Electric kettle

An electric kettle may include a body made of a metal material and configured to form a space in which fluid, such as water is contained, a heating module provided in the body to heat the space, a handle mounted to protrude from an outer surface of the body, a handle cover made of a metal material and configured to form a protruding upper surface of the handle, and a handle printed circuit board (PCB) provided inside of the handle and including a touch sensor in close contact with a rear surface of the handle cover to sense a touch operation of the handle cover. An operation of the heating module may be controlled by the handle PCB.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 and 35 U.S.C. 365 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0032616, filed in Korea on Mar. 21, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

An electric kettle is disclosed herein.

In general, an electric kettle is a device that is supplied with electricity to heat a fluid, such as water contained in a main body using a heating means, such as a heater. An electric kettle is configured such that a main body is detachable from a base to which power is supplied. The main body is heated in a state of being seated on the base and is separated from the base by holding a handle and lifting the main body. This type of an electric kettle is called many names, such as a wireless electric kettle, a wireless electric pot, and a coffee pot.

In such an electric kettle, a main body may have a complicated shape and may be made of a plastic material so as to facilitate the arrangement of the internal structure. However, when the electric kettle is used for a long time, harmful components of plastics or fine plastic components may be dissolved in hot water, and the electric kettle is vulnerable to scratches, thus causing internal contamination problems.

If a main body is made of a glass material, an electric kettle is excellent in hygiene and looks very good. However, there is a risk of damage due to impact, for example, the heavy weight makes it inconvenient to use, and molding is not easy.

Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0406420, which is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses a wireless electric pot that has a main body made of stainless steel and is capable of heating water contained therein. In such a structure, the main body is made of a stainless material, which is very hygienic and durable.

An upper end and a lower end of a handle are connected to the main body, and in particular, the lower end of the handle has a structure that is connected to a heating part provided with a heater. Water may be heated by turning on an on-off switch provided in the handle.

However, in such a structure, the handle is simply provided with a switch for turning on or off the heater, and a configuration for adjusting output is provided in the heating part instead of the handle, which causes inconvenience in use.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,091,455, which is hereby incorporated by reference discloses a structure in which a stainless steel body in which water is heated has a double wall structure to enable heat insulation. A spout assembly and an under body are respectively provided in an upper portion and a lower portion of the body, and a handle is connected to the spout assembly and the under body. However, in the structure of the related art, a switch for an on-off operation of the heater or a configuration for the operation of the heater is disclosed, but these configurations may simply perform the on-off operation, but cannot set a temperature in the handle region.

In order to control the operation of the heater provided in the lower portion of the body, the handle has a structure that is necessarily connected to the lower portion of the body in which the heater is disposed, and guide of electric wires through the handle is essential. Therefore, a structural limitation in design occurs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, embodiments are not limited to proposed embodiments, and other regressive inventions or other embodiments included in the scope may be easily proposed through addition, change, deletion, and the like of other elements.

FIG.1is a perspective view of an electric kettle according to an embodiment.FIG.2is an exploded perspective view of the electric kettle ofFIG.1.FIG.3is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III′ ofFIG.1.FIG.4is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV′ ofFIG.1.

As shown inFIGS.1to4, an electric kettle1according to an embodiment may be formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole and may include a base60, a body10, an upper body30, a heating module50, a lid20, and a handle40. The other components except for the handle40may be formed in a cylindrical shape and arranged vertically. The handle40may protrude from one side of the upper body30.

The base60may be disposed on a floor surface, for example, and a power cord may be connected to the base60such that external power may be supplied thereto. The body10in an assembled state may be seated on an upper surface of the base60. The body10may be formed in a cylindrical shape to define a heating space101in which fluid, such as water may be contained and heated. The body10may be supplied with power in a state of being seated on the base60. A power supply method of the base60and the body10may be a power supply method by contact of a power terminal, for example. Also, the power supply method of the base60and the body10may be an electromagnetic induction method. The base60may be provided with a lower power module64serving as a primary coil, and the body10may be provided with an upper power module55serving as a secondary coil.

The body10may be formed in a cylindrical shape having an open upper surface and an open lower surface. The open lower surface of the body10may be covered by the heating module50, and the upper surface of the body10may be covered by the lid20. As the heating module50forms a portion of a lower portion of the body10, the heating module50may also be referred to as a lower body50.

The heating module50may include a heating plate52forming a bottom surface of an inside of the body10, and a heater54that heats the heating plate52. The heating plate52may be heated by power supplied from the upper power module55. The heating module50may include a bottom cover56that forms a lower surface of the body10.

The upper body30may be mounted on an upper end of the body10. The upper body30may be made of a same metal material as that of the body10, or may be made of another material but have a same texture. The upper body30may be formed in a cylindrical or ring shape having a low height. A spout311may protrude from one or a first end of the upper body30such that fluid, such as water inside of the body10may be poured.

The handle40may be mounted on a side opposite to the spout311. The handle40may be mounted on a handle cover32that extends outward from one or a first side of the upper body30, and may be fixedly mounted on the outer or a second surface of the upper body30.

The handle40may include a handle frame41inserted into the handle cover32and extending downward so as to allow a user to hold the handle; a handle deco42that surrounds an outer surface of the handle frame41; and a grip portion or grip44forming a portion of the outer surface of the handle frame41facing the body10. The handle deco42may be made of a material including a same metal or a same appearance as those of the body10and the handle cover32. At least a portion of the grip44may be made of a rubber or a silicone material, for example, so as not to slip when the user holds the handle40.

The handle cover32may be provided with an operation portion323(seeFIG.10). The user may input operations, such as an on-off operation or a temperature control operation, through operation of the operation portion323. A handle printed circuit board (PCB)43may be provided inside of the handle cover32, that is, inside of the handle40. An electric wire L that connects the handle PCB43and the heating module50may pass through the body10. The handle cover32may be further provided with a display322that displays an operating state of the electric kettle1.

The open upper surface of the electric kettle1, that is, the upper surface of the upper body30, may be covered by the lid20. The lid20may form the upper surface of the electric kettle1in a closed state and may contact a circumference of the upper body30to seal an inside of the electric kettle1. When the electric kettle1is tilted in a state in which the lid20is closed, the electric kettle1may be configured such that fluid, such as water is poured from the spout311through the lid20.

Hereinafter, components of the electric kettle1will be described. Components not described among the components shown inFIGS.3and4will be described hereinafter.

FIG.5is a perspective view of the lid, when viewed from below, according to an embodiment.FIG.6is an exploded perspective view of the lid ofFIG.5, when viewed from below.FIG.7is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the lid ofFIG.5is mounted on the body which is one component of the electric kettle.

As shown, the lid20may be formed in a shape corresponding to an inner cross-section of the electric kettle1. An appearance of the lid20may be formed by combining an upper case22forming an upper appearance and a lower case23forming a lower appearance.

The upper case22may form an upper surface and a portion of a circumferential surface of the lid20, and a lid handle21may be mounted at a center of the upper case22. A coupling hole211may be formed at a center of the lid handle21, and a screw223athat passes through the center of the upper case22may be coupled to the coupling hole211. A lid protrusion223band a lid groove212connected to each other may be respectively formed on lower surfaces of the upper case22and the lid handle21to prevent the lid handle21from rotating.

The upper case22may include a circular upper surface221and a circumferential surface222that extends downward from a circumference of the upper surface221. A lid connecting portion223that protrudes downward may be formed at a center of the upper surface221. The lid connecting portion223may be formed in a circular shape, and an inner portion of the lid connecting portion223may be recessed to define a space in which the handle lid20may be seated. A groove223cinto which a lower rib233described hereinafter may be inserted may be formed at an extended lower end of the lid connecting portion223.

A plurality of reinforcing ribs226may be formed radially from an outer surface of the lid connecting portion223to the circumferential surface222of the upper case22. A fluid outlet222athat passes through the circumferential surface222may be formed at one or a first side of the circumferential surface222of the upper case22. The fluid outlet222amay be formed at a position corresponding to spout311as a portion that becomes an outlet of the lid20when fluid, such as water inside of the electric kettle1is poured. The fluid outlet222amay be formed in a grill-like shape as shown, or may include a plurality of holes.

Inner walls224that extend rearward may be formed at both sides of the fluid outlet222a. The inner walls224may be formed along a circumference of a fluid inlet231described hereinafter. A front end of inner wall224may be in contact with both ends of the fluid outlet222a. An open lower end of the inner wall224may be covered by the lower case23when the upper case22and the lower case23are connected to each other, and may define a fluid outlet space224ato communicate the fluid inlet231and the fluid outlet222a. Therefore, fluid such as water flowing into the fluid inlet231may be discharged to the fluid outlet222athrough the fluid outlet space224a. That is, fluid, such as water inside of the electric kettle1may be poured through the spout311after passing through the lid20.

The lower case23may be formed in a disk shape corresponding to the upper case22, and a circumference of the lower case23may be connected to a circumference of the upper case22. Lower rib233may protrude from a central portion of the lower case23corresponding to the lid connecting portion223. The lower rib233may be inserted into the groove223cformed at the end of the lid connecting portion223, and may be joined to the groove223cby, for example, ultrasonic welding in an inserted state. A lid gasket groove234, on which lid gasket24may be mounted, may be formed on the circumference of the lower case23.

The lid gasket24may be formed in a ring shape and may be made of a rubber or a silicone material, for example. The lid gasket24may be in close contact with an inner circumferential surface of the upper body30in a state in which the lid20is mounted on the electric kettle1, thereby sealing the inside of the electric kettle1.

A gasket rib241that protrudes outward may be formed on an outer surface of the lid gasket24. The gasket rib241is a portion that is configured to be substantially in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the upper body30. The gasket rib241may be completely in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the upper body30while being deformed when the lid20is mounted or removed.

A filtering member25may be mounted on the fluid inlet231. The filtering member25may cover the fluid inlet231to filter foreign matter from fluid, such as water flowing toward the fluid inlet231. The filtering member25may include a filter frame251having an open central portion and a filter252that covers the opening. For example, the filter252may be provided with a mesh.

The filtering member25may be detachable from the fluid inlet231. When the filtering member25is not required, the filtering member25may be separated from the lid20so as to discharge fluid more smoothly.

The filter frame251may be formed in a size corresponding to a size of the fluid inlet231. A sliding rib253may protrude from both lateral ends of the filter frame251, and a filter restraint protrusion254may be formed behind the sliding rib253. The filter restraint protrusion254may protrude toward both sides at a position spaced apart from a rear end of the filter frame251.

A sliding groove232, into which the sliding rib253may be inserted, may be formed at both sides of the fluid inlet231. The sliding rib253may guide movement of the filtering member25while moving along the sliding groove232.

A filter restraint portion232a, on which the filter restraint protrusion254may be caught and restrained, may be formed at a rear of the sliding groove232. In a state in which the filtering member25is mounted on the fluid inlet231, the sliding rib253may be accommodated inside of the sliding groove232, and the filter restraint protrusion254may be caught and restrained on the filter restraint portion232a. Therefore, the filtering member25may maintain a mounted state, and if necessary, may be slidably separated by pulling forward.

