CN219739343U - Control assembly for a cordless liquid heating appliance and cordless liquid heating appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

A control assembly for a cordless liquid heating appliance and a cordless liquid heating appliance. The control assembly comprises a cordless base connector for mounting to a cordless power base and an adapter forming part of a control device for mounting to a liquid heating vessel. The adapter includes a pin including first and second electrical contacts arranged to connect with corresponding first and second electrical contacts in the cordless base connector. The adapter further comprises a third electrical contact having an annular form extending around the pin and arranged to connect with a corresponding third electrical contact in the cordless base connector. The adapter further comprises a fourth electrical contact having an annular form extending around the third electrical contact and arranged to be connected with a corresponding fourth electrical contact in the base connector. The third and fourth electrical contacts and the corresponding third and fourth electrical contacts are configured to provide a live and neutral connection to the liquid heating vessel.

Description

Control assembly for a cordless liquid heating appliance and cordless liquid heating appliance

Technical Field

The present utility model relates to a control assembly for a cordless liquid heating appliance, a support structure forming part of such a control assembly and a method of manufacturing at least an adapter of such a control assembly.

Background

Cordless liquid heating appliances typically include a liquid heating vessel that can be mounted on a cordless power base. Such cordless liquid heating appliances typically comprise a control assembly comprising an adapter arranged in a liquid heating vessel and a cordless base connector arranged in a cordless power base. When the liquid heating vessel is mounted on the cordless power base, the adapter and cordless base connector mate together to facilitate the transfer of power and/or data between the liquid heating vessel and the cordless power base. Two main types of control assemblies used include 3-pole and 5-pole assemblies. The 3-pole assembly typically provides live, neutral, and ground connections, while the 5-pole assembly typically provides live, neutral, ground, and data connections (using both poles of the assembly).

The control assembly discussed above typically takes the form of a 360 assembly so that the liquid heating vessel can be placed on the cordless power base in any angular position. To facilitate this arrangement, prior art adapters typically include a center contact pin surrounded by a number of radially spaced annular contacts. The adapter of the 3-pole assembly includes a center pin surrounded by a first annular contact radially spaced from the pin and a second annular contact radially spaced from the first annular contact. The 5-pole adapter generally includes the same pin, first and second annular contacts, and two additional annular contacts, each radially spaced from the first and second annular contacts, as the 3-pole adapter. In such a 5-pole adapter, the width of the adapter becomes relatively large due to the need to provide sufficient space between each contact. Thus, the support structure of the support contacts of the adapter may be relatively wide. The relatively large width of the support structure may mean that the support structure and thus the adapter have increased manufacturing costs.

Disclosure of Invention

The present utility model aims to solve or at least alleviate at least one of the problems outlined above and, when seen from a first aspect, provides a control assembly for a cordless liquid heating appliance comprising a liquid heating vessel and a cordless power base, the control assembly comprising:

a cordless base connector for mounting to a cordless power base; and

an adapter for mounting to a liquid heating vessel, the adapter configured to mate with a cordless base connector when the liquid heating vessel is positioned on a cordless power base, wherein the adapter comprises:

a pin comprising a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact arranged to connect with a corresponding first electrical contact and a corresponding second electrical contact in the cordless base connector;

a third electrical contact having an annular form extending around and radially displaced from the pin and arranged to connect with a corresponding third electrical contact in the cordless base connector; and

a fourth electrical contact having an annular form extending around and radially displaced from the third electrical contact and arranged to connect with a corresponding fourth electrical contact in the cordless base connector;

Wherein the third and fourth electrical contacts in the adapter and the corresponding third and fourth electrical contacts in the cordless base connector are configured to provide live and neutral connections to the liquid heating vessel.

In contrast to prior art control assemblies that use pins with a single electrical contact, the control assembly according to the present utility model uses pins with both a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. The applicant has appreciated that by including additional electrical contacts with the pin, the number of, for example, annular contacts radially displaced around the pin may be reduced. Thus, the radial length of the outermost electrical contacts of the adapter, and thus the corresponding electrical contacts in the cordless base connector, may be reduced compared to prior art control assemblies. This may reduce the overall footprint of the adapter and cordless base connector.

In addition to the above, by combining the second electrical contact with the pin, one of the annular contacts that could otherwise surround the pin can be removed when compared to typical prior art control assemblies. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the amount of material required to form the contacts on the pins may be significantly less than the amount of material required to form such annular contacts. Thus, the control assembly according to the present utility model may use less material to form the electrical contacts. Since the contacts are typically made of silver plated copper or copper alloy, this may mean a significant reduction in the manufacturing cost of the control assembly.

Furthermore, in the control assembly according to the utility model, the third and fourth annular electrical contacts and the corresponding third and fourth electrical contacts in the cordless base connector are configured to provide a live and neutral connection to the liquid heating vessel. Thus, one of the third and fourth annular contacts may be considered a live contact and the other of the third and fourth annular contacts may be considered a neutral contact. The same applies to the corresponding third and fourth electrical contacts in the cordless base connector. The applicant has appreciated that the use of third and fourth annular electrical contacts to provide live and neutral connections is advantageous over the use of first and second contacts forming part of a pin. In particular, the use of such contacts as live and neutral contacts may lead to arcing and tracking problems, as the first and second contacts on the pin may be relatively close together because they are part of a single pin. In contrast, the use of third and fourth annular electrical contacts may advantageously avoid such arcing and tracking problems. The third and fourth electrical contacts may be connected to a powered component within the liquid heating appliance, such as a heating element, when the adapter is mounted to the liquid heating vessel. Similarly, when the cordless base connector is mounted to the cordless power base, the corresponding third and fourth electrical contacts may be connected to a live and neutral power supply that is housed within the cordless power base.

The above-described adapter may be regarded as a cordless adapter. Similarly, because each of the adapter and the cordless base connector includes an electrical contact, the adapter may be considered an electrical adapter, such as a cordless electrical adapter, and the cordless base connector may be considered a cordless base electrical connector.

In some countries, it is not required to provide a ground connection for the liquid heating vessel. Thus, the control assembly described above may include sufficient contacts to facilitate proper functioning of the liquid heating vessel. However, in other countries, the presence of ground contacts is necessary to meet standard requirements. Thus, in some embodiments, the adapter further comprises a fifth electrical contact radially displaced from the pin and arranged to connect with a corresponding fifth electrical contact in the cordless base connector, and wherein the fifth electrical contact is configured to provide a ground connection to the liquid heating vessel. Such control assemblies therefore provide a ground connection for the liquid heating vessel in the country where this is required. The fifth electrical contact may be disposed at any suitable location within the adapter, and similarly, the corresponding fifth electrical contact may be disposed at any suitable location in the cordless base connector. However, in one set of embodiments, the fifth electrical contact is displaced radially outward from the fourth electrical contact. The fifth electrical contact providing the ground connection may thus be the most radially outward contact. In the case where the fifth electrical contact is the most radially outward contact and has a ring-shaped form, the fifth electrical contact may be the largest of all the contacts. In such an example, having a fifth electrical contact as a ground contact may again reduce material costs in the control assembly because the ground contact may be made of brass, which is less expensive than silver-plated copper that may be used for both live and neutral contacts. Since the ground contact is only used for fault conditions and does not switch current, silver plating is not required.

