Steam ejector

Abstract

The invention provides a steam ejector. A steam ejector (1) is provided with an ejection unit (3), a handle (4), a switch (6), a detection unit (10), and a control unit (16). The discharge unit (3) discharges steam. The handle (4) is held by a user. The switch (6) is an operation unit for inputting an instruction to eject steam. The detection unit (10) detects the instruction to the switch (6). The control unit (16) causes the discharge unit (3) to discharge steam when the detection unit (10) detects the instruction, and does not cause the discharge unit (3) to discharge steam when the detection unit (10) does not detect the instruction. The detection part (10) can detect the instruction without deformation of the switch (6) and displacement of the switch (6) relative to the handle (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a steam ejector. Background Art

[0002] A steam ejector for stretching out wrinkles of fibrous products such as clothes is provided. For example, in the steam ejector described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-002820, when the pump switch is turned on during use, the electric pump is driven, and steam is ejected from the vaporization chamber supplied with a predetermined amount of water. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When it is desired to eject steam from the steam ejector described in the above patent document for a long time, it is necessary to continuously press the pump switch for a long time. The inventors of the present application have conceived the technology of the present disclosure to further improve the convenience for users. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology for improving the convenience of a steam ejector.

[0005] The steam ejector according to the present disclosure includes an ejection unit, a handle, a switch, a detection unit, and a control unit. The ejection unit ejects steam. The handle is a part for a user to hold. The switch is an operation unit for a user to input an instruction to eject steam. The detection unit detects an instruction from the user to the switch.

[0006] The control unit causes the ejection unit to eject steam when the detection unit detects an instruction from the user, and does not cause the ejection unit to eject steam when the detection unit does not detect an instruction from the user. The detection unit is configured to be able to detect an instruction from the user without the operation unit being deformed and the operation unit being displaced relative to the handle.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the convenience of the steam ejector can be improved. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] Figure 1 It is a side view showing the appearance of the steam ejector according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a view showing a state where a user holds the steam ejector according to the embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing the structure of the steam ejector according to the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 It is a side view showing the structure near the switch of the steam ejector according to the embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 It is a bottom view showing the structure near the switch of the steam ejector according to the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 It is a side view showing another example of the structure near the switch of the steam ejector according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 It is a side view showing another example of the structure near the switch of the steam ejector according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 It is a side view showing another example of the structure near the switch of the steam ejector according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 9 It is a side view showing another example of the structure near the switch of the steam ejector according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 10 It is a side view showing another example of the structure near the switch of the steam ejector according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 11 It is a perspective view showing a structural example of the detection unit of the steam ejector according to the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 12 It is a side view showing a structural example of the detection unit of the steam ejector according to the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 13 It is a top view showing a structural example of the detection unit of the steam ejector according to the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 14 It is a view showing the structure of the steam ejector in another mode. Detailed implementation mode

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary descriptions may sometimes be omitted. Unnecessary descriptions are, for example, detailed descriptions of known matters, descriptions of the same or substantially the same structures, etc.

[0023] (Embodiment)

[0024] Hereinafter, Figures 1 to 13 will be used to describe this embodiment.

[0025] [1-1. Overall structure]

[0026] Figure 1 It is a side view showing the appearance of the steam ejector 1 according to the present embodiment when placed on the bracket 8. Figure 2 It is a view showing a case where the user holds the steam ejector 1.

[0027] In the following description, "upper" and "lower" refer to the upper and lower sides when the steam ejector 1 is placed on a bracket 8 (not shown) on a table as shown in Figure 1 . The rear side refers to the side where the power cord 30 of the steam ejector 1 is arranged, and the front side refers to the opposite side of the rear side.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2 , the steam ejector 1 includes: a housing 2; an ejection part 3 that is arranged on the bottom surface of the housing 2 and is used for ejecting steam; and a handle 4 that is arranged on the upper part of the housing 2 and is used for the user to hold. When the user operates to eject steam in a state where the handle 4 is held and the ejection part 3 is directed toward the clothing 9, the steam ejector 1 ejects steam from the ejection part 3.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1 , the handle 4 has a grip part 5 and a switch 6 that are arranged side by side on its lower surface. The grip part 5 is the part that the user's fingers touch when the user holds the steam ejector 1. The switch 6 is a part of the handle 4 that can be operated by the user to input an instruction to eject steam from the ejection part 3, that is, an operation part.

