Steam generator

Abstract

[Problem] The objective is to provide a steam generator that can determine the timing of steam use differently depending on whether it is intended to be used with a wire or wirelessly. [Solution] The steam generator of the present invention is a steam generator (1) that can be used with a wired connection to a commercial power source and also can be used wirelessly without a commercial power source. It includes: a first determination mechanism that determines whether it is intended to be used with a wired connection or wirelessly; and a control device (39) that performs control related to steam emission; the control device (39) performs different controls based on the determination result of the first determination mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a steam generator that sprays steam onto fibrous products such as clothing to flatten and smooth out wrinkles. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a steam generator was proposed that could be used in the following ways: by connecting a plug unit to the steam generator body and using it while powered by a wire; or by using it wirelessly without supplying external commercial power after powering the steam generator body to drive the heater to heat the base and generate steam (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the steam generator described in Patent Document 1, when a plug unit (see reference numeral "2" in reference document 1) is connected to the steam generator body (see reference numeral "1" in reference document 1), external commercial power is supplied to drive the heater (see reference numeral "6" in reference document 1). When the base (see reference numeral "7" in reference document 1) containing the vaporization chamber (see reference numeral "11" in reference document 1) reaches the set temperature, it is determined that steam can be ejected in both wired and wireless ways, and the steam generator is used. The temperature indicator light (see reference numeral "38" in reference document 1) is lit to notify the user that it is ready for use.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-115371 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] Although not described in Patent Document 1, for wireless steam generators, in order to ensure that the time available for wireless steam emission is sufficient, a lot of heat-retaining materials are used in the base (see reference numeral "7" in Prior Art Document 1). Because the base (see reference numeral "7" in Prior Art Document 1) needs to be sufficiently heated, the heating time is longer. On the other hand, in the case of corded use, since power is continuously supplied to the steam generator body, the base (see reference numeral "7" in Prior Art Document 1) can be heated while using the steam generator. Once the base (see reference numeral "7" in Prior Art Document 1) reaches a temperature sufficient to emit steam at a minimum, steam can be emitted and used in a shorter time compared to the wireless case. However, regardless of whether it is corded or wireless, the starting temperature of the base (see reference numeral "7" in Prior Art Document 1) is set to be the same, and the user must wait the same amount of time in the case of corded use as in the case of wireless use.

[0009] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a steam generator that can determine the timing of steam use differently in the case of intended use with a wire and in the case of intended use without a wire.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] The steam generator of the present invention is a steam generator that can be used in a wired manner connected to a commercial power source and in a wireless manner not connected to a commercial power source. It is characterized by comprising: a first determination mechanism that determines whether it is intended to be used in the wired manner or in the wireless manner; and a control mechanism that performs control related to steam ejection; the control mechanism performs different controls based on the determination result of the first determination mechanism.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to the steam generator of the present invention, when the user performs a predetermined wired operation, the waiting time until steam can be used can be shortened compared to the case of wireless operation. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a steam generator, plug unit, and mounting platform according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the top front.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a front view of the steam generator, plug unit, and mounting platform of this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3This is a perspective view of the steam generator, plug unit, and mounting platform from the right side, with the switching lever in the lower position according to this embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the steam generator, plug unit, and mounting platform from the right side, with the switching lever in the upper position according to this embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the steam generator, plug unit, and mounting platform with the switching lever moved to the lower side in this embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the steam generator, plug unit, and mounting platform with the switching lever moved to the upper side in this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the steam generator of this embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the plug unit and the mounting platform of this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing the temperature change of the vaporization chamber and the on / off state of the heater in this embodiment.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0024] 1 Steam generator

[0025] 2-plug unit

[0026] 4 body

[0027] 9. Outer shell (outer contour)

[0028] 11. Heater (Heating Mechanism)

[0029] 16 Vaporization Chambers

[0030] 20 Temperature Testing Agencies

[0031] 39. Control device (control mechanism)

[0032] 44 Switching lever (switching operation unit)

[0033] 49. Pushbutton switch (detection mechanism)

[0034] H1 Notification Temperature (Specified Temperature)

[0035] H2 Notification Temperature (Specified Temperature)

[0036] T1 Notification Time (Specified Time)

[0037] T2 Notification Time (Specified Time) Detailed Implementation

[0038] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the steam generator of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the structures described below are not necessarily all essential features of the present invention.

