CN108221331B

CN108221331B - Steam sprayer and steam iron

Info

Publication number: CN108221331B
Application number: CN201711330662.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 饭村直之; 山口信太郎; 山根裕二
Original assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Priority date: 2016-12-21
Filing date: 2017-12-13
Publication date: 2021-06-25
Anticipated expiration: 2037-12-13
Also published as: JP6887137B2; JP2018099420A; CN108221331A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a steam sprayer and a steam iron. The steam ejector includes: a vaporization member that generates steam; a water tank that stores water supplied to the vaporizing member; a pump device that supplies the water in the water tank to the vaporizing member; and a control portion that controls a temperature of the vaporization member. The vaporization member has: a vaporization chamber; a heater having a bent portion, formed in a U-shape, for heating the vaporization chamber; a water supply port for supplying the water to the vaporizing chamber; and a temperature sensing unit that senses a temperature of the vaporizing member. The water supply port is provided near the inside of the bending portion. The temperature sensing unit is provided in proximity to an outer side of the bending unit.

Description

Steam sprayer and steam iron

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a steam sprayer and a steam iron for removing wrinkles from clothes and the like.

Background

In a conventional steam sprayer, water stored in a water tank is delivered to a vaporizing chamber by a pump device, and vaporized steam is sprayed to clothes and the like to smooth wrinkles of the clothes and the like. By using the pump device when feeding water to the vaporization chamber, the restriction of gravity in the water feeding direction can be eliminated. This allows steam to be ejected in any direction to clothes or the like hung on the hanger.

Preferably, the water supplied to the vaporization chamber is instantaneously vaporized. If water is supplied before the vaporization chamber is heated to a temperature at which water can be vaporized, the non-vaporized water is ejected together with steam, possibly wetting laundry and the like.

In order to solve such a problem, japanese patent application laid-open No. 2015-2820 (hereinafter, document 1) proposes a steam ejector that: the electric pump can only be driven when the vaporization chamber is heated to a temperature at which water can vaporize.

Fig. 9 shows a conventional steam ejector described in the above-mentioned document 1. As shown in fig. 9, a vaporization chamber 61 for generating steam is formed in a vaporization member 63 heated by a heater 62. The heater 62 is formed of a jacket heater bent in a substantially U shape, and the heater 62 is embedded when the vaporizing member 63 is molded. A base 64 is fixed to the lower surface side of the vaporizing member 63. This conventional steam ejector can be used as a steam iron.

A thermostat 65 fixed to the upper surface of the vaporizing element 63 senses heat of the vaporizing element 63 to turn on/off the heater 62, and operates to heat the vaporizing chamber 61 to a predetermined temperature suitable for water vaporization. The water stored in the water tank 66 is supplied to the vaporization chamber 61 by the electric pump 67.

When the pump switch 68 is operated, the electric pump 67 is driven by the control section 69. The control unit 69 is configured to drive the electric pump 67 when the vaporizing chamber 61 is heated to a temperature at which water can be vaporized.

Further, japanese patent application laid-open No. 63-181800 (hereinafter, referred to as document 2) and japanese patent application laid-open No. 63-190062 (hereinafter, referred to as document 3) propose a steam ejector configured such that: when the steam jet hole is directed to clothes hung on the clothes rack, the bending part of the heater which heats the vaporizing chamber and is bent into a U shape is positioned below the vaporizing chamber. A water supply unit for supplying water to the vaporizing chamber is provided near the bent portion of the heater.

In the steam generator as the conventional steam ejector described in the above-mentioned document 2, the thermostat is attached to the lower surface of the vaporizing element so as to face the water supply unit. In the conventional steam engine described in the above-mentioned document 3, a thermostat is attached to a heater bent in a substantially U shape on a side of the terminal portion away from the bent portion.

Further, japanese kokokoku publication No. 54-12637 (hereinafter, referred to as document 4) proposes a steam iron having a steam generator function. The conventional steam iron described in the above-mentioned document 4 includes a manual pump for supplying water in the water tank to the vaporizing chamber. In addition, a water supply port of a manual pump is arranged at the rear bottom of the water tank. This allows steam to be discharged toward clothes or the like even when the steam iron is vertically erected so that the clothes or the like hung on the hanger is parallel to the bottom surface of the iron.

Disclosure of Invention

In the conventional configuration described in the above-mentioned document 1, when the vaporization chamber is heated to a temperature suitable for vaporization of water, the electric pump can be driven, and water can be supplied to the vaporization chamber to generate steam. However, when a user starts a wrinkle removal operation for clothes or the like by generating steam, the temperature of the vaporization chamber is rapidly lowered by heat absorbed by vaporization of water. Accordingly, the amount of steam generated is reduced, and the user may have to wait for the next time the vaporizing chamber is heated, thereby deteriorating convenience.

The temperature of the vaporization chamber is adjusted to a predetermined temperature by turning on and off the energization of the heater by the thermostat. In a thermostat, in order to prevent radio interference such as noise generated when contacts are opened and closed during on/off operations, it is a general configuration that contacts are rapidly opened and closed by the operation of a bimetal. The bimetal requires a fixed time to operate from the on state to the off state or from the off state to the on state. Therefore, the temperature change of the controlled vaporization chamber produces a fixed width, and it is difficult to control the temperature below the fixed width according to the reversal characteristics thereof.