[0030] In the present embodiment, the grip part 5 has elongated protrusions or the like along the long side direction as anti-slip members. By providing such anti-slip members on the grip part 5, the user can easily support the moment load applied to the fingers due to the orientation of the steam ejector 1.

[0031] The steam ejector 1 has a detection part 10 that is arranged inside the part of the housing 2 where the switch 6 of the handle 4 is arranged to detect the contact of the user's finger with the switch 6. The switch 6 can be operated with a finger different from the finger that holds the grip part 5. Usually, when the user holds the handle 4, the user uses the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger to hold the grip part 5 and uses the index finger to operate the switch 6. Therefore, the detection part 10 detects the contact of the index finger with the switch 6.

[0032] That is, the detection part 10 detects the contact of the user's finger with the switch 6 as an instruction to eject steam issued by the user. When the detection part 10 detects that the user's finger touches the switch 6, the steam ejector 1 recognizes that an instruction to eject steam has been input.

[0033] In this way, the user can make the steam ejector 1 eject steam. By arranging the switch 6 to be operable with a finger different from the finger that holds the grip part 5, the user can easily operate the steam ejector 1.

[0034] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of the steam ejector 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in Figure 3As shown, the steam ejector 1 includes an ejection part 3, a switch 6, a detection part 10, a vaporization chamber 11, a heater 12, a temperature sensor 13, a tank 14, a pump 15, and a control part 16.

[0035] The pump 15 is used to supply the water stored in the tank 14 to the vaporization chamber 11. The vaporization chamber 11 vaporizes the supplied water by heating with the heater 12 to generate steam. The ejection part 3 ejects this steam. The temperature sensor 13 detects the temperature of the vaporization chamber 11. The control part 16 receives information from the detection part 10 and the temperature sensor 13 and controls the heater 12 and the pump 15.

[0036] When the power supply of the steam ejector 1 is turned on, the control part 16 starts heating the vaporization chamber 11 with the heater 12. Based on the information from the temperature sensor 13, the control part 16 causes the heater 12 to heat the vaporization chamber 11 to a temperature at which the water supplied to the vaporization chamber 11 is instantaneously vaporized to generate steam.

[0037] When the switch 6 is turned on, the control part 16 drives the pump 15 to supply water from the tank 14 to the vaporization chamber 11. The water supplied to the vaporization chamber 11 is vaporized into steam, and this steam is ejected from the ejection part 3. When the switch 6 is turned off, the control part 16 stops the pump 15 to stop supplying water from the tank 14 to the vaporization chamber 11.

[0038] When the switch 6 is turned on, it means that the detection part 10 detects the contact of the user's index finger with the switch 6. When the switch 6 is turned off, it means that the detection part 10 does not detect the contact of the user's index finger with the switch 6. That is, steam is ejected from the ejection part 3 while the user is touching the switch 6, and steam is not ejected from the ejection part 3 while the user is not touching the switch 6.

[0039] As another method, for example, the detection part 10 can also be a contact sensor that detects the contact of a part of the user's body, an electrostatic sensor that detects a change in electrostatic capacitance. The detection part 10 can also be a pressure sensor that detects a change in the pressing of the switch 6, a temperature sensor that detects a change in the temperature of the switch 6.

