DE112013003288T5 - control devices - Google Patents

Abstract

A control unit for a wireless liquid heating device has a control device (2) for attachment to the liquid heating device for controlling the supply of electric power thereto, with a wireless base connector (4) being formed is to supply electrical energy of the control device (2) when it is engaged, and has a circuit arrangement for establishing or interrupting an electrical circuit for supplying electrical energy to the device for heating liquid. The circuit arrangement has a fixed electrical contact (6, 8) which is provided on the wireless base connector (4), and has a movable electrical contact (12, 16) for engaging with the fixed electrical contact (6, 8 ) on. The movable electrical contact (12, 16) is attached to a free end of a resilient member (10, 14) which is fixed at a point and is bendable to permit movement of the electrical contact (12, 16) effect, wherein the elastic member (10, 14) is limited in its movement at another point between the fixed point and the free end to control the movement of the electrical contact (12, 16) resulting from a bending of the elastic member (10, 14) results.

Description

The present invention relates to control devices or safety devices for controlling a device for heating liquid, for. B. to turn off the device when the water boils or to avoid overheating, and relates to assemblies and devices with such control devices.

A traditional apparatus for heating liquid, such as a kettle or hot water jug, has a boiling control device that operates when liquid in the container boils to separate the power supply to the heater of the container so as to break the boiling. Similarly, an overheat control device may be provided which cuts off the power supply when the heater exceeds a safe operating temperature.

In general, such control devices use copper alloy leaf springs as movable contacts to make or break the electrical power circuit with the leaf springs that carry power as part of the circuit. Typically, the leaf springs act via a push rod through a thermally sensitive bimetallic actuator, which becomes effective as the liquid in the container boils or the heater overheats. Often these control devices are based on cantilevered leaf springs, which are free to flex when acted upon by an actuator to move the contacts apart.

Electrical energy is supplied to a wireless device for heating liquid when in engagement with a base connector. Another set of terminals is provided on the base connector so that the electrical circuit is broken when the device is disconnected from the base.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved safety device and control assembly or safety assembly for a liquid heating apparatus.

From a first aspect, the invention provides a wireless liquid heating control assembly with a safety device for attachment to the liquid heating device for supplying the electrical energy supply thereto controlling, with a wireless base connector, which is adapted to supply electrical energy to the control device when it is engaged, and with a circuit arrangement for establishing or interrupting an electrical circuit for supplying electrical energy to the device for heating liquid, wherein the Circuit having a fixed electrical contact provided on the wireless base connector and having a movable electrical contact for engaging with the fixed electrical contact, wherein the movable electrical Contact at a free end of an elastic member which is fixed at one point and can be bent to cause a movement of the electrical contact, wherein the elastic member at another point between the fixed point and the free end in its movement is restricted to control the movement of the electrical contact, resulting from a bending of the elastic element.

This aspect of the invention extends to a wireless liquid heating control apparatus having circuitry for making or breaking an electrical circuit for supplying electrical power to the liquid heating apparatus, the circuitry having a movable electrical contact attached thereto is attached to a free end of an elastic member which is fixed at a point and can be bent to cause movement of the electrical contact, wherein the elastic member is restricted in its movement at another point between the fixed point and the free end to control the movement of the electrical contact resulting from bending of the elastic member.

Such a control device may be configured to bring the movable contact into engagement with the fixed contact provided on the inside of the control device, but preferably, according to the first aspect of the invention, the movable electrical contact is brought into engagement with a fixed contact, provided by a wireless base connector.

It is understood that compared to arrangements using a freely bendable leaf spring to move a contact to make or break the electrical circuit in a control device, such. B. a beam assembly, the elastic element is limited mobility, such that a movement of the contact is limited. Such circuitry can be more accurate and predictable in its operation. For example, it may be important to control movement from one contact relative to another so as to ensure that good electrical contact is achieved on one hand there, and controlled disconnection of the hand on the other hand Contacts is reached. In particular, when the movable contact is moved in or out of electrical contact with the fixed contact, the z. For example, as provided on a wireless base connector, the available packaging space around the fixed contact (eg, dictated by the wireless base connector) may be limited.

Furthermore, a significant advantage can be achieved in that fewer current carrying pairs of contacts are required when the electrical circuit is made or broken at a fixed contact provided on a wireless base connector. In conventional arrangements, contacts between two wireless terminals (the base connector and a terminal provided by the controller) and also another set of contacts in the control apparatus for switching the power - e.g. B. to prevent overheating of the element provided. Instead, the circuitry described herein may provide a dual function of applying power to the device and the necessary disconnectable electrical connection between the controller attached to the liquid heating device and the wireless base connector. It is therefore preferred that the control device consists of a single switching arrangement for making and breaking the electrical circuit, which supplies electrical energy to the device for heating liquid. This is advantageous because electrical contacts typically require a silver contact area and this leads to an increase in the manufacturing cost of the control device to a significant proportion. The elimination of a set of contacts is also beneficial in reducing the moving parts in the control device, which increases reliability. Moreover, since the elastic element in the control device according to the invention can provide the required contact pressure, it is not necessary to provide a resiliently biased contact in the wireless base connector which makes it more robust than would be possible in low cost manufacturing.

It is understood that the elastic member is arranged to be flexed by an external force to cause movement of the electrical contact attached thereto. The circuit arrangement preferably comprises an actuator, for example a movable pusher arranged to act on the elastic member at another point remote from its restricted point or movement restricting point. The actuator may act on the elastic member at any point that is spaced from the restricted movable point. In one set of embodiments, the actuator acts on the elastic member at a point between the fixed point and its restricted movable point. Instead of bending freely from its fixed point in the form of a beam, the elastic element can bend only within the constraint limits given. The degree of movement of the free end that carries the electrical contact therefore depends on the limited moving point as well as on the force applied by the actuator. An independent motion control is additionally achieved by the elastic response of the elastic element. This can be contrasted with arrangements in which an electrical contact is made to a bimetal component, for example a creep bimetallic actuator which deflects itself when heated. The elastic member itself is not a bimetallic actuator, although it may be directly or indirectly acted on by a bimetallic actuator (as will be explained in detail below).

The circuitry may be shared between the controller and the wireless port. However, it is preferable that at least the movable electrical contact is associated with the control device and therefore, when in use, mounted in the wireless liquid heating device. When the controller is in engagement with the wireless base connector, it is preferred that the movable contact automatically engage the fixed contact, e.g. B. the power is supplied as soon as the device is placed on the base unit that carries the wireless base connector. The elastic member may therefore be arranged to provide a resilient bias urging the movable contact to engage the fixed contact. Bending of the resilient member must overcome such bias to move the electrical contact away from the stationary contact. In one set of embodiments, a latch may be provided to hold the resilient member in a bent configuration to hold the circuitry open until the device is manually turned on. One pawl may act directly on the resilient member to hold it in the bent configuration with the movable electrical contacts separate from the fixed contacts. Or a latch, when provided, may interact with the actuator to hold it in a position that acts on the resilient member to bring it into a curved configuration.

