container

Abstract

To provide a container body capable of reducing as much as possible a risk of getting wet around a container, when pouring liquid into the container such as a cup or a teacup.SOLUTION: A container body 100 according to the present invention includes a liquid container 320 for storing liquid, and a passage formation part 523 for forming a passage DP through which liquid flows, and further includes a guide part 528, NO so that liquid flows along a center part in the width direction of the passage formation part, when the liquid is discharged through the passage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In the past, a "water heating container" has been proposed that includes "a bottomed cylindrical container body with an upper side opening and a storage portion inside, a lid capable of closing the upper opening of the container body in a sealed state, and a pouring port forming member for forming a pouring flow path for flowing water in the storage portion to the outside through a pouring port" (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-019799, etc.).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when the user tilts the above-described water heating container with the pouring port side downward toward the pouring port side (front side), the liquid in the storage portion can be discharged through the pouring flow path. By the way, in this water heating container, when the container is tilted only to the pouring port side and the liquid is discharged, the liquid flows through the central portion in the left-right direction of the pouring port forming member. However, in this water heating container, when the container is tilted to the pouring port side and also tilted to the left side or the right side and the liquid is discharged, there is a possibility that the liquid may flow through the left portion or the right portion in the left-right direction of the pouring port forming member instead of the central portion in the left-right direction of the pouring port forming member. Usually, the user assumes that the liquid flows through the central portion in the left-right direction of the pouring port forming member and pours the liquid into a container such as a cup or a teacup. Therefore, in this water heating container, when the liquid is poured into the container, there is a possibility that the liquid does not flow through the pouring port forming member as the user assumes and may wet the surroundings of the container.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a container that can minimize the risk of wetting the area around a container, such as a cup or teacup, when pouring liquid into it. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This invention The first phase The container body relating to this is A liquid container for storing liquid, The system comprises a channel forming section that forms a channel through which the liquid flows, When the liquid is discharged through the flow path, the system further includes a guide portion that guides the liquid to flow to the center of the flow path forming portion in the width direction. Furthermore, the guide portion is a notch formed in the flow channel forming portion such that its width narrows from the inlet end of the flow channel forming portion toward the outlet end of the flow channel forming portion.

[0007] With the above configuration, even if the liquid is not discharged only at an angle towards the inlet side of the flow channel forming section, the liquid can be made to flow as much as possible towards the center in the width direction of the flow channel forming section when the liquid is discharged. For this reason, this container body can reduce as much as possible the risk of wetting the area around the container when pouring liquid into a cup or teacup. Furthermore, with the above configuration, when liquid is dispensed, if the liquid reaches the inlet end of the notch that forms the flow path, the liquid can flow through the flow path. Therefore, in this container, when liquid is dispensed, the liquid can flow as much as possible to the center of the flow path in the width direction. Consequently, this container can minimize the risk of wetting the area around a container such as a cup or teacup when pouring liquid into it.

[0008] This invention Container body relating to the first phase So, The flow channel forming section Enter From both sides in the width direction of the flow channel forming portion at the mouth end of the flow channel forming portion Out It is preferable that a protrusion extending to the opposite side of the mouth is further provided.

[0009] According to the above configuration, when liquid is dispensed, the liquid can flow as much as possible between the protrusions. Therefore, in this container, when liquid is dispensed, the liquid can flow to the center of the flow path forming section in the width direction.

[0010] This invention Container body relating to the first phase So, A sealing portion is further provided to close or open the aforementioned flow path. When the flow path is closed, the sealing portion of the flow path forming portion EnterIt is in close contact with the mouth-side end, It is preferable that the notch is formed in a part of the flow path forming portion where the seal portion is in close contact.

[0011] According to the above configuration, without impairing the sealing performance between the seal portion and the flow path forming portion, it is possible to make the liquid flow as much as possible to the central portion in the width direction of the flow path forming portion when the liquid is discharged.

[0012] The present invention Container body relating to the first phase then The guide portion is Enter a convex portion extending from both sides in the width direction of the flow path forming portion at the mouth-side end of the flow path forming portion to the opposite side of the mouth side. Out is preferably

[0013] According to the above configuration, when the liquid is discharged, it is possible to make the liquid flow as much as possible between the convex portions. Therefore, in this container body, it is possible to make the liquid flow to the central portion in the width direction of the flow path forming portion when the liquid is discharged.