The fifth electrical contact and the corresponding fifth electrical contact may have any suitable form. In one set of embodiments, the fifth electrical contact has a ring-shaped form. In such an embodiment, the corresponding fifth electrical contact may be a point contact. In other embodiments, the fifth electrical contacts are point contacts, and wherein the corresponding fifth electrical contacts have a ring-shaped form. In the case of point contacts, this is intended to mean that the respective contact extends around the connector or adapter to a limited angular extent. Thus, the punctiform contact only contacts a limited angular portion of the annular form of the contact it contacts. Nevertheless, providing one contact in the form of a ring and a point contact can facilitate the connection between them, irrespective of the angular orientation of the connector and the adapter mating. The corresponding first, second, third and fourth contacts in the cordless base connector may also be point contacts. The use of annular contacts that mate with point contacts may reduce the total amount of material required to provide an electrical connection, at least when compared to two contacts having a given annular form.

The third, fourth and fifth electrical contacts (where provided) may all extend about a common central axis. In other words, they may be coaxial. The central axis may be a central axis extending through the pin (e.g., the center of the pin).

The first and second electrical contacts in the adapter may be used for any suitable purpose. For example, the first and second electrical contacts may be used for power transmission in addition to the third and fourth electrical contacts, but at a different voltage than the power transmission via the third and fourth electrical contacts. For example, the first and second electrical contacts may be used to transfer electrical power at a voltage of 12V, such as to a pump within a liquid heating vessel. However, in one set of embodiments, the first and second electrical contacts in the adapter and the corresponding first and second electrical contacts in the cordless power base together provide a signal connection for transmitting data between the adapter and the cordless base connector. Thus, a first electrical contact may be considered a first signal contact, while a second electrical contact may be considered a second signal contact. Data transmission through the first and second electrical contacts and the corresponding first and second electrical contacts may use only relatively low currents and/or potential differences. In this way, although the first and second electrical contacts are provided together on the pin, the risk of arcing may be relatively low.

The first and second electrical contacts may provide any suitable data transmission. For example, the cordless power base may include a controller and the liquid heating vessel may include electronic components, such as a temperature sensor. The first and second electrical contacts and the corresponding first and second electrical contacts may thus facilitate data transfer between the electronic components in the liquid heating vessel and the controller in the cordless power base.

In one set of embodiments, the adapter forms part of a control device for mounting to a liquid heating vessel. In some embodiments, the adapter may be integrally formed with or attached to the control device. The control means may comprise means for controlling, at least in part, the operation of the liquid heating vessel. The control means may comprise at least one temperature monitoring means arranged to monitor the temperature of the liquid heating vessel, for example the temperature of the base of the heating chamber of the liquid heating vessel. The temperature monitoring device may, for example, comprise a thermally sensitive actuator configured to operate the switch at a predetermined temperature. The switch may be arranged to cut off the supply of electrical power to the liquid heating vessel, for example to a heating element therein.

In a further set of embodiments, the control device comprises an electronic component to which the first and second electrical contacts of the pin are electrically connected. Thus, the first and second electrical contacts may facilitate power and/or data transfer between the electronic component and another component disposed in the cordless power base.

The electronic components may be arranged on the control device in any suitable way. For example, the electronic component may be mounted to an upper side of the control device and connected to the first and second electrical contacts by corresponding wires. In another set of embodiments, the control device includes a bracket that extends away from a center of the control device, and wherein the electronic component is mounted to an end of the bracket. Such an arrangement may be particularly suitable when it is not desired or necessary to mount the electronic components near the center of the control device.

In another set of embodiments, the pins and electronic components are formed as modules that are inserted into the adapter. The module may include a mounting body to which the electronic components and the components of the pins may be mounted. For example, the first and second contacts may be mounted to the mounting body and electrically connected to the electronic component, which may also be mounted to the mounting body. In some embodiments, the mounting body may include mounting features for securing the electronic component in place on the mounting body. The mounting body may include a pin post portion configured to receive the first and second electrical contacts. The pin cylindrical portion may include a hollow core shaped to receive the first electrical contact therein. The second electrical contact may be disposed on an outer surface of the pin cylindrical portion. The material of the pin cylindrical portion may be used to electrically insulate the first and second contacts. The mounting body may be made of an electrically insulating material. Providing the electronic component and the pin together as a module may allow the pin and the electronic component to be easily inserted into and installed within the control assembly.

The electronic components of any of the embodiments described above may include any suitable electronic components. In one set of embodiments, the electronic component includes a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may for example comprise a thermistor, such as a Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistor. In an embodiment in which the electronic component and the contact pin are part of a module, the electronic component is a temperature sensor, which ensures a consistent and proper positioning of the temperature sensor. Of course, the electronic components may include any other suitable electronic components. For example, the electronic components may include a motor, solenoid, relay, or display.

The third and fourth electrical contacts that provide the charged and neutral connections for the liquid heating vessel may be spaced apart from each other by a sufficient air gap to minimize the possibility of arcing between the two contacts. However, the applicant has appreciated that separating the third and fourth electrical contacts with an air gap may increase the overall size of the adapter. Thus, in one set of embodiments, the third and fourth electrical contacts are separated by an annular insulating member, wherein the third electrical contact is in contact with an inwardly facing surface of the annular insulating member, and wherein the fourth electrical contact is in contact with an outwardly facing surface of the annular insulating member. The applicant has appreciated that the use of an insulating member, i.e. a body of material, may allow the third and fourth electrical contacts to be positioned closer to each other than the third and fourth electrical contacts to be spaced apart by air. In other words, the thickness of the insulating member may be less than the air gap required to properly space the third and fourth electrical contacts. The use of an insulating member may thus further reduce the footprint of the adapter and cordless base connector. In other embodiments, the third and fourth electrical contacts may be separated by an annular insulating member, but need not be in contact with the inwardly facing surface and the outwardly facing surface. Alternatively, the third electrical contact may be arranged on a first side of the annular insulating member and the fourth electrical contact may be arranged on an opposite side of the annular insulating member. Nevertheless, this arrangement may use less space than separating the contacts by air alone.

In yet another set of embodiments, the adapter includes an axis extending through the contact pin, and wherein the insulating member extends to a greater axial length than the third and fourth electrical contacts in a direction toward the exposed end of the contact pin. The insulating member thus extends substantially farther than the third and fourth electrical contacts, thereby increasing the distance in the free space between the third and fourth electrical contacts. This further minimizes the risk of arcing between the third and fourth electrical contacts.

In embodiments including the control device, the control device may include a support structure to which the pins and the third and fourth (and fifth, if provided) electrical contacts are mounted, and the annular insulating member may be integrally formed with the support structure. The support structure may be formed from injection molded plastic.