[0040] The detection part 10 can also be a blood flow sensor that detects the blood flow in the finger touching the switch 6 by light or ultrasonic waves, etc. The detection part 10 can also be a sensor that detects the movement of a part of the user's body. The detection part 10 can also be a vibration sensor that detects vibration, an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration, or a magnetic sensor that detects magnetism.

[0041] According to the present embodiment, the user can cause the steam to continuously eject only by contacting the switch 6 without deforming the switch 6 or displacing the switch 6 relative to the handle 4. Thus, even when the steam is ejected for a long time, the burden on the user can be reduced. As a result, the convenience of the user of the steam ejector 1 can be improved.

[0042] According to the present embodiment, the steam ejector 1 can eject steam only by contacting the switch 6. However, there may be a situation where the steam is ejected due to the user accidentally contacting the switch 6. Therefore, in the steam ejector 1, the switch 6 is configured to be visually distinguishable from the other parts of the handle 4 except the switch 6.

[0043] For example, the switch 6 may be configured to have a different color, pattern, design, shape, height, etc. from the parts around the switch 6 of the handle 4. The switch 6 may also be provided with a light-emitting diode or the like. Thus, the user can easily identify the part that should be contacted to eject the steam, and the situation where the user accidentally contacts the switch 6 and causes the steam to be ejected can be suppressed.

[0044] In the steam ejector 1, the switch 6 is configured to be at least partially separated from the surroundings. Thus, it is possible to suppress the steam from being ejected due to the fingers or the like holding the holding part 5 accidentally contacting the switch 6.

[0045] Figure 4 and Figure 5 FIGS. show the structure near the switch 6 of the steam ejector 1 according to the present embodiment. Figure 4 is a side view showing the structure near the switch 6. Figure 5 is a bottom view showing the structure of the lower surface of the handle 4.

[0046] As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the steam ejector 1 has a convex portion 7 disposed between the switch 6 and the holding part 5 and protruding from the surfaces of the switch 6 and the holding part 5. That is, when the steam ejector 1 is placed on the bracket 8 (refer to Figure 1 ), the convex portion 7 is located at a position lower than the surfaces of the switch 6 and the holding part 5. By physically separating the switch 6 from the holding part 5 in this way, it is possible to suppress the fingers holding the holding part 5 from accidentally contacting the switch 6 and causing the steam to be ejected.

[0047] The width of the switch 6 may also be wider than the width of the holding part 5. In this case, it is easy for the fingers to contact the switch 6, and it is easy to eject the steam onto the clothing while changing the direction of the steam. In addition, the width refers to the dimension in the direction perpendicular to the front-back direction and the up-down direction of the housing 2.

[0048] The width of the switch 6 may also be narrower than the width of the gripping portion 5. In this case, the index finger can be separated from the switch 6 simply by gently spreading the index finger, facilitating the operation of the switch 6. The width of the switch 6 (operating portion) is preferably 50% or less of the width of the handle 4, and more preferably 20% or less.

[0049] Figure 6 FIG. is a side view showing another example of the structure near the switch 6. In Figure 6 the example shown, the steam ejector 1 has a recess 17 disposed between the switch 6 and the gripping portion 5 and recessed upward from the surfaces of the switch 6 and the gripping portion 5. That is, when the steam ejector 1 is placed on the bracket 8, the recess 17 is located above the surfaces of the switch 6 and the gripping portion 5. By physically separating the switch 6 from the gripping portion 5 in this way, it is possible to prevent the finger holding the gripping portion 5 from accidentally contacting the switch 6 and causing steam to be ejected.

[0050] Figure 7 FIG. is a side view showing another example of the structure near the switch 6. In Figure 7 the example shown, a height difference is provided on the lower surface of the handle 4 so that the surface of the switch 6 is located above the surface of the gripping portion 5. Figure 8 FIG. is a side view showing another example of the structure near the switch 6. In Figure 8 the example shown, a height difference is provided on the lower surface of the handle 4 so that the surface of the switch 6 is located below the surface of the gripping portion 5.