[0014] The container according to the second aspect of the present invention is A liquid container for storing liquid, The system comprises a channel forming section that forms a channel through which the liquid flows, When the liquid is discharged through the aforementioned flow path, the flow path forming portion is further provided with a guide portion that guides the liquid to flow to the center in the width direction of the flow path forming portion. A recess is formed on the inlet end face of the channel forming portion.

[0015] With the above configuration, even if the liquid is not discharged only at an angle towards the inlet side of the flow channel forming section, the liquid can be made to flow as much as possible towards the center in the width direction of the flow channel forming section when the liquid is discharged. For this reason, this container body can reduce as much as possible the risk of wetting the area around the container when pouring liquid into a cup or teacup.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of an electric kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a plan view of an electric kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 2. In this figure, the vicinity of the lid unit is enlarged. [Figure 5]This is a perspective view of the bottom plate member of a lid unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a plan view of the bottom plate member of a lid unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a bottom view of the bottom plate member of the lid unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view AA in Figure 6. [Figure 9] This is a rear view of the bottom plate member of the lid unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is tilted forward. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the area near the weir. [Figure 11] This is a view from the rear of the bottom plate member of the lid unit relating to the modified example (B) which is tilted forward. [Figure 12] Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the area near the weir. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] <Configuration of an electric kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention> As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the electric kettle 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention mainly consists of a kettle body 200 and a power supply base 600. These components will be described in detail below.

[0018] 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, they can place the kettle body 200 on the power base 600, and remove the kettle body 200 from the power base 600 to pour hot water into a cup or teacup. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the kettle body 200 mainly consists of a body unit 300, a handle unit 400, and a lid unit 500. These components will be described in detail below. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a spout (discharge port) 301 for pouring hot water or other liquids is formed on the front upper part of the kettle body 200.

[0019] (1) Main unit As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the main unit 300 mainly consists of a side wall member 310, a liquid container 320, a bottom member 330, a heater unit 340, a discharge port forming section 350, and a bottom sensor BS. These components will be described in detail below.

[0020] (1-1) Side wall member The side wall member 310 is made of a material such as resin or stainless steel, and as shown in Figures 1 and 3, it is substantially cylindrical and forms the outer circumferential surface of the main body unit 300. As shown in Figure 3, this side wall member 310 houses the liquid container 320 and the discharge port forming section 350. Also as shown in Figure 3, this side wall member 310, together with the bottom member 330, houses the heater unit 340. The upper end of the side wall member 310 supports the upper end of the discharge port forming section 350, as shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4. A notch is formed at the upper rear end of the side wall member 310, and as shown in Figure 3, the main body connection section 402 of the handle unit 400 is fitted into this notch. Furthermore, a front projection 311 that slopes forward is formed at the upper front of the side wall member 310.

[0021] (1-2)Liquid container The liquid container 320 is a component capable of holding liquid inside, and as described above, is housed inside the side wall member 310. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the liquid container 320 is formed from an inner wall member 321 and a heater plate 322. The inner wall member 321 is a component made of resin or a metal such as stainless steel, and is substantially cylindrical, forming the side wall of the liquid container 320 as shown in Figure 3. Also, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the lower end of the discharge port forming portion 350 is attached to the upper end of the inner wall member 321. The inner circumferential surface of the inner wall member 321 may be coated with a corrosion-resistant resin (not shown), such as fluororesin. The heater plate 322 is a metal plate that, as shown in Figure 3, covers and closes the lower opening of the inner wall member 321. That is, the heater plate 322 forms the bottom of the liquid container 320. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, a printed heater 341, which is a component of the heater unit 340, is positioned on the lower surface of the heater plate 322, and the detection part of the bottom sensor BS protrudes from the rear of the heater plate 322 into the internal space of the liquid container 320.

[0022] (1-3) Bottom member As shown in Figure 3, the bottom member 330 constitutes the bottom of the main unit 300 and is attached to the lower side of the side wall member 310, covering the liquid container 320 and heater unit 340 from below. The bottom member 330 has an opening that exposes the lower end of the power supply terminal 342.

