Liquid heater

Abstract

To provide a liquid heater capable of suppressing the amount of steam flowing out of an outlet as much as possible as compared with a conventional liquid heater.SOLUTION: A liquid heater 100 according to the present invention includes a vessel 320, an inflow port LP5a communicating with an inside of the vessel, an outflow port LP1b communicating with an outside of the vessel, and a flow path FL extending from the inflow port to the outflow port, wherein the flow path includes a plurality of first partial flow paths LFL1 to LFL3 extending from an upper side to a lower side and a plurality of second partial flow paths UFL1 to UFL4 extending from the lower side to the upper side, and the first partial flow paths and the second partial flow paths are alternately arranged along an extending direction of the flow path in a plan view.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid heater. [Background technology]

[0002] In the past, there was a description of a device comprising: a power supply stand; a container for storing liquid and detachably mounted on the power supply stand; a nozzle having a base end attached to the front lower portion of the container and a tip end extending upward; and a plate-shaped lid for covering an opening at the top of the container, the lid having a first inlet and a second inlet on the back side thereof for introducing steam from hot water stored in the container into the lid; an outlet on the front side thereof for discharging the steam introduced into the lid to the outside of the lid; and a second outlet on the inside of the lid for guiding the steam introduced from the first inlet to the outlet. An electric kettle has been proposed which has a first passage and a second passage provided inside the lid body for guiding steam introduced from the second inlet to the outlet, the first inlet and the second inlet being arranged on both left and right sides of the front-to-back center line of the lid body, the first passage extending from the first inlet beyond the front-to-back center line to the second inlet side and turning back at the second inlet side, and the second passage extending from the second inlet beyond the front-to-back center line to the first inlet side and turning back at the first inlet side (see, for example, JP 2022-026043 A, etc.). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-026043 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the electric kettle described above, steam generated in the container flows into the steam passages (first and second passages), and at least a portion of the steam cools and condenses upon contact with the wall that defines the steam passage. However, due to the nature of steam, the steam may flow through the steam passage in a biased manner toward the upper portion of the steam passage. As a result, the electric kettle described above may not be able to fully utilize the steam passages for condensation of the steam, and may not be able to suppress the amount of steam flowing out of the outlet.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid heater that can minimize the amount of steam flowing out from an outlet, compared to conventional liquid heaters. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A liquid heater according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a container, an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path. The inlet communicates with the interior of the container. The outlet communicates with the exterior of the container. The flow path extends from the inlet to the outlet. The flow path also includes a plurality of first partial flow paths extending from the upper side to the lower side and a plurality of second partial flow paths extending from the lower side to the upper side. The first partial flow paths and the second partial flow paths are alternately arranged along the extension direction of the flow path in a plan view.

[0007] With the above configuration, when steam flows into the flow path from inside the container, it is possible to minimize the concentration of steam in the upper part of the flow path. Therefore, with this liquid heater, the flow path can be used as efficiently as possible for condensation of steam compared to conventional liquid heaters. Therefore, with this liquid heater, it is possible to minimize the amount of steam flowing out from the outlet compared to conventional liquid heaters.

[0008] A liquid heater according to a second aspect of the present invention is the liquid heater according to the first aspect, further comprising a flow path forming section. The flow path forming section forms an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path. The inlet and the outlet are formed at an end of the flow path forming section on a first side in a plan view. Furthermore, the flow path passes through an end of the flow path forming section on the opposite side from the first side in a plan view.

[0009] According to the above configuration, even if the inside of the flow path forming portion is relatively small, the flow path can be made as long as possible. Therefore, in this liquid heater, the steam can be condensed as much as possible before it flows out from the outlet.

[0010] A liquid heater according to a third aspect of the present invention is the liquid heater according to the first aspect, further comprising an extension wall portion extending from a lower side to an upper side to form a first partial flow path and a second partial flow path, and an opening formed at a lower end of the extension wall portion.

[0011] According to the above configuration, when liquid in the flow path (e.g., condensed liquid, liquid flowing in from inside the container, etc.) is allowed to flow into the inside of the container through the inlet, the risk of the liquid being blocked by the extension wall portion can be minimized.

[0012] A liquid heater according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the liquid heater according to the first aspect, further comprising a lower wall portion, a first extending wall portion, and a second extending wall portion. The lower wall portion is disposed on an upper side of the container. The first extending wall portion extends upward from the lower wall portion, forming a first partial flow path and a second partial flow path. The second extending wall portion extends from upward toward the lower wall portion, forming the first partial flow path and the second partial flow path. The thickness of the lower wall portion is greater than the thicknesses of the first extending wall portion and the second extending wall portion.

[0013] According to the above configuration, by making the lower wall portion relatively thick, it is possible to minimize the transfer of heat from the liquid inside the heated container to the vapor inside the flow path, thereby minimizing the risk of impeding condensation of the vapor in this liquid heater. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an electric kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electric kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention taken along a plane passing through the center in the left-right direction and along the up-down and front-rear directions. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the lid unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded top perspective view of the lid unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a bottom plate member of the lid unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10 is a plan view of the bottom plate member of the lid unit and the lower case portion of the flow path forming portion according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the bottom plate member of the lid unit and the lower case portion of the flow path forming portion according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing the flow path. [Figure 8] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 3. [Figure 9] BB cross-sectional view of FIG. 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] <Configuration of the electric kettle according to the embodiment of the present invention> 1 and 2, an electric kettle 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is mainly composed of a kettle body 200 and a power base 600. Each of these components will be described in detail below.

[0016] 1. Kettle body The kettle body 200 is detachably placed on the power supply base 600. A user of the electric kettle 100 places the kettle body 200 on the power supply base 600 when wanting to heat a liquid such as water, and can remove the kettle body 200 from the power supply base 600 when pouring the heated liquid into a container such as a cup or teacup. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the kettle body 200 is mainly composed of a main body unit 300, a handle unit 400, and a lid unit 500. Each of these components will be described in detail below.

[0017] (1) Main unit 1 and 2, main body unit 300 is mainly composed of a sidewall member 310, a liquid container 320, a bottom member 330, and a heater unit 340. Each of these components will be described in detail below.

[0018] (1-1) Side wall member Sidewall member 310 is a member made of resin, metal such as stainless steel, or the like, and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, is substantially cylindrical and forms part of the outer circumferential surface of main body unit 300. As shown in Figure 2, liquid container 320, heater unit 340, etc. are arranged inside sidewall member 310. The upper end of sidewall member 310 supports the upper end (front end) of outlet formation portion 321a of inner wall member 321 of liquid container 320. A notch is formed in the rear end of sidewall member 310, and main body connection portion 401b of exterior body 401 of handle unit 400 is fitted into this notch (see Figure 2).