The first and second electrical contacts may be disposed on the pin in any suitable manner. In one set of embodiments, the pin includes an insulating member disposed between the first and second electrical contacts. The insulating member may be used to electrically isolate each of the first and second electrical contacts from each other. The insulating member may have any suitable form, which may depend on the relative arrangement of the first and second electrical contacts on the pin. In embodiments where the contact pins and the electronic component are provided as a module, the insulating member may be provided by a mounting body of the module. The first and second electrical contacts may be mounted to the mounting body.

The first and second electrical contacts may be isolated from each other in any suitable arrangement. In one set of embodiments, the first and second electrical contacts are spaced apart from each other along the axis of the pin. The first and second electrical contacts may be considered electrically separate, i.e. isolated, from each other in case they are separated from each other. Separating the first and second electrical contacts along the axis of the pin may advantageously allow the first and second electrical contacts to mate with corresponding first and second electrical contacts in the cordless base connector regardless of the angular orientation of the adapter placed on the cordless base connector. The corresponding first and second electrical contacts in the cordless base connector may be of a suitable form to contact the first and second electrical contacts when the adaptor and cordless base connector are mated together. Each of the first and second electrical contacts may extend around the entire pin, e.g., around the entire circumference thereof. In some embodiments, the first electrical contact protrudes from the end of the pin, and the second electrical contact extends around the circumference of the pin.

In some embodiments, the first and second electrical contacts are spaced apart from each other about an axis of the pin. Separating the first and second electrical contacts about the axis of the pin may provide another method for electrically isolating the first and second electrical contacts from each other. Again, this may still facilitate mating of the first and second electrical contacts with corresponding first and second electrical contacts in the cordless power base, regardless of the angular orientation of the adapter placed on the cordless power base.

The pins may have any suitable cross-sectional shape. In one set of embodiments, the pin has a substantially cylindrical shape. A pin having a substantially cylindrical (e.g., cylindrical) shape may advantageously facilitate positioning the adapter at any angular position on the cordless base connector. In some embodiments, the ends of the pins may be pointed. The pointed tip may again facilitate placement of the adapter on the cordless base connector.

In some embodiments, the control assembly is a 360 ° cordless control assembly. The 360 ° cordless control assembly may advantageously allow the adapter (and thus the liquid heating vessel to which the adapter is secured) to be placed on the cordless base connector (and cordless power base) in any angular orientation. This can improve the ease of use of the appliance. Thus, the adapter may be a 360 ° adapter and the cordless base connector may be a 360 ° cordless base connector. Each of such an adapter and cordless base connector may be substantially cylindrical in shape, e.g., cylindrical, which may facilitate mating in any angular orientation.

In some embodiments, the pin is disposed in the center of the adapter. Centering the pin on the adapter may again improve ease of use when the assembly is mounted to a liquid heating vessel and cordless power base.

The utility model extends to a cordless liquid heating appliance comprising a control assembly. Thus, when viewed from a second aspect, there is provided a cordless liquid heating appliance comprising:

a cordless power base for connection to a mains supply;

a liquid heating vessel configured to rest on a cordless power base; and

the control assembly according to any of the above aspects or embodiments, wherein the adapter is mounted to the liquid heating vessel, and wherein the cordless base connector is mounted to the cordless power base.

In the case of a configuration to be placed on a cordless power base, this is intended to mean that the liquid heating vessel can be lifted away from the cordless power base, and placed back on the cordless power base. Since the control assembly may have a smaller length, the size of the liquid heating vessel and/or the cordless power base may be reduced compared to the prior art.

In a further set of embodiments, the liquid heating vessel comprises a chamber for receiving a volume of liquid to be heated and a heating element for heating the liquid within the vessel, and wherein the third and fourth electrical contacts are electrically connected to the heating element. The cordless power base may comprise a power cable adapted to be connected to a mains power supply, and wherein the respective third and fourth electrical contacts may be connected to live and neutral connections of the power cable. Of course, the liquid heating vessel may comprise any other suitable powered component, such as a motor, relay, solenoid, display, etc., and the third and fourth electrical contacts may be electrically connected to such components.

The liquid heating vessel may comprise a first electronic component to which the first and second contacts of the adapter are connected, and the cordless power base comprises a second electronic component to which the corresponding first and second contacts in the cordless base connector are connected. The first and second electrical contacts and their corresponding first and second electrical contacts may thus provide an electrical connection between the first and second electronic components. The first electronic component may include: temperature sensors, motors, etc. The second electronic component may comprise an electronic controller. The first and second electrical contacts and the corresponding first and second electrical contacts may thus facilitate data transmission between the first and second electronic components.

As described in the background section above, 3-pole and 5-pole control assemblies are known in the art. The adapter and cordless base connector of such a control assembly each include a support structure with each of the electrical contacts. In prior art control assemblies, different support structures had to be formed for the 3-pole and 5-pole control assemblies. Applicant has appreciated that it may be inefficient to produce separate support structures for different types of control assemblies. Thus, when viewed from a third aspect, the present utility model provides a support structure for forming at least part of an adapter configured to provide an electrical connection with a corresponding cordless base connector, the support structure comprising:

A pin receiving portion capable of receiving a plurality of different types of pins, the pins including at least a first pin with a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact;

a first annular contact receiving portion capable of receiving a third electrical contact having an annular form;

a second annular contact receiving portion capable of receiving a fourth electrical contact having an annular form; and

the third receiving portion is capable of receiving the fifth electrical contact.

Thus, the applicant has appreciated that a single support structure may be used to form a variety of different adapters in the support structure depending on which pin is inserted into the structure and/or which of the third, fourth and fifth electrical contacts is received in the support structure. A pin receiving portion capable of receiving a plurality of different types of pins is intended to mean that several different pins can be interchangeably inserted into the pin receiving portion, but only a single pin is received therein at any given time.

For example, a first pin with a first electrical contact may be inserted into the pin receiving portion, a third electrical contact may be inserted into the first annular contact receiving portion, and a fourth electrical contact may be inserted into the second annular contact receiving portion, forming a 3-pole adapter. In contrast, a 5-pole adapter may be formed by placing a second pin carrying a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact into a pin receiving portion, placing a third electrical contact into a first annular contact receiving portion, placing a fourth electrical contact into a second annular contact receiving portion, and placing a fifth electrical contact into a third receiving portion.

The receiving portions may have any suitable form/shape so as to be adapted to receive their respective contacts. In one set of embodiments, the pin receiving portion includes an aperture extending through the support structure into which the pin may be inserted. The pin receiving portion may include a retaining feature configured to engage with the pin or a component connected thereto to secure the pin in place. The first annular contact receiving portion, the second annular contact receiving portion, and the third receiving portion may each include a structure that may have a corresponding annular shape. For example, each of such portions may include an annular wall to which a respective electrical contact may be mounted. Each of such portions may also, or alternatively, include an aperture that extends into the support structure and is shaped to receive a protrusion or tab extending from a corresponding electrical contact. Such apertures may be used to at least locate corresponding electrical contacts.

