Electric kettle

Abstract

The present application provides an electric kettle, which improves durability. The electric kettle is provided with a kettle body having a power receiving connection portion and a heating portion, a power supply unit provided with a mounting unit and a power supply platform portion having a power supply connection portion, and a detection portion. The detection portion is configured to detect whether the kettle body is placed on the power supply platform portion. The electric kettle is configured to supply power to the heating portion via the power supply connection portion and the power receiving connection portion when the kettle body is detected by the detection portion to be placed on the power supply platform portion, and to stop power supply when the kettle body is detected by the detection portion not to be placed on the power supply platform portion. The connection between the power supply connection portion and the power receiving connection portion is released after the detection portion detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply platform portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an electric kettle having a body and a power supply unit. Background Technology

[0002] There are electric kettles that use the heating element of a container to boil the water inside.

[0003] International Publication No. 2018 / 074355 discloses an electric kettle having a body with a built-in heat source and a disc-shaped support platform for mounting the body. The support platform is connected to a battery pack, which serves as an external power source, via a power cord. Power from the battery pack is supplied to the heat source in the kettle body through the support platform. Summary of the Invention

[0004] For electric kettles that supply power from the battery pack to the kettle body via a support platform, there is a desire to further improve durability.

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an electric kettle is provided. The electric kettle includes a kettle body, a mounting unit, and a detection unit. The kettle body has a power receiving connection and a heating unit. The power receiving connection is configured to receive power from an external power source. The heating unit is configured to heat a liquid contained within it using the power received from the power receiving connection. The power supply unit is configured to mount the kettle body. Furthermore, the power supply unit is configured to supply power to the kettle body. The power supply unit includes a mounting unit and a power supply platform having a power supply connection. The power supply connection is configured to be disconnected from the power receiving connection and, conversely, to be electrically connected to the power receiving connection. The power supply platform is configured to mount the kettle body on its upper surface. The mounting unit is configured to mount a battery pack, which serves as the external power source supplying power to the heating unit via the power supply connection and the power receiving connection. The detection unit is configured to detect whether the kettle body is mounted on the power supply platform. The electric kettle is configured such that, when the detection unit detects that the kettle body is placed on the power supply platform, it supplies power to the heating unit via the power supply connection and the power receiving connection. Furthermore, the electric kettle is configured such that, when the detection unit detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply platform, it stops supplying power to the heating unit via the power supply connection and the power receiving connection. Moreover, the connection between the power supply connection and the power receiving connection is released after the detection unit detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply platform.

[0006] According to this configuration, the connection between the power supply connection and the power receiving connection is released after the detection unit detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply platform, thus suppressing the generation of electric sparks (arcs) between the power supply connection and the power receiving connection. Therefore, the deterioration of the power supply connection and the power receiving connection can be suppressed, resulting in improved durability of the kettle body. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 It is a 3D diagram of an electric kettle with a battery pack installed.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a 3D view of an electric kettle with the body removed from the power supply unit.

[0009] Figure 3 This is an enlarged 3D view of the power supply connection.

[0010] Figure 4 This is the front view of an electric kettle with the battery pack installed.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a right-side view of an electric kettle with the battery pack installed.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a left-side view of an electric kettle with the battery pack installed.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a top view of an electric kettle with a battery pack installed.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a rear view of an electric kettle with the battery pack installed.

[0015] Figure 9 It's an electric kettle. Figure 5 IX-IX sectional view.

[0016] Figure 10 It's an electric kettle. Figure 4 X-X sectional view.

[0017] Figure 11 This is a top view of the power supply unit with the battery pack installed.

[0018] Figure 12 This is a bottom view of the power supply unit.

[0019] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Sectional view of XIII-XIII.

[0020] Figure 14 This is a top view of electric kettle 1.

[0021] Figure 15 This is a rear view of electric kettle 1.

[0022] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing an example of a battery pack.

[0023] Figure 17 This is a bottom view of the teapot.

[0024] Figure 18 This is a partially enlarged sectional view of an electric kettle, showing the connection state between the power supply connection and the power receiving connection, as well as the connection state between the first power terminal and the second power terminal, when the kettle body is placed on the power supply platform.

[0025] Figure 19 This is a block diagram showing the structure of an electric kettle.

[0026] Figure 20 This is a circuit diagram used to illustrate the switching section.

[0027] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the situation of the power supply connection, power receiving connection, and detection unit from the state where the kettle body is placed on the power supply platform until the connection between the power supply connection and the power receiving connection is released in the second embodiment.

[0028] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the situation of the power supply connection, power receiving connection, and detection unit from the state where the kettle body is placed on the power supply platform until the connection between the power supply connection and the power receiving connection is released in the third embodiment.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0030] 1…Electric kettle; 10…Kettle body; 20…Main body unit; 21…Lid; 22…Water outlet; 23…Kettle handle; 30…Side wall; 31…Outer circumference; 40…Bottom; 41…Lower surface; 42…Power receiving connection; 42C…Power receiving connection; 42s…Side; 44…Plate-shaped component; 44s…Surface; 45…Power receiving terminal; 45B…Lower end; 45C…Power receiving terminal; 46…Inclined surface; 48…Liquid collection part; 49…Heater; 50…Power supply unit; 60…Base; 62…Side wall; 63…Lower surface; 65…Control device; 66…Control unit; 70…Power supply platform; 71…Upper Surface; 72…Power supply connection part; 72C…Power supply connection part; 72s…Side; 72u…Upper surface; 73…Power supply connection terminal; 73C…Power supply connection terminal; 73T…Upper end; 74…Inclined surface; 75…Rib; 77…Through hole; 79…Notch; 79c…Surface; 79g…Inclined surface; 79s…Surface; 80…Wall; 81…Front surface; 82…Rear surface; 83…Recess; 85…Power supply unit holding part; 86…Display part; 90…Mounting unit; 91A, 91B…Mounting part; 92…Sliding guide rail; 93…Positive input terminal; 94…Negative input terminal; 95…Receiving lock hole; 100 A…Battery pack; 100B…Battery pack; 101…Guide rail receiving part; 102…Positive output terminal; 103…Negative output terminal; 104…Connector part; 105…Locking part; 106…Unlock button; 130…Detection part; 130D…Detection part; 131…First power-on terminal; 131A…First power-on terminal; 131B…First power-on terminal; 132…Second power-on terminal; 132A…Second power-on terminal; 132B…Second power-on terminal; 132D…Second power-on terminal; 133…Lower surface switch; 134…Button; 135…Button receiving part; 141…Sound output part; 200…Switch Part; 211…First power supply unit; 212…First boost circuit; 214…First voltage detection circuit; 221…Second power supply unit; 222…Second boost circuit; 224…Second voltage detection circuit; 230…Power supply for inspection; 301…Spring; 302C…Spring; L1…Contact length; L2…Contact length; Variation length; Lm…Movement amount; L1C…Variation length; L1D…Variation length; 213…First FET drive circuit; 223…Second FET drive circuit; S1…Main switch; Q1…Switch element; Q2…Switch element; Q3…Switch element; Tc…Temperature sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The following detailed description of representative and non-limiting examples of this disclosure is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings. This detailed description is merely intended to demonstrate to those skilled in the art the details of preferred examples for implementing this disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the additional features and disclosures disclosed below can be used separately or together with other features and disclosures to provide further improvements to the electric kettle and its method of use.

[0032] Furthermore, the combinations of features and processes disclosed in the following detailed description are not, in the broadest sense, necessary for implementing this disclosure, but are described only to illustrate representative specific examples of this disclosure. Moreover, the various features of the representative specific examples described above and below, as well as the various features recited in the independent and dependent claims, are not necessarily combined in the same way as the specific examples described herein or in the order listed when providing additional and useful embodiments of this disclosure.

[0033] All features set forth in this specification and / or claims, except for those described in the embodiments and / or claims, are intended to be disclosed individually and independently as a limitation of the disclosure at the time of filing this application and of the specific matters claimed. Furthermore, all descriptions of numerical ranges and related groups or sets of values ​​are intended to disclose intermediate configurations as a limitation of the disclosure at the time of filing this application and of the specific matters claimed.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the detection unit may include a first detection unit and a second detection unit. The first detection unit may be located on the power supply platform at a different position than the power supply connection unit. The second detection unit may also be located on the kettle body at a different position than the power receiving connection unit. The detection unit may also be configured to detect that the kettle body is placed on the power supply platform when the first detection unit is in contact with the second detection unit. Alternatively, the detection unit may be configured to detect that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply platform when the first detection unit and the second detection unit are not in contact.

[0035] Based on the above structure, the presence or absence of contact between the first and second detection units is used to detect whether the kettle body is placed on the power supply unit. This structure can improve the durability of the electric kettle.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the first detection unit and the second detection unit may also be conductive. The detection unit may also be configured to detect that the kettle body is placed on the power supply unit when there is energization between the first and second detection units. Alternatively, the detection unit may be configured to detect that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply unit when there is no energization between the first and second detection units.

[0037] Based on the above structure, it is possible to detect whether the kettle body is placed on the power supply platform by checking whether there is power between the first detection unit and the second detection unit.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the first detection unit may also include a third detection unit and a fourth detection unit. The second detection unit may also include a fifth detection unit and a sixth detection unit. The detection unit may also be configured to detect that the kettle body is placed on the power supply unit when the placement condition is met, i.e., the third detection unit is in contact with the fifth detection unit and the fourth detection unit is in contact with the sixth detection unit. The detection unit may also be configured to detect that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply unit when the placement condition is not met.

[0039] According to the above structure, compared with the case where the contact between the power supply unit and the kettle body is detected by contact between a pair of detection units (only the contact between the 3rd detection unit and the 5th detection unit, or only the contact between the 4th detection unit and the 6th detection unit), it is possible to detect with higher precision whether the kettle body is placed on the power supply unit.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the power supply connection portion may also be located at the center of the upper surface of the power supply platform. Additionally, the third and fourth detection portions may be symmetrically positioned with respect to the power supply connection portion. The power receiving connection portion may also be located at the center of the bottom surface of the kettle body. The fifth and sixth detection portions may also be symmetrically positioned with respect to the power receiving connection portion.

[0041] According to the above structure, when the kettle body is tilted relative to the power supply platform, at least one of the two combinations of the third detection unit and the fourth detection unit, and the fifth detection unit and the sixth detection unit, becomes a non-contact state, thus enabling more accurate detection of whether the kettle body is placed on the power supply platform.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the vessel body may also include a liquid receiving section for receiving liquid. The detection unit may also include a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature within the liquid receiving section. The detection unit may also be configured such that the third and fifth detection units are energized, and the fourth and sixth detection units are energized, thereby enabling the temperature of the liquid receiving section to be detected by the temperature sensor.

[0043] Based on the above structure, the detection unit can function to detect whether the kettle body is placed on the power supply unit and to detect the temperature inside the liquid collection unit. Therefore, compared to a circuit with a separate temperature sensor located outside the detection unit, the structure of the electric kettle can be simplified.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the detection unit may also include a first spring capable of extending and retracting in the vertical direction. The first spring may be provided in at least one of the first detection unit and the second detection unit. The varying length of the first spring in the vertical direction may also be configured such that, when the kettle body placed on the power supply platform moves upward, the connection between the power supply connection and the power receiving connection is released after the detection unit detects that the kettle body is no longer placed on the power supply platform.

