GB2510045A

GB2510045A - Electrical appliance cordless connector with alignment and drainage arrangements

Info

Publication number: GB2510045A
Application number: GB1320628.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon Mark Whiteley; Trevor Neill Orritt; Peter Hallam Wright; Paul Boundy
Original assignee: Otter Controls Ltd
Current assignee: Otter Controls Ltd
Priority date: 2012-12-24
Filing date: 2013-11-22
Publication date: 2014-07-23
Anticipated expiration: 2033-11-22
Also published as: GB201320628D0; GB2510045B

Abstract

A substantially 360Âº cordless electrical connector comprises a plug connector 3 and a corresponding socket connector 4, wherein the plug comprises at least one circumferentially extending electrical conductor 127 which is located within a main body of the socket 4 when the plug 3 is located in the socket 4. The socket 4 includes at least one annular wall 547which includes at least two separate radially distorted regions 890a,b,c suitable for centring and/or aligning the at least one circumferentially extending electrical conductor 127 with the socket main body. The radial distortion regions may be radially inward and/or outward on inner and/or outer annular walls of the socket 4. The distortion portions 890 may be a chord shape or any other suitable shape and may house a corresponding electrical conductor Alternatively, there is disclosed a cordless electrical connector comprising a plug connector 3 and a corresponding socket connector 4 wherein the socket connector 4 comprises drainage means for draining liquid towards a drainage aperture provided in a base and where the outlet of the drainage means is not in direct contact with the base or is freely suspended within the base.

Description

Controls for Heated Liquid Vessels and Electrical Appliances

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to controls for heated liquid vessels and electrical appliances and components therefor. Sonic aspects of the invention are directed to cordless electrical appliances.

Background of the Invention

[0002] There is a constant commercial pressure in the domestic appliance industry to lower the price or reduce the costs of components for small domestic appliances.

[0003] One factor is to reduce the cost of components used in these appliances. The present inventors understand that the issue is greater than just the cost of the materials or components and have realised that there is a need to reduce the impact or cost of domestic appliances through interrelated factors, including other commercial, logistical and the environmental aspects. hivariably. reducing the mass or volume of material used in an appliance will have a positive effect on the material price of the appliance. However, there are also other aspects, for example rework, shipping and packing whereby innovation can make great strides in reducing costs.

[0004] Another way to reduce the cost of an appliance to is to reduce the material costs of the controls and connector systems. Typically the appliances are required to be rated at above 2 kW at 240 volts and perform at very high temperatures. For example the plastics used in the control and connector components are advanced engineering type plastics with very specific properties to suit the very specific safety critical requirements. Typically the plastic costs in a prior art integrated 360° control and connector account for up to 60% of the material costs of the control, therefore any initiative to reduce these costs with have a substantial effect on the costs of the components. It is known that reducing the siLe/mass of the plastic components in. for example, a water heating appliance may have an impact on the way individual components cooperate with each other and it is the applicant's intention to alleviate any issues that may arise, for example drainage and/or docking of cordless connector assemblies.

Statements of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a substantially 360° cordless electrical connection system for connecting an appliance proper to a power base, the system comprising a plug connector and a corresponding socket connector, wherein the plug connector comprises at least one circumferential electrical conductor for electrical connection to a corresponding electrical conductor of the socket connector, such that at least one circumferentially extending electrical conductor of the plug connector is located against a main body of the socket connector, said main body having at least one annular wall, the or each said annular wall comprising at least two discrete substantially radial protrusions for centralising and/or aligning the at least one circumferentially extending electrical conductor.

[0006] Each of said discrete substantially radial protrusions may extend radially inwardly. Alternatively, each of said discrete substantially radial protrusions may extend radially outwardly.

[0007] The or each discrete substantially radial protrusion may extend substantially vertically. At least one of the discrete substantially radial protrusions may house at least one of the corresponding electrical conductors.

[0008] The or each corresponding electrical conductor may be positioned within an aperture of the socket connector. The or each discrete substantially radial protrusion may be locally positioned towards and/or in the proximity of the inlet of the aperture. The or each discrete substantially radial protrusion may not fully extend vertically [0009] The at least two discrete substantially radial protrusions may he provided on the inner diametcr or surface of the at least one annular wall for locating against the outer diameter or surface of the at least one circumferentially extending electrical conductor. Each protrusion may he defined by a line segment or chord across the inner diameter of the at least one annular wall.

[0010] The at least two discrete substantially radial protrusions may be provided on the outer diameter or surface of the at least one annular wall for locating against the inner diameter or surface of the at least one circumlerentially extending electrical conductor.

[0011] The plug connector may comprise at least two concentric electrical conductors for eleetriea connection to corresponding electrical conductors within inner and outer annular apertures in the socket. connector. Furthermore, the main body may comprise at least an outer annular wail and an inner annular wall and said at least two discrete substantially radial protrusions may he provided on either or both the outer annular wall and/or on the inner annular wall. Moreover, the inner annular wall may be disposed between the inner and outer annular apertures [0012] The at least two discrete substantially radial protrusions may provided on the outer annu'ar wall, whereby the at least two discrete substantially radial protrusions may protrude into the outer aperture for centralising and/or aligning against the outer diameter or surface of the outer circumferentially extending electrical conductor. The outer annular wall may he a circumferential wall of the socket connector.

[00131 The at least two discrete substantially radial protrusions may be provided on the inner annular wall, whereby the at least two discrete substantially radial protrusions may protrude into the inner aperture for centralising and/or aligning against, the outer diameter or surface of the inner circuniferentially extending electrical conductor.

[0014] The at. least two discrete substantially radial protrusions may be provided on the inner annular wall, whereby the at least two discrete substantially radial protrusions may protrude into the outer aperture for centralising and/or aligning against the inner diameter or surface of the outer circumferentially extending electrical conductor.

[00151 The plug connector may further comprise a substantially central electrical plug conductor for electrical connection to a corresponding electrical socket conductor within a substantially central aperture in the socket connector. The inner and outer circumferentially extending electrical conductors may he located outwardly of the substantially central electrical plug conductor each may be at a different radial distance from the substantially central electrical plug conductor.

[0016] The at kast two discrete substantially radial protrusions may be positioned substantially equidistantly apart.

