AU2016228308A1 - A Home Appliance - Google Patents

Description

A HOME APPLIANCE

Field [001 ]. The present technology relates generally to appliances for use in the home. Background [002] , Electrical appliances bring convenience into the kitchen. There are a range of appliances available which make food preparation easier, including kettles, percolators, espresso machines, rice cookers, slow cookers, electric fry ware, and even toasters.

[003] . The advantages of these kitchen appliances extends beyond the powered processing operations of each one, which include without limitation, heating, mixing, pressing and chopping - these operations often being combined in the one appliance. Indeed, they also provide portability of such single or multiple processing operations, being able to be plugged in to a cooperating general electrical power outlet wherever one may be found.

[004] , Other home appliances, not typically used in the home for food preparation, also bring speed, power and convenience to many tasks, including hair curling and drying and ironing.

[005] . Notwithstanding the substantial conveniences of a range of kitchen and home appliances, they are known to have some associated drawbacks, including that their power is limited to that available at the general power outlet. The present technology seeks to overcome this disadvantage.

Summary [006] . Broadly, the present disclosure provides a home appliance including a supplementary power system. The supplementary power system may include an energy storage unit for providing standalone or supplementary power to an appliance operational unit such as heating element, electric motor, pump, vacuum pump, or other such units for use in home appliances. Such home appliances can include coffee makers, kettles, mixers, blenders, food processers, toaster, ovens, electric grills, vacuum sealers, and other know home appliances.

[007] , In a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a home appliance comprising an operational unit and a supplementary power system including an energy storage unit adapted to store electrical energy from a main power supply and release the stored electrical energy to provide supplementary power to the operational unit.

[008] . In an embodiment, the stored electrical energy is added to power supplied by the mains power supply for powering the operational unit.

[009] . In an embodiment, the operational unit can be selected from the group consisting of a heating system, electric motor, pump, and vacuum pump.

[010] . In an embodiment, the heating system includes one or more heating elements.

[011] . In an embodiment, the one or more heating elements comprise a main heating element connected to the mains power supply and a supplementary heating element connected to the energy storage unit.

[012] , In a further embodiment, the supplementary power system further comprises a converter.

[013] . In an embodiment, there is provided a home appliance wherein the home appliance is a kitchen appliance comprising a controller, a heating chamber for receiving contents to be heated and wherein the heating system heats the heating chamber and contents disposed therein.

[014] , In a further embodiment, the one or more heating elements are configured to be in direct contact with the contents of the heating chamber.

[015] . In a further embodiment, the heating system is integrated with the heating chamber to form a unitary heating vessel.

[016] . In a further embodiment, wherein the energy storage unit is integral with the unitary heating vessel.

[017] , In a further embodiment, the one or more heating elements are connected to the unitary heating vessel and mounted in a power base.

[018] . In a further embodiment, the energy storage unit is disposed within the power base.

[019] . In a further embodiment, the energy storage unit includes an electrical charge storage device for storing electrical charge for selective release to the heating element.

[020] . In a further embodiment, the electrical charge storage device is a capacitive charge storage unit.

[021 ]. In a further embodiment, the electrical charge storage device is a battery.

[022] , In a further embodiment, the heating system further comprises a heating circuit and an actuator.

[023] . In a further embodiment, the controller includes a microprocessor.

[024] , In a further embodiment, the controller includes a clock or timer.

[025] . In a further embodiment, the home appliance is an associated food processor.

[026] . In an embodiment there is a method of processing contents in a home appliance having an energy storage unit, the method including the steps of charging the energy storage unit to a selected charge level and discharging the energy storage unit into a contents processing system in response to a user signal to process the contents of the appliance.

[027] , In a further embodiment, the method may further comprise charging the energy storage unit using a mains power supply electrically connected to the home appliance.

[028] . In a further embodiment, the contents processing system includes a heating system for heating contents and wherein the heating system is powered by both the mains power supply and the energy storage unit.

[029] . In a further embodiment, charging the energy storage unit is instructed by a controller.

[030] . In a further embodiment, the controller operates the kitchen appliance in one or more discharging modes.

[031] . In a further embodiment, in one of more discharging modes the controller estimates an optimum time and power from one or more components of the heating system.

[032] , In an aspect there is provided a home appliance, including a supplementary power system having an energy storage unit adapted to store electrical energy from a mains power supply and release the stored electrical energy to provide supplementary power to the home appliance operational unit.

[033] . In one embodiment the supplementary power system further includes a heating system comprising a convective, radiant or conductive heating system.

[034] , In another embodiment the heating system may include a secondary heating element electrically connected to the supplementary power system.

[035] . In one embodiment the supplementary power system includes suitable converter so that the supplementary power can be combined in an additive manner to the mains input power, and contribute to the primary appliance element power.

