Garment steamer

Abstract

To provide a clothing steamer whose workability is favorable and which is easy to use.SOLUTION: A clothing steamer S includes: an ironing surface 2 arranged on a lower surface so as to stretch wrinkles of a cloth 16 such as clothing and the like; a heater arranged inside, and for heating the ironing surface 2 when electricity is conducted; a handle 5 which a user P holds; a steamer part 7 for jetting steam heated by the heater and vaporized in a steam chamber 8, outwardly from the ironing surface 2; and a press part S2 provided so as to oppose to the ironing surface 2, and having a press plate part 13h positioned so as to sandwich the cloth 16 such as clothing and the like with the ironing surface 2. The press part S2 includes: a lever 12 for separating a distance between the ironing surface 2 and the press plate part 13h of the press part S2 by being operated by the user P; and energization means 14 for shortening the distance between the ironing surface 2 and the press plate part 13h of the press part S2 when the user P is not operating it. The lever 12 is positioned on the left side or the right side of the handle 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clothes steamer.

Background Art

[0002] There is a clothes steamer that irons clothes while applying steam to them. As known examples related to clothes steamers, there are Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2. The clothes steamer described in Patent Document 1 is of a type that moves by sandwiching the cloth by hand, so there is a risk that the cloth may stretch. Therefore, when applying steam to the cloth, it cannot slide while being sandwiched.

[0003] Therefore, as a known example of a fabric clamp that sandwiches the cloth by mechanical force rather than by hand force, there is Patent Document 2.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the configuration described in Patent Document 2, the connection part connecting the press part and the handle is located on the lower side (hand side). Therefore, when trying to move the clothes steamer in the vertical direction while pressing, especially when moving the clothes steamer upward, the connection part of the fabric clamp interferes and movement becomes impossible. Therefore, the clothes steamer using the fabric clamp described in Patent Document 2 has a problem in workability and is not user-friendly. On the other hand, if the pressing area of ​​the garment steamer is reduced, the left and right pressing parts, excluding the connection point between the pressing part and the handle, can be moved vertically. However, because the pressing area is small, the work efficiency is poor. The garment steamer described in Patent Document 1 is, like Patent Document 2, difficult to use.

[0006] This invention was conceived in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a garment steamer that is easy to use and offers good workability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the aforementioned problem, the soleplate is positioned on the underside to smooth out wrinkles in clothing and other fabrics, a heater is positioned inside and energized to heat the soleplate, a handle is held by the user, and the soleplate is positioned inside central side From there, steam heated by the heater and vaporized in the steam chamber is ejected outwards. Equipped with a steam vent Steamer section and the soleplate outer circumference It is positioned opposite to it, Applicable Kakemen outer circumference It is positioned to sandwich clothing or other fabrics. Circular Pressed plate section , and holes located in the area surrounded by the press plate portion that allow steam ejected from the steam port to pass through. The device comprises a press section having a lever operated by the user to increase the distance between the soleplate and the press plate portion of the press section, and a biasing means that reduces the distance between the soleplate and the press plate portion of the press section when the user is not operating it, and the lever is located to the left or right of the handle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a garment steamer that is easy to use and offers good workability. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1A] A perspective view of a garment steamer according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the side. [Figure 1B] A view of the garment steamer according to the embodiment, seen from the front, as indicated by the arrow in direction I in Figure 1A. [Figure 1C] II - direction arrow view of FIG. 1A when looking at the clothing steamer S according to the embodiment from above. [Figure 2A] Perspective view of the press part removed from the clothing steamer main body when looking from the front. [Figure 2B] Perspective view of the press part removed from the clothing steamer main body when looking from above. [Figure 2C] Perspective view of the press part removed from the clothing steamer main body in the opened state when looking from the front. [Figure 3] Perspective view of the clothing steamer main body when looking from obliquely above. [Figure 4] Perspective view of the clothing steamer main body when looking from obliquely below. [Figure 5] Top view of the lower interior of the water tank of the steamer main body when looking from above. [Figure 6A] Perspective view of the vapor chamber of the heating element when looking from obliquely upper front. [Figure 6B] Top view of the vapor chamber of the heating element when looking from above. [Figure 7] III - direction arrow view of FIG. 2A. [Figure 8] III - direction arrow view of FIG. 2A in the state where the lever is removed from the annular case and the press gripping plate. [Figure 9] Perspective view of the torsion coil spring used for assembling the press part. [Figure 10] View when looking from above at the state where the user holds the handle and presses the operation part of the lever inward with the thumb. [Figure 11] Perspective view of the state where the press gripping plate of the press part is opened from the hanging surface of the clothing steamer. [Figure 12A] Top view of the clothing steamer with the press part of the attachment attached to the clothing steamer main body with the left and right of the press part of the attachment reversed. [Figure 12B] Front view of the clothing steamer with the press part of the attachment attached to the clothing steamer main body with the left and right of the press part of the attachment reversed. [Figure 13A] Perspective view when looking from the front - upper side at the state where the user holds the clothing steamer by hand gripping the handle and presses the operation part of the lever inward with the index finger. [Figure 13B] A top view showing a user holding the garment steamer by gripping the handle and pressing the lever's operating part inward with their index finger. [Figure 14A] A top view showing a garment steamer being moved upwards to press against clothing or other fabric. [Figure 14B] A top view showing a garment steamer being moved downwards to press against clothing or other fabric. [Figure 15A] A top view showing a garment steamer being moved to the right to press against a piece of fabric, such as clothing. [Figure 15B] A top view showing a garment steamer being moved to the left to press against a piece of fabric, such as clothing. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1A shows a perspective view of a garment steamer S according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the side. Figure 1B shows a view of the garment steamer S according to the embodiment, taken from the front, as indicated by the arrow I in Figure 1A.

