Steam ejector

Abstract

To improve convenience of a steam ejector.SOLUTION: A steam ejector 1 comprises: a jetting part 3 for jetting steam; a handle 4 to be held by a user during use; a detection part 10 for detecting user's indication to make the jetting part 3 jet steam; and a control part 16 that controls so as to make the jetting part 3 jet steam when the indication is detected by the detection part 10 and prevent the jetting part 3 from jetting steam when the indication is not detected by the detection part 10. The detection part 10 is constituted so as to be capable of detecting the indication without requiring deformation of a switch 6 for detecting the indication and displacement relative to the handle 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to steam ejectors. [Background technology]

[0002] There are steam jets for smoothing out wrinkles in textile products such as clothing. For example, in the steam jet described in Patent Document 1, when a pump switch is turned on during use, an electric pump is driven, a set amount of water is sent to an evaporation chamber, and steam is jetted out. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-002820 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-046476 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To eject steam for a long period of time using the steam ejector described in Patent Document 1, the pump switch needs to be pressed for a long period of time. The inventors recognized the need to further improve user convenience and came up with the technology of the present disclosure.

[0005] The present disclosure provides techniques for improving the convenience of steam jets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The steam dispenser of the present disclosure includes a dispenser that dispenses steam, a handle that a user holds during use, a detector that detects a user's instruction to dispense steam from the dispenser, and a controller that controls the dispenser to dispense steam when the instruction is detected by the detector and not to dispense steam when the instruction is not detected by the detector. The detector is configured to be able to detect instructions without requiring deformation of the detector portion or displacement relative to the handle in order to detect the instructions. [Effects of the Invention]

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

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing the appearance of a steam ejector of a first embodiment placed on a stand. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing the steam ejector of the first embodiment held by a user. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a steam ejector according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration in the vicinity of the switch. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the vicinity of the switch of the steam ejector of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration near the switch. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration near the switch. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration near the switch. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration near the switch. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration near the switch. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a detection unit. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a detection unit. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a steam ejector according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters or redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted.

[0010] The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0012] [1-1. Overall structure] Fig. 1 is a side view showing the appearance of a steam ejector 1 of embodiment 1 placed on a stand 8. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the steam ejector 1 of embodiment 1 being held by a user. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the steam ejector 1 of embodiment 1.

[0013] As shown in Figure 2, a jetting unit 3 for jetting steam is provided on the bottom surface of a housing 2 of the steam jetter 1. When a user gives a command to jet steam while holding the handle 4 and pointing the jetting unit 3 toward clothing 9, the steam jetter 1 will jet steam from the jetting unit 3.

[0014] A handle 4 is provided on the top of the housing 2 for the user to grip the steam jet 1 during use. A grip 5 on which the user places their fingers when gripping the steam jet 1, and a switch 6 serving as a detection site for detecting an instruction to eject steam from the jet 3, are provided side by side on the underside of the handle 4. As in this embodiment, the grip 5 may be provided with a long, thin protrusion in the longitudinal direction as a non-slip feature. The shape of the non-slip feature is not particularly limited, but providing the grip 5 with such a non-slip shape makes it easier for the fingers to support the moment load applied depending on the orientation of the steam jet 1 during use.

[0015] A detection unit 10 that detects contact of the switch 6 with the user's fingers is provided inside the housing 2 of the switch 6. The switch 6 is provided in a position that allows contact with fingers other than those of the user gripping the grip portion 5. Typically, when a user grips the handle 4, the user places their middle finger, ring finger, and little finger on the grip portion 5 and operates the switch 6 with their index finger. Therefore, the detection unit 10 detects contact of the switch 6 with the user's index finger.

[0016] The switch 6, which is the detection part, may be included in the detection unit 10. In other words, the detection unit 10 detects an instruction from the user to eject steam from the ejection unit 3. In other words, when the user's finger touches the switch 6, the switch 6 is turned on and an instruction to eject steam is input.

[0017] In this way, the detection unit 10 detects the contact of the index finger, which is part of the user's body, with the switch 6, allowing the user to easily spray steam. Furthermore, the switch 6 is provided in a position that can be contacted with a finger other than the finger of the user that grips the grip portion 5, allowing the user to easily start and stop the spray of steam.

