Liquid heating appliance

Abstract

A liquid heating appliance (2) comprising a liquid container (4) and a power base (6) configured to supply power to the liquid container (4) when the container (4) is disposed thereon. The appliance (2) further comprises a user interface (8) for setting an operating mode of the liquid heating appliance (2). The user interface (8) comprises a rotatable ring (10) extending 360 degrees around the liquid heating appliance (2) and a detection device configured to detect a position of the rotatable ring (10). The position of the rotatable ring (10) determines an operating mode of the liquid heating appliance (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid heating appliance, for example a liquid heating appliance comprising a liquid container supported on a power base. Background Art

[0002] When heating water to prepare a hot drink, the optimal temperature to which the water is heated may depend on the drink being prepared. For example, black tea is ideally brewed with water heated to 95°C, while green tea is ideally brewed with water heated to 80°C. In contrast, coffee is ideally brewed with water heated to around 90°C. Therefore, many hot drink consumers wish to be able to heat water to different temperatures in order to obtain water at the optimal temperature for brewing a particular selected drink. In order to meet this demand, some liquid heating appliances are capable of heating liquids to different temperatures so as to be suitable for preparing different hot drinks. The temperature to which the liquid is heated is usually selectable by the user. To facilitate this selection, these appliances typically include a plurality of buttons that allow the temperature at which the appliance heats its contents to be selected. The user selects the temperature they desire by operating the buttons, and the appliance then heats a volume of liquid contained therein to the selected temperature.

[0003] In prior art appliances of the type described above, the number of selectable temperatures may be limited by the number of buttons that are present. Furthermore, the angular positions around the appliance at which the buttons can feasibly be reached and therefore operated are also limited. As a result, these appliances may need to be oriented in a particular orientation on a work surface in order for a user to feasibly operate the buttons.

[0004] The present invention aims to solve or at least alleviate at least one of the above problems. Summary of the invention

[0005] When viewed from a first aspect, the present invention provides a liquid heating device comprising:

[0006] Liquid containers;

[0007] a power base configured to supply power to the liquid container when the container is disposed thereon; and

[0008] A user interface for setting an operating mode of the liquid heating appliance, the user interface comprising:

[0009] a rotatable ring extending 360 degrees around the liquid heating appliance; and

[0010] a detection device configured to detect a position of the rotatable ring;

[0011] Therein, the position of the rotatable ring determines the operating mode of the liquid heating appliance.

[0012] Therefore, the rotatable ring can be rotated to select the operating mode of the liquid heating appliance. Therefore, the rotation position of the rotatable ring sets the operating mode of the appliance. Since the rotatable ring extends 360 degrees around the liquid heating appliance, the user can rotate the rotatable ring from any position around the liquid heating appliance, thereby selecting the operating mode of the liquid heating appliance. Therefore, the liquid heating appliance can be positioned on the work surface in any orientation, and the user is still able to properly operate the appliance. In addition, the existence of the rotatable ring (as a means of selecting the operating mode of the liquid heating appliance) extending around the appliance can reduce the overall footprint of the appliance, because for example, the need to set the mode selection button on the surface of the power base can be avoided.

[0013] In addition, since the rotatable ring extends around the entire liquid heating appliance, more number of operating modes can be selected by the rotatable ring. For example, the rotatable ring can rotate 360 ​​degrees around the appliance. For example, every 3 degrees of rotation of the rotatable ring can correspond to different operating modes. In this example, 120 different operating modes can be selected using a single component (particularly a rotatable ring). Each mode can correspond to the different temperatures to which the contents of the liquid container are heated by the appliance. In addition, or alternatively, the rotatable ring can allow more accurate selection of operating modes. The potential of the relatively large rotatable range of motion of the rotatable ring can make it easier for the user to accurately select operating modes, because the angular range of the rotatable ring corresponding to a given operating mode can be relatively large.

[0014] The rotatable ring can have any suitable form, as long as it is arranged to rotate around the utensil. In some embodiments, the rotatable ring rotates around an axis extending through the center of the power base and / or the center of the liquid container. Since the rotatable ring extends about 360 degrees around the utensil, the rotatable ring can be considered to extend around the entire utensil and / or around the entire periphery of the utensil. The rotatable ring may include a peripheral portion and a disc-shaped portion, the disc-shaped portion having a hole extending inwardly from the peripheral portion.

[0015] The operating mode of the liquid heating device is the mode in which the device operates. The type of operating mode selectable by the rotatable ring may depend on the specific application of the liquid heating device, such as the type of liquid to be heated and the purpose of the heated liquid. Therefore, the liquid heating device can operate with a plurality of different operating modes. In one group of embodiments, the operating mode of the device includes at least one of: temperature mode, insulation mode and heating and cooling mode.

[0016] The temperature mode may correspond to the temperature to which the liquid in the liquid container is heated. The temperature mode may include a plurality of different temperature modes, each corresponding to a different temperature. For example, a user may rotate the rotatable ring to set the temperature mode in which the liquid in the appliance will be heated. For example, the appliance may include a plurality of different temperature modes: for example, 80°C, 85°C, 90°C, 95°C, and 100°C. Thus, the position of the rotatable ring may set the temperature mode to be the temperature mode in which the liquid container heats the liquid contained therein. The keep warm mode may correspond to an operating mode in which the appliance is configured to maintain the contents of the liquid container at a preset temperature or within a preset temperature range after the initial heating of the contents of the liquid container. The keep warm mode may also include a timed keep warm mode, whereby the keep warm mode is set to operate within a predetermined time period.

[0017] The heating cooling mode may correspond to an operating mode in which the liquid in the liquid heating container is heated, such as boiled to sterilize the liquid, and then kept unheated to cool, such as naturally cooled, until a predetermined temperature is reached. After heating and subsequent cooling, the liquid in the appliance may then optionally be heated occasionally to keep it at the predetermined temperature. In this way, the appliance can then operate in a warming mode. When the appliance is used to heat water, this heating cooling mode can be used to prepare water for use in making infant formula. In these embodiments, the temperature to which the liquid is heated before being allowed to cool may be boiling, such as 100°C for water.

[0018] In other embodiments, the operating mode may include a timing mode, whereby the appliance operates according to specific times. For example, the appliance may be operated to heat a liquid within a set time period. The timing mode may include a plurality of different time modes, each time mode having a different time to operate the appliance according to a specific function or mode.

[0019] The user interface can be located at any suitable position on the liquid heating appliance so that it can be operated by the user. In one group of embodiments, the rotatable ring is arranged on the power base and is arranged to rotate around the power base. The detection device can also be arranged on the power base together with the rotatable ring. Since the power base can be placed on the work surface, the rotatable ring is arranged on the power base, and therefore close to the work surface, it may be the most stable position for the rotatable ring to be arranged on the appliance. The rotatable ring is arranged in such a stable position can reduce the possibility of the user tipping over the appliance when operating the rotatable ring. In a further embodiment, the entire user interface can be arranged on the power base. It may be advantageous to arrange the user interface on the power base because the power base can be continuously supplied with electricity, such as by a suitable connection with a power source. Therefore, the user interface can be continuously supplied with electricity, no matter how the position of the liquid container is, that is, no matter whether the liquid container is placed on the power base or separated from the power base. In the embodiment in which the user interface includes an indicator device (discussed further below), this indicator device can be continuously supplied with electricity, and therefore keeps function no matter how the position of the container is. In some embodiments, the rotatable ring can be disposed on the power base, and other components of the user interface, such as an indicator device (described in more detail below), can be disposed on another portion of the appliance, such as the liquid container. In this way, the user interface can be split between the power base and the liquid container.

