JP2003210322A - Electric hot-water reservoir and setting method for operating mode therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily deal with multi-functional uses by simple operation and display. <P>SOLUTION: The electric hot-water reservoir is equipped with an operating part D having an operating means B for heating a content liquid by a heater according to a plurality of operating modes, storing hot water for use and setting the operating modes and a display means C for displaying operational information 112 such as the setting state of the operating mode, and the operating part D is equipped with an image display part 101 for displaying display items 111 for the plurality of operating modes and the operational information 112 such as the setting state of the operating mode as visual images such as characters or symbols and one mode selecting member 102 for individually selecting the plurality of displayed operating modes one by one. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a plurality of operation modes, in which a content liquid is heated by a heater to store hot water for use, and at the same time, an operating means for setting the operation mode and an operation mode setting state. The present invention relates to an electric hot water storage container including an operation unit having display means for displaying operation information including, and a method of setting an operation mode thereof.
For example, it is used for household electric pots.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Electric pots are widely used in homes, workplaces, cafeterias, etc.
Various new functions have been created and various needs have been received. Corresponding to these, the electric pots are advancing day by day and are becoming more and more multifunctional, and there are a wide variety of operation modes that can be selected, and the items to be set are also increasing with the selection of the operation modes.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, the operating portion a of the electric pot is currently gathered at one place such as the upper surface of a beak-like protruding portion c provided on the upper portion of the body b so as to project forward. It is the mainstream to be provided. In the example shown in FIG. 7, a liquid crystal display section d for displaying various operating states, numerical data, and the like in the form of characters and symbols is provided in substantially the center of the operation section a, and the liquid crystal display section d in the operation section a is surrounded by the liquid crystal display section d. A hot water supply key f for hot water supply by operating the electric pump on the right side, a hot water supply lock, an unlocking display lamp g, and a lock / unlock key h for locking and unlocking the hot water supply, and re-boiling, calc Pull-out, good night each mode switching key j, 98 degree heat retention, 90 degree heat retention, thermos heat retention mode switching key k, boiling display lamp 1 for displaying the boiling operation, heat retention display lamp m for displaying the heat retention, Below the liquid crystal display d, 98, 90, the display character n of each heat retention mode of the mahobin, the weighing mode, the change of the data related to the numerical value such as the timer setting of the kitchen timer and the sleep mode can be changed. Nau up key q and Dan'unki p and display character r of their effect are provided, respectively.

In connection with this, the liquid crystal display section d includes boiling, descaling, a set hot water supply amount, a heat retention temperature, a kitchen timer, a sleep mode, an index indicating the display character n, and a numerical value of the remaining time. Each is displayed as an image with letters and symbols.

Therefore, the user has various keys f, h, j,
If k, p, and q are operated based on the confirmation and guidance of the display by the liquid crystal display section d and various lamps g, l, m, etc., various operation modes can be selected and necessary numerical data can be set. A functional electric pot can be used in any desired operating mode.

[0006]

However, various keys f,
Operation members such as h, j, k, p, q and various lamps g,
As the number of display members such as l and m and the display content on the liquid crystal display section d increases, the display becomes difficult and difficult to operate, and thus the operation is troublesome and difficult to use, and an erroneous operation easily occurs. Further, the beak-shaped protrusion c provided with the operation portion a is assigned to the operation member, the display member, and the liquid crystal display portion d because the size thereof is limited in terms of practicality and appearance of the electric pot. Since the space that can be used is getting smaller and smaller, it is difficult to use because it takes time for the above operation, and it is easy for erroneous operation to occur.
This is a further problem, and is especially problematic when used by children who are not good at operation or by the elderly.

An object of the present invention is to provide an electric hot water storage container and a method of setting the operation mode thereof, which can easily cope with multifunctional use by simple operation and display.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the electric hot water storage container of the present invention uses a plurality of operation modes to heat the content liquid by a heater to store hot water for use and to perform the above operation. An operation unit having an operation unit for setting a mode and a display unit for displaying operation information including an operation mode setting state is provided, and the operation unit has a plurality of operation mode items and operations. An image display section for displaying operation information including the mode setting state in a visual image such as characters and symbols, and one mode for individually selecting a plurality of operation modes displayed on the image display section One of the features is that a selection member is provided.

In such a configuration, a plurality of items of the operation mode are displayed on the image display unit provided in the operation unit together with the operation information including the setting state of the operation mode, and one of the displayed items of the operation mode is displayed. Each can be individually selected by selecting one operation member provided in the image display unit, and the operation mode related to this selection is executed. Therefore, a plurality of operation modes are selected and executed as in the conventional case. As compared with the case where a plurality of operating members are selected and operated in order to do so, the number of operating members is reduced, and accordingly, the structure having a small number of parts is simple and inexpensive. At the same time, the area ratio allocated to the operation members, the display members, and the image display unit in the operation unit becomes large, the number of operation members is small, and the operation members, the display member, and the image display unit are large. Only, it is easy to visually recognize and operate, it is easy to use without any trouble in operation, and erroneous operation is unlikely to occur.

These are more advantageous as the number of operation mode items displayed on the image display section is larger, and thus the further configuration includes all that can be selected by the user.

Further, in a further configuration in which the operation mode items displayed on the image display unit include three or more, and these items are always displayed side by side according to a setting order sequentially set by repeating the selection operation of the mode selection member. Since all the settable operation modes are visually recognized by the user all at once, the degree of multifunctionality and its contents can be easily confirmed without omission, and the user visually recognizes the currently selected operation target mode and becomes the selection operation target from now on. It is possible to instantly predict the order of selection of the operation mode which is the selection target of the operation modes, that is, the required number of selection operations from the present time, and the desired operation mode can be selected more easily and more definitely.

Further, an electric pump for discharging the content liquid to the outside to supply hot water is provided, the operation mode item displayed by the image display section includes a hot water supply mode, and the operation section includes a hot water supply operation member for operating the electric pump. In a further configuration that is provided with a control means that locks the hot water supply operation member so that the operation of the hot water supply operation member is not effectively handled until the hot water supply mode selection operation is performed, the electric pump is operated by the operation of the hot water supply operation member to discharge the content liquid. In order to lock the hot water so that the automatic hot water supply is not done carelessly, the hot water lock will not be effective unless the hot water supply mode is selected. No special operating member is required, the number of operating members is further reduced, and the structure is simpler and less expensive.

Further, the control means releases the hot water supply lock state in accordance with the selection operation of the hot water supply mode, and returns to the hot water supply lock state after a lapse of a predetermined time after completion of hot water supply by the operation of the hot water supply operation member. In the configuration, since the hot water supply lock state is automatically restored as long as the operation of operating the hot water supply operation member to finish the hot water supply is completed, safety can be secured by the hot water supply lock state after automatic hot water supply without any special operation member or operation.

