Liquid heating appliance with bypass power circuit

Abstract

The liquid heating device comprises a liquid heating container, an electric heater, and a control unit (16). The control unit (16) includes an adapter section (28) that receives power supply and a first tab set (29a, 29b) electrically connected to the adapter section (28) to form a primary power supply circuit including the heater. A thermomechanical actuator (31) is operable at a predetermined temperature to shut off the primary power supply circuit. The control unit (16) also includes a second tab set (33a, 33b) connected to the adapter section (28) separately from the first tab set (29a, 29b) to form a bypass power supply circuit. The first tab set (29a, 29b) and the second tab set (33a, 33b) each include one tab (29a, 33a) connected to the neutral electrical contact (28c) of the adapter section (28) and one tab (29b, 33b) connected to the live electrical contact (28b) of the adapter section (28).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid heating appliance.

Background Art

[0002] In a liquid heating appliance such as a household kettle, an electric heater is usually configured to heat the liquid stored in the liquid heating container of the appliance. A control unit may be provided to control the power supply to the electric heater, for example, to start or end the heating operation. The power is usually supplied to the liquid heating appliance via a power base connected to the main power supply.

[0003] These control units often have a switch that cuts off the power supply from the appliance and switches off the electric heater when a predetermined temperature is detected inside the appliance. For example, the control unit may be configured to cut off the power when the liquid in the liquid heating container boils or when an overheat state is detected. Usually, the control unit includes a thermomechanical element (such as a snap-action bimetal actuator) that operates at a predetermined temperature to open the switch and cut off the power supply.

[0004] Such thermomechanical elements are advantageous in that they are highly reliable and relatively inexpensive compared to electronic temperature detection and operating means.

[0005] However, for liquid heating appliances, especially household appliances, it has become increasingly desirable to have additional functions including auxiliary components such as an electronic display screen and a user interface. In conventional appliances with a thermomechanical control unit, when a predetermined temperature is reached, the auxiliary electronic components may also be cut off from the power supply, which means that these components can only be used while the electric heater is operating. This can significantly reduce the practicality of such household appliances.

[0006] An existing solution to this problem is to replace the thermomechanical control unit with an electronic control system that detects the temperature of the liquid in the container and switches off only the electric heater when a predetermined temperature is reached. This avoids cutting off power to the entire appliance when the predetermined temperature is detected, and instead selectively controls the electric heater. In such an electronic control system, auxiliary components can continue to function even after the electric heater has been switched off.

[0007] However, this solution can significantly increase the cost and complexity in the manufacture of liquid heating devices. The object of the present invention is to provide a liquid heating device that overcomes these challenges. [Overview of the project]

[0008] Viewed from a first aspect, the present invention provides a liquid heating device. This liquid heating device is Liquid heating container and An electric heater for heating the liquid contained in a liquid heating container, It is a control unit, The electrical adapter unit for receiving power, A first electrical tab set connected to an electrical adapter section, the first electrical tab set for electrically connecting to an electric heater to form a primary power supply circuit, A thermomechanical actuator for series connection to a primary power supply circuit, the thermomechanical actuator which operates at a predetermined temperature to shut off the primary power supply circuit, The system includes a second electrical tab set connected separately from the first electrical tab set to the electrical adapter section, which is used to electrically connect to one or more auxiliary components of a liquid heating appliance to form a bypass power supply circuit.

[0009] Therefore, it will be understood that the present invention provides a liquid heating appliance comprising a control unit including two separate sets of electric tabs connected to the same electrical adapter section. In some embodiments, the first set of electric tabs is connected (e.g., directly or indirectly) to an electric heater to form a primary power supply circuit. The primary power supply circuit can be shut off by the operation of a thermomechanical actuator at a predetermined temperature (e.g., a temperature corresponding to a desired temperature or state of the liquid in the liquid heating container, e.g., boiling). In some embodiments, the second set of electric tabs is connected to one or more auxiliary components in a bypass power supply circuit. Since the second set of electric tabs is connected to the electrical adapter section separately from the first set of electric tabs, the bypass power supply circuit can receive power independently of the primary power supply circuit. The bypass power supply circuit can be connected in parallel to the primary power supply circuit. Therefore, it will be understood that the operation of the thermomechanical actuator at a predetermined temperature does not shut off the bypass power supply circuit, meaning that power is supplied to one or more auxiliary components connected to the bypass power supply circuit even after the thermomechanical actuator has disconnected the electric heater from the power supply.

[0010] This means that liquid heating appliances can be given the functionality of an electronically controlled kettle, without necessarily requiring expensive electronic components or complex manufacturing methods.

[0011] The liquid heating device preferably includes a spout positioned in fluid communication with the liquid heating container, thereby allowing the contents of the liquid heating container to be poured in. The device may also include a lid configured to close the opening for filling the liquid heating container with the liquid to be heated. In some embodiments, the liquid heating device includes a handle for lifting the device.

[0012] In some embodiments, the electric heater comprises an electric heating element, preferably a sheathed electric heating element. The heating element may have a conventional "horseshoe" structure and be provided with electrical terminals at both ends. The electric heater may also include a heat diffuser. The electric heating element may be mounted on the underside of the heat diffuser. Preferably, the electric heating element is positioned in thermal communication with the heat diffuser. The heat diffuser is preferably configured to heat the contents of the liquid heating container. The electric heater (including, for example, the heat diffuser) may be positioned at or below the base of the liquid heating container.

[0013] Preferably, the thermomechanical actuator includes a switch that can be operated to interrupt the primary power circuit. The control unit may include a trip lever to allow the user to manually operate the switch. Preferably, the switch is configured to control the power supply from the electrical adapter to the electric heater. The switch may have movable electrical contacts attached to a movable member. Preferably, the switch has fixed electrical contacts in the primary power circuit. Preferably, the movable electrical contacts are configured to connect to the fixed electrical contacts so that power is supplied to the electric heater via the primary power circuit when the movable member is in the closed position.

[0014] Preferably, at a predetermined temperature, the thermomechanical actuator is configured to move the movable member from a closed position to an open position, and in the open position, the movable electrical contact is separated from the electrical contact and the primary power circuit is shut off.

[0015] A thermomechanical actuator may be operable at a predetermined temperature related to a change in the state of the liquid in a liquid heating vessel, such as boiling. Preferably, the thermomechanical actuator is operable at a predetermined temperature below 100°C, for example, about 95°C. Preferably, the thermomechanical actuator is operable at a predetermined temperature which is the steam sensing temperature. It will be understood that, therefore, a thermomechanical actuator is not operable to detect overheating of an electric heater.

[0016] Preferably, the thermomechanical actuator is configured to detect steam generated in a liquid heating vessel. In some embodiments, the device includes a steam pipe that guides the steam generated in the vessel to a thermomechanical actuator in a control unit.

[0017] The control unit may further include a configuration for detecting overheating conditions in the liquid heating appliance (for example, by detecting the overheating temperature of the heat diffuser or electric heater during a "dry-boiled" state). This configuration may include a temperature sensor or a heat-sensitive actuator, such as a second thermomechanical actuator connected in series with the primary power supply circuit.

