Container body
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2021096998
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2021-06-10
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-06
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-06-10
Smart Images

Figure 0007640849000001 
Figure 0007640849000002 
Figure 0007640849000003
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a container body, and more particularly to a container body including a container body and a lid body. [Background technology]
[0002] In the past, there has been a proposal for an electric kettle equipped with a lid having a detachable mechanism in which a pair of left and right engaging members are provided in the lid, each having an outward operating piece that is exposed to the lid and on which the thumb and the opposing index finger or ring finger can be individually hooked, and a spring is applied between the engaging members so that the engaging pieces of each engaging member always protrude from windows provided at two left and right locations on the diameter line of the peripheral wall of the lid (see, for example, JP 2009-172109 A). Note that in this electric kettle, a locking recess is formed in the lid that engages with the engaging pieces that protrude at two left and right locations on the diameter line of the peripheral surface of a recess formed by a shoulder of the lid, facing the detachable mechanism. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-172109 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] In the electric kettle described above, when the engaging piece of the detachable mechanism is engaged with the engaging recess of the container, the flat lower surface of the engaging recess of the container faces the flat upper surface of the engaging piece of the detachable mechanism, and the engaging piece of the detachable mechanism is biased by a spring to the opposite side of the lid body's cylindrical shaft side. In such a case, the pressure between the flat lower surface of the engaging recess of the container and the flat upper surface of the engaging piece of the detachable mechanism becomes insufficient, and the lid body may become unstable in the vertical direction.
[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a container body that can increase the pressure contact force between the locking member and the locked portion when the locking member of the locking mechanism is locked to the locked portion of the main body, thereby stabilizing the lid body as much as possible in the vertical direction. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] The container body according to the present invention is A pair of left and right A main body having a locked portion; Capable of being locked to the locked portion A pair of left and right A cover body that is detachably attached to the main body via a locking mechanism having a locking member; a pair of left and right connecting members connectable to the locking member; Equipped with The locking mechanism rotates the locking member about a rotation axis to lock it to the locked portion.
[0007] According to the above configuration, when the locking member is locked to the locked portion, the locking member can apply a force in the direction of locking to the locked portion. Therefore, in this container body, when the locking member is locked to the locked portion, the pressure contact force between the locking member and the locked portion can be increased and the lid body can be stabilized as much as possible in the vertical direction compared to when the locking member is biased to the opposite side of the axial side of the lid body. In addition, this makes it possible to prevent the sealing property of the seal member from being impaired, even if the container body is provided with a seal member that keeps the main body and the lid body tight when the lid body is attached to the main body.
[0008] In the present invention 、 before It is preferable that the connecting member renders the locking member non-rotatable when the locking member is locked to the locked portion.
[0009] According to the above configuration, when the locking member is locked to the locked portion, it is possible to prevent the locking member from unexpectedly rotating and releasing the locked state.
[0010] In the present invention, The locking member has a first fitting portion formed thereon, The connecting member is formed with a second fitting portion that can be fitted into the first fitting portion, It is preferable that the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are fitted together when the locking member is locked to the locked portion.
[0011] According to the above configuration, when the locking member is locked to the locked portion, it is possible to further prevent the locking member from unexpectedly rotating and releasing the locked state.
[0012] In the present invention, The connecting member is movable in a vertical direction, and when connecting with the locking member, the connecting member moves down toward the locking member, It is preferable that, when the locking member is locked to the locked portion, the locking member abuts against a lower side of the locked portion.
[0013] According to the above-mentioned configuration, when the locking member is locked to the locked portion, the locking member can be released from its immovable state by raising the connecting member. Therefore, in this container body, when the locking member is locked to the locked portion and an operating part that can move up and down relative to the connecting member is provided, the lid can be detached from the main body by simply moving the operating part upward.
[0014] In the present invention, The locking mechanism further includes a biasing member. It is preferable that the biasing member biases the locking member in a direction in which the locking member is locked to the locked portion.
[0015] According to the above-mentioned configuration, when the locking member is locked to the locked portion, it is possible to prevent the locking member from accidentally rotating and releasing the locked state. When the container body includes the locking member and the above-mentioned connecting member, it is possible to adjust the force required by the user to release the locking member from the locked portion and to adjust the sealing property of the seal member depending on the design of the locking member or the connecting member.
[0016] In the present invention, A moving body connected to the pair of left and right connecting members is further provided, The connecting member is preferably interlocked with the moving body.
[0017] In the present invention, the connecting member also moves downward in accordance with the downward movement of the movable body, and the connecting member is connected to the locking member to prevent the locking member from rotating; It is preferable that as the movable body moves upward, the connecting member also moves upward, the connection between the connecting member and the locking member is released and the locking member is released from its non-rotatable state, so that the state in which the locking member is locked to the locked portion can be released. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an electric kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a plan view of an electric kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this drawing, some members such as a moving ball mounting member are shown by hidden lines. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 2. In this figure, the lid unit is shown enlarged, and the lid unit is shown locked to the main unit. [Diagram 5] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Fig. 2. In this figure, the lid unit is shown enlarged, and the lid unit is shown locked to the main unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a moving ball mounting member of the electric kettle according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lever stopper of the electric kettle according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is a front view of a lever stopper of the electric kettle according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a locking lever of the electric kettle according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of the lid unit according to the embodiment of the present invention taken along the plane BB shown in Fig. 2. Note that this figure shows a state in which an operation is being performed to release the state in which the lid unit is locked to the main body unit. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view of the lid unit according to the embodiment of the present invention when cut along the CC plane shown in Fig. 2. Note that this figure shows a state in which an operation is being performed to release the state in which the lid unit is locked to the main body unit. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view of the lid unit according to the embodiment of the present invention, taken along the plane BB shown in Fig. 2. Note that this figure shows a state in which the lower surface of the claw of the locking lever abuts against the inclined portion of the discharge port forming portion, causing the lever stopper, the locking lever, and the bearing portion to slide inward. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view of the lid unit according to the embodiment of the present invention, taken along the CC plane shown in Fig. 2. Note that this figure shows a state in which the lower surface of the claw of the locking lever abuts against the inclined portion of the discharge port forming portion, causing the lever stopper, the locking lever, and the bearing portion to slide inward. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view of the lid unit according to the embodiment of the present invention taken along the plane BB shown in Fig. 2. Note that this figure shows a state in which an operation is being performed to release the state in which the lid unit is locked to the main unit when the main unit is tilted. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view of the lid unit according to the embodiment of the present invention when cut along the CC plane shown in Fig. 2. Note that this figure shows a state in which an operation is being performed to release the state in which the lid unit is locked to the main unit when the main unit is tilted. [Figure 16]2 is a perspective view of a bearing portion and a torsion spring of the electric kettle according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a bearing portion of the electric kettle according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lock lever and a bearing part of an electric kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that this figure shows a state in which the bearing part is disposed in a space formed in the center of the base part of the lock lever in the front-rear direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] <Configuration of the electric kettle according to the embodiment of the present invention> As shown in Figures 1 and 3, 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.
