Electric kettle

Abstract

To provide a structure which can suppress leakage of hot water from a steam port in the overturn and can suppress an increase in an inner pressure of an accumulation container in an electric kettle.SOLUTION: A lid unit of an electric kettle includes a first steam port 713 and a second steam port 723. When the electric kettle is overturned, the steam port 713 arranged on a lower side out of the first steam port 713 and the second steam port 723 is blocked by a water stop member 66. Consequently, the leakage of hot water from the steam port 713 arranged on the lower side is suppressed. In addition, when the electric kettle is overturned, the steam port 723 arranged on an upper side out of the first steam port 713 and the second steam port 723 keeps an opened state. As a result, steam in an accumulation container is discharged to the outside through the steam port 723 arranged on the upper side. Consequently, an excessive increase in an inner pressure in the accumulation container is suppressed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric kettle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an electric kettle that boils water by electricity has been known. A conventional electric kettle is described in, for example, Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In this type of electric kettle, a steam port is provided in the lid unit. When steam is generated in the storage container by boiling water, the steam is discharged from the steam port. This suppresses the internal pressure of the storage container from becoming excessively high.

[0005] However, simply providing a steam port in the lid unit allows hot water to leak out from the steam port when the electric kettle is overturned. To suppress such leakage of hot water, there is an electric kettle in which a water stop member that closes the steam port when overturned is provided inside the lid unit.

[0006] However, when the steam port is closed by the water stop member, the steam in the storage container cannot be discharged. For this reason, when the electric kettle is overturned, there is a problem that the internal pressure of the storage container rises.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a structure for an electric kettle that suppresses leakage of hot water from the steam port when overturned and also suppresses an increase in the internal pressure of the storage container.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The present invention relates to an electric kettle including a bottomed cylindrical storage container, a lid unit covering the upper part of the storage container, and a heating unit for heating a liquid in the storage container. The lid unit has a first steam port, a first water stop member movable between a closed position closing the first steam port and an open position opening the first steam port, a second steam port, and a second water stop member movable between a closed position closing the second steam port and an open position opening the second steam port. When the electric kettle is in an upright state, the first water stop member and the second water stop member are arranged at the open positions. When the electric kettle is in a toppled state and the first steam port is disposed below the second steam port, the first water stop member is arranged at the closed position and the second water stop member is arranged at the open position. When the electric kettle is in a toppled state and the second steam port is disposed below the first steam port, the second water stop member is arranged at the closed position and the first water stop member is arranged at the open position.

[0009] According to the present invention, when the electric kettle topples over, among the first steam port and the second steam port, the steam port disposed on the lower side is closed. Thereby, it is possible to suppress hot water from leaking out from the steam port disposed on the lower side. Further, when the electric kettle topples over, among the first steam port and the second steam port, the steam port disposed on the upper side remains in an open state. Therefore, the steam in the storage container can be discharged to the outside through the steam port disposed on the upper side. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the internal pressure of the storage container from rising excessively.

[0010] It is desirable that the lid unit has a first guide piece for guiding the first water stop member to the closed position and a second guide piece for guiding the second water stop member to the closed position. Thereby, when the electric kettle topples over, the water stop member can be guided to the closed position along the guide piece.

[0011] The lid unit preferably has a first steam passage for guiding the steam in the storage container to the first steam port and a second steam passage for guiding the steam in the storage container to the second steam port. By separately providing the first steam passage and the second steam passage in the lid unit, when the electric kettle is overturned, it is possible to suppress the hot water from entering the steam passage arranged on the upper side among the first steam passage and the second steam passage.

[0012] Further, among the inlets of the first steam passage and the inlets of the second steam passage, it is desirable that the inlet arranged on the upper side in the state where the electric kettle is overturned is located near the highest position of the lid unit. By doing so, when the electric kettle is overturned, it is possible to further suppress the hot water from entering the steam passage arranged on the upper side among the first steam passage and the second steam passage.

