Steam spray device

Abstract

To provide a steam spraying device capable of easily performing liquid supplying work even if a liquid supply tank is integrated with the steam spraying device. [Solution] The steam spray device 10 of the present disclosure comprises a boiling tank 11 that generates steam to be sprayed from a spray nozzle 17, a liquid supply tank 12 having a liquid supply port 20 capable of supplying liquid W to the boiling tank 11 and an outlet 21 through which the liquid W can flow toward the boiling tank 11, a lid 34 capable of opening and closing the liquid supply port 20 of the liquid supply tank 12, an outlet valve 35 provided at the outlet 21 of the liquid supply tank 12 and capable of switching between an outlet closed state that restricts the flow of liquid W from the outlet 21 and an outlet open state that allows the flow of liquid W from the outlet 21, and a shaft 36 and a spring 37 that switch the outlet valve 35 to the outlet closed state while the lid 34 opens the liquid supply port 20 of the liquid supply tank 12, and switch the outlet valve 35 to the outlet open state when the lid 34 seals the liquid supply port 20.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a steam spraying device that boils 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 by being 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] JP 2018-153465 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the steam spray device described in Patent Document 1, the liquid supply tank is detachable from the steam spray device, but there are cases where it is desired to integrate the liquid supply tank into the steam spray device due to demands such as simplifying the structure. If the liquid supply tank is integrated into the steam spray device, 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, so there is a possibility that too much liquid will enter the device.

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

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the steam spraying device of the 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 capable of supplying liquid to the boiling tank and an outlet port through which liquid can flow toward the boiling tank, a lid capable of opening and closing the liquid supply port of the liquid supply tank, an outlet valve provided at the outlet of the liquid supply tank and capable of switching 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 switches the outlet valve to the outlet closed state while the lid opens the liquid supply port of the liquid supply tank, and switches 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 spray device of the first aspect, further comprising a liquid storage tank disposed below the liquid supply tank, connected to the outlet, and configured to store the liquid flowing out from the outlet.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is a steam spray device of the second aspect described above, further comprising a recovery path for recovering 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, wherein 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 peripheral wall of the double structure.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a steam spray device of the second aspect or the third aspect, further comprising 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 or 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 or third aspect described above, comprising a sub-tank arranged in a liquid flow path between the storage tank and the boiling tank, the liquid flow path connecting the sub-tank and the boiling tank includes a slope that slopes upward from the sub-tank to the boiling tank, the boiling tank has a heater that boils the liquid, the heater has a heating plate that generates heat when electric power is received, and the height position of the upper end of the end of the slope on the sub-tank side is arranged higher than the height position of the center in the vertical direction of the heating plate of the heater.

[0011] A sixth aspect of the present invention is a steam spray device of the first aspect or the second aspect, comprising: an outlet provided in a liquid flow path between the liquid supply tank and 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 switches the outlet valve to the outlet open state while the lid body opens the liquid supply port of the liquid supply tank, and switches 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 end of drainage from the outlet, and an alarm means for notifying that drainage has been completed when the drainage detection means detects the end 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 for boiling a liquid and a thermistor attached to the upper end of the heater for detecting the temperature of the heater, the heater has a heating plate that generates heat upon receiving electric power and a pair of heat conductive plates arranged to sandwich the heating plate, the pair of heat conductive plates each having an extension area extending above the heating plate, and the thermistor is arranged between the extension areas of the pair of heat conductive plates of the heater and in contact with the pair of heat conductive 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 the heaters. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a steam spray device that is capable of preventing excessive liquid from entering the device even when a liquid supply tank is integrated into the steam spray device. [Brief description of the drawings]

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

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, UP indicates the up direction.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the steam spraying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the exterior from the front side with the lid of the main body open. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the steam spraying device showing the state in which the lid is opened and liquid is supplied. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the steam spraying device showing the state in which the lid is closed after liquid supply and liquid is supplied into the device. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the V part in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing the state in which FIG. 5 is viewed from the direction of the arrow VI. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7. In FIG. 3, the flow of liquid in the steam spraying device is shown by an outlined arrow, and the flow of steam is shown by an arrow.

