JP4878038B2

JP4878038B2 - Electric water heater

Info

Publication number: JP4878038B2
Application number: JP2008103429A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 剛大須賀; 真輔米原
Original assignee: Zojirushi Corp
Current assignee: Zojirushi Corp
Priority date: 2008-04-11
Filing date: 2008-04-11
Publication date: 2012-02-15
Anticipated expiration: 2028-04-11
Also published as: JP2009247835A

Description

この発明は、蓋の蒸気通路の途中に止水弁が組み込まれた電気湯沸かし器に関する。 The present invention relates to an electric water heater in which a water stop valve is incorporated in the middle of a steam passage of a lid.

一般に、電気湯沸かし器は、上端開放状の内容器を収める外容器と、内容器を加熱するヒータと、内容器から外容器外に湯を導く吐出経路と、外容器に取り付けられたヒンジ軸回りに内容器を開閉する蓋とを備えている。蓋は、大気に開放する蒸気口が上面に配置された外蓋部材と、この外蓋部材との間に内部空間を形成する中蓋部材と、この中蓋部材の下端に装着され、内容器と連通する蒸気孔を形成された内蓋部材と、蒸気孔から蒸気口へ蒸気を導く蒸気通路とを備えている。外蓋部材と中蓋部材との間に形成された内部空間は、蓋の開閉操作機構や断熱部材の配置に利用されている。内容器内に発生する蒸気は、蒸気通路により器外に放出される。これにより、湯沸かし工程における内容器内の内圧上昇が防止されている。 Generally, an electric water heater is an outer container that houses an inner container with an open upper end, a heater that heats the inner container, a discharge path that guides hot water from the inner container to the outside of the outer container, and a hinge shaft that is attached to the outer container. And a lid for opening and closing the inner container. The lid is attached to the outer lid member having a steam port that opens to the atmosphere on the upper surface, an inner lid member that forms an internal space between the outer lid member, and a lower end of the inner lid member. An inner lid member formed with a steam hole communicating with the steam hole, and a steam passage for guiding the steam from the steam hole to the steam port. The internal space formed between the outer lid member and the inner lid member is used for the lid opening / closing operation mechanism and the arrangement of the heat insulating member. The steam generated in the inner container is discharged out of the container through the steam passage. Thereby, the internal pressure rise in the inner container in the water boiling process is prevented.

従来、電気湯沸かし器が転倒したとき、器外への漏水量が所定量を超えないようにするため、蒸気通路の途中に、止水弁が組み込まれている。止水弁は、蒸気孔の上方から外れた位置に設けられた弁室と、正立時に弁室の天面に形成された弁孔の下方に座り、かつ転倒時に弁室の内壁で弁孔に導かれる弁体とからなる。電気湯沸かし器が転倒したとき、その勢いで弁体が移動し、弁孔を閉塞するようになっている。蒸気孔と弁室の入口とを連通させる蒸気通路の中間経路は、内蓋部材と中蓋部材とで形成された導入空間に通されている。導入空間内の浸水は、内容器内に還流されるようになっている。弁室が蒸気孔の上方から外れた位置にあるのは、蒸気孔と弁室とが上下に並ぶ構造にすると、弁体が蒸気に揺らされてカタカタ音を出し、また、これらの経路距離が短くなる分、転倒時の漏水量が多くなり易い、蒸気の噴出の勢いを弱め難い等の点で不利なためである（例えば、特許文献１）。 Conventionally, when the electric water heater falls, a water stop valve is incorporated in the middle of the steam passage so that the amount of water leakage to the outside does not exceed a predetermined amount. The water stop valve sits below the valve chamber provided at a position off the upper side of the steam hole and the valve hole formed on the top surface of the valve chamber when standing upright. It consists of a valve body led to. When the electric water heater falls, the valve body moves with the momentum to close the valve hole. An intermediate path of the steam passage that connects the steam hole and the inlet of the valve chamber is passed through an introduction space formed by the inner lid member and the inner lid member. The water in the introduction space is returned to the inner container. The valve chamber is located above the steam hole because, if the steam hole and the valve chamber are arranged vertically, the valve body is shaken by the steam and makes a rattling sound. This is because it is disadvantageous in that the amount of water leakage at the time of falling tends to increase and the momentum of jetting steam is difficult to be weakened due to the shortening (for example, Patent Document 1).

特許第３４２１２１３号公報Japanese Patent No. 3422213

前記の内容器は、予め使用上限水位が規定されている。前記の使用上限水位を守った湯沸かし工程が行われる限り、沸騰水が踊っても蒸気孔から導入空間に浸水することがないようになっている。使用上限水位を超えた注水量で沸騰が生じると、沸騰水が踊って導入空間に浸水することが起こり得る。止水弁の弁室は、蓋の嵩張りを防止するため、導入空間に配置される。このため、導入空間の浸水により、導入空間の低い位置に設けられた弁室が一時的に閉塞されることが起こり得る。蒸気通路が浸水で閉塞されると、内容器内の内圧が上昇し、やがて浸水が吹き飛ばされて蒸気口より噴出する恐れがある。このような現象を防止するため、使用上限水位を超えないように内容器に注水した状態で湯沸かし工程を行うことが電気湯沸かし器の正規の使用方法になっている。 The upper limit water level of the inner container is defined in advance. As long as the water boiling process is performed while keeping the above-mentioned upper limit water level, even if boiling water dances, it will not be immersed in the introduction space from the steam hole. When boiling occurs with the amount of water injected exceeding the upper limit water level, the boiling water may dance and flood into the introduction space. The valve chamber of the water stop valve is arranged in the introduction space in order to prevent the lid from becoming bulky. For this reason, the valve chamber provided in the low position of the introduction space may be temporarily closed due to the flooding of the introduction space. If the steam passage is blocked with water, the internal pressure in the inner container increases, and there is a risk that the water will eventually be blown off and ejected from the steam port. In order to prevent such a phenomenon, a normal method of using an electric water heater is to perform a water heating step in a state where water is poured into the inner container so as not to exceed the upper limit water level.

しかしながら、実際には、水道の蛇口から内容器に直接注水されたり、カップで適当に内容器に注水されたりするため、使用上限水位を若干超えた注水量になることがある。このため、電気湯沸かし器は、使用上限水位を超えた所定の許容範囲内で湯沸かし工程が行われる限り、蒸気口より浸水が噴出することのないように対策が求められる。 However, in actuality, water is poured directly into the inner container from a tap or water is appropriately poured into the inner container with a cup, so that the amount of water injected may slightly exceed the upper limit water level for use. For this reason, the electric water heater is required to take measures so that water does not blow out from the steam port as long as the water heating step is performed within a predetermined allowable range exceeding the upper limit water level.

例えば、使用上限水位を超えた所定の許容範囲の注水量を基準とし、このときの水面と内蓋部材との間の空間を確保することにより、導入空間の浸水を防止すると、電気湯沸かし器の全高が高くなってしまう。 For example, if the water injection amount within a predetermined allowable range exceeding the upper limit water level is used as a reference, and the space between the water surface and the inner lid member at this time is secured, the flooding of the introduction space is prevented. Becomes higher.

また、弁室の入口をなるべく高い位置に設けることにより、導入空間の浸水で閉塞され難くすることが考えられる。ところが、所定の許容範囲に相当する分、弁室の入口を高くすると、止水弁の設置空間が全体として高くなり、蓋の嵩張りを招く。
また、蒸気口をなるべく高い位置に設けることにより、蒸気口に至るまでに噴出の勢いを弱めることが考えられる。ところが、蒸気口を高くすると、その部分だけ局所的に高くすることはデザイン上、受け入れられず、外蓋部材と中蓋部材との間の内部空間が全体として不必要に上下方向に広げることになり、やはり蓋の嵩張りを招く。
また、導入空間の容量をなるべく大きく設けることにより、導入空間の浸水位を低く抑え、弁室の入口を浸水で閉塞され難くすることが考えられる。ところが、導入空間を上下方向に広げると、蓋の嵩張りを招き、水平方向に広げると、外蓋部材や外容器の肩部の大型化を招く。 Moreover, it is conceivable that the inlet of the valve chamber is provided at a position as high as possible so that the inlet space is not easily blocked by water immersion. However, if the inlet of the valve chamber is raised by an amount corresponding to a predetermined allowable range, the installation space of the water stop valve becomes higher as a whole, and the lid becomes bulky.
Moreover, it is conceivable that the momentum of jetting is reduced by reaching the steam port by providing the steam port as high as possible. However, when the steam port is raised, it is not acceptable in design to raise only that part locally, and the internal space between the outer lid member and the inner lid member is unnecessarily widened in the vertical direction. As a result, the lid is bulky.
In addition, it is conceivable that by setting the capacity of the introduction space as large as possible, the water level in the introduction space is kept low, and the inlet of the valve chamber is hardly blocked by water. However, when the introduction space is expanded in the vertical direction, the lid is bulky, and when it is expanded in the horizontal direction, the outer lid member and the shoulder of the outer container are enlarged.