[0013] Further, the lid unit preferably further has an inner lid that covers the inlets of the first steam passage and the inlets of the second steam passage and has an opening at a position in a circumferential direction different from the inlets. By doing so, when the electric kettle is overturned, it is possible to prevent the hot water from directly entering the inlets of the first steam passage and the second steam passage.

[0014] Further, it is desirable that the first steam passage and the second steam passage are inclined so that the height decreases as they go toward the inlets. By doing so, when the overturned electric kettle is set upright again, the hot water that has entered the first steam passage or the second steam passage due to the overturning can be returned to the storage container by the weight of the hot water.

[0015] Further, the lid unit preferably further has ribs against which the steam discharged from the first steam port and the second steam port hits. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the high-temperature steam from jetting out vigorously to the outside. Also, when the electric kettle is overturned, even if hot water leaks out from the first steam port or the second steam port, the hot water hits the ribs. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the hot water from jetting out vigorously to the outside.

[0016] In addition, it is desirable that the lid unit further has a detection steam passage for discharging the steam in the storage container toward the steam detection sensor. By providing the detection steam passage separately from the first steam passage and the second steam passage having complex flow paths, the steam can be detected by the steam detection sensor with high sensitivity.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, when the electric kettle is overturned, among the first steam port and the second steam port, the steam port arranged on the lower side is blocked. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the leakage of hot water from the steam port arranged on the lower side. Further, when the electric kettle is overturned, among the first steam port and the second steam port, the steam port arranged on the upper side remains open. Therefore, the steam in the storage container can be discharged to the outside through the steam port arranged on the upper side. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the excessive increase in the internal pressure of the storage container.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, in a state where the electric kettle 1 is standing upright, the side of the electric kettle 1 where the spout tube 40 is located is defined as "front", and the side where the handle 53 is located is defined as "rear". Also, the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction is defined as the left-right direction.

[0020] <1. Overall Configuration of Electric Kettle> FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a crane mouth type electric kettle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of the electric kettle 1. FIG. 3 is a side view of the electric kettle 1 excluding the exterior body 50. This electric kettle 1 is an electric water heater that heats the water stored inside. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the electric kettle 1 of the present embodiment includes a storage container 10, a lid unit 20, a heating unit 30, a spout tube 40, and an exterior body 50.

[0021] Note that the electric kettle 1 realizes the boiling function by being supplied with power from a power supply stand (not shown), but since the power supply stand has no direct influence on the effects of the present invention, etc., the description of the power supply stand will be omitted.

[0022] The storage container 10 is a bottomed cylindrical container that stores water or hot water inside. The storage container 10 is formed of, for example, resin. The storage container 10 has a bottom 11 and a cylindrical side wall 12 that extends upward from the edge of the bottom 11. A full water line indicating the upper limit of the storage amount is provided on the inner surface of the side wall 12. In order to enhance the heat retention property, a heat insulating layer may be provided outside the side wall 12.

[0023] The lid unit 20 is a unit that covers the opening at the upper part of the storage container 10. The lid unit 20 is detachable from the upper end of the main body cover part 51 described later. In a state where the lid unit 20 is attached, the upper part of the storage container 10 is covered by the lid unit 20. When the lid unit 20 is removed, the upper part of the storage container 10 is opened, and it becomes possible to replenish water into the storage container 10.

[0024] The heating unit 30 is a heater for heating the water in the storage container 10. The heating unit 30 is disposed on the lower surface of the bottom 11 of the storage container 10. For the heating unit 30, for example, a mica heater, a sheathed heater, a printed heater, or the like is used. When the electric kettle 1 is in use, power is supplied to the heating unit 30, causing the heating unit 30 to generate heat. As a result, the water in the storage container 10 is heated to become hot water.

[0025] The spout pipe 40 is a nozzle for pouring out hot water from the storage container 10. The spout pipe 40 is formed of, for example, stainless steel. The spout pipe 40 has a connection port 41 at one end and a pouring port 42 at the other end. The connection port 41 of the spout pipe 40 is connected in front of the lower end of the side wall 12 of the storage container 10. The spout pipe 40 extends in a substantially S shape forward and upward from the connection port 41. The pouring port 42 of the spout pipe 40 is located above the upper end of the storage container 10.

