Electric kettle

Abstract

A design is needed that can prevent water from flowing out through the steam pipe even when the electric kettle is tilted. [Solution] An electric kettle comprising a kettle body, a heating unit, a tank unit disposed within the kettle body for holding water heated by the heating unit, a temperature sensor disposed below the tank unit, a steam pipe for transmitting steam generated by heating the water in the tank unit to the temperature sensor, and a handle for gripping the electric kettle, wherein the steam pipe is configured to include a first meandering portion that can hold water inside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric kettle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an electric kettle has been used as a device for boiling only the amount of water used to easily boil water (see Patent Document 1). In such an electric kettle, a steam pipe for discharging the steam generated inside the main body is provided inside the handle, and the generated steam is configured to flow toward the thermistor for temperature detection through the steam pipe. Then, the steam is discharged to the outside through the steam outlet.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the electric kettle having the above configuration, when the electric kettle is tilted to the handle side, water may flow through the steam pipe and overflow from the bottom of the electric kettle. [[ID=3,7]]

[0005] Therefore, a configuration that can prevent water from flowing out through the steam pipe even when the electric kettle is tilted is required.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The invention corresponding to the embodiment for solving the above problems is an electric kettle, comprising a kettle main body, a heating unit, a tank unit disposed in the kettle main body for holding water heated by the heating unit, a temperature sensor disposed below the tank unit, and steam generated when the water in the tank unit is heated A steam tank for temporary storage, and a connection to the steam tank, which stores the steam held in the steam tank.It comprises a steam pipe for transmitting to the temperature sensor and a handle for gripping the electric kettle, A sphere is placed between the inlet of the steam tank and the tank section to prevent water from flowing in. The steam pipe is configured to include a first section that meanders in a manner capable of retaining water inside, The first portion includes an opening for connecting to the steam tank and taking in steam, and a first portion continuous with the opening, wherein the first portion is continuous with the opening by rising from the bottom surface of the opening at a predetermined angle, and the first portion is configured to have a smaller inner diameter than the opening. It is. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a configuration that prevents water from flowing out through the steam pipe even when the electric kettle is tilted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1A] A perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of an electric kettle corresponding to the embodiment. [Figure 1B] A side view showing an example of the external configuration of an electric kettle corresponding to the embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional configuration of an electric kettle corresponding to the embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram illustrating the configuration of a steam pipe corresponding to an embodiment. [Figure 4] An enlarged view showing an example of the cross-sectional configuration of an electric kettle corresponding to the embodiment. [Figure 5] A diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a steam pipe corresponding to the embodiment is holding water. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the invention. Two or more features from the multiple features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, identical or similar configurations will be given the same reference numeral, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0010] The configuration of the electric kettle according to this embodiment will be described below. Figure 1A is a perspective view showing an example of the external appearance of an electric kettle 100 corresponding to an example of this embodiment. Figure 1B is a side view showing an example of the external appearance of the same electric kettle 100. As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the electric kettle 100 is configured with a kettle body 101, a lid 102, a handle 103, and a bottom 104. The kettle body 101 is further provided with a spout 105 and a water level check window 106. A switch 107 is also provided on the handle 103.

[0011] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1A, an xyz coordinate system is set for the structure of the electric kettle 100. The x-axis direction indicates the front or forward side of the electric kettle 100, the y-axis direction indicates the side or lateral direction, and the z-axis direction indicates the height direction. In the following description, when referring to the front, forward, or forward side of the electric kettle 100, it refers to the positive direction on the x-axis, and when referring to the rear, back, or rear side, it refers to the negative direction on the x-axis. Also, when referring to the lateral direction, it refers to the y-axis direction, when referring to the right direction, it refers to the positive direction on the y-axis, and when referring to the left direction, it refers to the negative direction on the y-axis. Furthermore, when referring to the upward direction, it refers to the positive direction on the z-axis, and when referring to the downward direction, it refers to the negative direction on the z-axis. The same applies to the other figures.

[0012] The lid 102 is attached to an opening provided on the top of the kettle body 101. The lid 102 is designed to be removable from the kettle body 101, allowing water to be poured in or drained through the opening. Furthermore, with the lid 102 attached, the electric kettle 100 can be tilted by grasping the handle 103 and tilting the kettle body 101 so that the spout 105 faces downwards, allowing water from inside the tank to be poured into a cup or other container through the spout 105.