Further, in a further configuration in which the item of the hot water supply mode is set as the first selection order, the hot water supply mode is related to the purpose of use of the electric hot water storage container and is frequently used, and moreover, frequently after the start-up in the selection mode. Corresponding to the usage, the hot water supply mode is selected and executed with the highest priority.Therefore, the startup operation mode is selected and the content liquid stored in the startup state is selected for the first time each time it is needed without any hindrance to the execution. There is an advantage that hot water can be supplied with almost no waiting time by the hot water supply operation following the operation. This is similarly exhibited even when the hot water supply lock state is maintained until the hot water supply mode is selected and operated, which is particularly preferable.

Further, in a further configuration in which a hot water supply display member is provided on or near the hot water supply operation member and is displayed when the hot water supply mode is selected and is not displayed when any other selection is made, a hot water supply lock is provided. In a certain configuration, hot water supply is enabled by operation of the hot water supply operation member along with selection of the hot water supply mode, and the position of the hot water supply operation member is easily confirmed by the user. It is possible to prevent the hot water supply from being delayed because the position of the member is difficult to understand and the operation is confusing.

Further, in a further configuration in which the display of the image display section includes numerical information, and the operation section is provided with a numerical value changing operation member for changing the information value displayed on the image display section, input of a specific numerical value is omitted. Since only the operation of changing the numerical value displayed on the image display unit is required, there is no need for a large number of operation members for setting the numerical value like the numeric keypad, and the structure can be simple and inexpensive. It is effective to provide the member, the display member, and the image display unit so that they can be easily viewed and operated.

Further, in a further configuration in which the numerical value changing operation member is an up operating member for increasing the numerical value and a down operating member for decreasing the numerical value, two operating members depending on whether the target numerical value with respect to the currently displayed numerical value is excessive or insufficient. With the selection operation of
You can change and set the values easily and accurately without any confusion.

Further, in a further configuration in which various operation members are arranged on at least one of the right side and the lower side of the image display section in the operation section, most users are right-handed,
The right hand is used to operate various operation members to select a mode or perform hot water supply operation, but even if any operation member located on at least one of the right side and the lower side of the operation unit is operated, at least one of the left side and the upper side thereof is operated. The image display unit to be located at is not hidden by the right hand or right arm being operated, and the operation mode item and its setting state on the image display unit, guidance, or other information is left. It is possible to operate easily and accurately without any confusion or mistakes while checking without checking, and it is convenient to operate the hot water supply operation member with the right hand and receive the content liquid discharged from the container such as the cup held in the left hand. Is. For a very small number of left-handed people, the same benefit can be obtained with the operating member arranged on the lower side of the image display portion, and the above-mentioned advantage cannot be obtained with the operating member arranged on the right side, but it is a part of the operating member. I have been experiencing the above for a while, and it will not be more inconvenient than before. Considering only the above points, it is preferable to provide the operating member only on the lower side of the image display unit by utilizing the small number of operating members.

Further, in a further configuration in which the numerical value changing operation member is arranged on the lower side of the image display section, it is essential to operate the numerical value changing operation member while confirming the numerical value information displayed on the image display section. Therefore, regardless of whether it is right-handed or left-handed, the numerical information of the image display section can be changed easily and accurately without any blind spot.

The electric hot water storage container of the present invention is also adapted to heat the content liquid by a heater to store hot water according to a plurality of operation modes for use, and to set operation modes, and operating means. An operation unit having a display unit for displaying operation information such as a setting state, and the operation unit including all items of a plurality of operation modes selectable by a user and the setting state of the operation mode. The image display unit that displays the operation information to be displayed in the form of visual images such as characters and symbols, and the plurality of operation modes that are arranged on at least one of the right side and the lower side of the image display unit and that are displayed on the image display unit. Another feature is that all operation members that can be operated by the user, including a mode selection member that individually selects one by one, are provided.

In such a structure, all the operation mode items that the user can select are collectively displayed on the image display section provided in the operation section together with the operation information such as the setting status of the operation mode so that they can be visually checked at once. As a result, all the functions of the electric hot water storage container and the operating procedures thereof can be understood at a glance, and all the functions can be easily used. At the same time, each of the items of all the operation modes displayed on the image display section that can be selected by the user can be individually selected by the operation of selecting one operation member provided on the image display section. Since the operation mode related to the operation member is executed, compared to the conventional operation member, a large number of operation members are selected and operated to select and execute various operation modes having multiple functions. Since the number of components is reduced to one, the structure having a small number of parts becomes simple and inexpensive. At the same time, operation members and display members on the operation unit,
And the area ratio allocated to the image display unit becomes large, the number of operating members is small, and the operating members and display members are
Further, since the image display section is large, it is easy to visually recognize and operate, it is easy to use without any trouble in operation, and erroneous operation is unlikely to occur.

Further, in each of the above inventions, in the further configuration including the control means for starting the operation related to the selected mode after a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation mode was selected, in the initial configuration at the start-up, A boiling mode that performs boiling water or reboil operation from the heat retention mode, a descaling mode that continues or interrupts a boiling state or a pseudo boiling state close to it for a predetermined time, energizes the heater, and lower operation modes than these. To go through and select those operating modes to set
Even if the heater is energized in the temporary midway selection state, it is often necessary to change the energization state or cut off the energization depending on the operation mode finally selected and set. While there is a problem in power saving and life due to useless switching operation, the selected operation mode is executed only after the target operation mode is selected and set, so such a problem can be avoided. .

From each of the above inventions, in accordance with a plurality of operation modes, the content liquid is heated by the heater to store hot water for use, and at the same time, the operating means for setting the operation mode and the setting state of the operation mode are included. In an electric hot water storage container including an operation unit having display means for displaying operation information to be displayed, the plurality of operations are provided in an image display unit which is provided in the operation unit and displays information by visual images such as characters and symbols. The mode items are displayed, and the displayed operation mode items are selected in the operation unit in a preset order by one mode selection member provided with the image display unit. An invention of a method for setting an operation mode of an electric hot water container, which is characterized by setting and executing such an operation mode as an execution mode, is realized.

In particular, the display of the items of the operation mode is carried out by arranging them in the preset selection order, and the items related to the selection at that time are displayed by a change in the display itself or by an instruction by an instruction mark such as a cursor. In a further configuration, which item is selected in the operation mode display item itself or in an instruction display such as a cursor attached to the operation mode without any special display member and with little or no extra space is required. Since it is possible to display whether it is in a state and finally selected and set, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and the cost, and to increase the layout area of each of the operation member, the display member and the image display unit, and It is suitable for easy operation.

Further, the operation mode includes a hot water supply mode for discharging the content liquid to the outside to supply hot water, and the hot water supply operation by the electric pump based on the operation of the hot water supply operation member provided with the image display unit in the operation unit is performed in the hot water supply mode. In a further configuration in which selection is permitted, hot water can be automatically supplied only after selection of hot water supply, and a hot water supply lock function for preventing inadvertent hot water supply without a special operating member or operation can be realized.