また、湯沸かし工程におけるヒータ電力を小さくし、これにより、沸騰水の水面の踊りを抑え、導入空間への浸水量を抑えることが考えられる。
ところが、ヒータ電力を小さくすると、湯沸かし工程の時間が長くなり、使用者を待たせてしまう。 Further, it is conceivable to reduce the heater power in the boiling water process, thereby suppressing the dance of the boiling water surface and suppressing the amount of water in the introduction space.
However, if the heater power is reduced, the time for the water heating process becomes longer and the user is kept waiting.

上記の事情に鑑み、この発明の課題は、湯沸かし工程におけるヒータ電力を小さくしたり、蓋を嵩張らしたりすることを避けつつ、止水弁の弁室が浸水で閉塞されることのない湯沸かし許容注水量を内容器の使用上限水位を超えて確保することである。 In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to allow the heater to be heated so that the heater chamber in the water heating process is not blocked by flooding while avoiding the heater power being reduced or the lid being bulky. It is to secure the amount of water injection exceeding the upper limit water level of the inner container.

前記課題を解決するため、この発明は、大気に蒸気を開放する蒸気口が上面に配置された外蓋部材と、この外蓋部材との間に内部空間を形成する中蓋部材と、内容器に臨む蒸気孔が形成された内蓋部材と、前記蒸気孔から流入する蒸気を前記蒸気口へ導く蒸気通路と、この蒸気通路の途中に組み込まれた止水弁とを蓋に備え、前記止水弁が、前記蒸気孔の上方から外れた位置に設けられた弁室と、正立時に前記弁室の天面に形成された弁孔の下方に座り、かつ転倒時に前記弁室の内壁で前記弁孔に導かれる弁体とからなり、前記蒸気孔と前記弁室の入口とを連通させる前記蒸気通路の中間経路が、前記内蓋部材と前記中蓋部材とで形成された導入空間に通されている電気湯沸かし器において、前記中間経路が、前記蒸気孔よりも高い堰部から下って前記弁室の入口に至るように前記導入空間を仕切ることで形成されており、かつその堰部よりも下流側が閉塞されないように沸騰水の浸水を防止する流路になっている構成を採用した。 In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides an outer lid member having a steam port for opening steam to the atmosphere, an inner lid member that forms an internal space between the outer lid member, and an inner container. The lid includes an inner lid member formed with a steam hole facing the steam hole, a steam passage for guiding the steam flowing in from the steam hole to the steam port, and a water stop valve incorporated in the middle of the steam passage. A water valve sits below the valve hole formed in the top surface of the valve chamber when standing upright and at the inner wall of the valve chamber when it falls down. An intermediate path of the steam passage that includes the valve body led to the valve hole and communicates the steam hole and the inlet of the valve chamber is formed in an introduction space formed by the inner lid member and the inner lid member. In the electric water heater that is passed, the intermediate path is from a dam part higher than the steam hole. Thus, it is formed by partitioning the introduction space so as to reach the inlet of the valve chamber, and has a flow path that prevents inundation of boiling water so that the downstream side of the weir portion is not blocked. Adopted.

この発明の構成によれば、蒸気孔と弁室の入口との間を連通させる中間経路は、蒸気孔よりも高い堰部から弁室の入口に至り、かつ堰部よりも下流側が閉塞されないように沸騰水の浸水を防止する流路になっている。このため、沸騰水が踊って蒸気孔から導入空間に浸水しても、堰部を超えるまでは蒸気の排出経路が確保される。したがって、蒸気孔と堰部間の高低差の設定により、止水弁の弁室が浸水で閉塞されることのない湯沸かし許容注水量を内容器の使用上限水位を超えて確保することができる。
また、その中間経路が堰部から下って弁室の入口に至るため、堰部のない構成で弁室の入口の浸水高さを堰部の越流縁と同じ高さに設けた場合と比して、弁室を堰部の越流縁からの下降分に応じて低い位置に設けることができ、これにより、蓋の嵩張りを避けることができる。
また、上記のように内蓋部材と中蓋部材との間の導入空間を仕切ることで蒸気通路の閉塞を防止すれば、導入空間の容量を大きくする必要がなく、湯沸かし工程におけるヒータ電力を小さくする必要もない。 According to the configuration of the present invention, the intermediate path that communicates between the steam hole and the inlet of the valve chamber reaches from the weir portion higher than the steam hole to the inlet of the valve chamber, and the downstream side from the weir portion is not blocked. It is a flow path that prevents inundation of boiling water. For this reason, even if boiling water dances and floods into the introduction space from the steam hole, a steam discharge path is secured until the weir part is exceeded. Therefore, by setting the difference in height between the steam hole and the weir part, it is possible to ensure an allowable water pouring amount that does not block the valve chamber of the water stop valve beyond the upper limit water level of the inner container.
In addition, since the intermediate path goes down from the weir part to the inlet of the valve chamber, compared with the case where the inundation height at the inlet of the valve chamber is set at the same height as the overflow edge of the weir part in a configuration without the weir part. Thus, the valve chamber can be provided at a low position in accordance with the descending amount from the overflow edge of the weir portion, thereby avoiding the bulkiness of the lid.
In addition, if the introduction space between the inner lid member and the inner lid member is partitioned as described above to prevent the steam passage from being blocked, it is not necessary to increase the capacity of the introduction space, and the heater power in the water heating process can be reduced. There is no need to do.

上述のように、この発明は、湯沸かし工程におけるヒータ電力を小さくしたり、蓋を嵩張らしたりすることを避けつつ、止水弁の弁室が浸水で閉塞されることのない湯沸かし許容注水量を内容器の使用上限水位を超えて確保することができる。 As described above, the present invention has an allowable water pouring amount that prevents the valve chamber of the water stop valve from being blocked by flooding while avoiding reducing the heater power in the water boiling process and making the lid bulky. It can be secured above the upper limit water level of the inner container.

以下、この発明の各実施形態を説明する。
第１実施形態に係る電気湯沸かし器（以下、単に「第１実施形態」と略称する。他の実施形態においても同じく略称する。）は、前記中間経路が、前記堰部より下流側に前記内容器に浸水を戻す還流経路を備えている構成を採用したものである。 Each embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
In the electric water heater according to the first embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as “first embodiment”, the same is also abbreviated in other embodiments), the intermediate path is located downstream of the dam portion in the inner container. A configuration having a reflux path for returning the water to the water is adopted.

前記中間経路として、例えば、堰部より下流側が導入空間及び内容器に対して壁面で閉塞されている構成を採用することができる。しかし、中間経路は、蒸気口や止水弁の上流にあり、結露水が下流側から流れてきたり、転倒時に堰部を超えて浸水が生じたりする。このため、堰部より下流側に排水経路を設けることが好ましい。前記中間経路は、堰部よりも下流側が閉塞されないように沸騰水の浸水を防止する流路になっている限り、導入空間や内容器と連通させることができる。また、このようにする限り、導入空間や内容器との連通経路を経た沸騰水の浸水を完全に阻止する必要もない。 As the intermediate path, for example, a configuration in which the downstream side of the weir part is closed with a wall surface with respect to the introduction space and the inner container can be adopted. However, the intermediate path is upstream of the steam port and the water stop valve, and condensed water flows from the downstream side, or inundation occurs over the weir when it falls. For this reason, it is preferable to provide a drainage path downstream from the weir part. The intermediate path can be communicated with the introduction space and the inner container as long as the intermediate path is a flow path that prevents inundation of boiling water so that the downstream side of the weir portion is not blocked. In addition, as long as this is done, it is not necessary to completely prevent the inundation of boiling water through the introduction space and the communication path with the inner container.

第１実施形態の中間通路は、堰部より下流側に前記内容器に浸水を戻す還流経路を備えている。このため、堰部より下流側の浸水を還流経路から内容器に流すことができる。還流経路は、この経路を踊り上がった浸水で弁室の閉塞が生じない限り、適宜の流路に構成することができる。 The intermediate passage of the first embodiment is provided with a reflux path for returning water to the inner container on the downstream side of the weir part. For this reason, it is possible to flow the water on the downstream side of the weir part from the reflux path to the inner container. The recirculation path can be configured as an appropriate flow path as long as the valve chamber is not blocked by the water flooded up the path.

例えば、前記の還流経路が蒸気通路側から内容器側への流れを許容し、その逆向きの流れを阻止する逆止弁を備えている構成を採用すれば、堰部よりも下流側が閉塞されないように沸騰水の浸水を防止することができる。 For example, if the above-described reflux path is configured to include a check valve that allows the flow from the steam passage side to the inner container side and prevents the reverse flow, the downstream side is not blocked from the weir part. Thus, it is possible to prevent inundation of boiling water.