[0013] The handle portion 103 is attached to the back side of the kettle body 101 and consists of a mounting portion 103A for attachment to the back side of the kettle body 101 and a gripping portion 103B for gripping by the user when holding the electric kettle 100. In Figure 1B, the mounting portion 103A and the gripping portion 103B are distinguished by different hatching. The mounting portion 103A extends from the upper to the lower side of the back side of the kettle body 101 and has a switch 107 on the lower side. By placing the switch 107 on the lower side, accidental operation can be prevented. Also, as shown in Figure 1B, visibility from the side is improved by making the switch 107 protrude from the lower side of the mounting portion 103A.

[0014] A steam pipe, described later, can be placed inside the handle portion 103. The grip portion 103B is configured to protrude from the upper side of the mounting portion 103A to the rear and extend downward. The lower end of the grip portion 103B is open, making it difficult for heat generated in the kettle body 101 to be transferred. In addition, the handle portion 103 secures a space between itself and the steam pipe inside, and this air layer acts as insulation. As a result, the user can use the electric kettle 100 with peace of mind, ensuring safety and ease of operation.

[0015] The kettle body 101 has a water tank inside. Switch 107 is a switch for turning the heating of the water in the tank on or off. When switch 107 is on, the water in the tank is heated by the heating mechanism, and hot water can be boiled. The window 106 may have a line indicating the water level that can be held in the kettle body 101. For example, if the maximum water capacity is 1 liter, a water level line is provided so that it is possible to recognize that the 1 liter position is the maximum value. A power connector (not shown) is located at the bottom 104, and a power cable is connected to supply power to control the operation of the electric kettle 100.

[0016] Next, FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the A-A section of the electric kettle 100 shown in FIG. 1A. Inside the kettle body 101, a tank portion 201 is provided. The water held in the tank portion 201 is heated by a heating mechanism 204 when the switch 107 is turned on. The heating mechanism 204 can be composed of, for example, a heating wire and an insulating coating layer, and is fixedly arranged so as to be able to heat the lower side of the bottom wall portion of the tank portion 201. Also, the heating mechanism 204 can be configured, for example, as a stainless steel plate having a predetermined thickness with a sheathed heater mounted thereon.

[0017] A steam pipe 202 is arranged inside a handle portion 103 provided on the back side of the kettle body 101. The steam pipe 202 can be composed of a plastic-based material, for example, polyethylene or the like. Due to its structure, the steam pipe 202 is separately arranged in a mounting portion 103A and a gripping portion 103. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 103A is provided so as to protrude from the surface of the kettle body 101, but it may be embedded in the kettle body 101. Alternatively, a configuration corresponding to the mounting portion 103A may be provided inside the kettle body 101.

[0018] The steam pipe 202 is configured as a pipe for allowing the steam generated when the water in the tank portion 201 is heated to pass through. The cross-section of the steam pipe 202 can be, for example, a rectangular shape (rectangle). By making the cross-section rectangular, it is possible to secure a larger internal volume while making the arrangement space as small as possible. Here, if the cross-section becomes too thin, there is a problem that it becomes difficult to transmit the steam and it becomes difficult for the temperature sensor 203 to detect the steam. Therefore, it is necessary to secure the internal volume. As a result, as will be described later, the amount of water held when the electric kettle 100 is tilted increases, so the amount of water transmitted to the bottom side of the electric kettle 100 can be reduced. Note that the cross-sectional shape is not limited to a rectangular shape and may be, for example, a circular or elliptical shape.

[0019] Also, a temperature sensor 203 is disposed on the tip side of the steam pipe 202. An opening is provided on the tip side of the steam pipe 202, and the temperature sensor 203 is arranged to be located in the lateral direction of the opening. This enables the detection of the temperature of the steam discharged from the opening, and when water infiltrates along the steam pipe, the water can be discharged below the temperature sensor 203.