[0051] By physically separating the switch 6 from the gripping portion 5 as shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 it is possible to prevent the finger holding the gripping portion 5 from accidentally contacting the switch 6 and causing steam to be ejected.

[0052] Figure 9 FIG. is a side view showing another example of the structure near the switch 6. In Figure 9 the example shown, the switch 6 ( Figure 9 the hatched portion) is disposed at the front of the handle 4 so as to be separated from the gripping portion 5. The handle 4 configured in this way can be contacted by the thumb or index finger when the user grips the handle 4. The detection portion 10 is disposed inside the housing 2 at a portion corresponding to the switch 6 of the housing 2.

[0053] By physically separating the switch 6 from the gripping portion 5 as shown in Figure 9 it is possible to prevent the finger holding the gripping portion 5 from accidentally contacting the switch 6 and causing steam to be ejected.

[0054] Figure 10 FIG. is a side view showing another example of the structure near the switch 6. In Figure 10In the example shown, the switch 6 is disposed in a manner separated from the gripping portion 5 at a portion of the housing 2 facing the handle 4. The handle 4 configured in this way can be touched by the index finger when the user grips the handle 4.

[0055] By physically separating the switch 6 from the gripping portion 5 as shown Figure 10 it is possible to prevent the fingers gripping the gripping portion 5 from accidentally touching the switch 6 and causing steam to be ejected.

[0056] The steam ejector 1 may also include convex portions, concave portions, height differences, ribs, partition walls, etc. disposed at the boundary around the switch 6 and the switch 6. It may also be configured such that the surface of the switch 6 and the surface of the gripping portion 5 are not smoothly continuous. The switch 6 may also have a shape such as a rod.

[0057] The steam ejector 1 may also have a placement portion at a portion different from the switch 6 for placing these fingers when the index finger or thumb does not touch the switch 6. For example, a concave portion for placing the index finger may be provided at a portion of the housing 2 facing the switch 6. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the index finger from accidentally touching the switch 6 and causing steam to be ejected.

[0058] Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 are a perspective view, a side view, and a top view respectively showing a structural example of the detection unit 10. As Figures 11 to 13 shown, the detection unit 10 includes an electrode 20 and a helical spring 21. The helical spring 21 is an example of a conductive flexible member. The electrode 20 and the helical spring 21 are mechanically fixed to each other and electrically connected by spot welding or welding or the like.

[0059] The helical spring 21 is electrically connected to a capacitance sensor (not shown) disposed inside the housing 2 to transfer the capacitance generated in the electrode 20 to the capacitance sensor. Alternatively, the helical spring 21 may be electrically connected to the control unit 16 to transfer the capacitance generated in the electrode 20 to the control unit 16. The electrode 20 has an area equal to or slightly smaller than the surface of the switch 6.

[0060] The helical spring 21 applies a force to the electrode 20 to cause the electrode 20 to abut against the switch 6, thereby holding the electrode 20 substantially parallel to the surface of the switch 6. Thereby, the directivity of the detection unit 10 can be improved, and the change in capacitance can be detected only when the user's finger touches the switch 6.

[0061] Further, the switch 6 can be electrically separated from the periphery of the switch 6, and the periphery of the switch 6 can be grounded. Thereby, it is possible to further suppress the detection unit 10 from erroneously detecting the contact of the finger with the grip portion 5 of the handle 4 and the portion around the switch 6 as the contact of the switch 6. In addition, according to the above-described structure having the capacitive sensor, the detection unit 10 can be easily installed.

[0062] In the above structure, the electrode 20 abuts on the switch 6. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Regardless of whether the electrode 20 abuts on the switch 6 or not, it is only necessary to dispose the electrode 20 near the switch 6 and keep it substantially parallel to the surface of the switch 6.

[0063] The switch 6 and the portions of the handle 4 other than the switch 6, such as the grip portion 5, are formed of separate members. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the detection unit 10 from erroneously detecting the contact of the finger gripping the grip portion 5.