[0020] In another set of embodiments, the rotatable ring at least partially defines a recess in the power base, and wherein the recess is shaped to receive a lower portion of the liquid container when the liquid container is placed on the power base. The recess may be at least partially defined by a peripheral portion of the rotatable ring. The presence of such a recess may help guide placement of the liquid container on the power base, thereby improving ease of use of the appliance.

[0021] In an embodiment where the rotatable ring is disposed on the power base and thus extends around the power base, the rotatable ring may be disposed at any point along the height of the power base. However, in one set of embodiments, the power base includes a body, wherein the upper portion of the body is disposed above the rotatable ring so as to contact the liquid container when the liquid container is disposed on the power base. Therefore, when the liquid container is seated on the power base, the liquid container will contact the upper portion of the body, rather than the rotatable ring. Avoiding direct contact with the rotatable ring may help ensure that the rotatable ring can rotate freely when the liquid container is disposed on the power base. The body may include a plurality of sub-portions attached together, and the upper portion of the body may include an upper sub-portion of the body. The rotatable ring may be disposed on the power base so that the vertical force applied by the container seated on the power base will not be transmitted (or substantially not be transmitted) to the rotatable ring. The body of the power base may include a plurality of sub-portions, which together form the body. The body may also include a lower portion, which is disposed to rest on a work surface during use of the appliance. The upper part, lower part and rotatable ring may be arranged such that when the liquid container is seated on the power base and thus contacts the upper part, the weight of the liquid container is transferred from the upper part to the lower part without transferring weight to the rotatable ring. This may ensure that the rotatable ring remains free to rotate. The upper part may be arranged to rest directly on the lower part.

[0022] It is not necessary that the rotatable ring or indeed the entire user interface is arranged on the power base. The rotatable ring or the entire user interface can be arranged at any suitable position on the device. Therefore, in an alternative embodiment, at least the rotatable ring is arranged on the liquid container. The detection device can also be located on the liquid container. Providing the rotatable ring on the liquid container, optionally together with other features of the user interface, may mean that the device is simpler and the manufacturing cost may be lower because there may be no need to transfer data from the container to the power base. Accordingly, the form of the power connector arranged between the base and the container can be simplified.

[0023] In another set of embodiments, the entire user interface can be arranged on the liquid container. The rotatable ring, or in fact the entire user interface, can be arranged at any suitable position on the liquid container. In one set of embodiments, the rotatable ring is arranged at the lower end of the liquid container or the upper end of the liquid container. Similar to the above embodiment, the entire user interface can be arranged at the lower end or the upper end of the liquid container. The rotatable ring can be arranged at the lower end of the liquid container, such as the bottom of the liquid container. Therefore, the rotatable ring can extend around the lower part of the outer wall of the liquid container. Alternatively, the rotatable ring can be arranged at the upper end of the liquid container so that the rotatable ring extends around the upper part of the outer wall of the container. The rotatable ring is arranged on such an upper part of the outer wall of the liquid container that the rotatable ring can be placed in a position that is convenient for the user to reach. In the embodiment where the rotatable ring and the associated control electronics or in fact the entire user interface are arranged on the liquid container, the power supply can be arranged in the liquid container to power the electronics when the liquid container is separated from the power base. Accordingly, even when the liquid container is separated from the power base, the user interface can continue to function. In other embodiments, the rotatable ring can be disposed on the liquid container, and other components of the user interface, such as an indicator device (described in more detail below), can be disposed on the power base. In such embodiments, the user interface can be split between the liquid container and the power base.

[0024] The rotatable ring can be arranged on the liquid container in any suitable manner. In one group of embodiments, the liquid container includes a main body, wherein a portion of the main body is arranged below the rotatable ring to contact the power base when the liquid container is arranged on the power base. Therefore, this portion of the main body will contact the power base when the container is arranged on the power base. This means that when the liquid container is placed on the power base, the rotatable ring is not contacted by the power base, and is therefore not prevented from rotating. The rotatable ring can be arranged on the liquid container so that the vertical force transmitted by the liquid container is not transmitted (or substantially not transmitted) to the rotatable ring. In a manner similar to the embodiments described above with respect to the power base, the portion of the main body arranged below the rotatable ring can be arranged to transmit the vertical force (for example, when sitting on the power base) to the rest of the liquid container without transmitting the force to the rotatable ring. Therefore, the rotatable ring can remain free to rotate.

[0025] The rotatable ring may include an outer surface that a user contacts to rotate the rotatable ring around the device. In one set of embodiments, the rotatable ring includes at least one grip feature disposed thereon. At least one grip feature may be disposed on the outer surface of the rotatable ring so that it can be contacted by a user during operation. At least one grip feature may include a plurality of grip features. The (one or more) grip features may have any suitable form. For example, the (one or more) grip features may be in the form of a plurality of ribs extending axially along the outer surface of the rotatable ring. The (one or more) grip features may be provided in any other suitable manner. For example, the (one or more) grip features may include a textured surface disposed on the outer surface of the rotatable ring. The textured surface may increase friction when a user applies force to rotate the ring, thereby facilitating the gripping of the rotatable ring. In other embodiments, the device may include an input device, which will be discussed in more detail below, and the device may protrude outward from the rotatable ring. The input device may be used as a grip feature because the input device may be coupled to the rotatable ring in a manner such that movement of the input device also causes the rotatable ring to rotate. Since the input device may include a protruding element, which may be relatively easy to grasp by a user, it may serve as a gripping feature.

[0026] The rotatable ring can be configured to rotate around the utensil to any angle range. In one group of embodiments, the rotatable ring is configured to rotate 360 ​​degrees around the liquid heating appliance. Being able to rotate up to 360 degrees around the utensil can provide a maximum number of operating modes, which can be selected by the rotatable ring, and all these operating modes help to accurately select the operating mode of reducing the number. In some applications, there may be a relatively small number of operating modes that need to be selected. Accordingly, in this embodiment, it may not be necessary to be able to rotate the rotatable ring around the utensil exactly 360 degrees. Therefore, in one group of embodiments, the rotatable ring is limited to being able to rotate up to 359 degrees around the liquid heating appliance, for example, up to 270 degrees, for example, up to 180 degrees, for example, up to 135 degrees, for example, up to 90 degrees, for example, up to 70 degrees. The limitation of the angle range that the rotatable ring can be rotated can be realized in any suitable manner.

[0027] Although the rotatable ring provides the ability to select the operating mode of the liquid heating appliance, in some embodiments, further controlling the operation of the appliance may be required and / or desired. In one group of embodiments, the user interface also includes an input device, and the input device is configured to control the operation of the liquid heating appliance. For example, the input device can be used to open and / or close the appliance. The input device can also be used to control the additional operating modes of the appliance. The input device can be configured to select an operating mode that is selectable only by the input device. In other embodiments, the input device can change the operating mode that is selectable by the rotatable ring. For example, there may be multiple groups of operating modes that are selectable by the rotatable ring, and the input device can provide a means of switching between each group of operating modes that are selectable by the rotatable ring.

[0028] The input device may take any suitable form and may be positioned at any suitable location on the apparatus. In one set of embodiments, the input device is arranged to rotate with the rotatable ring. When rotating with the rotatable ring, the position of the input device relative to the rest of the apparatus can provide a visual indication to the user of the extent to which the rotatable ring has been rotated. The wall of the apparatus adjacent to the rotatable ring may include a form of marking that can indicate a selectable operating mode. Therefore, the input device can be aligned with the marking to indicate the selected operating mode. Therefore, rotation of the input device with the rotatable ring can provide a means for identifying the selected operating mode. In one set of embodiments, the input device extends out and / or extends through a portion of the rotatable ring and can be connected to the rotatable ring so that it moves with the rotatable ring.

