Container body

Abstract

To provide a container body (such as electric kettle) that makes an operation part (knob) for adjusting output of a heat source to be less likely to be propagated with heat generated from such as a heat source.SOLUTION: A container body 100 includes: a container body 320 including a heat source 341; a grip 400 fitted to the container body; an operation part 403A disposed to the grip; and a control device CO for executing controlling with respect to the heat source when the operation part is operated. The operation part is allowed with a rotation operation and a depressing operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In the past, an electric kettle has been proposed (see, for example, the specification of China Utility Model No. 213551200, etc.), which has a knob located on the kettle body and connected to a rotary encoder, allowing the user to set the heating temperature by turning the rotary encoder left and right, start or stop heating by pressing the rotary encoder for a short time, and start keeping the water warm by pressing the rotary encoder for a long time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] China Utility Model No. 213551200 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, if a knob for adjusting the output of the heat source is arranged on the kettle body, as in the electric kettle described above, there is a concern that the heat generated from the heat source arranged inside the kettle body may cause problems such as the knob becoming hot or deformed.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to make it difficult for heat generated from a heat source or the like to be transferred to an operating part (knob) for adjusting the output of the heat source in a container (for example, an electric kettle or the like). [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The container body according to the present invention is a container body having a heat source; a handle attached to the container body; An operation unit; a control device that controls the heat source when the operation unit is operated; The operation unit can be rotated and pressed, and is disposed on the handle.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the operating unit is disposed on the handle, which means that the operating unit is disposed at a position far from the heat source. Therefore, in this container body, it is possible to make it difficult for heat generated from the heat source to be transmitted to the operating unit.

[0008] In the present invention, The handle has a cylindrical grip portion, The rotation axis of the operating part is preferably aligned with the axis of the grip part.

[0009] According to the above configuration, when the operating part is rotated, the orientation of the container body can be prevented from becoming unstable compared to when the rotation axis of the operating part is perpendicular to the axis of the grip part.

[0010] In the present invention, The operating portion is preferably disposed at the upper end of the grip portion.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the user can easily view the operation unit from above.

[0012] In the present invention, a rotation detection sensor that detects rotation of the operation unit; It is preferable that the device further comprises a push-down switch that exists separately from the rotation detection sensor and that switches on and off when the operation unit is pressed.

[0013] According to the above configuration, compared to using a ready-made encoder or the like, not only can the installation volume be reduced, but also the cost of parts can be reduced.

[0014] In the present invention, The device further includes at least one connecting member interposed between the operation unit and the push-down switch, and between the operation unit and the rotation detection sensor, the connecting member has insulating properties and operates in response to operation of the operating portion; the rotation detection sensor detects the rotation of the connecting member, Preferably, the push-down switch is switched on and off by downward movement of the connecting member.

[0015] According to the above configuration, since there is an insulator between the operation unit and the push-button switch, and between the operation unit and the rotation detection sensor, even if metal is used to manufacture the operation unit, static electricity generated in the operation unit can be prevented from flowing to the push-button switch and the rotation detection sensor, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in designing the operation unit.

[0016] In the present invention, The connecting member includes a rotating member that has a shaft portion and is rotatably disposed. The rotation detection sensor is preferably provided with a bearing portion that receives the shaft portion.

[0017] According to the above configuration, when a force is applied to the rotating member, the effect of that force on the rotation detection sensor can be reduced compared to when the rotating member is directly connected to the rotation detection sensor, thereby preventing damage to the rotation detection sensor.

[0018] In the present invention, It is preferable that the operating portion meshes with the rotating member via a gap.

[0019] According to the above configuration, if the operating unit is slightly pressed down when it is rotated, the push-down switch can be prevented from operating. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [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 an enlarged view of the switch unit shown in Figure 3. Note that this figure shows a state in which the dial button is not pressed. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged view of the switch unit shown in Figure 3. Note that this figure shows the state in which the dial button is pressed. [Figure 7] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a switch unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed obliquely from above. [Figure 8] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a switch unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed obliquely from below. [Figure 9] 1 is a block diagram showing a control system of an electric kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] <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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] (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 bottom sensor BS. Each of these components will be described in detail below.