As mentioned above, it is preferable that bending of the elastic member results in movement of the movable electrical contact away from the fixed electrical contact, thereby interrupting the electric circuit for supplying electric power to the liquid heating device. The movable electrical contact can engage with the fixed contacts in any direction - e.g. B. vertical or horizontal - depending on the orientation of the fixed contact in the control assembly, and the elastic member can therefore be arranged to move the movable contact in one of these special directions. In one set of embodiments, the moveable electrical contact may be attached to a free end of the resilient member that extends substantially into the plane of the control assembly. Bending of the resilient member may then cause movement in a direction substantially out of the plane of the control assembly. However, such arrangements require providing a clear height in the control assembly which prevents minimization of its vertical dimensions.

In other sets of the embodiment, the movable electrical contact may be attached to a free end of the resilient member that extends out of the plane of the control assembly. Bending of the elastic member may cause movement in a direction substantially in the plane of the control assembly, e.g. B. a lateral movement of the electrical contact. In such embodiments, sliding engagement of the contacts (eg, a sidelobe effect) may be achieved when the controller is in engagement with the wireless base connector. A sideways approach relative to the fixed contact may help to minimize the vertical height of the control assembly because the free end of the resilient member to which the movable contacts are attached extends to overlap with the depth of the wireless base connector. In such embodiments, the circuitry may include an elastic member having a portion between the fixed point and the restricted movable point that extends substantially laterally into the control assembly. One or the portion of the resilient member between the restricted movable point and the free end carrying the movable electrical contact may extend parallel to the wireless base connector, e.g. B. extend substantially out of the plane of the control module out. Preferably, the elastic element is bent at an angle between the two sections, which is between 0 ° and 180 °, but preferably 90 °, which extends from the restricted movable point, e.g. B. a substantially J-shaped, L-shaped or T-shaped element. The bending of the elastic element may be conventionally provided at a force-feeding point.

There are several ways in which the elastic element can be restricted in its movement. What is meant by that the movement is restricted is that at least one degree of freedom is reduced or removed. According to one example, the elastic element may be constrained by a translatory movement in each direction other than links with the freedom to pivot, for example a fixed pivot point extends through the elastic element (eg at a bend of the element where one is provided ). However, a problem with constraining the movement to pivot only is that the free end of the resilient member is then forced to follow an arcuate path, and this can make it difficult to accurately engage the movable contact with the fixed contact sure. In a preferred set of embodiments, the elastic element is constrained from translational movement in only one direction out of its plane, e.g. B. in a z-direction. This limits the bending movement of the element, but ensures that it can slide backwards / forwards in its plane as well as pivot about the restricted moving point. This combination of sliding and pivoting may help to move the free end that carries the moveable electrical contact substantially linearly rather than along an arcuate path.

The elastic member may be caused to flex and move the electrical contact away from fixed contact when acting on more than one point. In particular, the Applicant has recognized that providing the restricted movable point anywhere between two arms of the elastic member while another arm of the member is stationary means that movement can be effected from both sides of the restricted movable point. Therefore, two actuators may be arranged to act independently on the elastic member from different sides of the restricted movable point. The elastic element may comprise an element with three arms, for example a T-shaped element. A first arm may have the fixed point while a second arm may be fixed, semi-fixed or free. A third arm may have the free end that carries the movable electrode. The restricted moving point is provided between the three arms. If the first or second arm are caused to flex, preferably when acted on by a respective actuator, this results in a controlled movement of the electrical contact carried by the third arm (as dictated by the restricted movable point between the three poor). Four or more Arms can be applied, albeit with increasing complexity of the circuitry.

In one set of embodiments, the elastic member has a first arm with the movable electrical contact at the free end and two further arms with the limited movable point at a connection between the three arms. The second arm is configured to be acted upon by a first actuator, such as a temperature sensitive actuator, to flex the electrical contact and move away from the fixed contacts. The third arm is configured to be acted upon by a second actuator, such as an overheating actuator, to flex the electrical contact and move away from the stationary contacts. The first and second actuators preferably act in opposite directions on the second and third arms, respectively, resulting in movement of the first arm in the same direction (eg, moving the electrical contact away from the fixed contact). Such embodiments conveniently provide two independent levels of protection by using a single elastic element. Furthermore, the operation of the first and second actuators in opposite directions may contribute to an efficient use of space in the control assembly and help to keep the assembly compact while maximizing functionality.

In order for the elastic element to return to its original configuration after being bent, it preferably has a spring element. The elastic member may be made of a suitable plastic material, for example an elastomer molded around a current-carrying wire, but preferably the elastic member comprises an electrically conductive material so that it can conduct current to the movable electrical contact. In one set of embodiments, the elastic member comprises a metal material, preferably a metal material, that provides high electrical conductivity, for example copper or a copper alloy. The elastic element may preferably comprise a leaf spring element. A conductive leaf spring acts as a convenient and economical way to supply power to the movable electrical contact while at the same time providing the load capacity needed to bend and move the contact.

The inherent resilience of the resilient member may be considered reliable to provide contact pressure between the moveable electrical contact and the fixed electrical contact. However, Applicant has recognized that it may be important to ensure that there is adequate contact pressure between the electrical contacts, especially when the phase pole of the electrical circuit is made or broken, e.g. B. when switching power of the power supply. Thus, in one set of embodiments, it is preferred that the control assembly or control means comprise means disposed relative to the fixed contacts for urging the resilient member such that its free end is resiliently biased to engage the electrical contact to bring with the fixed electrical contact. These "evaluation" means ensure that the elastic element is at least slightly loaded when the electrical contacts are engaged and therefore the elements apply some contact pressure. The position of the rating means relative to the position of the fixed contact may be selected to provide a desired degree of deflection at the free end and therefore a desired contact pressure as a result of the resilient bias.

In at least some embodiments, the "rating" means may be provided by, or combined with, the limited moving point. Specifically, when the elastic member is bent between two portions extending from the restricted movable point, the positive guide applied to the bend may be arranged to pre-load a portion of the elastic member carrying the movable contacts, so that its free end is resiliently biased to bring the electrical contact into engagement with the fixed electrical contact. Bending the elastic member to move the electrical contact away from the fixed electrical contact may initiate loads on the resilient member. However, according to another set of embodiments, the "evaluation" means are provided separately from the restricted moving point. This keeps the forces on the elastic element independent. In particular, to take full advantage of the "rating" means, it may be important to them to be located relative to the fixed electrical contacts provided by the wireless base connector. Provided that portions of the control assembly are movable relative to the wireless base connector, it may be preferable for the "rating" means to be provided to the wireless base connector. The "rating" means may be in a fixed position on the wireless base connector relative to the fixed electrical contact.

The elastic element can complete the electrical circuit during operation Supplying power to the liquid heating device when the controller is in engagement with the wireless base connector and the contacts are engaged. The elastic element may be provided with a connection for electrical connection to the device for heating liquid. A single circuit arrangement of the type described may be provided, for. B. only for switching the phase side of the power supply to the other electrical contacts, z. B. for connecting to the neutral and ground terminals (if provided), which are connected differently, for. B. in hardwiring. However, in one set of embodiments, the controller has at least two switching devices, e.g. B. for switching the phase poles and neutral poles. However, as described above, it is preferable that only one of the switching circuits for establishing or stopping the electric circuit that supplies electric power to the liquid heating device (eg, the primary switching device) is arranged. While the contact (s) in the primary circuitry may have the same silver surface for this purpose, the contact pair in the other circuitry may be less silver plated or unversilvered because it is not used to switch a current.