[0017] Furthermore, the plug connector may comprises at least three discrete substantially radial protrusions and the at least one of the circumferentially extending electrical conductor may centralise and/or align against two of the at least three discrete substantially radial protrusions during docking whilst a clearance may be provided between the at least one of the circumferential electrically extending conductor and the third discrete substantially radial protrusion so as to prevent friction therehetween.

[0018] The inlet of the outer annular aperture may be provided with a chamfer to provide guidance for the outer circumferentially extending electrical conductor of the plug connector. The chamfer may be provided on the outer annular wall and having a shallow angle of tess than 21°, and preferably less than or equal to 10.5°.

[0019] The cordless electrical connection system may further comprise an additional one or more circumferential electrically extending conductor for transmitting clcctncal signals between the appliance proper and the power base.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a substantially 360° cordless electrical connection system for connecting an appliance proper to a power base, the system comprising a plug connector and a colTesponding socket connector, wherein at least one of the plug connector or socket connector comprises at least one circumferentially extending conductor for electrical connection to a corresponding electrical conductor of the socket connector or plug connector such that the at least one circumferentially extending conductor is located against a main body of the socket connector or plug connector, said main body having at least one annular wall comprising at least two discrete substantially radial protrusions for centralising and/or aligning the at least one circumferentially extending conductor.

[0021] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a substantially 360° cordless electrical connection system for connecting an appliance proper to a power base, the system comprising a plug connector and a corresponding socket connector, the socket connector comprises a main body having at least one aperture for receiving at least one corresponding dectrical conductor of the plug connector, and the at least one aperture is provided with drainage means for draining liquids away therefrom and towards a drainage aperture provided in the power base, wherein at kast the outlet of the drainage means is not in direct contact with any part or portion of the power base.

[0022] The main body of the socket connector may further comprise an annular lip, in which an annubr well may he formed for safely collecting any liquid between the top surface of the power base and the socket connector and said annular well may be provided with drainage means for draining liquids away therefrom and towards a drainage aperture provided in the power base, wherein at kast the outlet of the drainage means may not he direct contact with any part or portion of the power base.

[0023] At least the outlet of the or each drainage means may be suspended freely within the power base.

[0024] The main body of the socket connector may comprise at least two apertures for receiving corresponding electrical conductors of the plug connector, and each aperture may he provided with drainage means for draining Uquids away from the respective apertures.

The main body of the socket connector may comprise at least three apertures for receiving corresponding electrical conductors of the plug connector, and at least two apertures may share a common drainage means.

[0025] The draining means of the or each aperture and annular well may form a combined drainage channel. Alternatively, the drainage means may comprise separate drainage channels.

[00261 The power base may further comprise a lower power base portion including means for receiving the socket connector. The socket connector may further comprise locating means for mutually engaging with corresponding locating means provided on the lower power base portion for aligning the drainage means with the drainage aperture provided in the power base.

[0027] The lower power base portion may comprise an annular skirt that may function as a dam and/or barrier to contain any excess liquid and divert this liquid towards thc drainage aperture. Furthermore, a central portion of the lower power base may be angled and/or tapered towards the drainage aperture, so that water may be easily drained away.

[0028] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention. there is provided a substantially 360° cordless electrical connection system for connecting an appliance proper to a power base, the system comprising a plug connector and a corresponding socket connector, the socket connector comprises a main body having at least one aperture for receiving at least one corresponding electrical conductor of the plug connector, and the at least one aperture is provided with drainage means for draining liquids away therefrom and towards a drainage aperture provided in the power base, wherein at least the outlet of the drainage means is suspended freely within the power base.

[0029] At least one of the plug and socket connectors of the cordless electrical connection system may be a waterproof connector. The at least one of the plug and socket connectors may be made waterproof by sealing one or more cavities containing electrical connections to said electrical conductors.

[0030] The plug connector of the cordless electrical connection system may further comprise a thermal control for said appliance proper.

[00311 According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is an appliance comprising Ihe cordless electrical connection system. The apphance may he a kettle, heated vacuum flask, pot, blender, iron, wasserkocher, coffee or espresso maker, juicer, smoothie maker, food processor, soup maker, sauce maker, steamer, tea maker, chocolate fountain, fondue, slow cooker, vacuum pot, milk frother. water coolers water dispenser. pan, vending machine, and/or hot water on demand appliance.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032] There now follows, by way of example only, a detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the Figures identified below. a

Figure 1 is a schematic cross-section of a cordless liquid heating appliance in an embodiment of the invention.

Figure S3mka is an isometric view of an integrated control 520 including a cordless plug connector, from below, for use with a cordless socket connector according to m embodiment of the present invention.

Figure S3mkb is an isometric view of a cordless socket connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, from above.

Figure 53mkc is a detailed isometric view of the cordless socket connector of Figure 3mkb.

Figure S3mkd is a schematic plan view of the cordless socket connector of Figure S3mkc.

Figure S3rnke is an enlarged schematic plan view of a prior art socket connector, illustrating the width of a gap Ga, which is consistent over the diameter of die prior art socket connector.

Figure S3mkf is an enlarged schematic plan view of the socket connector of Figures 53mkb to 53mkd, illustrating the width of the same gap Ga, which is only required in the area of the protrusion Figures S3mkg to S3mkj are schematic section views of the cordless plug connector and cordless socket connector of Figures S3mka and S3mkb according to the embodiment of the present invention before, during and after docking.

Figure S3nikk is a schematic plan view of the docking of the plug connector with the socket connector of Figures S3mkh to S3mkd and S3mkf to S3mkj according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figures S3rnkl to S3rnkn are schematic plan views of further embodiments of the socket connector.

Figure S3qezzl is a exploded isometric view of the cordless socket connector according to an embodiment of the present invention and a thwer power base.

Figure S3qczzm is an isometric sectional view through the assembled cordless connector and the lower power base of Figure S3qczzl with a base cover moulding.

Figure S3qczzn is a schematic sectional view through the assembled cordless connector and the lower power base of Figure S3qczzl with the base cover moulding.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0033] The following description discloses innovations that individually, or in combination, will impact upon very specific appliance designs and may also find use in alternative domestic and commercial appliances.

