Container body

Abstract

To provide a container body which can increase utilization efficiency of a steam passage forming part to condensation of steam.SOLUTION: A container body 100 according to the present invention includes: a liquid container 320; a lid body 500 arranged on an upper side of the liquid container; and a steam passage SR which is formed inside the lid body, and where the steam generated from the liquid accumulated in the liquid container flows. The steam passage includes an upper part passage SR1 and a lower part passage SR2 communicating with the upper part passage. In addition, preferably, the steam flows in the lower part passage after flowing in the upper part passage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a container body. [Background technology]

[0002] In the past, a liquid heating container has been proposed that has a container body, a spout, a heating means for heating the liquid in the container body, a lid provided above the container body, and a handle provided on the opposite side of the spout, wherein a vapor path through which vapor flows is formed inside the lid (see, for example, JP 2016-165494 A, etc.). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-165494 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the liquid heating container (electric kettle) described above, steam generated within the container body is cooled and condenses as it passes through the steam path by hitting the steam path forming portion that forms the steam path. However, in the liquid heating container described above, the steam path forming portion is only formed to guide steam from the rear to the front, and due to the nature of steam, there is a risk that the steam will flow through the steam path in a biased manner toward the upper part of the steam path. For this reason, in conventional liquid heating containers, there is a risk that the steam path forming portion is not fully utilized for condensing the steam.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a container body capable of improving the utilization rate of a steam path forming portion for condensation of steam. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The container body according to the present invention is A liquid container; a lid disposed on the upper side of the liquid container; a vapor path formed inside the lid through which vapor generated from the liquid stored in the liquid container flows; The steam path has an upper path and a lower path communicating with the upper path.

[0007] In contrast to conventional containers in which the vapor path does not have an upper path and a lower path inside the lid, the container of the present invention has a lid that is the same shape as the interior of the lid of the conventional container, and when the same amount of steam flows through the vapor path, the height of each of the upper path and the lower path can be made lower than the height of the vapor path of the conventional container. This increases the area of ​​contact between the vapor flowing through each path and the walls that form the path. This container therefore improves the utilization rate of the walls that form the vapor path for condensation of steam.

[0008] In the present invention, Preferably, the vapor flows through the upper passage and then through the lower passage.

[0009] When the liquid stored in the liquid container is heated, the upper path is at a lower temperature than the lower path because it is farther from the liquid container than the lower path, and therefore the container body can condense the vapor more effectively than if the vapor were to flow through the lower path.

[0010] In the present invention, The device further includes an inclined portion disposed between the upper path and the lower path, the inclined portion having a surface on the side of the upper path inclined downward, It is preferable that the upper passage communicates with the lower passage across the lower end of the surface on the side of the upper passage.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the relatively high-temperature liquid generated by condensation of the steam on the upper path side of the inclined portion can be flowed to the lower path side of the inclined portion. Therefore, in this container body, the upper path side of the inclined portion can be prevented from being heated by the liquid, and even when newly generated steam flows through the upper path, the steam can be easily condensed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view 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] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in Figure 2. In this figure, the vicinity of the lid unit is shown enlarged. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of an upper path forming portion and a lower cover portion of a steam path forming portion of a lid unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a plan view of an upper path forming portion and a lower cover portion of a steam path forming portion of a lid unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 7 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6 taken along line B-B. [Figure 9] 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along CC in FIG. 6. [Figure 10] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 6. [Figure 11] 3 is a plan view of the bottom plate member of the lid unit and the lower cover portion of the steam path forming portion according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the lid unit shown in FIG. 3, showing the flow of steam. [Figure 13] 1 is a plan view of a bottom plate member, an upper path forming portion of a steam path forming portion, and a lower cover portion of a lid unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the flow of steam. Note that in this figure, a part of the bottom plate member and the lower cover portion is omitted. [Figure 14]1 is a plan view of the bottom plate member of the lid unit and the lower cover portion of the steam path forming portion according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the flow of steam. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] <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.

[0014] 1. Kettle body The kettle body 200 is detachably placed on the power supply base 600. When a user of the electric kettle 100 wants to boil water, he places the kettle body 200 on the power supply base 600, and can remove the kettle body 200 from the power supply base 600 to pour the hot water into a cup, teacup, or other container. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the kettle body 200 is mainly composed of a main body unit 300, a handle unit 400, and a lid unit 500. Each of these components will be described in detail below. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a spout (discharge port) 301 for hot water or other liquids is formed in the upper front part of the kettle body 200.

[0015] (1) Main unit 1 to 3, main body unit 300 is mainly composed of a sidewall member 310, a liquid container 320, a bottom member 330, a heater unit 340, an ejection port forming portion 350, and a bottom sensor BS. Each of these components will be described in detail below.