[0020] 1. Kettle body The kettle body 200 is detachably placed on the power base 600. When a user of the electric kettle 100 wants to boil water, he places the kettle body 200 on the power base 600, and can remove the kettle body 200 from the power base 600 to pour the hot water into a container such as a cup or teacup. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, 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. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a spout (discharge port) 301 for liquids such as hot water is formed in the upper front part of the kettle body 200.
[0021] (1) Main unit 1 to 3, main body unit 300 is mainly composed of a sidewall member 310, a liquid container 320, a bottom member 330, a heater unit 340, and a discharge port forming portion 350. Each of these components will be described in detail below.
[0022] (1-1) Side wall member The sidewall member 310 is a member formed of a metal such as resin or stainless steel, and has a substantially cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, forming the outer peripheral surface of the main unit 300. As shown in FIG. 3, the sidewall member 310 houses the liquid container 320 and the discharge port forming portion 350. As shown in FIG. 3, the sidewall member 310 houses the heater unit 340 together with the bottom member 330. The upper end of the sidewall member 310 supports the upper end of the discharge port forming portion 350 as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 to FIG. 5. A notch is formed in the upper end of the rear part of the sidewall member 310, and the main body connecting portion 402 of the handle unit 400 is fitted into the notch as shown in FIG. 3. A front protrusion 311 inclined toward the front side is formed in the upper part of the front part of the sidewall member 310.
[0023] (1-2)Liquid container The liquid container 320 is a member capable of storing liquid therein, and is housed inside the sidewall member 310 as described above. As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid container 320 is formed of an inner wall member 321 and a heater plate 322. The inner wall member 321 is a member formed of a resin or a metal such as stainless steel, and has a substantially cylindrical shape, and constitutes the sidewall of the liquid container 320 as shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the lower end of the discharge port forming portion 350 is attached to the upper end of the inner wall member 321. The inner peripheral surface of the inner wall member 321 may be coated with a corrosion-resistant resin (not shown) such as fluororesin. The heater plate 322 is a metal plate material, and covers the lower opening of the inner wall member 321 so as to close it as shown in FIG. 3. That is, the heater plate 322 constitutes the bottom of the liquid container 320. A print heater 341, which is one component of a heater unit 340, is disposed on the lower surface of the heater plate 322.
[0024] (1-3) Bottom member 1 and 3, bottom member 330 constitutes the bottom of main unit 300, is attached to the lower side of sidewall member 310, and covers liquid container 320, heater unit 340, etc. from below. Note that bottom member 330 has an opening formed therein to expose the lower end of power supply terminal 342.
[0025] (1-4) Heater unit 3, heater unit 340 is attached to heater plate 322 and mainly comprises print heater 341 and power supply terminal 342. Print heater 341 serves to heat the liquid in liquid container 320. When power supply terminal 342 is electrically connected to connection terminal 602 provided on power supply base 600, power is supplied from connection terminal 602 to print heater 341. Note that a heater unit of a conventionally known electric kettle can be used as this heater unit 340.
[0026] (1-5) Discharge port forming part The outlet forming part 350 is a member having a substantially cylindrical shape, and is attached to the main body unit 300 as shown in Figs. 1 to 3. As described above, the upper end of the outlet forming part 350 is supported by the upper end of the side wall member 310, and the lower end of the outlet forming part 350 is attached to the upper end of the inner wall member 321 of the liquid container 320. Also, as shown in Figs. 1 to 3, a front protrusion 351 that inclines upward toward the front side is formed at the upper part of the front part of the outlet forming part 350. The front protrusion 351 is supported by the front protrusion 311 of the side wall member 310 as shown in Figs. 1 and 3. In this way, in the electric kettle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the spout 301 is formed by a part of the outlet forming part 350 (i.e., the front protrusion 351). Also, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, a claw receiving part 352 that is recessed outward is formed at the middle part between the left and right parts of the outlet forming part 350. The claw portion RL2 of the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM of the lid unit 500 is locked in this claw receiving portion 352 (see Figures 4 and 5). Also, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, an inclined portion 353 that slopes outward is formed on the upper side of the claw receiving portion 352. The inclined portion 353 comes into contact with the claw portion RL2 of the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM of the lid unit 500 when the lid unit 500 is attached to the main body unit 300 or when the lid unit 500 is removed from the main body unit 300.
[0027] (2) Handle unit 1 to 3, the handle unit 400 is mainly composed of a gripping portion 401, a main body connecting portion 402, and a dial mechanism 403. Each of these components will be described in detail below.
[0028] (2-1) Gripping part Grip part 401 is a member formed of resin or the like, and serves as a handle when a user carries kettle body 200. Grip part 401 extends downward from the rear part of body connecting part 402, as shown in Figures 1 to 3.
[0029] (2-2) Body connection part The main body connecting portion 402 is for connecting the handle unit 400 to the main body unit 300. The main body connecting portion 402 is fitted into the notch at the upper end of the rear portion of the side wall member 310, as described above.
[0030] (2-3) Dial mechanism Dial mechanism 403 is for adjusting the temperature of print heater 341 of heater unit 340 (i.e., the temperature of the liquid in liquid container 320), and is connected to heater unit 340. Dial mechanism 403 is disposed at the rear of main body connection section 402, as shown in FIGS.