When two (or more) circuit arrangements are provided, the same elastic element can be used to support the respective contact pairs (eg, phase and neutral). However, in one set of embodiments, separate elastic members are provided for each contact pair. This makes it easier to operate the respective circuit arrangements independently of one another, for example by applying them by independent actuators. The Applicant has recognized that an increasing number of circuit arrangements increases the space requirement, which is claimed by the control assembly for its moving parts. However, it is desirable to make the control assembly as compact as possible in order to reduce the space requirement it takes in a liquid heating apparatus, together with the associated materials and CO ₂ balance for transport, etc. In one According to a preferred set of embodiments, the circuit arrangement comprises two elastic elements, each carrying a movable electrical contact for engaging a respective fixed electrical contact, the elastic elements being arranged substantially side by side and in opposite directions from their respective stationary ones Points such that bending of a resilient member results in a movement of its electrical contact in a direction which is opposite to the movement of the electrical contact resulting from the bending of the other elastic member.

This is considered to be novel and inventive in accordance with applicable law, and thus according to a second aspect of the present invention provides a wireless liquid heating safety controller assembly with a safety device for attachment to the liquid heating apparatus for controlling the supply of electrical energy thereto, wherein a wireless base connector is adapted to supply electrical power to the control device when engaged therewith, and circuitry for establishing or interrupting an electrical circuit for supplying electrical power to the device for heating liquid, the circuit arrangement having first and second fixed electrical contacts attached to the wireless base connector and the respective first and second movable electrical contacts n are provided for engaging with the fixed electrical contacts, wherein each of the first and second movable electrical contacts is attached to a free end of the respective first and second elastic members, which can be bent to cause movement of the electrical contacts, wherein the first and second elastic members are arranged substantially side by side and extend in opposite directions from respective fixed points such that bending of the first elastic member results in movement of the first electrical contact in a direction is opposite to the movement of the second electrical contact resulting from a bending of the second elastic member.

This aspect of the invention also extends to a control device for mounting on a device for heating liquid, wherein the control device comprises a circuit arrangement for establishing or interrupting an electrical circuit for supplying energy to the device for heating liquid, wherein the circuit arrangement comprises first and second movable electrical contacts, wherein each of the first and second movable electrical contacts are attached to a free end of the respective first and second elastic members that can be flexed to effect movement of the electrical contacts, the first and second elastic members are arranged substantially side by side and extend in opposite directions from the respective fixed points, such that bending of the first elastic element in a direction counter to a movement of the first electrical contact in one direction set to the movement of the second electrical element resulting from a bending of the second elastic member. Such a control device may be arranged to bring the movable electrical contacts into engagement with the respective first and second fixed electrical contacts. The fixed contacts may be provided inside the control device, but preferably, according to the first aspect of the invention, they are provided on the wireless base connector.

It is understood that in circuit arrangements having (at least) two contact pairs opened / closed in opposite directions by respective elastic elements, the control device or control assembly can be made potentially more compact by arranging the opposing motions to overlap in the same plane. This advantage can be improved in embodiments as described above when the free end of each elastic member to which the movable electrical contact is attached extends out of the plane of the control assembly. Preferably, the first and second elastic members are arranged side by side to bend and cause movement in opposite directions substantially in the plane of the control assembly, e.g. B. opposite lateral movements of the electrical contacts. Such a dual shoulder approach relative to the fixed contacts may minimize the vertical height of the control assembly, as the free ends of the resilient members carrying the movable contacts may both extend to the depth of the wireless base connector without interference between their movements overlap. Preferably, the elastic members are bent at an angle between their respective fixed points and free ends, which may be between 0 ° and 180 °, but preferably at 90 °, e.g. B. they are essentially J-shaped, L-shaped or T-shaped elements. A compact circuit arrangement can be used in particular for a device for heating liquid with a low-energy heater, for. B. 1.5 kW, and be suitable with a small footprint for receiving the control device.

While the elastic members are free to flex about their fixed points, it is preferred that they be constrained in their movements at another point between the fixed point and the free end to provide control over the movement of the electrical contact resulting from a bending of the elastic element according to a first aspect of the invention results. Any of the other features described above may be applied in the same manner according to the second aspect of the invention. Features and embodiments will now be described which utilize one of the previous aspects of the invention.

The movable electrical contact preferably comprises a material which is a good electrical conductor, e.g. B. copper. In one set of embodiments, the movable contact has a silver coating or tip. Silver is chosen because of its high electrical conductivity, which reduces the tendency for the contact surface to deteriorate by oxidation, but preferably it is only provided as a coating or at the tip, e.g. Where physical contact with the stationary contact is made to reduce the cost of contact with maximized effectiveness of the silver. It is similarly preferred that the contact surface of the fixed contact comprises silver. However, Applicant has found that the use of silver on only one side, e.g. On either the movable contact or the fixed contact, provides adequate effect when the opposite side is copper. This is because the plasma generated during arcing, with open contacts, causes the silver to melt on one contact, resulting in a deposited silver layer on the opposite contact.

In a set of embodiments where two movable contacts are provided, e.g. For example, to switch separate poles, it may only be one that has a silver coating or tip, preferably the one used to switch the (primary) phase pole. The control device may preferably be arranged such that, preferably in normal use, the electrical contact with the silver contact surface will first make or break the contact. This maximizes the benefit of a small amount of silver and allows other pairs of contacts to be unsilvered or less silvered.

In one set of embodiments, the circuitry includes an elastic member arranged to move the movable contact attached thereto away from its corresponding contact when the liquid heating apparatus reaches a predetermined temperature condition. When a plurality of electrical contacts (eg, phase and neutral) are provided, it is preferable to interrupt the phase pole of the electrical circuit of the power supply. It may be that the liquid in the device reaches a predetermined temperature, e.g. B. the boiling point, or that the electric heating element reaches a predetermined temperature, for. B. to indicate a boiling point or overheating. In a set of embodiments the control device has a temperature-sensitive actuator, for. B. a Bimetallaktuator which is arranged to act on the elastic element. The actuator can act directly or indirectly on the elastic element. The actuator may include a sidepoint sensor (eg, a vapor sensor) or an overheating sensor. The control device may further comprise means for transmitting the movement of the actuator to the elastic element, e.g. As a push rod or lever, which are acted upon by the actuator. A bimetallic snap actuator can be used to ensure a quick response at a desired temperature.

When a temperature sensitive actuator, such as a bimetallic snap actuator, acts on the resilient member to disconnect the contacts, the action of a lever can be utilized. For example, by arranging the actuator to act on the elastic member at a distance from the restricted movable point (or the fixed point when a restricted movable point is not necessarily provided according to the second aspect), the smaller than the distance to the movable contact, the movement of the actuator is reinforced by bending the elastic member. The lever may also be utilized to allow a relatively small force exerted by the actuator to be amplified to open the movable contact against the resilient biasing force so that a relatively high resilient biasing force can be used to provide a high contact pressure sure. This provides a safe control since a relatively small distance of travel of the movable contact of an actuator, such as a bimetal snap actuator, can be amplified to a greater distance of travel of the movable contact, thus ensuring that adequate separation from the fixed contacts is ensured is to meet safety standards.

In a preferred set of embodiments, a temperature sensitive actuator is attached to the controller such that when the controller is attached to a liquid heating device, the temperature sensitive actuator makes thermal contact with and sensitive to the temperature of the device Heating liquid is, wherein the temperature-sensitive actuator is arranged so as to act on the elastic member (directly or indirectly), such that the elastic member moves the movable contact away from the fixed contact when the device for heating a liquid reached predetermined temperature condition. The temperature-sensitive actuator is preferably a bimetallic snap-action actuator.

