Steam spray device

Abstract

To provide a steam spray device capable of easily performing liquid supply work even when a liquid supply tank is integrated with the steam spray device.SOLUTION: The steam spraying device 10 includes a boiling tank 11 for generating steam to be sprayed from a spray nozzle 17, a liquid supply tank 12 having a liquid supply port 20 capable of supplying a liquid W to be supplied to the boiling tank 11, and an outflow port 21 capable of allowing the liquid W to flow out toward the boiling tank 11, a lid body 34 capable of opening and closing the liquid supply port 20 of the liquid supply tank 12, a shaft part 36 and a spring 37 for bringing the outflow port valve 35 into an outflow port closed state for regulating the outflow of the liquid W from the outflow port 21 and into an outflow port opened state when the lid body 34 opens the liquid supply port 20 of the liquid supply tank 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a steam spraying device that boils a liquid and sprays steam. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a steam spray device used as a beauty device (facial beauty device) that vaporizes liquid and sprays steam. This steam spray device includes a liquid supply tank that supplies liquid, a boiling tank that boils the stored liquid using a heater, and a liquid supply path that connects these. The liquid supply tank is detachably attached to the steam spray device, and is connected to the liquid supply path when attached to the steam spray device. When this liquid supply tank is attached to the steam spray device, a liquid supply valve is in an open state that opens the liquid supply port, and the liquid in the liquid supply tank is discharged from the liquid supply port. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-153465 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the steam sprayer described in Patent Document 1, the liquid supply tank is detachable from the steam sprayer, but there are cases where it is desired to integrate the liquid supply tank into the steam sprayer due to demands for structural simplification, etc. If the liquid supply tank is integrated into the steam sprayer, when the lid of the liquid supply tank is opened to supply liquid, both the nozzle side that sprays steam and the liquid supply tank side are open, which may result in too much liquid entering the device.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a steam spraying device that can prevent excessive liquid from entering the device even when a liquid supply tank is integrated into the steam spraying device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the steam spray device of a first aspect of the present invention comprises a boiling tank that generates steam to be sprayed from a spray nozzle, a liquid supply tank having a liquid supply port that can supply liquid to the boiling tank and an outlet that can flow the liquid toward the boiling tank, a lid that can open and close the liquid supply port of the liquid supply tank, an outlet valve that is provided at the outlet of the liquid supply tank and can be switched between an outlet closed state that restricts the outflow of liquid from the outlet and an outlet open state that allows the outflow of liquid from the outlet, and an outlet valve control means that sets the outlet valve to the outlet closed state while the lid opens the liquid supply port of the liquid supply tank, and sets the outlet valve to the outlet open state when the lid seals the liquid supply port.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is the steam spraying device of the first aspect, further comprising a liquid storage tank arranged below the liquid supply tank, connected to the outlet, and configured to store the liquid flowing out of the outlet.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is a steam spray device of the second aspect, which is provided with a recovery path that recovers a portion of the steam generated by boiling in the boiling tank to the liquid flow path between the liquid storage tank and the boiling tank, and the peripheral wall of at least one of the liquid supply tank and the liquid storage tank is formed into a double structure, and the recovery path is partitioned within the double-structure peripheral wall.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a steam spray device according to the second or third aspect, which is provided with a bypass flow path that communicates from a predetermined height position of the liquid supply tank to the liquid storage tank below, and when liquid is supplied to the liquid supply tank at a height above the predetermined height position, the bypass flow path allows overflowing liquid to flow into the liquid storage tank.

[0010] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a steam spray device of the second aspect or the third aspect, comprising a sub-tank arranged in a liquid flow path between the liquid storage tank and the boiling tank, the liquid flow path connecting the sub-tank and the boiling tank including a ramp sloping upward from the sub-tank toward the boiling tank, the boiling tank having a heater that boils the liquid, the heater having a heating plate that generates heat upon receiving electricity, and the height position of the upper end of the end of the ramp on the sub-tank side being arranged higher than the height position of the center of the vertical direction of the heating plate of the heater.

[0011] A sixth aspect of the present invention is a steam spray device according to the first or second aspect, comprising: an outlet provided in a liquid flow path from the liquid supply tank to the boiling tank and capable of discharging liquid; an outlet valve provided at the outlet and capable of switching between an outlet closed state that restricts the discharge of liquid from the outlet and an outlet open state that allows the discharge of liquid from the outlet; and an outlet valve control means that sets the outlet valve to the outlet open state while the lid body opens the liquid supply port of the liquid supply tank, and sets the outlet valve to the outlet closed state when the lid body seals the liquid supply port.

[0012] A seventh aspect of the present invention is a steam spray device of the sixth aspect, comprising a drainage detection means for detecting the completion of drainage from the outlet, and an alarm means for notifying that drainage has been completed when the drainage detection means detects the completion of drainage from the outlet.

[0013] An eighth aspect of the present invention is a steam spray device of the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the boiling tank has a heater that boils a liquid and a thermistor attached to the upper end of the heater and that detects the temperature of the heater, the heater has a heating plate that generates heat when powered and a pair of heat-conducting plates that are arranged to sandwich the heating plate, the pair of heat-conducting plates each having an extension area that extends above the heating plate, and the thermistor is arranged between the extension areas of the pair of heat-conducting plates of the heater and is in contact with the pair of heat-conducting plates.

[0014] A ninth aspect of the present invention is the steam spraying device according to the eighth aspect, wherein a plurality of the heaters are provided in the boiling tank, and the thermistor is provided in each of the plurality of heaters. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a steam spraying device that can prevent excessive liquid from entering the device even when a liquid supply tank is integrated into the steam spraying device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a steam spraying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the front side with the main body lid open. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the steam spraying device showing the state in which the lid is open and liquid is being dispensed. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the steam spraying device showing the state in which the lid is closed after liquid has been supplied and the liquid has been supplied into the device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion V in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which FIG. 5 is viewed from the direction of arrow VI. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, UP indicates the upside.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exterior of a steam sprayer according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from the front with the main body lid open. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the steam sprayer showing the state in which the lid is open and liquid is being supplied. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the steam sprayer showing the state in which the lid is closed after liquid has been supplied and liquid has been supplied into the device. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along arrows IV-IV in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of portion V in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which FIG. 5 is viewed from the direction of arrow VI. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along arrows VII-VII in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along arrows VIII-VIII in FIG. 7. In FIG. 3, the flow of liquid in the steam sprayer is indicated by outline arrows, and the flow of steam is indicated by arrows.

[0019] (Steam spray device) 1, a steam sprayer 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is used as a beauty device (facial beauty device) that vaporizes a liquid W such as water and sprays steam S, and is covered with a housing 100 that can store various beauty tools such as a Tesla or a cleaner. Note that the steam sprayer 10 is not limited to a beauty device (facial beauty device), and may also be a humidifier that sprays steam S, etc.

[0020] The housing 100 has a main body 101 that generates steam S and a main body lid 102 that can open and close the top surface of the main body 101. A mirror M is provided on the back side of the main body lid 102. Note that the configuration of the housing 100 is not limited to this, and for example, the main body lid 102 does not have to be provided. Furthermore, the shape of the housing 100 is not limited to this, and any desired shape can be applied.