[0019] (Steam spray device) 1, a steam sprayer 10 according to an 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 formed by being 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 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 for spraying steam S. The spray nozzles 17 in this embodiment are provided on both sides in the width direction on the rear side of the top surface of the main body 101. A lid body 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 stored below the lid body 34. A drainage tank 103 for draining the liquid W inside after use of the steam spray device 10 is provided at the lower end of the front side (front surface side) of the main body 101. The drainage tank 103 can be removed from the main body 101 by pulling it 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 spraying device 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 spraying device 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 a heating means such as the heater 18, to generate 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 liquid level that is set.

[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. Note that the adjustment of the spray direction of the spray nozzle 17 is not limited to being manual, and may be configured to rotate automatically using a motor or gears, or may be configured to be able to use both manual and automatic adjustments.

[0025] (heater) 2 to 6, the heater 18 is an electric heater of about 500 W that generates heat at a predetermined temperature by passing AC or DC electricity 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 heating without water.

[0026] The shape of the heater 18 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is formed in a plate shape 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, which are arranged parallel to each other.

[0027] The configuration of the heater 18 is not particularly limited, but may be formed in layers by a heating plate 18a that receives electric power and generates heat, a pair of insulating plates 18b, 18b, a pair of heat-conducting plates 18c, 18c, and a pair of surface plates 18d, 18d, as shown in Fig. 4. The heating plate 18a is, for example, a plate having thermal conductivity wound with iron-chromium wire, and generates heat when it receives electric power. The pair of insulating plates 18b, 18b sandwich the heating plate 18a from both sides and insulate the current from the heating plate 18a. The pair of heat-conducting plates 18c, 18c are plates having thermal conductivity (for example, thin aluminum plates) and are arranged so as to sandwich the heating plate 18a from the outer side of the insulating plates 18b, 18b. The pair of heat-conducting 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 constitute the surface layer of the heater 18 and are plates (e.g., thin plates made of stainless steel that are unlikely 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 the outer side of the pair of heat-conducting plates 18c, 18c.

[0028] (Thermistor) As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the thermistor 19 is an element attached to the upper end of the heater 18 to detect the temperature of the heater 18. In this embodiment, the thermistor 19 is disposed between the extension regions 18cX of the pair of heat-conducting plates 18c, 18c that extend above the heat-generating plate 18a, and is sandwiched in a state of contact with the pair of heat-conducting plates 18c, 18c. As a result, the thermistor 19 is supported by the pair of heat-conducting plates 18c, 18c. That is, the thermistor 19 is sandwiched between the pair of heat-conducting plates 18c, 18c. The thermistor 19 and the extension regions 18cX of the pair of heat-conducting plates 18c, 18c are not directly fixed to the boiling tank 11 or the like by screws or the like. The height position of the thermistor 19 (the height position of the extension region 18cX of the pair of heat conductive 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 a plurality of heaters 18 are provided in the boiling tank 11, it is preferable to attach a thermistor 19 to each of the plurality of heaters 18. That is, when two heaters 18 are provided in the boiling tank 11 as in the present embodiment, it is preferable to provide two thermistors 19 provided in each of the two heaters 18.

[0030] (supply tank) As shown in Figs. 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 port 21. The liquid supply tank 12 is integrated (fixed) with the main body 101. The liquid supply tank 12 in this embodiment 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 capable of supplying the liquid W to be supplied to 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 body 34 described later. The liquid supply port 20 communicates with the outside and the internal space S2 by being opened upward. When supplying liquid to the liquid supply tank 12, the lid body 34 described later is opened (liquid supply port open state 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 through which the liquid W stored in the internal space S2 can flow toward the boiling tank 11 side (the 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 storage tank 13.

[0033] When the outlet valve 35 is opened as described below, 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 to the liquid storage tank 13 side. 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 to the liquid storage tank 13 side 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] (Storage tank) As shown in Figs. 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 and communicates with the outlet 21 of the liquid supply tank 12, and stores the liquid flowing 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 in a state where it is 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 supply liquid tank 12 and the storage tank 13 of this embodiment include a bypass flow path 23 that communicates from a predetermined height position of the supply liquid tank 12 to the storage tank 13 below. The upper end of the bypass flow path 23 is disposed above the above-mentioned predetermined height position (the position of the upper limit (Max) of the set liquid level) of the supply liquid tank 12. As shown by the outline arrow in Fig. 2, when liquid W is supplied to the supply liquid tank 12 at or above the above-mentioned predetermined height position, the bypass flow path 23 allows the overflowing liquid W to flow into the storage tank 13.