[0045] According to the above structure, the first spring extends and retracts in the vertical direction, so even if at least one of the first and second detection parts has dimensional errors in the vertical direction, contact between the first and second detection parts can be ensured. Furthermore, the electric kettle can be configured such that the first and second detection parts contact each other before the upward movement of the kettle body exceeds the change in length of the first spring, and the connection between the power supply connection and the power receiving connection is released after the detection part detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply platform.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, the first spring may also be located in the second detection unit.

[0047] According to the above structure, the first spring is provided in the second detection part formed in the body of the pot, so even if liquid overflows from the body of the pot, the liquid is unlikely to adhere to the first spring. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the first spring due to liquid adhering to it, thereby improving the durability of the detection part.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, at least one of the power supply connection and the power receiving connection may also include a second spring capable of extending and retracting in the vertical direction. The varying length of the second spring in the vertical direction may also be configured such that, when the kettle body placed on the power supply platform moves upward, the connection between the power supply connection and the power receiving connection is released after the detection unit detects that the kettle body is no longer placed on the power supply platform.

[0049] According to the above structure, the second spring extends and retracts in the vertical direction, so even if at least one of the power supply connection part and the power receiving connection part has dimensional errors in the vertical direction, the contact between the power supply connection part and the power receiving connection part can be ensured.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, the power supply connection portion may have a power supply connection terminal, and the power receiving connection portion may have a power receiving connection terminal. The power supply connection terminal and the power receiving connection terminal may also be configured such that they are electrically connected by clamping one of them together.

[0051] According to the above structure, the contact area between the power supply connection terminal and the power receiving connection terminal can be increased, thus further stabilizing the power supply from the power supply connection part to the power receiving connection part.

[0052] In one or more embodiments, the first detection unit may also be provided on the upper surface of the power supply platform. The power supply connection terminal may also be provided on the upper surface of the power supply platform in a manner that protrudes upward from the upper surface. The power supply connection terminal may also extend in a vertical direction with its upper end located above the upper end of the first detection unit.

[0053] According to the above structure, the upper end of the power supply connection terminal is located above the upper end of the first detection unit, and the power supply connection terminal extends in the vertical direction. Therefore, the electric kettle can be configured such that when the kettle body is moved upward from the power supply unit, after the upper end of the first detection unit separates from the second detection unit, the upper end of the power supply connection terminal separates from the power receiving connection terminal.

[0054] <First Embodiment>

[0055] <Structure of an Electric Kettle>

[0056] The following is a reference. Figures 1 to 20The electric kettle 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. The electric kettle 1 includes a kettle body 10 and a power supply unit 50. The user of the electric kettle 1 places the kettle body 10, which contains liquid such as water, on the power supply platform 70 of the power supply unit 50, which is equipped with an external power supply, and turns on the main switch S1 provided in the power supply unit 50, thereby boiling the liquid in the kettle body 10. Figure 1 and Figures 4-8 The electric kettle 1 shown is Figure 11 The power supply unit 50 shown is equipped with battery packs 100A and 100B. Battery packs 100A and 100B are an example of an external power source for the electric kettle 1.

[0057] For ease of explanation, the following definition of the electric kettle 1's vertical direction is based on the posture of the kettle body 10 mounted on the power supply unit 50. That is, for the power supply unit 50, the side where the kettle body 10 is mounted is the upper side of the electric kettle 1, and the opposite side is the lower side. Furthermore, for the power supply unit 50, the side where the mounting unit 9 for the battery packs 100A and 100B is installed is the rear side, and the side where the kettle body 10 is installed is the front side. The direction orthogonal to the vertical direction is defined as the front-back direction. Additionally, the direction orthogonal to both the vertical and front-back directions is defined as the left-right direction.

[0058] <Structure of the power supply unit>

[0059] The power supply unit 50 is configured to mount the kettle body 10. Furthermore, the power supply unit 50 is configured to supply power to the mounted kettle body 10. The power supply unit 50 of this embodiment mainly includes a base portion 60, a wall portion 80, and a mounting unit 90. The power supply unit 50 can be formed of metal or resin. The wall portion 80 is a generally plate-shaped component extending upward from the base portion 60.

[0060] like Figure 2 As shown, the base portion 60 is a generally plate-shaped component that extends in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. The lower surface 63 of the base portion 60 can be placed on a flat surface such as a table, floor, or ground.

[0061] A power supply platform 70 is provided on the base portion 60 in the region located on the front surface 81 side of the wall portion 80. The power supply platform 70 is configured to support the bottom 40 of the pot body 10. Specifically, the bottom 40 (lower surface 41) of the pot body 10 is supported on the upper surface 71 of the power supply platform 70. In this embodiment, the upper surface 71 of the power supply platform 70 is located below the upper end of the side wall 62 of the base portion 60. The area of ​​the power supply platform 70 is slightly larger than the area of ​​the bottom 40 of the pot body 10.

[0062] like Figure 11As shown, a power supply connection portion 72 and a pair of terminals (first energized terminals 131A and 131B) are provided on the upper surface 71 of the power supply platform 70. The power supply connection portion 72 is located approximately at the center of the upper surface 71. The first energized terminals 131A and 131B are arranged approximately symmetrically with respect to the power supply connection portion 72. The power supply connection portion 72 and the first energized terminals 131A and 131B will be described in detail later.

[0063] like Figure 2 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, a through hole 77 is formed on the power supply platform 70, extending through the power supply platform 70 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the through hole 77 is positioned closer to the outer side of the power supply platform 70 than the position where the power supply connection portion 72 is located. This position, closer to the outer side of the power supply platform 70, is also closer to the radially outer side of the power supply platform 70. This position is also close to the side wall 62 and wall portion 80 of the base portion 60. In this embodiment, there are four through holes 77. The through holes 77 are arranged approximately symmetrically with respect to the power supply connection portion 72. For example, Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the upper surface 71 of the power supply platform 70 has a portion (inclined surface 74) that slopes downward from the power supply connection portion 72 toward the outside of the power supply platform 70.

[0064] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, a lower surface switch 133 is provided on the lower surface 63 of the power supply unit 50. Among them, Figure 13The lower surface 63 of the power supply unit 50 shown is not placed on a flat surface. The lower surface switch 133 is a push-down switch. In this embodiment, the lower surface switch 133 includes a button 134 and a button receiving portion 135. The button 134 and the button receiving portion 135 are configured to be movable in the vertical direction. When the lower surface 63 of the base portion 60 is not placed on a flat surface, the button 134 protrudes downward from the lower surface 63. The button receiving portion 135 is disposed above the button 134 opposite to the button 134. The button receiving portion 135 is configured such that when the lower surface 63 of the power supply unit 50 is placed on a flat surface and the button 134 is pressed upward, the button receiving portion 135 is pressed upward by the button 134. The button receiving portion 135 is configured such that when the lower surface of the button 134 and the lower surface 63 of the base portion 60 are on approximately the same plane, an activation signal is sent to the control unit 66, which will be described later. If the lower surface 63 of the power supply unit 50 is removed from the plane, the button 134 and the button receiving portion 135 move downwards. As a result, the connection signal sent from the button receiving portion 135 to the control unit 66 is cut off, resulting in an open state. That is, the lower surface switch 133 is configured such that when the lower surface 63 of the base portion 60 is placed on the plane, it is pressed into the lower surface 63 of the base portion 60 and does not protrude downwards from the lower surface 63 of the base portion 60. The lower surface switch 133 has the function of detecting whether the power supply unit 50 is in the state of being placed on the plane.

[0065] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figures 4-7 As shown, a rib 75 protruding upward from the power supply platform 70 is formed at the front of the power supply platform 70. The rib 75 is located facing the front surface 81 of the wall portion 80. The rib 75 has a shape that runs along the outer edge of the power supply platform 70 and the outer peripheral surface 31 of the pot body 10. The rib 75 restricts the forward movement of the pot body 10 mounted on the power supply platform 70. In this embodiment, the upper end of the rib 75 in the vertical direction is located above the lower end of the pot handle portion 23 mounted on the pot body 10 of the power supply platform 70.

[0066] Next, the wall portion 80 will be described. In this embodiment, the wall portion 80 is a generally plate-shaped component extending in both vertical and horizontal directions. The wall portion 80 is formed to extend upward from the power supply platform portion 70. The power supply platform portion 70 is provided in the region on the front surface 81 side of the wall portion 80. The mounting unit 90 is provided in the region on the rear surface 82 side of the wall portion 80. In this embodiment, the wall portion 80 separates the region where the power supply platform portion 70 is provided and the region where the mounting unit 90 is provided.

[0067] The wall portion 80 has a power supply unit holding portion 85 for holding the power supply unit 50, located above the mounting unit 90. The power supply unit holding portion 85 has a shape that extends through the wall portion 80 in the front-rear direction. The power supply unit holding portion 85 can also be described as being located between the mounting unit 90 and the kettle body 10 mounted on the power supply platform 70. The upper end of the power supply unit holding portion 85 protrudes above the kettle body 10 mounted on the power supply platform 70. In this embodiment, the electric kettle 1 is configured such that, with the battery packs 100A and 100B mounted on the mounting unit 90 and the kettle body 10 mounted on the power supply platform 70, the center of gravity of the electric kettle 1 is located at or near the wall portion 80, regardless of the amount of liquid in the kettle body 10. That is, the power supply unit holding portion 85 is positioned above the center of gravity of the electric kettle 1.

[0068] like Figure 2 and Figure 11 As shown, the wall portion 80 has a recessed portion 83 on its front surface 81 that is recessed toward the rear. The recessed portion 83 is formed along the outer peripheral surface 31 of the pot body 10 which is mounted on the power supply platform portion 70.

[0069] like Figure 8 and Figure 15 As shown, a display section 86 is provided on the rear surface 82 of the wall portion 80. The display section 86 displays driving information of the electric kettle 1, such as the remaining power of the battery packs 100A and 100B.

[0070] Next, refer to Figures 14-16 The battery packs 100A and 100B and the mounting unit 90 are described.

[0071] Battery packs 100A and 100B are, for example, DC power supplies with a nominal voltage of 36 volts (V). Battery packs 100A and 100B can be used as a power source for electric kettle 1.

[0072] Battery packs 100A and 100B, sometimes referred to as battery packages or battery assemblies, have a housing formed to a specified size and multiple lithium-ion battery cells housed within the housing and connected in series. Battery packs 100A and 100B are rechargeable battery packs that can be recharged using a charger (not shown) after being used as an external power source. Battery packs 100A and 100B are so-called sliding battery packs, allowing for removable mounting to the mounting unit 90 and the charger. Battery packs 100A and 100B have the same structure.

[0073] exist Figure 16The diagram shows the vertical, horizontal, and lateral directions, with the battery pack 100A installed in the mounting unit 90 as a reference. A pair of left and right guide rail receiving portions 101 are provided on the battery packs 100A and 100B. A positive output terminal 102 and a negative output terminal 103 are disposed between the pair of guide rail receiving portions 101. A connector portion 104 for sending and receiving control signals between the battery packs 100A and 100B and a charger or other device is disposed between the positive output terminal 102 and the negative output terminal 103. A locking member 105 is provided on the upper part of the battery packs 100A and 100B. A spring member (not shown) is disposed inside the housing of the battery packs 100A and 100B, below the locking member 105. This spring member applies force by pushing the locking member 105 upwards. An unlocking button 106 is disposed on the rear surface of the battery packs 100A and 100B (for example, see reference...). Figure 11 When the unlock button 106 is pressed downwards, the locking component 105 moves downwards.