In general, in a steam iron, the temperature of a base is sensed by a thermistor, and temperature control is performed based on the detection result, so that control is performed with high accuracy and with a small error with respect to a set temperature. In addition, in the steam iron, the posture of generating steam is substantially fixed in a state of pressing clothes and the like, and the amount of dropping of water into the vaporization chamber is substantially fixed and stable in normal use.

However, in the steam sprayer, for example, the steam sprayer sprays steam in various directions to clothes or the like hung on a clothes hanger. In addition, the amount of water supplied to the vaporization chamber is unstable depending on the operation of the pump by the user. If water is excessively supplied, the temperature of the vaporization chamber rapidly decreases, and the thermostat senses the decrease and then delays the operation of turning on the heater, thereby possibly generating a state in which the amount of steam is small.

In the conventional steam iron described in the above-mentioned document 4, a curved portion of the heater is disposed in front of the base, and a vaporization chamber for generating steam by a manual pump is provided in a rear position away from the curved portion. Therefore, when water is supplied to the vaporization chamber in a state where the iron is vertically raised, the temperature of the vaporization chamber is rapidly decreased by the heat absorption due to the generation of steam. In addition, since stable steam ejection depends on the amount of water supplied to the vaporization chamber, usability may be deteriorated.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a steam ejector and a steam iron capable of ejecting stable steam by suppressing a temperature drop during steam generation.

In order to solve the above conventional problems, a steam ejector according to the present invention includes: a vaporization member that generates steam; a water tank that stores water supplied to the vaporizing member; a pump device that supplies the water in the water tank to the vaporizing member; and a control portion that controls a temperature of the vaporization member. The vaporization member has: a vaporization chamber; a heater having a bent portion, formed in a U-shape, for heating the vaporization chamber; a water supply port for supplying water to the vaporization chamber; and a temperature sensing unit that senses a temperature of the vaporizing member. The water supply port is provided near the inside of the bending portion. The temperature sensing unit is provided in proximity to an outer side of the bending unit.

Thus, the temperature sensing unit can sense the temperature drop of the vaporization chamber with high precision, and the temperature drop of the vaporization chamber when the steam is generated can be restrained to stably eject the steam.

Further, a steam iron according to the present invention includes: a vaporization member that generates steam; a base having a steam ejection port and a pressing surface for pressing the laundry, the base being combined with the vaporizing member; a water tank that stores the water supplied to the vaporizing member; a pump device for supplying the water in the water tank to the vaporizing member; and a handle portion for holding by a user. The vaporizing member has a vaporizing chamber and a heater formed in a U-shape having a bent portion for heating the vaporizing chamber. The heater is configured such that the bending portion is positioned below the handle portion when the handle portion is held with the pressing surface vertical.

This makes it possible to quickly heat the vaporization chamber by the high-temperature bent portion, to shorten the standby time at the start of use, and to suppress a drop in the temperature of the vaporization chamber when steam is generated, thereby stably discharging steam.

The invention provides a steam ejector and a steam iron, which can suppress the temperature drop of a vaporization chamber when steam is generated, stably eject the steam, and have good use convenience.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a side view of a steam sprayer and a steam iron in embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the main parts of the steam sprayer and the steam iron.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part of the steam sprayer and the steam iron.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the steam sprayer and the vaporization chamber of the steam iron.

Fig. 5 is a top view of the steam sprayer and the vaporization chamber of the steam iron.

Fig. 6 is a schematic view of the steam sprayer and the vicinity of a bend of a heater of the steam iron.

Fig. 7 is a block diagram of the steam sprayer and the steam iron.

Fig. 8 is a state view of the steam sprayer and the steam iron in use.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view of a main portion of a conventional steam ejector.

Detailed Description

A steam ejector according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a vaporization member that generates steam; a water tank that stores water supplied to the vaporizing member; a pump means for supplying the water in the water tank to the vaporizing member; and a control portion that controls a temperature of the vaporization member. The vaporization member has: a vaporization chamber; a heater having a bent portion, formed in a U-shape, for heating the vaporization chamber; a water supply port for supplying water to the vaporization chamber; and a temperature sensing unit that senses a temperature of the vaporizing member. Here, the U font includes "approximate U font". The water supply port is provided near the inside of the bending portion. The temperature sensing unit is provided in proximity to an outer side of the bending unit.

Thus, the temperature sensing unit can sense the temperature drop of the vaporization chamber with high accuracy. When water is supplied to the vicinity of the inner side of the bent portion, the water absorbs heat of the bent portion and is instantaneously vaporized. Along with this, the temperature of the bent portion decreases. Since the temperature sensing unit is provided near the outer side of the bent portion, the heater can be energized by sensing a temperature drop in the bent portion as early as possible, and a temperature drop in the vaporization chamber can be suppressed. Therefore, the steam can be stably discharged while preventing a decrease in the amount of steam that occurs as the temperature of the vaporization chamber decreases.

In the second invention, particularly in the first invention, the vaporizing element further includes a hollow portion provided outside the bent portion so as to be surrounded by a rib. The temperature sensing unit is disposed in the cavity.