[0023] (1-4) Heater Unit As shown in Figure 3, the heater unit 340 is attached to the heater plate 322 of the liquid container 320 and mainly consists of a printed heater 341 and a power supply terminal 342. The printed heater 341 is responsible for heating the liquid in the liquid container 320 by heating the heater plate 322 of the liquid container 320. When the electric kettle 100 is turned on with the kettle body 200 placed on the power stand 600, and the power supply terminal 342 is electrically connected to the connection terminal 602 provided on the power stand 600, power is supplied from the connection terminal 602 to the printed heater 341. The printed heater 341 is then output-controlled by the control device CO, making it possible to heat the liquid in the liquid container 320. Note that a conventionally known electric kettle heater unit can be used as this heater unit 340.

[0024] (1-5) Discharge port forming part The outlet forming section 350 is a substantially cylindrical member and is attached to the main unit 300 as shown in Figures 1 to 4. As described above, the upper end of the outlet forming section 350 is supported by the upper end of the side wall member 310, and the lower end of the outlet forming section 350 is attached to the upper end of the inner wall member 321 of the liquid container 320. Also, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, a front projection 351 is formed on the upper part of the front of the outlet forming section 350, which slopes upward as it approaches the front. The front projection 351 is supported by the front projection 311 of the side wall member 310 as shown in Figures 1 and 3. Thus, in the electric kettle 100 according to this embodiment of the present invention, the spout 301 is formed from a part of the outlet forming section 350 (i.e., the front projection 351). Also, as shown in Figure 4, a claw receiving section 352 that is recessed outward is formed in the middle part of the left and right sides of the outlet forming section 350. The locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM of the lid unit 500 is locked into 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 unit 300 or when the lid unit 500 is removed from the main unit 300.

[0025] (1-6) Bottom sensor The bottom sensor BS is a general temperature sensor (e.g., a thermocouple or thermistor) used to measure the temperature of the liquid in the liquid container 320 of the main unit 300. As described above, the detection part of the bottom sensor BS protrudes from the rear of the heater plate 322 of the liquid container 320 into the internal space of the liquid container 320.

[0026] (2) Handle unit As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the handle unit 400 mainly consists of a gripping section 401, a main body connection section 402, a dial mechanism 403, a control device CO, and a steam sensor SS. These components will be described in detail below.

[0027] (2-1) Gripping part The grip portion 401 is a component made of resin or the like, and serves as a handle for the user to carry the kettle body 200. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the grip portion 401 extends downward from the rear of the main body connection portion 402.

[0028] (2-2) Main unit connection section The main body connection portion 402 is for connecting the handle unit 400 to the main body unit 300. As described above, the main body connection portion 402 is fitted into the notch at the upper end of the rear part of the side wall member 310. As shown in Figure 3, a sensor mounting space 402a is formed in front of the main body connection portion 402. As shown in Figure 3, a steam sensor SS is mounted in the sensor mounting space 402a. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the sensor mounting space 402a communicates with the internal space of the lid unit 500 via the steam induction hole OP in the side wall portion 521 of the bottom plate member 520 of the lid unit 500.

[0029] (2-3) Dial mechanism The dial mechanism 403 is for adjusting the temperature of the printed heater 341 of the heater unit 340 (i.e., the water temperature of the liquid in the liquid container 320). The dial mechanism 403 is located at the rear of the main body connection section 402, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. The dial mechanism 403 also functions as a switch to turn the power of the electric kettle 100 on or off when the kettle body 200 is placed on the power stand 600.

[0030] (2-4) Control device The control device CO has electronic components such as a microcomputer and is connected to the bottom sensor BS, heater unit 340, steam sensor SS, and dial mechanism 403 of the main unit 300. The microcomputer is equipped with memory and stores various programs and data. When the electric kettle 100 is turned on, the control device CO turns on the printed heater 341 of the heater unit 340 and determines that the liquid in the liquid container 320 has boiled when the steam temperature measured by the steam sensor SS exceeds the boiling point.

[0031] (2-5) Steam sensor The steam sensor SS is a general temperature sensor (for example, a thermocouple or thermistor) used to measure the temperature of steam generated from the liquid in the liquid container 320 of the main unit 300, and as described above, it is installed in the sensor installation space 402a of the main unit connection section 402.

