Heating container

Abstract

To make a temperature sensor be hardly influenced by heat generated from a heating source in a heating container body such as an electric kettle.SOLUTION: A heating container body 100 according to the present invention comprises: a container body 320 comprising a bottom wall part 322, and a side wall part 321 extending toward an upper side from the bottom wall part; a heating source 341 arranged on a lower surface side of the bottom wall part of the container body; a temperature detector BS comprising a temperature sensing part BS1, and provided so as to penetrate the bottom wall part in such a manner that at least the temperature sensing part is located inside the container body; and a supporting part 361 supporting the temperature detector. The supporting part is fixed to at least one of a heating source outer peripheral part OU located closer to an outer peripheral side than the installation place of the heating source in the bottom wall part, and the side wall part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heating container such as an electric kettle or an electric pot. [Background technology]

[0002] In the past, an electric kettle has been proposed in which a heat source is disposed on the underside of the bottom wall of the container body, a temperature sensor is inserted through the bottom wall, and the temperature sensor is supported on the exterior body of the power supply terminal via a support member (see, for example, the specification of Chinese Utility Model No. 209678210). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Chinese Utility Model No. 209678210 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the electric kettle described above, the temperature sensor is located relatively close to the heat source, which makes the temperature sensor susceptible to the heat generated by the heat source, making the accuracy of the temperature measurement questionable.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to make a temperature sensor in a heating container such as an electric kettle less susceptible to the influence of heat generated from a heating source. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The heating container body according to the present invention is a container body having a bottom wall portion and a side wall portion extending upward from the bottom wall portion; a heat source disposed on the underside of the bottom wall of the container body; a temperature detector having a temperature sensing portion and penetrating the bottom wall portion so that at least the temperature sensing portion is located inside the container body; and a support portion that supports the temperature detector, the support portion being fixed to at least one of the side wall portion and a peripheral portion of the heat source that is located on the bottom wall portion outer periphery of the installation location of the heat source.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the support part for supporting the temperature detector is fixed to at least one of the outer periphery of the heat source on the bottom wall of the container body and the side wall. Furthermore, in this heating container, the temperature sensor is disposed at a position relatively farther from the heat source than in conventional heating containers. Therefore, in this heating container, the temperature sensor can be fixed accurately and stably with little misalignment, and the temperature sensor can be made less susceptible to the heat generated by the heat source.

[0008] In the present invention, the bottom wall portion is joined to the side wall portion such that at least a portion of the outer circumferential portion of the heat source protrudes outward beyond a lower end of the side wall portion, The support portion is preferably fixed to a protruding portion of the outer periphery of the heat source that protrudes outward beyond the lower end of the side wall portion, and to at least the protruding portion of the side wall portion.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the support part can be firmly fixed simply by hooking it onto the protruding part. Therefore, in this heating container body, the support part can be easily fixed to the container body.

[0010] In the present invention, the temperature detector is provided in the bottom wall portion at an outer periphery of the heat source, It is preferable that a seal member be disposed between the temperature detection portion and the bottom wall portion.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the sealing member reduces heat transfer to the temperature detection portion, making it possible to make the temperature sensor in this heating container less susceptible to the effects of heat generated by the heat source.

[0012] In the present invention, The temperature detector is preferably grounded via the support portion and the container body.

[0013] According to the above configuration, a dedicated ground (earth) wiring for the temperature detection unit is not required, and the component cost of the heating container body can be reduced.

[0014] In the present invention, It is preferable that the temperature detector further includes a cover portion that covers at least a part of a portion of the temperature detector that is positioned outside the container body.

[0015] According to the above configuration, the heat emitted from the heat source can be reduced from being transmitted to the temperature detector, and therefore, in this heating container, the temperature sensor can be made even less susceptible to the effects of heat generated by the heat source.

[0016] In the present invention, It is preferable that the cover portion be open on the side opposite to the heat source.

[0017] According to the above configuration, it is possible to facilitate wiring work to the temperature detector without significantly impairing the effect of suppressing the transfer of heat emitted from the heat source to the temperature detector. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of an electric kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view of an electric kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in Figure 2. In this figure, the vicinity of the lid is shown enlarged. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in Figure 2. In this figure, the lower part of the kettle body and the power base are shown enlarged. [Figure 6]1 is a perspective view of a container and a power supply unit that constitute an electric kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed obliquely from the bottom side. [Figure 7] 1 is a plan view of the bottom wall side of the container showing the positional relationship between a print heater and a temperature sensor that constitute an electric kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view of a support bracket for a temperature sensor included in an electric kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a side view of a temperature sensor included in an electric kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 2 is a perspective view of a cover member constituting an electric kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] <Configuration of the electric kettle according to the embodiment of the present invention> 1 and 3, an electric kettle 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is mainly composed of a kettle body 200 and a power base 600. Each of these components will be described in detail below.