[0031] (3) Lid unit As shown in Figs. 1 to 5, the lid unit 500 is a detachable, generally cylindrical lid that covers the upper part of the main unit 300. A user can remove the lid unit 500 from the main unit 300 by operating a lock mechanism 550 (described later) via an operating lever 560 provided on the lid unit 500. This allows the user to pour liquid into the liquid container 320 after removing the lid unit 500 from the main unit 300. When heating the liquid in the liquid container 320, the user attaches the lid unit 500 to the main unit 300 to make the inside of the liquid container 320 a closed space. As shown in Figs. 1 to 5, the lid unit 500 is mainly composed of a bottom plate member 520, an opening / closing button 530, an opening / closing valve 540, a lock mechanism 550, a lock mechanism LM, an operating lever 560, an unlocking prevention structure RP, and a seal member 590. Each of these components will be described in detail below.
[0032] (3-1) Bottom plate member As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, bottom plate member 520 mainly constitutes the lower portion of lid unit 500, and is formed by side wall portion 521 and bottom wall portion 522. Side wall portion 521 has a substantially cylindrical shape. As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, top surface member 510 (described later) is placed on the upper side of side wall portion 521. As a result, a steam flow space SP1 surrounded by top surface member 510 and bottom plate member 520 is formed (see Fig. 3). Steam flow space SP1 plays a role in forming a flow path for steam generated in liquid container 320. As shown in Fig. 3, flow path forming portion 523 is formed in the front portion of side wall portion 521. Flow path forming portion 523 is a portion that opens toward spout 301 of kettle body 200. Flow path forming portion 523 forms a discharge path DP that guides liquid in liquid container 320 to spout 301. As shown in FIG. 4, openings 521a are formed on the lower left and right sides of side wall 521, and claw RL2 of lock lever RL of lock mechanism LM can protrude from opening 521a. Bottom wall 522 has a substantially circular ring shape in plan view, and forms a step structure in vertical cross section as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, on-off valve 540 is disposed on the lower side of bottom wall 522. Here, bottom wall 522 abuts against packing 543 of on-off valve 540 when on-off valve 540 is in a closed state as shown in FIG. And bottom wall 522 does not abut against packing 543 of on-off valve 540 when on-off valve 540 is in an open state. This allows liquid in liquid container 320 to be guided to discharge path DP when on-off valve 540 is in an open state. 3 and 4, a central opening is formed in the center of bottom wall portion 522, and shaft portion 542 of on-off valve 540 is fitted into this central opening. Also, as shown in Fig. 3, rear communication hole 522a is formed in the rear portion of bottom wall portion 522 (i.e., rear of the central opening). Rear communication hole 522a abuts against packing 543 of on-off valve 540 and is closed when on-off valve 540 is in a closed state, and is open when on-off valve 540 is in an open state, communicating between the internal space of liquid container 320 and vapor flow space SP1.3, a front communication hole 522b is formed in the front part (i.e., in front of the central opening and behind the flow path forming part 523) of the bottom wall part 522. As shown in FIG. 3, the front communication hole 522b communicates the steam flow space SP1 with the discharge path DP.
[0033] (3-2) Open / Close Button As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the opening / closing button 530 is fitted into the opening of the upper surface member 510 and is connected to the tip of the shaft portion 542 of the opening / closing valve 540. As shown in Figs. 2 to 5, a cylindrical wall portion BP2 of the movable ball mounting member BP of the locking mechanism 550 is disposed on the outside of the opening / closing button 530. The opening / closing button 530 is biased upward by a coil spring CS1 disposed so as to surround the shaft portion 542 of the opening / closing valve 540. When the opening / closing button 530 is pressed downward by the user against the biasing force of the coil spring CS1, the opening / closing valve 540 moves downward in conjunction with the pressing action. This causes the opening / closing valve 540 to be in an open state.
[0034] (3-3) On-off valve As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the on-off valve 540 is composed of a valve body 541, a shaft 542, and a packing 543. The valve body 541 has a substantially disk shape, and is disposed below the bottom plate member 520 of the lid unit 500, as shown in Figs. 3 to 5. The shaft 542 is a rod-shaped member extending upward from the rear of the upper surface of the valve body 541, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. As described above, the shaft 542 is fitted into the central opening of the bottom wall 522 of the bottom plate member 520, and the tip of the shaft 542 is connected to the on-off button 530. The packing 543 has a substantially annular shape, and is attached to the outer edge of the valve body 541, as shown in Figs. 3 to 5.
[0035] (3-4) Locking mechanism The locking mechanism 550 is for locking the lid unit 500 to the main body unit 300 (see Figures 4 and 5) when the lid unit 500 is attached to the main body unit 300. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the locking mechanism 550 is mainly composed of a moving ball mounting member BP and a lever stopper LS. These components will be described in detail below.