[0029] The input device may take any suitable form that allows a user to control the operation of the appliance. For example, the input device may include a depressible button, or a plurality of such depressible buttons. However, in one set of embodiments, the input device includes a toggle switch. The toggle switch may be configured to rest in a rest position, and the toggle switch may be displaced upward and downward. The switch may be biased to return to a center position. An initial downward movement of the switch may turn on the appliance. Once the switch has returned to the rest position, a downward movement of the switch may then turn off the appliance. An upward movement of the switch may trigger a particular mode of operation, such as a keep warm mode of operation. The functions of the input switch described above are merely exemplary, and any suitable function may be used. The toggle switch may include a protruding element that may be moved upward or downward as described above, the protruding element protruding outwardly from the appliance. In embodiments where the input device is arranged to rotate with a rotatable ring, the protruding element may provide the gripping feature described above. In some embodiments, the input device may be in the form of a joystick that may be moved in a plurality of different directions.

[0030] It is not necessary for the input device to rotate with the rotatable ring. In other embodiments, the input device is separate from the rotatable ring and is located in a fixed position on the liquid heating appliance. For example, the input device can be located above or below the rotatable ring. Providing the input device in a fixed position on the appliance can improve the ease of use of the appliance because the user can naturally know the position of the input device because the position of the input device will not change regardless of the position of the rotatable ring.

[0031] In some embodiments, the rotatable ring itself can also be used as a form of input device. For example, the rotatable ring can be pressed in a button-like manner. In such embodiments, the rotatable ring can be used to turn the appliance on / off, or to set another operating mode of the appliance. The rotatable ring can be pressed, for example, at any position around the rotatable ring, or at a fixed number of positions around the rotatable ring. The function of the rotatable ring as a button can improve the ease of use of the appliance, because the user can grasp the rotatable ring, rotate it to the desired position to select the operating mode, and press the rotatable ring, for example, to turn on the appliance.

[0032] The detection device may include any suitable device for detecting the position of the rotatable ring so as to determine the operating mode selected by the rotatable ring. For example, the detection device may include an IR sensor and / or an optical sensor configured to read a set of marks. The marks may correspond to different operating modes, and the detection of these marks by the IR sensor or optical sensor may be used to set the operating mode of the appliance. The IR sensor or optical sensor may be arranged in a fixed position and configured to read a series of marks on the rotatable ring, which move relative to the IR sensor or optical sensor when the rotatable ring is rotated. The IR sensor or optical sensor and the series of marks may be positioned in the opposite manner, that is, the IR sensor or optical sensor is configured to move with the rotatable ring, and the series of marks are located at a fixed position on the appliance. In other examples, Hall sensors and a series of magnets may be used. The Hall sensors and magnets may be arranged in a similar manner to the above-mentioned sensors and marks, and may function in a similar manner. Although the IR sensor, optical sensor and Hall sensor are described above, it is understood that any other suitable form of sensor may be used. In one set of embodiments, the detection device includes a rotary encoder configured to detect the position of the rotatable ring. The rotary encoder can be particularly well suited for accurately detecting the angular position of the rotatable ring. Therefore, such a rotary encoder can be particularly well suited for embodiments in which the rotatable ring can rotate 360 ​​degrees around the appliance. The detection device can include multiple rotary encoders, or in fact include multiple detection devices of any other suitable form. In some embodiments, the detection device can include a potentiometer. In an embodiment including a rotary encoder, the rotary encoder can include a rotary potentiometer. In other embodiments, the potentiometer can include a linear (i.e., sliding) potentiometer. Such a linear potentiometer can be well suited for embodiments in which the rotatable ring only rotates around the appliance over a limited angular range (e.g., up to 90 degrees, e.g., up to 70 degrees). In such an embodiment, the linear potentiometer can more accurately detect the position of the rotatable ring in relatively fewer positions.

[0033] The rotatable ring can have any suitable form around the appliance (e.g., the periphery of the appliance). In one set of embodiments, the outer surface of the rotatable ring and the outer surface of the adjacent rotatable ring of the appliance are flush with each other. Having surfaces that are flush with each other can reduce the number of places where dust and / or dirt and / or water can gather on the appliance. This can therefore reduce the number of times the exterior of the appliance needs to be cleaned. In an alternative embodiment, the rotatable ring protrudes outward more than the outer surface of the wall of the adjacent rotatable ring of the appliance. A rotatable ring that protrudes outward in this way can be more easily grasped by a user.

[0034] It may be desirable to indicate the operating mode selected by the rotatable ring so that the user of the appliance knows the mode in which the appliance will operate. In one set of embodiments, the user interface also includes an indicator device, which is configured to indicate the operating mode selected by the rotatable ring. The indicator device may include any suitable device capable of indicating the selected operating mode. For example, the indicator device may include a series of light emitting diodes (LEDs), each LED corresponding to a different operating mode. Therefore, each LED can be lit according to the selected operating mode. In other embodiments, the indicator device includes a display, such as an LED screen, which is configured to indicate the selected mode. The display may be advantageous because it can facilitate indicating an increased number of operating modes.

[0035] The indicator device can be arranged at any suitable position on the utensil so that it can be observed by the user when using the utensil. In one group of embodiments, the indicator device is arranged to rotate with the rotatable ring. In one group of alternative embodiments, the indicator device is separated from the rotatable ring and is located at a fixed position on the liquid heating appliance. Indicator device is arranged in this way and can advantageously mean that the indicator device is located at a known position on the utensil that the user can easily view. It will also be easier to provide wiring and / or electronic devices for the indicator device located at a fixed position on the utensil.

[0036] The indicator device does not necessarily include a form of electronic indication. In another set of embodiments, the indicator device includes a mode selection mark and a series of mode marks, a series of mode marks are arranged on a rotatable ring or on a surface of the rotatable ring adjacent to the utensil, the mode selection mark is arranged on the other of the above-mentioned surfaces of the rotatable ring and the adjacent rotatable ring, and wherein the mode selection mark is arranged to be aligned with each of the mode marks. Therefore, each of the mode marks can correspond to a different selection mode. In order to determine the mode selected by the rotatable ring, the user can simply observe which mode mark the mode selection mark is aligned with. Such an indicator device can be a relatively inexpensive device for indicating the selected mode. The number of required electronic devices can also be reduced, thereby reducing the complexity of the utensil. This can also make the manufacture and / or assembly of the utensil easier.

[0037] The rotation of the rotatable ring may be facilitated in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., multiple) O-ring wheels may be provided to facilitate the rotation of the rotatable ring. In one set of embodiments, the apparatus includes a bearing configured to facilitate the rotation of the rotatable ring. The bearing may help ensure that the rotatable ring can rotate smoothly around the apparatus. In one set of embodiments, the bearing includes a thrust bearing in combination with a silicone ring configured to resist the movement of the rotatable ring.

