GB2457282A

GB2457282A - Domestic appliance

Info

Publication number: GB2457282A
Application number: GB0802384A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Taleitha Belinda Winegard; Mark Stamford Vanderstegen-Drake
Original assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2008-02-08
Filing date: 2008-02-08
Publication date: 2009-08-12
Also published as: GB0802384D0

Abstract

There is provided fluid dispensing apparatus (100; 200) comprising a vessel (102) for storing a Fluid, means (104) for heating fluid within the vessel (104), a fluid dispenser (20), arid a conduit arrangement (108) for supplying Fluid from the vessel (102) to the fluid dispenser (20). The conduit arrangement (108) comprises a temperature changing device (116) and the fluid dispensing apparatus (100; 200) comprises means (126, 130) for directing fluid from the vessel (102) selectively along either a first path which passes through the temperature changing device (1,16) or a second path which bypasses the temperature changing device (116). By providing such a fluid dispensing apparatus (100; 200), a fluid can be supplied to a dispenser (20; 220) on demand at either a first or a second temperature, depending upon whether the fluid has passed through the temperature changing device (116).

Description

1 2457282 Domestic Appliance The present invention relates to fluid dispensing apparatus. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a domestic appliance.

Appliances for dispensing fluids such as hot water are well known from, for example, GB 1373 990. This document describes a dispensing appliance for supplying hot water instantaneously upon demand. The appliance comprises a thermally-insulated pressurised boiler which, in use, is completely filled with water. A heater element heats the water in the boiler to a temperature of around 1100 C and the resulting hot water is dispensed from the upper end of the boiler. The dispensed hot water is replaced by cool water entering the boiler at a lower end. The cool water is then heated by the heater element.

A disadvantage of the above arrangement is that very hot water is dispensed. This may be hazardous to a user, particularly if the water boils when dispensed at atmospheric pressure. Additionally, hot water at a temperature lower than the atmospheric boiling * point may be required for purposes such as, for example, beverage preparation. US :.:.20 5,093,897 discloses a hot water dispensing appliance which, in addition to supplying S...

boiling water, is able to supply hot water at a temperature lower than boiling point. This is achieved by mixing boiled water with cold water from a cold water source such that water at an intermediate temperature is dispensed. However, a result of the mixing process is that not all of the dispensed water has been boiled. Therefore, the advantages 5 of reduced bactena levels in the boiled water are compromised.

*...S.

Another common solution is used in domestic water heaters commonly referred to as "Pottos". In these devices, a quantity of water is boiled and then allowed to cool to a pre-set temperature below the boiling point. A heater then maintains the water at this pre-set temperature. However, such an arrangement is wasteful of energy because the energy expended in boiling the water is lost when the water is cooled. Further, the water takes a long time (often a few hours) to cool to the pre-set temperature, which is inconvenient for a user.

US 4,601,263 describes an alternative, and more efficient, solution using a heat exchanger in a water dispensing conduit between a boiler and a dispensing tap. The heat exchanger is employed downstream of the boiler so that an outgoing hot water flow exchanges heat with an incoming cold water flow. This reduces the temperature of the outgoing hot water to a safe level, whilst increasing the temperature of the incoming water. This reduces the energy demands of the apparatus.

The above-described arrangements are only able to dispense previously-boiled (and, therefore, potable) hot water at a single temperature. However, in many cases, a user may require potable hot water at different temperatures. For example, water approaching atmospheric boiling point may be required to make a coffee beverage, 1 5 whereas water at a lower temperature (for example, 85 °C) may be required to prepare delicate tea-based beverages such as green tea.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an appliance which is able * * to dispense on demand potable hot water at two different temperatures without :::. excessive energy wastage.

*:*. According to the invention, there is provided fluid dispensing apparatus comprising a :. vessel for storing a fluid, means for heating fluid within the vessel, a fluid dispenser, and a conduit arrangement for supplying fluid from the vessel to the fluid dispenser, the 4 conduit arrangement comprising a temperature changing device therein, wherein the fluid dispensing apparatus comprises means for directing fluid from the vessel selectively along either a first path which passes through the temperature changing device or a second path which bypasses the temperature changing device.