[0018] The configuration for detecting overheating in a liquid heating device is preferably arranged in thermal communication (for example, directly) with a heat diffusion plate or an electric heater.

[0019] Preferably, the (first) thermomechanical actuator is separated from the configuration for detecting overheating in the liquid heating appliance. Preferably, the (first) thermomechanical actuator is not positioned in thermal communication (e.g., directly) with a heat diffuser or electric heater. Preferably, the (first) thermomechanical actuator is configured to operate at a predetermined temperature during normal operation of the appliance. However, preferably, the configuration for detecting overheating is configured to operate only as a safety mechanism and not during normal operation of the appliance. Preferably, the configuration for detecting overheating is configured to operate at a temperature higher than the predetermined temperature at which the (first) thermomechanical actuator can operate to shut off the primary power circuit. Preferably, the configuration for detecting overheating is configured to operate at temperatures above 100°C.

[0020] The control unit is considered to possess novelty and inventive step in itself. Therefore, viewed in a second aspect, the present invention provides a control unit for a liquid heating appliance. The control unit is The electrical adapter unit for receiving power, A first electrical tab set connected to an electrical adapter section, the first electrical tab set for electrically connecting to an electric heater to form a primary power supply circuit, A thermomechanical actuator for series connection to a primary power supply circuit, the thermomechanical actuator which operates at a predetermined temperature to shut off the primary power supply circuit, The system includes a second electrical tab set connected separately from the first electrical tab set to the electrical adapter section, the second electrical tab set for electrically connecting to one or more auxiliary components to form a bypass power supply circuit.

[0021] In any embodiment disclosed herein, the electrical adapter portion may be a cordless electrical adapter portion. In some embodiments, the cordless electrical adapter portion is configured to mate with a corresponding base electrical connector portion. The cordless electrical adapter portion and the corresponding base electrical connector portion may be of a type that can mate regardless of their relative angular orientation, or at least over a wide angular range (e.g., at least 340°, preferably up to 360°). Suitable cordless connectors of this “360° type” are described in WO95 / 08024 and WO01 / 28294 and are available as Strix P72 or P76 connector components.

[0022] In some embodiments, the liquid heating appliance includes a base electrical connector portion. The base electrical connector portion may include electrical connection tabs to a main power cable, or the main power cable may be integrated with the connector portion. In embodiments where the control unit includes a cordless electrical adapter portion, the base electrical connector portion may be attachable to a power base stand for the liquid heating appliance (i.e., a cordless appliance that is removably attached to the power base stand). Preferably, the base electrical connector portion is not included in an electronic control unit within the power base stand. Since the control unit within the cordless appliance provides an independent electrical connection to a bypass power circuit, this bypass circuit can be used to supply power to electronic control components within the appliance and is not dependent on electronic control within the base stand (such as that found in, for example, WO01 / 28294).

[0023] (For example, cordless) The electrical adapter portion may include at least two mating conductors for connection to the live and neutral poles of the base electrical connector portion. Thus, preferably, the electrical adapter portion includes a neutral electrical contact and a live electrical contact. An additional earth connection may be provided. In some embodiments, the electrical adapter portion is a three-pole conductor component (e.g., for mating with a Strix P72 connector). In other embodiments, the electrical connector portion is a five-pole conductor component (e.g., for mating with a Strix P76 connector). Such a five-pole connector provides both an electronic signal connection and a power connection.

[0024] The neutral electrical contact and / or the live electrical contact may constitute respective ring-shaped contacts. The ring-shaped contacts may be configured to be received within respective annular openings within the base electrical connector portion.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first electrical tab of a first set of electrical tabs is connected to the neutral electrical contact of the electrical adapter portion. Preferably, the second electrical tab of the first set of electrical tabs is connected to the live electrical contact of the electrical adapter portion.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first electrical tab of the first electrical tab set is connected to a neutral electrical contact via a switch operable by a thermomechanical actuator, thereby interrupting the primary power circuit. In some embodiments, the second electrical tab of the first electrical tab set is connected to a live electrical contact via a switch.

[0027] The electric heater is preferably connected between the first electrical tab of the first electrical tab set and the second electrical tab of the first electrical tab set.

[0028] Preferably, the first electrical tab set and / or the second electrical tab set are quick-disconnect connectors, such as FASTON® connectors. This can reduce the complexity of the manufacturing process of the liquid heating appliance and also reduce the costs associated with this manufacturing. In some embodiments, the first electrical tab set is directly attached (e.g., welded) to the electrical terminals of the heating element.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first electrical tab set has a different shape from the second electrical tab set.

[0030] Preferably, the thermomechanical actuator is configured to detect a temperature representative of the temperature within the liquid heating vessel. The thermomechanical actuator may be configured to detect the vapor generated within the liquid heating vessel. For example, the control unit may comprise a configuration for guiding the vapor received from the liquid heating vessel.

[0031] The thermomechanical actuator may consist of a bimetallic actuator, preferably a snap-action bimetallic actuator. If the thermomechanical actuator includes a switch that can be operated to shut off the primary power circuit, the switch may be operated by the movement of the bimetallic actuator. In some embodiments, the thermomechanical actuator may also be configured to operate (e.g., directly or indirectly) a trip lever of a control unit at a predetermined temperature.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first electrical tab of a second set of electrical tabs is connected to the neutral electrical contact of the electrical adapter. The second electrical tab of the second set of electrical tabs may be connected to the live electrical contact of the electrical adapter.

[0033] In some embodiments, the neutral electrical contact of the electrical adapter is connected to the first electrical tab of the first set of electrical tabs and the first electrical tab of the second set of electrical tabs. The live electrical contact of the electrical adapter may be connected to the second electrical tab of the first set of electrical tabs and the second electrical tab of the second set of electrical tabs. Thus, it will be understood that both the primary power supply circuit and the bypass power supply circuit may be connected to the electrical adapter via the same electrical contacts of the electrical adapter.

[0034] In another aspect, the present invention provides a control unit for a liquid heating appliance. The control unit comprises an electrical adapter section for receiving power supply, which includes a neutral electrical contact and a live electrical contact; a first set of electrical tabs connected to the electrical adapter section, which is electrically connected to an electric heater to form a primary power supply circuit; a thermomechanical actuator for connecting in series to the primary power supply circuit, which operates at a predetermined temperature to shut off the primary power supply circuit; and a second set of electrical tabs connected to the electrical adapter section separately from the first set of electrical tabs, which is electrically connected to one or more auxiliary components of a liquid heating appliance to form a bypass power supply circuit, wherein the first electrical tab of the first set of electrical tabs is connected to the neutral electrical contact of the electrical adapter section, the second electrical tab of the first set of electrical tabs is connected to the live electrical contact of the electrical adapter section, the first electrical tab of the second set of electrical tabs is connected to the neutral electrical contact of the electrical adapter section, and the second electrical tab of the second set of electrical tabs is connected to the live electrical contact of the electrical adapter section.