[0038] The bearing may have any other suitable form. In one set of embodiments, the bearing comprises at least one ball bearing (e.g., a plurality of ball bearings) and a motion damping material, the motion damping material being arranged to damp the motion of (one or more) ball bearings. The motion damping material may be in the form of a coating on each of the ball bearings, or may be a medium (e.g., grease) through which the ball bearings move during use. The motion damping material may include a silicone coating on at least some (e.g., all) of the ball bearings, such as a silicone overmolding. The ball bearings themselves may promote the rotation of the rotatable ring, while the motion damping material may resist the rotational motion to a certain extent. Therefore, such a bearing may promote the rotation of the rotatable ring while preventing the rotatable ring from being rotated too easily. This may ensure that the rotatable ring can be rotated in a controlled manner, thereby facilitating the selection of an operating mode. The ball bearings may be made of plastic (e.g., polypropylene) or any other suitable material (e.g., metal). Although ball bearings are described above, any other suitable form of bearings may also be used. For example, a bearing having a cylindrical shape may be used.

[0039] In one set of embodiments, the apparatus comprises at least one elastic member, at least one elastic member is arranged to act between the rotatable ring and the adjacent part of the apparatus, and the rotatable ring is arranged to be adjacent to the adjacent part. The elastic member can be regarded as a spring member. Such a spring member can apply an elastic bias. The adjacent part of the apparatus can include the body or body part of the power base or container. At least one elastic member can be arranged to apply a force to the rotatable ring to keep the rotatable ring in a substantially fixed vertical position relative to the adjacent part of the apparatus. Accordingly, at least one elastic member can play a role in preventing the rotatable ring from moving freely vertically (i.e. axially) relative to the apparatus. Therefore, the elastic member can prevent the rotatable ring from emitting a rattling sound. At least one elastic member can act on the torque required to control the rotation of the rotatable ring, thereby controlling the user's feeling of the rotatable ring. The adjacent part of the apparatus can include any suitable part of the apparatus. In some embodiments, where the rotatable ring is arranged on the power base, the adjacent part can include the upper part or the lower part of the power base body.

[0040] At least one elastic member may include a plurality of elastic members. At least one elastic member may be a part physically separated from the adjacent part of the rotatable ring and / or the utensil. However, in some embodiments, at least one elastic member may be formed integrally with the rotatable ring. In the case of including a plurality of elastic members, each elastic member in the plurality of elastic members may work at different angular positions around the rotatable ring, i.e. they may be angularly displaced around the rotatable ring. In other embodiments, at least one elastic member may be formed integrally with the adjacent part of the utensil. At least one elastic member may be in the form of a leaf spring. Such leaf springs may be formed integrally with the rotatable ring without significantly increasing the volume or manufacturing complexity of the required material. In other embodiments, at least one elastic member may be in the form of a spiral spring or in the form of an elastically deformable material block.

[0041] The liquid heating appliance may include a controller, which is coupled to the detection device. The controller may be configured to implement the operating mode detected by the detection device. The detection device may output the operating mode to the controller, and the controller may implement the operating mode. In other embodiments, the controller may interpret the signal from the detection device and determine the operating mode according to the signal. This may, for example, include a query lookup table to determine the selected operating mode. In an embodiment of an indicator device including an electronic form (for example, including an LED or a display), the controller may also control the operation of the indicator device according to the selected operating mode. The controller may also be operably coupled to the input device when an input device is provided.

[0042] In one set of embodiments, the liquid container comprises a heating device for heating the liquid contained in the liquid container. The liquid container may comprise a liquid chamber, the liquid chamber containing the liquid to be heated. The heating device may take any suitable form. In one set of embodiments, the heating device comprises a baseplate heating device. The heating device may comprise a sheathed electric heating element.

[0043] The liquid container is detachable from the power base, so that the liquid heating appliance can be considered as a cordless liquid heating appliance. When arranged on the power base, the liquid container can be considered to be removably arranged thereon. The liquid heating appliance can be a kettle. When rotating around the liquid heating appliance, the rotatable ring can rotate around the axis of the appliance. The axis of the appliance can extend through the center of the power base and / or the center of the liquid container. The axis of the appliance can extend substantially vertically, for example vertically, when the appliance is arranged on a work surface.

[0044] The power base may include a power cable (e.g., a power supply cable) extending therefrom, the power cable being configured to be connected to a suitable power source. In an embodiment where the rotatable ring is disposed on the power base, the power cable may be disposed to extend from the power base at a position above the rotatable ring (i.e., extend out of the power base). This is in contrast to the power cable arrangement in a typical power base, in which the power cable extends from a position as low as possible on the power base. Arranging the power cable to extend from the power base at a position above the rotatable ring can reduce the overall height of the power base, because the power cable can extend into a body or housing of the power base above the rotatable ring, which body or housing cannot be omitted or the height cannot be reduced, while the body or housing of the power base below the rotatable ring can be omitted or the height can be reduced.

[0045] In any of the above embodiments, the power base may include a cordless electrical connector and the liquid container may include a cordless electrical adapter, wherein the cordless electrical adapter is configured to cooperate with the cordless electrical connector when the liquid container is disposed (e.g., seated) on the power base. The cordless electrical connector and the adapter can provide an electrical connection between the power base and the liquid container and allow power and / or data to be transmitted therebetween. In some embodiments, the cordless electrical connector and the cordless electrical adapter can be configured to allow the liquid container to be seated on the power base at any angle orientation.

[0046] Applicants have recognised that a user interface comprising a rotatable ring is advantageous not only on appliances where the liquid container is disposed on a power base, but also on appliances where the liquid container is not disposed on a power base, such as a wired liquid heating appliance, or indeed any other liquid heating appliance that is not disposed on a power base.

[0047] Therefore, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid heating appliance comprising:

[0048] Liquid containers;

[0049] A user interface for setting an operating mode of the liquid heating appliance; the user interface comprising:

[0050] a rotatable ring extending 360 degrees around the liquid heating appliance; and

[0051] a detection device configured to detect a position of the rotatable ring;

[0052] Therein, the position of the rotatable ring determines the operating mode of the liquid heating appliance.

[0053] Except the feature relevant to the power base, any feature of the above-mentioned embodiment can be applied to the second aspect of the present invention in the same manner.The liquid heating appliance of the second aspect of the present invention may not have a power base, but the liquid container may be directly connected to a power source, such as a wired power supply.Therefore, in some embodiments, the liquid heating appliance according to this second aspect of the present invention may be regarded as a wired liquid heating appliance.

[0054] Although according to any aspect of the present invention, the various embodiments described above relate to a liquid heating appliance comprising a rotatable ring extending 360 degrees around the appliance, the applicant has realized that some advantages of the present invention can still be achieved when the rotatable ring extends substantially around the appliance, but not completely around the appliance (i.e., not around the entire 360 ​​degrees of the appliance). Therefore, in an alternative embodiment, the rotatable ring can instead extend at least 270 degrees around the appliance, such as at least 300 degrees, such as at least 330 degrees, while potentially still achieving some advantages of the embodiments set forth above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] 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:

[0056] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a liquid heating device according to an embodiment of the present invention when viewed from a first side;

[0057] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a perspective view of the liquid heating appliance as viewed from the opposite side;

[0058] Figure 3 is a cross-section through a liquid heating appliance;

[0059] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a liquid container and a power base of a liquid heating appliance separated from each other;

[0060] Figure 5 is a cutaway view through the appliance showing a detector of the user interface;

[0061] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the rotatable ring, in which the various parts of the appliance are concealed;

[0062] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a separate rotatable ring;

[0063] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a liquid heating device according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the user interface is located at the lower end of the liquid container;

[0064] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8A perspective view of the liquid heating appliance shown when viewed from the other side;

[0065] Fig.10 yes Figure 8 a perspective view of the liquid heating appliance shown with the liquid container separated from the power base;

[0066] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a liquid heating device according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the user interface is located at the upper end of the liquid container;

[0067] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 A perspective view of the liquid heating device in FIG. 1 as viewed from the other side;