[0020] 1. Kettle body The kettle body 200 is detachably mounted on the power base 600. When a user of the electric kettle 100 wants to boil water, he or she places the kettle body 200 on the power base 600. Meanwhile, the user can remove the kettle body 200 from the power base 600 and pour hot water into a container such as a cup or teacup. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the kettle body 200 is mainly composed of a main body 300, a handle 400, and a lid 500. Each of these components will be described in detail below.

[0021] (1) Main unit 1 to 3, the main body 300 is mainly composed of a sidewall member 310, a container 320, a storage member 330, a power supply unit 340, a discharge port forming portion 350, and a liquid temperature sensor BS. Each of these components will be described in detail below.

[0022] (1-1) Side wall member The sidewall member 310 is a substantially cylindrical member made of resin, metal such as stainless steel, or the like, and constitutes the outer peripheral wall of the main body 300 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 . As shown in FIG. 3 , the sidewall member 310 houses the container 320, the outlet forming portion 350, and the like. Also as shown in FIG. 3 , the sidewall member 310 houses the power supply unit 340 in cooperation with the housing member 330. The upper end of the sidewall member 310 supports the upper end of the outlet forming portion 350 as shown in FIGS. 1 , 3 , and 4 . A notch is formed in the upper end of the rear side of the sidewall member 310, and as shown in FIG. 3 , a joint portion 402 of the handle 400 is fitted into this notch. A partial inverted cone wall portion 311 that slopes upward from the rear side to the front side is formed in the upper portion of the front side of the sidewall member 310.

[0023] (1-2) Container The container 320 is a member capable of storing an object such as a liquid therein, and is housed inside the sidewall member 310 as described above. As shown in FIG. 3 , the container 320 is formed of a sidewall portion 321 and a heater plate 322. The sidewall portion 321 is a member formed of a metal such as stainless steel, has a substantially cylindrical shape, and constitutes the sidewall of the container 320 as shown in FIG. 3 . As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the lower end of the discharge port forming portion 350 is attached to the upper end of the sidewall portion 321. The inner circumferential surface of the sidewall portion 321 may be coated with a corrosion-resistant resin (not shown) such as fluororesin. The heater plate 322 is a metal plate and, as shown in FIG. 3 , is joined to the lower end of the sidewall portion 321 so as to close the lower opening of the sidewall portion 321. That is, the heater plate 322 constitutes the bottom wall of the container 320. In this embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the edge 322a of the heater plate 322 slightly extends horizontally from the lower end of the side wall 321 along the entire periphery. The edge 322a of the heater plate 322 is located on the outer periphery side of the joining position of the heater plate 322 to the side wall 321. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, a print heater 341 is formed on the underside of the heater plate 322. As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 7, a liquid temperature sensor BS is provided in a portion of the outer periphery OU of the heater plate 322 on the rear side, such that the temperature sensing portion BS1 of the liquid temperature sensor BS projects toward the inside of the container 320. The outer periphery OU is located on the outer periphery side of the print heater 341.

[0024] (1-3) Housing member 3, housing member 330 constitutes the bottom wall of main body 300, is attached to the lower side of side wall member 310, and covers container 320, power supply unit 340, etc. from below. An opening is formed in the center of housing member 330, exposing the lower end of power supply terminal 342.

[0025] (1-4) Power supply unit As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the power supply unit 340 is attached to the heater plate 322 of the container 320 via metal fittings 323 (see FIG. 7), and is mainly composed of a power supply terminal 342, a pair of bimetal thermostats (not shown), and a one-shot thermostat TS. When the kettle body 200 is placed on the power supply base 600, the power supply terminal 342 is electrically connected to a connection terminal 602 provided on the power supply base 600. When the dial button 403A of the electric kettle 100 is pressed in this state, power is supplied from the connection terminal 602 via the power supply terminal 342 to the print heater 341, causing the print heater 341 to heat up. The output of the print heater 341 is controlled by the control mechanism 403.

