Liquid heating container and electric kettle set

Abstract

This invention provides a liquid heating container and electric kettle set with a smaller plug and a more compact structure. The electric kettle has a container body and a plug. The plug includes: a pouring spout; a valve unit for opening and closing a liquid flow path; and an operating part for moving the valve unit to open and close the liquid flow path. The valve unit includes: a sealing valve for opening and closing a steam flow path; a valve receiving part for receiving the sealing valve; and a hole forming part having a through hole that is blocked by the sealing valve when the electric kettle is tipped over and opens when upright. The valve unit has a shaft portion that extends vertically and moves vertically by operating the operating part. The hole forming part, the sealing valve, and the valve receiving part are arranged at a position overlapping on the extended axis of the shaft portion and closer to the bottom of the container body than the shaft portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a liquid heating container and an electric kettle set. Background Technology

[0002] In the electric kettle described in Patent Document 1, the steam outlet for releasing steam from the container body to the outside is located separately from the pouring spout and is situated on the handle side. A sealing valve is also provided, which moves to close the steam release passage connected to the steam outlet when the container body is tipped over. This sealing valve is positioned closer to the handle side than the valve core, which moves up and down by the operation of a valve operating member to open and close the hot water flow path connected to the pouring spout.

[0003] Similarly, in the electric kettle described in Patent Document 2, the stop valve that closes the steam passage when the electric kettle is overturned is positioned closer to the handle side of the valve body than the valve member that opens and closes the water inlet by operating the operating part.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5643989

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 5445621

[0006] In the structures described in the aforementioned patent documents 1 and 2, the valve that closes the steam passage when the container body is overturned is located in a different position than the valve that opens and closes the hot water flow path connected to the pouring port. Therefore, the plug body becomes larger and is not easily constructed compactly. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned actual situation, and its purpose is to provide a liquid heating container and electric kettle set that can be constructed with a smaller and more compact plug body.

[0008] (1) To achieve the above objective, the liquid heating container according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises: a container body having a heating section for heating a liquid contained therein and an opening that opens upwards; and a plug body configured to open and close the opening of the container body, the plug body comprising: a pouring port located at the end of a liquid flow path passing through the plug body, formed for pouring liquid from the container body to the outside; a valve unit for opening and closing the liquid flow path; and an operating section operated to move the valve unit to open and close the liquid flow path, the valve unit comprising: a sealing valve for sealing the liquid inside the plug body. The steam flow path is opened and closed; a valve receiving part houses the sealing valve; a hole forming part has a hole that is blocked by the sealing valve when the liquid heating container is overturned to close the steam flow path, and is open when the liquid heating container is upright to open the steam flow path; and a shaft part that extends vertically when the plug is installed in the opening of the container body, and is moved vertically by the operation part. The hole forming part, the sealing valve, and the valve receiving part are arranged at a position overlapping on the extended axis of the shaft part and are closer to the bottom of the container body than the shaft part.

[0009] (2) Alternatively, in the liquid heating container described in (1) above, an internal space is formed on the side of the plug body opposite to the sealing valve, which is separated from the hole forming part, as part of the steam flow path. The hole forming part is configured such that, regardless of whether the valve unit opens or closes the liquid flow path, the liquid stored in the internal space returns to the container body through the hole when the liquid heating container is upright.

[0010] (3) Alternatively, in the liquid heating container described in (1) or (2) above, the steam flow path and the liquid flow path travel along different paths, and the terminal portion of each flow path is formed to be on the same side in the circumferential direction with reference to the central axis of the shaft portion.

[0011] (4) Alternatively, in any of the liquid heating containers described in (1) to (3) above, an internal space is formed in the plug body on the side opposite to the sealing valve across the hole forming portion, as part of the steam flow path. The valve unit includes: a shaft seal installed on the shaft portion to prevent liquid from flowing out of the internal space to the outside when the container is tipped over; and a hole peripheral seal installed on the outer peripheral side of the hole forming portion to prevent liquid in the internal space from returning to the container body from the portion other than the hole. The plug body has a cylindrical portion surrounding the outer periphery of the internal space, and a gas inlet and outlet are formed in the cylindrical portion. The gas inlet and outlet are located between the shaft seal and the hole peripheral seal arranged in the vertical direction, serving as the terminal portion of the steam flow path communicating from the internal space to the outside. In the plug body, an air intake path is formed by a path that flows back in the reverse direction of the steam flow path to introduce air into the container body when the liquid in the container body is poured out to the outside.

[0012] (5) Alternatively, in any of the liquid heating containers described in (1) to (4) above, the container body has a shape in which the outer diameter of the container body decreases as it moves toward the opening side, i.e., the upper side.

[0013] (6) In order to achieve the above objective, the electric kettle kit according to the second aspect of the present invention includes: an electric kettle, which is a liquid heating container described in any one of (1) to (5) above; and a power board, which can be used to mount the electric kettle and supply the heating part with electricity for heating when the electric kettle is mounted.

[0014] According to the present invention, the plug body can be made smaller and more compact in the liquid heating container and electric kettle set. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an electric kettle according to one embodiment of the present invention, in a state where it has been removed from the power board.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of an electric kettle mounted on a power board according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3A This is a cross-sectional view of the valve body portion of an electric kettle with the valve unit in the closed position, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3B This is a cross-sectional view of the valve body portion of an electric kettle with the valve unit in the open position, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4This is a cross-sectional view of the plug portion of an electric kettle when it is tipped over, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the thrombus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the main body of the plug according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 7A This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the force-applying member receiving cylinder according to one embodiment of the present invention assembled on the shaft body.

