Steamer

Abstract

To provide a steamer capable of determining that steam can be used at different times depending on whether the steamer is to be used with a cord or without a cord. [Solution] The steamer of the present invention is a steamer 1 that can be used with a cord connected to a commercial power source, or cordlessly without being connected to a commercial power source, and is equipped with a first determination means for determining whether it is intended to be used with a cord or cordlessly, and a control device 39 for controlling the emission of steam, and the control device 39 performs different controls depending on the determination result of the first determination means.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

[0003] In the steamer described in Patent Document 1, when the plug unit (2) is connected to the steamer body (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, the steamer determines that it is possible to use the steamer by spraying steam with or without a cord, and turns on the temperature display lamp (38) to notify the user that it is possible to use the steamer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-115371 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Although not mentioned in Patent Document 1, cordless steamers use a large amount of heat storage material in the base (7) etc. to ensure a certain amount of time that they can be used cordlessly while spraying steam, and the heating time is long 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 using the steamer, and once the base (7) reaches the minimum temperature at which steam can be sprayed, use while spraying steam can be started in a shorter time than in the cordless case. However, the base (7) temperature at which use can be started is set to be the same in both the corded and cordless cases, so the user must wait the same amount of time when using the corded case as when using the cordless case.

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

[0007] The steamer of the present invention is a steamer 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 the steamer is intended for use with a cord or cordless, and a control means for controlling the ejection of steam. a vaporization chamber heated by a heating means; a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the vaporization chamber; and a second determination means for determining whether steam can be ejected based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection means; and the control means, depending on the determination result of the first determination means, and changing the temperature at which the second determining means determines whether or not steam can be ejected. It is characterized by: In addition, the steamer of the present invention is a steamer that can be used with a cord connected to a commercial power source, or cordlessly without being connected to a commercial power source, and is equipped with a first judgment means that judges whether the steam is intended to be used with a cord or cordlessly, a control means that controls the emission of steam, an evaporation chamber that is heated by a heating means, a timing means that measures the time from the start of heating by the heating means, and a third judgment means that judges whether steam can be emitted based on the time measured by the timing means, and is characterized in that the control means changes the time that the third judgment means uses to judge whether steam can be emitted depending on the judgment result of the first judgment means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] With the steamer of the present invention, when a user performs an operation intended for use with a cord, the waiting time until steam can be used can be shortened compared to when using the steamer cordlessly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the steamer, plug unit, and stand in one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above the front. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the steamer, the plug unit, and the stand in the same embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the steamer, plug unit, and stand in the same embodiment with the switching lever moved downward, as viewed from the right side. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the steamer, plug unit, and stand in the same embodiment with the switching lever moved upward, as viewed from the right side. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the steamer, plug unit, and stand in the same embodiment with the switching lever moved downward. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the steamer, plug unit, and stand in the same embodiment with the switching lever moved upward. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the steamer according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the plug unit and the stand in the same embodiment. [Figure 9] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the temperature change in the vaporization chamber and the on / off state of the heater in the embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF 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] 1 to 9 show one embodiment of the present invention, and as shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, the steamer 1 is provided with 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 both the steamer 1 and the stand 3.

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

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

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

[0015] A tank assembly 21, which corresponds to a tank for storing liquid, is provided from the inside of the front connection part 6 to the inside of the main body 4 located below the gripping space part 8. The tank assembly 21 is composed of a tank cover 22 and a tank base 23, both made of resin, and 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 inlet 25 that communicates directly with the storage space 24. A water inlet lid 26 that can be opened and closed manually is provided on the water inlet 25, and by lifting the water inlet lid 26 forward to open the water inlet 25, liquid water can be stored in the tank assembly 21 (storage space 24) or unnecessary water can be disposed of in the tank assembly 21 (storage space 24).