[0026] Furthermore, as described above, this power supply unit 340 is attached to heater plate 322 of container 320 via metal fittings (not shown). Therefore, when kettle body 200 is placed on power supply base 600 and power supply terminal 342 of power supply unit 340 is electrically connected to connection terminal 602 of power supply base 600, various components that are earthed to power supply terminal 342 of kettle body 200 are earthed via connection terminal 602 of power supply base 600. The earth connection of connection terminal 602 of power supply base 600 will be described in detail later.

[0027] (1-5) Discharge port forming part The outlet forming portion 350 is a substantially cylindrical member and, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, constitutes a part of the main body 300. As described above, the upper end of the outlet forming portion 350 is supported by the upper end of the sidewall member 310, and the lower end of the outlet forming portion 350 is attached to the upper end of the sidewall member 321 of the container 320. Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a spout portion 351 having a partial inverted conical wall shape that slopes upward from the rear side to the front side is formed at the top of the front side of the outlet forming portion 350. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the spout portion 351 is supported by the partial inverted conical wall portion 311 of the sidewall member 310. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, a claw receiving portion 352 that is recessed outward is formed at the middle of the left and right sides of the outlet forming portion 350. A locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM of the lid body 500 is locked to this claw receiving portion 352 (see FIG. 4). 4, an inclined portion 353 that slopes outward is formed on the upper side of the claw receiving portion 352. The inclined portion 353 comes into contact with a locking lever RL of a locking mechanism LM of the lid 500 when the lid 500 is attached to the main body 300 or when the lid 500 is removed from the main body 300.

[0028] (1-6) Liquid temperature sensor The liquid temperature sensor BS is a general device (e.g., a thermocouple or thermistor) for measuring the temperature of the liquid in the container 320 of the main body 300. As shown in FIG. 7, it is installed through the heater plate 322 at the outer peripheral region OU of the heater plate 322. As shown in FIG. 9, the liquid temperature sensor BS is composed of a temperature sensing unit BS1, a housing BS2, a positioning unit BS3, and lead wires BS4. The temperature sensing unit BS1 is in direct contact with the liquid and outputs a physical quantity dependent on the temperature. The housing BS2 houses the internal components of the temperature sensing unit BS1, other components, lead wires, etc. The positioning unit BS3 is an annular unit used to position the temperature sensing unit BS1, and is attached to approximately the center of the height of the housing BS2 as shown in FIG. 9. The lead wire BS4 extends from the internal components of the temperature sensing unit BS1 through the housing BS2 to the outside and is connected to a microcomputer CO included in the control mechanism 403 via an interface or the like. The liquid temperature sensor BS does not have a ground wire because it is earthed via the support bracket 361 (described below) and the container 320. As described above, the liquid temperature sensor BS is installed through the rear side of the heater plate 322 so that its temperature sensing portion BS1 protrudes toward the inside of the container 320. As shown in FIG. 5, a seal member XL is interposed between the liquid temperature sensor BS and the edge of the opening of the heater plate 322 to seal off any small gaps that may occur between them. The liquid temperature sensor BS is supported by the edge 322a and side wall 321 of the heater plate 322 via the support bracket 361 as shown in FIG. 5, and the portion of the liquid temperature sensor BS from the positioning portion BS3 to the base end side is partially covered by the cover member 362 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 8, the support bracket 361 is mainly composed of a main plate portion 361a, a protrusion portion 361b, a claw portion 361c, a hook portion 361d, and an inclined pillar portion 361e. As shown in FIG. 8, the main plate portion 361a is a substantially rectangular plate-like portion. As shown in FIG. 8, a circular opening AP is formed in the approximately center of the main plate portion 361a. A liquid temperature sensor BS is inserted through this opening AP. In this embodiment, three protrusion portions 361b are provided, and they extend diagonally upward from the edge of the opening AP toward the central axis of the opening AP to support the liquid temperature sensor BS inserted through the opening AP. The claw portions 361c are used as leaf springs, and as shown in FIG. 8, a pair of claw portions 361c are formed at both widthwise ends of the main plate portion 361a on the hook portion forming side, and are inclined upward as they approach the hook portion forming side. As shown in FIG. 8, the hook portion 361d is a substantially semi-cylindrical portion extending upward from the rear end of the main plate portion 361a. As shown in FIG. 8, the oblique pillar portion 361e extends upward from the widthwise center of the hook portion 361d toward the main plate portion. As shown in FIG. 5, the support bracket 361 is fixed to the heater plate 322 by clamping the edge portion 322a of the heater plate 322 between the claw portions 361c and the hook portions 361d (i.e., by hooking the hook portion 361d from the upper surface side of the edge portion 322a of the heater plate 322 and pressing the edge portion 322a of the heater plate 322 from the lower surface side with the claw portions 361c as leaf springs). At this time, the oblique pillar portion 361e abuts against the side wall portion 321, stabilizing the posture of the support bracket 361.

