CN211380813U

CN211380813U - Liquid heating appliance

Info

Publication number: CN211380813U
Application number: CN201920414977.6U
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·B·豪伊特; L·C·科利斯特; S·J·唐隆
Original assignee: Srix Guangzhou Electrical Appliances Co ltd; Strix Ltd
Current assignee: Sirex China Electric Co ltd
Priority date: 2019-01-14
Filing date: 2019-03-28
Publication date: 2020-09-01
Anticipated expiration: 2029-03-28
Also published as: CN111434288B; CN111434288A; GB2580597A; GB201900486D0; DE102020100727A1; GB2580597B

Abstract

The utility model provides a liquid heating utensil, include: a liquid reservoir comprising a first chamber disposed below a second chamber and separated by a partition extending therebetween; heating means arranged, in use, to heat liquid contained within the first chamber; at least one valve arranged in the partition selectively allowing liquid to flow between the first and second chambers, wherein the appliance is arranged to be operable in a first mode in which the valve is closed and only the liquid in the first chamber is heated, and a second mode in which the valve is open and the liquid in the first and second chambers is heated; a dispensing outlet provided on an outer wall of the appliance and movable between a dispensing position in fluid communication with the first chamber so as to allow liquid to be dispensed from the first chamber during the first mode, and a non-dispensing position in which liquid cannot be dispensed.

Description

Liquid heating appliance

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a liquid heating appliance, and more particularly, to a liquid heating appliance capable of selectively heating a small amount of liquid.

Background

Liquid heating appliances, such as kettles, are common in many households. The kettle can be used to heat water, typically up to 1.7 litres in volume, to boiling. However, users often only need to heat a relatively small amount of water to boiling, for example if they are making a cup of hot beverage. Depending on the jug, it may be difficult to fill the jug with an appropriate amount of water for a cup of beverage accurately, and therefore the jug is often overfilled. This overfilling results in more energy being required to heat the volume of water to the desired temperature. Since water kettles usually have a fixed power output, this ultimately results in the user having to wait longer for the water to reach the desired temperature. Furthermore, this not only means that the user has to wait longer, but the extra energy required to heat the remaining amount of water is often wasted, as the excess water is usually left to cool in the kettle. Millions of people worldwide use kettles many times a day and, therefore, the energy wasted in heating unused quantities of water is significant.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The present invention aims to provide an improved appliance, from a first aspect, the present invention provides a liquid heating appliance, comprising:

a liquid reservoir comprising a first chamber disposed below a second chamber and separated by a partition extending therebetween;

heating means arranged, in use, to heat liquid contained within the first chamber;

at least one valve arranged in the partition to selectively allow liquid to flow between the first and second chambers, wherein the appliance is arranged to be operable in a first mode in which the valve is closed and only the liquid in the first chamber is heated and a second mode in which the valve is open and the liquid in the first and second chambers is heated;

a dispensing outlet disposed on an outer wall of the appliance and movable between a dispensing position in which the dispensing outlet is in fluid communication with the first chamber so as to allow liquid to be dispensed from the first chamber during the first mode, and a non-dispensing position in which liquid cannot be dispensed.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the liquid heating appliance can be effectively operated in two different modes. The liquid heating appliance may be operated in a first mode with the valve closed, i.e. a "hot cup" mode, in which it is used to dispense a fixed volume of liquid directly from the first chamber. Thus, the appliance can rapidly heat a smaller volume of liquid when needed. The appliance may also be operated in the second mode with the valve open. In this mode, when the liquid in the first chamber is heated by the heating means, the liquid will flow between the first chamber and the second chamber. The valve in this open position may be considered to correspond to a "kettle" mode. The user can select the type of operation by controlling the position of the valve according to the volume of liquid they desire to heat.

In one set of embodiments, the dispensing outlet is connected to the valve by a valve actuating means such that when the dispensing outlet is moved to the dispensing position, the valve moves to its closed position and when the dispensing outlet is moved to the non-dispensing position, the valve actuating means moves to its open position. Preferably, the valve actuation means comprises a mechanical linkage between the dispensing outlet and the valve. The mechanical linkage may comprise one component or a plurality of components operatively connected together.

The dispensing position may for example correspond to the dispensing outlet extending from the appliance and the non-dispensing position corresponding to the dispensing outlet being retracted into the appliance. Thus, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the user may use the dispensing outlet itself as a means of controlling the type of operation of the appliance, which applicant has realised may be a particularly intuitive means for selecting the type of operation. Since the dispensing outlet is directly visible to the user, it may also, for example, allow the user to quickly and easily determine the configuration in which the appliance is located by observing the position of the dispensing outlet. The dispensing outlet may be movably arranged in any suitable manner. For example, the dispensing outlet may comprise a selectively protruding rotatable or pivotal arrangement from the body of the appliance.

In one set of possible overlapping embodiments, the dispensing outlet is connected to the valve actuating means such that when the valve actuating means is moved to close the valve, the dispensing outlet moves to its dispensing position, and when the valve actuating means is moved to open the valve, the dispensing outlet moves to its non-dispensing position. Thus, the valve actuating means may also be used to move the dispensing outlet between its dispensing and non-dispensing positions, thereby eliminating the need for the user to separately operate the dispensing outlet and the valve actuating means.

In one set of embodiments, the dispensing outlet is provided on a side wall of the appliance. The dispensing outlet may take the form of a tube or nozzle. The dispensing outlet may also be arranged to selectively protrude, slide, pivot or rotate from the dispensing position to the non-dispensing position, or vice versa. The dispensing outlet may be held in either or both of the dispensing and non-dispensing positions by a catch, locking stop or the like. The dispensing outlet may be resiliently biased towards the dispensing position and/or the non-dispensing position.