[0021] The main body 101 is provided with a spray nozzle 17 that sprays steam S. In this embodiment, the spray nozzles 17 are provided on both sides in the width direction at the rear side of the top surface of the main body 101. A lid 34 (described later) is disposed approximately in the center of the top surface of the main body 101, and a liquid supply tank 12 (described later) is housed below the lid 34. A drainage tank 103 is provided at the lower end on the front side (front face) of the main body 101 for draining the liquid W inside after use of the steam sprayer 10. The drainage tank 103 can be removed from the main body 101 by pulling it out forward. Various operation switches (not shown) are provided on the front side of the top surface of the main body 101.

[0022] 2 and 3, the steam sprayer 10 includes a plurality of tanks and the like arranged in a path through which the liquid W or steam S flows. Specifically, the steam sprayer 10 of this embodiment includes a boiling tank 11, a liquid supply tank 12, a liquid storage tank 13, a liquid supply path (flow path) 14, a sub-tank 15, and a chamber tank 16.

[0023] (boiling tank) The boiling tank 11 is a tank that defines an internal space S1 capable of storing a liquid W, and generates steam S to be sprayed from a spray nozzle 17. The boiling tank 11 has a heater 18 that boils the liquid W, and a thermistor 19 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) that detects the temperature of the heater 18. The boiling tank 11 boils the liquid W stored in the internal space S1 using heating means such as the heater 18, thereby generating steam S (water vapor). The steam S generated in the boiling tank 11 is sprayed to the outside from the spray nozzle 17 (see FIG. 3). The amount of storage in this boiling tank 11 changes depending on the set liquid level.

[0024] (spray nozzle) The spray nozzle 17 is provided at the end of a duct connected to the boiling tank 11, and has a small-diameter nozzle hole at its tip. The spray direction of the spray nozzle 17 can be adjusted manually. However, the adjustment of the spray direction of the spray nozzle 17 is not limited to manual adjustment, and may be configured to rotate automatically using a motor or gear, or may be configured to allow both manual and automatic adjustment.

[0025] (heater) 2 to 6, the heater 18 is an electric heater of about 500 W that generates heat at a predetermined temperature when AC or DC electricity is passed through it, and is disposed in the boiling tank 11 to heat the liquid W in the boiling tank 11. Note that the power supply to the heater 18 may be controlled by detecting the liquid level in the boiling tank 11 so as to prevent the heater 18 from running dry.

[0026] The shape of the heater 18 is not particularly limited, but may be formed, for example, in the shape of a plate extending in the vertical direction, as shown in Figures 2 to 4. One or more heaters 18 may be provided in the boiling tank 11. In this embodiment, two heaters 18 are provided that are arranged parallel to each other.

[0027] The configuration of the heater 18 is not particularly limited, but may be formed in layers, as shown in Fig. 4, including a heating plate 18a that generates heat upon receiving power, a pair of insulating plates 18b, 18b, a pair of heat-conducting plates 18c, 18c, and a pair of surface plates 18d, 18d. The heating plate 18a is a thermally conductive plate wound with, for example, iron-chromium wire, and generates heat upon receiving power. The pair of insulating plates 18b, 18b sandwich the heating plate 18a from both sides and insulate it from current from the heating plate 18a. The pair of heat-conducting plates 18c, 18c are thermally conductive plates (e.g., thin aluminum plates) and are arranged outside the insulating plates 18b, 18b to sandwich the heating plate 18a. The pair of heat conduction plates 18c, 18c each have an extension region 18cX that extends above the heat generating plate 18a, and the extension region 18cX is connected to a thermistor 19 as described below. The pair of surface plates 18d, 18d form the surface layer of the heater 18 and are plates (for example, thin plates made of stainless steel that are resistant to rust) that come into contact with the liquid W in the boiling tank 11, and are arranged so as to sandwich the heat generating plate 18a from outside the pair of heat conduction plates 18c, 18c.

[0028] (thermistor) As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the thermistor 19 is an element attached to the upper end of the heater 18 and detects the temperature of the heater 18. In this embodiment, the thermistor 19 is disposed between the extension regions 18cX of a pair of heat conduction plates 18c, 18c that extend above the heating plate 18a, and is sandwiched in contact with the pair of heat conduction plates 18c, 18c. As a result, the thermistor 19 is supported by the pair of heat conduction plates 18c, 18c. In other words, the thermistor 19 is sandwiched between the pair of heat conduction plates 18c, 18c. The thermistor 19 and the extension regions 18cX of the pair of heat conduction plates 18c, 18c are not directly fixed to the boiling tank 11 or the like with screws or the like. The height position of the thermistor 19 (the height position of the extension region 18cX of the pair of heat conduction plates 18c, 18c) is disposed above the height position (gas-liquid interface F) of a lower end opening 22 of the liquid storage tank 13, which will be described later. Based on the temperature of the heater 18 detected by the thermistor 19, the power supply to the heater 18 is controlled by a control device (not shown).

[0029] When the boiling tank 11 is provided with a plurality of heaters 18, it is preferable to attach a thermistor 19 to each of the plurality of heaters 18. That is, when the boiling tank 11 is provided with two heaters 18 as in the present embodiment, it is preferable to provide two thermistors 19, one for each of the two heaters 18.

[0030] (liquid supply tank) As shown in Figures 2, 3, 7, and 8, the liquid supply tank 12 is a tank that defines an internal space S2 capable of storing the liquid W to be supplied to the boiling tank 11, and has a liquid supply port 20 and an outlet 21. The liquid supply tank 12 is integrated (fixed) with (to) the main body 101. In this embodiment, the liquid supply tank 12 is disposed approximately in the center of the upper part of the main body 101. Note that a cartridge filled with an ion exchange resin that removes impurities such as calcium components from the liquid W may be detachably provided in the liquid supply tank 12.

[0031] The liquid supply port 20 of the liquid supply tank 12 is an opening that can supply the liquid W to be supplied into the internal space S2, and is provided at the top of the liquid supply tank 12. The liquid supply port 20 can be opened and closed by a lid 34, which will be described later. When the liquid supply port 20 is opened upward, it communicates with the outside and the internal space S2. When supplying liquid to the liquid supply tank 12, the lid 34, which will be described later, is opened (liquid supply port open state, which will be described later), and liquid is supplied from the liquid supply port 20 to the internal space S2.

[0032] The outlet 21 of the liquid supply tank 12 is an opening that allows the liquid W stored in the internal space S2 to flow out toward the boiling tank 11 side (the liquid storage tank 13 in this embodiment), and is provided at the bottom of the liquid supply tank 12. The outlet 21 can be opened and closed by an outlet valve 35, which will be described later. The outlet 21 in this embodiment can be connected to the liquid storage tank 13.

[0033] As will be described later, when the outlet valve 35 is opened, the liquid W in the liquid supply tank 12 flows out from the outlet 21 into the liquid storage tank 13. At this time, it is preferable to set the capacity of the liquid supply tank 12 so that all of the liquid W in the liquid supply tank 12 flows out toward the liquid storage tank 13. In other words, it is preferable to set the capacity of the liquid supply tank 12 so that when the liquid supply tank 12 is supplied up to the upper limit (Max) and then the outlet valve 35 is opened, all of the liquid W in the liquid supply tank 12 flows out toward the liquid storage tank 13 and no liquid W remains in the liquid supply tank 12. Note that the capacity of the liquid supply tank 12 is not limited to the above.