また、湯沸かし工程が行われたときに導入空間に浸水する原因は、沸騰水が踊ることにあるため、還流経路内で沸騰水の踊りを抑えれば、堰部よりも下流側が閉塞されないように沸騰水の浸水を防止することができる。 In addition, when the boiling water process is performed, the cause of the flooding in the introduction space is that the boiling water dances, so if the dance of boiling water is suppressed in the reflux path, the downstream side will not be blocked from the weir part. Inundation of boiling water can be prevented.

例えば、前記の還流経路が還流経路で沸騰水の踊りを減衰させる通水性部材を備えた構成を採用すれば、堰部よりも下流側が閉塞されないように沸騰水の浸水を防止することができる。 For example, if the above-described reflux path includes a water-permeable member that attenuates the dance of boiling water in the reflux path, the inundation of boiling water can be prevented so that the downstream side of the weir portion is not blocked.

特に、この発明の第２実施形態は、前記還流経路が筒状であり、前記環流経路の流路断面が、この内部に入った沸騰水が踊って前記堰部よりも下流側を塞ぐことのない広さに設けられている構成を採用したものである。 In particular, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the reflux path is cylindrical, and the flow path cross section of the reflux path is such that the boiling water that has entered inside dances to block the downstream side of the weir part. The configuration provided is not wide.

還流経路を単なる筒体から構成すれば、上記のように還流経路に弁構造や減衰構造を設ける構成と比して、部品数の増加や組み立て工程の複雑化を抑えることができる。弁構造等が無くとも、還流経路の流路断面を小さくすればする程、経路内に入った沸騰水は踊り難くなる。これを利用するべく、第２実施形態の環流経路の流路断面は、この内部に入った沸騰水が踊って前記堰部よりも下流側を塞ぐことのない広さに設けられている。このため、第２実施形態は、堰部よりも下流側が閉塞されないように沸騰水の浸水を防止することができる。 If the recirculation path is formed of a simple cylinder, an increase in the number of parts and a complicated assembly process can be suppressed as compared with the configuration in which the valve structure and the damping structure are provided in the recirculation path as described above. Even without a valve structure or the like, the smaller the flow path cross section of the reflux path, the harder the boiling water that enters the path dances. In order to utilize this, the cross section of the circulation path of the second embodiment of the second embodiment is provided with a width that prevents boiling water that has entered therein from dancing and blocking the downstream side of the weir portion. For this reason, 2nd Embodiment can prevent inundation of boiling water so that a downstream side may not be obstruct | occluded rather than a dam part.

還流経路を筒体にするとき、成形の容易化や汎用品の流用を図る点で、上下両端のみを開放された筒状である構成を採用することが好ましい。 When the reflux path is formed into a cylindrical body, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which only the upper and lower ends are opened in terms of facilitating molding and diverting general-purpose products.

ところが、このような筒体から還流経路を構成すると、還流経路の下側の開放口が内容器の水面に近いところで浮いているとき、その下方で踊り上がった沸騰水が還流経路内を上昇し易くなる。流路断面を特に小さくすれば、経路内壁で沸騰水の上昇を止めることも可能だが、排水性を考慮すると好ましくない。 However, when the reflux path is constituted by such a cylindrical body, when the opening on the lower side of the reflux path is floating near the water surface of the inner container, the boiling water that has risen below it rises in the reflux path. It becomes easy. If the cross section of the flow path is particularly small, it is possible to stop the rise of boiling water on the inner wall of the path, but this is not preferable in view of drainage.

ここで、沸騰水の踊り上がりは水面で生じる現象だから、還流経路の下側の開放口が水に浸かっていると、沸騰水が還流経路を上昇する心配はない。 Here, since the boiling water rises on the surface of the water, if the lower opening of the reflux path is immersed in water, there is no concern that the boiling water will rise in the reflux path.

上記のことを踏まえ、この発明の第３実施形態は、前記還流経路が、上下両端のみを開放された筒状であり、前記内蓋部材から下方に突き出た前記環流経路の下側の開放口が、前記使用上限水位以下の高さで開放している構成を採用したものである。 Based on the above, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the reflux path is a cylindrical shape with only the upper and lower ends opened, and the lower opening of the reflux path protrudes downward from the inner lid member. However, the structure open | released by the height below the said use upper limit water level is employ | adopted.

第３実施形態の還流経路は、上下両端のみを開放された筒状であるため、内容器内に突き出ても、沸騰水が筒壁周囲から入らない。使用上限水位を超えた注水量のとき、還流経路の下側の開放口が水に浸かるため、水面で生じる沸騰水の踊り上がりの影響を受けない。このとき、還流経路内に沸騰水が存在するが、筒壁で周囲の沸騰水の踊りの影響から遮断されるため、流路断面の広さで経路内における沸騰水の踊りを殆ど生じないようにすることができる。
したがって、第３実施形態は、還流経路を簡単に設けながら、経路内に入った沸騰水が躍ったり、還流経路内を沸騰水が上昇したりして堰部より下流側に浸水することを無くすことができる。 Since the reflux path of the third embodiment has a cylindrical shape in which only upper and lower ends are opened, boiling water does not enter from the periphery of the cylinder wall even when protruding into the inner container. When the amount of water injection exceeds the upper limit water level, the lower opening of the reflux path is immersed in water, so it is not affected by boiling water rising on the water surface. At this time, although boiling water exists in the reflux path, it is shielded from the influence of the surrounding boiling water by the cylinder wall, so that the boiling water does not almost dance in the path due to the cross-sectional area of the channel. Can be.
Therefore, in the third embodiment, while simply providing a reflux path, the boiling water entering the path spills or the boiling water rises in the reflux path and is not flooded downstream from the weir part. be able to.

なお、使用上限水位以下の注水量のとき、導入空間と内容器の水面との間に、そもそも導入空間に通された蒸気通路が沸騰水で閉塞されることのない高低差が確保されているから還流経路を経た浸水の問題は生じない。 In addition, when the amount of water injected is equal to or lower than the upper limit water level, a difference in height is secured between the introduction space and the water surface of the inner container so that the steam passage passed through the introduction space is not blocked by boiling water in the first place. The problem of inundation through the reflux route does not occur.

内容器と連通する還流経路は、蓋側への新たな熱移動経路になる。電気湯沸かし器においては、省エネルギ化を図るため、内容器からの熱的損失を可及的に避けることが好ましい。このため、還流経路は、金属と比して、熱伝導性に劣る合成樹脂製であることが好ましい。また、前記導入空間に蒸気通路を形成するための仕切りも、還流経路と連続するため、合成樹脂製であることが好ましい。 The reflux path communicating with the inner container becomes a new heat transfer path to the lid side. In an electric water heater, it is preferable to avoid thermal loss from the inner container as much as possible in order to save energy. For this reason, it is preferable that the reflux path is made of a synthetic resin that is inferior in thermal conductivity as compared with a metal. The partition for forming the steam passage in the introduction space is preferably made of a synthetic resin because it is continuous with the reflux path.

上記のことを踏まえ、この発明の第４実施形態は、前記中間経路を形成する仕切りと前記還流経路とが一体射出成形された合成樹脂製の分流部材を備えている構成を採用したものである。 In light of the above, the fourth embodiment of the present invention employs a configuration in which a partition forming the intermediate path and the reflux path are provided with a synthetic resin flow dividing member integrally molded. .

前記還流経路と前記仕切りとをそれぞれ合成樹脂製にすれば、一体射出成形により一部品（分流部材）に設けることができる。 If each of the reflux path and the partition is made of a synthetic resin, it can be provided in one part (a flow dividing member) by integral injection molding.

第４実施形態は、還流経路を経た上記の熱的損失を抑えることができ、還流経路等を別個に備える構成と比して、部品数や部品組み付け数の増加を抑えることができる。 The fourth embodiment can suppress the above-described thermal loss through the reflux path, and can suppress an increase in the number of parts and the number of parts assembled as compared with a configuration in which the reflux path is separately provided.

分流部材は、前記内蓋部材と前記中蓋部材とで形成された導入空間を仕切るものだから、内蓋部材又は中蓋部材に装着することができる。 Since the flow dividing member partitions the introduction space formed by the inner lid member and the inner lid member, it can be attached to the inner lid member or the inner lid member.

この発明の第５実施形態は、前記分流部材が、前記中蓋部材に装着され、かつ前記内蓋部材の上板面と接触しないように設けられている構成を採用したものである。 5th Embodiment of this invention employ | adopts the structure by which the said flow dividing member is mounted | worn with the said inner cover member, and is provided so that it may not contact with the upper-plate surface of the said inner cover member.

分流部材を中蓋部材に装着すれば、内容器に面する内蓋部材との取り付けを避け、前記内蓋部材の上板面と接触しないように設けることができる。このため、第５実施形態は、内蓋部材の上板面に分流部材を装着した構成と比して、内蓋部材と分流部材との間で熱移動が生じ難くなり、内容器からの熱的損失を比較的に防止することができる。 If the flow dividing member is attached to the inner lid member, it is possible to avoid the attachment with the inner lid member facing the inner container and not to contact the upper plate surface of the inner lid member. For this reason, in the fifth embodiment, heat transfer is less likely to occur between the inner lid member and the flow dividing member as compared with the configuration in which the flow dividing member is mounted on the upper plate surface of the inner lid member, and the heat from the inner container is reduced. It is possible to relatively prevent the mechanical loss.