The gasket rib241may protrude outward along a circumference of the lid gasket24, but the gasket rib241is not formed at a portion corresponding to the fluid inlet231. That is, a gasket recess242may be formed in the lid gasket24corresponding to the fluid inlet231. Therefore, even in a state in which the lid gasket24is mounted on the lid20, the lid gasket24and the filtering member25may be prevented from interfering with each other even if the filtering member25is slidably detached from the fluid inlet231.

The lid20may be seated on the upper body30in a state of being inserted into the open upper surface of the electric kettle1. In a state in which the lid20is seated on the upper body30, the upper end of the upper case22is positioned at a same height as a height of the upper end of the upper body30. Therefore, the lid20and the upper body30may have a sense of unity.

Hereinafter, a seating structure of the lid20and a structure of the upper body30will be described. Components not described among the components shown inFIG.7will be described below.

FIG.8is an exploded perspective view of an upper body which is one component of the electric kettle ofFIG.1.FIG.9is a cutaway perspective view showing a coupling structure of the body and the upper body ofFIG.8.FIG.10is a partial enlarged view showing a handle cover of the upper body ofFIG.8.

As shown inFIGS.8to10, the upper body30may be mounted on the upper end of the body10, and the lid20may be seated thereon. The upper body30may include a body top31, a seating member34connected to the body top31, and a pair of packings33and35provided in the seating member34.

The body top31may be made of a metal material, for example, and may be surface-processed to have a same texture as the body10. When the upper body30is mounted on the upper end of the body10, only the body top31may be exposed to the outside, and the seating member34may be fixed to the upper end of the body10. In this state, the body top31and the outer surface of the body10may be coplanar.

The body top31may be formed in a ring shape having a same inner diameter and outer diameter as those of the body10. The body top31may provide a space for accommodating the lid20therein.

The recessed spout311may be formed at an upper end of one or a first side of the body top31. The handle cover32may be provided at the other or a second side of the body top31facing the spout311.

A packing groove312may be formed along a lower end of an inner surface of the body top31. The packing groove312is a groove in which the upper packing33may be mounted and enable a fixed mounting and sealing of the seating member34.

The seating member34may be, for example, injection-molded with a plastic material and may connect the upper body30and the body10and allow the lid20to be seated. That is, the seating member34may be formed in a ring shape and may include a seating member upper portion341coupled to the upper body30and a seating member lower portion342coupled to the body10. The seating member upper portion341may extend vertically and may be sealed in contact with the lid gasket24when the lid20is mounted.

An upper packing mounting portion345, on which the upper packing33may be mounted, may be formed on an outer surface of the seating member upper portion341. An inner surface of the upper packing33may be formed in a shape corresponding to the upper packing mounting portion345and may be connected to the upper packing mounting portion345in a sealed state. The body top31and the seating member34may be connected to each other by the upper packing33and may have a sealed structure.

The seating member lower portion342may be formed to be slanted such that an inner diameter is narrowed toward a lower side, and a plurality of lid supports343may be formed on an inner surface thereof. Each lid support343may protrude such that an upper end is in contact with a lower surface of the lid20, and the plurality of lid supports343may be disposed in a direction facing each other.

A lower packing mounting portion346, on which the lower packing35may be mounted, may be formed on an outer surface of the seating member lower portion342. The lower packing35may be coupled to the inner surface of the body10in a state in which the lower packing35is mounted on the lower packing mounting portion346. Therefore, the seating member34and the upper body30may be connected to the body10and may have a sealed structure.

In a state in which the upper body30is mounted, the seating member34is fixed to the body top31by the upper packing33. Therefore, the upper end of the body10is inserted between the body top31and the seating member34so as not to be exposed to the outside. As the lower packing35fixed to the lower end of the seating member34is inserted into a body restraint groove124formed at the upper end of the inner surface of the body10, the upper body30may maintain the state of being connected to the body10.

In a state in which the upper body30is mounted on the body10, an inner diameter of a lower end of the upper body30may be equal to the inner diameter of the body10, and an outer diameter of the upper body30may be identical to the outer diameter of the body10. Therefore, in a state in which the upper body30and the body10are connected to each other, stepped portions are not formed at both the inside and the outside, and the upper body30and the body10may form a same plane.

The handle cover32, which allows the handle40to be mounted, may be made of a plate-shaped metal material, for example, and may accommodate an upper end of the handle40. The handle cover32may form the operation portion on a handle cover upper surface325, and a handle cover side surface326may extend downward along a circumference of the handle cover upper surface325. The handle cover upper surface325may be positioned at a same height as a height of an upper end of the body top31, and a lower end of the handle cover side surface326correspond to a lower end of the body top31. An open front end of the handle cover32may have a shape corresponding to an outer surface of the body top31and may be connected by, for example, welding.

A body top opening313may be formed at the lower end of the body top31corresponding to the handle cover32. The body top opening313may communicate with a front end of the handle cover32, and may be formed in a shape recessed at the lower end of the body top31. The body top opening313may form a hole passing through the body10when the upper body30and the body10are connected to each other, and form an electric wire outlet through which an electric wire L connected to the heating module50may pass inside of the handle cover32and the handle40.

As shown inFIG.10, an upper surface of the handle cover32may be provided with operation portion323for the user to perform a press operation and display322that displays the operating state of the electric kettle1. The operation portion323may be formed on the handle cover upper surface325by, for example, printing or surface processing. A switch or a sensor430amay be provided below the operation portion323, that is, at a corresponding position inside of the handle cover32to sense the operation performed on the operation portion323.

Two operation portions323may be provided in a radial direction. The on/off operation portion323among the two operation portions323may control an on/off operation of the heating module50. The temperature operation portion323may set a temperature of fluid, such as water heated by the operation of the heating module50.

The operation portion323may be displayed as two on the handle cover upper surface325. Therefore, the user may operate the electric kettle1by operating the desired operation portion323at the upper end of the handle40, that is, the handle cover upper surface325in a state in which the user holds the handle.

The display322may display the temperature of fluid inside of the electric kettle1. The display322may include a plurality of holes321, and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs)432bdisposed below the plurality of holes321may be turned on to illuminate the plurality of holes321. Instead of the plurality of LEDs432b, various configurations capable of emitting light may be used. Therefore, the plurality of LEDs432bmay be referred to as “light-emitting members”.

Temperatures may be displayed in the corresponding plurality of holes321by printing or surface processing, for example. The user may check lighting of the corresponding hole321to know a current fluid temperature. In order to implement the operation portion323and the display322, the handle printed circuit board (PCB)43may be disposed inside of the handle cover32.

Hereinafter, a structure of the handle will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG.11is an enlarged view showing a handle mounted on the electric kettle ofFIG.1.FIG.12is an enlarged view showing a portion A ofFIG.3.FIG.13is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the handle ofFIG.11is separated, when viewed from above.FIG.14is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the handle ofFIG.11is separated, when viewed from below.

As shown inFIGS.11and14, the handle40may be mounted on the handle cover32and may protrude toward one or a first side of the body10. In the handle cover32, an upper portion of the handle40may be fixedly mounted, and the rest of the handle40may extend downward at a position spaced apart from an outer surface of the body10, thereby allowing the user to hold the handle cover32with his or her hand. That is, the handle40has a structure in which only the upper end of the handle40is fixed to the upper end of the body10or one side of the upper body30, and the rest of the handle40is spaced apart from the body10.

The handle cover32may be made of a same metal material as the material of the upper body30and the body10, and may be formed to have a sense of unity in a state of being connected to the upper body30. In addition, the handle40may be provided with handle deco42made of a same material as the material of the body10, the upper body30, and the handle cover32to form an appearance of the handle40, thereby forming an appearance having a sense of unity.

The handle cover32may be formed such that a lower surface thereof is open, and a cover boss327that extends downward may be formed inside of the open handle cover32. The cover boss327may be disposed at a position corresponding to the handle PCB43and may pass through the handle PCB43. That is, the cover boss327may extend downward from an upper surface of the handle cover32, and a pair of cover bosses327may be formed on both lateral sides. The pair of cover bosses327may be inserted into a frame mounting portion412described below, and a screw417passing through the frame mounting portion412may be coupled thereto.

Hereinafter, a structure of the handle40will be described. The handle40may include a handle frame41fixedly mounted inside of the handle cover32; grip portion or grip44connected to the handle frame41; and handle PCB43and handle deco42provided inside of the handle frame41. The handle cover32has a structure that accommodates an upper portion of the handle frame41and may be regarded as a configuration of the handle40.

The handle frame41may be, for example, injection-molded with a plastic material and may form an internal structure of the handle40as a whole. The handle frame41may include an upper portion411and a lower portion413.

The upper portion411may form an upper portion of the handle frame41, and upper and lower surfaces and a front surface thereof may be opened. The upper portion411may be formed in a shape corresponding to a shape of the handle cover side surface326. Therefore, when the handle40is mounted on the handle cover32, an outer surface of the upper portion411may be in close contact with an inner surface of the handle cover side surface326. A space in which the handle PCB43may be accommodated may be formed inside of the upper portion411. An upper surface of a space inside of the upper portion411may be covered by the handle cover32, a lower surface of the space inside of the upper portion411may be cover by the grip portion44, and a front surface of the space inside of the upper portion411may be covered by the upper body30, thereby completing a closed space in which the handle PCB43may be accommodated.

The frame mounting portion412may be formed on the inner side surface of the upper portion411. The frame mounting portion412may protrude from the inner surface of the upper portion411and may extend lengthwise from the upper end of the upper portion411. A mounting hole412amay be formed in a center of the frame mounting portion412. The mounting hole412amay pass through the frame mounting portion412and be formed at a position corresponding to the cover boss327, such that the cover boss327may be inserted into the mounting hole412a. The screw417may be coupled to an open lower end of the mounting hole412a, and the screw417may be connected to the cover boss327through the mounting hole412a.

The handle PCB43may be provided on an inner surface of the upper portion411. The handle PCB43may include a plurality of PCBs and may have a structure in which the plurality of PCBs is continuously arranged vertically. The plurality of handle PCBs43may have a structure that is restrained by the frame mounting portion412, and thus, may maintain a state of being fixedly mounted inside of the upper portion411.

The plurality of handle PCBs43may include a touch PCB430on which a touch sensor430amay be mounted; a display PCB432on which an LED432bthat irradiates light to the display322may be mounted; and an operation PCB433provided below the display PCB432to control operation of the heater54. The touch PCB430may be provided with the touch sensor430aand the touch booster431. The display PCB432may be provided with the LED432b, and a light guide435may be further provided at a position corresponding to the LED432b.

As the handle PCB43controls the overall operation of the electric kettle1, the handle PCB43may be referred to as “main PCB43”. Structure of the main PCB43will be described hereinafter.

