Water heater

Abstract

To reduce as much as possible the drainage of liquid inside the container through a steam discharge hole out of the container in overturn, in an electric kettle in which a discharge part for discharging out of the container the liquid inside the container is installed in the lower part of the side wall part of the container, as the problem of a present invention.SOLUTION: A water heater 10 of the present invention is equipped with: a container having a bottom wall part 111b and a side wall part 111a; a lid body 120 situated on the top edge of the side wall part; a discharge part 113 which extends from the lower part of the side wall part to a first side in a plane view as well as to the upper side and which forms a passage when liquid inside the container is discharged out of the container; and an overturning posture stabilizing part 114 which stabilizes the posture in the overturn. The lid body is provided with: a first wall part 122b in which a first hole OB is formed; second wall parts 121b, 123a in which second holes OA, OC are formed and which is situated on top of the first wall part; and a channel FP extending from the first hole to the second holes. When the posture in the overturn is stabilized by the overturning posture stabilizing part, a part of the channel is situated on the upper side of the liquid level of the liquid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water heater.

Background Art

[0002] In the past, there has been proposed an "electric kettle" comprising a power supply base and a kettle body detachably placed on the power supply base, the kettle body having a container, a heater provided in the container, a water amount sensor for detecting the amount of water stored in the container, a water temperature sensor for detecting the current temperature of the water stored in the container, and a first display unit for displaying information regarding the amount of water detected by the water amount sensor, the power supply base having a power cable connected to a commercial power supply, an operation unit for receiving a user operation regarding the set temperature of the water, a power supply circuit for generating driving power for the heater from the power supplied from the commercial power supply, and a second display unit for displaying at least one of the current temperature and the set temperature, and the kettle body being provided with a battery for driving the water amount sensor and the first display unit when the kettle body is separated from the power supply base (see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-048721, etc.).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in an electric kettle (gooseneck type electric kettle) in which a nozzle (discharge part) forming a passage for discharging the liquid in the container to the outside of the container is provided at the lower part of the side wall of the container, usually, a steam discharge hole is formed in the lid, and the steam generated from the liquid in the container is discharged to the outside of the container through the steam discharge hole. However, in such an electric kettle, there is a risk that the liquid in the container may flow out to the outside of the container through the steam discharge hole when the kettle is overturned.

[0005] The problem of the present invention is, in an electric kettle in which a discharge part for discharging the liquid in the container to the outside of the container is provided at the lower part of the side wall part of the container, to reduce as much as possible the risk that the liquid in the container flows out to the outside of the container through the steam discharge hole when the kettle is overturned.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The water heater according to the present invention a container having a bottom wall portion and a side wall portion extending upward from the outer edge of the bottom wall portion; a lid body located at the upper end of the side wall portion; a discharge part that extends from the lower part of the side wall part to the first side in plan view and extends upward, and forms a passage when discharging the liquid stored inside the container to the outside of the container; and a posture stabilizing part at the time of overturning provided on the opposite side of the first side of the side wall part, The lid body has a first wall portion in which a first hole is formed, a second wall portion in which a second hole is formed and is located above the first wall portion, and a flow path extending from the first hole to the second hole. When the posture at the time of overturning is stabilized by the posture stabilizing part at the time of overturning, a part of the flow path is located above the liquid level of the liquid.

[0007] Here, for example, it is assumed that a specified amount of liquid determined by the manufacturer of the water heater is stored inside the container. According to the above configuration, when the posture at the time of overturning of the water heater is stabilized by the posture stabilizing part at the time of overturning, it is possible to suppress as much as possible the liquid in the container from flowing to the second hole. For this reason, in this water heater, the risk that the liquid in the container flows out to the outside of the container when overturned can be reduced as much as possible.

[0008] In the present invention, In a plan view, one of the first hole and the second hole is located on a second side of an imaginary straight line extending from the posture stabilizing portion in the overturned state to the discharge portion, and the other of the first hole and the second hole is preferably located on the opposite side of the second side of the imaginary straight line.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the flow path from the first hole to the second hole can be made as long as possible. Therefore, in this water heater, even when the impact when the water heater is overturned is large, the momentum of the liquid flowing into the flow path through the first hole is suppressed as much as possible while the liquid is flowing through the flow path, and the possibility that the liquid in the container flows out of the container can be reduced as much as possible.

[0010] In the present invention, It is preferable that the upper surface of the first wall portion is inclined downward as it goes toward the first hole.

[0011] According to the above configuration, when the water heater is returned from the overturned state to the upright state, the liquid that has flowed into the flow path can be efficiently returned to the inside of the container through the first hole. Therefore, in this water heater, it is possible to prevent the liquid from accumulating in the flow path as much as possible.

[0012] In the present invention, The lid further has at least one third wall portion provided between the first wall portion and the second wall portion, A third hole through which the flow path passes is formed in the third wall portion, In a plan view, some of the first hole, the second hole, and the third hole are located on a second side of an imaginary straight line extending from the posture stabilizing portion in the overturned state to the discharge portion, and the other of the first hole, the second hole, and the third hole is preferably located on the opposite side of the second side of the imaginary straight line.

[0013] According to the above configuration, the flow path from the first hole to the second hole can be made as long as possible. Therefore, in this water heater, even if the impact when the water heater falls over is large, the momentum of the liquid flowing into the flow path through the first hole is suppressed as much as possible while the liquid is flowing through the flow path, and the momentum of the liquid can be suppressed as much as possible when the liquid passes through the third hole. Therefore, in this water heater, the possibility that the liquid in the container flows out of the container can be reduced as much as possible.

[0014] In the present invention, the lid further has at least one third wall portion provided between the first wall portion and the second wall portion, a third hole through which the flow path passes is formed in the third wall portion, In a plan view, one of the first hole, the second hole, and the third hole is located on the second side of an imaginary straight line extending from the posture stabilizing portion at the time of falling over to the discharge portion, and the holes other than the one of the first hole, the second hole, and the third hole are preferably located on the opposite side of the second side of the imaginary straight line.

[0015] According to the above configuration, the flow path from the first hole to the second hole can be made as long as possible. Therefore, in this water heater, even if the impact when the water heater falls over is large, the momentum of the liquid flowing into the flow path through the first hole is suppressed as much as possible while the liquid is flowing through the flow path, and the momentum of the liquid can be suppressed as much as possible when the liquid passes through the third hole. Therefore, in this water heater, the possibility that the liquid in the container flows out of the container can be reduced as much as possible. Further, according to the above configuration, for example, when the second hole is located on the second side of the imaginary straight line and the first hole and the third hole are located on the opposite side of the second side of the imaginary straight line, when the water heater falls over and the liquid level reaches the first hole, not only the first hole side inside the lid but also the second hole side inside the lid can retain the liquid.

[0016] In the present invention, the upper surface of the first wall portion is inclined downward as it faces the first hole, It is preferable that the upper surface of the third wall portion is inclined downward as it goes toward the third hole.

[0017] According to the above configuration, when the water heater is returned from the overturned state to the upright state, the liquid flowing toward the second hole side of the flow path can be efficiently returned to the first hole side of the flow path through the third hole, and the liquid existing on the first hole side of the flow path can be efficiently returned to the inside of the container through the first hole. Therefore, in this water heater, it is possible to prevent liquid from accumulating in the flow path as much as possible.

[0018] In the present invention, the discharge portion is provided at the end portion on the first side among the portions of the side wall portion, it is preferable that the overturned posture stabilizing portion is provided at the end portion on the opposite side of the first side among the portions of the side wall portion.

[0019] According to the above configuration, when the overturned posture of the water heater is stabilized by the overturned posture stabilizing portion so that a part of the flow path is located above the lid body, the liquid level of the liquid in the container can be kept as far as possible from the base end of the discharge portion. Therefore, in this water heater, in such a case, the passage of the discharge portion can be made as open as possible, and it is easy to use the passage of the discharge portion as a vapor passage for discharging the vapor in the container to the outside of the container.

[0020] The water heater according to the present invention includes a container having a bottom wall portion and a side wall portion extending upward from the outer edge of the bottom wall portion, a lid body located at the upper end of the side wall portion, a discharge portion extending from the lower portion of the side wall portion to the first side in plan view and extending upward, and forming a passage when discharging the liquid stored in the container to the outside of the container, and an overturned posture stabilizing portion for stabilizing the posture when overturned. The lid body has a first wall portion in which a first hole is formed, a second wall portion in which a second hole is formed and which is located above the first wall portion, and a flow path extending from the first hole to the second hole. When viewed from the first side, the first hole is located on the side of one of the side wall portions, and the second hole is located on the side of the other side wall portion.

[0021] According to the above configuration, when the water heater falls over, the posture at the time of falling of the water heater can be stabilized by the falling posture stabilizing portion so that the first hole is located above the lid body or the second hole is located above the lid body when viewed from the top surface side of the water heater. And when the falling posture of the water heater is stabilized so that the first hole is located above the lid body when viewed from the top surface side of the water heater, the liquid level of the liquid in the container can be kept as far away from the first hole as possible, and the liquid in the container can be prevented from flowing into the flow path as much as possible. On the other hand, when the falling posture of the water heater is stabilized so that the second hole is located above the lid body when viewed from the top surface side of the water heater, the liquid in the container is likely to flow into the flow path from the first hole. However, even if the liquid flows into the flow path from the first hole, the liquid can be retained in the flow path as much as possible and the liquid level can be kept as far away from the second hole as possible. Therefore, with this water heater, the possibility that the liquid in the container flows out of the container when it falls can be reduced as much as possible.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] - First Embodiment - <Configuration of the Electric Kettle According to the First Embodiment of the Present Invention> The electric kettle 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a gooseneck-type electric kettle, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it mainly consists of a kettle body 100, a power base 200, and the like. Hereinafter, these components will be described in detail respectively.