[0023] Figure 7B This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the force-applying member receiving cylinder according to one embodiment of the present invention assembled on the shaft body.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a valve unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a bottom view of a valve unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of a sealing valve according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a diagram of an electric kettle lying on its side according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0029] 1... Electric kettle set; 10... Electric kettle; 20... Container body; 20a... Opening; 20b... Threaded part; 21... Inner container; 22... Outer container; 23... Handle; 24... Heating element; 25... Conductor; 30... Plug; 30b... Threaded part; 31... Operating lever; 31a... Operating part; 31b... Operating body part; 31c... Hinge plate part; 31d... Locking part; 31e... Rotating shaft part; 32... Force-applying component; 35... Sealing valve ;35a...upper surface; 36...force-applying component receiving cylinder; 36a...cylindrical part; 36b...top plate part; 36h...shaft through hole; 36i...protrusion; 37...seal; 40...bolt body part; 41...peripheral wall part; 41a...locked part; 42...pour port; 44...operating support wall part; 44h...hinge hole; 45...cylindrical part; 45a...recess; 45b...seal receiving cylinder part; 45c...gas inlet / outlet; 45h...through hole; 45 i... Liquid passage hole; 46... Inner bottom plate portion; 47... Seal mounting portion; 50... Valve unit; 51... Water stop portion; 52... Shaft portion; 52a~52c... 1st~3rd groove portions; 52d... Retaining groove; 52e... Vent recess; 52f... Mounting recess; 53... Hole forming portion; 53a... Peripheral wall portion; 53b... Mounting recess; 53h... Through hole; 54... Valve receiving portion; 54a... Opening window portion; 55... Hole outer peripheral seal; 55a... Sealing portion ; 55b... Mounting part; 56... Guide inclined surface; 57... Umbrella-shaped part; 58... Connecting part; 59... Shaft seal; 59a... Sealing part; 59b... Mounting part; 60... Power board; 61... Mounting surface; 62... Power supply part; 63... Operation panel; C... Central shaft; J... Operating rotation shaft; R1... Liquid flow path; R2... Steam flow path; R3... Suction flow path; Sj, Sk, Sq... Gap; Sp... Internal space; Sq... Space on inclined surface. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Reference Figures 1-11 A liquid heating container and electric kettle set according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the electric kettle set 1 includes: an electric kettle 10, which heats the contained liquid such as water to boil water; and a power board 60, which supplies electricity for heating to the electric kettle 10.

[0032] Unless otherwise specified, in the following description, the direction in which the central axis C of the electric kettle 10 extends is referred to as the vertical direction. Within this vertical direction, the direction from the bottom of the container body 20 of the electric kettle 10 toward the opening 20a is referred to as the upper side, and the opposite direction from the opening 20a toward the bottom is referred to as the lower side.

[0033] Furthermore, the direction orthogonal to the central axis C is called the radial direction. Within the radial direction, the direction closer to the central axis C is called the radial inner side, or simply the inner side, and the direction farther from the central axis C is called the radial outer side, or simply the outer side. And the direction surrounding the central axis C is called the circumferential direction.

[0034] Furthermore, in the radial direction, the direction passing through handle 23, central axis C, and pouring port 42 is called the front-to-back direction. In the front-to-back direction, the direction from handle 23 towards pouring port 42 is called the front side, and the opposite direction from pouring port 42 towards handle 23 is called the rear side.

[0035] As reference numerals indicating direction in each figure, Ud is used for the top, Dd for the bottom, Fd for the front, and Bd for the back.

[0036] (Power Board 60)

[0037] The power board 60 includes a mounting surface 61, a power supply unit 62, an operation panel 63, a control unit (not shown), and a temperature detection unit (not shown).

[0038] The mounting surface 61 is formed in a generally circular plane on the upper surface of the power board 60, and the bottom surface of the power kettle 10 is mounted thereon.

[0039] The power supply unit 62 protrudes upward from the center of the mounting surface 61 and passes through the conduction unit 25 (described later). Figure 2 ), to the heating part 24 of the electric kettle 10 placed on the mounting surface 61 (refer to Figure 2 (supply electricity)

[0040] The control panel 63 consists of multiple switches or touch panels for users to press and operate.

[0041] The control unit consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory). When the electric kettle 10 is placed on the mounting surface 61, the control unit receives an operation signal from the operation panel 63 and supplies power to the heating unit 24 (heating the liquid inside the electric kettle 10). Furthermore, upon receiving an operation signal from the operation panel 63 and upon determining, based on the detection result from the temperature detection unit (not shown), that the liquid inside the electric kettle 10 has boiled, the control unit stops supplying power to the heating unit 24.

[0042] (Electric kettle 10)

[0043] like Figures 1-3A , Figure 3B As shown, the electric kettle 10 has a container body 20 and a stopper 30.

[0044] The container body 20 has an opening 20a that opens upwards, and is configured to contain liquids such as hot water inside. The container body 20 is a bottomed cylindrical shape with the opening 20a open, and its outer diameter decreases as it faces upwards.

[0045] like Figure 3A , Figure 3B As shown, a spiral internal thread 20b is formed on the inner circumferential surface near the opening 20a of the container body 20, which is screwed into the external thread 30b of the plug body 30.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the container body 20 includes an inner container 21, an outer container 22, a handle 23, a heating part 24, and a conductive part 25.

[0047] The container body 20 has a double-layer structure in which the inner container 21 is housed inside the outer container 22, and the upper ends of each layer are fitted together. The inner container 21 is located inside the outer container 22 and is made of a metal such as stainless steel. The outer container 22 is formed to cover the outer side of the inner container 21 and is made of a heat-resistant resin.

[0048] A handle 23 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the container body 20, configured to be held by a user. The handle 23 is integrally formed with the outer container 22 and is in an inverted L-shape in the vertical direction.

[0049] The heating element 24 is located on the bottom lower surface of the inner container 21. It heats the liquid inside the container body 20 by receiving power from the power board 60 via the conduction part 25, and can boil liquids such as water inside the container body 20. The heating element 24 is composed of a heater.

[0050] The conductive part 25 protrudes downward from near the center of the bottom lower surface of the inner container 21, and connects the power supply part 62 and the heating part 24 by abutting against the power supply part 62.

[0051] (Thrombus 30)

[0052] like Figure 3A , Figure 3B As shown, the plug body 30 is configured to be detached from and attached to the opening 20a of the container body 20. The plug body 30 is generally disc-shaped, and a helical external thread 30b is formed on the lower side of the outer peripheral surface of the plug body 30.

[0053] By rotating the plug 30 in the closing direction while it is embedded in the opening 20a of the container body 20, the external thread 30b of the plug 30 engages with the internal thread 20b of the container body 20, thus fixing the plug 30 in a way that closes the opening 20a of the container body 20. Conversely, by rotating the plug 30 in the opposite direction (opening direction), the plug 30 can be removed from the opening 20a of the container body 20.

[0054] like Figure 5 As shown, the thrombus 30 includes a thrombus body 40, an operating lever 31, a force-applying component 32, a sealing valve 35, a force-applying component receiving cylinder 36, a sealing element 37, and a valve unit 50.

[0055] (Body part 40)

[0056] In addition to having the aforementioned external threaded portion 30b, the main body 40 of the bolt also has Figure 6 The components shown are: peripheral wall 41, pouring port 42, two operating support walls 44, cylinder 45, and inner bottom plate 46. Figure 5 The seal shown is mounted on part 47.

