Steamer

Abstract

This invention provides a steamer that allows for different timings to determine when steam can be used, depending on whether it is intended for corded or cordless use. [Solution] The device includes a usage mode determination means for determining whether it is intended to be used with a cord or cordlessly, a control device 39 for controlling steam emission, a vaporization chamber 16 heated by a heater 11, at least one of a temperature detection means 20 for detecting the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 and a timing means for measuring the heating time by the heater 11, and a steam emission determination means for determining whether steam emission is possible based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection means 20 or the time measured by the timing means. The control device 39 changes at least one of the temperature and time used by the steam emission determination means to determine whether steam emission is possible, according to the determination result of the usage mode determination means.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] , , , ,

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to a steamer that ejects steam onto textile products such as clothing to remove wrinkles.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been proposed a steamer that can be used in two ways: by connecting a plug unit to the steamer body and supplying power with a cord, and by supplying power to the steamer body, driving a heater to heat a base and generate steam, and then using the steamer in a cordless state without external commercial power supply (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] When a plug unit (2) is connected to the steamer body (1) in the steamer described in Patent Document 1, external commercial power is supplied, the heater (6) is driven, and when the base (7) including the vaporization chamber (11) reaches a set temperature, it is determined that the steamer can be used by ejecting steam with or without a cord, the temperature display lamp (38) is lit, and the user is notified that it can be used.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Although not described in Patent Document 1, cordless steamers use a large amount of heat storage material such as the base (7) to ensure a certain amount of time for use while emitting steam cordlessly, and the heating time is long in order to sufficiently heat the base (7). On the other hand, when used with a cord, power is continuously supplied to the steamer body, so the base (7) can be heated while the steamer is in use, and once the base (7) reaches a minimum temperature at which steam can be emitted, it is possible to start using it while emitting steam in a shorter time compared to the cordless case. However, the starting temperature of the base (7) is set to be the same whether it is corded or cordless, so the user had to wait the same amount of time whether it was corded or cordless.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a steamer that can determine when steam can be used differently depending on whether it is intended to be used with a cord or cordlessly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The steamer according to the present invention is a steamer that can be used with or without a cord, and comprises: a usage mode determination means for determining whether to use it with or without a cord; a control means for controlling the ejection of steam; a vaporization chamber heated by a heating means; at least one of a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the vaporization chamber and a timing means for measuring the heating time by the heating means; and a steam ejection determination means for determining whether or not to eject steam based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection means or the time measured by the timing means, wherein the control means changes at least one of the temperature and time used by the steam ejection determination means to determine whether or not to eject steam, according to the determination result of the usage mode determination means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the steamer of the present invention, when the user performs an operation intended for corded use, the waiting time until steam can be used can be shortened compared to when using it cordlessly. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the steamer, plug unit, and stand in one embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the front and above. [Figure 2] This is a front view of the steamer, plug unit, and stand in the same embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view from the right side of the steamer, plug unit, and stand in the same embodiment, with the switching lever moved to the lower position. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view from the right side of the steamer, plug unit, and stand in the same embodiment, with the switching lever moved to the upper position. [Figure 5] This is a vertical cross-sectional view of the steamer, plug unit, and stand in the same embodiment with the switching lever moved to the lower position. [Figure 6] This is a vertical cross-sectional view of the steamer, plug unit, and stand in the same embodiment with the switching lever moved to the upper position. [Figure 7] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the steamer in the same embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of the plug unit and stand in the same embodiment. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram showing the temperature change in the vaporization chamber and the on / off state of the heater in the same embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the steamer of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that not all of the configurations described below are essential requirements of the present invention.

[0011] Figures 1 to 9 show one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the steamer 1 includes a plug unit 2 that supplies power to the steamer 1 and a stand 3 on which the steamer 1 is placed. The plug unit 2 is configured to be detachable from either the steamer 1 or the stand 3.

[0012] Steamer 1 has a main body 4 and a handle 5 integrally formed with the main body 4. The main body 4 and the handle 5 are connected by a front connecting part 6 and a rear connecting part 7. Therefore, steamer 1 is a so-called closed-handle type, with the rear of the handle 5 connected to the main body 4, and a gripping space 8, which is roughly elliptical in side view, is formed between the main body 4 and the handle 5. The main body 4, the handle 5, the front connecting part 6, and the rear connecting part 7 are integrated by an outer case 9, and there is no clear boundary between them.