[0039] Figures 1-9 An embodiment of the present invention is shown, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the steam generator 1 includes a plug unit 2 for supplying power to the steam generator 1 and a mounting platform 3 for mounting the steam generator 1. The plug unit 2 is detachable from both the steam generator 1 and the mounting platform 3.

[0040] The steam generator 1 has a body 4 and a handle 5 integrally formed with the body 4. The body 4 and the handle 5 are connected by a front connecting part 6 and a rear connecting part 7. Therefore, the steam generator 1 is a so-called closed handle type where the rear side of the handle 5 is connected to the body 4, and a gripping space 8 that is approximately elliptical in shape when viewed from the side is formed between the body 4 and the handle 5. Furthermore, the body 4, handle 5, front connecting part 6, and rear connecting part 7 are integrated into the outer shell 9, which forms the outer contour, and there are no clearly defined boundaries.

[0041] like Figures 5-7 As shown, the main body 4 has a metal base 12 at its lower part, in which a heater 11, serving as a heating mechanism, is embedded. The base 12 has a structure in which a base plate 14, constituting an ironing surface component, is formed on the bottom surface of a base base 13 formed by die casting. The base 12 is tightly fixed to the base base 13 by fastening members 15 fixed to the base plate 14. A vaporization chamber 16 is formed inside the base 12 near the heater 11, and a plurality of steam holes 17 communicating with the vaporization chamber 16 are formed on the base plate 14, which forms the lower surface of the base 12. In addition, the base 12 has a metal plate-shaped steam cover 18, which forms the upper surface of the vaporization chamber 16 by being mounted and fixed to the base base 13.

[0042] A temperature detection mechanism 20 is installed in the vaporization chamber 16. When the power switch 19 is turned on, the temperature detection mechanism 20 detects the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 and controls the power supply to the heater 11 accordingly. Through this control, the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 is maintained at approximately 160°C. Furthermore, the set temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 can be set to a temperature other than 160°C, or it can be set to a temperature that the user can arbitrarily select from multiple temperatures such as high: 180°C, medium: 160°C, and low: 120°C.

[0043] From the interior of the front connecting part 6 to the interior of the main body 4 located below the holding space part 8, a can assembly 21 corresponding to a liquid storage can is provided. The can assembly 21 is composed of a can cover 22 and a can base 23, both made of resin. The can base 23 is fixed by mounting it in a manner that covers the bottom opening of the can cover 22, thereby forming a liquid storage space 24 inside the can assembly 21.

[0044] A water inlet 25 is provided on the front connecting part 6, which is directly connected to the storage space 24. A water inlet cover 26 that can be manually opened and closed is provided on the water inlet 25. By raising the water inlet cover 26 towards the front, the water inlet 25 can be opened, and water as liquid can be added into the tank assembly 21 (storage space 24) from here, or unwanted water in the tank assembly 21 (storage space 24) can be discarded.

[0045] On the lower front part of the handle 5 (below the power switch 19), there is a steam button 27 serving as the first operation unit. Pressing the steam button 27 once will continuously spray steam from the steam hole 17 for a certain period of time (e.g., 60 seconds). If the steam button 27 is pressed again during the steam spraying process, it switches to spray mode, spraying an increased amount of steam from the steam hole 17. Moreover, if the steam button 27 is pressed again, the steam spraying stops. In addition, on the upper front part of the handle 5 (in front of the power switch 19), there is a jet button 28 serving as the second operation unit. If the jet button 28 is pressed, steam will be sprayed from the steam hole 17 momentarily (e.g., 2 seconds), and the instantaneous steam spray volume is in the order of jet > spray > steam.