[0016] (1-1) Side wall member Sidewall member 310 is a member formed of resin, metal such as stainless steel, or the like, and is generally cylindrical as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. It forms the outer peripheral surface of main body unit 300. As shown in FIG. 3, sidewall member 310 houses liquid container 320, discharge port forming portion 350, and the like. Also as shown in FIG. 3, sidewall member 310 houses heater unit 340 together with bottom member 330. The upper end of sidewall member 310 supports the upper end of discharge port forming portion 350 as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4. A notch is formed in the upper end of the rear portion of sidewall member 310, and as shown in FIG. 3, main body connecting portion 402 of handle unit 400 is fitted into this notch. A front protrusion 311 that slopes forward is formed at the top of the front portion of sidewall member 310.

[0017] (1-2)Liquid container Liquid container 320 is a member capable of storing liquid therein and is housed within sidewall member 310 as described above. As shown in FIG. 3, liquid container 320 is formed from inner wall member 321 and heater plate 322. Inner wall member 321 is a member formed from resin or metal such as stainless steel, and is substantially cylindrical. As shown in FIG. 3, it constitutes the sidewall of liquid container 320. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lower end of discharge port formation portion 350 is attached to the upper end of inner wall member 321. The inner circumferential surface of inner wall member 321 may be coated with a corrosion-resistant resin (not shown) such as fluororesin. Heater plate 322 is a metal plate that covers the lower opening of inner wall member 321 so as to close it, as shown in FIG. 3. That is, heater plate 322 constitutes the bottom of liquid container 320. As shown in FIG. 3, a print heater 341, which is one component of the heater unit 340, is disposed on the underside of the heater plate 322, and the detection portion of the bottom sensor BS protrudes from the rear of the heater plate 322 into the internal space of the liquid container 320.

[0018] (1-3) Bottom member 3, bottom member 330 constitutes the bottom of main body unit 300, is attached to the lower side of side wall member 310, and covers liquid container 320, heater unit 340, etc. from below. Bottom member 330 has an opening that exposes the lower end of power supply terminal 342.

[0019] (1-4) Heater unit As shown in FIG. 3 , heater unit 340 is attached to heater plate 322 of liquid container 320 and is mainly composed of print heater 341 and power supply terminal 342. Print heater 341 heats heater plate 322 of liquid container 320, thereby heating the liquid in liquid container 320. When electric kettle 100 is turned on with kettle body 200 placed on power supply base 600 and power supply terminal 342 is electrically connected to connection terminal 602 provided on power supply base 600, power is supplied from connection terminal 602 to print heater 341. The output of print heater 341 is then controlled by control device CO, making it possible to heat the liquid in liquid container 320. Note that a heater unit of a conventionally known electric kettle can be used as heater unit 340.

[0020] (1-5) Discharge port forming part The outlet forming portion 350 is a substantially cylindrical member and is attached to the main body unit 300 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. As described above, the upper end of the outlet forming 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 inner wall member 321 of the liquid container 320. Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a front protrusion 351 that slopes upward toward the front is formed at the top of the front of the outlet forming portion 350. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the front protrusion 351 is supported by the front protrusion 311 of the sidewall member 310. In this way, in the electric kettle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the spout 301 is formed by a part of the outlet forming portion 350 (i.e., the front protrusion 351). Also, as shown in FIG. 4, a claw receiving portion 352 that is recessed outward is formed in the middle of the left and right portions of the outlet forming portion 350. The locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM of the lid unit 500 is locked onto this claw receiving portion 352 (see Figure 4). Also, as shown in Figure 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 the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM of the lid unit 500 when the lid unit 500 is attached to the main body unit 300 or when the lid unit 500 is removed from the main body unit 300.

[0021] (1-6) Bottom sensor Bottom sensor BS is a general temperature sensor (e.g., a thermocouple or a thermistor) for measuring the temperature of the liquid in liquid container 320 of main unit 300. As described above, the detection portion of bottom sensor BS protrudes from the rear of heater plate 322 of liquid container 320 into the internal space of liquid container 320.

[0022] (2) Handle unit 1 to 3, the handle unit 400 is mainly composed of a grip portion 401, a main body connection portion 402, a dial mechanism 403, a control device CO, and a steam sensor SS. Each of these components will be described in detail below.

[0023] (2-1) Gripping part Grip part 401 is a member made of resin or the like, and serves as a handle when a user carries kettle body 200. Grip part 401 extends downward from the rear part of main body connecting part 402, as shown in Figures 1 to 3 .

[0024] (2-2) Main unit connection part The main body connecting portion 402 is used to connect the handle unit 400 to the main body unit 300. As described above, the main body connecting portion 402 is fitted into the notch at the upper end of the rear portion of the side wall member 310. As shown in FIG. 3, a sensor installation space 402a is formed in the front portion of the main body connecting portion 402. As shown in FIG. 3, a steam sensor SS is installed in the sensor installation space 402a. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 12, the sensor installation space 402a communicates with a steam circulation space SP1 (described below) via a steam guide hole OP in a side wall portion 521 of a bottom plate member 520 of the lid unit 500.