[0030] As described above, the cover member 362 is a resin member that covers the area extending from the positioning portion BS3 toward the base end. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, the cover member 362 is primarily composed of a top wall portion Wa, a bottom wall portion Wb, a left side wall portion Wl, a right side wall portion Wr, a back wall portion Wk, and a positioning wall portion Wp. The cover member 362 does not have a front wall portion. That is, the front side of the cover member 362 is almost completely open. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the cover member 362 is positioned so that the back wall portion Wk is located on the print heater side. That is, the side of the cover member 362 opposite the side where the print heater 341 is located is almost completely open. The bottom wall portion Wb abuts against the bottom wall portion 331 of the accommodating member 330, as shown in FIG. 5. Therefore, even if a user touches the temperature sensing portion BS1 of the liquid temperature sensor BS, the liquid temperature sensor BS will not tilt.

[0031] (2) Handle 1 to 3, the handle 400 is mainly composed of a grip portion 401, a joint portion 402, a control mechanism 403, and a steam temperature sensor SS. Each of these components will be described in detail below.

[0032] (2-1) Gripping part Grip portion 401 is a cylindrical member made of resin, metal, or the like, and serves as a handle when the user lifts kettle body 200. As shown in Fig. 3, grip portion 401 extends from the rear side of joint 402 toward the outside (the opposite side from the body side), sloping downward.

[0033] (2-2)Joint part The joint 402 joins the handle 400 to the main body 300 and is a portion on which some of the components constituting the control mechanism 403 are placed, and as described above, is fitted into a cutout portion on the rear side of the side wall member 310 of the main body 300. As shown in FIG. 3, a sensor installation space 402a is formed on the front side of the joint 402. As shown in FIG. 3, a steam temperature sensor SS is disposed in the sensor installation space 402a. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the sensor installation space 402a communicates with the interior space of the lid 500 via a steam guide hole OP in a side wall portion 521 of the housing member 520 of the lid 500.

[0034] (2-3) Control mechanism The control mechanism 403 adjusts the temperature of the print heater 341 (i.e., the temperature of the object inside the container 320) and is disposed in the internal space behind the joint 402 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the control mechanism 403 is provided with a dial button 403A, a position sensor 403G, a tactile switch 403I, a microcomputer CO, and the like. The dial button 403A can be pressed as well as rotated. In the electric kettle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the dial button 403A is pressed while the kettle body 200 is placed on the power supply base 600, the tactile switch 403I detects the depression and switches the power of the electric kettle 100 on and off. When the dial button 403A is rotated, the position sensor 403G detects the rotation and adjusts the output of the print heater 341. The microcomputer CO is connected to the liquid temperature sensor BS, the steam temperature sensor SS, the position sensor 403G, the tactile switch 403I, etc., and receives detection signals from them, and based on the detection signals, controls the on / off of the electric kettle 100 and the output of the print heater 341. The microcomputer CO is equipped with a memory (not shown), which stores various programs and data for realizing the above control.

[0035] (2-4) Steam temperature sensor The steam temperature sensor SS is a general temperature sensor (e.g., a thermocouple or thermistor) for measuring the temperature of steam generated from the liquid in the container 320 of the main body 300, and is arranged in the sensor arrangement space 402a of the joint 402, as described above.

[0036] (3) Lid The lid 500 is a generally cylindrical component that can be attached to and detached from the main body 300, and covers the upper part of the main body 300 when attached to the main body 300 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. A user can remove the lid 500 from the main body 300 by operating a locking member 550 (described later) via an operating lever 560 of the lid 500. After removing the lid 500 from the main body 300, the user can place an object such as a liquid into the container 320. When heating the object placed in the container 320, the user attaches the lid 500 to the main body 300 to form a closed space inside the container 320. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the lid 500 is mainly composed of a top wall member 510, a housing member 520, an opening / closing button 530, an opening / closing valve 540, a locking member 550, a locking mechanism LM, an operating lever 560, a steam path forming portion 570, a sealing member 590, and a packing PK. Each of these components will be described in detail below.