[0046] Inside the main body 4 and the rear connecting part 7, an electromagnetic pump 29 is provided to supply water stored in the storage space 24 of the tank assembly 21 to the vaporization chamber 16. Since the steam generator 1 of this embodiment is a so-called closed handle type, the electromagnetic pump 29 is arranged at an angle to effectively utilize the internal space of the rear connecting part 7 while avoiding the switching lever 44 and push-button switch 49 described later. The electromagnetic pump 29 is provided with a suction pipe (not shown) communicating with the storage space 24 and a discharge pipe 30 communicating with the vaporization chamber 16. When the electromagnetic pump 29 is driven, water is drawn in through the suction pipe and discharged into the vaporization chamber 16 through the discharge pipe 30. Therefore, regardless of the orientation in which the steam generator 1 is used, water stored in the storage space 24 can be supplied to the vaporization chamber 16.

[0047] When the user uses the steam function, they press the steam button 27 with their finger while holding the handle 5. Pressing the steam button 27 sends a control signal to the control device 39 (described later) to control the drive of the electromagnetic pump 29, and a predetermined amount of water is delivered from the storage space 24 of the tank assembly 21 to the vaporization chamber 16. The water flowing into the vaporization chamber 16 vaporizes and is ejected as steam from the steam hole 17.

[0048] When the user uses the spray function, it is the same as when using the steam function. If the user presses the spray button 28 with their finger while holding the handle 5, a predetermined amount of water is sent from the storage space 24 of the can assembly 21 to the vaporization chamber 16. The water flowing into the vaporization chamber 16 vaporizes and is sprayed out from the steam hole 17 as a spray.

[0049] When the user uses the drying function, since the steam button 27 and the jet button 28 are not pressed, the control device 39 does not send a control signal to the electromagnetic pump 29. Therefore, the steam generator 1 can be used as a dry steam generator that does not emit steam (spray, jet) from the steam port 17.

[0050] A base plate 38 is disposed inside the front part of the handle 5. The base plate 38 is equipped with a power switch 19, a steam button 27, a jet button 28, and an indicator light 36, which serves as a notification unit, disposed in front of the power switch 19. In addition, a control device 39, which serves as a control mechanism, is disposed on the base plate 38 to control the heater 11, the temperature detection mechanism 20, the electromagnetic pump 29, and the indicator light 36.

[0051] In addition to external commercial power from plug unit 2, the substrate 38 is also equipped with an energy storage device 41 with energy storage function and a power supply circuit (not shown) that receives power from the energy storage device 41 and outputs appropriate operating power to various parts of the steam generator 1.

[0052] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a concave plug receiving portion 42 for receiving power is provided at the rear of the main body 4. The plug receiving portion 42 is provided with a pair of left and right power receiving terminals 43 that can be electrically connected to the power supply terminals 53 of the plug unit 2.

[0053] Above the plug receiving portion 42 of the outer casing 9 of the main body 4, a switching lever 44 is provided as a switching operation part, which locks the plug unit 2 into the plug receiving portion 42 so that it cannot be disassembled. The switching lever 44 is integrally provided with a pair of left and right anti-disengagement claws 45 and a button pressing portion 46. The switching lever 44 is arranged in a way that allows it to slide up and down. When the plug unit 2 is engaged in the plug receiving portion 42, if the switching lever 44 is pressed downward, the anti-disengagement claws 45 protrude from the protruding holes 48 formed in the upper wall portion 47 of the plug receiving portion 42 and are inserted into the claw insertion holes 55 described later.