[0025] (2-3) Dial mechanism Dial mechanism 403 is used to adjust the temperature of print heater 341 of heater unit 340 (i.e., the temperature of the liquid in liquid container 320). As shown in Figures 1 to 3, dial mechanism 403 is disposed at the rear of main body connection part 402. Dial mechanism 403 also functions as a switch for turning the power of electric kettle 100 on and off when kettle body 200 is placed on power base 600.

[0026] (2-4) Control device The control device CO has electronic components such as a microcomputer, and is connected to the bottom sensor BS of the main unit 300, the heater unit 340 of the main unit 300, the steam sensor SS, the dial mechanism 403, etc. The microcomputer is equipped with memory in which various programs and data are stored. When the electric kettle 100 is turned on, the control device CO turns on the print heater 341 of the heater unit 340, and determines that the liquid in the liquid container 320 has boiled when the temperature of the steam measured by the steam sensor SS reaches or exceeds the boiling determination temperature.

[0027] (2-5) Steam sensor The steam 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 liquid container 320 of the main unit 300, and as described above, is arranged in the sensor arrangement space 402a of the main body connection part 402.

[0028] (3) Lid unit As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, lid unit 500 is a detachable, generally cylindrical lid that covers the upper part of main body unit 300. A user can remove lid unit 500 from main body unit 300 by operating locking member 550 (described below) via operating lever 560 provided on lid unit 500. This allows the user to pour liquid into liquid container 320 after removing lid unit 500 from main body unit 300. When heating the liquid in liquid container 320, the user attaches lid unit 500 to main body unit 300 to create a closed space inside liquid container 320. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 12, lid unit 500 is mainly composed of an upper surface member 510, a bottom plate 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.

[0029] (3-1) Top surface member As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 12, the top surface member 510 is a substantially annular-shaped member and constitutes the top surface of the lid unit 500. That is, an opening is formed in the center of this top surface member 510. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 12, the open / close button 530, the cylindrical wall portion of the locking member 550, the base portion 561 of the operating lever 560, etc. are fitted into the opening of the top surface member 510. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, spring mounting portions 512 are formed on the left and right ends of the underside of the top surface member 510. As shown in FIG. 4, one end of a coil spring CS2 that biases the locking member 550 downward is fitted into the spring mounting portion 512.

[0030] (3-2) Bottom plate member As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 12, the bottom plate member 520 primarily constitutes the lower portion of the lid unit 500 and is formed of a side wall portion 521, a bottom wall portion 522, a flow path forming portion 523, a cylindrical wall portion 524, a peripheral protrusion 525, a rear protrusion (not shown), and a front protrusion (not shown). The side wall portion 521 has a generally cylindrical shape. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 12, the upper surface member 510 is placed on the upper side of the side wall portion 521. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 12, a flow path forming portion 523 is formed in the front portion of the side wall portion 521. As shown in FIG. 4, openings 521a are formed in the lower left and right portions of the side wall portion 521, and the tip of the locking mechanism LM can protrude through these openings 521a. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 12, a steam guide hole OP is formed in the rear portion of the side wall portion 521. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 12, when the lid unit 500 is attached to the main body unit 300, the vapor guide hole OP communicates the sensor placement space 402a of the main body connection portion 402 of the handle unit 400 with the internal space of the lid unit 500. That is, the upper surface member 510, the bottom plate member 520, and the main body connection portion 402 of the handle unit 400 form a vapor distribution space SP1 (see FIGS. 3 and 12). A vapor path SR (see the bold arrows in FIGS. 12 to 14) is formed in the vapor distribution space SP1, through which vapor generated in the liquid container 320 flows. The bottom wall portion 522 has a substantially annular shape in plan view, and as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 12, forms a stepped structure in vertical cross section. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 12, an on-off valve 540 is provided below the bottom wall portion 522. 3, 4 and 12, bottom wall portion 522 abuts against packing 543 of on-off valve 540 when on-off valve 540 is in a closed state. Bottom wall portion 522 does not abut against packing 543 of on-off valve 540 when on-off valve 540 is in an open state. This makes it possible to guide the liquid in liquid container 320 to discharge path DP when on-off valve 540 is in an open state. Also, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 12, a central opening is formed in the center of bottom wall portion 522, and cylindrical wall portion 524 is formed extending upward from the edge of this central opening.3 and 12, rear communication hole 522a is formed in bottom wall portion 522 slightly rearward of the central opening. Rear communication hole 522a abuts against packing 543 of on-off valve 540 and is closed when on-off valve 540 is closed, and is open when on-off valve 540 is open, connecting the interior space of liquid container 320 to vapor distribution space SP1. Also, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 12, steam vent 522c is formed in bottom wall portion 522 at a position rearward of rear communication hole 522a. Unlike rear communication hole 522a, steam vent 522c is always open and connects the interior space of liquid container 320 to vapor distribution space SP1. 3 and 12, front communication hole 522b is formed in a portion of bottom wall portion 522 forward of the central opening and rearward of flow path forming portion 523. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 12, front communication hole 522b connects vapor circulation space SP1 with discharge path DP. Flow path forming portion 523 forms a flow path extending toward spout 301 of kettle body 200, i.e., discharge path DP. Flow path forming portion 523 guides liquid in liquid container 320 to spout 301. As described above, cylindrical wall portion 524 extends upward from the edge of the central opening of bottom wall portion 522. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 12, shaft 542 of on-off valve 540 is fitted inside cylindrical wall portion 524. Furthermore, cylindrical wall portion 524 is inserted into the interior of central cylindrical wall portion 573f of lower cover portion 573 of steam path forming portion 570 through central hole HL5 of lower cover portion 573 of steam path forming portion 570, and is also inserted into the central hole of upper cover portion 571 of steam path forming portion 570 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). As shown in FIG. 11, two peripheral protrusions 525 are formed, extending upward from the periphery of cylindrical wall portion 524 of bottom wall portion 522. Peripheral protrusions 525 are fitted into the interior of peripheral cylindrical wall portion 573e of lower cover portion 573 of steam path forming portion 570 through peripheral hole HL4 of lower cover portion 573 of steam path forming portion 570 (see FIGS. 6 and 11). Two rear protrusions are formed, extending upward from the rear portion of bottom wall portion 522. The front protrusions extend upward from the front of the bottom wall portion 522, and two of them are formed.