[00341 The embodiments are presented in separate sections of this document and each of these sections will indude a brief introduction to the specific problem.

[0035] At least some of the embodiments are improvements to the applicant's previously applied for and/or concurrent patent applications, in which case, an appropriate patent number may be provided to reference specific cases. The relevant features of the referenced patent applications are thereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0036] To avoid duplication of the background, the description refers to lowering prices, reducing material costs and reducing size etc. but in doing so is taking into consideration each of the above aspects that may be relevant to the specific disclosure.

[0037] Within the statement of invention, description and claims, the invention may he described as reduced size' which covers the potential to reduce, for example, material usage in cotnparison to prior art design and/or assembly methods. The term reduced size' is not intended to he limiting.

[0038] Within the statement of invention, description and claims, unless otherwise stated.

the upward and downward directions refer to the orientation of a vessel when placed upright on a horizontal surface. Axial refers to the principal, normally substantially vertical axis of the vessel. Radial refers to a direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction, but does not necessarily imply that the vessel is circular cylindrical.

[0039] Within the statement of invention, description and claims, unless otherwise stated, any female connector or connecting part that includes the live electrical parts will be hereon referred to in the description as the socket and any male connector or connecting part that plugs into the socket will he hereon referred to as the plug.

[0040] Th the following description, functionally similar parts carry the same reference numerals between different embodiments. The drawings are intended to be schematic, and dimensions and an&es may not he determined accurately from them unless otherwise stated.

[0041] The following description discloses a combination of measures that will advantageously impact on costs and price in all their aspects.

[0042] At least some embodiments may rely on, or refer to, or relate to, the features of Figure 1 by reference to the reference numerals in Figure 1.

[00431 Within of the statement of invention, description and claims, unless otherwise stated, the terms apparatus, system, means, arrangements, mechanisms and device are intended to have equivalent meanings.

[00441 Within the statement of invention, description and claims, unless otherwise stated, the electrical power supply lead into the base 2 or appliance 1 may be descnbed by the term cord 13 and the term cable 336. It is intended that each term has a similar or cquivalcnt meaning.

[0045] Within the statement of invention, description awl claims, unless otherwise stated, the terms liquid and water are intended to have equivalent meaning.

[0046] Within the statement ol invention, description and claims, unless otherwise stated, the terms kettle, appliance, appliance proper, vessel and reservoir may have equivalent meaning.

[0047] Within the statement ol invention, description and claims, unless otherwise stated, the terms appliance awl appliance proper refer to the device awl/or the appliance per se, for example, a kettle, milk frother, blender and/or mixer etc. that is rernovalie and/or detachable from its power base. Where the appliance is cordless and a portion of the appliance may he separable from the power base for example during lilling and/or pouring.

then the appliance proper refers to the portion that is separable from the power hase.

[00481 Within the statement of invention, description and claims, unless otherwise stated, the terms waterproof, wash proof, washable and immersable in water are intended have equivalent meaning. Furthermore, the term water is not limiting and may encompass other liquid types and/or aerated liquids, br example, loam or suds.

[0049] Within the statement of invention, description and claims, unless otherwise stated, the term waterproof cordless connector and/or waterproof component mean that the cordless connector and/or component in its own right has waterprool properties, i.e. preventing or inhibiting the ingress or passing of water through the cordless connector and/or component.

[0050] Within the statement of invention, description and claims, unless otherwise stated, the terms part and portion are intended to have equivalent meaning.

[0051] Within the statement of invention, description and claims, unless otherwise stated, when describing electrical connections the terms discrete contact, contact portion and contact area arc intended to have equivalent meaning.

[0052] Within of the statement of invention, description and claims, unless otherwise stated, the safety kettle, appliance and vessel may function as a reservoir without the need for a separate reservoir, such as a filtering or dispensing reservoir.

[00531 Within the statement of invention, description and claims, unless otherwise stated, the terms steam chamber and steam valve assembly may have equivalent meaning. The steam chamber and steam valve assembly may form a part of the vessel, for example, on the lid, reservoir, steam tube or handle etc. Alternatively, the steam chamber and/or steam valve assembly may be secured or removably mounted to a part of the vessel, for example. on the lid, reservoir, steam tube or handle etc. [00541 Within tile statement of invention, description and claims, unless otherwise stated.

when describing one part of a heating element the terms heat transfer plate and heat diffuser plate are intended to have equivalent meaning.

[0055] Within the statement of invention, description and claims, unless otherwise stated, when describing one part of a vessel body the terms opening and aperture are intended to have equivalent meaning.

[0056] Within the statement of invention, description and claims, unless otherwise stated, when describing the trip lever and/or control the terms over centre and bistable are intended to have equivalent meaning.

[00571 Figure 1 illustrates schematically a jug kettle with a mechanical actuator, as an example of a hquid heating apphance to which embodiments of the invention may he applied. In this exampk, the kctfle is a cordless kettle comprising a vessel body I and a power base 2 having respective body and base cordless connectors 3 and 4. such as 3600 cordless connectors of the type described in the applicant's own patent publication W094/06285 andlor as sold by Otter Controls Ltd under, for example, the CS4/CS7 Series (power base socket) and the Al, CP7 or CPS (appliance p'ug) references. The power base 2 is connectable by a power cord 13 to an electrical power outlet (not shown). Each of the vessel 1 and/or base 2 and/or cordless connector 3 and/or cordless connector 4 may be provided with emitters and/or detectors 31, annular seals 21 which may he optically transmissive and/or annular optically transmissive rings 41.

[0058] The jug kettle may include an cleetro mechanical control 60, for example the applicant's own Al series integrated 360° control, or an electronic control 15. The electro mechanica' control 60 may include an integral steam switch 73 or alternatively a discrete steam switch 73a may he provided, within, for example, the handle 9. The appliance may he provided with a switch actuator 305 or 305a which interacts with the control 60, for example through a known over-centre trip lever mechanism (not shown in Figure 1), to toggle between operating states of the appliance. Alternatively an electronic control 15 may employ an alternative user interface 11. Either or both of the electronic control 15 andlor user interface 11 may be situated in one or both of the vessel 1 and/or base 2.

