Electric kettle

Abstract

To provide an electric kettle with improved durability.SOLUTION: An electric kettle includes: a kettle body which has a power receiving connection part and a heating part; a feeding unit provided with a power feeding base part having a power feeding connection part and an attachment unit; and a detection part. The detection part is configured to be capable of detecting whether or not the kettle body is mounted on the power feeding base part. The electric kettle supplies the heating part with power via the power feeding connection part and the power receiving connection part when it is detected by the detection part that the kettle body is mounted on the power feeding base part and stops supplying power when it is detected by the detection part that the kettle body is not mounted on the power feeding base part. Connection between the power feeding connection part and the power receiving connection part is configured to be canceled after it is detected by the detection part that the kettle body is not mounted on the power feeding base part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electric kettle including a kettle body and a power supply unit.

Background Art

[0002] An electric kettle is known that boils water in a container by a heating unit provided in the container. Patent Document 1 describes an electric kettle including a pot main body portion with a built-in heat source and a disk-shaped pedestal on which the pot main body portion is placed. The pedestal is connected to a battery pack as an external power source by a power cord. Electric power of the battery pack is supplied to the heat source of the pot main body portion via the pedestal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There has been a desire to further improve the durability of an electric kettle that supplies electric power of a battery pack to a pot main body portion via a pedestal.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present disclosure can be realized in the following forms.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electric kettle is provided. The electric kettle includes a kettle body, a power supply unit, and a detection unit. The kettle body has a power receiving connection portion and a heating portion. The power receiving connection portion is configured to receive power from an external power source. The heating portion is configured to heat a liquid contained therein with the power received by the power receiving connection portion. The power supply unit is configured such that the kettle body can be placed thereon. Further, the power supply unit is configured to be able to supply power to the kettle body. The power supply unit includes a power supply base portion having a power supply connection portion and a mounting unit. The power supply connection portion is configured to be detachable from and electrically connectable to the power receiving connection portion. The power supply base portion is configured such that the kettle body can be placed on the upper surface of the power supply base portion. The mounting unit is configured to be able to attach a battery pack as the external power source that supplies power to the heating portion via the power supply connection portion and the power receiving connection portion. The detection unit is configured to be able to detect whether the kettle body is placed on the power supply base portion. The electric kettle is configured to supply power to the heating portion via the power supply connection portion and the power receiving connection portion when the detection unit detects that the kettle body is placed on the power supply base portion. Further, the electric kettle is configured to stop supplying power to the heating portion via the power supply connection portion and the power receiving connection portion when the detection unit detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply base portion. Furthermore, the connection between the power supply connection portion and the power receiving connection portion is configured to be released after the detection unit detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply base portion.

[0007] According to this embodiment, since the connection between the power supply connection portion and the power receiving connection portion is configured to be released after the detection unit detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply base portion, it is possible to suppress the generation of a spark (arc) between the power supply connection portion and the power receiving connection portion. Therefore, deterioration of the power supply connection portion and the power receiving connection portion can be suppressed, and as a result, the durability of the kettle body can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, representative and non-limiting specific examples of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This detailed description is simply intended to show those skilled in the art the details for implementing preferred examples of the present disclosure, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the additional features and disclosures disclosed below can be used separately or together with other features and disclosures in order to provide a further improved electric kettle and its usage method.

[0010] Also, the combinations of features and steps disclosed in the following detailed description are not essential for implementing the present disclosure in the broadest sense, and are described only for explaining representative specific examples of the present disclosure in particular. Furthermore, the various features of the above and below representative specific examples, as well as the various features described in the independent and dependent claims, do not have to be combined as shown in the specific examples described here or in the order listed when providing additional and useful embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] All features described in this specification and / or the claims are intended to be disclosed individually and independently of each other, as distinct from the configuration of the features described in the embodiments and / or claims, as limitations on the original disclosure and the specific matters claimed. Further, all descriptions of numerical ranges and groups or sets are made with the intention of disclosing intermediate configurations as limitations on the original disclosure and the specific matters claimed.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the detection unit may include a first detection unit and a second detection unit. The first detection unit may be provided at a position different from the power supply connection part in the power supply base part. The second detection unit may be provided at a position different from the power reception connection part in the kettle body. The detection unit may be configured to detect that the kettle body is placed on the power supply base part when the first detection unit and the second detection unit are in contact. The detection unit may be configured to detect that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply base part when the first detection unit and the second detection unit are not in contact.

[0013] According to the above configuration, in a configuration for detecting whether the kettle body is placed on the power supply base part based on whether the first detection unit and the second detection unit are in contact, the durability of the electric kettle can be improved.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the first detection unit and the second detection unit may have conductivity. The detection unit may be configured to detect that the kettle body is placed on the power supply base part when the first detection unit and the second detection unit are electrically conductive. The detection unit may be configured to detect that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply base part when the first detection unit and the second detection unit are not electrically conductive.

[0015] According to the above configuration, it is possible to detect whether the kettle body is placed on the power supply base unit by using whether the first detection unit and the second detection unit can be energized.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the first detection unit may include a third detection unit and a fourth detection unit. The second detection unit may include a fifth detection unit and a sixth detection unit. The detection unit may be configured to detect that the kettle body is placed on the power supply base unit when the third detection unit contacts the fifth detection unit and the fourth detection unit contacts the sixth detection unit. The placement condition is satisfied In this case, it may be configured to detect that the kettle body is placed on the power supply base unit. The detection unit The placement condition is not satisfied In this case, it may be configured to detect that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply base unit.

[0017] According to the above configuration , supply Compared with the case of detecting the contact between the power supply base unit and the kettle body with one contact point, it is possible to more accurately detect whether the kettle body is placed on the power supply base unit.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the power supply connection part may be provided at the central part on the upper surface of the power supply base unit. Also, the third detection unit and the fourth detection unit may be provided symmetrically around the power supply connection part. The power reception connection part may be provided at the central part on the bottom surface of the kettle body. The fifth detection unit and the sixth detection unit may be provided symmetrically around the power reception connection part.

[0019] According to the above configuration, when the kettle body is tilted with respect to the power supply base unit, at least one of the third detection unit and the fourth detection unit, and the fifth detection unit and the sixth detection unit becomes non-contact, so it is possible to more accurately detect whether the kettle body is placed on the power supply base unit.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the kettle body may include a liquid storage portion for storing a liquid. The detection unit may further include a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature inside the liquid storage portion. The detection unit may be configured such that when the third detection unit and the fifth detection unit are energized and the fourth detection unit and the sixth detection unit are energized, the temperature of the liquid storage portion can be measured by the temperature sensor.

[0021] According to the above configuration, the detection unit can be made to exhibit a function of detecting whether or not the kettle body is placed on the power supply base unit and a function of measuring the temperature inside the liquid storage portion. Therefore, the configuration of the electric kettle can be simplified as compared with the case where the circuit of the temperature sensor is provided separately from the detection unit.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the detection unit may include a first spring that can expand and contract in the vertical direction. The first spring may be provided on at least one of the first detection unit and the second detection unit. The change length of the first spring in the vertical direction may be configured such that when the kettle body placed on the power supply base unit is moved upward, after the detection unit detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply base unit, the connection between the power supply connection portion and the power reception connection portion is released.

[0023] According to the above configuration, since the first spring expands and contracts in the vertical direction, even if there is a dimensional error or the like in the vertical direction in at least one of the first detection unit and the second detection unit, the contact between the first detection unit and the second detection unit can be ensured. Also, the electric kettle can be configured such that the detection unit detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply base unit while keeping the first detection unit and the second detection unit in contact, and then the connection between the power supply connection portion and the power reception connection portion is released until the upward movement amount of the kettle body becomes larger than the change length of the first spring.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the first spring may be provided on the second detection unit.

[0025] According to the above configuration, since the first spring is provided in the second detection unit formed in the kettle body, even when liquid spills from the kettle body, it is difficult for the liquid to adhere to the first spring. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the first spring due to the adhesion of the liquid, and thus the durability of the detection unit can be improved.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, at least one of the power supply connection part and the power reception connection part may include a second spring that can expand and contract in the vertical direction. The change length of the second spring in the vertical direction may be configured such that when the kettle body placed on the power supply base part is moved upward, after the detection part detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply base part, the connection between the power supply connection part and the power reception connection part is released.

[0027] According to the above configuration, since the second spring expands and contracts in the vertical direction, even if there is a dimensional error or the like in the vertical direction in at least one of the power supply connection part and the power reception connection part, the contact between the power supply connection part and the power reception connection part can be ensured.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the power supply connection part may include a power supply connection terminal, and the power reception connection part may include a power reception connection terminal. The power supply connection terminal and the power reception connection terminal may be configured to be electrically connected by sandwiching one another.

[0029] According to the above configuration, since the contact area between the power supply connection terminal and the power reception connection terminal can be increased, the power supply from the power supply connection part to the power reception connection part can be made more stable.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the first detection unit may be provided on the upper surface of the power supply base part. The power supply connection terminal may be provided on the upper surface so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of the power supply base part. The power supply connection terminal may extend in the vertical direction such that the upper end of the power supply connection terminal is located above the upper end of the first detection unit.

[0031] According to the above configuration, the power supply connection terminal is such that the upper end of the power supply connection terminal is located above the upper end of the first detection unit and extends in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the electric kettle is moved upward from the power supply base portion with the kettle body, after the upper end of the first detection unit and the second detection unit are separated, the upper end of the power supply connection terminal and the power reception connection terminal can be configured to be separated.

[0032] <First Embodiment> <Configuration of Electric Kettle> Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 20, the electric kettle 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. The electric kettle 1 includes a kettle body 10 and a power supply unit 50. A user of the electric kettle 1 places the kettle body 10 filled with a liquid such as water on the power supply base portion 70 of the power supply unit 50 to which an external power source is attached, and turns on the main switch S1 provided in the power supply unit 50, thereby boiling the liquid in the kettle body 10. Battery packs 100A and 100B are attached to the electric kettle 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 to 8 and the power supply unit 50 shown in FIG. 11. The battery packs 100A and 100B are an example of an external power source of the electric kettle 1.

[0033] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the vertical direction of the electric kettle 1 is defined based on the posture when the kettle body 10 of the electric kettle 1 is placed on the power supply unit 50. That is, the side on which the kettle body 10 is placed with respect to the power supply unit 50 is the upper side of the electric kettle 1, and the opposite side is the lower side of the electric kettle 1. Also, the side on which the mounting unit 90 to which the battery packs 100A and 100B are attached is arranged with respect to the power supply unit 50 is defined as the rear side, the side on which the kettle body 10 is arranged is defined as the front side, and the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction is defined as the front-rear direction. Further, the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and the front-rear direction is defined as the left-right direction.