[0035] In another aspect, the present invention provides a liquid heating device comprising a liquid heating container, an electric heater for heating the liquid contained in the liquid heating container, and a control unit. The control unit comprises an electrical adapter section for receiving power supply, which includes a neutral electrical contact and a live electrical contact; a first set of electrical tabs connected to the electrical adapter section, which is electrically connected to an electric heater to form a primary power supply circuit; a thermomechanical actuator for connecting in series to the primary power supply circuit, which operates at a predetermined temperature to shut off the primary power supply circuit; and a second set of electrical tabs connected to the electrical adapter section separately from the first set of electrical tabs, which is electrically connected to one or more auxiliary components to form a bypass power supply circuit, wherein the first electrical tab of the first set of electrical tabs is connected to the neutral electrical contact of the electrical adapter section, the second electrical tab of the first set of electrical tabs is connected to the live electrical contact of the electrical adapter section, the first electrical tab of the second set of electrical tabs is connected to the neutral electrical contact of the electrical adapter section, and the second electrical tab of the second set of electrical tabs is connected to the live electrical contact of the electrical adapter section.

[0036] In some embodiments, the liquid heating device includes one or more auxiliary components, for example, connected to a second set of electrical tabs to form a bypass power supply circuit. At least one of the auxiliary components may be an electronic component. In various embodiments, the liquid heating device includes one or more auxiliary components, for example, connected to a second set of electrical tabs to form a bypass power supply circuit, and one or more of the auxiliary components include one or more of a processor, a control circuit, an electronic temperature sensor, a secondary electric heater, a user interface, an electronic display device, a light source, a wireless transceiver, a weight sensor, a fill (e.g., level) sensor, and / or a rechargeable power supply.

[0037] In some embodiments, one or more auxiliary components include a control circuit. The control circuit may include logic circuits and optionally include a processor. In some embodiments, one or more auxiliary components include a processor. One or more auxiliary components may include memory for storing software containing instructions to be executed by the processor. The processor is preferably configured to control the operation of one or more other auxiliary components. In some embodiments, one or more auxiliary components preferably include a rechargeable power supply connected to the processor. This allows the processor to continue controlling one or more auxiliary components even after the primary power supply circuit is interrupted when the device is disconnected from the power base.

[0038] One or more auxiliary components may include, for example, an electronic temperature sensor (e.g., a thermistor) configured to measure (directly or indirectly) the temperature of the liquid in the liquid heating container. Preferably, the electronic temperature sensor is configured to transmit a measurement signal representing the temperature of the liquid in the liquid heating container to the processor. Thus, the bypass power supply circuit may include an electronic temperature sensor connected to the processor.

[0039] In some embodiments, one or more auxiliary components include a processor and an electronic temperature sensor, the processor configured to control one or more further auxiliary components based on signals received from the electronic temperature sensor. As described above, one or more auxiliary components preferably include a rechargeable power supply connected to the processor. This allows the processor to continue controlling one or more further auxiliary components even after the primary power supply circuit is shut off when the appliance is disconnected from the power base.

[0040] In some embodiments, one or more auxiliary components preferably include an electronic temperature sensor and an electronic display device configured to display the temperature value measured by the electronic temperature sensor. For example, the electronic display device may be configured to display the current temperature of the liquid in the liquid heating container that is cooling after a boiling operation. This is advantageous because it can encourage the user to refrain from re-boiling the liquid when it is not necessary, thereby contributing to reducing the adverse environmental impact of the device.

[0041] In some embodiments, one or more auxiliary components include a secondary electric heater. The secondary electric heater preferably has a lower output than the main electric heater (e.g., a heat retention heater). In some embodiments, a first electric tab set is connected to the (primary) electric heater to form a primary power supply circuit, and a second electric tab set is connected to the secondary (e.g., low-power) electric heater.

[0042] A secondary electric heater may be configured to maintain the temperature of the liquid in the liquid heating container. The liquid heating appliance may include a switch configured to control the power supply from a bypass power circuit to the secondary electric heater. The operation of the switch is preferably controlled by a processor. The processor may be configured to control the switch based on a measurement signal received from an electronic temperature sensor. The switch may include a relay or a triac. The processor may be configured to control the switch based on a timer value, for example, to limit the time the appliance's "keep warm" operation is active.

[0043] The processor may be configured to switch a secondary electric heater on and off to maintain the temperature of the liquid in the liquid heating vessel. The temperature to be maintained may be a predetermined temperature or a temperature selected by the user of the liquid heating appliance. The processor may be configured to switch the secondary electric heater on and off in response to a measurement signal received from an electronic temperature sensor.

[0044] In some embodiments, one or more auxiliary components include a secondary electric heater configured to heat a liquid contained in a liquid heating vessel, a user interface configured to receive a user input of a target temperature, and a processor configured to control the secondary electric heater to heat the liquid contained in the liquid heating vessel to a target temperature. In some embodiments, the processor may determine the heating time required to reach the target temperature. In some embodiments, the processor may control the secondary electric heater based on a signal received from an electronic temperature sensor. This makes it possible to provide additional heating functionality to the liquid heating device even after the operation of a thermomechanical actuator has interrupted the primary power circuit to the main electric heater. This additional heating functionality can be used immediately after (e.g., to raise the liquid temperature to a target temperature) or some time later (e.g., to reheat to a target temperature).

[0045] In some embodiments, one or more auxiliary components include a display device, preferably an electronic display device. In some embodiments, the electronic display device is configured to display a countdown timer indicating the remaining time until the liquid contained in the liquid heating vessel reaches a target temperature. The target temperature may be preset or entered by the user (e.g., in the user interface described above). In some embodiments, the processor is configured to automatically turn off a secondary electric heater after a predetermined time, and the user interface is configured to display a countdown timer indicating the remaining time until the secondary electric heater is automatically turned off by the processor.

[0046] In some embodiments, the electronic display device is configured to display a volume index representing the volume of liquid contained in the liquid heating container. This allows the user to be informed of the amount of liquid present and to heat only the required volume (e.g., one cup).

[0047] In some embodiments, one or more auxiliary components include a light source, or the liquid heating device includes a light source connected to a bypass power supply circuit. In some embodiments, one or more auxiliary components include a control circuit (optionally including a processor) configured to control the light source. The light source may include one light-emitting diode (LED) or multiple LEDs. Preferably, the light source is configured to output light of multiple different colors. Preferably, the color of the light output by the light source is controlled by the processor. The processor may be configured to set the color of the light output by the light source according to a parameter or measurement. For example, the processor may be configured to change the color of the light source (e.g., from blue to red) as the temperature of the liquid in the liquid heating container rises during heating, based on a temperature value measured by an electronic temperature sensor, for example, as described above.

[0048] In some embodiments, the light source is configured to illuminate the surface on which the appliance is placed during use. For example, the light source may be configured to illuminate the surface of a countertop on which the appliance is placed. In some embodiments, the light source is located on the handle of the liquid heating appliance.

[0049] In some embodiments, the handle includes a first portion extending away from the appliance and substantially horizontally, and a second portion extending substantially vertically from the first portion toward the base of the appliance. As those skilled in the art will understand, the first and second portions actually form an inverted "L" shape, with the second portion being grippable by the user. The light source may be positioned on the underside (e.g., the tip) of the second portion of the handle. This arrangement can help ensure that the light emitted from the light source illuminates the surface on which the liquid heating appliance is placed. This can also help prevent the light source from being obstructed by the user's hand when the user is lifting the liquid heating appliance, thereby helping the user to continue to see the light emitted from the light source.

