Patent Description:
Generally, an electric kettle refers to a device that heats water contained in a body by a heating means such as a heater through the supply of electricity.

In addition, such an electric kettle is configured such that the body is detachable from a base to which power is supplied and is heated while seated on the base. The electric kettle can be used by holding a handle and lifting the body away from the base. This type of an electric kettle has various names such as a wireless electric kettle, a wireless electric pot, or a coffee pot, etc..

The body of such an electric kettle may be complicated and there are cases in which the body is formed of a plastic material in order to facilitate the arrangement of the internal configuration of the electric kettle.

However, when the electric kettle is used for a long time, the harmful plastic components or microplastic components of the electric kettle may be dissolved in high-temperature water, and further, the inside of the electric kettle may be contaminated due to the vulnerability to scratches.

Additionally, when the electric kettle has the body made of glass, the electric kettle is hygienic and has a very good appearance but may be damaged due to impact. Furthermore, the electric kettle is inconvenient to be used due to heavy weight and is not easy to be molded.

Accordingly, in <CIT>, a multi-function wireless electric pot is disclosed in which the body is made of stainless steel, and water contained inside the body can be heated. In this structure, the body is made of a stainless material, so the wireless electric pot is very hygienic and has excellent durability.

In addition, the upper and lower ends of the handle are connected to the body, and particularly, the lower end is configured to be connected to a heating part provided with a heater, and water can be heated by an on/off switch provided at the handle.

However, in such a structure, the on/off switch for turning the heater on or off is provided in the handle, and a component configured to control the output of power is provided in the heating part instead of the handle, so there is inconvenience in using the wireless electric pot.

Additionally, in order to connect the heating part provided under the body with the on/off switch located at the handle, the handle is required to be connected to the upper and lower portions of the body and thus has a restricted structure, and further, the use of the handle may be inconvenient.

Furthermore, both a heating wire and a control part are configured to be located inside the heating part disposed under the body. Accordingly, the body increases in volume, or decreases in water-receiving space.

In <CIT>, "ELECTRIC KETTLE USED FOR BLENDER AND STEAMER" is disclosed. Even in such a prior art, a first control switch configured to turn power on or off by turning a dial or to control the rotation speed and rotation time of a drive clutch is provided in the base, and a second control switch configured to adjust heating temperature and heating time is provided at the handle.

Accordingly, in order to control an electric pot, it is necessary to separately drive switches provided at different positions, so the control of the electric pot is cumbersome. In addition, an electronic part such as a PCB for controlling power on/off is provided in the base close to the heater, so the electronic part may be damaged due to heat of the heater.

Meanwhile, in US Patent No. <CIT>, a push-button and a state display part are provided at the handle, but the state display part is provided at a portion of the handle held by a hand, so it is difficult to check a state of an electric kettle from above. Furthermore, the upper and lower ends of the handle are fixed integrally to the body, which increases manufacturing and assembly difficulty.

In addition, in European Patent No. <CIT>, a controller is illustrated to be installed at an upper end part of the handle. <CIT> relates to a water heating container, which allows its user to press steadily operation sensing sections of a board with movable operation sections and aims at reinforcement of protection for a board located in its handle to prevent damage by control failure and short circuit caused by water intrusion. <CIT> relates to an insulated kettles with improved insulation. <CIT> relates to a kettle with a kettle body made of a metal material, a handle and a water gauge, wherein a window is formed in the kettle body, the water gauge is embedded in the window, and a seal ring is arranged between the window and the water gauge; the handle is detachably and fixedly connected with the kettle body; and the upper end of the window has an open structure which enables the water gauge to be embedded in the window, and the lower end of the window is of a closed structure.

However, even in such a prior art, the upper and lower ends of the handle are coupled to the body. Accordingly, the body and the handle are required to be formed to be integrated with each other or each of the upper and lower ends of the handle is required to be fastened to the body, which decreases productivity.

Furthermore, multiple parts are fastened inside the handle having a small size by screws, so the assembly of the parts is difficult, which decreases productivity.

Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to solve the above problems occurring in the prior art, and the present disclosure is intended to propose an electric kettle which is improved in assemblability and productivity.

The present disclosure is intended to propose an electric kettle in which a handle can be easily mounted to a surface of a body.

The present disclosure is intended to propose an electric kettle in which a control part is spaced far apart from a heater such that the control malfunction of the control part due to heat of the heater is prevented.

The present disclosure is intended to propose an electric kettle in which the assembly of the handle composed of a handle support and a handle cover is easily performed.

The present disclosure is intended to propose an electric kettle in which components located in the handle are supported by the handle support and the handle cover such that the assemblability and productivity of the electric kettle are improved.

The present disclosure is intended to propose an electric kettle in which the control part located in the handle is securely supported up and down, forward and downward, and side to side.

In order to accomplish the above objectives, an electric kettle according to claim <NUM> is proposed. Further advantageous embodiments are depicted in the dependent claims. Accordingly, the electric kettle may have a compact structure and may be easy to be manufactured and assembled.

Additionally, in the electric kettle of the present disclosure, the body may be configured to have a double structure, and the handle may be provided on the outer side of the body having a double structure. Accordingly, the temperature of the inside of the body may not be transmitted to the handle.

In the electric kettle of the present disclosure, a handle bracket may be coupled to an inner body by welding, and the handle may be fastened to the handle bracket by a screw. Accordingly, damage to the body may be prevented and the fastening of the handle may be easily performed.

In the electric kettle of the present disclosure, a handle cover constituting the exterior of the handle and the handle support may be fastened to each other by a one-touch action. That is, the handle cover may be brought close to the handle support to be fitted thereover such that the handle cover is fastened to the handle support.

In the electric kettle of the present disclosure, a holding end held in an outer body may be formed at the front end of the handle. Accordingly, the handle may be securely held in the body, so the assembly of the handle may be easy.

In the electric kettle of the present disclosure, a holding rib may be formed at a touch booster constituting the handle.

In the electric kettle of the present disclosure, a seating rib supporting a PCB (printed circuit board) may be provided at a side frame. Accordingly, even without a separate fastening means, the PCB may be easily mounted to the side frame.

The electric kettle of the present disclosure may include the body receiving water or food therein; a lid configured to shield the open upper side of the body; a base provided at the lower side of the body and configured to support the body; a spout provided at the upper end of the body and guiding the discharge of the water or food contained inside the body; the handle fastened to the upper end of the body and configured to be held by a hand.

The body may be configured as a double structure such that the body includes the inner body constituting the appearance of the inside of the body and the outer body constituting the appearance of the outside of the body, and the handle may be coupled to the upper end of the inner body.

The handle bracket may be provided at the inner body, and the handle may be fastened to the handle bracket.

The handle bracket may be fixed to the outer surface of the inner body by welding or an adhesive.

The handle may be fastened to the handle bracket by the fastening means.

The handle includes the handle support supporting multiple parts provided therein and constituting the frame of the handle, and the handle cover coupled to the handle support and covering the multiple parts provided in the handle support, wherein the handle cover is to the handle support by one touch.

The handle cover is fastened to the handle support by a hook coupling.

At least one hook and a cover bracket coupled integrally to the handle cover is provided at the inner surface of the handle cover.

The cover bracket is in close contact with and fixed to the inner surface of the handle cover by welding or an adhesive.

Hook grooves and hooks may be formed at the handle support and the cover bracket, respectively, such that the hook grooves and the hooks have shapes corresponding to each other to be fastened to each other.

The handle support may include a side wall frame covering parts received therein, and a pillar frame formed by bending downward and extending from an end of the side wall frame. The cover bracket may include a side part configured to have a shape corresponding to a shape of the outer surface of the side wall frame, and a pillar part configured to have a shape corresponding to a shape of the outer surface of the pillar frame.

At least one hook and at least one hook groove may be formed at positions corresponding to the side part and the side wall frame, respectively, and at positions corresponding to the pillar part and the pillar frame, respectively.

The hook may include the side wall hook formed at the side part of the cover bracket, and the pillar hook formed at the pillar part of the cover bracket, wherein the side wall hook and the pillar hook may be formed by being cut and bent from the cover bracket.

The pillar hook may include a receiving part cut from the pillar part and formed at a position spaced apart from the pillar part; a support part bending from a first end of the receiving part and connecting the receiving part and the pillar part to each other; and a guide part formed by bending and extending from a second end of the receiving part.

The handle support may be provided with a bracket fastening end to which the handle bracket is fastened.

The handle bracket may include an attaching part coupled to the inner body; a fastening part coupled to the bracket fastening end; and a connecting part connecting the attaching part and the fastening part to each other, the attaching part and the fastening part being spaced part from each other.

The attaching part may be configured to have a curvature corresponding to the outer surface of the inner body and may be fixed to the inner body by welding or an adhesive.

The holding end held in the outer body may be formed at an end of the handle support by protruding outward therefrom.

The holding end may be formed by protruding upward or downward from the front end of the handle support.

At least one reinforcing rib may be formed at a side of the bracket fastening end so as to reinforce the rigidity of the bracket fastening end.

The holding end may be located inside the outer body, and a surface of the holding end may be configured to have a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the inner surface of the outer body.

At least one seating rib supporting a PCB may be provided at the inner side of the side wall frame.

The electric kettle of the present disclosure has the following effects.

First, in the electric kettle of the present disclosure, the upper end part of a handle is fastened to the upper end of the body. Accordingly, the electric kettle has a compact structure as a whole and is easy to be manufactured and assembled.

Second, in the electric kettle of the present disclosure, a handle bracket is coupled to an inner body by welding, and the handle is fastened to the handle bracket by a screw. Accordingly, damage to the body is prevented and the fastening of the handle is easily performed, thereby making the appearance of the electric kettle beautiful and manufacturing thereof easy.

Third, in the electric kettle of the present disclosure, a handle cover constituting the exterior of the handle and a handle support are configured to be fastened to each other by a one-touch action. Accordingly, the assembly of the handle is simple and thus productivity of the electric kettle is improved.

Fourth, in the electric kettle of the present disclosure, a holding end held in an outer body is formed at the front end of the handle. Accordingly, the front end of the handle is coupled to the inner body and is held in and supported by the outer body due to the holding end, thereby realizing the secured holding of the handle and preventing damage to the handle even in the case in which weight of contents contained in the body is heavy.

Fifth, in the electric kettle of the present disclosure, the holding end held in the outer body is configured to protrude downward or upward from the front end of the handle. Accordingly, first, the holding end is inserted to and held in a cut portion (a handle hole) of the outer body and then is fastened to the handle bracket by a screw, whereby the handle is easily fastened to a precise position of a side surface of the body, thereby preventing defects of the electric kettle and increasing productivity thereof.