[0019] (1-2)Liquid container Liquid container 320 is a container for storing liquid therein, and as described above, is disposed inside sidewall member 310. Liquid container 320 is composed of inner wall member 321, heater plate 322, and the like, as shown in FIG. 2. Inner wall member 321 is a member formed of a metal (e.g., stainless steel) or the like, has a substantially cylindrical shape, and constitutes the sidewall of liquid container 320 (see FIG. 2). An ejection port forming portion 321a is formed at the upper end of the front end of inner wall member 321, and the ejection port forming portion 321a is inclined forward as it extends upward. The ejection port forming portion 321a serves to form ejection port 301 that guides liquid in liquid container 320 to the outside. Outwardly recessed recesses are formed at the left and right ends of the upper end of liquid container 320. When lid unit 500 is attached to main body unit 300, claw portion 551a of lock lever 551 of lock mechanism 550 of lid unit 500 fits into this recess. Heater plate 322 is a metal plate, and as shown in Figure 2, forms the bottom of liquid container 320 and closes the lower opening of inner wall member 321. Also, as shown in Figure 2, sheathed heater 341 of heater unit 340 is attached to the underside of heater plate 322.

[0020] (1-3) Bottom member 2, bottom member 330 constitutes the bottom of main body unit 300, and is attached to the lower end of side wall member 310 and the lower end of main body connecting portion 401b of exterior body 401 of handle unit 400 so as to cover liquid container 320, heater unit 340, etc. from below. An opening is formed in the center of bottom member 330 to expose power supply terminal 342 of heater unit 340.

[0021] (1-4) Heater unit 2, heater unit 340 is disposed below heater plate 322 of liquid container 320 and is primarily composed of sheathed heater 341 and power supply terminal 342. As described above, sheathed heater 341 is attached to the underside of heater plate 322 of liquid container 320 and serves to heat the liquid in liquid container 320 by heating heater plate 322 of liquid container 320. When power button 402 on handle unit 400 is pressed with kettle body 200 placed on power supply base 600, electric kettle 100 is turned on, and connection terminal 602 on power supply base 600 and power supply terminal 342 are electrically connected, sheathed heater 341 is able to heat the liquid in liquid container 320.

[0022] (2) Handle unit 1 and 2, the handle unit 400 is mainly composed of an exterior body 401, a power button 402, a bimetal (not shown), etc. Each of these components will be described in detail below.

[0023] (2-1) Exterior body Exterior body 401 is made of resin or the like, and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, is composed of grip portion 401a, main body connection portion 401b, etc. Grip portion 401a serves as a handle when a user holds kettle main body 200, and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, it extends rearward and then downward. Also, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, an opening is formed on the top surface of grip portion 401a to expose power button 402. Also, a power switch is disposed inside grip portion 401a to switch the connection state between power supply terminal 342 of heater unit 340 of main body unit 300 and connection terminal 602 of power supply stand 600. When the lid unit 500 is attached to the main body unit 300, the interior of the grip portion 401a communicates with the interior of the liquid container 320 via a first bottom wall communication port 522a in the bottom wall portion 522 of the bottom plate member 520 and a first side wall communication port 521b in the side wall portion 521, and also communicates with the flow space SP1 of the flow path forming portion 560 (the interior of the flow path forming portion 560) via a second side wall communication port 521c in the side wall portion 521 of the bottom plate member 520 and a side wall communication port LP5a in the side wall portion LP5 of the lower case portion LP of the flow path forming portion 560. As shown in FIG. 2, the main body connecting portion 401b extends downward from the front end of the lower surface of the grip portion 401a. As described above, the main body connecting portion 401b is fitted into a notch in the rear end of the side wall member 310.

[0024] (2-2) Power button 1 and 2, the power button 402 protrudes from an opening on the top surface of the grip part 401a. As described above, when the power button 402 is pressed while the kettle body 200 is placed on the power supply base 600, the electric kettle 100 is powered on and the connection terminal 602 of the power supply base 600 and the power supply terminal 342 of the heater unit 340 of the main body unit 300 are electrically connected.

[0025] (2-3) Bimetal The bimetal is provided inside grip portion 401a of exterior body 401. When the temperature of steam flowing from inside liquid container 320 into grip portion 401a of exterior body 401 through first bottom wall communication port 522a of bottom wall portion 522 of bottom plate member 520 and first side wall communication port 521b of side wall portion 521 reaches a certain temperature or higher, the bimetal deforms so as to push pressed power button 402 upward. As a result, power to electric kettle 100 is turned off, and power to sheathed heater 341 of heater unit 340 is cut off.

[0026] (3) Lid unit As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, lid unit 500 is a removable lid body that is attached to main body unit 300 to close the upper opening of liquid container 320 of main body unit 300, and has a generally disk-like shape in a plan view. A user can remove lid unit 500 from main body unit 300 by operating a locking mechanism 550 (described below) of lid unit 500. This allows the user to pour liquid into liquid container 320 after removing lid unit 500 from main body unit 300. When heating liquid contained in liquid container 320, the user attaches lid unit 500 to main body unit 300 to create a closed space inside liquid container 320. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, lid unit 500 is mainly composed of an upper surface member 510, a bottom plate member 520, an opening / closing mechanism 530, an opening / closing valve 540, a locking mechanism 550, a flow path forming portion 560, a sealing member 570, and the like. Each of these components will be described in detail below.

[0027] (3-1) Top member As shown in Figures 1 to 3, top surface member 510 is a member that has a substantially disk shape in a plan view, and constitutes the top surface of lid unit 500. As shown in Figure 4, opening 510a is formed in the center of top surface member 510, and as shown in Figures 1 to 3, opening / closing button 531 of opening / closing mechanism 530 is fitted into opening 510a. Also, as shown in Figure 4, openings 510b are formed in the left and right parts of top surface member 510 to expose the upper end of lock lever 551 of lock mechanism 550.

[0028] (3-2) Bottom plate member The bottom plate member 520 forms the lower part of the lid unit 500 as shown in Figures 2 and 4, and is formed from a side wall portion 521, a bottom wall portion 522, and an ejection flow path forming portion 523, etc. as shown in Figures 2, 4 to 6.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 4, the side wall portion 521 has a substantially cylindrical shape. As shown in Fig. 2, the upper surface member 510 is placed on the upper side of the side wall portion 521. Also, as shown in Figs. 4 to 6, openings 521a are formed in the left and right ends of the side wall portion 521. A claw portion 551a of a lock lever 551 of a lock mechanism 550 protrudes from this opening 521a. Also, as shown in Fig. 4, a first side wall communication opening 521b is formed in the left part of the rear end of the side wall portion 521, and a second side wall communication opening 521c is formed in the right part of the rear end of the side wall portion 521 (adjacent to the right of the first side wall communication opening 521b). As described above, when lid unit 500 is attached to main body unit 300, first sidewall communication port 521b communicates between the interior of liquid container 320 and the interior of grip portion 401a of exterior body 401 of handle unit 400 via first bottom wall communication port 522a of bottom wall portion 522. Also, in the same state, second sidewall communication port 521c communicates between circulation space SP1 and the interior of grip portion 401a of exterior body 401 of handle unit 400 via sidewall communication port LP5a of sidewall portion LP5 of lower case portion LP of flow path forming portion 560. Also, an outlet port is formed in the front end portion of sidewall portion 521. When on-off valve 540 is in the open state and kettle body 200 is tilted toward discharge port 301 , the liquid in liquid container 320 passes through this outlet and is then guided to discharge port 301 by discharge flow path forming portion 523 .