[0050] In some embodiments, one or more auxiliary components include a user interface. The user interface may be located on the side wall of the liquid heating vessel. The user interface preferably includes input means for user operation of the apparatus. The input means may include one or more of buttons, dials, touchscreens, or other suitable or desired means. The user interface may include a display device, preferably an electronic display device. The electronic display device may include an LCD or LED (e.g., OLED) display device. The electronic display device may include an electronic display screen. The electronic display screen may include a touchscreen display screen, e.g., a resistive or capacitive display screen. This allows the user to interact with auxiliary components of the apparatus, such as a processor, to control the operation of the apparatus.

[0051] In some embodiments, the display device is configured to display the current temperature, which represents the temperature of the liquid in the liquid heating container (for example, based on the temperature value measured by the electronic temperature sensor described above). In some embodiments, the display device is configured to display a timer showing an estimate of the time remaining until the liquid in the liquid heating container reaches a target temperature. Preferably, the target temperature is selectable by the user via a user interface. Preferably, the processor is configured to determine this estimate using, for example, a measurement obtained by the electronic temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the display device is configured to display the target temperature selected by the user. In some embodiments, the display device is configured to display the elapsed time or remaining time of a timer, for example, a keep-warm timer. In some embodiments, the display device is configured to display the time elapsed since the liquid in the liquid heating container last boiled. This can help reduce the possibility of the user unnecessarily repeating the boiling operation immediately after boiling (for example, because they were unaware that it had just boiled). In some embodiments, the display device is configured to display an estimate of the volume of liquid present in the liquid heating container.

[0052] In some embodiments, the display device and / or light source is configured to display one or more warnings to the user. The display device / light source may be configured to display a warning informing the user that descaling is required. This can help reduce the environmental impact of the appliance by encouraging the user to regularly descale the kettle, which can improve the efficiency of the appliance. The display device / light source may be configured to display a warning informing the user that the total volume of liquid in the liquid heating container is below a threshold volume. This can help reduce the risk of a "dry-boil" condition, in which the appliance may be damaged or a safety hazard may arise if the electric heating element is energized while the liquid heating container is empty.

[0053] The display device / light source may be configured to display usage data to the user. For example, the display device may be configured to show the user environment-focused feedback, such as feedback related to the user's past operation of the device. This can help “gamify” the use of the device while teaching the user environmentally efficient usage practices.

[0054] In some embodiments, one or more auxiliary components include a wireless transceiver (e.g., a radio transceiver) for transmitting and receiving data. The display device may be configured to display the data received by the wireless transceiver.

[0055] In some embodiments, one or more auxiliary components include an electronic display device and a wireless transceiver for receiving data, wherein the electronic display device is configured to display data received by the wireless transceiver. For example, the display device may be configured to display weather information received by the wireless transceiver to the user via the electronic display device. The display device may be configured to display emails, calendars, time / date, instant messages, or news data received by the wireless transceiver.

[0056] In some embodiments, one or more auxiliary components include an electronic temperature sensor and a wireless transceiver for transmitting data obtained by the electronic temperature sensor. For example, the wireless transceiver may be configured to transmit usage data measured by the electronic temperature sensor to a remote device or server for processing. The wireless transceiver may be configured to receive the processed usage data. As described above, the device may include an electronic display screen configured to display such data to the user, for example, in the form of environment-focused feedback.

[0057] In some embodiments, one or more auxiliary components include a processor and a wireless transceiver for receiving control signals from a remote user for the operation of the processor. For example, the wireless transceiver may be configured to receive control signals from the user's personal mobile device. These control signals are transmitted to the processor so that one or more other auxiliary components (e.g., a secondary heater) can be controlled in response to the user's control signals.

[0058] In some embodiments, one or more auxiliary components include a sensor for detecting the amount of liquid in the liquid heating container. The sensor may include a weight sensor for detecting the weight of the liquid in the liquid heating container. The sensor may also include a fill level sensor for detecting the volume of the liquid in the liquid heating container. Preferably, one or more auxiliary components include a control circuit and a sensor for detecting the amount of liquid in the liquid heating container. Preferably, the control circuit is Once the device is placed on the power base stand, a sensor is used to determine the first liquid volume in the liquid heating container. The system detects that the device has been removed from the power base stand and then returned to the power base stand. After the detection, the system is configured to use a sensor to determine the second liquid volume in the liquid heating container. Preferably, the control circuit is configured to determine whether the difference between the first liquid volume and the second liquid volume is less than a threshold. Preferably, if the control circuit determines that this difference is less than a threshold, it is configured to send a signal to activate a user warning means configured to warn the user of the liquid heating appliance that overfilling has occurred. Preferably, the control circuit is configured to use a sensor to detect when the appliance has been removed from the power base stand and then returned.

[0059] It will be understood that the liquid heating device may include (alternatively or additionally) any of the auxiliary components described herein as part of the primary power supply circuit. However, in a preferred embodiment, all auxiliary components are connected to a bypass power supply circuit. This allows the auxiliary components to continue functioning even after the primary power supply circuit is interrupted by the operation of the thermomechanical actuator.

[0060] In various embodiments that can be combined with any of the embodiments described above, one or more auxiliary components include a rechargeable power supply. The rechargeable power supply may include a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable power supply may also include a capacitor power supply. Preferably, the rechargeable power supply is configured to supply power to the other components of the one or more auxiliary components after the electrical adapter is disconnected from the base connector (for example, when the cordless liquid heating appliance is lifted from the power base). Preferably, the rechargeable power supply is configured to be charged via a bypass power supply circuit while the electrical adapter is connected to the base electrical connector.

[0061] This in itself is considered to possess novelty and inventive step. Therefore, viewed in a third aspect, the present invention provides a liquid heating device. The liquid heating device is Liquid heating container and An electric heater for heating the liquid contained in a liquid heating container, Primary power supply circuit, It is a control unit, An electrical adapter unit for receiving power, comprising an electrical adapter unit electrically connected to an electric heater via a primary power supply circuit, A control unit comprising: a thermomechanical actuator connected in series with the primary power supply circuit and operating at a predetermined temperature to shut off the primary power supply circuit; A bypass power supply circuit, wherein the operation of a thermomechanical actuator at a predetermined temperature does not interrupt the bypass power supply circuit, and the bypass power supply circuit is arranged in parallel with the primary power supply circuit. It comprises a rechargeable power supply electrically connected to the electrical adapter section via a bypass power supply circuit.

[0062] Accordingly, this aspect of the present invention provides a liquid heating appliance comprising a rechargeable power supply located within the appliance's bypass power supply circuit. By providing a rechargeable power supply within the bypass power supply circuit, other electrical components connected to the bypass power supply circuit can continue to receive power even after the electrical adapter unit stops receiving power. The electrical adapter unit may stop receiving power when the appliance is disconnected from the main power supply, for example, when the user lifts the cordless appliance from the power base.