[0036] (liquid supply path) 2 and 3, the liquid supply path 14 is a flow path for the liquid W extending from the storage tank 13 to the boiling tank 11, and includes a first region 24 extending from the lower end of the storage tank 13 to the lower end of the sub-tank 15, and a second region (inclined path) 25 sloping upward from the lower end of the sub-tank 15 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 to 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. Also, 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 disposed above 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 communicating 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 part of the steam S generated in the boiling tank 11 to the liquid supply path 14 side. In addition, a second communication passage 28 communicating 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 part 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 subtank 15 via the first communication passage 26 is separated from the gaseous steam as droplets or other large mass steam come into contact with the liquid surface of the liquid W in the subtank 15 and are liquefied. The steam S separated in the subtank 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 FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8, the chamber tank 16 is a tank that defines an internal space S5 that allows the flow of steam S, and is provided above the lower end opening 22 of the liquid storage tank 13. The internal space S5 of the chamber tank 16 functions as a part of the recovery path 27 for recovering a part of the steam S generated in the boiling tank 11 to the liquid supply path 14 side. That is, the chamber tank 16 defines a part of the recovery path 27 for recovering a part of the steam S to the liquid supply path 14 side. The chamber tank 16 has a 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. In addition, the chamber tank 16 is connected to the first region 24 of the liquid supply path 14 via the 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 including 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 collected as the liquid W in the first region 24 of the liquid supply path 14. In addition, the gas of the steam S cooled in the chamber tank 16 flows into the liquid storage tank 13 and the liquid supply tank 12 when the liquid level in the liquid supply path 14 falls below the lower end opening 22 of the liquid storage tank 13. For this reason, when the liquid W in the boiling tank 11 is reduced (consumed) by the spraying of the steam S and the liquid level falls, and the liquid level in the liquid supply path 14 falls 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 passage 29 extending from the chamber tank 16 so as not to create a vacuum 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 liquid level of the boiling tank 11 is determined by the position of this gas-liquid interface F. Therefore, by changing the height position of the bottom opening 22 of the storage tank 13, the liquid level of the boiling tank 11 can be appropriately set.

[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 circumference of the liquid storage tank 13 in top view, and is integrated with the liquid storage tank 13. Specifically, the peripheral wall 30 of the liquid storage tank 13 is formed in 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 (inside the peripheral wall) and functions as the chamber tank 16. That is, the double-structured peripheral wall 30 defines the recovery path 27 inside and defines the outside of the internal space of the tank. In this embodiment, the peripheral wall 30 of the liquid storage tank 13 is formed in a double structure to define the recovery path 27, but is not limited to this. For example, the peripheral wall of the liquid supply tank 12 may be formed in 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 in 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 has a double structure to define the recovery path 27. In Figures 7 and 8, the second communication path 28 communicating with the sub-tank 15 side is not shown.

[0046] (Water level detection section) In this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the water level detector 31 is provided in the middle of the first region 24 of the liquid supply path 14 (before the sub-tank 15). The water level detector 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 detector 31 is connected to the first region 24 of the liquid supply path 14. The upper part of the water level detector 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 part of the steam S to the liquid supply path 14 side. The steam S that flows into the water level detector 31 from the chamber tank 16 via the fourth communication passage 32 is separated from the gaseous part by liquid particles having a large mass, such as droplets, coming into contact with the liquid surface of the liquid W in the water level detector 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 liquid sensor 33a detects the liquid W, thereby enabling detection of an upper limit of the liquid level. The lower liquid sensor 33b does not detect the liquid W, thereby enabling detection of a lower limit of the liquid level. Note that the upper liquid sensor 33a does not have to be provided.

[0048] In addition, 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 spraying device 10 are formed of plastic resin such as PPS or silicone resin having 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 set to 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 setting the lid 34 in the liquid supply port open state, the liquid supply port 20 is opened, and liquid can be supplied from the liquid supply port 20 into the liquid supply tank 12. By setting 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 set to an outlet open state in which the outlet 21 is open, and an outlet closed state in which the outlet 21 is closed. By setting the outlet valve 35 to the outlet open state, the outlet 21 is opened, and the liquid W is allowed to flow out from the outlet 21. The liquid W flowing out from the outlet 21 flows out to the boiling tank 11 side (the liquid storage tank 13 in this embodiment). By setting the outlet valve 35 to the outlet closed state, the outlet 21 is closed, and the outflow of the liquid W from the outlet 21 is restricted. The outlet valve 35 in this embodiment is controlled to open and close by a shaft 36 and a spring 37 as outlet valve control means described later.