[0068] Fig.13 is a cutaway view focusing on a power base of a liquid heating device according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing a bearing disposed therein;

[0069] Fig.14 is focused on Fig.13 A cross-sectional view of the bearing shown;

[0070] Fig.15 is a perspective view of a liquid heating device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0071] Fig.16 is a side view of a portion of a power base of a liquid heating appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0072] Fig.17 is a perspective view of a power base of a liquid heating appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0073] Fig.18 yes Fig.17 An exploded view of the power base is shown;

[0074] Fig.19 is a perspective view of a power base of a liquid heating appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the rotatable ring is configured to rotate 360 ​​degrees;

[0075] Fig. 20 yes Fig.19 a perspective view of the power base shown with the upper portion hidden to reveal its internal components; and

[0076] Fig.21 It passes through Fig. 20 A cross-section of the power base is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] Figure 1A perspective view of a liquid heating appliance 2 (hereinafter referred to as "appliance 2") according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown when viewed from a first side. The appliance 2 includes a liquid heating container 4 and a power base 6. Although not shown, the power base 6 is connected to a power source, such as a socket. This can be achieved by using a power cable (not shown).

[0078] The appliance 2 includes a user interface 8 for setting an operating mode of the appliance 2. The user interface 8 includes a rotatable ring 10 that extends 360 degrees around the appliance 2. An input device 12 in the form of a toggle switch is also provided with the rotatable ring 10. Although a toggle switch is depicted, the input device 12 may take any other suitable form. In this embodiment, the input device 12 moves with the rotatable ring 10. Thus, the input device 12 may be used to drive the rotation of the rotatable ring 10. However, the input device 12 may alternatively be provided on any other part of the appliance 2.

[0079] exist Figure 1 In the depicted embodiment, the user interface 8 is located on the power base 6. However, as will be apparent with reference to the following figures, the user interface 8 may instead be located on the liquid container 4. Likewise, the user interface 8 may be distributed between the liquid container 4 and the power base 6.

[0080] In some embodiments, as depicted, the user interface also includes an indicator device 14. The indicator device 14 can indicate the operating mode of the appliance 2. For example, the indicator device 14 can indicate the temperature operating mode of the appliance, i.e., the temperature to which the appliance is configured to heat the contents of the liquid container, or indeed any other suitable operating mode. The indicator device 14 can take any suitable form that can notify the user of the operating mode. In an embodiment, the indicator device 14 includes a series of indicators 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E. Each of the indicators 14A-14E can correspond to a different temperature mode or other suitable mode, and can be configured to light up when a particular mode is selected. In other embodiments, the indicator device 14 can include a display, such as an LED display.

[0081] The power base 6 includes a main body including an upper portion 16 disposed above the rotatable ring 10. The upper portion 16 is disposed between the rotatable ring 10 and the main body 20 of the liquid container 4. Therefore, when the liquid container 4 is disposed on the power base 6, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the body 20 of the liquid container abuts against the upper portion 16 of the power base 6, rather than directly against the rotatable ring 10. This ensures that the rotatable ring 10 is not prevented from rotating when the liquid container 4 is placed on the power base 6.

[0082] Similarly, in some embodiments, as depicted, the lower portion 18 of the body of the power base 6 is disposed below the rotatable ring 10 and is configured to rest on a work surface. Thus, the lower portion 18 can position the rotatable ring 10 at a distance from the work surface so that the rotatable ring 10 can be easily reached by a user. In addition, similar to the upper portion 16, the lower portion 18 can keep the rotatable ring 10 away from the work surface so that the rotatable ring 10 is not blocked from rotating during use.

[0083] The liquid container 4 may include a handle 22 for lifting the liquid container 4 from the power base 6 and for pouring the contents from the liquid container. In this regard, the liquid container 4 may include a container mouth 24 through which the liquid can be poured from the liquid container 4 and an openable lid 26 through which the liquid can be filled.

[0084] Figure 2 The slave device 2 and Figure 1 A perspective view of the device 2 viewed from the opposite side is shown. Figure 2 As can be clearly seen in FIG. 1 , the rotatable ring 10 extends a full 360 degrees around the power base 6 .

[0085] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view through the appliance 2 is shown. As shown in this figure, the liquid container 4 includes a liquid chamber 28, which can be filled with liquid during use. The liquid container 4 may also include a heating device 30 for heating the liquid contained in the liquid chamber 28. In the depicted embodiment, the heating device 30 is in the form of a bottom plate heating device, i.e., located below the base wall 32 of the liquid chamber 28. In the depicted embodiment, the heating device 30 includes a sheathed electric heating element. However, although this particular form of heating device 30 is depicted, it should be understood that any other suitable form of heating device 30 may be provided to heat the contents of the liquid chamber 28.

[0086] like Figure 3 As shown, the power base 6 may include an electrical connector 34 that cooperates with a corresponding electrical adapter 36 disposed at the base of the liquid container 4. The cooperation of the electrical connector and adapter set 36, 38 facilitates the transmission of power to the heating device 30 disposed in the liquid container 4. The electrical connector and adapter set 36, 38 may be of a 360-degree type, which facilitates placing the liquid container on the power base 6 at any angle orientation. However, it should be understood that any other suitable means of transmitting power from the power base to the liquid container 4 may be used.

[0087] like Figure 3As depicted, the lower portion 18 of the power base 6 is coupled to the upper portion 16 of the power base 6 via the upright portion 38, which is coupled to the electrical connector 34, which is in turn coupled to the upper portion 16. The rotatable ring 10 is then sandwiched between the upper portion 16 and the lower portion 18. The upright portion 38 extends through the hole 40 in the rotatable ring 10.

[0088] Figure 4 A perspective view of the appliance 2 is shown with the liquid container 4 separated from the power base 6. As depicted, the upper portion 16 of the power base together with the rotatable ring 10 can define a recess 42 in the power base 6. The recess 42 is shaped to receive a correspondingly shaped base 44 on the liquid container. The recess 42 can help to more easily position the liquid container 4 on the power base 6 during placement of the liquid container 4.

[0089] Figure 5 A cutaway view through the appliance 2 focusing on its lower portion is shown, wherein the liquid container 4 is placed on the power base 6. As can be seen from the cutaway view, the appliance 2 includes a detection device 46, which is configured to detect the rotational position of the rotatable ring 10. In some embodiments, as depicted, the appliance 2 may include a plurality of detection devices 46, in particular three detection devices, however any number of detection devices 46 may be provided and in fact a single detection device 46 may be sufficient. Nevertheless, having a plurality of detection devices 46 may improve the detection accuracy of the position of the rotatable ring 10. A plurality of detection devices may also contribute to continuous feedback to the user through the rotatable ring 10, regardless of the position at which the user applies force to the rotatable ring 10. In the depicted embodiment, the detection device 46 is in the form of a rotary encoder 46, which engages with teeth 44 arranged on the rotatable ring 10. Each rotary encoder 46 may include a rotary potentiometer. When the rotatable ring 10 is rotated, the teeth 44 rotate around the axis of the appliance 2 and drive the rotation of the detection device 46. The rotation is converted into an electrical signal to set the operating mode of the appliance 2. Although the plurality of teeth 44 are arranged in the centre of the rotatable ring 10 , they may be arranged in any suitable position to enable interaction with the detection device 46 .