[0032] (3) Lid unit As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the lid unit 500 is a detachable, substantially cylindrical lid that covers the top of the main unit 300. The user can remove the lid unit 500 from the main unit 300 by operating the locking member 550 (described later) via the operating lever 560 provided on the lid unit 500. After removing the lid unit 500 from the main unit 300, the user can then put liquid into the liquid container 320. When heating the liquid in the liquid container 320, the user attaches the lid unit 500 to the main unit 300 to create a closed space inside the liquid container 320. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the lid unit 500 mainly consists of an upper 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 part 570, a sealing member 590, and a packing PK. The following sections will detail each of these components.

[0033] (3-1) Upper surface member As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the upper surface member 510 is a substantially annular-shaped member and constitutes the upper surface of the lid unit 500. Specifically, an opening is formed in the center of this upper surface member 510. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the opening / closing 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 upper surface member 510. Also, as shown in Figure 4, spring mounting portions 512 are formed at the left and right ends of the lower surface of the upper surface member 510. As shown in Figure 4, one end of the coil spring CS2 that biases the locking member 550 downward is fitted into the spring mounting portion 512.

[0034] (3-2) Bottom plate member As shown in Figures 3 to 9, the bottom plate member 520 mainly constitutes the lower part of the lid unit 500 and is formed from a side wall portion 521, a bottom wall portion 522, a flow path forming portion 523, a cylindrical wall portion 524, a peripheral projection portion 525, a rear projection portion 526, a front projection portion 527, and a weir portion 528.

[0035] As shown in Figures 5 and 9, the side wall portion 521 has a substantially cylindrical shape. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the upper surface member 510 is placed on the upper side of the side wall portion 521. Also, as shown in Figures 4, 5, 8 and 9, openings 521a are formed in the lower left and right sides of the side wall portion 521, allowing the tip of the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM to protrude from these openings 521a. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3, 5, 8 and 9, a steam induction hole OP is formed in the rear part of the side wall portion 521. As shown in Figure 3, when the lid unit 500 is attached to the main body unit 300, this steam induction hole OP connects 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. In other words, the steam flow space SP1 is formed by the upper member 510, the bottom plate member 520, and the main body connection portion 402 of the handle unit 400 (see Figure 3). A steam path is formed in the steam flow space SP1 through which the steam generated in the liquid container 320 flows.

[0036] As shown in Figure 6, the bottom wall portion 522 has a substantially annular shape in plan view. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the bottom wall portion 522 forms a stepped structure in longitudinal cross-sectional view. More specifically, as shown in Figures 6 to 9, the bottom wall portion 522 is formed from a first bottom wall portion 522A, a second bottom wall portion 522B located above the first bottom wall portion 522A and also having a substantially annular shape in bottom view, and a third bottom wall portion 522C located above the second bottom wall portion 522B. Also, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, an on-off valve 540 is disposed on the lower side of the bottom wall portion 522. When the on-off valve 540 is in the closed state, the packing 543 of the on-off valve 540 is in close contact with the lower surface of the second bottom wall portion 522B (see Figures 3 and 4). As a result, when the on-off valve 540 is closed, it prevents the liquid in the liquid container 320 from flowing through the discharge channel DP (described later). When the on-off valve 540 is open, the packing 543 of the on-off valve 540 does not make close contact with the lower surface of the second bottom wall portion 522B. As a result, when the on-off valve 540 is open, it allows the liquid in the liquid container 320 to flow through the discharge channel DP. Also, as shown in Figures 3 to 9, a central opening 522d is formed in the central part of the bottom wall portion 522 (the rear part of the third bottom wall portion 522C), and a cylindrical wall portion 524 is formed extending upward from the edge of this central opening 522d. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 6 to 9, a first communication hole 522a is formed in the part of the bottom wall portion 522 slightly rearward from the central opening 522d (the rear part of the second bottom wall portion 522B). The first communication hole 522a is closed when the on-off valve 540 is closed, by contacting the packing 543 of the on-off valve 540, and is open when the on-off valve 540 is open, connecting the internal space of the liquid container 320 with the steam flow space SP1. Also, as shown in Figures 3, 6 to 9, a steam vent 522c is formed in the part of the bottom wall 522 behind the first communication hole 522a (the rear part of the first bottom wall 522A). Unlike the first communication hole 522a, the steam vent 522c is always open, connecting the internal space of the liquid container 320 with the steam flow space SP1. Also, as shown in Figures 3, 6 to 9, a second communication hole 522b is formed in the part of the bottom wall 522 in front of the central opening 522d and behind the flow path forming part 523 (the front part of the third bottom wall 522C).When the second communication hole 522b is in an open state due to the packing PK, it connects the steam flow space SP1 and the discharge flow path DP (see Figures 3 and 8).