[0037] (3-1) Ceiling wall material As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the top wall member 510 is a substantially annular-shaped member and constitutes the top wall of the lid 500. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an opening is formed in the center of the top wall member 510. The open / close button 530, the cylindrical wall portion of the locking member 550, the base portion 561 of the operating lever 560, and the like are inserted into this opening. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, spring positioning portions 512 are formed on the left and right ends of the underside of the top wall member 510. As shown in FIG. 4, one end of a coil spring CS2 that urges the locking member 550 downward is fitted into this spring positioning portion 512.

[0038] (3-2) Housing member As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the accommodation member 520 mainly constitutes the bottom portion of the lid 500, and is formed by a side wall portion 521, a bottom wall portion 522, a flow path forming portion 523, and a cylindrical wall portion 524.

[0039] The side wall portion 521 is a portion having a substantially cylindrical shape. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper side of the side wall portion 521 is covered with a top wall member 510. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, openings 521a are formed on the left and right sides of the lower part of the side wall portion 521. The tip of the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM is housed in this opening 521a while being biased so as to protrude. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, a steam guide hole OP is formed on the back side of the side wall portion 521. As shown in FIG. 3, this steam guide hole OP connects the sensor arrangement space 402a of the joint portion 402 of the handle 400 with the internal space of the lid body 500 when the lid body 500 is attached to the main body 300. That is, a steam circulation space SP1 is formed by the top wall member 510, the housing member 520, and the joint portion 402 of the handle 400 (see FIG. 3). In the vapor flow space SP1, a vapor path through which the vapor generated in the container 320 flows is formed.

[0040] The bottom wall portion 522 is a portion that has a substantially annular shape in a plan view. The bottom wall portion 522 forms a stepped structure in a vertical cross-sectional view. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an on-off valve 540 is disposed below the bottom wall portion 522. When the on-off valve 540 is in a closed state, a packing 543 of the on-off valve 540 is in close contact with the lower surface of the bottom wall portion 522 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). This prevents objects in the container 320 from flowing through a discharge flow path DP (described below) when the on-off valve 540 is in a closed state. When the on-off valve 540 is in an open state, a gap is formed between the packing 543 of the on-off valve 540 and the lower surface of the bottom wall portion 522. This allows objects in the container 320 to flow through the discharge flow path DP. 3 and 4, a central opening (not shown) is formed in the center of the bottom wall portion 522, and a cylindrical wall portion 524 is formed extending upward from the edge of this central opening. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, a first communication hole 522a is formed in the bottom wall portion 522 at a location slightly rearward of the central opening. When the on-off valve 540 is closed, the first communication hole 522a abuts against a packing 543 of the on-off valve 540 and is closed. When the on-off valve 540 is open, the first communication hole 522a is open, thereby communicating the internal space of the container 320 with the steam distribution space SP1. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, a steam port 522c is formed in the bottom wall portion 522 at a location rearward of the first communication hole 522a. Unlike the first communication hole 522a, the steam port 522c is always open, thereby communicating the internal space of the container 320 with the steam distribution space SP1. 3, a second communication hole 522b is formed in a portion of the bottom wall portion 522 that is closer to the front side than the central opening and rear side than the flow path forming portion 523. When the second communication hole 522b is in an open state by the packing PK, it connects the steam flow space SP1 and the discharge flow path DP (see FIG. 3).

[0041] Flow path forming portion 523 is a portion that forms discharge flow path DP for guiding objects in container 320 to spout 351 of kettle body 200 and discharging them to the outside. When on-off valve 540 is in the open state and kettle body 200 is tilted toward the front so that spout 351 faces downward, objects in container 320 are guided from the rear end side of flow path forming portion 523 through discharge flow path DP to spout 351 and discharged. In other words, the portion on the rear end side of flow path forming portion 523 functions as the inlet of discharge flow path DP when liquid in container 320 is being discharged.

[0042] As described above, the cylindrical wall portion 524 is formed in the center of the bottom wall portion 522 and extends upward from the edge of the central opening of the bottom wall portion 522. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the shaft portion 542 of the on-off valve 540 is fitted inside the cylindrical wall portion 524.

[0043] (3-3) Open / close button As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the open / close button 530 is inserted through an opening in the top wall member 510 and is connected to the tip of a shaft 542 of the open / close valve 540. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a cylindrical wall portion of a locking member 550 is disposed around the side wall portion of the open / close button 530. The open / close button 530 is also biased upward by a coil spring CS1 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) disposed so as to surround the shaft 542 of the open / close valve 540. When the user presses the open / close button 530 downward against the biasing force of the coil spring CS1, the open / close valve 540 moves downward in conjunction with the pressing action. This causes the open / close valve 540 to enter an open state.