In one set of embodiments, the first annular contact receiving portion, the second annular contact receiving portion, and the third receiving portion are radially displaced from one another relative to the pin receiving portion. Radially displacing the first annular contact receiving portion, the second annular contact receiving portion, and the third receiving portion may suitably separate respective electrical contacts within the support structure such that each of the contacts are electrically isolated from each other when they are mounted to the support structure.

In another set of embodiments, the support structure includes only a pin receiving portion for receiving the electrical contact, a first annular receiving portion, a second annular receiving portion, and a third receiving portion. The electrical contacts are those adapted to connect with corresponding electrical contacts in a cordless base connector that is mateable to an adapter. According to such embodiments, the support structure may only be able to receive up to five electrical contacts (assuming the pin is able to carry up to two electrical contacts).

The support structure may have any suitable form and be formed of any suitable material. In one set of embodiments, the support structure is formed from a plastomer. For example, the support structure may comprise an injection molded plastomer. In some embodiments, the third receiving portion may be capable of receiving a fifth electrical contact having a ring-shaped form.

The applicant has appreciated that by using the above-described support structure, a new method of manufacturing/assembling the adapter may be employed. Thus, when viewed from a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of forming at least one adapter of a control assembly, the adapter being configured for mounting to a liquid heating vessel, the method comprising the steps of:

forming a support structure according to any of the embodiments described above;

Determining if and when a pin is required:

selecting one of a first pin with a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact; and is also provided with

Inserting the selected pin into the pin receiving portion;

inserting a third electrical contact having a ring-shaped form into the first ring-shaped contact receiving portion; and is also provided with

A fourth electrical contact having a ring-shaped form is inserted into the second ring-shaped contact receiving portion.

The use of the above-described support structures and methods may advantageously allow for quick and easy manufacture and assembly of several different adapters.

In some countries grounding may not be required. In such an example, it may be determined that no pin is required. In this case, no pin is inserted into the support structure when it is determined that no pin is required. In this way only the further step of inserting the third and fourth electrical contacts into the support structure can be performed. This can form a 2-pole adapter. There may be instances where pins are always required, for example, in order to meet certain electrical standards. Thus, the step of determining whether a pin is required may be omitted. Nevertheless, the step of selecting and inserting the selected pin may still be included.

This approach forms a 3-pole adapter when the pin is needed and the first pin is selected, for example because no adapter is needed to enable convenient data transfer. In contrast, the method forms a 4-pole adapter with the second pin selected and inserted into the pin receiving portion. The third and fourth electrical contacts may be used to provide live and neutral connections. When a first pin is selected, the first electrical contact may be used to provide a ground connection, and when a second pin is selected, the first and second contacts may be used to provide a data connection.

In yet another set of embodiments, the method further includes inserting a fifth electrical contact into the third receiving portion. Such an embodiment forms a 5-pole adapter with the selection and insertion of a second pin comprising a first and a second electrical contact. The fifth electrical contact may be used to provide a ground connection to a liquid heating vessel to which the adapter is mounted.

In one set of embodiments, the second pin with the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact is part of a module that includes the second pin and the integrated electronic components of the first and second electrical contacts electrically connected to the second pin. Such a pin module may simplify the assembly process, as pins, contacts and integrated electronic components may be quickly and easily inserted into the support structure.

The applicant has appreciated that the above advantages are not necessarily limited to the formation of an adapter. Thus, when viewed from a further aspect, there is provided a connector support structure for forming at least part of a cordless base connector configured to provide electrical connection with a corresponding adapter, the support structure comprising:

a first contact receiving portion configured to receive a first corresponding electrical contact, a second contact receiving portion configured to receive a second corresponding electrical contact, a third contact receiving portion configured to receive a third corresponding electrical contact, a fourth contact receiving portion configured to receive a fourth corresponding electrical contact,

and a fifth contact receiving portion configured to receive a fifth corresponding electrical contact.

Thus, the connector support structure may be capable of receiving up to five electrical contacts. Any number of electrical contacts may be mounted to the connector support structure to form the desired cordless base connector.

In some embodiments, the support structure includes a centrally disposed cylindrical boss having a hollow core and an annular wall spaced from and surrounding the cylindrical boss to define an annular cavity between the cylindrical boss and the annular wall, wherein the first and second contact receiving portions are disposed within the hollow core in the cylindrical boss, wherein the second and third contact receiving portions are disposed at a base of the hollow core, and wherein the fifth contact receiving portion is disposed in an outwardly facing surface of the annular wall. Accordingly, the various contact receiving portions may be suitably arranged to position the contacts to mate with corresponding contacts in the adapter.

The support structure may be formed of a plastics material. The support structure may be injection molded.

According to yet another aspect of the present utility model, there is provided a method of forming a cordless base connector of a control assembly, the cordless base connector being configured to be mounted in a cordless power base, the method comprising the steps of:

forming a connector support structure according to any of the embodiments described above;

determining how many electrical contacts are needed within the cordless base connector;

at least two of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth corresponding electrical contacts are inserted into respective first, second, third, fourth and fifth contact receiving portions.

Thus, a single connector support structure may be used to form several different cordless base connectors. The number of parts required to manufacture different cordless base connectors can be reduced.

According to yet another aspect of the present utility model there is provided a control assembly for a cordless liquid heating appliance comprising a liquid heating vessel and a cordless power base, the control assembly comprising:

a cordless base connector for mounting to a cordless power base; and

an adapter forming part of the control means for mounting to the liquid heating vessel, wherein the adapter is configured to communicate with the cordless power base when the liquid heating vessel is mounted on the cordless power base

The base connector mates, and wherein the adapter comprises:

a pin comprising a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact arranged to correspond to a corresponding first electrical contact and a corresponding second electrical contact in the cordless base connector

The second electrical contact is connected;

a third electrical contact having an annular form extending around and radially displaced from the pin and arranged to connect with a corresponding third electrical contact in the cordless base connector; and

a fourth electrical contact having an annular form extending around and radially displaced from the third electrical contact and arranged to connect with a corresponding fourth electrical contact in the cordless base connector;

wherein the third and fourth electrical contacts in the adapter and the corresponding third and fourth electrical contacts in the cordless base connector are configured to provide live and neutral connections to the liquid heating vessel.

Any features of the embodiments of the previous aspects of the utility model may be equally applied to the above-described aspects of the utility model.

In any of the aspects or embodiments described above, the liquid heating vessel may be adapted to heat any suitable liquid, such as water, milk, tea, coffee, or the like. The liquid heating appliance of any of the embodiments described above may be in the form of a domestic counter top liquid heating appliance, such as a water kettle, coffee maker, milk foamer or the like.