[0026] The exterior body 50 is a cover that covers the outer surface of the electric kettle 1. The exterior body 50 is formed of, for example, a synthetic resin having heat resistance. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the exterior body 50 has a main body cover portion 51, a spout pipe cover portion 52, and a handle 53. The main body cover portion 51 is a substantially cylindrical portion that covers the storage container 10, the lid unit 20, and the heating unit 30. The spout pipe cover portion 52 is a tubular portion that covers the spout pipe 40.

[0027] The handle 53 extends rearward from the trailing edge of the upper end of the main body cover portion 51. That is, the handle 53 and the spout pipe 40 are located on opposite sides with respect to the central axis A of the storage container 10. The handle 53 is provided with a switch (not shown) for switching ON / OFF of the power supply to the heating unit 30.

[0028] When using the electric kettle 1, the user first removes the lid unit 20 and supplies water into the storage container 10. Then, after attaching the lid unit 20 and placing the electric kettle 1 on the power supply base, the user switches the above switch from OFF to ON. Then, power is supplied to the heating unit 30, and the heating unit 30 generates heat. As a result, the water in the storage container 10 is heated. Thereafter, the user grips the handle 53, lifts the electric kettle 1, and tilts it forward. As a result, the hot water in the storage container 10 is poured out from the spout 42 through the pouring tube 40 into an external container (such as a teacup or a cup).

[0029] <2. Structure of the lid unit> Subsequently, the detailed structure of the above-described lid unit 20 will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the lid unit 20. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the lid unit 20 as viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the lid unit 20 as viewed obliquely from below. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the lid unit 20 includes a lid case 21, a lid cover 22, an inner lid 23, a packing 24, and a steam discharge unit 25.

[0030] The lid case 21 is a bottomed cylindrical part that constitutes the lower part of the lid unit 20. The lid case 21 is formed of a hard synthetic resin having heat resistance. A part of a first steam passage 71 and a second steam passage 72, which will be described later, is formed in the lid case 21. Details of the first steam passage 71 and the second steam passage 72 will be described later.

[0031] The lid cover 22 is a covered cylindrical part that constitutes the upper part of the lid unit 20. The lid cover 22 is formed of a hard synthetic resin having heat resistance. The lid cover 22 covers the opening at the upper part of the lid case 21. The lid cover 22 has a pair of knobs 221 that the user grips. Further, an exhaust opening 222 is provided on the front surface of the lid cover 22. The exhaust opening 222 penetrates the front surface of the lid cover 22 in the front-rear direction.

[0032] The inner lid 23 is a bottomed cylindrical member fixed to the lower surface of the lid case 21. The inner lid 23 is formed of, for example, a metal such as stainless steel. The inner lid 23 has a plurality of openings 231 on its right and left side surfaces. The openings 231 penetrate the side surface of the inner lid 23 in the left-right direction.

[0033] The packing 24 is attached along the outer peripheral surface at the boundary between the lid case 21 and the inner lid 23. The packing 24 is an annular seal member. The packing 24 is formed of an elastomer or silicone rubber that can be elastically deformed. The packing 24 closely adheres to the edge of the upper opening of the storage container 10 while being elastically deformed. Thereby, the space between the upper part of the storage container 10 and the lid unit 20 is sealed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the hot water in the storage container 10 from leaking to the outside between the storage container 10 and the lid unit 20.

[0034] The steam discharge unit 25 is a unit for discharging steam to the outside while suppressing the hot water in the storage container 10 from leaking to the outside when the electric kettle 1 falls over. The steam discharge unit 25 is housed inside a housing composed of the lid case 21 and the lid cover 22.

[0035] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the steam discharge unit 25 as viewed from obliquely above. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the steam discharge unit 25 as viewed from obliquely below. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the steam discharge unit 25 includes a first member 61, a second member 62, a third member 63, a fourth member 64, a first water stop member 65, a second water stop member 66, and a third water stop member 67.