Further, the operation mode includes an operation mode which requires setting of a numerical value, which is initially set in accordance with the selection of the operation mode, is set to a previously set value, or is the lowest, highest or intermediate value in a range which can be set by the user. A further configuration in which a predetermined representative value such as the value of is displayed on the image display unit, is changed by the operation of the numerical value changing operation member provided with the image display unit on the operation unit, and the setting of the operation mode is ended by the end of the changing operation. Then, when selecting an operation mode that requires numerical setting, it is not necessary to enter a specific numerical value with the numeric keypad, etc., but it is possible to change the numerical value starting from a predetermined representative value. It becomes easy to judge increase / decrease for changing to a value and operate for that.

Further, similarly to the case of the electric hot water storage container, a further configuration is adopted in which the operation mode is set by operating an operation member provided on at least one of the right side and the lower side of the image display section of the operation section. Is preferred.

Further objects and features of the present invention will become apparent in the detailed description which follows. The features of the present invention can be used alone or in combination in various combinations as much as possible.

[0029]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings for understanding of the present invention.

This embodiment is an example of an electric pot for home use, and as shown in FIG. 1, it has a body 1 in which a vacuum double container 3 made of stainless steel is housed in an outer case 2 as a heat insulating container. The heater 11 heats the content liquid to store hot water, and the content liquid is discharged to the outside through the discharge passage 25 by either the electric pump 26 or the manual bellows pump 10 to supply hot water for use. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and according to a plurality of operation modes, the content liquid is heated by the heater 11 to store hot water for use, and the operation mode is set as shown in FIG. It is sufficient to include at least an operation unit B and an operation unit D having a display unit C that displays operation information such as the setting state of the operation mode, and hot water supply is not always performed by an electric or manual pump. The present invention is effective including the case in which the body 1 is tilted even if it is not necessary, and the presence or absence of the heat insulation structure of the body 1 is not particularly limited. However, stainless steel has low thermal conductivity among metals, has sufficient bending rigidity and strength, has an anticorrosive effect, and contains Cu, etc. It is suitable for an electric hot water storage container, and is suitable for providing a vacuum double container 3. Also, the vacuum double container 3
Need not be housed in the outer case 2 and can be shared by the outer case. Further, the microcomputer 27b is used to perform operation control according to the plurality of operation modes.
Although the control board 27 on which is mounted is used, this can also be a control means that employs various devices including a hardware circuit. The operation section D is composed of an operation panel 32 provided on the upper surface of the beak-shaped projection 31 projecting forward of the upper end of the body 1, and switches 48 at various places on the operation board 33 provided inside thereof. Although a resin spring integrally formed on the operation panel 32 or a key member provided separately from the operation panel B is used to individually push the switch to perform an ON operation.
Again, this is not essential to the present invention, and the specific configuration does not matter.

The electric pot of this embodiment is particularly shown in FIGS.
Referring to, as the display means C provided in the operation section D,
A plurality of operation mode display items 111, and operation information 11 including setting states of these operation mode display items 111
2 is provided with an image display unit 101 for displaying a visual image such as characters and symbols, and the image display unit 101 is used as an operating means B.
One mode selection member 102 for individually selecting a plurality of operation modes displayed in FIG. By doing so, a plurality of operation mode display items 111 are displayed on the image display unit 101 provided in the operation unit D together with the operation information 112 including the operation mode setting state, and the displayed operation mode display items are displayed. One of the mode selection members 10 provided side by side with the image display unit 101
It is possible to individually select by the selection operation of 2, and the operation mode related to this selection is executed.

As a result, the number of operating members is greater than the number of operating members required for selecting and executing a plurality of operating modes as in the prior art. Therefore, the structure having a small number of parts becomes simple and inexpensive.
At the same time, the area ratio assigned to the operation members such as the mode selection member 102 in the operation unit D, the image display unit 101, and other display members provided as necessary is increased, and the operation members such as the mode selection member 102 are The number of operation members, the display member, and the image display unit 10 are small.
Since 1 is provided in a large size, it is easy to visually recognize and operate, the operation is easy and the operation is easy, and an erroneous operation is less likely to occur.

These are more advantageous as the number of operation mode display items 111 displayed on the image display unit 101 is larger, and therefore, the further configuration includes all that can be selected by the user. Therefore, in this embodiment, all of the plurality of operation modes selectable by the user are shown in FIG.
The display is made as indicated by 1b to 111h.
These display items are hot water supply items 111 indicating the hot water supply mode.
b, a metered hot water supply item 111c indicating a metered hot water supply, a boiling item 111d indicating a boiling mode, a descaling item 111e indicating a descaling mode, a warming temperature item 111f indicating a warming temperature setting mode, and a kitchen timer item 111g indicating a kitchen timer setting mode. , And a power-saving timer item 111h indicating the power-saving heat retention mode. However, operation modes different from these may be provided, and the operation modes may be increased or decreased.

By displaying the items of all operation modes as described above,
All the operation mode items 111b to 111h that can be selected by the user are shown in FIG. 2 together with the operation information 112 including the operation mode setting state on one image display section 101 provided as the display means C on the operation section D. Since it is displayed in a consolidated manner and can be viewed at once, all the selectable functions of the electric pot and the operating procedure etc. can be understood at a glance, and all the selectable functions can be used easily. it can. At the same time, each of the display items 111b to 111h of all operation modes displayed on the image display unit 101 that can be selected by the user is individually selected by the operation of selecting one mode selection member 102 provided in the image display unit 101. It can be selected and the operation mode related to this selection is executed. Therefore, the number of operating members is reduced to one as compared with the case where a large number of operating members are selected and operated in order to select and execute various multifunctional operation modes as in the related art. Therefore, the structure with a small number of parts becomes simple and inexpensive. At the same time, the area ratios allocated to the operation members such as the mode selection member 102 and the display members in the operation unit D, and the image display unit 101 become large,
Since the number of operating members is small and the operating members, the display member, and the image display unit 101 are large,
It is easy to visually recognize and operate, it is easy to use and easy to operate, and erroneous operation is less likely to occur.

In this embodiment, the operation mode display items 111b displayed on the image display unit 101 as described above are also used.
2 to 111h, these display items 111b to 111h are indicated by arrow F in FIG.
As shown in, the display is always displayed side by side according to the setting order that is sequentially set by repeating the selection operation of the mode selection member 102. This allows the user to visually check all of the operation modes that can be set at once, so that the user can easily check the multi-functionality and the details thereof, and the user can visually check the current selection operation target mode and the selection operation target from now on. It is possible to instantly predict the selection order of the operation mode that is the selection target of the operation modes, that is, the number of selection operations required from the current time to select and set the target operation mode, and Makes selection easier and more certain. The selection order is not limited to a plurality of columns in one direction as in the present example, but the selection order of all selection items such as one column and endless may be determined.