[0059] The vessel body I comprises a reservoir 5 for containing liquid to he heated, lid 8, spout 7, handle 9 and a base section or compartment 6 having a sub-base portion 19, which forms the bottom surface of the vessel body 1. The spout 7 may provide primary venting and/or pressure equalisation. The spout 7 may further include a spout filter 740 having a screen mesh 659. The vessel body 1 may be further provided with a baffle 730 located behind the spout 7. as described in the applicant's own patent publication GB-A-2484571.

for reducing or inhibiting water from being ejected or spitting out of the spout during the heating process.

[0060] The connector 3 may be a waterproof or washproof connector 3 sealed into the appliance 1 directly and/or indirectly via the sub base 19 with seals 21, and may provide a sealed area and/or waterprool compartment 6 within the apphance I in which electrical components, for example heating elements, mechanical or electronic controls, NTC, stirrer.

mixer. blender, sensor. RCD, motor. chargeable or non-chargeable power supply, lift-off switch-off mechanism, wiring harnesses etc., may be housed, thus allowing the appliance to be wasbed in a dishwasber or cleaned by immersion in water, as described in the applicant's own patent publication WO-AI-2008/0l2506. In that ease, the waterproof compartment 6.

including internal components, may not require to be additionally filled and/or partially filled with a sealant or filler material to enable the appliance to become waterproof or washable.

[0061] The lid 8 may he operable to open and dose with a user actuator and may he secured to the vessel with a hinge, latch or other means. The lid 8 may be securably sealed to the vessel so that the lid remains in place and does not leak liquid in the case that the appliance is tipped over.

[0062] The vessel 1 may further include a spill inhibiting means for example 149, 640 in the area of the spout 7 and/or steam inlet, as described for example, in the applicant's own patent publication WO-A2-2011/101642 to reduce or eliminate spillage if the appliance is accidentally tipped or knocked over.

[0063] A steam tube 70 and steam cap 101 may he provided. The steam tube communicates from the area above the water level 225 to the steam switch 73 or 73a. The steam tube may be formed, for example as part of the handle 9 or reservoir wall 5 or as illustrated as a separate tube. In the case that the steam tube passes through the element then a suitable seal 584 and additional steam guide 599 may he provided. The vessel body I may be any shape and may be formed, for example, from plastic, metal, glass or ceramic. The vessel body may comprise a single wall as illustrated or alternatively a twin wall so that, for example, the vessd may he better insulated against heat loss or to render the wall cool to the touch.

[00641 Liquid is heated by an element plate 12 which may form the base of the reservoir 5. The reservoir S of the appliance 1 may be provided with water level markings and/or other features that indicate the state of the appliance 1. The element plate 12 includes a heating means and is connected to receive electrical power via the connector 3. The heating means may comprise a sheathed element 39 as illustrated or may comprise a thick film element, induction dement and/or diecast element arrangement. There may he provided a heat transfer means 410 and the plate 12 may be composed of stainless steel and/or other suitable substrate. As illustrated the element plate 12 may be sealed into the vessel body 1 using the Easilix (RTM) sealing arrangement as described in WO-A-99/l7645 or alternative sealing means may be employed, for example gluing. welding or clamping. The element plate 12 may be supported in the vessel I by a removable annular support 401. The element sealing system may also include an intermediate flange 438 between the element plate 12 and the vessel 1.

[0065] Each of the above and subsequent mentioned components may he supplied as discrete and/or separate integers to be fixed into the appliance 1 as part of the assembly procedure.

[00661 At least some embodiments of the present invention are applicaffle to liquid heating vessels having a heating element immersed in the water, rather than an element on the underside of the vessel.

[00671 At least some embodiments of the present invention are applicable to liquid heating vessds connectable directly by a power cord rather than a cordless connector.

[0068] At least some of the embodiments in the invention are applicable to kettles or heated vacuum flasks and pots, blenders, irons. wasserkochers, coffee and espresso makers.

juicers, smoothie makers, food processors, soup makers, sauce makers, steamers, tea makers, chocolate fountains, fondues, slow cookers, vacuum pots, milk frothers, water coolers, water dispensers, pans, vending machine, and/or hot water on demand apphanees. It will be appreciated that the above list is not exhaustive.

[0069] At least some of the embodiments in the invention are applicable to non-electrical appliances for containing hot liquid, such as pans and microwavahle containers.

[00701 At least some of the embodiments of the invention are applicable to outdoor applications or areas of extreme dampness.

[0071] The following embodiment may include features as described or disclosed with reference to the applicant's patent publications WO-A1-2013/093526A1 and WO-Al- 2012/085602. Unless otherwise stated, it is not intended to further describe those features.

[0072] The principles of the present disclosure have been illustrated in terms of the applicant's AS series of integrated controls and CS8 series of cordless socket connectors but are equally applicable to other controls and or socket connector types.

[0073] Figure S3mka illustrates an isometric view, from below, of the applicant's integrated control 520 inc'uding a confless plug connector 3, which also may indude at least a chassis assembly 675 for mounting and/or securing the integrated control 520 to a heating element plate (not shown), at least one wire conductor 512 for supply power to the heating element and a main moulding 535 br housing at east a centra' live pin 530, a neutral ring 534N and an earth ring 127. The main moulding 535 may include an inner wall 556 for cooperating with, for example, at least a eircumferentia wall 547 of the socket connector 4.

Alternatively, an inner wall of the sub base (not shown) may be used for cooperating with, for example, at least the circum1erentia wall 547 ol the socket connector 4.

[0074] Figure S3mlch illustrates an isometric view of a cordless socket connector 4, from above according to an embodiment of the present invention, which may include at least a main moulding 536 having at least a central aperture 564, an inner and outer annular apertures 541, 542, an annular lip 853 for forming an annular drainage channel 852, a wall 567 to form a coflection drainage port and at least one shroud 560 on the underside to provide electrical insulation and/or water shedding for the electrical connection means, for example, tab terminals. The socket connector 4 will also include cooperating contacts 544L, 544N, 544E which may he supported by fixed and/or resilient spring conductors, for example, as described in WO-A1-2013/093526A1 and WO-Al-2012/085602.

Improved Docking in 360° Cordless Connectors [0075] The following description discloses embodiments of a cordless socket connector that provide improvement(s) to docking means over the prior art.