[036] . In one embodiment the home appliance is a kitchen appliance and includes a heating chamber for receiving contents to be heated when the contents are disposed in the heating chamber, and the heating system is associated with the heating chamber for heating the contents in the heating chamber when they are disposed therein.

[037] , In one embodiment the kitchen appliance is a kettle for heating water.

[038] . In one embodiment the heating system includes one or more heating elements. In one embodiment there is a main heating element connected to the mains power and a supplementary heating element connected to the energy storage unit.

[039] . In one embodiment, each heating element is configured to be in direct contact with the contents of the heating chamber. In other embodiments, each heating element indirectly heats the contents of the heating chamber by heating a contact plate via a heat distribution plate.

[040] . In one embodiment the heating system is integrated with the heating chamber to form a unitary heating vessel. In one embodiment the energy storage unit is integral with the heating vessel.

[041 ]. In one embodiment the heating element is connected to the vessel and mounted in a power base in which other electrical componentry related to the energy storage unit resides.

[042] . In one embodiment the energy storage unit is disposed within the power base so that the vessel may be detached therefrom to facilitate lifting and ease of pouring or serving any contents of the vessel disposed therein after they have been heated.

[043] . In one embodiment the energy storage is disposed within the bottom of the kettle vessel with the supplementary element, allowing the vessel to be removed from the power base, and the water to be heated or re-heated by the supplementary power system only.

[044] . In one embodiment the energy storage unit includes an electrical charge storage device for storing electrical charge for selective for release to the heating element upon demand at a later time.

[045] . In one embodiment the electrical charge storage device is a capacitive charge storage unit. Alternatively, the charge storage device may be: a capacitor; a super capacitor; a battery; a power fuel cell or a like device for storing electrical charge for selective charge release at a later time.

[046] . In one embodiment the charge storage device is a capacitor or super capacitor being constructed from a dielectric material and has a capacity of about lOOmilliFarads.

The capacity can be any suitable capacity including 10mF, 20mF, 30mF, 40mF, 50mF, 150mF, 160mF, 180mF, 200mF, 250mF, 300mF, 350mF, 400mF, 500mF or the like. In one embodiment the energy storage unit stores about 100kJ of energy and can selectively deploy that energy in a selected time period regulated by a controller so that it is rated at between 100W and 2kW, which is the power that can be deployed in addition to the power available from the mains power. In Australia, the mains power available at a General Power Outlet (GPO) as at the priority date of this application is 2400W (via a 240V, 50Hz AC electricity supply, up to 10A), while power supplies vary from that in other countries, for example in the US a GPO will deliver AC electricity of up to 15A at 110V and 60Hz.

[047] , Figure 17 depicts the charge storage device is a battery such as a lithium-ion battery.

In alternative embodiments the battery may be lithium-air, sodium-ion, magnesium-ion, lead-acid of various types and other suitable alternatives.

[048] . In one embodiment the heating system includes a heating circuit and an actuator for selectively energising the heating circuit. In one embodiment the heating system is a portion of the heating circuit. In one embodiment the actuator actuates one or more switches for switching the heating circuits from a standby position to a heating position. In one embodiment the actuator includes a switch button or switch lever so that a user can electrically energise the heating circuits by physically moving the switches by pressing the switch button or switch lever. In one embodiment the actuator is part of an electronic system for electronic energising and actuation of the heating circuit by a controller.

[049] . In one embodiment the controller includes an electronic circuit, or plurality of electronic circuits including a microprocessor.

[050] . In one embodiment the controller includes a clock or timer so as to manage the cost of charging the energy storage unit such that it is configured to draw power from the GPO at times of low electricity demand from the grid.

[051 ]. In other embodiments the heating chamber is a cooking vessel for cooking foodstuff such as a risotto maker, a percolator, an espresso machine, a rice cooker, a slow cooker, or electric fryware.

[052]. In one embodiment the vessel is a toaster.

[053] . In one embodiment there is provided an associated food processor which is driven by a motor electrically connected to the power system, the power system being the energy storage unit and/or the mains power supply. In one embodiment the associated food processor may be in the form of a chopper, sheer, mincer, mixer, stirrer or other agitator for processing, chopping, slicing, mincing, stirring, mixing or otherwise agitating the foodstuff in the vessel when it is disposed in the vessel.

[054] , In one embodiment the associated food processor is internal and is as described above for direct processing contact with the foodstuff in the vessel.

[055] . In one embodiment the associated food processor includes both internal and external food processors in combination as described herein.

[056] . In one embodiment the associated processor is external for indirect processing contact with the foodstuff, such as for example a vessel body shaker drive for bodily shaking and wobbling the vessel about one or more axes to shake and wobble the vessel itself, indirectly moving the foodstuffs around inside the vessel.

[057] , In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of processing contents in a home appliance having a energy storage unit, the method including the steps of: charging the energy storage unit to a selected charge level; and discharging the energy storage unit into a contents processing system in response to a user signal to process the contents of the appliance.