[0011] Figure 1C shows a view of the garment steamer S according to the embodiment, as seen from above, in the direction of arrow II in Figure 1A. Figure 2A shows a perspective view from the front of the pressing unit S2, which has been removed from the garment steamer body S1.

[0012] Figure 2B shows a perspective view from above of the pressing unit S2, which has been removed from the garment steamer body S1. Figure 2C shows a perspective view from the front of the garment steamer body S1 with the pressing section S2 opened. The garment steamer S shown in Figure 1A comprises a garment steamer body S1 (see Figure 3) and an attachment press section S2 (see Figure 2A).

[0013] The pressing unit S2 is an attachment that is attached to the bottom of the garment steamer body S1 when pressing clothes (creasing trousers, etc.) with the garment steamer S. <Garment Steamer Unit 1>

[0014] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the garment steamer body S1, seen from diagonally above. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the garment steamer body S1, seen from diagonally below. The garment steamer unit S1 consists of a base 3, a steamer body 4, and a handle 5. Handle 5 is the part that the user grips with their hand.

[0015] The underside of the base 3 has an ironing surface 2 for ironing clothes and other fabrics. As shown in Figure 4, the soleplate 2 has multiple steam vents 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) arranged in a cross shape, extending in the front, back, left, and right directions. The cross-shaped steam vents 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) allow steam to be released over a wide area. Steam is blown out from the steam vent 1, supplying moisture to clothing and other fabrics. Inside the base 3, an electric heating element (not shown) is arranged to heat the soleplate 2.

[0016] The steamer body 4 has the function of vaporizing water and ejecting steam from the steam port 1, and the function of heating the soleplate 2. Inside the steamer body 4 is a water tank 6 (see Figure 3) for storing water to be vaporized into steam, and a pump 17 (see Figure 5) for drawing water from the water tank 6 to vaporize it. The water tank 6 is located below the handle 5.

[0017] The steamer body 4 shown in Figure 3 is covered by a body case 4c. The body case 4c has a base 3 attached to it, forming its outer shape. The body case 4c is made of heat-resistant resin.

[0018] The handle 5 is formed on the top of the steamer body 4. The handle 5 is held by the user when using the garment steamer body S1 or when carrying the garment steamer body S1. A steam button b1 (see Figure 1A) is located on the lower front of the handle 5, which is pressed by the user to release steam. An operation button b2 for switching the temperature of the soleplate 2 and a temperature display unit b3 are located on the top surface of the handle 5. A tank opening / closing lid 5f for opening and closing the water supply port of the water tank 6 is located on the front upper surface of the handle 5.