[0030] As shown in Fig. 5, the bottom wall portion 522 has a generally disk-like shape in a plan view, and extends inward from the lower portion of the side wall portion 521 as shown in Figs. 2 and 5. Note that, as shown in Figs. 2, 6, 8, and 9, the lower case portion LP of the flow path forming portion 560 is placed on the top of the bottom wall portion 522 so that the lower ends of the side wall portions LP5 of the lower case portion LP of the flow path forming portion 560 abut against the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 522. In this state, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9, a flow space SP2 is formed that is surrounded by the bottom wall portion 522 and the lower case portion LP of the flow path forming portion 560. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 5, a first bottom wall communication port 522a is formed in the center in the left-right direction of the rear end portion of the bottom wall portion 522. As described above, first bottom wall communication port 522a communicates between the interior of liquid container 320 and the interior of grip portion 401a of exterior body 401 of handle unit 400 via first side wall communication port 521b of side wall portion 521. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, second bottom wall communication port 522b is formed in a portion of bottom wall portion 522 between first bottom wall communication port 522a and insertion port 522e. Second bottom wall communication port 522b communicates between flow space SP2 and the interior of liquid container 320 when on-off valve 540 is in the open state. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, third bottom wall communication port 522c is formed in a portion of bottom wall portion 522 to the left of insertion port 522e. As shown in FIG. 6, when the lower case portion LP of the flow path forming portion 560 is placed on the upper side of the bottom wall portion 522, a left communication port CP1 is formed, in which the third bottom wall communication port 522c and the third bottom wall communication port LP1c of the lower step wall portion LP1 of the lower case portion LP of the flow path forming portion 560 communicate with each other. This left communication port CP1 communicates the flow space SP1 with the interior of the liquid container 320 when the on-off valve 540 is in an open state. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, a fourth bottom wall communication port 522d is formed in a portion of the bottom wall portion 522 to the right of the insertion port 522e. As shown in FIG. 6, when the lower case portion LP of the flow path forming portion 560 is placed on the upper side of the bottom wall portion 522, a right communication port CP2 is formed, in which the fourth bottom wall communication port 522d and the fourth bottom wall communication port LP1d of the lower step wall portion LP1 of the lower case portion LP of the flow path forming portion 560 communicate with each other. This right communication port CP2 communicates the flow space SP1 with the inside of the liquid container 320 when the on-off valve 540 is in the open state.5 and 6, an insertion hole 522e is formed in the center of the bottom wall portion 522. Valve body portion 541 and packing 543 of on-off valve 540 are disposed below bottom wall portion 522 so that shaft portion 542 of on-off valve 540 passes through insertion hole 522e (see FIG. 2).

[0031] The discharge flow path forming portion 523 is a portion that forms a flow path extending toward the discharge outlet 301 of the kettle body 200, and extends so as to slope upward as it moves forward from the edge of the outlet of the side wall portion 521 (see Figures 2 and 4).

[0032] (3-3) Opening and closing mechanism The opening / closing mechanism 530 switches the opening / closing valve 540 between an open state and a closed state, and as shown in Figures 2 and 4, is mainly composed of an opening / closing button 531, a connecting member 532, a support member 533, and a coil spring 534. These components will be described in detail below.

[0033] The open / close button 531 is a portion pressed by the user when switching the open / close valve 540 between an open state and a closed state, and has a substantially disk shape in a plan view, and is fitted into the opening 510a of the top surface member 510 as described above. As shown in FIG. 2, the open / close button 531 is connected to a connecting member 532, and is biased upward by a coil spring 534 via the connecting member 532. When the user presses the open / close button 531 downward against the biasing force of the coil spring 534, the open / close valve 540 moves downward in conjunction with the pressing action. This causes the open / close valve 540 to be in an open state.

[0034] The connecting member 532 has a substantially circular ring shape in a plan view, and as described above, is connected to the open / close button 531 and is biased upward by the coil spring 534. An opening is formed in the center of the connecting member 532, and the upper end of the shaft 542 of the open / close valve 540 is fitted into this opening (see FIG. 2).

[0035] The support member 533 supports the open / close button 531 and the connecting member 532 and is mainly formed of a cylindrical portion 533a, an extension portion 533b, etc., as shown in FIG. 4. The cylindrical portion 533a has a substantially cylindrical shape, as shown in FIG. 4. The open / close button 531 and the connecting member 532 are disposed inside the cylindrical portion 533a. As shown in FIG. 4, the extension portion 533b extends forward from the front end of the cylindrical portion 533a and rearward from the rear end of the cylindrical portion 533a. The front extension portion 533b is placed on the front middle wall portion UP3 of the upper case portion UP of the flow path forming portion 560, and the rear extension portion 533b is placed on the rear middle wall portion UP3 of the upper case portion UP of the flow path forming portion 560.

[0036] As described above, the coil spring 534 is used to urge the open / close button 531 and the connecting member 532 upward. As shown in Fig. 2, one end of the coil spring 534 is attached to the bottom wall portion 522 of the bottom plate member 520, and the other end of the coil spring 534 is attached to the connecting member 532. Also, as shown in Fig. 2, the shaft portion 542 of the open / close valve 540 is inserted into the inside of the coil spring 534.

[0037] (3-4) On-off valve As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the on-off valve 540 is mainly composed of a valve main body 541, a shaft 542, and a packing 543. The valve main body 541 has a generally disk-like shape in a plan view. The shaft 542 is a rod member extending upward from the rear of the valve main body 541, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. As described above, the shaft 542 passes through the insertion opening 522e of the bottom wall 522 of the bottom plate member 520, and also passes through the inside of the cylindrical wall of the upper case UP of the flow path forming unit 560 and the inside of the cylindrical wall LP6 of the lower case LP, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. The upper end of the shaft 542 is fitted into the opening of the connecting member 532 of the on-off mechanism 530. The packing 543 has a generally annular shape and is attached to the outer periphery of the valve main body 541, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. When the on-off valve 540 is in a closed state, the packing 543 closes the second bottom wall communication port 522b, the third bottom wall communication port 522c, and the fourth bottom wall communication port 522d of the bottom wall portion 522 of the bottom plate member 520. When the on-off valve 540 is in an open state, the packing 543 opens the second bottom wall communication port 522b, the third bottom wall communication port 522c, and the fourth bottom wall communication port 522d of the bottom wall portion 522 of the bottom plate member 520.

[0038] (3-5) Locking mechanism The locking mechanism 550 is for locking the lid unit 500 to the main body unit 300 when the lid unit 500 is attached to the main body unit 300. As shown in FIG. 1 , the locking mechanism 550 is mainly composed of a pair of locking levers 551, a coil spring (not shown), etc. The pair of locking levers 551 are biased outward to the left and right by the coil spring, and the claw portions 551a of the locking levers 551 protrude from the openings 521a of the side wall portions 521 of the bottom plate member 520 as described above. When the lid unit 500 is attached to the main body unit 300, the claw portions 551a of the locking levers 551 fit into recesses formed in the liquid container 320 of the main body unit 300, and the lid unit 500 is locked to the main body unit 300. When the user wishes to remove the lid unit 500 from the main body unit 300, the user pinches the upper ends of the pair of lock levers 551 with their fingers to move the pair of lock levers 551 toward the center against the biasing force of the coil springs, releases the state in which the lid unit 500 is locked to the main body unit 300, and then pulls the lid unit 500 upward. As a result, the lid unit 500 is removed from the main body unit 300.