Preferably, the temperature-sensitive actuator is mounted on an outer side of the control device. The control device may include more than one actuator, e.g. B. one for detecting the boiling point and one for detecting overheating. In one set of embodiments, the controller includes a temperature sensitive actuator arranged to detect boiling of liquid in the liquid heating apparatus, e.g. A steam switch, which may comprise a bimetallic actuator arranged to act on the elastic member so as to separate the movable and fixed contacts. In another, mutually exclusive set of embodiments, the control device includes a temperature sensitive actuator arranged to detect overheating of the liquid heating device, e.g. A bimetallic actuator or a thermal fuse mounted on or in front of the electric heating element arranged to act on the elastic element (directly or indirectly) so as to separate the movable and fixed contacts. In embodiments where two different actuators act on the same elastic member, for example by acting on different arms of the elastic member as described above, one actuator may comprise a bimetallic actuator arranged to detect one liquid temperature while the other Actuator having a thermal fuse, which is arranged to detect an overheating condition. Multiple actuators can be used to provide additional levels of backup back-up protection.

In a set of embodiments where two movable circuits are provided, e.g. For example, for the phase and neutral poles, the control device preferably includes independent temperature-sensitive actuators arranged to act on each respective resilient element. Alternatively or additionally, the control device may at the same time have boiling point and overheating actuators which are arranged to act on the same elastic element. In one set of embodiments, the control device comprises at least two independent temperature-sensitive actuators for detecting overheating of the liquid heating device, which are arranged to act on the elastic elements associated with the respective phase and neutral poles, and a Actuator for detecting liquid boiling in the liquid heating apparatus is also arranged to act on the elastic member associated with the phase pole. The actuators can act directly on the respective elastic elements or by means with a Intermediate mechanism - z. B. a lever. For example, in one set of embodiments, the boiling point actuator is arranged to act on an on / off slider, which in turn acts on the elastic member that carries the contacts of the phase pole. This arrangement is advantageous because, in some embodiments, it allows for the "on" switching mechanism to disregard the effect of the boiling point actuator and therefore allows a user to reheat if desired.

As previously mentioned, in a set of embodiments where overheating actuators are provided to act simultaneously on the neutral and phase poles, the actuator associated with the phase pole (primary) is preferably arranged to be first in an overheating situation to act -. Because this only allows the phase contact to have a silver contact surface or a thicker silver layer on its contact surface. This can be achieved, for example, by placing the overheating actuator associated with the phase pole (secondary). In one set of embodiments, the overheating actuator associated with the neutral pole comprises a bimetallic actuator mounted on or adjacent a sheathed heating element. In one set of embodiments, the overheating actuator associated with the neutral pole includes a bimetallic actuator that is thermally more remote from the sheathed heating element, e.g. B. between the cold ends of the jacketed heating element. The controller may be mounted on a device for heating liquid with a jacketed electrical heating element under the base of a liquid heating chamber (eg, an underfloor heater).

In one set of embodiments, this neutral pole or second overheat actuator is arranged to be non-resettable when operated, e.g. For example, he permanently keeps the associated contacts open. This provides an additional level of security. A latch mechanism associated with the second actuator may be provided to hold the respective contacts open and / or to hold the actuator in an operative condition. However, Applicant has observed that even a remotely located second actuator may be operated after the phase pole or primary actuator (ie, the actuator mounted closer to the sheathed heater) has been operated because of the residual thermal energy wasted by the heated base is, for. B. via a diffuser plate - d. H. a thermal overshoot. To prevent this, in one set of embodiments, the controller in a liquid heating apparatus includes a heater or diffuser plate having means that split the direct thermal path from the sheathed heater to the second superheat actuator. The splitting means may comprise holes, gaps, slots, walls, partitions, etc. formed in the heater or diffuser plate, or additional thermal masses in thermal contact with the heater or diffuser plate.

However, Applicant has devised a further approach which addresses the thermal overshoot issue in the control device itself (i.e., without the need for special measures on the heating element, the diffuser plate, etc.). Thus, in one set of embodiments, the controller includes a primary overheating actuator for stopping the supply of energy to a heating element in the liquid heating apparatus by opening a first (primary) circuit in the case where the heating element overheats and a second overheating actuator for interrupting the supply of energy to the heating element by opening a second (secondary) circuit arrangement is provided in the event that the primary actuator fails in operation, wherein the primary actuator is arranged in normal use to operate before the second actuator in this case, the heating element overheats, and wherein the first and second circuit arrangements have a relationship such that when the second circuit arrangement independently opens before the first circuit arrangement engages with a latch, resuming one or both of prevents first and second circuitry to supply power to the heating element, but when the first circuit arrangement opens before the second circuit arrangement, the pawl is not engaged.

To further enhance the safety of the control device and apparatus, in one set of embodiments, the control assembly is arranged such that the circuitry can not be re-closed once the resilient member has been actuated by an overheating actuator before another predetermined temperature condition has been reached. Therefore, once overheating has been detected, the temperature sensitive actuator must be cooled to a certain temperature before operation of the device is again possible. This protects the device and / or the heating element from re-energizing too soon after overheating has been detected. Furthermore, it is not possible to override this safety function by a user attempting to re-energize the device. The device and / or the heating element must therefore be cooled to a safe temperature before repeated operation is possible.

In contrast, in one set of embodiments, the control device is arranged so that the circuitry can be manually closed again - e.g. B. with an "on" button - after the elastic element has been acted upon by the temperature-sensitive actuator, which detects a boiling or a desired temperature condition. This allows liquid to boil or reheat shortly after the boiling point (or other temperature condition) has been reached previously.

In one set of embodiments, the control device comprises a user-operated actuator arranged to move the movable contact away from the fixed contact against a biasing force of the elastic element, e.g. B. an "off" switch button to interrupt the electrical circuit. Preferably, the user-operated actuator acts on the elastic member carrying the movable contact associated with the (primary) phase pole of the electrical circuit, if provided. In one set of embodiments, the actuator acts directly on the elastic element. In one set of embodiments, the control device includes a latch mechanism arranged to hold the movable contact away from the fixed contact, i. H. when acted upon by the user-operated actuator. This may be necessary because the elastic element is likely to be monostable, i. that is, when the user-operated actuator is unloaded, the movable contact would be biased toward the fixed contact. In general, providing an elastic member which is monostable allows a simpler drive mechanism to be used for either the user-operated actuator or the temperature-sensitive actuator in combination with a latch mechanism as described above, since further movement is no longer necessary, e.g. As would be the case for a bistable or over centering mechanism. Another user-operated actuator, z. As an "on" button, can be provided to relieve the elastic element of the latch mechanism. In one set of embodiments, the "on" and "off" buttons have a connection mechanism, e.g. B. such that only one of them can be operated at any time. In one set of embodiments, only one "on" button is provided which allows the user to turn off the device in a different way - e.g. B. by momentarily lifting from its base. This reduces the number of components, increasing reliability.