[0074] like Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the mounting unit 90 is disposed in the region on the rear surface 82 side of the wall portion 80. In this embodiment, the mounting unit 90 is provided at the lower part of the rear surface 82 of the wall portion 80. Two mounting portions 91A and 91B are disposed on the mounting unit 90. The two mounting portions 91A and 91B have the same structure. The two mounting portions 91A and 91B are electrically connected in parallel. The mounting unit 90 can connect two battery packs 100A and 100B in parallel. The electric kettle 1 can be driven by the power supplied by the mounting unit 90 which has two battery packs 100A and 100B installed.

[0075] A pair of sliding guide rails 92 are provided in the mounting portions 91A and 91B respectively. In this embodiment, the sliding guide rails 92 are formed to extend in the vertical direction. A positive input terminal 93 and a negative input terminal 94 are arranged in the sliding guide rails 92. In addition, the mounting portions 91A and 91B are provided with receiving lock holes 95 for engaging with the locking members 105 of the battery packs 100A and 100B.

[0076] Battery packs 100A and 100B are slid relative to mounting portions 91A and 91B in the mounting direction, thereby engaging the guide rail receiving portion 101 with the sliding guide rail 92, and mounting battery packs 100A and 100B onto mounting portions 91A and 91B. In this embodiment, the mounting direction is from top to bottom. When battery packs 100A and 100B are mounted onto mounting portions 91A and 91B, the positive input terminal 93 and negative input terminal 94 of mounting portions 91A and 91B are electrically connected to the positive output terminal 102 and negative output terminal 103 of battery packs 100A and 100B. Furthermore, when battery packs 100A and 100B are mounted onto mounting portions 91A and 91B, the locking member 105 engages with the receiving lock hole 95, and battery packs 100A and 100B are fixed in a locked state, unable to move in the vertical direction.

[0077] When the user presses the unlock button 106 of the battery packs 100A and 100B installed in the mounting portions 91A and 91B, the engagement between the locking member 105 and the receiving lock hole 95 is released (unlocked state). In the unlocked state, the battery packs 100A and 100B are slid relative to the mounting portions 91A and 91B in the removal direction, thereby removing the battery packs 100A and 100B from the mounting portions 91A and 91B. In this embodiment, the removal direction is from bottom to top. In this way, the battery packs 100A and 100B can be installed in the mounting portions 91A and 91B of the mounting unit 90 in a detachable state.

[0078] <Structure of the teapot body>

[0079] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figures 4 to 10 As shown, the body 10 has an appearance mainly composed of a main body unit 20 and a lid 21. The main body unit 20 is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape with an opening at the top. The lid 21 is connected to the main body unit 20 in a manner that allows the opening of the main body unit 20 to be opened and closed. The main body unit 20 includes a side wall portion 30, a bottom 40, and a liquid collection portion 48.

[0080] The side wall portion 30 is a generally cylindrical section extending vertically from the main body unit 20. The side wall portion 30 forms the outer peripheral surface 31 of the pot body 10. An outlet 22 for pouring liquid from the liquid collection portion 48 is provided at the upper part of the side wall portion 30. When viewed from above, a handle 23 for holding the pot body 10 is positioned opposite the outlet 22. The end of the handle 23 is connected to the upper and lower parts of the side wall portion 30. The side wall portion 30 and the handle 23 can be made of metal or resin.

[0081] The bottom 40 is the portion that connects to the lower part of the sidewall 30. The bottom 40 can be formed of metal or resin. For example... Figure 17 As shown, a power receiving connection portion 42 and a pair of terminals (second power-on terminals 132A and 132B) are provided on the lower surface 41 of the bottom 40. The power receiving connection portion 42 is located approximately at the center of the lower surface 41. The second power-on terminals 132A and 132B are arranged approximately symmetrically about the power receiving connection portion 42. The power receiving connection portion 42 and the second power-on terminals 132A and 132B will be described in detail later.

[0082] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the lower surface 41 of the bottom 40 has an inclined surface 46, which slopes downward radially outward from the power receiving connection portion 42. The inclined surface 46 has a shape that follows the inclined surface 74 of the power supply platform portion 70. Therefore, the kettle body 10 can be stably placed on the power supply platform portion 70.

[0083] like Figure 9 As shown, a liquid storage section 48 is disposed on the inner side of the side wall section 30 and the bottom section 40. The liquid storage section 48 has a shape that allows it to store liquids such as water. The inner surface of the liquid storage section 48 may also be coated with a heat-resistant resin such as fluoropolymer. The bottom surface of the liquid storage section 48 is formed of a heat-conducting material such as metal.

[0084] like Figure 10 As shown, a heater 49 is built into the bottom 40. The heater 49 is powered via the power receiving connection 42 and heats the liquid located above the bottom 40 in the liquid receiving section 48.

[0085] <Structure of the power supply connection part, the power receiving connection part, the first power-on terminal and the second power-on terminal>

[0086] Next, the main use Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 18 The structure of the power supply connection 72, the power receiving connection 42, the first power-on terminals 131A and 131B, and the second power-on terminals 132A and 132B will be described. The power supply connection 72 and the first power-on terminals 131A and 131B are provided on the power supply platform 70, and the power receiving connection 42 and the second power-on terminals 132A and 132B are provided on the kettle body 10. The electric kettle 1 is configured such that when the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply platform 70, the power supply connection 72 is connected to the power receiving connection 42, and the first power-on terminals 131A and 132A, and the first power-on terminals 131B and 132B are respectively connected. Furthermore, the configuration is such that when the kettle body 10 is removed from the power supply platform 70, the connection between the power supply connection 72 and the power receiving connection 42 is released after the connection between the first power terminal 131A and the second power terminal 132A, and the first power terminal 131B and the second power terminal 132B are released.

[0087] First, the detailed structure of the power supply connection part 72 and the power receiving connection part 42 will be explained.

[0088] like Figure 2 As shown, the power supply connection portion 72 is configured to protrude upwards from the upper surface 71 of the power supply platform portion 70. The power supply connection portion 72 is formed to fit into the power receiving connection portion 42 of the kettle body 10. Figure 3 As shown, the power supply connection portion 72 has a shape that is approximately a frustum with a bottom edge, and a pair of notches (notch portions 79) are provided from the side 72s of the frustum toward the center. Power supply connection terminals 73, serving as conductive components, are provided in each of the pair of notches 79. The power supply connection terminals 73 are formed as approximately plate-shaped components parallel in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the power supply connection terminals 73 protrude upwards from the upper surface 71 and extend in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the power supply connection terminals 73 are arranged approximately at the center of the notch portions 79, parallel in the front-rear direction.

[0089] like Figure 3 As shown, the notch 79 has a pair of opposite faces 79s connected to the outer peripheral surface (side surface 72s) of the frustum and parallel in the front-rear direction, and a surface 79c connecting the pair of opposite faces 79s. The pair of opposite faces 79s extend in the vertical direction. The pair of opposite faces 79s are positioned opposite each other across the power supply connection terminal 73. The upper end of the surface 79s is located below the upper surface 72u of the power supply platform 70. The upper end of the surface 79s is connected to the upper surface 72u by an inclined surface 79g. The inclined surface 79g is inclined toward the power supply connection terminal 73. The inclined surface 79g functions as a guide for moving the kettle body 10 in the circumferential direction, so that the power supply connection terminal 73 is connected to the power receiving connection terminal 45 of the kettle body, as will be described in detail later.

[0090] The side 72s of the power supply connection part 72 has a side 42s that imitates the power receiving connection part 42 of the kettle body 10 (see reference). Figure 17 The shape of the power supply connection 72 is such that the side 42s of the power receiving connection 42 of the kettle body 10 can be moved circumferentially along the side 72s of the power supply connection 72. Furthermore, the power supply connection 72 is configured to restrict the rotation of the kettle body 10 when engaged with the power receiving connection 42 of the kettle body 10. Restricting rotation means that the kettle body 10 hardly moves circumferentially when placed on the power supply platform 70. This near-immovable movement allows for movement within a range that ensures electrical contact between the power supply connection terminal 73 and the power receiving connection terminal 45. The power supply connection 72 can also be configured such that the kettle body 10 cannot rotate when engaged with the power receiving connection 42 of the kettle body 10.

[0091] like Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, the power receiving connection part 42 is provided on the upper protruding portion of the lower surface 41 of the kettle body 10. This part is formed into a generally frustum-shaped section with a bottom on the lower side. Figure 17 As shown, the power receiving connection portion 42 has a pair of plate-shaped members 44 protruding from the side of the frustum toward the center. Each of the pair of plate-shaped members 44 has a gap extending in a generally vertical direction and capable of inserting a power supply connection terminal 73. Power receiving connection terminals 45, serving as conductive components, are provided on opposite sides 44s of the plate-shaped members 44 forming the gaps. The power receiving connection terminals 45 are formed as generally plate-shaped members parallel in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the power receiving connection terminals 45 extend vertically from a position corresponding to the lower base of the frustum to a position corresponding to the upper base. The power receiving connection terminals 45 are configured to contact both sides (right side and left side) of the power supply connection terminal 73, clamping it in place. Figure 18 The middle figure shows the power receiving terminal 45 in contact with the right side of the power supply connection terminal 73; the power receiving terminal 45 in contact with the left side is not shown. If the circumferential position (alignment) of the kettle body 10 relative to the power supply connection portion 72 is adjusted so that the plate-shaped member 44 fits into the notch portion 79 (see reference...), Figure 3 , Figure 18 When the power supply connection terminal 73 contacts the power receiving connection terminal 45, the movement of the kettle body 10 is restricted. In addition, the power of the battery packs 100A and 100B installed in the mounting unit 90 can be supplied to the kettle body 10 via the power supply connection terminal 73 and the power receiving connection terminal 45.

[0092] As described above, the power receiving terminal 45 is provided in the portion recessed upward from the lower surface 41 of the kettle body 10 and extends in the vertical direction. Conversely, the power supply terminal 73 protrudes upward from the upper surface 71 of the power supply platform 70 and extends in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the power receiving terminal 45 is configured to clamp the power supply terminal 73. When the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply platform 70, the power receiving terminal 45 and the power supply terminal 73 are in contact in the vertical direction within a range from the lower end 45B of the power receiving terminal 45 to the upper end 73T of the power supply terminal 73 (see reference). Figure 18 ).