[0024] (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.

[0025] (1-2) Container The container 320 is a member capable of storing an object such as a liquid therein, and is housed within 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 resin or a metal such as stainless steel, and is substantially cylindrical. As shown in FIG. 3 , the sidewall portion 321 constitutes the sidewall of the container 320. 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 that covers the lower opening of the sidewall portion 321 so as to close it, as shown in FIG. 3 . That is, the heater plate 322 constitutes the bottom of the container 320. 3, a print heater 341 is formed on the underside of the heater plate 322. A bottom sensor BS is inserted into the rear side of the heater plate 322 so that the detection portion of the bottom sensor BS protrudes toward the inside of the container 320.

[0026] (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.

[0027] (1-4) Power supply unit As shown in Fig. 3, the power supply unit 340 is attached to the heater plate 322 of the container 320 via a metal fitting (not shown), and is mainly composed of a power supply terminal 342 and a safety switch (not shown). 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.

[0028] (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 the 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.

[0029] (1-6) Bottom sensor The bottom sensor BS is a general temperature sensor (for example, a thermocouple or a thermistor) for measuring the temperature of the liquid in the container 320 of the main body 300. As described above, the bottom sensor BS penetrates into the rear side of the heater plate 322 so that its detection portion protrudes toward the inside of the container 320.

[0030] (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.

[0031] (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 so as to slope downward as it goes outward (toward the opposite side from the body side).

[0032] (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.

[0033] 1 to 3, 5, and 6, the joint 402 is composed of a main body 402A and a cover member 402B. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the main body 402A is formed of a substantially rectangular bottom wall portion PB, a pair of side wall portions PS, and protrusions (not shown). The side wall portions PS extend upward from the left and right ends of the bottom wall portion PB. The protrusions are formed so as to protrude outward from the front ends of the side wall portions PS, and serve as joining points when the joint 402 is joined to the main body 300. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the cover member 402B is formed of a cover portion CV, a side wall portion PH, and a base portion PD. The cover portion CV is a portion that covers the upper front side of the main body 402A as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, 5, and 6. 5 and 6, the side wall portion PH is a portion that connects the cover portion CV and the pedestal portion PD located below the rear surface of the cover portion CV (i.e., the cover portion CV, side wall portion PH, and pedestal portion PD have a stepped shape). As described above, the pedestal portion PD is formed below the rear surface of the cover portion CV and constitutes the upper end wall (i.e., the top wall) of the grip portion 401. As will be described later, some of the components that constitute the control mechanism 403 are placed on this pedestal portion PD.

[0034] (2-3) Control mechanism The control mechanism 403 is for adjusting 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 on the rear side of the joint 402 as shown in Figures 1 to 3, 5 and 6.

[0035] 5 to 8, this control mechanism 403 is mainly composed of dial button 403A, coil spring 403B, seal / biasing member 403C, base member 403E, transmission member 403F, sensor board 403H, switch board 403J, and support member 403K. These components will be described in detail below.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, dial button 403A is primarily composed of button body DM, button cover DC, and receiving member 403D, and is disposed above base portion PD of cover member 402B, i.e., at the upper end of grip portion 401. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, button body DM is a substantially disk-shaped resin member (i.e., an insulating member). As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, button body DM is joined to receiving member 403D by screws BI and sleeves SB to form an integrated unit. Button cover DC is a metal cover member that covers the top and side surfaces of button body DM and is fixedly fitted to button body DM. In other words, button body DM, button cover DC, and receiving member 403D are integrated, and movement of any one of these three components causes the other two components to move accordingly. Button cover DC is the component that a user directly contacts when adjusting the temperature of an object in container 320 using control mechanism 403. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the receiving member 403D is a substantially cylindrical resin member (i.e., an insulating member) and has a joint portion CP and a tooth receiving portion TP. The joint portion CP is a portion for joining the receiving member 403D to the button body DM using the screw BI and sleeve SB described above. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the screw BI fitted into the button body DM is inserted from above the joint portion CP, and the screw BI is threaded into the sleeve SB disposed inside the joint portion CP, thereby joining the receiving member 403D to the button body DM. The tooth receiving portion TP has a recess that receives the tooth portion EP (described below) of the transmitting member 403F, and as shown in FIG. 5, it engages with the tooth portion EP (described below) of the transmitting member 403F with a certain gap SP. As a result, when the receiving member 403D rotates, the transmitting member 403F also rotates accordingly.