[0031] (3-3) Open / close button As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 12, the open / close button 530 is fitted into the opening of the top member 510 and is connected to the tip of the shaft 542 of the open / close valve 540. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and 12, 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 biased upward by a coil spring CS1 (see FIGS. 3, 4, and 12) 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.

[0032] (3-4) On-off valve As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 12, 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 bottom plate member 520 of the lid unit 500 as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 12. The shaft 542 is a rod-shaped member extending upward from the rear of the upper surface of the valve main body 541 as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 12. As described above, the shaft 542 is fitted into the central opening of the bottom wall portion 522 of the bottom plate member 520, and the tip of the shaft 542 is connected to the on-off button 530. The packing 543 has a generally annular shape and is attached to the outer edge of the valve main body 541 as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 12.

[0033] (3-5) Locking member The locking member 550 is used to lock the lid unit 500 to the main unit 300 when the lid unit 500 is attached to the main unit 300 (see FIG. 4). When the lid unit 500 is locked to the main unit 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, 4, and 12, 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.

[0034] (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 unit 500, and can be locked to the claw receiving portion 352 of the outlet forming portion 350 of the main unit 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 outlet forming portion 350 of the main unit 300. The torsion spring biases the locking lever RL in the direction of locking it to the claw receiving portion 352 of the outlet forming portion 350 of the main unit 300, and is disposed on the outer periphery of the axis AX.

[0035] Here, we will explain how to unlock the electric kettle 100 according to an 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 unit 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 disengages the locking member 550 from 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 unit 500 upward, and can remove the lid unit 500 from the main unit 300.

[0036] (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, 4, and 12, 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 fitted into an opening in the upper surface member 510 as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 12. 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 portion of the base portion 561 as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 12. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 12, 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.

[0037] (3-8) Steam path forming part Steam path forming portion 570 is a resin member for forming a portion of the steam path SR in steam distribution space SP1, and is disposed in steam distribution space SP1 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 12. It is mainly composed of an upper cover portion 571, an upper path forming portion 572, and a lower cover portion 573. Each of these components will be described in detail below. With upper path forming portion 572 attached to the rear portion of the upper surface of lower cover portion 573, upper cover portion 571 is attached to lower cover portion 573 so that the lower surface of upper cover portion 571 faces the upper surface of base portion 573a of lower cover portion 573, thereby assembling steam path forming portion 570.

[0038] (3-8-1) Upper cover 3, 4, and 12, the upper cover portion 571 covers the upper path forming portion 572 and the upper portion of the lower cover portion 573. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 12, a central hole is formed in the center of the upper cover portion 571, and the cylindrical wall portion 524 of the bottom plate member 520 is inserted into this central hole.