[0036] The first member 61 is fixed to the upper surface of the lid case 21. The second member 62 is fixed to the upper part of the first member 61. The third member 63 is fixed to the upper part of the second member 62. The fourth member 64 is fixed to the upper part of the third member 63. The first member 61 to the fourth member 64 are formed of a hard synthetic resin having heat resistance.

[0037] With the lid case 21 and the steam discharge unit 25 described above, a first steam passage 71, a second steam passage 72, and a detection steam passage 73 are formed in the lid unit 20. The first steam passage 71, the second steam passage 72, and the detection steam passage 73 are passages for discharging the steam in the storage container 10 to the outside. Hereinafter, these first steam passage 71, second steam passage 72, and detection steam passage 73 will be described in order.

[0038] <3. First Steam Passage> First, the first steam passage 71 will be described. The first steam passage 71 is a passage for guiding the steam in the storage container 10 to a first steam port 713, which will be described later. The first steam passage 71 is located on the right side of the central axis A of the lid unit 20.

[0039] The lid case 21 has the front half portion of the first steam passage 71. As shown in FIG. 6, a first inlet 710 for introducing steam into the first steam passage 71 is formed in the lid case 21. The first inlet 710 opens forward on the front surface of the lid case 21. The first steam passage 71 in the lid case 21 extends rearward from the first inlet 710 in a tunnel shape. Further, the bottom surface of the first steam passage 71 in the lid case 21 is inclined so as to gradually rise rearward.

[0040] The lid case 21 and the first member 61 of the steam discharge unit 25 are connected via a first vertical hole 711. The first vertical hole 711 extends upward from the rear end portion of the first steam passage 71 in the lid case 21.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 7, the rear half portion of the first steam passage 71 is provided between the first member 61 and the second member 62. The first steam passage 71 between the first member 61 and the second member 62 extends forward in a tunnel shape from the upper end portion of the first vertical hole 711. Further, the bottom surface of the first steam passage 71 formed in the first member 61 is inclined so as to gradually rise forward.

[0042] At the front end of the first steam passage 71 between the first member 61 and the second member 62, a first cavity 712 is provided. The first water-stop member 65 is accommodated in the first cavity 712. Further, the second member 62 has a first steam port 713 above the first cavity 712.

[0043] The first water-stop member 65 is a member for closing the first steam port 713 when the electric kettle 1 topples to the right. The first water-stop member 65 is formed of, for example, stainless steel having a specific gravity greater than that of water. The shape of the first water-stop member 65 is, for example, spherical.

[0044] The first water-stop member 65 is movable within the first cavity 712 between a closed position for closing the first steam port 713 and an open position for opening the first steam port 713. Specifically, a first guide piece 715 is provided in the first cavity 712. When the electric kettle 1 topples to the right, the first guide piece 715 guides the first water-stop member 65 to the closed position for closing the first steam port 713. That is, in a state where the electric kettle 1 is upright, the first water-stop member 65 is arranged at the open position by gravity. On the other hand, when the electric kettle 1 topples to the right, the first water-stop member 65 rolls along the first guide piece 715 to the closed position by gravity. Thereby, the first steam port 713 is closed.

[0045] The third member 63 has a first communication hole 714. The first communication hole 714 penetrates the third member 63 in the vertical direction. The fourth member 64 has an exhaust port 640. The exhaust port 640 is located on the front surface of the fourth member 64 and opens forward. In a state where the first steam port 713 is open, the first steam passage 71 communicates with the exhaust port 640 through the first steam port 713 and the first communication hole 714.

[0046] When boiling water in the normal state where the electric kettle 1 is standing upright, steam is generated in the storage container 10. A part of the steam is introduced from the first inlet 710 into the first steam passage 71 and discharged to the outside through the first steam outlet 713. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the excessive increase in the internal pressure of the storage container 10. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the hot water from leaking out from the pouring pipe 40.