[0024] 1. Kettle Body The kettle body 100 is detachably placed on the power base 200. When the user of the electric kettle 10 wants to heat a liquid such as water, the kettle body 100 can be placed on the power base 200. When pouring the heated liquid into a container such as a cup or a teacup, the kettle body 100 can be removed from the power base 200. And as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the kettle body 100 is mainly composed of a body unit 110, a lid unit 120, etc. Hereinafter, these components will be described in detail respectively.

[0025] (1) Body unit As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the body unit 110 is mainly composed of a liquid container 111, a bottom member 112, a discharge pipe 113, a handle 114, a heater unit 115, etc. Hereinafter, these components will be described in detail respectively.

[0026] (1-1) Liquid container The liquid container 111 is a container for storing liquid therein, made of metal (such as stainless steel, etc.), and as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, it is formed of a side wall portion 111a, a bottom wall portion 111b, a seal member contact portion 111c, a claw receiving portion (not shown), etc. The side wall portion 111a has a cylindrical shape in which the outer diameter at the upper end is smaller than the outer diameter at the lower end (more specifically, a cylindrical shape that extends upward, then inclines inward as it goes upward, and further inclines outward as it goes upward) (see FIGS. 1, 3, and 4). As shown in FIG. 3, a through hole OP is formed in the lower part of the front end portion of the side wall portion 111a. The bottom wall portion 111b extends inward from the lower end of the side wall portion 111a as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Also, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a sheathed heater 115a of the heater unit 115 is attached to the lower surface of the bottom wall portion 111b. The seal member contact portion 111c has a substantially annular shape and extends inward from the upper part of the side wall portion 111a as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the lid unit 120 is attached to the main body unit 110, the seal portion 125c of the seal member 125 contacts the seal member contact portion 111c. The claw receiving portion is a part for receiving the claw portion of the locking mechanism 124 when the lid unit 120 is attached to the main body unit 110, and is formed inside the left and right portions of the upper end portion of the side wall portion 111a.

[0027] (1-2) Bottom member The bottom member 112 is attached to the lower side of the liquid container 111 as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, and covers the bottom wall portion 111b of the liquid container 111, the heater unit 115, etc. from below. An opening for exposing the lower end portion of the power supply terminal 115b of the heater unit 115 is formed in the central portion of the bottom member 112.

[0028] (1-3) Discharge pipe As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the discharge pipe 113 is provided at the lower part of the front end of the side wall portion 111a of the liquid container 111, extends forward from the edge of the through hole OP of the liquid container 111, and extends upward. Further, a passage 113a is formed in the discharge pipe 113 for discharging the liquid inside the liquid container 111 to the outside of the liquid container 111 through the through hole OP of the liquid container 111.

[0029] (1-4) Handle The handle 114 serves as a handle when the user holds the kettle body 100. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, it extends backward from the upper part of the rear end of the side wall portion 111a of the liquid container 111 and then extends downward. Note that the handle 114 is designed to be heavier than other components such as the discharge pipe 113. For this reason, when the electric kettle 10 is overturned, the handle 114 stabilizes the overturned posture of the electric kettle 10 so that it is located diagonally lower right (see FIG. 6) or diagonally lower left (see FIG. 9) in the top view of the electric kettle 10.

[0030] (1-5) Heater unit As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the heater unit 115 is disposed below the bottom wall portion 111b of the liquid container 111 and mainly includes a sheathed heater 115a, a power supply terminal 115b, and the like. The sheathed heater 115a serves to heat the liquid in the liquid container 111 by heating the bottom wall portion 111b of the liquid container 111. When the power of the power supply base 200 is turned on with the kettle body 100 placed on the power supply base 200 and the power supply terminal 115b being electrically connected to the connection terminal 201, the sheathed heater 115a can heat the liquid in the liquid container 111.

[0031] (2) Lid unit As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the lid unit 120 is a detachable lid that is attached to the main body unit 110 and closes the upper opening of the liquid container 111. The user can remove the lid unit 120 from the main body unit 110 by operating a lock mechanism 124 (described later). After the user removes the lid unit 120 from the main body unit 110, the user can pour liquid into the liquid container 111. When the user heats the liquid in the liquid container 111, the user attaches the lid unit 120 to the main body unit 110 to make the inside of the liquid container 111 a semi-closed space. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the lid unit 120 mainly includes an upper case member 121, a lower case member 122, an intermediate member 123, a lock mechanism 124, a seal member 125, and the like. These components will be described in detail below.

[0032] (2-1) Upper case member The upper case member 121 has a substantially disc shape in plan view. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the upper case member 121 is located above the intermediate member 123 and is formed of a side wall portion 121a, an upper wall portion 121b, a cylindrical wall portion 121c, a housing wall portion 121d, and the like. The side wall portion 121a has a substantially cylindrical shape. The upper wall portion 121b has a substantially disc shape and extends inward from the upper end of the side wall portion 121a as shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, a steam discharge hole OA is formed in the front left portion of the upper wall portion 121b. That is, the steam discharge hole OA is formed in the lid unit 120 so as to be located on the left side of an imaginary straight line (line A-A in FIG. 2) passing through the front end of the discharge pipe 113 and the rear end of the handle 114 when the kettle body 100 with the lid unit 120 attached to the main body unit 110 is viewed in plan view. The cylindrical wall portion 121c extends downward from the edge of the steam discharge hole OA as shown in FIG. 5. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the cylindrical wall portion 121c is located around the cylindrical wall portion 123d of the intermediate member 123 and surrounds the cylindrical wall portion 123d of the intermediate member 123. The housing wall portion 121d is formed by the central portion of the upper wall portion 121b being recessed upward as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5. Note that openings are formed on the left and right of the housing wall portion 121d (see FIG. 1), and the housing wall portion 121d houses the lock lever 124a of the lock mechanism 124 so that the lock lever 124a of the lock mechanism 124 can protrude and retract through this opening.

[0033] (2-2) Lower case member The lower case member 122 has a substantially disk shape in plan view. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the lower case member 122 is located below the intermediate member 123 and is formed of a side wall portion 122a, a bottom wall portion 122b, and the like. The side wall portion 122a has a substantially cylindrical shape. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the upper end of the side wall portion 122a is in contact with the lower surface of the top wall portion 123a of the intermediate member 123. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the side wall portion 123b and the flange portion 123c of the intermediate member 123 are located around the side wall portion 122a. The bottom wall portion 122b has a substantially disk shape and extends inward from the lower end of the side wall portion 122a as shown in FIG. 5. Note that, as shown in FIG. 5, a steam inlet hole OB is formed in the front right portion of the bottom wall portion 122b. That is, the steam inlet hole OB is formed in the lid unit 120 so as to be located on the right side of the above-described virtual straight line (line A-A in FIG. 2) when the kettle body 100 with the lid unit 120 attached to the main body unit 110 is viewed in plan. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the bottom wall portion 122b is inclined downward toward the steam inlet hole OB.

[0034] (2-3) Intermediate member The intermediate member 123 has a substantially disk shape in plan view. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the intermediate member 123 is located between the upper case member 121 and the lower case member 122 and is formed of a top wall portion 123a, a side wall portion 123b, a flange portion 123c, a cylindrical wall portion 123d, and the like. The top wall portion 123a has a substantially disk shape. Note that, as shown in FIG. 5, an intermediate hole OC is formed in the front left portion of the top wall portion 123a (more specifically, the portion overlapping the steam discharge hole OA of the upper case member 121 in a plane perspective view). That is, the intermediate hole OC is formed in the lid unit 120 so as to be located on the left side of the above-described virtual straight line (line A-A in FIG. 2) when the kettle body 100 with the lid unit 120 attached to the main body unit 110 is viewed in plan. The side wall portion 123b has a substantially cylindrical shape and extends downward from the outer end of the top wall portion 123a as shown in FIG. 5. The flange portion 123c extends outward from the lower end of the side wall portion 123b as shown in FIG. 5. The cylindrical wall portion 123d extends upward from the edge of the intermediate hole OC as shown in FIG. 5.

[0035] Note that since the lid unit 120 is composed of the upper case member 121, the lower case member 122, and the intermediate member 123, as shown in FIG. 5, a flow path FP extending from the steam inlet hole OB of the lower case member 122 through the intermediate hole OC of the intermediate member 123 to the steam discharge hole OA of the upper case member 121 is formed in the lid unit 120. Note that, as shown in FIG. 4, the flow path FP is formed so as to extend from the left part to the right part of the lid unit 120 in a front view. And the steam in the liquid container 111 flows through the flow path FP and is discharged to the outside of the liquid container 111 when the electric kettle 10 is in the upright position.

[0036] (2-4) Lock mechanism The lock mechanism 124 is for locking the lid unit 120 to the main body unit 110 in a state where the lid unit 120 is attached to the main body unit 110. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the lock mechanism 124 mainly includes a pair of lock levers 124a and a coil spring (not shown). The pair of lock levers 124a are biased outward in the left and right directions by a coil spring. And in a state where the lid unit 120 is attached to the main body unit 110, claw portions (not shown) formed at the left end portion and the right end portion of the lock lever 124a are engaged with the claw receiving portions of the liquid container 111, and the lid unit 120 is locked to the main body unit 110. And when the user removes the lid unit 120 from the main body unit 110, the user sandwiches the pair of lock levers 124a with fingers so as to move them toward the center against the biasing force of the coil spring, releases the locked state, and pulls up the lid unit 120 upward. As a result, the lid unit 120 is removed from the main body unit 110.