[0064] In this way, in the steam ejector 1 according to the present embodiment, the portion (switch 6) that should detect the contact of the user's finger or the like is electrically separated from the portion (around the switch 6) that should not be detected. Thereby, it is possible to suppress false detection and improve the convenience for the user. In addition, the safety of the steam ejector 1 can be improved.

[0065] The control unit 16 is composed of a processor and a semiconductor memory mounted on a printed circuit board (not shown) disposed in the handle 4. The control unit 16 may start ejecting steam when the time when the detection unit 10 detects an instruction to eject steam by the user is longer than a predetermined time. In this case, even if the user erroneously gives such an instruction, as long as the input of the instruction ends within a time shorter than the predetermined time, the control unit 16 can refrain from ejecting steam. Thereby, the convenience for the user can be improved.

[0066] In a structure in which a plurality of switches 6 and a plurality of detection units 10 are arranged, the control unit 16 may start ejecting steam when two or more detection units 10 simultaneously detect the contact of the user's finger. In this case, even if a certain finger of the user erroneously contacts any switch 6, if the other fingers of the user do not contact other switches 6, the control unit 16 does not need to start ejecting steam. Thereby, the convenience for the user can be improved.

[0067] [1-2. Operation]

[0068] The operation and function of the steam ejector 1 configured as described above will be described.

[0069] When the power supply of the steam ejector 1 is turned on, the control unit 16 causes the heater 12 to heat the vaporization chamber 11. The control unit 16 raises the temperature of the vaporization chamber 11 so that the water supplied to the vaporization chamber 11 is instantaneously vaporized to generate steam.

[0070] When the user holds the handle 4 to direct the ejection part 3 toward the clothing 9 and touches the switch 6 to eject steam, the steam ejector 1 ejects steam from the ejection part 3. When the switch 6 is turned on, the control unit 16 drives the pump 15 to supply water from the tank 14 to the vaporization chamber 11. The water introduced into the vaporization chamber 11 vaporizes into steam, and this steam is ejected from the ejection part 3.

[0071] When the switch 6 is turned off, the control unit 16 stops the pump 15 to stop supplying water from the tank 14 to the vaporization chamber 11. Thereby, the steam ejector 1 does not eject steam from the ejection part 3.

[0072] [1-3. Effects, etc.]

[0073] As described above, the steam ejector 1 according to the present embodiment includes an ejection part 3, a handle 4, a switch 6, a detection part 10, and a control unit 16. The ejection part 3 ejects steam. The handle 4 is a part for the user to hold. The switch 6 is an operation part for the user to input an instruction to eject steam. The detection part 10 detects the user's instruction to the switch 6.

[0074] When the detection part 10 detects the user's instruction, the control unit 16 causes the ejection part 3 to eject steam, and when the detection part 10 does not detect the user's instruction, the control unit 16 does not cause the ejection part 3 to eject steam. The detection part 10 is configured to be able to detect the user's instruction without the switch 6 being deformed and without the switch 6 being displaced relative to the handle 4.

[0075] According to this mode, the user can eject steam only by contacting the switch 6 without deforming the switch 6 or displacing the switch 6 relative to the handle 4. In addition, according to this mode, even when steam is ejected for a long time, the burden on the user can be reduced. Thereby, the convenience for the user of the steam ejector 1 can be improved.

[0076] In the present embodiment, the detection part 10 detects the contact of the user's finger with the switch 6. Thereby, the user can easily eject steam.

[0077] In the present embodiment, the handle 4 has a gripping part that the user's finger touches when the user holds the handle 4. The switch 6 is arranged so that a finger of the user different from the finger that touches the gripping part 5 can contact it. Thereby, the user can easily eject or stop the steam.

[0078] In the present embodiment, it may also be configured such that it is possible to visually distinguish the switch 6 from the other parts of the handle 4. Thereby, the user can easily distinguish the switch 6, and the user can be prevented from accidentally contacting the switch 6.