[0076] Typically, in the prior art, the initial centralisation stage in the docking procedure may he provided by a central pin 530 of the p'ug connector 3 and a cooperating central aperture 564 in the socket connector 4 and/or between a circumferential conductor of the plug connector 3 and a cooperating wall of the socket connector 4.

[00771 The docking procedure is made more complex and tolerances more critical when the size of the mating components are reduced for example: a. the relative positioning between the mating plastic mouMings; and/or b. the relative positioning and required contact forces between the cooperating electrical conductors during docking and during use.

[0078] The docking of mating cordless connector pairs 3. 4 may be improved by the provision of a plurality of discrete substantially radial protrusions 890, 891 on at least one of the walls 546, 547 of the cordless socket 4 so as to centralise, provide location means, and/or align the corresponding plug connector 3 during docking. The plurality of discrete substantially radial protrusions 890 may extend substantially vertically.

[0079] Advantageously, the plurality of specific discrete protrusions 890. 891 may be provided within the envelope of the socket connector 4 so that the overall size of the socket connector 4 may not increase, and in further embodiments the socket connector 4 may decrease in size. Furthermore, at least one of the discrete portions 890. 891, may house at least one cooperating deetrical contact 544 (not shown), which again may decrease the overall diameter of the socket connector 4.

[0980] The principles of the present disclosure have been Ulustrated in terms ol the proprietor's A8 series of integrated controls and CS8 series of cordless sockets hut are equally applicable to other controls and/or connector types.

[0081] Figures S3mkc and S3mkd illustrate detailed isometric and plan views respectively of the first embodiment of the cordless socket connector 4. For clarity and illustrative purposes, non-essential components are removed from the ligures. Furthermore.

the socket connector 4 may comprise each of the previously and subsequently described contacts 544L. 544N, 544E which may be supported on resilient spring conductors (not shown); however, again for clarity, only 544E is illustrated.

[0082] The socket connector 4 further comprises a main moulding 536 in which two annular apertures 541 and 542 and a central aperture 564 are formed by the walls 546, 547 and 868 and may include shrouds 560 on the underside to provide electrical insulation and/or water shedding for the electrical connection means, for example. tab terminals (not shown).

[0083] A wall 567 may be provided in the main moulding 536 to form a collective drainage port. for the annular apertures 541 and 542, for draining water safely away from the socket connector 4.

[00841 As illustrated, the socket connector 4 may also further comprise at least first.

second and third protrusions 890a, 890b, 890c respectively that protrude from the wall 547 and into the outer annular aperture 542. When viewed from above, the protrusions 890a, 890b. 890c as illustrated are defined by a line segment chord) 893 across the inner diameter of the circumferential wall 547 and they may be positioned equidistantly apart to improve centralisation, alignment and location means during docking. which will be described in more detail below.

[0085] It is known in the prior art that a vertical conductor may be provided between the parallel circumferential walls 547a, 547b and a gap Ga is required therebetween to accommodate the required minimum lateral movement ol the vertical contact 544E, so that the contact 544E may be able to move freely during docking and undocking, yet still provides a consistent and sufficient contact pressure against the cooperating annular conductor 127 (not shown).

[0086] hi the prior art, the provision for the width of the gap Ga between the walls 547a and 547h is consistent over the diameter of the socket connector 4 as illustrated in Figure S3mke, and the overall diameter of the prior art socket connector 4 reflects the dimension of the gap Ga.

[0087] As illustrated in Figure S3mkf. at least one contact 544 may he positioned within the area of a protrusion 890, and this protrusion 890 may partially accommodate the lateral movement of the contact 544E during docking. In which case, the gap Ga is only required in this one area of the socket connector 4: the corresponding gap Gb between the walls547a and 547h is narrower than gap Ga and the overall diameter ol the socket connector 4 is reduced accordingly.

[00881 Furthermore the straight line segment 893 may provide an improved retention means for cooperating with the back stop 598 of the contact 544E when ihe plug connector 3 is removed from the socket connector 4. The back stop 598 may be provided on at least one side of the contact 544E as illustrated or may also he provided above and/or hdow the contact 544E [0089] Figures S3mkg to 53nikj illustrate schematic section views of the cordless plug connector 3 and cordless socket connector 4 of Figures S3mka and 53nikh according to the embodiment of the present invention before, during and after docking. The protrusions 890a, 890b. 890c are schematically illustrated in the section view, and will be described in more detafl below. For clarity and illustrative purposes, only the contact 544E is shown in Figure S3mkg.

[00901 An initial alignment, centralisation and/or docking between the connector pairs 3 and 4 may be provided by other means, for example the inner wall 556 of the plug connector3 or by the inner wall of the sub base (not shown), for cooperating with at least the circumferential wall 547 of the socket connector 4. however, this is not limiting on the invention.

[0091] It is known in the prior art that the central pin 530 is vulnerable to distortion and/or bending over its life and it is preferred, but not limiting, that the live conductor 530 does not contact the periphery of the aperture 564 during the docking.

[0092] It is also prefened, but not limiting, that the overall height of the socket connector 4 including the circumferential wall 547 is kept as low as possible for both aesthetic and cost purposes.

[00931 It is also prefened, but not limiting that the top surface of the wall 547 includes a chamfer to bias the p'ug connector 3 towards (he centre of the socket connector 4 as detailed in Figure S3mkg. lii order to minimise the overall height the wall 547, it is prefened the angle of chamfer is shallow, for example, less than 21°. Preferably the angle is less than or equal to 10.50.

[0094] Figure S3mkh illustrates the p'ug connector 3 and socket connector 4 during the initial engagement at which time the conductor 127 may abut at least onc portion of the top surfacc of the circumferential wall 547, which, as previously described, may be chamfered towards the centre of the socket connector 4. This chamfer may bias the central Axis A of the plug connector 3 towards central Axis B of the socket connector 4, thus improving location means, alignment and/or centralisation between the plug connector 3 and the socket connector 4 during the initial engagement.

[00951 Figure S3mki illustrates the plug connector 3 and socket connector 4 during the second stage engagement, wherein the conductor 127 makes contact with at east one protrusion 890 thus centralising the plug connector 3 so that docking continues without the live conductor 530 making contact with the inlet 562 of the wall 868.