[0039] (3-8-2) Upper passage forming part The upper path forming portion 572 is a member for forming a portion of the steam path SR (indicated by a thick arrow in FIG. 13, hereinafter referred to as "upper path SR1"), and as shown in FIGS. 5 to 10, is mainly formed by a peripheral wall portion 572a, a first wall portion 572b, a second wall portion 572c, a third wall portion 572d, a first bottom wall portion 572e, a second bottom wall portion 572f, and a third bottom wall portion 572g. The upper path SR1 communicates with a lower path SR2 (described later) across a communication hole HLa in the third bottom wall portion 572g (see FIGS. 13 and 14).

[0040] 5 to 10, the peripheral wall portion 572a forms a side wall of the upper path forming portion 572. Note that the peripheral wall portion 572a is open on the rear side, as shown in FIGS.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 8 and 9, the first wall portion 572b is a plate-like portion that extends forward from the left edge of the opening at the rear end of the peripheral wall portion 572a.

[0042] 5, 6, 8, and 10, the second wall portion 572c is a plate-shaped portion extending forward from the right edge of the opening at the rear end portion of the peripheral wall portion 572a. Note that, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the second wall portion 572c is longer in the front-rear direction than the first wall portion 572b, and the front end portion of the second wall portion 572c is located forward of the front end portion of the first wall portion 572b.

[0043] 5 and 6, the third wall portion 572d is a plate-shaped portion extending in the left-right direction from the front end of the second wall portion 572c. Also, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the third wall portion 572d is formed inside the peripheral wall portion 572a.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 6, the first bottom wall portion 572e is formed on the left side of the second wall portion 572c in a plan view. The portion of the first bottom wall portion 572e to the right of line CC in FIG. 6 is inclined downward toward the left in a front view as shown in FIG. 8. Furthermore, the portion of the first bottom wall portion 572e to the left of line CC in FIG. 6 is inclined downward toward the right in a front view as shown in FIG. 8. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, a V-shaped groove V1 is formed in the first bottom wall portion 572e. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, the first bottom wall portion 572e is inclined downward toward the rear in a side view.

[0045] The second bottom wall portion 572f is formed in front of the third wall portion 572d in a plan view as shown in Fig. 6. The second bottom wall portion 572f slopes downward toward the right in a front view as shown in Fig. 7, and slopes downward toward the rear in a side view as shown in Figs.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 6, the third bottom wall portion 572g is formed on the right side of the second wall portion 572c in a plan view. The portion of the third bottom wall portion 572g to the right of the line DD in FIG. 6 is inclined downward toward the left in a front view as shown in FIG. 8. The portion of the third bottom wall portion 572g to the left of the line DD in FIG. 6 is inclined downward toward the right in a front view as shown in FIG. 8. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, a V-shaped groove V2 is formed in the third bottom wall portion 572g. As shown in FIG. 10, the third bottom wall portion 572g is inclined downward toward the rear in a side view. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, a communication hole HLa is formed in the rear end (lower end) of the third bottom wall portion 572g.

[0047] (3-8-3) Lower cover The lower cover portion 573 is a member for forming a portion of the steam path SR (indicated by the thick arrow in Figure 14, hereinafter referred to as the "lower path SR2"), and as shown in Figures 5 to 11, is mainly formed by a base portion 573a, a guide wall portion 573b, a rear receiving portion 573c, a front receiving portion 573d, a surrounding cylindrical wall portion 573e, a central cylindrical wall portion 573f, and path forming ribs R1 to R8.

[0048] As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 11, base portion 573a is a plate-shaped portion with a recessed inward center on the right side and the left side. As shown in Figures 9, 11, and 12, a communication hole HL1 is formed in the rear portion of base portion 573a (more specifically, in the portion of base portion 573a directly above steam port 522c of bottom plate member 520). Communication hole HL1 is always open and, together with steam port 522c of bottom plate member 520, communicates between the internal space of liquid container 320 and steam distribution space SP1. As shown in Figures 6, 9, and 12, a communication hole HL2 is formed in base portion 573a slightly rearward of central cylindrical wall portion 573f (more specifically, in the portion of base portion 573a directly above rear communication hole 522a of bottom plate member 520). The communication hole HL2 is closed together with the rear communication hole 522a of the bottom plate member 520 when the on-off valve 540 is closed, and is open when the on-off valve 540 is open, and together with the rear communication hole 522a of the bottom plate member 520, communicates the internal space of the liquid container 320 with the vapor distribution space SP1. As shown in FIGS. 6, 9, 11, and 12, a communication hole HL3 is formed in the front part of the base portion 573a (more specifically, in the portion of the base portion 573a directly above the front communication hole 522b of the bottom plate member 520). The communication hole HL3, together with the front communication hole 522b of the bottom plate member 520, communicates the vapor distribution space SP1 with the discharge path DP. As shown in FIG. 6, two peripheral holes HL4 are formed in the center of the base portion 573a around the central hole HL5. The peripheral protrusions 525 of the bottom plate member 520 are inserted through the peripheral holes HL4. Also, as shown in Fig. 6, a central hole HL5 is formed in the center of the base portion 573a and between the two peripheral holes HL4. As described above, the cylindrical wall portion 524 of the bottom plate member 520 is inserted through the central hole HL5.