In one set of embodiments, the valve comprises a float valve member arranged to float and cooperate with a respective valve seat to close the valve to prevent liquid flow through the valve. In use in these embodiments, as the liquid reservoir is filled with liquid, the liquid will flow freely through the valve from the second chamber into the first chamber due to the floating valve member. If the reservoir is full of a sufficient amount of liquid, when the first chamber is full of liquid, the liquid in the first chamber will cause the float valve member to float and engage the valve seat by the valve actuator in the first position. This closes the first chamber once the float valve member is engaged with its valve seat, thereby preventing any further liquid from entering or leaving the first chamber. The heating device may then be operated to heat the volume of liquid in the first chamber.

Advantageously, due to the arrangement of the float valve member, when used in hot cup mode, the liquid heating appliance automatically closes the first chamber when it has been filled with a predetermined amount of liquid and no interaction by the user is required. This therefore simplifies the handling of the appliance by the user.

In the hot cup mode of operation with the valve closed, when the heating means is operated, this will result in an increase in the temperature of the liquid in the first chamber. Since the liquid in the first chamber cannot escape, its temperature will continue to rise. As the temperature rises and eventually reaches boiling, the pressure in the first chamber will increase. This pressure may be used as a means of expelling liquid from the first chamber via the liquid outlet towards the dispensing outlet. Of course, additional or alternative means for dispensing may be provided, such as a pump arranged to draw hot water from the first chamber. Regardless of the means for dispensing, the increased pressure within the first chamber due to the increased pressure created by the heated liquid will hold the float valve member such that it engages the valve seat, thereby holding the valve closed.

Once all of the liquid is dispensed from the first chamber and the vapor pressure drops, a pressure differential is created between the first chamber and the second chamber such that the float valve is forced off its valve seat, allowing the liquid to refill the first chamber. Likewise, when the first chamber is filled, the float valve member will float and engage the valve seat, thereby closing the valve and thus closing the first chamber. The liquid heating appliance is then immediately ready to operate again in hot cup mode. Thus, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, liquid heating appliances according to these embodiments of the present invention are configured to automatically refill and close the first chamber so that it can be quickly and more easily operated in hot cup mode again.

In one set of embodiments, wherein the valve comprises a float valve member, the appliance further comprises a valve actuation means for selectively holding the float valve member away from the valve seat so as to hold the valve open, wherein the valve actuation means is arranged to move between a first closed position in which the float valve member is free to float so as to cooperate with the valve seat, and a second open position in which the valve actuation means prevents the float valve member from floating, thereby holding the valve open.

When the valve is open, i.e. the appliance is operated in a kettle mode, when the heating means is operated, e.g. powered, the liquid in the first chamber will be heated and convection will be created, which results in heated water flowing out of the first chamber into the second chamber, thereby heating the liquid in the second chamber, while cooler water from the second chamber flows into the first chamber to be heated therein. After a sufficient time, the entire liquid volume within the liquid reservoir will reach boiling.

The appliance may have only a single valve disposed in the diaphragm. Preferably, however, it comprises a plurality of valves, i.e. at least a first valve and a second valve. These may be of the same type, for example comprising respective float valve members which mate with respective valve seats, but this is not essential and they may be of different types.

The applicant has realised that the provision of at least a first and a second valve helps to promote the development of convection currents which can improve the heating efficiency in this mode of operation. The applicant has found that a single valve may restrict the flow of liquid between the first and second heating chambers, resulting in insufficient mixing of the liquid in each chamber. This may result in overheating of the liquid in the first chamber without causing heating of the liquid in the second chamber. Furthermore, overheating of the liquid in the first chamber may lead to a build-up of vapour within the first chamber. In the case where the appliance also includes a suitable controller having dry fire detection means for switching off the power supply to the heating means when dry fire is detected, the applicant has found that overheating may result if there is only one valve. This will cause such dry fire detection to be triggered, stopping further operation of the appliance. By providing a first valve and a second valve to promote the development of convection, this risk of overheating can be avoided. Furthermore, the applicant has found that the stronger the convection between the first and second chambers, the faster the liquid in the chambers is heated.

The liquid heating appliance may comprise further heating means, for example arranged within the second chamber to provide supplemental heating to its liquid contents. However, the applicant has realised that the arrangement of the first and second chambers with the partition therebetween comprising one or more valves means that the heating means arranged to heat the contents of the first chamber may be sufficient to heat the liquid in both the first and second chambers. Thus, in one set of embodiments, the heating means arranged to heat the liquid in the first chamber is the only heating means in the liquid heating appliance. The use of a single heating means, rather than providing separate heating means for each of the first and second chambers, may reduce the overall cost and complexity of the liquid heating appliance.

When operating in the kettle mode, the first valve and optional second valve may allow sufficient convection to occur to heat the liquid in the second chamber within a reasonable time. However, in one set of embodiments, the liquid heating appliance comprises three or more valves arranged in the partition to selectively allow liquid to flow between the first and second chambers. The liquid heating appliance may for example comprise a third valve, optionally also a fourth valve, optionally also a fifth valve. Of course, any number of valves may be provided. Each of the further valves may comprise a float valve member arranged to float and co-operate with a respective valve seat, thereby closing the valve to prevent liquid flow through the valve. However, this is not essential and other types of valves may be provided. In embodiments including additional valves, such as five valves, the valves may be arranged in the diaphragm in any suitable arrangement. For example, in a substantially circular diaphragm in which five valves are provided, one valve may be provided in the centre of the diaphragm and the remaining four valves may be evenly distributed around the periphery of the diaphragm.