Drawings

Some preferred embodiments of the present utility model will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cordless liquid heating appliance according to one embodiment of the present utility model;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a control assembly according to one embodiment of the present utility model;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the underside of the control device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view through the control device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a view of the support structure of the control device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the underside of the support structure shown in FIG. 5, showing the adapter therein;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the support structure shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the support structure shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view through the support structure shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the control device shown in FIG. 2 with several components hidden to show the live and neutral electrical connections;

FIG. 11 is a view of a module including pins and electronic components according to one embodiment of the utility model;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view through the module shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the mounting body of the module shown in FIG. 11;

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the second electrical contact shown in the previous figures;

fig. 15 is a perspective view of the first electrical contact shown in the previous figures;

fig. 16 is a perspective view of the cordless base connector shown in fig. 2;

fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view through the cordless base connector showing corresponding first and second electrical contacts;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a control device according to another embodiment of the present utility model;

fig. 19 is a perspective view of a control device according to yet another embodiment of the present utility model;

FIG. 20 is a view of the control device shown in FIG. 18, with several of its components hidden to show electrical connections within the control device;

FIG. 21 is another view of the underside of the control device shown in FIG. 18 with further components hidden to show electrical connections;

FIG. 22 is a view of a control assembly according to another embodiment of the present utility model, wherein its adapter is a 3-pole adapter;

FIG. 23 is a view of the underside of the control device shown in FIG. 22, showing three contacts of its adapter;

FIG. 24 shows a view of the control device with several of its components hidden to show electrical connections within the control device;

fig. 25 is a perspective view of a 3-pole cordless base connector;

FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of a pin of an adapter according to another embodiment of the present utility model; and

FIG. 27 shows a flowchart illustrating a method of forming an adapter according to one embodiment of the utility model.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a cordless liquid heating appliance 2 according to one embodiment of the present utility model. The cordless liquid heating appliance 2 comprises a liquid heating vessel 4 and a cordless power base 6. The liquid heating vessel 4 includes an adapter 8, and the cordless power base includes a cordless base connector 10 (hereinafter referred to as "connector 10"). The adapter 8 and the connector 10 together form a control assembly 13 according to one embodiment of the utility model. In the embodiment shown, the adapter 8 is attached to the control device 12 and forms part of the control device 12, the control device 12 being mounted within the liquid heating vessel 4. The liquid heating vessel includes a heated base 14 that is heated by a heating element 16. The heated base 14 at least partially defines a chamber 20 in which liquid (e.g., water) is received and heated during operation of the appliance 2. The cordless power base 6 comprises a power cord 18, the power cord 18 being connectable to a suitable power source, such as a mains power supply (not shown). The power cord 18 may be electrically connected to suitable components within the cordless power base 6 and may be directly or indirectly electrically connected to the connector 10 provided with suitable components.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the control assembly 13 according to one embodiment of the utility model. The control assembly 13 comprises a cordless base connector 10 for mounting to the cordless power base 6 and an adapter 8 for mounting to the liquid heating vessel 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the control assembly 13 takes the form of a 5-pole control assembly 13. In other words, each of the adapter 8 and the connector 10 includes five electrical contacts.

In the embodiment shown, the adapter 8 is provided with a control device 12. The control device 12 comprises a support structure 22, the adapter 8 being formed in the support structure 22. The support structure 22 may be formed from injection molded plastic. A metal plate 24 may be attached to the top of the support structure 22 to support additional components. The control device 12 comprises several thermo-sensitive actuators 26, which thermo-sensitive actuators 26 may be arranged to monitor the temperature of a component, such as the heating element 16, within the liquid heating vessel 4. The thermally sensitive actuator 26 may be used to open a circuit (not visible) within the control 12 when a predetermined temperature is detected.

A module 28 including a temperature sensor 30 is also mounted within the control device 12. The module 28 is mounted such that the temperature sensor 30 is in a fixed position with respect to the support structure 22 of the control device 12. As can be seen in fig. 2, the control device 12 comprises a first electrical tab 32 and a second electrical tab 34. Although not visible in this figure, each of these first and second electrical tabs 32, 34 may be connected to a corresponding one of the third and fourth electrical contacts within the adapter 8. These contacts can be seen in fig. 3. The first and second electrical tabs 32, 34 may be connected to powered components within the liquid heating vessel 4, such as the heating element 16.

The connector 10 includes a connector support structure 36 to which a number of corresponding electrical contacts are mounted. The connector support structure 36 defines a central boss 38 having an opening 40 therein. The connector support structure 36 also includes a surrounding annular wall 42 spaced from the central boss 38, the annular wall defining an annular aperture 44. Although not visible, the corresponding first and second electrical contacts are disposed within the cylindrical opening 40, the third and fourth corresponding electrical contacts 46, 48 are disposed in the annular aperture 44, and the fifth corresponding electrical contact 50 is disposed on an outermost wall 52 of the connector support structure 36.

Further details of the adapter 8 will now be described. Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the underside of the control device 12 shown in fig. 2. The adapter 8 can be seen more clearly in this figure. As can be seen in this figure, in some embodiments, the adapter 8 includes a pin 54. The pin includes a first electrical contact 56 and a second electrical contact 58. A first electrical contact 56 extends from the end of the pin 54 and a second electrical contact 58 extends along the pin 54 and around the pin 54. The first and second electrical contacts 56, 58 are separated from each other by an insulating member 60, the insulating member 60 being used to electrically insulate the first and second electrical contacts 56, 58 from each other. As shown, the pin 54 may be centrally located in the adapter 8. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 3, the pin 54 is substantially cylindrical in shape, such as a cylinder. Of course, the pin 54 may have any other suitable shape.

The adapter 8 further comprises a third electrical contact 62, a fourth electrical contact 64 and a fifth electrical contact 66. Each of the third, fourth and fifth electrical contacts 62, 64, 66 has an annular shape. As can be seen in fig. 3, the third and fourth electrical contacts 62, 64 may be separated from each other by an annular insulating member 68. As can be seen in fig. 3, the support structure 22 defines an outermost annular wall 70. The fifth electrical contact 66 is mounted against an inner surface (not visible in this figure) of the outermost annular wall 70. As is also apparent from fig. 3, the third, fourth and fifth electrical contacts 62, 64, 66, respectively, are radially spaced from the pin 54 to varying degrees.

Although not visible in fig. 3, the third and fourth electrical contacts 62, 64 provide both live and neutral connections within the adapter 8. In other words, they contribute to supply of electric power to the adapter 8 and the supplied parts connected to the adapter 8. When the adapter 8 is mounted to the liquid heating vessel 4, the third and fourth electrical contacts 62, 64 may ultimately be connected to a powered component, such as the heating element 16.

In a similar manner, although not visible in fig. 3, the fifth electrical contact 66 may provide a ground connection within the adapter 8, the control device 12, and the liquid heating vessel 4 to which the control device 12 is mounted.

The control assembly 13 may take the form of a 360 deg. cordless control assembly whereby the adapter 8 may be placed on the cordless base connector 10 in any angular orientation. This is achieved by an adapter 8 having a cylindrical profile and a cordless base connector having a corresponding and complementary cylindrical profile.