[0017] A steam button 27, which is the first operation part, is provided on the front lower part of the handle 5 (below the power switch 19). Pressing the steam button 27 once causes steam to be continuously sprayed from the steam holes 17 for a fixed period of time (for example, 60 seconds). Pressing the steam button 27 again while steam is being sprayed switches to shower mode, and an increased amount of steam (shower) is sprayed from the steam holes 17. Pressing the steam button 27 again stops the steam from being sprayed. A shot button 28, which is the second operation part, is provided on the front upper part of the handle 5 (in front of the power switch 19). Pressing the shot button 28 causes steam (shot) to be sprayed from the steam holes 17 instantaneously (for example, for 2 seconds), with the instantaneous amount of steam sprayed being in the following relationship: shot > shower > steam.

[0018] An electromagnetic pump 29 is disposed inside the main body 4 and the rear connecting portion 7, supplying water stored in the storage space 24 of the tank assembly 21 to the vaporization chamber 16. Because the steamer 1 of this embodiment is a so-called closed-handle type, the electromagnetic pump 29 is disposed at an angle to effectively utilize the internal space of the rear connecting portion 7 while avoiding the switch lever 44 and push-button switch 49 (described later). The electromagnetic pump 29 is provided with a suction pipe (not shown) communicating with the storage space 24 and a discharge pipe 30 communicating with the vaporization chamber 16. When the electromagnetic pump 29 is driven, water is sucked in through the suction pipe and discharged from the discharge pipe 30 into the vaporization chamber 16. Therefore, water stored in the storage space 24 can be supplied to the vaporization chamber 16 regardless of the position in which the steamer 1 is used.

[0019] When a user uses the steam function, they press steam button 27 with their finger while holding handle 5. When steam button 27 is pressed, a control signal for controlling the operation of electromagnetic pump 29 is sent from control device 39, which will be described later, and a predetermined amount of water is sent from storage space 24 of tank assembly 21 to vaporization chamber 16. The water that flows into vaporization chamber 16 is vaporized and sprayed from steam hole 17 as steam.

[0020] When using the shot function, just as when using the steam function, the user holds the handle 5 and presses the shot button 28 with their finger, which causes a predetermined amount of water to be 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 is vaporized and sprayed out of the steam hole 17 as a shower.

[0021] When the user uses the dry function, the steam button 27 and the shot button 28 are not pressed, and therefore 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 sprayed from the steam hole 17.

[0022] A circuit board 38 is disposed inside the front portion of the handle 5, on which are mounted the power switch 19, steam button 27, shot button 28, and indicator lamp 36, which is an informing unit disposed in front of the power switch 19. The circuit board 38 also mounts a control device 39, which is a control means for controlling the heater 11, temperature detection means 20, electromagnetic pump 29, and indicator lamp 36.

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

[0024] 5 and 6, a recessed plug receptacle 42 for receiving power is provided at the rear of the main body 4. The plug receptacle 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 switching lever 44, which is a switching operation part that locks the plug unit 2 in a state where it is fitted into the plug receiving part 42, is disposed above the outer case 9 of the main body 4. A pair of left and right anti-detachment claws 45 and a button pressing part 46 are integrally formed on the switching lever 44. The switching lever 44 is provided so as to be able to slide up and down. When the switching lever 44 is pressed downward with the plug unit 2 fitted into the plug receiving part 42, the anti-detachment claws 45 protrude from protrusion holes 48 formed in an upper wall part 47 of the plug receiving part 42 and are inserted into claw insertion holes 55, which will be described later.

[0026] A push button switch 49 serving as a detection means is disposed inside the main body 4 in front of the switching lever 44. When the switching lever 44 is moved downward, the push button switch 49 is pressed by a button pressing portion 46, and a contact (not shown) disposed inside the push button switch 49 is closed. On the other hand, when the switching lever 44 is moved upward, the button pressing portion 46 is separated from the push button switch 49, and the contact is opened. The push button switch 49 is electrically connected to the control device 39, and a first determination means included in the control device 39 determines that the device is in a corded state when the contact is closed, and that the device is in a cordless state when 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 can detect whether the switching lever 44 is in the upper or lower position.