Sixth, in the electric kettle of the present disclosure, the bracket fastening end is provided in the handle and is screwed to the handle bracket fastened to the inner body. In addition, a reinforcing rib is provided at such a bracket fastening end to reinforce the rigidity of the bracket fastening end. Accordingly, the bending of the handle is prevented and the rigidity of the handle is increased.

Seventh, in the electric kettle of the present disclosure, the holding rib is provided at the touch booster constituting the handle. That is, the holding rib is formed at the touch booster by protruding laterally therefrom and is seated in a holding-rib groove of the side wall frame. Accordingly, even without a separate fastening part such as a screw, the touch booster is seated at a precise position and thus the assembly thereof is easy.

Eighth, in the electric kettle of the present disclosure, a seating rib supporting a PCB is provided at the side frame. Accordingly, a main PCB can be seated only by being placed down on the side frame from an upper side thereof, thereby facilitating the mounting of the PCB even without a separate fastening means and preventing the vertical shaking of the PCB.

Ninth, in the electric kettle of the present disclosure, a booster support end is formed at the rear end of the touch booster by protruding downward therefrom and is received and seated in a support end groove of the handle support. Accordingly, the touch booster is easily mounted to and supported at a precise position of the inside of the handle, thereby improving production efficiency.

Tenth, in the electric kettle of the present disclosure, parts provided in the handle may be configured to have shapes and sizes corresponding to the inner space of the handle. That is, the entire size and shape of the touch booster, a touch PCB, and the main PCB may be configured to have size and shape corresponding to the size and shape of the inside of the side frame of the handle support. Accordingly, these parts are supported by the holding rib, a board support jaw, and the seating rib, or by being in contact with the inner surface of the side frame and the inner surface (a lower surface, etc.) of the handle cover, so the shakings of these parts in all directions can be prevented. That is, the assembly of the handle support with the handle cover and the mounting of multiple parts to the inside of the handle are performed only by fitting or seating, thereby fixedly supporting the parts up and down, forward and rearward, and side to side.

Hereinbelow, an electric kettle of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In <FIG>, the configuration of the electric kettle of the present disclosure according to a first embodiment is illustrated. That is, a perspective view and a vertical sectional view illustrating the configuration of the electric kettle of the present disclosure according to the embodiment are illustrated in <FIG>, respectively, and the upper side and lower side exploded perspective views of the electric kettle illustrated in <FIG> are illustrated in in <FIG>, respectively.

As illustrated in these drawings, the electric kettle <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a body <NUM> receiving water or food therein; a lid <NUM> configured to shield the open upper side of the body <NUM>; a base <NUM> provided at a lower side of the body <NUM> and configured to support the body <NUM>; a spout <NUM> provided on an upper end of the body <NUM> and guiding the discharge of the water or food contained inside the body <NUM>; and a handle <NUM> fastened to the upper end of the body <NUM> and configured to be held by hand.

Specifically, the electric kettle <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured in a cylindrical shape as a whole and may be composed of the body <NUM> in which water or food is received; the lid <NUM> configured to shield the open upper side of the body <NUM>; the handle <NUM>; a heating module <NUM>; and the base <NUM>.

The body <NUM> may be configured in a cylindrical shape having an open upper surface. Accordingly, the upper surface of the body <NUM> may be shielded by the lid <NUM>.

The handle <NUM> may be configured by protruding outward from a side of the body <NUM>. That is, as illustrated in the drawings, the handle <NUM> may be provided to protrude to the right side of the upper end of the body <NUM>.

The base <NUM> may be disposed on a surface of a foundation and may be connected to a power cord such that external power can be supplied to the base <NUM>.

In addition, the body <NUM> in an assembled state may be seated on the upper surface of the base <NUM>.

The body <NUM> may be configured to have a cylindrical shape and may include a heating space <NUM> in which water is received and heated. In addition, the body <NUM> may receive power while the body <NUM> is seated on the base <NUM>.

The base <NUM> and the body <NUM> may receive power through contact between power terminals. Additionally, the supply of power to the base <NUM> and the body <NUM> may be performed in an electromagnetic induction method.

To this end, a lower power module <NUM> functioning as a primary coil may be provided in the base <NUM>, and an upper power module <NUM> functioning as a secondary coil may be provided in the body <NUM> corresponding to the base <NUM>.

The heating module <NUM> and a bottom cover <NUM> may be installed at the lower end of the body <NUM>. Accordingly, the heating module <NUM> and the bottom cover <NUM> may constitute a portion of the lower part of the body <NUM> and thus may be referred to as "a lower body".

The heating module <NUM> may include a heating plate <NUM> constituting a bottom surface of the inside of the body <NUM> or configured to be in close contact with the bottom surface of the body <NUM>, and a heater <NUM> configured to heat the heating plate <NUM>, wherein the heating plate <NUM> may be heated by power supplied from the upper power module <NUM>. In addition, the heating module <NUM> may include a bottom cover <NUM> constituting the lower surface of the body <NUM>.

The spout <NUM> may be formed at an end of the body <NUM> by protruding outward therefrom such that water contained in the body <NUM> is poured through the spout.

The handle <NUM> may be mounted to the outer surface of the body and at a side opposite to the spout <NUM>. That is, as illustrated in <FIG>, the handle <NUM> may be formed at the right surface of the body <NUM>, and the spout <NUM> may be formed at the left surface of the body <NUM>. Accordingly, a user may easily pour water through the spout <NUM> while holding the handle <NUM> with a hand.

Meanwhile, the handle <NUM> may be fastened to an outer surface of a side (the right side in the drawings) of the body <NUM>.

The handle <NUM> is a part held by a hand such that a user easily lifts or moves the electric kettle <NUM> and may include a decoration and a grip part made of an elastic material. That is, the handle <NUM> may have a luxurious exterior and at least a portion thereof (a grip part, etc.) may be made of rubber or silicone such that the hand of a user is prevented from slipping when the user holds the handle <NUM>.

Additionally, the handle <NUM> may be provided with a button by which a user performs a power on/off manipulation or temperature control. To this end, the handle <NUM> may include a PCB provided therein and may be configured such that the operation state of the electric kettle <NUM> is displayed.

The body <NUM> is preferable configured to have a double structure. That is, the body <NUM> may be composed of an outer body <NUM> constituting the appearance of the outside of the body <NUM> and an inner body <NUM> constituting the appearance of the inside of the body <NUM>.

The handle <NUM> may be configured to be coupled to the upper end of the inner body <NUM>. That is, the inner body <NUM> may be provided with a handle bracket <NUM> to be described later and may be configured such that the handle <NUM> is fastened to the handle bracket <NUM>. In addition, the handle bracket <NUM> may be fixed to the outer surface of the inner body <NUM> by welding or an adhesive.

The open upper surface of the electric kettle <NUM>, that is, the upper surface of the body <NUM> may be shielded by the lid <NUM>.

While the lid <NUM> is closed, the lid <NUM> may constitute the upper surface of the electric kettle <NUM> and may be in contact with the circumference of the upper end of the body <NUM> to seal the inside of the electric kettle <NUM>.

A cap <NUM> may be formed at the center of the lid <NUM> by protruding upward therefrom. The cap <NUM> may function to allow a user to easily raise the lid <NUM> or to easily couple the lid <NUM> to the body <NUM>.

In addition, the handle bracket <NUM> may be configured to be attached to or fixed to the upper end of the inner body <NUM> such that the handle <NUM> is coupled to the body <NUM> by a fastening bolt.

Additionally, a temperature sensor <NUM> may be provided at the lower surface of the inner body <NUM> so as to measure the temperature of water contained in the heating space <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the detailed configuration of the body <NUM> is illustrated. That is, in <FIG>, the vertical sectional view of the body <NUM> is illustrated, and the upper side exploded perspective views and lower side exploded perspective views of the body <NUM> are illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively.

As illustrated in these drawings, the body <NUM> may be configured to have a cylindrical shape having an open top as a whole, and contents such as water may be received in space defined in the body <NUM>, and the heating module <NUM> may be provided at the lower end parts of the body <NUM> such that contents contained in the body <NUM> can be heated.

The body <NUM> is preferably configured as a double structure. That is, the body <NUM> may be composed of the inner body <NUM> constituting the appearance of the inside of the body <NUM>, and the outer body <NUM> constituting the appearance of the outside of the body <NUM>.

As illustrated in the drawings, inner body <NUM> may have a cylindrical shape having an open top and may have space formed therein to receive water.

The outer body <NUM> may be configured to have a diameter larger than the diameter of the inner body <NUM> and may be installed to cover the outer side of the inner body <NUM>. As illustrated in the drawings, the outer body <NUM> preferably has a cylindrical shape open in upper and lower sides.

The inner body <NUM> may be configured to have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the outer body <NUM>, so a gap <NUM> may be defined between the inner body <NUM> and the outer body <NUM>. The body <NUM> may have a structure having a significantly improved insulation performance, compared to a single wall structure.

Both the inner body <NUM> and the outer body <NUM> may be formed of the stainless material, and the outer body <NUM> may constitute the exterior of the body <NUM>, and the inner body <NUM> may have space in which water is received.

Accordingly, the inner body <NUM> may be configured to have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the outer body <NUM>, whereby the inner body <NUM> may be provided to be received inside the outer body <NUM>, and the gap <NUM> having a predetermined size may be defined between the outer body <NUM> and the inner body <NUM>.

The gap <NUM> defined between the outer body <NUM> and the inner body <NUM> may have an air layer and may prevent heat from being transmitted directly to the outer body <NUM>.

Accordingly, the gap <NUM> may be referred to as an insulating gap <NUM>. In addition, even when water received in the inner body <NUM> is heated to be hot, the outer body <NUM> may maintain a relatively low temperature.

In addition, the insulating gap <NUM> may communicate with space in which the heating module <NUM> is disposed and the inner space of the handle <NUM>. Accordingly, although not shown, an electric wire connected to the PCB located in the handle <NUM> may pass through the insulating gap <NUM> defined between the outer body <NUM> and the inner body <NUM> and may be guided to space in which the heating module <NUM> is disposed.

The body <NUM> may be configured in such a manner that the upper and lower ends of the outer body <NUM> having a cylindrical shape are coupled to the upper and lower ends of the inner body <NUM> having a cylindrical shape, respectively.

For example, the upper and lower ends of the outer body <NUM> and the upper and lower ends of the inner body <NUM> may be connected to each other by welding while superimposed on each other. In this case, the remaining portions except for the upper and lower ends of the outer body <NUM> and the inner body <NUM> may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance from each other to have an insulating structure.

The structure of the upper end of the body <NUM> will be described in more detail. The upper end of the outer body <NUM> and the upper end of the inner body <NUM> may be coupled to each other and may be fixed to each other by welding.