[0057] The inner bottom plate portion 46 is plate-shaped and annular plate-shaped, orthogonal to the central axis C. A through hole, or liquid passage hole 45i, is formed in the inner bottom plate portion 46 for liquid to pass through. The liquid passage hole 45i is formed at a position forward of the central axis C and is arranged in a front-to-back configuration with the pouring port 42 located in front of it. The liquid passage hole 45i is located between the two operating support wall portions 44 and has a long, curved hole shape that is longer in the circumferential direction.

[0058] The cylindrical portion 45 is cylindrical and opens downwards. The lower end of the cylindrical portion 45 is connected to the inner periphery of the inner bottom plate portion 46. A through hole 45h is formed on the central axis C of the cylindrical portion 45 in the vertical direction for the shaft portion 52, which will be described later, to pass through.

[0059] The cylindrical portion 45 includes: a recess 45a disposed at the lower end of the force-applying member 32; and a shaft seal 59 (see reference) mounted on the outer periphery of the shaft portion 52. Figure 5 The sealing housing 45b surrounds the outer periphery of the cylinder 45; and the gas inlet / outlet 45c is formed by extending through the side walls of the cylinder 45 from front to back.

[0060] The gas inlet / outlet 45c is located behind (inner) the pouring port 42 and the liquid passage 45i. The gas inlet / outlet 45c is positioned slightly above the center in the vertical direction on the front side of the side wall of the cylinder 45. The gas inlet / outlet 45c is formed as an elongated hole in the circumferential direction. The circumferential length of the gas inlet / outlet 45c is shorter than the circumferential length of the liquid passage 45i. The gas inlet / outlet 45c is located directly above the liquid passage 45i and, with the central axis C as a reference, is on the same side in the circumferential direction as the pouring port 42 and the liquid passage 45i.

[0061] like Figure 3A As shown, the liquid passage 45i is formed to spatially connect the pouring port 42 with the space Sq on the inclined surface above the guide inclined surface 56, which will be described later.

[0062] The recess 45a is located on the upper surface of the cylindrical portion 45 and is formed as a circular recess that is recessed downward with the central axis C as the center.

[0063] The sealing element receiving cylinder portion 45b forms the inner circumferential wall of the recess 45a, and is cylindrical with an opening at the bottom centered on the central axis C. The outer circumferential surface of the sealing element receiving cylinder portion 45b is connected to the inner circumferential portion of the bottom surface of the recess 45a.

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, a shaft seal 59 is housed in the sealing housing section 45b. The shaft seal 59 is used to block the inflow of air from the shaft section 52 into the internal space Sp of the housing section 45.

[0065] The internal space Sp of the cylinder 45 is a cylindrical space formed inside the cylinder 45, and is configured as a steam flow path R2 (see reference). Figure 3A Part of ).

[0066] like Figure 6 As shown, the peripheral wall portion 41 is formed to be erected on the upper side in such a way that it surrounds the outer peripheral end of the upper surface of the inner bottom plate portion 46.

[0067] The pouring port 42 is the portion through which hot water flowing out from the liquid passage 45i passes. The pouring port 42 is formed by bulging outward from the front side of the peripheral wall portion 41 toward the plug body 30 like the lower beak of a bird. The pouring port 42 is concave and opens upward, and its width in the left-right direction (radially, in a direction orthogonal to the front-back direction) decreases as it faces forward.

[0068] The height of the rear side of the peripheral wall portion 41 is lower than the height of the front side of the peripheral wall portion 41. This is to prevent the operating part 31a of the operating lever 31 (described later) from being hindered from being pressed down due to interference between the operating lever 31 and the peripheral wall portion 41.

[0069] Two operating support wall portions 44 are located on the front side of the upper surface of the inner bottom plate portion 46, between the cylinder portion 45 and the pouring port 42. Each of the two operating support wall portions 44 is plate-shaped, extending upwards from the inner bottom plate portion 46 in a front-rear direction, and is positioned opposite each other across a liquid passage hole 45i and a gas inlet / outlet 45c. A hinge hole 44h is formed in each operating support wall portion 44, extending through its thickness direction (left-right direction).

[0070] A locking portion 41a is formed on the rear side of the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 41. The locking portion 41a has a claw shape protruding towards the front and extends in the left-right direction. On the lower front surface of the locking portion 41a, a locking portion 31d of the operating lever 31 (described later) is locked to restrict the upward movement of the operating lever 31. Figure 2 and Figure 5 ).

[0071] like Figures 2-5 As shown, the sealing element mounting portion 47 is located at the lower end of the plug body portion 40, and is arranged in an annular shape centered on the central axis C and convex outward in a radial direction. The sealing element 37 is installed by inserting the sealing element mounting portion 47 into the recess of the inner circumferential surface of the annular sealing element 37. With the plug body 30 installed in the opening portion 20a (container body 20), the sealing element 37 contacts the entire circumference of the inner circumferential inclined surface of the opening portion 20a side of the container body 20, thereby sealing the plug body 30 and the container body 20. The sealing element 37 is made of, for example, a heat-resistant rubber such as silicone rubber, or an elastic component such as an elastomer.

[0072] (Operating lever 31)

[0073] The operating lever 31 includes an operating part 31a, an operating main body part 31b, two hinge plates 31c, a locking part 31d, and a rotating shaft part 31e.

[0074] The operating body 31b is formed into a generally elliptical plate that is longer in the front-rear direction and is configured to cover the upper surface of the plug 30.

[0075] The operating part 31a is located behind the operating body part 31b and extends to the rear, and is located above the handle 23. The operating part 31a is positioned behind the handle 23 in a position accessible to the thumb so that it can be pressed down by the thumb when holding the electric kettle 10 with the handle 23.

[0076] Two hinge plate portions 31c are formed on the front side of a wall portion extending downward from the outer peripheral end of the operating body portion 31b, and are arranged opposite each other such that the two operating support wall portions 44 are sandwiched between each other in the left and right directions. On the lower end side of the opposing inner surfaces of each hinge plate portion 31c, a generally cylindrical rotating shaft portion 31e protruding inward is formed. The rotating shaft portion 31e is inserted into the hinge hole 44h of each operating support wall portion 44 (see reference). Figure 6 Within this space, the operating lever 31 is rotatably supported on the operating support wall 44 with the operating rotation axis J as the center. The operating rotation axis J extends in the direction in which the two rotating shafts 31e or hinge holes 44h are arranged in the orthogonal direction of the central axis C.

[0077] The locking part 31d is located on the rear side of the lower surface of the operating body part 31b and is in the shape of a hook extending downward. The portion extending rearward from the lower end of the locking part 31d is locked with the aforementioned locking part 41a, thereby restricting the upward movement of the operating part 31a caused by the rotation operation of the aforementioned operating lever 31.