[0027] In this embodiment, the switching lever 44 is provided on the outer case 9 of the main body 4, but the switching lever 44 may also be provided on the plug unit 2, and operating the switching lever 44 inserts the retaining claw 45 into the main body 4, 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 portion 46, closing the contacts. Furthermore, the switching lever 44 is operated to house the retaining claw 45 inside the plug unit 2, disengaging the steamer 1 and plug unit 2, and causing the pressing portion 46 to move away from the push button switch 49.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 8, the plug unit 2 has 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) that can be inserted into and removed from a household outlet provided at the tip of the power cord 51.

[0029] 5 and 6, a power supply terminal 53 that contacts the power receiving terminal 43 of the steamer 1 is disposed inside the power supply plug 52, and a pair of left and right power supply holes 54 through which the power receiving terminal 43 is inserted to bring the power supply terminal 53 into contact with the power receiving terminal 43 are formed in the power supply plug 52. In addition, a pair of left and right claw insertion holes 55 into which the locking claws 44 of the switching lever 44 are inserted are formed in the top surface of the power supply plug 52.

[0030] 8, the stand 3 includes a main body mounting section 56 that is inclined so that the steamer 1 can be mounted with its front facing diagonally upward, a recessed 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 and through which the power cord 51 is pulled out of the stand 3 when the power supply plug 52 is attached to 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, but when the power supply plug 52 is pulled out from this state toward the front, the power supply plug 52 is disengaged from the plug housing section 57.

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

[0032] When using the steamer 1 with a cord, the switching lever 44 is moved downward and the retaining claw 45 is inserted 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, the switching lever 44 is moved upward so that the retaining claw 45 is stored inside the main body 4, and the steamer 1 is lifted to release the engagement with the plug unit 2.

[0033] The power storage device 41 is automatically charged by commercial power until the power switch 19 of the steamer 1 is operated to turn on the power to the steamer 1. When the power switch 19 is operated to turn on the power to the steamer 1, operating power is provided from the power supply circuit to the control device 39, and the control device 39 controls the operation of the heater 11, temperature detection means 20, and indicator lamp 36. Specifically, when the power switch 19 is turned on, the heater 11 starts operating and the indicator lamp 36 flashes.

[0034] When the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 detected by the temperature detection means 20 reaches the preset warning temperatures H1 and H2, the indicator lamp 36 lights up. After the user confirms that the indicator lamp 36 is lit, they can grasp the handle 5 and lift the steamer 1 from the stand 3 to use it. When the warning temperatures H1 and H2 are reached, in addition to the warning by the indicator lamp 36, a sound may also be used to notify the user. Furthermore, the indication by the indicator lamp 36 may not only be a flashing or solid light, but may also use different colors.

[0035] The steamer 1 of this embodiment has different alarm temperatures H1 and H2 set for corded and cordless use. The alarm temperature H2 is the set temperature (e.g., 160°C) of the vaporization chamber 16, and if the user changes the set temperature (e.g., to low: 120°C or high: 180°C), the alarm temperature H2 is also set to the same temperature as the 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 in a powered state, the heater 11 is driven by the control device 39, and the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 rises (see FIG. 9). The first determination means of the control device 39 determines whether the steamer is in a corded state or a cordless state based on the detection result of the push button switch 49. Note that even when the power supply plug 52 of the plug unit 2 is not fitted into the plug housing portion 57 of the stand 3 but is fitted into the plug receptacle 42 of the steamer 1, and the steamer 1 is placed horizontally on an ironing board (not shown) or the like, the first determination means will still determine whether the steamer is in a corded state or a cordless state.

[0037] If the first determination means determines that the steamer is in a corded state, and the temperature detected by the temperature detection means 20 reaches or exceeds the alarm 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 begins using it, power continues to be supplied to the steamer 1 via the plug unit 2, 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 in a cordless state, and the temperature detected by the temperature detection means 20 exceeds the alert 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 plug unit 2 are disconnected, power supply to the steamer 1 is stopped, and the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 subsequently drops over time. When used cordlessly, the power switch 19, steam button 27, shower button 28, electromagnetic pump 29, and indicator lamp 36, except for the heater 11, which consumes a large amount of power, can be operated in the same way as when the device is corded, using the power storage device 41 as their power source. When the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 falls below the alert temperature H1, the control device 39 controls the operation of the indicator lamp 36, causing the indicator lamp 36 to flash to indicate that power supply is required. 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 to increase the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16.