[0049] Guide wall 573b has a side wall extending upward from the edge of communication hole HL1 except for the rear edge, and a generally circular lid covering the upper opening of this side wall (see FIGS. 9 and 11). In other words, guide wall 573b has a shape in which the rear part of the generally lidded cylindrical side wall is cut out. Guide wall 573b serves to guide vapor generated in liquid container 320 to sensor arrangement space 402a in main body connection part 402 of handle unit 400 (see FIG. 12).

[0050] The rear receiving portion 573c is a portion recessed upward from the rear portion of the base portion 573a, and as shown in FIGS. 6 and 11, two rear receiving portions 573c are formed.

[0051] The front receiving portion 573d is a portion recessed upward from the front portion of the base portion 573a, and two of them are formed as shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 11.

[0052] The peripheral cylindrical wall portion 573e extends upward from the edge of the peripheral hole HL4 of the base portion 573a, as shown in FIGS.

[0053] The rear protrusion of the bottom plate member 520 fits into the interior of the rear receiving portion 573c, the front protrusion of the bottom plate member 520 fits into the interior of the front receiving portion 573d, and the peripheral protrusion 525 of the bottom plate member 520 fits into the interior of the peripheral cylindrical wall portion 573e through the peripheral hole HL4 of the base portion 573a, so that the lower cover portion 573 is fixed to the bottom wall portion 522 of the bottom plate member 520 (see Figure 11).

[0054] 5, 6, 9, and 10, the central cylindrical wall portion 573f extends upward from the edge of the central hole HL5 of the base portion 573a. As described above, the cylindrical wall portion 524 of the bottom plate member 520 is inserted into the interior of the central cylindrical wall portion 573f through the central hole HL5 of the base portion 573a.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 11, the path-forming ribs R1 to R8 are plate-like portions extending upward from the base portion 573a. As shown in FIG. 11, the path-forming rib R1 extends forward in a plan view and then curves and extends to the right. As shown in FIG. 11, the path-forming rib R2 is formed in front of the path-forming rib R1 and is inclined forward as it extends leftward in a plan view. As shown in FIG. 11, the path-forming rib R3 is formed behind the path-forming rib R2 and is inclined forward as it extends rightward in a plan view. As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 11, the path-forming rib R4 is formed in front of the path-forming rib R2 and is inclined forward as it extends rightward in a plan view. As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 11, the path-forming rib R5 is formed in front of the path-forming rib R4 and is inclined forward as it extends rightward in a plan view. As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 11, the path-forming rib R6 is formed in front of the path-forming rib R4 and is inclined forward as it moves toward the left in a plan view. As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 11, the path-forming rib R7 is formed in front of the path-forming rib R6 and is inclined forward as it moves toward the right in a plan view. As shown in Figures 6 and 11, the path-forming rib R8 is formed in front of the path-forming rib R4 and is generally V-shaped in a plan view (in other words, it is inclined forward as it moves toward the right, and then is inclined backward as it moves toward the right).

[0056] (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 the lower surface of bottom wall portion 522 of bottom plate member 520, as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 12. Seal member 590 serves to close the gap between liquid container 320 and bottom plate member 520 (in other words, to keep liquid container 320 and bottom plate member 520 tightly sealed) when lid unit 500 is attached to main body unit 300, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0057] (3-10) Gasket Packing PK is a member made of a flexible material and serves as a check valve that blocks front communication hole 522b of bottom plate member 520 from below (see FIGS. 3 and 12). When steam generated in liquid container 320 attempts to pass through front communication hole 522b of bottom plate member 520, packing PK is pushed by the steam and bends downward, opening front communication hole 522b of bottom plate member 520.

[0058] 2.Power supply stand The power supply base 600 serves as a power supply unit 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 heater unit 340 is connected to the connection terminal 602, a power supply circuit is formed. When the electric kettle 100 is turned on, electricity can be applied to the heater unit 340 and the control device CO. Note that the power supply base 600 can have a configuration similar to that of power supply bases for conventionally known electric kettles.