[0037] The flow path forming section 523 is the part that forms the discharge flow path DP for guiding the liquid in the liquid container 320 to the spout 301 of the kettle body 200 and discharging it to the outside. When the on / off valve 540 is open and the kettle body 200 is tilted forward so that the spout 301 faces downward, the liquid in the liquid container 320 is guided from the rear end of the flow path forming section 523 through the discharge flow path DP to the spout 301 and discharged. In other words, the rear end of the flow path forming section 523 functions as the inlet of the discharge flow path DP when the liquid in the liquid container 320 is discharged. As shown in Figures 3, 7 to 10, the front end of the second bottom wall section 522B of the bottom wall section 522 constitutes the rear end of the flow path forming section 523. The lower surface of the rear end of the flow path forming section 523 is approximately horizontal (approximately parallel to the planes extending in the front-rear and left-right directions) when the electric kettle 100 is in an upright position (see Figures 3 and 8). Therefore, when the electric kettle 100 is upright and the on-off valve 540 is closed, the sealing surface between the packing 543 of the on-off valve 540 and the rear end of the flow path forming portion 523 is also approximately horizontal. As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 8, the flow path forming portion 523 is inclined upward as it extends forward. Also, as shown in Figures 3, 5 to 9, the front end of the flow path forming portion 523 is located in front of the front end of the side wall portion 521, and the rear end of the flow path forming portion 523 is located behind the front end of the side wall portion 521. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7 to 10, a notch NO is formed at the front end of the second bottom wall portion 522B of the bottom wall portion 522 (i.e., the rear end of the flow path forming portion 523). As shown in Figures 7, 9, and 10, the notch NO is formed such that its width in the left-right direction narrows as it moves forward from the rear end of the front end of the second bottom wall portion 522B of the bottom wall portion 522 (the rear end of the flow path forming portion 523), and it has a roughly inverted triangular shape when viewed from the bottom (see Figure 7). Also, as shown in Figures 7 to 10, the notch NO communicates with a roughly circular opening formed on the inside of the second bottom wall portion 522B of the bottom wall portion 522. Furthermore, when the on-off valve 540 is in the open state, the notch NO is not blocked by the on-off valve 540, similar to the opening of the second bottom wall portion 522B of the bottom wall portion 522, and when the on-off valve 540 is in the closed state, it is blocked from below by the on-off valve 540, similar to the opening of the second bottom wall portion 522B of the bottom wall portion 522 (see Figure 3).Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 8 to 10, convex guide ribs 523a extending in the front-rear direction are formed on both the left and right sides of line AA in Figure 6 of the flow path forming section 523.

[0038] As described above, the cylindrical wall portion 524 is formed in the central part of the bottom wall portion 522 (the rear part of the third bottom wall portion 522C of the bottom wall portion 522) and extends upward from the edge of the central opening 522d 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.

[0039] As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 8, the peripheral projections 525 extend upward from around the cylindrical wall portion 524 of the third bottom wall portion 522C of the bottom wall portion 522, and two such projections are formed.

[0040] As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 8, the rear projections 526 extend upward from the rear of the bottom wall portion 522 (the rear of the first bottom wall portion 522A of the bottom wall portion 522), and two such projections are formed.

[0041] As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 8, the forward projections 527 extend upward from the front of the bottom wall portion 522 (the front of the third bottom wall portion 522C of the bottom wall portion 522), and two such projections are formed.

[0042] The peripheral projections 525, rear projection 526, and front projection 527 are for fixing the steam path forming section 570 to the bottom wall section 522 of the bottom plate member 520, and are fitted into receiving sections (not shown) that are recessed on the upper side and formed in the steam path forming section 570.

[0043] As shown in Figures 7, 9, and 10, the weir section 528 extends rearward from both the left and right sides of the rear end of the front end of the second bottom wall section 522B of the bottom wall section 522 (both the left and right sides of the rear end of the flow channel forming section 523) and from both the left and right sides of the notch NO of the flow channel forming section 523.