[0093] Based on this structure, with the kettle body 10 placed on the power supply platform 70 (see reference...) Figure 18When the kettle body 10 is moved upward, the connection (contact) between the power supply connection terminal 73 and the power receiving connection terminal 45 continues until the lower end 45B of the power receiving connection terminal 45 moves away from the upper end 73T of the power supply connection terminal 73. Specifically, the connection between the power supply connection terminal 73 and the power receiving connection terminal 45 continues until the upward movement Lm of the kettle body 10 is greater than the vertical length (contact length L1, refer to) from the lower end 45B of the power receiving connection terminal 45 to the upper end 73T of the power supply connection terminal 73 when the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply platform 70. Figure 18 Until then. In other words, the connection between the power supply connection terminal 73 and the power receiving connection terminal 45 is released when the movement amount Lm is greater than the contact length L1.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the notch 79 of the power supply connection portion 72 has an inclined surface 79g that slopes downward from the upper surface 72u of the power supply connection portion 72 toward the power supply connection terminal 73 (see reference). Figure 3 Therefore, when the plate-shaped member 44 of the kettle body 10 is located on the inclined surface 79g, the kettle body 10 will move downward along the inclined surface 79g due to its own weight, and the plate-shaped member 44 will fit into the notch 79. That is, for the electric kettle 1 of this embodiment, in the circumferential direction, as long as the plate-shaped member 44 is placed on the notch 79 or the inclined surface 79g, the alignment of the kettle body 10 and the power supply unit 50 is completed. In addition, even if the plate-shaped member 44 is not placed on the inclined surface 79g, if the user moves the kettle body 10 in the circumferential direction and the plate-shaped member 44 moves to the inclined surface 79g, the kettle body 10 will also move downward along the inclined surface 79g due to its own weight, thus completing the alignment.

[0095] Next, the detailed structure of the first power-on terminals 131A and 131B and the second power-on terminals 132A and 132B will be described.

[0096] like Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 18As shown, the first energized terminals 131A and 131B are arranged approximately symmetrically on the upper surface 71 of the power supply platform 70 with the power supply connection portion 72 as the center. The upper surfaces of the first energized terminals 131A and 131B protrude slightly from the upper surface 71 of the power supply platform 70 in the vertical direction. The upper ends of the first energized terminals 131A and 131B are located below the upper end 73T of the power supply connection terminal 73. The second energized terminals 132A and 132B are arranged approximately symmetrically on the lower surface 41 of the kettle body 10 with the power receiving connection portion 42 as the center. In this embodiment, the lower ends of the second energized terminals 132A and 132B are located at approximately the same position in the vertical direction as the lower surface 41 of the kettle body 10. In other embodiments, the upper ends of the first power terminals 131A and 131B may not protrude from the upper surface 71 of the power supply platform 70, and the upper ends of the second power terminals 132A and 132B may protrude from the lower surface 41 of the pot body 10.

[0097] The first energized terminals 131A and 131B and the second energized terminals 132A and 132B are configured to be interconnected (in contact) when the kettle body 10 is mounted on the power supply platform 70 (when the power supply connection 72 and the power receiving connection 42 are engaged). Specifically, the configuration is such that the first energized terminal 131A contacts the second energized terminal 132A, and the first energized terminal 131B contacts the second energized terminal 132B. For example, Figure 1 In this case, with the handle 23 on the left, the electric kettle 1 is configured such that when the kettle body is placed on the power supply unit 70 with the handle 23 on the right, the first power terminal 131A and the second power terminal 132B are in contact, and the first power terminal 131B is in contact with the second power terminal 132A. For example... Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, a temperature sensor Tc is provided below the liquid storage section 48. When the first energized terminal 131A contacts the second energized terminal 132A, and the first energized terminal 131B contacts the second energized terminal 132B, a circuit for the temperature sensor Tc is formed. That is, for the electric kettle 1, when the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply unit 70, the first energized terminal 131A contacts the second energized terminal 132A, and the first energized terminal 131B contacts the second energized terminal 132B, resulting in the ability to measure the temperature of the liquid in the liquid storage section 48. Therefore, the first energized terminals 131A, 131B, the second energized terminals 132A, 132B, and the temperature sensor Tc also function as a detection unit (hereinafter referred to as detection unit 130) for detecting whether the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply unit 50. The measurement result of the temperature sensor Tc is sent to the control unit 66, which will be described later. The current flowing in the circuit of the temperature sensor Tc is a very weak current.

[0098] Returning to the description of the second energized terminals 132A and 132B. (For example...) Figure 18 As shown, in this embodiment, the second energized terminals 132A and 132B are provided with springs 301. In this embodiment, springs 301 are compression coil springs. Springs 301 are disposed on the upper part of the second energized terminals 132A and 132B, and are supported by the kettle body 10 in a way that extends and retracts in the vertical direction. Therefore, the lower end of the second energized terminals 132A and 132B can compress the spring 301 from the lower direction by a change in length L2 (stroke) in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply platform 70, the second energized terminals 132A and 132B are pressed upward by the first energized terminals 131A and 131B. At this time, the spring 301 causes the second energized terminals 132A and 132B to exert force on the first energized terminals 131A and 131B. The change in length L2 of the spring 301 is less than the contact length L1 between the power supply connection terminal 73 and the power receiving connection terminal 45 (see reference). Figure 18 ).

[0099] When the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply platform 70 and the lower surface 41 of the kettle body 10 contacts the upper surface 71 of the power supply platform 70, the upper ends of the first energized terminals 131A and 131B contact the lower ends of the second energized terminals 132A and 132B. At this time, the upper ends of the first energized terminals 131A and 131B overcome the force of the spring 301 and press the lower ends of the second energized terminals 132A and 132B upward. (Refer to the state where the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply platform 70) Figure 18 When the kettle body 10 moves upward, the contact between the first energized terminals 131A and 131B and the second energized terminals 132A and 132B continues until the spring 301 returns to its unloaded length (free length, free height). Specifically, the first energized terminals 131A and 131B and the second energized terminals 132A and 132B remain connected until the upward movement Lm of the kettle body 10 exceeds the change in length L2. In other words, the connection between the first energized terminals 131A and 131B and the second energized terminals 132A and 132B is released when the upward movement Lm of the kettle body 10 exceeds the change in length L2. The varying length L2 of the spring 301 corresponds to the length of contact maintained between the first energized terminals 131A, 131B and the second energized terminals 132A, 132B. Therefore, the varying length L2 can also be referred to as the contact length L2 between the first energized terminals 131A, 131B and the second energized terminals 132A, 132B.

[0100] Based on the structure of the power supply connection 72, the power receiving connection 42, the first power-on terminals 131A and 131B, and the second power-on terminals 132A and 132B as described above, when the kettle body 10 moves upward from the power supply platform 70, if the upward movement Lm of the kettle body 10 is greater than the change length L2 of the spring 301, the connection between the first power-on terminals 131A and 131B and the second power-on terminals 132A and 132B is released. If the kettle body 10 moves further upward, and the movement Lm is greater than the contact length L1 between the power supply connection terminal 73 and the power receiving connection terminal 45, the connection between the power supply connection 72 and the power receiving connection 42 is released.

[0101] <Power supply control for electric kettles>

[0102] Next, the power supply control of electric kettle 1 will be explained. For example... Figure 19 As shown, the power supply unit 50 of this embodiment includes a control device 65. The control device 65 includes a control unit 66 and a switching unit 200. The control unit 66 is composed of a microcomputer with a CPU, a memory, and an interface. The control unit 66 uses the detection results of each part described above to control the electric kettle 1 as a whole.

[0103] The control unit 66 is configured such that when the first energized terminals 131A and 131B contact with the second energized terminals 132A and 132B to form a circuit for the temperature sensor Tc, it acquires the measurement result of the temperature sensor Tc. The ability to acquire the measurement result of the temperature sensor Tc through the control unit 66 indicates that the kettle body 10 is mounted on the power supply unit 70. Conversely, the failure to acquire the measurement result of the temperature sensor Tc through the control unit 66 indicates that the kettle body 10 is not mounted on the power supply unit 70.

[0104] The control unit 66 uses the measurement result of the temperature sensor Tc (i.e., the detection result of the detection unit 130) to control the power supply to the heater 49. In this embodiment, when the temperature sensor Tc measurement result can be obtained, the control unit 66 supplies power to the heater 49 via the power supply connection 72 and the power receiving connection 42. Conversely, when the temperature sensor Tc measurement result cannot be obtained, the control unit 66 stops supplying power to the heater 49 via the power supply connection 72 and the power receiving connection 42. Therefore, when the kettle body 10 placed on the power supply platform 70 is removed from the power supply platform 70, at the moment when the connection (contact) between the first power terminals 131A, 131B and the second power terminals 132A, 132B is released (i.e., at the moment when the temperature sensor Tc measurement result can no longer be obtained), the power supply to the heater 49 via the power supply connection 72 and the power receiving connection 42 is stopped.

[0105] As described above, the electric kettle 1 of this embodiment is configured such that the connection between the power supply connection 72 and the power receiving connection 42 is released after the connection between the first power-on terminals 131A, 131B and the second power-on terminals 132A, 132B is released. Furthermore, the configuration is such that the variation length L2 of the spring 301 provided at the second power-on terminals 132A, 132B is less than the contact length L1 between the power supply connection terminal 73 and the power receiving connection terminal 45. Therefore, when the electric kettle 1 is removed from the power supply unit 70, the connection state between the first power-on terminals 131A, 131B and the second power-on terminals 132A, 132B, the connection state between the power supply connection 72 and the power receiving connection 42, and the power supply state performed by the control unit 66 change in the following order (i) to (iii).

[0106] (i) The upward movement of the kettle body, Lm, is greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to the change length L2 of the spring 301 (0 ≤ Lm ≤ L2):

[0107] The power supply connection terminal 73 is in contact with the power receiving connection terminal 45. The upper ends of the first power-on terminals 131A and 131B are in contact with the lower ends of the second power-on terminals 132A and 132B, and the temperature sensor Tc can measure the temperature of the liquid. Therefore, the control unit 66 supplies power to the heater 49 via the power supply connection 72 (power supply connection terminal 73) and the power receiving connection 42 (power receiving connection terminal 45).

[0108] (ii) The upward movement Lm of the kettle body 10 is greater than the change length L2 of the spring 301, and the contact length L1 between the power supply connection terminal 73 and the power receiving connection terminal 45 is less than (L2<Lm≤L1):

[0109] The upper ends of the first energized terminals 131A and 131B are separated from the lower ends of the second energized terminals 132A and 132B, so the temperature sensor Tc cannot measure the temperature of the liquid. Therefore, the control unit 66 stops supplying power to the heater 49 via the power receiving connection 42 and the power supply connection 72. The power supply connection terminal 73 and the power receiving connection terminal 45 remain in contact.

[0110] (iii) The upward movement Lm of the kettle body 10 is greater than the contact length L1 between the power supply connection terminal 73 and the power receiving connection terminal 45 (L1 < Lm):

[0111] The connection between the power supply connection terminal 73 and the power receiving connection terminal 45 is disconnected. Similarly to (ii) above, the upper ends of the first power-on terminals 131A and 131B are separated from the lower ends of the second power-on terminals 132A and 132B, preventing the temperature sensor Tc from measuring the liquid temperature. Furthermore, the control unit 66 stops supplying power to the heater 49 via the power receiving connection unit 42 and the power supply connection unit 72.

[0112] Based on the above structure, the electric kettle 1 operates as follows: the connection between the first power terminals 131A and 131B and the second power terminals 132A and 132B is released (i.e., the detection unit 130 detects that the kettle body 10 is not placed on the power supply platform 70), power supply to the heater 49 via the power supply connection 72 and the power receiving connection 42 is stopped, and then the connection between the power supply connection 72 and the power receiving connection 42 is released. In other words, stopping the power supply to the heater 49 is performed before the connection between the power supply connection 72 and the power receiving connection 42 is released.