[0052] The outlet valve 35 in 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 close 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 such an outlet valve 35. Note that, in this embodiment, the outlet valve 35 that is movable in the vertical direction is provided, but is not limited thereto, and the outlet valve 35 may be any valve that can open and close the outlet 21.

[0053] (Outlet valve control means) The shaft portion 36 is formed in a rod shape extending in the vertical direction, and a lower end portion is provided integrally with the outlet valve 35. The shaft portion 36 extends upward from the outlet valve 35 and passes through the outlet 21 of the liquid supply tank 12. The shaft portion 36 in 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 described later is provided in a region of the shaft portion 36 above the outlet 21 (a region 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 supply liquid 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 the shaft 36 is located above the height position of the lower surface of the lid 34 in the liquid supply port closed state (the state shown in Fig. 3). Then, as shown in Fig. 3, when the lid 34 is placed in the liquid supply port closed state and the upper end of the shaft 36 is pressed downward by the lid 34, the shaft 36 and the outflow port valve 35 move downward against the biasing force of the spring 37, and the outflow port valve 35 is placed in the outflow port open state. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 2, when the lid 34 is placed in the liquid supply port open state, the shaft 36 and the outflow port valve 35 move upward by the biasing force of the spring 37, and the outflow port valve 35 is placed in the outflow port closed state. In this way, the shaft 36 and the 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, a simple structure can be achieved by applying a mechanical structure (shaft 36 and spring 37) as the outlet valve control means.

[0056] In this embodiment, a mechanical configuration (shaft 36 and spring 37) is applied 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 the opening / closing of the lid 34, and electrically control the outlet valve 35 based on a signal from the opening / closing sensor.

[0057] 2 and 3, the steam spraying device 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 for biasing the outlet valve 39. The steam spraying device 10 of this embodiment also includes a drainage sensor (drainage detection means) 42 for detecting the end of drainage from the outlet 38, and a notification means 43 (see FIG. 1) for notifying the end of drainage.

[0058] (Exhaust port) The outlet 38 is an opening for discharging the liquid W in the steam spray device 10 (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, the water level detection unit 31, etc.) after use of the steam spray device 10. 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, where the liquid W in the steam spray device 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as "inside the device") can be discharged. From the viewpoint of discharging all the liquid W in the device, the position where the outlet 38 is provided is preferably the lowest position of the liquid supply path 14. The outlet 38 of this embodiment communicates with the 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 liquid W can be disposed of to the outside by removing the drain tank 103 from the main body 101. 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 it may be in any position that allows the liquid W in the steam spraying device 10 to be discharged by opening it.

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

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

[0061] (Exhaust valve control means) The shaft portion 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 portion 40 extends upward from the outlet valve 39. The shaft portion 40 in this embodiment 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 portion 40.

[0062] The spring 41 is a coil spring that is elastically deformable up and down, and is disposed between the upper surface of a predetermined portion 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 the 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 located above the height position of the lower surface of cover 34 in the liquid supply port closed state (the state shown in Fig. 3). Then, as shown in Fig. 3, when cover 34 is placed in the liquid supply port closed state and the upper end of shaft 40 is pressed downward by cover 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 cover 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 put the outlet valve 39 in the outlet open 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 put the outlet valve 39 in the 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 the opening / closing of the lid 34, 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 end of drainage from the drain outlet 38. For example, the drainage sensor 42 may be disposed in the vicinity of the drain outlet 38 of the liquid supply path 14 and detect the end of drainage by detecting the absence of liquid in the vicinity of the drain outlet 38. Examples of the drainage sensor 42 include a sensor that can detect the presence or absence of the liquid W in the vicinity of the drain outlet 38 by receiving radio waves transmitted in the liquid supply path 14 and propagating 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 end of drainage from the drain outlet 38. For example, the drainage detection means may be a float that floats in the liquid W is provided in the drain outlet 38, and the liquid level in the drain outlet 38 is detected by the rise and fall of the float, thereby detecting the end of drainage.