By providing such fluid dispensing apparatus, fluid can be supplied to the fluid dispenser on demand at either a first or a second temperature, depending upon whether the fluid has passed through the temperature changing device. This means that a user does not have to wait to be supplied with water of a different temperature. Further, all of the dispensed fluid has been heated, and is, therefore, potable.

Preferably, the temperature changing device comprises a heat exchanger. By providing a heat exchanger, the temperature of the fluid passing along the first path can be changed easily and quickly without requiring an external energy source, such as a heating element This arrangement can, therefore, operate quickly and efficiently.

Preferably, the heat exchanger has a cold fluid circuit and a hot fluid circuit, the hot fluid circuit forming part of the conduit arrangement. More preferably, the fluid dispensing apparatus further comprises an inlet conduit for supplying fluid to the vessel, the cold fluid circuit forming part of the inlet conduit.

By providing such a conduit arrangement, the heated fluid in the hot water circuit of the heat exchanger can exchange heat with the incoming water to the vessel. This transfer of thermal energy results in the Incoming water being heated, reducing the energy demands of the apparatus. * .0

..2O Preferably, the fluid dispensing apparatus further comprises a controller for controlling * 0..

the means for dispensing fluid in response to a selection made by a user. More preferably, the fluid dispensing apparatus further comprises user-operable selection * means for selecting fluid at a first temperature or a second temperature, the controller *00 being arranged to control the means for directing fluid such that, when the first * temperature is selected, fluid is directed along the first path and, when the second : temperature is selected, fluid is directed along the second path.

Preferably, the means for directing fluid comprises a valve arrangement including at least one valve. More preferably, the conduit arrangement comprises a first conduit which defines the first path and a second conduit which defines the second path, and the valve arrangement comprises a first valve for selectively inhibiting the flow of fluid through the first conduit and a second valve for selectively inhibiting the flow of fluid through the second conduit. More preferably, the controller is arranged to control the first and second valves in response to the selection of a fluid temperature by a user.

By providing such a valve arrangement, the path along which the fluid flows from the vessel to the dispenser can be switched easily and quickly by the controller, allowing quick transitions between fluid dispensation at the first temperature and the second temperature in response to a selection made by a user. The user inputs a selection using the user-operable selection means which may take the form of an arrangement of buttons, dials or a display screen.

Preferably, the first and second conduits are connected downstream of the vessel.

Preferably, the fluid dispenser has a single outlet for dispensing fluid received from the conduit arrangement Alternatively, the fluid dispenser has a first outlet for dispensing fluid directed along the first path and a second outlet for dispensing fluid directed along the second path.

Preferably, the first outlet surrounds the second outlet. More preferably, the first and * .20 second outlets are concentrically arranged. * I * * I. **. * S S...

Preferably, there is provided a domestic appliance including fluid dispensing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims. I..

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Preferably, the domestic appliance further comprises a fluid reservoir provided upstream of, and in communication with, the vessel for storing fluid to be heated. More 5.5111 preferably, the fluid reservoir is removable from the remainder of the appliance.

Preferably, the domestic appliance is a water dispenser.

According to the invention, there is also provided a method of dispensing a fluid from fluid dispensing apparatus comprising a vessel for storing a fluid, means for heating fluid within the vessel, a fluid dispenser, a conduit arrangement for supplying fluid from the vessel to the fluid dispenser and comprising a temperature changing device, the method comprising directing fluid from the vessel along a first path which passes through the temperature changing device or a second path which bypasses the temperature changing device depending upon a fluid temperature selected by a user.

According to the invention, there is further provided a method of dispensing a fluid from fluid dispensing apparatus comprising a vessel for storing a fluid, means for heating fluid within the vessel, a fluid dispenser, a conduit arrangement for supplying fluid from the vessel to the fluid dispenser and comprising a temperature changing device, the method comprising the steps of: a) directing fluid from the vessel along both a first path which passes through the temperature changing device and a second path which bypasses the temperature changing device for an initial transient time period; b) inhibiting fluid flow along the second path so that fluid is directed along the first path to the dispenser until a desired volume of fluid is dispensed; d) inhibiting fluid flow along both the first.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the * ** ** S * 0 accompanying drawings, in which: * *** * S I...