In this way, the operation mode display items 111
In connection with the configuration in which b to 111h are arranged and arranged in the preset selection order, particularly in this embodiment, the item related to the occasional selection is caused by a change in the display of itself or an instruction mark such as a cursor. Display it when instructed. Display changes include changes from black characters to white characters, changes in font color, changes from with or without background color, changes from no frame to frames, changes from no underline to underlines, triangle shapes, etc. Any method such as change from no indication by indicator to presence, change of cursor overlapping or addition to presence, or vice versa, or combination of two or more changes, combination of these and buzzer sound Conceivable. Among them, the display items 111b to 111h themselves or the display of whether or not the mode is selected can be displayed in a space range close to the display items 111b to 111h other than the indexing method, and the display method also causes the display items 111b to 111h to largely exceed the display space of the display items 111b to 111h itself. Realize without.

Therefore, the operation mode display item 111
which display items 111b to 111h are in the selected state without any special display member and with no or almost no extra space, with b to 111h itself or a cursor or index attached to it. In addition, since it is possible to display whether or not it has been finally selected and set, the number of parts and cost can be reduced, and the layout area of each of the operation member, the display member and the image display unit can be increased,
It is suitable for easy visual recognition and operation.

In this embodiment, the operation mode also includes a hot water supply mode in which the content liquid is discharged to the outside by the electric pump 26 to supply hot water.
The operation method that allows the hot water supply operation by the electric pump 26 based on the operation of the hot water supply operation member 103 provided in parallel with 1 is selected by the selection of the hot water supply mode, whereby the automatic hot water supply is performed after the selection of the hot water supply mode. Since it can only be performed, it is possible to realize a hot water supply lock function that prevents inadvertent hot water supply without a special operating member or operation.

Since the operation modes include operation modes such as heat retention temperature setting, kitchen timer setting, and power saving timer setting that require numerical setting, they are initially set or previously set according to the selection of this operation mode. value,
Alternatively, a predetermined representative value such as a minimum value, a maximum value, or an intermediate value in a range that can be set by the user is displayed on the image display section, and the operation section D is changed by the operation of the numerical value changing operation member 104 provided with the image display section 101. However, the method of ending the setting of the operation mode when the change operation is completed is adopted, and when selecting the operation mode that requires numerical setting, it is not necessary to enter the numerical value with the numeric keypad etc. Since it suffices to change the numerical value starting from the representative value of, the judgment of the increase / decrease for changing to the target value and the operation therefor become easy.

Specifically, with respect to the hot water supply lock, the control board 27 controls the hot water supply operation member 103 into a hot water supply locked state in which the operation of the hot water supply operation member 103 is not effectively handled until the mode selection member 102 selects the hot water supply mode. Accordingly, if there is no operation for selecting the hot water supply mode, the hot water supply operation member 103
Since the hot water supply lock state where the operation of is not treated effectively,
A special operating member for locking the hot water supply is no longer required as in the prior art, the number of operating members is further reduced, and the structure is simpler and less expensive.

Further, the control board 27 is the mode selection member 1
The hot water supply lock state is released in accordance with the selection operation of the hot water supply mode by 02, and after the hot water supply by the operation of the hot water supply operation member 103 is completed and a predetermined time has elapsed, control is performed to return to the hot water supply lock state. . As a result, the electric pot automatically returns to the hot water supply locked state as long as the operation of operating the hot water supply operation member 103 to finish the hot water supply is completed, so there is no need for special operating members or operations to ensure the safety of the hot water supply locked state after automatic hot water supply. Can be secured.

Here, the hot water supply mode is related to the purpose of use of the electric pot and is frequently used, and moreover, it is frequently used after rising in the selection mode. Corresponding to this, in the present embodiment, the hot water supply item 111b in the hot water supply mode is set to the earliest selection order as shown in FIG. As a result, the hot water supply mode is displayed on all display items 111b-
Since it will be selected and executed with the highest priority among 111h, every time the content liquid stored in the rising state is required without any trouble in the selection and execution of the rising operation mode, by the hot water supply operation following the first selection operation. There is an advantage that hot water can be supplied almost without waiting time. This is similarly exhibited even when the hot water supply lock state is maintained until the hot water supply mode is selected and operated, which is particularly preferable.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, hot water supply operating member 10
3 is provided with a hot water supply display member such as a lamp 105 using an LED, and the control board 27 is lit when the hot water supply mode is selected, and is turned off so as not to be displayed when any other selection is made. There is. However, the display by turning on the light and the display by turning off the light can be reversed. With such a display, in the configuration with the hot water supply locked state, hot water can be supplied by operating the hot water supply operation member 103 with the selection of the hot water supply mode, and the position of the hot water supply operation member 103 can be easily confirmed by the user. It is possible to prevent the state where the hot water supply operation is possible and the position of the hot water supply operation member 103 from being difficult to understand and the operation to be confused so that the hot water supply is delayed. Of course, even if the display member such as the lamp 105 is not provided on the hot water supply operation member 103 itself, but is arranged in the vicinity of the hot water supply operation member 103, the same effect can be obtained.

Further, the numerical value changing operation member 104 omits the input of a specific numerical value so that the predetermined numerical value can be set only by the operation of changing the numerical value displayed on the image display section 101. In particular, as shown in FIG. 2, it is composed of an up operation member 104b for increasing the numerical value and a down operation member 104c for decreasing the numerical value. Thereby, the up operation member 104b and the down operation member 104c corresponding to the excess or deficiency of the target numerical value with respect to the currently displayed numerical value,
By selecting two operation members, it is possible to easily and accurately change and set the numerical values without any confusion.

Various operation members such as the mode selection member 102, the hot water supply operation member 103, and the numerical value change operation member 104 are arranged on the right side and the lower side of the image display section 101 in the operation section D as shown in FIG. I am doing it. However, it may be either one of these positions. As a result, most users are right-handed and operate various operating members with their right hands to select a mode or perform hot water supply operation, but which operating member located on at least one of the right side and the lower side of the operation section D is Even when operated, the image display unit 101 positioned on at least one of the left side and the upper side thereof is not hidden by the operating right hand or right arm, and the operation mode in the image display unit 101 It is possible to operate easily and accurately without confusion or mistakes while thoroughly checking the items, their setting states, guidance, or other information. It is particularly convenient to operate the hot water supply operation member 103 with the right hand in frequent hot water supply operations to receive the content liquid discharged from the container such as the cup held in the left hand.

On the other hand, for a very small number of left-handed persons, the operating member arranged on the lower side of the image display unit 101 can obtain the same benefit, and the operating member arranged on the right side cannot obtain the above advantages. That is what I have been experiencing for some operating members, and it will not be more inconvenient than before. Considering only the above points, it is preferable to provide the operating member only on the lower side of the image display unit by utilizing the small number of operating members. From this point of view, if there is a sufficient space below the image display unit 101, it is possible to arrange all of the operating members that are frequently operated and the operating members that are difficult to operate to facilitate the operation. It is suitable. However, if there is not enough space, it is possible to preferentially arrange the operating members on which difficult operations are performed, and if there is more space, arrange frequently operated operating members.