[0019] A power cord 5c is connected to the rear of the handle 5. By connecting the power cord 5c to an electrical outlet (not shown), power is supplied to the garment steamer body S1. This energizes the heating element located near the base 3, causing the base 3 to heat up and the water in the water tank 6 to be pumped out by the pump 17 (see Figure 5). The heating element 7 (see Figure 6A), which is the steamer section, is attached in contact with the upper part of the base 3 shown in Figure 3. Inside the heating element 7, an electric heating tube (not shown) is embedded, which consists of a nichrome wire covered with magnesium oxide and a steel pipe.

[0020] Figure 5 shows a top view of the lower interior of the water tank 6 of the steamer body 4, viewed from above. In Figure 5, the front-to-back center line C1 is the front-to-back center line of the soleplate 2. The left-to-right center line C2 is the left-to-right center line of the soleplate 2. Inside the garment steamer S, there are front right water inlet 18a1, front left water inlet 18b1, rear right water inlet 18a1, and rear left water inlet 18b1, which are connected to the bottom of the water tank 6. Here, the front right water inlet 18a1 and the front left water inlet 18b1 are located in the front half of the area of ​​the splice surface 2.

[0021] The rear right water inlet 18a1 and the rear left water inlet 18b1 are located in the rear half of the area of ​​the splice surface 2. Furthermore, the front right water inlet 18a1 and the rear right water inlet 18a1 are located in the right half of the surface 2. The front left water inlet 18b1 and the rear left water inlet 18b1 are located in the left half of the surface 2.

[0022] The front right water inlet 18a1 and the front left water inlet 18b1 are connected to the pump 17 by the front right water supply pipe 18a and the front left water supply pipe 18b, respectively. By operating the pump 17, water in the water tank 6 is drawn out from the front right water inlet 18a1, the front left water inlet 18b1, the rear right water inlet 18a1, and the rear left water inlet 18b1. The pumped water is supplied to the steam chamber 8 shown below.

[0023] <Steam chamber 8> Figure 6A shows a perspective view of the steam chamber 8 of the heating element 7, viewed from diagonally above and in front. Figure 6B shows a top view of the steam chamber 8 of the heating element 7, as seen from above. The steam chamber 8 is provided with a supply port 8a through which water is supplied from the water tank 6. Continuously from the supply port 8a are an evaporation surface 8b1, an evaporation channel 8b2, and the like, through which water flows.

[0024] A steam outlet 8c is provided downstream of the evaporation channel 8b2. Water drawn from the water tank 6 is supplied to the supply port 8a of the steam chamber 8. The water supplied to the supply port 8a evaporates as it flows through the evaporation surface 8b1, evaporation channel 8b2, etc. (arrow α41 in Figure 6B). The steam produced in the steam chamber 8 is discharged downward from the steam outlet 8c, and the steam is also discharged from the cross-shaped steam outlets 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) that extend in the front, back, left, and right directions of the soleplate 2 as shown in Figure 4.

[0025] <Base 3> The base 3 shown in Figures 3 and 4 has its main body molded from die-cast aluminum. The soleplate 2 that forms the lower surface of the base 3 is treated with titanium to improve its sliding properties with fabric. Alternatively, the soleplate 2 of the base 3 may be constructed by attaching a thin stainless steel plate with a high heat capacity, such as a 0.5 mm thick plate, to the base 3 by plastic deformation, without the titanium treatment.

[0026] Multiple steam vents 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) are drilled in a cross shape, extending downwards and in the front, back, left, and right directions, on the sole surface 2 of the base 3.

[0027] The sole surface 2 shown in Figure 4 is formed in a roughly rhombic shape that is elongated in the front-to-back direction. The front tip edge 2a, rear tip edge 2d, right tip edge 2b, and left tip edge 2c of the sole surface 2 are formed in a pointed shape.

[0028] <Steam vent 1> The steam vent 1 has three front steam vents 1a at the front, three rear steam vents 1d at the rear, three left steam vents 1c on the left side, and three right steam vents 1b on the right side. The steam vents (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) are arranged in a cross shape in the front, back, left, and right directions.

[0029] A concave front steam space 1as is recessed above the area containing the three front steam ports 1a. The presence of the concave front steam space 1as allows the steam ejected from the three front steam ports 1a to spread out over the front area of ​​the sowing surface 2. Similarly, a concave rear steam space 1ds is recessed above the area containing the three rear steam ports 1d. The presence of the concave rear steam space 1ds allows the steam ejected from the three rear steam ports 1d to spread out over the rear area of ​​the sowing surface 2.