This can improve the sensitivity of the temperature sensing unit for sensing a decrease in temperature of the vaporization chamber. When water is supplied to the vicinity of the inner side of the bent portion, the water absorbs heat of the bent portion and is instantaneously vaporized. Along with this, the temperature of the bent portion decreases. Since the hollow portion is provided outside the bent portion, the heat capacity of the bent portion is reduced and the temperature drop is accelerated. Since the temperature sensing unit is provided in the cavity formed outside the bent portion, the heater can be quickly energized, and the temperature of the vaporization chamber can be maintained with high accuracy.

In the third aspect, particularly in the second aspect, the rib is formed outside the cavity along a longitudinal direction of the steam ejector.

This acts to conduct heat to the rear end portion when the iron is in use, and can improve the wrinkle removal effect by the rear end portion.

The fourth aspect of the present invention includes: a vaporization member that generates steam; a base having a steam ejection port and a pressing surface for pressing the laundry, the base being combined with the vaporizing member; a water tank that stores water supplied to the vaporizing member; a pump device that supplies the water in the water tank to the vaporizing member; and a handle portion for holding by a user. The vaporizing member has a vaporizing chamber and a heater formed in a U-shape having a bent portion for heating the vaporizing chamber. Here, the U font includes "approximate U font". The heater is configured such that the bending portion is positioned below the handle portion when the handle portion is held with the pressing surface vertical. Here, the vertical includes "substantially vertical".

This enables the vaporization chamber to be heated quickly by the high-temperature bending portion, and the standby time at the start of use can be shortened. Further, the pump device provided at the rear of the water tank is disposed close to the vaporization chamber formed inside the bent portion so as to be surrounded by the bent portion of the heater, so that the distance between the water supply port provided near the inside of the bent portion and the pump device is shortened. Therefore, the water in the water tank can be quickly delivered to the vaporization chamber by the pump device, and stable steam can be discharged by suppressing a temperature drop in the vaporization chamber when steam is generated in the vaporization chamber heated by the high-temperature bent portion.

In the fifth aspect, particularly in the fourth aspect, the water supply device further includes a controller that controls a temperature of the vaporizing element, and the vaporizing element includes a water supply port for supplying the water to the vaporizing chamber and a temperature sensing unit that senses the temperature of the vaporizing element. The water supply port is provided near the inside of the bending portion. The temperature sensing unit is provided in proximity to an outer side of the bending unit.

In the sixth invention, in particular, in the fifth invention, the vaporizing element has a hollow portion provided outside the bending portion so as to be surrounded by a rib, and the temperature sensing portion is provided in the hollow portion.

This can provide the same effects as those of the second invention.

In the seventh aspect, particularly in the sixth aspect, the rib is formed outside the cavity so as to face the rear end of the base.

This can provide the same effects as those of the third invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the present embodiment.

In the steam sprayer and the steam iron according to the present invention, the side on which the water tank is disposed is defined as the front side, and the side on which the pump device is disposed is defined as the rear side.

(embodiment mode 1)

Fig. 1 is a side view of a steam sprayer and a steam iron in a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which they are placed in a stand. Fig. 2 is a sectional view of a main part of the steam sprayer and the steam iron in the present embodiment. Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main portion in the vicinity of the temperature sensing part of the steam sprayer and the steam iron in the present embodiment. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the steaming member and the base of the steam iron and the steam sprayer according to the present embodiment. Fig. 5 is a top view of the steaming member and the base of the steam sprayer and the steam iron in the present embodiment. Fig. 6 is a schematic view of the steam sprayer and the vicinity of the bent portion of the heater of the steam iron in the present embodiment. Fig. 7 is a block diagram of the steam sprayer and the steam iron in the present embodiment. Fig. 8 is a state diagram of the steam sprayer and the steam iron in the present embodiment.

In fig. 1 to 6, a vaporization chamber 1 for generating steam is provided in a vaporization member 3 heated by a heater 2. The vaporizing element 3 is formed of, for example, an aluminum die-cast element having good thermal conductivity. The heater 2 is a jacket heater having a bent portion 2a bent in a U shape (including an approximate U shape) and terminal portions 2b at both ends, and the heater 2 is embedded when the vaporization member 3 is molded.

A base 4 is fixed to the lower surface side of the vaporizing element 3. The susceptor 4 is formed of an aluminum die-cast material, like the vaporizing material 3, and is thermally coupled to the vaporizing material 3 to be heated by the heater 2. The vaporizing element 3 is joined to the base 4 in a watertight and sealed manner, and a space is provided therebetween to form a steam passage 5.

The base 4 has an oval shape (including an approximately oval shape) elongated in the front-rear direction. The front end portion 4a and the rear end portion 4b of the base 4 are formed in a pointed shape with a slight round angle. The pressing surface 4c of the base 4 is formed in a curved shape having an arc shape in both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction so as to bulge outward. The outer peripheral edge 4d of the base 4 is formed with a rounded corner so as not to be in a ridge shape.

The vaporization chamber 1 is provided at a position behind a central portion of the susceptor 4 formed to be elongated in the front-rear direction, and is disposed inside the bent portion 2a of the heater 2 so as to be surrounded by the bent portion 2 a. The heater 2 has a terminal portion 2b at the front end of a portion extending from the bent portion 2a in parallel (including substantially parallel) to the front end portion 4a of the base 4.