[0034] <Configuration of Power Supply Unit> The power supply unit 50 is configured to be able to mount the kettle body 10. Further, the power supply unit 50 is configured to be able to supply power to the mounted kettle body 10. The power supply unit 50 of the present embodiment mainly includes a base portion 60, a wall portion 80, and a mounting unit 90. The power supply unit 50 can be formed of metal or resin. The wall portion 80 is a substantially plate-shaped member extending upward from the base portion 60.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the base portion 60 is a substantially plate-shaped member extending along the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The lower surface 63 of the base portion 60 can be placed on a flat surface such as a table, a floor, or the ground.

[0036] In the base portion 60, a power supply table portion 70 is provided in the region on the front surface 81 side of the wall portion 80. The power supply table portion 70 is configured to be able to mount the bottom portion 40 of the kettle body 10. Specifically, the bottom portion 40 (lower surface 41) of the kettle body 10 is placed on the upper surface 71 of the power supply table portion 70. In the present embodiment, the upper surface 71 of the power supply table portion 70 is located below the upper end of the side wall 62 of the base portion 60. The area of the power supply table portion 70 is slightly larger than the area of the bottom portion 40 of the kettle body 10.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 11, a power supply connection portion 72 and a pair of terminals (first energization terminals 131A, 131B) are provided on the upper surface 71 of the power supply table portion 70. The power supply connection portion 72 is provided at a substantially central portion of the upper surface 71. The first energization terminal 131A and the first energization terminal 131B are arranged substantially symmetrically about the power supply connection portion 72. Details of the power supply connection portion 72 and the first energization terminals 131A, 131B will be described later.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 2, 11, and 12, the power supply base portion 70 is formed with a through hole 77 that penetrates the power supply base portion 70 in the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the through hole 77 is disposed at a position closer to the outside of the power supply base portion 70 than the position where the power supply connection portion 72 is provided. The position closer to the outside of the power supply base portion 70 is also a position closer to the radially outer side of the power supply base portion 70. This position is also a position close to the side wall 62 of the base portion 60 and the wall portion 80. In the present embodiment, the number of the through holes 77 is four. The through holes 77 are disposed substantially symmetrically with respect to the power supply connection portion 72. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the upper surface 71 of the power supply base portion 70 has a portion (inclined surface 74) that is inclined downward from the power supply connection portion 72 toward the outside of the power supply base portion 70.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a bottom switch 133 is provided on the bottom surface 63 of the power supply unit 50. Note that the bottom surface 63 of the power supply unit 50 shown in FIG. 13 is not placed on a plane. The bottom switch 133 is a push-in type switch. In the present embodiment, the bottom switch 133 includes a button 134 and a button receiving portion 135. The button 134 and the button receiving portion 135 are configured to be movable in the vertical direction. The button 134 protrudes downward from the bottom surface 63 when the bottom surface 63 of the base portion 60 is not placed on a plane. The button receiving portion 135 is disposed above the button 134 and opposite to the button 134. The button receiving portion 135 is configured to move upward when pushed by the button 134 when the bottom surface 63 of the power supply unit 50 is placed on a plane and the button 134 is pushed upward. The button receiving portion 135 is configured to transmit an on signal to a control unit 66 described later when the bottom surface of the button 134 is positioned substantially flush with the bottom surface 63 of the base portion 60. When the bottom surface 63 of the power supply unit 50 is moved from a plane, the button 134 and the button receiving portion 135 move downward. As a result, the on signal from the button receiving portion 135 to the control unit 66 is blocked, and it becomes an off state. That is, the bottom switch 133 is configured to be pushed into the bottom surface 63 of the base portion 60 and not to protrude downward from the bottom surface 63 of the base portion 60 when the bottom surface 63 of the base portion 60 is placed on a plane. The bottom switch 133 has a function of detecting whether the state of the power supply unit 50 is a state of being placed on a plane.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 to 7, a rib portion 75 protruding upward from the power supply base portion 70 is formed in front of the power supply base portion 70. The rib portion 75 is provided at a position facing the front surface 81 of the wall portion 80. The rib portion 75 has a shape along the outer edge of the power supply base portion 70 and the outer peripheral surface 31 of the kettle body 10. The rib portion 75 restricts the kettle body 10 placed on the power supply base portion 70 from moving forward. In the present embodiment, the upper end in the vertical direction of the rib portion 75 is located above the lower end of the kettle gripping portion 23 of the kettle body 10 placed on the power supply base portion 70.

[0041] Next, the wall portion 80 will be described. In the present embodiment, the wall portion 80 is a substantially plate-shaped member extending along the vertical and horizontal directions. The wall portion 80 is formed to extend upward from the power supply base portion 70. The power supply base portion 70 is provided in the region on the front surface 81 side of the wall portion 80. The mounting unit 90 is provided in the region on the rear surface 82 side of the wall portion 80. In the present embodiment, the wall portion 80 divides the region where the power supply base portion 70 is provided and the region where the mounting unit 90 is provided.

[0042] The wall portion 80 includes a power supply unit gripping portion 85 for gripping the power supply unit 50 above the position where the mounting unit 90 is provided. The power supply unit gripping portion 85 has a shape that penetrates the wall portion 80 in the front-rear direction. It can also be said that the power supply unit gripping portion 85 is provided between the mounting unit 90 and the kettle body 10 placed on the power supply base portion 70. The upper end of the power supply unit gripping portion 85 protrudes above the kettle body 10 placed on the power supply base portion 70. In the present embodiment, in a state where the battery packs 100A and 100B are attached to the mounting unit 90 and the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base portion 70, regardless of the amount of liquid in the kettle body 10, the center of gravity of the electric kettle 1 is configured to be located at or near the wall portion 80. That is, the power supply unit gripping portion 85 is disposed above the center of gravity of the electric kettle 1.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 11, the wall portion 80 has a recessed portion 83 recessed rearward on its front surface 81. The recessed portion 83 is formed along the outer peripheral surface 31 of the kettle body 10 placed on the power supply base portion 70.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 15, a display portion 86 is provided on the rear surface 82 of the wall portion 80. Drive information of the electric kettle 1 such as the remaining power capacity of the battery packs 100A and 100B is displayed on the display portion 86.

[0045] Next, with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16, the battery packs 100A and 100B attached to the attachment unit 90 and the attachment unit 90 will be described.

[0046] The battery packs 100A and 100B are, for example, DC power supplies with a nominal voltage of 36 volts (V). The battery packs 100A and 100B can be used as the power supply for the electric kettle 1.

[0047] The battery packs 100A and 100B may be referred to as battery packages or assembled batteries, and have an outer housing formed into a predetermined size and a plurality of lithium-ion battery cells housed in the outer housing and connected in series. The battery packs 100A and 100B are rechargeable battery packs and can be recharged by a charger (not shown) after being used as an external power supply. The battery packs 100A and 100B are so-called slide-type battery packs and can be detachably attached to the attachment unit 90 and the charger. The battery packs 100A and 100B have the same configuration.

[0048] In FIG. 16, the vertical direction, the front-rear direction, and the left-right direction are shown with respect to the posture when the battery pack 100A is attached to the attachment unit 90. The battery packs 100A and 100B are provided with a pair of left and right rail receiving portions 101. Between the pair of rail receiving portions 101, a positive output terminal 102 and a negative output terminal 103 are arranged. Between the positive output terminal 102 and the negative output terminal 103, a connector portion 104 for the battery packs 100A and 100B to transmit and receive control signals to and from a charger or other devices is arranged. Further, a lock member 105 is provided above the battery packs 100A and 100B. Inside the housing of the battery packs 100A and 100B and below the lock member 105, a spring member (not shown) is arranged. The spring member biases the lock member 105 upward. On the rear surface of the battery packs 100A and 100B, an unlock button 106 (see, for example, FIG. 11) is arranged. When the unlock button 106 is pressed downward, the lock member 105 moves downward.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the attachment unit 90 is arranged in a region on the rear surface 82 side of the wall portion 80. In the present embodiment, the attachment unit 90 is provided below the rear surface 82 of the wall portion 80. The attachment unit 90 is provided with two attachment portions 91A and 91B. The two attachment portions 91A and 91B have the same configuration. The two attachment portions 91A and 91B are electrically connected in parallel. The attachment unit 90 can connect the battery packs 100A and 100B in parallel. The electric kettle 1 can be driven by the power supplied from the attachment unit 90 to which the two battery packs 100A and 100B are attached.

[0050] The attachment portions 91A and 91B are each provided with a pair of slide rails 92. In the present embodiment, the slide rails 92 are formed to extend in the vertical direction. The positive input terminal 93 and the negative input terminal 94 are arranged on the slide rails 92. Further, the attachment portions 91A and 91B are provided with lock receiving holes 95 into which the lock members 105 of the battery packs 100A and 100B are engaged.

[0051] When the battery packs 100A and 100B are slid in the mounting direction with respect to the mounting portions 91A and 91B, the rail receiving portion 101 engages with the slide rail 92, and the battery packs 100A and 100B are mounted on the mounting portions 91A and 91B. In the present embodiment, the mounting direction is the direction from top to bottom. When the battery packs 100A and 100B are mounted on the mounting portions 91A and 91B, the positive input terminals 93 and the negative input terminals 94 of the mounting portions 91A and 91B are electrically connected to the positive output terminals 102 and the negative output terminals 103 of the battery packs 100A and 100B. Further, when the battery packs 100A and 100B are mounted on the mounting portions 91A and 91B, the locking member 105 engages with the lock receiving hole 95, and the battery packs 100A and 100B are fixed in a locked state where they cannot move in the vertical direction.

[0052] When the unlock buttons 106 of the battery packs 100A and 100B mounted on the mounting portions 91A and 91B are pressed by the user, the engagement between the locking member 105 and the lock receiving hole 95 is released (unlocked state). In the unlocked state, when the battery packs 100A and 100B are slid in the removal direction with respect to the mounting portions 91A and 91B, the battery packs 100A and 100B are removed from the mounting portions 91A and 91B. In the present embodiment, the removal direction is the direction from bottom to top. Thus, the battery packs 100A and 100B can be detachably mounted on the mounting portions 91A and 91B of the mounting unit 90.