[0030] Similarly, a concave left steam space 1cs is recessed above the area containing the three left steam ports 1c on the left side. The presence of the concave left steam space 1cs allows the steam ejected from the three left steam ports 1c to spread across the left side of the spraying surface 2. In addition, a concave right steam space 1bs is recessed above the area containing the three right steam ports 1b on the right side. The presence of the concave right steam space 1bs allows the steam ejected from the three right steam ports 1b to spread across the right side of the spraying surface 2.

[0031] <Press Department S2> The press section S2 shown in Figures 2A and 2B includes an annular case 11, a lever 12, and a press gripping plate 13. Here, as shown in Figure 1A, the tip 12s of the lever 12 is located below the connecting portion 5s that connects the soleplate 2 and the handle 5. Therefore, the lever 12 is easy to operate with the user P's index finger p3 (see Figure 13) or thumb p2 (see Figure 10). Furthermore, the tip portion 12s of the lever 12 is not limited to just the tip, but may also include the area operated by a person's finger.

[0032] <Circular Case 11> The annular case 11 is fitted from below around the design 4g at the bottom of the steamer body 4 of the garment steamer body S1 shown in Figure 3. Therefore, as shown in Figures 2C and 2B, the annular case 11 has a roughly diamond-shaped annular form with an inner diameter slightly larger than the design 4g of the body case 4c at the bottom of the steamer body 4.

[0033] Figure 7 shows the view in direction III of Figure 2A. Figure 8 shows a view in direction III of Figure 2A, with the lever 12 removed from the annular case 11 and the press gripping plate 13.

[0034] As shown in Figure 8, a pair of shaft support portions 11a protruding outward are formed on the lower right side of the annular case 11. The boss support portion 11a has shafts 11b that protrude outward from it.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2B, eight convex mounting ribs 11r are formed on the upper inner surface of the annular case 11, protruding inward in eight locations, with four on each side (front, back, left, and right) for attaching the garment steamer body S1. On the other hand, the steamer body 4 of the garment steamer body S1 shown in Figure 3 has a corresponding recess (not shown) formed therein, into which the mounting rib 11r (see Figure 2B) on the upper inner surface of the annular case 11 is fitted when the attachment press portion S2 is fitted to the garment steamer body S1.

[0036] <Lever 12> The lever 12 shown in Figure 2A has a long, roughly V-shaped, flat plate-like form. The lever 12 has a lower columnar portion 12a and an upper operating portion 12b that is inclined inward.

[0037] As shown in Figure 8, a boss portion 12a1 and a pair of shaft guide portions 12a2 are formed at the lower end of the columnar portion 12a of the lever 12. The boss portion 12a1 is formed by protruding downward from the lower end of the columnar portion 12a of the lever 12. Each of the pair of shaft guides 12a2 has a concave shape that guides the shaft 11b of the annular case 11 (see Figures 7 and 8).

[0038] <Press gripping plate 13> The press gripping plate 13 shown in Figure 2C has a roughly rhombic flat plate shape that is roughly the same as the outer shape of the annular case 11. The outer periphery of the press gripping plate 13 has a roughly rhombic flat plate portion 13h formed thereon, which is symmetrical in the front, back, left, and right directions.

[0039] A cross-shaped hole 13a is formed in the center of the press grip plate 13 to release steam from the cross-shaped steam vent 1 on the soleplate 2 of the garment steamer body S1. This allows steam to be discharged from the cross-shaped steam vent 1 on the soleplate 2 when the soleplate 2 and the press grip plate 13 of the press section S2 are closed.

[0040] As shown in Figure 8, a lever fixing portion 13k is formed on the right side of the press gripping plate 13, protruding outward. A boss fixing hole 13k1 is formed in the center of the lever fixing portion 13k, into which the boss portion 12a1 at the lower end of the operating portion 12b of the lever 12 is fitted and fixed.

[0041] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, a pair of concave guide portions 13k2 are formed on both sides of the lever fixing portion 13k, which receive the shaft 11b of the annular case 11 of the press gripping plate 13 and slide.