The upper surface of the vaporizing chamber 1 is covered with a vaporizing chamber cover 6 attached to the vaporizing member 3. The vaporization chamber cover 6 is sealingly and watertight joined to the vaporization member 3. The vaporization chamber 1 and the steam passage 5 are communicated through a communication portion 7 via a heating passage 8 provided in the vaporization member 3. The heating passage 8 is formed on both sides of the communicating portion 7 in a shape folded from the vaporization chamber 1 to the heater 2.

A plurality of (six in the present embodiment) steam ejection ports 9 are provided in the susceptor 4 so as to communicate with the steam passage 5. The steam generated in the vaporization chamber 1 passes through the heating passage 8, flows into the steam passage 5 from the communication portion 7, and is ejected to the outside from the steam ejection port 9. A water supply port 10 for supplying water to the vaporization chamber 1 is provided in the vaporization chamber cover 6. The water supply port 10 is provided to supply water to a position a (approximate position shown in the schematic diagram of fig. 6) near the inside of the curved portion 2a of the heater 2 in the vaporization chamber 1. That is, the water supply port 10 may be provided in an inner portion of the bent portion 2a of the U-shaped heater 2 in a range in which the water dropped from the water supply port 10 is efficiently evaporated while reliably transmitting the heat from the heater 2.

The temperature sensing unit 11, which is formed of a thermistor, senses the temperature of the vaporizing element 3. The temperature sensing part 11 is mounted in a recess 12, and the recess 12 is formed on the upper surface of the vaporizing element 3 outside the vaporizing chamber 1 covered with the vaporizing chamber cover 6. The temperature rises most rapidly near the bent portion 2a of the heater 2. The temperature sensing unit 11 is electrically insulated and fixed to a position B (approximate position shown in the schematic diagram of fig. 6) near the outer side of the bent portion 2a of the heater 2 by an attachment plate 11 a. That is, the temperature sensing unit 11 may be provided in a range overlapping the bent portion 2a of the heater 2 in a plan view, and in a range contacting the bent portion 2a or separated from the bent portion 2a by a distance as shown in fig. 6. The mounting plate 11a is made of a metal plate having good thermal conductivity, such as aluminum.

As shown in fig. 3, the temperature sensing unit 11 is disposed such that the center thereof is located further outward in the direction of the arrow than the position including the center C of the bent portion 2a of the heater 2. The temperature sensing unit 11 is disposed in the cavity 13. The hollow portion 13 is formed outside the bent portion 2a so as to be surrounded by the rib 14. Further, a concave lower cavity 15 is formed on the base 4 side of the vaporization material 3 so as to be close to the outside of the bent portion 2a of the heater 2. The lower hollow portion 15 communicates with the steam passage 5, and at least one steam ejection port 9 is disposed at a position facing the lower hollow portion 15.

An insulator 16 is provided above the base 4. The heat insulator 16 is attached to the base 4 so as to cover the base 4 and the vaporization member 3 from above the base 4 and the vaporization member 3. A resin case 17 provided above the base 4 is formed to surround the heat insulator 16 from the outside of the heat insulator 16. A handle portion 18 is provided at an upper portion of the housing 17. The handle portion 18 is formed above the base 4 formed to be elongated and at a central portion (including a substantially central portion) in the longitudinal direction of the base 4. This enables the user to hold the housing 17 with a good weight balance when holding the grip portion 18. A heat-resistant heat insulator 19 (see fig. 2) is provided between the outer peripheral edge 4d of the base 4 and the heat insulator 16. A concave groove 16a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the heat insulator 16, and a heat insulating space is formed between the heat insulator and the inner surface of the case 17 (see fig. 2).

The water supplied to the vaporizing chamber 1 is stored in the water tank 20. The water tank 20 is disposed in the front portion of the housing 17 above the heat insulator 16. A water injection unit 21 is provided at an upper portion of the front surface of the water tank 20, and the water injection unit 21 is configured to be openable and closable by a cover 22 (see fig. 1). The amount of water stored in the water tank 20 can be visually checked through the transparent display window 23 formed to be vertically elongated.

The pump device 24 is constituted by an electric pump that supplies water in the water tank 20 to the vaporizing chamber 1. The pump device 24 is disposed behind the tank 20 adjacent to the tank 20, and is attached to a pump support portion 25 formed in the heat insulator 16. The pump support portion 25 is provided above the heat insulator 16. The pump device 24 is prevented from overheating by the heat insulating space formed between the upper surface of the heat insulator 16 and the pump support portion 25. The pump device 24 is constituted by a general electromagnetic pump, for example. In the electromagnetic pump, a plunger mechanism is provided inside an electromagnetic coil provided on the outer periphery. The plunger mechanism reciprocates by an electromagnetic coil.

The pump device 24 is connected to a suction pipe 26 for sucking water in the water tank 20. The suction pipe 26 is made of a flexible material so as to be deformable, and a hammer 28 is provided near a suction port 27 formed at a front end portion. The suction pipe 26 is configured to be displaced in the direction of gravity in accordance with the movement of water in the tank 20 in accordance with a change in posture when the handle portion 18 is gripped. Thereby, the suction port 27 is maintained in a submerged state regardless of changes in the postures of the steam ejector and the steam iron.

Further, the pump device 24 is connected to a water supply pipe 29 for discharging the sucked water to the vaporizing chamber 1. The outlet side of the water supply pipe 29 is connected to the water supply port 10 provided in the vaporization chamber cover 6. By the reciprocating action of the plunger mechanism of the pump device 24, water in the water tank 20 is sucked through the suction pipe 26. The sucked water passes through the water supply pipe 29 and is discharged to the vaporizing chamber 1.