[0053] <Configuration of Kettle Body> As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 to 10, the kettle body 10 mainly has an appearance composed of a main body unit 20 and a lid portion 21. The main body unit 20 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open top. The lid portion 21 is connected to the main body unit 20 so as to be able to open and close the opening of the main body unit 20. The main body unit 20 includes a side wall portion 30, a bottom portion 40, and a liquid storage portion 48.

[0054] The side wall portion 30 is a substantially cylindrical portion extending in the vertical direction of the main body unit 20. The side wall portion 30 forms the outer peripheral surface 31 of the kettle body 10. Above the side wall portion 30, a spout 22 capable of discharging the liquid from the liquid storage portion 48 is provided. When the kettle body 10 is viewed from above, a kettle gripping portion 23 for gripping the kettle body 10 is provided at a position facing the spout 22. The end portions of the kettle gripping portion 23 are connected above and below the side wall portion 30. The side wall portion 30 and the kettle gripping portion 23 can be formed of metal or resin.

[0055] The bottom portion 40 is a portion connected below the side wall portion 30. The bottom portion 40 can be formed of metal or resin. As shown in FIG. 17, a power receiving connection portion 42 and a pair of terminals (second energization terminals 132A, 132B) are provided on the lower surface 41 of the bottom portion 40. The power receiving connection portion 42 is provided at a substantially central portion of the lower surface 41. The second energization terminal 132A and the second energization terminal 132B are arranged substantially symmetrically about the power receiving connection portion 42. Details of the power receiving connection portion 42 and the second energization terminals 132A, 132B will be described later.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the lower surface 41 of the bottom portion 40 includes an inclined surface 46 that slopes downward from the power receiving connection portion 42 toward the radially outer side. The inclined surface 46 has a shape along the inclined surface 74 of the power supply base portion 70. Therefore, the kettle body 10 can be stably placed on the power supply base portion 70.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 9, the liquid storage portion 48 is disposed inside the side wall portion 30 and the bottom portion 40. The liquid storage portion 48 has a shape capable of storing a liquid such as water inside. The inner surface of the liquid storage portion 48 may be coated with a heat-resistant resin such as fluororesin. The bottom surface of the liquid storage portion 48 is formed of a heat-conducting material such as metal.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 10, a heater 49 is installed inside the bottom portion 40. The heater 49 receives power through the power receiving connection portion 42 and heats the liquid in the liquid storage portion 48 located above the bottom portion 40.

[0059] <Configuration of the power supply connection part, power reception connection part, first energization terminal, and second energization terminal> Next, mainly with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 18, the configurations of the power supply connection part 72, the power reception connection part 42, the first energization terminals 131A and 131B, and the second energization terminals 132A and 132B will be described. The power supply connection part 72 and the first energization terminals 131A and 131B are provided on the power supply base part 70, and the power reception connection part 42 and the second energization terminals 132A and 132B are provided on the kettle body 10. In the electric kettle 1, when the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base part 70, the power supply connection part 72 and the power reception connection part 42 are connected, and the first energization terminal 131A and the second energization terminal 132A, and the first energization terminal 131B and the second energization terminal 132B are respectively connected. Further, when the kettle body 10 is removed from the power supply base part 70, after the connection between the first energization terminal 131A and the second energization terminal 132A, and the first energization terminal 131B and the second energization terminal 132B is released, the connection between the power supply connection part 72 and the power reception connection part 42 is released.

[0060] First, the detailed configurations of the power supply connection part 72 and the power reception connection part 42 will be described.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply connection part 72 is configured to protrude upward from the upper surface 71 of the power supply base part 70. The power supply connection part 72 is formed so that the power reception connection part 42 of the kettle body 10 fits therein. As shown in FIG. 3, the power supply connection part 72 has a shape in which a pair of notches (notch parts 79) are provided from the side surface 72s of the substantially frustum of a cone having a lower bottom on the lower side toward the center. In each of the pair of notch parts 79, a power supply connection terminal 73, which is a conductive member, is provided. The power supply connection terminal 73 is formed as a substantially plate-shaped member parallel to the front-rear direction. Further, the power supply connection terminal 73 protrudes upward from the upper surface 71 and extends in the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the power supply connection terminal 73 is arranged parallel to the front-rear direction at substantially the center of the notch part 79.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 3, the notch portion 79 is connected to the outer peripheral surface (side surface 72s) of the truncated cone, and includes a pair of surfaces 79s parallel to the front-rear direction and a surface 79c connecting the pair of surfaces 79s. The pair of surfaces 79s each extend in the vertical direction. The pair of surfaces 79s face each other with the power supply connection terminal 73 therebetween. The upper end of the surface 79s is located below the upper surface 72u of the power supply base portion 70. The upper end of the surface 79s and the upper surface 72u are connected by an inclined surface 79g. The inclined surface 79g is inclined toward the power supply connection terminal 73. Although details will be described later, the inclined surface 79g functions as a guide portion for moving the kettle body 10 in the circumferential direction so that the power supply connection terminal 73 and the power reception connection terminal 45 of the kettle body 10 are connected.

[0063] The side surface 72s of the power supply connection portion 72 has a shape along the side surface 42s (see FIG. 17) of the power reception connection portion 42 of the kettle body 10. That is, the power supply connection portion 72 is configured to be able to move the kettle body 10 in the circumferential direction while aligning the side surface 42s of the power reception connection portion 42 of the kettle body 10 along the side surface 72s of the power supply connection portion 72. Further, the power supply connection portion 72 is formed so as to restrict the rotation of the kettle body 10 when it fits with the power reception connection portion 42 of the kettle body 10. Restricting the rotation means that when the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base portion 70, it hardly moves in the circumferential direction. Hardly moving means that movement within a range that can maintain the electrical contact between the power supply connection terminal 73 and the power reception connection terminal 45 is allowed. It can also be said that the power supply connection portion 72 is configured such that the kettle body 10 cannot rotate when it fits with the power reception connection portion 42 of the kettle body 10.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the power receiving connection portion 42 is provided at a portion where the lower surface 41 of the kettle body 10 protrudes upward. This portion is formed in a substantially frustum shape with a lower bottom on the lower side. As shown in FIG. 17, the power receiving connection portion 42 has a pair of plate-like members 44 that protrude from the side surface of the frustum toward the center. In each of the pair of plate-like members 44, a gap is provided that extends substantially in the vertical direction and into which the power supply connection terminal 73 can be inserted. On a pair of surfaces 44s that constitute the gap in the plate-like member 44, power receiving connection terminals 45, which are conductive members, are provided respectively. The power receiving connection terminal 45 is formed as a substantially plate-like member parallel to the front-rear direction. Further, the power receiving connection terminal 45 extends in the vertical direction from a position corresponding to the lower bottom of the frustum to a position corresponding to the upper bottom. The power receiving connection terminal 45 is formed so as to sandwich the power supply connection terminal 73 and be in contact with both side surfaces (right side surface and left side surface) of the power supply connection terminal 73. In FIG. 18, the power receiving connection terminal 45 that contacts the right side surface of the power supply connection terminal 73 is shown, and the power receiving connection terminal 45 that contacts the left side surface is not shown. When the circumferential position of the kettle body 10 with respect to the power supply connection portion 72 is adjusted (aligned) so that the plate-like member 44 fits into the notch portion 79 (see FIGS. 3 and 18), the power supply connection terminal 73 and the power receiving connection terminal 45 come into contact, and the movement of the kettle body 10 is restricted. Also, the power from the battery packs 100A and 100B attached to the attachment unit 90 can be supplied to the kettle body 10 via the power supply connection terminal 73 and the power receiving connection terminal 45.

[0065] As described above, the power receiving connection terminal 45 is provided in a portion that is recessed upward from the lower surface 41 of the kettle body 10 and extends in the vertical direction. Also, the power supply connection terminal 73 protrudes upward from the upper surface 71 of the power supply base portion 70 and extends in the vertical direction. Further, the power receiving connection terminal 45 is configured to sandwich the power supply connection terminal 73. The power receiving connection terminal 45 and the power supply connection terminal 73 are in contact with each other in the vertical direction within a range from the lower end portion 45B of the power receiving connection terminal 45 to the upper end 73T of the power supply connection terminal 73 when the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base portion 70 (see FIG. 18).

[0066] With such a configuration, when the kettle body 10 is moved upward from the state where the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base portion 70 (see FIG. 18), the connection (contact) between the power supply connection terminal 73 and the power reception connection terminal 45 continues until the lower end portion 45B of the power reception connection terminal 45 separates from the upper end 73T of the power supply connection terminal 73. Specifically, the vertical length from the lower end portion 45B of the power reception connection terminal 45 to the upper end 73T of the power supply connection terminal 73 (contact length L1, see FIG. 18) when the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base portion 70 is greater than the upward movement amount Lm of the kettle body 10. The connection between the power supply connection terminal 73 and the power reception connection terminal 45 continues until the upward movement amount Lm of the kettle body 10 becomes larger. In other words, the connection between the power supply connection terminal 73 and the power reception connection terminal 45 is released when the movement amount Lm becomes larger than the contact length L1.

[0067] In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, the notch portion 79 of the power supply connection portion 72 includes an inclined surface 79g that inclines downward from the upper surface 72u of the power supply connection portion 72 toward the power supply connection terminal 73 (see FIG. 3). Therefore, when the plate-like member 44 of the kettle body 10 is located on the inclined surface 79g, the kettle body 10 moves downward along the inclined surface 79g due to its own weight, and the plate-like member 44 fits into the notch portion 79. That is, in the electric kettle 1 of the present embodiment, in the circumferential direction, if the plate-like member 44 is disposed on the notch portion 79 or the inclined surface 79g, the alignment of the kettle body 10 with respect to the power supply unit 50 is completed. Even if the plate-like member 44 is not disposed on the inclined surface 79g, if the user moves the kettle body 10 in the circumferential direction and the plate-like member 44 moves onto the inclined surface 79g, the kettle body 10 moves downward along the inclined surface 79g due to its own weight, so the alignment is completed.

[0068] Next, the detailed configurations of the first energization terminals 131A and 131B and the second energization terminals 132A and 132B will be described.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 18, the first energization terminals 131A and 131B are provided on the upper surface 71 of the power supply base portion 70 in a substantially symmetric manner with the power supply connection portion 72 as the center. The upper end surfaces of the first energization terminals 131A and 131B slightly protrude from the upper surface 71 of the power supply base portion 70 in the vertical direction. The upper ends of the first energization terminals 131A and 131B are located below the upper end 73T of the power supply connection terminal 73. The second energization terminals 132A and 132B are provided on the lower surface 41 of the kettle body 10 in a substantially symmetric manner with the power reception connection portion 42 as the center. In the present embodiment, the lower ends of the second energization terminals 132A and 132B are in substantially the same position as the lower surface 41 of the kettle body 10 in the vertical direction. In other embodiments, the upper ends of the first energization terminals 131A and 131B do not have to protrude from the upper surface 71 of the power supply base portion 70, or the upper ends of the second energization terminals 132A and 132B may protrude from the lower surface 41 of the kettle body 10.