[0054] Inside the main body 4, a push-button switch 49 serving as a detection mechanism is provided at the front portion of the switching lever 44. When the switching lever 44 is moved downwards, the push-button switch 49 is pressed by the button pressing part 46, and the contacts (not shown) inside the push-button switch 49 close. Conversely, when the switching lever 44 is moved upwards, the button pressing part 46 separates from the push-button switch 49, and the contacts open. The push-button switch 49 is electrically connected to the control device 39. The first determination mechanism of the control device 39 determines that the device is in a wired state when the contacts are closed and in a wireless state when the contacts are open. Alternatively, a switch other than the push-button switch 49 can be used as the detection mechanism, as long as it can detect whether the switching lever 44 is in the upper or lower position.

[0055] In this embodiment, the switching lever 44 is disposed on the outer casing 9 of the main body 4. However, it can also be configured such that the switching lever 44 is disposed on the plug unit 2, and the anti-disengagement claw 45 is inserted into the interior of the main body 4 by operating the switching lever 44, thereby securing the plug unit 2 in a manner that prevents it from detaching from the steam generator 1. During this operation, the push-button switch 49 is pressed by the pressing part 46, and the contacts are closed. Alternatively, by operating the switching lever 44, the anti-disengagement claw 45 is positioned to be accommodated inside the plug unit 2, disengaging the steam generator 1 from the plug unit 2, and separating the pressing part 46 from the push-button switch 49.

[0056] like Figure 8 As shown, the plug unit 2 has a flexible power cord 51, a power plug 52 provided at the base of the power cord 51, and a power plug (not shown) that can be plugged into or unplugged relative to a household socket provided at the front end of the power cord 51.

[0057] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, a power supply terminal 53 is provided inside the power supply plug 52, which contacts the power receiving terminal 43 of the steam generator 1. In order to make contact between the power receiving terminal 43 and the power supply terminal 53, a pair of left and right power supply holes 54 are formed on the power supply plug 52 for the power receiving terminal 43 to pass through. In addition, a pair of left and right claw insertion holes 55 are formed on the upper surface of the power supply plug 52 for the anti-disengagement claw 45 of the switching lever 44 to be inserted.

[0058] like Figure 8 As shown, the mounting platform 3 includes a main body mounting portion 56 that is inclined to support the front of the steam generator 1 in an upward direction, a concave plug receiving portion 57 located behind the main body mounting portion 56, and a wire lead-out portion 58 located at the rear of the mounting platform 3 that leads the power cord 51 out of the mounting platform 3 when the power plug 52 is installed in the plug receiving portion 57. If the power plug 52 is inserted from the open front side of the plug receiving portion 57, the power plug 52 is engaged and held in the plug receiving portion 57. On the other hand, if the power plug 52 is pulled out from this state, the power plug 52 is disengaged from the plug receiving portion 57.

[0059] Next, the operation of the steam generator 1 will be described. The water inlet cap 26 of the steam generator 1 is opened and closed to fill the storage space 24 of the tank assembly 21 with a predetermined amount of water. Next, the power plug 52 of the plug unit 2 is fitted into the plug receiving portion 57 of the mounting platform 3, and the steam generator 1 is placed on the body mounting portion 56 of the mounting platform 3. At this time, the power plug 52 is inserted and fitted into the plug receiving portion 42, and the receiving terminal 43 contacts the power supply terminal 53. Then, by inserting the power plug into a household socket used as a commercial power source, commercial power is supplied to the steam generator 1 via the power plug 52.

[0060] When using the steam generator 1 with a cord, move the switching lever 44 downwards to insert the anti-detachment claw 45 into the claw insertion hole 55, securing the plug unit 2 in a way that prevents it from detaching from the steam generator 1. When using the steam generator 1 wirelessly, move the switching lever 44 upwards to retract the anti-detachment claw 45 into the body 4, and release the plug unit 2 by picking up the steam generator 1.