[0013] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the main body 4 has a metal base 12 at its bottom in which a heater 11, which is a heating means, is embedded. The base 12 has a structure in which a base plate 14, which serves as a hanging surface member, is provided on the bottom surface of a die-cast base body 13, and is tightly fixed to the base body 13 by fastening members 15 fixed to the base plate 14. A vaporization chamber 16 is formed inside the base 12 near the heater 11, and a plurality of steam holes 17 communicating with this vaporization chamber 16 are formed in the base plate 14 which forms the bottom surface of the base 12. The base 12 also has a metal plate-shaped steam cover 18 that serves as an upper lid, and the upper surface of the vaporization chamber 16 is formed by the steam cover 18 which is attached and fixed to the base body 13.

[0014] The vaporization chamber 16 is provided with temperature detection means 20. When the power switch 19 is turned on, the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 is detected by the temperature detection means 20, and based on this detection, the energization of the heater 11 is sequentially controlled. By such control, the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 is maintained at approximately 160°C which is substantially constant. Note that the set temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 may be set to a temperature other than 160°C, and may be set to a temperature arbitrarily selected by the user from a plurality of temperatures such as high: 180°C, medium: 160°C, low: 120°C, etc.

[0015] From inside the front connection part 6 to inside the main body 4 located below the gripping space part 8, a tank assembly 21 corresponding to a tank for storing liquid is provided. The tank assembly 21 is all composed of a resin tank cover 22 and a tank base 23. By attaching and fixing the tank base 23 so as to cover the bottom opening of the tank cover 22, a liquid storage space 24 is formed inside the tank assembly 21.

[0016] The front connection part 6 is provided with a water injection port 25 that communicates directly with the storage space 24. The water injection port 25 is provided with a water injection port lid 26 that can be manually opened and closed. By raising the water injection port lid 26 to the front side to open the water injection port 25, water as a liquid can be accommodated in the tank assembly 21 (storage space 24) from here, or unnecessary water in the tank assembly 21 (storage space 24) can be discarded.

[0017] On the front lower side of the handle 5 (the lower part of the power switch 19), a steam button 27, which is a first operation part, is provided. When the steam button 27 is pressed once, steam can be continuously ejected from the steam hole 17 for a certain period of time (for example, 60 seconds). When the steam button 27 is pressed again during the steam ejection, the shower mode is entered, and increased steam (shower) is ejected from the steam hole 17. Further, when the steam button 27 is pressed once more, the steam ejection stops. Also, on the front upper side of the handle 5 (the front part of the power switch 19), a shot button 28, which is a second operation part, is provided. When the shot button 28 is pressed, steam (shot) is instantaneously ejected from the steam hole 17 (for example, for 2 seconds), and the instantaneous steam ejection amount is in the relationship of shot > shower > steam.

[0018] Inside the main body 4 and the rear connection part 7, an electromagnetic pump 29 for supplying the water stored in the storage space 24 of the tank assembly 21 to the vaporization chamber 16 is disposed. Since the steamer 1 of the present embodiment is of a so-called closed handle type, in order to effectively use the internal space of the rear connection part 7 while avoiding a switching lever 44 and a push button switch 49 described later, the electromagnetic pump 29 is disposed obliquely. The electromagnetic pump 29 is provided with a suction pipe (not shown) communicating with the storage space 24 and a discharge pipe 30 communicating with the vaporization chamber 16. When the electromagnetic pump 29 is driven, water is sucked from the water suction pipe, and water is discharged from the discharge pipe 30 to the vaporization chamber 16. Therefore, no matter in what posture the steamer 1 is used, the water stored in the storage space 24 can be supplied to the vaporization chamber 16.

[0019] When the user uses the steam function, while holding the handle 5, the steam button 27 is pressed with a finger. When the steam button 27 is pressed, a control signal for controlling the drive of the electromagnetic pump 29 is sent by a control device 39 described later, and a predetermined amount of water is sent out from the storage space 24 of the tank assembly 21 to the vaporization chamber 16. The water flowing into the vaporization chamber 16 vaporizes and is ejected as steam from the steam hole 17.