[0042] A hemispherical convex gap-forming rib 13r1 is formed on the upper left surface of the press gripping plate 13 shown in Figure 2C. Furthermore, a convex step portion 13r2 is formed on the upper right surface of the press gripping plate 13. With this configuration, as shown in Figure 1A, when the attachment's press section S2 is attached to the garment steamer body S1 and the press grip plate 13 is closed, the convex hemispherical gap-forming rib 13r1 and the stepped section 13r2 of the press grip plate 13 come into contact with the lower part of the annular case 11. As a result, as shown in Figure 1B, a gap s1 can be formed between the pressing surface 2 of the garment steamer body S1 and the flat plate section 13h of the press grip plate 13 of the attachment's press section S2.

[0043] The presence of the gap s1 allows the garment steamer S to be smoothly moved back and forth and side to side when pressing clothing or other fabrics. This is achieved by attaching the press section S2 to the bottom and sandwiching the fabric between the soleplate 2 of the garment steamer S and the flat plate portion 13h of the press gripping plate 13 of the press section S2. Brushes 13s are provided in an annular shape on the outer circumference of the lower surface of the press gripping plate 13, facing downwards. The brush 13s on the underside of the press section S2 can remove lint and other debris from clothing and other fabrics.

[0044] <Assembly of press section S2> This section explains how to assemble the press section S2. Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the torsion coil spring 14 used in the assembly of the press section S2. First, prepare the torsion coil spring 14 shown in Figure 9. The torsion coil spring 14, which is the biasing means, consists of a first torsion coil spring 14a and a second torsion coil spring 14b connected by a straight wire 14c. An arm 14a1 is formed on the first torsion coil spring 14a. An arm 14b1 is formed on the second torsion coil spring 14b.

[0045] Then, as shown by arrow α11 in Figure 9, the first torsion coil spring 14a and the second torsion coil spring 14b of the torsion coil spring 14 are spread out to the left and right, and as shown in Figure 8, they are inserted onto the pair of shafts 11b of the annular case 11 from the left and right outer sides. Next, as shown in Figure 8, the annular case 11 is placed on the press gripping plate 13 by aligning the shafts 11b of the annular case 11, each with a torsion coil spring 14 attached, with the pair of guide portions 13k2 of the press gripping plate 13.

[0046] Furthermore, the press gripping plate 13 has a recessed shape formed in the area where the torsion coil spring 14 passes through, providing a clearance for the torsion coil spring 14. Next, the arms 14a1 and 14b1 of the torsion coil spring 14 are placed against the inner surface 12a3 of the columnar portion 12 of the lever 12, and the pair of shaft guide portions 12a2 of the lever 12 are placed against the pair of shafts 11b of the annular case 11 from above. Then, the boss portion 12a1 of the lever 12 is press-fitted into the boss fixing hole 13k1 of the press gripping plate 13 (see Figures 7 and 8). Alternatively, the boss portion 12a1 of the lever 12 may be fitted into the boss fixing hole 13k1 of the press gripping plate 13 and fixed with adhesive. This completes the assembly of the press section S2 shown in Figure 2A.

[0047] <Using the Garment Steamer S> The press part S2 of the attachment (see Figure 2A) is attached to the garment steamer body S1 shown in Figure 3 as follows. The annular case 11 of the attachment press part S2 shown in Figure 2A is fitted around the steamer body 4 from below the soleplate 2 at the bottom of the garment steamer body S1.

[0048] Then, the mounting rib 11r on the upper inner surface of the annular case 11 engages with the recess (not shown) of the steamer body 4, and the press part S2 is fixed to the lower part of the garment steamer body S1, completing the garment steamer S (see Figures 1A and 1B).

[0049] <Replacing the press part S2 of the attachment> As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the steamer body 4 and soleplate 2 of the garment steamer S have a roughly diamond shape that is symmetrical front to back and left to right when viewed from below. Accordingly, the annular case 11 and press gripping plate 13 of the press section S2 have a roughly diamond shape that is symmetrical front to back and left to right when viewed from above, as shown in Figure 2B. Therefore, as shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the left and right sides of the attachment's press section S2 can be attached to the garment steamer body S1 in the opposite direction to that shown in Figures 1B and 1C.

[0050] Figures 12A and 12B show a top view and a front view of the garment steamer S with the attachment's press section S2 reversed left and right, and attached to the garment steamer body S1.

[0051] <Pressing with garment steamer S> When pressing with the garment steamer S, the process is as follows: To begin pressing, first open the tank opening / closing lid 5f on the top front of the garment steamer S shown in Figure 1A, fill the water tank 6 with water, and then close the tank opening / closing lid 5f. Then, connect the power cord 5c to an outlet (not shown), press the operation button b2 on the handle 5, and visually check the temperature display b3 to switch the temperature of the soleplate 2 to the desired temperature. After the water in the water tank 6 reaches the predetermined temperature, begin pressing the fabric.