[0034] (liquid storage tank) As shown in Figures 2, 3, 7, and 8, the liquid storage tank 13 is a tank that defines an internal space S3 capable of storing a liquid W, and is disposed below the liquid supply tank 12, communicates with the outlet 21 of the liquid supply tank 12, and stores the liquid that flows out from the outlet 21 in the internal space S3. The upper part of the internal space S3 of the liquid storage tank 13 is defined by the lower surface of the liquid supply tank 12. That is, the liquid supply tank 12 and the liquid storage tank 13 have a two-layer structure in which the liquid supply tank 12 is disposed in the upper layer and the liquid storage tank 13 is disposed in the lower layer. The liquid storage tank 13 is fixed to the main body 101 while being integrated with the liquid supply tank 12. The liquid storage tank 13 has a lower end opening 22 that communicates with the liquid supply path 14.

[0035] (Bypass flow path) The liquid supply tank 12 and the liquid storage tank 13 of this embodiment are provided with a bypass flow path 23 that communicates from a predetermined height position of the liquid supply tank 12 to the liquid storage tank 13 below. The upper end of the bypass flow path 23 is located above the predetermined height position (the set upper limit (Max) position of the liquid level) of the liquid supply tank 12. As shown by the white arrow in Figure 2, when liquid W is supplied to the liquid supply tank 12 up to the predetermined height position or above, the bypass flow path 23 allows the overflowing liquid W to flow into the liquid storage tank 13.

[0036] (liquid supply path) 2 and 3, the liquid supply path 14 is a flow path for the liquid W that extends from the liquid storage tank 13 to the boiling tank 11, and includes a first region 24 that extends from the lower end of the liquid storage tank 13 to the lower end of the sub-tank 15, and a second region (inclined path) 25 that slopes upward from the lower end of the sub-tank 15 and extends to the lower end of the boiling tank 11. The flow path from the liquid supply tank 12 to the boiling tank 11 (including multiple tanks, the liquid supply path 14, and a recovery path 27 described later) has a sealed structure in which only the spray nozzle 17 comes into contact with the outside air when the liquid supply port 20 of the liquid supply tank 12 is closed (the state shown in FIG. 3).

[0037] (Subtank) 2 and 3, the sub-tank 15 is a tank that defines an internal space S4 capable of storing the liquid W, and is disposed on the upstream side (near side) of the boiling tank 11 in the flow direction of the liquid W from the liquid supply tank 12 toward the boiling tank 11 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "flow direction"). A first region 24 of the liquid supply path 14 from the liquid storage tank 13 side is connected to the upstream side of the lower end of the boiling tank 11. Furthermore, a second region 25 of the liquid supply path 14 that communicates with the boiling tank 11 is connected to the downstream side of the lower end of the boiling tank 11. That is, the sub-tank 15 is disposed midway along the liquid supply path 14 between the liquid storage tank 13 and the boiling tank 11.

[0038] The second region 25 of the liquid supply path 14, which communicates between the sub-tank 15 and the boiling tank 11, is an inclined path that slopes upward from the sub-tank 15 toward the boiling tank 11. As shown in Fig. 3, the height position h1 of the upper end of the end of the second region 25 of the liquid supply path 14 on the sub-tank 15 side is located higher than the height position h2 of the center in the vertical direction of the heating plate 18a of the heater 18. Note that, in this embodiment, the entire second region 25 of the liquid supply path 14 is an inclined path, but this is not limited thereto, and only a part of the second region 25 may be an inclined path.

[0039] A first communication passage 26 that communicates with the upper part of the boiling tank 11 is provided in the sub-tank 15 above the second region 25 of the liquid supply path 14. As shown by the arrow in FIG. 3, the first communication passage 26 functions as part of a recovery path 27 for recovering a portion of the steam S generated in the boiling tank 11 to the liquid supply path 14 side. In addition, a second communication passage 28 that communicates with the chamber tank 16 is provided in the upper part of the sub-tank 15. As shown by the arrow in FIG. 3, the second communication passage 28 functions as part of the recovery path 27 for recovering a portion of the steam S generated in the boiling tank 11 to the liquid supply path 14 side.

[0040] The steam S that flows from the boiling tank 11 into the sub-tank 15 via the first communication passage 26 is separated into gaseous matter as large masses such as droplets come into contact with the surface of the liquid W in the sub-tank 15 and liquefy. The steam S separated in the sub-tank 15 flows into the chamber tank 16 via the second communication passage 28.

[0041] The sub-tank 15 temporarily stores the liquid W to be supplied to the boiling tank 11 at a position immediately before the boiling tank 11. The sub-tank 15 has a function of preheating the liquid W supplied from the first region 24 of the liquid supply path 14 by natural convection caused by the temperature difference between the liquid W in the second region 25 of the liquid supply path 14 and the boiled liquid W in the boiling tank 11. The sub-tank 15 also has a function of preheating the liquid W supplied from the first region 24 of the liquid supply path 14 by a portion of the steam S recovered from the first communication path 26 (recovery path 27).

[0042] (Chamber tank) As shown in Figures 2, 3, 7, and 8, the chamber tank 16 is a tank that defines an internal space S5 that allows steam S to flow, and is located above the lower end opening 22 of the storage tank 13. The internal space S5 of the chamber tank 16 functions as part of the recovery path 27 that recovers a portion of the steam S generated in the boiling tank 11 to the liquid supply path 14 side. That is, the chamber tank 16 defines part of the recovery path 27 that recovers a portion of the steam S to the liquid supply path 14 side. The chamber tank 16 has the function of cooling the recovered steam S. The chamber tank 16 is connected to the sub-tank 15 via the second communication path 28 described above. The chamber tank 16 is also connected to the first region 24 of the liquid supply path 14 via a third communication path 29. The third communication path 29 extends downward from the lower end of the chamber tank 16 and is connected to the first region 24 of the liquid supply path 14. The third communication passage 29 is connected to the first region 24 of the liquid supply passage 14 at a height position that includes at least a region below the lower end opening 22 of the liquid storage tank 13 .

[0043] Of the steam S cooled in the chamber tank 16, those with a large mass, such as droplets, are recovered as liquid W in the first region 24 of the liquid supply path 14. Furthermore, when the liquid level in the liquid supply path 14 drops below the lower end opening 22 of the liquid storage tank 13, the gas part of the steam S cooled in the chamber tank 16 flows into the liquid storage tank 13 and the liquid supply tank 12. Therefore, when the liquid W in the boiling tank 11 is reduced (consumed) by the spraying of steam S and the liquid level drops, and the liquid level in the liquid supply path 14 drops below the lower end opening 22 of the liquid storage tank 13, the liquid W in the liquid storage tank 13 and the liquid supply tank 12 is supplied to the boiling tank 11 via the liquid supply path 14. At this time, air is sucked in from the third communication path 29 extending from the chamber tank 16 to prevent a vacuum from being created inside the liquid storage tank 13 and the liquid supply tank 12.