As illustrated in <FIG>, an inner upper end part <NUM> may be formed at the upper end of the inner body <NUM> by extending outward therefrom and may be configured to couple the upper end of the inner body <NUM> to the upper end of the outer body <NUM>.

The inner upper end part <NUM> may be formed by doubly extending from the inner body <NUM> to be stepped outward therefrom, wherein an outer end of the inner upper end part <NUM> may be configured to be in contact with the upper end of the outer body <NUM>.

Accordingly, the upper portion of the gap <NUM> may be shielded by the inner upper end part <NUM>. Of course, the upper end part of the outer body <NUM> may extend inward to be in contact with the upper end of the inner body <NUM>.

The handle <NUM> and the spout <NUM> may be coupled to the body <NUM>.

Specifically, the handle <NUM> and the spout <NUM> may be fastened to the upper end part of the inner body <NUM> and may protrude outward through the outer body <NUM>.

Accordingly, the handle hole <NUM> allowing the handle <NUM> to be installed through the outer body <NUM> and a water discharge hole <NUM> allowing the spout <NUM> to be installed through the outer body <NUM> may be formed in the outer body <NUM>.

Specifically, the handle hole <NUM> which is a rectangular cut hole may be horizontally formed through the upper end part of the right surface of the outer body <NUM>.

In addition, the water discharge hole <NUM> may be horizontally formed through a side opposite to the handle hole <NUM>. That is, the water discharge hole <NUM> may be formed at the upper end part of the left surface of the outer body <NUM> and preferably has a triangular shape to correspond to the shape of the spout <NUM>.

An outer hole <NUM> and an inner hole <NUM> may be formed through the front surface of the outer body <NUM> and the front surface of the inner body <NUM>, respectively, in a front-to-rear direction.

The outer hole <NUM> and the inner hole <NUM> are portions at which a transparent window <NUM> to be described later is installed. Accordingly, each of the outer hole <NUM> and the inner hole <NUM> preferably has a rectangular shape vertically long such that each of the outer hole <NUM> and the inner hole <NUM> corresponds to the shape of the transparent window <NUM>.

Multiple water discharge holes <NUM> may be formed through the upper end part of the left surface of the inner body <NUM>. The water discharge holes <NUM> may guide the discharge of water contained in the inner body <NUM> to the outside through the spout <NUM>. Accordingly, the multiple water discharge holes <NUM> is preferably formed at a position corresponding to the water discharge hole <NUM> formed at the upper end part of the left surface of the outer body <NUM>.

The handle bracket <NUM> may be installed at the upper end part of the right surface of the inner body <NUM>. The handle bracket <NUM> allows the handle <NUM> to be coupled to and fixed to the inner body <NUM> and is preferably formed in a U shape (when viewed from above).

Accordingly, the left ends of the handle bracket <NUM> may be coupled to the inner body <NUM> by welding, an adhesive, or a fastener, and the right end of the handle bracket <NUM> may be coupled to the handle <NUM>.

When the handle bracket <NUM> is fixed to the inner body <NUM>, the right end of the handle bracket <NUM> is preferably exposed to the outside (the right side of the body) through the handle hole <NUM> of the outer body <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

In addition, the handle <NUM> may be fastened to the handle bracket <NUM> by a fastening means. That is, the handle <NUM> may be coupled to the handle bracket <NUM> by the fastening means such as bolts and nuts.

The body <NUM> may be made of a stainless material and may be formed by processing such as welding. Accordingly, the processed portions of the body <NUM> may be smoothed by electropolishing such that the surface of inner space of the body <NUM> receiving water maintains a smooth state.

Additionally, the body <NUM> may have corrosion resistance in the inner and outer surfaces through electropolishing. For this reason, the body <NUM> is preferably electropolished after coupling the inner body <NUM> to the outer body <NUM>.

In a state in which the body <NUM> is formed by coupling the inner body <NUM> to the outer body <NUM>, to electropolish the body <NUM>, the body <NUM> may be immersed in an electrolyte and then the electropolishing of the body may be performed.

In the process, due to the structural characteristics of the body <NUM>, the electrolyte is necessarily introduced into the insulating gap <NUM> defined between the inner body <NUM> and the outer body <NUM>. That is, when the body <NUM> is immersed in the electrolyte in a state in which the body <NUM> is formed, the electrolyte is necessarily introduced into the gap defined between the inner body <NUM> and the outer body <NUM> since the handle hole <NUM> and the water discharge hole <NUM> are open.

When the body <NUM> is raised after the electropolishing is completed, the electrolyte present between the inner body <NUM> and the outer body <NUM> may be discharged to the lower side of the gap <NUM>. That is, the lower ends of the inner body <NUM> and the outer body <NUM> may not be in contact with each other and may have space therebetween such that the bottom cover <NUM> is coupled to the lower ends. Prior to the coupling of a part such as the bottom cover <NUM>, the electrolyte may be efficiently discharged to the lower side of the gap <NUM>.

Additionally, even in case of washing the body <NUM> after the completion of the electropolishing of the body <NUM>, when the body <NUM> is raised after the body <NUM> is immersed and washed in a washing solution, the electrolyte present between the inner body <NUM> and the outer body <NUM> may be naturally discharged downward through the gap <NUM>.

Accordingly, after the electropolishing of the body <NUM>, the electrolyte present in the body <NUM> may be removed, and when the body <NUM> is washed after the electropolishing, all liquid remaining in the body <NUM> may be efficiently discharged.

The transparent window <NUM> may be installed at the body <NUM>. The transparent window <NUM> allows a user to check the height or boiling state of water contained in the electric kettle <NUM> from the outside of the electric kettle <NUM> without opening the lid <NUM>.

The transparent window <NUM> may extend long in a vertical direction and may be fixed to each of the inner body <NUM> and the outer body <NUM>. Preferably, the transparent window <NUM> may be coupled to the inner body <NUM>.

The transparent window <NUM> is preferably formed to be transparent such that a user sees through the inside of the body <NUM> from the outside to know the amount of food such as water contained in the body <NUM>.

A transparent window gasket <NUM> may be provided between the transparent window <NUM> and the body <NUM> and may be configured such that water is prevented from leaking through a gap between the transparent window <NUM> and the body <NUM>. That is, the transparent window <NUM> may be mounted to the body <NUM> such that an airtight state is maintained between the transparent window <NUM> and the body <NUM>.

Accordingly, the transparent window gasket <NUM> may be mounted between the transparent window <NUM> and the inner hole <NUM> or between the transparent window <NUM> and the outer hole <NUM>. Preferably, the transparent window gasket <NUM> is mounted between the inner hole <NUM> and the transparent window <NUM> such that water contained in the inner body <NUM> is prevented from leaking.

The transparent window gasket <NUM> may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the circumference of the transparent window <NUM> and may be made of an elastic material.

When the transparent window <NUM> is mounted to the inner hole <NUM> of the inner body <NUM>, the inner surface of the transparent window <NUM> is preferably located on the same plane as the inner surface of the inner body <NUM>.

Accordingly, in the state in which the transparent window <NUM> is mounted to the body <NUM>, any part of the transparent window <NUM> may not protrude to the inside of the inner body <NUM>, so the inner structure of the inner body may be simple and may be easy to be cleaned.

Additionally, the front surface of the transparent window <NUM> may also be configured to be located on the same plane as the outer surface of the outer body <NUM>. Accordingly, in a state in which the transparent window <NUM> is mounted, the transparent window <NUM> may not protrude or may not be recessed more than the outer surface of the outer body <NUM>, so the exterior of the outer body <NUM> may be further improved.

In addition, a gap between the transparent window <NUM> and the inner body <NUM> may be airtight by the transparent window gasket <NUM>, so water contained in the body <NUM> may be prevented from leaking to the outside.

Of course, as required, an additional gasket or packing may be provided at the outer body <NUM> and may further seal a gap between the outer body <NUM> and the transparent window <NUM> such that there is no gap between the outer body <NUM> and the transparent window <NUM>.

The heating module <NUM> may be mounted to the lower portion of the body <NUM>. That is, the heating module <NUM> may be mounted to the lower surface of the inner body <NUM>.

The heating module <NUM> is intended to increase the temperature of contents such as water by heating the inner space of the body <NUM> and to control the temperature thereof.

The heating module <NUM> may include: a heater assembly <NUM> configured to generate heat; the temperature sensor <NUM> measuring the temperature of water contained in the inner body <NUM>; and the upper power module <NUM> configured to supply power to the heater assembly <NUM>.

In addition, the bottom cover <NUM> may be provided at the lower side of the heating module <NUM> so as to cover remaining components except for a portion of the upper power module <NUM> such that the remaining components are not exposed to the lower side of the body <NUM>.

The bottom cover <NUM> may be mounted to the outer body <NUM> through the open lower surface thereof and may constitute at least a portion of a lower part of the body <NUM>, so the bottom cover <NUM> may be referred to as a bottom body.

In addition, in a state in which the assembly of the bottom body is completed, the body <NUM> may be seated on the base <NUM>. That is, to operate the electric kettle <NUM>, the body <NUM> with which the bottom body is assembled is required to be seated on the base <NUM>.

In the state in which the body <NUM> is seated on the base <NUM>, the upper power module <NUM> of the body <NUM> and the lower power module <NUM> of the base <NUM> may be in contact with each other, so the supply of power to the electric kettle may be performed. In this state, due to the power supply, the heater <NUM> may be heated and may boil water.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the heating module <NUM> may be disposed at the inner side of the open lower surface of the outer body <NUM>. When the bottom cover <NUM> is removed from the outer body <NUM>, the remaining components of the heating module <NUM> may be exposed to the outside through the open lower surface of the outer body <NUM>.

The heater assembly <NUM> may include the heating plate <NUM> coupled to the lower surface of the inner body <NUM>, and the heater <NUM> mounted to the lower surface of the heating plate <NUM>.

Specifically, the upper power module <NUM> may be disposed at the center of the lower part of the body <NUM>, and the heater <NUM> may be provided at the outer side of the upper power module <NUM> such that the lower surface of the inner body <NUM> can be heated.

In addition, a cover PCB may be provided in the bottom cover <NUM> so as to supply power to the heater <NUM>.

Accordingly, the upper power module <NUM> may be located at the center of the heating module <NUM>. In addition, the upper power module <NUM> may be mounted to the center of the heating plate <NUM>.

The heating plate <NUM> may be coupled to the lower surface of the inner body <NUM>, and the heater <NUM> may be mounted to the heating plate <NUM>.

The heater <NUM> may be configured as a sheath heater. In addition, the heater <NUM> may be located at a side outer than the upper power module <NUM> and may be disposed along the circumference of the heating plate <NUM>.

The opposite ends of the heater <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other at positions adjacent to each other, and a connection terminal of each of the opposite ends of the heater spaced apart from each other may be exposed and may be connected with the cover PCB by an electric wire.