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a domestic appliance including fluid dispensing *:. apparatus; Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the domestic appliance of Figure 1 with a cover :: removed to show part of the fluid dispensing apparatus; Figure 3 a schematic view of a first embodiment of the fluid dispensing apparatus; Figure 4 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the fluid dispensing apparatus; Figure 5 is an underneath view of a spout suitable for use with the fluid dispensing apparatus of Figure 4; and Figure 6 is a side section taken along the line A-A of Figure 5.

Figures 1 and 2 show an example of a domestic appliance 10 including fluid dispensing apparatus. In this example, the appliance 10 is adapted for dispensing hot water. The domestic appliance 10 includes a casing 12 having an upper face 14 and a front face 16.

The upper face 14 of the casing 12 includes a control panel 18 having a plurality of user-operable selection buttons 1 8a through which the appliance 10 can be operated.

A dispenser 20 is located in the casing 12 and includes a dispensing spout 22 which is moveable between an extended and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the spout 22 is stored within the casing 12. In the extended position (as shown in Figure 1), the dispensing spout 22 projects from the front face 14 of the casing 12. In this position, the dispensing spout 22 is capable of dispensing a quantity of fluid, in this case hot water. The dispensing spout 22 extends horizontally from the front face 14 of the casing 12 when the appliance 10 is supported on a horizontal support surface such as a table or worktop (not shown). in other words, the spout 22 is arranged to extend from the casing * !0 12 approximately parallel to the support surface upon which the appliance 10 is **** supported. A motor (not shown) moves the spout 22 between the retracted and extended *. : positions * ** *..

A cold water reservoir 24 is located on one side of the casing 12. The cold water reservoir 24 is for storage of cold water to be heated and is rectangular in shape. The :: cold water reservoir 24 is connected to the casing 12 through a mounting platform 26.

The cold water reservoir 24 is removable from the remainder of the appliance 10 so that a user can refill the cold water reservoir 24 easily.

To enable the cold water reservoir 24 to be filled, the cold water reservoir 24 includes a moveable lid 28. The lid 28 is able to move between open and closed positions under the influence of a spring (not shown). The lid 28 is shown in an open position in Figure 1. in the open position, the interior of the cold water reservoir 24 is accessible so that a user can fill the cold water reservoir 24 with water.

Figures 2 and 3 show a first embodiment of the fluid dispensing apparatus 100 in more detail. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the appliance 10 from the rear. In Figure 2, the casing 12 has been removed from the appliance 10 to reveal the fluid dispensing apparatus 100. Figure 3 shows a schematic of the fluid dispensing apparatus 100 and cold water reservoir 24 forming part of the appliance 10 of Figure 1 The fluid dispensing apparatus 100 comprises a boiler 102 which is able to store up to 2 litres of water The boiler 102 is a vacuum-insulated vessel which includes a heating element 104. The heating element 104 is able to heat the water in the boiler 102 to around 105° C and to maintain the water at this temperature. A pressure of approximately I bar gauge is maintained in the boiler 102 so that the water does not boil within the boiler 102. In this embodiment, the heating element 104 takes the form of a resistive heater. However, the form of the heating element 104 is not material to the invention and other arrangements may be used. * .* ** I

* 20 The boiler 102 is connected to a first conduit arrangement 106 and a second conduit *.** arrangement 108. The first conduit arrangement 106 includes an inlet conduit 110 which *:*. is connected to the cold water reservoir 24 containing cold water at approximately 20° C The cold water reservoir 24 is connected to the inlet conduit 110 by means of a connection valve I 12a located on the mounting platform 26 (see Figure 1) which *. engages with a connection aperture 112b (see Figure 3) located on the cold water :: reservoir 24. The connection valve I 12a and the connection aperture I 12b are arranged such that fluid is able to flow therethrough when the connection valve 1 12a and connection aperture I 12b are connected. When the cold water reservoir 24 is removed from the remainder of the appliance 10, the connection valve 112a and connection aperture 1 12b are both sealed automatically to prevent leakage of water from the appliance 10.