[0113] Returning to the description of the control unit 66, the control unit 66 is configured to report the operating information of the electric kettle 1 to the user when the main switch S1 is turned on. In this embodiment, the operating information includes that the kettle body 10 is not mounted on the power supply unit 70. The main switch S1 has an indicator light that illuminates when it is turned on. In addition, the power supply unit 50 has a built-in sound output unit 141 capable of outputting sound. When the kettle body 10 is not mounted on the power supply unit 70, the control unit 66 causes the indicator light on the main switch S1 to flash or outputs a warning sound from the sound output unit 141 to report the operating information.

[0114] The control unit 66 is configured to: keep the main switch S1 on and stop power supply to the heater 49 when the main switch S1 is turned on and the kettle body 10 is removed from the power supply unit 70; and restart power supply to the heater 49 if the kettle body 10 is placed back on the power supply unit 70 within a predetermined period from the time the power supply was stopped. Furthermore, the control unit 66 is configured to: turn off the main switch S1 if, after stopping power supply to the heater 49 while the main switch S1 is on, the kettle body 10 is not placed back on the power supply unit 70 within a predetermined period. The predetermined period is, for example, any duration within the range of 1 to 5 seconds. With this structure, for the electric kettle 1, even if the user removes the kettle body 10 from the power supply unit 70 within a short period or accidentally tilts the kettle body 10 while power is being supplied to the heater 49, the main switch S1 will not turn off. Therefore, user convenience is improved. Additionally, during this predetermined period, the control unit 66 can also cause the main switch S1 and the sound output unit 141 to report the aforementioned drive information. This allows the user to be reminded to place the kettle body 10 on the power supply unit 70.

[0115] Next, use Figure 19 and Figure 20 The switching unit 200 will be described. The switching unit 200 is configured to switch between battery packs 100A and 100B for supplying power to the heater 49.

[0116] use Figure 20The circuit structure of the switching unit 200 will be described. The switching unit 200 mainly includes a first power supply unit 211, a first boost circuit 212, a first FET drive circuit 213, a first voltage detection circuit 214, a second power supply unit 221, a second boost circuit 222, a second FET drive circuit 223, a second voltage detection circuit 224, and a test power supply 230. The first boost circuit 212 and the second boost circuit 222 are also referred to as charge pumps. The switching unit 200 also includes switching elements Q1 to Q4. The switching elements Q1 to Q4 are FETs (Field Effect Transistors).

[0117] The first power supply unit 211 is a circuit configured to generate a constant voltage (V1 = 15V). The first boost circuit 212 is a circuit configured to boost the voltage of the battery pack 100A mounted on the mounting unit 91A via a pulse input from the control unit 66. The voltage boosted by the first boost circuit 212 (V1 = 15V) BAT1 +V1)V is applied to the first FET drive circuit 213.

[0118] The first FET drive circuit 213 is a circuit that drives and controls the switching elements Q1 and Q2. The first FET drive circuit 213 controls the switching elements Q1 and Q2 to turn on / off, thereby controlling the power supply from the battery pack 100A to the heater 49 via the power supply connection 72.

[0119] The first voltage detection circuit 214 is configured to detect the voltage between switching elements Q1 and Q2. The first voltage detection circuit 214 is configured to operate in a low output state when the detected voltage is high, and in a high output state when the detected voltage is low. The detection result of the first voltage detection circuit 214 is output to the control unit 66 and the second FET drive circuit 223. In this embodiment, the high voltage is approximately 30 volts or more and approximately 42 volts or less, and the low voltage is approximately 0 volts.

[0120] like Figure 20 As shown, switching elements Q1 and Q2 are connected in series and each has a diode. The diodes of switching elements Q1 and Q2 are arranged in opposite directions to prevent discharge from battery pack 100A and current backflow from battery pack 100B.

[0121] Similarly, the second power supply unit 221 is configured to generate a constant voltage (V2 = 15V). The second boost circuit 222 is configured to boost the voltage of the battery pack 100B mounted on the mounting unit 91B according to the instruction of the control unit 66. The voltage boosted by the second boost circuit 222 (V2 = 15V) BAT2+V2)V is applied to the second FET drive circuit 223.

[0122] The second FET drive circuit 223 is a circuit that drives and controls the switching elements Q3 and Q4. The second FET drive circuit 223 controls the switching elements Q3 and Q4 to turn on / off, thereby controlling the power supply from the battery pack 100B to the heater 49 via the power supply connection 72 and the power receiving connection 42.

[0123] The second voltage detection circuit 224 is configured to detect the voltage between switching elements Q3 and Q4. The second voltage detection circuit 224 is configured to operate in a low output state when the detected voltage is high, and in a high output state when the detected voltage is low. The detection result of the second voltage detection circuit 224 is output to the control unit 66 and the first FET drive circuit 213.

[0124] The operation of the first FET drive circuit 213 and the second FET drive circuit 223 will be explained. The first FET drive circuit 213 is configured to disconnect switching elements Q1 and Q2 when the second voltage detection circuit 224 is in a low output state (i.e., when the voltage between switching elements Q3 and Q4 is high). Furthermore, the first FET drive circuit 213 is configured to turn on switching elements Q1 and Q2 when the second voltage detection circuit 224 is in a high output state (i.e., when the voltage between switching elements Q3 and Q4 is low). Conversely, the second FET drive circuit 223 is configured to disconnect switching elements Q3 and Q4 when the first voltage detection circuit 214 is in a low output state (i.e., when the voltage between switching elements Q1 and Q2 is high). Furthermore, the second FET drive circuit 223 is configured to turn on switching elements Q3 and Q4 when the first voltage detection circuit 214 is in a high output state (i.e., when the voltage between switching elements Q1 and Q2 is low). With this structure, the switching unit 200 can switch between battery packs 100A and 100B to supply power to the heater 49.

[0125] In this embodiment, the switching unit 200 is also configured to detect abnormalities (short circuits) in the switching elements Q1 to Q4. On one hand, as described above, when power is supplied from the battery pack 100A to the heater 49, switching elements Q1 and Q2 are turned on, and switching elements Q3 and Q4 are turned off. At this time, if no abnormality occurs in switching elements Q3 and Q4, the voltage between switching elements Q3 and Q4 is low, and the second voltage detection circuit 224 is in a high output state. On the other hand, when power is supplied from the battery pack 100A to the heater 49, if switching elements Q3 and Q4 are short-circuited, the voltage between switching elements Q3 and Q4 becomes high, and the second voltage detection circuit 224 becomes in a low output state. In other words, when power is supplied from the battery pack 100A to the heater 49, if the second voltage detection circuit 224 outputs a low value to the control unit 66, switching elements Q3 or Q4 may be short-circuited (first state).

[0126] Similarly, on one hand, when power is supplied from battery pack 100B to heater 49, switching elements Q3 and Q4 are turned on, and switching elements Q1 and Q2 are turned off. At this time, if there is no abnormality in switching elements Q1 and Q2, the voltage between switching elements Q1 and Q2 is low, and the first voltage detection circuit 214 is in a high output state. On the other hand, when power is supplied from battery pack 100B to heater 49, if switching elements Q1 and Q2 are short-circuited, the voltage between switching elements Q1 and Q2 becomes high, and the first voltage detection circuit 214 becomes in a low output state. In other words, when power is supplied from battery pack 100B to heater 49, if the first voltage detection circuit 214 outputs a low value to control unit 66, switching elements Q1 or Q2 may be short-circuited (second state).

[0127] In this embodiment, in the first state described above, the control unit 66 causes the first boost circuit 212 to disconnect the switching elements Q1 and Q2, stopping the power supply from the battery pack 100A to the heater 49. Similarly, in the second state described above, the control unit 66 causes the second boost circuit 222 to disconnect the switching elements Q3 and Q4, stopping the power supply from the battery pack 100B to the heater 49. This prevents the electric kettle 1 from operating if any of the switching elements Q1 to Q4 malfunctions.

[0128] In this embodiment, the switching unit 200 can detect abnormalities in switching elements Q2 and Q4 even when power is not supplied to the heater 49 from battery pack 100A or battery pack 100B. The inspection power supply 230 is used to apply voltage to switching elements Q2 and Q4 when switching elements Q1 to Q4 are open. When switching elements Q1 to Q4 are open, if an abnormal value (low output) is output from the first voltage detection circuit 214 and the second voltage detection circuit 224 when voltage is applied to switching elements Q2 and Q4, then switching elements Q2 and Q4 may have malfunctioned. Therefore, when voltage is applied from the inspection power supply 230, if a low output is received from the first voltage detection circuit 214 and the second voltage detection circuit 224, the control unit 66 will stop the subsequent supply from battery packs 100A and 100B to the heater 49.

[0129] As explained above, the electric kettle 1 of this embodiment can switch between battery packs 100A and 100B to supply power to the heater 49. Furthermore, it can prevent current from flowing back from battery pack 100A to battery pack 100B and from battery pack 100B to battery pack 100A. Moreover, it can detect abnormalities in the switching elements Q1 to Q4, and if an abnormality is detected, it stops supplying power to the heater 49.

[0130] In the event of an abnormality detected in the switching elements Q1 to Q4, the control unit 66 can also use the main switch S1, the sound output unit 141, and the display unit 86 to report that the switching elements Q1 to Q4 have malfunctioned.

[0131] <Effect>

[0132] The electric kettle 1 of this embodiment described above achieves the following effects.

[0133] The electric kettle 1 is configured such that, when the detection unit 130 detects that the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply platform 70, power is supplied to the heater 49 via the power supply connection 72 and the power receiving connection 42. Furthermore, the electric kettle 1 is configured such that, when the detection unit 130 detects that the kettle body 10 is not placed on the power supply platform 70, the power supply to the heater 49 via the power supply connection 72 and the power receiving connection 42 is stopped. Moreover, the electric kettle 1 is configured such that the connection between the power supply connection 72 and the power receiving connection 42 is released after the detection unit 130 detects that the kettle body 10 is not placed on the power supply platform 70. Therefore, compared to a structure that releases the connection between the power supply connection 72 and the power receiving connection 42 before or upon detection that the kettle body 10 is not placed on the power supply platform 70, the generation of electric sparks (arcs) between the power supply connection 72 and the power receiving connection 42 can be suppressed. Therefore, the durability of the power supply connection 72 and the power receiving connection 42 can be improved, and as a result, the durability of the electric kettle 1 can be improved.

[0134] Furthermore, the electric kettle 1 is configured to supply power from the battery packs 100A and 100B to the heater 49 via the power supply connection 72 and the power receiving connection 42. When using DC power, the current flow direction is constant, thus the duration of the electric arc is longer, and the electrical contacts are easily worn out. However, in this embodiment, the electric kettle 1 is configured such that the connection between the power supply connection 72 and the power receiving connection 42 is released after the detection unit 130 detects that the kettle body 10 is not placed on the power supply platform 70. Therefore, despite using DC power, the durability of the power supply connection 72 and the power receiving connection 42 can be improved.