The heating plate <NUM> may be configured in a disk shape having a size corresponding to the size of the lower surface of the inner body <NUM> and may include the heater <NUM> mounted to the lower surface of the heating plate <NUM>.

The heating plate <NUM> may be formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy material having high thermal conductivity such that the heat of the heater <NUM> can be evenly transmitted to the entire lower surface of the inner body <NUM>. In addition, the heating plate <NUM> and the heater <NUM> may be integrally formed by die casting.

The heating plate <NUM> may include a temperature sensor mounting hole <NUM> to which the temperature sensor <NUM> is mounted.

A sensor packing <NUM> may be provided in the temperature sensor mounting hole <NUM>. Such a sensor packing <NUM> may seal the temperature sensor mounting hole <NUM>.

The heating plate <NUM> may be mounted to the lower surface of the inner body <NUM>. In this case, the heating plate <NUM> may be completely in close contact with the lower surface of the inner body <NUM> and may be blazed and coupled integrally to the inner body <NUM> to effectively perform heat transmission.

The heating plate <NUM> may be formed in a disk shape and may have a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the inner body <NUM>.

A sensor hole <NUM> may be formed vertically through the bottom surface of the inner body <NUM> such that the upper end of the temperature sensor <NUM> is exposed through the sensor hole.

The sensor hole <NUM> may be formed at a position corresponding vertically to the temperature sensor mounting hole <NUM>.

The temperature sensor <NUM> may be exposed to the upper side of the bottom surface of the inner body <NUM> to detect the temperature of water in the heating space <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the temperature sensor <NUM> may be installed to have height of an upper end thereof corresponding to the height of the bottom surface of the inner body <NUM>, wherein a gap between the temperature sensor <NUM> and the inner body <NUM> may be sealed by the sensor packing <NUM>.

Accordingly, the upper end of the temperature sensor <NUM> may not protrude upward from the bottom surface of the inner body <NUM>, so even when cleaning the inside of the body <NUM>, the temperature sensor <NUM> may not interfere with the cleaning.

Meanwhile, the remaining components of the heating module <NUM> except for the bottom cover <NUM> may be completely received in the body <NUM>. In addition, when the bottom cover <NUM> is mounted to the body <NUM>, the bottom cover <NUM> may shield the remaining components of the heating module <NUM> provided in the body <NUM> and may constitute the exterior of the lower surface of the body <NUM>.

A bottom hole <NUM> may be formed at the center of the bottom cover <NUM>, and a portion of the upper power module <NUM> may be exposed to the outside through the bottom hole <NUM>.

Accordingly, the upper power module <NUM> may be exposed to the outside through the bottom hole <NUM>, and thus when the body <NUM> is mounted to the base <NUM>, the upper power module <NUM> may be configured to be in contact with the lower power module <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the configuration of the handle <NUM> is illustrated in detail. That is, the upper side and lower side exploded perspective views of the handle <NUM> are illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively; a partial cut perspective view of the handle <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>; and the perspective view and rear view of a handle support <NUM> constituting the handle <NUM> are illustrated in <FIG>, respectively. In addition, an exploded perspective view of a handle cover <NUM> constituting the handle <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>; the upper and lower side perspective views of the configurations of a main PCB <NUM> and a touch PCB <NUM> constituting the handle <NUM> are illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively; and the upper and lower side perspective views of the touch booster <NUM> constituting the handle <NUM> are illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively. Additionally, the upper and lower side perspective views of an LED cover <NUM> constituting the handle <NUM> are illustrated in <FIG>, respectively; a perspective view of the configuration of the handle bracket <NUM> to which the handle <NUM> is coupled is illustrated in <FIG>.

As illustrated in these drawings, the handle <NUM> may be composed of the handle support <NUM> constituting a frame of the handle <NUM> and the handle cover <NUM> covering multiple parts provided in the handle support <NUM>. That is, the handle <NUM> may include the handle support <NUM> supporting multiple parts provided therein and constituting the frame of the handle <NUM>, and the handle cover <NUM> coupled to the handle support <NUM>, the handle cover covering the multiple parts installed in the handle support <NUM> and functioning as a decoration.

The handle support <NUM> may be composed of a side wall frame <NUM> covering parts received in the handle support, and a pillar frame <NUM> formed by bending downward and extending from an end of the side wall frame <NUM>. That is, the handle support <NUM> may be composed of the pillar frame <NUM> which is a part covered by the hand of a user, and the side wall frame <NUM> formed at the upper side of the pillar frame <NUM> and having space formed therein in which a control means <NUM> to be described later is installed.

Specifically, the handle support <NUM> may be configured to have an L shape as a whole and may be coupled to the upper end part of the body <NUM>. The handle support <NUM> may be composed of the side wall frame <NUM> coupled to the body <NUM> and having multiple electronic parts provided therein, and the pillar frame <NUM> formed by vertically bending downward and extending from an end (a rear end) of the side wall frame <NUM>.

Of course, the pillar frame <NUM> may not bend vertically downward from the side wall frame <NUM>, but may extend to have an acute angle or an obtuse angle.

A bracket fastening end <NUM> fastened to the handle bracket <NUM> may be provided in the handle support <NUM>.

Specifically, the bracket fastening end <NUM> may be formed to have a predetermined size at the front end part of the side wall frame <NUM> of the handle support <NUM>. That is, the front of the side wall frame <NUM> may be open and such an open portion thereof may be shielded by the bracket fastening end <NUM> having a predetermined height. The bracket fastening end <NUM> may be a part coupled to the handle bracket <NUM> by a fastening means.

Accordingly, at least one bracket fastening hole 413a may be formed through the bracket fastening end <NUM> in a front-to-rear direction, wherein a fastening means such as a bolt may be inserted through the bracket fastening hole.

A holding end <NUM> may be formed at an end of the handle support <NUM> by protruding outward therefrom, the holding end <NUM> being held in the outer body <NUM>. That is, in the handle support <NUM>, the holding end <NUM> held in the handle hole <NUM> of the outer body <NUM> may be formed by protruding downward from the front end of the side wall frame <NUM>.

Specifically, the holding end <NUM> having a predetermined size may be formed at the front end of the side wall frame <NUM> of the handle support <NUM> by protruding forward therefrom. That is, the holding end <NUM> held in the outer body <NUM> may be formed at the front lower end portion of the side wall frame <NUM> of the pillar frame <NUM> by protruding forward and downward therefrom.

The holding end <NUM> may be formed to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the front end of the side wall frame <NUM> such that the holding end <NUM> is received inside the outer body <NUM>. Accordingly, the holding end <NUM> may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance forward from the front end of the side wall frame <NUM> and may be formed to be integrated with the side wall frame <NUM> by a joining part 415a extending by a predetermined distance forward from the lower end of the side wall frame <NUM>.

The holding end <NUM> may be formed by protruding upward or downward from the front end of the handle support <NUM>. That is, in the embodiment, the holding end <NUM> is formed by protruding downward from the joining part 415a extending forward from the front end of the side wall frame <NUM>, but such a holding end <NUM> may be formed by protruding upward from the front end of the side wall frame <NUM>.

Accordingly, when the holding end <NUM> is formed by protruding downward from the front end of the handle support <NUM>, the holding end <NUM> may be held in a lower end of the handle hole <NUM> of the outer body <NUM>. Contrarily, when the holding end <NUM> is formed by protruding upward from the front end of the handle support <NUM>, the holding end <NUM> may be held in an upper end of the handle hole <NUM> of the outer body <NUM>.

At least one reinforcing rib 413b is preferably formed at a side of the bracket fastening end <NUM> so as to reinforce the rigidity of the bracket fastening end <NUM>. That is, as illustrated in <FIG>, one reinforcing rib 413b or a pair of reinforcing ribs 413b may be formed at the rear side of the bracket fastening end <NUM>, the reinforcing rib 413b having a cross-sectional area gradually increasing downward.

Accordingly, the bracket fastening end <NUM> may be securely fixed to the handle support <NUM> by being supported by the reinforcing rib 413b.

The holding end <NUM> may be located inside the outer body <NUM>, and a surface of the holding end <NUM> is preferably configured to have a curvature corresponding to a curvature of the inner surface of the outer body <NUM>. That is, a rear surface of the holding end <NUM> may be configured to have curvature corresponding to the curvature of the inner surface of the outer body <NUM>.

In this case, when the holding end <NUM> is held in the handle hole <NUM> of the outer body <NUM>, the holding end <NUM> may be located inside the outer body <NUM> and the rear surface of the holding end <NUM> may be in contact with the inner surface of the outer body <NUM>. Accordingly, the curvature of the rear surface of the holding end <NUM> may correspond to the curvature of the inner surface of the outer body <NUM> and thus the holding end <NUM> and the outer body <NUM> may be maintained to be in close contact with each other.

A support end groove <NUM> may be formed in the handle support <NUM> such that a booster support end <NUM> of the touch booster <NUM> to be described later is received in the support end groove <NUM>. That is, the support end groove <NUM> having a U shape having an open upper portion may be formed at the rear end of the side wall frame <NUM>.

In addition, as illustrated in the drawing, a side wall hook groove <NUM> may be formed at the outer surface of the side wall frame <NUM> by being recessed inward by a predetermined depth therefrom, and a side wall hook <NUM> to be described later may be inserted to and fastened to such a side wall hook groove <NUM>.

A holding-rib groove <NUM> may be formed at the upper end of the side wall frame <NUM> by being depressed therefrom such that a holding rib <NUM> of the touch booster <NUM> to be described later is seated in the holding-rib groove <NUM>.

The grip part <NUM> may be formed at the front surface of the pillar frame <NUM> and may be made of a plastic material or an elastic material such as rubber or silicone.

Accordingly, when the grip part <NUM> is made of plastic or an elastic material, a user may feel soft touch when holding the handle <NUM> by hand, and the slipping of the hand may be prevented.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the grip part <NUM> may be configured to have a shape of an "L" (when viewed from the side of the grip part), and the front surface of the pillar frame <NUM> may be configured to be in close contact with the lower surface of the side wall frame <NUM>.

The grip part <NUM> is preferably coupled to the pillar frame <NUM> or the side wall frame <NUM> by welding or an adhesive. The grip part <NUM> may be coupled to the pillar frame <NUM> and may have a cylindrical shape which a user can hold with a hand and may be configured to have an outer diameter gradually decreasing downward.

In addition, the grip part <NUM> may have a corrugated or wrinkled shape formed at a surface thereof such that when a user holds the grip part with a hand, the hand is prevented from slipping, whereby the grip part <NUM> may be configured to be safely held such that the electric kettle <NUM> can be raised.

Accordingly, when the grip part <NUM> is formed of a material with high frictional force, such as rubber or silicone, the hand of a user may further be prevented from slipping when holding the handle <NUM>.