[0061] Before the power to the steam generator 1 is turned on by operating the power switch 19, the energy storage device 41 is automatically charged by commercial electricity. When the power to the steam generator 1 is turned on by operating the power switch 19, operating power is supplied from the power circuit to the control device 39, which then controls the operation of the heater 11, the temperature detection mechanism 20, and the indicator light 36. Specifically, when the power switch 19 is turned on, the heater 11 begins to operate, and the indicator light 36 flashes.

[0062] If the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 detected by the temperature detection mechanism 20 reaches the preset specified temperature, i.e., notification temperatures H1 and H2, the indicator light 36 will illuminate. After confirming that the indicator light 36 is illuminated, the user can hold the handle 5 and pick up the steam generator 1 from the platform 3 for use. Alternatively, it can be configured so that, in addition to using the indicator light 36 to notify when the notification temperatures H1 and H2 are reached, an audible notification is also used. Furthermore, the indicator light 36 can display different colors, instead of just flashing or illuminating.

[0063] In this embodiment, the steam generator 1 is set with different notification temperatures H1 and H2 for wired and wireless use. The notification temperature H2 is the set temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 (e.g., 160°C). If the user changes the set temperature (e.g., to low: 120°C, high: 180°C), the notification temperature H2 is also set to the same temperature.

[0064] If the steam generator 1 is placed on the mounting platform 3, and the power switch 19 is turned on when the steam generator 1 is powered, the heater 11 is driven by the control device 39, and the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 rises (refer to...). Figure 9 Furthermore, the first determination mechanism of the control device 39 determines whether the device is in a wired or wireless state based on the detection result of the push-button switch 49. Moreover, even when the power plug 52 of the plug unit 2 is engaged with the plug receiving portion 42 of the steam generator 1 but not with the plug receiving portion 57 of the mounting table 3, and the steam generator 1 is placed horizontally on an ironing table (not shown), the first determination mechanism still determines whether the device is in a wired or wireless state.

[0065] If the first determination mechanism determines that the device is in a live state, and the temperature detected by the temperature detection mechanism 20 is above the notification temperature H1, then the control device 39 drives the indicator light 36, and the indicator light 36 illuminates. After the user picks up the steam generator 1 from the platform 3 and begins use it, the plug unit 2 continues to supply power to the steam generator 1, so the heater 11 continues to operate, and the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 rises to the set temperature. After the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 reaches the set temperature, the control signal from the control device 39 controls the heater 11 to keep the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 close to the set temperature.

[0066] If the first determination mechanism determines that the device is in wireless mode, and the temperature detected by the temperature detection mechanism 20 is above the notification temperature H2 (set temperature), then the control device 39 drives the indicator light 36, and the indicator light 36 illuminates. If the user picks up the steam generator 1 from the stand 3 and begins use it, the steam generator 1 and the plug unit 2 become disconnected, and power supply to the steam generator 1 stops. Therefore, the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 decreases over time. Furthermore, in wireless use, the power switch 19, steam button 27, spray button 28, electromagnetic pump 29, and indicator light 36, other than the power-consuming heater 11, can be powered by the energy storage device 41 and operate in the same manner as in the wired case. If the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 falls below the notification temperature H1, the control device 39 drives the indicator light 36, and the indicator light 36 flashes to indicate the need for power. If the user places the steam generator 1 on the mounting platform 3 and connects the steam generator 1 to the plug unit 2, then power is supplied to the steam generator 1 again, and the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 rises through the drive of the heater 11.

[0067] The notification temperature H1 is lower than the set temperature. Therefore, in wired use, the time from the start of powering the steam generator 1, that is, the start of heating the vaporization chamber 16 with the heater 11, to the notification that steam can be emitted for use is shorter compared to wireless use.