The outer surface of the upper portion411is in contact with the handle cover side surface326, and the upper end of the upper portion411is in contact with the handle cover upper surface325. A front end411aof the upper portion411may be in contact with the outer surface of the body top31forming the upper body30. The front end of the upper portion411may be formed in a slanted or rounded shape corresponding to a curvature of the outer surface of the body top31so as to be in close contact with the outer surface of the body top31. Therefore, the handle40may maintain a state of being stably and firmly fixed to the handle cover32and the upper body30.

A first connecting groove411b, which may be connected to a first coupling portion441awhen connected to the grip portion44, may be formed in an inner surface of the upper portion411. The first connecting groove411bmay be recessed in inner surfaces of both sides of the upper portion411and may be formed at a position corresponding to an end of the first coupling portion441a.

The lower portion413may extend downward from a lower end of the upper portion411. The upper portion411may be formed in a shape in which a plate-shaped structure is bent at one side and symmetric with each other, and the lower portion413may have a structure that extends downward along the bent portion of the upper portion411. That is, when the handle frame41is viewed from a side, the upper portion411may extend from the upper end in the horizontal direction, and the lower portion413may have a structure that extends downward from one end of the upper portion411.

The lower portion413may be formed in a rounded shape along the curvature of the upper portion411and may form a recessed space therein. The rounded shape of the lower portion413allows the user to easily wrap the handle40.

The lower portion413has a structure that is opened rearward, and a plurality of second connecting grooves413ais formed at both sides of the lower portion413. The plurality of second connecting grooves413ais a portion to which the second coupling portion442aof the grip portion44is connected when the grip portion44and the lower portion413are connected to each other, and the plurality of second connecting grooves413ais formed at a position corresponding to the second coupling portion442ato allow the second coupling portion442ato be caught and restrained. A plurality of the second connecting grooves413amay be formed at regular intervals in a vertical direction. The plurality of second connecting grooves413amay be formed to pass through the lower portion413or may be recessed in an inner surface of the lower portion413.

A lower cap414may be formed at a lower end of the lower portion413. The lower cap414may be formed in a planar shape at the lower end of the lower portion413and cover an opening of the handle deco42. The lower cap414may be formed in a disk shape and may be formed in a same shape as a shape of the opening of the handle deco42. The handle40may be exposed through the opening of the handle deco42in an assembled state, thereby forming an appearance of a lower end of the handle40.

The handle deco42may be made of a same stainless material as a material of the body10and the handle cover32, and may surround an outer surface of the handle40, and more particularly, an outer surface of the lower portion413. The handle deco42may cover the rest of the handle frame41exposed to the outside in a state in which the handle frame41is mounted on the handle cover32. The handle deco42may be made of a plate-shaped material and may be formed to be bent. The handle deco42may be formed in a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the lower portion413to be in close contact with the outer surface of the lower portion413. The handle deco42may be attached to the lower portion413by, for example, an adhesive or an adhesive tape.

A deco fixing portion423extending to surround the lower end of the grip portion44may be formed at the lower end of the handle deco42. The deco fixing portion423may have a cross-sectional structure corresponding to the lower cap414and may be molded in a ring-like shape. Lower ends of the handle frame41and the grip portion44connected to each other may be inserted into the open inside of the deco fixing portion423. The lower ends of the handle frame41and the grip portion44connected to each other may be fixed inside of the deco fixing portion423. In addition, an opening422formed by the deco fixing portion423may be covered by the lower cap414.

The grip portion44forms the shape of a rear half of the handle40by covering the open lower surface and the rear surface of the handle frame41. The grip portion44may be made of a plastic material, for example, and may be connected to the handle frame41to form a shape that allows the user to hold the grip portion44with his or her hand.

The grip portion44may include an upper grip portion441and a lower grip portion442. The upper grip portion441may be formed to cover the open lower surface of the upper portion411. Both lateral ends of the upper grip portion44may be in contact with lateral sides of the lower end of the upper portion411, and front end441bof the upper grip portion44may be in contact with the outer surface of the body top31. Therefore, the front end441bof the grip portion44may have a curvature corresponding to the outer surface of the body top31.

First coupling portions441amay be formed at both sides of the upper grip portion44to connect the grip portion44to the handle frame41. The first coupling portions441amay extend to a position corresponding to first connecting groove411bformed in the upper portion411. An end of the first coupling portion441amay be formed in a hook shape and may be caught and restrained by the first connecting groove411b.

The lower grip portion442extending downward may be formed at a rear end of the upper grip portion441. The lower grip portion442may be formed in a shape corresponding to the lower portion413of the handle frame41. The lower grip portion442may protrude forward in a rounded shape and have an inside having a recessed shape. Therefore, when the lower grip portion442is connected to the lower portion413, the handle40has a shape which may be easily held by the user.

Both lateral ends of the lower grip portion442are in contact with both ends of the lower portion413. A plurality of second coupling portions442aprotruding toward the lower portion413may be formed at both sides of the lower grip portion44. The second coupling portion442amay extend to a position corresponding to the second connecting groove413aformed in the lower portion413. An end of the second coupling portion442amay be formed in a hook shape and may be caught and restrained by the second connecting groove413a.

A grip stepped portion442cmay be formed at a lower end of the lower grip portion44, and the grip stepped portion442cmay be inserted into the deco fixing portion423. Therefore, in a state in which the handle frame41and the grip portion44are fixed, the lower end of the handle40may be further firmly fixed by the deco fixing portion423of the handle deco42.

One or a first side of the grip portion44may be formed with an uneven shape or a wrinkle shape in order to prevent slipping when the user grips by hand. Therefore, the user may lift the electric kettle1while holding the grip portion44stably. The grip portion sheet442bmay be attached to at least a portion of the grip portion44. The grip portion sheet442bmay be made of a material having high frictional force, such as rubber or silicone, so as to further prevent the handle40from slipping from the user.

A communication unit45may be provided in the space inside of the handle40. When the grip portion44and the handle frame41are connected to each other, a space may be formed between the lower portion413and the lower grip portion44. The communication unit45may be provided inside of the space formed by the lower grip portion44and the lower portion413.

The communication unit45may provide wireless communication of the electric kettle1and may be configured with various communication modules capable of performing communication in a scheme, such as Wifi, ZigBee, and NFC. The communication unit45may be connected to the handle PCB43to control the overall operation of the electric kettle1using wireless communication.

FIG.15is an exploded perspective view of the handle PCB mounted on the handle ofFIG.11.FIG.16is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI′ ofFIG.1.FIG.17is a cutaway perspective view showing a state in which the handle ofFIG.11is mounted.

As shown inFIGS.15to17, the handle PCB43may include the touch PCB430, the display PCB432, and the operation PCB433, and may be disposed inside of the handle cover32and the handle frame41. The touch PCB430, the display PCB432, and the operation PCB433may be formed to have a same width and may be continuously disposed in the vertical direction.

The touch PCB430may be disposed to be in contact with the upper surface of the handle cover32, and the touch sensor430may be provided with the touch sensor430a. The touch sensor430may be, for example, a piezo type touch sensor using a piezoelectric element so as to prevent erroneous detection and effectively sense the touch of the handle cover32made of a stainless material. That is, the touch of the user may be recognized by sensing deformation of the upper surface of the handle cover32during the operation of the operation portion323. Therefore, it is possible to prevent misrecognition in the handle40which the user's hand touches frequently and to effectively recognize effective operation.

The touch sensor430amay be disposed at a position corresponding to the operation portion323. Therefore, when the user presses the operation portion323, the touch sensor430amay detect the pressing and generate a signal for operation.

A touch booster431may be further provided on an upper surface of the touch PCB430. The touch booster431is configured to more effectively transmit deformation of the upper surface of the handle cover32to the touch sensor430awhen the operation portion is operated. The touch booster431may be made of a plate-shaped material, and an opening may be formed at a position corresponding to the touch sensor430a. A pressing portion431amay be formed inside of the opening, and a connecting portion431bthat extends radially toward the outside of the pressing portion431amay be formed. In this case, a center of the pressing portion431amay be disposed on a same extension line as a central portion of the touch sensor430a. The connecting portion431bmay have a structure that is elastically deformable such that the pressing portion431amay be moved up and down. Therefore, when the upper surface of the handle cover32is pressed, a force of pressing on the touch sensor430aby the pressing portion431amay be more effectively transmitted.

The display PCB432may be provided below the touch PCB430. The display PCB432may be formed in a same shape as a shape of the touch PCB430, and a front end of the display PCB432may extend further forward than the touch PCB430.

The plurality of LEDs432bmay be disposed along the front end of the display PCB432. The LEDs432bmay be provided in a number corresponding to the holes321of the handle cover upper surface325at positions corresponding to the holes321of the handle cover upper surface325.

The light guide435may be provided at a front end of the display PCB432. The light guide435may include a guide portion435athat guides light emitted from the LEDs432btoward the holes321, and a supporting portion435bthat extends downward from a front end of the guide portion435a.

The guide portion435amay connect an upper surface of the touch PCB430to the handle cover upper surface325. Guide holes435cmay be formed in the guide portion435aat positions corresponding to the holes321of the handle cover upper surface325and the LEDs432b. Therefore, when the LEDs432bare turned on, light emitted from the LEDs432bmay be irradiated through the guide holes435cand the holes321of the handle cover upper surface325.

One or a first surface of the supporting portion435bmay be in close contact with the outer surface of the body top31, and the other or a second surface of the supporting portion435bmay be in close contact with the front end of the display PCB432and the front end of the operation PCB433. That is, the supporting portion435bmay fill a space between the front ends of the body top31, the display PCB432, and the operation PCB433such that the display PCB432and the operation PCB433are further fixed inside the handle cover32without movement.

The supporting portion435bmay have a curvature corresponding to a curvature of the body top31. The front ends of the display PCB432and the operation PCB433in contact with the supporting portion435bmay also be formed with the same curvature.

The operation PCB433may be provided below the display PCB432and may have a same size and shape as a size and shape of the display PCB432. When the user presses the operation portion323, the operation PCB433allows the fluid to be heated by turning the heater54on or off according to a signal generated from the touch sensor430a.

The touch PCB430, the display PCB432, and the operation PCB433may be stacked while being spaced apart from each other. In this case, spacers432cand433bmay be provided between the touch PCB430and the display PCB432and between the display PCB432and the operation PCB433. Due to the spacers432cand433b, the touch PCB430, the display PCB432, and the operation PCB433may be mounted to maintain a predetermined vertical interval.

Touch PCB grooves430b, display PCB grooves432a, and operation PCB grooves433amay be formed on both sides of the touch PCB430, the display PCB432, and the operation PCB433, respectively. The touch PCB grooves430b, the display PCB grooves432a, and the operation PCB grooves433amay be formed at positions corresponding to the frame mounting portion412. The frame mounting portion412may be inserted at both sides such that the touch PCB430, the display PCB432, and the operation PCB433maintain a fixedly mounted state. In addition, the touch PCB430, the display PCB432, and the operation PCB433may be in contact with an inner surface of the upper portion411, and may also be in contact with the outer surface of the body top31, such that the handle PCB43maintains a state of being stably mounted inside of the handle40.