[0135] Furthermore, if the kettle body 10 is not placed on the power supply unit 70, the control unit 66 will not supply power to the heater 49. Therefore, with the power supply connection terminal 73 exposed, no power is supplied to the heater 49. Thus, the safety of the electric kettle 1 can be ensured in the event that the user accidentally touches the power supply connection terminal 73 or liquids such as water fall onto the power supply connection terminal 73.

[0136] Furthermore, the electric kettle 1 has a first power-on terminal 131A, 131B provided on the power supply unit 70 and a second power-on terminal 132A, 132B provided on the kettle body 10. Therefore, the condition that the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply unit 70 can be detected by whether there is contact (power-on capability) between the first power-on terminal 131A, 131B and the second power-on terminal 132A, 132B.

[0137] Furthermore, when both sets of terminals 131A and 132A, and 131B and 132B, are in contact, the electric kettle 1 can detect that the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply unit 70. If neither set is in contact, the kettle body 10 is not placed on the power supply unit 70. In other words, when both sets of terminals 131A and 132A, and 131B and 132B are in contact (when the placement condition is met), the control unit 66 of the electric kettle 1 can detect that the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply unit 70. If the placement condition is not met, the control unit 66 of the electric kettle 1 can detect that the kettle body 10 is not placed on the power supply unit 70. Therefore, compared with the structure that provides a first power terminal on the power supply platform 70 and a second power terminal on the kettle body 10, and detects whether the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply platform 70 by whether the first power terminal and the second power terminal are in contact, the placement state of the kettle body 10 relative to the power supply platform 70 can be detected with higher precision.

[0138] The first energized terminals 131A and 131B are symmetrically arranged with the power supply connection 72 as the center, and the second energized terminals 132A and 132B are symmetrically arranged with the power receiving connection 42 as the center. Therefore, when the kettle body 10 is tilted relative to the power supply platform 70, at least one of the two sets of terminals 131A and 132A, and terminals 131B and 132B, is easily made to be in a non-contact state. Thus, the mounting state of the kettle body 10 relative to the power supply platform 70 can be detected with higher accuracy.

[0139] Furthermore, the electric kettle 1 is configured such that a circuit for a temperature sensor Tc is formed by contacting the first energized terminal 131A with the second energized terminal 132A, and by contacting the first energized terminal 131B with the second energized terminal 132B. Therefore, the detection unit 130 can function to detect whether the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply unit 70 and to measure the temperature within the liquid collection unit 48. Moreover, if the measurement result of the temperature sensor Tc is available, it can be determined that the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply unit 70; if the measurement result of the temperature sensor Tc is unavailable, it can be determined that the kettle body 10 is not placed on the power supply unit 70.

[0140] The second energized terminals 132A and 132B are equipped with springs 301 that can retract in the vertical direction. Therefore, even if at least one of the first energized terminals 131A and 131B and the second energized terminals 132A and 132B has dimensional errors in the vertical direction, contact between the first energized terminals 131A and 131B and the second energized terminals 132A and 132B can be ensured.

[0141] Furthermore, the spring 301 is located above the second energized terminals 132A and 132B provided on the kettle body 10, thus preventing liquid inside the kettle body 10 from unintentionally adhering to the spring 301. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the spring 301 from deteriorating due to liquid adhesion.

[0142] In this embodiment, the power receiving terminal 45 is provided in the recessed portion extending upward from the lower surface 41 of the vessel body 10, and extends in the vertical direction. Conversely, the power supply terminal 73 protrudes upward from the upper surface 71 of the power supply platform 70, and extends in the vertical direction. Therefore, the contact area where the power supply terminal 73 contacts the power receiving terminal 45 extends in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the power receiving terminal 45 is configured to clamp the power supply terminal 73. Therefore, the contact area between the power supply terminal 73 and the power receiving terminal 45 can be increased, thus further stabilizing the power supply from the power supply connection portion 72 to the power receiving connection portion 42. This structure, where the power receiving terminal 45 clamps the power supply terminal 73 to ensure a larger contact area, is particularly useful when direct current is flowing.

[0143] Furthermore, when the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply platform 70, the power receiving terminal 45 and the power supply terminal 73 are in contact in the vertical direction within a range from the lower end 45B of the power receiving terminal 45 to the upper end 73T of the power supply terminal 73 (contact length L1), and the contact length L1 is greater than the variation length L2 of the spring 301. Therefore, the electric kettle 1 can be configured such that when the upward movement Lm of the kettle body 10 is greater than the variation length L2, the connection between the first power supply terminals 131A, 131B and the second power supply terminals 132A, 132B is released; and after the power supply from the power supply terminal 73 to the power receiving terminal 45 stops, when the movement Lm is greater than the contact length L2, the connection between the power supply terminal 73 and the power receiving terminal 45 is released.

[0144] Furthermore, the power supply unit 50 includes a mounting unit 90 for installing battery packs 100A and 100B. Therefore, compared to installing battery packs 100A and 100B on the kettle body 10, the kettle body 10 can be easily picked up and used. Additionally, since battery packs 100A and 100B are installed in the power supply unit 50, the user can use the electric kettle 1 in any desired location. Thus, the flexibility of the usage environment for the electric kettle 1 is increased.

[0145] The power supply unit 50 includes a power supply unit handle 85 extending upward from the power supply platform 70 and for the user to hold. Therefore, the user can lift the power supply unit 50 by holding the power supply unit handle 85 or lift the kettle body 10 and the power supply unit 50 together. Thus, an electric kettle 1 that is highly convenient for the user can be provided.

[0146] The power supply platform 70, which mounts the kettle body 10, is located on one side (front surface 81) of the wall portion 80 (power supply unit holding portion 85), while the mounting units 90 for mounting the battery packs 100A and 100B are located on the other side (rear surface 82) of the wall portion 80. Therefore, it is possible to prevent liquid used in the electric kettle 1 from adhering to the mounting units 90. This improves the safety and durability of the electric kettle 1. Furthermore, even when the user opens the lid 21 of the kettle body 10 and pours liquid into the kettle body 10 while the kettle body 10 is mounted on the power supply platform 70, it is possible to prevent liquid from adhering to the mounting units 90, the battery packs 100A and 100B. Therefore, it is possible to improve the safety, durability, and operational freedom of the electric kettle 1.

[0147] The mounting unit 90 includes a vertically extending sliding rail 92 that allows the battery packs 100A and 100B to be installed or removed by sliding them vertically. Therefore, even if liquid from the kettle body 10 adheres to the sliding rail 92, the liquid is less likely to fall downwards. This further improves the safety and durability of the electric kettle 1.

[0148] The power supply unit handle 85 is positioned above the mounting unit 90 on the wall portion 80. Therefore, with the battery packs 100A and 100B mounted on the rear surface 82 of the wall portion 80 and the kettle body 10 resting on the power supply platform 70 on the front surface 81 side of the wall portion 80, the electric kettle 1 maintains a stable posture. This prevents the electric kettle 1 from tilting when the user lifts it. As a result, an electric kettle 1 that is easier to lift is provided.

[0149] In this embodiment, the electric kettle 1 is configured such that, with battery packs 100A and 100B installed at the mounting unit 90 and the kettle body 10 mounted on the power supply unit 50, the center of gravity of the electric kettle 1 is located at or near the wall portion 80, regardless of the amount of liquid inside the kettle body 10. That is, the power supply unit handle 85 is positioned above the center of gravity of the electric kettle 1 during use. Therefore, an electric kettle 1 that is easier to lift can be provided.

[0150] The power supply unit 50 includes a rib 75, which is located opposite the front surface 81 of the wall portion 80 and protrudes upward from the power supply platform portion 70. Therefore, it can prevent the electric kettle 1 from shifting off the power supply platform portion 70 when it is lifted. Thus, with this structure, an electric kettle 1 that is easier to lift can be provided.

[0151] A through hole 77 is formed in the power supply section 70, extending through the power supply section 70 in the vertical direction. Therefore, even if liquid adheres to the power supply section 70, the liquid can be drained through the through hole 77. Thus, it is possible to prevent liquid from accumulating in the power supply section 70. As a result, the safety and durability of the electric kettle 1 can be further improved.

[0152] The power supply unit 70 has an inclined surface 74 that slopes downwards from the center of the upper surface 71 toward the outside of the power supply unit 70. Therefore, even if liquid adheres to the power supply unit 70, the liquid can flow outwards. Furthermore, the through hole 77 is positioned closer to the outside than the center of the power supply unit 70. Therefore, liquid flowing outwards will drain through the through hole 77 positioned closer to the outside. This further suppresses liquid accumulation on the power supply unit 70. As a result, the safety and durability of the electric kettle 1 can be further improved.

[0153] The wall portion 80 of the power supply unit 50 has a recess 83 on its front surface 81, which extends from the front surface 81 to the rear surface 82. This recess 83 is formed along the outer peripheral surface 31 of the side wall portion 30 of the kettle body 10. Therefore, the user can place the kettle body 10 onto the power supply platform 70 along the recess 83. Consequently, the kettle body 10 can be placed in a suitable position.

[0154] The power receiving connection 42 of the kettle body 10 and the power supply connection 72 of the power supply platform 70 are configured to interlock when the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply platform 70. Furthermore, the configuration restricts the rotation of the kettle body 10 on the power supply platform 70 when the power receiving connection 42 and the power supply connection 72 are interlocked. Therefore, a stable power supply can be supplied to the kettle body 10 from the power supply unit 50.

[0155] The upper end of the rib 75 in the vertical direction is positioned above the lower end of the handle 23 of the kettle body 10, which is placed on the power supply unit 70. Therefore, the user can place the kettle body 10 on the power supply unit 50 with the handle 23 positioned between the rib 75 and the wall portion 80 in the front-back direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the power receiving connection 42 and the power supply connection 72 are formed such that they interlock within the area of ​​the handle 23 located between the rib 75 and the wall portion 80 in the front-back direction. Therefore, the cooperation between the rib 75 and the wall portion 80 also serves a positioning function for properly placing the kettle body 10 on the power supply unit 70. As a result, the user can easily place the kettle body 10 in the appropriate position.

[0156] <Second Implementation>

[0157] use Figure 21 The power supply connection 72C, the power receiving connection 42C, and the detection unit 130 of the second embodiment will be described. Figure 21 The power supply connection 72C, the power receiving connection 42C, and the detection unit 130 are schematically shown. In this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the power supply connection 72C and the power receiving connection 42C are configured such that the upper end of the power supply connection terminal 73C and the lower end of the power receiving connection terminal 45C are connected. Furthermore, a spring 302C is provided on the upper part of the power receiving connection terminal 45C. The spring 302C is supported by the kettle body 10 in a vertically extending manner. The spring 302C is configured such that the change in length L1C in the vertical direction is greater than the change in length L2 of the spring 301 provided on the upper part of the second energized terminal 132. Figure 21 (a1) shows the state in which the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply unit 70. Figure 21 (b1) shows the state in which the kettle body 10 moves upward without applying a load to the spring 301 (the spring 301 returns to its free length). Figure 21(c1) shows the relationship with Figure 21 (b1) is a state in which the kettle body 10 moves further upward without applying a load to the spring 302C (the spring 302C returns to its free length). Figure 21 (d1) shows the relationship with Figure 21 The state (c1) is further moved upward compared to the body 10. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for structures that are the same as those in the above embodiment, and the description is omitted.