[0018] Vaporization chamber 11 heats and vaporizes water to generate steam. The steam generated in vaporization chamber 11 is ejected from ejection unit 13. Heater 12 heats vaporization chamber 11. Tank 14 stores water. Pump 15 supplies the water stored in tank 14 to vaporization chamber 11. Control unit 16 controls heater 12 and pump 15.

[0019] When the power supply of the steam jetter 1 is turned on, the control unit 16 controls the heater 12 to heat the vaporization chamber 11. The control unit 16 heats the vaporization chamber 11 to a temperature at which water supplied to the vaporization chamber 11 is instantly vaporized to generate steam. When the switch 6 is on, i.e., when the detection unit 10 detects that the user's index finger has touched the switch 6, 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 is vaporized into steam, which is then ejected from the ejection unit 13. When the switch 6 is off, i.e., when the detection unit 10 does not detect that the user's index finger has touched the switch 6, the control unit 16 stops the pump 15 to stop the supply of water from the tank 14 to the vaporization chamber 11. In this way, 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.

[0020] The detection unit 10 is configured to be able to detect an instruction to eject steam without requiring deformation of the switch 6 or displacement of the switch 6 relative to the handle 4. The detection unit 10 may be a contact sensor that detects contact with a part of the user's body. For example, the detection unit 10 may be an electrostatic sensor that detects changes in capacitance, a pressure sensor that detects changes in pressure on the switch 6, a temperature sensor that detects changes in temperature of the switch 6, or a blood flow sensor that detects blood flow at a site that contacts the switch 6 using light, ultrasound, or the like. The detection unit 10 may also be a sensor that detects movement of a part of the user's body. For example, the detection unit 10 may be a vibration sensor that detects vibration, an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration, or a magnetic sensor that detects magnetism.

[0021] The user can continue to spray steam by simply touching the switch 6 without deforming the switch 6 or displacing the switch 6 relative to the handle 4, thereby reducing the burden on the user even when spraying steam for a long period of time. This improves the convenience of the steam dispenser 1 for the user.

[0022] In the steam jet 1 of the first embodiment, steam can be emitted simply by touching the switch 6, but conversely, it is possible for a user to accidentally touch the switch 6 and cause steam to be emitted. To solve this problem, in the steam jet 1 of the first embodiment, the switch 6 for receiving a command to emit steam is configured so that it can be visually distinguished from other parts of the device. For example, the switch 6 may be configured so that it has a different color, design, pattern, shape, height, or the like from its surroundings. The switch 6 may also be provided with an LED or the like that emits light. This allows the user to easily recognize the part that should be touched to emit steam, thereby preventing the user from accidentally touching the switch 6.

[0023] Furthermore, in the steam jet 1 of the first embodiment, the switch 6 for receiving a command to jet steam is configured to be at least partially separated from the surrounding area, thereby preventing the fingers holding the grip 5 from accidentally touching the switch 6.

[0024] 4 and 5 show the configuration near the switch 6 of the steam jet 1 of embodiment 1. Fig. 4 is a side view showing the configuration near the switch 6. Fig. 5 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the underside of the handle 4. A protrusion 7 that protrudes below the surfaces of the switch 6 and the grip 5 is provided between the switch 6 and the grip 5. This physically separates the switch 6 from the grip 5, preventing fingers holding the grip 5 from accidentally touching the switch 6.

[0025] The width of the switch 6 may be wider than the grip portion 5. This makes it easier for the user to contact the switch 6 with their finger even when changing the position of the steam dispenser 1 to spray steam onto clothes, thereby improving convenience for the user. The width of the switch 6 may be narrower than the grip portion 5. This makes it easier to turn the switch 6 on and off because the index finger can be released from the switch 6 by simply stretching it out slightly. The width of the switch 6, or the width of the detection area of the detection unit 10, may be 50% or less of the width of the handle 4, and more preferably 20% or less.