[0039] (3-6) Flow path forming section 2, 4, 8, and 9, the flow path forming portion 560 is mainly composed of an upper case portion UP and a lower case portion LP. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, when the upper case portion UP is attached to the lower case portion LP so as to cover the lower case portion LP from above, a flow space SP1 surrounded by the upper case portion UP and the lower case portion LP is formed. The upper case portion UP and the lower case portion LP will be described in detail below.

[0040] (3-6-1) Upper case The upper case portion UP has a roughly annular shape in a plan view, and as shown in Figures 4, 8 and 9, is mainly formed by an upper wall portion UP1, a lower wall portion UP2, a middle wall portion UP3, a side wall portion UP4, a connecting wall portion UP5, a cylindrical wall portion (not shown), and a first upper flow path forming wall portion UQ1 to a fifth upper flow path forming wall portion (not shown).

[0041] 4 and 9, the upper wall portion UP1 is located higher than the lower wall portion UP2 and the middle wall portion UP3. The upper wall portion UP1 corresponds to the front and rear portions of the upper case portion UP in a plan view.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 9, the lower wall portion UP2 is located lower than the upper wall portion UP1 and the middle wall portion UP3. The lower wall portion UP2 corresponds to the center portion of the upper case portion UP in the front-to-rear direction in a plan view. A lock lever 551 of a lock mechanism 550 is disposed above the lower wall portion UP2. As shown in FIG. 4, an opening UP2a is formed in the center portion of the lower wall portion UP2.

[0043] 4, the middle wall portion UP3 is located lower than the upper wall portion UP1 and higher than the lower wall portion UP2. In plan view, the middle wall portion UP3 is formed between the front upper wall portion UP1 and the lower wall portion UP2, and between the rear upper wall portion UP1 and the lower wall portion UP2. As described above, the extension portion 533b of the support member 533 of the opening / closing mechanism 530 is placed on the upper side of the middle wall portion UP3.

[0044] 4, 8, and 9, the side wall portion UP4 has a generally cylindrical shape and extends downward from the outer ends of the upper wall portion UP1 and the lower wall portion UP2. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, when the upper case portion UP is attached to the lower case portion LP, the side wall portion UP4 is located outside the side wall portion LP5 of the lower case portion LP.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 8, the connecting wall portion UP5 is a wall portion that extends upward from the front end of the front middle wall portion UP3 to the rear end of the front upper wall portion UP1 at the center in the left-right direction.

[0046] The cylindrical wall portion has a generally cylindrical shape and extends downward from the edge of the opening UP2a of the lower wall portion UP2. When the upper case portion UP is attached to the lower case portion LP, the lower end of the cylindrical wall portion abuts against the upper end of the cylindrical wall portion LP6 of the lower case portion LP.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first upstream flow path forming wall portion UQ1 extends downward from the right portion of the front upper wall portion UP1. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, when the upper case portion UP is attached to the lower case portion LP, the first upstream flow path forming wall portion UQ1 is located above the right inclined wall portion LP3 of the lower case portion LP, between the sixth downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ6 and the seventh downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ7 of the lower case portion LP. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, a gap is formed between the lower end of the first upstream flow path forming wall portion UQ1 and the upper surface of the inclined wall portion LP3 of the lower case portion LP. Also, the front end of the first upstream flow path forming wall portion UQ1 is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the side wall portion UP4 (i.e., no gap is formed between the front end of the first upstream flow path forming wall portion UQ1 and the inner circumferential surface of the side wall portion UP4). Furthermore, when the upper case part UP is attached to the lower case part LP, the rear end of the first upper flow path forming wall part UQ1 abuts against the front surface of the right part of the vertical wall part LP4 of the lower case part LP (i.e., no gap is formed between the rear end of the first upper flow path forming wall part UQ1 and the front surface of the right part of the vertical wall part LP4 of the lower case part LP).

[0048] As shown in Fig. 8, the second upstream flow path forming wall portion UQ2 extends downward from the center in the left-right direction of the front upper wall portion UP1. Also, as shown in Fig. 8, when the upper case portion UP is attached to the lower case portion LP, the second upstream flow path forming wall portion UQ2 is located above the high-stage wall portion LP2 of the lower case portion LP, between the seventh downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ7 and the eighth downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ8 of the lower case portion LP. At this time, as shown in Fig. 8, a gap is formed between the lower end of the second upstream flow path forming wall portion UQ2 and the upper surface of the high-stage wall portion LP2 of the lower case portion LP. The front end of the second upstream flow path forming wall portion UQ2 is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the side wall portion UP4, and the rear end of the second upstream flow path forming wall portion UQ2 is connected to the front surface of the connecting wall portion UP5.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 8, the third upstream flow path forming wall portion UQ3 extends downward from the left portion of the front upper wall portion UP1. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, when the upper case portion UP is attached to the lower case portion LP, the third upstream flow path forming wall portion UQ3 is located above the left inclined wall portion LP3 of the lower case portion LP, between the eighth downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ8 and the ninth downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ9 of the lower case portion LP. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, a gap is formed between the lower end of the third upstream flow path forming wall portion UQ3 and the upper surface of the inclined wall portion LP3 of the lower case portion LP. Also, the front end of the third upstream flow path forming wall portion UQ3 is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the side wall portion UP4. Also, when the upper case portion UP is attached to the lower case portion LP, the rear end of the third upstream flow path forming wall portion UQ3 abuts against the front surface of the left portion of the vertical wall portion LP4 of the lower case portion LP.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 9, the fourth upstream-flow-path forming wall portion UQ4 extends downward from a portion of the lower wall portion UP2 that is located between the third downstream-flow-path forming wall portion LQ3 and the fourth downstream-flow-path forming wall portion LQ4 of the lower case portion LP. The right end of the fourth upstream-flow-path forming wall portion UQ4 is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the side wall portion UP4, and a gap is formed between the left end of the fourth upstream-flow-path forming wall portion UQ4 and the cylindrical wall portion. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 9, when the upper case portion UP is attached to the lower case portion LP, the lower end of the fourth upstream-flow-path forming wall portion UQ4 abuts against the upper surface of the lower wall portion LP1 of the lower case portion LP.

[0051] The fifth upstream-flow-path forming wall portion extends downward from a portion of the lower-stage wall portion UP2 that is located between the eleventh downstream-flow-path forming wall portion LQ11 and the twelfth downstream-flow-path forming wall portion LQ12 of the lower case portion LP. The left end of the fifth upstream-flow-path forming wall portion is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the side wall portion UP4, and a gap is formed between the right end of the fifth upstream-flow-path forming wall portion and the cylindrical wall portion. When the upper case portion UP is attached to the lower case portion LP, the lower end of the fifth upstream-flow-path forming wall portion abuts against the upper surface of the lower-stage wall portion LP1 of the lower case portion LP.