[0044] (3-4) On-off valve As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the on-off valve 540 is composed of a valve main body 541, a shaft 542, and a packing 543. The valve main body 541 has a generally disk shape and is disposed below the housing member 520 of the cover 500 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The shaft 542 is a rod-shaped member extending upward from the rear side portion of the upper surface of the valve main body 541 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. As described above, the shaft 542 is inserted through the central opening of the bottom wall 522 of the housing member 520, and the tip of the shaft 542 is connected to the on-off button 530. The packing 543 has a generally annular shape and is attached to the outer edge of the valve main body 541 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0045] (3-5) Locking member The locking member 550 is used to lock the lid 500 to the main body 300 when the lid 500 is attached to the main body 300 (see FIG. 4). When the lid 500 is locked to the main body 300 (hereinafter referred to as the "locked state"), the locking member 550 is biased downward by the coil spring CS2 and engages with the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cylindrical wall portion extending upward from the center of the locking member 550 is sandwiched between the open / close button 530 and the operating lever 560, and is connected only to the operating lever 560. Therefore, the operating lever 560 and the locking member 550 move in conjunction with each other, but the open / close button 530 and the locking member 550 do not move in conjunction with each other.

[0046] (3-6) Locking mechanism The locking mechanism LM is mainly composed of a locking lever RL (see FIG. 4) and a torsion spring (not shown). The locking lever RL is rotatable around an axis AX (see FIG. 4) fixed inside the lid 500, and can be locked to the claw receiving portion 352 of the discharge port forming portion 350 of the main body 300 (see FIG. 4). In the locked state, the locking lever RL is engaged with a locking member 550, and cannot be rotated from the state where it is locked to the claw receiving portion 352 of the discharge port forming portion 350 of the main body 300. The torsion spring biases the locking lever RL in the direction of locking it to the claw receiving portion 352 of the discharge port forming portion 350 of the main body 300, and is disposed on the outer periphery of the axis AX.

[0047] Here, we will explain how to release the locked state of the electric kettle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. First, the user hooks the fingers of one hand around the flange 562 of the operating lever 560 and lifts the operating lever 560 upward while holding down the main body 300 with the other hand. At this time, in conjunction with the movement of the operating lever 560, the locking member 550 is also lifted upward against the biasing force of the coil spring CS2. This releases the engagement between the locking member 550 and the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM, allowing the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM to rotate about the axis AX, thereby releasing the locked state. Then, while keeping the fingers hooked on the flange 562 of the operating lever 560, the user further lifts the operating lever 560 upward, thereby lifting the entire lid 500 upward and removing the lid 500 from the main body 300.

[0048] (3-7) Control lever The operating lever 560 is operated by the user to release the locked state, and as described above, is connected to the locking member 550. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the operating lever 560 is formed of a base portion 561 and a flange portion 562. The base portion 561 is generally cylindrical and is inserted into an opening in the top wall member 510 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The flange portion 562 is a generally disk-shaped portion that allows the user to support the operating lever 560 with their fingers, and extends outward from the upper end of the base portion 561 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an opening is formed in the center of the flange portion 562, and the open / close button 530 is exposed through this opening. In addition, a groove is formed in the underside of the flange portion 562. This groove functions as a non-slip surface for the user's fingers.

[0049] (3-8) Steam path forming part Steam path forming portion 570 is a resin member for forming a part of the steam path in steam flow space SP1, and is arranged above bottom wall portion 522 of accommodating member 520 as shown in Fig. 3. At this time, the rear protrusion, front protrusion, and peripheral protrusion of accommodating member 520 fit into receiving portions formed in steam path forming portion 570 that are recessed upward, thereby fixing steam path forming portion 570 to bottom wall portion 522 of accommodating member 520.

[0050] (3-9) Sealing material Seal member 590 is an annular member made of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer, and is attached to the outer periphery of bottom wall portion 522 of accommodating member 520 as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Seal member 590 serves to close the gap between container 320 and accommodating member 520 (in other words, to keep container 320 and accommodating member 520 tightly sealed) when lid 500 is attached to main body 300, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0051] (3-10) Gasket The packing PK is a member made of a flexible material, and serves as a check valve that blocks the second communication hole 522b of the accommodating member 520 from below (see FIG. 3). When steam generated inside the container 320 attempts to pass through the second communication hole 522b of the accommodating member 520, the packing PK is pushed by the steam and bends downward, opening the second communication hole 522b of the accommodating member 520.