以下、添付図面に基いてこの発明の実施例１に係る電気湯沸かし器を説明する。
図１に示すように、実施例１に係る電気湯沸かし器は、上端開放状の内容器１１を収める外容器１２、内容器を加熱するヒータ１３、及び内容器１１から外容器１２外に湯を導く吐出経路１４と、外容器１２の肩部１２ａ一端側の端部に取り付けられたヒンジ軸回りに内容器１１を開閉する蓋２０とを備えている。以下、外容器の肩部一端側を後側とし、上下方向は、特に上下逆様のときに言及しない限り、電気湯沸かし器の正立時における上下方向である。 Hereinafter, an electric water heater according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, the electric water heater according to the first embodiment guides hot water from the inner container 11 to the outside of the outer container 12, the outer container 12 that houses the inner container 11 having an open upper end, the heater 13 that heats the inner container, and the outer container 12. A discharge path 14 and a lid 20 that opens and closes the inner container 11 around a hinge shaft attached to an end of the outer container 12 on one end side of the shoulder 12a are provided. Hereinafter, one end of the shoulder portion of the outer container is the rear side, and the vertical direction is the vertical direction when the electric water heater is upright unless otherwise noted.

図１〜図３に示すように、外容器１２の肩部１２ａは、外容器１２の上端部を成し、別体に設けられた胴部１２ｂと上下に突き合わされる。外容器１２の肩部１２ａは、胴部１２ｂよりも前側に突き出たノーズを有している。肩部１２ａのノーズに、電気湯沸かし器の制御入力操作を行わせるための操作入力部が設けられている。肩部１２ａのノーズは、上下に開放された空間を有し、その空間に、操作入力部を構成する回路基板１５ａやスイッチ１５ｂ等を上端側に備えた基板保持部材１６が取り付けられている。基板保持部材１６の下方に、吐出経路１４の止水弁や吐出口が配置されている。吐出経路１４の止水弁は、転倒時、吐出経路１４から器外への漏水量が所定量を超えないようにするためのものであり、電気湯沸かし器が転倒したとき、その勢いで弁ケース１４ａ内の弁体が移動して弁孔を閉塞するようになっている。吐出経路１４の吐出口は、弁ケース１４ａに一体に設けられている。 As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the shoulder portion 12 a of the outer container 12 constitutes the upper end portion of the outer container 12, and is vertically butted against a body portion 12 b provided separately. The shoulder 12a of the outer container 12 has a nose protruding forward from the trunk 12b. An operation input unit for causing the nose of the shoulder portion 12a to perform a control input operation of the electric water heater is provided. The nose of the shoulder 12a has a space opened up and down, and a substrate holding member 16 provided with a circuit board 15a, a switch 15b and the like constituting the operation input unit on the upper end side is attached to the space. A water stop valve and a discharge port of the discharge path 14 are arranged below the substrate holding member 16. The water stop valve of the discharge path 14 is for preventing the amount of water leaking from the discharge path 14 to outside the apparatus when it falls, and when the electric water heater falls, the valve case 14a is momentum. The inner valve body moves to close the valve hole. The discharge port of the discharge path 14 is provided integrally with the valve case 14a.

肩部１２ａのノーズは、上下逆様の状態で、基板保持部材１６、弁ケース１４ａを取り付けた後、ノーズ下板１７を取り付けるようになっている。図１、図３、図４に示すように、ノーズ下板１７の後端部に、外容器１２の胴部上端と上下に突き合わされる嵌合凹部１７ａと、嵌合凹部１７ａの後端壁から上側に延長された縦壁１７ｂと、縦壁１７ｂと嵌合凹部１７ａの左右一端間に空いた開放部１７ｃとが形成されている。ノーズ下板１７を外容器１２のノーズに取り付けた状態で考えると、図示のように、基板保持部材１６のリード線クランプ部を除いた略全体は、ノーズ下板１７及び弁ケース１４ａで覆い隠される。また、開放部１７ｃの縁部は、弁ケース１４ａと上下に重なる。縦壁１７ｂは、基板保持部材１６と外容器１２の肩部１２ａとのシール面Ｓ１より後側で、基板保持部材１６の後端部と上下に突き合わされている。その後、外容器１２の胴部１２ｂを肩部１２ａに突き合わせると、嵌合凹部１７ａに胴部前壁の上端が嵌り、弁ケース１４ａの吐出口を除いたノーズ内部が隠れるようになっている。 The nose of the shoulder portion 12a is turned upside down, and after attaching the substrate holding member 16 and the valve case 14a, the nose lower plate 17 is attached. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, at the rear end portion of the nose lower plate 17, a fitting recess 17 a that abuts the upper end of the body portion of the outer container 12 vertically and a rear end wall of the fitting recess 17 a A vertical wall 17b extending upward from the vertical wall 17b and an open portion 17c vacated between the vertical wall 17b and the left and right ends of the fitting recess 17a are formed. Considering the state in which the nose lower plate 17 is attached to the nose of the outer container 12, as shown in the figure, substantially the entire portion excluding the lead wire clamp portion of the substrate holding member 16 is covered with the nose lower plate 17 and the valve case 14a. It is. Moreover, the edge part of the open part 17c overlaps with the valve case 14a up and down. The vertical wall 17b is abutted vertically with the rear end portion of the substrate holding member 16 on the rear side of the sealing surface S1 between the substrate holding member 16 and the shoulder 12a of the outer container 12. Thereafter, when the body 12b of the outer container 12 is abutted against the shoulder 12a, the upper end of the front wall of the body is fitted into the fitting recess 17a and the inside of the nose excluding the discharge port of the valve case 14a is hidden. .

ここで、電気湯沸かし器は、シンクに水を張り、底部を水に浸けた状態で清掃を行うという、誤った取り扱いをされることがある。このように清掃が行われると、湯沸かし器本体の内底部に浸水し、外容器１２の底部や胴部外面に水滴が付着する。シンクから取り出した後、電気湯沸かし器を乾燥させるために上下逆様にされると、前記の浸水や水滴が流下する。このとき、外容器１２の胴部前壁の外面を流下し、ノーズ下板１７の嵌合凹部１７ａに至った水滴は、嵌合凹部１７ａの溝状により左右両側に排水され得る。開放部１７ｃの縁に至った水滴は、止水弁の弁ケース１４ａに流下し、開放部１７ｃの縁と上下に重なる止水弁の弁ケース１４ａに伝う。その水滴は、基板保持部材１６が弁ケース１４ａの下方かつ前側に位置するため、基板保持部材１６に流れ難い。外容器１２の内底部の浸水は、外容器１２の胴部前壁の内面を流下し、嵌合凹部１７ａの後端壁から縦壁１７ｂに伝わることがある。縦壁１７ｂから基板保持部材１６に水滴が流下しても、縦壁１７ｂが基板保持部材１６の後端部に突き合わされているため、その水滴は基板保持部材１６の後側に流れ易く、基板保持部材１６上の充電部が存在する前側に流れ難い。さらに、基板保持部材１６の後側に流れた水滴は、基板保持部材１６の下側に伝い得る。その水滴は、縦壁１７ｂと基板保持部材１６の突き合わせ位置がシール面Ｓ１より後側にあるため、シール面Ｓ１に流れ難い。このようにノーズ下板１７や止水弁の弁ケース１４ａを利用して上下逆様のときに基板保持部材１６の充電部に水滴が流れ難くすれば、作業工程やシール部品を追加することなく、上記誤取り扱いによる故障を防止することができる。 Here, the electric water heater may be mishandled such that the sink is filled with water and the bottom is immersed in water for cleaning. When cleaning is performed in this manner, water is immersed in the inner bottom of the water heater body, and water droplets adhere to the bottom of the outer container 12 and the outer surface of the trunk. After taking out from the sink, if the electric water heater is turned upside down to dry it, the water or water droplets will flow down. At this time, water droplets flowing down the outer surface of the front wall of the body portion of the outer container 12 and reaching the fitting recess 17a of the nose lower plate 17 can be drained to the left and right sides by the groove shape of the fitting recess 17a. The water droplets that reach the edge of the open portion 17c flow down to the valve case 14a of the water stop valve, and are transmitted to the valve case 14a of the water stop valve that overlaps the edge of the open portion 17c. The water droplets hardly flow to the substrate holding member 16 because the substrate holding member 16 is located below and in front of the valve case 14a. Inundation of the inner bottom portion of the outer container 12 may flow down the inner surface of the front wall of the trunk of the outer container 12 and may be transmitted from the rear end wall of the fitting recess 17a to the vertical wall 17b. Even if a water droplet flows down from the vertical wall 17b to the substrate holding member 16, the vertical wall 17b is abutted against the rear end portion of the substrate holding member 16, so that the water droplet easily flows to the rear side of the substrate holding member 16. It is difficult to flow to the front side where the charging unit on the holding member 16 exists. Further, the water droplets flowing to the rear side of the substrate holding member 16 can be transmitted to the lower side of the substrate holding member 16. The water droplets are unlikely to flow to the seal surface S1 because the butted position of the vertical wall 17b and the substrate holding member 16 is behind the seal surface S1. In this way, if it is difficult for the water droplets to flow into the charging portion of the substrate holding member 16 when the nose lower plate 17 and the valve case 14a of the water stop valve are turned upside down, it is possible to add a work process and a seal part without adding a work process. The failure due to the mishandling can be prevented.