[0044] 3, the height position of the bottom opening 22 of the storage tank 13 is the gas-liquid interface F. The position of this gas-liquid interface F determines the liquid level in the boiling tank 11, so by changing the height position of the bottom opening 22 of the storage tank 13, the liquid level in the boiling tank 11 can be set appropriately.

[0045] (Chamber tank configuration) As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , in this embodiment, the chamber tank 16 is provided so as to surround the entire periphery of the liquid storage tank 13 in a top view and is integrated with the liquid storage tank 13. Specifically, the peripheral wall 30 of the liquid storage tank 13 is formed with a double structure. The double-structured peripheral wall 30 of the liquid storage tank 13 defines a part of the recovery path 27 on its inner side (within the peripheral wall) and functions as the chamber tank 16. In other words, the double-structured peripheral wall 30 defines the recovery path 27 inside and also defines the outside of the internal space of the tank. Note that in this embodiment, the peripheral wall 30 of the liquid storage tank 13 is formed with a double structure to define the recovery path 27, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the peripheral wall of the liquid supply tank 12 may be formed with a double structure to define the recovery path 27, or the peripheral walls of both the liquid supply tank 12 and the liquid storage tank 13 may be formed with a double structure to define the recovery path 27. That is, it is preferable that the peripheral wall of at least one of the liquid supply tank 12 and the liquid storage tank 13 be formed into a double structure to define the recovery path 27. In Figures 7 and 8, the second communication path 28 that communicates with the sub-tank 15 side is not shown.

[0046] (Water level detection section) In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , a water level detection unit 31 is provided midway through the first region 24 of the liquid supply path 14 (before the sub-tank 15). The water level detection unit 31 defines an internal space S6 extending in the vertical direction and allows the liquid W to flow in from the liquid supply path 14. The lower part of the water level detection unit 31 is connected to the first region 24 of the liquid supply path 14. The upper part of the water level detection unit 31 extends above the height position of the lower-end opening 22 of the liquid storage tank 13 and is connected to the upper chamber tank 16 via a fourth communication passage 32. The fourth communication passage 32 defines a part of the recovery passage 27 for recovering a portion of the steam S to the liquid supply path 14 side. The steam S that flows into the water level detection unit 31 from the chamber tank 16 via the fourth communication passage 32 is separated from the gaseous part by liquid droplets or other large masses coming into contact with the liquid surface of the liquid W in the water level detection unit 31 and liquefying.

[0047] Upper and lower liquid sensors 33a, 33b capable of detecting liquid W are provided at predetermined height positions above and below the water level detection unit 31. The upper limit of the liquid level can be detected by the upper liquid sensor 33a detecting the liquid W. The lower limit of the liquid level can be detected by the lower liquid sensor 33b not detecting the liquid W. The upper liquid sensor 33a does not have to be provided.

[0048] The above-mentioned boiling tank 11, liquid supply tank 12, liquid storage tank 13, liquid supply path 14, sub-tank 15, chamber tank 16, etc. of the steam spray device 10 are made of a plastic resin such as PPS or silicone resin that has a heat resistance of 100°C or higher.

[0049] As shown in Figures 2, 3, 7, and 8, the steam spraying device 10 of this embodiment comprises a cover body 34, an outlet valve 35, an axis portion (outlet valve control means) 36 integrally formed with the outlet valve 35, and a spring (outlet valve control means) 37 that biases the outlet valve 35.

[0050] (lid) The lid 34 is a lid that can open and close the liquid supply port 20 of the liquid supply tank 12, and can be placed in a liquid supply port open state in which the liquid supply port 20 is open, and a liquid supply port closed state in which the liquid supply port 20 is closed. By placing the lid 34 in the liquid supply port open state, the liquid supply port 20 is opened, allowing liquid to be supplied from the liquid supply port 20 into the liquid supply tank 12. By placing the lid 34 in the liquid supply port closed state, the liquid supply port 20 of the liquid supply tank 12 is sealed. The lid 34 may be detachable from the main body 101, or may be supported on the main body 101 so as to be movable (for example, tiltable or slidable).

[0051] (Outlet valve) The outlet valve 35 is a valve provided at the outlet 21 of the liquid supply tank 12, and can be placed in an outlet open state in which the outlet 21 is open, and an outlet closed state in which the outlet 21 is closed. By placing the outlet valve 35 in the outlet open state, the outlet 21 is opened, allowing the liquid W to flow out from the outlet 21. The liquid W that flows out from the outlet 21 flows out to the boiling tank 11 side (the liquid storage tank 13 in this embodiment). By placing the outlet valve 35 in the outlet closed state, the outlet 21 is closed, restricting the outflow of the liquid W from the outlet 21. The outlet valve 35 in this embodiment is controlled to open and close by a shaft 36 and a spring 37, which serve as outlet valve control means, which will be described later.

[0052] The outlet valve 35 of this embodiment is movable in the vertical direction, and in the outlet-closed state, it abuts against the outlet 21 of the supply liquid tank 12 from below to block the outlet 21, and in the outlet-open state, it moves downward from the position where it closes the outlet 21 to open the outlet 21. In this embodiment, a shaft 36 and a spring 37 are provided as outlet valve control means for controlling the opening and closing of the outlet valve 35. Note that, in this embodiment, the outlet valve 35 is movable in the vertical direction, but is not limited to this, and the outlet valve 35 may be any valve as long as it can open and close the outlet 21.

[0053] (Outlet valve control means) The shaft 36 is formed in a rod shape extending in the vertical direction, and its lower end is provided integrally with the outlet valve 35. The shaft 36 extends upward from the outlet valve 35 and passes through the outlet 21 of the liquid supply tank 12. The shaft 36 of this embodiment is supported by the liquid supply tank 12 so as to be movable in the vertical direction (not shown). A spring support portion 36a that supports a spring 37, which will be described later, is provided in an area of ​​the shaft 36 above the outlet 21 (an area located in the internal space S2 of the liquid supply tank 12).

[0054] The spring 37 is a coil spring that is elastically deformable up and down, and is disposed between the bottom surface of the internal space S2 of the liquid supply tank 12 and the spring support portion 36a of the shaft portion 36. The shaft portion 36 is inserted into the radially inner side of the spring 37. As a result, the spring 37 biases (biases upward in this embodiment) the outlet valve 35 via the shaft portion 36 so as to close the outlet. Note that the biasing means for biasing the outlet valve 35 is not limited to the coil spring (spring 37), and may be another biasing means such as a leaf spring.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 2, in the outflow port closed state, the upper end of shaft 36 is positioned higher than the height position of the lower surface of lid 34 in the liquid supply port closed state (the state shown in Fig. 3). Then, as shown in Fig. 3, when lid 34 is placed in the liquid supply port closed state and the upper end of shaft 36 is pressed downward by lid 34, shaft 36 and outflow port valve 35 move downward against the biasing force of spring 37, placing outflow port valve 35 in the outflow port open state. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 2, when lid 34 is placed in the liquid supply port open state, shaft 36 and outflow port valve 35 move upward by the biasing force of spring 37, placing outflow port valve 35 in the outflow port closed state. In this way, the shaft 36 and spring 37 keep the outlet valve 35 in the outlet closed state while the cover 34 opens the liquid supply port 20 of the liquid supply tank 12 (during the liquid supply port open state), and keep the outlet valve 35 in the outlet open state when the cover 34 seals the liquid supply port 20 (liquid supply port closed state). As in this embodiment, by applying a mechanical configuration (shaft 36 and spring 37) as the outlet valve control means, a simple configuration can be achieved.