[0090] Figure 6A cross-sectional view of the device 2 is shown, showing the rotatable ring 10 disposed on the lower portion 18, but many components above the rotatable ring 10 are hidden so that the features of the rotatable ring 10 can be more clearly seen. As shown in this figure, the rotatable ring 10 can include an arcuate slot 48. A protrusion 50 extending from the lower portion 18 of the power base 6 can extend into the slot 48. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the angular range in which the rotatable ring 10 can rotate will be limited by the slot 48 and the associated protrusion. As the rotatable ring 10 is rotated, the protrusion 50 remains in a fixed position, and the protrusion 50 will eventually contact the first end 52 of the slot 48 or the second end 54 of the slot 48. When the protrusion 50 contacts the first end 52 or the second end 54, further rotation of the rotatable ring 10 will be blocked. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the amount of rotation allowed for the rotatable ring 10 can therefore be determined by the angular range of the slot 48 and / or the shape and size of the protrusion 50. In the depicted embodiment, the slot 48 extends about 90 degrees around the axis of the device 2. Thus, the rotatable ring 10 will be able to rotate up to about 90 degrees around the utensil 2. In other embodiments, the slot 48 may have a greater range, such as by extending to 180 degrees or more, so that the rotatable ring 10 can rotate more than 90 degrees. In other embodiments, the rotatable ring 10 can freely rotate 360 ​​degrees around the utensil 2. In such embodiments, the slot 48 and the protrusion 50 may be omitted.

[0091] Figure 6 The teeth 44 of the rotatable ring 10 are also more clearly shown. As shown, the teeth 44 extend around the entire hole 40 in the rotatable ring 10. In other embodiments, the teeth 44 may extend around only a portion of the hole 40. The teeth 44 may be arranged in any other suitable position. The number of teeth 44, their (teeth 44) form and their (teeth 44) interaction with the detection device 46 can define the number of modes that can be selected using the rotatable ring 10. For example, the more teeth 44 there are, the more it may facilitate the selection of an increased number of operating modes of the device 2.

[0092] like Figure 6 As shown, the present embodiment includes three separate detection devices 46. However, it should be understood that any number of detection devices 46 may be used.

[0093] The input device 12 extends through an opening 56 in one side of the rotatable ring 10. The input device 12 is in the form of a toggle switch that can be tilted up and down depending on the desired input. A first tactile switch 58 is configured to detect when the input device 12 is tilted up, and a second tactile switch (not visible in this figure) is configured to detect when the input device 12 is tilted down. The input device 12 is provided with the rotatable ring 10 and rotates with the rotatable ring 10 when the rotatable ring 10 is rotated. In other embodiments, the input device 12 can be separated from the rotatable ring 10 and remain in a fixed position on the appliance 2 when the rotatable ring 10 is rotated.

[0094] Figure 6 Also visible in the figure is a circuit board 60 of the indicator device 14. The circuit board 60 includes integrated therewith light emitting diodes (LEDs) 60A-60E, which are configured to illuminate Figure 1 Indicators 14A-14E are shown.

[0095] Figure 7 A perspective view of the rotatable ring 10 is shown isolated from the other components of the apparatus 2. This view more clearly shows the hole 40 at the center of the rotatable ring 10. The opening 56 through which the input device 12 extends can also be more clearly seen. The rotatable ring 10 includes a mounting point 62 to which the input device 12 can be mounted. The mounting point 62 can facilitate pivotal mounting of the input device 12 so that the input device 12 can pivot relative to the rotatable ring 10. The mounting point 62 can be integrally provided with the rotatable ring 10. Although two mounting points 62 are shown in the depicted embodiment, it should be understood that any number of mounting points 62 may be present depending on the particular form of the input device 12. The form of the (one or more) mounting points 62 may also depend on the form of the input device 12 and its desired mounting manner.

[0096] Now refer to Figures 1 to 7 The operation of the appliance 2 is described. The user may initially fill the liquid container 4. This may be accomplished by separating the liquid container 4 from the power base 6, opening the openable lid 26, and filling the liquid container 4, in particular its liquid chamber 28. Once filled with the desired amount of liquid, the user may then place the liquid container 4 back on the power base 6 in preparation for heating.

[0097] Once the liquid container 4 is seated on the power base 6, the user can select their desired operating mode. This may involve the user rotating the rotatable ring 10 to a position corresponding to their desired mode. As the user rotates the rotatable ring 10, the position of the rotatable ring 10 is determined by the detection device 46. Figures 1 to 7In the depicted embodiment, teeth 44 on the rotatable ring engage with a detection device 46 in the form of a rotary encoder as the rotatable ring 10 rotates about an axis extending through the appliance 2. The detection device 46 thus acts to detect movement of the rotatable ring 10. The detection device 46 is connected to a suitable control circuit, or indeed to a controller, and one of the indicators 14A-14E is illuminated by a corresponding one of the LEDs 60A-60E based on the position of the rotatable ring 10.

[0098] Thus, the user can determine the mode selected by the rotatable ring 10 by monitoring the illumination of the indicators 14A-14E. Once the indicators 14A-14E corresponding to the desired operating mode are illuminated, the user can stop rotating the rotatable ring 10. Because the rotatable ring 10 extends around the entire appliance 2, the user can drive the rotatable ring 10 to rotate at any position around the appliance. This can improve the ease of use of the appliance.

[0099] The position of the protrusion 50 abutting the second end 54 of the slot 48 in the rotatable ring 10 may correspond to the position in which the mode associated with the indicator 14E is selected, and the position of the protrusion 50 abutting the first end 52 of the slot 48 may correspond to the position in which the mode associated with the indicator 14A is selected. Positions between these two extremes may correspond to the selection of the modes associated with the indicators 14B-14D.

[0100] After selecting the desired mode, the user may operate the input device 12, for example by pressing the input device 12 to turn on the appliance and start the heating process. When the input device 12 is operated, this may cause the controller to cause the heating device 30 to be supplied with power to heat the contents of the liquid container 4. Further operation of the input device 12, for example by pressing the input device 12 again, may stop the supply of power to the heating device 30, thereby preventing further heating, i.e. it may turn off the appliance 2. Thus, for example, if the user decides that they no longer need heated liquid, this can be used as a way to interrupt the heating of the contents of the liquid container 4. The input device 12 can also be lifted upwards. Lifting the input device upwards can trigger different operating modes of the appliance 2. For example, lifting the input device 12 upwards can cause the appliance 2 to operate in a keep warm mode, whereby after heating, the appliance 2 operates to keep the temperature of the liquid therein within a predetermined range. Movement of the input device 12 can be detected by the tactile switch 58, or indeed by any other suitable means for detecting movement of the input device 12.

[0101] While in some embodiments it may be necessary to operate the input device 12 to trigger heating to occur, in other embodiments this may not be necessary. For example, the appliance 2 may be suitably configured such that after the rotatable ring 10 is moved to the desired position, the appliance then begins heating the liquid in the liquid container 4 without further input from the user.

[0102] Although the selection of modes is discussed above, if after placing the liquid container 4 on the power base 6, the indicators 14A-14E are already illuminated and this corresponds to the desired operating mode, the user may not need to rotate the rotatable ring 10. Instead, they may simply operate the input device 12 to trigger the heating of the liquid in the liquid container 4.

[0103] In any of the above embodiments, the appliance 2 may include a suitable controller configured to operate the appliance 2 in a desired operating mode. Such a controller may, for example, receive data from a temperature sensor configured to monitor the temperature of the liquid in the liquid container 4. The controller may then operate the heating device 30 accordingly based on the measured temperature.