In embodiments in which a wireless device is provided with the control device, the control device may include a mechanism arranged to act on the resilient member to move the movable contact away from the fixed contacts against a biasing force when the Device is placed on the wireless base. This prevents the device from being unfavorably re-energized when placed on the base after lifting, e.g. B. to pour heated liquid from the device. It also provides a mechanism whereby the device can be turned off without having a shutdown button. The elastic element carrying the movable elements may be locked in its bent configuration with the contact moved away from the fixed contact when acted on by the mechanism, or the mechanism itself may be activated by the action of arranging the device the wireless base to thereby keep the elastic member in a bent configuration with the movable contact separated from the fixed contact. In one set of embodiments, the mechanism comprises a physical blocking member arranged such that, when the movable contact is separated from the stationary contact, the blocking member automatically moves to a blocking position in which it prevents the elastic member from moving Bends under its own bias, so that the movable contact can make electrical contact with the fixed contact. The effect of placing the device on the wireless base can provide the force required to overcome the biasing force of the resilient member having the free end carrying the moveable contact moved by the blocking mechanism. In one set of embodiments, the controller includes a user-actuated actuator, e.g. As an "on" button, which is arranged to disengage the blocking mechanism. This acts to relieve the elastic member carrying the movable contact from its bent configuration in which it is kept open by the blocking mechanism, allowing restoration of contact with the fixed contact.

In embodiments of the invention, the control device or control assembly is preferably mounted in good thermal contact with a heater of the liquid heating device. The electrical circuit controlled by the circuitry supplies electrical power to the heater during operation. The circuit arrangement may cause the electrical energy to be separated from the heater in the case where a predetermined temperature condition is reached and / or in the event that the heater overheats.

In some embodiments of the invention, the controller or control assembly may include a connector for engaging the wireless base connector. However, this is not essential and the movable contact (s) can be brought into engagement with the fixed contact (s) provided on the base connector without other parts which physically engage.

The wireless base connector is preferably of the type that allows for establishing an electrical connection substantially independently of the relative angular orientation between it and the controller - d. H. a so-called 360 ° connection. However, in some embodiments, the base connector does not allow a full 360 ° relative to the orientation of the controller, but still allows for establishing an electrical connection substantially independent of this orientation, e.g. B. by a range of 345 ° or greater.

As mentioned above, the control device is particularly well-suited for use with wireless devices with a 360 ° -type connector, i. H. A device connector may be brought into engagement with a corresponding base connector provided by a power base unit independently, or substantially independently, of the relative angular orientation of the two parts. The wireless connection system may have two or three electrical connections (eg, phase, neutral, and optionally ground) to the base power connection. In particular, the device connector may be in the form of a connector plug having a central terminal (eg, ground) and outer spring terminals (eg, phase leading and neutral electrical contacts), while the base connector may be in the form of a connector socket with a central recess having a spring contact finger and may have concentrically arranged electrical contact rings.

If, as is preferred, the liquid heating device is of the so-called wireless type, it has a wireless base for connection to the main supply and a device for connection therewith, the control device of the invention may be provided in the wireless base, but in a set of preferred embodiments, the control device is mainly in the appropriate device -. B. electrically connected to an electric heating element. However, as noted above, the fixed contact of the circuitry may be provided in the wireless base connector while its other components are provided in the device portion. The electrical heating element is typically arranged in good thermal contact with the liquid to be heated in the device. The electric heating element may comprise a sheathed heating element, for. B. immersed or dipcoated or attached to the underside of a hot plate of the device for heating liquid, or a Dickfilmheizelement.

The present invention also extends to a wireless electrical device having a wireless liquid heating device with a control device or control assembly as described above, and to a power base having a base connector part configured to supply electrical power to the control device when the wireless Device for heating in engagement with the power base is.

Various embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG

1 Provides a partial perspective view of some of the operating parts of a control device and a wireless base connector according to a first embodiment, wherein 1a shows the control device in a non-actuated configuration and 1b shows the control device in an actuated configuration;

2 a plan view of the control device and the wireless base connector of 1a is;

3 provides a partial perspective view of some of the operating parts of a control device and a wireless BasisAnaschlusses according to a second embodiment, wherein 3a shows the control device in a non-actuated configuration and 3b shows the control device in an actuated configuration;

4 provides a schematic representation of the basic operation of a control device and a fixed contact according to a third embodiment, wherein 4a shows the control device in a non-actuated configuration and 4b shows the control device in an actuated configuration;

5a and 5b schematically show a fourth embodiment in which a movement of releasing, from a contact-bearing member, a resilient bias resulting from a stop associated with a stationary member; and

6a and 6b schematically show a fifth embodiment in which a movement of a contact-carrying element relieves a resilient bias resulting from a stop associated with a fixed member.

In the 1 and 2 are some of the components of a safety device or control device 2 engaged with a base connector 4 shown. The control device 2 may be mounted in a cordless device for heating liquid, such as a kettle or hot water jar (not shown). The basic connector 4 is a wireless 360 ° connector that engages the control device 2 regardless of its angular orientation allowed. The basic connector 4 may be provided with a performance base (not shown) for the wireless device. The basic connector 4 has two concentric electrical contact rings 6 . 8th which provide fixed electrical contacts. The contact rings 6 . 8th may be made of copper or a copper alloy and may be provided with an outer surface coating or metallization of silver or a silver alloy.

The basic connector 4 may take the form of a male connector part, such. B. in the WO 94/06185 shown have. The other components of the basic connector 4 such as an injection-molded plastic housing, shutter and coil spring, and spring fingers for ground contact in a central, hollow post are not shown. How clear from the 2 can be seen, the base connector points 4 a rotational symmetry in a plane transverse to the axial direction of the contact rings 6 . 8th which corresponds to the direction in which the parts of the control device 2 and the base connector 4 are engaged. Each of the contact rings 6 . 8th is electrically through a wire 7 . 9 connected to the main power supply (eg by a line not shown).

The control device 2 has a first elastic leaf spring element 10 on that an electrical contact 12 (eg, phase) at its free end, and has a second resilient leaf spring element 14 on that an electrical contact 16 (eg neutral) at its free end. The two leaf spring elements 10 . 14 are each L-shaped and fixed with one end to move in the plane of the control device 2 to extend before moving into respective arms 18 . 20 bend, which is parallel to the axial direction of the contact rings 6 . 8th extend and end at a free end that has a respective contact 12 . 16 wearing. The leaf springs 10 . 14 are electrically connected to a power circuit for the device for heating liquid through respective lines 11 . 15 connected, which are crimped at the fixed ends. Of course, the wires can 11 . 15 be soldered instead of crimped. If desired, instead of a lead, a fast-lug connector, a tab connector, or other clip-on connector can be attached directly to the free end. It can be seen from the top view of 2 be recognized that the leaf springs 10 . 14 extending side by side in opposite directions from their respective fixed ends.

The leaf springs 10 . 14 are not free cantilevered or bulging at their free ends, as each of them are trailers or hangers 22 which laterally extend to the vicinity of the bend that holds the arms 18 . 20 form and are attached to a surface (not shown) in the control device. Because the hangers 22 resting on a surface are the leaf springs 10 . 14 limited in terms of movement in the axial direction at this point. However, the leaf springs are 10 . 14 free, along the surface in the plane of the control device 2 to slide and arms 18 . 20 are free to pan. The position of the hanger 22 , which are supported on this surface, is arranged such that the arms 18 . 20 are resiliently biased to the electrical contacts 12 . 16 in engagement with the fixed electrical contacts 6 . 8th to bring when the lateral sections of the leaf springs 10 . 14 are not bent (as in 1a shown). The poor 18 . 20 are under bending stress, which tends to be the electrical contacts 12 . 16 against the fixed contact rings 6 . 8th to press to thereby provide a contact pressure.