図１、図５、図６に示すように、上記の蓋２０は、大気に開放する蒸気口２１が上面に配置された外蓋部材２２と、この外蓋部材２２との間に内部空間２３を形成する中蓋部材２４と、内容器１１に臨む蒸気孔２５が形成された内蓋部材２６と、蒸気孔２５から流入する蒸気を蒸気口２１へ導く蒸気通路２７と、この蒸気通路２７の途中に組み込まれた止水弁２８とを備えている。 As shown in FIGS. 1, 5, and 6, the lid 20 has an inner space 23 between an outer lid member 22 in which a steam port 21 that is open to the atmosphere is disposed on the upper surface, and the outer lid member 22. An inner lid member 24 that forms a steam hole 25 facing the inner container 11, a steam passage 27 that guides the steam that flows in from the steam hole 25 to the steam port 21, The water stop valve 28 incorporated in the middle is provided.

内部空間２３は、蓋の開閉操作機構や断熱部材の配置に利用されている。内容器１１内に発生する蒸気は、蒸気通路２７により器外に放出される。これにより、湯沸かし工程における内容器１１内の圧力上昇が防止されている。 The internal space 23 is used for arrangement of a lid opening / closing operation mechanism and a heat insulating member. The steam generated in the inner container 11 is discharged to the outside through the steam passage 27. Thereby, the pressure rise in the inner container 11 in the boiling process is prevented.

一般に、内蓋部材２６は、内容器１１に面して高温になることを考慮し、金属製とされ、特に成形性を考慮して金属板を用いて形成されている。また、蓋開閉操作機構や断熱部材の設置に利用される外蓋部材２２、及び中蓋部材２４は、複雑な形状の成形性、熱伝導性等を考慮し、合成樹脂の射出成形品とされている。 In general, the inner lid member 26 is made of metal in consideration of the high temperature facing the inner container 11 and is formed by using a metal plate particularly in consideration of formability. Further, the outer lid member 22 and the inner lid member 24 used for installing the lid opening / closing operation mechanism and the heat insulating member are injection molded products of a synthetic resin in consideration of moldability of a complicated shape, thermal conductivity, and the like. ing.

止水弁２８は、蒸気孔２５の上方から外れた位置に設けられた弁室２８ａ、２８ａと、正立時に弁室２８ａ、２８ａの天面に形成された大小の弁孔２８ｂ、２８ｃの下方に座り、かつ転倒時に弁室２８ａの内壁で大小の弁孔２８ｂ、２８ｃに導かれる弁体２８ｄ、２８ｄとからなる。電気湯沸かし器が転倒したとき、その勢いで弁体２８ｄ、２８ｄが移動し、弁孔２８ｂ、２８ｃを閉塞するようになっている。大小の弁孔２８ｂ、２８ｃのため、一方の弁室２８ａと、他方の弁室２８ａとで圧力の抜け具合が異なる。これにより、両方の弁体２８ｄ、２８ｄが確実に上昇するようになっている。なお、止水弁２８は、弁体等を複数備えたものに限定されず、弁体の形態も球状、円錐台状等、特に限定されない。 The water stop valve 28 includes valve chambers 28a and 28a provided at positions deviated from above the steam hole 25, and lower and larger valve holes 28b and 28c formed on the top surfaces of the valve chambers 28a and 28a when erecting. And valve bodies 28d and 28d guided to the large and small valve holes 28b and 28c on the inner wall of the valve chamber 28a when the vehicle falls over. When the electric water heater falls, the valve bodies 28d and 28d move with the momentum to close the valve holes 28b and 28c. Because of the large and small valve holes 28b and 28c, the pressure relief between the one valve chamber 28a and the other valve chamber 28a is different. Thereby, both valve bodies 28d and 28d rise reliably. In addition, the water stop valve 28 is not limited to the thing provided with multiple valve bodies etc., The form of a valve body is not specifically limited, such as spherical shape and truncated cone shape.

弁室２８ａ、２８ａは、中蓋部材２４に形成された弁体２８ｄ、２８ｄの案内部と、弁孔２８ｂ、２８ｃが形成された弁キャップ部材とで形成されており、弁体２８ｄ、２８ｄを中蓋部材２４の上方から座らせることが可能になっている。弁孔２８ｂ、２８ｃの上方は、蒸気口２１を上面に形成された蒸気口キャップで覆われている。中蓋部材２４の上方から外蓋部材２２を被せると、蒸気口２１が外蓋部材２２の上面に配置される。なお、蒸気口２１と弁孔２８ｂ、２８ｃを兼ねさせ、弁室２８ａ、２８ａを外蓋部材２２に形成することもできる。 The valve chambers 28a and 28a are formed by guide portions of the valve bodies 28d and 28d formed in the inner lid member 24 and a valve cap member in which the valve holes 28b and 28c are formed. It is possible to sit from above the inner lid member 24. Above the valve holes 28b and 28c, the steam port 21 is covered with a steam port cap formed on the upper surface. When the outer lid member 22 is covered from above the inner lid member 24, the steam port 21 is disposed on the upper surface of the outer lid member 22. It is also possible to form the valve chambers 28 a and 28 a in the outer lid member 22 by serving as the steam port 21 and the valve holes 28 b and 28 c.

弁孔２８ｂ、２８ｃと弁室２８ａ、２８ａの入口２８ｅ、２８ｅとを連通させる蒸気通路２７の中間経路は、内蓋部材２６と中蓋部材２４とで形成された導入空間２９に通されている。導入空間２９内の浸水は、内容器１１内に還流されるようになっている。 An intermediate path of the steam passage 27 that communicates the valve holes 28b and 28c with the inlets 28e and 28e of the valve chambers 28a and 28a is passed through an introduction space 29 formed by the inner lid member 26 and the inner lid member 24. . The water in the introduction space 29 is returned to the inner container 11.

蒸気孔２５は、内蓋部材２６に空いた開口からなる。蒸気孔２５は、複数個所に設けられている。内蓋部材２６を部分的に高く膨出させた壁部に一群の蒸気孔２５が形成されている。一群の蒸気孔２５の位置が高くなるため、沸騰水の浸水が防止される。また、内蓋部材２６を部分的な膨出に留めたため、内部空間２３の容量減少が抑えられる。一群の蒸気孔２５は、保温工程時に内容器１１からの熱移動を減らすため、弁体２５ａで大部分が塞がれている（図１に示した状態）。湯沸かし工程で沸騰が始まり、内容器１１内が所定の圧力以上になると、弁体２５ａが図示の位置から上昇し、一群の蒸気孔２５が全開される。なお、内蓋部材２６の外周に沿って複数の蒸気孔（図示省略）が形成されている。一群の蒸気孔２５からの浸水は、膨出部分を下って外周側の蒸気孔から排水され易くなっている。 The steam hole 25 includes an opening vacated in the inner lid member 26. The steam holes 25 are provided at a plurality of locations. A group of vapor holes 25 are formed in a wall portion where the inner lid member 26 is partially bulged. Since the position of the group of steam holes 25 is increased, the immersion of boiling water is prevented. Further, since the inner lid member 26 is kept in a partial bulge, the capacity reduction of the internal space 23 can be suppressed. The group of vapor holes 25 are mostly blocked by the valve body 25a in order to reduce heat transfer from the inner container 11 during the heat retaining process (the state shown in FIG. 1). When boiling begins in the boiling water process and the inside of the inner container 11 reaches a predetermined pressure or higher, the valve body 25a rises from the position shown in the figure, and the group of vapor holes 25 are fully opened. A plurality of vapor holes (not shown) are formed along the outer periphery of the inner lid member 26. The inundation from the group of steam holes 25 tends to be drained from the steam holes on the outer peripheral side down the bulging portion.

内容器１１は、予め使用上限水位が規定されており、その内周に刻印１１ａで表示されている。使用上限水位以下の注水量で湯沸かし工程を行う限り、弁体２５ａが上昇しても、全ての蒸気孔２５から導入空間２９内に浸水することがないようになっている。 As for the inner container 11, the use upper limit water level is prescribed | regulated previously, and it is displayed by the stamp 11a on the inner periphery. As long as the water boiling process is performed with the amount of water injected below the use upper limit water level, even if the valve body 25a rises, it does not flood into the introduction space 29 from all the steam holes 25.