The inlet conduit 110 includes a centrifugal pump 114. The centrifugal pump 114 comprises a rotating impeller (not shown) which is arranged to rotate in a close-fitting impeller housing. The pump 114 further includes an inlet I 14a which is arranged parallel to the axis of rotation of the impeller and a pump outlet 1 14b provided on an outer perimeter of the impeller housing.

A heat exchanger 116 is located in the flowpath along part of the inlet conduit 110 downstream of the pump outlet 11 4b. The heat exchanger 116 has a cold water circuit 116a and a hot water circuit ll6b, which are arranged such that the hot water circuit 11 6b and the cold water circuit 11 6a are able to exchange thermal energy therebetween.

Therefore, the heat exchanger 116 acts as a temperature changing device for changing the temperature of the water therein. The cold water circuit 11 6a of the heat exchanger 116 forms a part of the inlet conduit 110 so that water passes from the cold water reservoir 24 to the boiler 102 through the cold water circuit 11 6a of the heat exchanger 116.

A non-return valve 118 is located in the inlet conduit 110 between the boiler 102 and the heat exchanger 116 and prevents water from the boiler 102 from flowing back down * .a * * *20 the inlet conduit 110 to the cold water reservoir 24. The non-return valve 118 also **** ... enables the boiler 102 to be kept under a pressure of I bar gauge without any heated :** water returning back along the inlet conduit 110. I..

The inlet conduit 110 is connected to a boiler inlet 102a located at a lower end of the *. . a* boiler 102. A diffuser 102b is located in the intenor of the boiler 102 adjacent the boiler inlet lO2a. The diffuser 102b disperses the incoming cold water such that it remains at the lower end of the boiler 102. A boiler outlet 102c is located at the upper end of the boiler 102.

The second conduit arrangement 108 comprises an arrangement of conduits to supply hot water from the boiler 102 to the dispenser 20. The second conduit arrangement 108 includes an outlet conduit 120 which is connected to the boiler outlet 102c at the upper end of the boiler 102. A relief valve 122 is located in the outlet conduit 120 adjacent the boiler 102. The relief valve 1 22 provides an emergency flowpath (not shown) back to the inlet conduit 11 0 adjacent the connection valve 11 2a should an overpressure condition in the boiler 102 occur.

The outlet conduit 120 terminates in a branch 121 having two outlets. A first of the outlets is connected to a first dispensing conduit 124 which provides a first path between the outlet conduit 120 and the dispenser 20. A first valve 126 is located in the first dispensing conduit 124. The first valve 126 is a solenoid valve and is controlled by an electronic controller 150. The controller 150 will be described later. The first valve 126 controls fluid flow along the first dispensing conduit 124 to the dispenser 20.

The first dispensing conduit 124 includes the hot water circuit 116b of the heat exchanger 116. Therefore, the first dispensing conduit 124 is arranged to supply water from the boiler outlet 102c to the dispenser 20 via the hot water circuit I 16b of the heat exchanger 116. The heat exchanger 116 acts as a temperature changing device to lower the temperature of the water leaving the boiler outlet I 02c from approximately 105 °C to a temperature of 85 °C as measured at the dispenser 20. * 20 *t*.

The second of the outlets of the branch 121 is connected to a second dispensing conduit 128. The second dispensing conduit 128 provides a second path between the outlet conduit 120 and the dispenser 20. The second dispensing conduit 128 is connected to the first dispensing conduit 124 by the branch 121, and at another position adjacent the *.4s dispenser 20 and the spout 22. The second dispensing conduit 128 includes a second r: valve 130. The second valve 130 is a solenoid valve and is similar to the first valve 126.

The second valve 130 is also controlled by the controller 150. The second dispensing conduit 128 is arranged to supply the dispenser 20 with hot water from the boiler 102 at a temperature of approximately 98 °C.

