USER INTERFACE FOR OPERATION OF A LIQUID HEATING APPARATUS

Abstract

A domestic liquid heating apparatus includes a liquid heating chamber and an electrical heating arrangement arranged to heat, in use, a liquid contained in the liquid heating chamber. The apparatus further includes a handle, for lifting the apparatus, and a user interface, arranged on the handle. The user interface comprises a rotatable dial, operable to select at least one operational parameter of the apparatus, and a display, arranged to display the selected operational parameter.

Claims

1. A domestic liquid heating apparatus, comprising: a liquid heating chamber and an electrical heating arrangement arranged to heat, in use, a liquid contained in the liquid heating chamber; a handle, for lifting the apparatus; and a user interface, arranged on the handle, comprising: a rotatable dial operable to select at least one operational parameter of the apparatus; and a display arranged to display the at least one operational parameter selected by operation of the rotatable dial.

2. The domestic liquid heating apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one operational parameter corresponds to a final temperature to which the electrical heating arrangement is arranged to heat the liquid contained in the liquid heating chamber.

3. The domestic liquid heating apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the user interface further comprises an input means operable to implement the operational parameter selected by operation of the rotatable dial.

4. The domestic liquid heating apparatus as claimed claim 3 wherein the input means is operable to select or control at least one further operational parameter.

5. The domestic liquid heating apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the at least one further operational parameter corresponds to a pre-set mode of operation.

6. The domestic liquid heating apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the at least one further operational parameter selected by the input means is also displayed on the display.

7. The domestic liquid heating apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the input means is operable to change the at least one operational parameter which the rotatable dial is arranged to select.

8. The domestic liquid heating apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the input means comprises a further display.

9. The domestic liquid heating apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the input means comprises a push button.

10. The domestic liquid heating apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the push button is arranged to implement the selected operational parameter and/or select at least one further operational parameter based on a number of pushes of the push button.

11. The domestic liquid heating apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the push button is arranged to implement the selected operational parameter and/or select at least one further operational parameter based on a time for which the push button is depressed by a user.

12. The domestic liquid heating apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the rotatable dial and input means are provided by separate, independently operable components such that the rotatable dial is arranged to rotate relative to the input means.

13. The domestic liquid heating apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein the rotatable dial is arranged to surround the input means and is arranged to rotate independently around the input means.

14. The domestic liquid heating apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein the input means is arranged to be actuated along an axis of rotation of the rotatable dial.

15. The domestic liquid heating apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the rotatable dial and input means are provided by an integrated component arranged to rotate to control the at least one operational parameter and depress/push to implement the selected operational parameter and/or select at least one further operational parameter.

16. The domestic liquid heating apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the integrated component is provided by a knob which can both rotate and be depressed along its axis of rotation.

17. The domestic liquid heating apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the display comprises an electronic display means.

18-21. (canceled)

22. The domestic liquid heating apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the user interface is arranged on an upper portion of the handle.

23-29. (canceled)

30. A domestic liquid heating apparatus, comprising: a liquid heating chamber defined by a body; an electrical heating arrangement arranged to heat, in use, a liquid contained in the liquid heating chamber; a handle, for lifting the apparatus; and a user interface comprising: a rotatable dial, arranged on the body, and operable to select at least one operational parameter of the apparatus; and a display, arranged on the handle, to display the at least one operational parameter selected by the rotatable dial.

31-53. (canceled)

54. A domestic liquid heating apparatus, comprising: a liquid heating chamber defined by a body; an electrical heating arrangement arranged to heat, in use, a liquid contained in the liquid heating chamber; a handle, for lifting the apparatus; a user interface comprising a rotatable dial, operable to select at least one operational parameter of the apparatus, and a display arranged to display the at least one operational parameter selected by the rotatable dial; wherein the user interface is arranged on the body with the rotatable dial co-located next to the display.