[0036] (3-4-1) Moving ball mounting member As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the moving ball mounting member BP is mounted on the upper side of the lever stopper LS and is connected to the lever stopper LS and is also connected to the operating lever 560. As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the moving ball mounting member BP is mainly formed of a base part BP1, a cylindrical wall part BP2, a pedestal part BP3, a first spring mounting part BP4 and a second spring mounting part BP5. Among these parts, the parts that contribute to the lock mechanism 550 are the base part BP1, the cylindrical wall part BP2, the first spring mounting part BP4 and the second spring mounting part BP5. As shown in FIG. 6, the base part BP1 is a plate-like part having a substantially rectangular shape. As shown in FIG. 4, an opening is formed in the center of the base part BP1. As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the cylindrical wall part BP2 has a substantially cylindrical shape and extends upward from the upper edge of the opening of the base part BP1. As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the cylindrical wall portion BP2 is sandwiched between the open / close button 530 and the operation lever 560, and is connected only to the operation lever 560. That is, the operation lever 560 and the moving ball placement member BP (and the lever stopper LS) are interlocked with each other, but the open / close button 530 and the moving ball placement member BP are not interlocked with each other. Therefore, when the operation lever 560 and the moving ball placement member BP are lifted upward, the open / close button 530 is not lifted upward, and the height positional relationship between the operation lever 560 and the moving ball placement member BP and the open / close button 530 changes (see Figs. 4 and 5). As shown in Figs. 2, 4, and 6, the base portion BP3 is formed on the left and right sides of the upper surface of the base portion BP1, and has a generally cylindrical shape with the upper portion recessed downward (in other words, the upper portion is cut out in a generally inverted cone shape). As shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the moving ball 570 is movably placed on the base portion BP3. 2 and 6, the base portion BP3 is formed with convex guide portions BP3a that radiate from the center of the base portion BP3 in a plan view. The first spring installation portions BP4 are formed on the left and right sides of the upper surface of the base portion BP1 outside the base portion BP3, as shown in FIGS.As shown in Figures 4 and 6, one end of a coil spring CS2 that urges the moving ball mounting member BP and the lever stopper LS downward is fitted into the first spring mounting portion BP4. As shown in Figure 4, the second spring mounting portion BP5 is formed on the left and right of the center of the lower surface of the base portion BP1, and extends outward in the left and right directions, respectively. As shown in Figure 4, one end of a coil spring CS3 that urges the lever stopper LS, the locking lever RL, and the bearing portion 580 outward in the left and right directions is fitted into the second spring mounting portion BP5.
[0037] (3-4-2) Lever stopper As shown in Figs. 4, 5, 7 and 8, the lever stopper LS is a pair of left and right members, which is connected to the moving ball mounting member BP and is connected to the operating lever 560 via the moving ball mounting member BP. As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the lever stopper LS is mainly formed of a base portion LS1, an upper standing wall portion LS2, a lower standing wall portion LS3, a spring installation portion LS4 and a convex fitting portion LS5. Note that only one of the pair of left and right lever stoppers LS is drawn in Figs. 7 and 8. As shown in Fig. 7, the base portion LS1 is a substantially rectangular plate member in which a recess LS1a is formed on the axial side of the lid unit 500. The moving ball mounting member BP is mounted on the upper side of the base portion LS1, and the lever stopper LS is fitted to the moving ball mounting member BP so as to be slidable. As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the upper standing wall portion LS2 extends upward from the front and rear portions of the base portion LS1, respectively. The upper standing wall portion LS2 is fitted into a groove portion (not shown) formed on the lower side of the base portion BP1 of the moving ball placement member BP when the moving ball placement member BP is placed on the upper side of the base portion LS1. The lower standing wall portion LS3 extends downward from the inner edge portion of the recessed portion LS1a of the base portion LS1 as shown in Figs. 4, 7 and 8. The spring installation portion LS4 is formed on the inner surface of the lower standing wall portion LS3 (i.e., the surface on the axial side of the lid unit 500) as shown in Figs. 4 and 7. As shown in Fig. 4, one end of the coil spring CS3 is fitted into the spring installation portion LS4. The convex fitting portion LS5 extends downward from the front and rear portions of the outer end portion of the base portion LS1 as shown in Figs. 5, 7 and 8. The convex fitting portion LS5 can be fitted into the concave fitting portion RL1a of the lock lever RL, as will be described in detail later.
[0038] (3-5) Locking mechanism 4 and 5, the locking mechanism LM is mainly composed of a locking lever RL, a bearing portion 580, and a torsion spring TS. These components will be described in detail below.
[0039] (3-5-1) Locking lever As shown in Figs. 4, 5, 9 and 18, the locking lever RL is a pair of left and right members, and can be connected to the lever stopper LS. As shown in Figs. 9 and 18, the locking lever RL is mainly formed of a base portion RL1, a claw portion RL2, an outer wing portion RL3 and an inner wing portion RL4. Note that Figs. 9 and 18 show only one of the pair of left and right locking levers RL. As shown in Figs. 9 and 18, the base portion RL1 has a substantially cylindrical shape. As shown in Figs. 5, 9 and 18, the base portion RL1 has a recessed fitting portion RL1a recessed from the top to the bottom at each of the front end and the rear end, a bearing hole RL1b extending from the front end to the rear end, and a space RL1c formed in the center in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 5, when the claw portion RL2 is biased by the torsion spring TS (see FIG. 9 and FIG. 16) in a direction in which the claw portion RL2 is engaged with the claw receiving portion 352 of the discharge port forming portion 350 of the main body unit 300 (i.e., so that the upper surface of the claw portion RL2 is approximately parallel to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the lid unit 500), the concave fitting portion RL1a fits with the convex fitting portion LS5 of the lever stopper LS. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 18, the shaft AX is inserted into the bearing hole RL1b. Since the shaft AX is fixed in the lid unit 500, the locking lever RL is rotatable about the shaft AX (see FIG. 10, etc.). Then, as shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 9 and FIG. 18, the torsion spring TS and the cylindrical portion 582 and the columnar portion 583 of the bearing portion 580 are arranged in the space RL1c. As shown in Figures 4, 5, 9 and 18, the claw portion RL2 extends outward from the outer end of the upper part of the base portion RL1 and can be engaged with the claw receiving portion 352 of the outlet forming portion 350 of the main unit 300. In this case, the upper surface of the claw portion RL2 abuts against the claw receiving portion 352 of the outlet forming portion 350 (see Figures 4 and 5). As shown in Figures 9 and 18, the outer wing portion RL3 extends inward from each of the front end and rear end of the base portion RL1. As shown in Figures 9 and 18, the inner wing portion RL4 extends inward from each of the front end and rear end of the portion of the base portion RL1 where the space RL1c is formed.