[0047] <4. Second Steam Passage> Next, the second steam passage 72 will be described. The second steam passage 72 is a flow path for guiding the steam in the storage container 10 to the second steam outlet 723 described later. The second steam passage 72 is located on the left side of the central axis A of the lid unit 20.

[0048] The lid case 21 has the front half part of the second steam passage 72. As shown in FIG. 6, a second inlet 720 for introducing steam into the second steam passage 72 is formed in the lid case 21. The second inlet 720 opens forward on the front surface of the lid case 21. The second steam passage 72 in the lid case 21 extends in a tunnel shape rearward from the second inlet 720. Further, the bottom surface of the second steam passage 72 of the lid case 21 is inclined so as to gradually rise rearward.

[0049] The lid case 21 and the first member 61 of the steam discharge unit 25 are connected via the second vertical hole 721. The second vertical hole 721 extends upward from the rear end portion of the second steam passage 72 in the lid case 21.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 7, the rear half part of the second steam passage 72 is provided between the first member 61 and the second member 62. The second steam passage 72 between the first member 61 and the second member 62 extends in a tunnel shape forward from the upper end portion of the second vertical hole 721. Further, the bottom surface of the second steam passage 72 formed in the first member 61 is inclined so as to gradually rise forward.

[0051] At the front end of the second steam passage 72 between the first member 61 and the second member 62, a second cavity 722 is provided. A second water stop member 66 is accommodated in the second cavity 722. Further, the second member 62 has a second steam port 723 above the second cavity 722.

[0052] The second water stop member 66 is a member for closing the second steam port 723 when the electric kettle 1 topples to the left side. The second water stop member 66 is formed of, for example, stainless steel having a specific gravity greater than that of water. The shape of the second water stop member 66 is, for example, spherical.

[0053] The second water stop member 66 is movable within the second cavity 722 between a closed position for closing the second steam port 723 and an open position for opening the second steam port 723. Specifically, a second guide piece 725 is provided in the second cavity 722. The second guide piece 725 guides the second water stop member 66 to the closed position for closing the second steam port 723 when the electric kettle 1 topples to the left side. That is, when the electric kettle 1 is in an upright state, the second water stop member 66 is arranged at the open position by gravity. On the other hand, when the electric kettle 1 topples to the left side, the second water stop member 66 rolls along the second guide piece 725 to the closed position by gravity. Thereby, the second steam port 723 is closed.

[0054] The third member 63 has a second communication hole 724. The second communication hole 724 penetrates the third member 63 in the vertical direction. In a state where the second steam port 723 is open, the second steam passage 72 communicates with the exhaust port 640 of the fourth member 64 through the second steam port 723 and the second communication hole 724.

[0055] When boiling water is performed in a normal state where the electric kettle 1 is upright, steam is generated in the storage container 10, and a part of the steam is introduced from the second inlet 720 into the second steam passage 72 and discharged to the outside through the second steam port 723. Thereby, it is possible to suppress an excessive increase in the internal pressure of the storage container 10. Therefore, it is possible to prevent hot water from leaking out of the pouring pipe 40.

[0056] <5. Exhaust during tipping> The electric kettle 1 has a spout pipe 40 at the front and a handle 53 at the rear. Therefore, when the electric kettle 1 tips over, the electric kettle 1 will tip to the right or left. When it tips to the right, the right side surface of the main body cover portion 51 and the handle 53 are in contact with the horizontal plane. When it tips to the left, the left side surface of the main body cover portion 51 and the handle 53 are in contact with the horizontal plane.

[0057] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the lid unit 20 when the electric kettle 1 tips to the right. In FIG. 9, the positions of the exterior body 50, the first steam port 713 and the second steam port 723 are shown by virtual lines (two-dot chain lines). In the state of FIG. 9, the first steam port 713 is arranged below the second steam port 723. In this case, since the first water stop member 65 is arranged at the closed position by gravity, the first steam port 713 is closed. Therefore, even if the hot water enters from the first inlet 710 into the first steam passage 71, it is possible to suppress the hot water from leaking out to the outside through the first steam port 713.