[058] . In one embodiment the contents processing system includes a heating system for heating contents.

[059] . In one embodiment the charging step involves the controller operating the kitchen appliance in a charge mode in which charge is allowed into the energy storage unit from the mains power supply, and a charge maintenance mode. In one embodiment the charging step involves a type of charging selected from bulk charging, soft start charging, absorbing charging, boost charging, test charging, or float charging.

[060] . In one embodiment the charging step includes off-peak charging to take advantage of lower-cost electricity supplies in times of low electricity grid demand.

[061 ]. In one embodiment the discharging step involves the controller operating the kitchen appliance in one or more discharging modes. In one of the discharging modes the controller energises one element with power from the mains power supply and energises another element with power from the energy storage unit. In another of the discharging modes the controller energises one element with power from both the mains power and the energy storage unit.

[062] , In one of the discharging modes the controller estimates the time and power required from each component of the heating system for optimum use of: the mains power; the energy storage unit; and the one or more heating elements, to heat the contents of the vessel in a selected period of time, which in almost all cases will be the shortest period of time possible to maximise convenience to a user. The distribution of resources can be accurately estimated and is of particular benefit when the vessel is a kettle for boiling water, since the volume of water can be known, the specific heat of water is known, the temperature of the elements and the temperature of the water can be known through the heating process by the use of temperature sensors, and the rate of increase of temperature of the water over time can be measured based on the power input to the water via the one or more elements with the use of timers and computer processing systems. The time to boil can then be extrapolated and caused to be displayed on an associated display.

[063] . In one embodiment the home appliance is a laundry appliance or bathroom appliance. In one embodiment the home appliance is a hair dryer. In one embodiment the home appliance is a steam iron.

[064] , In a further aspect, there is provided a kettle for heating water, the kettle comprising: a vessel for receiving water to be heated; a primary heating element adapted heat water in the vessel by electrical energy from a mains power supply; and a supplementary power system including an energy storage unit adapted to store electrical energy from a mains power supply and release the stored electrical energy to provide supplementary power to the kettle.

[065] . In one embodiment the kettle further comprises: a secondary heating element adapted heat water in the vessel by electrical energy from the supplementary power system.

Brief Description of the drawings [066] . In order to enable a clearer understanding, embodiments of the technology will now be further explained and illustrated by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [067] , Figure 1 is a schematic section view of an embodiment of the present technology; [068] . Figure 2 is a schematic section view of a kettle being an embodiment of the present technology; [069] . Figure 3 is an isometric view from underneath of a kettle base incorporating a heating system, being a component of an embodiment of the technology; [070] . Figure 4 is a schematic view of the kettle of Figure 1 showing a simplified example circuit layout of an embodiment of the present technology, the circuit being in a charging position to charge an onboard power supply; [071] , Figure 5 is a schematic view of the kettle of Figure 1 showing a simplified example circuit layout in a discharge position to provide a power boost for rapid boiling by engaging a secondary heating element with power stored in capacitors; [072] , Figure 6 is a detail view of a portion of the base shown in Figure 2, again, from underneath; [073] . Figure 7 is a detail side elevation view, inverted, of Figure 3; [074] , Figure 8 is a comparison graph showing boiling time of a 2400W kettle powered solely by mains power (labelled "normal kettle" - known technology), compared with boiling time for a kettle supplemented in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention (labelled "turbo kettle); [075] . Figure 9 is a plan view of a kettle control base for use with an embodiment of the present invention; [076] . Figure 10 is an isometric view of an espresso maker which is an embodiment of the present technology; [077] , Figure 11 is an isometric view of the internals of a steam iron which is an embodiment of the present technology; [078] . Figure 12 is an isometric view of a toaster which is an embodiment of the present technology; [079] . Figure 13 is an isometric view of a risotto maker which is an embodiment of the present technology; [080] . Figure 14 is a schematic section view of an embodiment of the present technology; [081 ]. Figure 15 is a schematic section view of an embodiment of the present technology; [082] , Figure 16 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of the invention where the electric kettle has a charging circuit that does not switch off during discharging; [083] . Figure 17 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of the electric kettle.

Detailed Description of an Embodiment [084] , Referring to the Figure 1 there is shown a home appliance generally indicated at 10.

The home appliance 10 includes a supplementary power system 51. The supplementary power system 51 includes an onboard energy storage unit 52 for providing standalone or supplementary power to an appliance operational unit 17 such as heating element, electric motor, pump, vacuum pump, or other such units for use in home appliances. Such home appliances can include coffee makers, kettles, mixers, blenders, food processers, toaster, ovens, electric grills, vacuum sealers, and other know home appliances.

