GB1397291A - Water heater - Google Patents

Abstract

1397291 Hot water dispenser A RONCHESE 31 Aug 1972 40325/72 Heading B8N [Also in Division F4] In apparatus in which a predetermined quantity of water can be boiled and automatically dispensed, water is supplied from a reservoir 27 to a closed container 12 divided into two compartments 13, 14 connected together by a passage extending from the bottom of compartment 13 to the top of compartment 14, the water is heated to boiling point by an electric heating element 40 in compartment 13 and thereby forced into compartment 14 via the passageway from which it is dispensed by an outlet 19. The container 12 is divided into the compartments 13, 14 by a partition 16 formed integrally with the container and a partition 15 formed integrally with a closure member 42 for the container 12. The passage is defined between the partitions. Part of the passage is blocked off so that a tubular portion 17 is formed which opens into compartment 13. A pin 29 in the tubular portion opens a non-return valve 28 of the reservoir 27 when it is in place to allow water to fill compartment 13 until it reaches the level of the lower end of a clip tube 24 of the reservoir. The compartment 14 has vent tubes, e.g. 22 which together with a rod 45 extending from closure member 42 support a siphon 20 for outlet 19. A float 3, normally restrained in its lower position in compartment 13 by a latch mechanism 38 controls actuation of a microswitch 34 connected to the heating element 40. When it is desired to dispense boiling water for use in the preparation of beverages, a pushbutton 39 is depressed to release the latch mechanism 38 so that the float 31 can rise and allow more water to enter the compartment 13 and permit the microswitch 34 to close. A collar 32 on the hollow stem 30 of float 31 normally holds a microswitch operating lever 33 depressed, but when the latch mechanism 38 is released the float 31 rises allowing the lever 33 to be raised to close the microswitch 34 and also to engage a notch 49 in the latch mechanism 38 and thus preventing the latch mechanism returning under its own bias to its initial position. The upward movement of the float 31 is limited by an adjustable stop 35 which co-operates with collar 32. The adjustable stop 35 thus determines the amount the float 31 is submerged and hence the volume of liquid heated and dispensed. When water boils, the pressure build up above the water surface in compartment 13 forces boiling water up the passage into compartment 14. The pressure also prevents cold water entering from the reservoir 27. When the water reaches the appropriate level in compartment 14 it flows out of outlet 19 to a container placed on a drip tray. Steam from vents 22 emerges from around outlet 19. The height of the apparatus is manually adjustable. A thermal cut-out may be provided.