[0020] By adopting this configuration, when the water in the tank portion 201 is heated by the heating mechanism 204, steam is generated, and the generated steam can be supplied to the temperature sensor 203 via the steam pipe 202. The temperature sensor 203 can be constituted by, for example, a thermostat or a thermistor. When the heated water reaches a predetermined temperature (for example, 100 degrees, 98 degrees, or 90 degrees, etc.), the switch 107 is turned off to stop the heating. This can prevent overheating.

[0021] Next, the configuration of the steam pipe 202 corresponding to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the steam pipe 202. FIG. 3(A) is a side view showing the appearance of the steam pipe 202 from the side, and FIG. 3(B) is a perspective view showing the appearance of the steam pipe 202 obliquely. FIG. 3(C) shows an example of the cross-sectional structure of the first portion 311 of the steam pipe 202 in the B-B cross-section of FIG. 3(B). FIG. 3(D) shows an example of the cross-sectional shape of the steam pipe 202 in the C-C cross-section of FIG. 3(B).

[0022] As shown in Figures 3(A) and (B), the steam pipe 202 is composed of three continuous parts: a first part 311, a second part 312, and a third part 313. The first part 311 has a structure that includes an opening 301, which is the inlet for steam to the steam pipe 202, and the opening 301 and its vicinity (the opening area) are configured as a cylindrical pipe with a circular cross-section. Alternatively, the opening 301 may be circular, and the subsequent structure may be rectangular instead of cylindrical. In the first part 311, the steam pipe 202 is configured to transition from a cylindrical pipe to a rectangular pipe with a rectangular cross-section. The second part 312 extends downward and is continuous with the third part 313. The third part 313 is curved forward to transmit steam into the kettle body 101.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3(C), the first section 311 is configured such that the first section 311A, which connects the cylindrical tube and the rectangular tube, rises (protrudes) from the bottom side of the steam pipe 202. This configuration narrows the inner diameter when transitioning from the cylindrical section at the opening to the rectangular section of the second section 311B. Narrowing the inner diameter makes it difficult for excess air to flow into the steam pipe 202 beyond the second section 311B. If air enters, it promotes the flow of water, so removing the air can delay the intrusion of water. Here, the rising angle θ1 of the first section 311A ​​can be, for example, about 70 degrees. The size of θ1 is not limited to 70 degrees, and it may be a larger or smaller angle. In addition, by having such a rise, the first section 311A ​​acts as a dike when water flows into the steam pipe 202, making it difficult for water to intrude to the downstream side of the steam pipe 202.

[0024] After passing through the first section 311A, the steam pipe 202 connects to a third section 311C that extends downward (in the second direction) via a second section 311B that extends backward (in the first direction) of the steam pipe 202. The second section 311B and the third section 311C are parts of the steam pipe 202 that protrude toward the grip section 103B, so that a part of the first section 311 is located inside the grip section 103B. By housing the part of the steam pipe 202 that protrudes toward the rear within the grip section 103B in this way, unnecessary protrusions and indentations can be avoided in the appearance of the electric kettle 100.

[0025] The third section 311C is continuous with the fourth section 311D. The fourth section 311D is configured to extend diagonally downward (the fourth direction) to return the steam pipe 202 to the front. Part of the fourth section 311D is housed within the gripping section 103B and is positioned to return the steam pipe 202 from within the gripping section 103B to the mounting section 103A. The fourth section 311D is continuous with the fifth section 311E, which extends downward (the second direction). The fifth section 311E is further continuous with the second section 312.

[0026] In the first section 311, the rectangular tube sections 311C, 311D, and 311E each have depths of d1, d2, and d3, respectively. The relationship between these depths can be given as d2 > d3 > d1. The third section 311C, with depth d1, is located within the gripping section 103B, so it is desirable to keep its thickness low, and as mentioned above, it is also necessary to narrow the inner diameter to prevent water from entering. However, it is necessary to ensure a volume that does not obstruct the passage of steam as it serves as a steam passage. The fourth section 311D connects the third section 311C and the fifth section 311E, so it has a larger depth to allow for smooth steam flow. The fifth section 311E is continuous with the second section 312, and since the second section 312 is a rectangular tube extending downwards, steam can pass through smoothly, so a smaller depth than the fourth section 311D is not a problem. Although the description of the second part 311B has been omitted, it can be, for example, the same as the depth d1 of the third part 311C.