55-79. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Some preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a domestic liquid heating apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of the user interface provided on the apparatus seen in FIG. 1;

[0044] FIG. 3 shows a view from above of the user interface provided on the apparatus seen in FIG. 1;

[0045] FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of a domestic liquid heating apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, in which a rotatable dial is arranged on the body of the apparatus and a display is located on the handle;

[0046] FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of a domestic liquid heating apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, in which a rotatable dial is arranged on the body of the apparatus and a display is located on the handle;

[0047] FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of a domestic liquid heating apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, in which the user interface is located on the body of the apparatus;

[0048] FIG. 7 shows the apparatus of FIG. 6 when the display next to the rotatable dial is illuminated; and

[0049] FIG. 8 shows the apparatus of FIG. 7 when a temperature has been selected by the user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a domestic liquid heating apparatus comprising a cordless kettle 2 resting on a power base 4. A power supply cord 6 extending from the power base 4 may, for example, be connected to a mains power supply and thus supply power to the apparatus. The kettle 2 comprises a cordless electrical connector (not shown) which cooperates with a corresponding cordless electrical connector (not shown) on the power base 4. Electrical power is supplied to the kettle 2 via the power supply cord 6 and cordless electrical connectors.

[0051] The kettle 2 comprises a liquid heating chamber 8 in which a liquid, e.g., water, may be heated in use. The liquid heating chamber 8 may be heated by any suitable heating means, for example an underfloor electrical heating arrangement comprising a sheathed heating element arranged in thermal communication with a base portion of the liquid heating chamber 8. Alternatively, an immersed electrical heating element may be provided in the liquid heating chamber 8. The kettle 2 further comprises a spout 10 through which a liquid may be dispensed from the liquid heating chamber 8. The top of the liquid heating chamber 8 is closed by a lid 12.

[0052] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the kettle 2 comprises a handle 14. The handle 14 generally has an inverted ‘L’ shape and comprises a first top portion 16 which extends substantially horizontally away from the heating chamber 8 and a second portion 18 which extends substantially vertically downwards towards a base of the kettle 2, forming a corner between the first portion 16, and the second portion 18.

[0053] A user interface 20 is arranged on the handle 14 for controlling operation of the kettle 2. The user interface 20 comprises a rotatable dial 22, an optional input means in the form of a push button 24, and a display 26. In this particular embodiment, the display 26 comprises an LCD display with a cover arranged on top to form a display screen. The LCD display itself can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. In this particular embodiment, the rotatable dial 22 and push button 24 are provided as a single integrated component. In other words, the rotatable dial 22 and push button 24 are provided by a single component which can be rotated about its axis, to select at least one operational parameter of the kettle 2, e.g. the temperature to which the contents is heated, and also pushed along its axis to implement the selected operational parameter and/or to select least one further operational parameter of the kettle 2, e.g. to turn the kettle 2 ON/OFF, or to select a different heating mode.

[0054] Also provided on the first portion 16 of the handle 14 is an optional lid release button 28 for opening the lid 12 of the liquid heating chamber 8. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the lid 12 may be released and opened in order to permit ease of refilling of the liquid heating chamber 8. Of course, the liquid heating chamber 8 may also be refilled directly through the spout 10 without opening the lid 12.

[0055] FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of the user interface 20. As can be seen more clearly in this Figure, the user interface 20 is integrated into the body of the handle 14. It is also apparent in this Figure how the integrated rotatable dial 22 and push button 24 are arranged in the handle 14 at the corner at which the first portion 16 and second portion 18 of the handle 14 meet. Accordingly, the rotatable dial 22 and push button 24 are arranged at a position on the handle 14 such that when a user grips the handle 14, the rotatable dial 22 and the push button 24 are not covered by the user's hand ensuring that they remain free to be operated. As can be seen, the push button 24 comprises a power symbol 30 provided by an at least partially transparent material extending through the body of the push button 24. Provided behind the push button 24 is a light source (not shown in this Figure) which illuminates the power symbol 30 when the kettle 2 is turned ON and thus provides an indication to the user that the kettle 2 is ON. The power symbol 30 provided on the push button 24 may also serve to indicate to a user the function of the push button 24.