From this point of view, particularly in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the numerical value changing operation member 104 is arranged below the image display portion 101, and the mode selection member 102 and the hot water supply operation member 103 are It is arranged on the right side of the image display unit 101. As a result, it is indispensable to operate the numerical value changing operation member 104 while confirming the numerical information displayed on the image display unit 101. However, the numerical information of the image display unit 101 is left blind regardless of whether it is right-handed or left-handed. It is possible to easily and accurately change and set the values.

In the present embodiment described above, according to a plurality of operation modes, the content liquid is heated by the heater 11 to store hot water for use, and at the same time, operation means B for setting the operation mode, An operation unit D having a display unit C for displaying operation information including the setting state of the operation mode; and the operation unit D including all items and operation modes of a plurality of operation modes selectable by the user. An image display unit 101 that displays operation information such as a setting state in a visual image such as characters and symbols, and is arranged on at least one of the right side and the lower side of the image display unit 101, and There is also provided an electric pot characterized in that all operation members that can be operated by a user, including a mode selection member 102 for individually selecting a plurality of displayed operation modes one by one, are provided. Since, it exhibits the above action and effect corresponding to the respective components.

In this embodiment, the control board 27 is further added.
Is configured to start the operation related to the selected mode after a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation mode was selected by the mode selection member 102. A boiling mode in which initial boiling at the time of start-up is performed, or a re-boiling operation is performed from a heat retention mode, a descaling mode in which a boiling state or a pseudo-boiling state close to it is continuously or interrupted for a predetermined time is energized to the heater 11. In order to select and set operation modes with a lower order of selection, such as heat retention temperature setting mode, kitchen timer setting mode, and power saving timer setting mode, those operating modes have to be selected and set temporarily. Even if the heater 11 is energized in the midway selected state, it is often necessary to change the energized state or cut off the energization depending on the operation mode finally selected and set. While there is a problem in power saving and life due to switching operation, etc., by doing the above, the target operation mode is Since only from the-option is set not to perform the operation mode selected, it is possible to avoid such problems.

Here, the specific structure of the electric pot of this embodiment will be described in more detail. The vacuum double container 3 is composed of an inner cylinder 4 and an outer cylinder 5 made of stainless steel. The heater 11 is applied to the single bottom portion so that the heating efficiency does not decrease. The outer case 2 accommodating the vacuum double container 3 is made of synthetic resin, and has a bottom portion and a body portion integrally formed, and a separate shoulder member 6 is fitted to the upper end of the body portion to form an integral body. The heavy container 3 is housed and held. A discharge passage 25 is connected to a single bottom portion of the vacuum double container 3, the discharge passage 25 rises between the vacuum double container 3 and the outer case 2, and the discharge port 25d faces the front portion of the body 1. There is. An electric pump 26 such as a centrifugal pump is provided in the middle of the discharge passage 25, and the content liquid flowing into the discharge passage 25 is sent toward the discharge port 25d and discharged. However, the electric pump 26 can be freely selected regardless of whether it is a pumping type or a pressurizing type. In addition, a manual bellows pump 10 is provided on a lid 13 that covers the container opening 12 of the container 1 that opens to the mouth of the vacuum double container 3 so that it can be opened and closed, and the vacuum double container 3 is pressed by a pressing plate 61.
Pressurized air is blown inside to pressurize the content liquid and push it out through the discharge passage 25 so that it can be discharged to the outside. The bellows pump 10 has an advantage of being able to manually discharge the content liquid to supply hot water without a power source.

The rising portion 25a of the discharge passage 25 is a transparent tube so that the liquid amount there can be seen through the transparent liquid amount display window 62 of the container 1. However, the liquid amount of the content liquid can be displayed by detecting the liquid amount of the rising portion 25a stepwise by a photo coupler or the like, and can also be used as liquid amount data for various controls. The liquid amount may be automatically detected by a capacitance method, or the liquid amount may be automatically detected by a temperature rising characteristic when the content liquid is heated by the heater 11 or a temperature lowering characteristic when the heating of the heater 11 is stopped. be able to.

The lid 13 is provided with a steam passage 17 through which vapor from the vacuum double container 3 escapes to the outside. The lid 13 has an inner opening 17a at a position facing the inside of the vacuum double container 3 and an outer surface exposed to the outside. It communicates with the formed outer opening 17b. In the middle of the steam passage 17, there is provided a safety path 17c for temporarily accumulating or detouring the container body 1 when the container body 1 rolls over and enters, and delays reaching the outer opening 17b. As a result, it becomes possible to perform a treatment such as raising the container 1 before the container 1 rolls over and the content liquid flows out to the outside through the steam passage 17. Further, in the steam passage 17, when the vessel 1 rolls over, there is a stop valve 18 at the time of fall, which attempts to enter the steam passage 17 or works by its own weight so as to prevent the content liquid that has entered from proceeding further. It is provided. In the illustrated embodiment, it is provided at a position just inside the inner opening 17a.

A lock member 21 is provided at the front part of the lid 13 to engage the locking portion 19 on the shoulder member 6 side at the closed position to lock the lid 13 at the closed position, and when the lid 13 is closed. The spring 22 is biased so as to automatically engage with the locking portion 19 so as to always project to the lock position. Correspondingly, the lid 13 is provided with a lock release member 23 for releasing the lock by retracting the lock member 21. As shown in FIG. 1, the unlocking member 23 is of a lever type pivotally supported by the lid 13 by a shaft 24, and the front end 23a is pushed down with a thumb or the like to rotate counterclockwise so that the locking member 21 is spring-loaded. It is possible to lift the unlocked lid 13 and open it by pulling back the rear end 23b raised by the unlocking operation by pulling it backward with respect to 22 to release the lock.

In the space between the bottom of the outer case 2 and the bottom of the vacuum double container 3, a circuit box 28 for accommodating the control board 27 is installed together with the electric pump 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the circuit box 28 is integrally formed in an opening at the bottom of the outer case 2. The circuit box 28 is provided with a lid 60 that opens downward and closes it. A temperature sensor 29 is applied from the bottom to the center of the bottom of the single layer of the vacuum double container 3 to detect the temperature of the content liquid at each time and control the temperature of the content liquid in the boiling or heat retention mode. To get

The upper part of the discharge passage 25 is the beak-shaped protrusion 3 of the container 1.
1 and the pipe cover portion 2d on the side of the outer case 2 constitute an inverted U-shaped unit 25c. The unit 25c includes a water valve 34a for falling and a water valve 3 for tilting forward.
4b and a discharge port 25d are provided. The discharge port 25d opens downward to the outside through the pipe cover portion 2d.

A cover plate 36 is applied to the opening at the bottom of the outer case 2 from below and attached by screwing or partial engagement, and a rotary seat ring 37 is rotated around the outer peripheral part of the cover plate 36. When the body 1 is placed on a table surface or the like, it can be lightly rotated on the rotary seat ring 37 to change its direction.

Hereinafter, the basic usage shown in FIGS. 3 (a) to 3 (h), and a metered hot water supply mode shown in FIG. 4, a boiling mode shown in FIG. 5, and a kitchen shown in FIG. 6 as specific examples of operation mode selection. The timer mode will be described.