[0020] When the user uses the shot function, just as when using the steam function, they hold the handle 5 and press the shot button 28 with their finger. A predetermined amount of water is then sent from the storage space 24 of the tank assembly 21 to the vaporization chamber 16. The water that flows into the vaporization chamber 16 vaporizes and is ejected as a shower from the steam holes 17.

[0021] When the user uses the dry function, the steam button 27 and the shot button 28 are not pressed, so the control device 39 does not send a control signal to the electromagnetic pump 29. Therefore, the steamer 1 can be used as a dry steamer in which steam (shower, shot) is not ejected from the steam holes 17.

[0022] Inside the front part of the handle 5 is a circuit board 38 on which a power switch 19, a steam button 27, a shot button 28, and an indicator lamp 36, which is an indicator unit located in front of the power switch 19, are mounted. The circuit board 38 also has a control device 39, which is a control means that controls the heater 11, a temperature detection means 20, an electromagnetic pump 29, and the indicator lamp 36.

[0023] The circuit board 38 is equipped with a power storage device 41 that has a power storage function, separate from the external commercial power from the plug unit 2, and a power supply circuit (not shown) that receives power from the power storage device 41 and outputs appropriate operating power to each part of the steamer 1.

[0024] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the rear of the main body 4 is provided with a concave plug receiving section 42 for receiving power. The plug receiving section 42 is provided with a pair of left and right power receiving terminals 43 that can be electrically connected to the power supply terminals 53 of the plug unit 2.

[0025] A selector lever 44, which is a switching operation part that locks the plug unit 2 in place when it is fitted into the plug unit 2 when it is fitted into the plug unit 2, is provided in the upper part of the plug receiving portion 42 of the outer case 9 of the main body 4. The selector lever 44 has a pair of left and right retaining claws 45 and a button pressing portion 46 integrally provided. The selector lever 44 is provided so as to be slidable up and down. When the selector lever 44 is pushed down with the plug unit 2 fitted into the plug receiving portion 42, the retaining claws 45 protrude from the protruding holes 48 formed in the upper wall portion 47 of the plug receiving portion 42 and are inserted into the claw insertion holes 55, which will be described later.

[0026] A push-button switch 49, which serves as a detection means, is located inside the main body 4, in front of the selector lever 44. When the selector lever 44 is moved downward, the push-button switch 49 is pressed by the button pressing part 46, and a contact (not shown) located inside the push-button switch 49 closes. On the other hand, when the selector lever 44 is moved upward, the button pressing part 46 separates from the push-button switch 49, and the contact opens. The push-button switch 49 is electrically connected to the control device 39, and the first determination means of the control device 39 determines that the device is corded if the contact is closed, and that it is cordless if the contact is open. Note that a switch other than the push-button switch 49 may be used as the detection means as long as it is possible to detect whether the selector lever 44 is in the upper or lower position.

[0027] In this embodiment, the selector lever 44 is provided on the outer case 9 of the main body 4. However, the selector lever 44 may also be provided on the plug unit 2, and by operating the selector lever 44, the retaining claw 45 is inserted into the interior of the main body 4, thereby fixing the plug unit 2 so that it does not come off the steamer 1. During this operation, the push button switch 49 is pressed by the pressing part 46, causing the contact to close. Alternatively, by operating the selector lever 44, the retaining claw 45 is retracted into the interior of the plug unit 2, the fitting between the steamer 1 and the plug unit 2 is disengaged, and the pressing part 46 moves away from the push button switch 49.

[0028] As shown in Figure 8, the plug unit 2 includes a flexible power cord 51, a power supply plug 52 provided at the base end of the power cord 51, and a power plug (not shown) at the tip of the power cord 51 that can be inserted into and removed from a household outlet.

[0029] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, a power supply terminal 53 is provided inside the power supply plug 52, which contacts the power receiving terminal 43 of the steamer 1. A pair of left and right power supply holes 54 are formed in the power supply plug 52 through which the power receiving terminal 43 is inserted in order to bring the power receiving terminal 43 into contact with the power supply terminal 53. In addition, a pair of left and right claw insertion holes 55 are formed on the upper surface of the power supply plug 52 for inserting the locking claw 44 of the switching lever 44.