A handle cap <NUM> may be provided at the lower surface of the pillar frame <NUM>. The handle cap <NUM> may cover the lower end of the handle <NUM> and may be coupled to the pillar frame <NUM> by welding or an adhesive, or by forcible fitting, or by a separate fastening means.

At least one pillar hook hole <NUM> may be formed through the rear surface (a front surface in <FIG>) of the pillar frame <NUM> in a front-to-rear direction. In the present disclosure, two pillar hook holes <NUM> are illustrated to be formed vertically. The pillar hook <NUM> to be described later may be fastened to each of such pillar hook holes <NUM>.

The handle cover <NUM> is preferably made of stainless steel as the body <NUM> is made of stainless steel and may form the outer shape of the handle <NUM>, so the handle cover <NUM> may function as a decoration.

The handle cover <NUM> may be composed of the pillar piece <NUM> covering at least one surface of the pillar frame <NUM>; a side piece <NUM> formed at the upper side of the pillar piece <NUM> and covering the outer part of the side wall frame <NUM>; and a top piece <NUM> formed at a side of the side wall frame <NUM> and shielding the open upper portion of the side wall frame <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the pillar piece <NUM> may be configured to cover the rear surface of the pillar frame <NUM>. Accordingly, the pillar piece <NUM> is preferably configured to correspond to the curvature and shape of the rear surface of the pillar frame <NUM>.

The side piece <NUM> is a part covering the side wall frame <NUM> of the handle support <NUM>. Accordingly, the side piece <NUM> may be formed to be integrated with the upper side of the pillar piece <NUM>.

The top piece <NUM> may shield the open upper portion of the side wall frame <NUM> of the handle support <NUM>, may be formed to be integrated with the upper end of the side piece <NUM>, and may be made of a flat plate having a predetermined thickness.

Such a handle cover <NUM> may constitute the exterior of the handle <NUM> and may be made of a rigid and smooth material such as stainless steel such that the handle cover has a luxurious texture.

The handle cover <NUM> may be configured to be fastened to the handle support <NUM> by a hook coupling. That is, the handle cover <NUM> may further include hooks, and thus the handle support <NUM> and the handle cover <NUM> may be coupled to each other by a one-touch action.

Specifically, a cover bracket <NUM> may be provided at the inner surface of the handle cover <NUM>. Such a cover bracket <NUM> may be provided with at least one hook.

The cover bracket <NUM> is preferably coupled integrally to the handle cover <NUM>. That is, the cover bracket <NUM> may be in close contact with and fixed to the inner surface of the handle cover <NUM> by welding or an adhesive.

The cover bracket <NUM> may be composed of a side part <NUM> configured in a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the side wall frame <NUM>, and a pillar part <NUM> having a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the pillar frame <NUM>. Accordingly, the cover bracket <NUM> may be configured to correspond to the outer surface of the handle support <NUM>.

Accordingly, the pillar part <NUM> is preferably formed to be vertically long such that the pillar part <NUM> has a curvature corresponding to the rear surface of the pillar frame <NUM> of the handle support <NUM>. The side part <NUM> is preferably formed in a "U" shape (when viewed from above) such that the side part <NUM> corresponds to the outer surface of the side wall frame <NUM>.

Of course, the cover bracket <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to the shape and curvature of the inner surface of the handle cover <NUM> and may be in close contact with and fixed to the inner surface of the handle cover <NUM>.

The hook <NUM> or <NUM> and the hook groove <NUM> or <NUM> may be formed at the cover bracket <NUM> and the handle support <NUM>, respectively, the hook <NUM> or <NUM> and the hook groove <NUM> or <NUM> being configured to have shapes corresponding to each other to be fastened to each other. That is, while the cover bracket <NUM> is attached integrally to the handle cover <NUM>, the cover bracket <NUM> may be coupled to the handle support <NUM> by a one-touch action such that the handle cover <NUM> is coupled to the handle support <NUM>.

Accordingly, the handle support <NUM> and the cover bracket <NUM> may be provided with the hook grooves <NUM> and <NUM> and the hooks <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, each of the hook grooves and each of the hooks being coupled to each other, wherein each of the hooks <NUM> and <NUM> and each of the hook grooves <NUM> and <NUM> may include at least one hook and at least one hook groove provided at positions corresponding to the side part <NUM> and the side wall frame <NUM>, respectively, and at positions corresponding to the pillar part <NUM> and the pillar frame <NUM>, respectively. That is, the hooks <NUM> and <NUM> may include the side wall hook <NUM> provided at the side part <NUM> of the cover bracket <NUM>, and the pillar hook <NUM> provided at the pillar part <NUM> of the cover bracket <NUM>, wherein the side wall hook <NUM> and the pillar hook <NUM> may be formed by being cut and bent from the cover bracket <NUM>.

More specifically, as described above, a pair of side wall hook grooves <NUM> may be formed at opposite side surfaces, respectively, of the side wall frame <NUM> of the handle support <NUM> by being recessed by predetermined depth inward therefrom.

In addition, the pillar hook hole <NUM> may be formed in the rear surface of the pillar frame <NUM> of the handle support <NUM>. The pillar hook hole <NUM> is preferably formed through the rear surface the pillar frame <NUM> in a front-to-rear direction. Of course, the pillar hook hole <NUM> may be configured as the shape of a groove formed by being recessed by predetermined depth inward.

(forward) from the rear surface of the pillar frame <NUM> in addition to the shape of a hole formed through the rear surface of the pillar frame <NUM> forward and rearward.

Meanwhile, the side wall hook <NUM> and the pillar hook <NUM> may be formed at the cover bracket <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the side wall hook <NUM> may be formed by cutting a predetermined portion of the side part <NUM> of the cover bracket <NUM>, and the pillar hook <NUM> may be formed by cutting a predetermined portion of the pillar part <NUM> of the cover bracket <NUM>.

The side wall hook <NUM> may be formed at a position corresponding to the side wall hook groove <NUM> of the side wall frame <NUM>. Accordingly, when the handle cover <NUM> and the handle support <NUM> are coupled to each other, the side wall hook <NUM> may be configured to be received in the side wall hook groove <NUM>.

In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, a lower end of the side wall hook <NUM> is connected to the side part <NUM>, and an upper end of the side wall hook <NUM> may be formed by being bent inward. In this case, when the handle cover <NUM> and the handle support <NUM> are coupled to each other, the upper end part of the side wall hook <NUM> may be received in the side wall hook groove <NUM> such that the handle cover <NUM> is prevented from being removed upward from the handle support <NUM>.

The pillar hook <NUM> may be formed at a position corresponding to the pillar hook hole <NUM> of the pillar frame <NUM>, and when the handle cover <NUM> and the handle support <NUM> are coupled to each other, the pillar hook <NUM> may be configured to be inserted into and held in the pillar hook hole <NUM>.

In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, the pillar hook <NUM> may be connected to the pillar part <NUM> at the upper end of the pillar hook and may be configured to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance forward from the pillar part <NUM> at the lower end of the pillar hook. In this case, to couple the handle cover <NUM> and the handle support <NUM> to each other, the handle cover <NUM> may be moved downward with the handle cover <NUM> being in close contact with the rear surface of the handle support <NUM>. In this case, the pillar hook <NUM> may be naturally inserted into the pillar hook hole <NUM> and thus the handle cover <NUM> may be maintained to be in close contact with the handle support <NUM>.

More specifically, the pillar hook <NUM> may include a receiving part 444a cut from the pillar part <NUM> and formed at a position spaced apart from the pillar part <NUM>; a support part 444b bending from a first end (an upper end) of the receiving part 444a and connecting the receiving part 444a and the pillar part <NUM> to each other; and a guide part 444c formed by bending and extending from a second end (a lower end) of the receiving part 444a.

Accordingly, the pillar hook <NUM> may be configured to have an L shape (when viewed at the right side) as a whole, and the guide part 444c located at the lower end of the pillar hook <NUM> may bend forward (to the left side when viewed at the right side). In addition, a distance between the receiving part 444a and the pillar part <NUM> may have a size corresponding to the thickness of the rear surface of the pillar frame <NUM>.

In this case, when the handle cover <NUM> is moved downward while being in close contact with the rear surface of the handle support <NUM>, the guide part 444c of the pillar hook <NUM> may be naturally inserted into the pillar hook hole <NUM>, and when the handle cover <NUM> is continuously moved downward, the receiving part 444a may be inserted into the pillar frame <NUM>, so the handle cover <NUM> may be coupled to the handle support <NUM>.

In addition, at least one rib supporting the PCB may be provided at the inner side of the side wall frame <NUM>.

The handle bracket <NUM> may include an attaching part <NUM> coupled to the inner body <NUM>; a fastening part <NUM> coupled to the bracket fastening end <NUM>; and a connecting part <NUM> connecting the attaching part <NUM> and the fastening part <NUM> to each other, the attaching part <NUM> and the fastening part <NUM> being spaced apart from each other.

The attaching part <NUM> may be configured to have a curvature corresponding to the outer surface of the inner body <NUM> and may be fixed to the inner body <NUM> by welding or an adhesive. In addition, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the attaching part <NUM> is illustrated to include a pair of attaching parts formed by being spaced horizontally apart by a predetermined distance from each other, but the attaching part <NUM> may include at least three attaching parts.

The fastening part <NUM> may be a part coupled to the bracket fastening end <NUM> by a fastening means. Accordingly, such a fastening part <NUM> may be configured as a flat plate having a predetermined thickness to correspond to the bracket fastening end <NUM> and may have at least one fastening hole <NUM> formed therethrough in a front-to-rear direction such that a bolt is inserted into the fastening hole <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the handle <NUM> may be provided with the control means <NUM> configured to control power supplied to the heating module <NUM> or to control the temperature of contents contained inside the body <NUM>.

The control means <NUM> may be provided between the handle support <NUM> and the handle cover <NUM>. That is, space having a predetermined size may be defined inside the side wall frame <NUM> constituting the handle support <NUM> of the handle <NUM>, and the control means <NUM> including multiple electronic parts may be installed in such space.

Meanwhile, the top piece <NUM> of the handle cover <NUM> may be configured to have a manipulation part by which a user manipulates the operation of the electric kettle <NUM> and a display part through which a user can check the operation state of the electric kettle <NUM>.

The top piece <NUM> of the handle cover <NUM> may be provided with a first manipulation part <NUM> pressed or touched by a user such that power supplied into the electric kettle <NUM> can be on/off, and a second manipulation part <NUM> pressed or touched by a user such that the temperature of the inside of the body <NUM> can be set or controlled.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first manipulation part <NUM> may be formed in the shape of a circular flat plate and may configured to have elasticity in at least a center part thereof such that the center part can vertically move.