In the basic use method, the image display unit 101 displays the image in the initial setting state as shown in FIG. 3A when the power is turned on. In this state, the display items 111b to 111h and the character display of "Temperature 98" corresponding to the heat retention of 98 degrees which is the standard heat retention mode are displayed in the same color on a plain background, for example. At this stage, each of the display items 111b to 111h is an image display under the same condition, and the operation mode for any of the items is selected, indicating that it is in the initial setting state that is not set.

In the state of FIG. 3A, the mode selection member 102
When is operated once, the hot water supply item 111b indicating the hot water supply mode set to the highest priority in accordance with the selection priority order is selected,
The control board 27, as shown in FIG.
An image is displayed in b as a frame display as a cursor or display change, and at the same time, the displayed numerical value is changed to 0 and a character display of the hot water supply amount indicating that it is the hot water supply amount is also performed. Further, the lamp 105 of the hot water supply operation member 103 is turned on to externally display that the hot water supply lock is released. However, the control board 27 does not set the hot water supply mode as being selected on condition that the next selection operation is not performed during a predetermined time, for example, 3 seconds or 5 seconds, in this selected state, After a predetermined time elapses without the next selection operation, the hot water supply operation member 1 is treated as if the hot water supply mode has been set and is accompanied by the unlocking of the hot water supply lock.
Automatic hot water supply is executed by operation 03. At the time of automatic hot water supply, the hot water supply time, the number of revolutions of the electric pump 26, changes in the amount of liquid, etc. are measured to calculate the amount of hot water supply and the display value 0 is updated. Further, if the hot water supply operation is completed and the next hot water supply operation is not performed for a predetermined time, it is assumed that the execution of the hot water supply mode is completed, the setting of the hot water supply mode is canceled, and the hot water supply lock is released to return to the hot water supply lock state. The display state shown in FIG.

As described above, every time the mode selection member 102 is operated until the predetermined time elapses, the metered hot water supply mode is selected as shown in FIG. 3C and the boiling as shown in FIG. 3D. Mode selection state, descaling mode selection state shown in FIG. 3 (e), heat retention temperature setting mode selection state shown in FIG. 3 (f), kitchen timer setting mode selection state shown in FIG. 3 (g), FIG. 3 (h) After the change to the power saving timer setting mode selection state shown in Fig. 3A, the state returns to the state without the selection mode in Fig. 3A and repeats thereafter. However, in the desired selection state, the subsequent selection operation is not performed for a predetermined time. The mode state can also be freely selected and set. When the boiling mode is selected by the initial selection operation after the power is turned on, the control board 27 executes the initial boiling mode to boil the content liquid, and then performs the descaling mode according to the initial setting or selection operation, or performs the descaling mode. Without
Automatically shifts to the default 98 degree heat retention mode,
If the boiling mode is selected by the selection operation in the heat retention mode, it is judged as re-boiling, and after the heat retention mode is changed to the boiling mode and reboiled, the heat removal mode is normally set without performing the descaling mode. Transition. However, when the power is turned on, the initial boiling is automatically performed until the temperature is kept at 98 degrees, and the state shown in FIG.
The boiling mode selection state shown in (d) may be a selection item dedicated to the reboil mode.

In the metered hot water supply mode selection state of FIG. 3C, the image display has been switched from the selection state of FIG. 4A to the selection state of FIG.
00cc is displayed with an image of the amount of hot water supply, and the lamp 105 is turned on. Therefore, the user operates the up operation member 104b and the down operation member 1 so as to obtain a desired hot water supply amount.
Select 04c. For example, the desired hot water supply is 350
If it is cc, the up operation member 104b is operated as shown in FIG. 4 (b) until the displayed value becomes 350 as shown in FIG. 4 (c). The up / down of the displayed numerical value may be changed by one numerical value, or a predetermined value of 5
Alternatively, it may be changed by 10 or 10. Further, if the operation time is continuous, the increment / decrement unit may be increased to 3, 5, 10, or the like. If the display has a desired value and there is no operation for changing the numerical value for a predetermined time, for example, 3 seconds or 5 seconds, the control board 27
Indicates that the numerical value setting has been completed, the numerical value display is fixed, and when the hot water supply operating member 103 is operated, the electric pump 26 is operated to start the hot water supply operation, and as shown in FIG. While canceling the display,
The numerical value display of the hot water supply amount is switched from the set value to the numerical value display of the current hot water supply amount, and the hot water supply amount at that time is updated in real time or by a predetermined unit amount. As a result, when the set value is reached as shown in FIG.
4 stops the automatic hot water supply, and when the next hot water supply operation is not performed for a predetermined time, for example, about 20 seconds, it is determined that the selection of the metering hot water supply mode has been completed, and the selection state of the metering hot water supply mode is canceled. It returns to the display state of (a). Therefore, the lamp 105 is turned off.

In the boiling mode selection state of FIG. 3 (d), a case where the boiling mode is selected only for the reboil mode will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 5, the display has been switched from (a) to (b), and the control board 27 determines that the selection has been confirmed after a lapse of a predetermined time, for example, 5 seconds, starts the boiling operation, and raises the temperature at that time. Shows the temperature as a numerical value 9
When the displayed numerical value reaches 100, which corresponds to boiling, the boiling operation is stopped, the boiling operation is stopped, the mode is switched to the warming mode, and the warming state display of FIG. 5A is returned.

In the descaling mode selection state of FIG. 4 (e), the standard initial setting time required for the descaling mode, for example, 8 minutes, is the numerical value 8 and the character display that is the remaining minutes. Is displayed. This numerical value can also be increased or decreased by the up / down operation of the numerical value changing operation member 104. When a predetermined time, for example, 5 seconds has passed and the control board 27 determines that the mode selection is confirmed, the current displayed numerical value is used as the remaining time to boil or close to it. Execute the descaling mode to maintain the pseudo boiling state. When the remaining time becomes 0, the descaling mode is terminated and the heat retention mode is entered.

In the heat retention temperature setting mode selection state of FIG. 3 (f), a numerical value of the temperature which is initially set or is currently set, for example, 90 is displayed together with the character display.
The numerical value 90 at this time can be increased / decreased by the up / down operation of the numerical value changing operation member 104, and when the control board 27 determines that the operation has been confirmed after a predetermined time, for example, 5 seconds has passed, the operation proceeds to the heat retention operation at the preset temperature To do.

In the kitchen timer setting mode selected state of FIG. 3 (g), the state is switched from (a) to (b) shown in FIG. 6, and the current set time is the initial value 0 and
The minutes and letters are displayed. Therefore, the user sets the desired time by the numerical value changing operation member 104, such as the type of cooking that the user intends to time, for example, the reproduction time when hot water is supplied to the cup noodles, or the time when the boiled eggs are made with hot water. be able to. When it is determined that the control board 27 is confirmed after a lapse of a predetermined time, for example, 5 seconds, then the character display of blinks, and the set time, for example, 3 minutes is started, and the set time of 3 minutes has elapsed. Stopping is stopped and the display is returned to the state of FIG. 6A, or the end is notified by a pseudo voice or a buzzer sound.