[0027] Figure 3(D) shows a cross-section of the second section 312, which is configured as a rectangular tube. In the first section 311, each section 311B to 311E is also configured as a rectangular tube, so although the depth d value differs, it has a similar cross-section. In this embodiment, the width w of the outer diameter can be approximately 11 mm and the depth d can be approximately 5.6 to 6.2 mm, but it is not limited to these sizes. The inner diameter will be smaller than the outer diameter value depending on the thickness of the steam pipe 202. For example, the thickness of the steam pipe 202 can be 1.6 mm.

[0028] Next, with reference to Figure 4, the flow of steam and water in the electric kettle 100 will be further explained. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the part 210 indicated by the dotted line in Figure 2. Figure 4(A) is a partial cross-sectional view corresponding to the electric kettle 100 being positioned without tilting, and Figure 4(B) is a partial cross-sectional view corresponding to the electric kettle 100 being tilted 45 degrees backward.

[0029] In this embodiment, steam generated in the tank section 201 of the kettle body 101 is transmitted to the steam pipe 202 via the steam inlet 401, the steam tank 402, and the steam packing 403. The steam inlet 401 is the steam inlet and is configured to include a spherical member. This spherical member is, for example, a metal sphere that, when the electric kettle 100 tips over, blocks the opening of the steam tank 402, preventing water from flowing into the steam tank 402. The steam tank 402 has a predetermined volume and can temporarily store steam that has flowed into it. When the amount of steam increases, the steam flows towards the steam pipe 202 and the spout 105. The steam packing 403 is a sealing material that prevents steam from leaking out of the steam tank from the steam pipe 202.

[0030] The dashed line 411 indicates the flow of steam entering from the steam inlet 401. The fact that steam can pass through in this way means that if the kettle body 101 is tilted, water may flow into the steam pipe 202 via a similar path.

[0031] Figure 4(B) shows the electric kettle 100 tilted approximately 45 degrees backward. When the electric kettle 100 is filled to the brim with water, the water flows through the path shown by the dotted line 412. In this case, the inclination angle θ2 of the fourth part 311D is approximately 42 degrees relative to the 45-degree tilt. As the inclination of the fourth part 311D is slightly upward at this time, it acts to make it difficult for water to flow. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first part 311 is meandering, and this structure makes it difficult for water to flow through the steam pipe 202, and can act to block the water flow.

[0032] Next, the function of the steam pipe 202 will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5(A) shows an example of a state in which water is held in the steam pipe 202 tilted at a 45-degree angle, and in this tilted state, the water 501 is held inside the steam pipe 202. The amount of water that can be held in this state is about 15 ml. When water is held inside the steam pipe 202, the held water can function as a barrier against newly flowing water. Therefore, even if the electric kettle 100 is temporarily tilted backward, if the tilt is immediately corrected, only the amount of water that acted as a barrier will flow out into the kettle body 101. At this time, an enclosure is provided at the bottom of the kettle body 101 near the opening of the third part 311C, and by damming the water inside this enclosure, it is difficult for water to flow out to the outside of the kettle body 101.

[0033] In contrast, as shown in Figure 5(B), if the steam pipe 502 is constructed to drop directly downwards without the first section 311 as in the steam pipe 202, the steam pipe 502 does not have a structural mechanism to retain water even if it enters the interior 503, so the water simply flows downwards.

[0034] According to the electric kettle corresponding to the embodiment described above, steam inside the kettle body 101 can be efficiently transmitted to the temperature sensor 203 via the steam pipe 202 provided in the handle portion 103. The steam pipe 202 is configured to include a meandering portion that does not obstruct the passage of steam, and this configuration makes it difficult for water to travel through the steam pipe 202 even if the electric kettle 100 is tilted. Therefore, even if the electric kettle 100 is tilted, it is possible to avoid as much as possible the situation in which water that has traveled through the steam pipe 202 leaks out of the electric kettle.