[0056] In this embodiment, a mechanical configuration (shaft 36 and spring 37) is used as the outlet valve control means, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the outlet valve control means may be provided with an opening / closing sensor that detects whether lid 34 is open or closed, and electrically control outlet valve 35 based on a signal from the opening / closing sensor.

[0057] 2 and 3, the steam sprayer 10 of this embodiment includes an outlet 38, an outlet valve 39 provided at the outlet 38, a shaft portion (outlet valve control means) 40 provided integrally with the outlet valve 39, and a spring (outlet valve control means) 41 that biases the outlet valve 39. The steam sprayer 10 of this embodiment also includes a drainage sensor (drainage detection means) 42 that detects the completion of drainage from the outlet 38, and notification means 43 (see FIG. 1) that notifies the completion of drainage.

[0058] (Exhaust port) The outlet 38 is an opening for discharging the liquid W from the steam spray device 10 (including the boiling tank 11, the liquid supply tank 12, the storage tank 13, the liquid supply path 14, the sub-tank 15, the chamber tank 16, and the water level detection unit 31) after use. The outlet 38 is disposed at a relatively low position in the liquid flow path (liquid supply path 14) between the storage tank 13 and the boiling tank 11, allowing the liquid W from the steam spray device 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as "inside the device") to be discharged. From the viewpoint of discharging all of the liquid W from the device, the outlet 38 is preferably provided at the lowest position of the liquid supply path 14. The outlet 38 in this embodiment is connected to a drain tank 103 (see FIG. 1 ) below. The liquid W discharged from the outlet 38 is collected in the drain tank 103. After collection, the drain tank 103 can be removed from the main body 101, allowing the liquid W to be discarded to the outside. Although Figures 2 and 3 show the state in which the outlet 38 is provided in the first region 24 of the liquid supply path 14, the position of the outlet 38 is not limited to this and may be any position that allows the liquid W in the steam spray device 10 to be discharged by opening it.

[0059] (Outlet valve) The outlet valve 39 is a valve provided at the outlet 38, and can be placed in an outlet open state in which the outlet 38 is open, and an outlet closed state in which the outlet 38 is closed. By placing the outlet valve 39 in the outlet open state, the outlet 38 is opened, allowing the outflow (discharge) of the liquid W from the outlet 38. The liquid W discharged from the outlet 38 is collected in the drain tank 103, as described above. By placing the outlet valve 39 in the outlet closed state, the outlet 38 is closed, restricting the discharge of the liquid W from the outlet 38. The outlet valve 39 of this embodiment is controlled to open and close by a shaft 40 and a spring 41, which serve as outlet valve control means, which will be described later.

[0060] The discharge port valve 39 in this embodiment is movable in the vertical direction, and in the discharge port closed state, it abuts against the discharge port 38 from above to close the discharge port 38, and in the discharge port open state, it moves upward from the position where it closes the discharge port 38 to open the discharge port 38. In this embodiment, a shaft 40 and a spring 41 are provided as discharge port valve control means for controlling the opening and closing of the discharge port valve 39. Note that, in this embodiment, the discharge port valve 39 is movable in the vertical direction, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the discharge port valve 39 may be any valve as long as it can open and close the discharge port 38.

[0061] (Discharge port valve control means) The shaft 40 is formed in a rod shape extending in the vertical direction, and its lower end is integrally provided with the outlet valve 39. The shaft 40 extends upward from the outlet valve 39. In this embodiment, the shaft 40 is supported by the main body 101 so as to be movable in the vertical direction (not shown). A spring support portion 40a that supports a spring 41, which will be described later, is provided in a predetermined region of the shaft 40.

[0062] The spring 41 is a coil spring that can elastically deform up and down, and is disposed between the upper surface of a predetermined location inside the main body 101 and a spring support portion 40a of the shaft portion 40 that is positioned above the upper surface. The shaft portion 40 is inserted into the radially inner side of the spring 41. As a result, the spring 41 biases (biases upward in this embodiment) the outlet valve 39 via the shaft portion 40 so as to open the outlet. Note that the biasing means for biasing the outlet valve 39 is not limited to a coil spring (spring 41), and may be another biasing means such as a leaf spring.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 2, in the discharge port open state, the upper end of shaft 40 is positioned higher than the height position of the lower surface of lid 34 when the liquid supply port is closed (the state shown in Fig. 3). Then, as shown in Fig. 3, when lid 34 is placed in the liquid supply port closed state and the upper end of shaft 40 is pushed downward by lid 34, shaft 40 and discharge port valve 39 move downward against the biasing force of spring 41, bringing discharge port valve 39 into the discharge port closed state. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 2, when lid 34 is placed in the liquid supply port open state, shaft 40 and discharge port valve 39 move upward by the biasing force of spring 41, bringing discharge port valve 39 into the discharge port open state. In this way, the shaft 40 and spring 41 place the outlet valve 39 in an outlet open state while the cover 34 opens the liquid supply port 20 of the liquid supply tank 12 (liquid supply port open state), and place the outlet valve 39 in an outlet closed state when the cover 34 seals the liquid supply port 20 (liquid supply port closed state). By applying a mechanical configuration (shaft 40 and spring 41) as the outlet valve control means as in this embodiment, a simple configuration can be achieved.

[0064] In this embodiment, a mechanical configuration (shaft 40 and spring 41) is used as the discharge port valve control means, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the discharge port valve control means may be provided with an opening / closing sensor that detects whether the lid 34 is open or closed, and electrically control the discharge port valve 39 based on a signal from the opening / closing sensor.

[0065] (Discharge detection means) The drainage sensor 42 is disposed in the liquid supply path 14 and functions as a drainage detection means for detecting the completion of drainage from the drain outlet 38. For example, the drainage sensor 42 may be disposed near the drain outlet 38 of the liquid supply path 14 and detect the completion of drainage by detecting the absence of liquid near the drain outlet 38. An example of the drainage sensor 42 is a sensor that can detect the presence or absence of liquid W near the drain outlet 38 by receiving radio waves that are transmitted into the liquid supply path 14 and propagate through the liquid W. Note that the drainage detection means is not limited to the drainage sensor 42 as long as it can detect the completion of drainage from the drain outlet 38. For example, the drainage detection means may be a float that floats in the liquid W and is disposed in the drain outlet 38, and the liquid level in the drain outlet 38 is detected by the rising and falling of the float, thereby detecting the completion of drainage.

[0066] (Notification means) The notification means 43 notifies the user that drainage has ended when the drainage detection means (drainage sensor 42 in this embodiment) detects the end of drainage from the outlet 38. In this embodiment, the notification means 43 is provided on the top surface of the main body 101 as a lamp (see FIG. 1) that lights up when the end of drainage from the outlet 38 is detected, and a sound generating unit (not shown) that generates a notification sound (such as a buzzer or chime) when the end of drainage is detected. Note that in this embodiment, both a lamp and a sound generating unit are provided as the notification means 43, but this is not limited thereto, and the notification means 43 may be either a lamp or a sound generating unit, or may be a notification means 43 that includes a method other than these (for example, vibration, etc.).