[0039] Since the notification temperature H1 is lower than the set temperature, when used with a cord, the time from when power starts to be supplied to the steamer 1, i.e., when the heater 11 starts heating the vaporization chamber 16, to when the steamer is notified that it can be used and steam is emitted is shorter than when used cordlessly.

[0040] In this embodiment, the indicator lamp 36 is configured to issue an alert when the temperature detected by the temperature detection means 20 is equal to or greater than the alert temperature H1 when used with a cord, or equal to or greater than the alert temperature H2 when used cordlessly, but the steamer 1 may also be equipped with a timing means (not shown) for measuring time, and the indicator lamp 36 may be configured to issue an alert when a predetermined time, alert time T1 when used with a cord, or a predetermined time, alert time T2 when used cordlessly, has been measured from the start of power supply to the steamer 1 (the start of heating of the vaporization chamber 16 by the heater 11). In this case, alert time T1 is preset as the time when the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 becomes equal to or greater than the alert temperature H1, and alert time T2 is preset as the time when the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 becomes equal to or greater than the alert temperature H2. In Figure 9, alarm time T1 is displayed as the time when the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 reaches alarm temperature H1, and alarm time T2 is displayed as the time when the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 reaches alarm temperature H2.However, alarm times T1 and T2 are set as the times when it is expected that the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16 will reliably reach alarm temperatures H1 and H2 under the environmental temperature at which the steamer 1 is expected to be used normally.

[0041] As described above, the steamer 1 of this embodiment is a steamer 1 that can be used both in corded mode connected to a commercial power source and in cordless mode not connected to a commercial power source, and is equipped with a first determination means that determines whether it is intended for corded or cordless use, and a control device 39 that controls the emission of steam, and the control device 39 performs different controls depending on the determination result of the first determination means. Therefore, the time (waiting time) until steam (shower) can be used can be shorter in the corded state compared to the cordless state.

[0042] The steamer 1 of this embodiment also includes a vaporization chamber 16 heated by a heater 11, a temperature detection means 20 that detects the temperature of the vaporization chamber 16, and a second determination means that determines whether steam can be emitted based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection means 20. The second determination means changes the temperature at which it determines whether steam can be emitted depending on the determination result of the first determination means. Therefore, the user can be notified immediately by an indicator lamp 36 or the like from the point in time when steam (shower, shot) can be used.

[0043] Furthermore, the steamer 1 of this embodiment is equipped with an evaporation chamber 16 heated by the 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 steam can be emitted based on the time measured by the timing means, and the time at which the third determination means determines whether steam can be emitted is changed depending on the determination result of the first determination means. Therefore, since the time until steam can be used is the same every time, for example, by stating the time until steam can be used in an instruction manual or the like, the user can know in advance the time from turning on the power switch 19 until steam (shower, shot) can be used.

[0044] Furthermore, in the steamer 1 of this embodiment, the second determination means determines that steam can be emitted when the temperature detected by the temperature detection means 20 is equal to or higher than the notification temperatures H1 and H2, and the notification temperature H1 when the first determination means determines that corded use is intended is lower than the notification temperature H2 when the first determination means determines that cordless use is intended. Therefore, when used with a cord, the time (wait time) from when the power switch 19 is turned on until steam (shower, shot) can be used can be shorter compared to when used cordlessly.

[0045] Furthermore, in the steamer 1 of this embodiment, the third determination means determines that steam can be emitted if the time measured by the timing means is equal to or greater than the alarm times T1 and T2, and the alarm time T1 when the first determination means determines that corded use is intended is shorter than the alarm time T2 when the first determination means determines that cordless use is intended. Therefore, when used with a cord, the time (wait time) from when the power switch 19 is turned on until steam (shower, shot) can be used can be shorter compared to when used cordlessly.