[0044] (3-3) Open / Close Button As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the opening / closing button 530 is fitted into the opening of the upper member 510 and connected to the tip of the shaft portion 542 of the opening / closing valve 540. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the cylindrical wall portion of the locking member 550 is positioned around the side wall portion of the opening / closing button 530. The opening / closing button 530 is also biased upward by a coil spring CS1 (see Figures 3 and 4) which is positioned to surround the shaft portion 542 of the opening / closing valve 540. When the opening / closing button 530 is pressed downward by the user against the biasing force of the coil spring CS1, the opening / closing valve 540 moves downward in conjunction with the pressing action. This causes the opening / closing valve 540 to open.

[0045] (3-4) Shut-off valves As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the on / off valve 540 consists of a valve body 541, a shaft 542, and a packing 543. The valve body 541 is substantially disc-shaped and, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, is located below the bottom plate member 520 of the lid unit 500. The shaft 542 is a rod-shaped member that extends upward from the rear of the upper surface of the valve body 541, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. As described above, the shaft 542 is fitted into the central opening 522d of the bottom wall 522 of the bottom plate member 520, and the tip of the shaft 542 is connected to the on / off button 530. The packing 543 is substantially annular-shaped and, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, is attached to the outer edge of the valve body 541.

[0046] (3-5) Locking member The locking member 550 is for locking the lid unit 500 to the main unit 300 when the lid unit 500 is attached to the main unit 300 (see Figure 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. Furthermore, the cylindrical wall portion extending upward from the center of the locking member 550 is sandwiched between the opening / closing button 530 and the operating lever 560, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, and is connected only to the operating lever 560. For this reason, the operating lever 560 and the locking member 550 are interlocked with each other, but the opening / closing button 530 and the locking member 550 are not interlocked with each other.

[0047] (3-6) Locking mechanism The locking mechanism LM mainly consists of a locking lever RL (see Figure 4) and a torsion spring (not shown). The locking lever RL is rotatable around an axis AX (see Figure 4) fixed within the lid unit 500, and can lock onto the claw receiving portion 352 of the discharge port forming portion 350 of the main unit 300 (see Figure 4). In the locked state, the locking lever RL engages with the locking member 550, and therefore cannot rotate from the state in which it is locked onto the claw receiving portion 352 of the discharge port forming portion 350 of the main unit 300. The torsion spring is for biasing the locking lever RL in the direction of locking onto the claw receiving portion 352 of the discharge port forming portion 350 of the main unit 300, and is disposed on the outer circumference of the axis AX.

[0048] Here, the operation to release the locked state in the electric kettle 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, the user hooks the fingers of one hand onto the flange 562 of the operating lever 560 and, while holding down the main unit 300 with the other hand, lifts the operating lever 560 upward. 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. As a result, the engagement state between the locking member 550 and the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM is released, the locking lever RL of the locking mechanism LM becomes rotatable around the axis AX, and the locked state is released. Then, while keeping the fingers hooked onto the flange 562 of the operating lever 560, the user lifts the operating lever 560 further upward, thereby lifting the entire lid unit 500 upward and removing the lid unit 500 from the main unit 300.

[0049] (3-7) Operating 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. The operating lever 560 is formed from a base portion 561 and a flange portion 562, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The base portion 561 is substantially cylindrical and is fitted into the opening of the upper surface member 510, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The flange portion 562 is a substantially disc-shaped portion for 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 Figures 3 and 4. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, an opening is formed in the center of the flange portion 562, through which the opening / closing button 530 is exposed. A groove is also formed on the lower surface of the flange portion 562. This groove functions as an anti-slip surface for the user's fingers.

[0050] (3-8) Steam path forming section The steam path forming section 570 is a resin member for forming a part of the steam path in the steam flow space SP1, and as shown in Figure 3, it is positioned above the bottom wall 522 of the bottom plate member 520. At this time, the rear projection 526, front projection 527, and surrounding projection 525 of the bottom plate member 520 fit into the receiving portion formed on the upper side of the steam path forming section 570, respectively, thereby fixing the steam path forming section 570 to the bottom wall 522 of the bottom plate member 520.