[0158] The kettle body 10 (refer to) is placed on the power supply platform 70. Figure 21 When (a1) moves upward from the power supply unit 70, if the movement Lm of the kettle body is less than or equal to the change length L2 of the spring 301, as Figure 21 As shown in (b1), the first energized terminal 131 and the second energized terminal 132 remain in contact. Then, as... Figure 21 As shown in (c1), when the upward movement Lm of the kettle body 10 is greater than the change in length L2 of the spring 301, the connection between the first energized terminal 131 and the second energized terminal 132 is released. Then, as... Figure 21 As shown in (d1), when the kettle body 10 moves upward and the movement amount Lm is greater than the change length L1C of the spring 302C at the upper part of the power receiving connection terminal 45C, the connection between the power supply connection part 72C and the power receiving connection part 42C is released. The other structures of the electric kettle 1 in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, therefore, descriptions and illustrations are omitted.

[0159] In the second embodiment, the connection between the power supply connection 72C and the power receiving connection 42C is also released after the connection between the first power terminal 131 and the second power terminal 132 is released, thus achieving the same effect as in the first embodiment described above.

[0160] <Third Implementation>

[0161] use Figure 22 The power supply connection 72C, power receiving connection 42C, and detection unit 130D of the third embodiment will be described. Similar to the second embodiment, Figure 22 The power supply connection 72C, the power receiving connection 42C, and the detection unit 130D are schematically shown. In this embodiment, the vertical length of the second energized terminal 132D is approximately equal to the vertical length of the power receiving connection terminal measured from the upper end of the spring 302C provided on the upper part of the power receiving connection terminal 45C. No spring is provided on the upper part of the second energized terminal 132D. Figure 22 (a2) shows the state in which the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply unit 70. Figure 22(b2) shows the state where the kettle body 10 moves upward without applying a load to the spring 302C (the spring 302C returns to its free length). Figure 22 (c2) shows the relationship with Figure 22 (b2) is a state in which the body of the pot 10 has moved further upward.

[0162] In this embodiment, when the kettle body 10 placed on the power supply platform 70 moves upward from the power supply platform 70, the connection between the first power terminal 131 and the second power terminal 132D is released (see reference). Figure 22 (b2)). After that, as Figure 22 As shown in (c2), when the kettle body 10 moves upward and the movement amount Lm is greater than the change length L1D of the spring 302C at the upper part of the power receiving connection terminal 45C, the connection between the power supply connection part 72C and the power receiving connection part 42C is released. The other structures of the electric kettle 1 in the third embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, therefore, descriptions and illustrations are omitted.

[0163] In the third embodiment, the connection between the power supply connection 72C and the power receiving connection 42C is also released after the connection between the first power terminal 131 and the second power terminal 132D is released, thus achieving the same effect as in the first embodiment described above.

[0164] <Correspondence Relationship>

[0165] The correspondence between the constituent elements of the above embodiments and the constituent elements of the present disclosure is shown below. Note that each constituent element of the embodiments is merely an example and does not constitute a limitation on the constituent elements of the present disclosure.

[0166] Electric kettle 1 is an example of an "electric kettle".

[0167] Battery packs 100A and 100B are examples of "battery packs".

[0168] Power receiving connection parts 42 and 42C are examples of "power receiving connection parts".

[0169] Heater 49 is an example of a “heating section”.

[0170] The body of the pot 10 is an example of a "pot body".

[0171] Power supply unit 50 is an example of a "power supply unit".

[0172] The power supply platform 70 and the upper surface 71 are examples of the "power supply platform" and "upper surface", respectively.

[0173] Power supply connection parts 72 and 72C are examples of "power supply connection parts".

[0174] Mounting unit 90, mounting section 91A, and 91B are examples of "mounting units".

[0175] Inspection Department 130 and 130D are examples of "Inspection Department".

[0176] The first energized terminals 131A, 131B, and 131 are an example of the "first detection unit".

[0177] The second power-on terminals 132A, 132B, 132, and 132D are an example of the "second detection unit".

[0178] The first power-on terminals 131A and 131B are examples of the "third detection unit" and "fourth detection unit".

[0179] The second power-on terminals 132A and 132B are examples of the "5th detection unit" and "6th detection unit".

[0180] Liquid storage unit 48 is an example of a "liquid storage unit".

[0181] Temperature sensor Tc is an example of a "temperature sensor".

[0182] Spring 301 is an example of "Spring 1".

[0183] Spring 302C is an example of a "second spring".

[0184] The variable length L2 is an example of "the variable length of the first spring in the vertical direction".

[0185] The variable length L1C is an example of "the variable length of the second spring in the vertical direction".

[0186] Power supply connection terminals 73 and 73C are examples of "power supply connection terminals".

[0187] Power receiving terminals 45 and 45C are examples of "power receiving terminals".

[0188] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0189] In the above embodiment, the control unit 66 supplies power to the heater 49 when the main switch S1 is turned on and the kettle body 10 is detected to be placed on the power supply platform 70, and stops supplying power to the heater 49 when the kettle body 10 is not detected to be placed on it. Alternatively, the control unit 66 may supply power to the heater 49 when at least one of the following conditions is met: the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply platform 70, the lower surface switch 133 is turned on, and the remaining power of the battery packs 100A and 100B is a predetermined remaining power. The predetermined remaining power of the battery packs 100A and 100B may be sufficient to boil a predetermined amount of water (liquid) inside the kettle body 10. Furthermore, the control unit 66 may stop supplying power to the heater 49 when at least one of the following conditions is met: the kettle body 10 is not placed on the power supply platform 70, and the lower surface switch 133 is turned off.

[0190] The control unit 66 can also be configured to report, via the main switch S1, the sound output unit 141, and the display unit 86, the following situations: the power supply unit 50 is not mounted on the flat surface, and the remaining power of the battery packs 100A and 100B is less than a predetermined capacity, except that the kettle body 10 is not mounted on the power supply unit 70. Furthermore, the control unit 66 can also change the color of the light on the main switch S1, the flashing time, the length of the warning sound, the graphic (marker) displayed on the display unit 86, or a combination thereof, based on the content of the drive information.

[0191] The control device 65 can also be configured to obtain a predetermined set temperature and calculate the amount of liquid that can rise to that set temperature. In this case, for example, the control device 65 stores a predetermined relationship between the amount of liquid contained in the kettle body 10 and the power required to raise the liquid to the set temperature. The control unit 66 can also use the remaining power of the battery packs 100A and 100B obtained via the mounting unit 90 and the aforementioned relationship to calculate the amount of liquid that can rise to the set temperature. Furthermore, the control unit 66 can also be configured to report the calculated amount of liquid using the main switch S1, the sound output unit 141, and the display unit 86. With this configuration, even if, for example, the remaining power of the battery packs 100A and 100B is low, the user can obtain liquid that rises to the set temperature by pouring the displayed amount of liquid into the kettle body 10.

[0192] In the above embodiment, the condition of the kettle body 10 being placed on the power supply platform 70 is detected by a temperature sensor Tc and by first power-on terminals 131A, 131B, 131 and second power-on terminals 132A, 132B, 132D provided on the upper surface 71 of the power supply platform 70 and the lower surface 41 of the kettle body 10. Alternatively, other sensors, switches, or other devices can be used to detect the placement state of the kettle body 10 relative to the power supply platform 70. For example, a push-button switch, such as a lower surface switch 133, can be provided on the lower surface 41 of the kettle body 10, and the placement of the kettle body 10 on the power supply platform 70 can be detected by whether the switch is pressed. Alternatively, a magnetic sensor, such as a Hall sensor, that detects the contact state between the kettle body 10 and the power supply platform 70 can be used to detect whether the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply platform 70.

[0193] The structures of the power supply connection parts 72, 72C, the power receiving connection parts 42, 42C, and the detection parts 130, 130C are not limited to the structures described in the above embodiments. For example, the number of terminals provided on the power supply platform 70 and on the pot body 10 for detecting whether the pot body 10 is placed on the power supply platform 70 may each be one, or there may each be three or more. In addition, the first power-on terminals 131A, 131B, 131 and the second power-on terminals 132A, 132B, 132, 132D may not constitute the circuit of the temperature sensor Tc. In addition, the second power-on terminals 132A, 132B may not have the spring 301.

[0194] As in the first and second embodiments, when a spring 301 is provided on the detection unit 130, the spring 301 can be provided on any one of the first energized terminals 131, 131A, 131B and the second energized terminals 132, 132A, 132B, or both. Similarly, as in the third embodiment, when a spring 302C is provided on the power supply connection unit 72C and the power receiving connection unit 42C, the spring 302C can be provided on any one of the power supply connection terminal 73C and the power receiving connection terminal 45C, or both. In this case, it is sufficient that the varying length of the spring provided on the detection units 130, 130C is less than the varying length of the spring provided on at least one of the power supply connection units 72, 72C and the power receiving connection units 42, 42C. Furthermore, the springs 301 and 302C are not limited to compression coil springs, and other springs capable of extending and contracting in the vertical direction can also be used.

[0195] The electric kettle 1 can also be configured to communicate wirelessly with external devices, allowing various settings for the kettle 1 to be made via these devices. For example, a mobile terminal capable of wireless communication could have an application program for driving the kettle 1 or setting various parameters such as temperature. The control unit 66 of the kettle 1 could then perform various controls based on instructions given through the application program. Furthermore, the control unit 66 could also transmit various settings made by the user to the kettle 1 and user usage information to the mobile terminal via a communication unit located on the kettle 1. For instance, the control unit 66 could also receive signals from the main switch S1, the lower surface switch 133, the first power-on terminal 131, the second power-on terminal 132, and the temperature sensor Tc, and send information to the mobile terminal regarding when the main switch S1 of the kettle 1 is turned on, when the kettle body 10 is removed from the power supply units 70, 70c, and 70d, and when the power supply unit 50 is removed from the surface.

[0196] In the above embodiment, whether the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply unit 70 is determined by whether the temperature sensor Tc measurement result can be obtained when the two terminals (first energized terminals 131A, 131B) provided on the power supply unit 70 are in contact with the two terminals (second energized terminals 132A, 132B) provided on the kettle body 10. Alternatively, the determination of whether the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply unit 70 may be based on whether the temperature sensor Tc measurement result can be obtained, rather than on whether there is energization between the first energized terminals 131A, 131B and the second energized terminals 132A, 132B. Furthermore, when both the power supply unit 70 and the kettle body 10 have a pair of terminals, it is sufficient that the pair of terminals on the power supply unit 70 and the pair of terminals on the kettle body 10 are arranged in a manner that allows them to make separate contact. That is, the terminals of the power supply unit 70 may not be configured to be approximately symmetrical about the power supply connection 72, and the terminals of the kettle body 10 may not be configured to be approximately symmetrical about the power receiving connection 42.

[0197] The electric kettle 1 may also be without the lower surface switch 133. Alternatively, a battery pack other than the 36-volt battery packs 100A and 100B (e.g., an 18-volt battery pack) may be installed on the mounting unit 90 of the electric kettle 1.

[0198] The control performed by the control unit 66 is not limited to the CPU, but can also be performed by other types of control circuits such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) programmable / logic / devices.