[0066] (Notification means) The notification means 43 notifies the user that drainage has ended when the drainage detection means (the drainage sensor 42 in this embodiment) detects the end of drainage from the drain outlet 38. In this embodiment, the notification means 43 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 101 as a lamp (see FIG. 1) that turns on when the end of drainage from the drain outlet 38 is detected, and a sound generating unit (not shown) that generates a notification sound (such as a buzzer or a chime sound) when the end of drainage is detected. Note that, although both the lamp and the sound generating unit are provided as the notification means 43 in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be either the lamp or the sound generating unit, or the notification means 43 may include 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 drain valve 39 is set to an outlet opening state to open the drain port 38. At this time, since the drain port 38 is opened, if liquid W remains in the device from the previous use, the remaining liquid W is collected in the drain tank 103.

[0069] Next, liquid W is supplied from the liquid supply port 20 of the liquid supply tank 12. At this time, since the outlet valve 35 of the liquid supply tank 12 is closed, 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 liquid W is supplied to the liquid supply tank 12 up to the above-mentioned predetermined height position (Max), the overflowing liquid W flows from the bypass flow path 23 into the liquid storage tank 13.

[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 to set 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 to open the outlet 21 of the liquid supply tank 12, and the discharge port valve 39 is set to a discharge port closed state to close the discharge port 38. When the outlet is opened, 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 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 in 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 (the 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 that 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 is liquefied or condensed to return to liquid W, and 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 spraying device 10 is to be ended, the steam spraying device 10 is stopped by turning off the power, for example. When the lid body 34 is put into the liquid supply port open state after the steam spraying device 10 is stopped, the discharge port is put into the open state, so that the liquid W remaining in the device can be collected into the drainage tank 103. Even if the liquid W in the device is forgotten to be collected after use of the steam spraying device 10, the liquid W remaining in the device can be collected into the drainage tank 103 by putting the lid body 34 into the liquid supply port open state at the time of liquid supply the next time the steam spraying device 10 is used.

[0076] The steam spraying device 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 (shaft 36 and spring 37 in this embodiment) for controlling the outlet valve 35. The outlet valve control means sets the outlet valve 35 in an outlet-closed state while the cover body 34 is in an inlet-open state, and sets the outlet valve 35 in an outlet-open state while the cover body 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 the case where both the spray nozzle 17 side and the liquid supply tank 12 side are open, it is possible to prevent excessive liquid from entering the steam spraying device 10.

[0077] Thus, according to this embodiment, even if the liquid supply tank 12 is integrated into the steam spraying device 10, it is possible to provide the steam spraying device 10 that is capable of preventing excess liquid from entering the device.

[0078] In addition, since the liquid storage tank 13 for storing the liquid W flowing out from the outlet 21 of the liquid supply tank 12 is provided, 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 a case where the liquid storage tank 13 is not provided, a large amount of liquid W can be stored in the device.

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

[0080] In addition, the liquid storage tank 13 is disposed below the liquid supply tank 12 to form a two-layer structure, and the outlet valve 35, which is closed 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 lower end 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 storage tank 12 were not provided and the liquid supply tank 12 had a single-layer structure expanded downward, the outlet 21 of the liquid supply tank 12 would be located at the position of the lower end opening 22 of the liquid storage tank 13 in the above embodiment. In this case, when the lid 34 is placed in the liquid supply port open state, the outlet valve 35 is placed in 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 the 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 in the device is discharged from the outlet 38, so that when the steam spray device 10 is used, the liquid W remaining in the device is discharged when the liquid is supplied, and newly supplied liquid W can be used. This makes it possible to prevent the components (mainly mineral components) contained in the liquid W from concentrating and adhering to the surface of the heater 18, unlike the case where the liquid W remaining in the device is used (including the case where the remaining liquid W is used by adding new liquid W). Furthermore, since newly supplied liquid W can always be used when using the steam spray device 10, the steam spray device 10 can be used hygienically.

[0083] (Miniaturization of equipment) In addition, in the case of steam spraying devices such as beauty devices (facial beautifiers), there is a demand for miniaturization of the entire device. However, since multiple tanks and the like are arranged inside the device, it is difficult to miniaturize the device. In the steam spraying device 10 configured as described above, the peripheral wall 30 of at least one of the tanks, the liquid supply tank 12 and the liquid storage tank 13, is formed into a double structure, a recovery path 27 for steam S is partitioned inside the 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, since the peripheral wall 30 of at least one of the integrated liquid supply tank 12 and the liquid storage tank 13 functions as a chamber tank 16, unlike the case where the chamber tank 16 is provided separately from the liquid supply tank 12 and the liquid storage tank 13, the inside of the main body 101 can be made compact, which can contribute to miniaturization of the steam spraying device 10. Furthermore, when the storage tank 13 is not provided, forming the peripheral wall 30 of the liquid supply tank 12 into a double structure and partitioning the recovery path 27 for the steam S within the double-structured peripheral wall 30 of the liquid supply tank 12 can contribute to the miniaturization of the steam spray device 10. Note that, when the objective is to miniaturize 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 partitions the recovery path 27.