The inclusion of an additional valve in the partition may further promote the flow of liquid between the first and second chambers, thereby further increasing the speed and efficiency with which the liquid in the first and second chambers is heated when the appliance is operated in the kettle mode. Furthermore, the addition of an additional valve may allow the liquid to fill the first chamber more quickly after the liquid reservoir is initially filled and after a subsequent dispensing operation. The applicant has also realised that an increase in the number of valves in the diaphragm can advantageously reduce the amount of air that may remain in the first chamber when the valves are closed. For example, air entrapment may occur due to the shape of the baffle and how the appliance is placed on a surface.

The partition separating the first and second chambers is substantially horizontal, at least when the liquid heating appliance is arranged on a horizontal plane. Alternatively, the baffles may be arranged at an angle to the horizontal, for example at an angle of 0 to 10 to the horizontal. However, in one set of embodiments, the baffle has a dome shape. In such a set of embodiments, the baffle is symmetrical such that the highest point is substantially at the center of the baffle. In another set of embodiments, the valve or one of the valves is arranged at the highest point of the dome. Placing the valve in this position helps to release trapped air within the first chamber when the first chamber is filled with liquid.

When the valve is in the open position, i.e. the appliance is in the kettle mode, liquid can simply be poured from the liquid reservoir once the liquid in the first and second chambers is heated. However, in one set of embodiments, the liquid reservoir includes a spout arranged to allow liquid to be poured from the appliance. The spout may be arranged on/in the second chamber. The spout may allow for more controlled pouring of liquid from the liquid heating appliance. This may be particularly important, for example, when pouring boiling water.

In embodiments including a spout, preferably the valve or one of the valves is/are arranged in the partition substantially below the spout. Positioning the valve in this manner means that when the appliance is used in the kettle mode, substantially all of the liquid can be drained from the first chamber when the appliance is tipped to pour the liquid out of the spout. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, if the valve is not located below the spout, a portion of the liquid may be trapped in the first chamber when the appliance is tipped. This may be undesirable, for example, when the entire contents of the liquid reservoir are required.

In one set of embodiments, the liquid heating appliance further comprises a handle and the or one of the valves is arranged in the partition substantially opposite the handle. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the handle is typically the portion that tilts the appliance when the user empties the contents of the appliance. Thus, by arranging the valve opposite the handle, this can help to ensure that the maximum amount of liquid is poured from the liquid reservoir in a similar manner to that described above with respect to the spout.

When the appliance is operated with the valve closed, i.e. in hot cup mode, when the liquid in the first chamber is sufficiently heated, it can be dispensed directly from the liquid outlet to the dispensing outlet. As mentioned above, the liquid in the first chamber may be expelled from the first chamber under pressure, such as a vapour pressure which increases in the first chamber as the liquid is heated. When the dispensing of liquid is driven by vapour pressure, the vapour may escape with the liquid as it is dispensed, which may result in irregular dispensing of vapour and liquid from the dispensing outlet. This can be dangerous as the dispensing of steam can cause injury to the user. Thus, in one set of embodiments, the liquid heating appliance further comprises a dispensing chamber arranged between the first chamber and the dispensing outlet such that the liquid first passes through the dispensing chamber before passing through the dispensing outlet. Applicants have recognized that by providing a distribution chamber, heated liquid and vapor can be separated as the heated liquid passes through the distribution chamber, thereby allowing the heated liquid to be distributed in a more regular manner. This may be safer and provide more laminar flow of liquid out of the dispensing outlet.

The dispensing chamber may be arranged within the second chamber, preferably in an upper portion thereof. In one set of embodiments, the dispensing chamber includes a liquid inlet in communication with the first chamber, a first liquid outlet in communication with the dispensing outlet, and a second liquid outlet in liquid communication with the second chamber to allow undispensed water to flow back into the second chamber. In another set of embodiments, the dispensing chamber comprises a valve element arranged to selectively close the first liquid outlet or the second liquid outlet.

In another set of embodiments, where a valve actuation means is provided, the valve actuation means is further arranged such that when the valve in the diaphragm is in the closed first position (i.e. hot cup mode) the valve actuation means acts on the valve element to close the second outlet, and when in the second position (kettle mode with the valve open) the valve actuation means acts on the valve element to close the first outlet. Thus, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, when the valve actuation means is in the first position, i.e. in the hot cup mode, it will also act on the valve element to close the second outlet so that liquid can only escape the dispensing chamber via the dispensing outlet. Furthermore, when the valve actuating means is in the second position, i.e. in the kettle mode, it will act on the valve element to close the first outlet so that heated liquid cannot escape through the dispensing outlet. This helps prevent inadvertent dispensing of heated liquid from the dispensing outlet when heated liquid is not required, which can be dangerous, as can be appreciated.

The liquid heating appliance may comprise any suitable means which can stop the operation of the heating means, for example by switching off the power supply, when the temperature of the liquid in the first or second chamber reaches a desired temperature. For example, the liquid heating appliance may comprise an electronic controller connected to a thermistor which is sensitive to the temperature of the liquid in one or both of the first and second chambers. When the electronic controller detects that a certain condition has been reached, for example, when boiling is reached, the electronic controller may cut off power to the heating element to terminate heating. However, in one set of embodiments, the liquid heating appliance comprises a thermo-mechanical element arranged to be sensitive to a temperature within the appliance and arranged to switch off power to the heating means when the thermo-mechanical element detects a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature may for example correspond to a typical minimum temperature of steam. A separate thermo-mechanical element may be provided for each of the first and second chambers, however, in one set of embodiments, the thermo-mechanical element is arranged for both the first and second chambers. The applicant has realised that the use of a single thermomechanical element can reduce the manufacturing costs of the appliance. The thermomechanical element may comprise a bimetallic sensor.