A pump switch 31 (see fig. 2) for manually operating the driving of the pump device 24 is provided on a front portion of a lower surface of the handle portion 18. The control unit 30 is configured to drive the pump device 24 when the pump switch 31 is pressed.

The control unit 30 constitutes a control circuit on a printed circuit board. The control section 30 is provided in the handle section 18. The control unit 30 controls the temperature of the vaporizing chamber 1 disposed in the vicinity of the inner side of the bent portion 2a of the heater 2 to a predetermined temperature (for example, 160 ℃) at which water can be vaporized, based on an output signal of the temperature sensing unit 11 that senses the temperature of the vaporizing element 3. When the pump switch 31 is turned on in use, the pump device 24 is driven when the control section 30 is input with an output signal of the temperature sensing section 11 that the vaporization chamber 1 has been heated to a set temperature at which water can be vaporized. Then, a set amount of water is supplied to the vaporization chamber 1 to eject steam.

The control unit 30 is configured to drive the pump device 24 so as to avoid the amount of water fed to the vaporization chamber 1 from exceeding the vaporization capacity of the vaporization chamber 1. The pump device 24 is configured to be driven so as to avoid a sudden drop in the temperature of the vaporization chamber 1.

The vaporization capability is a capability to a degree that water supplied to the vaporization chamber 1 can be instantaneously vaporized. The steam obtained by immediately vaporizing the water is discharged suriously from the steam discharge port 9. The vaporization capacity is determined by the temperature of the vaporization chamber 1, the surface area and the heat quantity in contact with the supplied water, and the like. Therefore, by setting the amount of water to be fed to the vaporization chamber 1 within a predetermined range, it is possible to avoid exceeding the vaporization capacity.

The control section 30 intermittently drives the pump device 24 to supply the set amount of water to the vaporization chamber 1. For example, by applying a part of the frequency in the voltage waveform to the pump device 24 at a predetermined interval, intermittent driving can be performed at an arbitrary interval, and the driving can be performed by a general driving circuit.

When the temperature sensing unit 11 inputs to the control unit 30 that the vaporization chamber 1 is not heated to the set temperature, the control unit 30 maintains a state in which the pump device 24 is not driven even when the pump switch 31 is turned on. Thus, the control unit 30 can prevent water from being supplied to the low-temperature vaporization chamber 1, and thus can prevent water from leaking from the vapor vent 9 without being vaporized.

With these configurations, the user can easily perform the steam ejection and the steam ejection stop by turning on and off the pump switch 31 while holding the grip portion 18 and moving the casing 17 relative to the clothes and the like.

The inside of the case 17 is provided with the vaporizing element 3 in which the vaporizing chamber 1 is formed, the water tank 20, the pump device 24, the power switch 32, and the internal wiring terminal 33 (see fig. 2). The power switch 32 and the terminal 33 are attached to a support portion (not shown) provided in the heat insulator 16. The power switch 32 is constituted by a slide switch. The power switch 32 is turned on and off by manually operating a switch knob 34 provided on the outer surface of the housing 17.

The power cord 35 is led out rearward from the rear of the housing 17. The power cord 35 is protected by a flexible protector 36 formed of a flexible tube at an outlet portion for leading out the power cord 35 from the housing 17. The heater 2 is supplied with commercial power from a power supply line 35.

The terminal 33 electrically connects the terminal portion 2b of the heater 2 located on the front end portion 4a side of the base 4, the control portion 30, the power switch 32, the power supply line 35, and the like, and constitutes a heater circuit.

Generally, the power cord is drawn out from the rear of the housing in view of convenience of use when used. The terminal of the heater is disposed at a position on the rear end side of the base, which is close to the power supply line and is easy to connect. In this case, the internal wiring for connecting the power supply line to the terminal portion of the heater and the like can be appropriately performed in the space portion formed in the rear portion of the housing.

However, in the present embodiment, the terminal portion 2b of the heater 2 is disposed on the front end portion 4a side of the base 4. In this structure, the terminal portion 2b is located at a position distant from the power supply line 35 drawn out from the rear of the housing 17. Therefore, the terminal 33 is disposed in a central portion (including a substantially central portion) within the housing 17. With this configuration, internal wiring is performed reasonably.

In addition, normally, the power switch 32 provided on the front portion of the upper surface of the handle portion 18 is disposed on the side surface of the housing 17 in the present embodiment. With this configuration, the user can easily grip the grip portion 18. Further, the operation is easy when the handle portion 18 is held, and the usability is improved.

The steam generator and the steam iron are provided with a holder 37 on which the steam generator and the steam iron can be placed when not in use and when not in use. The holder 37 has a support portion 38, and when the pressing surface 4c of the base 4 is placed downward, the support portion 38 supports the lower end peripheral portion 17a of the housing 17 from below the lower end peripheral portion 17 a. The support portion 38 is formed in a ring shape facing the lower end peripheral edge portion 17a of the housing 17, and has a plurality of (six in the present embodiment) projections formed at equal intervals.

The holder 37 has a recess 37a for accommodating the base 4. The concave portion 37a is formed so as to be recessed along the pressing surface 4c, so that a space can be formed between the pressing surface 4c and the concave portion 37a when the housing 17 is placed on the holder 37.