[0199] Furthermore, in view of the technology of this disclosure and the spirit of the above embodiments, the following forms are possible. At least one of the following forms can be combined with any of the above embodiments and the technology described in the claims.

[0200] [Form 1]

[0201] The control unit is configured to control the power supply to the heating unit via the power supply connection and the power receiving connection using the detection result of the detection unit.

[0202] [Form 2]

[0203] Under predetermined conditions, the control unit supplies power to the heating unit.

[0204] If the predetermined conditions are not met, the control unit will not supply power to the heating unit.

[0205] The predetermined conditions include the kettle body being placed on the power supply platform.

[0206] [Form 3]

[0207] The contact length or variation length between the power supply connection terminal and the power receiving connection terminal in the vertical direction is greater than the contact length or variation length between the first detection unit and the second detection unit.

[0208] [Form 4]

[0209] The system includes a reporting unit that can report the driving information of the electric kettle.

[0210] The control unit also uses the detection results of the detection unit to control the reporting unit, and when the kettle body is not placed on the power supply unit, the reporting unit reports that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply unit as the driving information.

[0211] [Form 5]

[0212] The mounting unit is configured to accommodate two of the battery packs.

[0213] The two battery packs are electrically connected in parallel.

[0214] [Form 6]

[0215] The power supply unit includes a board section.

[0216] The power supply unit is located in a region on one side of the surface that constitutes the plate.

[0217] The mounting unit is configured in a region on the other side of the surface that constitutes the plate.

[0218] [Form 7]

[0219] The plate portion is connected to the power supply platform portion and is configured to extend upward from the power supply platform portion.

[0220] The mounting unit is located on the other side of the plate.

[0221] [Form 8]

[0222] The mounting unit includes a guide rail extending in the vertical direction, which allows the battery pack to be mounted by sliding along the vertical direction.

[0223] [Form 9]

[0224] The plate has a gripping part for the user to hold at a position above the mounting unit.

[0225] [Form 10]

[0226] The power supply unit has a rib, which is located opposite one of the surfaces of the plate and protrudes upward from the power supply platform.

[0227] [Form 11]

[0228] A through hole is formed in the power supply platform section, which extends through the power supply platform section in the vertical direction.

[0229] [Form 12]

[0230] The power supply connection part is disposed at the center of the upper surface of the power supply platform.

[0231] The upper surface has an inclined surface that slopes downward from the center toward the outside of the power supply platform.

[0232] The through hole is located on the outer side of the power supply platform, closer to the center portion.

[0233] [Form 13]

[0234] The plate portion has a recessed portion on one side, the recessed portion being recessed from the one side of the plate portion toward the other side, and the recessed portion being formed along the side circumferential surface of the kettle body placed on the power supply platform portion.

[0235] [Form 14]

[0236] The power receiving connection portion of the kettle body and the power supply connection portion of the power supply platform are configured such that, when the kettle body is placed on the power supply platform, the power receiving connection portion of the kettle body and the power supply connection portion of the power supply platform engage with each other and restrict the rotation of the kettle body on the power supply platform.

[0237] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented with various structures without departing from its spirit. For example, technical features in embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the various forms described in the Summary of the Invention section can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve part or all of the above-mentioned problems, or to achieve part or all of the above-mentioned effects. In addition, if a technical feature is not described as an essential feature in this specification, it can be appropriately omitted.

Claims

1. An electric kettle, wherein, This electric kettle consists of a kettle body, a power supply unit, and a detection unit. The kettle body includes: a power receiving connection portion configured to receive electricity from an external power source; and a heating portion configured to use the electricity received by the power receiving connection portion to heat the liquid contained inside the kettle body. The power supply unit is configured to support the kettle body and supply power to the kettle body. The power supply unit has: A power supply platform for mounting the kettle body on its upper surface, the power supply platform including a power supply connection portion that can be electrically connected to and disconnected from the power receiving connection portion; and... The mounting unit is configured to mount a battery pack, which serves as an external power source for supplying power to the heating unit via the power supply connection and the power receiving connection. The detection unit is configured to detect whether the kettle body is placed on the power supply unit. The electric kettle is configured as follows: When the detection unit detects that the kettle body is placed on the power supply platform, power is supplied to the heating unit via the power supply connection and the power receiving connection. If the detection unit detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply platform, the power supply to the heating unit via the power supply connection and the power receiving connection is stopped. After the detection unit detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply platform, the connection between the power supply connection and the power receiving connection is released. The detection unit includes a first detection unit located at a different position from the power supply connection unit on the power supply platform, and a second detection unit located at a different position from the power receiving connection unit on the kettle body. The detection unit is configured such that, when the first detection unit is in contact with the second detection unit, it detects that the kettle body is placed on the power supply platform; and when the first detection unit is not in contact with the second detection unit, it detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply platform. The first detection unit and the second detection unit are conductive. The detection unit is configured such that, when power can be supplied between the first detection unit and the second detection unit, it detects that the kettle body is placed on the power supply platform; and when power cannot be supplied between the first detection unit and the second detection unit, it detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply platform.

2. The electric kettle according to claim 1, wherein, The first detection unit includes a third detection unit and a fourth detection unit. The second detection unit includes a fifth detection unit and a sixth detection unit. The detection unit is configured such that, when the placement conditions of the third detection unit contacting the fifth detection unit and the fourth detection unit contacting the sixth detection unit are met, it detects that the kettle body is placed on the power supply unit; when the placement conditions are not met, it detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply unit.

3. The electric kettle according to claim 2, wherein, The power supply connection portion is located at the center of the upper surface of the power supply platform, and the third detection portion and the fourth detection portion are arranged symmetrically about the power supply connection portion. The power receiving connection is located at the center of the bottom surface of the kettle body, and the fifth detection part and the sixth detection part are arranged symmetrically with respect to the power receiving connection.

4. The electric kettle according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The kettle body has a liquid storage section for holding liquid. The detection unit also includes a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature inside the liquid receiving section. The detection unit is configured such that the third detection unit and the fifth detection unit are energized, and the fourth detection unit and the sixth detection unit are energized, thereby enabling the temperature of the liquid receiving unit to be detected by the temperature sensor.

5. The electric kettle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The detection unit includes a first spring, which is disposed in at least one of the first detection unit and the second detection unit, and is capable of extending and retracting in the vertical direction. The length of the first spring in the vertical direction is such that when the kettle body placed on the power supply platform moves upward, the connection between the power supply connection and the power receiving connection is released after the detection unit detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply platform.

6. The electric kettle according to claim 5, wherein, The first spring is located in the second detection unit.

7. The electric kettle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, At least one of the power supply connection and the power receiving connection includes a second spring capable of extending and retracting in the vertical direction. The length of the second spring in the vertical direction is such that when the kettle body placed on the power supply platform moves upward, the connection between the power supply connection and the power receiving connection is released after the detection unit detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply platform.

8. The electric kettle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The power supply connection part has a power supply connection terminal, and the power receiving connection part has a power receiving connection terminal. The power supply connection terminal and the power receiving connection terminal are configured such that an electrical connection is formed by clamping the other together.

9. The electric kettle according to claim 8, wherein, The first detection unit is located on the upper surface of the power supply unit. The power supply connection terminal is located on the upper surface and extends vertically in a manner that protrudes upward from the upper surface. The upper end of the power supply connection terminal is located above the upper end of the first detection unit.

10. The electric kettle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The electric kettle includes a control unit configured to control the power supply to the heating unit via the power supply connection and the power receiving connection. The control unit is configured as follows: When the detection unit detects that the kettle body is placed on the power supply platform, power is supplied to the heating unit via the power supply connection and the power receiving connection. If the detection unit detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply platform, the power supply to the heating unit via the power supply connection and the power receiving connection is stopped.

11. An electric kettle, wherein, This electric kettle consists of a kettle body, a power supply unit, and a detection unit. The kettle body includes: a power receiving connection portion configured to receive electricity from an external power source; and a heating portion configured to use the electricity received by the power receiving connection portion to heat the liquid contained inside the kettle body. The power supply unit is configured to support the kettle body and supply power to the kettle body. The power supply unit has: A power supply platform for mounting the kettle body on its upper surface, the power supply platform including a power supply connection portion that can be electrically connected to and disconnected from the power receiving connection portion; and... The mounting unit is configured to mount a battery pack, which serves as an external power source for supplying power to the heating unit via the power supply connection and the power receiving connection. The detection unit is configured to detect whether the kettle body is placed on the power supply unit. The electric kettle is configured as follows: When the detection unit detects that the kettle body is placed on the power supply platform, power is supplied to the heating unit via the power supply connection and the power receiving connection. If the detection unit detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply platform, the power supply to the heating unit via the power supply connection and the power receiving connection is stopped. After the detection unit detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply platform, the connection between the power supply connection and the power receiving connection is released. The detection unit includes a first detection unit located at a different position from the power supply connection unit on the power supply platform, and a second detection unit located at a different position from the power receiving connection unit on the kettle body. The detection unit is configured such that, when the first detection unit is in contact with the second detection unit, it detects that the kettle body is placed on the power supply platform; and when the first detection unit is not in contact with the second detection unit, it detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply platform. The first detection unit includes a third detection unit and a fourth detection unit. The second detection unit includes a fifth detection unit and a sixth detection unit. The detection unit is configured such that, when the placement conditions of the third detection unit contacting the fifth detection unit and the fourth detection unit contacting the sixth detection unit are met, it detects that the kettle body is placed on the power supply unit; when the placement conditions are not met, it detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply unit.

12. An electric kettle, wherein, This electric kettle consists of a kettle body, a power supply unit, and a detection unit. The kettle body includes: a power receiving connection portion configured to receive electricity from an external power source; and a heating portion configured to use the electricity received by the power receiving connection portion to heat the liquid contained inside the kettle body. The power supply unit is configured to support the kettle body and supply power to the kettle body. The power supply unit has: A power supply platform for mounting the kettle body on its upper surface, the power supply platform including a power supply connection portion that can be electrically connected to and disconnected from the power receiving connection portion; and... The mounting unit is configured to mount a battery pack, which serves as an external power source for supplying power to the heating unit via the power supply connection and the power receiving connection. The detection unit is configured to detect whether the kettle body is placed on the power supply unit. The electric kettle is configured as follows: When the detection unit detects that the kettle body is placed on the power supply platform, power is supplied to the heating unit via the power supply connection and the power receiving connection. If the detection unit detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply platform, the power supply to the heating unit via the power supply connection and the power receiving connection is stopped. After the detection unit detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply platform, the connection between the power supply connection and the power receiving connection is released. The detection unit includes a first detection unit located at a different position from the power supply connection unit on the power supply platform, and a second detection unit located at a different position from the power receiving connection unit on the kettle body. The detection unit is configured such that, when the first detection unit is in contact with the second detection unit, it detects that the kettle body is placed on the power supply platform; and when the first detection unit is not in contact with the second detection unit, it detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply platform. The detection unit includes a first spring, which is disposed in at least one of the first detection unit and the second detection unit, and is capable of extending and retracting in the vertical direction. The length of the first spring in the vertical direction is such that when the kettle body placed on the power supply platform moves upward, the connection between the power supply connection and the power receiving connection is released after the detection unit detects that the kettle body is no longer placed on the power supply platform.

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