[085] . In an aspect the supplementary power system 51 includes an energy storage unit 52

adapted to store electrical energy from a mains power supply 11 and release the stored electrical energy to provide supplementary power to the home appliance 10. A controller 106 is provided for controlling the supplementary power system 51 (i.e. to charge and subsequently supply power to the home appliance). In an embodiment the supplementary power system 51 comprises a charging circuit 13 that may comprise a suitable converter so that the supplementary power can be combined in an additive manner to the mains power supply 11, and contribute to the primary appliance element power as evident in Figure 15.

[086] . Referring to Figure 2, the home appliance 10 is a kitchen appliance in the form of an electric kettle 12. The electric kettle 12 includes a power system 50 which includes a mains power connector 54 and a supplementary power system 51, itself including an energy storage unit 52.

[087] . The power system 50 includes a heating system 18 which may be a convective, radiant or conductive heating system. A convective heating system is shown in Figure 13 in the form of a cooking appliance which is suitable for making risotto in the kitchen although it is to be understood that the convective heating system could be in the form of a blower as mounted in a hair dryer (not shown) for drying hair in the bathroom. A radiant heating system is shown in Figure 12 which shows a toaster, which is an embodiment of the present invention. That is, it is to be understood that the circuit described herein could be used with any one of the appliances in the Figures shown, to provide a power boost to their operation.

[088] . A conductive heating system 23 is shown mounted on the kettle 12 and in Figures 2 to 7, the kettle 12 is seen to include a heating chamber 14 for receiving water to be heated. The conductive heating system 23 is associated with the heating chamber 14 by being mounted in a base (detachable or integral) for contact with the water at a base portion of the heating chamber 14.

[089] . The described embodiment relates to an electric kettle 12 shown in Figures 2 to 7, but it will be appreciated that similar arrangements may readily be used in other heating vessels, including those generally described herein and/or shown in Figures 10, 11, 12 and 13.

Description of kettle with temperature sensor [090] . Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the electric kettle 12. The electric kettle 12 has a heating chamber 14, which holds the water to be boiled. The water may be poured into the heating chamber 14 of the electric kettle through the pouring spout 15. The base wall of the heating chamber 14 is mainly defined by a contact plate 16. Water stored in the heating chamber 14 is in direct contact with one side of the contact plate 16. The contact plate 16 is formed from stainless steel. Other materials which are suitable for contacting water and are resistant to high temperatures and oxidation may be used.

[091] . The contact plate 16 forms part of the heating system 18. The heating system 18 is generally located underneath the heating chamber 14 on the opposite side of the contact plate from the heating chamber 14. One embodiment of the heating system 18 is shown in greater detail in Figures 3, 5 and 6.

[092] , It is the power system 50 which powers the heating system 18. The power system 50 is configured as shown in the Figures to provide power to heat the water in the heating chamber 14 from a supply external to the electric kettle 12, such as for example a general power outlet (GPO), through the mains power connector 54, and to provide power to heat the water in the heating chamber 14 from an onboard power supply, being the supplementary power system 51. The power to directly power the heating system as well as charge the onboard power supply may be transmitted from the GPO to the heating system 18 using known techniques, for instance through a plug-in electrical lead via mains power connector 54.

[093] . The heating system 18 further includes one or more heating elements and in the embodiment shown there is a first heating element 20, and a supplementary heating element 20a, each one of the one or more heating elements adapted to be in contact with the heating chamber 14 and mounted in a base 55 in which other electrical componentry for controlling the heating system 18 resides. The base 55 may be detachable so that the heating chamber 14 may be detached therefrom to facilitate ease of pouring or serving any contents of the heating chamber 14 disposed therein after they have been heated as evident in Figure 14. The supplementary power system 51 includes an energy storage unit 52, both of which may be as shown in Figures 4 and 5 in great part (say, circuits and elements) disposed at the bottom of the heating chamber 14 and part of the circuitry may be disposed within a detachable base 55 for an ergonomic advantage.

[094] , Figure 14 highlights that the energy storage unit may be disposed within the bottom of the electric kettle vessel, allowing the vessel to be removed from the power base whilst heating or re-heating the water.

[095] . The energy storage unit 52 includes an electrical charge storage device 53 for storing electrical charge for release to the one or more heating elements, being first 20, and second 20a, at a selected time. The charge storage device 53 is shown as a capacitive storage unit, but it is to be understood that the charge storage device may be, in the alternative, a battery; a power fuel cell or like devices for storing electrical charge for charge release at a selected time.

[096] . Thus the charge storage device may be a capacitor 57 or super capacitor being constructed from a dielectric material and has a capacity of about lOOmilliFarads.

The capacity can be any suitable capacity including 10mF, 20mF, 30mF, 40mF, 50mF, 150mF, 160mF, 180mF, 200mF, 250mF, 300mF, 350mF, 400mF, 500mF or the like. The energy storage unit can store about 100kJ of energy and can selectively deploy that energy in a selected time period regulated by a controller 106 so that it is rated at between 100W and 2kW, which is, to be clear, the power that can be deployed in addition to the power available from the mains power.