[0078] like Figure 7A , Figure 7B As shown, the force-applying member receiving cylinder 36 includes: a cylindrical portion 36a extending vertically in a cylindrical shape along the central axis C; and a top plate portion 36b blocking the upper side of the cylindrical portion 36a. A shaft passage hole 36h is formed in the top plate portion 36b for the upper part of the shaft portion 52 of the valve unit 50 (described later) to pass through. Two protrusions 36i are formed in a convex shape on the inner circumferential surface of the shaft passage hole 36h, facing each other radially inward.

[0079] The lower end of the force-applying component receiving cylinder 36 is located above the recess 45a of the cylinder 45.

[0080] The force-applying member 32 is made of a metal helical spring, located inside the force-applying member receiving cylinder 36, and configured such that the shaft portion 52, described later, passes through the interior of the spring. The force-applying member 32 applies upward force to the valve unit 50 and the operating lever 31 via the force-applying member receiving cylinder 36.

[0081] (Valve Unit 50)

[0082] like Figure 3A , Figure 3B as well as Figure 4 As shown, the valve unit 50 has the following functions: opening and closing the liquid flow path R1 up to the pouring port 42 by operating the lever 31; releasing the pressure inside the container body 20 when the electric kettle 10 is upright (not tipped over) to allow steam to be discharged to the outside through the steam flow path R2; and closing the steam flow path R2 when the electric kettle 10 is tilted or tipped over.

[0083] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the valve unit 50 includes a shaft portion 52, a bore forming portion 53, a valve receiving portion 54, an umbrella-shaped portion 57, a connecting portion 58, a shaft seal 59, and a bore outer peripheral seal 55. The bore forming portion 53, the valve receiving portion 54, the umbrella-shaped portion 57, and the seal 37 are as follows... Figure 2 As shown, with the plug 30 installed in the opening 20a of the container body 20, it is located on the upper side of the internal space of the container body 20.

[0084] The shaft portion 52 is generally cylindrical and extends along the central axis C.

[0085] A ring-shaped mounting recess 52f centered on the central axis C is formed on the lower end side of the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 52.

[0086] The shaft seal 59 includes a sealing portion 59a and a mounting portion 59b. The mounting portion 59b is cylindrical, extending vertically, and is installed within the mounting recess 52f of the shaft portion 52. The sealing portion 59a protrudes radially outward along the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the mounting portion 59b in a flange-like manner, and remains in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the sealing member receiving cylinder portion 45b while elastically deforming, regardless of whether the valve unit 50 is open or closed. In this state, the inflow of external air from the through hole 45h into the internal space Sp of the cylinder portion 45 is blocked by the shaft seal 59. The shaft seal 59 is made of, for example, a heat-resistant rubber such as silicone rubber, or an elastic component such as an elastomer.

[0087] Multiple retaining grooves 52d are formed on the upper side of the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body portion 52, and multiple ventilation recesses 52e are formed on the lower side of the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body portion 52.

[0088] Multiple vent recesses 52e are positioned above the shaft seal 59. Each vent recess 52e extends along the central axis C and is configured to be recessed from the outside of the shaft portion 52 toward the inside. The vent recesses 52e are arranged at equal angular intervals along the circumference of the shaft portion 52; in this embodiment, three vent recesses are provided at approximately 120-degree intervals along the circumference.

[0089] like Figure 7A , Figure 7B as well as Figure 8 As shown, there are two retaining grooves 52d at approximately 180-degree intervals along the circumference, which are used to engage the two protrusions 36i of the force-applying member receiving cylinder 36. Each retaining groove 52d is composed of consecutive first to third grooves 52a to 52c, and is respectively configured to be recessed from the outside of the shaft body 52 toward the inside.

[0090] The first groove 52a extends downward from the upper end of the shaft body 52 along the central axis C. The second groove 52b continues from the lower end of the first groove 52a and extends circumferentially along the shaft body 52. ​​The third groove 52c continues from the end of the second groove 52b on the opposite side to the first groove 52a and extends upward.

[0091] The assembly operation of the force-applying component housing section 36 towards the shaft section 52 will be explained.

[0092] like Figure 7A As indicated by arrow A1, with the force-applying member 32 placed in the recess 45a such that its lower end contacts the recess 45a on the upper surface of the cylindrical portion 45, the force-applying member receiving cylinder 36 is moved from the upper side to the lower side of the shaft portion 52. Then, each protrusion 36i is inserted from its upper end into the first groove 52a of each retaining groove 52d, so that each protrusion 36i reaches the lower end of the first groove 52a. At this time, the force-applying member 32 elastically deforms between the top plate portion 36b and the recess 45a (cylindrical portion 45), and is compressed in the vertical direction. At the position where each protrusion 36i reaches the lower end of the first groove 52a, as indicated by arrow A2, the force-applying member receiving cylinder 36 is rotated circumferentially, so that the protrusion 36i moves along the second groove 52b to the lower end of the third groove 52c. Then, if the external force applied to the force-applying member receiving cylinder 36 is released, each protrusion 36i is exerted upward force through the elasticity of the force-applying member 32, and is held in contact with the upper end of the third groove 52c. Thus, the assembly of the force-applying member receiving cylinder 36 to the shaft 52 is completed.

[0093] With the force-applying component receiving cylinder 36 assembled to the shaft body 52, when the operating lever 31 is not operated, the elastic force generated by the force-applying component 32 applies upward force to the force-applying component receiving cylinder 36, which in turn applies upward force to the shaft body 52, and consequently, applies upward force to the valve unit 50. At this time, as... Figure 3A As shown, the lower end of the force-applying component receiving cylinder 36 is located away from the bottom surface of the recess 45a, and the valve unit 50 is in contact with the seal 37 all around the circumference, in the closed position that closes the liquid flow path R1.

[0094] like Figure 2 and Figure 8As shown, the hole forming portion 53 is a generally circular plate orthogonal to the central axis C. A through hole 53h is formed in the hole forming portion 53, allowing steam or liquid to pass through. The through hole 53h is located on the central axis C and appears circular when viewed from above. For the hole forming portion 53, the lower surface surrounding the through hole 53h is flat, while the upper surface slopes downwards in a conical shape towards the through hole 53h. This slope of the upper surface of the hole forming portion 53 is designed to receive water or other substances condensed in the internal space Sp and allow it to return from the through hole 53h into the container body 20. The hole forming portion 53 is located at the lower end of the interior of the cylindrical portion 45 and is configured in the closed position (see reference). Figure 3A The internal space Sp is closed from the bottom. However, as... Figure 3A As shown in the steam flow path R2, the orifice forming portion 53 at the closed position does not seal the internal space Sp, but is connected to the outside and can be ventilated. In addition, an annular mounting recess 53b is formed on the outer periphery of the upper surface of the orifice forming portion 53 so that the upper inner periphery of the outer periphery seal 55 can be inserted.