[0030] As shown in Figure 8, the stand 3 includes a main body mounting section 56 that is inclined to allow the steamer 1 to be placed with its front facing diagonally upward, a concave plug housing section 57 provided behind the main body mounting section 56, and a cord outlet section 58 provided at the rear of the stand 3 that pulls the power cord 51 out to the outside of the stand 3 when the power supply plug 52 is inserted into the plug housing section 57. When the power supply plug 52 is inserted from the open front side of the plug housing section 57, the power supply plug 52 is fitted and held in the plug housing section 57, while when the power supply plug 52 is pulled out towards the front from this state, the fitting between the power supply plug 52 and the plug housing section 57 is released.

[0031] Next, the operation of the steamer 1 will be described. The water inlet cover 26 provided on the steamer 1 is opened and closed to store a predetermined amount of water in the storage space 24 of the tank assembly 21. Subsequently, the power supply plug 52 of the plug unit 2 is fitted into the plug housing section 57 of the stand 3, and the steamer 1 is placed on the main body mounting section 56 of the stand 3. At this time, the power supply plug 52 is inserted into and fitted into the plug receiving section 42, and the power receiving terminal 43 and the power supply terminal 53 make contact. Next, commercial power is supplied to the steamer 1 via the power supply plug 52 by plugging the power plug into a household outlet, which is a commercial power source.

[0032] When using the steamer 1 with a cord, move the selector lever 44 downwards and insert the retaining claw 45 into the claw insertion hole 55 to secure the plug unit 2 so that it does not come off the steamer 1. When using the steamer 1 cordlessly, move the selector lever 44 upwards and retract the retaining claw 45 into the main body 4, so that the connection with the plug unit 2 is released by lifting the steamer 1.

[0033] Until the power switch 19 of the steamer 1 is operated to turn on the power of the steamer 1, the energy storage device 41 is automatically charged by commercial power. When the power switch 19 is operated to turn on the power of the steamer 1, operating power is supplied from the power circuit to the control device 39, and the control device 39 controls the operation of the heater 11, the temperature sensing means 20, and the indicator lamp 36. Specifically, when the power switch 19 is turned on, the heater 11 starts to operate and the indicator lamp 36 blinks.

[0034] When the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 detected by the temperature detection means 20 reaches a predetermined temperature, which is the notification temperature H1 or H2, the indicator lamp 36 lights up. After confirming that the indicator lamp 36 is lit, the user can grasp the handle 5 and lift the steamer 1 from the stand 3 to use it. In addition to the notification by the indicator lamp 36, an audible notification may also be provided when the notification temperature H1 or H2 is reached. Furthermore, the indicator lamp 36 may display not only blinking and solid illumination, but also different colors.

[0035] In this embodiment, the steamer 1 has different notification temperatures H1 and H2 depending on whether it is used with a cord or cordlessly. Notification temperature H2 is the set temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 (for example, 160°C), and if the user changes the set temperature (for example, to low: 120°C or high: 180°C), notification temperature H2 is also set to the same temperature as the changed set temperature.

[0036] When the steamer 1 is placed on the stand 3 and the power switch 19 is turned on while the steamer 1 is powered, the control device 39 drives the heater 11 and the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 rises (see Figure 9). In addition, the first determination means of the control device 39 determines whether the steamer is corded or cordless based on the detection result of the push button switch 49. Even if the power supply plug 52 of the plug unit 2 is not fitted into the plug housing 57 of the stand 3 but is fitted into the plug receiving part 42 of the steamer 1, and the steamer 1 is placed horizontally on an ironing board (not shown), the first determination means will still determine whether the steamer is corded or cordless.

[0037] If the first determination means determines that the unit is corded, and the temperature detected by the temperature detection means 20 is equal to or greater than the notification temperature H1, the control device 39 controls the operation of the indicator lamp 36, causing the indicator lamp 36 to light up. Even after the user lifts the steamer 1 from the stand 3 and starts using it, the plug unit 2 continues to supply power to the steamer 1, so the heater 11 continues to operate, and the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 rises to the set temperature. After the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 reaches the set temperature, the heater 11 is turned on and off by a control signal from the control device 39 so that the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 approaches the set temperature.