[0104] Figure 8 A perspective view of a liquid heating appliance 102 (hereinafter referred to as "appliance 102") according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein a user interface 108, and in particular a rotatable ring 110 thereof, is disposed on a liquid container 104, rather than on a power base 106. Similar to the aforementioned embodiment, an input device 112 is disposed to move with the rotatable ring 110, and an indicator device 114 is also provided to indicate the selected operating mode. The user interface 108 is substantially the same as the user interface 8 described above, and therefore functions in a corresponding manner. In addition to the input device 112, which can be used as a gripping feature for rotating the rotatable ring 110 around the appliance 102, the rotatable ring 110 also includes a series of axially extending ridges 164 around its outer surface 166. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the axially extending ridges can make it easier for a user to grip and rotate the rotatable ring 110, and therefore can also be considered to be a form of gripping feature. In Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface 108 , or at least the rotatable ring 110 thereof, is disposed at the lower end 166 of the liquid container 104 .

[0105] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the device 102 when viewed from the other side, clearly showing how the rotatable ring 110 extends a full 360 degrees around the device 102, and in particular around the liquid container 104. Fig.10 yes Figure 8 and Fig. 9A perspective view of the appliance 102 is shown with the liquid container 104 separated from the power base 106 and clearly illustrating how the user interface 108, and in particular the rotatable ring 110 thereof, is disposed on the liquid container 104 so as to move therewith.

[0106] Fig.11 A perspective view of a liquid heating appliance 202 (hereinafter referred to as "appliance 202") according to another aspect of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, a user interface 208 is disposed on a liquid container 204. Specifically, the user interface 208 is disposed at an upper end 268 of the liquid container 204. The user interface 208 is substantially the same as the user interface 108 described above, except that it does not include an input device in the form of a toggle switch. In this embodiment, the user interface 208 includes an indicator device, the indicator device includes a mode mark 272, and the mode mark 272 includes a series of separate mode marks 272A-272E. The indicator mark 270 is disposed on a rotatable ring 210 and is arranged to align with each of the mode marks 272A-272E of the mode mark 272. Therefore, in order to select an operating mode, the rotatable ring 210 can be rotated so that the indicator mark 270 is aligned with a corresponding one of the mode marks 272A-272E. The alignment of the indicator indicia 270 with one of the mode indicia 272A-272E indicates the selection of the mode corresponding to the indicia 272A-272E. Each of the mode indicia 272A-272E may correspond to a different temperature to which the liquid is heated or a different operation of the appliance 202. Text or an image may be provided adjacent to the mode indicia 272A-272E providing content about the selected mode. For example, the temperature of each mode may be provided adjacent to each mode indicia 272A-272E. This may also be the case with the indicators 14A-14E described above.

[0107] Fig.12 A perspective view of the appliance 202 as viewed from the other side is shown, and clearly illustrates how the rotatable ring 210 of the user interface 208 extends 360 degrees around the appliance 202, and in particular around its liquid container 204.

[0108] Although in the above embodiments, the user interface, in particular its rotatable ring, has been shown as being on the power base, at the lower end of the liquid container and at the upper end of the liquid container, it should be understood that the user interface (e.g., rotatable ring) can be located at any other suitable position on the appliance. For example, the rotatable ring can be located at an intermediate position on the liquid container, between its upper end and lower end.

[0109] Fig.13A cutaway view of a power base 306 of a liquid heating appliance of another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, a bearing 374 is provided to facilitate rotation of a rotatable ring 310 (shown partially cut away in this view). The bearing 374 includes a plurality of ball bearings 376, which are arranged to move in a track 378. In the depicted embodiment, the track 378 is formed as a generally U-shaped channel in the lower portion 18 of the body of the power base 306. The remainder of the appliance in this embodiment can be connected to the power base 306. Figure 1 The appliances shown are identical.

[0110] Fig.14 A cross-section through the device is shown, focusing on Fig.13 374 shown. In this figure, the liquid container 304 is shown as being on top of the power base 306. As can be seen in this figure, the lower surface 380 of the rotatable ring 310 rests on the ball bearing 376 of the bearing 374. When the rotatable ring 310 is rotated, the ball bearing 376 rotates in the track 378, thereby facilitating the rotation of the rotatable ring 310. In some embodiments, as depicted, each of the ball bearings 376 can include a ball 376A and a motion damping material 376B, and the motion damping material 376B is in the form of a coating on at least some of the balls 376A, such as overmolding. The motion damping material 376B may include silicone. Such ball bearings 376 can facilitate the controlled rotation of the rotatable ring 310, because the motion damping material 376B can partially resist the rotational movement of the balls 376A, thereby resisting the rotational movement of the rotatable ring 310, thereby ensuring that the rotatable ring 310 can rotate in a controlled manner. In other embodiments, the ball 376A may be coated with any material other than silicone, but this still provides a similar effect of partially increasing the resistance to movement experienced by the ball 376A. Similarly, the track 378 may be at least partially filled with a motion damping material, such as grease, to dampen the movement of the ball bearing 376. Although a particular form of bearing is described and depicted, it should be understood that any suitable bearing arranged in any suitable manner may be used to facilitate the rotation of the rotatable ring. The bearing 374 described above may be used with any of the embodiments described herein.

[0111] Fig.15 A perspective view of a liquid heating device 402 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, a user interface 408, in particular a rotatable ring 410 thereof, is disposed on a liquid container 404. In this embodiment, the liquid heating device 402 does not include a power base, but rather the liquid container can be supplied with power directly from a power cord (not shown). Therefore, the liquid heating device 402 can be considered a wired liquid heating device. The user interface 408 can be similar to the above description of Figure 8 The user interface 108 described is the same.

[0112] Fig.16 FIG. 5 shows a partial view of a power base 506 of an appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention. The power base 506 can receive a liquid container 4 of the type described above. Fig.16 In the illustrated embodiment, the power base 506 includes a rotatable ring 510, an upper portion 516, a lower portion 518, an electrical connector 534, and a power cable 582 (i.e., a power cable 582). In some embodiments, as depicted, the power cable 582 (i.e., a power cable 582) extends from the power base 506 (e.g., extends from its body) at a position above the rotatable ring 510. This can reduce the overall height H of the power base 506 because the depth of the lower portion 518 can be reduced. For example, the power cable 582 can extend out of the upper portion 516.

[0113] Fig.17 A perspective view of a power base 606 of an appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The power base 606 can receive a liquid container 4 of the type described above thereon. Fig.18 An exploded view of the power base 606 is shown. Fig.18 , similar to other embodiments, the power base 606 includes a body defined by an upper portion 616 and a lower portion 618. A rotatable ring 610 (of the user interface) is disposed between the upper portion 616 and the lower portion 618. An input device 612 is provided, which is coupled to the rotatable ring 610 so as to move with it and be able to drive its rotation. In this embodiment, the rotatable ring 610 is limited to rotating up to about 70 degrees around the power base 606. Of course, it will be appreciated that the rotatable ring 610 may be limited to rotating by any other suitable amount, and in fact may be freely rotated around 360 degrees in some embodiments.

[0114] In some embodiments, Fig.18 As depicted, the power base 606 may include a detection device 646 in the form of a linear (i.e., sliding) potentiometer 646. In embodiments where the rotatable ring 610 is constrained to move only a limited angular range relative to the rest of the power base 606, such a linear potentiometer may be particularly well suited for determining the rotational position of the rotatable ring 610.