[0066]

According to the electric hot water storage container of one feature of the present invention, a plurality of operation mode items are displayed on the image display section provided in the operation section together with operation information including the setting state of the operation mode, Each of the displayed operation mode items can be individually selected by a selection operation of one operation member provided in the image display unit, and the operation mode related to this selection is executed. As compared with operating multiple operating members by selecting multiple operating modes as described above, the number of operating members is reduced, so a structure with fewer parts Is easy and cheap. At the same time, the area ratio allocated to the operation members, the display members, and the image display unit in the operation unit becomes large, the number of operation members is small, and the operation members, the display member, and the image display unit are large. Only, it is easy to visually recognize and operate, it is easy to use without any trouble in operation, and erroneous operation is unlikely to occur.

These facts are more advantageous as the number of operation mode items displayed on the image display section is larger, and thus the further configuration includes all that can be selected by the user.

Further, in a further configuration in which the operation mode item displayed on the image display unit includes three or more items, and these are always displayed side by side according to the setting order sequentially set by repeating the selection operation of the mode selection member. Since all the settable operation modes are visually recognized by the user all at once, the degree of multifunctionality and its contents can be easily confirmed without omission, and the user visually recognizes the currently selected operation target mode and becomes the selection operation target from now on. It is possible to instantly predict the order of selection of the operation mode which is the selection target of the operation modes, that is, the required number of selection operations from the present time, and the desired operation mode can be selected more easily and more definitely.

Further, an electric pump for discharging the content liquid to the outside to supply hot water is provided, the operation mode item displayed by the image display section includes the hot water supply mode, and the operation section includes a hot water supply operation member for operating the electric pump. In a further configuration that is provided with a control means that locks the hot water supply operation member so that the operation of the hot water supply operation member is not effectively handled until the hot water supply mode selection operation is performed, the electric pump is operated by the operation of the hot water supply operation member to discharge the content liquid. In order to lock the hot water so that the automatic hot water supply is not done carelessly, the hot water lock will not be effective unless the hot water supply mode is selected. No special operating member is required, the number of operating members is further reduced, and the structure is simpler and less expensive.

Further, the control means releases the hot water supply lock state in accordance with the selection operation of the hot water supply mode, and returns to the hot water supply lock state after a lapse of a predetermined time after completion of hot water supply by the operation of the hot water supply operation member. In the configuration, since the hot water supply lock state is automatically restored as long as the operation of operating the hot water supply operation member to finish the hot water supply is completed, safety can be secured by the hot water supply lock state after automatic hot water supply without any special operation member or operation.

Further, in a further configuration in which the item of the hot water supply mode is the first order of selection, the hot water supply mode is related to the purpose of use of the electric hot water storage container and is frequently used, and moreover, frequently after the start-up in the selection mode. Corresponding to the usage, the hot water supply mode is selected and executed with the highest priority.Therefore, the startup operation mode is selected and the content liquid stored in the startup state is selected for the first time each time it is needed without any hindrance to the execution. There is an advantage that hot water can be supplied with almost no waiting time by the hot water supply operation following the operation. This is similarly exhibited even when the hot water supply lock state is maintained until the hot water supply mode is selected and operated, which is particularly preferable.

Further, in a further configuration in which a hot water supply display member is provided on or near the hot water supply operation member and is displayed when the hot water supply mode is selected and is not displayed when any other selection is made, a hot water supply lock is provided. In a certain configuration, hot water supply is enabled by operation of the hot water supply operation member along with selection of the hot water supply mode, and the position of the hot water supply operation member is easily confirmed by the user. It is possible to prevent the hot water supply from being delayed because the position of the member is difficult to understand and the operation is confusing.

Further, in a further configuration in which the display of the image display section includes numerical information, and the operation section is provided with a numerical value changing operation member for changing the information value displayed on the image display section, the input of a specific numerical value is omitted. Since only the operation of changing the numerical value displayed on the image display unit is required, there is no need for a large number of operation members for setting the numerical value like the numeric keypad, and the structure can be simple and inexpensive. It is effective to provide the member, the display member, and the image display unit so that they can be easily viewed and operated.

Further, in a further configuration in which the numerical value changing operation member is an up operating member for increasing the numerical value and a down operating member for decreasing the numerical value, two operating members corresponding to the excess or deficiency of the target numerical value with respect to the currently displayed numerical value are provided. With the selection operation of
You can change and set the values easily and accurately without any confusion.

Further, in a further configuration in which the various operation members are arranged on at least one of the right side and the lower side of the image display section in the operation section, most users are right-handed,
The right hand is used to operate various operation members to select a mode or perform hot water supply operation, but even if any operation member located on at least one of the right side and the lower side of the operation unit is operated, at least one of the left side and the upper side thereof is operated. The image display unit to be located at is not hidden by the right hand or right arm being operated, and the operation mode item and its setting state on the image display unit, guidance, or other information is left. It is possible to operate easily and accurately without any confusion or mistakes while checking without checking, and it is convenient to operate the hot water supply operation member with the right hand and receive the content liquid discharged from the container such as the cup held in the left hand. Is. For a very small number of left-handed people, the same benefit can be obtained with the operating member arranged on the lower side of the image display portion, and the above-mentioned advantage cannot be obtained with the operating member arranged on the right side, but it is a part of the operating member. I have been experiencing the above for a while, and it will not be more inconvenient than before. Considering only the above points, it is preferable to provide the operating member only on the lower side of the image display unit by utilizing the small number of operating members.

Further, in a further configuration in which the numerical value changing operation member is arranged on the lower side of the image display section, it is essential to operate the numerical value changing operation member while confirming the numerical value information displayed on the image display section. Therefore, regardless of whether it is right-handed or left-handed, the numerical information of the image display section can be changed easily and accurately without any blind spot.

According to the electric hot water storage container of another feature of the present invention, all the items of the operation mode selectable by the user on the image display section provided in the operation section together with the operation information including the setting state of the operation mode. Since they are collectively displayed and can be viewed all at once, all the functions of the electric hot water storage container and the operating procedures thereof can be understood at a glance, and all the functions can be easily used. At the same time, each of the items of all the operation modes displayed on the image display section that can be selected by the user can be individually selected by the operation of selecting one operation member provided on the image display section. Since the operation mode related to the operation member is executed, compared to the conventional operation member, a large number of operation members are selected and operated to select and execute various operation modes having multiple functions. Since the number of components is reduced to one, the structure having a small number of parts becomes simple and inexpensive. At the same time, the area ratios assigned to the operation members, the display members, and the image display unit in the operation unit become large, so that the number of operation members is small and the operation members, the display members, and the image display unit are provided in large size. As a result, it is easy to visually recognize and operate, it is easy to use without any trouble in operation, and erroneous operation is unlikely to occur.