The control device 2 also has an actuator in the form of a push rod 24 . 26 which is arranged to axially a respective leaf spring 10 . 14 between their free ends and the hangers 22 to act, which forms a restricted or restrictive point. When the push rod 24 . 26 axially to the base connector 4 is moved, is the leaf spring 10 . 14 bent, resulting in a pivoting movement of the arm 18 . 20 results in the electrical contact 12 . 16 contributes to the tension in the leaf spring 10 . 14 to solve and the contacts 12 . 16 away from the contact rings 6 . 8th in the base connector 4 to move. Every push rod 24 . 26 can be actuated by a temperature-sensitive actuator (not shown), such as a bimetallic actuator, which is placed in thermal contact with the liquid heating device.

The operation of the control device is indicated by the appended FIGS 1a and 1b understandable. If one of the push rods 24 . 26 axially to the base connector 4 moved, is the corresponding leaf spring 10 . 14 not free to move in a cantilevered manner, but bends in a manner caused by the restrictedly movable hangers 22 is controlled. The hangers 22 can along an associated support surface / associated support surfaces, while also pivoting the arms 18 . 20 provide the contacts 12 . 16 wear. The bending of the leaf springs 10 . 14 is therefore in a controlled lateral movement of each electrical contact 12 . 16 transformed. A bending of the leaf spring 10 . 14 and swinging the arms 18 . 20 releases the bending stresses and allows the poor 18 . 20 to align themselves as they move outward. Furthermore, it can be seen that the side by side arrangement of the two L-shaped leaf springs 10 . 14 with the lateral movement of the electrical contacts 12 . 16 within the amount of the basic connector 4 allows the vertical extent of the control device 2 to minimize.

The operation of one of the push rods 24 . 26 can in a bending of the corresponding leaf spring 10 . 14 result to his electrical contacts 12 . 16 out of contact with the associated contact ring 6 . 8th of the basic connector 6 . 8th bring to. In practice, one of the leaf springs 10 . 14 designed as a "primary" circuit arrangement with its associated push rod 24 . 26 that z. B. is operated by an overheating condition to be operated in front of the other. The primary circuitry is one which makes or breaks the electrical circuit for supplying electrical energy to the liquid heating apparatus, and the electrical contacts involved in this circuitry have at least one silver plated contact surface. Other electrical contacts in the controller and the base connector may be less silver plated or unversilvered.

The control device 2 may further include a central terminal pin (not shown) extending axially about a spring contact finger in a central cavity (not shown) of the base connector 4 to contact to provide a third electrical connection, for. As mass or earth, if desired.

In the 3a and 3b another embodiment is shown, which basically operates in the same way as described above. The same components are provided with the same reference numerals as before. In this control device 2 ' is every leaf spring 10 ' . 14 ' modified so that the hanger is replaced by another arm 18 . 10 are replaced, which extends laterally from the point at which the leaf spring 10 ' . 14 ' bends around her axially extending arm 18 . 20 to build. The leaf springs 10 ' . 14 ' are therefore T-shaped instead of L-shaped. The connection between the poor 18 . 20 . 28 . 30 rests on a surface (not shown) provided by the control device so as to be restricted against movement in the axial direction. As before, the limited movable point is supported by the leaf springs 10 ' . 14 ' such that the axially extending arms 18 . 20 with the contacts 12 . 16 are resiliently biased against the contact rings 6 . 8th are pressed.

The purpose of the laterally extending arms 28 . 30 is an additional means of bending the leaf springs 10 ' . 14 ' provide and the electrical contacts 12 . 16 relative to the contact rings 6 . 8th in the base connector 4 to move. Every leaf spring 10 ' . 14 ' Can be bent when away from a respective push rod 24 . 26 is applied as previously described. In addition, the other arms 28 . 30 from a spring 32 . 34 from one side with the spring 32 . 34 subjected to being in a compressed state by a thermal fuse 36 . 38 is held on the arms 28 . 30 from the opposite side acts. In normal use, the other arms 28 . 30 fixed at their end in an equilibrium between the thermal fuse 36 . 38 and the compressed spring 32 . 34 is maintained. The push rods 24 . 26 can work to the leaf springs 10 ' . 14 ' to bow and arms 18 . 20 to pivot the electrical contacts 12 . 16 as in the 1b wear shown way. Alternatively, instead, use the springs 32 . 34 on the leaf springs 10 ' . 14 ' Act.

The operation of the control device 2 ' in response to an overheating condition is determined by comparison of 3a and 3b understandable. If one of the thermal fuses 36 . 38 collapses, then comes the associated spring 32 . 34 free to relax and the lateral arm 28 . 30 the leaf spring 10 ' . 14 ' to push. Regardless of its associated push rod 24 . 26 then bends the leaf spring 10 ' . 14 ' with the contact-carrying arm 18 . 20 which pivots at the restricted connection to make the electrical contact 12 . 16 lateral away from the associated contact ring 6 . 8th of the basic connector 4 to move, as in 3b shown. A bending of the leaf springs 10 ' . 14 ' to the contacts 12 . 16 moving also releases the bending stresses in the arms 18 . 20 ,

In other embodiments, the leaf springs can not be bent into an L-shaped or T-shaped form. In the 4a and 4b is shown schematically as a substantially straight leaf spring 10 '' is fixed at one end and at its free end an electrical contact 12 is appropriate. The electrical contact 12 is in engagement with a fixed contact 8th' biased. Again, instead of cantilevered out, is the leaf spring 10 ' limited mobility due to a resting on a surface 30 between his fixed end and his free end. When the leaf spring 10 ' through a push rod 24 (or other actuator) is actuated, it bends, but the lateral movement of the electrical contact 12 gets through the forced-circulation surface 40 controlled. This basic principle can be applied to any of the embodiments described above.

Another feature that can be used in any of the embodiments described above is that of an independent "judgment" stop that is positioned relative to a fixed contact to urge the leaf spring (or other resilient member) such that it does is resiliently biased to bring their electrical contacts into engagement with the fixed electrical contacts. In the in the 5a and 5b shown embodiments is a leaf spring 10 '' in the same way as in relation to the 4a and 4b attached, except that now the free end of the leaf spring 10 '' the contact 12 bears that with a stop 42 interacts with a fixed position relative to the contact 8th' having. Same components are provided with the same reference numerals as above.

In the in the 5a The non-actuated configuration shown is supported by the stop 42 at the free end of the leaf spring 10 '' so that he has the contact 12 against the established contact 8th' presses with an elastic bias. This can ensure that a desired contact pressure is achieved. When the leaf spring 10 '' Bends, as in 5b her free end is moved away from the stop 42 and the elastic bias is released. In a further embodiment, by the 6a and 6b are illustrated, the stop points 42 another position relative to the fixed contact 8th' on, but is still arranged to the leaf spring 10 '' to charge when the contacts 8th' . 12 ' engage. The leaf spring 10 '' now has a hooked end to interact with the stop 42 ' to enable. As before, the stop causes 42 '' the leaf spring 10 '' , The contacts 8th' . 12 ' elastically engaged in the 6 vorzuspannen shown configuration, wherein the leaf spring 10 '' can relax when in the in 6b illustrated configuration is bent.