[0070] The first energization terminals 131A and 131B and the second energization terminals 132A and 132B are arranged to be connected (contact) with each other when the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base portion 70 (when the power supply connection portion 72 and the power reception connection portion 42 are fitted together). Specifically, they are arranged such that the first energization terminal 131A contacts the second energization terminal 132A, and the first energization terminal 131B contacts the second energization terminal 132B. As shown in FIG. 9, in the present embodiment, a temperature sensor Tc is provided below the liquid storage portion 48. When the first energization terminal 131A contacts the second energization terminal 132A and the first energization terminal 131B contacts the second energization terminal 132B, a circuit of the temperature sensor Tc is formed. That is, in the electric kettle 1, when the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base portion 70, the first energization terminal 131A contacts the second energization terminal 132A, and the first energization terminal 131B contacts the second energization terminal 132B. As a result, the temperature of the liquid in the liquid storage portion 48 can be measured. Therefore, the first energization terminals 131A and 131B, the second energization terminals 132A and 132B, and the temperature sensor Tc also function as a detection unit (hereinafter, detection unit 130) for detecting whether the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply unit 50. The measurement result of the temperature sensor Tc is transmitted to a control unit 66 described later. Note that the current flowing through the circuit of the temperature sensor Tc is a weak current.

[0071] Return to the description of the second energization terminals 132A and 132B. As shown in FIG. 18, a spring 301 is provided on the second energization terminals 132A and 132B of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the spring 301 is a compression coil spring. The spring 301 is disposed above the second energization terminals 132A and 132B and is supported by the kettle body 10 so as to expand and contract in the vertical direction. Therefore, the lower ends of the second energization terminals 132A and 132B can be pushed upward by the change length L2 (stroke) of the vertical length of the spring 301. Accordingly, when the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base portion 70, the second energization terminals 132A and 132B are pushed upward by the first energization terminals 131A and 131B. At this time, the spring 301 biases the second energization terminals 132A and 132B with respect to the first energization terminals 131A and 131B. Note that the change length L2 of the spring 301 is smaller than the contact length L1 between the power supply connection terminal 73 and the power reception connection terminal 45 (see FIG. 18).

[0072] When the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base portion 70 and the lower surface 41 of the kettle body 10 contacts the upper surface 71 of the power supply base portion 70, the upper ends of the first power supply terminals 131A and 131B contact the lower ends of the second power supply terminals 132A and 132B. At this time, the upper ends of the first power supply terminals 131A and 131B push the lower ends of the second power supply terminals 132A and 132B upward against the biasing force of the spring 301. When the kettle body 10 is moved upward from the state where the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base portion 70 (see FIG. 18), the contact between the first power supply terminals 131A and 131B and the second power supply terminals 132A and 132B continues until the spring 301 returns to the length (free length, free height) when it is not receiving a load. Specifically, the connection between the first power supply terminals 131A and 131B and the second power supply terminals 132A and 132B continues until the upward movement amount Lm of the kettle body 10 becomes larger than the change length L2 of the spring 301. In other words, the connection between the first power supply terminals 131A and 131B and the second power supply terminals 132A and 132B is released when the upward movement amount Lm of the kettle body 10 becomes larger than the change length L2. Note that since the change length L2 of the spring 301 corresponds to the length during which the contact between the first power supply terminals 131A and 131B and the second power supply terminals 132A and 132B continues, the change length L2 can also be referred to as the contact length L2 between the first power supply terminals 131A and 131B and the second power supply terminals 132A and 132B.

[0073] Due to the configurations of the power supply connection portion 72, the power reception connection portion 42, the first power supply terminals 131A and 131B, and the second power supply terminals 132A and 132B described above, when the power supply base portion 70 is moved upward from the kettle body 10, when the upward movement amount Lm of the kettle body 10 becomes larger than the change length L2 of the spring 301, the connection between the first power supply terminals 131A and 131B and the second power supply terminals 132A and 132B is released. Furthermore, when the kettle body 10 is moved upward and the movement amount Lm becomes larger than the contact length L1 between the power supply connection terminal 73 and the power reception connection terminal 45, the connection between the power supply connection portion 72 and the power reception connection portion 42 is released.

[0074] <Power Supply Control in an Electric Kettle> Next, the power supply control in the electric kettle 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 19, the power supply unit 50 of the present embodiment includes a control device 65. The control device 65 includes a control unit 66 configured as a microcomputer including a CPU, a memory, and an interface, and a switching unit 200. The control unit 66 controls the entire electric kettle 1 using the detection results of the above-described respective units.

[0075] When the first power supply terminals 131A and 131B and the second power supply terminals 132A and 132B are in contact to form a circuit of the temperature sensor Tc, the control unit 66 is configured to acquire the measurement result of the temperature sensor Tc. The fact that the measurement result of the temperature sensor Tc is acquired by the control unit 66 means that the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base unit 70. Also, the fact that the measurement result of the temperature sensor Tc is not acquired by the control unit 66 means that the kettle body 10 is not placed on the power supply base unit 70.

[0076] The control unit 66 controls the supply of power to the heater 49 using the measurement result of the temperature sensor Tc (that is, the detection result of the detection unit 130). In the present embodiment, when the control unit 66 can acquire the measurement result of the temperature sensor Tc, it supplies power to the heater 49 via the power supply connection unit 72 and the power reception connection unit 42. Also, when the control unit 66 cannot acquire the measurement result of the temperature sensor Tc, it stops the supply of power to the heater 49 via the power supply connection unit 72 and the power reception connection unit 42. Therefore, when the kettle body 10 placed on the power supply base unit 70 is removed from the power supply base unit 70, at the time when the connection (contact) between the first power supply terminals 131A and 131B and the second power supply terminals 132A and 132B is released (that is, when the measurement result of the temperature sensor Tc cannot be acquired), the supply of power to the heater 49 via the power supply connection unit 72 and the power reception connection unit 42 is stopped.

[0077] As described above, in the electric kettle 1 of the present embodiment, after the connection between the first power supply terminals 131A and 131B and the second power supply terminals 132A and 132B is released, the connection between the power supply connection portion 72 and the power reception connection portion 42 is released. Further, the change length L2 of the spring 301 provided on the second power supply terminals 132A and 132B is configured to be smaller than the contact length L1 between the power supply connection terminal 73 and the power reception connection terminal 45. Therefore, the connection state between the first power supply terminals 131A and 131B and the second power supply terminals 132A and 132B, the connection state between the power supply connection portion 72 and the power reception connection portion 42, and the power supply state by the control unit 66 change in the following order of (i) to (iii) when the electric kettle 1 is removed from the power supply base portion 70.

[0078] (i) The upward movement amount Lm of the kettle body is 0 or more and less than or equal to the change length L2 of the spring 301 (0 ≦ Lm ≦ L2): The power supply connection terminal 73 and the power reception connection terminal 45 are in contact. The upper ends of the first power supply terminals 131A and 131B and the lower ends of the second power supply terminals 132A and 132B are in contact, and the temperature sensor Tc can measure the temperature of the liquid. Therefore, the control unit 66 supplies power to the heater 49 via the power supply connection portion 72 (power supply connection terminal 73) and the power reception connection portion 42 (power reception connection terminal 45).

[0079] (ii) The upward movement amount Lm of the kettle body 10 is greater than the change length L2 of the spring 301 and less than or equal to the contact length L1 between the power supply connection terminal 73 and the power reception connection terminal 45 (L2 < Lm ≦ L1): The upper ends of the first power supply terminals 131A and 131B and the lower ends of the second power supply terminals 132A and 132B are separated, and the temperature sensor Tc cannot measure the temperature of the liquid. Therefore, the control unit 66 stops supplying power to the heater 49 via the power reception connection portion 42 and the power supply connection portion 72. Note that the contact between the power supply connection terminal 73 and the power reception connection terminal 45 continues.

[0080] (iii) The upward movement amount Lm of the kettle body 10 is greater than the contact length L1 between the power supply connection terminal 73 and the power reception connection terminal 45 (L1 < Lm): The connection between the power supply connection terminal 73 and the power reception connection terminal 45 is released. Note that, similar to the above (ii), the upper ends of the first energization terminals 131A and 131B and the lower ends of the second energization terminals 132A and 132B are separated from each other, and the temperature sensor Tc cannot measure the temperature of the liquid. Further, the control unit 66 has stopped supplying power to the heater 49 via the power reception connection unit 42 and the power supply connection unit 72.

[0081] With the above configuration, in the electric kettle 1, the connection between the first energization terminals 131A and 131B and the second energization terminals 132A and 132B is released (that is, it is detected by the detection unit 130 that the kettle body 10 is not placed on the power supply base unit 70), the supply of power to the heater 49 via the power supply connection unit 72 and the power reception connection unit 42 is stopped, and then the connection between the power supply connection unit 72 and the power reception connection unit 42 is released. In other words, the stop of the power supply to the heater 49 is executed before the connection between the power supply connection unit 72 and the power reception connection unit 42 is released.

[0082] Returning to the description of the control unit 66. The control unit 66 is configured to notify the user of the drive information of the electric kettle 1 when the main switch S1 is turned on. In the present embodiment, the drive information includes that the kettle body 10 is not placed on the power supply base unit 70. Note that the main switch S1 is provided with a light that lights up when it is on. Further, the power supply unit 50 is internally provided with a voice output unit 141 capable of outputting voice. When the kettle body 10 is not placed on the power supply base unit 70, the control unit 66 notifies the drive information by blinking the light provided in the main switch S1 or outputting a warning sound from the voice output unit 141.

[0083] When the main switch S1 is turned on and the kettle body 10 is removed from the power supply base unit 70, the control unit 66 is configured to stop the power supply to the heater 49 while keeping the main switch S1 on. When the kettle body 10 is placed again on the power supply base unit 70 within a predetermined period from the stop, the control unit 66 is configured to resume the power supply to the heater 49. Further, if the kettle body 10 is not placed on the power supply base unit 70 even after a predetermined period has elapsed since the power supply to the heater 49 was stopped with the main switch S1 turned on, the control unit 66 is configured to turn off the main switch S1. The predetermined period is, for example, any period between 1 second and 5 seconds. With such a configuration, in the electric kettle 1, even if the user removes the kettle body 10 from the power supply base unit 70 or the kettle body 10 accidentally tilts during the power supply to the heater 49 for a relatively short period, the main switch S1 is not turned off. Therefore, the convenience for the user can be improved. Note that during the predetermined period, the control unit 66 may notify the main switch S1 and the voice output unit 141 of the drive information. In this way, the user can be prompted to place the kettle body 10 on the power supply base unit 70.