Fig. 4 shows a cross-section through the control device 12, focusing on the adapter 8 therein. The pin 54, along with the first and second electrical contacts 56, 58, can be seen more clearly in this figure along with the third, fourth and fifth electrical contacts 62, 64, 66. As can be seen in fig. 4, the adapter 8 extends substantially along an axis indicated by the dashed line A-A. Which extends through the centre of the adapter 8 and thus through the centre of the pin 54.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 4, the annular insulating member 68 has a greater length along the axis A-A than the third and fourth electrical contacts 62, 64. As a result, this forms an annular rim 72 on top of the annular insulating member 68, on which no electrical contacts are present. This increases the separation in the free space between the third and fourth electrical contacts 62, 64, further minimizing the likelihood of arcing between them.

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the support structure 22 of the control device 12, which support structure has the adapter 8 formed therein. Thus, the support structure 22 is a support structure of the adapter 8. The support structure 22 may be formed from a single piece of injection molded plastic. The support structure 22 includes a number of contact receiving portions as will now be described with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the support structure 22 of the control device 12, focusing on the adapter 8 therein. The outermost annular wall 70 and the annular insulating member 68 are more clearly seen in this figure. The outermost annular wall 70 and the annular insulating member 68 are integrally formed with the support structure 22. As can be seen in this figure, the adapter 8 includes a bore 74, which bore 74 is configured to receive the pin 54 therein during assembly of the control device 12. Thus, the aperture 74 may be considered a pin receiving portion in that it is shaped and positioned to receive the pin 54. The support structure 22 may include another structure that receives the pins 54 and/or the modules 28 (of which the pins 54 are a part) on a side opposite that shown in fig. 6.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 6, an annular insulating member 68 is used to form both the first annular receiving portion and the second annular receiving portion. The inner side surface 69 defines a first annular receiving portion as it is the surface against which the third electrical contact 62 is mounted. The outer side surface 71 defines a second annular receiving portion, as it is the surface against which the fourth electrical contact 64 is mounted. The inner side surface 73 of the outermost annular wall 70 also defines a third receiving portion for receiving the fifth electrical contact 66.

Fig. 7 shows a view of the underside of the support structure 22. Referring to both fig. 6 and 7, the support structure 22 includes a number of mounting holes for mounting various electrical contacts therein. Specifically, the support structure 22 includes third electrical contact mounting holes 76A, 76B that receive protruding features on the third electrical contact 62. The support structure 22 also includes fourth electrical contact mounting holes 78A, 78B for receiving protruding features on the fourth electrical contact 64. The support structure 22 also includes fifth electrical contact mounting holes 80A, 80B for receiving protruding features on the fifth electrical contact 66. The support structure 22 also includes third, fourth, and fifth electrical contact connection apertures 92, 94, 96 through which connection tabs of each of the corresponding third, fourth, and fifth electrical contacts 62, 64, 66 may extend to be adapted for connection to components or circuitry within the control device 12. While a particular form of mounting feature is set forth above, it should be appreciated that the support structure 22 may include any suitable receiving portion capable of receiving the pin and various electrical contacts.

Fig. 8 shows a top view of the support structure 22 and illustrates how the third, fourth and fifth electrical contact mounting holes 76A, 76B, 78A, 78B, 80A, 80B, together with the third, fourth and fifth electrical contact connection holes 92, 94, 96, extend through the entire depth of the support structure 22 to the top surface 98 of the support structure 22.

Fig. 9 shows a cross-section through the support structure 22, focusing on the adapter 8 therein. As seen in this figure, the adapter 8 may include an upstanding annular wall 100 in addition to the annular insulating member 68 and the outermost annular wall 70. The upstanding annular wall 100 may extend along the axis of the adapter 8 (as indicated by the dashed line A-A) to a length less than the annular insulating member 68. The upstanding annular wall 100 may serve to assist in positioning the third electrical contact 62 within the adapter 8, and may further assist in supporting the third electrical contact 62 in place. The upstanding annular wall 100 may also be used to provide a suitable amount of electrical insulation between the base of the second electrical contact 58 and the base of the third electrical contact 62 so that the two electrical contacts may each be at a different electrical potential.

Fig. 10 shows a view of the control device 12 with various components hidden to more clearly show the electrical connections within the control device 12. As can be seen in this figure, the first electrical tab 32 is in electrical contact with a first intermediate connection member 102, the first intermediate connection member 102 being connected to a first connection tab 104 extending from the fourth electrical contact 64. The second electrical tab 34 is in electrical contact with a second intermediate connection member 106, the second intermediate connection member 106 being connected to a second connection tab 108 extending from the third electrical contact 62. Thus, the first electrical tab 32 provides a means for connecting to the fourth electrical contact 64, while the second electrical tab 34 provides a means for connecting to the third electrical contact 62. The first and second electrical tabs 32, 34 may provide both a live and neutral connection to electrical components (e.g., heating element 16) within the liquid heating vessel 4.

As previously discussed, in some embodiments, the pins 54 may be part of the module 28 that is insertable into the support structure 22 in order to quickly and easily form the adapter 8. Fig. 11 shows a module 28 that can be inserted into the control device 12. The module 28 includes a pin 54, the pin 54 including first and second electrical contacts 56, 58 separated by an insulating member 60. The module 28 includes a mounting body 110, with various components of the module 28 mounted to the mounting body 110. The module 28 also includes electrical components in the form of temperature sensors 30. The temperature sensor 30 may include a Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistor. The following figures show cross-sectional and partial views of the module 28 to illustrate its various components.

Fig. 12 shows a cross-sectional view through the module 28. As can be seen in this figure, the module 28 may comprise a spring member 112, for example in the form of a coil spring 112, which may be arranged to resiliently bias the temperature sensor 30 in an upward direction. Such a resilient bias acting on the temperature sensor 30 may act to keep the temperature sensor 30 in close contact with the component with which it is monitoring the temperature when the control device 12 is mounted to the liquid heating vessel 4. First and second wires 126, 128 extend from the temperature sensor 30 and are connected to the first and second electrical contacts 56, 58, respectively.

Fig. 13 shows the mounting body 110 of the module 28 in a separated state. As can be seen in this figure, the insulating member 60 is integrally formed with the mounting body 110. The mounting body 110 includes a pin post portion 114 that functions to provide the insulating member 60. The pin cylindrical portion 114 includes a hollow core (not visible in this view) through which the first electrical contact 56 extends. The pin post portion 114 includes an opening at an end thereof such that the first electrical contact 56 protrudes from the tip 116 of the pin post portion 114 when inserted therein. The pin cylindrical portion 114 also includes a contact receiving portion 118, the contact receiving portion 118 including a circumferential portion 120 and an axially extending portion 122. The circumferential portion 120 and the axially extending portion 122 receive corresponding portions of the second electrical contact 58. Although not visible in this figure, the base 124 of the mounting body 110 includes corresponding openings through which the first and second electrical contacts 56, 58 may extend to facilitate electrical connection within the module 28. The mounting body 110 also includes mounting features 130, which mounting features 130 may be used to secure the module 28 in place on the control device 12. The mounting features 130 may engage appropriately shaped protrusions on the support structure 22 for holding the module 28 in place on the control device 12.