In an embodiment comprising a distribution chamber, preferably, the thermo-mechanical element is arranged in the distribution chamber, and the distribution chamber further comprises a steam inlet arranged to allow steam from the second chamber to enter. Thus, in such a set of embodiments, with the thermo-mechanical element arranged in the dispensing chamber, the thermo-mechanical element will be able to detect vapor entering the dispensing chamber, which indicates that the liquid has been heated and dispensed from the first chamber, i.e. in the hot cup mode of operation. Furthermore, the steam in the second chamber can freely enter the dispensing chamber through the steam inlet, so that the thermo-mechanical element is also able to detect boiling of the liquid in the second chamber, i.e. when the appliance is operated in the kettle operation mode.

The valve or valve actuation device may be inherently stable in each of the open and closed positions of the valve, for example due to gravity and/or inherent friction within the valve or device that prevents its movement. However, in one set of embodiments, the valve actuation device comprises a resilient member arranged to hold the valve actuation device in either the open position or the closed position. The resilient member may be in the form of a bistable spring. Such a resilient member may allow a user to select an operating mode. The use of a resilient member may advantageously resist any movement of the valve or valve actuation means, for example, when the first chamber is full of liquid, the valve or valve actuation means may be driven by a float valve member which attempts to float within the first chamber.

The spacing of the first and second valves in the diaphragm may affect the strength of the convection currents that may be formed. In one set of embodiments, the partition has a maximum transverse dimension and the first and second valves are separated by at least 50% of the maximum transverse dimension, preferably at least 70% of the maximum transverse dimension. The applicant has realised that by separating the first and second valves according to this embodiment, when the valve actuation means is in the second position, and the liquid heating appliance is effectively operated in the kettle mode, it helps to promote the development of convection currents. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the further apart the valves are, the greater the convection current may be, as the less chance of hotter water flowing out of the first chamber through the same valve, while cooler water tries to enter the first chamber from the same valve. As previously mentioned, improving the likelihood of stronger convection currents may increase the speed and efficiency at which liquid within the liquid reservoir may be heated.

The heating means may for example comprise soleplate heating means, for example in the form of sheathed electric heating elements. Such a sheathed electric heating element may for example be formed in the shape of a horseshoe, with an electric terminal at each end of the horseshoe. It will be appreciated that where such a horseshoe-shaped heating element is provided on the underside of the first chamber, the portion of the first chamber adjacent the space between the two ends of the horseshoe-shaped heating element will not be directly heated by the heating element. While the rest of the first chamber, in particular the part next to the heating element, will be heated more directly and thus to a higher temperature. This will result in a temperature difference between the liquids in the first chamber. In one set of embodiments, the at least one valve is arranged directly above the region between the two terminals of the heating element. With the valve arrangement according to this set of embodiments, the temperature of the liquid around the other valves will be higher than the temperature of the liquid around the valve above the terminal end when in use. Thus, convection may be created, such that heated liquid will tend to leave the first chamber via the first valve, and liquid will enter the first chamber via the second valve. The separation of water from the outlet of the first chamber and into the inlet of the first chamber further helps to create strong convection currents and thus helps to provide more efficient heating of the liquid.

The liquid heating appliance may comprise heating means within the first heating chamber, for example in the form of a submerged heating element, for directly heating the liquid contained therein. However, in one set of embodiments, the liquid heating appliance comprises a sole plate heating arrangement arranged to heat the base of the first chamber. In another set of embodiments, a liquid heating appliance includes an electric heating element with a sheath.

The size of the appliance, in particular the volume of the first and second chambers, may depend on the particular intended use of the appliance. In one set of embodiments, the first chamber has a volume of 50ml to 500ml, for example 350 ml. Such a volume may correspond to a suitable dispensing volume for a container such as a cup. This allows the user to heat just enough water for a single cup of heated liquid. This both speeds up the heating process and reduces the waste of energy, as previously described. Providing a first chamber having a volume of, for example, 350ml may allow 250ml of heated liquid to be dispensed when operating in hot cup mode. In the hot cup mode, the amount of liquid dispensed from the first chamber may be variable, which may be controlled in a number of ways, for example by preventing the flow of liquid after a volume has been dispensed, or by a weir device of variable height.

The liquid heating appliance may be of the corded type, i.e. the power cord may be integral with the appliance, or may be directly embedded in the appliance. However, in one set of embodiments, the liquid heating appliance is a cordless heating appliance. In another set of embodiments, the liquid reservoirs are arranged to mate with respective power bases. The liquid reservoir may include a cordless electrical connector and the power base may include a corresponding cordless electrical adapter. The cordless electrical adapter and corresponding cordless electrical connector on the base may be of a type that allows the liquid reservoir to be placed on the power base substantially irrespective of its relative angular orientation to the power base.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the liquid heating appliance may be used to heat any suitable liquid, such as water.