In a state in which the handle40is mounted inside of the handle cover32, an entire upper portion of the upper portion411may be fixed in close contact with the inner surface of the handle cover32. The front end411aof the upper portion411may be in close contact with the body top31. The front end411aof the upper portion411has a curvature corresponding to the outer surface of the body top31, thereby firmly connecting to the body top31. In addition, the front end411aof the upper portion411extends lengthwise in the vertical direction from the inside of the handle cover32to support the body top31while crossing in the vertical direction.

In a situation in which the electric kettle1is lifted by holding the handle40, a load may be concentrated on an upper region of the handle40to which the handle40is connected by a moment. However, the upper portion411of the handle40has a structure which is restrained by the handle cover32and the upper body30, such that the electric kettle1may maintain a firmly and stably connected state and a supported state.

The open front end of the handle40, that is, the front surface of the upper body30faces the body top31, and may communicate with the electric wire outlet103open at the upper end of the body10and the body top31. Therefore, the handle PCB43disposed inside of the handle cover32and the upper body30may be connected to the electric wire L passing through the body10and the electric wire outlet103. Therefore, the handle PCB43may be connected to the heating module50and may control operation of the heater54.

Hereinafter, structure of the body10will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG.18is a cutaway perspective view showing an inside of the electric kettle ofFIG.1.FIG.19is a perspective view of the body according to an embodiment.FIG.20is a perspective view of the body ofFIG.19, when viewed from below.FIG.21is a longitudinal sectional view of the body ofFIG.19.FIG.22is a partial enlarged cutaway view of the lower end of the body ofFIG.19.

As shown inFIGS.18to22, the body10may be formed in a cylindrical shape and may be formed to have the same outer diameter as those of the base60and the upper body30. The body10may be formed in a cylindrical shape open vertically, and the open lower surface of the body10may be covered by the heating module50described hereinafter. That is, fluid, such as water contained in the body10may be heated by the heating module50.

The body10may include an inner body12and an outer body11, and a space may be formed between the inner body12and the outer body11, thereby providing significantly improved heat insulation performance as compared with a single wall structure.

The inner body12and the outer body11may be made of a same stainless steel material. The outer body11may form an appearance of the body10, and the inner body12may form a space in which fluid may be contained. The inner body12has a diameter smaller than that of the outer body11, and thus, the inner body12may be accommodated inside of the outer body11. Therefore, a space102may be formed between the outer body11and the inner body12.

The space102between the outer body11and the inner body12may have an air layer formed therein to prevent heat from being directly transferred to the outer body11. Therefore, the space102may be referred to as “heat insulation space102”. The outer body11may maintain a relatively low temperature even when the fluid contained in the inner body12is heated to a hot state.

The heat insulation space102may communicate with a space in which the heating module50is disposed and an inner space of the handle40. Therefore, the electric wire L connected to the handle PCB43disposed at the handle40may pass through the heat insulation space102between the outer body11and the inner body12and be guided to the space in which the heating module50is disposed. Therefore, the space between the outer body11and the inner body12may be referred to as an “electric wire passage” or an “electric wire guide space”.

The body10may be formed by connecting the upper ends and the lower ends of the outer body11and the inner body12formed in the cylindrical shape. For example, the upper ends and the lower ends of the outer body11and the inner body12may be connected to each other in a stacked state by, for example, welding. In this case, other portions except for the upper ends and the lower ends of the outer body11and the inner body12may be spaced apart by a predetermined interval to form a heat insulation structure.

A structure of the upper end of the body10will be described hereinafter. An outer upper end portion112may be formed at the upper end of the outer body11. The outer upper end portion112may extend upward to form the upper end of the outer body11, but may be formed in an inwardly stepped shape. The outer upper end portion112may be inserted into the upper body30, and the outer surface of the upper body30and the outer surface of the outer body11may be coplanar.

An inner upper end portion122may be formed at the upper end of the inner body12. The inner upper end portion122may extend upward to form the upper end of the inner body12. The inner upper end portion122may extend to a same height as that of the outer upper end portion112and may be in surface contact with the outer upper end portion112. The outer upper end portion112and the inner upper end portion122may be inserted into a space between the body top31and the seating member34of the upper body30in a connected state. Therefore, the upper end of the body10may be covered by the upper body30so as not to be exposed.

An inner slant portion123may be formed along a lower end of the inner upper end portion122. The inner slant portion123may slanted such that an inner diameter thereof is narrowed toward a lower side, and may have a slant corresponding to a slanted lower portion of the seating member34. Therefore, the inner slant portion123enables the seating member34to be stably supported.

The body restraint groove124may be formed along a lower end of the inner slant portion123. The body restraint groove124may be recessed outward such that the lower packing35mounted on the upper body30may be press-fitted. In order to mount the upper body30, the upper body30may be inserted from above the body10. In this case, the lower packing35may be press-fitted into the body restraint groove124to allow the upper body30to be fixed. The inner body12may extend downward from an end of the body restraint groove124and may extend downward in parallel with the outer body11while maintaining a predetermined distance.

An outer cutout portion111and an inner cutout portion121may be respectively formed at the upper end of the inner body12and the upper end of the outer body11, which correspond to the mounting position of the handle cover32. The outer cutout portion111and the inner cutout portion121may be formed at a same position and may be formed at a position corresponding to the mounting position of the handle40. The outer cutout portion111and the inner cutout portion121may communicate with the open front surface of the handle cover32. Therefore, when the upper body30is mounted on the body10, the body top opening313, the outer cutout portion111, and the inner cutout portion121may be positioned at positions corresponding to each other, electric wire outlet103through which the electric wire L guided through the heating space101between the inner body12and the outer body11enters and exits may be formed.

A packing mounting portion127may be formed at a lower portion of the inner surface of the inner body12. The packing mounting portion127may be provided to mount the heating module50and may protrude along the inner surface of the inner body12at a position corresponding to the mounting position of the heating module50. The packing mounting portion127may be positioned slightly above the lower end of the outer body11. Therefore, the heating module50may be mounted such that the heating module50may be accommodated inside of the inner body12.

The packing mounting portion127may be formed by bending the inner body12and may be formed such that a plate packing51, which is one component of the heating module50, may be caught and restrained. A plate mounting portion126having an inner diameter larger than that of the packing mounting portion127may be formed at a lower end of the packing mounting portion127. The plate mounting portion126is a portion in which a heating plate52described below may be fixedly mounted and may have an inwardly recessed structure. In this case, an inner diameter of the plate mounting portion126may be equal to an inner diameter of the inner body12above the packing mounting portion127. The plate mounting portion126has an inner diameter larger than that of the packing mounting portion127and an inner lower end portion125described hereinafter. A vertical width of the plate mounting portion126may be determined according to the vertical width of the packing mounting portion127.

An electric wire inlet128through which the electric wire L may pass may be formed on one or a first side of the plate mounting portion126. The electric wire inlet128is a hole through which the electric wire L connected to the heating module50may pass and may be open at the first side of the plate mounting portion126corresponding to the position of the handle40. That is, the electric wire inlet128may be positioned on a same extension line as the electric wire outlet103below the electric wire outlet103. Therefore, the electric wire L introduced into the electric wire inlet128may pass through the space between the inner body12and the outer body11and may be guided to the inside of the handle cover32through the electric wire outlet103disposed at the upper end of the body10.

The inner lower end portion125forming the lower end of the inner body12may be formed at the lower end of the plate mounting portion126. The inner lower end portion125may be bent and extend downward from the lower end of the plate mounting portion126.

An inner diameter of the inner lower end portion125may be greater than or equal to the inner diameter of the packing mounting portion127such that the heating module50may be inserted through the inner lower end portion125. The inner lower end portion125may extend further downward than the outer body11and may be connected to the bottom cover56described hereinafter.

The lower end of the outer body11may extend to the lower end of the plate mounting portion126of the inner body12. An outer lower end portion113, which is bent toward the inner side, that is, the outer surface of the inner body12, may be formed at the end of the outer body11corresponding to the plate mounting portion126.

The outer lower end portion113may be formed at a height corresponding to a lower end of the plate mounting portion126and may extend to an outer end of the inner body12. That is, an extended end of the outer lower end portion113may come into contact with the lower end of the plate mounting portion126or an upper end of the inner lower end portion125. The outer lower end portion113may be connected to the lower end of the plate mounting portion126or the upper end of the inner lower end portion125by, for example, welding. Therefore, the inner body12and the outer body11have a structure in which the upper end and the lower end are connected to each other.

A body hole114may be formed along the outer lower end portion113. A plurality of body holes114may be disposed along the outer lower end portion113at regular intervals. The body holes114may be formed in a shape in which an extended end of the outer lower end portion113is cut away. Remaining portions of the outer lower end portion113except for the body hole114come into contact with the outer surface of the inner body12. Therefore, the body hole114may naturally become an opening communicating with a space between the inner body12and the outer body11in the process in which the outer lower end portion113is connected to or comes into contact with the outer surface of the inner body12.

The body10may be made of a stainless steel material and may be formed by a process such as welding, for example. Therefore, the body10may be smoothed by electropolishing and maintain a smooth surface in the internal space in which fluid is contained. Also, inner and outer surfaces of the body10may have corrosion resistance through electropolishing. For this reason, the body10may be subjected to the electropolishing process after the inner body12and the outer body11are connected to each other.

In order for electropolishing in a state in which the inner body12and the outer body11are connected to mold the body10, electropolishing may be performed after the body10is immersed in an electrolyte. In this process, due to structural characteristics of the body10, the electrolyte is inevitably introduced into the heat insulation space102between the inner body12and the outer body11. That is, the electric wire inlet128and the electric wire outlet103are opened in a state in which the body10is molded, and when the body10is immersed in the electrolyte, the electrolyte is introduced through the electric wire inlet128and the electric wire outlet103. Therefore, the electrolyte is inevitably introduced between the inner body12and the outer body11.

When the body10is lifted after the electropolishing is completed, as shown inFIG.25, the electrolyte between the inner body12and the outer body11may be smoothly discharged downward through the body hole114. In addition, even when the body10is washed after the electropolishing is completed, the electrolyte between the inner body12and the outer body11may be naturally discharged through the body hole114when the body10is immersed and washed in a cleaning solution and then lifted. Therefore, even when the electrolyte is removed after the electropolishing process and the body10is washed after the electropolishing, remaining liquids in the body10may be smoothly discharged.

A see-through window13may be formed in the body10. The see-through window13allows the user to check a fluid level or boiling state of fluid in the electric kettle1from the outside of the electric kettle1without opening the lid. The see-through window13may extend in the vertical direction and may be fixedly mounted on each of the inner body12and the outer body11. In this case, the see-through window13may be mounted on the body10in a sealed state. The see-through window13may include a see-through window front surface131exposed to the outside, a see-through window side surface132bent vertically along a circumference of the see-through window front surface131, and a see-through window circumference portion134bent outward along an extended end of the see-through window side surface132.