[0037] (2-5) Sealing member The seal member 125 is a substantially annular member formed of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer, and as shown in FIG. 5, it is formed of an outer mounting portion 125a, an inner mounting portion 125b, a seal portion 125c, and the like. The outer mounting portion 125a is located outside the inner mounting portion 125b as shown in FIG. 5. The inner peripheral surface of the outer mounting portion 125a is along the upper surface of the top wall portion 123a of the intermediate member 123, the outer peripheral surface of the side wall portion 123b, and the upper surface of the flange portion 123c as shown in FIG. 5. The inner mounting portion 125b is located inside the outer mounting portion 125a as shown in FIG. 5. The outer peripheral surface of the inner mounting portion 125b is along the inner peripheral surface of the side wall portion 123b of the intermediate member 123 and the lower surface of the flange portion 123c as shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the seal member 125 is attached to the intermediate member 123 such that the outer mounting portion 125a and the inner mounting portion 125b sandwich the side wall portion 123b and the flange portion 123c of the intermediate member 123. The seal portion 125c extends from the outer end of the inner mounting portion 125b so as to incline inward as it goes downward as shown in FIG. 5. When the lid unit 120 is attached to the main body unit 110 as shown in FIG. 5, the seal portion 125c abuts against the seal member abutting portion 111c of the liquid container 111 and serves to seal between the liquid container 111 and the lid unit 120.

[0038] 2. Power supply base The power supply base 200 serves as a power supply unit for supplying electricity to the kettle body 100 and a pedestal for the kettle body 100. The power supply base 200 mainly includes a power cord (not shown), a power plug (not shown), a connection terminal 201 (see FIG. 3), and the like. These components will be described in detail below.

[0039] (1) Power cord The power cord is connected to the connection terminal 201. Also, a power plug is attached to the tip of the power cord.

[0040] (2) Power plug The power plug is attached to the tip of the power cord as described above and is connected to an external power supply.

[0041] (3) Connection terminal As shown in FIG. 3, the connection terminal 201 is connected to the power supply terminal 115b of the heater unit 115 when the kettle body 100 is placed on the power supply base 200.

[0042] <Regarding liquid outflow suppression and steam discharge when the electric kettle according to the first embodiment of the present invention is overturned> In the electric kettle 10, the handle 114 side is heavier than the discharge pipe 113 side. For this reason, when the electric kettle 10 is overturned, as viewed from the top surface side, the handle 114 is in a state of being located diagonally lower right as shown in FIG. 6, or the handle 114 is in a state of being located diagonally lower left as shown in FIG. 9. Note that in the state where the electric kettle 10 is overturned so that the handle 114 is located diagonally lower right as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 10 as shown in FIG. 6, the steam discharge hole OA of the upper case member 121 and the intermediate hole OC of the intermediate member 123 are located above the lid unit 120, and the steam inflow hole OB of the lower case member 122 is located below the lid unit 120. Further, in the state where the electric kettle 10 is overturned so that the handle 114 is located diagonally lower left as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 10 as shown in FIG. 9, the steam inflow hole OB of the lower case member 122 is located above the lid unit 120, and the steam discharge hole OA of the upper case member 121 and the intermediate hole OC of the intermediate member 123 are located below the lid unit 120. Hereinafter, the liquid outflow suppression and steam discharge when the electric kettle 10 is overturned so that the handle 114 is located diagonally lower right or diagonally lower left as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 10 will be described. It is assumed that, for example, a specified amount of liquid determined by the manufacturer of the electric kettle 10 is stored in the liquid container 111.

[0043] First, the suppression of liquid outflow and the discharge of vapor when the electric kettle 10 is overturned so that the handle 114 is located diagonally downward to the right as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 10 shown in FIG. 6 will be described. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 7, the liquid level LS of the liquid reaches the vapor inflow hole OB of the lower case member 122, and the liquid flows into the flow path FP of the lid unit 120 through the vapor inflow hole OB of the lower case member 122. However, as shown in FIG. 7, the liquid is retained in the flow path FP of the lid unit 120, and the liquid level LS of the liquid does not reach the intermediate hole OC of the intermediate member 123 and the vapor discharge hole OA of the upper case member 121 (in other words, a part of the flow path FP of the lid unit 120 is located above the liquid level LS of the liquid). Therefore, in such a case, the outflow of the liquid to the outside of the liquid container 111 is suppressed. And when the electric kettle 10 is overturned so that the handle 114 is located diagonally downward to the right as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 10, as shown in FIG. 8, the liquid level LS of the liquid does not reach the through hole OP of the liquid container 111. Therefore, in such a case, the passage 113a of the discharge pipe 113 can be opened, and the vapor in the liquid container 111 can be discharged to the outside of the liquid container 111.

[0044] Here, assume a case where the electric kettle 10 is overturned so that the handle 114 is located diagonally downward to the right as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 10 with an amount of liquid stored in the liquid container 111 being more than the specified amount. In such a case, the liquid level LS of the liquid reaches the intermediate hole OC of the intermediate member 123 and the vapor discharge hole OA of the upper case member 121, and there is a possibility that the liquid may flow out of the liquid container 111. However, the outflow amount can be made small.

[0045] Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the case where the electric kettle 10 is tilted so that the handle 114 is located diagonally to the lower left as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 10 will be described with respect to liquid outflow suppression and steam discharge. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 10, the liquid level LS of the liquid does not reach the steam inlet hole OB of the lower case member 122 (in other words, a part of the flow path FP of the lid unit 120 is located above the liquid level LS of the liquid). Therefore, in such a case, the inflow of the liquid into the flow path FP of the lid unit 120 through the steam inlet hole OB of the lower case member 122 is suppressed, and the outflow of the liquid to the outside of the liquid container 111 is suppressed. And when the electric kettle 10 is tilted so that the handle 114 is located diagonally to the lower left as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 10, as shown in FIG. 11, the liquid level LS of the liquid does not reach the through hole OP of the liquid container 111. Therefore, in such a case, the passage 113a of the discharge pipe 113 can be opened, and the steam in the liquid container 111 can be discharged to the outside of the liquid container 111.

[0046] Here, assume a case where the electric kettle 10 is tilted so that the handle 114 is located diagonally to the lower left as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 10 while a liquid in an amount greater than the specified amount is stored in the liquid container 111. In such a case, the liquid level LS of the liquid reaches the steam inlet hole OB of the lower case member 122, and there is a possibility that the liquid will flow out of the liquid container 111. However, the outflow amount can be made small.

[0047] <Features of the electric kettle according to the first embodiment of the present invention> (1) In the electric kettle 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the steam discharge hole OA of the upper case member 121 is formed at the front left part of the upper wall portion 121b, the steam inflow hole OB of the lower case member 122 is formed at the front right part of the lower wall portion 122b, and the intermediate hole OC of the intermediate member 123 is formed at the front left part of the top wall portion 123a. Therefore, in this electric kettle 10, when the electric kettle 10 is overturned so that the handle 114 is located diagonally downward to the right as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 10, the intermediate hole OC of the intermediate member 123 and the steam discharge hole OA of the upper case member 121 can be positioned above the lid unit 120. And at such a time, even if the liquid in the liquid container 111 flows into the flow path FP of the lid unit 120 through the steam inflow hole OB of the lower case member 122, the liquid can be retained in the flow path FP of the lid unit 120 as much as possible, and the liquid level LS of the liquid can be kept as far as possible from the intermediate hole OC of the intermediate member 123 and the steam discharge hole OA of the upper case member 121. On the other hand, in this electric kettle 10, when the electric kettle 10 is overturned so that the handle 114 is located diagonally downward to the left as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 10, the steam inflow hole OB of the lower case member 122 can be positioned above the lid unit 120. And at such a time, the liquid in the liquid container 111 can be kept as far as possible from the steam inflow hole OB of the lower case member 122. Therefore, in this electric kettle 10, when the electric kettle 10 is overturned so that the handle 114 is located diagonally downward to the right or diagonally downward to the left as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 10, the possibility that the liquid in the liquid container 111 flows out of the liquid container 111 can be reduced as much as possible.

[0048] (2) In the electric kettle 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the lower wall portion 122b of the lower case member 122 is inclined downward toward the steam inflow hole OB. Therefore, in this electric kettle 10, when returning from the overturned state to the upright state, the liquid that has flowed into the flow path FP of the lid unit 120 can be efficiently returned to the inside of the liquid container 111 through the steam inflow hole OB of the lower case member 122. Therefore, in this electric kettle 10, it is possible to prevent the liquid from accumulating in the flow path FP of the lid unit 120 as much as possible.

[0049] (3) In the electric kettle 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the discharge pipe 113 is provided at the front end of the side wall portion 111a of the liquid container 111, and the handle 114 is provided at the rear end of the side wall portion 111a of the liquid container 111. Therefore, in this electric kettle 10, when the electric kettle 10 is overturned so that the handle 114 is located diagonally downward to the lower right or diagonally downward to the lower left as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 10, the liquid level LS of the liquid in the liquid container 111 can be kept as far as possible from the through hole OP of the liquid container 111. Therefore, in this electric kettle 10, in such a case, the passage 113a of the discharge pipe 113 is made to be in an open state as much as possible, and it is possible to easily use the passage 113a of the discharge pipe 113 as a steam passage for discharging the steam in the liquid container 111 to the outside of the liquid container 111.

[0050] <Modification> (A) In the electric kettle 10 according to the previous first embodiment, the flow path FP of the lid unit 120 was formed to extend from the steam inlet hole OB of the lower case member 122 through the intermediate hole OC of the intermediate member 123 to the steam discharge hole OA of the upper case member 121. However, for example, the top wall portion 123a of the intermediate member 123 may be omitted, and the flow path FP of the lid unit 120 may be formed to extend from the steam inlet hole OB of the lower case member 122 to the steam discharge hole OA of the upper case member 121 without passing through other holes. In such a case, the lower wall portion 122b of the lower case member 122 corresponds to the first wall portion described in the claims, and the upper wall portion 121b of the upper case member 121 corresponds to the second wall portion described in the claims.