[0052] 2.Power supply stand The power supply base 600 is a power supply component that supplies electricity to the kettle body 200 and also serves as a base for the kettle body 200. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the power supply base 600 is mainly composed of a power cord 601, a power plug (not shown), and a connection terminal 602. When the kettle body 200 is placed on the power supply base 600 and the power supply terminal 342 of the power supply unit 340 is connected to the connection terminal 602, a power supply circuit is formed. When the electric kettle 100 is turned on, power can be supplied to the power supply unit 340 and the microcomputer CO. The power supply base 600 can have the same configuration as power supply bases for conventionally known electric kettles. The power plug also includes an earth terminal, to which an earth wire is connected. The earth wire is included in the power cord 601 and connected to the connection terminal 602. Therefore, when the kettle body 200 is placed on this power supply base 600 and the power supply terminal 342 of the power supply unit 340 is electrically connected to the connection terminal 602 of the power supply base 600, various electrical and electronic components (here, particularly the liquid temperature sensor BS) that are connected to earth to the power supply terminal 342 of the kettle body 200 are earthed via the power supply base 600.

[0053] <Features of the electric kettle according to the embodiment of the present invention> (1) In the electric kettle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a support bracket 361 supporting the liquid temperature sensor BS is fixed to the edge 322a of the heater plate 322, and the oblique column portion 361e of the support bracket 361 abuts the side wall portion 321. Therefore, in this electric kettle 100, the liquid temperature sensor BS is disposed relatively farther from the print heater 341 than in conventional electric kettle kettle 100. Therefore, in this electric kettle 100, the liquid temperature sensor BS is less susceptible to the effects of heat generated by the print heater 341. Furthermore, in this electric kettle 100, a seal member XL is sandwiched between the liquid temperature sensor BS and the edge of the opening of the heater plate 322. Therefore, the seal member XL reduces heat transfer to the liquid temperature sensor BS. Furthermore, in this electric kettle 100, the liquid temperature sensor BS is covered with a cover member 362. Therefore, transfer of heat emitted from the heater plate 322 to the liquid temperature sensor BS can be reduced. As a result, the liquid temperature sensor BS can measure the temperature of the object in the container 320 more accurately than before.

[0054] Incidentally, print heater 341 is known to have extremely high temperature rise performance. For this reason, if liquid temperature sensor BS were placed too close to print heater 341, heat generated by print heater 341 would be transferred to liquid temperature sensor BS, potentially preventing liquid temperature sensor BS from accurately measuring the liquid temperature. However, in this electric kettle 100, as described above, liquid temperature sensor BS is placed relatively far from print heater 341. As a result, the electric kettle 100 eliminates the above-mentioned concerns.

[0055] (2) In the electric kettle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the support bracket 361 is fixed to the heater plate 322 by clamping the edge 322a of the heater plate 322 between the claw portion 361c and the hook portion 361d. Therefore, in this electric kettle 100, the support bracket 361 can be easily fixed to the container 320.

[0056] (3) In the electric kettle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the liquid temperature sensor BS is earthed via the support bracket 361 (described below), the heater plate 322, the power supply unit 340, and the connection terminal 602 of the power supply base 600. Therefore, in this electric kettle 100, there is no need for earth wiring dedicated to the liquid temperature sensor BS, and the component costs of the electric kettle 100 can be reduced.

[0057] (4) In the electric kettle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the cover member 362 is almost completely open on the side opposite to the side where the print heater 341 is disposed. Therefore, in this electric kettle 100, wiring to the liquid temperature sensor BS can be easily performed without significantly compromising the effect of suppressing the transfer of heat emitted from the print heater 341 to the liquid temperature sensor BS.

[0058] <Modification> (A) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the edge 322a of the heater plate 322 slightly extends beyond the lower end of the side wall 321, and the claws 361c and hooks 361d of the support bracket 361 are hooked onto the edge 322a, thereby fixing the support bracket 361 to the container 320 (heater plate 322). However, the method for fixing the support bracket 361 to the container 320 is not limited to this method, and the support bracket 361 may be fixed to the container 320 by another method. In such a case, the container 320 may be one in which the edge 322a of the heater plate 322 does not extend beyond the lower end of the side wall 321 (i.e., the container 320 may be a normal-shaped container in which the diameter of the lower end of the side wall 321 and the diameter of the heater plate 322 are the same). Other methods for fixing the support bracket 361 to the container 320 include, for example, fixing the support bracket 361 to at least one of the heater plate 322 and the side wall 321 with fastening members such as screws or rivets, welding the support bracket 361 to at least one of the heater plate 322 and the side wall 321, and welding the support bracket 361 to either the heater plate 322 or the side wall 321 and fixing the support bracket 361 to the remaining one with the above-mentioned fastening members.