[0095] The hole forming portion 53 is connected to the lower end of the shaft portion 52 via the connecting portion 58. The connecting portion 58 is columnar, extending upward from the upper surface of the hole forming portion 53 and connected to the shaft portion 52 in a radially clamping manner. The connecting portion 58 supports the shaft portion 52 such that the lower end of the shaft portion 52 is spaced apart from the through hole 53h above the hole forming portion 53.

[0096] A peripheral wall portion 53a facing downward is formed at the outer peripheral end of the lower surface of the hole forming portion 53 (see reference). Figure 3A , Figure 3B A protrusion protruding radially inward is formed on the inner circumferential side of the peripheral wall portion 53a, and a recess is provided on the upper outer circumferential side of the umbrella-shaped portion 57 so as to engage with the protrusion provided on the inner side of the peripheral wall portion 53a. After the sealing valve 35 is housed in the valve housing portion 54, the sealing valve 35 can be held in the valve housing portion 54 by engaging the protrusion of the peripheral wall portion 53a with the recess of the umbrella-shaped portion 57.

[0097] The outer peripheral seal 55 includes a sealing portion 55a and a mounting portion 55b. The mounting portion 55b is cylindrical, covering the outer peripheral side of the hole forming portion 53 and the peripheral wall portion 53a. The mounting portion 55b has a "U"-shaped cross-section that opens radially inward. Furthermore, the upper inner peripheral portion of the mounting portion 55b is located within the mounting recess 53b of the hole forming portion 53, and the lower inner peripheral portion of the mounting portion 55b is located at the lower end face of the hole forming portion 53. The sealing portion 55a protrudes radially outward in a flange shape throughout the entire circumference of the upper outer peripheral surface of the mounting portion 55b, and always contacts the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 45 throughout its entire circumference while elastically deforming, regardless of whether the valve unit 50 is open or closed. Specifically, the sealing portion 55a contacts the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 45 at a position lower than the gas inlet / outlet 45c, regardless of whether the valve unit 50 is open or closed. The outer peripheral seal 55 prevents the flow of fluid (air or liquid) between the internal space Sp of the cylindrical portion 45 on the outer peripheral side of the hole forming portion 53 and the space Sq on the inclined surface, so that the flow is only through the through hole 53h. The outer peripheral seal 55 is made of elastic components such as heat-resistant rubber or elastomers, for example, silicone rubber.

[0098] like Figure 5 and Figure 9 As shown, the valve receiving portion 54 houses the sealing valve 35 below the through hole 53h of the hole forming portion 53. The valve receiving portion 54 covers the side circumferential surface of the sealing valve 35 and is in the shape of a conical cylinder with a diameter decreasing towards the lower side. Multiple openings, i.e., opening windows 54a, are formed in the valve receiving portion 54 to expose a portion of the side circumferential surface of the sealing valve 35. The multiple opening windows 54a are arranged circumferentially and are triangular in shape, with the circumferential width of each opening window 54a increasing towards the upper side. The upper side of the valve receiving portion 54 expands radially outward around the central axis C and connects to the lower side of the umbrella-shaped portion 57 so that the central axis C is aligned with the center position.

[0099] The sealing valve 35 is made of metal, such as stainless steel, and is housed within the valve housing 54. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the sealing valve 35 is a cone-shaped valve whose diameter decreases as it faces downwards. It has an upper surface 35a that is a plane and a sidewall portion 35b that extends in a cone shape from slightly below the outer periphery of the upper surface 35a. The upper surface 35a of the sealing valve 35 is positioned opposite the through hole 53h on the lower surface of the hole forming portion 53, which is separated by a gap.

[0100] The shape of the side wall portion 35b and the lower end of the sealing valve 35 corresponds to the shape of the inner surface of the valve receiving portion 54 of the umbrella-shaped portion 57. Therefore, when the electric kettle 10 is upright (refer to...), Figure 3A The sealing valve 35 moves downward along the conical shape of the inner circumference of the valve receiving part 54 by gravity, and is always located directly below the center of the hole forming part 53, which is the central axis C.

[0101] The upper surface 35a of the sealing valve 35 is a plane parallel to the lower surface of the hole forming portion 53, and is formed with an area larger than that of the through hole 53h. Specifically, the upper surface 35a of the sealing valve 35 is formed with an area that can cover the entire hole of the through hole 53h when the electric kettle 10 is tipped over.

[0102] When the sealing valve 35 is in the upright position of the electric kettle 10 (refer to...) Figure 3A Due to gravity, the upper surface 35a of the sealing valve 35 does not block the through hole 53h of the hole forming portion 53, but is located away from the through hole 53h. At this time, a gap Sk is formed between the upper surface 35a of the sealing valve 35 and the lower surface of the hole forming portion 53, and the interior of the container body 20 is connected to the outside through this gap Sk and the through hole 53h. In addition, when the electric kettle 10 is upright (see reference...), Figure 3A The gap length between the upper surface 35a of the sealing valve 35 and the hole forming portion 53 is approximately 15% of the maximum radial length and the maximum height length of the sealing valve 35. Therefore, when the electric kettle 10 is upright and when it is tipped over (refer to...), the gap length is approximately 15% of the maximum radial length and the maximum height length of the sealing valve 35. Figure 4 In any state, the sealing valve 35 did not move outward from the orifice forming portion 53.

[0103] Regardless of whether the electric kettle 10 falls from an upright position to a horizontal position (see reference) Figure 11 ) and the upside-down inverted state (see reference) Figure 4 In any of the states described above, the sealing valve 35 can move inside the valve housing 54. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, in the following description, both the horizontal and vertical states are referred to as the overturned state.

[0104] Furthermore, when the electric kettle 10 is tilted to a certain degree or more, such as when it is tipped over, the sealing valve 35 slides upward, blocking the through hole 53h of the hole forming portion 53 on the upper surface 35a. Specifically, when the electric kettle 10 is tilted to a certain degree or more, such as when it is tipped over, the orientation of the electric kettle 10 (sealing valve 35) relative to gravity changes, causing the sealing valve 35 to move inside the valve receiving portion 54 under gravity. At this time, the direction of movement of the sealing valve 35 is... Figure 3A , Figure 3B The top shown when upright, Figure 4 As shown below the inverted paper, the sealing valve 35 moves under gravity along the conical inclination of the inner surface of the valve receiving portion 54. The moved sealing valve 35 contacts the area surrounding the through hole 53h in the lower surface of the hole forming portion 53, thus eliminating the aforementioned gap Sk and preventing liquid from flowing into the through hole 53h in the inverted state.