[0026] 6 shows another example of the configuration near the switch 6. In the example shown in this figure, a recess 17 is provided between the switch 6 and the grip portion 5, recessed above the surfaces of the switch 6 and the grip portion 5. This physically separates the switch 6 from the grip portion 5, thereby preventing fingers holding the grip portion 5 from accidentally touching the switch 6.

[0027] 7 shows another example of the configuration near the switch 6. In the example shown in this figure, the surface of the switch 6 is configured to be lower than the surface of the grip 5 using the underside of the handle 4 as a reference, and a step is provided so that the surface of the switch 6 is higher than the surface of the grip 5. This makes it possible to physically separate the switch 6 from the grip 5, thereby preventing fingers holding the grip 5 from accidentally touching the switch 6.

[0028] 8 shows another example of the configuration near the switch 6. In the example shown in this figure, the surface of the switch 6 is configured to be higher than the surface of the grip 5 using the underside of the handle 4 as a reference, and a step is provided so that the surface of the switch 6 is lower than the surface of the grip 5. This makes it possible to physically separate the switch 6 from the grip 5, thereby preventing fingers holding the grip 5 from accidentally touching the switch 6.

[0029] FIG. 9 shows another example of the configuration near the switch 6. In the example of this figure, the switch 6 (shaded area) is provided at a position separated from the grip portion 5. The switch 6 is provided within a predetermined range at the front portion of the handle 4 where it can be touched with the thumb or index finger when the user grips the handle 4. The detection unit 10 is provided inside the housing 2 of the switch 6. This makes it possible to physically separate the switch 6 from the grip portion 5, thereby preventing the fingers gripping the grip portion 5 from accidentally touching the switch 6.

[0030] 10 shows another example of the configuration near the switch 6. In the example shown in this figure, the switch 6 is provided at a position separated from the grip portion 5. The switch 6 is provided at a position on the housing 2 facing the handle 4 that can be touched with the index finger when the user grips the handle 4. This makes it possible to physically separate the switch 6 from the grip portion 5, thereby preventing the finger holding the grip portion 5 from accidentally touching the switch 6.

[0031] The boundary between the switch 6 and the surroundings may have a protrusion, recess, step, rib, partition, or the like. The surface of the switch 6 and the grip portion 5 may not be smoothly continuous. The switch 6 may have a shape similar to that of a gun trigger or a spray lever.

[0032] When the index finger or thumb that touches the switch 6 to input an instruction is not in contact with the switch 6, a resting portion for placing these fingers may be provided in a position different from the switch 6. For example, a recess for placing the index finger may be provided in a position opposite the switch 6. This makes it possible to prevent the index finger from accidentally touching the switch 6 when steam is not being ejected.

[0033] 11, 12, and 13 show exemplary configurations of the detection unit 10. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the detection unit 10. FIG. 12 is a side view of the detection unit 10. FIG. 13 is a top view of the detection unit 10. The detection unit 10 includes an electrode 20 and a coil spring 21, which is an example of a conductive flexible member. The electrode 20 and the coil spring 21 are mechanically fixed to each other by spot welding, soldering, or the like. The coil spring 21 is electrically connected to the main body of the capacitance sensor or the control unit 16 and transmits the capacitance generated in the electrode 20 to the main body of the capacitance sensor or the control unit 16. The electrode 20 has an area that is approximately the same as or slightly smaller than the surface of the switch 6. The coil spring 21 biases and supports the electrode 20 so that the electrode 20 is kept approximately parallel to the surface of the switch 6. This increases the directionality of the detection unit 10, and enables it to detect a change in capacitance only when the user's finger touches the switch 6, thereby reducing false detection of finger contact with the grip portion 5 or the periphery of the switch 6. Also, the detection unit 10 can be easily assembled.

[0034] The switch 6 and the components other than the switch 6, such as the grip portion 5, are made of different members. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous detection of the fingers gripping the grip portion 5.

[0035] The periphery of the switch 6 may be covered with a grounded structure, which allows accurate detection of only contact with the switch 6 and prevents erroneous detection of finger contact with the grip portion 5 or the periphery of the switch 6.