[0051] Further, for example, the upper wall portion 121b of the upper case member 121 may be omitted, and the flow path FP of the lid unit 120 may be formed to extend from the steam inlet hole OB of the lower case member 122 to the intermediate hole OC of the intermediate member 123. In such a case, the lower wall portion 122b of the lower case member 122 corresponds to the first wall portion described in the claims, and the top wall portion 123a of the intermediate member 123 corresponds to the second wall portion described in the claims.

[0052] (B) In the electric kettle 10 according to the previous first embodiment, when the kettle body 100 with the lid unit 120 attached to the main body unit 110 is viewed in plan, the steam discharge hole OA of the upper case member 121 and the intermediate hole OC of the intermediate member 123 are formed in the lid unit 120 so as to be located on the left side of an imaginary straight line passing through the front end of the discharge pipe 113 and the rear end of the handle 114, and the steam inflow hole OB of the lower case member 122 is formed in the lid unit 120 so as to be located on the right side of this imaginary straight line. However, when the kettle body 100 is viewed in plan in the above state, two of the holes among the steam discharge hole OA, the steam inflow hole OB, and the intermediate hole OC may be formed in the lid unit 120 so as to be located on the left side of this imaginary straight line, and the remaining one of the holes among the steam discharge hole OA, the steam inflow hole OB, and the intermediate hole OC may be formed in the lid unit 120 so as to be located on the right side of this imaginary straight line. For example, when the kettle body 100 is viewed in plan in the above state, the steam discharge hole OA and the steam inflow hole OB may be formed in the lid unit 120 so as to be located on the left side of this imaginary straight line, and the intermediate hole OC may be formed in the lid unit 120 so as to be located on the right side of this imaginary straight line. Alternatively, when the kettle body 100 is viewed in plan in the above state, one of the holes among the steam discharge hole OA, the steam inflow hole OB, and the intermediate hole OC may be formed in the lid unit 120 so as to be located on the left side of this imaginary straight line, and the remaining two of the holes among the steam discharge hole OA, the steam inflow hole OB, and the intermediate hole OC may be formed in the lid unit 120 so as to be located on the right side of this imaginary straight line. For example, when the kettle body 100 is viewed in plan in the above state, the steam inflow hole OB may be formed in the lid unit 120 so as to be located on the left side of this imaginary straight line, and the steam discharge hole OA and the intermediate hole OC may be formed in the lid unit 120 so as to be located on the right side of this imaginary straight line.

[0053] (C) In the electric kettle 10 according to the previous first embodiment, the lower wall portion 122b of the lower case member 122 was inclined downward as it approached the steam inflow hole OB. However, the lower wall portion 122b of the lower case member 122 does not necessarily have to be inclined downward as it approaches the steam inflow hole OB.

[0054] Also, in the electric kettle 10 according to the previous first embodiment, the top wall portion 123a of the intermediate member 123 was not inclined. However, the top wall portion 123a of the intermediate member 123 may be inclined downward as it approaches the intermediate hole OC. In such a case, it is preferable that the cylindrical wall portion 123d of the intermediate member 123 is not formed.

[0055] (D) In the electric kettle 10 according to the previous first embodiment, the handle 114 served to stabilize the posture of the electric kettle 10 when it was overturned so that the steam discharge hole OA of the upper case member 121 was located above the lid unit 120 or the steam inlet hole OB of the lower case member 122 was located above the lid unit 120. However, the handle 114 may not be configured on the main body unit 110. And other components that serve to stabilize the posture of the electric kettle 10 when it is overturned as described above may be configured on the main body unit 110. For example, a weight may be provided at the rear end of the side wall portion 111a of the liquid container 111, and this weight may serve to stabilize the posture of the electric kettle 10 when it is overturned as described above.

[0056] Also, for example, the design may be changed so that the outer diameter of the upper end and the outer diameter of the lower end of the side wall portion 111a of the liquid container 111 are the same, and the handle 114 is made thicker, and the posture of the electric kettle 10 when it is overturned may be such that the handle 114 faces directly to either the left or the right when viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 10.

[0057] (E) In the electric kettle 10 according to the previous first embodiment, the side wall portion 111a of the liquid container 111 had a cylindrical shape in which the outer diameter of the upper end was smaller than the outer diameter of the lower end. However, the side wall portion 111a of the liquid container 111 may have a cylindrical shape in which the outer diameter of the upper end and the outer diameter of the lower end are the same, or may have a cylindrical shape in which the outer diameter of the upper end is larger than the outer diameter of the lower end.

[0058] (F) In the electric kettle 10 according to the previous first embodiment, the steam discharge hole OA of the upper case member 121 was formed in the front portion of the upper wall portion 121b, the steam inflow hole OB of the lower case member 122 was formed in the front portion of the lower wall portion 122b, and the intermediate hole OC of the intermediate member 123 was formed in the front portion of the top wall portion 123a. However, the steam discharge hole OA may be formed in the rear portion of the upper wall portion 121b, the steam inflow hole OB may be formed in the rear portion of the lower wall portion 122b, and the intermediate hole OC may be formed in the rear portion of the top wall portion 123a.

[0059] (G) In the electric kettle 10 according to the previous first embodiment, the steam discharge hole OA of the upper case member 121 and the intermediate hole OC of the intermediate member 123 were located inside the side wall portion 111a of the liquid container 111. However, as shown in FIG. 12, at least one of the steam discharge hole OA of the upper case member 121 and the intermediate hole OC of the intermediate member 123 may be located outside the side wall portion 111a of the liquid container 111. In such a case, the shapes of the upper case member 121 and the intermediate member 123 may be redesigned as shown in FIG. 12, for example.

[0060] (H) Although not mentioned in the previous electric kettle 10 according to the first embodiment, a recommended water level line may be provided on the inner surface of the side wall portion 111a of the liquid container 111. As shown in FIG. 6, when the electric kettle 10 is tilted so that the handle 114 is located diagonally downward to the right as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 10, (1) when an amount of liquid corresponding to the recommended water level line is stored in the liquid container 111, basically, the formation positions of the steam discharge hole OA of the upper case member 121 and the intermediate hole OC of the intermediate member 123 are determined so that the liquid does not flow out of the liquid container 111. Also, in such a case, (2) when an amount of liquid exceeding the recommended water level line is stored in the liquid container 111, the liquid is likely to flow into the flow path FP of the lid unit 120 from the steam inflow hole OB of the lower case member 122, but the liquid can be retained in the flow path FP of the lid unit 120 as much as possible, and the liquid level LS of the liquid can be kept as far as possible from the intermediate hole OC of the intermediate member 123. And as shown in FIG. 9, when the electric kettle 10 is tilted so that the handle 114 is located diagonally downward to the left as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 10, (1) when an amount of liquid corresponding to the recommended water level line is stored in the liquid container 111, basically, the formation position of the steam inflow hole OB of the lower case member 122 is determined so that the liquid does not flow out of the liquid container 111. Also, in such a case, (2) when an amount of liquid exceeding the recommended water level line is stored in the liquid container 111, the liquid level LS of the liquid can be kept as far as possible from the steam inflow hole OB of the lower case member 122, and the liquid can be prevented from flowing into the flow path FP of the lid unit 120 as much as possible.

[0061] (I) In the previous first embodiment, the present invention was applied to the electric kettle 10, but the present invention may be applied to other water heaters such as a kettle.

[0062] Note that the above modifications may be applied alone or in combination.

[0063] -Second Embodiment- The differences between the electric kettle 20 according to the second embodiment and the electric kettle 10 according to the first embodiment are mainly as follows: (1) The formation positions of the steam discharge hole OA of the upper case member 121 and the cylindrical wall portion 121c are different; (2) The lid unit 120 of the electric kettle 20 according to the second embodiment includes a flexible tube TU. Hereinafter, the differences from the electric kettle 10 according to the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0064] In the electric kettle 20 according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the steam discharge hole OA of the upper case member 121 is formed at the rear portion of the central portion in the left-right direction of the upper wall portion 121b. And the cylindrical wall portion 121c of the upper case member 121 extends downward from the edge of this steam discharge hole OA and is formed at the rear portion of the central portion in the left-right direction of the upper wall portion 121b.

[0065] The flexible tube TU is a member for connecting the steam discharge hole OA of the upper wall portion 121b of the upper case member 121 and the intermediate hole OC of the top wall portion 123a of the intermediate member 123 to form a flow path. One end of the flexible tube TU is attached to the cylindrical wall portion 121c so as to surround the cylindrical wall portion 121c of the upper case member 121 as shown in FIG. 14, and the other end of the flexible tube TU is attached to the cylindrical wall portion 123d so as to surround the cylindrical wall portion 123d of the intermediate member 123 as shown in FIG. 15.

[0066] <Liquid outflow suppression and steam discharge when the electric kettle according to the second embodiment of the present invention falls over> In the electric kettle 20, the handle 114 side is heavier than the discharge pipe 113 side. Therefore, when the electric kettle 20 falls over, when viewed from the top surface side, the handle 114 will be in a state of being located diagonally to the lower right side or in a state of being located diagonally to the lower left side. Note that in the state where the electric kettle 20 has fallen over such that the handle 114 is located diagonally to the lower right side when viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 20, the intermediate hole OC of the intermediate member 123 is located above the lid unit 120, and the steam inlet hole OB of the lower case member 122 is located below the lid unit 120. Also, in the state where the electric kettle 20 has fallen over such that the handle 114 is located diagonally to the lower left side when viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 20, the steam inlet hole OB of the lower case member 122 is located above the lid unit 120, and the intermediate hole OC of the intermediate member 123 is located below the lid unit 120. Hereinafter, the suppression of liquid outflow and steam discharge when the electric kettle 20 falls over such that the handle 114 is located diagonally to the lower right side or diagonally to the lower left side when viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 20 will be described. Note that it is assumed that a specified amount of liquid determined by, for example, the manufacturer of the electric kettle 20 is stored in the liquid container 111.