The holder 37 is provided with a wall 39 surrounding the base 4 from the outside of the base 4. The upper end 39a of the wall 39 is located above the lower end peripheral edge 17a of the housing 17. A restriction portion 38a is provided between the support portion 38 and the wall 39. The lower end peripheral edge portion 17a of the case 17 is guided to the regulating portion 38a and is placed at a predetermined position of the support portion 38.

The operation and action of the steam ejector and the steam iron configured as described above will be described. The user puts a predetermined amount of water into the water tank 20 and mounts the steam sprayer or the steam iron on the stand 37. Then, the user operates the switch button 34 to turn on the power switch 32, thereby energizing the heater 2.

When the vaporizing chamber 1 is heated by the heater 2, the temperature sensing unit 11 senses the temperature of the vaporizing element 3 and inputs an output signal thereof to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 controls the vaporization chamber 1 to a predetermined temperature based on an input from the temperature sensing unit 11. Thereby, the portion to which water is supplied to the vaporization chamber 1 is maintained at a predetermined temperature. At this time, the susceptor 4 thermally coupled to the vaporizing member 3 is also heated by the heater 2 simultaneously with the vaporizing chamber 1. Thereby, the temperature of the pressing surface 4c of the susceptor 4 is maintained at the same temperature (including substantially the same temperature) as that of the vaporization chamber 1.

The control unit 30 does not drive the pump device 24 in a state where the vaporization chamber 1 is not heated to a predetermined temperature. That is, the pump device 24 is driven only after the vaporization chamber 1 is heated to a predetermined temperature. Thus, even if the pump switch 31 is operated when the vaporizing chamber 1 is not heated to a temperature at which water can be vaporized at the time of starting use, the pump device 24 is not driven, and water is prevented from being supplied to the vaporizing chamber 1 and leaking.

Water supplied from a water supply port 10 provided in the vicinity of the inner side of the bent portion 2a of the heater 2 is vaporized in a portion of the vaporization chamber 1 which is heated to a predetermined temperature at the earliest time. Further, the temperature sensing unit 11 provided near the outer side of the bent portion 2a of the heater 2 quickly and accurately senses the temperature of the portion where water is supplied to the vaporizing chamber 1. This makes it possible to quickly detect that the temperature has reached the predetermined temperature by the temperature sensing unit 11 provided outside the bent portion 2a having the fastest temperature rise. Therefore, the standby time for increasing to the usable predetermined temperature at the start of use can be shortened, and the work can be started quickly.

In addition, when water is supplied to the vaporization chamber 1 by the on operation of the pump switch 31, the portion of the vaporization chamber 1 to which water is supplied, that is, the vicinity of the inside of the bent portion 2a of the heater 2, absorbs heat due to vaporization of the water, and the temperature rapidly drops. At this time, the temperature sensing unit 11 senses the temperature drop with high sensitivity and outputs a signal. The controller 30 receives the output signal of the temperature sensing unit 11, and supplies power to the heater 2 as soon as possible, and maintains the set temperature to prevent the decrease in the amount of steam discharged. This can stabilize the ejection of steam.

Further, the temperature sensing unit 11 is provided in the cavity 13 provided outside the bent portion 2a so as to be surrounded by the rib 14, whereby the temperature sensing unit 11 can further improve the sensitivity of sensing the temperature drop of the vaporization chamber 1. When the cavity portion 13 is provided outside the bent portion 2a, the heat capacity of the portion of the vaporization material 3 in which the bent portion 2a is embedded is reduced, and the temperature drop is accelerated. Therefore, the control unit 30 can quickly supply current to the heater 2 to maintain the temperature of the vaporization chamber 1 with high accuracy.

Further, the rib 14 is formed outside the cavity 13 so as to face the rear end 4b of the base 4, and thus functions to conduct heat to the rear end 4b when the iron is used, and the effect of removing wrinkles by the rear end 4b can be improved.

The steam generated in the vaporization chamber 1 passes through the bent heating passage 8 and the communicating portion 7 formed in the heater 2, fills the steam passage 5, and is ejected from the steam ejection port 9. The steam in the steam passage 5 also contacts a lower cavity 15 recessed on the base 4 side of the vaporization member 3. Therefore, in the portion of the vaporization material 3 where the curved portion 2a of the heater 2 is embedded, both the hollow portion 13 formed on the upper surface side of the vaporization material 3 and the lower hollow portion 15 formed on the lower surface side of the vaporization material 3 have a reduced heat capacity. Thus, the control unit 30 can detect the temperature drop caused by the vaporization of water with high sensitivity by the temperature sensing unit 11.

The amount of water supplied to the vaporization chamber 1 by the pump device 24 is set to be equal to or less than the vaporization capacity of the vaporization chamber 1. Therefore, the steam can be stably discharged without excessively supplying water to the vaporization chamber 1, and the interruption of the operation due to the temperature decrease of the vaporization chamber 1 can be suppressed.

When the user removes wrinkles from clothes hung on the hanger, as shown in fig. 8, the pressing surface 4c of the base 4 is held in a state of standing vertically (including substantially vertically) toward the object D, that is, vertically (including substantially vertically). By supplying steam from a position away from the pressing surface 4c, the clothes can be prevented from being pressurized and wrinkles can be removed as a steam ejector.