The first and second valves 126, 130 form a valve arrangement which is able to control fluid flow from the boiler outlet 102c to the dispenser 20. The controller 150 is arranged to control the operation of the valve arrangement dependent upon the temperature of water to be dispensed. A user selects a desired water temperature using the selection buttons I 8a on the control panel 18. The controller 150 controls the operation of the first and second valves 126, 130 such that, in normal use, only one valve 126, 130 will be open at any one time to allow water to pass therethrough. Therefore, hot water from the boiler 102 will pass along either the first path or the second path depending upon which temperature of water is selected by a user.

In use, the boiler 102 is completely filled with water and is maintained in this state at all times during use. The water in the boiler 102 is maintained at approximately 105° C by the heating element 104. However, the water does not boil in the boiler 102 because it is maintained at a pressure of I bar gauge.

A user is able to select hot water at two different temperatures. The first temperature is around 85° C at the spout 22 and the second temperature is around 98° C at the spout * ** 22. The user selects the required temperature using the selection buttons 18a on the :: control panel 18. This selection is inputted to the controller 150. If a user selects the first temperature, the controller 150 opens the first valve 126 and keeps the second valve 130 : closed. * **

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The pump 114 then operates and the impeller is rotated. The rotation of the impeller creates a region of low pressure which promotes a flow of cold water from the cold water reservoir 24 into the centre of the impeller through the pump inlet ll4a. As the cold water is accelerated by the impeller, it gains speed in a curved radial path. The cold water is then ejected through the pump outlet I 14b. The speed that the water picks up in the impeller is largely converted to pressure as the water emerges from the pump outlet 1 14b.

The pump 114 operates to move cold water along the inlet conduit 110, through the cold water circuit I l6a of the heat exchanger 116 and the non-return valve 118 and into the base of the boiler 102 through the boiler inlet 102a. The pressure of the incoming cold water displaces hot water from the top of the boiler 102, out of the boiler outlet 102c and into the second conduit arrangement 108. The hot water is displaced along the outlet conduit 120 and, because the second valve 130 is closed, the only route available to the hot water is through the first valve 126 and along the first path defined by the first dispensing conduit 124.

As the heated water passes along the first path, the water passes through the hot water circuit 116b of the heat exchanger 116. In the heat exchanger 116, the hot water in the hot water circuit 11 6b exchanges heat with the incoming cold water in the cold water circuit 11 6a of the heat exchanger 116 and is reduced in temperature. The cooled water is then dispensed from the spout 22 at the first temperature of approximately 85° C into a suitable receptacle, for example a cup or mug, provided by the user.

Alternatively, if a user selects water at the second temperature using the control panel * ** 18, the controller 150 keeps the first valve 126 closed and opens the second valve 130.

The pump 24 then operates to supply cold water from the cold water reservoir 24 as before. However, this time, the hot water from the boiler outlet 102c flows from the *:*. outlet conduit 120, through the open second valve 130 and along the second path *:. defined by the second dispensing conduit 128. The hot water is thus supplied directly to the dispenser 20, bypassing the heat exchanger 116, to be dispensed from the spout 22 *..: at the second temperature of 98° C into a suitable receptacle provided by the user. In this embodiment, hot water at the first temperature and hot water at the second temperature are both dispensed from a single outlet in the spout 22.

A problem that can occur is that, when a user has not requested hot water at the first temperature for some time, the water held within the hot water circuit 11 6b of the heat exchanger 116 may have cooled to the temperature of the incoming cold water from the cold water reservoir 24. Therefore, when the next batch of hot water at the first temperature is dispensed, a small amount of relatively cool water will emerge from the spout 22 before the hot water at the first temperature flows from the spout 22.

To overcome this problem, when hot water at the first temperature is requested, the controller 150 initially opens the first and second valves 126, 130 simultaneously for a period of about 7 seconds to mix the relatively cool water from the heat exchanger 116 with hot water from the boiler 102, leading to the dispensation of water of a temperature approaching 85° C. Once hot water is flowing through the heat exchanger 116, normal operation of the fluid dispensing apparatus 100 is resumed -the controller 150 closes the second valve 1 30 and keeps the first valve 126 open, as previously described, to dispense water at the first temperature from the spout 22.

Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of fluid dispensing apparatus 200. In the second embodiment, the majority of the components are identical to those of the first embodiment. These components take the same reference numerals as the first embodiment and will not be described further here.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the arrangement of the first and second dispensing conduits 224, 228 and the dispenser 220. The first and S...

second dispensing conduits 224, 228 define first and second paths respectively and are .: connected to one another by the branch 121. In contrast to the first embodiment, the first and second dispensing conduits 224, 228 are entirely separate downstream of the branch *:*. 121.

* 5 The dispenser 220 has a spout 222. The spout 222 is shown in more detail in Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a bottom view of the spout 222 when removed from the remainder of the dispenser 220, and Figure 6 is a section taken along the line A-A of Figure 5. The spout 222 has first and second fluid passageways 230, 232 which are in communication with the first and second dispensing conduits 224, 228 respectively.

The first and second fluid passageways 230, 232 terminate in first and second outlets 234, 236 respectively. Therefore, the first outlet 230 is connected to the first dispensing conduit 224 in order to dispense water at the first temperature and the second outlet 232 is connected to the second dispensing conduit 228 in order to dispense water at the second temperature. The first and second outlets 234, 236 are arranged concentrically with respect to one another so that the first outlet 234 surrounds the second outlet 236.

In use, the fluid dispensing apparatus 200 operates in the same maimer as that of the fluid dispensing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment. However, water of the first temperature is dispensed through the first outlet 234 and water of the second temperature is dispensed from the second outlet 236.

When hot water of the first temperature is requested, the controller 150 holds both of the first and second valves 126, 130 open for an initial period of 7 seconds. In the second embodiment, water from the both of the first and second dispensing conduits 224, 228 is not mixed within the fluid dispensing apparatus 100. Instead, the water at, or below, the first temperature is dispensed from the first outlet 234 at the same time as water at the * *. second temperature is dispensed from the second outlet 236. The water from the first outlet 234 emerges in a concentric "sheath" surrounding the water from the second w20 outlet 236. This arrangement ensures good mixing of the two water flows outside the apparatus and prevents a user from being injured by splashes of hot water at the second * temperature of 98° C from the second outlet 236. ** *

The invention is not limited to the detailed description given above. Variations will be * 25 apparent to the person skilled in the art. For example, the fluid dispensing apparatus need not be located in a hot water appliance. The fluid dispensing apparatus could also be used in other types of appliance; for example, a coffee maker or other beverage-making machine. Any suitable construction of appliance could be used; for example; vending machines, soft drinks dispensers, or other dispensing apparatus in a domestic, office or industrial environment.

The second temperature need not be lower than the first temperature. For example, the heat exchanger could be used to heat the outgoing water to a higher temperature than the first temperature or the boiler water temperature if required. Further, temperature changing devices different from a heat exchanger could be used; for example, an in-line heater for heating the water in the second dispensing conduit or a Peltier cooler for cooling the water in the second dispensing conduit. Further, a heat exchanger could be used to exchange heat with atmospheric air, or other media different from the incoming cool water.

The valve arrangement need not comprise solenoid valves and any suitable valve system could be used; for example, tap valves or butterfly valves. A single three-way valve may also be used in place of the two valve arrangement described above. Further, the valves need not open together for the initial period in which water from the first and second dispensing conduits are mixed. Alternatively, if it is required that both valves open initially, the period may be longer or shorter than 7 seconds as required, before the apparatus returns to normal operation in which only one of the valves is open.

s.' There need not be an inlet conduit or a cold water reservoir, instead, the boiler may be filled directly by a user. Alternanvely, there need not be a pump and non-return valve. 5...

Other arrangements for supplying water to the boiler could be used; for example, a ... connection to a water main under mains pressure, a valve arrangement or gravity feed. S..

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*:*. There need not be a controller; for example, the valves may be operable manually.

Alternatively, the controller need not receive an input from a user and could select a *55*SS * 2'S temperature of water to be dispensed automatically by, for example, detecting the beverage to be prepared.