[0067] (How to use and operate) Next, an example of a method of using and operating the steam spraying device 10 will be described.

[0068] When using the steam spray device 10, as shown in Fig. 2, first, the lid 34 is opened to open the liquid supply port 20 of the liquid supply tank 12 to set it to a liquid supply port open state. When the lid 34 is set to the liquid supply port open state, the outlet valve 35 is set to an outlet closing state to close the outlet 21 of the liquid supply tank 12, and the discharge port valve 39 is set to an outlet opening state to open the discharge port 38. At this time, since the discharge port 38 is open, if any liquid W remains in the device from the previous use, the remaining liquid W is recovered into the drain tank 103.

[0069] Next, the liquid W is supplied from the liquid supply port 20 of the liquid supply tank 12. At this time, the outlet valve 35 of the liquid supply tank 12 is closed, so the supplied liquid W is stored in the liquid supply tank 12 without flowing out from the outlet valve 35 to the liquid storage tank 13. When the liquid W is supplied to the liquid supply tank 12 up to the predetermined height position (Max) or above, the overflowing liquid W flows into the liquid storage tank 13 from the bypass flow path 23.

[0070] Next, as shown in Fig. 3, the lid 34 is closed to close the liquid supply port 20 of the liquid supply tank 12, thereby setting it to a liquid supply port closed state. When the lid 34 is set to the liquid supply port closed state, the outlet valve 35 is set to an outlet open state, thereby opening the outlet 21 of the liquid supply tank 12, and the discharge port valve 39 is set to an outlet closed state, thereby closing the discharge port 38. When the outlet is set to the outlet open state, the liquid W in the liquid supply tank 12 passes from the outlet 21 through the liquid storage tank 13, the first region 24 of the liquid supply path 14, the sub-tank 15, and the second region 25 of the liquid supply path 14 in this order, and is then supplied to the boiling tank 11. Then, as shown in Fig. 3, when the liquid W is stored in the boiling tank 11 up to a predetermined liquid level (the height position of the lower end opening 22 of the liquid storage tank 13), the supply of liquid from the liquid supply tank 12 side (the liquid storage tank 13 in this embodiment) stops.

[0071] Thereafter, by turning on a heating start button or the like, the heater 18 heats the liquid W. When the liquid W is heated to its boiling point by the heating of the heater 18, the liquid W boils and generates steam S. As the steam S continues to be generated, the internal pressure of the boiling tank 11 gradually increases, and the generated steam S is sprayed from the spray nozzle 17.

[0072] At this time, a portion of the generated steam S is collected into the sub-tank 15 through the first communication passage 26. The steam S collected in the sub-tank 15 comes into contact with the surface of the liquid W, thereby heating the liquid W, and conversely, heat is absorbed from the steam S, causing the temperature to decrease.

[0073] Furthermore, as steam S continues to be generated, the liquid W in the boiling tank 11 is consumed, and the consumed liquid W is successively supplied from the liquid supply tank 12 (liquid storage tank 13 in this embodiment). However, as the liquid W passes through the sub-tank 15, its temperature is raised to a certain extent before it is supplied to the boiling tank 11, so the temperature of the liquid W in the boiling tank 11 does not drop suddenly.

[0074] The steam S that has passed through the sub-tank 15 is collected in the chamber tank 16 via the second communication passage 28. When the steam S is collected in the chamber tank 16 and cooled, the water component of the steam S liquefies or condenses to return to liquid W, which is collected (supplied) from the third communication passage 29 to the first region 24 of the liquid supply path 14.

[0075] When the operation of the steam sprayer 10 is to be ended, the steam sprayer 10 is stopped by turning off the power, for example. After stopping the steam sprayer 10, if the lid 34 is set to the liquid supply port open state, the discharge port is also set to the open state, and the liquid W remaining in the device can be collected into the drainage tank 103. Even if the user forgets to collect the liquid W in the device after using the steam sprayer 10, the liquid W remaining in the device can be collected into the drainage tank 103 by setting the lid 34 to the liquid supply port open state when the steam sprayer 10 is next used.

[0076] The steam sprayer 10 configured as described above includes an outlet valve 35 provided at the outlet 21 of the liquid supply tank 12, and an outlet valve control means (in this embodiment, a shaft 36 and a spring 37) that controls the outlet valve 35. The outlet valve control means sets the outlet valve 35 to an outlet-closed state while the lid 34 is in an inlet-open state, and sets the outlet valve 35 to an outlet-open state when the lid 34 is in an inlet-closed state. In this way, when the liquid supply port 20 of the liquid supply tank 12 is open, the outlet 21 of the liquid supply tank 12 is closed, so that, unlike when both the spray nozzle 17 side and the liquid supply tank 12 side are open, excessive liquid can be prevented from entering the steam sprayer 10.

[0077] As described above, according to this embodiment, even if the liquid supply tank 12 is integrated into the steam sprayer 10, it is possible to provide a steam sprayer 10 that can prevent excessive liquid from entering the device.

[0078] Furthermore, since the liquid storage tank 13 is provided to store the liquid W flowing out from the outlet 21 of the liquid supply tank 12, the liquid W can be stored in the liquid storage tank 13 by placing the lid 34 in a state where the liquid supply port is closed and the outlet valve 35 in a state where the outlet is open. Therefore, unlike when the liquid storage tank 13 is not provided, a large amount of liquid W can be stored in the device.

[0079] Furthermore, a discharge port 38 is provided in the liquid supply path 14, a discharge port valve 39 is provided in the discharge port 38, and a discharge port valve control means (in this embodiment, a shaft 40 and a spring 41) for controlling the discharge port valve 39 is provided. The discharge port valve control means sets the discharge port valve 39 to a discharge port open state while the lid body 34 is in a liquid supply port open state, and sets the discharge port valve 39 to a discharge port closed state when the lid body 34 is in a liquid supply port closed state. Therefore, water can be drained from the liquid supply path 14 by opening the lid body 34. Therefore, even if the user forgets to collect the liquid W from the steam spray device 10 after using the device, the next time the steam spray device 10 is used, the lid body 34 can be opened and the liquid W remaining in the device can be drained (collected into the drain tank 103) while supplying the liquid to the liquid supply tank 12.

[0080] Furthermore, the liquid storage tank 13 has a two-layer structure disposed below the liquid supply tank 12, and an outlet valve 35 that closes when the lid 34 is in the liquid supply port open state is provided at the outlet 21 of the liquid supply tank 12 that communicates between the liquid storage tank 13 and the liquid supply tank 12. Therefore, even if the outlet 21 of the liquid supply tank 12 is closed when the lid 34 is in the liquid supply port open state and the outlet valve 39 is in the outlet open state, the bottom opening 22 of the liquid storage tank 13 is open, so that all of the liquid W remaining in the liquid storage tank 13 can be discharged. If the liquid supply tank 12 had a single-layer structure expanded downward without providing the liquid storage tank 13, the outlet 21 of the liquid supply tank 12 would be located at the position of the bottom opening 22 of the liquid storage tank 13 in the above embodiment. In this case, when the lid 34 is set to the liquid supply port open state, the outlet valve 35 is set to the outlet closed state, so there is a possibility that all of the liquid W in the liquid supply tank 12 cannot be drained even if the lid 34 is opened. In this embodiment, the liquid storage tank 13 has a two-layer structure arranged below the liquid supply tank 12, and an outlet valve 39 is provided at the outlet 21 of the liquid supply tank 12, so that all of the liquid W remaining in the liquid storage tank 13 can be drained by opening the lid 34.