[0052] (3-6-2) Lower case The lower case portion LP has an approximately annular shape when viewed in a plane, and as shown in Figures 4, 6, 8 and 9, is mainly formed of a low-step wall portion LP1, a high-step wall portion LP2, an inclined wall portion LP3, a vertical wall portion LP4, a side wall portion LP5, a cylindrical wall portion LP6, a guide wall portion LP7, and the first downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ1 to the sixteenth downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ16.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the low-step wall portion LP1 is located lower than the high-step wall portion LP2 and is positioned rearward of the high-step wall portion LP2. The low-step wall portion LP1 is designed to be thicker than the first downstream-flow-path forming wall portion LQ1 to the sixteenth downstream-flow-path forming wall portion LQ16 and the first upstream-flow-path forming wall portion UQ1 to the third upstream-flow-path forming wall portion UQ3 of the upper case portion UP (see FIG. 9). As shown in FIG. 6, a first bottom-wall communication port LP1a is formed in the rear end portion of the low-step wall portion LP1 at a location to the right of the fifteenth downstream-flow-path forming wall portion LQ15. The first bottom-wall communication port LP1a communicates with a side-wall communication port LP5a (described below) of the side wall portion LP5. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, a second bottom-wall communication port LP1b is formed in the rear end portion of the low-step wall portion LP1 at a location to the left of the fifteenth downstream-flow-path forming wall portion LQ15. The second bottom wall communication port LP1b communicates between the flow space SP1 and the flow space SP2. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, a third bottom wall communication port LP1c is formed in a portion of the lower step wall portion LP1 to the left of the opening LP1e. As described above, when the lower case portion LP is placed on the top side of the bottom wall portion 522 of the bottom plate member 520, a left communication port CP1 is formed, in which the third bottom wall communication port LP1c and the third bottom wall communication port 522c of the bottom wall portion 522 of the bottom plate member 520 communicate with each other. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, a fourth bottom wall communication port LP1d is formed in a portion of the lower step wall portion LP1 to the right of the opening LP1e. As described above, when the lower case portion LP is placed on the top side of the bottom wall portion 522 of the bottom plate member 520, a right communication port CP2 is formed, connecting the fourth bottom wall communication port LP1d and the fourth bottom wall communication port 522d of the bottom wall portion 522 of the bottom plate member 520. Also, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, an opening LP1e is formed in the center of the low step wall portion LP1. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, an inclined surface LP1f is formed in a portion of the rear portion of the low step wall portion LP1 to the right of the fifteenth downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ15 and in front of the first bottom wall communication port LP1a. The inclined surface LP1f extends so as to slope upward from the front edge of the first bottom wall communication port LP1La toward the front side. As shown in FIG. 6, an inclined surface LP1g is formed in the rear part of the low step wall portion LP1 at a location to the left of the fifteenth downstream passage forming wall portion LQ15 and in front of the second bottom wall communication port LP1b.The inclined surface LP1g extends from the front edge of the second bottom wall communication port LP1b so as to incline upward as it moves forward.

[0054] 4 and 6, the high-stage wall portion LP2 is located higher than the low-stage wall portion LP1 and is located in front of the low-stage wall portion LP1. The high-stage wall portion LP2 is designed to be thicker than the cylindrical wall portion LP6, the first downstream passage-forming wall portion LQ1 to the sixteenth downstream passage-forming wall portion LQ16, the cylindrical wall portion of the upper case portion UP, and the first upstream passage-forming wall portion UQ1 to the third upstream passage-forming wall portion UQ3 (see FIG. 8).

[0055] As shown in Figures 4, 6, 8 and 9, the inclined wall portion LP3 extends from the left end of the front part of the high-stage wall portion LP2 to the front end of the left part of the low-stage wall portion LP1, sloping downward as it moves toward the left, and also extends from the right end of the front part of the high-stage wall portion LP2 to the front end of the right part of the low-stage wall portion LP1, sloping downward as it moves toward the right.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 8 and 9, the vertical wall portion LP4 extends downward from the outer end of the high-stage wall portion LP2 (excluding the front end, left end and right end of the front part of the high-stage wall portion LP2).

[0057] As shown in Figures 4, 6, 8, and 9, the side wall portion LP5 has a generally cylindrical shape and extends upward from the rear end of the low-stage wall portion LP1 and the front end of the high-stage wall portion LP2, and also extends upward and downward from the left and right ends of the low-stage wall portion LP1 and the front end of the inclined wall portion LP3. As shown in Figure 4, a side wall communication port LP5a is formed at the lower end of the rear end of the side wall portion LP5. In the flow space SP1, a flow path FL is formed that extends from the side wall communication port LP5a to the second bottom wall communication port LP1b of the low-stage wall portion LP1 along the extension direction indicated by the thick arrows in Figures 7 to 9. As described above, the side wall communication port LP5a is in communication with the first bottom wall communication port LP1a of the low-stage wall portion LP1.

[0058] 4 and 6, the cylindrical wall portion LP6 has a substantially cylindrical shape and extends upward from the edge of the opening LP1e of the lower step wall portion LP1. As described above, when the upper case portion UP is attached to the lower case portion LP, the upper end of the cylindrical wall portion LP6 abuts against the lower end of the cylindrical wall portion of the upper case portion UP.

[0059] 6, guide wall portion LP7 is formed at the rear end portion of lower case portion LP in plan view. After passing through first bottom wall communication port 522a in bottom wall portion 522 of bottom plate member 520, guide wall portion LP7 guides the vapor in liquid container 320 to pass through first side wall communication port 521b in side wall portion 521 of bottom plate member 520. This causes the vapor to flow from inside liquid container 320 into grip portion 401a of exterior body 401 of handle unit 400.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the first downstream flow-path forming wall portion LQ1 extends upward from the right rear portion of the lower stage wall portion LP1. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, in a plan view, the first downstream flow-path forming wall portion LQ1 extends from the cylindrical wall portion LP6 so as to slope rearward toward the right side, then extends to the right, and then extends to the side wall portion LP5 so as to slope rearward toward the right side. When the upper case portion UP is attached to the lower case portion LP, the upper end of the left end portion (front end portion) of the first downstream flow-path forming wall portion LQ1 abuts against the lower surface of the lower stage wall portion UP2 of the upper case portion UP. However, because a portion on the right side (rear side) of the left end portion (front end portion) of the first downstream flow-path forming wall portion LQ1 is located behind the lower stage wall portion UP2 of the upper case portion UP in a planar perspective view, a gap is formed between the upper end of that portion of the first downstream flow-path forming wall portion LQ1 and the lower surface of the lower stage wall portion UP2 of the upper case portion UP.

[0061] 6 and 9, the second downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ2 extends upward from a portion of the lower-stage wall portion LP1 that is in front of the first downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ1. In addition, in a plan view as shown in Fig. 6, the second downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ2 extends so as to slope forward from the left to the right, and then extends so as to slope backward as it moves toward the right. When the upper case portion UP is attached to the lower case portion LP, the upper end of the second downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ2 abuts against the lower surface of the lower-stage wall portion UP2 of the upper case portion UP.