[0036] In this way, the detection unit 10 of the steam jetter 1 of the first embodiment electrically separates the detection area that should detect contact with the user's finger or the like from the area that should not be detected, thereby suppressing unnecessary detection and improving user convenience.Furthermore, the stability of steam ejection can be improved, and the safety of the steam jetter 1 can be improved.

[0037] Control unit 16 has a control circuit configured on a printed circuit board and is provided within handle 4. Control unit 16 may start the emission of steam when a command to emit steam is detected by detection unit 10 for a predetermined period of time or longer. This allows the steam to be prevented from being emitted even if the user mistakenly issues a command to emit steam as long as the command input is stopped within the predetermined period of time, thereby improving user convenience.

[0038] Switches 6 and detection units 10 may be provided in multiple locations, and control unit 16 may start the emission of steam when multiple detection units 10 simultaneously detect an instruction. This allows for improved user convenience, as even if the user mistakenly inputs an instruction to emit steam into one of the switches 6, steam will not be emitted unless the instruction is input into another switch 6.

[0039] [1-2. Operation] The operation and function of the steam ejector 1 configured as above will now be described.

[0040] When the power of the steam jetter 1 is turned on, the control unit 16 controls the heater 12 to heat the vaporization chamber 11. The control unit 16 heats the vaporization chamber 11 to a temperature at which water supplied to the vaporization chamber 11 instantly vaporizes and generates steam. When a user touches the switch 6 to emit steam while holding the handle 4 and pointing the ejection unit 3 toward the clothes 9, the steam jetter 1 emits steam from the ejection unit 3. When the switch 6 is on, i.e., when the detection unit 10 detects that the user's index finger has touched the switch 6, 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, which is then ejected from the ejection unit 13. When switch 6 is off, that is, when detection unit 10 does not detect the user's index finger touching switch 6, control unit 16 stops pump 15 to stop the supply of water from tank 14 to vaporization chamber 11. This prevents steam from being ejected from ejection unit 3 of steam jet device 1.

[0041] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the steam jetter 1 includes the jetting unit 3 that jets steam, the handle 4 that the user holds during use, the detection unit 10 that detects a user's instruction to jet steam from the jetting unit 3, and the control unit 16 that controls the jetting unit 3 to jet steam when the instruction is detected by the detection unit 10 and not to jet steam when the instruction is not detected by the detection unit 10. The detection unit 10 is configured to be able to detect an instruction without requiring the switch 6 to deform or displace relative to the handle 4. This allows the user to continue jetting steam simply by touching the switch 6 without having to deform or displace the switch 6 relative to the handle 4, thereby reducing the burden on the user even when steam is being jetted for a long period of time. This improves the convenience of the steam jetter 1 for the user.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the detection unit 10 detects contact of the user's finger, which is part of the user's body, with the switch 6. This allows the user to easily spray steam, thereby improving user convenience.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, switch 6 is provided in a position where the user can contact it with a finger other than the finger that grips grip portion 5 of handle 4. This allows the user to easily start and stop the release of steam, improving user convenience.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the switch 6 is configured to be visually distinguishable from parts other than the switch 6. This allows the user to easily distinguish the switch 6, thereby reducing the risk of accidentally touching the switch 6.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the detection unit 10 is configured to be electrically separated from the components other than the detection unit 10. This makes it possible to suppress false detection.

[0046] In this embodiment, the detection unit 10 also includes an electrode 20 provided near the switch 6 and a coil spring 21 that electrically connects the electrode 20 to the control unit 16. This makes it possible to suppress false detection.

[0047] In this embodiment, the electrode 20 and the coil spring 21 are mechanically fixed to each other, which can reduce false detection.

[0048] In this embodiment, the periphery of the switch 6 is covered with a grounded structure, which can reduce false detections.

[0049] In addition, in this embodiment, the switch 6 and the components other than the switch 6 are made of different materials, which can reduce false detections.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the switch 6 is physically separated from the parts other than the switch 6. This makes it possible to prevent the switch 6 from being accidentally touched.