[0096] Figure S3mkj illustrates the plug connector 3 and socket connector 4 during the final stage of engagement. As illustrated, the plug connector 3 travels downward and each or all of the protrusions 890a, 890h and 890c may further ccntralisc the earth conductor 127 and prevent the central live conductor 530 from contacting the aperture 564.

[0097] Advantageously, the fixture and annular arrangement of the circumferential conductor 127 maybe more robust than a centrally secured pin and is better at absorbing the forces and stresses of the initial docking.

[00981 As illustrated in Figures S3mkg to 53m1cj. the plurality of discrete substantially radial protrusions 890 may extend substantially vertically. In alternative embodiments (not shown), it can be envisaged that at least one of the protrusions 890 may be locally positioned towards and/or in the proximity of the inlet of the aperture 542 and may not need to fully extend vertically, whilst providing the improved location means, alignment and/or centralisation between the plug connector 3 and the socket connector 4 during the initial engagement.

[0099] Figure S3mkk illustrates a schematic plan view of the docking of the plug connector 3 with the socket connector 4 according to the present invention in which the protrusions 890 mate tangentially with (lie outer diameter and/or outer surface ol (lie earth conductor 127. It is envisaged that conductor 127 will eentralise sufficiently against at least two of the three protrusions 890 for successful docking, whilst a clearance is provided between (lie conductor 1 27 and at least the third protrusion so as to prevent friction therebetween.

[00100] Advantageously in areas where there are no protrusions 890, a larger gap is provided between the outer diameter of the conductor 127 and the inner diameter of the circumferential wall 547 and so this gap may help to accommodate the manulacturing tolerances and/or any distortion of the either or both the main moulding 536 and/or conductor 127.

[00101] Figures 53mM to S3rnkn illustrate schematic plan views of further embodiments of the socket connector 4a, 4h. 4e.

[00102] Figure S3mkl illustrates a socket 4a comprising a plurality of outwardly lacing protrusions 891a, 891b, 891c. The protrusions 891a, 891b, 891e may be provided on the outer diameter of the inner wall 546 and protrude into the outer annular aperture 542 for mating with the inner diameter and/or surface of the earth conductor 127.

[00103] Advantageously at least one contact 544N may be housed within at last one of the protrusions 891 so that that the overall diameter of the socket 4 may he reduced as previously described.

[00104] Figure S3mkm illustrates a further embodiment in which a plurality of inwardly facing protrusions 892a, 892b, 892c may he provided on the inner wall 546 of the socket connector 4b and protruding into the inner annular aperture 541 for mating with the outer diameter and/or outer surface of the neutral contact 534N. As previously described, at least one contact 544N may he housed within at last one of the protrusions 891 so that that the overall diameter of the socket 4 may he reduced.

[001051 hi a further embodiment as illustrated in Figure S3rnkn, the protrusions 890a.

890b and 890c may be provided on the outer wall 547 of the socket connector 4c for mating with the inner surface 556 of the plug connector 3 in the appliance 1. Alternatively, the protrusions 890 may be provided on the inner surface 556 of the plug connector 3 for mating with the outer wall 547 of the socket connector 4.

[00106] The shape and form of the protrusions 890, 891, 892 are not limiting to the scope of the invention, and they may be round, ovoid, areuate. rectangular or any suitable shape.

[00107] hi further embodiments, the socket connector 4 may be provided with additional protrusions 890 without departing from the scope of the invention.

[00108] The angles, datum and width of the chamfers of the inlet 542 maybe modified to suit the particular geometry of the mating parts without departing from the scope of the invention.

[00109] In alternative embodiments, the function or polarity of the individual conductors, for example, the central pin 530 and/or the rings 534N, 127 may be reversed or changed. lii further embodiments, additional conductors may he provided, for example. for transmitting electrical signals between the cordless base 2 and the appliance proper 1. Alternatively, at least the central pin 530 and/or the rings 127, 534N may also provide means for conducting electrical signals.

Improved Water Shedding in 360° Cordless Connectors [00110] The following description discloses embodiments of cordless socket connectors that provide improvement(s) to drainage means over the prior art.

[001111 hi prior art 360° connectors (not shown), for example the applicant's CS4 series, it is known to provide a full height moulded skirt as part of base 2 so thai the moulded skirt acts to provide the initial engagement between the base 2 and the plug 3. This skirt may alleviate the water ingress issues between the socket 4 and the base 2, however there may he interface and tolerance issues between the skirt moulded by the appliance manufacture as part of the base 2 and the plug 3 and socket 4 supplied by the component manufacturer.

[00112] It is also known to provide cordless bases without a skirt and care must he taken to accommodate any liquid that may be present where thc connector 4 interfaces with powcr base 2.

[00113] It is also known to provide central drainage within a cordless connector so that any liquid that is present on the top surface of the connector 4 may drain through the connector 4 and then out of the base through cooperating drainage channels.

[001141 The inventors have discovered that, in particularly with reduced size components.

the interface or connection means between the drainage channels and lower power base may retain water or, in fact, may assist in drawing water between the components through capillary action, which may encourage an electrical path between the connector and the lower power base under wet and/or damp conditions.

[00115] It is the intention of the applicant to seek improvement(s) to drainage of cordless connector assemblies by providing means to isolate the drainage function from adjacent components.

[00116] The following embodiments may include features as described or disclosed with reference to the applicant's patent publications WO-A1-2013/093526A1 and WO-Al- 2012/085602. Unless otherwise stated, it is not intended to further describe those features.

[001171 Figure S3qczzl illustrates an exploded isometric view of the cordless socket connector 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention and a lower power base 2a, whereby for clarity and illustrative purposes the lower power base 2a is sectioned.

Figure S3qczzm illustrates an isometric sectional view through the assembled cordless connector 4 and the lower power base 2a of Figure S3qczzl with a base cover moulding 343 and Figure S3qciin illustrates a schematic sectional view through the assembled cordless connector 4 and the lower power base 2a of Figure S3qczzl with a base cover moulding 343.

For clarity and illustrative purposes. non-essential components arc removed from the figures.

[00118] The central portion of the lower power base 2a may he provided with an annular skirt 851 that functions as a dam and/or harrier to contain any excess liquid or condensate and divert this liquid towards an aperture 346b in the lower power base 2a.