[097] , Various circuit and element arrangements are contemplated. It may be that only one heating element 20 is provided, and that heating element 20 is connected to the mains power via connector 54 and the supplementary power system 51.

Alternatively, it may be that one of the heating elements 20 is connected to the mains power and a supplementary or secondary heating element 20a is only connected to the supplementary power system 51. Alternatively, two elements are provided wherein each one of the elements 20 and 20a is connected to mains power through the mains power connector 54.

[098] . The electric kettle 12 depicted in Figure 2 is an integrated unit, such that the heating system 18 is integrated with the heating chamber 14. In other arrangements such as that shown in Figures 3 to 7 the electric kettle 12 has a cordless heating chamber that is placed on a powered base, shown in Figures 4 and 5 as item 55 unit for the heating chamber's contents to be heated.

[099] . The heat used to boil the water is generated by a heating element 20, which terminates in cold tails carrying electrical connections 22. The heating element 20 may be powered by electricity. The heating elements 20 and 20a shown are resistance elements 21. Other types of heating elements may be used. The heating elements 20 and 20a bonded to a heat distribution plate 24. The bonding achieves a good thermal coupling between the heating element 20, 20a if present, and the heat distribution plate 24 so that heat generated by the heating elements 20 and 20a is rapidly and efficiently transferred to the heat distribution plate 24. Many known bonding techniques are suitable including induction welding, flame or oven welding and impact welding. Alternatively, the heating elements 20 and 20a may be mounted to the heat distribution plate 24 using other known techniques, such as mechanical fasteners.

[0100] . The heat distribution plate 24, in the embodiment shown, is induction brazed to the contact plate 16 so there is a good thermal coupling between the heat distribution plate 24 and the contact plate 16. Many other known bonding techniques are suitable, including the bonding techniques mentioned above.

[0101] . The heat distribution plate 24 is, in the embodiment shown in the Figures, formed from aluminium, which is a good thermal conductor, and is of sufficient thickness so that heat is evenly distributed over the contact plate 16. Alternative materials for the heat distribution plate 24 include other metals and metal alloys such as for example steel, copper and the like. The heat distribution plate 24 is generally thicker than the contact plate and formed from a material which is a better thermal conductor than the contact plate 16.

[0102] , The heat distribution plate 24 defines a void 26 in the vicinity of the cold tails 22. The void 26 forms a thermally insulating zone 27. This is because heat which is transmitted from the heating element 20 to the heat distribution plate 24 is not as readily transmitted across the void 26. The region of the contact plate 16 located in the void 26 does not conduct significant amounts of heat when compared to the aluminum heat distribution plate because the contact plate 16 is thin and formed from stainless steel, which is not as good a thermal conductor as aluminum.

[0103] . Mounted in the void 26 is an electronic temperature sensor 28. The void 26 provides a thermally insulating zone 27 around the electronic temperature sensor 28. Fleat from the heat distribution plate 24 is not readily transmitted to the electronic temperature sensor 28. As a result, the electronic temperature sensor 28 is thermally insulated and is not undesirably influenced by the temperature of the heating element 20 and heat distribution plate 24.

[0104] . The thermally insulating zone 27 and the temperature sensor 28 are located between the cold tails 22 of the heating element 20. The cold tails 22 do not generate significant amounts of heat, so the electronic temperature sensor 28 is further insulated from the heat generated by the heating element 20. Instead of being empty, the void 26 may be filled, either partially or wholly, with an insulating material, such as silicone or rubber. The temperature sensor 28 is mounted in close proximity to the contact plate 16.

[0105] . The temperature sensor 28 may be in contact with the contact plate 16. This improves the thermal coupling between the electronic temperature sensor 28 and the contact plate 16. The thermal coupling between the temperature sensor 28 and the contact plate 16 may be further improved using known techniques, such as applying a heat transfer paste.

[0106] . It is an advantage that the temperature sensor 28 is in thermal contact with the contact plate 16 in the region indicated by 29. When water contained in the heating chamber 12 of the kettle 10 heats up, the contact plate 16 will heat to a similar temperature. Due to the void 26, the region of the contact plate 16 located within the void is insulated from the heat distribution plate 24 and will more accurately reflect the temperature of the water. Since the temperature sensor 28 is in thermal communication with the contact plate 16, it senses the water temperature with greater accuracy and responsiveness. Thus, the temperature measured by temperature sensor 28 is related to the temperature of the material in the chamber 12.