Further, in each of the above inventions, in the further configuration provided with the control means for starting the operation related to the selected mode after the lapse of a predetermined time from the selection of the operation mode, in the initial stage at the start-up. A boiling mode that performs boiling water or reboil operation from the heat retention mode, a descaling mode that continues or interrupts a boiling state or a pseudo boiling state close to it for a predetermined time, energizes the heater, and lower operation modes than these. To go through and select those operating modes to set
Even if the heater is energized in the temporary midway selection state, it is often necessary to change the energization state or cut off the energization depending on the operation mode finally selected and set. While there is a problem in power saving and life due to useless switching operation, the selected operation mode is executed only after the target operation mode is selected and set, so such a problem can be avoided. .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an example of an electric pot according to an embodiment of an electric hot water storage container of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an operating portion of the electric pot shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a basic use example with operation mode selection of the electric pot of FIG. 1 as various display states (a) to (h) of an operation unit.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing an example of selection of a metering hot water supply mode of the electric pot of FIG. 1 as various display states (a) to (e) of the operation unit.

5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of boiling mode selection of the electric pot of FIG. 1 as various display states (a) to (d) of the operation unit.

6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of selection of a kitchen timer setting mode of the electric pot of FIG. 1 as various display states (a) to (d) of the operation unit.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an operating portion of a conventional electric pot.

[Explanation of symbols]

B operation means C display means D operation part 1 body 11 heater 12 Body opening 13 lid 25 discharge path 25d outlet 26 Electric pump 27 Control board 32 Operation panel 33 Operation board 48 switch 101 image display section 102 mode selection member 103 Hot water supply operation member 104 Numerical value change operation member 105 lamp 111 Display items 112 Motion information

Continued front page    F-term (reference) 4B055 AA35 BA23 BA24 BA32 BA36                       BA42 CA02 CA22 CB08 CB09                       CB18 CC30 CD16 CD23 CD33                       CD42 CD43 CD44 CD45 CD46                       CD48 CD52 CD57 CD62 CD63                       DA02 DB02

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. An operation means for heating the content liquid by a heater to store hot water for use in accordance with a plurality of operation modes, and operation information for setting the operation mode, and operation information including an operation mode setting state. In an electric hot water storage container having an operation unit having a display means for displaying, the operation unit includes a plurality of items of operation modes and operation information including operation mode setting states such as characters and symbols. The electric hot water storage container is provided with an image display section for displaying a visual image of 1. and one mode selection member for individually selecting a plurality of operation modes displayed on the image display section. 2. The electric hot water storage container according to claim 1, wherein the items of the operation mode displayed on the image display unit include all that can be selected by the user. 3. The operation mode item displayed on the image display unit includes three or more items, and these items are always displayed side by side according to a setting order sequentially set by repeating the selection operation of the mode selection member. 2. The electric hot water storage container according to any one of 2 above. 4. An electric pump for discharging hot water by discharging a content liquid to the outside, wherein the operation mode item displayed by the image display section includes a hot water supply mode, and the operation section includes a hot water supply operation member for operating the electric pump. 4. A control means which is provided and which is in a hot water supply lock state in which the operation of the hot water supply operation member is not effectively treated until there is a hot water supply mode selection operation.
The electric hot water storage container according to any one of 1. 5. The control means releases the hot water supply lock state in response to the hot water supply mode selection operation, and returns to the hot water supply lock state after a lapse of a predetermined time after completion of hot water supply by the operation of the hot water supply operation member. Item 4. The electric hot water storage container according to item 4. 6. The electric hot water storage container according to claim 3, wherein the item of the hot water supply mode is the first order of selection. 7. A hot water supply display member is provided on or near the hot water supply operating member itself, and is displayed when the hot water supply mode is selected, and is not displayed when any other selection is made. The electric hot water storage container according to any one of claims. 8. The display according to claim 1, wherein the display of the image display section includes numerical information, and a numerical value changing operation member for changing the information value displayed on the image display section is provided in the operating section. The described electric hot water storage container. 9. The electric hot water storage container according to claim 8, wherein the numerical value changing operation member is an up operation member for increasing the numerical value and a down operation member for decreasing the numerical value. 10. The electric hot water storage container according to claim 1, wherein the various operation members are arranged on at least one of a right side and a lower side of the image display section in the operation section. 11. The electric hot water storage container according to claim 7, wherein the numerical value changing operation member is arranged below the image display unit. 12. An operation means for heating the content liquid by a heater to store hot water according to a plurality of operation modes for use, and operation information for setting the operation mode, and operation information including an operation mode setting state. In an electric hot water storage container including an operation unit having a display unit for displaying, operation information including all items of a plurality of operation modes selectable by a user and operation mode setting states in the operation unit. And an image display unit that displays a visual image such as characters and symbols, and a plurality of operation modes that are arranged on at least one of the right side and the lower side of the image display unit and that are displayed on the image display unit. An electric hot water storage container comprising: all operation members that can be operated by a user, including a mode selection member that is individually selected. 13. The method according to claim 1, further comprising control means for starting an operation related to the selected mode after a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation mode was selected.
The electric hot water storage container according to item. 14. In accordance with a plurality of operation modes, a content liquid is heated by a heater to store hot water for use, and operation means for setting the operation mode, and operation information including an operation mode setting state. In a method of setting an operation mode of an electric hot water storage container including an operation unit having a display unit for displaying, an image display unit provided on the operation unit for displaying information by visual images such as characters and symbols A plurality of operation mode items are displayed, and the displayed operation mode items are selected in a preset order by the operation unit and one mode selection member provided with the image display unit, and finally selected. A method for setting an operation mode of an electric hot water container, characterized in that the operation mode according to the above item is set and executed as an execution mode. 15. The operation mode items are displayed by arranging them in the preset selection order, and the items related to the occasional selection are displayed by a change in the display itself or by an instruction with an instruction mark such as a cursor. The method for setting an operation mode of an electric hot water storage container according to claim 14. 16. The operation mode includes a hot water supply mode for discharging hot water by discharging a content liquid to the outside, and a hot water supply operation by an electric pump based on an operation of a hot water supply operation member provided with an image display unit in the operation unit is performed. Claim 1 which permits by selection
Item 16. A method for setting an operation mode of an electric hot water container according to any one of Items 4 and 15. 17. The operation mode includes an operation mode which requires setting of a numerical value, and a value which is initially set according to the selection of the operation mode or which is previously set, or a minimum, maximum or intermediate value in a range which can be set by a user. A predetermined representative value such as the value of is displayed on the image display unit, is changed by the operation of the numerical value changing operation member provided with the image display unit on the operation unit, and the setting of the operation mode is ended by the end of the changing operation. The method for setting the operation mode of the electric hot water container according to any one of 14 to 16. 18. The electric hot water storage unit according to claim 14, wherein the operation mode is set by operating an operation member provided on at least one of a right side and a lower side of the image display section of the operation section. How to set the operating mode of the container.