[0035] <Summary of Embodiments> The above embodiments disclose at least the following electric kettles. (1) An electric kettle, The kettle body and Heating section and A tank section is located inside the kettle body that holds the water heated by the heating section, A temperature sensor is positioned on the lower side of the tank section, A steam pipe for transmitting steam generated by heating the water in the tank to the temperature sensor, The electric kettle has a handle for gripping, Equipped with, An electric kettle, wherein the steam pipe is configured to include a first portion that meanders in a manner capable of retaining water inside. (2) The first portion includes an opening for taking in steam and a first portion continuous with the opening, The electric kettle according to (1), wherein the first portion is configured to protrude from the bottom surface of the opening at a predetermined angle and be continuous with the opening, and the inner diameter of the first portion is smaller than that of the opening. (3) In the above first part, The first portion is continuous with a second portion that extends in a first direction opposite to the direction toward the opening, The second portion is continuous with a third portion that extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and downward, The third portion is continuous with a fourth portion that extends in a fourth direction that is diagonally downward toward the third direction opposite to the first direction, The electric kettle according to (2), wherein the fourth portion is continuous with a fifth portion extending in the second direction. (4) The steam pipe is A second portion extending in the second direction, which is continuous with the first portion, The third part is continuous with the second part mentioned above. The electric kettle according to (3), comprising, wherein the third portion has an opening and is configured to transmit steam that has passed through the steam pipe to the temperature sensor. (5) The electric kettle according to (4), wherein the steam pipe includes a portion formed in the shape of a rectangular tube with a rectangular cross-section. (6) The electric kettle according to (5), wherein at least the second portion, the third portion, the fourth portion, and the fifth portion are formed in the shape of a rectangular tube. (7) An electric kettle according to any one of (3) to (6), wherein the depth of the fourth part is greater than the depth of the other parts. (8) The electric kettle according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein at least a portion of the steam pipe is located inside the handle. (9) The electric kettle according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the handle portion is configured to have a mounting portion for attaching to the kettle body and a gripping portion for gripping, a portion of the steam pipe is positioned on the gripping portion and the other portion of the steam pipe is positioned on the mounting portion.

[0036] Although embodiments of the invention have been described above, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 100: Electric kettle, 101: Kettle body, 102: Lid, 103: Handle, 202: Steam pipe

Claims

1. It is an electric kettle, The kettle body and Heating section and A tank section is located inside the kettle body that holds the water heated by the heating section, A temperature sensor is positioned on the lower side of the tank section, A steam tank for temporarily holding the steam generated when the water in the tank section is heated, A steam pipe connected to the steam tank and for transmitting the steam held in the steam tank to the temperature sensor, The electric kettle has a handle for gripping, Equipped with, A sphere is placed between the inlet of the steam tank and the tank section to prevent water from flowing in. The steam pipe is configured to include a first section that meanders in a manner capable of retaining water inside, The first portion includes an opening for connecting to the steam tank and taking in steam, and a first portion continuous with the opening. An electric kettle in which the first portion is configured to protrude from the bottom surface of the opening at a predetermined angle and be continuous with the opening, and the inner diameter of the first portion is smaller than that of the opening.

2. In the first part above, The first portion is continuous with a second portion that extends in a first direction opposite to the direction toward the opening, The second portion is continuous with a third portion that extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and downward, The third portion is continuous with a fourth portion that extends in a fourth direction that is diagonally downward toward the third direction opposite to the first direction, The electric kettle according to claim 1, wherein the fourth portion is continuous with a fifth portion extending in the second direction.

3. The aforementioned steam pipe is A second portion extending in the second direction, which is continuous with the first portion, The third part is continuous with the second part mentioned above. The electric kettle according to claim 2, comprising, wherein the third portion has an opening and is configured to transmit steam that has passed through the steam pipe to the temperature sensor.

4. The electric kettle according to claim 3, wherein the steam pipe includes a portion formed in the shape of a rectangular tube with a rectangular cross-section.

5. The electric kettle according to claim 4, wherein at least the second portion, the third portion, the fourth portion, and the fifth portion are formed in the shape of a rectangular tube.

6. The electric kettle according to claim 5, wherein the depth of the fourth part is greater than the depth of the other parts.

7. The electric kettle according to claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the steam pipe is located inside the handle portion.

8. The electric kettle according to claim 7, wherein the handle portion is configured to have a mounting portion for attaching to the kettle body and a gripping portion for gripping, a portion of the steam pipe is positioned on the gripping portion, and the other portion of the steam pipe is positioned on the mounting portion.

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