[0067] First, the suppression of liquid outflow and steam discharge when the electric kettle 20 falls over such that the handle 114 is located diagonally to the lower right side when viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 20 will be described. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 16, the liquid level LS of the liquid reaches the steam inlet hole OB of the lower case member 122, and the liquid flows into the flow path FP of the lid unit 120 through the steam inlet hole OB of the lower case member 122. However, as shown in FIG. 16, the liquid is retained in the flow path FP of the lid unit 120, and the liquid level LS of the liquid does not reach the intermediate hole OC of the intermediate member 123. For this reason, in such a case, the outflow of the liquid to the outside of the liquid container 111 is suppressed. And when the electric kettle 20 falls over such that the handle 114 is located diagonally to the lower right side when viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 20, although not shown, the liquid level LS of the liquid does not reach the through hole OP of the liquid container 111. For this reason, in such a case, the passage 113a of the discharge pipe 113 can be opened, and the steam in the liquid container 111 can be discharged to the outside of the liquid container 111.

[0068] Here, assume a case where the electric kettle 20 is overturned such that the handle 114 is positioned diagonally downward to the lower right when viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 20 while a quantity of liquid greater than the specified amount is stored in the liquid container 111. In such a case, the liquid level LS of the liquid reaches the intermediate hole OC of the intermediate member 123, and there is a possibility that the liquid may flow out of the liquid container 111 of the main body unit 110. However, the amount of the outflow can be made small.

[0069] Next, the suppression of liquid outflow and the discharge of vapor when the electric kettle 20 is overturned such that the handle 114 is positioned diagonally downward to the lower left when viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 20 will be described. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 17, the liquid level LS of the liquid does not reach the vapor inflow hole OB of the lower case member 122. For this reason, in such a case, the inflow of the liquid into the flow path FP of the lid unit 120 through the vapor inflow hole OB of the lower case member 122 is suppressed, and the outflow of the liquid from the liquid container 111 is suppressed. And when the electric kettle 20 is overturned such that the handle 114 is positioned diagonally downward to the lower left when viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 20, although not shown, the liquid level LS of the liquid does not reach the through hole OP of the liquid container 111. For this reason, in such a case, the passage 113a of the discharge pipe 113 can be opened, and the vapor in the liquid container 111 can be discharged to the outside of the liquid container 111.

[0070] Here, assume a case where the electric kettle 20 is overturned such that the handle 114 is positioned diagonally downward to the lower left when viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 20 while a quantity of liquid greater than the specified amount is stored in the liquid container 111. In such a case, the liquid level LS of the liquid reaches the vapor inflow hole OB of the lower case member 122, and there is a possibility that the liquid may flow out of the liquid container 111 of the main body unit 110. However, the amount of the outflow can be made small.

[0071] <Features of the electric kettle according to the second embodiment of the present invention> (1) In the electric kettle 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the steam inlet hole OB of the lower case member 122 is formed in the front right part of the lower wall part 122b, and the middle hole OC of the middle member 123 is formed in the front left part of the top wall part 123a. Therefore, in this electric kettle 20, when the electric kettle 20 is tipped over so that the handle 114 is located diagonally on the lower right side when viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 20, the middle hole OC of the middle member 123 can be positioned at the top of the lid unit 120. Even if the liquid in the liquid container 111 flows into the flow path FP of the lid unit 120 through the steam inlet hole OB of the lower case member 122 at such a time, the liquid can be kept in the flow path FP of the lid unit 120 as much as possible, and the liquid level LS of the liquid can be kept as far away as possible from the middle hole OC of the middle member 123. On the other hand, in this electric kettle 20, when the electric kettle 20 is tipped over so that the handle 114 is located diagonally to the lower left as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 20, the steam inlet hole OB of the lower case member 122 can be located at the upper part of the lid unit 120. In such a case, the liquid in the liquid container 111 can be kept as far away as possible from the steam inlet hole OB of the lower case member 122. Therefore, in this electric kettle 20, when the electric kettle 20 is tipped over so that the handle 114 is located diagonally to the lower right or diagonally to the lower left as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 20, the risk of the liquid in the liquid container 111 leaking out of the liquid container 111 can be reduced as much as possible.

[0072] (2) In the electric kettle 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the steam exhaust hole OA of the upper case member 121 is formed at the rear of the center in the left-right direction of the upper wall portion 121b. Therefore, in this electric kettle 20, when the kettle body 100 is tilted suddenly forward (for example, tilted about 90° counterclockwise in a right side view) and liquid in the liquid container 111 is poured, the steam exhaust hole OA of the upper case member 121 can be positioned at the top of the lid unit 120 in a front view. Therefore, in this electric kettle 20, even when the kettle body 100 is tilted suddenly forward and liquid in the liquid container 111 is poured, the risk of the liquid in the liquid container 111 flowing out through the steam exhaust hole OA of the upper case member 121 can be reduced as much as possible.

[0073] <Modification Example> (A2) In the electric kettle 20 according to the previous second embodiment, the steam discharge hole OA of the upper case member 121 was formed at the rear part of the central portion in the left - right direction of the upper wall portion 121b. However, the steam discharge hole OA of the upper case member 121 may be formed at the rear part of the left portion of the upper wall portion 121b, or may be formed at the rear part of the right portion of the upper wall portion 121b.

[0074] (B2) In the electric kettle 20 according to the previous second embodiment, the steam inlet hole OB of the lower case member 122 was formed at the front - right portion of the lower wall portion 122b, and the intermediate hole OC of the intermediate member 123 was formed at the front - left portion of the top wall portion 123a. However, the steam inlet hole OB of the lower case member 122 may be formed at the front - left portion of the lower wall portion 122b, and the intermediate hole OC of the intermediate member 123 may be formed at the front - right portion of the top wall portion 123a.

[0075] Note that the above - mentioned modification examples may be applied alone or in combination. Also, various modification examples of each embodiment may be applied to the electric kettle 20 according to the second embodiment within a non - contradictory range.

[0076] - Third Embodiment - The differences between the electric kettle 30 according to the third embodiment and the electric kettle 10 according to the first embodiment are mainly: (1) the formation position of the claw receiving portion of the liquid container 111 is different; (2) the liquid container 111 of the electric kettle 30 according to the third embodiment has a bearing portion AR; (3) the electric kettle 30 according to the third embodiment includes a lid unit 320 instead of the lid unit 120. Hereinafter, the differences from the electric kettle 10 according to the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0077] In the electric kettle 30 according to the third embodiment, the claw receiving portion CR of the liquid container 111 is formed above the front portion of the central portion in the left - right direction of the seal member abutting portion 111c, as shown in FIG. 19. The claw receiving portion CR receives the claw portion 324c of the locking mechanism 324 when the lid unit 320 is attached to the main body unit 110.

[0078] The bearing portion AR extends upward from the left and right portions at the rear of the seal member contact portion 111c of the liquid container 111 (see FIG. 19). A bearing hole is formed at the upper end portion of the bearing portion AR, and the shaft AX is inserted through this bearing hole (see FIG. 19).

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, the lid unit 320 is mainly composed of an upper case member 321, a lower case member 322, an intermediate member 323, a lock mechanism 324, a seal member 325, and the like. Hereinafter, these components will be described in detail respectively.

[0080] The upper case member 321 has a substantially disk shape with the front end portion at the center in the left - right direction being notched. Also, as shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, the upper case member 321 is located above the intermediate member 323 and is formed from a side wall portion 321a, an upper wall portion 321b, a cylindrical wall portion 321c, a front - side extended wall portion 321d, a coil spring mounting portion 321e, a first bearing portion 321f, and a second bearing portion 321g, etc. The side wall portion 321a has a substantially cylindrical shape with the front end portion and the rear end portion at the center in the left - right direction being notched, as shown in FIGS. 18 to 20. The upper wall portion 321b has a substantially disk shape and extends inward from the upper end of the side wall portion 321a. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 20, a steam discharge hole OA3 is formed in the front - left portion of the upper wall portion 321b. That is, the steam discharge hole OA3 is formed in the lid unit 320 so as to be located on the left side of an imaginary straight line passing through the front end of the discharge pipe 113 and the rear end of the handle 114 when the kettle body 100 with the lid unit 320 attached to the main body unit 110 is viewed in plan. The cylindrical wall portion 321c extends downward from the edge of the steam discharge hole OA3, as shown in FIG. 20. Also, as shown in FIG. 20, the cylindrical wall portion 321c is located around the cylindrical wall portion 323d of the intermediate member 323 and surrounds the cylindrical wall portion 323d of the intermediate member 323. The front - side extended wall portion 321d extends forward from the lower part of the front end at the center in the left - right direction of the side wall portion 321a, as shown in FIG. 19. The coil spring mounting portion 321e is formed above the center in the front - rear direction of the front - side extended wall portion 321d, as shown in FIG. 19. The first bearing portion 321f is formed at the front end of the front - side extended wall portion 321d, as shown in FIG. 19. A bearing hole is formed in the first bearing portion 321f, and the shaft 324d of the lock mechanism 324 is inserted into this bearing hole (see FIG. 19). The second bearing portion 321g is formed at the left - right portions of the rear end of the upper wall portion 321b (see FIG. 19). A bearing hole is formed in the second bearing portion 321g, and the shaft AX is inserted into this bearing hole (see FIG. 19)

[0081] The lower case member 322 has a substantially disc shape in plan view. Also, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the lower case member 322 is located below the intermediate member 323 and is formed from a side wall portion 322a, a bottom wall portion 322b, and the like. The side wall portion 322a has a substantially cylindrical shape. Also, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the upper end of the side wall portion 322a is in contact with the lower surface of the top wall portion 323a of the intermediate member 323. Further, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the side wall portion 323b and the flange portion 323c of the intermediate member 323 are located around the side wall portion 322a. The bottom wall portion 322b has a substantially disc shape and extends inward from the lower end of the side wall portion 322a as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. Note that, as shown in FIG. 20, a steam inlet hole OB3 is formed in the front right portion of the bottom wall portion 322b. That is, the steam inlet hole OB3 is formed in the lid unit 320 so as to be located on the right side of the above-described virtual straight line when the kettle body 100 with the lid unit 320 attached to the main body unit 110 is viewed in plan view. Also, as shown in FIG. 20, the bottom wall portion 322b is inclined downward as it goes toward the steam inlet hole OB3.