[0115] In addition, if Fig.18As depicted, in some embodiments, the appliance may include an elastic (e.g., spring) member 684. The elastic member 684 may be arranged to act between the rotatable ring 610 and the adjacent portion of the appliance adjacent to the rotatable ring 610 (e.g., vertically). In the depicted embodiment, the adjacent portion of the appliance is the lower portion 618 of the body of the power base 606. In some embodiments, as depicted, the elastic member 684 may be integrally formed with the rotatable ring 610. The elastic member 684 may be in the form of a leaf spring as shown. Of course, the elastic member 684 may have any other suitable form and may be independent of the rotatable ring 610 (i.e., a separate component). Although only a single elastic member 684 is shown, it should be understood that a plurality of elastic members 684 may be included. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, when assembling the power base 606, the elastic member 684 applies a biasing force 0 that pushes the rotatable ring 61 in an upward direction. This biasing force provided by the elastic member 684 may help prevent the rotatable ring 610 from making a knocking sound in the appliance. Additionally, or alternatively, the resilient member 684 may at least partially provide the force, ie, torque, required to rotate the rotatable ring 610 .

[0116] Fig.19 A perspective view of a power base 706 of a liquid heating appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The power base 706 can receive a liquid container 4 of the above-mentioned type. The power base 706 includes a user interface 708, and the user interface 708 includes a rotatable ring 710, and the rotatable ring is arranged to rotate 360 ​​degrees around the power base 706 (and thus around the appliance). In addition, as shown, in some embodiments, the user interface 708 may include an input device 712, and the input device 712 may include at least one button, such as a plurality of buttons. As depicted, in some embodiments, the input device 712 may be arranged on the upper portion 716 of the main body of the power base 706.

[0117] Fig. 20 Shows Fig.19 706, wherein the upper portion 716 and related components are removed to show some of the internal components of the power base 706. Unlike the previous embodiment where the rotation of the rotatable ring is limited to a certain angle range, in Fig. 20 In the illustrated embodiment, the rotatable ring 710 can freely rotate 360 ​​degrees around the power base 706. As depicted, the rotatable ring 710 is engaged with a detection device 746, which can be in the form of a rotary encoder 746, such as a rotary potentiometer. The teeth 744 on the rotatable ring 710 engage with the teeth 746A on the rotary encoder 746, causing the wheel 746B of the rotary encoder 746B (on which the teeth 746A are disposed) to rotate. The rotational resistance of the wheel 746B of the rotary encoder 746 can at least partially determine the force required to rotate the rotatable ring 710.

[0118] Fig.21 Shown through Fig. 20 and Fig.21 718. As shown in the figure, in some embodiments, the power base 706 includes an upper portion 716 and a lower portion 718. The upper portion 716 may be configured to receive a liquid container thereon during use. In some embodiments, as depicted, the upper portion 716 may be configured to direct the vertical force (provided to it by the weight of the liquid container when the liquid container is disposed thereon) to the lower portion 718 without transmitting any such vertical force to the rotatable ring 710. As depicted, this can be achieved by arranging the upper portion 716 to directly lean against the lower portion 718 without acting through the rotatable ring 710. For example, the support structure 716A of the upper portion 716 may lean against the lower portion 718 (e.g., its upper surface 718A). Then, the rotatable ring 710 may be arranged so that when the liquid container is disposed on the power base 706, there is no (or at least minimal) vertical force from the upper portion 716 to be transmitted thereto. This ensures that the rotatable ring 710 remains free to rotate even when the container is placed on the power base 706.

[0119] Although the present invention has been described in detail in conjunction with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the present invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, the present invention may be modified to include any number of changes, modifications, substitutions, or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described but commensurate with the scope of the present invention. In addition, although various embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that aspects of the present invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Therefore, the present invention should not be considered to be limited by the above description, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A liquid heating device, include: Liquid containers; a power base configured to supply power to the liquid container when the container is disposed thereon; and A user interface, the user interface is used to set the operation mode of the liquid heating device, the user interface comprising: a rotatable ring extending 360 degrees around the liquid heating apparatus; and a detection device configured to detect a position of the rotatable ring; Wherein the position of the rotatable ring determines the operating mode of the liquid heating appliance.

2. A liquid heating appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating mode of the appliance comprises at least one of a temperature mode, a keep warm mode and a heating cooling mode.

3. A liquid heating appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein the rotatable ring is provided on the power base and is arranged to rotate about the power base.

4. A liquid heating device according to claim 3, wherein the rotatable ring at least partially defines a recess in the power base, and wherein the recess is shaped to receive a lower portion of the liquid container when the liquid container is placed on the power base.

5. The liquid heating device according to any one of the preceding claims, the power base comprising a main body, and wherein an upper portion of the main body is arranged above the rotatable ring to contact the liquid container when the liquid container is arranged on the power base.

6. A liquid heating appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein at least the rotatable ring is provided on the liquid container.

7. The liquid heating appliance according to claim 6, wherein the rotatable ring is provided at a lower end portion of the liquid container or an upper end portion of the liquid container.

8. The liquid heating device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the liquid container includes a main body, and wherein a portion of the main body is arranged below the rotatable ring to contact the power base when the liquid container is arranged on the power base.

9. The liquid heating appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the rotatable ring comprises at least one gripping feature provided thereon.

10. The liquid heating appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotatable ring is configured to rotate 360 ​​degrees around the liquid heating appliance.

11. The liquid heating appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotatable ring is constrained to be able to rotate around the liquid heating appliance up to 180 degrees, such as up to 135 degrees, such as up to 90 degrees.

12. The liquid heating appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the user interface further comprises an input device configured to control the operation of the liquid heating appliance.

13. A liquid heating appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein the input means is arranged to rotate with the rotatable ring.

14. A liquid heating appliance according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the input means comprises a toggle switch.

15. A liquid heating appliance as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the input means is separate from the rotatable ring and is located in a fixed position on the liquid heating appliance.

16. A liquid heating appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein the detection means comprises a rotary encoder configured to detect the position of the rotatable ring.

17. A liquid heating appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein an outer surface of the rotatable ring and an outer surface of the appliance adjacent the rotatable ring are flush with each other.

18. A liquid heating appliance as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the rotatable ring projects further outwardly than an outer surface of a wall of the appliance adjacent the rotatable ring.

19. A liquid heating appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein the user interface further comprises indicator means arranged to indicate the operating mode selected by the rotatable ring.

20. A liquid heating appliance according to claim 19, wherein the indicator means is arranged to rotate with the rotatable ring.

21. The liquid heating appliance of claim 19, wherein the indicator means is separate from the rotatable ring and is located in a fixed position on the liquid heating appliance.

22. The liquid heating appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 19, in, The indicator device includes a mode selection mark and a series of mode marks, wherein the series of mode marks are arranged on the rotatable ring or on a surface of the device adjacent to the rotatable ring, the mode selection mark is arranged on the other of the rotatable ring and the surface adjacent to the rotatable ring, and wherein the mode selection mark is arranged to be aligned with each of the mode marks.

23. A liquid heating appliance according to any preceding claim, comprising a bearing arranged to facilitate rotation of the rotatable ring.

24. The liquid heating appliance of claim 23, wherein the bearing comprises at least one ball bearing and a motion damping material arranged to dampen movement of the ball bearing.

25. A liquid heating appliance according to any preceding claim further comprising at least one resilient member arranged to act between the rotatable ring and an adjacent portion of the appliance to which the rotatable ring is arranged in close proximity.

26. A liquid heating device, include: Liquid containers; A user interface, the user interface being used to set an operation mode of the liquid heating appliance; The user interface comprises: a rotatable ring extending 360 degrees around the liquid heating apparatus; and a detection device configured to detect a position of the rotatable ring; Wherein the position of the rotatable ring determines the operating mode of the liquid heating appliance.

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