[0107] , Figures 3, 6 and 7 show the temperature sensor 28 being supported by a sensor support 30. The sensor support 30 is formed from silicone, and is held in place by a bracket 32. Other insulating materials are also suitable. The bracket 32 is mechanically fastened to the heat distribution plate 24. The bracket 32 is preferably formed from a relatively rigid material, such as a plastic, metal or metal alloy. The bracket 32 locates the sensor support 30 in the centre of the void 26 so the sensor 28 is insulated and may press the sensor support 30 against the contact plate 16, providing a good thermal connection between the sensor 28 and the contact plate 16. The temperature sensor 28 may be mounted in a number of ways which aim to minimise the influence of heat from the heat distribution plate 24. The temperature sensor 28 may be a thermistor. NTC thermistors formed from metal oxides are suitable. A thermistor has a number of advantages over other types of temperature sensors. A thermistor senses the temperature of water in the kettle within a continuous range. This provides significantly more information on the temperature of the water than, for example, a bimetallic actuator. A bimetallic actuator is typically activated only when the water reaches a threshold temperature value and is deactivated when the water falls below a threshold temperature value. As a result, a bimetallic actuator only senses whether the water temperature is above or below a threshold value. The thermistor provides responsive and accurate readings because it is mounted in a thermally insulating zone in direct thermal communication with the contact plate 16.

[0108] . The heating system 18 shown in Figures 3 and 6 has a single void 26 in which the temperature sensor 28 is located. It is also possible to have multiple voids around the temperature sensor. Each void forms a thermally insulating region. By positioning a number of the thermally insulating regions around the sensor 28, a thermally insulating 30 zone is formed. The sensor 28 is still mounted in direct thermal contact with the contact plate 16.

[0109] . The contact plate 16 shown in Figures 3, 5 and 6 is free of indentations, and in one arrangement is uniplanar. This shape improves the accuracy of the temperature sensor 28. Because the contact plate 16 is free of indentations, water contained in the heating chamber 12 of the kettle 10 is able to readily and rapidly mix. This means the temperature of water located immediately above the temperature sensor 28 is more likely to accurately reflect the temperature of the remaining water volume contained in the kettle 10. Consequently, the temperature sensor 28 gives more accurate readings of the temperature of all of the water in the kettle 10. Other configurations of contact plate 16 may also be used. For example, the contact plate may be concave or convex, or may include a dome-shaped protrusion in the vicinity of the temperature sensor 28.

[0110] . While temperature sensor 28 has been described with reference to the drawings, it would be appreciated that other temperature sensors could be used, such as those described in Australian Patent application no AU2007250521 and Australian Patent application no AU2012265567.

Fleat source controller [0111] . Referring again to Figures 3 and 6, the heating system 18 has a heat source controller 106. The heat source controller is electronically connected to the temperature sensor 28 and the heating element 20. The heat source controller controls the operation of the heating elements 20 and 20a with reference to the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 28. Preferably, the heat source controller is made up of an electronic circuit or number of electronic circuits including a microprocessor. These circuits may be designed in a number of ways to provide the functionality described below.

[0112] . The heat source controller may have a number of different functions, such as a boil function, a keep warm function and a baby mode such as that described in AU 2014233565 the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if the entire document was reproduced in full in this specification, which use feedback from the temperature sensor 28.

[0113] . The heat source controller also controls the charging of the supplementary power system 51. As shown in Figure 4, the electric kettle 12 is shown in a charging or standby mode. The bridge rectifier 65 provides DC current from the mains power connector 54 so that the capacitors 57 charge up until they are fully charged. To discharge the capacitors 57, the user switches the switches 59 and the mains power then actuates the primary heating element 20 and the secondary heating element 20a. Figure 5 conversely displays the electric kettle 5 in an “on” discharge position.

[0114] , The functions of the kettle 10 including the power system may be operated by a button arrangement, for example one or more momentary push buttons. The buttons are connected to, and provide input to, the controller.

[0115] . When a start button is activated, the controller enters a boil mode. Before activation, the controller is in a standby mode. After activation, the controller enters the boil mode. When in the boil mode, the controller turns on the heating element 20 and begins to heat the water in the kettle. The controller may in addition cause an illuminated ring to produce, for example, red light, to indicate the controller is in the boil mode and the water is being boiled.

[0116] . The temperature sensor 28 detects when an upper boiling limit has been reached.

The upper boiling limit may be 97°C, though other limits may be used. At this point the controller enters a boiled mode. In the boiled mode, the controller turns off the heating element 20 and the red light in the illuminated ring. The controller may then turn on, for example, a green light to indicate that the water is boiled.

[0117] , In the boiled mode, the temperature sensor 28 continues to sense the temperature of the water. After the heating element 20 is turned off, the water slowly cools. Once the temperature of the water falls to a lower boiling limit, the controller ends the boiled mode and returns to standby mode. At this stage, the controller may turn off the green light to indicate the water is no longer at or near boiling temperature. A suitable lower boiling limit is 92°C, though other limits may also be used.