[0068] In this embodiment, the notification is made using an indicator light 36 based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection mechanism 20, which indicates a notification temperature H1 or higher when used with a wired connection and a notification temperature H2 or higher when used wirelessly. However, it can also be configured such that the steam generator 1 has a timing mechanism (not shown) for measuring time. When used with a wired connection, the indicator light 36 is used to notify when a predetermined time, i.e., notification time T1, is reached from the start of power supply to the steam generator 1 (start of heating the vaporization chamber 16 using the heater 11). When used wirelessly, the indicator light 36 is used to notify when a predetermined time, i.e., notification time T2, is reached from the start of power supply to the steam generator 1 (start of heating the vaporization chamber 16 using the heater 11). In this case, notification time T1 is preset to the time when the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 becomes a notification temperature H1 or higher, and notification time T2 is preset to the time when the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 becomes a notification temperature H2 or higher. Figure 9 In this context, notification time T1 is represented as the time when the temperature of vaporization chamber 16 changes to notification temperature H1, and notification time T2 is represented as the time when the temperature of vaporization chamber 16 changes to notification temperature H2. Under the assumed ambient temperature of normal operation of steam generator 1, notification times T1 and T2 are set as the time when the temperature of vaporization chamber 16 reliably reaches notification temperatures H1 and H2.

[0069] As described above, the steam generator 1 of this embodiment can be used in a wired manner connected to a commercial power source, and can also be used wirelessly without being connected to a commercial power source. It includes: a first determination mechanism that determines whether wired or wireless use is predetermined; and a control device 39 that performs control related to steam emission; the control device 39 performs different controls based on the determination result of the first determination mechanism. Therefore, compared to the wireless state, the time (waiting time) before steam (spraying) can be used can be shortened in the wired state.

[0070] Furthermore, the steam generator 1 of this embodiment includes: a vaporization chamber 16 heated by a heater 11; a temperature detection mechanism 20 that detects the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16; and a second determination mechanism that determines whether steam can be ejected based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection mechanism 20; and changes the temperature at which the second determination mechanism determines whether steam can be ejected based on the determination result of the first determination mechanism. Therefore, the user can be notified in real time of the moment when steam (spraying, jetting) can be used using an indicator light 36 or the like.

[0071] Furthermore, the steam generator 1 of this embodiment includes: a vaporization chamber 16, which is heated by a heater 11; a timing mechanism that measures the time from the start of heating by the heater 11; and a third determination mechanism that determines whether steam can be ejected based on the time measured by the timing mechanism; and changes the time at which the third determination mechanism determines whether steam can be ejected based on the determination result of the first determination mechanism. Therefore, the time until steam can be used is always the same, so by recording the time until steam can be used in the instruction manual, for example, the user can know in advance the time from turning on the power switch 19 until steam (spraying, jetting) can be used.

[0072] Furthermore, in the steam generator 1 of this embodiment, the second determination mechanism determines that steam can be emitted when the temperature detected by the temperature detection mechanism 20 is above the notification temperature H1 or H2. The first determination mechanism determines that the notification temperature H1, which is predetermined for wired use, is lower than the notification temperature H2, which is predetermined for wireless use. Therefore, compared to wireless use, the time (waiting time) from turning on the power switch 19 to being able to use steam (spraying, jetting) can be shortened in wired use.

[0073] Furthermore, in the steam generator 1 of this embodiment, the third determination mechanism determines that steam can be emitted when the time measured by the timing mechanism is a notification time T1 or T2 or higher. The notification time T1, which is determined by the first determination mechanism to be for wired use, is shorter than the notification time T2, which is determined by the first determination mechanism to be for wireless use. Therefore, compared with the wireless use case, the time (waiting time) from turning on the power switch 19 to being able to use steam (spraying, jetting) can be shortened in the wired use case.

[0074] Furthermore, the steam generator 1 of this embodiment includes: a switching lever 44 that switches between a first state where the power supply plug unit 2 can be used wirelessly by detaching it from the main body 4 and a second state where the power supply plug unit 2 can be used wiredly by attaching it to the main body 4; and a push-button switch 44 that detects which state the switching lever 44 is in; and a first determination mechanism determines, based on the detection result of the push-button switch 44, whether wired or wireless use is intended. Therefore, when determining whether the user has set the plug unit 2 to a non-removable state by operating the switching lever 44 to intend wired use or to a detachable state to intend wireless use, the time (waiting time) before steam (spraying, jetting) can be used can be shortened compared to the case where wireless use is intended.