[0105] Furthermore, the sealing valve 35 is a cone shape with a diameter that decreases as it faces downwards, thus shifting the center of gravity upwards (towards the upper surface 35a). Therefore, the sealing valve 35 can be easily moved even when the electric kettle 10 is tilted at a small angle (almost no tilting), so that it can quickly come into contact with the lower surface of the hole forming part 53 when tipped over, blocking the through hole 53h.

[0106] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the umbrella-shaped portion 57 is integrally formed with the valve receiving portion 54, and is configured to surround the entire circumference of the outer periphery of the valve receiving portion 54, and has a shape that expands radially outward as it moves downward.

[0107] The umbrella-shaped part 57 has a water-stopping part 51 and a guiding inclined surface 56.

[0108] The water-stopping part 51 is in the closed position when the valve unit 50 is in the closed position (see reference). Figure 3A When the valve unit 50 is in the open position (refer to the seal 37), it is in contact with the seal 37 throughout the entire circumference. Figure 3B When the seal 37 separates downwards, the water-stopping part 51 is located on the upper surface of the umbrella-shaped part 57 (guide inclined surface 56) on the radially outer side. It is horizontal in shape and is annular like the seal 37.

[0109] The guide slope 56 is formed to receive water remaining in the space Sq on the slope when the valve unit 50 moves from the closed position to the open position, and to return residual water when liquid is poured from the pouring port 42 into the container body 20. The guide slope 56 is formed all around the upper surface of the umbrella-shaped portion 57 and slopes downward as it moves radially outward.

[0110] In the valve unit 50, the shaft portion 52, the connecting portion 58, and the hole forming portion 53 are integrally formed by resin, and the umbrella-shaped portion 57 and the valve receiving portion 54 are integrally formed by resin. These two integrally formed components are integrated by embedding the outer peripheral side of the upper end of the umbrella-shaped portion 57 into the peripheral wall portion 53a of the hole forming portion 53.

[0111] (effect)

[0112] Next, we will explain how to use the electric kettle 10.

[0113] With the plug 30 removed from the container body 20, the user puts water into the container body 20 and installs the plug 30 into the opening 20a of the container body 20.

[0114] Then, by placing the electric kettle 10 on the power board 60 and operating the control panel 63, the water inside the electric kettle 10 is heated by the heating unit 24. At this time, although steam is generated from the water inside the container body 20, the steam travels along... Figure 3A The steam flow path R2 shown is discharged to the outside. The steam flow path R2 is a path that flows from inside the container body 20 through the plug body 30 and connects to the outside. It is formed in the following order: inside the container body 20 → gap Sk between the upper surface 35a of the sealing valve 35 and the lower surface of the orifice forming part 53 → through hole 53h of the orifice forming part 53 → internal space Sp → gas inlet / outlet 45c.

[0115] In addition, condensate accompanying the steam flowing into the interior space Sp Figure 3A , Figure 3B The path indicated by arrow A3 returns to the interior of the container body 20. This path is formed in the following order: internal space Sp → through hole 53h of the hole forming part 53 → gap Sk between the upper surface 35a of the sealing valve 35 and the lower surface of the hole forming part 53 → interior of the container body 20. This path remains connected regardless of whether the valve unit 50 is open or closed when the electric kettle 10 is upright.

[0116] If the water in the electric kettle 10 boils, the power supply to the heating unit 24 is stopped, thus stopping the heating. Next, the user picks up the electric kettle 10 by holding the handle 23. Then, if the user presses down on the operating part 31a of the operating lever 31 with their thumb, the upper end of the shaft part 52 is pressed downwards by the lower surface of the operating body part 31b, and the valve unit 50 is activated. Figure 3A The indicated closing position is moved downwards to... Figure 3B The open position is shown. At this time, the shaft part 52 and the force-applying member receiving cylinder part 36 move downward together, so the force-applying member 32 retracts, and the valve unit 50 moves downward against the force of the force-applying member 32.

[0117] If valve unit 50 reaches the open position, the water-stopping part 51 separates downward from the contacting seal 37, thus opening the liquid flow path R1. Consequently, the space Sq on the inclined surface becomes open into the container body 20 via the gap Sj between the water-stopping part 51 and the seal 37. The liquid flow path R1 is a path connecting the inside of the container body 20 to the outside through the plug 30, formed in the order of inside the container body 20 → gap Sj → liquid passage 45i → pouring port 42.

[0118] Furthermore, by maintaining the thumb-pressed position of the operating part 31a and tilting the kettle 10 so that the pouring spout 42 faces downwards, the hot water inside the kettle 10 flows out along the liquid flow path R1, allowing the hot water to be poured into containers such as cups. At this time, by displacing the hot water, air flows from the outside into the internal space Sp through the suction flow path R3, thereby enabling the hot water to flow out smoothly along the liquid flow path R1. The suction flow path R3 is formed in the following order: gas inlet / outlet 45c → internal space Sp → through hole 53h of the orifice forming part 53 → gap Sk between the upper surface 35a of the sealing valve 35 and the lower surface of the orifice forming part 53 → interior of the container body 20.

[0119] After pouring hot water from the electric kettle 10, the user returns the kettle 10 to its upright position and removes their thumb from the operating part 31a. This causes the valve unit 50 to return to the closed position via the force applied by the force-applying member 32. At this time, the liquid flow path R1 is closed because the water-stopping part 51 contacts the seal 37.

[0120] When the operating lever 31 is not in operation, the valve unit 50 remains in the closed position, and the liquid flow path R1 is closed. Therefore, even if the electric kettle 10 is overturned, the hot water in the electric kettle 10 will not flow out through the liquid flow path R1.

[0121] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, if the electric kettle 10 is tilted to a certain degree, such as tipped over, the upper surface 35a of the sealing valve 35 contacts the lower surface of the hole forming part 53, blocking the through hole 53h. Thus, the opened steam flow path R2 closes. Figure 4 As shown by arrow A4, when the container is tipped over, hot water will not enter the internal space Sp, and hot water will not flow outwards. Figure 4 The example shown is an electric kettle 10 upside down, but when the electric kettle 10 is tilted or overturned, the sealing valve 35 also blocks the through hole 53h.