[0038] If the first determination means determines that the device is cordless, and the temperature detected by the temperature detection means 20 is equal to or above the notification temperature H2 (set temperature), the control device 39 controls the operation of the indicator lamp 36, causing the indicator lamp 36 to light up. When the user lifts the steamer 1 from the stand 3 and begins using it, the steamer 1 and the plug unit 2 are disconnected, and power to the steamer 1 is stopped, causing the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 to decrease over time. When using the device cordlessly, the power switch 19, steam button 27, shower button 28, electromagnetic pump 29, and indicator lamp 36, other than the heater 11 which consumes a lot of power, can be operated using the power storage device 41 as a power source, just as when the device is corded. When the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 falls below the notification temperature H1, the control device 39 controls the operation of the indicator lamp 36, causing the indicator lamp 36 to blink to indicate that power is needed. When the user places the steamer 1 on the stand 3 and connects the steamer 1 to the plug unit 2, power is supplied to the steamer 1 again, and the heater 11 is driven, causing the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 to rise.

[0039] Since the notification temperature H1 is lower than the set temperature, when used with a cord, the time from the start of power supply to the steamer 1, i.e., the start of heating of the vaporization chamber 16 by the heater 11, to the notification that it is ready to use by emitting steam is shorter compared to when used cordlessly.

[0040] In this embodiment, the indicator lamp 36 provides notification based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection means 20 being at or above the notification temperature H1 when used with a cord, and at or above the notification temperature H2 when used cordlessly. However, the steamer 1 may also be equipped with a time measuring means (not shown) for measuring time, and the indicator lamp 36 provides notification when a predetermined notification time T1 or more is measured from the start of power supply to the steamer 1 (start of heating of the vaporization chamber 16 by the heater 11) when used with a cord, and a predetermined notification time T2 or more is measured when used cordlessly. In this case, the notification time T1 is set in advance as the time when the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 is at or above the notification temperature H1, and the notification time T2 is set in advance as the time when the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 is at or above the notification temperature H2. In Figure 9, notification time T1 is shown as the time when the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 reaches the notification temperature H1, and notification time T2 is shown as the time when the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 reaches the notification temperature H2. Under ambient temperatures where the steamer 1 is expected to be used normally, notification times T1 and T2 are set as the time it is expected that the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 will reliably reach the notification temperatures H1 and H2.

[0041] As described above, the steamer 1 of this embodiment is a steamer 1 that can be used with a cord connected to a commercial power source and can be used cordlessly without being connected to a commercial power source, and includes a first determination means for determining whether it is intended to be used with a cord or cordlessly, and a control device 39 that controls the steam emission, and the control device 39 performs different control according to the determination result of the first determination means. As a result, the time until the steam (shower) can be used (waiting time) can be shortened when using the corded state compared to the cordless state.

[0042] Furthermore, the steamer 1 of this embodiment includes a vaporization chamber 16 heated by a heater 11, a temperature detection means 20 for detecting the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16, and a second determination means for determining whether or not to emit steam based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection means 20. The second determination means changes the temperature at which it determines whether or not to emit steam according to the determination result of the first determination means. As a result, the user can be notified by an indicator lamp 36 or the like without any delay from the time when the steam (shower, shot) becomes available for use.

[0043] Furthermore, the steamer 1 of this embodiment includes a vaporization chamber 16 heated by a heater 11, a timing means for measuring the time from the start of heating by the heater 11, and a third determination means for determining whether or not to emit steam based on the time measured by the timing means. The third determination means changes the time for determining whether or not to emit steam according to the determination result of the first determination means. Therefore, since the time until steam can be used is the same each time, for example, by describing the time until steam can be used in the instruction manual, the user can know in advance the time from when they turn on the power switch 19 until they can use the steam (shower, shot).