蒸気通路２７の中間経路は、図１中に鎖線で矢示するように、全ての蒸気孔２５よりも高い堰部３１から下って弁室２８ａ、２８ａの入口２８ｅ、２８ｅに至るように導入空間２９を上下２層に仕切った上層側の分離流路からなる。 As shown by the chain line in FIG. 1, the intermediate path of the steam passage 27 is an introduction space so as to reach the inlets 28e and 28e of the valve chambers 28a and 28a from the weir portion 31 higher than all the steam holes 25. It consists of an upper separation flow path in which 29 is divided into two upper and lower layers.

図１、図７、図８に示すように、蒸気通路２７の中間経路は、堰部３１より下流側に内容器１１に浸水を戻す還流経路３２を備えている。還流経路３２は、上下両端のみを開放された円筒状である。 As shown in FIGS. 1, 7, and 8, the intermediate path of the steam passage 27 includes a reflux path 32 that returns water to the inner container 11 on the downstream side of the weir portion 31. The reflux path 32 has a cylindrical shape in which only upper and lower ends are opened.

堰部３１と底板部３３とからなる仕切り、及び還流経路３２は、合成樹脂製の一体射出成形品になっている。この分流部材３０は、中蓋部材２４に装着されている。この装着状態で、分流部材３０は、堰部３１と弁室２８ａ、２８ａの入口２８ｅ、２８ｅの間を上下２層に仕切り、その上層側を通る蒸気通路２７の中間経路が形成される。分流部材３０の下端と内蓋部材２６の上板面とは、接触しておらず、下層側の空間が両部材２６、３０間の断熱に利用されている。これに伴い、蒸気通路２７の中間経路と連通する弁室２８ａ、２８ａも内蓋部材２６の上板面と接触しないように設けられている。 The partition composed of the weir portion 31 and the bottom plate portion 33 and the reflux path 32 are integrated injection molded products made of synthetic resin. The flow dividing member 30 is attached to the inner lid member 24. In this mounted state, the flow dividing member 30 divides the dam portion 31 and the inlets 28e, 28e of the valve chambers 28a, 28a into upper and lower two layers, and an intermediate path of the steam passage 27 passing through the upper layer side is formed. The lower end of the flow dividing member 30 and the upper plate surface of the inner lid member 26 are not in contact with each other, and the space on the lower layer side is used for heat insulation between the members 26 and 30. Accordingly, the valve chambers 28 a and 28 a communicating with the intermediate path of the steam passage 27 are also provided so as not to contact the upper plate surface of the inner lid member 26.

堰部３１の高さは、使用上限水位ＷＬ１を超えた注水量ＷＬ２で湯沸かし工程が行われたときに、沸騰水が踊って蒸気孔２５から導入空間２９に浸水しても越流することがないように設定されている。すなわち、蒸気孔２５と堰部３１間の高低差Ｈ１は、使用上限水位ＷＬ１で導入空間２９に沸騰水が浸水しないようになっているから、ＷＬ２とＷＬ１間の高低差以上に設けるとよい。ここで、高低差Ｈ１は、弁室２８ａ、２８ａの入口２８ｅ、２８ｅよりも上流側で蒸気通路２７のヘッドを増すという目的から、全ての蒸気孔２５のうち最も高位置にある部分と、堰部３１の越流縁の最も低い部分との間における高低差である。 The height of the weir 31 may overflow even if the boiling water dances and the water enters the introduction space 29 from the steam hole 25 when the water boiling step WL2 is performed with the water injection amount WL2 exceeding the upper limit water level WL1. It is set not to. That is, the height difference H1 between the steam hole 25 and the dam portion 31 is preferably set to be higher than the height difference between WL2 and WL1 because boiling water does not enter the introduction space 29 at the use upper limit water level WL1. Here, the height difference H1 is determined so that the head of the steam passage 27 is increased upstream of the inlets 28e and 28e of the valve chambers 28a and 28a, the portion at the highest position of all the steam holes 25, and the weir This is a difference in height from the lowest part of the overflow edge of the part 31.

堰部３１は、蒸気口２１と弁孔２８ｂ、２８ｃとを連通させる経路の下方から外れた位置にある。このため、堰部３１の上方にある内部空間２３を利用することにより、外蓋部材２２を嵩張らすことなく、蒸気通路２７の中間経路の流路断面を広げることができる。すなわち、蒸気通路２７の中間経路は、堰部３１を上方に迂回しており、この迂回路により堰部３１のところで流路断面が確保されている。また、この迂回路は、蒸気の流れを堰部３１の前後で下向きに変える作用もなすため、弁室２８ａ、２８aに至る蒸気の勢いを弱めたり、蒸気中に混じる水分を経路内壁下面に付着させたりすることに貢献する。この迂回路は、中蓋部材２４を部分的に上方に膨出させた下向き開放部２４ａにより形成されている。これは、部品数の増加を避けるためであり、中蓋部材２４に取り付けた別部材で迂回路を設けることもできる。 The dam portion 31 is located at a position deviating from the lower side of the path connecting the steam port 21 and the valve holes 28b and 28c. For this reason, by using the internal space 23 above the weir 31, the flow path cross section of the intermediate path of the steam path 27 can be expanded without making the outer lid member 22 bulky. That is, the intermediate path of the steam passage 27 bypasses the dam portion 31 upward, and a flow path cross section is secured at the dam portion 31 by this detour. In addition, this detour also acts to change the flow of steam downwards before and after the weir 31, so that the steam force reaching the valve chambers 28 a, 28 a is weakened, or moisture mixed in the steam adheres to the lower surface of the inner wall of the path Contribute to letting This detour is formed by a downward opening 24a in which the inner lid member 24 is partially bulged upward. This is to avoid an increase in the number of parts, and a bypass can be provided by another member attached to the inner lid member 24.

蒸気通路２７の中間経路のうち、還流経路３２を含む堰部３１より下流側の部分は、注水量ＷＬ２で湯沸かし工程が行われたときに沸騰水で閉塞されないように沸騰水の浸水を防止する流路になっている。 Of the intermediate path of the steam passage 27, the downstream part of the weir part 31 including the reflux path 32 prevents inundation of boiling water so that it is not clogged with boiling water when the boiling water process is performed with the water injection amount WL <b> 2. It is a flow path.

具体的には、分流部材３０と中蓋部材２４は、蒸気通路２７の空間を形成する合わせ部が上下に突き合わされたインロー嵌合になっている。これにより、シール部材を設けることなく、導入空間２９に入った浸水が前記の合わせ部から堰部３１より下流側に浸入することが上記の閉塞防止を得られるように阻止されている。なお、分流部材３０は、ビスにより中蓋部材２４と上下に締結されているが、接着、融着、圧入等の他の固定手段を適宜に採用することができる。 Specifically, the flow dividing member 30 and the inner lid member 24 are inlay fitted in which the mating portions that form the space of the steam passage 27 are vertically butted. Thereby, without providing a seal member, the intrusion of water entering the introduction space 29 is prevented from entering the downstream side of the weir portion 31 from the mating portion so as to obtain the above-described blocking prevention. In addition, although the flow dividing member 30 is fastened up and down with the inner lid member 24 by screws, other fixing means such as adhesion, fusion, and press fitting can be appropriately employed.

なお、堰部３１は、上下方向に対して傾斜するテーパ状に形成されている。これは、堰部３１の越流縁よりも下流側の部分に上下に突き合わすインロー嵌合部を設けるためである。 In addition, the dam part 31 is formed in the taper shape which inclines with respect to an up-down direction. This is to provide a spigot fitting portion that butts up and down at a portion downstream of the overflow edge of the dam portion 31.

また、環流経路３２の下側の開放口は、内蓋部材２６から下方に突き出た位置にあり、使用上限水位ＷＬ１の高さで開放している。沸騰水の踊り上がりが水面で生じても、下側の開放口が水に浸かるため、沸騰水が還流経路３２を上昇しない。使用上限水位ＷＬ１の高さに留めたのは、還流経路３２が冗長にならないようにするためであり、下側の開放口をより低い位置に設けることもできる。 Further, the lower opening of the circulation path 32 is located at a position protruding downward from the inner lid member 26, and is opened at the height of the use upper limit water level WL1. Even if the boiling water rises on the surface of the water, the lower opening is immersed in the water, so that the boiling water does not rise in the reflux path 32. The reason why the upper limit water level WL1 is kept high is to prevent the reflux path 32 from becoming redundant, and the lower opening can be provided at a lower position.

環流経路３２の内径は１５ｍｍになっている。この内径を有する還流経路３２の流路断面によれば、この内部に入った沸騰水が殆ど踊らず、環流経路３２の上側の開放口が空いた底板部３３上に溢れない。このため、上記の閉塞防止が得られる。 The inner diameter of the circulation path 32 is 15 mm. According to the flow path cross section of the reflux path 32 having the inner diameter, the boiling water entering the inside hardly dances and does not overflow on the bottom plate portion 33 where the upper opening of the circulation path 32 is vacant. For this reason, the above-described blocking prevention can be obtained.