[0122] In the event of a violent tipping over of the electric kettle 10, there is a concern that hot water may slightly enter the internal space Sp before the sealing valve 35 blocks the through-hole 53h, but during this period, the hot water remains in the internal space Sp. The hot water remaining in the internal space Sp at this time, when the electric kettle 10 is subsequently returned to its upright position, follows the same path as the condensate water described above. In other words, it passes through the through-hole 53h as... Figure 3A , Figure 3B Arrow A3 indicates a return to the container body 20.

[0123] And, as Figure 11As shown, when the electric kettle 10 is tilted (sideways) with its outer peripheral surface in contact with the mounting surface T, because the mass of the rear side where the handle 23 is located is greater than the mass of the front side where the pouring spout 42 is located, a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the electric kettle 10 contacts the mounting surface T with the handle 23. The pouring spout 42, located on the opposite side of the handle 23, faces the opposite side of the mounting surface T (the side opposite to gravity). Therefore, even if the electric kettle 10 is tilted sideways, the water remaining in the internal space Sp is not easily allowed to flow out from the pouring spout 42.

[0124] (Effect)

[0125] The above-described implementation method achieves the following effects.

[0126] (1) An electric kettle 10, as an example of a liquid heating container, includes: a container body 20 having a heating part 24 for heating the liquid contained inside and an opening 20a opening upward; and a stop 30 configured to open and close the opening 20a of the container body 20. The stop 30 includes: a pouring port 42 located at the end of a liquid flow path R1 passing through the stop 30, formed for pouring liquid from the container body 20 to the outside; a valve unit 50 for opening and closing the liquid flow path R1; and an operating part 31a operated to move the valve unit 50 to open and close the liquid flow path R1. The valve unit 50 includes: a sealing valve 35 for opening and closing the steam flow path R2 passing through the plug body 30; a valve receiving portion 54 for receiving the sealing valve 35; and a hole forming portion 53 having a through hole 53h, which is blocked by the sealing valve 35 when the electric kettle 10 is tipped over to close the steam flow path R2, and opened when the electric kettle 10 is upright to open the steam flow path R2. The valve unit 50 includes a shaft portion 52, which is located at the center of the opening 20a and extends vertically when the plug body 30 is installed on the container body 20, and is moved vertically by being operated by the operating portion 31a. The hole forming portion 53, the sealing valve 35, and the valve receiving portion 54 are arranged at a position overlapping on the extended axis of the shaft portion 52 and are closer to the bottom of the container body 20 than the shaft portion 52.

[0127] According to this structure, a sealing valve 35 is provided in the valve unit 50. Therefore, compared with the structure in which a sealing valve is separately provided in the same valve unit, the plug body 30 can be constructed more compactly.

[0128] Furthermore, according to this structure, the sealing valve 35 and the valve receiving portion 54 are arranged to overlap on the extended axis of the shaft portion 52. Specifically, even if the electric kettle 10 is tipped over, the upper surface 35a of the sealing valve 35, regardless of the position of the sealing valve 35 within the valve receiving portion 54, is positioned vertically opposite to the through hole 53h and within the entire area covering the through hole 53h, thus overlapping on the extended axis of the shaft portion 52. Ideally, as shown in Figure 3 and... Figure 4 As shown, the through hole 53h, the sealing valve 35, and the valve housing 54 are preferably located on the extended axis of the shaft body 52 in such a way that their respective central axes are aligned and overlap into a straight line. Thus, compared with the structure described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 above, where the valve that closes the steam passage when overturned is located on the outer side than the valve that opens and closes the hot water flow path, the radial dimensions of the plug body 30 can be made more compact.

[0129] Furthermore, the metal-made, weighted sealing valve 35 is located at the center of the opening 20a, that is, on the extended axis of the shaft portion 52, thereby suppressing the radial weight imbalance of the plug body 30.

[0130] (2) An internal space Sp is formed in the plug body 30 on the side opposite to the sealing valve 35, separated by a through hole 53h, as part of the steam flow path R2. The hole forming part 53 is configured such that, regardless of whether the valve unit 50 opens or closes the liquid flow path R1, the liquid stored in the internal space Sp returns to the container body 20 through the through hole 53h when the electric kettle 10 is upright.

[0131] According to this structure, water that remains in the internal space Sp due to condensation or tipping can be returned to the container body 20, and leakage of water remaining in the internal space Sp to the outside of the plug 30 can be suppressed.

[0132] (3) The liquid flow path R1 and the steam flow path R2 travel along their respective independent paths, and the end of the steam flow path R2 is formed to be on the same side of the pouring port 42, which is the end of the liquid flow path R1, in the circumferential direction with reference to the central axis C.

[0133] According to this structure, a compact structure can be achieved because steam flows out from the gas inlet 45c and liquid flows out from the pouring port 42.

[0134] Furthermore, the hot steam is prevented from escaping towards the handle 23 held by the user as it flows out from the pouring port 42.

[0135] Furthermore, in the electric kettle 10, the mass of the rear side, where the handle 23 is located, is greater than the mass of the front side where the pouring spout 42 and the gas inlet / outlet 45c are located. Therefore, even if the electric kettle 10 is tilted, a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the electric kettle 10 and the handle 23 contact the setting surface T, and the pouring spout 42, located on the opposite side of the handle 23, faces the opposite side of the setting surface T (the opposite side of gravity). Therefore, the water remaining in the internal space Sp is less likely to flow out from the gas inlet / outlet 45c.

[0136] (4) An internal space Sp is formed within the plug body 30 on the side opposite to the sealing valve 35, separated by the through hole 53h, as part of the steam flow path R2. The valve unit 50 includes: a shaft seal 59, installed on the shaft portion 52, for preventing liquid from flowing out of the internal space Sp to the outside when tipped over; and a hole peripheral seal 55, installed on the outer peripheral side of the hole forming portion 53, for preventing liquid from returning from the internal space Sp to the container body 20 through a portion other than the through hole 53h. The plug body 30 includes a cylindrical portion 45 surrounding the outer periphery of the internal space Sp. A gas inlet / outlet 45c is formed in the cylindrical portion 45, which is located between the shaft seal 59 and the hole peripheral seal 55, and serves as the terminal portion of the steam flow path R2 communicating from the internal space Sp to the outside. Within the plug body 30, an air intake path R3 is formed by a reverse flow path in the vapor flow path R2 for introducing air into the container body 20 when the liquid inside the container body 20 is poured out to the outside.