Drawings

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

figure 1 shows a perspective view of a liquid heating appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the underside of the liquid heating appliance shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a partial cut-away view of the liquid heating appliance shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows the liquid heating apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with a wall of the liquid reservoir removed;

FIG. 5 shows a cut-away view of the first chamber with the valve actuator in a second position;

figure 6 shows the dispensing chamber with its upper lid removed;

FIG. 7 illustrates a valve actuation device and its associated components;

FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of a valve actuation device;

FIG. 9 shows a bottom side view of the dispensing chamber;

FIG. 10 shows a bottom side view of the base of the liquid heating appliance and the relative positions of the valves;

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the liquid heating appliance shown in FIG. 1 with a dispensing outlet positioned to dispense liquid into a container;

figure 12a shows the dispensing chamber with its upper cover removed to reveal its internal components, the valve actuating means being in a first position;

FIG. 12b shows a portion of a valve actuator and associated bistable spring;

figure 13 shows a perspective view of a liquid heating appliance according to a second embodiment of the present invention with the dispensing outlet in a non-dispensing position;

FIGS. 14A-14B show the dispensing outlet in the position shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 shows the liquid heating appliance shown in FIG. 13 with the dispensing outlet in a dispensing position;

FIGS. 16A-16B show the dispensing outlet in the position shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of a separator plate;

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a power base; and

fig. 19 shows a perspective view of the appliance of fig. 1-12 b placed on the power base of fig. 18.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 to 10 show a liquid heating appliance or components thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention. In these views, the valve actuating means of the appliance is in a "second" position, which corresponds to the valve being open in the "kettle" mode. Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a liquid heating appliance, which is referred to as appliance in the following. In the view shown in fig. 1, the outermost cover of the appliance has been removed. The appliance comprises a liquid reservoir 2, a spout 4, a dispensing outlet 6 and a handle 8 for lifting the appliance. Arranged at the uppermost part of the liquid reservoir 2 is a dispensing chamber 10, which will be described in more detail with reference to the following figures. The appliance further comprises a water window 12 made of an at least partially transparent material which enables a user to visually determine the water level within the liquid reservoir 2.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the underside of the appliance. It can be seen that the appliance comprises a sheathed electric heating element 14 arranged to heat a base 16 of the liquid reservoir 2. The sheathed electric heating element 14 arranged on the base 16 forms a soleplate heating means. Disposed within the space defined by the center of sheathed electric heating element 14 is a cordless controller 18, cordless controller 18 comprising a 360 ° cordless adapter 20. Cordless controller 18 allows the appliance to mate with a corresponding docking connector provided on a power base (not shown) to provide power to the appliance.

Fig. 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the appliance, showing the interior of the liquid reservoir 2. The dome-shaped partition 22 divides the liquid reservoir 2 into a first chamber 24a and a second chamber 24 b. Five valves 26 are provided in the partition 22, three of which are visible in this figure. The valve actuating means 25 can also be seen, which will be described in more detail with reference to the following figures. The dome shape of the diaphragm 22 can be seen more clearly in figure 4.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the appliance, with the outer wall forming the liquid reservoir 2 removed to expose the internal components of the appliance. The dispensing chamber 10 is disposed within the second chamber 24b and at the top of the second chamber 24 b. The first conduit 28 provides a fluid connection between the fluid outlet 30 of the first chamber 24a and the dispensing chamber 10. In this embodiment, the fluid outlet is provided in the partition 22. The dispensing outlet 6 is connected via a second conduit 32 in fluid communication with the dispensing chamber 10. The dispensing chamber 10 itself will be described in more detail with respect to the following figures. The valve actuator 25 includes an elongated stem 42 extending upwardly through the dispensing chamber 10 that is operatively connected to an actuating member 44. The actuating member 44 may be used to control the position of the valve actuator 25 and, although not shown, may be operatively coupled to the dispensing outlet 6 such that when the dispensing outlet moves out of the "dispense" position, the valve actuator moves to the first position in which the valve is closed. A cross-shaped member 46 is disposed at the base of the elongate stem 42, with five valve actuators 48 extending from the cross-shaped member 46. The valve actuating means 25 can be seen in more detail in fig. 10.

Fig. 5 shows a partial cut-away view through the first chamber 24 a. In fig. 1-5, the valve actuator 25 is in a second position, in which the valve 26 remains open for the "kettle" mode. As can be seen in this figure, the valve actuator 25 is in a second position wherein the valve actuator 48 is in contact with the float valve member 34, thereby holding the float valve member 34 away from the valve seat 58. Thus, when the valve actuating means 25 is in this position, the sheathed heating element 14 (see fig. 2) will heat the liquid contained in the first chamber 24a when the appliance is powered. As the temperature of the water in the first chamber 24a increases, water will circulate between the first chamber 24a and the second chamber 24b through the valve 26 as convection occurs.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the dispensing chamber 10 with its upper lid removed. As will be described later, when the valve actuating means 25 is in the valve-closed first position, i.e. so that the appliance is in "hot cup" mode, water enters the dispensing chamber 10 via a conduit 28 which is in fluid communication with the first chamber 24 a. However, when the valve actuating means 25 is in the second position shown in this figure, as also shown in the previous figures, the device is effectively operated in a kettle mode, whereby heated water is circulated between the first chamber 24a and the second chamber 24 b. As a result, heated water does not pass upwardly through the conduit 28 because the vapor pressure is insufficient to drive this liquid movement. Nevertheless, the dispensing chamber comprises a number of features connected to the dispensing outlet 6 that prevent undesired dispensing from the dispensing outlet 6. The dispensing chamber 10 includes a dispensing outlet 60 and a discharge outlet 62. The dispensing chamber 10 further comprises a dispensing valve element 64 comprising a first closing member 66 arranged to close the dispensing outlet 60 and a second closing member 68 arranged to close the discharge outlet 62. The dispensing valve member 64 is pivotally mounted in the dispensing chamber 10. The actuating member 44 is operatively connected to the dispensing valve element 64 such that when the actuating member 44 is in the position shown in fig. 6, i.e. in the jug mode, the actuating member 44 also moves the dispensing valve element 64 to a position in which the first closure member 66 closes the dispensing outlet, while simultaneously moving the second closure member 68 away from the discharge outlet 62.