[0084] Next, the switching unit 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. The switching unit 200 is configured to switch the battery pack for supplying power to the heater 49 between the battery pack 100A and the battery pack 100B.

[0085] With reference to FIG. 20, the circuit configuration of the switching unit 200 will be described. The switching unit 200 mainly includes a first power supply unit 211, a first boost circuit 212, a first FET drive circuit 213, a first voltage detection circuit 214, a second power supply unit 221, a second boost circuit 222, a second FET drive circuit 223, a second voltage detection circuit 224, and a check power supply 230. The first boost circuit 212 and the second boost circuit 222 are also called charge pumps. The switching unit 200 further includes switching elements Q1 to Q4. The switching elements Q1 to Q4 are FETs (Field Effect Transistors).

[0086] The first power supply unit 211 is a circuit configured to generate a constant voltage (V 1 = 15V). The first boost circuit 212 is a circuit configured to boost the voltage of the battery pack 100A attached to the attachment portion 91A in response to the input of a pulse from the control unit 66. The voltage boosted by the first boost circuit 212 ((V BAT1 + V 1 ) volts) is applied to the first FET drive circuit 213.

[0087] The first FET drive circuit 213 is a circuit that drives and controls the switching elements Q1 and Q2. The first FET drive circuit 213 controls the energization from the battery pack 100A to the heater 49 via the power supply connection portion 72 by turning on and off the switching elements Q1 and Q2.

[0088] The first voltage detection circuit 214 is a circuit configured to detect the voltage between the switching elements Q1 and Q2. The first voltage detection circuit 214 is configured to be in a low output state when the detected voltage is a high voltage and in a high output state when the detected voltage is a low voltage. The detection result of the first voltage detection circuit 214 is output to the control unit 66 and the second FET drive circuit 223. In this embodiment, the high voltage is a voltage of about 30 volts or more and about 42 volts or less, and the low voltage is about 0 volts.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 20, the switching element Q1 and the switching element Q2 are connected in series, and each includes a diode. The diode of the switching element Q1 and the diode of the switching element Q2 are provided in opposite directions to each other so as to prevent discharge from the battery pack 100A and reverse flow of current from the battery pack 100B.

[0090] Similarly, the second power supply unit 221 is a circuit configured to generate a constant voltage (V 2 = 15V). The second boost circuit 222 is a circuit configured to boost the voltage of the battery pack 100B attached to the attachment portion 91B in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 66. The voltage boosted by the second boost circuit 222 ((V BAT2 + V 2 ) volts) is applied to the second FET drive circuit 223.

[0091] The second FET drive circuit 223 is a circuit that drives and controls the switching elements Q3 and Q4. The second FET drive circuit 223 controls energization from the battery pack 100B to the heater 49 via the power supply connection portion 72 and the power reception connection portion 42 by turning on and off the switching elements Q3 and Q4.

[0092] The second voltage detection circuit 224 is a circuit configured to detect the voltage between the switching elements Q3 and Q4. The second voltage detection circuit 224 is configured to be in a low output state when the detected voltage is a high voltage and in a high output state when the detected voltage is a low voltage. The detection result of the second voltage detection circuit 224 is output to the control unit 66 and the first FET drive circuit 213.

[0093] The operations of the first FET drive circuit 213 and the second FET drive circuit 223 will be described. The first FET drive circuit 213 is configured to turn off the switching elements Q1 and Q2 when the second voltage detection circuit 224 is in the low output state (i.e., when the voltage between the switching elements Q3 and Q4 is high). Further, the first FET drive circuit 213 is configured to turn on the switching elements Q1 and Q2 when the second voltage detection circuit 224 is in the high output state (i.e., when the voltage between the switching elements Q3 and Q4 is low). Also, the second FET drive circuit 223 is configured to turn off the switching elements Q3 and Q4 when the first voltage detection circuit 214 is in the low output state (i.e., when the voltage between the switching elements Q1 and Q2 is high). Further, the second FET drive circuit 223 is configured to turn on the switching elements Q3 and Q4 when the first voltage detection circuit 214 is in the high output state (i.e., when the voltage between the switching elements Q1 and Q2 is low). With such a configuration, the switching unit 200 can switch the battery pack that supplies power to the heater 49 between the battery pack 100A and the battery pack 100B.

[0094] In this embodiment, further, the switching unit 200 is configured to be able to detect an abnormality (short circuit) in the switching elements Q1 to Q4. As described above, when power is supplied from the battery pack 100A to the heater 49, the switching elements Q1 and Q2 are on, and the switching elements Q3 and Q4 are off. At this time, if there is no abnormality in the switching elements Q3 and Q4, the voltage between the switching elements Q3 and Q4 becomes a low voltage, and the second voltage detection circuit 224 is in a high output state. On the other hand, when power is supplied from the battery pack 100A to the heater 49, if the switching elements Q3 and Q4 are short-circuited, the voltage between the switching elements Q3 and Q4 becomes a high voltage, and the second voltage detection circuit 224 is in a low output state. In other words, when power is supplied from the battery pack 100A to the heater 49, if a low output is sent from the second voltage detection circuit 224 to the control unit 66, there is a possibility that the switching element Q3 or Q4 is short-circuited (the first state).

[0095] Similarly, when power is supplied from the battery pack 100B to the heater 49, the switching elements Q3 and Q4 are on, and the switching elements Q1 and Q2 are off. At this time, if there is no abnormality in Q1 and Q2, the voltage between the switching elements Q1 and Q2 becomes a low voltage, and the first voltage detection circuit 214 is in a high output state. On the other hand, when power is supplied from the battery pack 100B to the heater 49, if Q1 and Q2 are short-circuited, the voltage between Q1 and Q2 becomes a high voltage, and the first voltage detection circuit 214 is in a low output state. In other words, when power is supplied from the battery pack 100B to the heater 49, if a low output is sent from the first voltage detection circuit 214 to the control unit 66, there is a possibility that the switching element Q1 or Q2 is short-circuited (the second state).

[0096] In this embodiment, when in the above first state, the control unit 66 turns off the switching elements Q1 and Q2 in the first boost circuit 212 to stop the power supply from the battery pack 100A to the heater 49. Similarly, when in the above second state, the control unit 66 turns off the switching elements Q3 and Q4 in the second boost circuit 222 to stop the power supply from the battery pack 100B to the heater 49. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the electric kettle 1 from operating in a state where any of the switching elements Q1 to Q4 is faulty.

[0097] In this embodiment, the switching unit 200 can detect abnormalities in the switching elements Q2 and Q4 even when power is not being supplied from the battery pack 100A or the battery pack 100B to the heater 49. The check power supply 230 is a power supply for applying a voltage to the switching elements Q2 and Q4 when the switching elements Q1 to Q4 are off. When the switching elements Q1 to Q4 are off and a voltage is applied to the switching elements Q2 and Q4, and an abnormal value (low output) is output from the first voltage detection circuit 214 and the second voltage detection circuit 224, there is a possibility that the switching elements Q2 and Q4 are faulty. Therefore, when a low output is output from the first voltage detection circuit 214 and the second voltage detection circuit 224 when the voltage is applied by the check power supply 230, the control unit 66 stops the subsequent supply from the battery packs 100A and 100B to the heater 49.

[0098] As described above, in the electric kettle 1 of this embodiment, the battery pack that supplies power to the heater 49 can be switched between the battery pack 100A and the battery pack 100B. Also, it is possible to prevent current from flowing backward from the battery pack 100A to the battery pack 100B and from the battery pack 100B to the battery pack 100A. Furthermore, abnormalities in the switching elements Q1 to Q4 can be detected, and when an abnormality is detected, the power supply to the heater 49 can be stopped.

[0099] In addition, when an abnormality of the switching elements Q1 to Q4 is detected, the control unit 66 may notify that an abnormality of the switching elements Q1 to Q4 has occurred by using the main switch S1, the voice output unit 141, or the display unit 86.

[0100] <Effect> The electric kettle 1 of the present embodiment described above has the following effects.

[0101] When the detection unit 130 detects that the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base unit 70, the electric kettle 1 is configured to supply power to the heater 49 via the power supply connection unit 72 and the power reception connection unit 42. Further, when the detection unit 130 detects that the kettle body 10 is not placed on the power supply base unit 70, the electric kettle 1 is configured to stop the power supply to the heater 49 via the power supply connection unit 72 and the power reception connection unit 42. In addition, in the electric kettle 1, the connection between the power supply connection unit 72 and the power reception connection unit 42 is configured to be released after the detection unit 130 detects that the kettle body 10 is not placed on the power supply base unit 70. Therefore, compared with a configuration in which the connection between the power supply connection unit 72 and the power reception connection unit 42 is released before or when it is detected that the kettle body 10 is not placed on the power supply base unit 70, it is possible to suppress the generation of a spark (arc) between the power supply connection unit 72 and the power reception connection unit 42. Therefore, the durability of the power supply connection unit 72 and the power reception connection unit 42 can be improved, and as a result, the durability of the electric kettle 1 can be improved.

[0102] In addition, the electric kettle 1 is configured to supply power from the battery packs 100A and 100B to the heater 49 via the power supply connection part 72 and the power reception connection part 42. When using a DC power supply, since the direction of the current flow is constant, the duration of the arc becomes longer and the electrical contacts are likely to be consumed. However, in the electric kettle 1 of the present embodiment, the connection between the power supply connection part 72 and the power reception connection part 42 is configured to be released after the detection unit 130 detects that the kettle body 10 is not placed on the power supply base part 70. Therefore, while using a DC power supply, the durability of the power supply connection part 72 and the power reception connection part 42 can be improved.

[0103] In addition, when the control unit 66 detects that the kettle body 10 is not placed on the power supply base part 70, it does not execute the power supply to the heater 49. Therefore, when the power supply connection terminal 73 is exposed, the power supply to the heater 49 is not performed. Accordingly, it is possible to ensure the safety of the electric kettle 1 when the user accidentally touches the power supply connection terminal 73 or when a liquid such as water drops on the power supply connection terminal 73.