[0040] (3-5-2) Bearing As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the bearing portion 580 is a pair of left and right members, and defines the height position of the axis AX in the lid unit 500. As shown in Figs. 16 to 18, the bearing portion 580 is formed of a base portion 581, a cylindrical portion 582, a columnar portion 583, a wing portion 584, and a bottom plate portion 585. Note that only one of the pair of left and right bearing portions 580 is depicted in Figs. 16 to 18. As shown in Figs. 16 to 18, the base portion 581 is a plate-like portion having a substantially rectangular shape. As shown in Figs. 16 to 18, the cylindrical portion 582 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is formed on the front side of the base portion 581. As shown in Fig. 16, the columnar portion 583 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is formed in the internal space of the cylindrical portion 582. As shown in FIG. 16, the columnar portion 583 is formed with a bearing hole 583a that runs from the front end to the rear end, and the shaft AX is inserted through the bearing hole 583a. As shown in FIG. 16, the torsion spring TS is disposed in the space surrounded by the cylindrical portion 582 and the columnar portion 583. As described above, the cylindrical portion 582 and the columnar portion 583 (and the torsion spring TS) are disposed in the space RL1c of the locking lever RL. As shown in FIG. 16 to FIG. 18, the wing portion 584 is a pair of portions that extend inward from the front end and rear end of the base portion 581. As shown in FIG. 16 to FIG. 18, the bottom plate portion 585 is a plate-like portion that is formed below the wing portion 584. As shown in Figs. 16 and 17, the length of the bottom plate 585 in the front-rear direction is greater than the length between the pair of wings 584, and the length of the bottom plate 585 in the left-right direction is less than the length of the wings 584. As shown in Fig. 17, a lower upright wall insertion hole 586 surrounded by the base 581, the wings 584, and the bottom plate 585 is formed in the bearing 580. In a state in which the lid unit 500 is locked to the main unit 300, the lower upright wall LS3 of the lever stopper LS is inserted into this lower upright wall insertion hole 586. In addition, the inner surface of the base 581 of the bearing 580 abuts against at least a part of the outer surface of the lower upright wall LS3 of the lever stopper LS, regardless of whether the lid unit 500 is locked to the main unit 300 or not, as shown in Figs. 4 and 10.Therefore, not only the lever stopper LS but also the bearing portion 580 (and the locking lever RL via the bearing portion 580) is biased outwardly to the left and right by the coil spring CS3.
[0041] (3-5-3) Torsion spring As described above, the torsion spring TS biases the claw portion RL2 of the locking lever RL in a direction to lock the claw portion RL2 of the locking lever RL with the claw receiving portion 352 of the discharge port forming portion 350 of the main body unit 300 (i.e., biases the claw portion RL2 of the locking lever RL so that the upper surface of the claw portion RL2 of the locking lever RL is approximately parallel to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the lid unit 500). The torsion spring TS is disposed on the outer periphery of the axis AX and in a space surrounded by the cylindrical portion 582 and the columnar portion 583 of the bearing portion 580 (see FIG. 16). The torsion spring TS is disposed in the space RL1c of the locking lever RL together with the cylindrical portion 582 and the columnar portion 583 of the bearing portion 580.
[0042] (3-6) Control lever The operating lever 560 is operated by the user when the lock mechanism 550 is released, and as described above, is connected to the movable ball placement member BP of the lock mechanism 550 and is connected to the lever stopper LS of the lock mechanism 550 via the movable ball placement member BP of the lock mechanism 550. As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the operating lever 560 is formed of a base portion 561 and a flange portion 562. The base portion 561 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and is fitted into an opening of the upper surface member 510 as shown in Figs. 3 to 5. The flange portion 562 is a substantially disk-shaped portion for the user to support the operating lever 560 with his / her fingers, and extends outward from the upper end portion of the base portion 561 as shown in Figs. 3 to 5. As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, an opening is formed in the center of the flange portion 562, and the open / close button 530 is exposed through this opening. In addition, a groove is formed on the lower surface of the flange 562. This groove functions as an anti-slip device for the user's fingers.
[0043] (3-7) Lock release prevention structure The unlocking prevention structure RP is intended to prevent an operation to release the state in which the lid unit 500 is locked to the main body unit 300 when the kettle body 200 is tilted. As shown in Fig. 4, the unlocking prevention structure RP is mainly composed of a moving ball mounting member BP, an upper surface member 510, a moving ball 570, etc.
[0044] (3-7-1) Moving ball mounting member The moving ball mounting member BP constitutes a part of the above-mentioned lock mechanism 550, and also constitutes a part of the unlocking prevention structure RP. As described above, the moving ball mounting member BP is mainly formed of a base portion BP1, a cylindrical wall portion BP2, a pedestal portion BP3, a first spring mounting portion BP4, and a second spring mounting portion BP5, but among these portions, only the pedestal portion BP3 contributes to the unlocking prevention structure RP. The details of the moving ball mounting member BP have already been described, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.
[0045] (3-7-2) Top member As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the top surface member 510 is a member having a substantially circular ring shape, and constitutes the top surface of the lid unit 500. That is, an opening is formed in the center of this top surface member 510. As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the opening of the top surface member 510 is fitted with the opening button 530, the cylindrical wall portion BP2 of the moving ball mounting member BP of the locking mechanism 550, the base portion 561 of the operating lever 560, and the like. Also, as shown in Fig. 4, moving ball receiving portions 511 are formed on the left and right portions of the lower surface of the top surface member 510. The moving ball receiving portion 511 is a portion for receiving the moving ball 570 placed on the moving ball placing member BP of the locking mechanism 550 when the moving ball placing member BP of the locking mechanism 550 moves upward (i.e., for sandwiching the moving ball 570 in cooperation with the moving ball placing member BP of the locking mechanism 550), and is formed of a central portion 511a and a peripheral portion 511b as shown in FIG. 4. The central portion 511a is a recessed portion having a substantially hemispherical shape, and is located above the peripheral portion 511b in a vertical cross-sectional view as shown in FIG. 4. The peripheral portion 511b is a recessed portion having a substantially annular shape (having a substantially semicircular shape in a vertical cross-sectional view), and is formed around the central portion 511a and is located slightly below the central portion 511a in a vertical cross-sectional view as shown in FIG. 4. In addition, a spring installation portion 512 is formed on the lower surface of the upper surface member 510 outside the moving ball receiving portion 511. As shown in FIG. 4, one end of a coil spring CS2 that urges the moving ball placement member BP of the lock mechanism 550 and the lever stopper LS of the lock mechanism 550 downward is fitted into the spring installation portion 512.