Display [0118] . The kettle 12 has a display for presenting data to a user. In one arrangement the display is a liquid crystal screen that may display three or more lines of alphanumeric text. Other types of display may also be used, including a display using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or an LED screen. The display is driven by the controller and may be used to display information relating to the measured temperature and the current state of the kettle 12.

[0119] . In one arrangement the display has three lines of text. The first line shows the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 28. The second line indicates a state of the kettle 12, for example "Standby", "Boiling", "Boiled" or "Ready for Baby". The third line shows the estimated time until the water in the kettle boils or reaches a specified threshold value.

[0120] . In other arrangements where the kettle has a cordless vessel that is placed on a powered base unit for the vessel's contents to be heated, the display may be provided on the powered base unit as shown in Figure 8.

[0121] , Figure 9 illustrates an example of a powered base unit 700 for the kettle 12. A display 702 may be provided on the powered base unit 700. The display 702 can provide various indications such as the current temperature, the time remaining, the time elapsed, a specified time period entered by the user, and whether the water has been sterilised.

[0122] , The appliance may also be a toaster as shown in Figure 12.

[0123] . It is to be understood that the vessel may include an associated food processor and may be in the form of a chopper, slicer, mincer, mixer, stirrer or other agitator for processing, chopping, slicing, mincing, stirring, mixing or otherwise agitating the foodstuff in the vessel when it is disposed in the vessel. In one embodiment the associated food processor is driven by a motor electrically connected to the energy storage unit and/or the mains power supply.

[0124] , The associated food processor is internal and is as described above for direct processing contact with the foodstuff in the vessel.

[0125] . In one embodiment the associated food processor is external for indirect processing contact with the foodstuff, such as for example a vessel body shaker drive for bodily shaking and wobbling the vessel about one or more axes to shake and wobble the vessel itself, indirectly moving the foodstuffs around inside the vessel.

[0126] . In one embodiment the associated food processor includes both internal and external food processors in combination as described herein.

[0127] . To heat or otherwise process the contents of the appliance, a user undertakes a method including the steps of charging the energy storage unit to a level above a selected charge level and discharging the charge in the energy storage unit into one or more heating or other processing elements at the same time as powering another heating element to heat or otherwise process the contents of the appliance.

[0128] . The charging step may involve the user actuating the controller to operate the kitchen appliance in a charging mode in which charge is allowed into the energy storage unit from the mains power supply. In one embodiment the one or more charging steps involves a type of charging selected from the group consisting of: bulk charging, soft start charging, absorbing charging, boost charging, test charging, and float charging.

[0129] . In one embodiment the discharging step involves the user actuating the controller to operate the kitchen appliance in one or more discharging modes. In one of the discharging modes the controller energises one element with power from the mains power supply and energises another element with power from the energy storage unit. In another of the discharging modes the controller energises one element with power from both the mains power and the energy storage unit.

[0130] . In one of the discharging modes the controller estimates the time and power required from each component of the heating system for optimum use of: the mains power; the energy storage unit; and the one or more heating elements, to heat the contents of the heating chamber in a selected period of time, which in almost all cases will be the shortest period of time possible to maximise convenience to a user. The distribution of resources can be accurately estimated and is of particular benefit when the heating chamber is a kettle for boiling water, since the volume of water can be known, the specific heat of water is known, the temperature of the elements and the temperature of the water can be known through the heating process by the use of temperature sensors, and the rate of increase of temperature of the water over time can be measured based on the power input to the water via the one or more elements with the use of timers and computer processing systems. The time to boil can then be extrapolated and caused to be displayed on an associated display, in a similar manner as taught by Australian Patent application no 2014233565, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference to that document, as if the entire document was reproduced herein.

[0131] . Figure 16 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the invention where the electric kettle has a charging circuit that does not switch off during the discharging mode.

Example [0132] . If we assume ideal conditions, in which an electric kettle is able to transfer 100% of its electrical energy into heat energy in one or more of its heating elements, which are then able to transfer their heat to the water in the electric kettle with negligible energy loss.

[0133] . Given that the specific heat capacity of water is 4.181 J/gK, in order to boil a full kettle of water (1.7L) from room temperature (SLC - 25°C), the amount of energy required would be: • Energy required = (Specific heat capacity)x (water mass)x (Δ temp) • ··· Energy required = 4.181 x 1700 x 75 = 533 078/ [0134] , For a 2400W kettle, this equates to a boiling time of: • 533 078/2400 = 222.16 seconds » 3minutes 42 seconds [0135] . Under practical real-world conditions where there are real-world losses, it can take about 5 minutes to boil 1.7L of water, indicating that we have an efficiency of only about 74%.

[0136] . In order to decrease the time it takes to boil, either the efficiency has to or increase the amount of power must increase.