Thus, in this mode of operation, although it is not possible for any liquid to travel up the conduit 28, even if this occurs, or indeed if any liquid remains in the dispensing chamber 10, for example, as a result of a previously interrupted dispensing operation, the liquid is prevented from flowing out of the dispensing chamber 10 via the dispensing outlet 60, but instead flows back into the second chamber 24b via the discharge outlet 62.

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the valve actuating device 25 alone. It can be seen that the valve actuating means 25 comprises an actuating member 44 connected to a dispensing valve element 64. Dispensing valve member 64 is also connected to a linkage 70, linkage 70 being connected to elongated stem 42. The elongated rod 42 is connected to a cross-member 46 and a valve actuator 48 extends from the cross-member 46. Thus, movement of actuating member 44 will cause movement of both dispensing valve element 64 and valve actuator 48.

Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the underside of the dispensing valve element 64 and the actuating member 44 and the linkage 70. As can be seen in this figure, the dispensing valve member 64 includes a first shaft 74 and a second shaft 75 for mounting and connecting the linkage 70 and the actuating member 44, respectively. The dispensing valve member 64 further includes a pivot 76, and the dispensing valve member 64 is mounted within the dispensing chamber 10 about the pivot 76.

Fig. 9 shows a bottom side view of the dispensing chamber 10 with its upper lid removed. In addition to the dispensing outlet 60 and the discharge outlet 62, the dispensing chamber 10 also includes a steam inlet 78 in the form of a hole in a base 80 of the dispensing chamber 10. A cylindrical tube 82 within the distribution chamber 10 extends from the steam inlet 78 towards a switch 84. The switch 84 includes a thermo-mechanical element in the form of a bi-metal sensor 86. Although not shown, the switch 84 is electrically connected to the sheathed heating element 14. The bimetal sensor 86 is arranged so that it acts within the switch 84 to cut off the supply of power to the appliance once a particular predetermined temperature is reached. Switch 84 may be of the R48 family of applicants. Thus, the bimetal sensor 86 turns off the appliance once sufficient steam is generated, for example indicating that water is boiling. The tube 82 ensures that any steam generated within the second chamber 24b is directed to the bimetal sensor 86 so that the bimetal sensor 86 reliably triggers once a predetermined temperature is detected. The extent of entry of the tube 82 into the dispensing chamber 10 also prevents liquid from entering the dispensing chamber 10 from the first chamber 24a and returning it immediately to the second chamber 24 b.

Fig. 10 shows a view of the base 16 of the liquid reservoir 2 when viewed from the bottom with the sheathed heating element 14 attached thereto, but with other parts removed for clarity, alongside the base 16 is a partition 22. Each valve 26 can be seen in the partition 22. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the partition 22 defines the uppermost region of the first chamber 24a, and in the view shown in this figure, the partition 22 is spaced from the susceptor 16, although, in practice, the partition 22 is disposed above the susceptor 16. The dashed lines with arrows indicate the relative position of each valve 26 with respect to the base 16.

The sheathed heating element 14 is horseshoe shaped with ends defined by

cold leads

86a, 86b, the cold leads 86a, 86b allowing electrical connection to the sheathed heating element 14. It can be seen that there is a portion 88 of the base 16 where the sheathed heating element 14 does not extend between the two

cold leads

86a, 86 b. Thus, the portion 88 of the base 16 will generally be at a lower temperature than the remainder of the base, and thus a quantity of liquid proximate the portion 88 will generally be heated more slowly than the remainder of the liquid within the first chamber 24a, directly above the sheathed heating element 14. As shown by the dotted lines with arrows, one of the valves is located directly above the portion 88 between the

cold leads

86a, 86b, and at least three other valves 26 are located above the sheathed heating element 14 itself. Thus, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, when liquid is heated in the first chamber 24a, there will be a temperature differential between the liquid above the portion 88 and the liquid above the sheathed heating element 14. Thus, due to the arrangement of the valve 26 adjacent the portion 88, the valve will help promote the establishment of convection as cooler liquid is drawn through the valve 26 above the portion 88 and warmer water is expelled through the valve 26 above the sheathed heating element 14. As previously mentioned, the applicant has found that this can help to speed up the heating process of the entire contents of the liquid reservoir 2.

The operation of the appliance in the kettle operation mode will now be described with reference to figures 1 to 10. If not already in the position shown in these figures, the valve actuating means 25 may first be moved to the second position shown by operation of the actuating member 44, for example by replacing the dispensing outlet to its "storage" position. In the act of moving the valve actuator 25 to the second position, the actuating member 44 will also move the dispensing valve element 64 such that the first closure member 66 moves to close the dispensing outlet 60 and the second closure member 68 moves away to open the discharge outlet 62. Thereby, any liquid already within the dispensing chamber 10, e.g. due to a previously interrupted dispensing operation, will flow back into the second chamber 24 b.

Once the valve actuator 25 is in this second position, the sheathed heating element 14 can be powered. This may be accomplished by operation of switch 84. Preferably, the valve actuator 25 is moved to the second position prior to providing power to the sheathed heating element 14 to avoid inadvertent dispensing of heated liquid out of the dispensing outlet 6. Of course, however, the switch 84 may be operated and the valve actuator 25 may be moved to the second position after a short time, for example, before the liquid in the first chamber 24a becomes too hot.

As the temperature of the liquid in the first chamber 24a increases, at least at the beginning of the heating operation, the liquid in the second chamber 24b will generally be at a lower temperature since it is not directly heated. Thus, since the valve 26 is held open by the valve actuator 25, heated water will flow out of the first chamber 24a into the second chamber 24b, and cooler water in the second chamber 24b will flow into the first chamber 24 a. As mentioned above, the arrangement of the valve 26 in the partition relative to the element helps to promote the establishment of convection within the liquid reservoir 2.