[0046] The steamer 1 of this embodiment also has a switch 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 power supply 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 switch lever 44 is in. The first determination means determines whether corded or cordless use is intended based on the detection result of the push button switch 44. Therefore, the user operates the switch lever 44 to determine whether corded use is intended and the plug unit 2 is in a state where it cannot be detached, and corded use is intended, or whether cordless use is intended and the plug unit 2 is in a state where it can be detached, and if corded use is intended, the time (wait time) until steam (shower, shot) can be used can be shortened compared to when cordless use is intended.

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

[0048] Furthermore, in the steamer 1 of this embodiment, the switching lever 44 is provided on the power supply plug unit 2. If the switching lever 44 were provided on the steamer 1, an uneven shape would be created on the outer case 9, but by providing the switching lever 44 on the plug unit 2, the uneven shape of the outer case 9 due to the switching lever 44 is not created, and the appearance of the steamer 1 can be made to look neater.

[0049] Furthermore, the steamer 1 of this embodiment has a switch mechanism in which a push button switch 49 is provided inside the main body 4 and is displaced depending on the state of the switching lever 44. Therefore, by operating the switching lever 44, the switch mechanism is displaced, and it is possible to determine whether the steamer is intended for corded or cordless use.

[0050] As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The term "steamer" as used in the present invention applies to any device that sprays steam to remove wrinkles from clothing, and includes, for example, a steamer suitable for spraying steam onto clothing from a distance, as shown in the present embodiment, as well as a steam iron suitable for spraying steam while pressing the ironing surface of the base against the clothing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1. Steamer 2 plug units 4 Main unit 9 Outer case (outer shell) 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) H1 Alarm temperature (predetermined temperature) H2 alarm temperature (predetermined temperature) T1 Notification time (predetermined time) T2 Notification time (predetermined time)

Claims

1. A steamer 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, a first determination means for determining whether the device is intended for use with a cord or for use without a cord; A control means for controlling the ejection of steam; a vaporization chamber heated by a heating means; a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the vaporization chamber; and a second determination means for determining whether or not steam can be ejected based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection means. The control means changes the temperature at which the second determination means determines whether or not steam should be emitted, depending on the determination result of the first determination means.

2. A steamer 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, a first determination means for determining whether the device is intended for use with a cord or for use without a cord; A control means for controlling the ejection of steam; a vaporization chamber heated by a heating means; a timing means for measuring the time from the start of heating by the heating means; and a third determination means for determining whether or not steam can be ejected based on the time measured by the timing means, The control means changes the time for determining whether or not steam should be emitted by the third determination means, depending on the determination result of the first determination means.

3. The second determination means determines that steam ejection is possible when the temperature detected by the temperature detection means is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, The steamer described in claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined temperature when the first determination means determines that the device is intended to be used with a cord is lower than the predetermined temperature when the first determination means determines that the device is intended to be used without a cord.

4. the third determination means determines that steam ejection is possible when the time measured by the timing means is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, The steamer according to claim 2, characterized in that the predetermined time when the first determination means determines that the device is intended to be used in corded mode is shorter than the predetermined time when the first determination means determines that the device is intended to be used in cordless mode.

5. a switching operation unit that switches between a first state in which the power supply plug unit is detached from the main body to enable cordless use and a second state in which the power supply plug unit is attached to the main body to enable corded use; a detection means for detecting which state the switching operation unit is in, A steamer as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first determination means determines whether the steamer is intended to be used with a cord or without a cord based on the detection result of the detection means.

6. The steamer according to claim 5, wherein the switching operation unit is provided on the outer casing of the main body.

7. The steamer according to claim 5, wherein the switching operation unit is provided on the power supply plug unit.

8. The steamer according to claim 5, wherein the detection means is provided in the main body and has a switch mechanism that is displaced depending on the state of the switching operation unit.

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