[0104] The electric kettle 1 also includes first energization terminals 131A and 131B provided on the power supply base part 70 and second energization terminals 132A and 132B provided on the kettle body 10. Therefore, it is possible to detect whether the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base part 70 based on whether the first energization terminals 131A and 131B are in contact with the second energization terminals 132A and 132B (whether energization is possible).

[0105] In addition, The electric kettle 1 is when the first energization terminal 131A is in contact with the second energization terminal 132A and the first energization terminal 131B is in contact with the second energization terminal 132B (When the placement condition is satisfied) it means that the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base part 70, and when either one is not in contact (When the placement condition is not satisfied)It is possible to detect that the kettle body 10 is not placed on the power supply base portion 70. Therefore, one first power supply terminal is provided on the power supply base portion 70, and one second power supply terminal is provided on the kettle body 10, and it is possible to more accurately detect whether the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base portion 70 by determining whether the first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal are in contact with each other, as compared to a configuration in which the placement state of the kettle body 10 with respect to the power supply base portion 70 is detected.

[0106] The first power supply terminals 131A and 131B are symmetrically arranged around the power supply connection portion 72, and the second power supply terminals 132A and 132B are symmetrically arranged around the power reception connection portion 42. Therefore, when the kettle body 10 is tilted with respect to the power supply base portion 70, at least one of the first power supply terminal 131A and the second power supply terminal 132A, and the first power supply terminal 131B and the second power supply terminal 132B is likely to become non-contact. Accordingly, it is possible to more accurately detect the placement state of the kettle body 10 with respect to the power supply base portion 70.

[0107] Further, in the electric kettle 1, the first power supply terminal 131A and the second power supply terminal 132A are in contact with each other, and the first power supply terminal 131B and the second power supply terminal 132B are in contact with each other to form a circuit of the temperature sensor Tc. Therefore, the detection unit 130 can function to detect whether the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base portion 70 and to measure the temperature inside the liquid storage portion 48. Further, it can be determined that the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base portion 70 when the measurement result of the temperature sensor Tc is obtained, and that the kettle body 10 is not placed on the power supply base portion 70 when the measurement result of the temperature sensor Tc is not obtained.

[0108] The second power supply terminals 132A and 132B are provided with springs 301 that can contract in the vertical direction. Therefore, even if there is a dimensional error or the like in the vertical direction in at least one of the first power supply terminals 131A and 131B and the second power supply terminals 132A and 132B, contact between the first power supply terminals 131A and 131B and the second power supply terminals 132A and 132B can be ensured.

[0109] Further, since the spring 301 is provided above the second power supply terminals 132A and 132B provided on the kettle body 10, it is possible to prevent the liquid in the kettle body 10 from adhering to the spring 301 unintentionally. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the spring 301 from deteriorating due to the adhesion of the liquid.

[0110] In the present embodiment, the power receiving connection terminal 45 is provided in a portion recessed upward from the lower surface 41 of the kettle body 10 and extends in the vertical direction. Further, the power supply connection terminal 73 protrudes upward from the upper surface 71 of the power supply base portion 70 and extends in the vertical direction. Therefore, the contact area between the power supply connection terminal 73 and the power receiving connection terminal 45 can be extended in the vertical direction. Further, the power receiving connection terminal 45 is configured to sandwich the power supply connection terminal 73. Therefore, the contact area between the power supply connection terminal 73 and the power receiving connection terminal 45 can be increased, so that the power supply from the power supply connection portion 72 to the power receiving connection portion 42 can be made more stable. Note that this configuration in which the power receiving connection terminal 45 sandwiches the power supply connection terminal 73 to ensure a large contact area is more useful when a direct current flows.

[0111] Further, the power receiving connection terminal 45 and the power supply connection terminal 73 are in contact with each other within a range (contact length L1) from the lower end portion 45B of the power receiving connection terminal 45 to the upper end 73T of the power supply connection terminal 73 in the vertical direction when the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base portion 70, and the contact length L1 is larger than the change length L2 of the spring 301. Therefore, when the upward movement amount Lm of the kettle body 10 becomes larger than the change length L2, the connection between the first power supply terminals 131A and 131B and the second power supply terminals 132A and 132B is released, and after the power supply from the power supply connection terminal 73 to the power receiving connection terminal 45 is stopped, the electric kettle 1 can be configured such that the connection between the power supply connection terminal 73 and the power receiving connection terminal 45 is released when the movement amount Lm becomes larger than the contact length L2.

[0112] In addition, since the power supply unit 50 includes a mounting unit 90 for attaching the battery packs 100A and 100B, the kettle body 10 can be easily handled as compared with the case where the battery packs 100A and 100B are attached to the kettle body 10. Further, since the battery packs 100A and 100B are attached to the power supply unit 50, the user can use the electric kettle 1 at a desired location. Therefore, the degree of freedom of the usage environment of the electric kettle 1 can be increased.

[0113] The power supply unit 50 extends upward from the power supply base portion 70 and includes a power supply unit gripping portion 85 for being gripped by the user. Therefore, the user can grip the power supply unit gripping portion 85 to carry the power supply unit 50 or carry the kettle body 10 and the power supply unit 50 integrally. Accordingly, an electric kettle 1 with high convenience for the user can be provided.

[0114] The power supply base portion 70 on which the kettle body 10 is placed is arranged in a region on one surface (front surface 81) side of the wall portion 80 (power supply unit gripping portion 85), and the mounting unit 90 for attaching the battery packs 100A and 100B is arranged in a region on the other surface (rear surface 82) side of the wall portion 80. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the liquid used in the electric kettle 1 from adhering to the mounting unit 90. Accordingly, the safety and durability of the electric kettle 1 can be improved. In addition, even when the user opens the lid portion 21 of the kettle body 10 and puts liquid into the kettle body 10 while the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base portion 70, it is possible to suppress the liquid from adhering to the mounting unit 90, the battery packs 100A, and 100B. Therefore, it is possible to improve the safety and durability of the electric kettle 1 and improve the degree of freedom of handling of the electric kettle 1.

[0115] The attachment unit 90 includes slide rails 92 extending in the vertical direction, by which the battery packs 100A and 100B can be attached and detached by sliding in the vertical direction. Therefore, even if the liquid of the kettle body 10 adheres to the slide rails 92, the liquid easily falls downward. Thus, the safety and durability of the electric kettle 1 can be further improved.

[0116] The power supply unit gripping portion 85 is disposed at a position above the attachment unit 90 on the wall portion 80. Therefore, with the battery packs 100A and 100B attached to the rear surface 82 of the wall portion 80 and the kettle body 10 placed on the power supply base portion 70 on the front surface 81 side of the wall portion 80, the posture of the electric kettle 1 is stabilized. Thus, when the user carries it, it is possible to prevent the electric kettle 1 from tilting. As a result, an electric kettle 1 that is easier to carry can be provided.

[0117] In addition, in the present embodiment, the electric kettle 1 is configured such that in a state where the battery packs 100A and 100B are attached to the attachment unit 90 and the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply unit 50, regardless of the amount of liquid in the kettle body 10, the center of gravity of the electric kettle 1 is located at or near the wall portion 80. That is, the power supply unit gripping portion 85 is disposed above the center of gravity of the electric kettle 1 during use. Therefore, an electric kettle 1 that is even easier to carry can be provided.

[0118] The power supply unit 50 is provided at a position facing the front surface 81 of the wall portion 80 and includes a rib portion 75 protruding upward from the power supply base portion 70. Therefore, when carrying the electric kettle 1, it is possible to prevent the electric kettle 1 from shifting from the power supply base portion 70. Thus, according to this configuration, an electric kettle 1 that is easier to carry can be provided.

[0119] The power supply base unit 70 is formed with a through hole 77 that penetrates the power supply base unit 70 in the vertical direction. Therefore, even when liquid adheres to the power supply base unit 70, the liquid can be discharged from the through hole 77. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of liquid in the power supply base unit 70. As a result, the safety and durability of the electric kettle 1 can be further improved.

[0120] The power supply base unit 70 includes an inclined surface 74 that slopes downward from the central portion of the upper surface 71 toward the outside of the power supply base unit 70. Therefore, even when liquid adheres to the power supply base unit 70, the liquid can be made to flow outward. Further, the through hole 77 is disposed at a position closer to the outside than the central portion of the power supply base unit 70. Therefore, the liquid flowing outward is discharged from the through hole 77 disposed at a position closer to the outside. Accordingly, it is possible to further suppress the accumulation of liquid in the power supply base unit 70. As a result, the safety and durability of the electric kettle 1 can be further improved.

[0121] The wall portion 80 provided in the power supply unit 50 includes, on the front surface 81, a recessed portion 83 that is recessed from the front surface 81 side of the wall portion 80 toward the rear surface 82 side. This recessed portion 83 is formed so as to follow the outer peripheral surface 31 of the side wall portion 30 of the kettle body 10. Therefore, the user can place the kettle body 10 on the power supply base unit 70 while following the recessed portion 83. Accordingly, the kettle body 10 can be placed at an appropriate position.

[0122] The power reception connection portion 42 of the kettle body 10 and the power supply connection portion 72 of the power supply base unit 70 are formed so as to fit together when the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base unit 70. The power reception connection portion 42 and the power supply connection portion 72 are formed so that the rotation of the kettle body 10 on the power supply base unit 70 is restricted when they are fitted together. Therefore, power can be stably supplied from the power supply unit 50 to the kettle body 10.

[0123] The upper end of the rib portion 75 in the vertical direction is located above the lower end of the kettle gripping portion 23 of the kettle body 10 placed on the power supply base portion 70. Therefore, the user can place the kettle body 10 on the power supply unit 50 such that the kettle gripping portion 23 is positioned between the rib portion 75 and the wall portion 80 in the front-rear direction. Further, in the present embodiment, the power receiving connection portion 42 and the power supply connection portion 72 are formed so as to fit together within a range where the kettle gripping portion 23 is positioned between the rib portion 75 and the wall portion 80 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the rib portion 75, in cooperation with the wall portion 80, further exhibits a positioning function for appropriately placing the kettle body 10 on the power supply base portion 70. As a result, the user can easily place the kettle body 10 at an appropriate position.