[0046] (3-7-3) Moving ball The moving ball 570 has a spherical shape, and as described above, is movably placed on the base portion BP3 of the moving ball placement member BP. The moving ball 570 moves in the tilting direction between the adjacent guide portions BP3a. When the kettle body 200 is upright, the moving ball 570 is fitted into the moving ball receiving portion 511 of the upper surface member 510 when the moving ball placement member BP of the lock mechanism 550 moves upward (see FIGS. 10 and 14).
[0047] (3-8) Sealing material Seal member 590 is an annular member made of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer, and is attached to the outer periphery of the lower surface of bottom wall portion 522 of bottom plate member 520 as shown in Figures 3 to 5. Seal member 590 serves to close the gap between liquid container 320 and bottom plate member 520 (in other words, to keep liquid container 320 and bottom plate member 520 tightly sealed) when lid unit 500 is attached to main body unit 300 as shown in Figures 3 to 5.
[0048] 2.Power supply stand The power supply base 600 serves as a power supply unit that supplies electricity to the electric kettle 100, and also serves as a base for the electric kettle 100. As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the power supply base 600 mainly includes a power switch (not shown), a power cord 601, a power plug (not shown), and a connection terminal 602 that is electrically connected to the heater unit 340. The power switch is a switch for switching the connection state between the power supply terminal 342 of the heater unit 340 and the connection terminal 602. When the power switch is turned on, the heater unit 340 is electrically connected to the power supply base 600. As a result, electricity is supplied to the heater unit 340, and the liquid in the liquid container 320 is heated. Note that the power supply base 600 can have the same configuration as a power supply base for a conventionally known electric kettle.
[0049] <Operation to release the state in which the lid unit is locked to the main body unit in the electric kettle according to the embodiment of the present invention and the operation of each mechanism associated with the operation> In the electric kettle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the locking mechanism 550 of the lid unit 500 can lock the lid unit 500 to the main body unit 300 when the lid unit 500 is attached to the main body unit 300. The user can release the state in which the lid unit 500 is locked to the main body unit 300 (hereinafter referred to as the "locked state") by operating the locking mechanism 550 via the operating lever 560 (hereinafter referred to as the "unlocking operation"). The operation of the operating lever 560, the locking mechanism 550 and the locking mechanism LM when the unlocking operation is performed will be described below.
[0050] First, the locked state will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. In the locked state, the claw portion RL2 of the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM is locked to the claw receiving portion 352 of the discharge port forming portion 350. At this time, the torsion spring TS biases the claw portion RL2 of the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM in a direction in which the claw portion RL2 of the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM is locked to the claw receiving portion 352 of the discharge port forming portion 350. In addition, the coil spring CS3 biases the lever stopper LS of the locking mechanism 550, the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM, and the bearing portion 580 outward to the left and right. In addition, the coil spring CS2 biases the moving ball placement member BP of the locking mechanism 550 and the lever stopper LS of the locking mechanism 550 downward. At this time, the convex fitting portion LS5 of the lever stopper LS of the lock mechanism 550 is fitted into the concave fitting portion RL1a of the lock lever RL of the lock mechanism LM. This prevents the lock lever RL of the lock mechanism LM from rotating about the axis AX (i.e., locked state). In the locked state, the height position of the operating lever 560 and the height position of the open / close button 530 are substantially the same.
[0051] Next, the unlocking operation will be described with reference to Figs. 10 and 11. The user hooks the fingers of one hand on the flange 562 of the operating lever 560 and lifts the operating lever 560 upward while holding down the main unit 300 with the other hand. At this time, in conjunction with the movement of the operating lever 560, the moving ball mounting member BP of the locking mechanism 550 and the lever stopper LS of the locking mechanism 550 are also lifted upward against the biasing force of the coil spring CS2. As a result, the moving ball 570 mounted on the center of the base part BP3 of the moving ball mounting member BP of the locking mechanism 550 in a plan view is pushed into the center 511a of the moving ball receiving part 511 of the upper surface member 510, and the user cannot lift only the operating lever 560, the moving ball mounting member BP of the locking mechanism 550, and the lever stopper LS of the locking mechanism 550 upward any further. This operation also causes the convex fitting portion LS5 of the lever stopper LS of the locking mechanism 550 to come out of the concave fitting portion RL1a of the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM. As a result, the fitting state between the convex fitting portion LS5 of the lever stopper LS of the locking mechanism 550 and the concave fitting portion RL1a of the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM is completely released, and the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM becomes rotatable about the axis AX, and the locked state is released. Also, when performing the unlocking operation, even if the user lifts the operating lever 560 upward without holding the main unit 300 with the other hand, the main unit 300 cannot be lifted upward. This is because the urging force of the coil spring CS2 is adjusted so that the force required for the unlocking operation, that is, the force required to lift the moving ball placement member BP of the locking mechanism 550 and the lever stopper LS of the locking mechanism 550 upward against the urging force of the coil spring CS2, is smaller than the force required to lift the main unit 300. If liquid is contained in liquid container 320, its weight will be even heavier, resulting in the same result. Furthermore, when the unlocking operation is performed, the height position of operating lever 560 becomes higher than the height position of open / close button 530.
[0052] Next, a method of removing the lid unit 500 from the main unit 300 will be described. After performing the unlocking operation, the user, while hooking his / her finger on the flange portion 562 of the operating lever 560, further lifts the operating lever 560 upward, thereby lifting the entire lid unit 500 upward. At this time, the claw portion RL2 of the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM abuts against the upper end of the claw receiving portion 352 of the discharge port forming portion 350, and the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM is lifted upward and rotates against the biasing force of the torsion spring TS around the axis AX, so that the claw portion RL2 of the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM is finally positioned above the claw receiving portion 352 of the discharge port forming portion 350. This allows the user to remove the lid unit 500 from the main unit 300. When the claw portion RL2 of the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM reaches the upper side of the inclined portion 353 of the discharge port forming portion 350, the claw portion RL2 is again urged by the torsion spring TS so that the upper surface becomes approximately parallel to the plane perpendicular to the axis of the lid unit 500. Then, when the lid unit 500 is removed from the main unit 300 and the user releases his / her finger from the flange portion 562 of the operation lever 560, the moving ball placement member BP of the locking mechanism 550 and the lever stopper LS of the locking mechanism 550 are urged downward again by the coil spring CS2. Then, a fitting state is formed between the convex fitting portion LS5 of the lever stopper LS of the locking mechanism 550 and the concave fitting portion RL1a of the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM. That is, the lid unit 500 completely removed from the main unit 300 is in the same state as the lid unit 500 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 when only the lid unit 500 portion shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is seen. Furthermore, when the lid unit 500 is removed from the main unit 300, even if the user lifts the entire lid unit 500 upward without holding the main unit 300 with the other hand, the main unit 300 cannot be lifted upward. This is because the biasing force of the torsion spring TS is adjusted so that the force required to lift the claw portion RL2 of the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM upward while abutting against the upper end of the claw receiving portion 352 of the discharge port forming portion 350 and rotate it against the biasing force of the torsion spring TS about the axis AX is smaller than the force required to lift the main unit 300.If liquid is contained in liquid container 320, its weight will be even heavier, resulting in the same result.