[0051] (3-9) Sealing member The sealing member 590 is an annular member formed from an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer, and is attached to the outer circumference of the bottom wall portion 522 of the bottom plate member 520, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The sealing member 590 plays the role of sealing the gap between the liquid container 320 and the bottom plate member 520 (in other words, keeping the liquid container 320 and the bottom plate member 520 tightly sealed) when the lid unit 500 is attached to the main unit 300, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0052] (3-10) Packing The packing PK is a member formed from a flexible material and acts as a check valve that closes the second communication hole 522b of the bottom plate member 520 from below (see Figure 3). When steam generated in the liquid container 320 attempts to pass through the second communication hole 522b of the bottom plate member 520, the packing PK is pushed by the steam and bends downward, opening the second communication hole 522b of the bottom plate member 520.

[0053] 2.Power supply stand The power stand 600 serves as both a power supply unit that supplies electricity to the kettle body 200 and a base for the kettle body 200. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the power stand 600 mainly consists of a power cord 601, a power plug (not shown), and connection terminals 602. When the kettle body 200 is placed on the power stand 600 and the power supply terminals 342 and connection terminals 602 of the heater unit 340 are connected, a power supply circuit is formed. Then, when the power to the electric kettle 100 is turned on, power can be supplied to the heater unit 340 and the control device CO. The power stand 600 can be configured in the same way as conventional power stands for electric kettles.

[0054] <Regarding the opening / closing state of the discharge channel and the rectification function in an electric kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention> Here, the open / closed state of the discharge channel DP and the flow straightening function (a function that causes liquid to flow through the central part in the left-right direction of the flow channel forming portion 523 of the bottom plate member 520 when liquid is discharged) in the electric kettle 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, when the on / off valve 540 is in the closed state (i.e., when the on / off button 530 is not pressed downwards), the packing 543 of the on / off valve 540 is in close contact with the lower surface of the second bottom wall portion 522B of the bottom wall portion 522 of the bottom plate member 520 (see Figures 3 and 4). Therefore, even if the kettle body 200 is tilted forward so that the spout 301 is facing downwards, liquid is prevented from flowing through the discharge channel DP. On the other hand, when the on / off valve 540 is open (i.e., when the on / off button 530 is pressed downwards), the packing 543 of the on / off valve 540 is separated from the lower surface of the second bottom wall portion 522B of the bottom wall portion 522 of the bottom plate member 520, the discharge channel DP is opened, and the liquid can flow through the discharge channel DP. Therefore, when the on / off valve 540 is open, the user can pour the liquid in the liquid container 320 into a cup or teacup by tilting the kettle body 200 forward so that the spout 301 points downwards. When the kettle body 200 is tilted only forward and the liquid is discharged, the liquid flows through the center of the channel forming portion 523 of the bottom plate member 520 in the left-right direction. Incidentally, in conventional electric kettles, when the kettle body is tilted forward and to the left or right to dispense liquid, the liquid flows to the left or right side of the flow path forming section, rather than to the center of the flow path forming section in the left-right direction. However, in the electric kettle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, even when the kettle body 200 is tilted forward and to the left or right to dispense liquid, the liquid can be made to flow as much as possible to the center of the flow path forming section 523 of the bottom plate member 520 in the left-right direction. This is because the notch NO of the bottom plate member 520 allows the liquid to flow through the flow path forming section 523 when it reaches the tip of the notch NO, and the weir portion 528 of the bottom plate member 520 allows the liquid to flow as much as possible between the weir portions 528.

[0055] <Features of the electric kettle according to the embodiment of the present invention> (1) In the electric kettle 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, a notch NO is formed at the rear end of the flow path forming section 523, the width of which narrows in the left-right direction as it moves from the rear end of the flow path forming section 523 toward the front. In addition, weir sections 528 are formed on both the left and right sides of the rear end of the flow path forming section 523 and on both the left and right sides of the notch NO of the flow path forming section 523, extending backward. Therefore, in this electric kettle 100, even when the kettle body 200 is tilted forward and also tilted to the left or right to dispense liquid, the liquid can be directed as far as possible to the center of the flow path forming section 523 in the left-right direction of the bottom plate member 520. Consequently, in this electric kettle 100, the risk of wetting the area around a container such as a cup or teacup when pouring liquid into it can be reduced as much as possible.

[0056] (2) In the electric kettle 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the on-off valve 540 is in the closed state, the packing 543 of the on-off valve 540 is in close contact with the lower surface of the second bottom wall portion 522B of the bottom wall portion 522 of the bottom plate member 520, and the discharge flow path DP is closed. The notch NO is formed at the front end of the second bottom wall portion 522B of the bottom wall portion 522 of the bottom plate member 520 and is covered from below by the on-off valve 540 when the on-off valve 540 is in the closed state. Therefore, in this electric kettle 100, the liquid can be directed as far as possible to the center of the flow path forming portion 523 in the left-right direction when the liquid is discharged, without impairing the sealing performance between the on-off valve 540 and the second bottom wall portion 522B of the bottom wall portion 522 of the bottom plate member 520.