[0062] 6 and 9, the third downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ3 extends upward from a portion of the lower-stage wall portion LP1 that is in front of the second downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ2. In addition, the third downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ3 extends so as to incline rearward as it moves rightward from the cylindrical wall portion LP6 in a plan view as shown in Fig. 6. When the upper case portion UP is attached to the lower case portion LP, the upper end of the third downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ3 abuts against the lower surface of the lower-stage wall portion UP2 of the upper case portion UP.

[0063] 6 and 9, the fourth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ4 extends upward from a portion of the lower-stage wall portion LP1 that is in front of the third downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ3. In addition, the fourth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ4 extends so as to incline rearward as it moves rightward from the cylindrical wall portion LP6 in a plan view as shown in Fig. 6. When the upper case portion UP is attached to the lower case portion LP, the upper end of the fourth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ4 abuts against the lower surface of the lower-stage wall portion UP2 of the upper case portion UP.

[0064] 6 and 9, the fifth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ5 extends upward from a portion of the lower-stage wall portion LP1 that is in front of the fourth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ4. The fifth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ5 extends so as to incline rearward from left to right in plan view as shown in Fig. 6. When the upper case portion UP is attached to the lower case portion LP, the upper end of the fifth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ5 abuts against the lower surface of the lower-stage wall portion UP2 of the upper case portion UP.

[0065] As shown in FIGS. 6, 8, and 9, the sixth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ6 extends upward from the boundary between the low-step wall portion LP1 and the right-side inclined wall portion LP3 on the front side of the fifth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ5. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the sixth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ6 extends so as to slope forward from the right end of the vertical wall portion LP4 toward the right side in a plan view. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, when the upper case portion UP is attached to the lower case portion LP, a gap is formed between the upper end of the sixth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ6 and the lower surface of the front upper-step wall portion UP1 of the upper case portion UP. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the right end of the sixth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ6 is cut out from its top to its bottom, thereby forming a gap LQ6a between the right end of the sixth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ6 and the side wall portion LP5. When liquid (for example, condensed liquid) on the high-stage wall portion LP2 and the right-side inclined wall portion LP3 flows toward the sixth downstream passage forming wall portion LQ6, it can pass through this gap LQ6a.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the seventh downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ7 extends upward from the boundary between the high-stage wall portion LP2 and the right-side inclined wall portion LP3 on the left side of the sixth downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ6. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the seventh downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ7 extends rearward from the right side of the front end portion of the side wall portion LP5 in a plan view. As shown in FIG. 8, when the upper case portion UP is attached to the lower case portion LP, a gap is formed between the upper end of the seventh downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ7 and the lower surface of the front upper-stage wall portion UP1 of the upper case portion UP. Furthermore, at this time, the rear end of the seventh downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ7 abuts against the front surface of the connecting wall portion UP5 of the upper case portion UP.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the eighth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ8 extends upward from the boundary between the high-stage wall portion LP2 and the left-side inclined wall portion LP3 on the left side of the seventh downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ7. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the eighth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ8 extends rearward from the left side of the front end of the side wall portion LP5 in a plan view. As shown in FIG. 8, when the upper case portion UP is attached to the lower case portion LP, a gap is formed between the upper end of the eighth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ8 and the lower surface of the front upper-stage wall portion UP1 of the upper case portion UP. Furthermore, at this time, the rear end of the eighth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ8 abuts against the front surface of the connecting wall portion UP5 of the upper case portion UP.

[0068] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 , the ninth downstream flow-path forming wall portion LQ9 extends upward from the boundary between the low-step wall portion LP1 and the left-side inclined wall portion LP3 on the left side of the eighth downstream flow-path forming wall portion LQ8. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6 , the ninth downstream flow-path forming wall portion LQ9 extends so as to slope forward as it moves leftward from the left end of the vertical wall portion LP4 in a plan view. As shown in FIG. 8 , when the upper case portion UP is attached to the lower case portion LP, a gap is formed between the upper end of the ninth downstream flow-path forming wall portion LQ9 and the lower surface of the front upper-step wall portion UP1 of the upper case portion UP. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6 , the left end of the ninth downstream flow-path forming wall portion LQ9 is cut out from its top to its bottom, thereby forming a gap LQ9a between the left end of the ninth downstream flow-path forming wall portion LQ9 and the side wall portion LP5. When liquid (for example, condensed liquid) on the high-stage wall portion LP2 and the left-side inclined wall portion LP3 flows toward the ninth downstream passage forming wall portion LQ9, it can pass through this gap LQ9a.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 6, the tenth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ10 extends upward from a portion of the low-stage wall portion LP1 that is rearward of the ninth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ9. Moreover, as shown in Fig. 6, the tenth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ10 extends so as to incline rearward from the right side to the left side in plan view. Note that when the upper case portion UP is attached to the lower case portion LP, the upper end of the tenth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ10 abuts against the lower surface of the lower-stage wall portion UP2 of the upper case portion UP.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 6, the eleventh downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ11 extends upward from a portion of the low-stage wall portion LP1 that is rearward of the tenth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ10. In addition, the eleventh downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ11 extends so as to incline rearward as it moves leftward from the cylindrical wall portion LP6 in a plan view as shown in Fig. 6. When the upper case portion UP is attached to the lower case portion LP, the upper end of the eleventh downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ11 abuts against the lower surface of the lower-stage wall portion UP2 of the upper case portion UP.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 6, the twelfth downstream-flow-path forming wall portion LQ12 extends upward from a rear portion of the eleventh downstream-flow-path forming wall portion LQ11 in the lower-stage wall portion LP1. Moreover, as shown in Fig. 6, the twelfth downstream-flow-path forming wall portion LQ12 extends so as to incline rearward as it moves leftward from the cylindrical wall portion LP6 in plan view. Note that when the upper case portion UP is attached to the lower case portion LP, the upper end of the twelfth downstream-flow-path forming wall portion LQ12 abuts against the lower surface of the lower-stage wall portion UP2 of the upper case portion UP.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 6, the thirteenth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ13 extends upward from a portion of the low-stage wall portion LP1 that is rearward of the twelfth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ12. In addition, as shown in Fig. 6, the thirteenth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ13 extends so as to slope forward from the right to the left, and then extends so as to slope rearward as it moves toward the left side. When the upper case portion UP is attached to the lower case portion LP, the upper end of the thirteenth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ13 abuts against the lower surface of the lower-stage wall portion UP2 of the upper case portion UP.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 6, the fourteenth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ14 extends upward from a portion of the low-stage wall portion LP1 that is rearward of the thirteenth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ13. In addition, as shown in Fig. 6, in a plan view, the fourteenth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ14 extends from the cylindrical wall portion LP6 so as to slope rearward as it moves leftward, and then extends to the left, again extending to the side wall portion LP5 so as to slope rearward as it moves leftward. Note that when the upper case portion UP is attached to the lower case portion LP, the upper end of the right end portion (front end portion) of the fourteenth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ14 abuts against the lower surface of the lower-stage wall portion UP2 of the upper case portion UP. However, since the left side (rear side) of the right end (front end) of the 14th downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ14 is located behind the lower wall portion UP2 of the upper case portion UP in a plan view perspective, a gap is formed between the upper end of the same portion of the 14th downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ14 and the underside of the lower wall portion UP2 of the upper case portion UP.