An inner mounting portion117and an outer mounting portion115for mounting the see-through window13may be formed in the inner body12and the outer body11. The inner mounting portion117and the outer mounting portion115may be opened at positions facing each other, such that the see-through window13passes through the body10and is mounted therein.

The inner mounting portion117may be opened to pass through the inner body12. The inner mounting portion117may be recessed in an outwardly stepped shape and may be formed along a circumference of the see-through window13. That is, the inner mounting portion117extends from the inner body12toward the outer body11, and the extended end thereof may be bent inward to form an opening in which the see-through window13may be mounted. The see-through window circumference portion134bent outward along the circumference of the see-through window13may be disposed in the stepped circumference of the inner mounting portion117.

A see-through window gasket135may be mounted between the inner mounting portion117and the see-through window circumference portion134. The see-through window gasket135may be sealed between the inner mounting portion127and the see-through window circumference portion134to prevent leakage of fluid inside of the inner body12. The see-through window gasket135may be formed in a shape corresponding to the see-through window circumference portion134and the inner mounting portion117. The see-through window gasket135may be inserted along the open end of the inner mounting portion117to maintain a state of being fixedly mounted on the inner mounting portion117.

When the see-through window gasket135and the see-through window circumference portion134are seated on the inner mounting portion117, the see-through window circumference portion134and the inner surface of the inner body12may be coplanar. Therefore, as portions protruding inward from the inner body12are not formed in a state in which the see-through window13is fixedly mounted on the body10, the internal structure is simple and easy to clean.

The outer mounting portion115may be opened to pass through the outer body11and may be opened in a shape corresponding to the see-through window front surface131. The outer mounting portion115may be bent toward the inner body12. Therefore, the outer mounting portion115may support the see-through window side surface132in a close contact state. In this case, the see-through window front surface131and the outer body11may be coplanar. Therefore, the outer surfaces of the see-through window13and the outer body11do not protrude or are not recessed in a state in which the see-through window13is mounted, thereby further improving the appearance.

In addition, the see-through window13may be in close contact with a circumference of the outer mounting portion115in a mounted state and sealed by the inner mounting portion117and the see-through window gasket135, thereby preventing fluid from leaking from the body10. If necessary, an additional gasket may be further provided along the outer mounting portion115. As the additional gasket further seals a gap between the outer mounting portion115and the see-through window13, no gap occurs between the outer body11and the see-through window13.

Hereinafter, the heating module50will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG.23is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the body is seated on a base which is one component of the electric kettle ofFIG.1. As shown inFIG.23, the heating module50may be mounted below the body10. The heating module50may cover the open lower surface of the body10and forms the bottom surface of the heating space101provided in the body10. The heating module50may form the appearance of the lower surface of the body10in a state in which the heating module50is mounted.

The heating module50may include heating plate52forming the bottom surface of the heating space101, plate packing51that seals a gap between the heating module50and the inner body12around the heating plate52, heater54that heats the heating plate52, and upper power module55that supplies power to the heater54. The heating module50may further include a bottom cover56that covers the remaining components except for a portion of the upper power module55so as not to be exposed to the lower side of the body10.

As the heating module50and the bottom cover56are mounted through the open lower surface of the body10and form at least a portion of the lower portion of the body10, the heating module50and the bottom cover56may also be referred to as a “bottom body”. The body10may be seated on the base60in a state in which the bottom body is completely assembled. That is, in order to operate the electric kettle1, the body10in which the bottom body is assembled must be seated on the base60.

In a state in which the body10is seated on the base60, the upper power module55of the body10and the lower power module64of the base60are in contact with each other, thereby enabling power to be supplied. In this state, the heater54may be heated by the supply of power to boil fluid, such as water.

FIG.24is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the bottom cover of the electric kettle ofFIG.1is separated, when viewed from below.FIG.25is an exploded perspective view showing a connecting structure of the body and a heating module which is one component of the electric kettle ofFIG.1.FIG.26is an exploded perspective view of the heating module according to an embodiment.

As shown, the heating module50may be disposed inside of the open lower surface of the body10. When the heating module50is separate from the bottom cover56, the remaining components may be exposed through the open lower surface of the body10.

The upper power module55may be disposed at a center of the open lower surface of the body10, and the heater54may be provided outside of the upper power module55to heat the heating plate52. The bottom cover56may be provided with a cover PCB563that supplies power to the heater54.

The upper power module55may be disposed at a center of the heating module50. The upper power module55may be mounted at a center of the heater base53. The heater base53may be connected to a lower surface of the heating plate52, and the heater54may be mounted on the heater base53.

The heater54may be a sheath heater. The heater54may be disposed at a more outer side than the upper power module55and disposed along a circumference of the heating plate52. Both ends of the heater54may be spaced apart from each other at adjacent positions, and a connection terminal763cmay be exposed at both ends of the heater spaced apart from each other and may be connected to the cover PCB563by an electric wire.

The heater54may be mounted on the heater base53. The heater base53may be formed in a disk shape having a size corresponding to a size of the lower surface of the heating plate52, and the heater54may be mounted on the heater base53. The heater base53may be made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy material having high thermal conductivity, for example, such that heat of the heater54may be uniformly transferred to an entire plate portion521of the heating plate52. The heater base53and the heater54may be integrally formed by die casting, for example.

A cover coupling hole532to mount the bottom cover56may be formed in the heater base53, and a screw that passes through the bottom cover56may be coupled to the cover coupling hole532of the heater base53. A temperature sensor mounting hole531in which the temperature sensor57may be mounted may be further formed in the heater base53.

The heater base53may be mounted on the lower surface of the heating plate52. In this case, the heater base53may be in close contact with the lower surface of the heating plate52, and may be blazing-processed, for example, to be integrally connected to the heating plate52so as to effectively transfer heat.

The heating plate52may form the bottom surface of the heating space101, and at a same time, the heating module50may be fixedly mounted on the inside of the body10. The heating plate52may be made of a same stainless steel material as the inner body12and may be inserted and mounted into the open lower portion of the inner body12in a state of being connected to the heater base53.

The heating plate52may be fixedly mounted on one or a first side of the lower portion of the inner body12and may form a space in which the heater base53, the heater54, and the upper power module55may be disposed. The heating plate52may include plate portion521forming the bottom surface of the heating space101inside of the inner body12, a plate rim522on which the plate packing51may be mounted around the plate portion521, and a support524.

The plate portion521may be formed in a circular shape and may have a diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the inner body12. Upper and lower surfaces of the plate portion521may have a planar structure, and the heater base53may be mounted on the lower surface of the plate portion521. A size of the plate portion521may be equal to a size of the heater base53. Therefore, when the heater base53generates heat, the heater base53may heat the entire plate portion521, such that the entire bottom surface of the inside of the heating space101is heated.

A through hole521amay be formed at one or a first side of the plate portion521. The through hole521amay be opened at a position corresponding to the temperature sensor mounting hole531, and the temperature sensor57may be fixedly mounted in the through hole521a. In this case, a sensor packing571may be provided around the temperature sensor57, and the sensor packing571may be mounted in the through hole521ato seal the through hole521a. The temperature sensor57is exposed above the plate portion521to sense the temperature of fluid contained in the heating space101.

Plate rim522may be formed along a circumference of the plate portion521. The plate rim522may be vertically bent downward from the circumference of the plate portion521. A height of the plate rim522may correspond to a vertical height of the plate packing51, and a bent portion523bent outward may be formed at a lower end of the plate rim522to allow the plate packing51to be seated on the plate rim522.

The plate packing51may be mounted on the plate rim522and may be formed along the circumference of the plate portion521. The plate packing51may seal a gap between the inner body12and the plate portion521. The plate packing51may be inserted into the inner body12in a state of being mounted on the plate rim522and may be coupled to the packing mounting portion127of the inner body12. Therefore, the heating plate52may be fixed to the inside of the inner body12by the plate packing51, and at the same time, fluid may be prevented from leaking between the heating plate52and the inner body12.

The plate packing51may have packing groove511recessed in a shape corresponding to the packing mounting portion127. The packing groove511may be formed along an outer surface of the plate packing51, and the packing mounting portion127may be inserted into the packing groove511to fix the plate packing51and the heating plate52connected to the plate packing51.

A sealing portion512may be further formed above the packing groove511. The sealing portion512may be formed over the upper end of the plate packing51at the upper end of the packing groove511. The sealing portion512may be configured such that a plurality of protrusions or ribs protrude along the circumference of the plate packing51, and may be in contact with the inner surface of the inner body12. The sealing portion512may seal a gap between the inner body12and the plate packing. The sealing portion512may protrude more outward than the packing groove511to form a stepped portion and may have a structure seated on the upper end of the packing mounting portion127.

The bent portion523at the lower end of the plate rim522may be formed in a shape slightly stepped from the plate rim522and may maintain a state in which the plate packing51is seated. A plurality of supports524may be formed at the lower end of the plate rim522. The plurality of supports524may be arranged at regular intervals and may be arranged along the circumference of the plate rim522.

The support524may extend downward. The support524may be formed to be slanted outward as the support524extends downward. Each of the supports524may be formed in a plate shape, and thus, may be elastically deformed when a force is applied toward a center of the heating plate52.

An extended end of the support524may extend to be supported to the lower end of the plate mounting portion126. A lower end of the support524may extend to be slanted more toward the outer side than the outer diameter of the inner lower end portion125. Therefore, in a process of inserting the heating plate52, the support524may be pressed in contact with the inner surface of the inner lower end portion125while passing through the inner lower end portion125and may be elastically deformed toward the inner side.

When the heating plate52and the plate packing51are inserted up to the plate rim522, the support524is restored in an outward direction while passing through the inner lower end portion125, as shown inFIG.23, and the lower end of the support524is caught and restrained by a lower edge of the plate mounting portion126at the inside of the plate mounting portion126. Therefore, the heating plate52may maintain the mounted state and may maintain a firmly connected state without moving downward to be arbitrarily separated or generating a gap.

The remaining heating module50except for the bottom cover56may be completely accommodated inside of the body10. When the bottom cover56is mounted, the remaining components of the heating module50provided inside of the body10are covered and the appearance of the lower surface of the body10may be formed.

A cover hole560cmay be formed at a center of the bottom cover56, and portion of the upper power module55may be exposed through the cover hole560c. The bottom cover56may be provided with a cover plate562to open and close a portion of the bottom cover56.

FIG.27is a perspective view of the bottom cover according to an embodiment.FIG.28is an exploded perspective view of the bottom cover ofFIG.27, when viewed from above.FIG.29is an exploded perspective view of the bottom cover ofFIG.27, when viewed from below.

As shown inFIGS.28to29, the bottom cover56may be injection-molded of a plastic material, for example, and may be connected to the lower end of the body10to cover the open lower surface of the body10and at a same time form the appearance of the lower surface of the body10. The bottom cover56may include a cover bottom surface560and a cover rim561bent along a circumference of the cover bottom surface560. The cover bottom surface560may include a cover slant portion560ain the center of the cover bottom surface560, and a cover flat portion560boutside of the cover slant portion560a. The cover slant portion560amay have a slant which decreases from the center toward the outside, and the cover flat portion560bformed up to the cover rim561in parallel to the ground may be formed at an outer end of the cover slant portion560a.