[0059] <Steam flow in the electric kettle according to the embodiment of the present invention> Here, the flow of vapor generated from the liquid in the liquid container 320 will be described. First, the liquid in the liquid container 320 is heated by the print heater 341 of the heater unit 340. When the liquid in the liquid container 320 is heated to a certain extent, the upper path SR1 becomes cooler than the lower path SR2 because the upper path SR1 is farther from the liquid container 320 than the lower path SR2. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, vapor is generated from the liquid. The vapor flows into the vapor distribution space SP1 through the vapor port 522c of the bottom plate member 520 and the communication hole HL1 of the lower cover portion 573 of the vapor path forming portion 570. Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the vapor is guided rearward by the guide wall portion 573b of the lower cover portion 573 of the vapor path forming portion 570 and flows into the sensor placement space 402a through the vapor guide hole OP of the bottom plate member 520. At this time, the temperature of the vapor is measured by the vapor sensor SS. Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the steam flows from the sensor placement space 402a between the upper cover portion 571 and the upper path forming portion 572 of the steam path forming portion 570. Then, as shown in FIG. 13, the steam flows through the upper path SR1. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the steam is guided by the respective portions (the peripheral wall portion 572a, the first wall portion 572b, the second wall portion 572c, the third wall portion 572d, the first bottom wall portion 572e, the second bottom wall portion 572f, and the third bottom wall portion 572g) of the upper path forming portion 572 of the steam path forming portion 570 and the lower surface of the upper cover portion 571, and flows to the communication hole HLa of the upper path forming portion 572 of the steam path forming portion 570. Next, the steam passes through the communication hole HLa of the upper path forming portion 572 of the steam path forming portion 570 and flows through the lower path SR2 as shown in FIG. 14, the steam is guided by each portion (base portion 573a, guide wall portion 573b, rear receiving portion 573c, front receiving portion 573d, peripheral cylindrical wall portion 573e, central cylindrical wall portion 573f, and path forming ribs R1 to R8) of lower cover portion 573 of steam path forming portion 570, the lower surface of upper path forming portion 572, and the lower surface of upper cover portion 571, and flows to communication hole HL3 of lower cover portion 573 of steam path forming portion 570. Note that all or most of the steam condenses before reaching communication hole HL3 of lower cover portion 573 of steam path forming portion 570.12, the uncondensed steam pushes against packing PK, causing it to sag and droop, opening front communication hole 522b of bottom plate member 520, and passes through communication hole HL3 of lower cover portion 573 of steam path forming portion 570 and front communication hole 522b of bottom plate member 520. Finally, the uncondensed steam flows into discharge path DP and is discharged from spout 301.

[0060] <Regarding the flow of liquid generated by condensation of steam in an electric kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention> As the vapor generated from the liquid in liquid container 320 flows through the interior of vapor path forming portion 570 (see FIGS. 13 and 14), it comes into contact with vapor path forming portion 570 and is cooled and condensed. The flow of liquid that occurs at this time will be described. Due to the inclination of first bottom wall portion 572e, the liquid on the upper surface of first bottom wall portion 572e of upper path forming portion 572 of vapor path forming portion 570 passes between first wall portion 572b and second wall portion 572c of upper path forming portion 572 of vapor path forming portion 570 and flows into sensor installation space 402a. The liquid that has flowed into sensor installation space 402a then flows into liquid container 320 through communication hole HL1 of lower cover portion 573 of vapor path forming portion 570 and vapor port 522c of bottom plate member 520. Furthermore, due to the inclination of second bottom wall portion 572f, liquid on the upper surface of second bottom wall portion 572f of upper path forming portion 572 of steam path forming portion 570 flows down to the upper surface of third bottom wall portion 572g of upper path forming portion 572 of steam path forming portion 570. Furthermore, due to the inclination of third bottom wall portion 572g, liquid on the upper surface of third bottom wall portion 572g of upper path forming portion 572 of steam path forming portion 570 flows down through communication hole HLa to the upper surface of base portion 573a of lower cover portion 573 of steam path forming portion 570. In this way, it is possible to prevent as little liquid as possible from remaining above upper path forming portion 572 of steam path forming portion 570. In addition, when the opening / closing valve 540 is in the open state, the liquid that flows down onto the upper surface of the base portion 573a of the lower cover portion 573 of the steam path forming portion 570 flows into the liquid container 320 through the communication hole HL2 of the upper path forming portion 572 of the steam path forming portion 570 and the rear communication hole 522a of the bottom plate member 520.

[0061] <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 steam path SR through which steam generated from the liquid in the liquid container 320 flows is formed in the steam distribution space SP1. The steam path SR has an upper path SR1 and a lower path SR2 that communicates with the upper path SR1. Therefore, compared to conventional electric kettles in which the steam path does not have an upper path and a lower path in the steam distribution space, the electric kettle 100 has a steam distribution space SP1 that is the same shape as the steam distribution space of the conventional electric kettle, and when the same amount of steam flows through the steam path SR, the heights of the upper path SR1 and the lower path SR2 can be made lower than the height of the steam paths of the conventional electric kettle. In this case, the area over which the steam flowing through the upper path SR1 and the lower path SR2 comes into contact with the upper cover portion 571 of the steam path forming portion 570, the respective portions of the upper path forming portion 572 (the peripheral wall portion 572a, the first wall portion 572b, the second wall portion 572c, the third wall portion 572d, the first bottom wall portion 572e, the second bottom wall portion 572f, and the third bottom wall portion 572g), and the respective portions of the lower cover portion 573 (the base portion 573a, the guide wall portion 573b, the rear receiving portion 573c, the front receiving portion 573d, the peripheral cylindrical wall portion 573e, the central cylindrical wall portion 573f, and the path forming ribs R1 to R8). Therefore, in the electric kettle 100, the utilization rate of the steam path forming portion 570, which forms the upper path SR1 and the lower path SR2 of the steam path SR, for condensation of steam can be improved.