[0081] Furthermore, by setting the capacity of the liquid supply tank 12 so that all of the liquid W in the liquid supply tank 12 flows out to the liquid storage tank 13 when the lid 34 is closed, no liquid W remains in the liquid supply tank 12 when the liquid supply port is closed. Therefore, when the lid 34 is opened, all of the liquid W in the device can be discharged from the discharge port 38.

[0082] In this way, when the lid 34 is opened, the liquid W inside the device is discharged from the outlet 38, so that when using the steam sprayer 10, the liquid W remaining in the device when supplying the liquid is discharged, and newly supplied liquid W can be used. This prevents the components (mainly mineral components) contained in the liquid W from concentrating and adhering to the surface of the heater 18, unlike when using the liquid W remaining in the device (including when new liquid W is added to the remaining liquid W). Furthermore, since newly supplied liquid W can always be used when using the steam sprayer 10, the steam sprayer 10 can be used hygienically.

[0083] (Miniaturization of equipment) Furthermore, there is a demand for miniaturization of the entire steam spray device, such as a beauty device (facial massager). However, since multiple tanks and the like are arranged within the device, miniaturization of the device is difficult. In the steam spray device 10 configured as described above, the peripheral wall 30 of at least one of the liquid supply tank 12 and the liquid storage tank 13 is formed into a double structure, a steam S recovery path 27 is defined within this double-structured peripheral wall 30, and the peripheral wall 30 of at least one of the tanks functions as a chamber tank 16. In this way, the peripheral wall 30 of at least one of the integrated liquid supply tank 12 and the liquid storage tank 13 functions as the chamber tank 16. Therefore, unlike when the chamber tank 16 is provided separately from the liquid supply tank 12 and the liquid storage tank 13, the interior of the main body 101 can be made compact, which contributes to miniaturization of the steam spray device 10. Furthermore, when the liquid storage tank 13 is not provided, forming the peripheral wall 30 of the liquid supply tank 12 into a double structure and defining the recovery path 27 for the steam S within the double-structured peripheral wall 30 of the liquid supply tank 12 can contribute to downsizing of the steam spray device 10. Note that when the objective is to downsize the steam spray device 10, it is sufficient to form the peripheral wall of the liquid supply tank 12 or the peripheral wall 30 of at least one of the liquid supply tank 12 and the liquid storage tank 13 into a double structure, and have the peripheral wall 30 at least have a configuration that functions as the chamber tank 16 that defines the recovery path 27.

[0084] (Discharge detection) Furthermore, in conventional steam spray devices, when draining the liquid W inside, the completion of drainage is estimated based on the passage of time (for example, 30 seconds to 1 minute) after the drainage operation (such as pressing the drain button) is performed. In the steam spray device 10 configured as described above, by providing a drainage detection means (in this embodiment, drainage sensor 42) that detects the completion of drainage from the outlet 38 and a notification means 43 that notifies the user that drainage has completed when the completion of drainage is detected, the user can easily recognize the completion of drainage. Note that if the purpose is to easily recognize the completion of drainage, it is sufficient to at least provide the drainage detection means and the notification means 43.

[0085] (Prevents overflow) Furthermore, in general, in a steam sprayer, problems such as dry boiling can occur if the amount of liquid W is small. Therefore, when supplying liquid to the liquid supply tank, the liquid supply tank may be overfilled, causing the liquid W to overflow from the liquid supply tank. If the liquid supply tank is integrated with the steam sprayer, overflowing of the liquid W from the liquid supply tank may result in flooding around the steam sprayer. The steam sprayer 10 configured as described above includes a bypass flow path 23 that communicates with the liquid supply tank 12 from a predetermined height to the liquid storage tank 13 below. When liquid W is supplied to the liquid supply tank 12 above the predetermined height, the bypass flow path 23 allows overflowing liquid W to flow into the liquid storage tank 13. Therefore, overflowing liquid W from the liquid supply tank 12 flows from the bypass flow path 23 into the liquid storage tank 13. Therefore, even when the liquid supply tank 12 is integrated with the steam sprayer 10, flooding around the steam sprayer 10 can be prevented. If the purpose is to prevent overflow, it is sufficient to provide at least a bypass flow path 23 that communicates from a predetermined height position of the liquid supply tank 12 to the liquid storage tank 13 below.

[0086] (Prevents empty burning) Furthermore, in general, if a problem occurs in a steam sprayer, and the liquid W in the boiling tank continues to decrease while the supply of liquid to the boiling tank is stagnant, the heater may be exposed significantly above the liquid level in the boiling tank, potentially resulting in dry-boiling. In the steam sprayer 10 configured as described above, even if the liquid W in the boiling tank 11 continues to decrease while the supply of liquid to the boiling tank 11 is stagnant, the liquid W is stored in the sub-tank 15, so the liquid W in the boiling tank 11 will only drop to a height position h1 at the upper end of the second region 25 of the liquid supply path 14 on the sub-tank 15 side. Furthermore, the height position h1 of the upper end of the second region 25 of the liquid supply path 14 on the sub-tank 15 side is located above a height position h2 at the center of the heating plate 18a of the heater 18 in the vertical direction, thereby preventing the heating plate 18a from being exposed above the liquid level in the boiling tank 11. This prevents dry-boiling. In addition, if the purpose is to prevent dry-burning, it is sufficient to provide a sloped path (in the above embodiment, the second region 25 of the liquid supply path 14) connecting the boiling tank 11 and the sub-tank 15, and to have at least a configuration in which the height position of the upper end of the end of the sloped path on the sub-tank 15 side is positioned higher than the height position of the center of the heating plate 18a of the heater 18 in the vertical direction.

[0087] (Temperature detection accuracy) In addition, in conventional steam sprayers, a heat-conducting plate, such as an aluminum plate, extending from the heater may be directly screwed to the device body while the thermistor is in contact with the plate. In such cases, heat from the heat-conducting plate is absorbed by the screws or the device body, potentially reducing the accuracy of temperature detection by the thermistor. In the steam sprayer 10 configured as described above, the thermistor 19 is disposed between the extension regions 18cX of the pair of heat-conducting plates 18c of the heater 18 and contacts the pair of heat-conducting plates 18c. In this way, the thermistor 19 is sandwiched between the pair of heat-conducting plates 18c, 18c, thereby reducing heat transfer loss due to the above-mentioned screwing and improving the accuracy of temperature detection. In addition, if the purpose is to improve the accuracy of temperature detection, the heater 18 should at least be provided with a heating plate 18a and a pair of heat-conducting plates 18c, 18c, and the thermistor 19 should be positioned between the extension region 18cX of the pair of heat-conducting plates 18c, 18c that is positioned above the heating plate 18a and in contact with the pair of heat-conducting plates 18c, 18c.