[0074] 4 and 6, the fifteenth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ15 extends upward from the left-right central portion of the lower-stage wall portion LP1 on the rear side of the cylindrical wall portion LP6 and from the upper end of the guide wall portion LP7, and also extends from the rear end of the cylindrical wall portion LP6 to the rear end of the side wall portion LP5. When the upper case portion UP is attached to the lower case portion LP, the upper end of the fifteenth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ15 abuts against the lower surface of the rear upper-stage wall portion UP1, the lower surface of the lower-stage wall portion UP2, and the lower surface of the rear middle-stage wall portion UP3 of the upper case portion UP. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the flow path FL extends from the rear end of the flow path forming portion 560 to pass through the front end of the flow path forming portion 560, and steam that flows into the flow space SP1 through the side wall communication port LP5a of the side wall portion LP5 is prevented from overflowing the fifteenth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ15.

[0075] 6, the sixteenth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ16 extends upward from a portion of the lower-stage wall portion LP1 between the front end of the cylindrical wall portion LP6 and the rear end of the vertical wall portion LP4. When the upper case portion UP is attached to the lower case portion LP, the upper end of the sixteenth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ16 abuts against the lower surface of the lower-stage wall portion UP2 of the upper case portion UP. This prevents steam that flows between the fourth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ4 and the fifth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ5 from climbing over the sixteenth downstream-flow-path-forming wall portion LQ16.

[0076] 7 to 9, in the front portion of the flow space SP1, the sixth downstream-flow-path forming wall portion LQ6, the first upstream-flow-path forming wall portion UQ1, the seventh downstream-flow-path forming wall portion LQ7, the second upstream-flow-path forming wall portion UQ2, the eighth downstream-flow-path forming wall portion LQ8, the third upstream-flow-path forming wall portion UQ3, and the ninth downstream-flow-path forming wall portion LQ9 are arranged side by side, in this order from the right. As a result, the flow path FL includes a first upward partial flow path UFL1, a first downward partial flow path LFL1, a second upward partial flow path UFL2, a second downward partial flow path LFL2, a third upward partial flow path UFL3, a third downward partial flow path LFL3, a fourth upward partial flow path UFL4, and a fourth downward partial flow path (not shown), as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9. The first upward partial flow path UFL1 extends from the bottom to the top behind the sixth downstream-flow-path forming wall portion LQ6. The first downward partial flow path LFL1 extends from the upper side to the lower side between the sixth downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ6 and the first upstream flow path forming wall portion UQ1. The second upward partial flow path UFL2 extends from the lower side to the upper side between the first upstream flow path forming wall portion UQ1 and the seventh downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ7. The second downward partial flow path LFL2 extends from the upper side to the lower side between the seventh downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ7 and the second upstream flow path forming wall portion UQ2. The third upward partial flow path UFL3 extends from the lower side to the upper side between the second upstream flow path forming wall portion UQ2 and the eighth downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ8. The third downward partial flow path LFL3 extends from the upper side to the lower side between the eighth downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ8 and the third upstream flow path forming wall portion UQ3. The fourth upward partial flow path UFL4 extends from the bottom to the top between the third upstream-flow-path forming wall portion UQ3 and the ninth downstream-flow-path forming wall portion LQ9. The fourth downward partial flow path extends from the top to the bottom behind the ninth downstream-flow-path forming wall portion LQ9. In this way, in the front part of the flow space SP1, the upward partial flow paths and the downward partial flow paths are alternately arranged along the extension direction of the flow path FL in plan view (see the thick arrow in FIG. 7).

[0077] (3-7) Sealing material 2 and 4, the sealing member 570 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the side wall portion 521 of the bottom plate member 520. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the sealing member 570 serves to seal between the main body unit 300 and the lid unit 500 when the lid unit 500 is attached to the main body unit 300.

[0078] 2.Power supply stand Power supply base 600 serves as a power supply unit that supplies electricity to kettle body 200, and also serves as a base for kettle body 200. As shown in Figure 2, power supply base 600 is mainly composed of a power cord 601, a power plug (not shown), and a connection terminal 602. These components will be described in detail below.

[0079] (1) Power cord The power cord 601 is connected to a connection terminal 602. A power plug is attached to the end of the power cord 601.

[0080] (2) Power plug As described above, the power plug is attached to the end of the power cord 601 and is connected to an external power source.

[0081] (3) Connection terminal As shown in FIG. 2, the connection terminal 602 is connected to the power supply terminal 342 of the heater unit 340 when the kettle body 200 is placed on the power supply base 600.

[0082] <Regarding the flow of fluid in the electric kettle according to the embodiment of the present invention> First, the flow of vapor generated from the liquid in liquid container 320 will be described. Vapor flows into grip portion 401a of exterior body 401 of handle unit 400 through first bottom wall communication port 522a in bottom wall portion 522 of bottom plate member 520 and first side wall communication port 521b in side wall portion 521. The vapor then flows into flow space SP1 through second side wall communication port 521c in side wall portion 521 of bottom plate member 520 and side wall communication port LP5a in side wall portion LP5 of lower case portion LP of flow path forming portion 560. The vapor then flows through flow path FL in flow space SP1. Note that if on-off valve 540 is opened while vapor is flowing through flow path FL, at least a portion of the vapor flows into liquid container 320 through left communication port CP1 or right communication port CP2. When the steam flowing through the flow path FL reaches the second bottom wall communication port LP1b in the lower stage wall portion LP1 of the lower case portion LP of the flow path forming portion 560, the steam flows into the flow space SP2 through the second bottom wall communication port LP1b. When the on-off valve 540 is opened, the steam that has flowed into the flow space SP2 flows into the liquid container 320 through the second bottom wall communication port 522b in the bottom wall portion 522 of the bottom plate member 520.

[0083] Next, the flow of liquid present in the flow spaces SP1 and SP2 will be described. Liquid may be present in the flow space SP1, for example, when steam flowing into the flow space SP1 condenses, or when the electric kettle 100 is tilted and liquid in the liquid container 320 flows into the flow space SP1 through the grip portion 401a of the exterior body 401 of the handle unit 400. Liquid may also be present in the flow space SP2 when steam flowing into the flow space SP2 condenses, or when liquid present in the flow space SP1 flows into the flow space SP2 through the second bottom wall communication port LP1b in the lower step wall portion LP1 of the lower case portion LP of the flow path forming portion 560. When the on-off valve 540 is opened, the liquid present in the flow space SP1 flows into the liquid container 320 through the left communication port CP1 or the right communication port CP2. Alternatively, when the electric kettle 100 is tilted rearward, the liquid present in the flow space SP1 flows into the grip portion 401a of the exterior body 401 of the handle unit 400 through the side wall communication port LP5a in the side wall portion LP5 of the lower case portion LP of the flow path forming portion 560 and the second side wall communication port 521c in the side wall portion 521 of the bottom plate member 520. The liquid then flows into the liquid container 320 through the first side wall communication port 521b in the side wall portion 521 of the bottom plate member 520 and the first bottom wall communication port 522a in the bottom wall portion 522. When the on-off valve 540 is opened, the liquid present in the flow space SP2 flows into the liquid container 320 through the second bottom wall communication port 522b in the bottom wall portion 522 of the bottom plate member 520.