[0051] In this embodiment, the switch 6 is provided in the vicinity of the grip portion 5 of the handle 4, and a protrusion 7, a recess 17, a step, or a partition is provided between the switch 6 and the grip portion 5. This prevents the switch 6 from being accidentally touched.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the switch 6 is provided at a position separated from the grip portion 5 of the handle 4. This makes it possible to prevent the switch 6 from being accidentally touched.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, control unit 16 causes jetting unit 3 to jet steam when the instruction is detected by detection unit 10 for a predetermined period of time or longer. This makes it possible to prevent unintentional jetting of steam.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the steam jetter 1 includes a plurality of detection units 10, and the control unit 16 causes the jetting unit 3 to jet steam when an instruction is detected by two or more of the plurality of detection units 10. This makes it possible to prevent unintentional jetting of steam.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a resting portion is provided for resting the finger that touches the switch 6 to input an instruction when the finger is not touching the switch 6. This makes it possible to prevent the switch 6 from being touched accidentally.

[0056] (Other embodiments) As described above, the first embodiment has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the first embodiment above to create new embodiments.

[0057] FIG. 14 shows the configuration of a steam jet 1 of another embodiment. The steam jet 1 comprises a housing 2, a jetting unit 3, and a handle 4. The handle 4 includes a grip 5 and a switch 6. The switch 6 may be provided on either side of the upper part of the housing 2 (the shaded area), similar to the switch 6 shown shaded in FIG. 9. A detection unit 10 is provided inside the switch 6. A recess 17 is provided between the grip 5 and the switch 6. A mounting unit 19 is provided above the switch 6. The user grips the handle 4, places their middle finger, ring finger, and little finger on the grip 5, and operates the switch 6 with their thumb or index finger. The rest of the configuration and operation are the same as those of the steam jet 1 of embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 1.

[0058] In the steam jetter 1 of the embodiment shown in the figures, the user can continue to jet steam by simply touching the switch 6 without deforming the switch 6 or displacing it relative to the grip part 5, thereby reducing the burden on the user even when jetting steam for a long period of time. This improves the convenience of the steam jetter 1 for the user.

[0059] Furthermore, since the switch 6 is configured to be visually distinguishable from components other than the switch 6, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally touching the switch 6.

[0060] Furthermore, since a recess 17 is provided between the switch 6 and the grip portion 5, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally touching the switch 6.

[0061] The technology of the present disclosure is also applicable to any other type of steam ejector.

[0062] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques. (Technology 1) A jetting portion that jets steam; A handle for a user to hold when in use; A detection unit that detects an instruction from a user to eject steam from the ejection unit; A control unit that controls the ejection unit to eject steam when the instruction is detected by the detection unit, and controls the ejection unit not to eject steam when the instruction is not detected by the detection unit; Equipped with The detection unit is configured to be able to detect the instruction without requiring deformation of a detection portion or displacement relative to the handle in order to detect the instruction. Steam jet. This allows the user to continue to spray steam by simply touching the switch 6 without deforming the switch 6 or displacing the switch 6 relative to the handle 4, thereby reducing the burden on the user even when spraying steam for a long period of time. This improves the convenience of the steam dispenser 1 for the user. (Technology 2) The detection unit detects contact of a part of the user's body with the detection site. The steam ejector according to claim 1. This allows the user to easily eject steam, improving user convenience. (Technology 3) The detection portion is provided at a position where the user can contact it with a finger other than the finger that grips the grip portion of the handle. The steam ejector according to claim 2. This allows the user to easily eject steam, improving user convenience. (Technology 4) The detection portion and a portion other than the detection portion are configured to be visually distinguishable from each other. The steam ejector according to any one of the first to third aspects. This allows the user to easily identify the switch 6, thereby reducing the chance of accidentally touching the switch 6. (Technology 5) The detection unit is configured to be electrically isolated from components other than the detection unit. 5. The steam ejector according to any one of claims 1 to 4. This can reduce false detections. (Technology 6) The detection unit includes an electrode provided near the detection site and a conductive flexible member that electrically connects the electrode and the control unit. The steam ejector according to claim 5. This can reduce false detections. (Technology 7) The electrode and the conductive flexible member are mechanically fixed to each other. The steam ejector according to claim 6. This can reduce false detections. (Technology 8) The sensing area is surrounded by a grounded structure. The steam ejector according to any one of techniques 5 to 7. This can reduce false detections. (Technology 9) The detection portion and the components other than the detection portion are made of different materials. The steam ejector according to any one of techniques 5 to 8. This can reduce false detections. (Technology 10) The detection site and a site other than the detection site are physically separated. A steam ejector according to any one of techniques 1 to 9. This can prevent the switch 6 from being accidentally touched. (Technology 11) The detection portion is provided at a position close to a grip portion of the handle, A convex portion, a concave portion, a step, or a partition is provided between the detection portion and the grip portion. The steam ejector according to claim 10. This can prevent the switch 6 from being accidentally touched. (Technology 12) The detection portion is provided at a position spaced apart from the grip portion of the handle. The steam ejector according to claim 10. This can prevent the switch 6 from being accidentally touched. (Technology 13) The control unit controls the ejection unit to eject steam when the instruction is detected by the detection unit for a predetermined time or longer. 13. The steam ejector according to any one of claims 1 to 12. This prevents unintentional release of steam. (Technology 14) A plurality of the detection units are provided, The control unit causes the ejection unit to eject steam when the instruction is detected by two or more of the plurality of detection units. 14. The steam ejector according to any one of claims 1 to 13. This prevents unintentional release of steam. (Technology 15) a placing portion for placing a finger that inputs the instruction by touching the detection portion when the finger is not in contact with the detection portion; 15. The steam ejector according to any one of claims 1 to 14. This can prevent the switch 6 from being accidentally touched. [Industrial Applicability]