[0053] <Operation to lock the electric kettle according to the embodiment of the present invention> Here, the operation of attaching the lid unit 500 removed from the main unit 300 back to the main unit 300 and locking the lid unit 500 to the main unit 300 (operation for locking) will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. First, the user pushes the lid unit 500 in until the claw portion RL2 of the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM reaches the upper side of the inclined portion 353 of the discharge port forming portion 350. Then, the user further pushes the lid unit 500 in until the claw portion RL2 of the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM reaches the lower side of the claw receiving portion 352 of the discharge port forming portion 350. At this time, the lower surface of the claw portion RL2 of the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM abuts against the inclined portion 353 of the discharge port forming portion 350, whereby the lever stopper LS of the locking mechanism 550, the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM, and the bearing portion 580 slide inward against the biasing force of the coil spring CS3 (see Figures 12 and 13). Then, when the upper surface of the claw portion RL2 of the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM reaches the underside of the upper end of the claw receiving portion 352 of the discharge port forming portion 350, the claw portion RL2 of the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM is locked with the claw receiving portion 352 of the discharge port forming portion 350. In this state, a locked state that prevents the claw portion RL2 of the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM from rotating is maintained.
[0054] <Prevention of unlocking operation when the electric kettle is tilted according to an embodiment of the present invention> If the unlocking operation is possible when the kettle body 200 is tilted, there is a risk that the lid unit 500 will be detached from the main body unit 300 and the liquid in the liquid container 320 will spill out. For this reason, the electric kettle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is designed so that the unlocking operation is prevented by the unlocking prevention structure RP when the kettle body 200 is tilted. Hereinafter, the unlocking prevention structure RP that prevents the unlocking operation when the kettle body 200 is tilted will be described with reference to Figs. 14 and 15. Note that Figs. 14 and 15 show a state in which the kettle body 200 is tilted to the left. First, when the kettle body 200 is tilted in the locked state, the moving ball 570 placed in the center of the base part BP3 of the moving ball placement member BP of the locking mechanism 550 in a plan view rolls in the tilting direction on the base part BP3 of the moving ball placement member BP of the locking mechanism 550. At this time, the moving ball 570 rolls between the guide parts BP3a of the moving ball placement member BP of the lock mechanism 550 formed in the tilting direction. When the operating lever 560 is lifted to perform the unlocking operation in this state, the moving ball 570 is pushed into the peripheral part 511b of the moving ball receiving part 511 of the upper surface member 510. In this case, unlike when the moving ball 570 is pushed into the center part 511a of the moving ball receiving part 511 of the upper surface member 510 (see Figs. 10 and 11), the engagement between the convex engagement part LS5 of the lever stopper LS of the lock mechanism 550 and the concave engagement part RL1a of the lock lever RL of the lock mechanism LM is not released. That is, since the concave engagement part RL1a of the lock lever RL of the lock mechanism LM is engaged with the convex engagement part LS5 of the lever stopper LS of the lock mechanism 550, the lock lever RL of the lock mechanism LM is prevented from rotating around the axis AX. Therefore, when the kettle body 200 is tilted, the claw portion RL2 of the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM is maintained locked to the claw receiving portion 352 of the discharge port forming portion 350 (that is, the unlocking operation is prevented).
[0055] <Regarding the open / closed state of the liquid path in the electric kettle according to the embodiment of the present invention> Here, the open / closed state of the liquid path for pouring the liquid in the liquid container 320 from the spout 301 into a container such as a cup or a teacup (when discharging the liquid) will be described. First, when the on-off valve 540 is in the closed state (i.e., when the on-off button 530 is not pressed downward), the packing 543 of the on-off valve 540 is in close contact with the lower surface of the bottom plate member 520 (see Figs. 3 to 5). This closes the liquid path (i.e., the inside of the liquid container 320 is a substantially closed space). Therefore, even if the kettle body 200 is tilted when the on-off valve 540 is in the closed state, the liquid will not flow directly into the discharge path DP from between the on-off valve 540 and the lower surface of the bottom plate member 520. Therefore, if the kettle body 200 is accidentally tipped over, it is possible to prevent a large amount of liquid from leaking out of the spout 301. On the other hand, when the on-off valve 540 is in an open state (i.e., when the on-off button 530 is pressed downward), the packing 543 of the on-off valve 540 is separated from the lower surface of the bottom plate member 520, and the upper part of the liquid container 320 is in an open state. This opens the liquid flow path. When the on-off button 530 is pressed downward once, the button locking mechanism (not shown) maintains the on-off button 530 in a pressed state, i.e., the liquid flow path in an open state. Then, the user can pour the liquid in the liquid container 320 into a container such as a cup or a teacup by tilting the kettle body 200 toward the spout 301 with the liquid flow path open. After that, when the user presses the on-off button 530 again, the pressed state of the on-off button 530 is released, and the on-off valve 540 and the on-off button 530 are returned upward by the urging force of the coil spring CS1. This causes the on-off valve 540 to close the liquid flow path again.