[0058] On the other hand, in the state of FIG. 9, since the second water stop member 66 is arranged at the open position by gravity, the second steam port 723 is opened. Therefore, the steam in the storage container 10 can be discharged to the outside through the second steam passage 72 and the second steam port 723. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the internal pressure of the storage container 10 from rising excessively when the electric kettle 1 tips over. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the hot water from leaking out from the spout pipe 40 due to the internal pressure of the storage container 10. Also, it is possible to suppress the lid unit 20 from coming off from the upper part of the storage container 10 due to the internal pressure of the storage container 10.

[0059] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the lid unit 20 when the electric kettle 1 falls to the left side. In FIG. 10, the positions of the exterior body 50, the first steam port 713, and the second steam port 723 are indicated by virtual lines (two-dot chain lines). In the state of FIG. 10, the second steam port 723 is disposed below the first steam port 713. In this case, since the second water stop member 66 is disposed at the closed position by gravity, the second steam port 723 is closed. For this reason, even if the hot water infiltrates from the second inlet 720 into the second steam passage 72, it is possible to suppress the hot water from leaking to the outside from the second steam port 723.

[0060] On the other hand, in the state of FIG. 10, since the first water stop member 65 is disposed at the open position by gravity, the first steam port 713 is opened. For this reason, the steam in the storage container 10 can be discharged to the outside through the first steam passage 71 and the first steam port 713. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the internal pressure of the storage container 10 from rising excessively when the electric kettle 1 falls. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the hot water from leaking out of the pouring tube 40 due to the internal pressure of the storage container 10. Further, it is also possible to suppress the lid unit 20 from coming off from the upper part of the storage container 10 due to the internal pressure of the storage container 10.

[0061] As described above, when the electric kettle 1 of the present embodiment falls, among the first steam port 713 and the second steam port 723, the steam port disposed on the lower side is closed. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the hot water from leaking out from the steam port disposed on the lower side. Further, when the electric kettle 1 of the present embodiment falls, among the first steam port 713 and the second steam port 723, the steam port disposed on the upper side maintains the open state. Thereby, a discharge path for steam can be secured. For this reason, the steam in the storage container 10 can be discharged to the outside through the steam port disposed on the upper side. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the internal pressure of the storage container 10 from rising excessively.

[0062] In addition, the lid unit 20 of the present embodiment has a first steam passage 71 that guides steam to the first steam port 713 and a second steam passage 72 that guides steam to the second steam port 723. The first steam passage 71 and the second steam passage 72 are separately provided on the left and right sides with the central axis A therebetween. Therefore, when the electric kettle 1 falls to the right or left side, it is possible to suppress the hot water from entering the steam passage arranged on the upper side among the first steam passage 71 and the second steam passage 72.

[0063] When the electric kettle 1 falls and the side surface of the main body cover portion 51 and the handle 53 are in contact with the horizontal plane, among the first inlet 710 and the second inlet 720, it is desirable that the inlet arranged on the upper side is located near the highest position (the highest position) of the lid unit 20. By doing so, when the electric kettle 1 falls, it is possible to further suppress the hot water from entering the steam passage arranged on the upper side among the first steam passage 71 and the second steam passage 72.

[0064] Specifically, when the electric kettle 1 is tilted with the hot water stored up to the full water line of the storage container 10, it is desirable that the inlet arranged on the upper side among the first inlet 710 and the second inlet 720 is located above the liquid level of the hot water.

[0065] In addition, in the present embodiment, an inner lid 23 is attached to the lower part of the lid case 21. The inner lid 23 covers the first inlet 710 and the second inlet 720. Specifically, a part of the side surface of the inner lid 23 is located forward at a distance from the first inlet 710 and the second inlet 720. And the side surface of the inner lid 23 has an opening 231 at a circumferential position different from that of the first inlet 710 and the second inlet 720. The steam in the storage container 10 is introduced into the first inlet 710 and the second inlet 720 through the opening 231. By providing such an inner lid 23, it is possible to prevent the hot water from directly entering the first inlet 710 or the second inlet 720 when the electric kettle 1 falls.