The second manipulation part <NUM> may be provided at the front side of the first manipulation part <NUM> and may also be configured to have elasticity such that the second manipulation part <NUM> moves vertically. Accordingly, a cut line 432a having a predetermined size may be formed at each of the front and rear of such a second manipulation part <NUM> such that the second manipulation part <NUM> can vertically move to some extent.

Multiple through holes <NUM> may be formed at the front of the second manipulation part <NUM>, that is, at a portion of the top piece <NUM> adjacent to the body <NUM> by passing vertically therethrough. Each of the through holes <NUM> may be a hole allowing the light of a light emitting element <NUM> to be described later to pass through the upper side of the top piece <NUM> such that a user can recognize the light.

In addition, a temperature indicator may be printed beside such a through hole <NUM> such that the temperature indicator indicates the temperature of light emitted through the through hole <NUM>.

The control means <NUM> may include: the main PCB <NUM> in which multiple control parts are provided; the touch PCB <NUM> configured to detect pressing or touching transmitted through the first manipulation part <NUM> or/and the second manipulation part <NUM> of the top piece <NUM>; and the touch booster <NUM> configured to transmit the pressing or touching of the first manipulation part <NUM> or/and the second manipulation part <NUM> of the top piece <NUM> to the touch PCB <NUM> without malfunctioning.

More specifically, the touch booster <NUM> may be installed to be in close contact with the lower side of the top piece <NUM> of the handle cover <NUM>. In addition, a double-sided tape <NUM> may be used between the touch booster <NUM> and the top piece <NUM> of the handle cover <NUM> such that the touch booster <NUM> is in close contact with and fixed to the lower surface of the top piece <NUM>.

The touch PCB <NUM> may be installed at the lower side of the touch booster <NUM>. The touch PCB <NUM> is preferably installed to be in close contact with the lower surface of the touch booster <NUM>. To this end, the double-sided tape <NUM> may be used between the touch booster <NUM> and the touch PCB <NUM> for the coupling of the touch booster <NUM> and the touch PCB <NUM> to each other.

The main PCB <NUM> may be provided at the lower side of the touch PCB <NUM>.

The main PCB <NUM> is intended to set various functions of the electric kettle <NUM> or to control operation thereof, wherein multiple electronic parts are installed in the main PCB. That is, the main PCB <NUM> may have a function of controlling the overall operation of the electric kettle <NUM> and may be connected to the heating module <NUM> so as to control the operation of the heater <NUM>.

The main PCB <NUM> may be coupled to the touch PCB <NUM>. To this end, at least one upper connector 47a and at least one lower connector 46a may be provided at the touch PCB <NUM> and the main PCB <NUM>, respectively, such that the upper connector 47a and the lower connector 46a have shapes corresponding to each other to be fastened to each other.

In addition, a connection connector 46b for power connection or data input/output may be provided at the lower side of the main PCB <NUM>.

The touch PCB <NUM> may include: an indicator board <NUM> having a sensor detecting the pressing or touching of the first manipulation part <NUM> or the second manipulation part <NUM> formed at the top piece <NUM> of the handle cover <NUM>; a touch board <NUM> configured to transmit the pressing transmitted from a touch transmission part <NUM> of the touch booster <NUM> to the sensor of the indicator board <NUM>; and a protection board <NUM> provided between the indicator board <NUM> and the touch board <NUM>, wherein the protection board may protect the sensor provided in the indicator board <NUM> such that the sensor is blocked from external interference.

Accordingly, the touch PCB <NUM> preferably consists of three layers, and the indicator board <NUM> may be provided at the lowest side of the touch PCB <NUM> such that a sensor detecting the manipulation of a user such as a touch sensor <NUM> is installed at the indicator board; the protection board <NUM> may be provided on the indicator board <NUM>, the protection board protecting the parts such as the touch sensor <NUM> such that the parts such as the touch sensor <NUM> do not interfere with external other parts; and the touch board <NUM> may be provided on the protection board <NUM>, the touch board being configured to transmit the pressing transmitted from the touch booster <NUM> to the touch sensor <NUM>.

The touch sensor <NUM> may be configured as a piezo-type touch sensor using a piezoelectric element so as to prevent misdetection and to effectively detect the touch of the handle cover <NUM> made of a stainless material. That is, during the manipulation of the manipulation part <NUM> or <NUM>, the transformation of the top piece <NUM> of the handle cover <NUM> may be detected such that touching by a user is recognized, so the misrecognition of the handle <NUM> which is frequently touched by the hand of a user may be prevented and the valid manipulation of the handle <NUM> may be effectively recognized.

The touch sensor <NUM> is preferably provided at a position vertically corresponding to the manipulation part <NUM> or <NUM>. Accordingly, when a user presses the manipulation part <NUM> or <NUM>, the touch sensor <NUM> may detect the pressing of the user and may generate a signal for operation of the electric kettle.

Multiple light emitting elements <NUM> may be provided at a side or end of the touch PCB <NUM>, the light emitting elements <NUM> externally displaying the temperature state or setting of the body <NUM>. That is, multiple light emitting elements <NUM> may be provided at the front end (a left end in <FIG>) of the touch PCB <NUM>. The light emitting elements <NUM> may be disposed at positions corresponding vertically to the through holes <NUM> such that the number of the light emitting elements <NUM> is the same as the number of the through holes <NUM>.

More specifically, multiple light emitting elements <NUM> may be provided at the front end (the left end in <FIG>) of the indicator board <NUM>. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, five sets of the light emitting elements <NUM> are illustrated to be formed at the same intervals, wherein a pair of two LEDs emitting red and white light is provided at a light emitting element <NUM>.

Accordingly, it is possible to indicate the heated state or heat-retaining state of contents contained in the body <NUM> with different light. That is, for example, when the contents continues to be heated, a white LED of LEDs of the light emitting elements <NUM> may be turned on to indicate a heated state of the contents, and when the contents are in the heat-retaining state after the heating is completed, a red LED of the light emitting elements <NUM> may be turned on and emit red light through the through hole <NUM> such that a user can check the heat-retaining state with eyes.

Accordingly, the multiple light emitting elements <NUM> may be installed at the same intervals at the front end of the touch PCB <NUM> and may be provided as pairs of at least two LEDs emitting light of different colors.

The LED cover <NUM> may be provided at a side of the touch PCB <NUM>, the LED cover <NUM> covering the light emitting elements <NUM>. That is, the LED cover <NUM> may be provided at the upper side of the light emitting elements <NUM> installed at the upper surface of the touch PCB <NUM> and may cover the upper side of the light emitting elements <NUM>.

The LED cover <NUM> may be made of a transparent or translucent material such that light emitted from the light emitting elements <NUM> passes through the LED cover <NUM>. The LED cover <NUM> may be made of an elastic material.

The LED cover <NUM> may be formed of a material through which light can pass and may be formed of a material through which light can be diffused or dispersed if necessary such that light emitted from the light emitting elements <NUM> shines brighter.

The LED cover <NUM> may include: multiple individual covers <NUM> covering the multiple light emitting elements <NUM>, respectively; a cover stand <NUM> formed at a position spaced apart from the individual covers <NUM> and supporting the multiple individual covers <NUM>; and cover connecting parts <NUM> connecting the multiple individual covers <NUM> to the cover stand <NUM>.

The multiple individual covers <NUM> may cover sets of the light emitting elements <NUM> described above, respectively, that is, a total of five sets of the light emitting elements <NUM> including pairs of two LEDs (red and white LEDs) configured as a set. In addition, each of the individual covers <NUM> may be connected to the cover stand <NUM> having a predetermined curvature.

An LED recess <NUM> may be formed at the individual cover <NUM> by being recessed to a side therefrom such that the light emitting element <NUM> is received in the LED recess <NUM>. That is, the individual cover <NUM> may be installed to cover the upper side of the light emitting element <NUM>. Accordingly, the LED recess <NUM> may be formed at the lower surface of the individual cover <NUM> by being recessed upward therefrom. Such an LED recess <NUM> is a part receiving each of the light emitting elements <NUM> when the LED cover <NUM> covers the light emitting elements <NUM>.

The individual cover <NUM> may include: a base dome 491a in contact with a surface of the touch PCB <NUM>; a middle dome 491b having a size smaller than the size of the base dome 491a; and a top dome 491c having a size smaller than the size of the middle dome 491b.

Specifically, the base dome 491a may constitute the lower end of the individual cover <NUM> and may be a part in close contact with the upper surface of the touch PCB <NUM>. The base dome 491a may be formed to have predetermined thickness and may be a part received in a cover recess <NUM> of the touch booster <NUM> to be described later.

The middle dome 491b may be a part formed at the upper surface of the base dome 491a by protruding by a predetermined height upward therefrom and may be formed to have a flat cross-section smaller than the base dome 491a. The middle dome 491b may be a part received in a middle hole <NUM> of the touch booster <NUM> to be described later. Accordingly, the middle dome 491b may be configured to have a rectangular cross section corresponding to the middle hole <NUM> to be described later.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the top dome 491c may be formed by protruding upward from the upper surface of the middle dome 491b and may have a size smaller than the size of the middle dome 491b. The top dome 491c may be a part inserted and fitted into the through hole <NUM> formed at the top piece <NUM> of the handle cover <NUM>.

Accordingly, the top dome 491c preferably has a shape (a circular shape) corresponding to the through hole <NUM>, wherein the outer diameter of the top dome 491c may have a size corresponding to the size of the inner diameter of the through hole <NUM>. More preferably, the top dome 491c may be configured to be coupled to the through hole <NUM> by a forcible fitting such that water is not introduced to the inside of the handle <NUM> from the outside thereof thorough the through hole <NUM>.

The touch booster <NUM> is preferably configured overall to have a size and a shape corresponding to the top piece <NUM> of the handle cover <NUM>.

The touch transmission part <NUM> may be formed at the touch booster <NUM> such that the touch transmission part <NUM> transmits the pressing of the first manipulation part <NUM> or the second manipulation part <NUM> formed at the top piece <NUM> of the handle cover <NUM> to the touch PCB <NUM>. That is, the touch transmission part <NUM> may be formed at the touch booster <NUM> such that touch transmission part <NUM> is located at each of positions overlapping the installation positions of the first manipulation part <NUM> or the second manipulation part <NUM>.

The touch transmission part <NUM> may be located at the lower side of the center of the first manipulation part <NUM> or the second manipulation part <NUM> formed at the top piece <NUM> of the handle cover <NUM>.

The touch transmission part <NUM> may be formed to be spaced apart from the touch booster <NUM> and may be installed to be connected to the touch booster <NUM> by a connecting rib 482a having a predetermined length such that the touch transmission part <NUM> elastically moves vertically. That is, the touch transmission part <NUM> is preferably configured to have elasticity such that a center portion of the touch transmission part <NUM> moves to some extent vertically.