The liquid will continue to circulate between the first chamber 24a and the second chamber 24b until the total temperature of the liquid is sufficient to generate enough vapor to pass up through the vapor inlet 78 of the dispensing chamber 10 to reach the bimetal sensor 86 on the switch 84. Once sufficient steam is generated, this will trigger a bimetal sensor 86 which will act within the switch 84 to cut off the supply of power to the sheathed heating element 14. The user can then use the handle 8 to lift the appliance and pour the heated liquid out of the liquid reservoir 2 through the spout 4.

Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of the appliance in a hot cup mode of operation, with the valve actuating means 25 (not visible in this view) in a first position, i.e. when it is used to heat and dispense a quantity of water from the first chamber 24 a. This is achieved when the dispensing outlet 6 is moved out of the dispensing position and rotated for dispensing into a container in the form of a cup 90. Although not shown, the appliance may include a support for the cup 90 and with the cup 90 in place for receiving liquid from the dispensing outlet 6. The dispensing outlet 6 may be pulled out manually by a user.

Figure 12a shows the dispensing chamber 10 with its upper cover removed to reveal its internal components, with the valve actuating means 25 in its first position. In this position, the dispensing valve element 64 moves such that the first closure member 66 moves away from the dispensing outlet 60 and the second closure member 68 moves towards the discharge outlet 62. Thus, the discharge outlet 62 is closed to prevent backflow of liquid from the dispensing chamber 10 into the second chamber 24b, and the dispensing outlet 60 is opened to allow liquid to be dispensed through the dispensing outlet 6. A conduit 28 extending from the first chamber 24a is connected to the distribution chamber 10 so that water heated in the first chamber 24a can enter the distribution chamber 10.

Fig. 12b shows a perspective view of the dispensing valve element 64 as well as the actuating member 44 and the linkage 70. A bistable spring 45 is also shown. The bistable spring 45 has been omitted from the previous figures for clarity. A bistable spring 45 is arranged to act on the actuating member 44 such that the actuating member 44 is held in one of two positions, either corresponding to the position of the valve actuating means 25 in its first position, as shown in fig. 12a, or the position of the valve actuating means 25 in its second position, as shown in fig. 6, in order to hold the valve actuating means 25 in its relative position. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the bistable spring 45 may be arranged to act on any part of the valve actuation device 25 so as to maintain it in either the first or second position.

The operation of the appliance in this second mode of operation will now be described with reference to figures 11 and 12. If not already in the first position, the valve actuator 25 may be moved to the first position by pressing the actuating member 44 downwards to move the dispensing outlet to the storage position. This movement will also move the first closure member 66 away from the dispensing outlet 60 and the second closure member 68 towards the discharge outlet 62, as described above. When the valve actuating means 25 is in the first position shown in fig. 15, liquid will enter the first chamber 24a as the liquid reservoir 2 is filled with liquid, e.g. water. When the first chamber 24a is filled with liquid, the float valve member 34 will float upwardly until it engages the respective valve seat 58, thereby closing the valve 26. The valve actuator 25 is in the first position and the valve 26 is closed as the first chamber 24a is full of liquid, which will start to heat the volume of liquid in the first chamber 24a when the sheathed heating element 14 is powered.

As the volume of liquid is heated, the pressure within the first chamber 24a will gradually increase. When the liquid reaches boiling point there will be sufficient vapour pressure in the first chamber to force the heated liquid up the conduit 28 into the distribution chamber 10. The sheathed heating element 14 will continue to heat the liquid within the first chamber 24a until all of the liquid is forced up the conduit 28 into the dispensing chamber 10 under vapour pressure. Although liquid is still present within the first chamber 24a, due to the pressure created by the steam, each float valve member 34 will remain seated against each respective valve seat 58, even though they may no longer float on the liquid within the first chamber 24 a. This prevents the first chamber 24a from refilling, thereby ensuring that only the volume of the first chamber 24a is dispensed. Once the liquid is evacuated from the first chamber 24a to the dispensing chamber 10, a quantity of steam follows, sufficient to trigger the steam switch 84 and turn off the heating element. The pressure in the first chamber 24a will then drop and the float valve member 34 will drop so that the water in the second chamber 24b can refill the first chamber 24 a.

Water within the dispensing chamber 10 will pass through the second conduit 32 through the dispensing outlet 60 and be dispensed into the cup 90 via the dispensing outlet 6. The distribution chamber 10 advantageously provides a space for separating the heated liquid and the associated vapour, so that mainly the heated liquid exits through the distribution outlet 6, instead of the heated liquid and vapour, which may cause splashing of the liquid upon distribution. As previously mentioned, this may provide a more laminar flow of liquid out of the dispensing outlet 6 and may reduce the amount of potentially hazardous dispensed vapor.

Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a liquid heating appliance according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The liquid heating appliance is similar to that shown in figures 1-12, except that it has a different dispensing device 172 which includes a dispensing outlet which is not shown in this figure. As previously mentioned, the dispensing outlet is configured to control a valve actuation device (not shown). As can be seen in figure 13, the dispensing device 172 is in a non-dispensing position, i.e. a position corresponding to the liquid heating device being used in a kettle mode of operation.