[0066] In addition, in this embodiment, the first steam passage 71 and the second steam passage 72 are inclined such that their height decreases as they approach the inlet. Therefore, even if hot water enters the first steam passage 71 or the second steam passage 72 when the electric kettle 1 topples over, if the electric kettle 1 is set upright again, the hot water in the steam passage can be returned to the storage container 10 along the inclination.

[0067] Also, as shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the fourth member 64 of the lid unit 20 has ribs 641. The ribs 641 are located between the first steam port 713 and the second steam port 723 and the exhaust port 640, and are formed in a flat plate shape intersecting the flow path. The steam discharged from the first steam port 713 and the second steam port 723 is discharged to the exhaust port 640 while hitting the ribs 641. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the high-temperature steam from gushing out vigorously to the outside. Also, when the electric kettle 1 topples over, even if hot water leaks from the first steam port 713 or the second steam port 723, the hot water hits the ribs 641. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the hot water from gushing out vigorously to the outside.

[0068] <6. Detection Steam Passage> Next, the detection steam passage 73 will be described. The detection steam passage 73 is a flow path for detecting high-temperature steam generated when the hot water in the storage container 10 boils. The detection steam passage 73 is formed near the rear ends of the lid case 21, the first member 61, and the second member 62. A part of the steam in the storage container 10 is discharged to the rear of the lid unit 20 through the detection steam passage 73.

[0069] The electric kettle 1 has a steam detection sensor (not shown) near the outlet of the detection steam passage 73. For example, a temperature sensor such as a bimetal is used as the steam detection sensor. When the hot water in the storage container 10 boils, the high-temperature steam generated in the storage container 10 is sprayed onto the steam detection sensor through the detection steam passage 73. Then, the steam detection sensor outputs a detection signal indicating an increase in temperature. When the control board of the electric kettle 1 receives the detection signal from the steam detection sensor, it stops the power supply to the heating unit 30. As a result, the boiling of the electric kettle 1 ends.

[0070] The lid unit 20 of the present embodiment has a detection steam passage 73 separately from the first steam passage 71 and the second steam passage 72 having complex flow paths. Thereby, the detection of steam by the steam detection sensor can be performed with high sensitivity.

[0071] Note that a third water stop member 67 is accommodated in the detection steam passage 73. The third water stop member 67 is formed of, for example, stainless steel having a specific gravity greater than that of water. The shape of the third water stop member 67 is, for example, spherical. When the electric kettle 1 is overturned, the third water stop member 67 rolls by gravity, thereby closing the detection steam passage 73. Thereby, leakage of hot water from the detection steam passage 73 can be suppressed.

[0072] Also, as shown in FIG. 7, the second member 62 has an intake hole 620 above the detection steam passage 73. The lid unit 20 has a packing 621 that closes the intake hole 620 from below. The packing 621 is a flexible film-like sealing member.

[0073] When boiling water in the storage container 10, the intake hole 620 is blocked by the packing 621. However, when pouring hot water from the spout pipe 40, if the pressure inside the storage container 10 decreases, the packing 621 bends downward, thereby opening the intake hole 620. As a result, outside air is introduced into the storage container 10 through the intake hole 620 and the detection steam path 73. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the inside of the storage container 10 from becoming excessively negative in pressure. Therefore, hot water can be smoothly poured out from the spout pipe 40.

[0074] <7. Modification Example> As described above, one embodiment of the present invention has been explained, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0075] In the above-described embodiment, the detection steam path 73 was provided separately from the first steam path 71 and the second steam path 72. However, the detection steam path 73 may be omitted. In that case, for example, a steam detection sensor may be provided in the first steam path 71 or the second steam path 72.

[0076] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the power supply to the heating unit 30 was stopped based on the signal output from the steam detection sensor. However, the power supply to the heating unit 30 may be stopped by other methods. For example, a thermistor may be disposed at the bottom 11 of the storage container 10, and the power supply to the heating unit 30 may be stopped based on the signal output from the thermistor.