Fig. 14 shows a perspective view of the second electrical contact 58 in a separated state. As can be seen in this figure, the second electrical contact 58 includes a circumferentially extending portion 138, which circumferentially extending portion 138 is shaped to extend around the circumferential portion 120 on the mounting body 110. The second electrical contact 58 also includes an axially extending portion 140 shaped as the axially extending portion 122 disposed on the mounting body 110. The second electrical contact 58 also includes a contact tab 142 to which a second wire 128 (shown in fig. 12) may be connected.

Fig. 15 shows a perspective view of the first electrical contact 56 in a separated state. The first electrical contact 56 includes an elongated portion 144 that is shaped and dimensioned to extend through the hollow core of the contact receiving portion 118 such that a tip 146 of the first electrical contact 56 protrudes from the contact receiving portion 118. The header 146 allows for electrical connection with the first electrical contact 56.

Fig. 16 shows a perspective view of the connector 10 of the control assembly 13. In this figure, the corresponding third, fourth and fifth electrical contacts 46, 48, 50 can be seen. Fig. 17 shows a cross-sectional view through the connector 10. As can be seen in this figure, within the hollow 152 of the central boss 38, there are disposed corresponding first electrical contacts 148 and corresponding second electrical contacts 150. As shown, the corresponding first electrical contact 148 is oriented such that the tip of the contact pin 54 contacts the first electrical contact at its end. In contrast, the corresponding second electrical contact 150 is oriented such that it contacts the second electrical contact 58.

Referring to the above figures, when the control device 12, and in particular its adapter 8, is mated with the connector 10, an electrical connection will be made therebetween. Specifically, the first electrical contact 56 will contact the corresponding first electrical contact 148 and the second electrical contact 58 will contact the corresponding second electrical contact 150. These contacts 56, 58, 158, 150 may be used to provide data transfer between the adapter 8 and the connector 10. Thus, when contacted, data may be transmitted from the temperature sensor 30 to the connector 10, for example to a controller disposed in the cordless power base 6.

When mated, the third electrical contact 62 will contact the corresponding third electrical contact 46 and the fourth electrical contact 64 will contact the corresponding fourth electrical contact 48. This may facilitate the transfer of power between the adapter 8 and the connector 10, as such contact provides both live and neutral connections.

Similarly, when mated, the fifth electrical contact 66 will contact the corresponding fifth electrical contact 50. These contacts may provide a ground connection between the adapter 8 and the connector 10.

The above-described embodiments are not the only forms of control devices that may be formed. Fig. 18 shows a perspective view of a control device 1012 according to another embodiment of the present utility model. The control device 1012 is substantially identical to the control device 12 described above, except for some minor differences described below. Importantly, however, the control means 1012 includes an adapter 1008, which adapter 1008 substantially corresponds to the adapter 8 described above.

Unlike the embodiment described above in which the temperature sensor 30 is provided as part of the module 28, in the embodiment shown in fig. 18 the temperature sensor 1030 is mounted on a bracket 1154, the bracket 1154 extending away from the support structure 1022 of the control device 1012. The bracket 1154 may be mounted to the metal plate 1024. In this embodiment, the first and second cables 1126, 1128 are longer than those of the embodiments discussed above. The ends of the cables 1126, 1128 include spade connectors 1156, 1158, one of which may be seen in fig. 18 (the other may be seen in fig. 21). Each of spade connectors 1156, 1158 may be suitably connected to first and second electrical contacts (not shown in fig. 18) of adapter 1008.

Fig. 19 shows another embodiment of a control device 2012. The control device 2012 is substantially identical to the control device 12 described above except for the differences described below. Unlike the first embodiment discussed above, the temperature sensor 2030 of this further embodiment is likewise not provided as part of a module. Instead, the temperature sensor 2030 is mounted only on the metal plate 2024 on top of the control device 2012. The first and second cables 2126, 2128 likewise extend from the temperature sensor 2030 and terminate with spade connectors 2156, 2158 that are appropriately connected to first and second electrical contacts (not visible in this figure).

Fig. 20 shows a view of the control device 1012 shown in fig. 18, with the metal plate 1024 and brackets 1154 hidden to expose the underlying components. As can be seen in this figure, first and second spade connectors 1156, 1158 are connected to first and second intermediate connectors 1160, 1162, which are connected to contact tabs 1142 of a second electrical contact (not visible in this figure) and contact tabs 1147 of a first electrical contact (not visible in this figure). Thus, the temperature sensor is connected to the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact.

Fig. 21 shows a view of the underside of the control device 1012, showing only a limited number of electrical components to illustrate the electrical connection with the temperature sensor 1030. As can be seen in this figure, the contact tab 1147 of the first electrical contact 1056 is in contact with the second intermediate connector 1162, and the contact tab 1142 of the second electrical contact 1058 is in contact with the first intermediate connector 1160. Spade connectors 1156, 1158 are connected to first and second intermediate connectors 1160, 1162, thereby providing electrical connection to temperature sensor 1030. These figures thus illustrate how the temperature sensor 1030 is connected to the first and second electrical contacts.

In the above-described embodiment, the control assembly takes the form of a 5-pole control assembly. However, in some embodiments of the utility model, the control assembly may include fewer contacts. Thus, FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of another control assembly 3013 according to another embodiment of the present utility model. Similar to the previous embodiments, the control assembly 3013 includes a control device 3012 that includes an adapter 3008. The control assembly 3013 also includes a cordless base connector 3010. However, unlike the embodiment discussed above in which the adapter and connector each include five electrical contacts, the adapter 3008 and cordless base connector 3010 each include three electrical contacts, making this embodiment a 3-pole control assembly 3013. While this embodiment is shown as including the control 3012, it is to be understood that the adapter 3008 need not be part of such control 3012, but may be provided in a separate state.

Importantly, in the embodiment shown in fig. 22, the support structure 3022 is identical to the support structure 22 of the embodiments described above. Thus, a single support structure is used to form both 5-pole and 3-pole control assemblies. This reduces the number of different parts that have to be manufactured in order to manufacture the different control assemblies.

Fig. 23 shows a perspective view of the underside of the control device 3012. In this embodiment, the adapter 3008 includes a different pin 3054, the pin 3054 including only the first electrical contact 3056, rather than both the first and second electrical contacts. The adapter 3008 also includes a second electrical contact 3062 (which is identical to the third electrical contact 62 of the above-described embodiment) and a third electrical contact 3064 (which is identical to the fourth electrical contact of the above-described embodiment). In this embodiment, there is no fifth electrical contact inserted into the adapter 3008.

Fig. 24 shows a view of the control device 3012, in which several of its components are hidden in order to more clearly show the electrical connection to the second and third electrical contacts 3062, 3064. As can be seen in this figure, the first power connection tab 3160 may be connected to a first connection tab 3104 extending from the second electrical contact 3062, and the second power connection tab 3162 may be connected to a second connection tab 3108 extending from the third electrical contact 3064. The first and second power connection tabs 3160, 3162 may be connected to any component within the liquid heating vessel that requires electrical power.