[0059] (B) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the support fitting 361 is fixed to the heater plate 322, but the support fitting 361 may be fixed only to the side wall portion 321.

[0060] (C) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the inclined column portion 361e of the support bracket 361 is merely in contact with the side wall portion 321, but the inclined column portion 361e of the support bracket 361 may be welded to the side wall portion 321, or the inclined column portion 361e of the support bracket 361 may be fixed to the side wall portion 321 with a fastening member such as a screw or a rivet.

[0061] (D) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the inclined pillar portion 361e of the support bracket 361 abuts against the side wall portion 321, but it does not matter if the inclined pillar portion 361e does not abut against the side wall portion 321. In such a case, the inclined pillar portion 361e may be omitted.

[0062] (E) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the entire periphery of the edge 322a of the heater plate 322 slightly protrudes horizontally from the lower end of the side wall 321, but only a portion of the edge 322a of the heater plate 322 may slightly protrude horizontally from the lower end of the side wall 321. In such a case, the support bracket 361 is fixed to the protruding portion.

[0063] (F) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, a seal member XL is interposed between the liquid temperature sensor BS and the edge of the opening of the heater plate 322, but this seal member XL may be omitted. In such a case, it will be necessary to seal the gap between the liquid temperature sensor BS and the edge of the opening of the heater plate 322 with brazing material or the like.

[0064] (G) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the cover member 362 was almost completely open on the side opposite the print heater 341, but an opening such as a window may be formed in the part of the cover member 362 opposite the print heater 341, and only a part of it may be open.

[0065] (H) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the liquid temperature sensor BS was earthed via the support bracket 361 (described below), the heater plate 322, the power supply unit 340, and the connection terminal 602 of the power supply base 600, but the liquid temperature sensor BS may also be earthed by adding an earth wire to the liquid temperature sensor BS and connecting the earth wire to an appropriate location.

[0066] (I) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the area of ​​the liquid temperature sensor BS from the positioning portion BS3 to the base end side is partially covered with the cover member 362, but this cover member 362 may be omitted.

[0067] (J) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the portion of the liquid temperature sensor BS from the positioning portion BS3 toward the base end was partially covered by the cover member 362, but the same portion of the liquid temperature sensor BS may also be completely covered in all directions by the cover member 362.

[0068] (K) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the print heater 341 is used as the heat source, but the heat source is not particularly limited, and for example, a general heater such as a sheath heater may be used.

[0069] The above modifications may be applied alone or in combination as long as the gist of the present invention is not impaired. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 100 Electric kettle (heating container) 320 Container (Container body) 321 Side wall 322 Heater plate (bottom wall) 322a Edge (protruding part) 341 Print heater (heat source) 361 Support bracket (support part) 362 Cover member (cover part) BS1 Temperature sensing part (temperature sensing part) BS Liquid Temperature Sensor (Temperature Detector) OU outer area (heat source outer area) XL sealing material

Claims

1. a container body having a bottom wall portion and a side wall portion extending upward from the bottom wall portion; a heat source disposed on the underside of the bottom wall of the container body; a temperature detector having a temperature sensing portion and penetrating the bottom wall portion so that at least the temperature sensing portion is located inside the container body; a support portion that supports the temperature detector, the bottom wall portion has a heat source outer peripheral portion located on the outer periphery side of an installation location of the heat source, and is joined to the side wall portion such that at least a part of the heat source outer peripheral portion protrudes outward beyond a lower end of the side wall portion, The support portion is a protruding portion that protrudes outward beyond the lower end of the side wall portion at an outer circumferential portion of the heat source, and is fixed to at least the protruding portion of the side wall portion.

2. the temperature detector is provided in the bottom wall portion at an outer periphery of the heat source, 2. The heating vessel according to claim 1, wherein a seal member is disposed between the temperature detector and the bottom wall portion.

3. The temperature detector is grounded via the support and the container body. The heating vessel body according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The heating container body according to claim 1 , further comprising a cover portion that covers at least a portion of the temperature detector located outside the container body and is arranged between the at least a portion and the heating source.

5. The heating vessel according to claim 4 , wherein the cover portion is open on a side opposite to the heat source.

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