Fig. 14A shows a perspective view of the dispensing device 172 disengaged from the remaining components of the liquid heating appliance when viewed from the rear when in the non-dispensing position. The dispensing device 172 includes a body 174 with its components mounted on the body 174. A front plate 176 accessible by a user outside the appliance and from which the dispensing outlet extends, is pivotally mounted in the main body 174 and is pivotally connected to a link 178 by an arm 180. The link 178 is also pivotally mounted to a mount 182 on the body 174. Although not shown, the linkage 178 is operatively connected to the valve actuating device within the appliance so as to be able to move the valve actuating device between its first and second positions to control the float valve member. In the position shown in this figure, the dispensing means 172 holds the valve actuating means in its second position, thereby keeping the valve open to enable operation in the kettle operating mode.

Fig. 14B shows a side view of the dispensing device 172 in a non-dispensing position, and is provided for purposes of comparison with fig. 16B below.

Figure 15 shows a perspective view of a liquid heating appliance according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with a dispensing device 172 in a dispensing position.

Fig. 16A shows a perspective view of the dispensing device 172 disengaged from the remaining components of the liquid heating appliance when viewed from the rear when in the dispensing position. As can be seen in this figure, the front plate 176 has been pulled out to expose the dispensing outlet 106. Although not shown, the dispensing outlet 106 would be connected to a conduit in fluid communication with the first chamber in the appliance. Because the front plate 176 has pivoted out, the distal end 184 of the link 178 has pivoted upward due to the connection between the arm 180 and the link 178, and the fact that the link 178 is pivotally mounted. The linkage 178 is suitably connected to the valve actuator such that the movement is sufficient to move the valve actuator from its second position to its first position.

Fig. 16B shows a side view of the dispensing device 172 in the dispensing position. Comparing this figure with fig. 14B, it can be seen how the distal end 184 of the link 178 pivots upward.

Fig. 17 shows an enlarged view of a section of the partition plate 22. Here it can be seen that the baffle 22 is dome shaped with a peak 22a at its centre. One of the valves 26 is located at the peak 22 a. When the first chamber 24a is filled with liquid, air will collect in the peak 22a and enter the second chamber 24b via the valve 26. Thus, such an arrangement will help minimize the amount of air that remains in the first chamber 24 a.

Fig. 18 shows a perspective view of the power base 92, as shown in the previous figures, on which the appliance can be placed to connect the appliance to a power source. The power base 92 comprises a cordless electrical connector 94 arranged to engage with a cordless adapter 20 provided on the appliance. The cordless electrical connector 94 is electrically connected to a power cord 96, the power cord 96 being connected to a plug 98. The plug 98 may be of any suitable type for connecting to a power source.

Fig. 19 shows a perspective view of an appliance placed on a power base 92 to power the appliance. In this view, the outer cover of the appliance is removed to show how the appliance is coupled with the power base 92.

Claims

1. A liquid heating appliance, comprising:

a liquid reservoir comprising a first chamber disposed below a second chamber and separated by a partition extending therebetween,

at least one valve disposed in the partition selectively allowing liquid to flow between the first and second chambers, wherein the appliance is arranged to be operable in a first mode in which the valve is closed and only the liquid in the first chamber is heated and a second mode in which the valve is open and the liquid in the first and second chambers is heated;

2. A liquid heating appliance according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing outlet is connected to the valve by valve actuating means such that when the dispensing outlet is moved to the dispensing position, the valve is moved to its closed position and when the dispensing outlet is moved to the non-dispensing position, the valve actuating means is moved to its open position.

3. A liquid heating appliance according to claim 2, wherein the valve actuation means comprises a mechanical linkage between the dispensing outlet and the valve.

4. A liquid heating appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dispensing position corresponds to the dispensing outlet protruding from the appliance and the non-dispensing position corresponds to the dispensing outlet being retracted into the appliance.

5. A liquid heating appliance according to claim 2, wherein the dispensing outlet is connected to the valve actuating means such that when the valve actuating means is moved to close the valve, the dispensing outlet is moved to its dispensing position, and when the valve actuating means is moved to open the valve, the dispensing outlet is moved to its non-dispensing position.

6. A liquid heating appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dispensing outlet is provided in a side wall of the appliance.

7. A liquid heating appliance according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing outlet is arranged to selectively project, slide, pivot or rotate from the dispensing position to the non-dispensing position and to selectively project, slide, pivot or rotate from the non-dispensing position to the dispensing position.

8. A liquid heating appliance according to claim 1, wherein the valve comprises a float valve member arranged to float and cooperate with a respective valve seat to close the valve to prevent liquid flow through the valve.

9. A liquid heating appliance as claimed in claim 8 further comprising valve actuating means for selectively holding the floating valve member away from the valve seat so as to hold the valve open, wherein the valve actuating means is arranged to move between a first closed position in which the floating valve member is free floating so as to cooperate with the valve seat and a second open position in which the valve actuating means prevents the floating valve member from floating, thereby holding the valve open.

10. The liquid heating appliance of claim 1, wherein the liquid heating appliance includes a plurality of valves disposed in the partition.

11. A liquid heating appliance according to claim 1, wherein the heating means arranged to heat liquid in the first chamber is the only heating means in the liquid heating appliance.

12. The liquid heating appliance of claim 1, wherein the liquid reservoir includes a spout arranged to allow liquid to be poured from the appliance, and the valve is arranged in the partition below the spout.

13. The liquid heating appliance of claim 1, further comprising a dispensing chamber disposed between the first chamber and the dispensing outlet such that liquid first passes through the dispensing chamber before passing through the dispensing outlet.

14. A liquid heating appliance as claimed in claim 1, comprising a thermo-mechanical element arranged to be sensitive to temperature within the appliance and arranged to switch off power to the heating means when the thermo-mechanical element detects a predetermined temperature.

15. A liquid heating appliance as claimed in claim 1, comprising a floor heating means arranged to heat the base of the first chamber.