[0082] The intermediate member 323 has a substantially disk shape in plan view. Also, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the intermediate member 323 is positioned between the upper case member 321 and the lower case member 322, and is formed of a top wall portion 323a, a side wall portion 323b, a flange portion 323c, a cylindrical wall portion 323d, etc. The top wall portion 323a has a substantially disk shape. As shown in FIG. 20, an intermediate hole OC3 is formed in the front left portion of the top wall portion 323a (more specifically, the portion overlapping with the steam discharge hole OA3 of the upper case member 321 in plan perspective). That is, the intermediate hole OC3 is formed in the lid unit 320 so as to be located on the left side of the above-described virtual straight line when the kettle body 100 with the lid unit 320 attached to the main body unit 110 is viewed in plan. The side wall portion 323b has a substantially cylindrical shape and extends downward from the outer end of the top wall portion 323a as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. The flange portion 323c extends outward from the lower end of the side wall portion 323b as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. The cylindrical wall portion 323d extends upward from the edge of the intermediate hole OC3 as shown in FIG. 20.

[0083] Since the lid unit 320 is composed of the upper case member 321, the lower case member 322, and the intermediate member 323, as shown in FIG. 20, a flow path FP3 extending from the steam inflow hole OB3 of the lower case member 322 through the intermediate hole OC3 of the intermediate member 323 to the steam discharge hole OA3 of the upper case member 321 is formed in the lid unit 320. As shown in FIG. 20, the flow path FP3 is formed so as to extend from the left portion to the right portion of the lid unit 320 in front view. Then, the steam in the liquid container 111 flows through the flow path FP3 and is discharged to the outside of the liquid container 111 when the electric kettle 30 is upright.

[0084] The locking mechanism 324 is for locking the lid unit 320 to the main body unit 110 when the lid unit 320 is attached to the main body unit 110. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the locking mechanism 324 mainly includes an operation part OU, a shaft 324d, a coil spring 324e, etc. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the operation part OU is formed by an upper wall part 324a, a front wall part 324b, a left wall part (not shown), a right wall part (not shown), a claw part 324c, etc. The upper wall part 324a has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view (see FIGS. 18 and 19). As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the front wall part 324b extends downward from the front end of the upper wall part 324a. The left wall part extends rearward from the left end of the front wall part 324b. The right wall part extends rearward from the right end of the front wall part 324b. Note that bearing holes are formed in the left wall part and the right wall part, and the shaft 324d is inserted through these bearing holes. As shown in FIG. 19, the claw part 324c extends rearward from the lower end of the front wall part 324b. As described above, the shaft 324d is inserted through the bearing hole of the left wall part, the bearing hole of the right wall part, and the bearing hole of the first bearing part 321f of the upper case member 321. As shown in FIG. 19, one end of the coil spring 324e is attached to the coil spring attachment part 321e of the upper case member 321, and the other end of the coil spring 324e is in contact with the lower surface of the upper wall part 324a. The coil spring 324e biases the upper wall part 324a upward, thereby biasing the operation part OU in the counterclockwise direction around the shaft 324d in a right side view. In the electric kettle 30, when the lid unit 320 is in the closed state, the claw part 324c is locked to the claw receiving part CR of the liquid container 111, and the lid unit 320 is locked to the main body unit 110. Then, when the user wants to open the lid unit 320, the user pushes the rear part of the upper wall part 324a downward against the biasing force of the coil spring 324e. As a result, the operation part OU rotates in the clockwise direction around the shaft 324d in a right side view, and the locked state is released. Then, the lid unit 320 becomes rotatable around the axis AX, and the lid unit 320 is opened.

[0085] The seal member 325 is a substantially annular member formed of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer, and as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, it is formed of an outer mounting portion 325a, an inner mounting portion 325b, a seal portion 325c, and the like. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the outer mounting portion 325a is located outside the inner mounting portion 325b. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the inner peripheral surface of the outer mounting portion 325a is along the upper surface of the top wall portion 323a of the intermediate member 323, the outer peripheral surface of the side wall portion 323b, and the upper surface of the flange portion 323c. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the inner mounting portion 325b is located inside the outer mounting portion 325a. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the outer peripheral surface of the inner mounting portion 325b is along the inner peripheral surface of the side wall portion 323b of the intermediate member 323 and the lower surface of the flange portion 323c. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the seal member 325 is attached to the intermediate member 323 such that the outer mounting portion 325a and the inner mounting portion 325b sandwich the side wall portion 323b and the flange portion 323c of the intermediate member 323. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the seal portion 325c extends from the outer end of the inner mounting portion 325b so as to incline inward as it goes downward. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, when the lid unit 320 is attached to the main body unit 110, the seal portion 325c abuts against the seal member abutting portion 111c of the liquid container 111 and serves to seal between the liquid container 111 and the lid unit 320.

[0086] <Liquid outflow suppression and steam discharge when the electric kettle according to the third embodiment of the present invention falls over> In the electric kettle 30, the handle 114 side is heavier than the discharge pipe 113 side. For this reason, when the electric kettle 30 topples over, when viewed from the top surface side, the handle 114 is in a state of being located diagonally lower right or diagonally lower left. In the state where the electric kettle 30 has toppled over such that the handle 114 is located diagonally lower right when viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 30, the steam discharge hole OA3 of the upper case member 321 and the intermediate hole OC3 of the intermediate member 323 are located above the lid unit 320, and the steam inflow hole OB3 of the lower case member 322 is located below the lid unit 320. Also, in the state where the electric kettle 30 has toppled over such that the handle 114 is located diagonally lower left when viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 30, the steam inflow hole OB3 of the lower case member 322 is located above the lid unit 320, and the steam discharge hole OA3 of the upper case member 321 and the intermediate hole OC3 of the intermediate member 323 are located below the lid unit 320. Hereinafter, the liquid outflow suppression and steam discharge when the electric kettle 30 topples over such that the handle 114 is located diagonally lower right or diagonally lower left when viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 30 will be described. It is assumed that, for example, a specified amount of liquid determined by the manufacturer of the electric kettle 30 is stored in the liquid container 111.

[0087] First, the suppression of liquid outflow and the discharge of vapor when the electric kettle 30 falls so that the handle 114 is positioned diagonally downward to the right as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 30 will be described. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 21, the liquid level LS of the liquid reaches the vapor inflow hole OB3 of the lower case member 322, and the liquid flows into the flow path FP3 of the lid unit 320 through the vapor inflow hole OB3 of the lower case member 322. However, as shown in FIG. 21, the liquid is retained in the flow path FP3 of the lid unit 320, and the liquid level LS of the liquid does not reach the intermediate hole OC3 of the intermediate member 323 and the vapor discharge hole OA3 of the upper case member 321. Therefore, in such a case, the outflow of the liquid to the outside of the liquid container 111 is suppressed. And when the electric kettle 30 falls so that the handle 114 is positioned diagonally downward to the right as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 30, although not shown, the liquid level LS of the liquid does not reach the through hole OP of the liquid container 111. Therefore, in such a case, the passage 113a of the discharge pipe 113 can be opened, and the vapor in the liquid container 111 can be discharged to the outside of the liquid container 111.

[0088] Here, assume a case where the electric kettle 30 falls so that the handle 114 is positioned diagonally downward to the right as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 30 with a quantity of liquid stored in the liquid container 111 that is more than the specified amount. In such a case, the liquid level LS of the liquid reaches the intermediate hole OC3 of the intermediate member 323 and the vapor discharge hole OA3 of the upper case member 321, and there is a possibility that the liquid will flow out of the liquid container 111 of the main body unit 110. However, the amount of the outflow can be made small.

[0089] Next, the suppression of liquid outflow and the discharge of vapor when the electric kettle 30 falls so that the handle 114 is positioned diagonally downward to the left as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 30 will be described. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 22, the liquid level LS of the liquid does not reach the vapor inflow hole OB3 of the lower case member 322. For this reason, in such a case, it is suppressed that the liquid flows into the flow path FP3 of the lid unit 320 through the vapor inflow hole OB3 of the lower case member 322, and it is suppressed that the liquid flows out of the liquid container 111. And when the electric kettle 30 falls so that the handle 114 is positioned diagonally downward to the left as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 30, although not shown, the liquid level LS of the liquid does not reach the through hole OP of the liquid container 111. For this reason, in such a case, the passage 113a of the discharge pipe 113 can be opened, and the vapor in the liquid container 111 can be discharged to the outside of the liquid container 111.

[0090] Here, assume a case where the electric kettle 30 falls so that the handle 114 is positioned diagonally downward to the left as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 30 with a quantity of liquid greater than the specified amount stored in the liquid container 111. In such a case, the liquid level LS of the liquid reaches the vapor inflow hole OB3 of the lower case member 322, and there is a risk that the liquid will flow out of the liquid container 111 of the main body unit 110. However, the amount of the outflow can be made small.