[0063] As described above, one or more auxiliary components may be connected to a bypass power circuit so that the liquid heating appliance can perform additional functions. Therefore, this aspect of the present invention provides a liquid heating appliance that can provide an auxiliary electronic mechanism, which is usually limited to fully electronic kettles, and does not require complex electronic components to control the operation of the electric heater.

[0064] For example, by providing a rechargeable power supply, it becomes possible to display an estimated volume of water in the liquid heating container on the electronic display of the liquid heating device even when the power adapter is not connected to a power source. This means that when pouring liquid into the liquid heating container (for example, from a tap), it is usually necessary to disconnect the liquid heating device from its power base, and the user will understand that they can determine the liquid level in the liquid heating container using the electronic display.

[0065] In any of the embodiments described above, a rechargeable power supply may be used in a bypass power supply circuit to supply power to other auxiliary components connected to the bypass power supply circuit. In some embodiments, the liquid heating device comprises an electronic temperature sensor and a processor connected to a rechargeable power supply, the processor configured to control one or more auxiliary components based on signals received from the electronic temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the liquid heating device includes a secondary electric heater connected to a rechargeable power supply and configured to heat a liquid contained in a liquid heating container, a user interface connected to a rechargeable power supply and configured to receive a user input of a target temperature, and a processor connected to a rechargeable power supply and configured to control the secondary electric heater to heat the liquid contained in the liquid heating container to a target temperature.

[0066] In various embodiments that can be combined with any of the embodiments described above, one or more auxiliary components include an electronic temperature sensor (e.g., a thermistor) configured to detect the liquid temperature in the container, and a display assembly configured to show the detected liquid temperature to the user of the apparatus. For example, the display assembly may be used to indicate that the liquid temperature has reached its boiling point.

[0067] Viewed from yet another aspect, a liquid heating device, Liquid heating container and An electric heater for heating the liquid contained in a liquid heating container, It is a control unit, The electrical adapter unit for receiving power, A first set of electrical tabs connected to an electrical adapter, the first set of electrical tabs for electrically connecting to an electric heater and forming a primary power supply circuit including a set of switch contacts, A bimetallic actuator that operates at a predetermined temperature and shuts off the primary power supply circuit by opening a set of switch contacts, A liquid heating appliance is provided, comprising a control unit comprising: a second electrical tab set connected separately from a first electrical tab set to an electrical adapter unit, the second electrical tab set for electrically connecting to one or more auxiliary components of the liquid heating appliance to form a bypass power supply circuit; and a control unit comprising:

[0068] It will be understood that any embodiment described herein may (preferably) include one or more (e.g., all) of the optional and preferred functions outlined herein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0069] Some preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described for illustrative purposes only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0070] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a liquid heating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the heating device of the apparatus shown in Figure 1.

[0072] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the control unit of the liquid heating device shown in Figure 1.

[0073] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the power supply circuit for the liquid heating device shown in Figure 1.

[0074] Figure 5 is a side view of a liquid heating device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Figure 6 is a side view of the liquid heating device shown in Figure 5, operating in another display mode.

[0076] Figure 7 is a side view of the liquid heating device shown in Figure 5, operating in another display mode.

[0077] Figure 8 is a side view of the liquid heating device shown in Figure 5, operating in another display mode.

[0078] Figure 9 is a side view of the liquid heating device shown in Figure 5, operating in another display mode.

[0079] Figure 10 is a side view of a liquid heating device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Figure 11 is a side view of the liquid heating device shown in Figure 10, operating in another display mode. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0081] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a liquid heating device 2 (hereinafter referred to as device 2) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Device 2 comprises a liquid heating container 4, a spout 6, and a handle 8. The top of device 2 is closed with a lid 10. Device 2 is configured to be installed on a power base stand 12 which has a 360° base electrical connector 14 in the center for supplying electricity to the device.

[0082] Apparatus 2 further includes an electric heater (not shown in Figure 1) for heating a certain amount of liquid contained in the liquid heating container 4. This heater includes an electric heating element attached to the underside of the heat diffusion plate. When electrical energy is supplied to the heater, the heating element becomes thermally connected to the base 23 of the liquid heating container 4 via the heat diffusion plate, thereby heating the contents of the liquid heating container 4.

[0083] Additionally, a control unit (not shown in Figure 1) is mounted on the underside of the heat diffusion plate and controls the power supply from the power base stand 12 to the electric heater, as will be explained in more detail later.

[0084] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the heating device of apparatus 2 in Figure 1, which includes the electric heater 18, control unit 16, and base 23 of the liquid heating container 4 of apparatus 2. For clarity, other components of apparatus 2 are omitted. Both the control unit 16 and the heater 18 are mounted on the underside of the base 23 of the liquid heating container 4.

[0085] The control unit 16 is configured to receive the base electrical connector portion 14 of the power base 12 and to control the power supply from the power base stand 12 to the electric heater 18. The heater 18 comprises a sheathed electric heating element 18a and a circular heat diffusion plate 18b. The heating element 18a has a conventional "horseshoe" structure and is provided with electrical terminals 19 at both ends. The heating element 18a extends to roughly encircle the lower surface of the diffusion plate 18b. The control unit 16 is configured to be mounted in the center of the lower surface of the diffusion plate 18b.

[0086] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the lower surface of the control unit 16 shown in Figure 2.

[0087] The control unit 16 comprises a molded plastic body 26 with a cordless electrical adapter section 28 formed on its bottom side. The cordless electrical adapter section 28 is a three-pole conductor section including an earth pin 28a, a live ring 28b, and a neutral ring 28c. The live ring 28b and the neutral ring 28c are arranged concentrically around the central earth pin 28a. The base electrical connector (not shown in Figure 3) includes a central opening for receiving the earth pin 28a and a coaxial annular opening for receiving both the live ring 28b and the neutral ring 28c.

[0088] The electrical contacts housed in the central opening and coaxial opening contact the live ring 28b and neutral ring 28c, respectively, when the connector part 14 and adapter part 28 are mated together, connecting the live and neutral terminals of the power supply circuit.

[0089] The control unit 16 includes a pair of first fixed electrical tabs 29a and 29b electrically connected to the cordless electrical adapter unit 28. The neutral tab 29a is connected to the neutral ring 28c, and the live tab 29b is connected to the live ring 28b. These tabs 29a and 29b are connected to the respective contacts of the cordless electrical adapter unit 28 via switches (not shown in Figure 3). Each of the pair of first fixed electrical tabs 29a and 29b is further connected to the respective electrical terminals 19 of the heating element 18a via flying leads (not shown).

[0090] The control unit 16 further comprises a thermomechanical actuator 31 supported by a molded plastic control body 26. The thermomechanical actuator 31 is a snap-action bimetallic actuator set to operate at a predetermined temperature. When the control unit 16 is installed inside the apparatus 2 during use, the thermomechanical actuator 31 is configured to detect the temperature of the steam generated by the boiling of water in the liquid heating container 4, for example, via a steam pipe extending from the top of the container 4 to the control unit 16 via a steam supply pipe, as is well known in the art.