上記の構成を有する実施例１によれば、全ての蒸気孔２５よりも越流縁が高い堰部３１から弁室２８ａ、２８ａの入口２８ｅ、２８ｅに至り、かつ還流経路３２を含む堰部３１よりも下流側が閉塞されないように沸騰水の浸水を防止する蒸気通路２７の中間経路を備えるため、使用上限水位ＷＬ１を超え、かつＷＬ２以下の注水量で湯沸かし工程が行われたとき、沸騰水が踊って蒸気孔２５から導入空間２９に浸水しても、堰部３１を超えず、図１中に一点矢線で示す蒸気の排出経路が確保される。したがって、実施例１は、止水弁の弁室２８ａ、２８ａが浸水で閉塞されることのない湯沸かし許容注水量ＷＬ２を内容器１１の使用上限水位ＷＬ１を超えて確保することができる。 According to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration, the weir 31 having a overflow edge higher than all the steam holes 25 reaches the inlets 28e and 28e of the valve chambers 28a and 28a and includes the reflux path 32. In order to provide an intermediate path of the steam passage 27 that prevents inundation of boiling water so that the downstream side is not blocked further, when the boiling water process is performed with a water injection amount exceeding the upper limit water level WL1 and not exceeding WL2, Even if it dances and the water is introduced into the introduction space 29 from the steam hole 25, the dam portion 31 is not exceeded, and a steam discharge path indicated by a one-dotted arrow line in FIG. 1 is secured. Therefore, in the first embodiment, it is possible to secure the allowable boiling water injection amount WL <b> 2 beyond the use upper limit water level WL <b> 1 of the inner container 11 so that the valve chambers 28 a and 28 a of the water stop valve are not blocked by the flooding.

また、実施例１は、蒸気通路２７の中間経路が堰部３１から下って弁室２８ａ、２８ａの入口２８ｅ、２８ｅに至るため、弁室２８ａ、２８ａを堰部３１の越流縁からの下降分だけ低い位置に設けることができ、これにより、蓋２０の嵩張りを避けることができる。 In the first embodiment, the intermediate path of the steam passage 27 descends from the weir 31 and reaches the inlets 28e and 28e of the valve chambers 28a and 28a, so that the valve chambers 28a and 28a are lowered from the overflow edge of the weir 31. Therefore, the cover 20 can be prevented from being bulky.

また、実施例１は、内蓋部材２６と中蓋部材２４との間の導入空間２９を仕切って蒸気通路２７の閉塞を防止したため、導入空間２９の容量を大きくする必要がなく、湯沸かし工程におけるヒータ１３の電力を小さくする必要もない。導入空間２９内の水位が堰部３１を超えない限り、蒸気通路２７への浸水が進行する心配はない。その導入空間２９内の浸水は堰部３１を超えるまえに蒸気孔２５から排水されるので、特に導入空間２９の容量を大きくする必要はない。 In the first embodiment, since the introduction space 29 between the inner lid member 26 and the inner lid member 24 is partitioned to prevent the steam passage 27 from being blocked, it is not necessary to increase the capacity of the introduction space 29, and in the water heating process. There is no need to reduce the power of the heater 13. As long as the water level in the introduction space 29 does not exceed the weir 31, there is no concern that the infiltration into the steam passage 27 proceeds. Since the water in the introduction space 29 is drained from the steam hole 25 before exceeding the weir 31, it is not particularly necessary to increase the capacity of the introduction space 29.

また、実施例１の還流経路３２は、弁構造や沸騰水の踊りの減衰構造のない単なる筒状なので、部品数の増加や組み立て工程の複雑化を抑えることができる。 Moreover, since the reflux path 32 of Example 1 is a simple cylinder without a valve structure or a structure for damping boiling water, the increase in the number of parts and the complexity of the assembly process can be suppressed.

また、実施例１は、還流経路３２が上下両端を開放された筒状なので、上下方向を型抜き方向としたときにアンダーカットがなく、還流経路３２の射出成形が容易である。 Further, in the first embodiment, since the reflux path 32 has a cylindrical shape with both upper and lower ends open, there is no undercut when the vertical direction is the die cutting direction, and the injection of the reflux path 32 is easy.

また、実施例１は、還流経路３２だけでなく、堰部３１や底板部３３も上下方向を型抜き方向としたときにアンダーカットがなく、これらを一体射出成形することができる。また、中蓋部材２４と上下に突き合わすインロー嵌合を採用したため、インロー嵌合部もアンダーカットにならない。実施例１は、このような合成樹脂製の分流部材３０を備えるため、還流経路３２を経た内容器１１からの熱的損失を抑えることができ、還流経路３２等を別個に備える構成と比して、部品数や部品組み付け数の増加を抑えることができる。 Further, in the first embodiment, not only the reflux path 32 but also the dam portion 31 and the bottom plate portion 33 have no undercut when the vertical direction is the die cutting direction, and these can be integrally injection molded. Moreover, since the inlay fitting which butt | matches up and down with the inner cover member 24 was employ | adopted, an inlay fitting part does not become an undercut. Since Example 1 includes such a synthetic resin flow dividing member 30, thermal loss from the inner container 11 that has passed through the reflux path 32 can be suppressed, compared with a configuration in which the reflux path 32 and the like are provided separately. Thus, the increase in the number of parts and the number of parts assembled can be suppressed.

また、中蓋部材２４に装着された分流部材３０の下端と内蓋部材２６の上板面とが接触しない。このため、実施例１は、内蓋部材２６の上板面に分流部材３０を装着した場合と比して、内蓋部材２６と分流部材３０との間で熱移動が生じ難くなっており、内容器１１からの熱的損失を防止することができる。なお、還流経路３２の外周と内蓋部材２６との間は、接触、非接触のいずれでもよい。これは、内蓋部材２６の板厚が薄く、仮に接触させたとしても、大きな熱移動経路が生じないためである。 Further, the lower end of the flow dividing member 30 attached to the inner lid member 24 does not contact the upper plate surface of the inner lid member 26. For this reason, in Example 1, compared with the case where the flow dividing member 30 is mounted on the upper plate surface of the inner lid member 26, heat transfer is less likely to occur between the inner lid member 26 and the flow dividing member 30. Thermal loss from the inner container 11 can be prevented. The outer periphery of the reflux path 32 and the inner lid member 26 may be in contact or non-contact. This is because the plate thickness of the inner lid member 26 is thin, and even if it is brought into contact, a large heat transfer path does not occur.

なお、実施例１においては、弁室２８ａ、２８ａの入口２８ｅ、２８ｅは、この上流にある環流経路３２の上側の開放口より高くなっている。上側の開放口より浸水があったときに、その上側の開放口と入口２８ｅ、２８ｅとの間の高低差でその浸水による閉塞が防止される。この高低差は、分流部材３０の底板部３３と中蓋部材２４のインロー嵌合の採用を利用し、中蓋部材２４の肉厚で設けられている。このような目的がなければ、分流部材３０に、底板部３３と同レベルで弁室２８ａ、２８ａの弁体着座部を形成し、弁室２８ａ、２８ａをより低く設けることもできる。 In the first embodiment, the inlets 28e and 28e of the valve chambers 28a and 28a are higher than the opening on the upper side of the circulation path 32 on the upstream side. When there is water from the upper opening, the height difference between the upper opening and the inlets 28e, 28e prevents the water from blocking. This height difference is provided by the thickness of the inner lid member 24 by utilizing the use of the inlay fitting between the bottom plate portion 33 of the flow dividing member 30 and the inner lid member 24. If there is no such purpose, the valve body seating portions of the valve chambers 28a and 28a can be formed on the flow dividing member 30 at the same level as the bottom plate portion 33, and the valve chambers 28a and 28a can be provided lower.

また、実施例１の堰部３１の越流縁は、最高到達点の一辺上に形成したが、蒸気の整流目的等で越流縁を格子状に形成することもできる。 Moreover, although the overflow edge of the dam part 31 of Example 1 was formed on one side of the highest point, the overflow edge can also be formed in a grid shape for the purpose of steam rectification.

また、堰部３１の越流縁の高さは、湯沸かし許容注水量を確保することができ、かつ蓋２０の嵩張りを招かない限り、適宜の高さに設定することができる。一例として、図９に実施例２を示す。 Moreover, the height of the overflow edge of the dam portion 31 can be set to an appropriate height as long as the allowable boiling water injection amount can be secured and the lid 20 is not bulky. As an example, Example 2 is shown in FIG.