[0124] <Second Embodiment> With reference to FIG. 21, the power supply connection portion 72C, the power receiving connection portion 42C, and the detection portion 130 according to the second embodiment will be described. In FIG. 21, the power supply connection portion 72C, the power receiving connection portion 42C, and the detection portion 130 are schematically shown. In the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the power supply connection portion 72C and the power receiving connection portion 42C are configured such that the upper end of the power supply connection terminal 73C contacts the lower end of the power receiving connection terminal 45C. Further, a spring 302C is provided above the power receiving connection terminal 45C. The spring 302C is supported by the kettle body 10 so as to expand and contract in the vertical direction. The spring 302C is configured such that the change length L1C of the vertical length is larger than the change length L2 of the spring 301 provided above the second energization terminal 132. (a1) of FIG. 21 shows a state where the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base portion 70, and (b1) shows a state where the kettle body 10 is moved upward and no load is applied to the spring 301 (a state where the spring 301 has returned to its free length). (c1) shows a state where the kettle body 10 is moved further upward than (b1) and no load is applied to the spring 302C (a state where the spring 302C has returned to its free length), and (d1) shows a state where the kettle body 10 is moved further upward than (c1). In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations as those in the above-described embodiments, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0125] When the kettle body 10 placed on the power supply base unit 70 (see Fig. 21(a1)) is moved upward from the power supply base unit 70, when the movement amount Lm of the kettle body is less than or equal to the change length L2 of the spring 301, as shown in Fig. 21(b1), the contact between the first energization terminal 131 and the second energization terminal 132 continues. Then, as shown in Fig. 21(c1), when the upward movement amount Lm of the kettle body 10 becomes larger than the change length L2 of the spring 301, the connection between the first energization terminal 131 and the second energization terminal 132 is released. Further, as shown in Fig. 21(d1), when the kettle body 10 is moved upward and the movement amount Lm becomes larger than the change length L1C of the spring 302C above the power receiving connection terminal 45C, the connection between the power supply connection portion 72C and the power receiving connection portion 42C is released. Note that since other configurations of the electric kettle 1 in the second embodiment are the same as those in the above-described first embodiment, the description and illustration are omitted.

[0126] Also in the second embodiment, after the connection between the first energization terminal 131 and the second energization terminal 132 is released, the connection between the power supply connection portion 72C and the power receiving connection portion 42C is released, so that the same effects as those in the above-described first embodiment are achieved.

[0127] <Third Embodiment> The power supply connection portion 72C, the power receiving connection portion 42C, and the detection portion 130D according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 22. Similar to the second embodiment, in Fig. 22, the power supply connection portion 72C, the power receiving connection portion 42C, and the detection portion 130D are schematically shown. In this embodiment, the vertical length of the second energization terminal 132D is substantially equal to the vertical length of the power receiving connection terminal 45C from the upper end of the spring 302C provided above the power receiving connection terminal. No spring is provided above the second energization terminal 132D. Fig. 22(a2) shows a state where the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base unit 70, (b2) shows a state where the kettle body 10 is moved upward and no load is applied to the spring 302C (the state where the spring 302C returns to its free length), and (c2) shows a state where the kettle body 10 is moved further upward than (b2).

[0128] In this embodiment, when the kettle body 10 placed on the power supply base unit 70 is moved upward from the power supply base unit 70, the connection between the first energization terminal 131 and the second energization terminal 132D is released (see Fig. 22(b2)). Then, as shown in Fig. 22(c2), when the kettle body 10 is moved upward and the movement amount Lm becomes larger than the change length L1D of the spring 302C above the power reception connection terminal 45C, the connection between the power supply connection portion 72C and the power reception connection portion 42C is released. Note that since other configurations of the electric kettle 1 of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, the description and illustration thereof are omitted.

[0129] Also in the third embodiment, after the connection between the first energization terminal 131 and the second energization terminal 132D is released, the connection between the power supply connection portion 72C and the power reception connection portion 42C is released, so that the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above are achieved.

[0130] <Corresponding relationship> The corresponding relationships between the components of the above embodiments and the components of the technology of the present disclosure are shown below. However, each component of the embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the components of the present disclosure.

[0131] The electric kettle 1 is an example of an "electric kettle". The battery packs 100A and 100B are examples of "battery packs". The power reception connection portions 42 and 42C are examples of "power reception connection portions". The heater 49 is an example of a "heating portion". The kettle body 10 is an example of a "kettle body". The power supply unit 50 is an example of a "power supply unit". The power supply base unit 70 and the upper surface 71 are examples of a "power supply base unit" and an "upper surface", respectively. The power supply connection portions 72 and 72C are examples of "power supply connection portions". The mounting unit 90, the mounting portions 91A and 91B are examples of a "mounting unit". The detection portions 130 and 130D are examples of "detection portions". The first energization terminals 131A, 131B, and 131 are examples of a "first detection portion". The second energization terminals 132A, 132B, 132, and 132D are an example of the "second detection unit". The first energization terminal 131A 、131B is the "third detection unit 」、 and is an example of the "fourth detection unit". The second energization terminal 132A 、132B is the "fifth detection unit 」、 and is an example of the "sixth detection unit". The liquid storage unit 48 is an example of the "liquid storage unit". The temperature sensor Tc is an example of the "temperature sensor". The spring 301 is an example of the "first spring". The spring 302C is an example of the "second spring". The change length L2 is an example of the "change length in the vertical direction of the first spring". The change length L1C is an example of the "change length in the vertical direction of the second spring". The power supply connection terminals 73 and 73C are an example of the "power supply connection terminals". The power reception connection terminals 45 and 45C are an example of the "power reception connection terminals".

[0132] <Other Embodiments> In the above embodiment, when the control unit 66 detects that the main switch S1 is turned on and the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base unit 70, it supplies power to the heater 49, and when it detects that the kettle body 10 is not placed, it stops supplying power to the heater 49. In contrast, in addition to detecting that the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base unit 70, the control unit 66 may supply power to the heater 49 when at least one of the following conditions is met: the bottom surface switch 133 is turned on, and the remaining power capacity of the battery packs 100A and 100B is equal to or greater than a predetermined remaining capacity. The predetermined remaining power capacity of the battery packs 100A and 100B may be a capacity that can boil a predetermined amount of water (liquid) inside the kettle body 10. Further, the control unit 66 may stop supplying power to the heater 49 when at least one of the following conditions is met: the kettle body 10 is not placed on the power supply base unit 70, and the bottom surface switch 133 is turned off.

[0133] In addition to detecting that the kettle body 10 is not placed on the power supply base unit 70, the control unit 66 may be configured to use the main switch S1, the voice output unit 141, and the display unit 86 to notify that the power supply unit 50 is not placed on a flat surface or that the remaining power capacity of the battery packs 100A and 100B is less than a predetermined capacity. Note that the control unit 66 may change the color and blinking time of the light of the main switch S1, the length of the warning sound, the figure (mark) displayed on the display unit 86, or a combination thereof according to the content of the drive information.

[0134] The control device 65 may be configured to be able to acquire a predetermined set temperature and calculate the amount of liquid that can be raised to the set temperature. te It may also be good. The set temperature may be settable by the user, for example, using a temperature setting unit 67 (see FIG. 19) provided in the power supply unit 50.In this case, for example, the control device 65 stores a predetermined relationship between the amount of liquid accommodated in the kettle body 10 and the electric power required to raise the liquid to the set temperature. The control unit 66 may calculate the amount of liquid that can be raised to the set temperature by using the remaining power capacities of the battery packs 100A and 100B acquired via the attachment unit 90 and the above relationship. Further, the control unit 66 may be configured to notify the calculated amount of liquid by using the main switch S1, the voice output unit 141, or the display unit 86. According to this configuration, even when the remaining power capacities of the battery packs 100A and 100B are low, for example, the user can obtain the liquid raised to the set temperature by putting the displayed amount of liquid into the kettle body 10.

[0135] In the above embodiment, the first energization terminals 131A, 131B, 131, the second energization terminals 132A, 132B, 132D, and the temperature sensor Tc provided on the upper surface 71 of the power supply base unit 70 and the lower surface 41 of the kettle body 10 detect that the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base unit 70. On the other hand, the placement state of the kettle body 10 on the power supply base unit 70 may be detected by using devices such as other sensors and switches. For example, a push-type switch such as the lower surface switch 133 may be provided on the lower surface 41 of the kettle body 10, and whether the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base unit 70 may be detected based on whether the switch is pushed. Alternatively, whether the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base unit 70 may be detected by a magnetic sensor such as a hall sensor that detects the contact state between the kettle body 10 and the power supply base unit 70.

[0136] The configurations of the power supply connection parts 72, 72C, the power reception connection parts 42, 42C, and the detection parts 130, 130C are not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiment. For example, the number of terminals provided on the power supply base part 70 and the number of terminals provided on the kettle body 10 for detecting whether or not the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base part 70 may each be one, or may be three or more. Also, the first energization terminals 131A, 131B, 131 and the second energization terminals 132A, 132B, 132, 132D do not necessarily need to constitute the circuit of the temperature sensor Tc. Further, the second energization terminals 132A, 132B do not necessarily need to include the spring 301.

[0137] When a spring 301 is provided in the detection part 130 as in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, it may be provided on either one of the first energization terminals 131, 131A, 131B and the second energization terminals 132, 132A, 132B, or may be provided on both. Similarly, when a spring 302C is provided in the power supply connection part 72C and the power reception connection part 42C as in the third embodiment, it may be provided on either one of the power supply connection terminal 73C and the power reception connection terminal 45C, or may be provided on both. In this case, the change length of the spring provided in the detection parts 130, 130C may be configured to be smaller than the change length of the spring provided in at least one of the power supply connection parts 72, 72C and the power reception connection parts 42, 42C. Also, as the springs 301, 302C, not only a compression coil spring but also other springs that can expand and contract in the vertical direction may be used.

[0138] The electric kettle 1 may be configured to be capable of wireless communication with an external device, and various settings for the electric kettle 1 may be performed by the external device. For example, a wirelessly communicable mobile terminal is provided with an application for performing various settings such as driving the electric kettle 1 and setting the temperature, and the control unit 66 of the electric kettle 1 may perform various controls according to instructions via the application. Further, the control unit 66 may transmit various settings made by the user for the electric kettle 1 and information on the use of the electric kettle 1 by the user to the mobile terminal via the communication unit provided in the electric kettle 1. For example, the control unit 66 acquires signals of the main switch S1, the bottom surface switch 133, the first power supply terminal 131, the second power supply terminal 132, and the temperature sensor Tc, and may transmit to the mobile terminal that the main switch S1 of the electric kettle 1 has been turned on, that the kettle body 10 has been removed from the power supply base unit 70, or that the power supply unit 50 has been moved from above the plane.