More specifically, a booster hole <NUM> may be formed vertically through the touch booster <NUM> such that the booster hole <NUM> is located at a position corresponding to a lower side of each of the first manipulation part <NUM> and the second manipulation part <NUM> of the handle cover <NUM>, wherein the touch transmission part <NUM> may be configured as a rectangular plate having a predetermined size at the center of the booster hole <NUM>.

In addition, the touch transmission part <NUM> may have a size smaller than the size of the booster hole <NUM>. Accordingly, to connect the touch transmission part <NUM> to the touch booster <NUM>, the connecting rib 482a may be provided.

The connecting rib 482a may be configured to have an L shape or an inverted shape of the L shape (when viewed from above), whereby the opposite ends of the connecting rib 482a may be connected integrally with the touch transmission part <NUM> and the touch booster <NUM>, respectively.

Accordingly, the reason in which the touch transmission part <NUM> located at the center of the booster hole <NUM> is formed to be connected to the touch booster <NUM> by the connecting rib 482a is to efficiently transmit pressing performed by a user to the touch PCB <NUM> and prevent malfunction of the electric kettle. That is, the touch transmission part <NUM> may have elasticity and be vertically moved due to the connecting rib 482a, and in a case in which the pressing is not precisely performed on each of the first manipulation part <NUM> and the second manipulation part <NUM> of the handle cover <NUM>, the pressing may not be transmitted to the touch PCB <NUM> to prevent the malfunction.

A press protrusion 481a may be formed at a surface of the touch transmission part <NUM> by protruding to a side therefrom. That is, as illustrated in <FIG>, the press protrusion 481a may be formed on the lower surface of the touch transmission part <NUM> by protruding downward therefrom. The press protrusion 481a may have a cylindrical shape having a predetermined thickness and may be configured to have a predetermined length, whereby the press protrusion 481a may be installed to be in contact with the upper surface of a board pressing part 473a to be described later or to overlap the upper surface of a board pressing part 473a located at a position spaced apart therefrom.

The board pressing part 473a may be provided at the touch board <NUM> and may be configured to be in contact with the press protrusion 481a of the touch booster <NUM> and to transmit pressure applied from the press protrusion 481a to the sensor of the indicator board <NUM>.

The board pressing part 473a and the touch board <NUM> may be formed to be spaced apart from each other and may installed to be connected to each other by at least one touch rib 473b such that the board pressing part 473a can move vertically.

Specifically, like the touch transmission part <NUM>, the board pressing part 473a may also be formed to have elasticity such that the board pressing part can move vertically. That is, a board hole 473c may be formed vertically through the touch board <NUM> such that the board hole 473c is located at a position corresponding to the formed position of the booster hole <NUM> of the touch booster <NUM>, and the board pressing part 473a may be provided at the center of such a board hole 473c.

In addition, the board pressing part 473a may be connected integrally to the touch booster <NUM> by the touch rib 473b formed in front to rear and side to side directions. Accordingly, the board pressing part 473a may vertically move by a predetermined distance and may detect only a precise pressing transmitted from the touch booster <NUM>.

The touch booster <NUM> may include the cover recess <NUM> in which the base dome 491a of the individual cover <NUM> is received to be mounted thereto, and the middle hole <NUM> in which the middle dome 491b of the individual cover <NUM> is inserted to be installed thereat.

In addition, a cover wall <NUM> may be formed at the front end (a left end in <FIG>) of the touch booster <NUM> by protruding from a surface of the touch booster <NUM> such that the cover wall <NUM> constitutes an edge of the cover recess <NUM>. That is, the cover wall <NUM> having a rectangular shape may be formed at a lower surface of the left end (in <FIG>) of the touch booster <NUM> by protruding downward therefrom. The cover recess <NUM> having a predetermined size may be formed inside such a cover wall <NUM> by being recessed upward therefrom.

When the LED cover <NUM> is coupled to the lower side of the touch booster <NUM>, the cover recess <NUM> may be a part in which the base dome 491a of the LED cover <NUM> is received.

The middle hole <NUM> may be formed vertically through the upper surface of the cover recess <NUM> and may be formed in a rectangular shape corresponding to the middle dome 491b of the LED cover <NUM> described above. In addition, when the LED cover <NUM> is coupled to the lower side of the touch booster <NUM>, the middle dome 491b of the LED cover <NUM> may be inserted into the middle hole <NUM>.

A connecting groove 485a may be formed at a side of the cover wall <NUM> by being recessed therefrom such that each of the cover connecting parts <NUM> is received in the connecting groove. That is, the connecting groove 485a may be formed at the right wall of the cover wall <NUM> (in <FIG>) by being recessed upward therefrom. When the LED cover <NUM> is coupled to the lower side of the touch booster <NUM>, such a connecting groove 485a may be a part in which the cover connecting part <NUM> of the LED cover <NUM> is received.

A cover hook <NUM> may be formed at a side of the cover wall <NUM>, the cover hook holding the base dome 491a such that the base dome 491a received in the cover recess <NUM> is not removed therefrom to the outside. That is, as illustrated in <FIG>, the cover hook <NUM> may be provided as a pair of cover hooks formed at the left end of the cover wall <NUM> by protruding downward and to the right side therefrom and may hold the base dome 491a such that the base dome 491a received in the cover recess <NUM> is not removed downward therefrom.

The booster support end <NUM> may be formed at an end of the touch booster <NUM> by protruding downward therefrom such that the booster support end <NUM> is received in the upper end of the pillar frame <NUM> of the handle support <NUM>. That is, the booster support end <NUM> may be formed at the right end (in <FIG>) of the touch booster <NUM> by protruding downward and extending therefrom and may be a part received in the support end groove <NUM> of the handle support <NUM> described above.

Accordingly, when the lower end of the booster support end <NUM> is seated on the lower end of the support end groove <NUM> of the handle support <NUM>, the touch booster <NUM> may be stably placed on the handle support <NUM>.

Accordingly, when fastening the booster support end <NUM> to the handle support <NUM>, the booster support end <NUM> is not required to have a separate screw or a fastening means. That is, when the lower end of the booster support end <NUM> is seated on the lower end of the support end groove <NUM> of the handle support <NUM>, the weight of the touch booster <NUM> may be supported by the lower end of the support end groove <NUM>, and when the handle cover <NUM> is mounted on the touch booster <NUM>, the touch booster <NUM> may be prevented from shaking to the outside (a rear side) by the inner surface of the handle cover <NUM>.

In addition, the booster support end <NUM> is preferably configured to have curvature corresponding to the rear surface of the pillar frame <NUM> of the handle support <NUM>.

A board support jaw 487a may be formed at a surface of the booster support end <NUM> by protruding to a side therefrom, the board support jaw 487a supporting an end of the touch PCB <NUM> or the main PCB <NUM>. That is, the board support jaw 487a may be formed at the inner surface of the booster support end <NUM> (a right surface thereof in <FIG>) by protruding to the left side (in <FIG>) therefrom.

The rear end of the indicator board <NUM> of the touch PCB <NUM> may be placed on and supported by the board support jaw 487a.

In addition, although not shown, such a board support jaw 487a may be further formed at the lower end of the booster support end <NUM> to support the rear end of the main PCB <NUM>.

Accordingly, when at least one board support jaw 487a is formed on the inner surface (a front surface) of the booster support end <NUM> by protruding horizontally therefrom and supports the touch PCB <NUM> or the main PCB <NUM>, the touch PCB <NUM> or the main PCB <NUM> may be completely mounted to the handle support <NUM> without being required to be fastened by a screw.

Additionally, as illustrated in the drawings, the outer edge of each of the touch booster <NUM>, the touch PCB <NUM>, and the main PCB <NUM> may be configured to correspond to the shape and size of the inner surface of the side wall frame <NUM> of the handle support <NUM>. Accordingly, after each of the touch booster <NUM>, the touch PCB <NUM>, and the main PCB <NUM> is mounted to the inside of the side wall frame <NUM> of the handle support <NUM>, the touch booster <NUM>, the touch PCB <NUM>, and the main PCB <NUM> may be prevented from shaking forward and downward, and side to side.

The holding rib <NUM> may be formed at each of the opposite ends (front and rear ends in <FIG>) of the touch booster <NUM> by protruding forward and rearward (in <FIG>), respectively, therefrom. The holding rib <NUM> is a part inserted into the holding-rib groove <NUM> of the handle support <NUM>.

Accordingly, the holding rib <NUM> may be formed at the opposite ends of the touch booster <NUM> by protruding laterally therefrom and may be inserted into the holding-rib groove <NUM> of the handle support <NUM>, whereby even without using a separate fastening means such as a screw, the touch booster <NUM> may be seated and supported at a precise position of the handle support <NUM>. That is, the holding rib <NUM> of the touch booster <NUM> may be supported by the handle support <NUM> and may be in contact with the inner surface of the handle cover <NUM>, so the touch booster <NUM> may be prevented from shaking vertically and laterally such as forward and rearward and side to side.

Accordingly, when the handle cover <NUM> is mounted to the handle support <NUM>, the touch booster <NUM> may be in close contact with the lower surface of the top piece <NUM> of the handle cover <NUM>, so the vertical movement of the touch booster <NUM> may be prevented.

Additionally, as described above, the through hole <NUM> may be formed vertically through the top piece <NUM> of the handle cover <NUM> such that the through hole has a shape corresponding to the appearance of the top dome 491c, wherein the top dome 491c may be received in the through hole <NUM> and may guide light emission performed by the light emitting element <NUM> to the outside of the handle <NUM>. Accordingly, a user may check whether contents contained inside the body <NUM> are being heated or kept warm from the upper side of the handle <NUM>.

Meanwhile, although not shown in detail, a communication part may be provided in the inner space of the handle <NUM>. That is, due to the provision of the communication part in the inner space of the handle <NUM>, the electric kettle <NUM> may be configured to be controlled or to transmit information by wireless communication.

Such a communication part may be configured as various communication modules capable of communication, such as Wi-Fi, ZigBee, and NFC. In addition, the communication part may also be connected to the main PCB <NUM> such that the overall operation of the electric kettle <NUM> can be controlled by using wireless communication.

In <FIG>, the configuration of the handle <NUM> according to a second embodiment is illustrated. That is, a perspective view and an exploded perspective view of the handle <NUM> according to the second embodiment are illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively; a cut perspective view of a state in which the handle cover <NUM> is removed from the handle <NUM> according to the second embodiment is illustrated in <FIG>; a partial sectional view illustrating a state of the handle <NUM> the fastened to body <NUM> according to the second embodiment is illustrated in <FIG>. In addition, partial perspective views illustrating states of the handle <NUM> hastened to the inner body <NUM> and the outer body <NUM> according to the second embodiment is illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively; perspective views of the configurations of the handle support <NUM> and the handle bracket <NUM> according to the second embodiment are illustrated in <FIG>, respectively.