[0056] <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 claw portion RL2 of the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM is rotatable about the axis AX, and in the locked state is biased by the torsion spring TS in a direction in which it is locked to the claw receiving portion 352 of the outlet forming portion 350 of the main body unit 300. Therefore, in the electric kettle 100, in the locked state, the pressure between the claw receiving portion 352 of the outlet forming portion 350 and the claw portion RL2 of the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM can be increased as much as possible, making it possible to stabilize the lid unit 500 as much as possible in the vertical direction and to adjust the force required by the user to perform the unlocking operation. Also, in the electric kettle 100, the sealing property of the seal member 590 can be adjusted so that the sealing property is not impaired.
[0057] (2) In the electric kettle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, in the locked state, the convex fitting portion LS5 of the lever stopper LS of the locking mechanism 550 fits into the concave fitting portion RL1a of the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM, and the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM cannot rotate about the axis AX. Therefore, in the locked state, the electric kettle 100 can prevent the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM from accidentally rotating and releasing the locked state.
[0058] (3) In the electric kettle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the lever stopper LS of the locking mechanism 550 is biased downward by the coil spring CS2, so that a fitted state is formed between the convex fitting portion LS5 of the lever stopper LS of the locking mechanism 550 and the concave fitting portion RL1a of the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM. In the locked state, the upper surface of the claw portion RL2 of the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM abuts against the claw receiving portion 352 of the discharge port forming portion 350. Therefore, in this electric kettle 100, the user can lift the operating lever 560 upward to release the lock, and then lift the operating lever 560 further upward to detach the lid unit 500 from the main body unit 300 as is.
[0059] <Modification> (A) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the lever stopper LS of the locking mechanism 550 is formed with a convex fitting portion LS5, and the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM is formed with a concave fitting portion RL1a. However, a concave fitting portion may be formed in the lever stopper LS of the locking mechanism 550, and a convex fitting portion may be formed in the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM. Furthermore, in the locked state, the lever stopper LS of the locking mechanism 550 and the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM do not necessarily have to be fitted together, and the lever stopper LS of the locking mechanism 550 does not necessarily have to put the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM in an unrotatable state.
[0060] (B) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, when the operating lever 560 is lifted upward in the locked state, the locked state is released, and as a result, the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM is in a state in which it can rotate about the axis AX. However, when the operating lever 560 is lifted upward in the locked state or the locked state, the locked state is released, and as a result, the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM may be in a state in which it can slide toward the axial line side (i.e., inward) of the lid unit 500 (i.e., in a state in which it can be released from the lock). In this case, in the locked state, the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM is prevented from sliding toward the axial line side (i.e., inward) of the lid unit 500, and thus the unlocking operation is prevented when the kettle body 200 is tilted.
[0061] (C) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the locked state is released by lifting the operating lever 560 upward in the locked state. However, in the locked state, for example, a finger may be hooked on the upper surface of the flange 562 of the operating lever 560, and the operating lever 560 may be pushed downward (i.e., the opposite side to the side where the lid unit 500 is detached from the main unit 300) to release the locked state. In this case, the lid unit 500 can be removed from the main unit 300 by pinching the opening / closing button 530 with the fingers and lifting the entire lid unit 500 upward with the operating lever 560 pushed in. Alternatively, a gripping portion fixed to the upper part of the lid unit 500 is provided, and the lid unit 500 can be removed from the main unit 300 by gripping the gripping portion and lifting the entire lid unit 500 upward with the operating lever 560 pushed in.
[0062] (D) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the dial mechanism 403 for adjusting the temperature of the print heater 341 of the heater unit 340 is disposed at the rear of the main body connection part 402 of the handle unit 400. However, the dial mechanism 403 may be disposed in the power supply base 600.
[0063] (E) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, a groove is formed on the underside of the flange 562 of the operating lever 560 of the lid unit 500. However, this groove does not have to be formed, and the role of preventing slipping may be fulfilled by attaching an anti-slip sticker or the like.
[0064] (F) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the guide portion BP3a is formed on the base portion BP3 of the moving ball mounting member BP of the locking mechanism 550 of the lid unit 500. However, the guide portion BP3a does not necessarily have to be formed.
[0065] (G) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the print heater 341 is used as the heat source, but the heat source is not particularly limited, and may be a sheath heater or the like.
[0066] The above modified examples may be applied individually or in combination with each other. [Explanation of symbols]
[0067] 100 Electric kettle (container) 300 Main unit (main unit) 352 Claw receiving part (engaged part) 500 Lid unit (lid body) 530 Opening / closing button (reference part) 560 Operating lever (operating part) AX axis (rotation axis) LM locking mechanism LS Lever Stopper (Connecting Part) LS5 Convex fitting part (second fitting part) RL Locking lever (locking member) RL1a Recessed fitting portion (first fitting portion) TS Torsion spring (biasing member)
Claims
1. A main body having a pair of left and right engaged portions; a cover body that is detachably attached to the main body via a locking mechanism having a pair of left and right locking members that can be locked to the locked portion; A pair of left and right connecting members connectable to the locking member; a moving body connected to the pair of left and right connecting members and interlocking with the connecting members; The locking mechanism rotates the locking member about a rotation axis to lock the locking member to the locked portion, the connecting member also moves downward in accordance with the downward movement of the movable body, and the connecting member is connected to the locking member to prevent the locking member from rotating; As the movable body moves upward, the connecting member also moves upward, the connecting member and the locking member are released from their connected state, and the locking member is released from its non-rotatable state, so that the locking member can be released from its locked state on the locked portion. Container body.
2. The connecting member prevents the locking member from rotating when the locking member is locked to the locked portion. The container body according to claim 1 .
3. The locking member is formed with a first fitting portion, The connecting member is formed with a second fitting portion that can be fitted into the first fitting portion, The container body according to claim 1 , wherein the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion fit together when the locking member is locked to the locked portion.
4. The connecting member is movable in a vertical direction, and when connecting with the locking member, the connecting member moves down toward the locking member, The container body according to claim 1 , wherein when the locking member is locked to the locked portion, the locking member abuts against a lower side of the locked portion.
5. The locking mechanism further includes a biasing member. The biasing member biases the locking member in a direction to lock the locking member to the locked portion. A container body according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
Citation Information
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