A cover hole560cmay be formed at the center of the cover bottom surface560, that is, at a center of the cover slant portion560a, and the upper power module55may be exposed through the upper module hole560c. Therefore, when the body10is mounted on the base60, the body10may be in contact with the lower power module64.

The bottom cover56may cover all components of the heating module50except for the upper power module55. A plurality of screw holes568, to which screws may be coupled, may be formed along a circumference of the upper module hole560c. The screw hole568may be formed at a position corresponding to the coupling hole532of the heater base53. Therefore, the screw may pass through the screw hole568and be coupled to the coupling hole532, such that the bottom cover56may be firmly fixed to the body10.

The cover rim561may be formed around the bottom surface560of the bottom cover56. The cover rim561may extend upward along the circumference of the bottom cover56and may cover the inner lower end portion125from the outside. Therefore, when the bottom cover56is connected, the cover rim561may cover the inner lower end portion125from the outside. In this case, an inner surface of the cover rim561and the outer surface of the inner lower end portion125may be in close contact with each other such that the bottom cover56may maintain a stable and firm connected state.

A plurality of bottom ribs569that extends radially around the upper module hole560cmay be formed inside of the bottom cover56. The plurality of bottom ribs569may serve as a partition wall to reinforce a strength of the bottom cover56and block fluid from flowing into the cover PCB563when fluid leakage occurs.

An electric wire groove569amay be recessed in the bottom ribs569such that the electric wires may be guided through the bottom ribs569to the cover PCB563. In addition, a plurality of electric wire fixing portions566, which is formed in a ring shape so as to fix the electric wires, may be formed between the plurality of bottom ribs569.

A central portion of the bottom cover56, in which the upper power module55may be positioned, may be formed to be slightly high. The cover slant portion560amay be formed to have a slant which decreases toward the outside, thereby preventing fluid from flowing into the upper power module55in the case of a fluid leakage situation.

A cover drain hole567may be formed in the cover flat portion560bof the bottom cover56. The cover drain hole567may be positioned outside of the bottom cover56having a relatively low height and may pass through the cover bottom surface560of the bottom cover56. Therefore, fluid introduced into the bottom cover56may flow outward along the cover slant portion560aand be discharged downward through the cover drain hole567, thereby preventing the fluid from accumulating inside of the bottom cover56. Therefore, the upper power module55and the cover PCB563provided in the bottom cover56may be protected from leakage.

The bottom cover56may be provided with a PCB accommodating portion564. The PCB accommodating portion564may form a space in which the cover PCB563may be accommodated and may be formed in a shape in which a lower surface and both extended ends are open. The PCB accommodating portion564may be disposed over a half region of the bottom cover56.

That is, the PCB accommodating portion564may be positioned on one side of both sides with respect to the center of the bottom cover56and may be positioned below the heater54. A space in which the electric wires connected to the cover PCB563, the upper power module55, and the heater54are disposed may be provided at one side of the bottom cover56opposite to a position at which the PCB accommodating portion564is formed. The cover drain hole567, the bottom rib569, and the electric wire fixing portion566may also be disposed at a position opposite to the position of the PCB accommodating portion564.

The PCB accommodating portion564may be formed along an accommodating portion opening564aof the bottom of the bottom cover56and may be formed along the circumference of the bottom cover56. The PCB accommodating portion564may have a predetermined height so as to accommodate the cover PCB563.

Both ends of the PCB accommodating portion564may be open toward the inner side of the bottom cover56. A terminal563c, to which the electric wire may be connected, may be provided at an end of the cover PCB563exposed through the opening.

The PCB accommodating portion564may include a side surface portion564cthat extends vertically along an inner edge and an outer edge of the accommodating portion opening564a, and an upper surface portion564dconnecting both ends of the side surface portion564c. As a mica sheet565may be mounted on the upper surface portion564d, the upper surface portion564dmay be referred to as a “sheet mounting portion564d”.

The mica sheet565may be formed to have a size and a shape corresponding to those of the cover PCB563and be disposed on the upper surface of the sheet mounting portion564d. Therefore, the cover PCB563may be thermally and electrically insulated such that the cover PCB563is protected from abnormal operations.

Sheet fixing portions564bmay be formed in the sheet mounting portion564dso as to fix the mica sheet565. The sheet fixing portions564bmay be formed at both ends of the sheet mounting portion564d, and an additional sheet fixing portion564bmay be further formed between the sheet fixing portions564bon both sides. The sheet fixing portions564bmay restrain an end of the mica sheet565such that the mica sheet565maintains a state of being mounted on the sheet mounting portion564d.

The cover PCB563may be provided inside of the PCB accommodating portion564and may have a shape corresponding to the accommodating portion opening564a. The cover PCB563may be mounted on the cover plate562that covers the accommodating portion opening564a.

The cover PCB563may be connected to the heater54and the upper power module55and may be configured to supply power to the heater54. The cover PCB563may be connected to the handle PCB43provided in the handle cover32such that operation of the heater54is controlled by operation of the operation portion323.

The cover PCB563may be provided with a buzzer563b. When it is necessary to notify operation of the electric kettle1, the buzzer563bmay notify a state by outputting a beep sound. For example, when a power is supplied by mounting the assembled body10on the base60, the buzzer563bmay output a notification sound to allow the user to recognize that the electric kettle is ready to operate, without checking the display. Instead of the buzzer563b, a speaker may be provided. The buzzer563bmay be referred to as a “sound output device”.

A PCB hole563amay penetrate through the cover PCB563. The PCB hole563amay be formed to have a size corresponding to that of a fixing boss562aprotruding from the cover plate562. Therefore, when the cover PCB563is mounted on the cover plate562, the fixing boss562amay pass through the PCB hole563a. The cover PCB563may maintain a state of being fixedly mounted on the cover plate562and may be detached together with the cover plate562when the cover plate562is detached.

The cover plate562may be formed in a shape corresponding to that of the accommodating portion opening564aand may cover the accommodating portion opening564a. The cover plate562may be provided with a pair of fixing ends562band the fixing boss562aso as to be fixedly mounted on the bottom cover56in a mounted state.

The fixing boss562ais formed at a center of the cover plate562and protrudes upward. A screw, which passes through the fixing boss562a, may be coupled to a coupling portion561bprotruding downward from an inside of the PCB accommodating portion564to fix the cover plate562. The fixing ends562bmay protrude from both ends of the cover plate562and may be inserted, caught, and restrained by both ends of the accommodating portion opening564awhen the cover plate562is mounted. The fixing ends562bmay protrude upward and forward from the end of the cover plate562to be caught and restrained by both sides of the accommodating portion opening564a.

A plurality of support ribs562cmay protrude from the cover plate562. The support ribs562cmay connect an inner end and an outer end of the cover plate562, and a plurality of support ribs562cmay be radially arranged. Therefore, the cover PCB563may be supported from below when the cover PCB563is mounted, and the cover PCB563may maintain a stable mounted state.

In order to use the electric kettle1in a state in which the bottom cover56is mounted on the body10, the electric kettle1may be seated on the base60. When the body10is seated on the base60, the upper power module55and the lower power module64may be in contact with each other and may be in a state in which power may be supplied to the heating module50.

Hereinafter, structure of the base60will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG.30is a perspective view of a base which is one component of the electric kettle ofFIG.1, when viewed from above.FIG.31is a perspective view of the base which is one component of the electric kettle ofFIG.1, when viewed from below.FIG.32is a perspective view showing a state in which a base cover of the base is removed according to an embodiment.FIG.33is a cross-sectional view showing a mounted state of the heating module and the base according to an embodiment.

As shown inFIGS.30to33, the base60may be formed in a shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the body10and may be configured to allow the body10to be seated on an upper surface of the base60. Power may be supplied to the body10in a state in which the body10is seated on the base60, and the outer surface of the body10and the outer surface of the base60may be coplanar, thereby providing a sense of unity.

An overall appearance of the base60may be formed by base cover61forming the upper surface, base body62forming the lower surface, and side plate63forming a circumferential surface between the base body62and the base cover61.

The base cover61may have a diameter corresponding to that of the body10and may be formed to allow the lower surface of the body10to be seated. The base cover61may include a base upper surface611forming the upper surface of the base60, and a base cover rim612that protrudes upward along a circumference of the base upper surface611.

The base upper surface611is a portion on which the bottom cover56may be seated when the body10is mounted on the base60, and may be formed in a shape corresponding to that of the bottom surface of the bottom cover56. That is, a lower module hole611c, through which the lower power module64may pass, may be formed at a center of the base upper surface611. The lower power module64may protrude upward through the lower module hole611c.

The base upper surface611may include an upper slant portion611aand an upper flat portion611b. The upper slant portion611amay be slanted from the lower module hole611ctoward the outside. The upper flat portion611bmay be formed to be horizontal to the ground from the upper slant portion611ato the base cover rim612. Therefore, the base upper surface611may be formed in a shape in which a central portion from which the lower power module64protrudes slightly protrudes, and thus, even when fluid leakage occurs in the body10, fluid does not flow into the lower power module64but flows toward the upper flat portion611b.

An upper drain hole613may be formed in the upper flat portion611b. The upper drain hole613is a passage for draining fluid flowing down to the base60under the base60and may be open at an outer end of the upper flat portion611b. A plurality of upper drain holes613may be formed in a direction facing each other. In addition, a hole guide613athat extends downward may be formed around the upper drain hole613. The hole guide613amay extend to a position adjacent to a bottom surface of the base body62and may guide fluid to be discharged to lower drain hole624described below.

The base cover rim612may be formed at a height equal to or slightly higher than that of the bottom cover56. The base cover rim612may support the outer lower end portion113when the body10is mounted.

The base body62may include a base bottom surface621formed in a disk shape having a size corresponding to that of the base cover61, and a base rim622bent upward along a circumference of the base bottom surface621. A center of the base body62may protrude upward, and a power module mounting portion623on which the lower power module64may be mounted may be formed at the protruded central portion. The lower power module64may be disposed at a position corresponding to the upper power module55and may protrude upward through the lower module hole611c. Therefore, when the body10is seated on the base60, the upper power module55and the lower power module64may be in contact with each other to thereby be capable of supplying power.

A plurality of base coupling bosses625may be formed outside of the power module mounting portion623. The plurality of base coupling bosses625may be spaced apart from the power module mounting portion623. The base coupling boss625may protrude upward and may extend through the base PCB65inside of the base body62. Screws may be coupled to the base coupling bosses625, and the screws may be coupled to the base cover61by passing through the base coupling bosses625. Therefore, the base body62and the base cover61may be firmly connected to each other by the screws.

The base PCB65may be mounted along a space between the power module mounting portion623and the base rim622and may be formed in a corresponding shape. The base PCB65may be connected to the lower power module64and a power connector66described hereinafter and may be configured to control operation and power supply of the lower power module64.