[0091] The control unit 16 includes a trip lever 36 pivotably mounted on the control body 26. The distal end of the trip lever 36 is positioned to contact a thermomechanical actuator 31, while the proximal end of the trip lever 36 is positioned to operate a switch (not shown in Figure 3) that connects a pair of first fixed electrical tabs 29a, 29b to a cordless electrical adapter unit 28.

[0092] The thermomechanical actuator 31 is configured such that when it reaches a predetermined temperature, the trip lever 36 pivots and opens a switch, thereby cutting off the supply of electrical energy to the pair of first fixed electrical tabs 29a and 29b, and consequently cutting off the supply to the heater 18. This makes it possible to switch off the heater 18 when the thermomechanical actuator 31 detects a temperature indicating that the water in the liquid heating container 4 has boiled. The trip lever 36 can also be operated manually to open and close the switch.

[0093] The control unit 16 further includes a pair of second fixed electrical tabs 33a and 33b. The neutral tab 33a is directly connected to the neutral ring 28c, and the live tab 33b is directly connected to the live ring 28b. In contrast to the pair of first fixed electrical tabs 29a and 29b, neither of the second fixed electrical tabs 33a and 33b is connected to the cordless electrical adapter section 28 via a switch. This means that even after the thermomechanical actuator 31 is activated and the heater 18 is disconnected, the pair of second fixed electrical tabs 33a and 33b continue to receive power from the base electrical connector section via the cordless electrical adapter section 28.

[0094] Each of the pair of second fixed electrical tabs 33a, 33b is further connected to an auxiliary component module (shown in Figure 4) via flying leads (not shown), thereby providing a bypass power circuit that supplies power to the auxiliary component module.

[0095] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the power supply circuit of device 2 in Figure 1. Device 2 comprises a primary power circuit 60 (shown by a dashed line in Figure 4) and an auxiliary power circuit 62 (shown by a solid line).

[0096] As described above, the control unit 16 of the appliance 2 includes a cordless electrical adapter unit 28, which can be connected to a corresponding base electrical connector unit 14 that supplies alternating current to the electrical components of the appliance 2 when the appliance 2 is placed on a power base stand 12 (not shown in Figure 4). The control unit 16 further includes a pair of switches 64a, 64b and a pair of first fixed electrical tabs 29a, 29b. Each tab 29a, 29b is connected to the cordless electrical adapter unit 28 via one switch 64a, 64b.

[0097] The electric heating element 18a is connected between a pair of first tabs 29a and 29b, thereby completing the primary power circuit 60.

[0098] The thermomechanical actuator 31 is configured to open switches 64a and 64b when a predetermined temperature is detected. This disconnects the electric heating element 18a from the power supply provided by the base electrical connector 14, turning off the heater 18a.

[0099] The control unit 16 further includes a pair of second fixed electrical tabs 33a and 33b, both connected to the cordless electrical adapter unit 28. Unlike the pair of first fixed electrical tabs 29a and 29b, the pair of second fixed electrical tabs 33a and 33b are both directly connected to the cordless electrical adapter unit 28 without a switch.

[0100] The auxiliary component module 70 is connected between a pair of second fixed electrical tabs 33a and 33b, thereby completing the auxiliary power circuit 62 which is in parallel with the primary power circuit 60.

[0101] With the above configuration, even if the thermomechanical actuator 31 operates and opens switches 64a and 64b, disconnecting the electric heating element 18a from the power supply provided by the base electrical connector 14, the power supply to the auxiliary power circuit 62 is not interrupted.

[0102] In this example, the auxiliary components module 70 includes a low-cost power supply 72 directly connected to a pair of second fixed electrical tabs 33a, 33b. The low-cost power supply 72 is configured to store electrical energy received from the power supply of the base electrical connector section 14 when the appliance 2 is placed on the power base stand 12. This means that even after the appliance 2 is lifted from the power base stand 12 and the cordless electrical adapter section 28 and the base electrical connector section 14 are no longer connected, the low-cost power supply 72 can still supply power to other components of the auxiliary components module 70. Thus, as will be described later, the appliance 2 can have electrical components that can continue to operate even after the appliance 2 is removed from the power base stand 12.

[0103] The auxiliary component module 70 further comprises a processor 74, a low-power electronic display device 76, a light-emitting diode (LED) 77, and a thermistor 78, all of which are configured to receive power from a low-cost power supply 72. Although the components of the auxiliary component module 70 are grouped together in the schematic diagram shown in Figure 4, these components are not necessarily physically adjacent to each other in the device 2.

[0104] The electronic display device 76 is positioned on the side of the liquid heating container 4 of the device 2, between the handle 8 and the spout 6. The LED 77 is positioned at the end of the handle 8 and is configured to shine light vertically downward, for example, toward the surface on which the device 2 is placed. The LED 77 on the handle allows the user to obtain information about the status of the device 2 from a greater distance or when the display device 76 is facing away from the user.

[0105] The auxiliary component module 70 further includes a “warming” (i.e., low-power) electric heating element 80 connected to a pair of second fixed electrical tabs 33a, 33b via a triac 82 controllable by the processor 74. The warming electric heating element 80 is positioned in the apparatus 2 adjacent to the base 23 of the liquid heating container 4, and when power is supplied to the heating element 80, the heat generated by the heating element 80 is used to heat the contents of the liquid heating container 4. A thermistor 78 is positioned in the apparatus 2 to detect the temperature of the contents of the liquid heating container 4.

[0106] The processor 74 is configured to receive temperature measurements from the thermistor 78 during the "keep warm" operation mode of the device 2, activate the triac 82 to switch the heating element 80 on and off, and maintain the contents of the container 4 at a nearly constant desired temperature.

[0107] Next, specific preferred use examples of the components of the auxiliary parts module 70 will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 11.

[0108] Figure 5 shows a device 102 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Device 102 is basically identical to the device in Figure 1. That is, module 70 includes an electronic display device 176 and a user interface 175 comprising a power button 181, a keep-warm selection button 183, and a temperature selection button 185. The user interface 175 is located on the side wall of the liquid heating container 104 of device 102, between the handle 108 and the spout 106. The electronic display device 176 is an LED display device located directly below the transparent portion of the wall of the liquid heating container 104. Device 102 further includes an LED 177 located on the underside of the tip of the handle 108 of device 102.

[0109] After turning on the device 102 using the power button 181, the user of the device 102 can select the desired temperature to heat the liquid in the container 104. This selection is made by pressing the temperature selection button 183 until the desired target temperature is displayed on the display device 176, as shown in Figure 5.

[0110] The selected temperature is set by the user pressing the power button 181 again. The display device 176 is then configured to display a countdown timer showing the remaining time until the liquid in the liquid heating container 104 reaches the selected temperature, as shown in Figure 6.

[0111] The display device 176 can also display the current temperature of the liquid in the liquid heating container 104 during heating, regardless of whether the user has selected a target temperature. The current temperature is determined by the processor of the device 102 using measurements obtained by a thermistor placed inside the device 102 to detect the temperature inside the liquid heating container 104. The LED 177 on the handle 108 can also output different colors to indicate the temperature rise of the liquid in the container 104 (for example, gradually changing from blue to red as the temperature rises from the initial temperature to the target temperature).