[0063] The present invention can be used in a garment care device for caring for garments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1 steam jet 2. Case 3 Spout part 4 Handle 5 Gripping part 6 Switch (detection part) 7 Convex part 8 Stand 9. Clothing 10. Detection unit 11 Vaporization chamber 12 Heater 13 Spout part 14 Tank 15 Pump 16 Control Unit 17 Recess 19 Placement section 20 electrodes 21 Coil spring

Claims

1. A jetting portion that jets steam; A handle for a user to hold when in use; A detection unit that detects an instruction from a user to eject steam from the ejection unit; A control unit that controls the ejection unit to eject steam when the instruction is detected by the detection unit, and controls the ejection unit not to eject steam when the instruction is not detected by the detection unit; Equipped with The detection unit is configured to be able to detect the instruction without requiring deformation of a detection portion or displacement relative to the handle in order to detect the instruction. Steam jet.

2. The detection unit detects contact of a part of the user's body with the detection site. The steam ejector according to claim 1.

3. The detection portion is provided at a position where the user can contact it with a finger other than the finger that grips the grip portion of the handle. The steam ejector according to claim 2.

4. The detection portion and a portion other than the detection portion are configured to be visually distinguishable from each other. The steam ejector according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The detection unit is configured to be electrically isolated from components other than the detection unit. The steam ejector according to claim 2 or 3.

6. The detection unit includes an electrode provided near the detection site and a conductive flexible member that electrically connects the electrode and the control unit. The steam ejector according to claim 5.

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

8. The sensing area is surrounded by a grounded structure. The steam ejector according to claim 5.

9. The detection portion and the components other than the detection portion are made of different materials. The steam ejector according to claim 5.

10. The detection site and a site other than the detection site are physically separated. The steam ejector according to claim 2 or 3.

11. The detection portion is provided at a position close to a grip portion of the handle, A convex portion, a concave portion, a step, or a partition is provided between the detection portion and the grip portion. The steam ejector according to claim 10.

12. The detection portion is provided at a position spaced apart from the grip portion of the handle. The steam ejector according to claim 10.

13. The control unit controls the ejection unit to eject steam when the instruction is detected by the detection unit for a predetermined time or longer. The steam ejector according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

14. A plurality of the detection units are provided, The control unit causes the ejection unit to eject steam when the instruction is detected by two or more of the plurality of detection units. The steam ejector according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

15. a placing portion for placing a finger that inputs the instruction by touching the detection portion when the finger is not in contact with the detection portion; The steam ejector according to claim 2 or 3.

Images