[0079] In the present embodiment, the switch 6 and its surroundings are preferably electrically separated. Thereby, false detection can be suppressed.

[0080] In the present embodiment, as an example, the detection unit 10 includes an electrode 20 disposed near the switch 6 and a helical spring 21 (conductive flexible member) that electrically connects the electrode 20 to the control unit 16. Thereby, false detection can be suppressed.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the electrode 20 and the helical spring 21 are preferably mechanically fixed to each other. Thereby, false detection can be suppressed.

[0082] In the present embodiment, the surroundings of the switch 6 are preferably grounded. Thereby, false detection can be suppressed.

[0083] In the present embodiment, the switch 6 and the portion of the handle 4 other than the switch 6 may also be formed of different members. Thereby, false detection can be suppressed.

[0084] In the present embodiment, the switch 6 and the portion of the handle 4 other than the switch 6 may also be physically separated. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally touching the switch 6.

[0085] In the present embodiment, the switch 6 may also be disposed close to the gripping portion 5 of the handle 4. A convex portion 7, a concave portion 17, a height difference, or a partition wall may also be provided between the switch 6 and the gripping portion 5. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally touching the switch 6.

[0086] In the present embodiment, the switch 6 may also be disposed separately from the gripping portion 5 of the handle 4. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally touching the switch 6.

[0087] In the present embodiment, the control unit 16 may also cause the ejection unit 3 to eject steam when the time at which the detection unit 10 detects an instruction from the user is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. Thereby, unintentional steam ejection can be suppressed.

[0088] In the present embodiment, the steam ejector 1 may also include a plurality of detection units 10 each being the above-described detection unit 10. The control unit 16 causes the ejection unit 3 to eject steam when two or more of the plurality of detection units 10 detect an instruction from the user. Thereby, unintentional steam ejection can be suppressed.

[0089] In the present embodiment, a placement unit may also be provided for placing the finger for inputting the instruction when the finger of the user for inputting the instruction by contacting the switch 6 is not in contact with the switch 6. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally touching the switch 6.

[0090] (Other Embodiments)

[0091] As described above, as an example of the technology related to the present disclosure, the above-described embodiments have been described. However, the technology related to the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and can also be applied to similar embodiments obtained by changing, replacing, adding, omitting, etc. of the respective components of the above-described embodiments.

[0092] Figure 14 The structure of the steam ejector 1 according to another embodiment is shown. As Figure 14 shown, the steam ejector 1 includes a housing 2, an ejection portion 3, and a handle 4. The handle 4 includes a grip portion 5 and a switch 6. The switch 6 may be arranged on both side surfaces (hatched portions) of the upper part of the housing 2 in the same manner as the switch 6 shown by the hatching in Figure 9 .

[0093] The detection portion 10 is arranged inside the housing 2 at a portion corresponding to the switch 6 of the housing 2. The recess 17 is arranged between the grip portion 5 and the switch 6. A placement portion 19 is provided above the switch 6, and the placement portion 19 is used to place the finger for inputting the instruction when the finger of the user for inputting the instruction by contacting the switch 6 does not contact the switch 6. The user holds the handle 4 by holding the grip portion 5 with the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger, and operates the switch 6 with the thumb or index finger. Other structures and operations are the same as those of the steam ejector 1 of the above-described embodiment shown in Figure 1 .

[0094] In Figure 14 the shown steam ejector 1, the user can also cause the steam to continuously eject only by contacting the switch 6 without deforming the switch 6 or displacing the switch 6 relative to the grip portion 5. Thus, even when the steam is ejected for a long time, the burden on the user can be reduced. As a result, the convenience of the user of the steam ejector 1 can be improved.

[0095] In Figure 14 the shown steam ejector 1, it is also configured such that the switch 6 and the portion of the handle 4 other than the switch 6 can be visually distinguished. Thus, the user can be prevented from erroneously contacting the switch 6.