[0091] <Features of the electric kettle according to the third embodiment of the present invention> In the electric kettle 30 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the steam discharge hole OA3 of the upper case member 321 is formed in the front left portion of the upper wall portion 321b, the steam inflow hole OB3 of the lower case member 322 is formed in the front right portion of the lower wall portion 322b, and the intermediate hole OC3 of the intermediate member 323 is formed in the front left portion of the top wall portion 323a. For this reason, in this electric kettle 30, when the electric kettle 30 falls so that the handle 114 is located diagonally lower right as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 30, the intermediate hole OC3 of the intermediate member 323 and the steam discharge hole OA3 of the upper case member 321 can be positioned above the lid unit 320. And at such a time, even if the liquid in the liquid container 111 flows into the flow path FP3 of the lid unit 320 through the steam inflow hole OB3 of the lower case member 322, the liquid can be retained in the flow path FP3 of the lid unit 320 as much as possible, and the liquid level LS of the liquid can be kept as far as possible from the intermediate hole OC3 of the intermediate member 323 and the steam discharge hole OA3 of the upper case member 321. On the other hand, in this electric kettle 30, when the electric kettle 30 falls so that the handle 114 is located diagonally lower left as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 30, the steam inflow hole OB3 of the lower case member 322 can be positioned above the lid unit 320. And at such a time, the liquid in the liquid container 111 can be kept as far as possible from the steam inflow hole OB3 of the lower case member 322. Therefore, in this electric kettle 30, when the electric kettle 30 falls so that the handle 114 is located diagonally lower right or diagonally lower left as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 30, the possibility that the liquid in the liquid container 111 flows out of the liquid container 111 can be reduced as much as possible.

[0092] <Modification example> (A3) In the electric kettle 30 according to the previous third embodiment, the flow path FP3 of the lid unit 320 was formed to extend from the steam inlet hole OB3 of the lower case member 322, through the intermediate hole OC3 of the intermediate member 323, to the steam discharge hole OA3 of the upper case member 321. However, for example, the top wall portion 323a of the intermediate member 323 may be omitted, and the flow path FP3 of the lid unit 320 may be formed to extend from the steam inlet hole OB3 of the lower case member 322 to the steam discharge hole OA3 of the upper case member 321 without passing through other holes. In such a case, the lower wall portion 322b of the lower case member 322 corresponds to the first wall portion described in the claims, and the upper wall portion 321b of the upper case member 321 corresponds to the second wall portion described in the claims.

[0093] Further, for example, the upper wall portion 321b of the upper case member 321 may be omitted, and the flow path FP3 of the lid unit 320 may be formed to extend from the steam inlet hole OB3 of the lower case member 322 to the intermediate hole OC3 of the intermediate member 323. In such a case, the lower wall portion 322b of the lower case member 322 corresponds to the first wall portion described in the claims, and the top wall portion 323a of the intermediate member 323 corresponds to the second wall portion described in the claims.

[0094] (B3) In the electric kettle 30 according to the previous third embodiment, when the kettle body 100 with the lid unit 320 attached to the main body unit 110 is viewed in plan, the steam discharge hole OA3 of the upper case member 321 and the intermediate hole OC3 of the intermediate member 323 are formed in the lid unit 320 so as to be located on the left side of the virtual straight line passing through the front end of the discharge pipe 113 and the rear end of the handle 114, and the steam inflow hole OB3 of the lower case member 322 is formed in the lid unit 320 so as to be located on the right side of this virtual straight line. However, when the kettle body 100 is viewed in plan in the above state, two of the holes among the steam discharge hole OA3, the steam inflow hole OB3, and the intermediate hole OC3 may be formed in the lid unit 320 so as to be located on the left side of this virtual straight line, and the remaining one of the holes among the steam discharge hole OA3, the steam inflow hole OB3, and the intermediate hole OC3 may be formed in the lid unit 320 so as to be located on the right side of this virtual straight line. For example, when the kettle body 100 is viewed in plan in the above state, the steam discharge hole OA3 and the steam inflow hole OB3 may be formed in the lid unit 320 so as to be located on the left side of this virtual straight line, and the intermediate hole OC3 may be formed in the lid unit 320 so as to be located on the right side of this virtual straight line. Alternatively, when the kettle body 100 is viewed in plan in the above state, one of the holes among the steam discharge hole OA3, the steam inflow hole OB3, and the intermediate hole OC3 may be formed in the lid unit 320 so as to be located on the left side of this virtual straight line, and the remaining two of the holes among the steam discharge hole OA3, the steam inflow hole OB3, and the intermediate hole OC3 may be formed in the lid unit 320 so as to be located on the right side of this virtual straight line. For example, when the kettle body 100 is viewed in plan in the above state, the steam inflow hole OB3 may be formed in the lid unit 320 so as to be located on the left side of this virtual straight line, and the steam discharge hole OA3 and the intermediate hole OC3 may be formed in the lid unit 320 so as to be located on the right side of this virtual straight line.

[0095] (C3) In the electric kettle 30 according to the previous third embodiment, the lower wall portion 322b of the lower case member 322 was inclined downward as it approached the steam inflow hole OB3. However, the lower wall portion 322b of the lower case member 322 does not have to be inclined downward as it approaches the steam inflow hole OB3.

[0096] In addition, in the electric kettle 30 according to the previous third embodiment, the top wall portion 323a of the intermediate member 323 was not inclined. However, the top wall portion 323a of the intermediate member 323 may be inclined downward as it approaches the intermediate hole OC3. In such a case, it is preferable that the cylindrical wall portion 323d of the intermediate member 323 is not formed.

[0097] (D3) In the electric kettle 30 according to the previous third embodiment, the steam discharge hole OA3 of the upper case member 321 was formed in the front portion of the upper wall portion 321b, the steam inflow hole OB3 of the lower case member 322 was formed in the front portion of the lower wall portion 322b, and the intermediate hole OC3 of the intermediate member 323 was formed in the front portion of the top wall portion 323a. However, the steam discharge hole OA3 may be formed in the rear portion of the upper wall portion 321b, the steam inflow hole OB3 may be formed in the rear portion of the lower wall portion 322b, and the intermediate hole OC3 may be formed in the rear portion of the top wall portion 323a.

[0098] (E3) In the electric kettle 30 according to the previous third embodiment, the steam discharge hole OA3 of the upper case member 321 and the intermediate hole OC3 of the intermediate member 323 were located inside the side wall portion 111a of the liquid container 111. However, at least one of the steam discharge hole OA3 of the upper case member 321 and the intermediate hole OC3 of the intermediate member 323 may be located outside the side wall portion 111a of the liquid container 111. In such a case, the shapes of the upper case member 321 and the intermediate member 323 may be appropriately redesigned.

[0099] Note that the above modifications may be applied alone or in combination. Also, various modifications of each embodiment may be applied to the electric kettle 30 according to the third embodiment within a non - conflicting range.

[0100] - Fourth Embodiment - The differences between the electric kettle 40 according to the fourth embodiment and the electric kettle 30 according to the third embodiment are mainly as follows: (1) the formation positions of the steam discharge hole OA3 of the upper case member 321 and the cylindrical wall portion 321c are different; (2) the lid unit 320 of the electric kettle 40 according to the fourth embodiment includes a flexible tube TU3. Hereinafter, the differences from the electric kettle 30 according to the third embodiment will be mainly described.

[0101] In the electric kettle 20 according to the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the steam discharge hole OA3 of the upper case member 321 is formed at the rear part of the central portion in the left - right direction of the upper wall portion 321b. And the cylindrical wall portion 321c of the upper case member 321 is formed at the rear part of the central portion in the left - right direction of the upper wall portion 321b by extending downward from the edge of this steam discharge hole OA3.

[0102] The flexible tube TU3 is a member for connecting the steam discharge hole OA3 of the upper wall portion 321b of the upper case member 321 and the intermediate hole OC3 of the top wall portion 323a of the intermediate member 323 to form a flow path. One end of the flexible tube TU3 is attached to the cylindrical wall portion 321c so as to surround the cylindrical wall portion 321c of the upper case member 321 as shown in FIG. 24, and the other end of the flexible tube TU3 is attached to the cylindrical wall portion 323d so as to surround the cylindrical wall portion 323d of the intermediate member 323 as shown in FIG. 25.

[0103] <Liquid outflow suppression and steam discharge when the electric kettle according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention falls over> In the electric kettle 40, the handle 114 side is heavier than the discharge pipe 113 side. For this reason, when the electric kettle 40 topples over, when viewed from the top surface side, the handle 114 is in a state of being located diagonally downward to the right or diagonally downward to the left. Note that in the state where the electric kettle 40 has toppled over such that the handle 114 is located diagonally downward to the right when viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 40, the intermediate hole OC3 of the intermediate member 323 is located above the lid unit 320, and the steam inflow hole OB3 of the lower case member 322 is located below the lid unit 320. Also, in the state where the electric kettle 40 has toppled over such that the handle 114 is located diagonally downward to the left when viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 40, the steam inflow hole OB3 of the lower case member 322 is located above the lid unit 320, and the intermediate hole OC3 of the intermediate member 323 is located below the lid unit 320. Hereinafter, the suppression of liquid outflow and the discharge of steam when the electric kettle 40 topples over such that the handle 114 is located diagonally downward to the right or diagonally downward to the left when viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 40 will be described. Note that it is assumed that a specified amount of liquid determined by, for example, the manufacturer of the electric kettle 40 is stored in the liquid container 111.