[0056] Additionally, in FIG. 2, the cover on the display 26 has been removed to reveal the LCD display 32 which is arranged below. As is apparent, in this particular embodiment, the LCD display is configured to display numbers and thus may be used to display information such as temperature. However, as will be appreciated, any suitable display may be provided.

[0057] FIG. 3 shows a view from above of the kettle 2 and focusses on the user interface 20. As can be seen in this Figure, the lid release button 28 has the word “OPEN” marked thereon such that its function is clear to a user. Additionally, as is apparent from this Figure, the display 26 is located forward of the rotatable dial 22 such that, when a user is operating the rotatable dial 22, for example with a thumb, the display 26 is not obscured and thus a user can easily see the operational parameter being selected or adjusted.

[0058] Typical operation of the kettle 2 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. When a user wishes to use the kettle 2, assuming the kettle 2 is empty, they will first grasp the handle 14, lift the cordless kettle 2 away from the power base 4 and take the kettle 2 to a liquid source, for example a water tap, in order to fill the kettle 2. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, when a user grasps the handle 14, their fingers will naturally grip around the second portion 18 of the handle 14 and their thumb will typically extend towards and on to the top portion 16. With their thumb resting on the top portion 16 they can easily reach, and operate, the lid release button 28 whilst holding the kettle 2. Following operation of the lid release button 28, and thus opening of the lid 12, a user may then proceed to at least partially fill the liquid heating chamber 8.

[0059] Once the filling operation described above has been completed, a user may then proceed to replace the cordless kettle 2 on the power base 4. Once on the power base 4, a user, still with their fingers gripping the second portion 18 of the handle 14 and their thumb resting on the top portion 16, may proceed to operate the user interface 20 in order to select a desired setting and initiate a heating cycle. This may only be possible when the kettle 2 is placed on the power base 4 and thus the kettle 2 and user interface 20 is provided with power. A user may first operate the user interface 20 by rotating the rotatable dial 22 thereby selecting an operational parameter. As the dial is rotated, the output of the display 26 may change to reflect a change in the operational parameter being selected by the user. The displayed operational parameter in this particular embodiment may, for example, be the temperature to which the liquid contained within the liquid heating chamber 8 is to be heated.

[0060] Once the user has selected the desired operational parameter, the user may then press the push button 24 to implement the selected operational parameter, e.g., to turn the kettle 2 ON. Once the kettle 2 has been turned ON, the power symbol 30 may be illuminated to indicate to a user that the kettle 2 is ON. Additionally, whilst the kettle 2 is ON, the display 26 may output information in relation to the current state of the kettle 2, for example the current temperature of the liquid contained within the heating chamber 8. The kettle 2 may continue to operate, for example, until the liquid within the liquid heating chamber 8 has reached the desired temperature, and then subsequently switch off. Any suitable means for switching the kettle 2 OFF may be provided, as is well known in the art.

[0061] In an alternative set of embodiments, the cordless kettle 2 may comprise its own dedicated power supply for providing power to the user interface 20 when the kettle 2 is separated from the power base 4. In such a set of embodiments, a user may operate the user interface 20, for example by rotating the rotatable dial 22 and thus adjust the operational parameter, when the kettle 2 is separated from the power base 4, for example, whilst the kettle 2 is being filled.

[0062] In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the handle 14 generally has the form of an inverted ‘L’ shape. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this is not essential, and for example the handle 14 may take any suitable form which allows a user to lift the kettle 2. For example, the handle 14 may have a curved ‘C’ shape rather than an ‘L’ shape. For example, the handle 14 may comprise a further portion extending from the bottom of the second portion 18 back towards the liquid heating chamber 8 thus forming a ‘U’ shape.

[0063] FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of a domestic liquid heating apparatus comprising a cordless kettle 102 resting on a power base 104, in accordance with a further embodiment of the claimed invention.