While the illustrated embodiments have been described using a leaf spring as the elastic member, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these members may take a different form, such as a plastic resilient member carrying an electrical lead or the like.

It is to be understood that various other features and components that may be found in a controller and wireless base connector have not been described with reference to the illustrated embodiments, but will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the push rods may be operated by a suitable thermally sensitive actuator, such as a bimetallic actuator or a thermal fuse. However, the push rods are only to be understood as examples and can be replaced by any other actuator mechanism. A thermally sensitive actuator may be arranged to act directly or indirectly on the leaf springs. Other features, such as a latch mechanism, a manual on / off switch, etc., may be incorporated into the controller as desired.

Claims (76)

Control assembly for a wireless liquid heating device, comprising a controller for attaching to the liquid heating device for controlling the supply of electrical energy therefor, a wireless base connector being formed, electric Supplying power to the controller when in engagement therewith, and circuitry for making or breaking an electrical circuit for supplying electrical power to the liquid heating apparatus, the circuitry providing a fixed electrical contact provided on the wireless base connector; and a movable electrical contact for engaging with the fixed electrical contact, wherein the movable electrical contact is attached to a free end of a resilient member which is fixed at a point t is, and is bendable, to cause movement of the electrical contact, wherein the elastic element is limited in its movement at another point between the fixed point and the free end to control the movement of the electrical contact, which consists of a Bending of the elastic element results. The control assembly of claim 1, wherein the circuitry comprises an actuator arranged to act on the elastic member at a different point remote from its restricted point. A control assembly according to claim 2, wherein the actuator acts on the elastic member at a point between its fixed point and its restricted movable point. A control assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the elastic member is arranged to provide a resilient bias which is the movable contact in engagement with the fixed contact urges. A control assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein bending of the resilient member results in movement of the movable contact away from the fixed electrical contact, thereby interrupting the electrical circuit. The control assembly of claim 5, further comprising a latch to hold the resilient member in a bent configuration to hold the circuitry open. The control assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein bending the resilient member causes movement of the movable electrical contact in a direction substantially out of the plane of the control assembly. A control assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein bending the elastic member causes movement of the movable electrical contact in a direction substantially in the plane of the control assembly. The control assembly of claim 8, wherein the movable electrical contact is attached to a free end of the resilient member that extends out of the plane of the control assembly. A control assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient member has a portion between the fixed point and the restricted movable point extending substantially laterally in the control assembly. A control assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient member comprises a first arm having the movable electrical contact attached to a free end and two further arms, the restricted movable point being formed at a junction between the three arms. The control assembly of claim 11, further comprising a first actuator, and wherein the two further arms include a second arm arranged to be urged by the first actuator to bend the electrical contact and move away from the stationary contact. The control assembly of claim 12, further comprising a second actuator, and wherein the two further arms include a third arm arranged to be urged by the second actuator to flex and move the electrical contact away from the stationary contact. The control assembly of claim 13, wherein the first and second actuators act on the respective second and third arms in opposite directions, resulting in movement of the first arm in the same direction. A control assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising rating means disposed relative to the fixed contact for urging the resilient member such that its free end is resiliently biased to engage the movable electrical contact with the stationary one to move electrical contact. The control assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device has a mechanism arranged to act on the resilient member to move the movable electrical contact away from the fixed electrical contact when the controller is in engagement with the wireless base connector , The control assembly of claim 16, wherein the mechanism comprises a physical blocking member arranged such that when the movable electrical contact is separated from the fixed electrical contact, the blocking member automatically moves to a blocking position in which it prevents the elastic Element is bent so that the movable electrical contact can not make electrical contact with the fixed electrical contact. The control assembly of claim 16 or 17, wherein the control assembly includes a user actuated actuator arranged to disengage the mechanism to relieve the resilient member carrying the moveable electrical contact. Control assembly according to one of the preceding claims, consisting of a single circuit arrangement for producing or interrupting the electrical circuit, which supplies electrical energy to the device for heating liquid. The control assembly of claim 19, wherein the movable electrical contact has a silver coating or tip. Control assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the circuit arrangement for producing or interrupting the electrical Circuit is a first circuit arrangement which is arranged to switch a phase pole of the electrical circuit. A control assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising second circuitry arranged to switch a neutral pole of the electrical circuit, the second circuitry comprising a second fixed electrical contact provided on the wireless base connector and a second movable electrical contact with the first engaging the second fixed electrical contact, wherein the second movable electrical contact is attached to a free end of the second resilient member that is stationary at a point and is bendable to effect movement of the movable electrical contact, wherein the second elastic member is limited in its movement at another point between the fixed point and the free end to control the movement resulting from bending the second elastic member. A control assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the circuitry comprises two resilient members, each having a movable electrical contact secured for engagement with a respective fixed electrical contact, the resilient members being disposed substantially side-by-side and in opposite directions Extend directions from their respective fixed points, such that bending of a resilient member results in a movement of its electrical contact in a direction opposite to the movement of the electrical contact, resulting from bending of the other elastic member. Control assembly for a wireless liquid heating device, comprising a controller for attaching to the liquid heating device for controlling the supply of electrical energy therefor, a wireless base connector being formed, electric Supplying power to the controller when in engagement therewith, and circuitry for making or breaking an electrical circuit for supplying electrical power to the liquid heating apparatus, the circuit having first and second fixed electrical contacts attached to the wireless base connector be provided and respective first and second movable electrical contacts for engaging with the fixed electrical contacts, wherein each of the first and second movable electrical contacts at a free end of the respec are attached to first and second elastic members which are bendable to cause movement of the electrical contacts, wherein the first and second elastic members are arranged substantially side by side and extending in opposite directions from respective fixed points, such that bending of the first elastic member results in movement of the first electrical contact in a direction opposite to movement of the second electrical contact resulting from bending of the second elastic member. The control assembly of claim 24, wherein the first and second elastic members are disposed side by side to flex and cause movement in opposite directions that are substantially in the plane of the control assembly. The control assembly of claim 23, 24 or 25, wherein the first and second movable electrical contacts are each attached to a free end of the respective first and second resilient members that extend out of the plane of the control assembly. A control assembly according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the first and second elastic members each have a portion between the fixed point and the restricted movable point extending substantially laterally into the control assembly. A control assembly according to claim 27, wherein the first and second elastic members are each constrained in their movements at another point between the fixed point and the free end. The control assembly of claim 27 or 28, further comprising an actuator arranged to act on at least one of the first and second elastic members at a different point away from its restrictedly movable point. The control assembly according to claim 29, wherein the actuator acts on the first and / or second elastic member at a point between its fixed point and its restricted movable point. A control assembly according to any one of claims 23 to 30, wherein each of the first and second elastic members is arranged to provide a resilient bias urging the movable electrical contacts into engagement with the respective fixed electrical contacts. A control assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the control device further comprises a temperature-sensitive actuator arranged to act on the elastic member. The control assembly of claim 32, wherein the temperature sensitive actuator makes thermal contact with and is sensitive to the temperature of the liquid heating device, such that the resilient element moves its movable electrical contact away from the fixed electrical contact when