The heating element need not be a resistive element; for example, an Ohmic heater or other means may be used. Further, the heating element need not be inside the boiler and could be located outside the boiler or form a part of the boiler itself.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Fluid dispensing apparatus comprising a vessel for storing a fluid, means for heating fluid within the vessel, a fluid dispenser, and a conduit arrangement for supplying fluid from the vessel to the fluid dispenser, the conduit arrangement comprising a temperature changing device and the fluid dispensing apparatus comprising means for directing fluid from the vessel selectively along either a first path which passes through the temperature changing device or a second path which bypasses the temperature changing device.
2. Fluid dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the temperature changing device comprises a heat exchanger.
3. Fluid dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the heat exchanger 1 5 has a cold fluid circuit and a hot fluid circuit, the hot fluid circuit forming part of the conduit arrangement.
4. Fluid dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or 3, further comprising an inlet conduit for supplying fluid to the vessel, the cold fluid circuit forming part of the * *** 0 inlet conduit. ** *

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5. Fluid dispensing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a controller for controlling the means for dispensing fluid in response to a selection made by a user. * :
6. Fluid dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 5, further comprising user-operable selection means for selecting fluid at a first temperature or a second temperature, the controller being arranged to control the means for directing fluid such that, when the first temperature is selected, fluid is directed along the first path and, when the second temperature is selected, fluid is directed along the second path.
7. Fluid dispensing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for directing fluid comprises a valve arrangement including at least one valve.
8. Fluid dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the conduit arrangement comprises a first conduit which defines the first path and a second conduit which defines the second path, and the valve arrangement comprises a first valve for selectively inhibiting the flow of fluid through the first conduit and a second valve for selectively inhibiting the flow of fluid through the second conduit.
9. Fluid dispensing apparatus as claimed in claims 5 and 8, wherein the controller is arranged to control the first and second valves in response to the selection of a fluid temperature by a user.
10. Fluid dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the first and second conduits are connected downstream of the vessel.

*.*,
11. Fluid dispensing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid dispenser has a single outlet for dispensing fluid received from the conduit arrangement. * * . * S.
12. Fluid dispensing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims Ito 10, wherein the fluid dispenser has a first outlet for dispensing fluid directed along the first path and a ..5 second outlet for dispensing fluid directed along the second path.

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13. Fluid dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first outlet surrounds the second outlet.
14. Fluid dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the first and second outlets are concentrically arranged.
15. Fluid dispensing apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
16. A domestic appliance including fluid dispensing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.
17. A domestic appliance as claimed in claim 16, further comprising a fluid reservoir provided upstream of, and in communication with, the vessel for storing fluid to be heated.
18. A domestic appliance as claimed in claim 17, wherein the fluid reservoir is removable from the remainder of the appliance.
19. An appliance as claimed in any one of claims 1 5 to 17, wherein the domestic appliance is a water dispenser.
20. An appliance substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the *:::* accompanying drawings. * * S..
21. A method of dispensing a fluid from fluid dispensing apparatus comprising a vessel for storing a fluid, means for heating fluid within the vessel, a fluid dispenser, a conduit arrangement for supplying fluid from the vessel to the fluid dispenser and comprising a temperature changing device, the method comprising directing fluid from the vessel along a first path which passes through the temperature changing device or a S.' * 25 second path which bypasses the temperature changing device depending upon a fluid temperature selected by a user.
22. A method of dispensing a fluid from fluid dispensing apparatus comprising a vessel for storing a fluid, means for heating fluid within the vessel, a fluid dispenser, a conduit arrangement for supplying fluid from the vessel to the fluid dispenser and comprising a temperature changing device, the method comprising the steps of: a) directing fluid from the vessel along both a first path which passes through the temperature changing device and a second path which bypasses the temperature changing device for a pre-determined initial time period; b) stopping fluid flow along the second path; c) directing fluid along the first path to the dispenser until a desired volume of fluid is dispensed; d) stopping fluid flow along both the first and second paths. * ** * S S * S. * I S... *S S * . S * S.S S..S S. S * S S * 55S*..SSS * S