[0137] . One proposed embodiment involves introducing a secondary heating element 20a into the circuit to increase the amount of power into the heating chamber 14. In order to increase this power, without drawing more than the capacity of the mains supply (240VAC at 10A in a three phase supply), this secondary heating element will be powered by a set of super capacitors, arranged in parallel. During the charging period of the electric kettle 12, the on board energy storage unit will be charged. When an actuation switch is actuated, both the primary 20 and secondary 20a heating elements are driven, providing more than 2400W to heat the water as the super capacitors are discharged, as shown in Figures 3 and 6.

[0138] . The relationship between the on board energy storage unit and the boiling time of the system can be determined by the following equations:

where: • tc is the discharge time for the capacitor • J is the total energy required in the system • Wi is the wattage of the primary heating element • W2 is the wattage of the secondary heating element [0139] . Given that: • V = total) where: • R=1 is the resistance • Ctotai is the total capacitance of the capacitors in parallel • Vo is the initial voltage charge of the capacitors • V is the final voltage the capacitors will discharge to [0140] . Therefore: •

[0141] . Applying the above circuit, in theory the water temperature profile should look like the graph shown in Figure 8.

[0142] . Assigning selected values for each of the variables, the expected time to boil a full kettle of water would be:

• J = 533078 J

• Wi = 2400W

• W2 = 500W • Ri = 200 Ω

• Ctotai =100m F

• V = 1V

• Vo = 240V

·'· ttotai = 210.7s « 3 mins 19s [0143] . Hence, it is possible to reduce the overall boiling time by introducing a second heating element circuit. Boiling less water in the electric kettle significantly reduces the boiling time.

[0144] , In this specification, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date: (a) part of common general knowledge; or (b) known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.

[0145] . The word ‘comprising’ and forms of the word ‘comprising’ as used in this description do not limit the invention claimed to exclude any variants or additions.

[0146] . Modifications and improvements to the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope of this invention.

Claims (25)

1. Claims:

   1. A home appliance comprising: an operational unit; and a supplementary power system including an energy storage unit adapted to store electrical energy from a main power supply and release the stored electrical energy to provide supplementary power to the operational unit.
2. 2. The home appliance as in claim 1, wherein the stored electrical energy is added to power supplied by the mains power supply for powering the operational unit.
3. 3. The home appliance as in claim 1, wherein the operational unit can be selected from the group consisting of a heating system, electric motor, pump, and vacuum pump.
4. 4. The home appliance as in claim 3, wherein the heating system includes one or more heating elements.
5. 5. The home appliance as in claim 3, wherein the one or more heating elements comprise a main heating element connected to the mains power supply and a supplementary heating element connected to the energy storage unit.
6. 6. The home appliance as in any one of the claims 3 to 5, wherein the supplementary power system further comprises a converter.
7. 7. The home appliance as in any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the home appliance is a kitchen appliance comprising: a controller; a heating chamber for receiving contents to be heated; and wherein the heating system heats the heating chamber and contents disposed therein.
8. 8. The home appliance as in claim 7, wherein the one or more heating elements are configured to be in direct contact with the contents of the heating chamber.
9. 9. The home appliance as in claim 7 or 8, wherein the heating system is integrated with the heating chamber to form a unitary heating vessel.
10. 10. The home appliance as in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the energy storage unit is integral with the unitary heating vessel.
11. 11. The home appliance as in claim 9, wherein the one or more heating elements are connected to the unitary heating vessel and mounted in a power base.
12. 12. The home appliance as in claim 8, wherein the energy storage unit is disposed within the power base.
13. 13. The home appliance as in claim 5, wherein the energy storage unit includes an electrical charge storage device for storing electrical charge for selective release to the heating element.
14. 14. The home appliance as in claim 13, wherein the electrical charge storage device is a capacitive charge storage unit.
15. 15. The home appliance as in claim 14, wherein the electrical charge storage device is a battery.
16. 16. The home appliance as in claim 7, wherein the heating system further comprises a heating circuit and an actuator.
17. 17. The home appliance as in claim 16, wherein the controller includes a microprocessor.
18. 18. The home appliance as in claim 17, wherein the controller includes a clock or timer.
19. 19. The home appliance as in claim 1, wherein the home appliance is an associated food processor.
20. 20. A method of processing contents in a home appliance having an energy storage unit, the method including the steps of: charging the energy storage unit to a selected charge level; and discharging the energy storage unit into a contents processing system in response to a user signal to process the contents of the appliance.
21. 21. A method as in claim 20, further comprising charging the energy storage unit using a mains power supply electrically connected to the home appliance.
22. 22. A method as in claim 21, wherein the contents processing system includes a heating system for heating contents and wherein the heating system is powered by both the mains power supply and the energy storage unit.
23. 23. The home appliance as in any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein charging the energy storage unit is instructed by a controller.
24. 24. The home appliance as in claim 23, wherein the controller operates the kitchen appliance in one or more discharging modes.
25. 25. The home appliance as in claim 24, wherein in one of more discharging modes the controller estimates an optimum time and power from one or more components of the heating system.