[0084] <Features of the electric kettle according to the embodiment of the present invention> (1) In the electric kettle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the flow path FL includes four upward partial flow paths extending from bottom to top and four downward partial flow paths extending from top to bottom. In the front portion of the flow space SP1, the upward partial flow paths and the downward partial flow paths are alternately arranged along the extension direction of the flow path FL in a plan view. Therefore, in the electric kettle 100, when steam flows into the flow path FL from inside the liquid container 320, the steam is prevented from concentrating toward the upper portion of the flow path FL. Therefore, in the electric kettle 100, the flow path FL can be utilized as efficiently as possible for condensing the steam compared to conventional liquid heaters such as electric kettles. Therefore, in the electric kettle 100, the amount of steam flowing out of the second bottom wall communication port LP1b can be minimized compared to conventional liquid heaters.

[0085] (2) In the electric kettle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the flow path FL extends from the rear end of the flow path forming portion 560 to pass through the front end of the flow path forming portion 560. Therefore, in this electric kettle 100, even if the flow space SP1 is relatively small, the flow path FL can be made as long as possible. Therefore, in this electric kettle 100, the steam can be condensed as much as possible before it flows out from the second bottom wall communication port LP1b.

[0086] (3) In the electric kettle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a gap LQ6a is formed between the right end of the sixth downstream-path-forming wall portion LQ6 of the lower case portion LP of the flow path forming portion 560 and the side wall portion LP5. Furthermore, a gap LQ9a is formed between the left end of the ninth downstream-path-forming wall portion LQ9 of the lower case portion LP of the flow path forming portion 560 and the side wall portion LP5. Therefore, in this electric kettle 100, when liquid in the flow path FL is allowed to flow into the liquid container 320 through the left communication port CP1 or the right communication port CP2, the risk of the liquid being blocked by the sixth downstream-path-forming wall portion LQ6 and the ninth downstream-path-forming wall portion LQ9 of the lower case portion LP of the flow path forming portion 560 can be minimized. Furthermore, when the liquid in the flow path FL is allowed to flow into the interior of the liquid container 320 through the side wall communication port LP5a in the side wall portion LP5 of the lower case portion LP of the flow path forming portion 560, the risk of the liquid being blocked by the sixth downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ6 and the ninth downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ9 of the lower case portion LP of the flow path forming portion 560 can be minimized.

[0087] (4) In the electric kettle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the low-stage wall portion LP1 and the high-stage wall portion LP2 of the lower case portion LP of the flow path forming portion 560 are designed to be thicker than the cylindrical wall portion LP6, the first downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ1 to the sixteenth downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ16, and the cylindrical wall portion of the upper case portion UP and the first upstream flow path forming wall portion UQ1 to the third upstream flow path forming wall portion UQ3. This makes it possible to minimize the transfer of heat from the liquid inside the heated liquid container 320 to the steam in the flow path FL. This minimizes the risk of steam condensation being hindered in the electric kettle 100.

[0088] <Modification> (A) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the flow path FL includes four upward partial flow paths extending from bottom to top and four downward partial flow paths extending from top to bottom. However, the flow path FL may include two upward partial flow paths and two downward partial flow paths, three upward partial flow paths and three downward partial flow paths, or five or more upward partial flow paths and five or more downward partial flow paths.

[0089] (B) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the upward and downward partial channels of the channel FL are formed in the front part of the flow space SP1. However, the upward and downward partial channels may be formed in parts other than the front part of the flow space SP1, or may be formed throughout the entire flow space SP1.

[0090] (C) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the flow path forming portion 560 is completed by attaching the upper case portion UP to the lower case portion LP. However, the upper case portion UP may be integrally molded with the lower case portion LP.

[0091] (D) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the right end of the sixth downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ6 of the lower case portion LP of the flow path forming portion 560 is cut out from the top to the bottom, thereby forming a gap LQ6a between the right end of the sixth downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ6 and the side wall portion LP5. However, the right end of the sixth downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ6 may not be cut out from the top to the bottom (so that the gap LQ6a is not formed between the right end of the sixth downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ6 and the side wall portion LP5), and a liquid circulation port may be formed in part of the lower end of the sixth downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ6.

[0092] Furthermore, in the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the left end of the ninth downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ9 of the lower case portion LP of the flow path forming portion 560 is cut out from the top to the bottom, thereby forming a gap LQ9a between the left end of the ninth downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ9 and the side wall portion LP5. However, the left end of the ninth downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ9 may not be cut out from the top to the bottom (so that the gap LQ9a is not formed between the left end of the ninth downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ9 and the side wall portion LP5), and a liquid circulation port may be formed in part of the lower end of the ninth downstream flow path forming wall portion LQ9.

[0093] (E) In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the electric kettle 100, but the present invention may also be applied to other liquid heaters such as electric pots.

[0094] The above modifications may be applied alone or in combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 100 Electric kettle (liquid heater) 320 Liquid containers (containers) 560 Flow path forming section FL flow path LFL1 First downward partial channel (first partial channel) LFL2 Second downward partial channel (first partial channel) LFL3 Third downward partial channel (first partial channel) LP1 Low wall section (lower wall section) LP1b 2nd bottom wall communication port (outlet) LP2 High-level wall (lower wall) LP5a Side wall communication port (inflow port) LQ6 6th downstream channel forming wall section (extending wall section, 1st extending wall section) LQ6a Gap (opening) LQ7 7th downstream channel forming wall part (1st extension wall part) LQ8 8th downstream channel forming wall part (1st extension wall part) LQ9 9th downstream channel forming wall section (extended wall section, 1st extended wall section) LQ9a Gap (Opening) UFL1 First upward partial channel (second partial channel) UFL2 Second upward partial channel (second partial channel) UFL3 Third upward partial channel (second partial channel) UFL4 Third upward partial channel (second partial channel) UQ1 First upstream passage forming wall (second extension wall) UQ2 2nd upstream channel forming wall part (2nd extended wall part) UQ3 3rd upstream channel forming wall part (2nd extended wall part)

Claims

1. A container and an inlet communicating with the interior of the vessel; an outlet communicating with the outside of the container; a flow path extending from the inlet to the outlet; the flow path includes a plurality of first partial flow paths extending from the upper side to the lower side and a plurality of second partial flow paths extending from the lower side to the upper side, The first partial flow paths and the second partial flow paths are alternately arranged along the extension direction of the flow path in a plan view. liquid heater.

2. a flow path forming portion that forms the inlet, the outlet, and the flow path, the inlet and the outlet are formed at a first end of the flow path forming portion in a plan view, The flow path passes through an end portion of the flow path forming portion on the opposite side to the first side in a plan view. The liquid heater of claim 1 .

3. an extension wall portion extending from a lower side to an upper side and forming the first partial flow path and the second partial flow path; An opening is formed at the lower end of the extending wall portion. The liquid heater of claim 1 .

4. a lower wall portion disposed above the container; a first extending wall portion extending upward from the lower wall portion and forming the first partial flow path and the second partial flow path; a second extending wall portion extending from the upper side toward the lower wall portion and forming the first partial flow path and the second partial flow path, The thickness of the lower wall portion is greater than the thicknesses of the first extending wall portion and the second extending wall portion. The liquid heater of claim 1 .

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