Hereinafter, components having the same functions as components of the handle <NUM> described above use the same reference numerals, and description of the same components as described above will be omitted.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the handle <NUM> according to the second embodiment and the handle <NUM> according to the first embodiment are different from each other in only a portion of the configurations of the handle support <NUM> and the handle bracket <NUM> constituting the handle <NUM> but are the same in the remaining configuration of the handle <NUM>.

In the embodiment, the bracket fastening end <NUM> may be formed at the front end part of the handle support <NUM> such that the bracket fastening end has a shape of a flat plate having a predetermined size. Such a bracket fastening end <NUM> may have a U shape (when viewed from the right side) as a whole and may include three screw ends 413c formed in cylindrical shapes.

Accordingly, the bracket fastening end <NUM> may be fastened to the handle bracket <NUM> by three screws.

Meanwhile, at least one reinforcing rib 413b may be formed at the front surface of the bracket fastening end <NUM>. The reinforcing rib 413b allows the screw ends 413c to be connected with each other or may be configured to connect a centered screw end 413c of the screw ends <NUM> with the holding end <NUM>.

The holding end <NUM> may be formed on the upper end of the bracket fastening end <NUM> by protruding upward therefrom. That is, as illustrated in <FIG>, the holding end <NUM> may be formed on the front end of the upper surface of the bracket fastening end <NUM> by protruding upward therefrom such that the holding end has a predetermined height.

The holding end <NUM> may be a part held in the upper end of the handle hole <NUM> of the outer body <NUM>.

At least one seating rib 411a supporting the PCB may be formed at an inner side of the side wall frame <NUM>. That is, as illustrated in <FIG>, a pair of seating ribs 411a may be formed at the opposite sides, respectively, of the lower half portion of the inner surface of the side wall frame <NUM> by protruding inward therefrom.

The upper ends of the seating rib 411a may be formed to be in contact with the opposite ends of the lower surface of the main PCB <NUM> and may support the lower part of the main PCB <NUM>.

In addition, a work hole 416a may be formed at the lower side of the support end groove <NUM> of the handle support <NUM> by being recessed downward therefrom. The work hole 416a may be a hole into which a worker inserts a driver from the rear side of the handle support <NUM> (the right side in <FIG>) such that a screw can be fastened to the screw end 413c.

Meanwhile, the configuration of the handle bracket <NUM> according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated in <FIG>. The function and shape of each part of the handle bracket <NUM> are the same as described above, except that the handle bracket <NUM> is configured to be assembled by using three screws as illustrated in <FIG>.

Specifically, the handle bracket <NUM> may include attaching parts <NUM> coupled to the inner body <NUM>; a fastening part <NUM> coupled to the bracket fastening end <NUM>; and a connecting part <NUM> connecting each of the attaching parts <NUM> and the fastening part <NUM> to each other, which are spaced apart from each other.

In addition, the attaching part <NUM> may be configured to have a curvature corresponding to the outer surface of the inner body <NUM> and may be fixed to the inner body <NUM> by welding or an adhesive.

However, here, three fastening holes <NUM> to which the screws are fastened may be formed at the handle bracket <NUM>, and the attaching part <NUM> may be further formed even at a lower side of the handle bracket <NUM> in addition to the opposites of the handle bracket <NUM>, which is different from the configuration of the above handle bracket <NUM>, but the remaining function of the handle bracket <NUM> according to the second embodiment is the same as the function of the handle bracket according to the first embodiment.

Hereinafter, the operation of the electric kettle having the above configuration of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First, to use the electric kettle <NUM> of the present disclosure, a user may plug a power line (not shown) connected to the base <NUM> into an outlet such that power is supplied to the electric kettle.

In this state, after water or contents may be put into the heating space <NUM> of the inside of the body <NUM>, the body <NUM> may be placed on the base <NUM>.

When the body <NUM> is seated on the base <NUM>, the upper power module <NUM> and the lower power module <NUM> may be in contact with each other such that power can be supplied to the body <NUM> from the base <NUM>.

Next, a user may manipulate a press part of the top piece <NUM> of the handle <NUM> such that the heater <NUM> begins to be heated. In this case, a user may check a preset temperature through a display part such as the through hole <NUM> and may manipulate the first manipulation part <NUM> or the second manipulation part <NUM> such that water received in the heating space <NUM> begins to be heated. That is, the first manipulation part <NUM> which is an on/off button may be pressed to control the operation of the heater <NUM>, so a user may control the heating of water and the stopping of the heating.

In addition, the second manipulation part <NUM> may be manipulated by being pressed such that the setting and manipulation of temperature can be instructed. In addition, as required, at least two manipulation parts (press parts) may be provided.

Due to such manipulation, the heater <NUM> may begin operating, and water received in the heating space <NUM> may be heated by heat generated by the heater <NUM>.

When the water in the heating space <NUM> reaches a preset temperature detected by the temperature sensor <NUM>, the operation of the heater <NUM> may stop and the operation of the electric kettle <NUM> may be completed.

When the operation of the electric kettle <NUM> is completed, a user may raise the body <NUM> by hold the handle <NUM> to separate the body <NUM> from the base <NUM> and may pour the heated water through the spout <NUM> by tilting the electric kettle <NUM>.

In the electric kettle <NUM>, in a state in which the heating of water is completed, heat transmission may be decreased or stopped due to the double structure of the body <NUM>. Accordingly, even if a user touches the outer surface of the body <NUM> when using the electric kettle, the user may be safe since the outer surface is not excessively hot.

Even when the heater <NUM> stops operating, the temperature of the heated water may be maintained for a long time.

Meanwhile, the handle <NUM> may be coupled to the body <NUM>. The assembly process of the handle <NUM> will be described hereinafter.

First, the parts of the control means <NUM> may be completely mounted to the handle support <NUM>. Next, the handle cover <NUM> may be coupled to the handle support <NUM>.

In this case, the cover bracket <NUM> may be fixed to the inner surface of the handle cover <NUM> by welding. In this state, the handle cover <NUM> may be brought close to the handle support <NUM> from the rear side of the handle support <NUM>.

Specifically, with the handle cover <NUM> located at a slightly higher position than the handle support <NUM>, the handle cover <NUM> may be brought into close contact with the rear surface of the handle support <NUM>.

In this case, the rear surface of the handle cover <NUM> may be in close contact with the rear surface of the handle support <NUM>, and in this state, the handle cover <NUM> may be moved downward.

When the handle cover <NUM> moves downward, the pillar part <NUM> of the cover bracket <NUM> may be in close contact with the rear surface of the pillar frame <NUM> of the handle support <NUM>. Accordingly, the guide part 444c of the pillar hook <NUM> may be inserted into the pillar hook hole <NUM>. Simultaneously, the side wall hook <NUM> may be received in the side wall hook groove <NUM>.

In this case, the handle cover <NUM> may be in close contact with and fastened to the handle support <NUM>. Accordingly, the assembly of the handle <NUM> may be completed.

After the assembly of the handle <NUM> is completed, the handle <NUM> may be fastened to the body <NUM>.

Accordingly, in the state in which the handle <NUM> is assembled, the front end of the handle <NUM> may be brought close to the front end of the body <NUM>. Of course, in this case, the handle bracket <NUM> may be coupled to the upper end of the inner body <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

In this case, when the handle <NUM> is brought close to the body <NUM> by slightly slanting toward the body <NUM>, the holding end <NUM> of the handle <NUM> may be received in the handle hole <NUM> of the outer body <NUM>. Accordingly, when the holding end <NUM> is received in the outer body <NUM>, the handle <NUM> may take a standing posture.

In this case, the bracket fastening end <NUM> of the handle <NUM> may be in close contact with the handle bracket <NUM>, and the bracket fastening end <NUM> and the handle bracket <NUM> may be fastened to each other by screws.

When this process is completed, the handle <NUM> may be coupled to the body <NUM>.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the bracket fastening end <NUM> and the handle bracket <NUM> are illustrated to be fastened to each other by two screws and three screws.

Additionally, according to the configuration of the holding end <NUM>, the handle <NUM> may be moved downward or upward while being in close contact with the body <NUM> such that the bracket fastening end <NUM> and the handle bracket <NUM> may be fastened to each other. That is, in the first embodiment, the holding end <NUM> protrudes toward the lower side of the bracket fastening end <NUM>. In this case, after the handle <NUM> is brought into close contact with the body <NUM>, the handle <NUM> may be moved downward to be fastened to the body <NUM>.

Contrarily, in the handle <NUM> according to the second embodiment, the holding end <NUM> may protrude to the upper side of the bracket fastening end <NUM>. In this case, after the handle <NUM> is brought into close contact with the body <NUM>, the handle may be moved up to be fastened to the body <NUM>.

Accordingly, a state in which the holding end <NUM> protruding upward is coupled to the outer body <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>.

Of course, without first assembling the handle <NUM>, the handle support <NUM> of the handle <NUM> may first be coupled to the body <NUM>, and then the handle cover <NUM> may be coupled to the handle support <NUM> as described above. That is, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the handle support <NUM> may first pass through the outer body <NUM> such that the holding end <NUM> is held in the handle hole <NUM>, and then the bracket fastening end <NUM> may be fastened to the handle bracket <NUM> by a screw.

Next, the handle cover <NUM> may be coupled to the handle support <NUM> by being brought into close contact therewith. Of course, in this case, prior to the coupling of the handle cover <NUM>, the control means <NUM> may first be required to be installed.

Claim 1:
An electric kettle (<NUM>) which comprises:
a body (<NUM>) receiving water or food therein;
a lid (<NUM>) configured to shield an open upper side of the body (<NUM>);
a base (<NUM>) provided at a lower side of the body (<NUM>) and configured to support the body (<NUM>);
a spout (<NUM>) provided on an upper end of the body (<NUM>) and guiding a discharge of the water or food contained inside the body (<NUM>); and
a handle (<NUM>) fastened to the upper end of the body (<NUM>) and configured to be held by hand,
wherein the handle (<NUM>) comprises:
a handle support (<NUM>) supporting multiple parts provided therein and constituting a frame of the handle (<NUM>), and
a handle cover (<NUM>) coupled to the handle support (<NUM>) and covering the multiple parts provided in the handle support (<NUM>), the handle cover (<NUM>) is fastened to the handle support (<NUM>) by a hook coupling,
characterized by
a cover bracket (<NUM>) provided with at least one hook and coupled integrally to the handle cover (<NUM>) is provided at an inner surface of the handle cover (<NUM>), the cover bracket (<NUM>) being in close contact with and fixed to the inner surface of the handle cover (<NUM>) by welding or an adhesive.