When used as a steam sprayer, the steam is supplied while moving over a wide range of clothes. Therefore, the posture of the water when held by the handle portion 18 is constantly changed, and the water in the water tank 20 is also moved by gravity. The suction pipe 26 connected to the pump device 24 can be displaced in the direction of gravity in accordance with the movement of water in the tank 20 in accordance with the change in posture during use. Thus, even when the water in the tank 20 moves or decreases, the suction port 27 can discharge the steam while maintaining the submerged state.

Further, the user can remove wrinkles as a steam iron by ejecting steam from the steam ejection port 9 toward clothes placed on the iron stand so that the pressing surface 4c of the base 4 of the steam ejector faces downward and pressing the clothes. Further, when the clothing to be wrinkle-removed is a sweater or the like, the user can also perform hanging ironing in which the pressing surface 4c is separated from the clothing or the like and wrinkles are flattened only by steam.

Further, the base 4 is formed in an elongated oval shape, and the front end portion 4a and the rear end portion 4b of the base 4 are formed in an approximately pointed shape. Thus, when the iron is used as a steam iron, the iron can easily move in both forward and backward directions to prevent the clothes from being folded when the base 4 moves in the longitudinal direction, and thus, new wrinkles can be prevented from being generated in the heated base 4.

Further, the structure is: when placed on the holder 37 when the use is stopped, the support portion 38 supports the lower end peripheral edge portion 17a of the housing 17, and a space is formed between the pressing surface 4c and the recess 37a of the holder 37. This prevents the holder 37 from being overheated by the heat of the base 4. In addition, the occurrence of scratches due to the abutment of the base 4 with the holder 37 is suppressed, and the surface of the base 4 is kept smooth. Therefore, when the user presses the laundry by bringing the base 4 into contact with the laundry, the surface of the base 4 can be smoothly moved without catching the laundry.

Further, the structure is: the holder 37 is provided with a wall 39 surrounding the outer peripheral edge 4d of the base 4 from the outside of the outer peripheral edge 4d of the base 4, and an upper end 39a of the wall 39 is located above the lower end peripheral edge 17a of the housing 17. Thus, when the steam generator or the steam iron is placed on the stand 37 during stoppage of use, the stand 37 can safely protect the heated susceptor 4.

The pump device 24 is not limited to an electromagnetic pump. For example, a centrifugal pump or the like may be used as long as the pump can be electrically driven and can set the water supply amount.

As described above, the steam ejector according to the present embodiment includes: a vaporizing member 3 that generates steam; a water tank 20 for storing water supplied to the vaporizing element 3; a pump device 24 for supplying the water in the water tank 20 to the vaporizing member 3; and a control section 30 that controls the temperature of the vaporization member 3. The vaporizing member 3 has: a vaporization chamber 1; a heater 2 having a bent portion 2a and formed in a U-shape (including an approximate U-shape) for heating the vaporization chamber 1; a water supply port 10 for supplying water to the vaporization chamber 1; and a temperature sensing unit 11 for sensing the temperature of the vaporizing element 3. The water supply port 10 is provided near the inside of the bending portion 2 a. The temperature sensing unit 11 is provided near the outer side of the bending portion 2 a. This allows the temperature sensing unit 11 to sense a temperature drop in the vaporization chamber 1 with high accuracy.

When water is supplied to the vicinity of the inside of the bent portion 2a, the water absorbs heat of the bent portion 2a and instantaneously vaporizes. Along with this, the temperature of the bent portion 2a decreases. In the steam ejector according to the present embodiment, the temperature sensing unit 11 is provided near the outer side of the bent portion 2a, and therefore, the heater 2 can be energized by sensing a temperature drop in the bent portion 2a as early as possible, and a temperature drop in the vaporization chamber 1 can be suppressed. Therefore, the steam can be stably discharged while preventing a decrease in the amount of steam generated as the temperature of the vaporization chamber 1 decreases.

The vaporization material 3 of the steam ejector may further include a hollow portion 13, and the hollow portion 13 may be provided outside the bent portion 2a so as to be surrounded by the rib 14. The temperature sensing unit 11 may be provided in the cavity 13. This can improve the sensitivity of the temperature sensing unit 11 for sensing a decrease in the temperature of the vaporization chamber 1. When water is supplied to the vicinity of the inside of the bent portion 2a, the water absorbs heat of the bent portion 2a and instantaneously vaporizes. Along with this, the temperature of the bent portion 2a decreases. Since the hollow portion 13 is provided outside the bent portion 2a of the vaporization material 3, the heat capacity of the portion of the vaporization material 3 in which the bent portion 2a is embedded is small, and the temperature drop is accelerated. Since the temperature sensing unit 11 is provided in the cavity 13 formed outside the bent portion 2a, the heater 2 can be quickly energized, and the temperature of the vaporization chamber 1 can be maintained with high accuracy.

The hollow portion 13 may be provided so as to be surrounded by the rib 14, and the rib 14 may be formed outside the hollow portion 13 so as to face the rear end portion 4b of the base 4. In other words, the ribs 14 may be formed outside the cavity 13 along the longitudinal direction of the steam ejector. Therefore, heat is conducted to the rear end portion 4b when the iron is used, and the wrinkle removing effect by the rear end portion 4b can be improved.