[0057] <Variation> (A) In the electric kettle 100 according to the above embodiment, even when the kettle body 200 is tilted forward and to the left or right to dispense liquid, the notch NO and weir 528 of the bottom plate member 520 made it possible to ensure that as much liquid as possible flows to the center of the flow path forming portion 523 of the bottom plate member 520 in the left-right direction. However, even when the kettle body 200 is tilted forward and to the left or right to dispense liquid, the liquid may be made to flow as much as possible to the center of the flow path forming portion 523 of the bottom plate member 520 in the left-right direction by a method other than utilizing the notch NO and weir 528 of the bottom plate member 520.

[0058] (B) In the electric kettle 100 according to the above embodiment, the discharge channel DP was open when the on-off valve 540 was open. However, the on-off valve 540 may not be configured, and the discharge channel DP may always be open.

[0059] (C) In the electric kettle 100 according to the above embodiment, the notch NO is formed such that its width in the left-right direction narrows as it moves from the rear end of the front end of the second bottom wall portion 522B of the bottom wall portion 522 (the rear end of the flow path forming portion 523) toward the front, and it has a substantially inverted triangular shape when viewed from the bottom. However, the shape of the notch NO is not limited to a substantially inverted triangular shape when viewed from the bottom. For example, the shape of the notch NO may be a substantially inverted trapezoid or a substantially semicircular shape when viewed from the bottom.

[0060] (D) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, a notch NO and a weir 528 were formed in the bottom plate member 520. However, only one of the notch NO and the weir 528 may be formed in the bottom plate member 520. Figure 11 shows a view from the rear of the bottom plate member 520, which has only the weir 528 formed and is tilted forward. Figure 12 shows an enlarged view of the area around the weir 528 in Figure 11.

[0061] (E) In the electric kettle 100 according to the previous embodiment, the lower surface of the rear end of the flow path forming portion 523 was substantially horizontal when the electric kettle 100 was in an upright position. Furthermore, when the electric kettle 100 was in an upright position and the on-off valve 540 was in a closed position, the sealing surface between the packing 543 of the on-off valve 540 and the rear end of the flow path forming portion 523 was also substantially horizontal. However, when the electric kettle 100 was in an upright position and the on-off valve 540 was in a closed position, the lower surface of the rear end of the flow path forming portion 523 may be inclined so that the sealing surface between the packing 543 of the on-off valve 540 and the rear end of the flow path forming portion 523 is inclined.

[0062] (F) In the above embodiment, the present invention was applied to an electric kettle 100, but the present invention may be applied to other containers.

[0063] The above modifications may be applied individually or in combination. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 100 Electric Kettle (Container) 320 Liquid containers 523 Flow channel forming section 528 Weir section (guide section, protruding section) 540 Shut-off valve (seal part) DP discharge channel (channel) NO Notch (guide section)

Claims

1. A liquid container for storing liquid, The system comprises a channel forming section that forms a channel through which the liquid flows, When the liquid is discharged through the aforementioned flow path, the flow path forming portion is further provided with a guide portion that guides the liquid to flow to the center in the width direction of the flow path forming portion. The guide portion is a notch formed in the flow channel forming portion such that its width narrows from the inlet end of the flow channel forming portion toward the outlet end of the flow channel forming portion. Container.

2. The channel forming portion further comprises protrusions extending from both sides in the width direction of the channel forming portion at the inlet end of the channel forming portion to the opposite side of the outlet end of the channel forming portion. The container body according to claim 1.

3. The system further includes a sealing portion that closes or opens the aforementioned flow path, When the flow path is closed, the sealing portion is in close contact with the inlet end of the flow path forming portion. The aforementioned notch is formed in a part of the flow path forming portion where the sealing portion makes close contact. The container body according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The guide portion is a convex portion that extends from both sides in the width direction of the flow channel forming portion at the inlet end of the flow channel forming portion to the opposite side of the outlet end of the flow channel forming portion. The container body according to claim 1.

Images