the device for heating liquid reaches a predetermined temperature condition. The control assembly of one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the control device comprises a user-actuated actuator arranged to move the movable electrical contact away from the fixed electrical contact. A control assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the elastic member comprises a leaf spring member. The control assembly according to any one of claims 23 to 31, wherein the control device further comprises independent first and second temperature-sensitive actuators arranged to act on the respective first and second elastic members. The control assembly of claim 36, wherein at least one of the first and second temperature-sensitive actuators makes thermal contact with and is sensitive to a temperature of the liquid heating device, such that the respective first and / or second elastic member has its movable electrical contact moved away from the respective fixed electrical contact when the device for heating liquid reaches a predetermined temperature condition. The control assembly of any of claims 23 to 31, wherein the control assembly includes a user actuated actuator arranged to move at least one of the first and second movable electrical contacts away from its respective fixed electrical contact. Control assembly according to one of claims 23 to 31, wherein the first and / or second elastic element comprises a leaf spring element. A control assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless base connector is of the type that allows for establishing an electrical connection independent of the relative angular orientation between the wireless base connector and the control device. A wireless device for heating liquid with a control assembly according to any one of the preceding claims. A wireless liquid heating apparatus according to claim 41 and including a heater, wherein the control assembly is mounted in good thermal contact with the heater. A wireless electrical device having a wireless liquid heating device according to claim 41 or 42, and a power base having a wireless base connector configured to supply electrical power to the control device when the wireless liquid heating device is in engagement with the power base. Control device for a wireless liquid heating device comprising circuitry for making or breaking an electrical circuit for supplying electrical energy to the liquid heating device, the circuit comprising a movable electrical contact connected to a free one End of an elastic member is fixed or fixed at one point, and is bendable to cause a movement of the electrical contact, wherein the elastic element in its movement at another point between the fixed point and the free end limited is to control the movement of the electrical contact resulting from a bending of the elastic member. The control device of claim 44, wherein the movable electrical contact is brought into engagement with a fixed electrical contact provided by a wireless base connector. A control device according to claim 44 or 45, wherein the circuit arrangement comprises an actuator arranged to act on the elastic element at another point remote from its restricted point. A control device according to claim 46, wherein the actuator acts on the elastic member at a point between its fixed point and its restricted movable point. A controller according to any one of claims 44 to 47, further comprising a latch to hold the resilient member in a bent configuration to hold the circuitry open. A control device according to any one of claims 44 to 48, wherein bending of the elastic member causes movement of the movable electrical contact in a direction substantially in the plane of the control device. The control device according to claim 49, wherein the movable electrical contact is attached to a free end of the elastic member extending out of the plane of the control device. A control device according to any one of claims 44 to 50, wherein the elastic member has a portion between the fixed point and the restricted movable point extending substantially laterally into the control device. A control device according to any one of claims 44 to 51, wherein the elastic member has a first arm in which the movable electrical contact is mounted at a free end and two further arms, the restricted movable point being formed at a joint between the three arms , The control device of claim 52, further comprising a first actuator, and wherein the two further arms comprise a second arm arranged to be urged by the first actuator so as to flex and move the electrical contact. The control device of claim 53, further comprising a second actuator, and wherein the two further arms comprise a third arm arranged to be urged by the second actuator so as to flex and move the electrical contact. The control device according to claim 54, wherein the first and second actuators act on the respective second and third arms in opposite directions, resulting in movement of the first arm in the same direction. A control device according to any one of claims 44 to 55, comprising a single circuit arrangement for making or breaking the electrical circuit which supplies electrical energy to the liquid heating device. The control device of claim 56, wherein the movable electrical contact has a silver coating or tip. A control device according to any one of claims 44 to 57, wherein the circuit arrangement for making or breaking the electric circuit is a first circuit arranged to switch a phase pole of the electric circuit. A control device according to any one of claims 44 to 58, comprising second circuitry arranged to switch a neutral pole of the electrical circuit, the second circuitry comprising a second fixed electrical contact provided on the wireless base connector and a second movable electrical connector Contact for engaging the second fixed electrical contact, wherein the second movable electrical contact is attached to a free end of the second elastic member, which is fixed and bendable at a point to cause movement of the movable electrical contact, wherein the second elastic member is restricted in its movement at another point between the fixed point and the free end to control the movement of the second electrical contact resulting from bending of the second elastic member. A control device according to any one of claims 44 to 55, wherein the circuit arrangement comprises two elastic elements, each having a movable electrical contact attached thereto, the elastic elements being arranged substantially side by side and extending in opposite directions from their respective fixed points. such that bending from a resilient member results in movement of its electrical contact in a direction opposite to the movement of the electrical contact resulting from bending of the other resilient member. A control device for mounting on a device for heating liquid, wherein the control device has a circuit arrangement for establishing and interrupting an electrical circuit for supplying energy to the device for heating liquid, the circuit arrangement having first and second movable electrical contacts, wherein each of the first and second movable electrical contacts are attached to a free end of the respective first and second elastic members that are bendable to effect movement of the electrical contacts, wherein the first and second elastic members are disposed substantially side by side and extending in opposite directions from respective fixed points, such that bending of the first elastic member into movement of the first electrical contact in a direction opposite to a movement of the second electr This contact results from the resulting in bending of the second elastic element. The control device of claim 61, wherein the movable electrical contacts are engaged with respective first and second fixed electrical contacts provided by a wireless base connector. A control device according to claim 60, 61 or 62, wherein the first and second elastic members are arranged side by side to bend and cause movement in opposite directions, which are substantially in the plane of the control device. A control device according to any one of claims 60 to 63, wherein the first and second movable electrical contacts are respectively attached to a free end of the respective elastic member extending out of the plane of the control assembly. A control device according to any of claims 60 to 64, wherein the first and second elastic members each have a portion between the fixed point and the restricted movable point extending substantially laterally into the control assembly. A control device according to claim 65, wherein the first and second elastic members are respectively restricted in their movements at another point between the fixed point and the free end. A control device according to claim 65 or 66, further comprising an actuator arranged to act on at least one of the first and second elastic members at a different point away from its restricted movable point. The control device according to claim 67, wherein the actuator acts on the elastic member at a point between its fixed point and its restricted movable point. A control device according to any one of claims 44 to 59, wherein the control device further comprises a temperature-sensitive actuator arranged to act on the elastic member. The control device of claim 69, wherein the temperature-sensitive actuator makes thermal contact with and is sensitive to a temperature of a liquid heating device, such that the circuitry interrupts the electrical circuit when the liquid heating device reaches a predetermined temperature condition , A control device according to any one of claims 44 to 59, wherein the control device comprises a user-actuated actuator arranged to move the elastic element. Control device according to one of claims 44 to 59, wherein the elastic element comprises a leaf spring element. A control device according to any one of claims 60 to 68, wherein the control device further comprises independent first and second temperature-sensitive actuators arranged to act on the respective first and second elastic members. The control device of claim 73, wherein at least one of the first and second temperature-sensitive actuators makes thermal contact with and is sensitive to the temperature of the liquid heating device such that the respective first and second elastic members move their movable electrical contacts. when the liquid heating device reaches a predetermined temperature condition. A control device according to any one of claims 60 to 68, wherein the control device comprises a user-actuated actuator arranged to move at least one of the first and second movable electrical contacts. Control device according to one of claims 60 to 68, wherein the first and / or second elastic element comprises a leaf spring element.

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