[0104] First, the suppression of liquid outflow and the discharge of steam when the electric kettle 40 topples over such that the handle 114 is located diagonally downward to the right when viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 40 will be described. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 26, the liquid level LS of the liquid reaches the steam inflow hole OB3 of the lower case member 322, and the liquid flows into the flow path FP3 of the lid unit 320 through the steam inflow hole OB3 of the lower case member 322. However, as shown in FIG. 26, the liquid is retained in the flow path FP3 of the lid unit 320, and the liquid level LS of the liquid does not reach the intermediate hole OC3 of the intermediate member 323. For this reason, in such a case, the outflow of the liquid to the outside of the liquid container 111 is suppressed. And when the electric kettle 40 topples over such that the handle 114 is located diagonally downward to the right when viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 40, although not shown, the liquid level LS of the liquid does not reach the through hole OP of the liquid container 111. For this reason, in such a case, the passage 113a of the discharge pipe 113 can be opened, and the steam in the liquid container 111 can be discharged to the outside of the liquid container 111.

[0105] Here, assume a case where the electric kettle 40 is tilted so that the handle 114 is positioned diagonally downward to the right when viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 40 with an amount of liquid stored in the liquid container 111 being more than the specified amount. In such a case, the liquid level LS of the liquid reaches the intermediate hole OC3 of the intermediate member 323, and there is a risk that the liquid will flow out of the liquid container 111. However, the amount of the outflow can be made small.

[0106] Next, the suppression of liquid outflow and the discharge of vapor when the electric kettle 40 is tilted so that the handle 114 is positioned diagonally downward to the left when viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 40 will be described. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 27, the liquid level LS of the liquid does not reach the vapor inflow hole OB3 of the lower case member 322. For this reason, in such a case, the inflow of the liquid into the flow path FP3 of the lid unit 320 through the vapor inflow hole OB3 of the lower case member 322 is suppressed, and the outflow of the liquid from the liquid container 111 is suppressed. And when the electric kettle 40 is tilted so that the handle 114 is positioned diagonally downward to the left when viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 40, although not shown, the liquid level LS of the liquid does not reach the through hole OP of the liquid container 111. For this reason, in such a case, the passage 113a of the discharge pipe 113 can be opened, and the vapor in the liquid container 111 can be discharged to the outside of the liquid container 111.

[0107] Here, assume a case where the electric kettle 40 is tilted so that the handle 114 is positioned diagonally downward to the left when viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 40 with an amount of liquid stored in the liquid container 111 being more than the specified amount. In such a case, the liquid level LS of the liquid reaches the vapor inflow hole OB3 of the lower case member 322, and there is a risk that the liquid will flow out of the liquid container 111. However, the amount of the outflow can be made small.

[0108] <Features of the Electric Kettle According to the Fourth Embodiment of the Present Invention> (1) In the electric kettle 40 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the steam inflow hole OB3 of the lower case member 322 is formed in the front right portion of the lower wall portion 322b, and the intermediate hole OC3 of the intermediate member 323 is formed in the front left portion of the top wall portion 323a. For this reason, in this electric kettle 40, when the electric kettle 40 is overturned so that the handle 114 is positioned diagonally downward to the right as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 40, the intermediate hole OC3 of the intermediate member 323 can be positioned above the lid unit 320. And at such a time, even if the liquid in the liquid container 111 flows into the flow path FP3 of the lid unit 320 through the steam inflow hole OB3 of the lower case member 322, the liquid can be retained in the flow path FP3 of the lid unit 320 as much as possible, and the liquid level LS of the liquid can be kept as far away from the intermediate hole OC3 of the intermediate member 323 as possible. On the other hand, in this electric kettle 40, when the electric kettle 40 is overturned so that the handle 114 is positioned diagonally downward to the left as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 40, the steam inflow hole OB3 of the lower case member 322 can be positioned above the lid unit 320. And at such a time, the liquid in the liquid container 111 can be kept as far away from the steam inflow hole OB3 of the lower case member 322 as possible. Therefore, in this electric kettle 40, when the electric kettle 40 is overturned so that the handle 114 is positioned diagonally downward to the right or diagonally downward to the left as viewed from the top surface side of the electric kettle 40, the possibility that the liquid in the liquid container 111 flows out of the liquid container 111 can be reduced as much as possible.

[0109] (2) In the electric kettle 40 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the steam discharge hole OA3 of the upper case member 321 is formed at the rear part of the central portion in the left - right direction of the upper wall portion 321b. Therefore, in this electric kettle 40, when the kettle body 100 is suddenly tilted forward (for example, tilted counterclockwise by about 90° in a right - side view) and the liquid in the liquid container 111 is poured, the steam discharge hole OA3 of the upper case member 321 can be positioned above the lid unit 320 in a front view. Thus, in this electric kettle 40, even when the kettle body 100 is suddenly tilted forward and the liquid in the liquid container 111 is poured, the possibility that the liquid in the liquid container 111 flows out through the steam discharge hole OA3 of the upper case member 321 can be reduced as much as possible.

[0110] <Modification example> (A4) In the electric kettle 40 according to the previous fourth embodiment, the steam discharge hole OA3 of the upper case member 321 was formed at the rear part of the central portion in the left - right direction of the upper wall portion 321b. However, the steam discharge hole OA3 of the upper case member 321 may be formed at the rear part of the left part of the upper wall portion 321b, or may be formed at the rear part of the right part of the upper wall portion 321b.

[0111] (B4) In the electric kettle 40 according to the previous fourth embodiment, the steam inlet hole OB3 of the lower case member 322 was formed at the front - right part of the lower wall portion 322b, and the intermediate hole OC3 of the intermediate member 323 was formed at the front - left part of the top wall portion 323a. However, the steam inlet hole OB3 of the lower case member 322 may be formed at the front - left part of the lower wall portion 322b, and the intermediate hole OC3 of the intermediate member 323 may be formed at the front - right part of the top wall portion 323a.

[0112] Note that the above - mentioned modification examples may be applied alone or in combination. Also, various modification examples of each embodiment may be applied to the electric kettle 20 according to the fourth embodiment within a non - contradictory range.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0113] 10 Electric kettle (water heater) 111 Liquid container (container) 111a Side wall part 111b Bottom wall part 113 Discharge pipe (discharge part) 114 Handle (stable part in toppled posture) 120 Lid unit (lid) 121b Upper wall part (second wall part) 122b Lower wall part (first wall part) 123a Top wall part (second wall part, third wall part) 20 Electric kettle (water heater) 30 Electric kettle (water heater) 320 Lid unit (lid) 321b Upper wall part (second wall part) 322b Lower wall part (first wall part) 323a Top wall part (second wall part, third wall part) 40 Electric kettle (water heater) FP Flow path FP3 Flow path OA Steam discharge hole (second hole) OA3 Steam discharge hole (second hole) OB Steam inlet hole (first hole) OB3 Steam inlet hole (first hole) OC Intermediate hole (second hole, third hole) OC3 Intermediate hole (second hole, third hole)

Claims

1. A container having a bottom wall portion and a side wall portion extending upward from the outer edge of the bottom wall portion, a lid body located at the upper end of the side wall portion, a discharge portion extending from the lower portion of the side wall portion to the first side in a plan view and extending upward, and forming a passage when discharging the liquid stored inside the container to the outside of the container, a posture stabilizing portion for stabilizing the posture during tipping, and comprising: The lid body has a first wall portion in which a first hole is formed, a second wall portion in which a second hole is formed and which is located above the first wall portion, and a flow path extending from the first hole to the second hole, When the posture during tipping is stabilized by the posture stabilizing portion during tipping, a part of the flow path is located above the liquid level of the liquid A water heater.

2. In a plan view, one of the first hole and the second hole is located on the second side of an imaginary straight line extending from the posture stabilizing portion during tipping to the discharge portion, and the other of the first hole and the second hole is located on the opposite side of the second side of the imaginary straight line The water heater according to Claim 1.

3. The upper surface of the first wall portion is inclined downward as it faces the first hole The water heater according to Claim 2.

4. The lid body further has at least one third wall portion provided between the first wall portion and the second wall portion, A third hole for passing the flow path is formed in the third wall portion, In a plan view, some of the first hole, the second hole, and the third hole are located on the second side of an imaginary straight line extending from the posture stabilizing portion during tipping to the discharge portion, and the other of the first hole, the second hole, and the third hole are located on the opposite side of the second side of the imaginary straight line The water heater according to Claim 1.

5. The lid body further has at least one third wall portion provided between the first wall portion and the second wall portion, A third hole for passing the flow path is formed in the third wall portion, In a plan view, one of the first hole, the second hole, and the third hole is located on the second side of an imaginary straight line extending from the posture stabilizing portion during tipping to the discharge portion, and the holes other than the one of the first hole, the second hole, and the third hole are located on the opposite side of the second side of the imaginary straight line The water heater according to Claim 1.

6. The upper surface of the first wall portion is inclined downward as it faces the first hole, The upper surface of the third wall portion is inclined downward as it faces the third hole The water heater according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The discharge part is provided at the end on the first side among the parts of the side wall part, The posture stabilizing part at the time of tipping is provided at the end on the opposite side of the first side among the parts of the side wall part The water heater according to claim 1.

8. A container having a bottom wall part and a side wall part extending upward from the outer edge of the bottom wall part, A lid body located at the upper end of the side wall part, A discharge part that extends from the lower part of the side wall part to the first side in plan view and extends upward, and forms a passage when discharging the liquid stored inside the container to the outside of the container, A posture stabilizing part at the time of tipping provided on the opposite side of the first side of the side wall part, The lid body has a first wall part in which a first hole is formed, a second wall part in which a second hole is formed and is located above the first wall part, and a flow path extending from the first hole to the second hole, When viewed from the first side, the first hole is located on the side of one of the side wall parts, and the second hole is located on the side of the other side wall part Water heater.

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