[0084] (Drainage detection) In addition, in the past, when draining the liquid W inside the steam spray device, the end of draining was estimated based on the passage of time (for example, 30 seconds to 1 minute) after performing the draining operation (pressing the drain button, etc.). In the steam spray device 10 configured as described above, by providing a drainage detection means (drainage sensor 42 in this embodiment) that detects the end of draining from the outlet 38 and a notification means 43 that notifies the user that the drainage has ended when the end of drainage is detected, the user can easily recognize the end of drainage. Note that, when the purpose is to easily recognize the end of drainage, it is sufficient to at least have the drainage detection means and the notification means 43.

[0085] (Prevents overflow) In addition, in general, in a steam spraying device, if the amount of liquid W is small, problems such as dry burning may occur. Therefore, when liquid is supplied to the supply tank, the liquid W may overflow from the supply tank. If the supply tank is integrated with the steam spraying device, if the liquid W overflows from the supply tank, the surroundings of the steam spraying device may be flooded. The steam spraying device 10 configured as above includes a bypass flow path 23 that communicates from a predetermined height position of the supply tank 12 to the liquid storage tank 13 below, and the bypass flow path 23 allows the overflowing liquid W to flow into the liquid storage tank 13 when the liquid W is supplied to the supply tank 12 at a height equal to or higher than the predetermined height position. Therefore, the liquid W that overflows due to overflowing into the supply tank 12 flows from the bypass flow path 23 into the liquid storage tank 13, so that even if the supply tank 12 is integrated with the steam spraying device 10, the surroundings of the steam spraying device 10 can be prevented from being flooded with water. 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 supply tank 12 to the storage tank 13 below.

[0086] (Prevents dry burning) In addition, in general, in a steam spraying device, if some problem occurs 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 to a large extent above the liquid level in the boiling tank, and dry boiling may occur. In the steam spraying device 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 drop in the liquid W in the boiling tank 11 is limited to 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. 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 the height position h2 of the center in the vertical direction of the heating plate 18a of the heater 18, so that the exposure of the heating plate 18a above the liquid level in the boiling tank 11 can be suppressed. This can suppress the occurrence of dry boiling. In addition, when the purpose is to prevent dry-burning, it is sufficient to at least 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 position the height position of the upper end of the end of the sloped path on the sub-tank 15 side higher than the height position of the center in the vertical direction of the heating plate 18a of the heater 18.

[0087] (Temperature detection accuracy) In addition, in the conventional steam spray device, the heat-conducting plate such as an aluminum plate drawn out from the heater may be directly screwed to the main body of the device in a state where the heat-conducting plate and the thermistor are in contact with each other. In such a case, heat from the heat-conducting plate is taken by the screw or the main body of the device, so that the accuracy of temperature detection by the thermistor may be reduced. In the steam spray device 10 configured as described above, the thermistor 19 is disposed between the extension areas 18cX of the pair of heat-conducting plates 18c, 18c of the heater 18, and contacts the pair of heat-conducting plates 18c, 18c. In this way, the thermistor 19 is sandwiched between the pair of heat-conducting plates 18c, 18c, so that the heat transfer loss caused by the above-mentioned screwing or the like can be suppressed, and the accuracy of temperature detection can be improved. In addition, when 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] In addition, the extension region 18cX of the pair of heat conduction plates 18c, 18c of the heater 18 is an area that extends above the heat generating plate 18a, and the thermistor 19 is attached to the upper end portion 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 a height position that makes it difficult for them to be immersed in the liquid W in the boiling tank 11, so that the thermistor 19 can efficiently detect the heat transmitted to the upper portion of the heater 18.

[0089] Further, a thermistor 19 is provided for each of the heaters 18. Therefore, unlike a case where a pair of heat conductive plates 18c, 18c drawn out from each heater 18 are gathered in one location and one thermistor 19 is provided at the gathered location, a fail-safe structure is provided, so that even if one thermistor 19 breaks down, the temperature of the heater 18 can be detected by the other thermistor 19.