[001191 As described in WO-Al-20131093526A1, walls 546 and 547 of the socket connector 4 may he provided with vertical apertures SbSa and SOSh within a collective drainage port 567a to provide the drainage from the two annular apertures 541,542 as indicated by arrow A, so that water present in the apertures 541, 542 may he drained via the aperture 346b.

[00120] The cordless connector 4 may further he provided with a series of support means, for exanipe feet 884 located, on its underside to engage with, for example, abutment features 885. 885a provided on the lower power base 2a. The abutment feature 885a may be profiled to mutually engage with its corresponding feet 884 and also provide indexing and/or alignment means. When assembled as illustrated in Figure S3qezzm, the feet 884 rest on the abutment features 885, 885a and supported by the lower power base 2a, so that the drainage port 567a of the socket connector 4 is aligned and/or indexed with the aperture 346b.

[00121] The main moukling 536 of the socket connector 4 may comprise an ann&ar lip 853, in which an annular well 882 may be formed between the wall 547 for safely collecting any liquid, for example. between the top surface of the base cover moulding 343 and the socket connector 4. A drainage channel 567b may be provided where the external wall of the drainage port 567a abuts thc annular well 882 for safely draining water away from the annular well 882 and towards the aperture 346b in the lower power base 2a as illustrated by arrow B. [00122] As illustrated in Figures S3qciim and S3qcizn, the combined drainage channel 894 formed by ports 567a, 567b is not dirnctly connected to the drainage port 346b and is positioned away from the support means 885. Thus, the outlet of the combined drainage channel 894 is suspended freely above the lower power base 2a.and so helps to prevent water being trapped and/or retained between the combined drainage channel 894 and the lower power base 2a, thereby eliminating a potential electrical path between the connector 4 and the lower power base 2a under wet andlor damp conditions.

[00123] Preferably a gap of approximatdy 5mm may he provided between the outlet of the combined drainage channel 894 and the lower power base 2a, the support means 885 and/or any other part or portion of the lower cordless base 2a. Howevcr, the dimension of the gap is not limiting on the invention.

[00124] The central portion of the lower power base 2a may he angled and/or tapered towards the aperture 346h, so that water may he easfly drained away.

[00125] The invention is not limited to a single combined drainage means and is equally applicable to embodiments whereby a plurality of drainage means are provided and/or in which the drainages means may not he combined.

Alternative Embodiments [00126] The embodiments described above are illustrative of rather than limiting to the present invention. Alternative embodiments apparent on reading the above description may nevertheless fall within the scope of the invention.