[0037] In the electric kettle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the dial button 403A can be pressed down as well as rotated. When the kettle body 200 is placed on the power base 600, the position sensor 403G detects the rotation of the dial button 403A and adjusts the output of the print heater 341. When the dial button 403A is pressed down, the tactile switch 403I detects the depression and switches the power to the electric kettle 100 on and off. The rotation axis AZ of the dial button 403A is aligned with the cylindrical axis AY of the handle 400.

[0038] 5 and 6, coil spring 403B is disposed in spring receiving portion RS of base member 403E, and biases dial button 403A upward. That is, when a user presses down dial button 403A with a finger or the like against the biasing force of coil spring 403B and then releases the finger or the like, coil spring 403B pushes dial button 403A up to its initial position.

[0039] 5 and 6, sealing and biasing member 403C is a cylindrical member that is disposed in a compressed state between dial button 403A and cylindrical seat portion PU formed immediately on the outer periphery of bearing portion RX formed on base portion PD of cover member 402B, and serves as a seal to prevent liquid such as water from seeping into sensor board 403H or switch board 403J if liquid seeps in through the gap between dial button 403A and base member 403E. Furthermore, because sealing and biasing member 403C is made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber, it biases dial button 403A upward together with coil spring 403B.

[0040] Base member 403E is a substantially annular member and, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, mainly includes an outer peripheral wall WS and a spring receiving portion RS. Base member 403E is joined to base portion PD of cover member 402B with screws BX, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, outer peripheral wall WS is located on the inner peripheral side of side wall portion DT of button cover DC of dial button 403A and extends above the lower end of side wall portion DT. This prevents liquid from flowing from above button cover DC of dial button 403A from penetrating into the interior through a gap between button cover DC and base member 403E. Spring receiving portion RS has a partially cylindrical groove into which coil spring 403B is fitted for positioning.

[0041] The transmission member 403F is a resin member (i.e., an insulating member) and, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, is mainly composed of a substrate portion GV, a tooth portion EP, and a shaft portion FX. The substrate portion GV is a substantially disk-shaped portion. The tooth portion EP is formed on the upper surface of the substrate portion GV so as to extend upward, and as described above, meshes with the tooth receiving portion TP of the receiving member 403D with a certain gap SP (see FIG. 5). As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the shaft portion FX is a rod-shaped portion with a D-shaped cross section that extends downward from the center of the substrate portion GV. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the shaft portion FX is inserted into the bearing portion PX of the position sensor 403G. Note that since the bearing portion PX of the position sensor 403G is rotatable, when the transmission member 403F rotates, the bearing portion PX also rotates. The position sensor 403G detects the rotation of the bearing portion PX.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a position sensor 403G, a microcomputer CO, and other electronic and electrical components are mounted on the sensor board 403H. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the position sensor 403G is primarily composed of a sensor body BR and a bearing portion PX. As described above, in the position sensor 403G, the bearing portion PX is rotatable, and the sensor body BR detects the rotation of the bearing portion PX. A through-hole that is approximately D-shaped in plan view is formed in the bearing portion PX, and the shaft portion FX of the transmission member 403F is inserted through this through-hole. Therefore, when the transmission member 403F rotates, the bearing portion PX also rotates in conjunction with the rotation. As shown in FIG. 9, the position sensor 403G is connected to the microcomputer CO and transmits a detection signal to the microcomputer CO. 9, the microcomputer CO is connected to the bottom sensor BS, steam temperature sensor SS, position sensor 403G, tactile switch 403I, etc., receives detection signals from them, and controls the on / off of the electric kettle 100 and the output of the print heater 341 based on the detection signals. The microcomputer CO is equipped with a memory (not shown), which stores various programs and data for implementing the above control.