[0090] (Modification) In this embodiment, the thermistor 19 is provided for each of the plurality of heaters 18, but the present invention is not limited to this, and one thermistor 19 may be provided for the plurality of heaters 18.

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

[0092] In addition, 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 through the liquid supply path 14, but the sub-tank 15 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0094] In addition, in this embodiment, the bypass flow path 23 that communicates between the supply tank 12 and the 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 (a drainage sensor 42 in this embodiment) is provided for detecting the end of drainage from the outlet 38, and an alarm means 43 is provided for notifying the end of drainage when the end of drainage is detected, but the drainage detection means and the alarm means 43 do not necessarily have to be provided.

[0096] In the present embodiment, the peripheral wall 30 of at least one of the supply tank 12 and the storage tank 13 is formed into a double structure, and the peripheral wall 30 functions as the recovery path 27, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a chamber tank that functions as the recovery path 27 may be provided separately from the supply tank 12 and the 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 the present invention 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 for setting the discharge port valve 39 of the discharge port 38 to a discharge port open state when the liquid supply port is open, and to a 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 based on the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the contents 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, and operational techniques 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: Liquid 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: Exhaust valve 40: Shaft portion (discharge 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 cover body capable of opening and closing the liquid supply port of the liquid supply tank; an outlet valve provided at the outlet of the liquid supply tank and capable of switching 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 be in an outlet closing state while the lid body is opening the liquid supply port of the liquid supply tank, and controlling the outlet valve to be in an outlet opening state while the lid body is sealing the liquid supply port; 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; A recovery passage 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 passage is defined within the peripheral wall having a double structure. A steam spraying device characterized by:

2. A boiling tank that generates steam to be sprayed from a 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 cover body capable of opening and closing the liquid supply port of the liquid supply tank; an outlet valve provided at the outlet of the liquid supply tank and capable of switching 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 be in an outlet closing state while the lid body is opening the liquid supply port of the liquid supply tank, and controlling the outlet valve to be in an outlet opening state while the lid body is sealing the liquid supply port; 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; 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 storage tank when liquid is supplied to the liquid supply tank at or above the predetermined height position. A steam spraying device characterized by:

3. A boiling tank that generates steam to be sprayed from a 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 cover body capable of opening and closing the liquid supply port of the liquid supply tank; an outlet valve provided at the outlet of the liquid supply tank and capable of switching 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 be in an outlet closing state while the lid body is opening the liquid supply port of the liquid supply tank, and controlling the outlet valve to be in an outlet opening state while the lid body is sealing the liquid supply port; 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; a sub-tank disposed in a liquid flow path between the liquid storage tank and the boiling tank; a liquid flow path communicating between 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 a liquid, The heater has a heating plate that receives electric power and generates heat, The height position of the upper end of the end of the slope 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. A steam spraying device characterized by:

4. A boiling tank that generates steam to be sprayed from a 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 cover body capable of opening and closing the liquid supply port of the liquid supply tank; an outlet valve provided at the outlet of the liquid supply tank and capable of switching 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 be in an outlet closing state while the lid body is opening the liquid supply port of the liquid supply tank, and controlling the outlet valve to be in an outlet opening state while the lid body is sealing the liquid supply port; 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 the 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 the discharge port closed state while the lid body seals the liquid supply port. A steam spraying device characterized by:

5. A drainage detection means for detecting the end of drainage from the drain port; and a notification means for notifying the completion of drainage when the drainage detection means detects the completion of drainage from the drain outlet.

5. The steam spraying device according to claim 4.

6. A boiling tank that generates steam to be sprayed from a 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 cover body capable of opening and closing the liquid supply port of the liquid supply tank; an outlet valve provided at the outlet of the liquid supply tank and capable of switching 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 the outlet closed state while the lid body opens the liquid supply port of the liquid supply tank, and controlling the outlet valve to the outlet open state while the lid body seals the liquid supply port, 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 to generate heat, and a pair of heat-conducting plates that are disposed 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 extension regions of the pair of heat-conducting plates of the heater and is in contact with the pair of heat-conducting plates. A steam spraying device characterized by:

7. The heater is provided in plurality in the boiling tank, The thermistor is provided in each of the plurality of heaters.

7. The steam spraying device according to claim 6,

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