[0052] The user grasps the handle 5 of the garment steamer S shown in Figure 1A, presses the steam button b1 on the garment or other fabric, and steam is ejected from the cross-shaped steam vents 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) (see Figure 4) on the soleplate 2 through the cross-shaped holes 13a (see Figure 2B) in the press grip plate 13 of the press section S2. Then, as shown in Figures 13A and 13B, user P holds the garment steamer S with hand p1 gripping the handle 5 and presses inward the operating part 12b of lever 12 with index finger p3 (arrow α23 in Figures 13A and 13B).

[0053] Figures 13A and 13B show a perspective view and a top view, respectively, of user P holding the garment steamer with the handle 5 in his hand and pressing the operating part 12b of the lever 12 inward with his index finger. Then, as shown in Figure 11, the press gripping plate 13 of the press section S2 opens from the soleplate 2 of the garment steamer S (arrow α24 in Figure 13A). Then, the user places the cloth between the soleplate 2 of the garment steamer S and the press gripping plate 13 of the press section S2, and releases their hand from the operating part 12b of the lever 12. The press gripping plate 13 then closes due to the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 14, as shown in Figure 12B. This places the cloth between the soleplate 2 of the garment steamer S and the press gripping plate 13 of the press section S2, ready for pressing.

[0054] Figure 14A shows a top view of a garment steamer S being moved upward to press a piece of fabric 16, such as clothing. When moving the garment steamer S upward, as shown by arrow α31 in Figure 14A, the garment steamer S is moved against the cloth sandwiched between the soleplate 2 of the garment steamer S and the press gripping plate 13 of the press section S2. When pressing upwards, the water in the water tank 6 accumulates downwards. In this case, water can be supplied from the water tank 6 to the steam chamber 8 through the rear right water inlet 19a and the rear left water inlet 19b shown in Figure 5. Therefore, steam can be released by pressing the steam button b1 (see Figure 1A).

[0055] Figure 14B shows a top view of a garment steamer S being moved downwards to press a piece of fabric 16, such as clothing. When moving the garment steamer S downwards, as shown by arrow α32 in Figure 14A, the garment steamer S is moved against the garment or other fabric sandwiched between the soleplate 2 of the garment steamer S and the press gripping plate 13 of the press section S2. When pressing downwards, the water in the water tank 6 accumulates downwards (forward). In this case, water can be supplied from the water tank 6 to the steam chamber 8 through the front right water inlet 18a1 and the front left water inlet 18b1 shown in Figure 5. Therefore, steam can be released by pressing the steam button b1 (see Figure 1A).

[0056] Figure 15A shows a top view of a garment steamer S being moved to the right to press a piece of fabric 16, such as clothing. When moving the garment steamer S to the right, move the garment steamer S against the fabric, such as clothing, that is sandwiched between the soleplate 2 of the garment steamer S and the press gripping plate 13 of the press section S2, as shown by arrow α33 in Figure 15A. When using the garment steamer S and pressing to the right, the water in the water tank 6 accumulates downwards. In this case, water can be supplied from the water tank 6 to the steam chamber 8 through the front left water inlet 18b1 and the rear left water inlet 19b shown in Figure 5. Therefore, steam can be released by pressing the steam button b1 (see Figure 1A).

[0057] Figure 15B shows a top view of the garment steamer S being moved to the left to press against a piece of fabric such as clothing. As shown by arrow α34 in Figure 15B, when moving the garment steamer S to the left, the garment steamer S is moved relative to the garment or other fabric sandwiched between the soleplate 2 of the garment steamer S and the press gripping plate 13 of the press section S2. When pressing garments to the left with the garment steamer S, the water in the water tank 6 accumulates downwards. In this case, water can be supplied from the water tank 6 to the steam chamber 8 through the front right water inlet 18b1 and the rear right water inlet 19a shown in Figure 5. Therefore, steam can be released by pressing the steam button b1 (see Figure 1A).