[0064] The kettle 102 comprises a liquid heating chamber 108 in which a liquid, e.g., water, may be heated in use. The liquid heating chamber 108 may be heated by any suitable heating means, for example an underfloor electrical heating arrangement comprising a sheathed heating element arranged in thermal communication with a base portion of the liquid heating chamber 108. Alternatively, an immersed electrical heating element may be provided in the liquid heating chamber 108.

[0065] The kettle 102 comprises a ‘C’ shaped handle 114. The handle 114 comprises a first top portion 116 which extends substantially horizontally away from the heating chamber 108 and a second portion 118 which extends substantially vertically downwards towards a base of the kettle 102, forming a corner between the first portion 116 and the second portion 118. The handle 114 further comprises a third portion 119 which extends substantially horizontally towards, and is adjoined to, the heating chamber 108, forming a corner between the second portion 118 and the third portion 119.

[0066] The top portion 116 of the handle 114 is substantially cylindrical and comprises a planar distal face, upon which a display screen 126 is arranged. The display screen 126 is configured to display an operational parameter, e.g., the temperature to which the contents of the kettle 102 is heated, as selected by the user.

[0067] A rotatable dial 122 is arranged on the outer surface of the heating chamber 108, below the third portion 119 of the handle 114, for controlling operation of the kettle 102. In this embodiment, the rotatable dial 122 takes the form of a push button. The rotatable dial 122 is a single component which can be rotated about its axis, to select at least one operational parameter of the kettle 102, e.g., the temperature to which the contents is heated, and also pushed along its axis to implement the selected operational parameter and/or to select least one further operational parameter of the kettle 102, e.g., to turn the kettle 102 ON/OFF. The display screen 126 is configured to display the operational parameter selected by the user through the rotation of the rotatable dial 122.

[0068] FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of a domestic liquid heating apparatus comprising a cordless kettle 202 resting on a power base 204, in accordance with a further embodiment of the claimed invention.

[0069] The kettle 202 comprises a liquid heating chamber 208 in which a liquid, e.g., water, may be heated in use. The liquid heating chamber 208 may be heated by any suitable heating means, for example an underfloor electrical heating arrangement comprising a sheathed heating element arranged in thermal communication with a base portion of the liquid heating chamber 208. Alternatively, an immersed electrical heating element may be provided in the liquid heating chamber 208. In this embodiment it can be seen that the liquid heating chamber 208 has transparent (e.g., glass) walls.

[0070] As can be seen in FIG. 5, the kettle 202 comprises a handle 214. The handle 214 generally has an inverted ‘L’ shape and comprises a first top portion 216, which extends substantially horizontally away from the heating chamber 208, and a second portion 218, which extends substantially vertically downwards towards a base of the kettle 202, forming a corner between the first portion 216 and the second portion 218.

[0071] A 226 is arranged on the surface of the second portion 218 of the handle 214. The display screen 226 is configured to display a parameter, e.g., the temperature to which the contents of the kettle 202 is heated, as selected by the user.

[0072] A rotatable dial 222a is arranged below the handle 218 for controlling operation of the kettle 202. The rotatable dial 222a surrounds input means in the form of a push button 222b. The rotatable dial 222a can be rotated about its axis, independently of the push button 222b, to select at least one operational parameter of the kettle 202, e.g., the temperature to which the contents are heated. The push button 222b can independently be pushed along its axis to implement the selected operational parameter and/or to select least one further operational parameter of the kettle 202, e.g., to turn the kettle 202 ON/OFF, or to select a different heating mode. The display screen 226 is configured to display the operational parameter selected by the user.

[0073] Arranging the rotatable dial 122, 222a on the body of the liquid heating chamber 108, 208 in the manner discussed above, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, means that inadvertent operation of the dial 122, 222a when a user grasps the handle 114, 214 to lift the apparatus can be avoided. However, the display 126, 226 is conveniently arranged on the handle 114, 214 for ease of viewing.