[0043] A tactile switch 403I is mounted on the switch board 403J. This switch board 403J is communicatively connected to the sensor board 403H. That is, the tactile switch 403I is communicatively connected to the microcomputer CO via the switch board 403J and the sensor board 403H. The tactile switch 403I is a pressure-sensing type tactile switch, and may be a commercially available one. When the tactile switch 403I detects a pressure, it generates a detection signal and transmits the detection signal to the microcomputer CO. Each time the microcomputer CO receives the detection signal, it switches the power of the electric kettle on and off.

[0044] 5 to 8, the support member 403K supports the sensor board 403H and the switch board 403J so that a certain gap is formed between the sensor board 403H and the switch board 403J. The support member 403K is joined to the base portion PD of the cover member 402B with screws (not shown).

[0045] (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.

[0046] (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.

[0047] (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.

[0048] (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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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).

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] (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.

[0054] (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.

[0055] (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.

[0056] (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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] (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.

[0059] (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.

[0060] (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.

[0061] (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.

[0062] 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 powered on, power can be supplied to the power supply unit 340 and the microcomputer CO. Note that the power supply base 600 can have a configuration similar to that of power supply bases for conventionally known electric kettles.

[0063] <Features of the electric kettle according to the embodiment of the present invention> (1) In the electric kettle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the dial button 403A is disposed at the upper end of the grip portion 401 of the handle 400. As a result, in this electric kettle 100, the dial button 403A is located farther away than in conventional electric kettle 100, making it more difficult for heat generated by the print heater 341 to be transmitted to the dial button 403A. Furthermore, in this electric kettle 100, the user can easily see the dial button 403A from above.

[0064] (2) In the electric kettle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the dial button 403A is disposed so that the rotation axis AZ of the dial button 403A is aligned with the cylindrical axis AY of the handle 400. Therefore, when the dial button 403A is rotated, the position of the electric kettle 100 is less likely to become unstable than when the rotation axis AZ of the dial button 403A is perpendicular to the cylindrical axis AY of the grip part 401.

[0065] (3) In the electric kettle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the position sensor 403G and the tactile switch 403I are separate components. As a result, the electric kettle 100 not only requires a smaller installation volume compared to when a ready-made encoder or the like is used, but also reduces the cost of the components.

[0066] (4) In the electric kettle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the dial button 403A is connected to the position sensor 403G via the insulator transmission member 403F, and is capable of abutting against the tactile switch 403I. Therefore, in the case where static electricity is generated on the button cover DC of the dial button 403A, the electric kettle 100 can prevent the static electricity from flowing to the position sensor 403G and the tactile switch 403I. This allows for greater freedom in the design of the dial button 403A in the electric kettle 100.

[0067] (5) In electric kettle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, shaft portion FX of transmission member 403F is inserted into bearing portion PX of position sensor 403G. Therefore, in this electric kettle 100, when a force is applied to transmission member 403F, the effect of that force on position sensor 403G can be reduced compared to when transmission member 403F is directly connected to position sensor 403G, thereby preventing damage to position sensor 403G.

[0068] (6) In the electric kettle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the tooth receiving portion TP of the receiving member 403D is engaged with the tooth portion EP (described later) of the transmission member 403F with a certain gap SP. Therefore, in the electric kettle 100, if the dial button 403A is slightly pressed down when the dial button 403A is rotated, the tactile switch 403I will not operate.