[0062] (2) In the electric kettle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, steam generated from the liquid in the liquid container 320 flows through the upper path SR1 and then through the lower path SR2. Because the upper path SR1 is farther from the liquid container 320 than the lower path SR2, when the liquid in the liquid container 320 is heated by the print heater 341 of the heater unit 340, the temperature in the upper path SR1 is lower than that in the lower path SR2. Therefore, in this electric kettle 100, the steam can be condensed more sufficiently than when the steam flows through the lower path SR2.

[0063] (3) In electric kettle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, when liquid is generated by condensation of steam inside steam path forming portion 570, first bottom wall portion 572e, second bottom wall portion 572f, and third bottom wall portion 572g of upper path forming portion 572 of steam path forming portion 570 can prevent as much liquid as possible from remaining above upper path forming portion 572 of steam path forming portion 570. Therefore, in electric kettle 100, the upper side of upper path forming portion 572 of steam path forming portion 570 can be prevented from being heated by liquid, and even when newly generated steam flows through upper path SR1, the steam can be more easily condensed.

[0064] <Modification> (A) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, steam generated from the liquid in the liquid container 320 flows through the upper path SR1 and then the lower path SR2. However, the steam may flow through the lower path SR2 and then the upper path SR1. In such a case, the steam path forming portion 570 may be designed so that the steam flows from the sensor placement space 402a through the lower path SR2 and then through the upper path SR1, and so that the steam flows from the upper path SR1 through the front communication hole 522b of the bottom plate member 520 and into the discharge path DP.

[0065] (B) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, when liquid is generated due to condensation of steam inside the steam path forming portion 570, the slopes of the first bottom wall portion 572e, the second bottom wall portion 572f, and the third bottom wall portion 572g of the upper path forming portion 572 of the steam path forming portion 570 are utilized to minimize the amount of liquid remaining above the upper path forming portion 572 of the steam path forming portion 570. However, it is also possible to minimize the amount of liquid remaining above the upper path forming portion 572 of the steam path forming portion 570 by using a method other than the method of utilizing the slopes of the first bottom wall portion 572e, the second bottom wall portion 572f, and the third bottom wall portion 572g of the upper path forming portion 572 of the steam path forming portion 570.

[0066] (C) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the steam path forming portion 570 is made of resin. However, the steam path forming portion 570 may be made of metal. Furthermore, although not mentioned in the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, a heat dissipation member such as a heat sink may be attached to the outer surface of the steam path forming portion 570, and a fan for dissipating heat from this heat dissipation member may be disposed outside the steam path forming portion 570.

[0067] (D) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, steam generated from the liquid in the liquid container 320 flows through the upper path SR1 and then through the lower path SR2. However, at least one intermediate path may be formed between the upper path SR1 and the lower path SR2, and steam may flow through the upper path SR1, the intermediate path, and then the lower path SR2 in that order.

[0068] (E) Although not mentioned in the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the steam path forming portion 570 may be designed so that two or more upper paths SR1 and two or more lower paths SR2 are formed. For example, the design of the steam path forming portion 570 may be modified so that steam generated from the liquid in the liquid container 320 flows through one upper path SR1 and then through one lower path SR2, and then through a second upper path SR1 and then through a second lower path SR2.

[0069] (F) In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the electric kettle 100, but the present invention may also be applied to other containers such as electric pots.

[0070] The above modifications may be applied alone or in combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 100 Electric kettle (container) 320 Liquid containers 500 Lid unit (lid body) 572e 1st bottom wall part (slanted part) 572f 2nd bottom wall part (slanted part) 572g 3rd bottom wall part (slanted part) SR steam route SR1 Upper Route SR2 Lower Route

Claims

1. A liquid container; a lid disposed on the upper side of the liquid container; A vaporizer formed inside the lid allows vapor generated from the liquid stored in the liquid container to flow. an airway; the steam path includes an upper path and a lower path communicating with the upper path; The upper path and the lower path are overlapped in a plan view, The steam flows through the upper passage and then through the lower passage. Container body.

2. The upper path is disposed between the upper path and the lower path, and a side surface of the upper path is inclined downward. Further, the inclined portion The upper passage is connected to the lower passage across the lower end of the side surface of the upper passage. The container body according to claim 1 .

Images