[0058] With the above configuration, as shown in Figures 14A to 15B, when pressing with the garment steamer S, almost the entire surface of the soleplate 2 can be used for pressing, resulting in good work efficiency. In addition, no matter which direction the garment steamer S is moved—up, down, left, or right—water from the water tank 6 can be supplied through any of the front right water inlet 18a1, front left water inlet 18b1, rear right water inlet 19a, or rear left water inlet 19b, thus preventing situations where steam does not come out. In other words, steam can be emitted regardless of which direction the garment steamer S is moved—up, down, left, or right. Furthermore, since the lever 12 is located on the left or right side of the handle 5, the user can operate the lever 12 with their index finger p3 (see Figure 13A) or thumb p2 (see Figure 10). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1A, the tip 12s of the lever 12 is located below the connecting portion 5s that connects the soleplate 2 and the handle 5, making it easy for the user P to operate the lever 12 with their index finger p3 or thumb p2. Therefore, we can provide a garment steamer S that offers good workability and ease of use.

[0059] <<Other Embodiments>> 1. The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiments described above, and various modifications and specific forms are possible within the scope of the appended claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d Steam vents 2. Soiling surface 5 handles 5s Handle connection part (connection part) 6 Water Tanks 7. Heating element (steamer section) 8 Steam chamber 12 Lever 12s Operating lever tip (tip of the lever) 13s brush 13a hole (hole) 13h Flat plate section (Pressed plate section) 14. Torsion coil spring (biasing means) 16 Cloth 18a1 Front right water supply port (water intake) 18b1 Front left water supply port (water intake) 18b2 Rear left water inlet (water intake C1 Anteroposterior center line C2 Left and right center line S Garment Steamer s1 gap S2 Press Department

Claims

1. A cutting surface is placed on the bottom to smooth out wrinkles in clothing and other fabrics, A heater is placed inside and energized to heat the soleplate, The handle held by the user, The steamer section includes a steam nozzle that extends outward from the center of the soleplate, for ejecting steam heated by the heater and vaporized in the steam chamber. The press plate portion is provided opposite the outer circumference of the soleplate and is positioned together with the outer circumference of the soleplate to sandwich the fabric such as clothing, and the press portion is arranged in the area surrounded by the press plate portion and has holes through which the steam ejected from the steam port passes, The pressing unit has a lever operated by the user to increase the distance between the soleplate and the pressing plate portion of the pressing unit, and a biasing means that reduces the distance between the soleplate and the pressing plate portion of the pressing unit when the user does not operate it. The lever is located to the left or right of the handle. A garment steamer characterized by the following features.

2. A cutting surface is placed on the bottom to smooth out wrinkles in clothing and other fabrics, A heater is placed inside and energized to heat the soleplate, The handle held by the user, Outward from the soleplate, there is a steamer section that ejects steam heated by the heater and vaporized in the steam chamber, The system includes a press section having a press plate portion provided opposite the soleplate and positioned together with the soleplate to sandwich fabric such as clothing, and a brush provided at its lower end, The pressing unit has a lever operated by the user to increase the distance between the soleplate and the pressing plate portion of the pressing unit, and a biasing means that reduces the distance between the soleplate and the pressing plate portion of the pressing unit when the user does not operate it. The lever is located to the left or right of the handle. A garment steamer characterized by the following features.

3. A chipping surface disposed on the lower surface, A steam vent that ejects steam outward from the central side of the sole surface, The system comprises an annular press plate portion provided opposite the outer circumference of the soleplate, capable of clamping cloth such as clothing together with the outer circumference of the soleplate, and a press portion located in the area surrounded by the press plate portion and having holes for passing steam ejected from the steam port. A garment steamer characterized by the following features.

4. A cutting surface is placed on the bottom to smooth out wrinkles in clothing and other fabrics, A heater is placed inside and energized to heat the soleplate, The handle held by the user, The steamer section includes a steam nozzle that extends outward from the center of the soleplate, for ejecting steam heated by the heater and vaporized in the steam chamber. An annular press plate portion is provided opposite the outer circumference of the soleplate and is positioned to sandwich the fabric such as clothing together with the outer circumference of the soleplate, and a press portion is arranged in the area surrounded by the press plate portion and has holes through which the steam ejected from the steam port passes, The system includes a water tank that supplies the water that forms the source of the steam, The water intake ports for drawing water from the aforementioned water tank are located in the front half, rear half, left half, and right half of the pouring surface, respectively, when viewed from below. A garment steamer characterized by the following features.

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