[0069] <Modification> (A) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the dial button 403A was arranged at the upper end of the grip portion 401 of the handle 400, but the dial button 403A may be arranged at any location on the handle 400, such as the joint 402, or the side or bottom wall of the grip portion 401, as long as the purpose of the present invention is not compromised.

[0070] (B) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the dial button 403A was arranged so that the rotation axis AZ of the dial button 403A was aligned with the cylindrical axis AY of the handle 400, but the dial button 403A may also be arranged so that its rotation axis AZ intersects with the cylindrical axis AY of the handle 400.

[0071] (C) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the position sensor 403G and the tactile switch 403I are respectively employed, but instead of these, an integrated device such as a rotary encoder may be employed.

[0072] (D) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the dial button 403A is connected to the position sensor 403G via one transmission member 403F and is capable of abutting against the tactile switch 403I, but the dial button 403A may be directly connected to the position sensor 403G and be capable of abutting against the tactile switch 403I, or the dial button 403A may be connected to the position sensor 403G via multiple transmission members 403F and be capable of abutting against the tactile switch 403I.

[0073] (E) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the shaft portion FX of the transmission member 403F is inserted into the bearing portion PX of the position sensor 403G, but the dial button 403A may be directly connected to the bearing portion PX of the position sensor 403G.

[0074] (F) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the tooth receiving portion TP of the receiving member 403D meshes with the tooth portion EP of the transmission member 403F with a certain gap SP, but the tooth receiving portion TP of the receiving member 403D may also mesh with the tooth portion EP of the transmission member 403F without any gap.

[0075] (G) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, either the coil spring 403B or the sealing and biasing member 403C of the control mechanism 403 may be omitted.

[0076] (H) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the button cover DC was made of metal, but the button cover DC may be made of other materials such as resin, or may be made of a composite of materials.

[0077] (I) Although the materials of each member are exemplified in the above embodiment, the materials of each member may be selected arbitrarily within the scope of the present invention.

[0078] (J) In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the electric kettle 100, but the present invention may also be applied to an electric pot or other container.

[0079] The above modifications may be applied alone or in combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 100 Electric kettle (container) 320 Container (Container body) 341 Print heater (heat source) 400 Handle 401 Gripping part 403A Dial button (operation part) 403F Transmission components (connecting components, transmission components) 403G Position sensor (rotation detection sensor) 403I Tactile Switch (Push-Type Switch) AY Gripping cylinder shaft (gripping shaft) AZ Dial button rotation axis (operation part rotation axis) CO Microcomputer (controller) FX shaft PX bearing part SP Gap

Claims

1. a container body having a heat source; a handle having a cylindrical grip portion and attached to the container body; an operating portion disposed at an upper end of the grip portion; a control device that controls the heat source when the operation unit is operated; Equipped with The operating unit can be rotated and pressed along the cylindrical axis of the gripping unit, and the rotation axis of the operating unit is aligned with the cylindrical axis of the gripping unit. Container body.

2. a rotation detection sensor that detects rotation of the operation unit; a push-type switch that exists separately from the rotation detection sensor and that switches on and off by pressing the operation unit; The container body according to claim 1 .

3. The device further includes at least one connecting member interposed between the operation unit and the push-down switch, and between the operation unit and the rotation detection sensor, the connecting member has insulating properties and operates in response to operation of the operating unit; the rotation detection sensor detects the rotation of the connecting member, The push-down switch is turned on and off by the downward movement of the connecting member. The container body according to claim 2 .

4. The connecting member includes a rotating member that has a shaft portion and is rotatably disposed. The rotation detection sensor is provided with a bearing portion that receives the shaft portion. The container body according to claim 3.

5. The operating portion is engaged with the rotating member via a gap. The container body according to claim 4.

Images