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the steamer 1 has a second determination means that determines that steam can be emitted when the temperature detected by the temperature detection means 20 is equal to or greater than the notification temperatures H1 and H2. The notification temperature H1 when the first determination means determines that the steamer is intended to be used with a cord is lower than the notification temperature H2 when the first determination means determines that the steamer is intended to be used cordlessly. Therefore, when using the steamer with a cord compared to when using it cordlessly, the time (waiting time) from turning on the power switch 19 until the steam (shower, shot) can be used can be shortened.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the steamer 1 has a third determination means that determines that steam can be emitted when the time measured by the timing means is equal to or greater than the notification times T1 and T2. The notification time T1 when the first determination means determines that the steamer is intended to be used with a cord is shorter than the notification time T2 when the first determination means determines that the steamer is intended to be used cordlessly. Therefore, when using the steamer with a cord compared to when using it cordlessly, the time (waiting time) from turning on the power switch 19 until the steam (shower, shot) can be used can be shortened.

[0046] Furthermore, the steamer 1 of this embodiment has a selector lever 44 that switches between a first state in which the power supply plug unit 2 is detached from the main body 4 to enable cordless use, and a second state in which the plug unit 2 is attached to the main body 4 to enable corded use, and a push-button switch 44 that detects which state the selector lever 44 is in. The first determination means determines whether the user intends to use the steamer with a cord or cordless based on the detection result of the push-button switch 44. Therefore, the system determines whether the user intends to use the steamer with a cord by operating the selector lever 44 and making the plug unit 2 detachable, or intends to use the steamer with a cord by making the plug unit 2 detachable. If the user intends to use the steamer with a cord, the time until the steam (shower, shot) can be used (waiting time) can be shortened compared to when the user intends to use the steamer with a cord.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the steamer 1 has a selector lever 44 provided on the outer case 9 of the main body 4. Therefore, it is easy to intuitively understand that the selector lever 44 is an operating means for fixing the steamer 1 to the plug unit 2.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the steamer 1 has a selector lever 44 provided on the power supply plug unit 2. If the steamer 1 were equipped with a selector lever 44, an uneven shape would be created on the outer case 9. However, by providing the selector lever 44 on the plug unit 2, no uneven shape is created on the outer case 9 due to the selector lever 44, thus giving the steamer 1 a clean and streamlined appearance.

[0049] Furthermore, the steamer 1 of this embodiment has a push-button switch 49 located inside the main body 4, and a switch mechanism that displaces according to the state of the selector lever 44. Therefore, by operating the selector lever 44, the switch mechanism is displaced, making it possible to determine whether the steamer is intended for use with a cord or cordless.

[0050] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. The term "steamer," which is the name of the present invention, applies to any device that emits steam to remove wrinkles from clothing, etc. For example, it includes not only steamers suitable for emitting steam onto clothing from a distance, as shown in this embodiment, but also steam irons suitable for emitting steam while ironing by pressing the soleplate of the base against the clothing. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0051] 1 Steamer 2 Plug Units 4 Main unit 9. Outer case (enclosure) 11 Heater (heating means) 16. Vaporization chamber 20 Temperature detection means 39 Control device (control means) 44. Switching lever (switching operation part) 49. Push-button switch (detection means)

Claims

1. This steamer can be used both with and without a cord. A means for determining whether the intended use is with a cord or without a cord, A control means for controlling the ejection of steam, A vaporization chamber heated by a heating means, At least one of the temperature sensing means for detecting the temperature of the vaporization chamber and the timing means for measuring the heating time by the heating means, The system includes a steam emission determination means that determines whether or not steam emission is permitted based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection means or the time measured by the timing means, The control means is characterized in that, according to the determination result of the usage form determination means, it changes at least one of the temperature and time used by the steam ejection determination means to determine whether or not to eject steam.

2. It is equipped with a switching operation unit that allows switching between a first state in which the power supply plug unit is detached from the main unit to enable cordless use, and a second state in which it is attached to the main unit to enable corded use. The steamer according to claim 1, characterized in that the switching operation unit is provided on the outer casing of the main body or on the power supply plug unit.

3. The switching operation unit has a detection means for detecting which state it is in, The steamer according to claim 2, characterized in that the detection means is provided within the main body and has a switch mechanism that is displaced according to the state of the switching operation unit.

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