[0112] If the liquid in the liquid heating container 104 needs to be heated to the target temperature and then requires operation in keep-warm mode, the user presses the keep-warm selection button 183. The user continues to press the button 183 until the desired keep-warm cycle time is displayed on the display device 176. This selection is made by pressing the power button 181, and the device 102 continues to maintain the liquid temperature at this temperature for the selected keep-warm period.

[0113] During the heat retention operation mode, the electronic display device 176 is used to inform the user of the remaining time until the heat retention heater of the appliance 102 is automatically turned off by the processor.

[0114] Figure 7 shows the appliance 102 of Figure 5, where the electronic display device 176 displays a warning to the user of the appliance 102 that the appliance 102 needs to be descaled. In this situation, the LED 177 located on the handle 108 is configured to emit blue light 179 to further indicate to the user that the appliance 102 needs to be descaled. The accumulation of limescale in liquid heating appliances can prolong the time it takes for the liquid in the appliance to reach its boiling point, thereby increasing the total amount of electrical energy required. By informing the user when the appliance 102 needs to be descaled, it is possible to reduce the situation where the boiling time is unnecessarily prolonged and reduce the adverse environmental impact of the appliance 102.

[0115] Figure 8 shows the apparatus 102 of Figure 5, where the electronic display device 176 displays a warning to the user of the apparatus 102 that the liquid heating container 104 is empty. In this situation, the LED 177 on the handle 108 of the apparatus 102 is configured to emit red light 179 to further indicate to the user that the liquid heating container 104 is empty. The display device 176 and LED 177 may also be used to warn the user that dry-firing has occurred, i.e., that the control unit of the apparatus 102 has disconnected the heating element from the power supply after detecting that the liquid heating container 104 is empty (for example, because all the liquid present in the container 104 has been converted into vapor).

[0116] Figure 9 shows the fixture 102 of Figure 5, where the electronic display device 176 displays a warning to the user of the fixture 102 informing them that the fixture 102 is providing "ECO" feedback. In this mode, the user is provided with environmentally focused usage feedback based on the color of the light emitted by the LED 177 on the handle 108 when the fixture 102 is placed on the power base stand 112. The LED 177 is configured to emit green light 179 when the device 102's processor determines that the user's habitual use of the fixture 102 is environmentally efficient, and to emit red light 179 when the user determines that the user's habitual use of the fixture 102 is not environmentally efficient. In some embodiments, the auxiliary component module 70 of the apparatus 102 includes a weight / fill sensor (not shown) that detects the amount of liquid in the liquid heating container 104 (i) before the apparatus 102 is removed from the power base stand 112, and (ii) after the apparatus 102 is returned to the power base stand 112 (e.g., after preparing a beverage). The processor 74 compares these detected values ​​to determine the amount of liquid poured from the liquid heating container 104 and consequently determines whether more liquid was heated than the amount used by the user (i.e., whether the apparatus was overfilled). If it is determined that the user has overfilled the apparatus 102 (e.g., habitually), a red light 179 is output.

[0117] This can be used to “gamify” the use of the device 102 while teaching users how to use it in an environmentally efficient manner. This helps users improve how they operate the device 102 in order to reduce its negative impact on the environment.

[0118] Figure 10 shows a liquid heating device 202 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The device 202 is basically identical to the devices shown in Figures 1 and 5, except that module 70 includes a touchscreen organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display device 276 between the handle 208 and the spout 206 on the side wall of the liquid heating container 204 of the device 202. The device 202 has WiFi connectivity, enabling it to acquire a wide range of data, including date and time, weather forecast, and the user's upcoming schedule in a cloud-based calendar, and display it to the user via the display device 276.

[0119] Furthermore, the device 202 is configured to transmit data collected by sensors within the device 202 to a server or processor via WiFi for further processing and analysis.

[0120] As shown in Figure 11, the appliance 202 is further configured to perform applications related to the different operating modes of the appliance 202, including the temperature selection mode and the keep-warm mode described above. The display device 276 includes icons corresponding to the power function 281, the keep-warm function 283, and the temperature selection function 285. The display device 267 further includes an icon corresponding to the timer function 287, which can be used to delay the start of operation of the appliance 202 by a selected amount of time.

[0121] The electronic display device 276 is also configured to provide the user with a volume index 289 representing the volume of liquid currently contained in the liquid heating container 204.

Claims

1. A liquid heating device, A liquid heating container and An electric heater for heating the liquid contained in the liquid heating container, It is a control unit, An electrical adapter unit for receiving power, comprising an electrical adapter unit including a neutral electrical contact and a live electrical contact, A first electrical tab set connected to the electrical adapter section, the first electrical tab set for electrically connecting to the electric heater to form a primary power supply circuit, A thermomechanical actuator for connecting in series to the primary power supply circuit, the thermomechanical actuator which operates at a predetermined temperature to shut off the primary power supply circuit, A control unit comprising: a second electrical tab set connected separately from the first electrical tab set to the electrical adapter section, the second electrical tab set for electrically connecting to one or more auxiliary components of the liquid heating appliance to form a bypass power supply circuit; The first electrical tab of the first set of electrical tabs is connected to the neutral electrical contact of the electrical adapter, and the second electrical tab of the first set of electrical tabs is connected to the live electrical contact of the electrical adapter. A liquid heating device wherein the first electrical tab of the second set of electrical tabs is connected to the neutral electrical contact of the electrical adapter, and the second electrical tab of the second set of electrical tabs is connected to the live electrical contact of the electrical adapter.

2. The liquid heating device according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned electrical adapter is a cordless electrical adapter.

3. The liquid heating appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first electrical tab set and / or the second electrical tab set are quick-release connectors.

4. The liquid heating apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first electric tab set has a different shape from the second electric tab set.

5. The thermomechanical actuator is capable of operating at a predetermined temperature of less than 100°C, as described in any of the preceding claims, for the liquid heating device.

6. The liquid heating appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit comprises a switch operable to shut off the primary power circuit and a trip lever for allowing the user to manually operate the switch.

7. The control unit according to claim 6, wherein the thermomechanical actuator is configured to operate the trip lever at the predetermined temperature.

8. The control unit includes a switch operated by the thermomechanical actuator to shut off the primary power supply circuit. The first electrical tab of the first set of electrical tabs is connected to the neutral electrical contact via the switch, and / or The liquid heating apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second electrical tab of the first set of electrical tabs is connected to the live electrical contact via the switch.

9. The liquid heating appliance according to any of the preceding claims, comprising one or more auxiliary components connected to the second electrical tab set to form the bypass power supply circuit, wherein the one or more auxiliary components comprise one or more of a processor, a control circuit, an electronic temperature sensor, a secondary electric heater, a user interface, an electronic display device, a light source, a wireless transceiver, a weight sensor, a filling sensor, and / or a rechargeable power supply.

10. The one or more auxiliary parts mentioned above are: Processor and The system includes an electronic temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the liquid in the liquid heating container, The liquid heating device according to claim 9, wherein the processor is configured to control one or more further auxiliary components based on a signal received from the electronic temperature sensor.

11. The liquid heating device according to claim 10, wherein the one or more auxiliary components further include a rechargeable power supply connected to the processor.

