lower section (224) located inside the lower housing (220) and inclined to the specified axis (218), and the section of the lower housing (220) and the side wall (222) at least partially limit the chamber (234), inside which the liquid is heated; a heating element (238) in thermal contact with the chamber (234) such that heat generated by the heating element (238) can be transferred to the fluid by convection; a first deformable sealing element (260) sealedly coupled to the side wall (222) to seal the side wall (222) and the lower housing (220), said first deformable sealing element (260) preventing the transmission of sound from the chamber (234); a second deformable sealing element (268) sealedly coupled to the heating element (238) to seal the heating element (238) and the lower housing (220), said second deformable sealing element (268) preventing the transmission of sound from the chamber (234); And a compression member configured to locally apply pressure to one or both of the first and second deformable sealing elements (260, 268) so as to cause compression of the sealing elements (260, 268) and the lower portion (224) of the side wall ( 222) to at least minimize the release of liquid from the chamber (234), wherein the compression element is a compression ring (280), characterized in that the first deformable sealing element (260) includes a first sealing surface (262) located in sealed engagement with the outer surface of the lower portion (224), the inclination of the first sealing surface (262) being substantially the same as the inclination of the lower portion (224). 2. The electrical household appliance according to claim 1, wherein the first deformable sealing element (260) seals the side wall (222) and the lower housing (220), and the second deformable sealing element (268) seals the heating element (238), the side wall (222) and lower body (220), with a portion of the side wall (222) located between the first deformable sealing element (260) and the second deformable sealing element (268). 3. The electrical household appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second deformable sealing elements (260, 268) and the compression element prevent the transmission of sound from the chamber (234) to the lower housing (220). 4. Electric household appliance according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, in which the compression ring (280) circumferentially surrounds the side wall (222) of the body (216). 5. Electric household appliance according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, in which the second deformable sealing element (268) includes a second sealing surface (270) in sealed engagement with the inner surface of the lower portion (224). 6. The electrical household appliance according to claim 5, wherein the second deformable sealing element (268) includes an outer portion (268a), an inner portion (268b) and a connecting portion (271) that connects the outer and inner portions (268a, 268b), wherein the outer portion (268a) contains said second sealing surface (270). 7. The electrical household appliance according to claim 6, wherein the outer portion of the second deformable sealing element (268) includes a fastening portion (272) for attaching the second deformable sealing element (268) to the first deformable sealing element (260). 8. The electrical household appliance according to claim 7, wherein the inner portion (268b) of the second deformable sealing element (268) includes one or more element sealing ribs (278) for sealing engagement with the heating element (238). 9. The electrical household appliance according to claim 6, wherein the connecting portion (271) of the second deformable sealing element (268) includes one or more tank sealing ribs (274) for sealing engagement with the inner surface of the side wall (222). 10. Electric household appliance according to any one of paragraphs. 1-9, in which the lower housing (220) includes a frame (250) extending circumferentially around the heating element (238), the frame (250) including a bottom wall (252). 11. The electrical household appliance according to claim 10, further comprising a sound-absorbing layer (286) located between the heating element (238) and the bottom wall (222) to prevent the transmission of sound from the chamber (234). 12. The electric household appliance according to claim 11, wherein the sound-absorbing layer (286) is formed from a foam material. 13. The electrical household appliance according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising a controller (221) for supplying energy to the heating element (238), said controller (221) being located between the sound-absorbing layer (286) and the lower housing (220). 14. The electrical household appliance of claim 13, wherein the heating element (238) is resiliently supported by the controller (221) to at least minimize resonance from the heating element (221). 15. Electric household appliance according to any one of paragraphs. 1-14, wherein the heating element (238) is a printed heating element for substantially uniformly distributing heat across the heating surface of the heating element (238) to at least minimize the occurrence of liquid cavitation as it is heated. 16. Electric household appliance according to any one of paragraphs. 1-15, in which the first and second deformable sealing elements (260, 268) are elastically deformable. 17. Electric household appliance according to any one of paragraphs. 1-16, in which the lower body (220) is molded by multi-layer casting to at least help in inhibiting sound transmission.