図示のように実施例２の分流部材３０’の堰部は、実施例１の堰部３１から上方に延長部３４を有している。止水弁２８は、分流部材３０’の堰部よりも後方に位置している。分流部材３０’は、還流経路を省略されており、転倒時に堰部の下流側に内容器から浸水する経路は存在しない。このため、図示のように電気湯沸かし器が後方に倒れるとき、分流部材３０’の堰部により、弁室２８ａ、２８ａに浸水が流れるまでの時間、傾き角に余裕を得ることができる。電気湯沸かし器が傾いても、弁体２８ｄ、２８ｄが弁孔２８ｂ、２８ｃを塞ぐまでに所定の傾き角や時間を要するため、分流部材３０’の堰部で弁孔２８ｂ、２８ｃを塞ぐまでの余裕を得れば、蓋外への漏水防止に有利である。分流部材３０’の堰部の越流縁の高さは、弁孔２８ｂ、２８ｃの高さよりＨ２だけ高い位置になっており、図中に二点鎖線で示すように弁孔２８ｂ、２８ｃを塞ぐ前に浸水が分流部材３０’の堰部を超えることがない。 As shown in the drawing, the weir portion of the flow dividing member 30 ′ of the second embodiment has an extension 34 upward from the weir portion 31 of the first embodiment. The water stop valve 28 is located behind the weir portion of the flow dividing member 30 '. The diversion member 30 ′ does not have a return path, and there is no path for water to be submerged from the inner container on the downstream side of the weir when it falls. For this reason, when the electric water heater falls backward as shown in the figure, the dam portion of the flow dividing member 30 ′ can provide a margin for the time and inclination angle until the water flows into the valve chambers 28 a, 28 a. Even if the electric water heater is tilted, a predetermined tilt angle and time are required until the valve bodies 28d and 28d block the valve holes 28b and 28c. Therefore, there is a margin until the valve holes 28b and 28c are blocked by the weir portion of the flow dividing member 30 ′. If this is obtained, it is advantageous for preventing water leakage outside the lid. The height of the overflow edge of the weir portion of the flow dividing member 30 ′ is higher than the height of the valve holes 28b and 28c by H2, and closes the valve holes 28b and 28c as shown by a two-dot chain line in the drawing. There is no possibility that the inundation will exceed the weir portion of the flow dividing member 30 ′ before.

この発明の実施例１に係る電気湯沸かし器を図３中に描いたＩ−Ｉ線の切断面で示した縦断面図The longitudinal cross-sectional view which showed the electric water heater which concerns on Example 1 of this invention with the cut surface of the II line drawn in FIG. 図１の外容器のノーズの分解斜視図1 is an exploded perspective view of the nose of the outer container of FIG. 図２のノーズ下板を取り付けた状態を示す下面図The bottom view which shows the state which attached the nose lower board of FIG. ａは図１のノーズ下板を前方左斜め上から示す斜視図、ｂは図１のノーズ下板を前方左斜め下から示す斜視図、ｃは図１のノーズ下板を後方左斜め下から示す斜視図1 is a perspective view showing the lower nose plate of FIG. 1 from the front left oblique upper side, b is a perspective view showing the lower nose plate of FIG. 1 from the lower left front oblique direction, and c is the lower nose plate of FIG. Perspective view 図１の止水弁の分解斜視図1 is an exploded perspective view of the water stop valve of FIG. 図１の止水弁を前方から示す部分縦断正面図Partial longitudinal sectional front view showing the water stop valve of FIG. 1 from the front ａは図１の分流部材の分解斜視図、ｂはａの状態から分流部材を中蓋部材に装着した様子を示す斜視図1 is an exploded perspective view of the flow dividing member of FIG. 1, and b is a perspective view showing a state where the flow dividing member is attached to the inner lid member from the state of a. ａは図７（ｂ）の分流部材を下から示す部分下面図、ｂは図中の向かって右半分に図７（ｂ）の堰部の部分正面を示し、残り半分に止水弁の部分縦断正面を示した部分半断面図a is a partial bottom view showing the diversion member of FIG. 7 (b) from below, b is a partial front view of the weir portion of FIG. 7 (b) on the right half in the drawing, and the water stop valve is on the other half. Partial half-section showing the longitudinal front この発明の実施例２の堰部の作用を示す部分断面図The fragmentary sectional view which shows the effect | action of the dam part of Example 2 of this invention

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１１内容器
１１ａ刻印
１２外容器
１２ａ肩部
１２ｂ胴部
１３ヒータ
１４吐出経路
１４ａ弁ケース
１５ａ回路基板
１５ｂスイッチ
１６基板保持部材
１７ノーズ下板
１７ａ嵌合凹部
１７ｂ縦壁
１７ｃ開放部
２０蓋
２１蒸気口
２２外蓋部材
２３内部空間
２４中蓋部材
２４ａ下向き開放部
２５蒸気孔
２５ａ弁体
２６内蓋部材
２７蒸気通路
２８止水弁
２８ａ弁室
２８ｂ、２８ｃ弁孔
２８ｄ弁体
２９導入空間
３０、３０’ 分流部材
３１堰部
３２還流経路
３３底板部
３４延長部 11 Inner container 11a Mark 12 Outer container 12a Shoulder 12b Body 13 Heater 14 Discharge path 14a Valve case 15a Circuit board 15b Switch 16 Substrate holding member 17 Nose lower plate 17a Fitting recess 17b Vertical wall 17c Opening part 20 Lid 21 Steam port 22 outer lid member 23 internal space 24 middle lid member 24a downward opening 25 steam hole 25a valve body 26 inner lid member 27 steam passage 28 water stop valve 28a valve chamber 28b, 28c valve hole 28d valve body 29 introduction space 30, 30 ' Dividing member 31 Weir part 32 Return path 33 Bottom plate part 34 Extension part

Claims

大気に蒸気を開放する蒸気口が上面に配置された外蓋部材と、この外蓋部材との間に内部空間を形成する中蓋部材と、内容器に臨む蒸気孔が形成された内蓋部材と、前記蒸気孔から流入する蒸気を前記蒸気口へ導く蒸気通路と、この蒸気通路の途中に組み込まれた止水弁とを備え、前記止水弁が、前記蒸気孔の上方から外れた位置に設けられた弁室と、正立時に前記弁室の天面に形成された弁孔の下方に座り、かつ転倒時に前記弁室の内壁で前記弁孔に導かれる弁体とからなり、前記蒸気孔と前記弁室の入口とを連通させる前記蒸気通路の中間経路が、前記内蓋部材と前記中蓋部材とで形成された導入空間に通されている電気湯沸かし器において、前記中間経路が、前記蒸気孔よりも高い堰部から下って前記弁室の入口に至るように前記導入空間を仕切ることで形成されており、かつその堰部よりも下流側が閉塞されないように沸騰水の浸水を防止する流路になっていることを特徴とする電気湯沸かし器。 An outer lid member in which a steam port for releasing steam to the atmosphere is disposed on the upper surface, an inner lid member that forms an internal space between the outer lid member, and an inner lid member that has a steam hole facing the inner container And a steam passage that guides the steam flowing in from the steam hole to the steam port, and a water stop valve incorporated in the middle of the steam passage, and the water stop valve is located at a position off the upper side of the steam hole. And a valve body that sits below a valve hole formed in the top surface of the valve chamber when standing upright, and is led to the valve hole on the inner wall of the valve chamber when falling, In an electric water heater in which an intermediate path of the steam passage for communicating a steam hole and an inlet of the valve chamber is passed through an introduction space formed by the inner lid member and the inner lid member, the intermediate path is The introduction so as to reach the inlet of the valve chamber from a dam part higher than the steam hole During are formed by partitioning the and electric kettle, characterized in that the downstream side is the flow path to prevent the flooding of boiling water so as not to be occluded than its weir.

前記中間経路が、前記堰部より下流側に前記内容器に浸水を戻す還流経路を備えている請求項１に記載の電気湯沸かし器。 The electric water heater according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate path includes a reflux path for returning water to the inner container on the downstream side of the weir portion.

前記還流経路が筒状であり、前記環流経路の流路断面が、この内部に入った沸騰水が踊って前記堰部よりも下流側を塞ぐことのない広さに設けられている請求項２に記載の電気湯沸かし器。 3. The reflux path is cylindrical, and the flow path cross section of the reflux path is provided in such a width that the boiling water that has entered therein does not block and block the downstream side of the weir part. Electric water heater as described in.

前記還流経路が、上下両端のみを開放された筒状であり、前記内蓋部材から下方に突き出た前記環流経路の下側の開放口が、前記内容器の使用上限水位以下の高さで開放している請求項３に記載の電気湯沸かし器。 The reflux path has a cylindrical shape in which only upper and lower ends are opened, and an opening on the lower side of the circulation path protruding downward from the inner lid member is opened at a height equal to or lower than a use upper limit water level of the inner container. The electric water heater according to claim 3.

前記中間経路を形成する仕切りと前記還流経路とが一体射出成形された合成樹脂製の分流部材を備えている請求項３又は４に記載の電気湯沸かし器。 The electric water heater according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising a synthetic resin flow dividing member in which the partition forming the intermediate path and the reflux path are integrally injection-molded.

前記分流部材が、前記中蓋部材に装着され、かつ前記内蓋部材の上板面と接触しないように設けられている請求項５に記載の電気湯沸かし器。 The electric water heater according to claim 5, wherein the flow dividing member is attached to the inner lid member and is provided so as not to contact an upper plate surface of the inner lid member.