[0096] Figure 14 The shown steam ejector 1 includes a recess 17 arranged between the switch 6 and the grip portion 5. Thus, the user can be prevented from erroneously contacting the switch 6.

[0097] (Supplementary Note)

[0098] In the present disclosure, the following technology is disclosed by the description of the above embodiments.

[0099] (Technology 1)

[0100] The steam ejector related to Technology 1 includes:

[0101] A jetting part capable of jetting steam;

[0102] A handle for a user to hold;

[0103] An operation part for the user to input an instruction to jet steam;

[0104] A detection part capable of detecting the instruction for the operation part; and

[0105] A control part configured to cause the jetting part to jet the steam when the detection part detects the instruction, and not to cause the jetting part to jet the steam when the detection part does not detect the instruction.

[0106] The detection part is configured to detect the instruction without deformation of the operation part and displacement of the operation part relative to the handle.

[0107] Thus, the user can continuously jet steam only by contacting the switch 6 without deforming the switch 6 or displacing the switch 6 relative to the handle 4. Thus, even when jetting steam for a long time, the burden on the user can be reduced. As a result, the convenience for the user of the steam jetting device 1 can be improved.

[0108] (Technology 2)

[0109] In the steam jetting device related to Technology 2, in addition to the structure related to Technology 1, the detection part can detect the contact of the user's finger with the operation part.

[0110] Thus, the user can easily jet steam, so the convenience for the user can be improved.

[0111] (Technology 3)

[0112] In the steam jetting device related to Technology 3, in addition to the structure related to Technology 2,

[0113] The handle has a holding part that is touched by the user's finger when the user holds the handle.

[0114] The operation part is arranged at a position where a finger of the user different from the finger touching the holding part can contact.

[0115] Thus, the user can easily jet steam, so the convenience for the user can be improved.

[0116] (Technology 4)

[0117] In the steam ejector according to Technology 4, in addition to the structure according to any one of Technologies 1 to 3, the operation part and the part of the handle other than the operation part are visually distinguishable.

[0118] Thus, the user can easily distinguish the switch 6, and thus it is possible to suppress accidental contact with the switch 6.

[0119] (Technology 5)

[0120] In the steam ejector according to Technology 5, in addition to the structure according to any one of Technologies 1 to 4, the operation part and the surroundings other than the operation part are electrically separated.

[0121] Thus, false detection can be suppressed.

[0122] (Technology 6)

[0123] In the steam ejector according to Technology 6, in addition to the structure according to Technology 5, the detection part includes an electrode arranged near the operation part and a conductive flexible member electrically connecting the electrode to the control part.

[0124] Thus, false detection can be suppressed.

[0125] (Technology 7)

[0126] In the steam ejector according to Technology 7, in addition to the structure according to Technology 6, the electrode and the conductive flexible member are mechanically fixed to each other.

[0127] Thus, false detection can be suppressed.

[0128] (Technology 8)

[0129] In the steam ejector according to Technology 8, in addition to the structure according to any one of Technologies 5 to 7, the surroundings of the operation part are grounded.

[0130] Thus, false detection can be suppressed.

[0131] (Technology 9)

[0132] In the steam ejector according to Technology 9, in addition to the structure according to any one of Technologies 5 to 8, the operation part and the part of the handle other than the operation part are made of different members.

[0133] Thus, false detection can be suppressed.

[0134] (Technology 10)

[0135] In the steam ejector related to Technology 10, except for the structure related to any one of Technologies 1 to 9, the operation part and the part of the handle other than the operation part are physically separated.

[0136] Thereby, it is possible to suppress accidental contact with the switch 6.

[0137] (Technology 11)

[0138] In the steam ejector related to Technology 11, except for the structure related to Technology 10,

[0139] the operation part is arranged close to the gripping part of the handle.