[0139] In the above embodiment, whether or not the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base unit 70 is detected based on whether or not the measurement result of the temperature sensor Tc can be obtained when two terminals (the first power supply terminals 131A and 131B) provided on the power supply base unit 70 are in contact with two terminals (the second power supply terminals 132A and 132B) provided on the kettle body 10. In contrast, whether or not the kettle body 10 is placed on the power supply base unit 70 may be detected based on whether or not energization is possible between the first power supply terminals 131A and 131B and the second power supply terminals 132A and 132B regardless of whether or not the measurement result of the temperature sensor Tc can be obtained. Further, when a pair of terminals is provided on the power supply base unit 70 and a pair of terminals is provided on the kettle body 10, the pair of terminals of the power supply base unit 70 and the pair of terminals of the kettle body 10 may be arranged so as to be in contact with each other. That is, the terminals of the power supply base unit 70 do not have to be arranged substantially symmetrically about the power supply connection portion 72, and the terminals of the kettle body 10 do not have to be arranged substantially symmetrically about the power reception connection portion 42.

[0140] The electric kettle 1 may not be provided with the bottom switch 133. Further, a battery pack other than the 36-volt battery packs 100A and 100B (for example, an 18-volt battery pack) may be attached to the attachment unit 90 of the electric kettle 1.

[0141] The control by the control unit 66 is not limited to the CPU, and may be performed by other types of control circuits, for example, programmable logic devices such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0142] Furthermore, in view of the technology of the present disclosure and the gist of the above-described embodiments, the following aspects are constructed. At least one of the following aspects may be adopted in combination with any of the technologies described in the above-described embodiments and each claim.

[0143] [Aspect 1] The control unit is configured to control the power supply to the heating unit via the power supply connection unit and the power reception connection unit using the detection result of the detection unit. [Aspect 2] The control unit executes the power supply to the heating unit when a predetermined condition is satisfied, does not execute the power supply to the heating unit when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, and the predetermined condition includes that the kettle body is placed on the power supply base unit. [Aspect 3] The contact length or change length of the power supply connection terminal and the power reception connection terminal in the vertical direction is configured to be larger than the contact length or change length of the first detection unit and the second detection unit. [Aspect 4] A notification unit for notifying the drive information of the electric kettle is provided, The control unit further controls the notification unit using the detection result of the detection unit, and when the kettle body is not placed on the power supply base unit, causes the notification unit to notify that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply base unit as the drive information. [Aspect 5] The attachment unit is configured to be able to attach two of the battery packs. The two battery packs are electrically connected in parallel. [Aspect 6] The power supply unit includes a plate portion. The power supply base unit is disposed in a region on one surface side of the surfaces constituting the plate portion. The attachment unit is disposed in a region on the other surface side of the surfaces constituting the plate portion. [Aspect 7] The plate portion is connected to the power supply base unit and extends upward from the power supply base unit. The attachment unit is provided on the other surface of the plate portion. [Aspect 8] The attachment unit includes a rail portion extending in the vertical direction, and the battery pack is attached by sliding in the vertical direction. [Aspect 9] The plate portion includes a grip portion for being gripped by a user above the attachment unit. [Aspect 10] The power supply unit is provided at a position facing one surface of the plate portion and includes a rib portion protruding upward from the power supply base unit. [Aspect 11] A through hole penetrating the power supply base unit in the vertical direction is formed in the power supply base unit. [Aspect 12] The power supply connection portion is disposed at the center of the upper surface of the power supply base unit. The upper surface includes an inclined surface inclined downward from the center portion toward the outside of the power supply base unit. The through hole is disposed at a position closer to the outside of the power supply base unit than the center portion. [Aspect 13] The plate portion has a recessed portion that is recessed from one surface side of the plate portion toward the other surface side on the one surface, and the recessed portion is formed along the side peripheral surface of the kettle body placed on the power supply base portion. [Aspect 14] The power receiving connection portion of the kettle body and the power supply connection portion of the power supply base portion are configured to fit together when the kettle body is placed on the power supply base portion, and rotation of the kettle body on the power supply base portion is restricted.

[0144] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each aspect described in the summary of the invention can be appropriately replaced or combined in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Further, if the technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0145] 1... Electric kettle 10... Kettle body 20... Main body unit 21... Lid portion 22... Pouring spout 23... Kettle gripping portion 30... Side wall portion 31... Outer peripheral surface 40... Bottom portion 41... Lower surface 42... Power receiving connection portion 42C... Power receiving connection portion 42s... Side surface 44... Plate-like member 44s... Surface 45... Power receiving connection terminal 45B... Lower end portion 45C... Power receiving connection terminal 46... Inclined surface 48... Liquid storage part 49... Heater 50... Power supply unit 60... Base part 62... Side wall 63... Bottom surface 65... Control device 66... Control part 70... Power supply stand part 71... Top surface 72... Power supply connection part 72C... Power supply connection part 72s... Side surface 72u... Top surface 73... Power supply connection terminal 73C... Power supply connection terminal 73T... Upper end 74... Inclined surface 75... Rib part 77... Through hole 79... Notch part 79c... Surface 79g... Inclined surface 79s... Surface 80... Wall part 81... Front surface 82... Rear surface 83... Depression part 85... Power supply unit gripping part 86... Display part 90... Mounting unit 91A, 91B... Mounting part 92... Slide rail 93... Positive input terminal 94... Negative input terminal 95... Lock receiving hole 100A... Battery pack 100B... Battery pack 101... Rail receiving part 102... Positive output terminal 103... Negative output terminal 104... Connector part 105... Locking member 106... Unlock button 130... Detection unit 130D... Detection unit 131... First energization terminal 131A... First energization terminal 131B... First energization terminal 132... Second energization terminal 132A... Second energization terminal 132B... Second energization terminal 132D... Second energization terminal 133... Bottom switch 134... Button 135... Button receiver 141... Audio output unit 200... Switching unit 211... First power supply unit 212... First boost circuit 214... First voltage detection circuit 221... Second power supply unit 222... Second boost circuit 224... Second voltage detection circuit 230... Power supply for checking 301... Spring 302C... Spring L1... Contact length L2... Contact length, change length Lm... Movement amount L1C... Change length L1D... Change length 213... First FET drive circuit 223... Second FET drive circuit S1... Main switch Q1... Switching element Q1... Switching element Q2... Switching element Q3... Switching element Tc... Temperature sensor

Claims

1. An electric kettle, comprising: a kettle body having a power receiving connection portion configured to receive power from an external power source, and a heating portion configured to heat a liquid contained therein by the power received by the power receiving connection portion; a power supply unit on which the kettle body is placed and configured to be able to supply power to the kettle body, a power supply base portion on which the kettle body is placed on an upper surface, the power supply base portion including a power supply connection portion that can be removably and electrically connected to the power receiving connection portion; a mounting unit configured to be able to attach a battery pack as the external power source for supplying power to the heating portion via the power supply connection portion and the power receiving connection portion; a detection unit including a first detection portion provided on the power supply base portion and a second detection portion provided on the kettle body, configured to detect that the kettle body is placed on the power supply base portion when the first detection portion and the second detection portion are in contact, and to detect that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply base portion when the first detection portion and the second detection portion are not in contact; The electric kettle is configured such that: when the detection unit detects that the kettle body is placed on the power supply base portion, power is supplied to the heating portion via the power supply connection portion and the power receiving connection portion; when the detection unit detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply base portion, the supply of power to the heating portion via the power supply connection portion and the power receiving connection portion is stopped; the physical connection between the power supply connection portion and the power receiving connection portion is configured to be released after the detection unit detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply base portion and stops the supply of power to the heating portion; the first detection portion includes a third detection portion and a fourth detection portion; the second detection portion includes a fifth detection portion and a sixth detection portion; the detection unit is configured to detect that the kettle body is placed on the power supply base portion when a placement condition is satisfied in which the third detection portion and the fifth detection portion are in contact and the fourth detection portion and the sixth detection portion are in contact, and to detect that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply base portion when the placement condition is not satisfied; the power supply connection portion is provided at a central portion on the upper surface of the power supply base portion, and the third detection portion and the fourth detection portion are provided symmetrically about the power supply connection portion; The power receiving connection part is provided at the central part on the bottom surface of the kettle body, and the fifth detection part and the sixth detection part are provided symmetrically with the power receiving connection part as the center. Electric kettle.

2. The electric kettle according to claim 1, The first detection part and the second detection part have conductivity, When the detection part can conduct electricity between the first detection part and the second detection part, it is configured to detect that the kettle body is placed on the power supply base part, and when the first detection part and the second detection part cannot conduct electricity, it is configured to detect that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply base part. Electric kettle.

3. The electric kettle according to claim 1 or claim 2, The kettle body includes a liquid storage part for storing liquid, The detection part, Further includes a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature inside the liquid storage part, The third detection part and the fifth detection part are energized, and the fourth detection part and the sixth detection part are energized so that the temperature sensor can measure the temperature of the liquid storage part. Electric kettle.

4. The electric kettle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The detection part is provided on at least one of the first detection part and the second detection part and includes a first spring that can expand and contract in the vertical direction, The change length of the first spring in the vertical direction is such that when the kettle body placed on the power supply base part is moved upward, after the detection part detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply base part, the connection between the power supply connection part and the power receiving connection part is released. Electric kettle.

5. The electric kettle according to claim 4, The first spring is provided on the second detection part. Electric kettle.

6. The electric kettle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, At least one of the power supply connection part and the power receiving connection part includes a second spring that can expand and contract in the vertical direction, The change length of the second spring in the vertical direction is such that when the kettle body placed on the power supply base part is moved upward, after the detection part detects that the kettle body is not placed on the power supply base part, the connection between the power supply connection part and the power receiving connection part is released. Electric kettle.

7. The electric kettle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The power supply connection part includes a power supply connection terminal, and the power reception connection part includes a power reception connection terminal. An electric kettle, wherein the power supply connection terminal and the power reception connection terminal are configured to be electrically connected by one sandwiching the other. **Claim 8** An electric kettle according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the first detection part is provided on the upper surface of the power supply base part; the second detection part is provided on the lower surface of the electric kettle; the power supply connection part is provided on the upper surface and includes a power supply connection terminal protruding upward from the upper surface; the power reception connection part is provided in a recessed part that is recessed upward on the lower surface and includes a power reception connection terminal; the electric kettle is configured such that when the kettle body is moved upward from the power supply base part, after the first detection part and the second detection part are physically non-contact, the physical connection between the power supply connection terminal and the power reception connection terminal is released. **Claim 9** An electric kettle according to Claim 8, wherein the power supply connection terminal extends in the vertical direction so as to protrude upward from the upper surface; the upper end of the power supply connection terminal is located above the upper end of the first detection part.

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