[0075] Furthermore, in the steam generator 1 of this embodiment, the switching lever 44 is provided on the outer casing 9 of the main body 4. Therefore, it is easy to directly perceive that the switching lever 44 is an operating mechanism for fixing the steam generator 1 to the plug unit 2.

[0076] Furthermore, in the steam generator 1 of this embodiment, the switching lever 44 is provided on the power supply plug unit 2. When the steam generator 1 is provided with the switching lever 44, it will cause an uneven shape on the outer casing 9. However, by providing the switching lever 44 on the plug unit 2, the uneven shape on the outer casing 9 will not be caused by the switching lever 44, so the appearance of the steam generator 1 can be made neater.

[0077] Furthermore, in the steam generator 1 of this embodiment, the push-button switch 49 has a switching mechanism installed inside the body 4 and displaced according to the state of the switching lever 44. Therefore, by operating the switching lever 44, the switching mechanism is displaced, and it can be determined whether it is intended to be used in a wired manner or in a wireless manner.

[0078] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The name of the present invention, "steam generator," applies to all devices that eject steam to smooth out wrinkles in clothing, etc. For example, the steam generator shown in this embodiment, which is suitable for ejecting steam onto clothing from a remote position, is self-evident, and also includes a steam iron suitable for ejecting steam while pressing the ironing surface of the base onto the clothing for ironing.

Claims

1. A steam generator capable of being used in a wired manner connected to a commercial power source, and also capable of being used wirelessly without being connected to a commercial power source, characterized in that, have: The first determining body determines whether the intended use is via the wired method or via the wireless method; and The control mechanism performs controls related to the ejection of steam; The control mechanism performs different controls based on the determination result of the first determination mechanism.

2. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, have: The vaporization chamber is heated by a heating mechanism; A temperature detection mechanism that detects the temperature of the vaporization chamber; and The second determination mechanism determines whether steam can be ejected based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection mechanism. Based on the determination result of the first determination mechanism, the temperature at which the second determination mechanism determines whether steam can be ejected is changed.

3. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, have: The vaporization chamber is heated by a heating mechanism; A timing mechanism that measures the time from the start of heating using the heating mechanism; as well as The third determining mechanism determines whether steam can be ejected based on the time measured by the timing mechanism. Based on the determination result of the first determination mechanism, the time for the third determination mechanism to determine whether steam can be ejected is changed.

4. The steam generator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second determining mechanism determines that steam can be emitted if the temperature detected by the temperature detection mechanism is above a specified temperature. The first determination mechanism determines that the predetermined temperature for use in the wired manner is lower than the predetermined temperature for use in the wireless manner as determined by the first determination mechanism.

5. The steam generator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The third determining mechanism determines that steam can be emitted if the time measured by the timing mechanism is longer than a predetermined time. The first determination mechanism determines that the predetermined time for use in the wired manner is shorter than the predetermined time for use in the wireless manner as determined by the first determination mechanism.

6. The steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, have: The switching operation unit switches between a first state in which the power supply plug unit is detached from the main body and can be used wirelessly, and a second state in which the power supply plug unit is installed on the main body and can be used wired. as well as The testing agency detects the state of the switching operation unit. Based on the detection results of the detection agency, the first determination agency determines whether the device is intended to be used in the wired manner or in the wireless manner.

7. The steam generator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The switching operation unit is located on the outer contour of the body.

8. The steam generator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The switching operation unit is located in the power supply plug unit.

9. The steam generator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The detection mechanism has a switching mechanism disposed within the main body and displaced according to the state of the switching operation unit.

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