A lower drain hole624may be formed in the base bottom surface621adjacent to the base rim622. The lower drain hole624may be formed at a position corresponding to the upper drain hole613. A partition wall624athat extends upward may be formed in a circumference of the lower drain hole624. The lower drain hole624may be a passage through which the fluid flowing down through the upper drain hole613and the hole guide613amay be discharged to the outside of the base60and may pass through the base bottom surface621. The partition wall624aforms a space partitioned such that fluid flowing toward the lower drain hole624does not overflow to the outside, and a lower end of the hole guide613ais accommodated inside of the partition wall624a. The partition wall624amay be formed to be higher than a lower end of the hole guide613aand may be connected to the base rim622. A plurality of lower drain holes624and a plurality of partition walls624amay be formed spaced apart from each other.

In addition, a base hook628may be formed at one or a first side of the base rim622. The base hook628may be formed by cutting out a portion of the base rim622and may extend upward. An end of the base hook628may be caught and coupled to a base connecting portion of the base cover61. The base body62and the base cover61may maintain a connected state by connection of the base hook628and the base connecting portion614. A plurality of base hooks628may be formed along the base rim622, and thus, a circumferential surface of the base60may maintain a firm connected state.

A connector mounting portion627, to which the power connector66may be connected, may be formed at one or a first side of the base body62. The power connector66may be a portion connected to an end of a power cable including a plug connected to an outlet and may be formed such that the power cable is detachable. The power connector66may be exposed to the side of the base60and may be mounted on the connector mounting portion627.

The connector mounting portion627may be opened to allow the power connector66to be inserted thereinto, and the portion opened through the opening of the side plate63may be exposed to the outside. The open end of the connector mounting portion627may protrude more than an end of the power connector66and may be formed in a shape protruding from the side plate63. Therefore, when fluid overflows or flows down to the base60, the fluid may be blocked from flowing into the side plate63.

The side plate63connects the base body62to the base cover61and may form a side circumference of the base60. The side plate63may be made of a same metal material as that of the body10, and the side plate63and the body10may have a sense of unity in a state in which the body10is mounted on the base60.

Upper and lower ends of the side plate63may be bent, and the ends of the base body62and the base cover61may be supported. A side opening631, which is cut to expose the connector mounting portion627, may be formed in the side plate63.

Hereinafter, operation of the electric kettle having the above-mentioned structure according to an embodiment will be described.

FIG.34is a block diagram showing a signal flow for operation of the electric kettle according to an embodiment. Referring toFIG.34, in order to use the electric kettle1, the user may connect the power supply by inserting the power cable connected to the base60into the outlet. In this state, fluid may be filled in the heating space101inside of the body10, and the body10may be placed on the base60.

When the body10is seated on the base60, the upper power module55and the lower power module64are in contact with each other and are in a state in which power may be supplied from the base60to the body10. The buzzer563bmay output a notification sound when the body10is seated on the base60, and the notification sound of the buzzer563bmakes it possible for the user to recognize that the body10is normally seated on the base60and is in an operable state.

Next, the user may start heating of the heater54by operating the operation portion323of the handle40. At this time, the user may check a set temperature through the display322, and may operate the operation portion323to start heating a fluid, such as water contained in the heating space101.

Two operation portions323may be disposed on the upper surface of the handle cover32. When one operation portion323is pressed, the touch sensor430abelow the operation portion323recognizes the pressing and sets a temperature for heating. The display322may display the set temperature through the on/off of the LED432bset according to the operation of the operation portion323.

The user may press the other operation portion323among the two operation portions323while checking the set target temperature on the display322. According to the pressing operation of the operation portion323, the touch sensor430amay recognize the pressing and control operation of the heater54through the operation PCB433. The setting of the temperature and the instruction of the operation may be possible through one operation portion323. If necessary, two or more operation portions323may be provided.

The electric kettle1may be connected to the communication unit45from a remote place to instruct the operation and the setting of the temperature. Therefore, even when the user does not directly operate the electric kettle1, the electric kettle1may be operated according to a signal input through the communication unit45.

The operation of the heater54may be started according to the operation of the operation portion323, and the fluid contained in the heating space101may be heated by the heat of the heater54. When the temperature sensor57senses that the fluid inside of the heating space101reaches the set temperature, the heater54stops operating and the electric kettle1completes the operation.

When the operation of the electric kettle1is completed, the buzzer563bmay output a beep sound notifying the completion of the operation. The user may hold the handle40and lift the body10to separate the base60, and may tilt the electric kettle1to pour the heated fluid through the spout311.

The electric kettle1may reduce or block heat conduction by the double structure of the body10in a state in which the heating of the fluid is completed. Therefore, even when the user comes into contact with the outer surface of the body10, the safety of the user may be secured because the outer surface of the body10is not excessively hot. Even when the heater54is not in operation, the temperature of the heated fluid may be maintained for a long time.

Various embodiments other than the above-described embodiment are possible. Hereinafter, an electric kettle according to another embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

This embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment in terms of a structure of the handle. Therefore, other structures except for the structure of the handle are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and detailed description thereof has been omitted and the same or like reference numerals will be used. It is noted that components not shown are also the same as those in the above-described embodiment.

FIG.35is an exploded perspective view of a handle according to another embodiment. As shown inFIG.35, the handle40′ according to another embodiment may include handle frame46mounted on handle cover32; handle deco42mounted on the handle frame46; handle gasket437that seals the handle cover32and the handle frame46; and handle PCB43provided inside of the handle cover32.

The handle frame46may include an upper portion462forming the upper portion of the handle frame46and a lower portion461extending downward from one end of the upper portion462. The upper portion462may be formed in a plate shape and may cover the open lower surface of the handle cover32. That is, the upper portion462may be formed in a shape corresponding to an opening of the handle cover32. The upper portion462may be connected to the open lower end of the handle cover32and may be formed such that the outer surface and the front end of the body top31are in contact with each other.

The lower portion461may extend downward from the end of the upper portion462and may be formed to have a cylindrical or elliptical cross-sectional structure such that the user may wrap the lower portion461with his or her hand. A hollow portion461amay be formed inside of the lower portion461, and the communication unit45may be accommodated inside of the hollow portion461a.

Handle deco42may be mounted on the lower portion461. The handle deco42may be made of a same metal material as that of the body10, the upper body30, and the handle cover32.

PCB mounting portions462athat extend upward may be formed at both sides of the upper portion462. The PCB mounting portion462aallows the handle PCB43to be fixedly mounted, and may be provided with a mounting hole462cinto which the cover boss327may be inserted. The mounting hole462cmay pass through the PCB mounting portion462ain the vertical direction and may be open to the lower surface of the upper portion462. Therefore, the handle frame46may be connected to the handle cover32by a screw463coupled at the lower side of the upper part462.

A gasket protrusion462b, on which the handle gasket437may be fixedly mounted, may be formed at a circumferential side of the upper portion462. The gasket protrusion462bmay be connected to the gasket groove437bof the handle gasket437, and the handle gasket437may be fixed to the upper surface of the upper portion462.

The handle gasket437may be disposed along a circumference of the upper portion462and be configured to seal a space between the upper portion462and the handle cover32. The handle gasket437may have an open center and may be formed along the lower end of the handle cover32and the circumference of the upper portion462. Mounting holes321, into which the PCB mounting portion462amay be inserted, may be open at both sides of the handle gasket437. When the handle gasket437is mounted on the upper portion462, the PCB mounting portion462amay pass through the mounting holes321. A plurality of gasket grooves437bmay be formed along the circumference of the handle gasket437and connected to the gasket protrusions462bof the upper portion462.

The handle PCB43may be provided inside of the space formed by the handle cover32and the upper portion462. The handle PCB43may include a touch PCB430, a display PCB436, and an operation PCB432.

The touch PCB430may be in close contact with the upper surface of the handle cover32, and the touch sensor430amay be provided at a position corresponding to the operation portion323. Touch booster431may be disposed on the upper surface of the touch PCB430such that a pressing operation of the operation portion323may be more effectively transmitted.

The display PCB436may be provided in front of the touch PCB430and above the operation PCB433. A plurality of LEDs436bmay be disposed on the display PCB436. The plurality of LEDs436bmay be disposed at positions corresponding to holes321of handle cover upper surface325.

Light guide436aand light cover436cmay be provided above the display PCB436. The light guide436amay be mounted on the display PCB436, and a plurality of openings may be formed at positions corresponding to the LEDs436b. Therefore, light emitted from the LEDs436bmay be directed toward the holes321of the handle cover upper surface325.

The light cover436cmay be made of a light-transmitting material, and if necessary, may be made as a material capable of diffusing and dispersing light, such that light emitted from the LEDs436bmay shine more brightly. The light cover436cmay cover the opening of the light guide436aand seal a gap between the light guide436aand the upper surface of the handle cover32.

The operation PCB433may be provided below the touch PCB430and the display PCB436. Touch PCB grooves430aand operation PCB grooves432amay be formed at both lateral sides of the touch PCB430and the operation PCB433, respectively. The touch PCB grooves430aand the operation PCB grooves432amay have shapes corresponding to the PCB mounting portion462a, respectively, and may be formed such that the PCB mounting portion462amay be inserted. Therefore, the touch PCB430and the operation PCB433may maintain a state of being fixedly mounted by the PCB mounting portion462ainside of the handle cover32.

FIG.36is an exploded perspective view of a handle according to further another embodiment. As shown inFIG.36, the handle40″ according to this embodiment may include handle frame472; handle deco42mounted on the handle frame472; connecting member471that connects the handle frame472and the handle cover32; handle gasket437that seals the connecting member471and the handle frame472; and handle PCB438provided inside of the handle cover32.

The handle frame472may include an upper portion472bforming an upper portion of the handle frame472and a lower portion472cthat extends downward from one end of the upper portion472b. The upper portion472bmay be formed in a plate shape and may cover the open lower surface of the handle cover32. That is, the upper portion472bmay be formed in a shape corresponding to an opening of the handle cover32. The upper portion472bmay be connected to the connecting member471and may be formed such that the outer surface and the front end of the body top31are in contact with each other.

The lower portion472cmay extend downward from the end of the upper portion472band may be formed to have a cylindrical or elliptical cross-sectional structure such that the user may wrap the lower portion461with his or her hand. A hollow portion472amay be formed inside of the lower portion472c, and the communication unit45may be accommodated in the hollow portion472a.

Handle deco42may be mounted on the lower portion472c. The handle deco42may be made of a same metal material as that of the body10, the upper body30, and the handle cover32.

The connecting member471may be provided on the upper surface of the upper portion472b. The connecting member471may be formed in a shape corresponding to a shape of a side of the handle cover32and may be formed such that the upper surface and the lower surface thereof are open.

The upper end of the connecting member471is in contact with the handle cover upper surface325, and the lower end of the connecting member471is in contact with the circumference of the upper portion472b. The front end of the connecting member471is in contact with the outer surface of the body top31. Therefore, the connecting member471may be in close contact with the handle40″ inside of the handle cover32and may be firmly supported to the body top31at the same time.