[00127] It is evident that the full scope and combination of embodiments is extensive; however it is envisaged that the skilled person, having read the description herein, will he able to transfer so'utions between the embodiments to meet the specific problems of individual appliances within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A substantially 3600 cordless electrical connection system for connecting an appliance proper to a power base, the system comprising a plug connector and a corresponding socket connector, wherein the plug connector comprises at least one circumferentially extending electrical conductor icr dectrical connection to a corresponding electrical conductor of the socket connector, such that the at least one circumferentially extending electrical conductor of the p'ug connector is located against a main body of the socket connector, said main body having at least nile annuhir wall, the or each said annular wall comprising at least two discrete substantially radial protrusions for centralising and/or aligning the at least one circumferentially extending electrical conductor.
2. The cordless electrical connection system of claim 1, wherein each of said discrete substantially radial protrusions extends radially inwardly.
3. The cordiess eleetrica connection system of claim 1, wherein each of said discrete substantially radial protrusions extends radially outwardly.
4. The cordless electrical connection system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the or each discrete substantially radial protrusion extends substantially vertically.
5. The cordless electrical connection system of any one of claims 1 to 4. wherein at least one of the discrete substantially radial protrusions houses at least one said corresponding electrical conductor.
6. The cordless electrical connection system ol any one ci claims I to 5, wherein the or each corresponding electrical conductor is positioned within an aperture of the socket connector.
7. The cordless electrical connection system of claim 6. wherein the or each discrete substantially radial protrusion is locally positioned towards and/or in the proximity of the inlet of the aperture.
8. The cordless electrical connection system of claim 7, wherein the or each discrete substantially radial protrusion does not fully extend vertically.
9. The cordless electrical connection system of any one of claims I to 8. wherein the at least two discrete substantially radial protrusions are provided on the inner diameter or surface of the at least one annular wall for locating against the outer diameter or surface oi the at least one eircumferentially extending electrical conductor.
10. The cordless electrical connection system of claim 9, wherein at least one of the protrusions is defined by a line segment or chord across the inner diameter of the at least one annular wall.
11. The cordless electrical connection system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least two discrete substantially radial protrusions are provided on the outer diameter or surface of the at least one annular wall for locating against the inner diameter or surface of the at least one circumfcrcntially cxtcnding electrical conductor.
12. The cordless electrical connection system of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the plug connector comprises at least two concentric electrical conductors for electrical connection to corresponding dectrical conductors within respective inner and outer annular apertures in the socket connector.
13. The cordless electrical connection system of claim 12, wherein the main body comprises at least an outer annular wall and an inner annular wall and said at least two discrete substantially radial protrusions are provided on either or both the outer annular wall and/or on the inner ann&ar wall.
14. The cordless electrical connection system of claim 13, wherein the inner annular wall is disposed between the inner and outer annular apertures.
15. The cordless electrical connection system of claim 14 when dependent on claim 9 or 10.wherein thc at least two discrete substantially radial protrusions arc provided on the outer annular wall, whereby the at least two discrete substantially radial protrusions protrude into the outer aperture for centralising andlor aligning against the outer diameter or surface of the outer circumlerentially extending electrical conductor.
16. The cordless electrical connection system of claim 15, wherein the outer annular wall is a circumferential wall of the socket connector.
17. The cordless electrical connection system of claim 14 when dependent on claim 9 or 10, wherein the at least two discrete substantially radial protrusions are provided on the inner annular wall, whereby the at least two discrete substantially radial protrusions protrude into the inner aperture for centralising and/or aligning against the outer diameter or surface of the inner circumferentially extending electrical conductor.
18. The cordless electrical connection system of daim 14 when dependent on claim 11, wherein thc at least two discrete substantially radial protrusions arc provided on the inner annular wall, whereby the at least two discrete substantially radial protrusions protrude into the outer aperture for centralising and/or aligning against the inner diameter or surface of the outer circumlerentially extending electrical conductor.
19. The cordless electrical connection system of any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the plug connector further comprises a substantially central electrical plug conductor for electrical connection to a corresponding dectrical socket conductor within a substantially central aperture in the socket connector.
20. The cordless electrical connection system of claim 19, wherein the inner and outer circumferentially extending electrical conductors are located outwardly of the substantially central electrical plug conductor cach at a different radial distance from the substantially central electrical plug conductor.
21. The cordless electrical connection system of any one of claims 1 to 20. wherein the at least two discrete substantially radial protrusions are positioned substantially equidistantly apart.
22. The cordless electrical connection system of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the plug connector comprises at least three discrete substantially radial protrusions and the at least one of the circumferentially extending electrical conductor centralises andlor aligns against two of the at east three discrete substantially radial protrusions during docking whilst a clearance is provided between the at least one said circumferentially extending electrical conductor and the third discrete substantially radial protrusion so as to prevent friction therchetween.
23. The cordless electrical connection system of any one of claims 12 to 22 each when dependent on claim 12, wherein the inlet of the outer annular aperture is provided with a chamfer to provide guidance for the outer circumferentially extending electrical conductor of the plug connector.
24. The cordless electrical connection system of claim 23, wherein the chamfer is provided on the outer annular wall and has a shallow angle of less than 21°, and preferably less than or equal to 10.5°.
25. The cordless electrical connection system of any one of claims 1 to 24, further comprising an additional one or more circumferentially extending electrical conductor for transmitting electrical signals between the appliance proper and the power base.
26. A substantially 360° corWess electrical connection system for connecting an appliance proper to a power base, the system comprising a plug connector and a corresponding socket connector, wherein at least one of the plug connector or socket connector comprises at least one circumferentially extending conductor for electrical connection to a corresponding electrical conductor of the socket connector or plug connector such that the at least one circumferentially extending conductor is thcated against a main body ol the socket connector or plug connector, said main body having at least one annular wall, the or each said annular wall comprising at least two discrete substantially radial protrusions for centralising and/or aligning the at least one circumferentially extending conductor.
27. A substantially 3600 cordless electrical connection system for connecting an appliance proper to a power base, the system comprising a plug connector and a corresponding socket connector, the socket connector comprises a main body having at least one aperture for receiving at least one corresponding electrical conductor of the plug connector, and the at least one aperture is provided with drainage means for draining liquids away therefrom and towards a drainage aperture provided in the power base, wherein at least the outlet of the drainage means is not in direct contact with any part or portion of the power base.
28. The corifiess electrical connection system of claim 27, wherein the main body of the socket connector further comprises an annular lip, in which an annular well is formed for safely collecting any liquid between the top surface of the power base and the socket connector and said annular well is provided with drainage means for draining liquids away therefrom and towards a drainage aperture provided in the power base. wherein at least the outlet of the drainage means is not direct contact with any part or portion of the power base.
29. The cordless electrical connection system of claim 27 or 28. wherein at least. the outJet of the or each drainage means is suspended freely within the power base.
30. The cordless electrical connection syslem ol any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the main body of the socket connector comprises at least two apertures for receiving colTesponding electrical conductors of the plug connector, and each aperture is provided with drainage means for draining liquids away from the respective apertures.
31. The cordless electrical connection system of claim 30, wherein the main body of the socket connector comprises at east thrce apertures for receiving corresponding electrical conductors of the plug connector, and at least. two apertures share a common drainage means.
32. The cordless electrical connection system of any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein the draining means of the or each aperture and annular well forms a combined drainage channel.
33. The cordless electrical connection system of any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the drainage means comprises separate drainage channels.
34. The cordless electrical connection system of any one of claims 27 to 33, wherein the power base further comprises a lower power base portion including means for receiving the socket connector.
35. The cordless electrical connection system of claim 34, wherein the socket connector further comprises locating means for mutually engaging with corresponding locating means provided on the lower power base portion for aligning the drainage means with the drainage aperture provided in the power base.
36. The cordless electrical connection system of claim 34 or 35, wherein the lower power base portion comprises an annular skirt that functions as a darn and/or barrier to contain any excess liquid and divert this liquid towards the drainage aperture.
37. The cordless electrical connection systern of any one of claims 34 to 36, wherein a central portion of the lower power base is angled and/or tapered towards the drainage aperture, so that water may he easily drained away.
38. A substantially 3600 cordless electrical connection system for connecting an appliance proper to a power base, the system comprising a plug connector and a corresponding socket connector, the socket connector comprises a rnain body having at least one aperture br receiving at least one corresponding dectrical conductor ob the plug connector, and the at least one aperture is provided with drainage means for draining liquids away therefrom and towards a drainage aperture provided in thc power base, wherein at least the outlet of the drainage means is suspended freely within the power base.
39. The cordless electrical connection system of any one of claims I to 38. wherein at least one of the plug and socket connectors is a waterproof connector.
40. The cordless electrical connection system of claim 39, wherein the at least one of the plug and socket connectors is made waterproof by sealing one or more cavities containing electrical connections to said electrical conductors.
41. The cordless elcctrica connection system of any one of dainis I to 40, wherein the plug connector further comprises a thermal control for said appliance proper.
42. A substantiafly 360° cordless electrical connection system substantially as herein described with reference to any one of Figures S3mka to S3mkn and S3qczzl to S3qczzn of the accompanying drawings.
43. An appliance comprising the cordless electrical connection system of any one of claims Ito 42.
44. The appliance of claim 43, comprising a kettle, heated vacuum flask, pot, blender, iron, wasserkocher, coffee or espresso maker, juicer, smooflie maker, food processor, soup maker, sauce maker, steamer, tea maker, chocolate fountain, fondue, slow cooker.vacuum pot, milk frother, water coolers water dispenser, pan, vending machine, and/or hot water on demand appliance.
45. An appliance substantially as herein described with reference to any one of Figures S3mka to S3mkn and 53qczzl to 53qczzn of the accompanying drawings.