Further, the steam iron of the present embodiment includes: a vaporizing member 3 that generates steam; a susceptor 4 having a steam ejection port 9 and a pressing surface 4c for pressing the laundry, the susceptor 4 being combined with the vaporizing member 3; a water tank 20 for storing water supplied to the vaporizing element 3; a pump device 24 for supplying the water in the water tank 20 to the vaporizing member 3; and a handle portion 18 for gripping by a user. The vaporizing member 3 has a vaporizing chamber 1 and a heater 2, and the heater 2 has a bent portion 2a and is formed in a U-shape (including an approximate U-shape) for heating the vaporizing chamber 1. The heater 2 is configured such that the bending portion 2a is located downward when the handle portion 18 is held such that the pressing surface 4c is vertical (including substantially vertical). This enables the vaporization chamber 1 to be heated quickly by the high-temperature bending portion 2a, and the standby time at the start of use can be shortened. Further, the vaporization chamber 1 formed inside the curved portion 2a so as to be surrounded by the curved portion 2a of the heater 2 is disposed close to the pump device 24 provided behind the water tank 20, so that the distance between the water supply port 10 and the pump device 24 provided near the inside of the curved portion 2a is shortened. Therefore, the water in the water tank 20 can be quickly supplied to the vaporization chamber 1 by the pump device 24, and a drop in temperature of the vaporization chamber 1 can be suppressed when steam is generated in the vaporization chamber 1 heated by the high-temperature bending portion 2a, so that stable steam can be discharged.

The steam iron may further include a control unit 30 for controlling the temperature of the vaporizing element 3, and the vaporizing element 3 may include a water supply port 10 for supplying water to the vaporizing chamber 1 and a temperature sensing unit 11 for sensing the temperature of the vaporizing element 3. The water supply port 10 may be provided near the inside of the curved portion 2a, and the temperature sensing unit 11 may be provided near the outside of the curved portion 2 a. This allows the temperature sensing unit 11 to sense a temperature drop in the vaporization chamber 1 with high accuracy. When water is supplied to the vicinity of the inside of the bent portion 2a, the water absorbs heat of the bent portion 2a and instantaneously vaporizes. Along with this, the temperature of the bent portion 2a decreases. Since the temperature sensing unit 11 is provided near the outer side of the bent portion 2a, the heater 2 can be energized by sensing a temperature drop of the bent portion 2a as early as possible, and the temperature drop of the vaporization chamber 1 can be suppressed. Therefore, the amount of steam can be prevented from decreasing due to a decrease in the temperature of the vaporization chamber 1, and the steam can be stabilized.

The vaporizing element 3 may have a hollow portion 13 formed outside the bent portion 2a so as to be surrounded by the rib 14, and the temperature sensing portion 11 may be provided in the hollow portion 13. This can further improve the sensitivity of the temperature sensing unit 11 for sensing a decrease in temperature of the vaporization chamber 1.

The rib 14 may be formed outside the cavity 13 so as to face the rear end 4b of the base 4. This acts to conduct heat to the rear end portion 4b when the iron is in use, and can improve the wrinkle removal effect by the rear end portion 4 b.

As described above, the steam ejector and the steam iron according to the present invention can stably eject steam by suppressing a temperature decrease in the vaporization chamber when steam is generated, and can improve usability, and thus are useful as a steam ejector and a steam iron.

Claims

1. A steam ejector is provided with:

a vaporization member that generates steam;

a water tank that stores water supplied to the vaporizing member;

a pump device that supplies the water in the water tank to the vaporizing member; and

a control portion that controls a temperature of the vaporizing member,

wherein the vaporization member has: a vaporization chamber; a heater having a bent portion, formed in a U-shape, for heating the vaporization chamber; a water supply port for supplying the water to the vaporizing chamber; and a temperature sensing part for sensing the temperature of the vaporizing member,

the water supply port is provided near an inner side of the bent portion,

the temperature sensing part is arranged close to the outer side of the bending part,

the vaporizing member further has a hollow portion provided outside the bent portion so as to be surrounded by a rib,

the temperature sensing part is provided in the cavity part, and

the rib is formed outside the cavity along a longitudinal direction of the steam ejector.

2. A steam iron is provided with:

a vaporization member that generates steam;

a base having a steam ejection port and a pressing surface for pressing the laundry, the base being combined with the vaporizing member;

a water tank that stores water supplied to the vaporizing member;

a handle portion for being held by a user,

wherein the vaporizing member has a vaporizing chamber and a heater having a bent portion and formed in a U-shape for heating the vaporizing chamber,

the heater is configured such that the bending portion is positioned below the handle portion when the handle portion is held with the pressing surface vertical.

3. Steam iron as claimed in claim 2,

further comprises a control unit for controlling the temperature of the vaporization member,

the vaporizing member has a water supply port for supplying the water to the vaporizing chamber and a temperature sensing part for sensing a temperature of the vaporizing member,

the water supply port is provided near an inner side of the bent portion,

the temperature sensing unit is provided in proximity to an outer side of the bending unit.

4. A steam iron as claimed in claim 3,

the vaporizing member has a hollow portion provided outside the bent portion so as to be surrounded by a rib portion,

the temperature sensing unit is disposed in the cavity.

5. Steam iron as claimed in claim 4,

the rib is formed outside the cavity so as to face the rear end of the base.