[0088] Furthermore, the extension region 18cX of the pair of heat conduction plates 18c, 18c of the heater 18 is a region that extends above the heat generating plate 18a, and the thermistor 19 is attached to the upper end of the heater 18. Therefore, the thermistor 19 and the extension region 18cX of the pair of heat conduction plates 18c, 18c are disposed at height positions that make it difficult for them to be immersed in the liquid W in the boiling tank 11, so the thermistor 19 can efficiently detect the heat transferred to the upper part of the heater 18.

[0089] A thermistor 19 is provided for each of the multiple heaters 18. Therefore, unlike when a pair of heat conduction plates 18c, 18c drawn out from each heater 18 are gathered in one location and a single thermistor 19 is provided at the gathered location, a fail-safe structure is provided, so that even if one thermistor 19 fails, the other thermistor 19 can detect the temperature of the heater 18.

[0090] (Variation) In this embodiment, the thermistor 19 is provided for each of the plurality of heaters 18, but this is not limitative, and one thermistor 19 may be provided for the plurality of heaters 18.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a plurality of heaters 18 are provided in the boiling tank 11, but this is not limitative, and a single heater 18 may be provided in the boiling tank 11.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the thermistor 19 is sandwiched between the pair of heat-conducting plates 18c, 18c, but the method of attaching the thermistor 19 to the pair of heat-conducting plates 18c, 18c is not limited to this.

[0093] In addition, in this embodiment, the sub-tank 15 is provided midway along the liquid supply path 14, but the sub-tank 15 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bypass flow path 23 that connects the liquid supply tank 12 and the liquid storage tank 13 is provided, but the bypass flow path 23 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0095] In addition, in this embodiment, a drainage detection means (in this embodiment, a drainage sensor 42) is provided to detect the end of drainage from the outlet 38, and an alarm means 43 is provided to notify the end of drainage when the end of drainage is detected, but the drainage detection means and the alarm means 43 do not have to be provided.

[0096] In addition, in this embodiment, the peripheral wall 30 of at least one of the liquid supply tank 12 and the liquid storage tank 13 is formed into a double structure, and the peripheral wall 30 functions as the recovery path 27, but this is not limited to this. For example, a chamber tank that functions as the recovery path 27 may be provided separately from the liquid supply tank 12 and the liquid storage tank 13.

[0097] In addition, in this embodiment, the liquid storage tank 13 is provided below the liquid supply tank 12 to form a tank with a two-layer structure, but this is not limited to this. For example, the liquid supply tank 12 may have a single-layer structure with the liquid supply tank 12 expanded downward without providing the liquid storage tank 13, and the outlet 21 of the liquid supply tank 12 may be located at the position of the lower end opening 22 of the liquid storage tank 13 in the above embodiment.

[0098] In addition, in this embodiment, a discharge port valve control means is provided that sets the discharge port valve 39 of the discharge port 38 to the discharge port open state when the liquid supply port is open and to the discharge port closed state when the liquid supply port is closed, but the control of the discharge port valve 39 is not limited to this.

[0099] Although the present invention has been described above based on the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the content of the above embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention. In other words, all other embodiments, examples, operational techniques, etc. made by those skilled in the art based on this embodiment are naturally included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 10: Steam spray device 11: Boiling tank 12: Liquid supply tank 13: Storage tank 14: Liquid supply path (flow path) 15: Subtank 17: Spray nozzle 18: Heater 18a: Heating plate 18c: A pair of heat transfer plates 18cX:Extension area 19: Thermistor 20: Liquid supply port 21: Outlet 23: Bypass flow path 25:Second area (ramp) 27: Recovery route 30: Peripheral wall 34: Lid 35: Outlet valve 36: Shaft portion (outlet valve control means) 37: Spring (outlet valve control means) 38: Outlet 39: Discharge valve 40: Shaft portion (discharge port valve control means) 41: Spring (discharge valve control means) 42: Drainage sensor (drainage detection means) 43: Notification means

Claims

1. a boiling tank that generates steam to be sprayed from the spray nozzle; a liquid supply tank having a liquid supply port capable of supplying liquid to be supplied to the boiling tank and an outlet port capable of causing the liquid to flow out toward the boiling tank; a lid body that can open and close the liquid supply port of the liquid supply tank; an outlet valve provided at the outlet of the liquid supply tank, which can be switched between an outlet closed state that restricts the outflow of liquid from the outlet and an outlet open state that allows the outflow of liquid from the outlet; an outlet valve control means for controlling the outlet valve to close the outlet while the lid body opens the liquid supply port of the liquid supply tank, and for controlling the outlet valve to open the outlet while the lid body seals the liquid supply port. A steam spraying device characterized by:

2. a liquid storage tank disposed below the liquid supply tank, communicating with the outlet, and configured to store the liquid flowing out from the outlet; 2. The steam spraying device according to claim 1, wherein the steam spraying device comprises:

3. a recovery path for recovering a portion of the steam generated by boiling in the boiling tank to a liquid flow path between the liquid storage tank and the boiling tank; a peripheral wall of at least one of the liquid supply tank and the liquid storage tank is formed into a double structure; The recovery path is defined within the double-walled peripheral wall.

3. The steam spraying device according to claim 2.

4. a bypass flow path communicating from a predetermined height position of the liquid supply tank to the liquid storage tank below, The bypass flow path allows overflowing liquid to flow into the liquid storage tank when the liquid is supplied to the liquid supply tank at a level equal to or higher than the predetermined height.

4. The steam spraying device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. a sub-tank disposed in a liquid flow path between the liquid storage tank and the boiling tank; a liquid flow path connecting the sub-tank and the boiling tank includes a slope that slopes upward from the sub-tank toward the boiling tank; The boiling tank has a heater for boiling the liquid, the heater has a heating plate that generates heat upon receiving electric power, The height position of the upper end of the end of the inclined path on the sub-tank side is disposed above the height position of the center in the vertical direction of the heating plate of the heater.

4. The steam spraying device according to claim 2 or 3.

6. an outlet provided in a liquid flow path between the liquid supply tank and the boiling tank, and capable of discharging the liquid; a discharge port valve provided at the discharge port and capable of switching between a discharge port closed state that restricts discharge of liquid from the discharge port and a discharge port open state that allows discharge of liquid from the discharge port; and a discharge port valve control means for controlling the discharge port valve to be in a discharge port open state while the lid body opens the liquid supply port of the liquid supply tank, and for controlling the discharge port valve to be in a discharge port closed state while the lid body seals the liquid supply port.

3. The steam spraying device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. a discharge detection means for detecting the completion of discharge of liquid from the discharge port; and a notification means for notifying the completion of drainage when the drainage detection means detects the completion of drainage from the outlet.

7. The steam spraying device according to claim 6, wherein the steam spraying device comprises:

8. the boiling tank has a heater for boiling a liquid and a thermistor attached to an upper end of the heater for detecting a temperature of the heater; the heater includes a heating plate that receives electric power and generates heat, and a pair of heat-conducting plates that are arranged to sandwich the heating plate, The pair of heat conducting plates each have an extension region that extends above the heat generating plate, The thermistor is disposed between the extending regions of the pair of heat-conducting plates of the heater and is in contact with the pair of heat-conducting plates.

3. The steam spraying device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. a plurality of the heaters are provided in the boiling tank; The thermistor is provided for each of the plurality of heaters.

9. The steam spraying device according to claim 8.

Images