[0074] FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of a domestic liquid heating apparatus comprising a cordless kettle 302 resting on a power base 304, in accordance with a further embodiment of the claimed invention.

[0075] The kettle 302 comprises a liquid heating chamber 308 in which a liquid, e.g., water, may be heated in use. The liquid heating chamber 308 may be heated by any suitable heating means, for example an underfloor electrical heating arrangement comprising a sheathed heating element arranged in thermal communication with a base portion of the liquid heating chamber 308. Alternatively, an immersed electrical heating element may be provided in the liquid heating chamber 308.

[0076] As can be seen in FIG. 6, the kettle 302 comprises a handle 314. The handle 314 generally has an inverted shape and comprises a first top portion 316 which extends substantially horizontally away from the heating chamber 308 and a second portion 318 which extends substantially vertically downwards towards a base of the kettle 302, forming a corner between the first portion 316, and the second portion 318.

[0077] A user interface 320, comprising a rotatable dial 322 and a circular display 326, is arranged on the outer surface of the heating chamber 308 for controlling operation of the kettle 302. The rotatable dial 322 surrounds input means in the form of a push button 323. The rotatable dial 322 can be rotated about its axis, to select at least one operational parameter of the kettle 302, e.g., the temperature to which the contents is heated. In some examples, the rotatable dial 322 and push button 323 may be integrated as a single rotatable component that is pushed along its axis to implement the selected operational parameter and/or to select least one further operational parameter of the kettle 302, e.g., to turn the kettle 302 ON/OFF. In other examples, the rotatable dial 322 and push button 323 may be independently operable components, rotatable dial 322 rotating independently around the push button 323 and the push button 323 being pushed independently to implement the selected operational parameter, e.g., to turn the kettle 302 ON/OFF.

[0078] The push button 323 further comprises its own further LED display 323a that is configured to illuminate when the operational parameter is selected, e.g., to indicate that the kettle 302 is ON. FIG. 7 shows the LED display 323a of FIG. 6 in its illuminated state.

[0079] The circular display 326 is arranged on the outer surface of the heating chamber 308 such that the rotatable dial 322 is concentrically co-located next to the circular display 326, i.e., the center point of the circular display 326 is arranged on the axis of rotation of the rotatable dial 322. The display 326 comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced labels 334, wherein each label 334 indicates a position of the rotatable dial 322 that corresponds to a different value of the operational parameter to be selected by the user. In this example, each label 334 shows a different temperature value. The display 326 further comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced LEDs 336, positioned adjacent each of the labels 334. Each LED 336 is configured to illuminate when the rotatable dial 322 is rotated such that the value of the operational parameter that corresponds to the label 334 adjacent the LED 336 is selected.

[0080] FIG. 8 shows the device of FIGS. 6 and 7 when a temperature of 80° has been selected by the rotation of the rotatable dial 322. Thus, in this state, the corresponding LED 336 is illuminated. The rotatable dial 322 comprises a marker 338 (shown in FIG. 8), e.g., an indent, positioned at a point on the circumference of the rotatable dial 322, such that it is adjacent the label 334 that corresponds to the current selection of the operational parameter.

[0081] Thus, in operation, in order to select a desired value of the operational parameter, the user rotates the rotatable dial 322 such that the marker 338 aligns with the label 334 that corresponds to the desired value. When the marker 338 is aligned with this label 334, the LED 336 adjacent the label 334 is configured to illuminate, thereby informing the user that the desired selection has been made. In order to implement the selected operational parameter and/or to select least one further operational parameter of the kettle 302, e.g., to turn the kettle 302 ON/OFF, the user pushes the button 323 along its axis.

[0082] Arranging the user interface 320 on the body of the liquid heating chamber 308 in the manner discussed above, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, means that the user interface 320 does not interfere with a user freely grasping the handle 314 to lift the apparatus.

[0083] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments and applications scenarios, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the claims. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims and can be applied to various application in the industrial as well as commercial field.