[0077] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the inner lid 23 was attached to the lower part of the lid case 21. However, the lid unit 20 does not necessarily have to have the inner lid 23.

[0078] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the lid unit 20 had the rib 641 inside the exhaust port 640. However, the lid unit 20 does not necessarily have to have the rib 641.

[0079] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the shapes of the first water stop member 65, the second water stop member 66, and the third water stop member 67 were spherical. However, the shapes of the first water stop member 65, the second water stop member 66, and the third water stop member 67 may be other shapes such as a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0080] Also, as long as the first guide piece 715 and the second guide piece 725 guide the water stop member to the closed position, the shape, material, arrangement, etc. may be in other forms.

[0081] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the crane spout type electric kettle 1 was described. However, a lid unit 20 similar to the above-described embodiment may be provided for an electric kettle other than the crane spout type.

[0082] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the liquid stored in the electric kettle 1 was water. However, the liquid stored in the electric kettle 1 may be other liquids such as tea.

[0083] Also, the detailed shape of the electric kettle 1 may be different from each figure of the present application. Also, each element appearing in the above-described embodiment and modification example may be appropriately selected within a range where no contradiction occurs.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0084] 1: Electric kettle 10: Storage container 20: Lid unit 21: Lid case 22: Lid cover 23: Inner lid 24: Packing 25: Steam discharge unit 30: Heating unit 40: Pouring tube 50: Exterior body 51: Main body cover part 52: Pouring tube cover part 53: Handle 65: First water stop member 66: Second water stop member 67: Third water stop member 71: First steam passage 72: Second steam passage 73: Detection steam passage 231: Opening 620: Air intake hole 621: Packing 640: Exhaust port 641: Rib 710: First inlet 711: First vertical hole 712: First cavity 713: First steam port 714: First communication hole 715: First guide piece 720: Second inlet 721: Second vertical hole 722: Second cavity 723: Second steam port 724: Second communication hole 725: Second guide piece A: Central axis

Claims

1. An electric kettle comprising a bottomed cylindrical storage container, a lid unit covering the upper part of the storage container, and a heating unit for heating the liquid in the storage container, wherein the lid unit, has a first steam port, a first water stop member movable between a closed position for closing the first steam port and an open position for opening the first steam port, a second steam port, and a second water stop member movable between a closed position for closing the second steam port and an open position for opening the second steam port, and in a state where the electric kettle is upright, the first water stop member and the second water stop member are arranged at the open position, when the electric kettle is in a toppled state and the first steam port is arranged below the second steam port, the first water stop member is arranged at the closed position and the second water stop member is arranged at the open position, when the electric kettle is in a toppled state and the second steam port is arranged below the first steam port, the second water stop member is arranged at the closed position and the first water stop member is arranged at the open position. An electric kettle.

2. The electric kettle according to claim 1, wherein the lid unit, has a first guide piece for guiding the first water stop member to the closed position, and a second guide piece for guiding the second water stop member to the closed position. An electric kettle.

3. The electric kettle according to claim 1, wherein the lid unit, has a first steam passage for guiding the steam in the storage container to the first steam port, and a second steam passage for guiding the steam in the storage container to the second steam port. An electric kettle.

4. The electric kettle according to claim 3, wherein, among the inlets of the first steam passage and the inlets of the second steam passage, in a state where the electric kettle is toppled, the inlet arranged on the upper side is located near the highest position of the lid unit. An electric kettle.

5. The electric kettle according to claim 4, wherein the lid unit, further has an inner lid that covers the inlets of the first steam passage and the inlets of the second steam passage and has an opening at a position in a circumferential direction different from the inlets. An electric kettle.

6. The electric kettle according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the first steam passage and the second steam passage are inclined so that the height decreases as they go toward the inlets. An electric kettle.

7. The electric kettle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the lid unit, ​ ​ ​ The rib that the steam discharged from the first steam port and the second steam port hits An electric kettle further having the rib.

8. The electric kettle according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein The lid unit Further has a detection steam passage for discharging the steam in the storage container toward the steam detection sensor An electric kettle.

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