[0137] According to this structure, the gas inlet / outlet 45c is formed as the terminal part of the steam flow path R2 and the starting part of the suction flow path R3. The gas inlet / outlet 45c is always connected to the external space, so the flow of steam or air becomes smooth.

[0138] (5) The container body 20 has a shape in which the outer diameter of the container body 20 decreases as it faces upward.

[0139] According to this structure, as described above (1), the diameter of the opening 20a of the container body 20 becomes smaller, thus improving the heat preservation performance and enabling the plug body 30 to be compactly constructed in conjunction with the opening 20a. Furthermore, the compactness of the plug body 30 makes the electric kettle 10 lighter, and in particular, reduces the weight of the upper side of the electric kettle 10, thereby improving stability in the upright position.

[0140] (6) The electric kettle set 1 includes: an electric kettle 10, which is an example of a liquid heating container; and a power board 60, which is capable of powering the electric kettle 10 to supply power to the heating unit 24 for heating when the electric kettle 10 is mounted.

[0141] Based on this structure, as described above, it can be configured more compactly.

[0142] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and accompanying drawings. Modifications (including the deletion of constituent elements) can be appropriately added without altering the spirit of this disclosure. Hereinafter, an example of a modification will be described.

[0143] (Modified example)

[0144] The operating lever 31 in the above embodiment is not limited to a lever type, and can also be a button type. In this case, the liquid flow path R1 can switch between a closed state and an open state whenever the button is pressed.

[0145] In the above embodiment, the plug 30 is detached from the opening 20a of the container body 20 by means of threads, but it can also be opened and closed by means of hinges relative to the opening 20a of the container body 20. Alternatively, the plug 30 can also be detached by means of a so-called one-touch method, in which it can be removed by pinching the operating part provided on the upper part relative to the opening 20a of the container body 20 and lifting it upward.

[0146] In the above embodiment, the outer diameter of the container body 20 decreases as it faces upwards, but the outer diameter of the container body 20 can also be a constant outer diameter in the vertical direction.

[0147] In the above embodiments, the liquid flow path R1 and the vapor flow path R2 may each be configured in different circumferential directions. In this case, for example, the gas inlet / outlet 45c may be located at a position separate from the pouring port 42 in the circumferential direction.

[0148] In the above embodiments, the position, size, or shape of the gas inlet / outlet 45c can be appropriately changed.

[0149] In the above embodiment, the outer peripheral seal 55 and the gas inlet / outlet 45c can also be omitted. In this case, if the valve unit 50 is in the open position (see...), Figure 3B When hot water is poured in, the shaft seal 59 detaches from the inner circumferential surface of the seal receiving cylinder 45b. Air then enters the container body 20 through the gap between the shaft portion 52 and the shaft through hole 36h, via the internal space Sp and the through hole 53h. Furthermore, in this structure, steam does not pass through the gas inlet / outlet 45c, but rather through the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder 45 and the outer circumferential surface of the hole forming portion 53, reaching the outside through the liquid passage hole 45i.

[0150] In the above embodiment, the through hole 53h, the sealing valve 35, and the valve receiving portion 54 are arranged on the extended axis of the shaft portion 52 in such a way that their respective central axes are aligned. However, any part of the through hole 53h, the sealing valve 35, and the valve receiving portion 54 may overlap on the extended axis of the shaft portion 52, or their respective central axes may not be aligned.

[0151] In the above embodiments, the sealing valve 35 is not limited to metal and may also be formed of resin. Furthermore, the shape of the sealing valve 35 is not limited to a conical shape, but may also be a frustum cone, a pyramid, or other shapes.

[0152] In addition, the electric kettle 10 and the power board 60 can also be an integrated electric kettle.

[0153] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical solutions shown. That is, embodiments obtained by combining appropriately modified technical solutions within the scope of the technical solutions also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0154] This disclosure is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-022176, filed on February 14, 2025. The specification, claims, and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-022176 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A liquid heating container, characterized in that, have: The container body has a heating section for heating the liquid contained within it, and an opening that opens upwards; and The plug is configured to open and close the opening of the container body. The plug body has: The pouring port is located at the end of the liquid flow path passing through the plug body and is formed to pour the liquid in the container body to the outside. The valve unit opens and closes the liquid flow path; and The operating unit is operated to move the valve unit, thereby opening or closing the liquid flow path. The valve unit includes: A sealing valve that opens and closes the steam flow path passing through the plug body; Valve housing section, which houses the sealing valve; A hole forming section having a hole that is blocked by the sealing valve when the liquid heating container is tipped over to close the steam flow path, and opened when the liquid heating container is upright to open the steam flow path; and The shaft portion extends vertically in the state where the bolt is installed in the opening of the container body, and can be moved vertically in the same direction by the operation portion. The hole forming portion, the sealing valve, and the valve receiving portion are arranged at a position overlapping on the extended axis of the shaft portion and are closer to the bottom of the container body than the shaft portion.

2. The liquid heating container according to claim 1, characterized in that, An internal space is formed within the plug body on the side opposite to the sealing valve, separated from the orifice forming portion, as part of the steam flow path. The orifice is configured such that, regardless of whether the valve unit opens or closes the liquid flow path, the liquid remaining in the internal space returns to the container body through the orifice when the liquid heating container is upright.

3. The liquid heating container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam flow path and the liquid flow path travel along different paths, and the terminal portions of the steam flow path and the liquid flow path are formed to be on the same side in the circumferential direction with the central axis of the shaft portion as a reference.

4. The liquid heating container according to claim 1, characterized in that, An internal space is formed within the plug body on the side opposite to the sealing valve, separated from the orifice forming portion, as part of the steam flow path. The valve unit includes: A shaft seal, installed on the shaft portion, is used to prevent liquid from flowing out of the internal space during tipping; and A peripheral seal is installed on the outer periphery of the orifice forming portion to prevent liquid in the internal space from returning to the container body from outside the orifice. The plug has a cylindrical portion that surrounds the outer periphery of the internal space. A gas inlet and outlet are formed in the cylindrical portion, located between the shaft seal and the outer peripheral seal of the hole arranged in a vertical direction, serving as the terminal portion of the steam flow path communicating from the internal space to the outside. Within the plug, a suction flow path is formed by the reverse flow path of the steam flow path for introducing air into the container body when the liquid inside the container body is poured out to the outside.

5. The liquid heating container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The container body has a shape in which the outer diameter of the container body decreases as it moves toward the opening side, that is, the upper side.

6. An electric kettle set, characterized in that, have: An electric kettle is a liquid heating container as described in any one of claims 1 to 5; and The power board is capable of supporting the electric kettle and supplying power to the heating element for heating when the electric kettle is supported.

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