Fig. 25 shows a perspective view of the cordless base connector 3010. As can be seen in this figure, the cordless base connector 3010 comprises a corresponding first electrical contact 3148, a corresponding second electrical contact 3046 and a corresponding third electrical contact 3048. Although not shown in this embodiment, the cordless base connector 3010 may comprise a connector support structure that is identical to the connector support structure of the 5-pole cordless base connector 10 described above.

In any of the embodiments described above, although the adapter is shown as part of the control device, it should be understood that the control device may be omitted and the adapter may be provided in a separate state or alternatively form part of a different component.

In the 5-pole adapter 8 embodiment described above, the first and second electrical contacts 56, 58 are axially displaced along the pin 54. However, this is not necessary, and instead the contacts may be displaced in the circumferential direction. Fig. 26 shows a perspective view of a pin 4054 in accordance with another embodiment of the utility model. As shown in this figure, the pin 4054 includes first and second electrical contacts 4056, 4058. However, unlike the previous embodiment in which the electrical contacts are spaced along axis A-A, in this embodiment the first and second electrical contacts are spaced around the circumference of the pin 4054. Even with this arrangement, electrical connection that can be independent of the angular orientation of the adapter and corresponding connector can be achieved by proper placement of the corresponding contacts within the cordless base connector.

As set forth above, the 3-pole and 5-pole control assemblies each include an adapter having a common support structure. Fig. 27 shows a flow chart of a method for forming an adapter for a control assembly, illustrating how a common support structure may be used to form different adapters, according to one embodiment of the utility model.

The method comprises forming a support structure in step S1. The support structure formed in step S1 may have the form of the support structure 22 described above. The support structure may be formed by injection molding. In step S2, a determination is made as to whether a pin is required. This determination may be based on an evaluation of how many electrical contacts are needed within the adapter.

If a pin is required, the method proceeds to step S3, where either a first pin comprising a first electrical contact is selected in step S3, or a second pin comprising a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact is selected. The first pin may be selected when it is desired to produce a 3-pole adapter and the second pin may be selected when it is desired to produce a 5-pole adapter. The method then proceeds to step S4, where the selected pin, i.e. the first or the second pin, is inserted into the support structure in step S4. The method then proceeds to step S5, in which step S5 a third electrical contact having a ring-shaped form is inserted into the first ring-shaped contact receiving portion. Subsequently, the method proceeds to step S6, in which a fourth electrical contact is inserted into the second annular contact receiving portion. In the case that a 5-pole adapter is required and the second pin is selected and inserted in steps S3 and S4, the method may further comprise step S7, in which step S7 a fifth electrical contact is inserted into the third receiving portion.

When it is determined in step S2 that no pin is required, for example because no ground connection is required, the method may instead proceed to steps S5 and S6, whereby third and fourth electrical contacts are inserted, and steps S3 and S4 may be omitted. This can form a 2-pole adapter.

Although the method has been explained in the order above, it should be understood that the steps of the method may be performed in any suitable order. For example, the steps S5, S6 and S7 of inserting the third, fourth and optionally fifth electrical contacts may be performed before the steps S2, S3 and S4 of determining if a pin, selecting a pin and inserting a pin are required. It should also be appreciated that in some embodiments, where the preset adapter must include a pin, the step of determining whether a pin is required may be omitted, and the method may proceed directly to steps S3 and S4.

The method described above is equally applicable to the formation of cordless base connectors. The method may include forming a connector support structure, and then inserting an appropriate number of corresponding first, second, third, fourth, and fifth electrical contacts into the connector support structure. The cordless base connector may thus comprise a corresponding number of contacts of the adapter to be mated therewith.

While the utility model has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the utility model is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the utility model can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the scope of the utility model. Further, while various embodiments of the utility model have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the utility model may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the utility model is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (17)

1. A control assembly for a cordless liquid heating appliance comprising a liquid heating vessel and a cordless power base, the control assembly comprising:

a cordless base connector for mounting to the cordless power base; and

an adapter forming part of a control device for mounting to the liquid heating vessel, wherein the adapter is configured to mate with the cordless base connector when the liquid heating vessel is seated on the cordless power base, and wherein the adapter comprises:

A pin comprising a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact arranged to connect with a corresponding first electrical contact and a corresponding second electrical contact in the cordless base connector;

a third electrical contact having an annular form extending around and radially displaced from the pin and arranged to connect with a corresponding third electrical contact in the cordless base connector; and

a fourth electrical contact having an annular form extending around and radially displaced from the third electrical contact and arranged to connect with a corresponding fourth electrical contact in the cordless base connector;

wherein the third and fourth electrical contacts in the adapter and the corresponding third and fourth electrical contacts in the cordless base connector are configured to provide live and neutral connections to the liquid heating vessel.

2. The control assembly of claim 1, wherein the adapter further comprises a fifth electrical contact radially displaced from the pin and arranged to connect with a corresponding fifth electrical contact in the cordless base connector, and wherein the fifth electrical contact is configured to provide a ground connection to the liquid heating vessel.

3. The control assembly of claim 2, wherein the fifth electrical contact is displaced radially outward from the fourth electrical contact.

4. The control assembly of claim 2, wherein the fifth electrical contact has a ring-shaped form.

5. The control assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second electrical contacts in the adapter and the corresponding first and second electrical contacts in the cordless power base together provide a signal connection for transmitting data between the adapter and cordless base connector.

6. The control assembly of claim 1, wherein the control device comprises an electronic component to which the first and second electrical contacts of the pin are electrically connected.

7. The control assembly of claim 6, wherein the pins and electronic components are formed as modules that are inserted into the adapter.

8. The control assembly of claim 6, wherein the electronic component comprises a temperature sensor.

9. The control assembly of claim 1, wherein the third electrical contact and the fourth electrical contact are separated by an annular insulating member, wherein the third electrical contact is in contact with an inwardly facing surface of the annular insulating member, and wherein the fourth electrical contact is in contact with an outwardly facing surface of the annular insulating member.

10. The control assembly of claim 1, wherein the pin includes an insulating member disposed between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact.

11. The control assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second electrical contacts are spaced apart from each other along an axis of the pin.

12. The control assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second electrical contacts are spaced apart from each other about an axis of the pin.

13. The control assembly of claim 1, wherein the pin has a substantially cylindrical shape.

14. The control assembly of claim 1, wherein the control assembly is a 360 ° cordless control assembly.

15. The control assembly of claim 1, wherein the pin is centrally disposed in the adapter.

16. A cordless liquid heating appliance comprising:

a cordless power base for connection to a mains supply;

a liquid heating vessel configured to rest on the cordless power base; and

the control assembly of claim 1, wherein the adapter is mounted to the liquid heating vessel, and wherein the cordless base connector is mounted to the cordless power base.

17. A liquid heating appliance as claimed in claim 16 wherein the liquid heating vessel comprises a chamber for receiving a volume of liquid to be heated and a heating element for heating the liquid within the vessel, and wherein the third and fourth electrical contacts are electrically connected to the heating element.