12. The one or more auxiliary parts mentioned above are: An electronic temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the liquid in the liquid heating container, A liquid heating device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, comprising an electronic display device configured to display a temperature value measured by the electronic temperature sensor.

13. The one or more auxiliary parts mentioned above are: A secondary electric heater configured to heat the liquid contained in the liquid heating container, A user interface configured to receive user input for a target temperature, A liquid heating device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, comprising: a processor configured to control the secondary electric heater to heat the liquid contained in the liquid heating container to the target temperature.

14. The liquid heating apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the user interface includes an electronic display device configured to display a countdown timer indicating the remaining time until the liquid contained in the liquid heating container reaches the target temperature.

15. The liquid heating appliance according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the processor is configured to automatically turn off the secondary electric heater after a predetermined time, and the user interface includes an electronic display device configured to display a countdown timer indicating the remaining time until the secondary electric heater is automatically turned off by the processor.

16. The liquid heating apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the one or more auxiliary components include an electronic display device configured to display a warning to inform the user that descaling work is required.

17. The liquid heating apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein the one or more auxiliary components include an electronic display device configured to display a warning to inform the user that the total volume of liquid in the liquid heating container is less than a threshold volume.

18. The liquid heating appliance according to any one of claims 9 to 17, wherein the one or more auxiliary components include an electronic display device configured to display environment-focused feedback to the user of the liquid heating appliance.

19. The liquid heating apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 18, wherein one or more auxiliary components include an electronic display device configured to display a volume index representing the volume of the liquid contained in the liquid heating container.

20. The liquid heating appliance according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the electronic display device includes an LED positioned on the handle of the liquid heating appliance.

21. The liquid heating device according to any one of claims 9 to 20, wherein the one or more auxiliary components include a user interface including a touchscreen display screen.

22. The one or more auxiliary parts mentioned above are: Electronic display device and Includes a wireless transceiver for receiving data, The liquid heating apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 21, wherein the electronic display device is configured to display data received by the wireless transceiver.

23. The one or more auxiliary parts mentioned above are: An electronic temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the liquid in the liquid heating container, A liquid heating apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 22, comprising a wireless transceiver for transmitting data obtained by the electronic temperature sensor.

24. The liquid heating apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 23, wherein the one or more auxiliary components include a light source and a control circuit configured to control the light source.

25. The liquid heating device according to claim 24, wherein the light source is configured to irradiate light onto the surface on which the device is placed when in use.

26. The liquid heating apparatus according to claim 24 or 25, further comprising a handle for lifting the apparatus, wherein the light source is located on the handle.

27. The liquid heating apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the handle comprises a first portion extending substantially horizontally away from the apparatus and a second portion extending substantially vertically from the first portion toward the base of the apparatus, and the light source is disposed on the lower surface of the second portion of the handle.

28. The liquid heating appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first set of electric tabs is connected to the electric heater to form the primary power supply circuit, and the second set of electric tabs is connected to the secondary electric heater to form the bypass power supply circuit.

29. The one or more auxiliary components include a sensor and a control circuit for detecting the liquid volume in the liquid heating container, and the control circuit is When the device is installed on the power base stand, the sensor is used to determine the first liquid volume in the liquid heating container. The system detects that the aforementioned device has been removed from the power base stand and then returned to the power base stand. After the above detection, the second liquid volume in the liquid heating container is determined using the sensor. Determine whether the difference between the first liquid volume and the second liquid volume is less than a threshold. A liquid heating device according to any of the preceding claims, configured to transmit a signal to activate a user warning means configured to warn the user of the liquid heating device that overfilling has occurred, when it is determined that the difference is less than the threshold.

30. A control unit for a liquid heating appliance, An electrical adapter unit for receiving power, comprising an electrical adapter unit including a neutral electrical contact and a live electrical contact, A first electrical tab set connected to the electrical adapter section, the first electrical tab set for electrically connecting to an electric heater to form a primary power supply circuit, A thermomechanical actuator for connecting in series to the primary power supply circuit, the thermomechanical actuator which operates at a predetermined temperature to shut off the primary power supply circuit, A second electrical tab set, connected separately from the first electrical tab set to the electrical adapter section, comprises a second electrical tab set for electrically connecting to one or more auxiliary components to form a bypass power supply circuit, The first electrical tab of the first set of electrical tabs is connected to the neutral electrical contact of the electrical adapter, and the second electrical tab of the first set of electrical tabs is connected to the live electrical contact of the electrical adapter. A control unit in which the first electrical tab of the second set of electrical tabs is connected to the neutral electrical contact of the electrical adapter, and the second electrical tab of the second set of electrical tabs is connected to the live electrical contact of the electrical adapter.

31. A liquid heating device, A liquid heating container and An electric heater for heating the liquid contained in the liquid heating container, Primary power supply circuit, It is a control unit, An electrical adapter unit for receiving power supply, comprising an electrical adapter unit electrically connected to the electric heater via the primary power supply circuit, A control unit comprising: a thermomechanical actuator connected in series with the primary power supply circuit and operating at a predetermined temperature to shut off the primary power supply circuit; A bypass power supply circuit, comprising a bypass power supply circuit arranged in parallel with the primary power supply circuit so that the operation of the thermomechanical actuator at the predetermined temperature does not interrupt the bypass power supply circuit, A liquid heating appliance comprising a rechargeable power supply electrically connected to the electrical adapter section via the bypass power supply circuit.

32. The liquid heating device according to claim 31, wherein the rechargeable power supply comprises a capacitive power supply.

33. The liquid heating device according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the liquid heating device includes one or more auxiliary components connected to the rechargeable power supply, the auxiliary components including one or more of a processor, an electronic temperature sensor, a secondary electric heater, a user interface, and / or an electronic display device.

34. The liquid heating device according to claim 33, comprising an electronic temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the liquid in the liquid heating container and a processor connected to the rechargeable power supply, wherein the processor is configured to control one or more auxiliary components based on a signal received from the electronic temperature sensor.

35. The aforementioned liquid heating device is A secondary electric heater connected to the rechargeable power supply and configured to heat the liquid contained in the liquid heating container, A user interface connected to the aforementioned rechargeable power supply and configured to receive user input of a target temperature, A liquid heating device according to any one of claims 31 to 34, comprising: a processor connected to the rechargeable power supply and configured to control the secondary electric heater to heat the liquid contained in the liquid heating container to the target temperature.

36. A liquid heating device according to any one of claims 31 to 35, further comprising a light source connected to the rechargeable power supply.

37. The liquid heating device according to claim 36, wherein the liquid heating device comprises a control circuit connected to the rechargeable power supply and configured to control the light source.

38. The liquid heating device according to claim 36 or 37, wherein the light source is configured to irradiate light onto the surface on which the device is placed when in use.

39. The liquid according to any one of claims 36 to 38, further comprising a handle for lifting the apparatus, wherein the light source is located on the handle.

40. The liquid heating apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the handle comprises a first portion extending substantially horizontally away from the apparatus and a second portion extending substantially vertically from the first portion toward the base of the apparatus, and the light source is disposed on the lower surface of the second portion of the handle.

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