[0140] A convex part, a concave part, a height difference or a partition wall is provided between the operation part and the gripping part.

[0141] Thereby, it is possible to suppress accidental contact with the switch 6.

[0142] (Technology 12)

[0143] In the steam ejector related to Technology 12, except for the structure related to Technology 10, the operation part and the gripping part of the handle are arranged separately from the ground.

[0144] Thereby, it is possible to suppress accidental contact with the switch 6.

[0145] (Technology 13)

[0146] In the steam ejector related to Technology 13, except for the structure related to any one of Technologies 1 to 12, when the detection part detects that the time of the indication is longer than a specified time, the control part causes the ejection part to eject steam.

[0147] Thereby, it is possible to suppress the accidental ejection of steam.

[0148] (Technology 14)

[0149] In the steam ejector related to Technology 14, except for the structure related to any one of Technologies 1 to 13,

[0150] a plurality of detection parts each serving as the detection part are provided.

[0151] When two or more of the plurality of detection parts detect the indication, the control part causes the ejection part to eject steam.

[0152] Thereby, it is possible to suppress the accidental ejection of steam.

[0153] (Technology 15)

[0154] In the steam ejector related to Technology 15, in addition to the structure related to any one of Technologies 1 to 14, it further includes a placement portion for placing the finger for inputting the instruction when the finger of the user for inputting the instruction by contacting the operation portion does not contact the operation portion.

[0155] Thereby, it is possible to suppress erroneous contact with the switch 6.

[0156] The present disclosure can be applied to a clothing care device for caring for clothing.

Claims

1. A steam ejector, comprising: An ejection part capable of ejecting steam; A handle configured to be held by a user; An operation part configured to receive an instruction from the user to eject steam; A detection part capable of detecting the instruction for the operation part; and A control part configured to cause the ejection part to eject the steam when the detection part detects the instruction, and not to cause the ejection part to eject the steam when the detection part does not detect the instruction, Among them, The detection part is configured to be able to detect the instruction without the operation part being deformed and without the operation part being displaced relative to the handle.

2. The steam ejector according to claim 1, wherein The detection part can detect contact of the user's finger with the operation part.

3. The steam ejector according to claim 2, wherein The handle has a gripping part that is touched by the user's finger when the user holds the handle, The operation part is arranged at a position where a finger of the user different from the finger touching the gripping part can contact.

4. The steam ejector according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The operation part and the part of the handle other than the operation part are configured to be visually distinguishable.

5. The steam ejector according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The operation part and its surroundings are electrically separated.

6. The steam ejector according to claim 5, wherein The detection part includes an electrode arranged near the operation part and a conductive flexible member that electrically connects the electrode to the control part.

7. The steam ejector according to claim 6, wherein The electrode and the conductive flexible member are mechanically fixed to each other.

8. The steam ejector according to claim 5, wherein The surroundings of the operation part are grounded.

9. The steam ejector according to claim 5, wherein The operation part and the part of the handle other than the operation part are composed of different components.

10. The steam ejector according to claim 3, wherein The operation part and the part of the handle other than the operation part are physically separated.

11. The steam ejector according to claim 10, wherein The operation part is arranged near the gripping part of the handle, A convex part, a concave part, a height difference or a partition wall is provided between the operation part and the gripping part.

12. The steam ejector according to claim 10, wherein The operation part and the gripping part of the handle are arranged at a distance from the ground.

13. The steam ejector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The control part causes the ejection part to eject steam when the time when the detection part detects the instruction is equal to or more than a specified time.

14. The steam ejector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein It further includes a plurality of detection parts each serving as the detection part, The control part causes the ejection part to eject steam when two or more of the plurality of detection parts detect the instruction.

15. The steam ejector according to claim 2 or 3, wherein It also has a placement part, and the placement part is configured to place the finger for inputting the instruction when the finger of the user for inputting the instruction by contacting the operation part does not contact the operation part.

Images