The PCB mounting portions471aextending in the vertical direction may be formed at both sides of the connecting member471. The PCB mounting portion471aallows the handle PCB438to be fixedly mounted, and may be provided with a mounting hole471binto which the cover boss327is inserted. The mounting hole471bmay be formed to pass through the PCB mounting portion471ain the vertical direction, and the handle frame472may be connected to the handle cover32by a screw471ccoupled at the lower side.

The handle gasket437may be provided along the circumference of the lower end of the connecting member471. The handle gasket437may be disposed along the lower end of the connecting member471and the circumference of the upper portion472band may be configured to seal a space between the connecting member471and the upper part472b. The handle gasket437may have an open center and may be formed along circumferences of the connecting member471and the upper portion472. Mounting holes437a, into which the PCB mounting portion471amay be inserted, may be open at both sides of the handle gasket437. When the handle gasket437is mounted on the connecting member471, the PCB mounting portion471amay pass through the mounting holes437a. A plurality of gasket grooves437bmay be formed along the circumference of the handle gasket437and connected to the gasket protrusions (not shown) formed in the connecting member471or the upper portion472b.

The handle PCB438may be provided inside of the space formed by the handle cover32, the connecting member471, and the upper portion472b. The handle PCB438may be in close contact with the handle cover upper surface325, and the touch sensor430amay be provided at a position corresponding to the operation portion323. The touch booster431may be disposed on the upper surface of the handle PCB438such that the pressing operation of the operation portion323is more effectively transmitted.

The plurality of LEDs438cmay be disposed along the front end of the handle PCB438. The plurality of LEDs438cmay be disposed at positions corresponding to the holes321of the handle cover upper surface325.

Light guide438dmay be provided at the upper portion of the handle PCB438. The light guide438dmay be mounted on the upper surface of the handle PCB438corresponding to the LEDs438c, and a plurality of openings may be formed at positions corresponding to the LEDs438c. Therefore, light emitted from the LEDs438cmay be directed toward the holes321of the handle cover upper surface325.

The handle PCB438may be connected to the communication unit45and the heating module50and may control operation of the heater54. Therefore, as the handle PCB438includes a single PCB that controls the overall operation of the electric kettle1, the handle PCB438may be referred to as a “main PCB438”.

The electric kettle according to embodiments may have at least the following advantages.

In the electric kettle according to embodiments disclosed herein, the handle may protrude from one side of the body, and the operation portion that controls operation of the heating module and the display that displays a temperature of the heated fluid may be provided on the protruding portion of the handle. Therefore, the fluid may be heated to a set temperature by a user's one-handed operation, thereby facilitating temperature control and improving user convenience. In particular, the operation portion and the display may be disposed on the upper surface of the handle cover, and the user may hold the downwardly extended portion to fundamentally prevent the possibility that the user will erroneously operate the operation portion in the process of holding the handle.

If necessary, the user may operate the operation portion with his or her fingers while holding the handle with one hand, thereby remarkably improving user convenience. In addition, the user may operate and set the operation portion while checking the temperature through the display, thereby further improving user convenience.

The touch sensor may be used to facilitate operation by the user. The piezo type sensor may be used to prevent unintended detection of a signal of the touch sensor during use or to prevent a user touch misrecognition on the narrow upper surface of the handle cover.

In addition, the handle PCB may be provided with the touch booster at a position corresponding to the touch PCB and the operation portion. Therefore, operation of the operation portion may be more effectively detected and sensing reliability of the touch operation may be improved.

As the electric wire connected between the handle PCB inside of the handle and the heating module passes through the heat insulation space of the body, a separate electric wire arrangement structure may be omitted, thereby providing a more concise structure and improving productivity.

Since all the configurations for controlling and manipulating the operation of the heating module are provided on the handle or the handle PCB, the heating module may be made compact in size. Therefore, it is possible to minimize a space in the body required for mounting the heating module. In this manner, the electric kettle may maintain the entire size of the electric kettle compact while maintaining a capacity to contain fluid.

The upper portion of the handle may be inserted into the open lower surface of the handle cover, the front end of the upper portion may contact with the outer surface of the upper body, and the upper end of the upper portion may be supported by the upper surface of the handle cover. Therefore, even when a moment is generated when the user lifts the handle, the handle may be stably supported to the upper body and the handle cover by the support structure of the upper part.

In addition, the front end of the upper portion may have a slant or a round corresponding to the outer surface of the upper body, so that the handle is in close contact with the outer surface of the upper body. Therefore, the handle may maintain a more stable support state.

The upper portion may have a shape corresponding to the handle cover side surface and may be mounted in close contact with a circumference of the handle cover side surface. Therefore, the handle may maintain a more stable and firm state. Therefore, even when the electric kettle is lifted or tilted while holding the handle, the handle may maintain a firmly fixed state inside of the handle cover and durability may be improved.

The body, the upper body, and the base may have a same outer diameter, and thus, there is an advantage that the cylindrical appearance structure may have a sense of unity as a whole. In particular, the body and the upper body may be made of a same metal material and the outer surface of the base may also be made of the same metal material, further enhancing the sense of unity of the overall appearance. In addition, the body, the upper body, and the base may be coplanar, and in particular, the heating module may be disposed inside of the body. Therefore, it is possible to minimize exposure of the configuration that may feel a heterogeneity when the body is directly seated on the base, thereby further improving the sense of unity of the overall appearance.

The handle deco made of the metal material may be provided on the lower portion of the handle exposed to the handle cover lower side. The handle as well as the body may have a metal texture as a whole, thereby providing a more luxurious and integrated appearance. In addition, as the grip sheet is provided at the rear side of the handle facing the body, the user may use the handle while holding the handle without slipping even when the user holds the handle deco portion.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an electric kettle capable of improving user convenience. Embodiments disclosed herein also provide an electric kettle capable of improving user convenience and preventing erroneous operations. Further, embodiments disclosed herein provide an electric kettle capable of temperature control and operation control through a handle.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an electric kettle having an improved support structure of a handle. Embodiments disclosed herein further provide an electric kettle having a compact structure.

Embodiments disclosed herein furthermore provide an electric kettle having an improved appearance.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an electric kettle that may include a heating module configured to heat fluid, such as water contained in a body; a handle that protrudes from one side of the body; a handle cover on an upper surface of the handle; and a handle printed circuit board (PCB) in close contact with the rear surface of the handle cover and including a touch sensor configured to sense the touch of the handle cover. Operation of the heating module may be controlled by the handle PCB.

An operation portion displayed for guiding a touch operation of a user may be formed on the handle cover. The operation portion may include a temperature operation portion and an operation control portion.

The touch sensor may be a piezo type sensor. A touch booster configured to transmit deformation of the handle cover to the touch sensor may be provided on the upper surface of the handle PCB.

A temperature display configured to display a temperature of heated fluid may be formed on the handle cover. The upper portion of the handle may be mounted on the handle cover to accommodate the handle PCB and may extend downward in a state of being spaced apart from the body.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an electric kettle that may include a body made of a metal material and configured to form a space in which fluid, such as water may be contained; a heating module provided in the body to heat the space; a handle mounted to protrude from an outer surface of the body; a handle cover made of a metal material and configured to form an appearance of a protruding upper surface of the handle; and a handle PCB provided inside of the handle and including a touch sensor in close contact with a rear surface of the handle cover to sense a touch operation of the handle cover. An operation of the heating module may be controlled by the handle PCB.

A touch booster may be provided between the handle PCB and the handle cover to transmit a deformation of the handle cover to the touch sensor. The handle cover may have an open lower surface, and the handle may be inserted into and mounted on the open lower surface of the handle cover.

The handle PCB may include a touch PCB which is in contact with an upper surface of the handle cover and on which the touch sensor may be mounted; a display PCB disposed below the touch PCB and including an LED configured to emit light to display information on the handle cover; and an operation PCB provided below the display PCB to control operation of the heating module. Spacers for maintaining intervals may be provided between the touch PCB, the display PCB, and the operation PCB.

A cover boss may be provided inside of the handle cover and extend downward to pass through the handle PCB such that the handle PCB is mounted inside of the handle cover.

The body may be formed in a double wall structure made of stainless steel. An electric wire that connects the handle PCB to the heating module may be disposed to pass through a space between double walls of the body.

The body may include an inner body, and an outer body that accommodates the inner body therein. An electric wire outlet may be open in an outer surface of the outer body to communicate with an inner space of the handle cover, and an electric wire inlet may be open in an inner surface of the inner body to communicate with a space in which the heating module is disposed.

An upper body may extend upward from an upper end of the body along a circumference of the body and made of a metal material. The handle cover may be mounted on the upper body.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an electric kettle that may include a body made of a metal material and configured to form a space in which fluid, such as water may be contained; an upper body that extends upward along a circumference of an upper end of the body; a lid seated on the upper body to open and close the body; a heating module configured to heat an inside of the body; a handle cover that protrudes from an outer surface of the upper body and having an open lower surface; and a handle configured to cover the open lower surface of the handle cover. An upper (first) portion of the handle may be inserted into and fixedly mounted on an inside of the handle cover, and the other (second) portions of the handle may extend downward in a state of being spaced apart from the body.

The handle may include a handle frame fixedly mounted on the handle cover. The handle frame may include an upper part or portion accommodated in the inside of the handle cover and supported in contact with the handle cover; and a lower part (or portion) that extends downward from an end of the upper part to form a portion that is held by a user with his or her hand.

A front end of the upper part may be formed to have a round or a slant corresponding to an outer surface of the upper body. A front end of the handle frame may be completely in close contact with the outer surface of the upper body.

The upper part may be formed in contact with a circumference of a side surface of the handle cover. An upper end of the upper part may be mounted to support an upper surface of the handle cover.

A front end of the upper part may be in contact with the outer surface of the upper body. An upper end of the upper part may be in contact with an upper surface of the handle cover.

The handle frame may be made of a plastic material, and the lower part may include a handle deco made of a same metal material as that of the handle cover and surrounding an outer surface of the lower part. The handle deco may be provided in the outer surface of the lower part, except for a region facing an outer surface of the body, and a grip portion or grip providing a structure that is held by a user with his or her fingers may be formed in a region of the lower part facing the body. A grip sheet may be attached to the grip portion so as to prevent a user's hand from slipping.

A pair of cover bosses that extends downward may be formed inside of the handle cover. A PCB mounting portion connected to the pair of cover bosses may be formed on an inner surface of the upper part corresponding to the handle cover.

A mounting hole may be formed inside of the PCB mounting portion. The pair of cover bosses may be inserted inward through an upper surface of the mounting hole, and the handle frame may be connected to the handle cover by a screw coupled to an open lower surface of the mounting hole.

An operation portion may be provided in the handle cover to operate the heating module. A handle PCB provided inside of the handle cover, covered by the handle, and electrically connected to the heating module to control an operation of the heating module. Grooves, which may be connected to an outer surface of the PCB mounting portion, may be formed on both sides of the handle PCB.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.