Hand-held electrical appliance

Abstract

An electrical appliance includes an electrical appliance unit having a housing with a steam vent, a heater in the housing, a main water tank in the housing, and a cradle removably connected to the electrical appliance unit. The cradle has a secondary water tank that can be in communication with the main water tank when the electrical appliance unit is connected to the cradle.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] 1. Field of this disclosure

[0002] This disclosure relates to a handheld electrical appliance. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a handheld electrical appliance having a main water tank that can be connected to a bracket having a secondary water tank.

[0003] 2. Description of related technologies

[0004] Some handheld garment steamers require a water tank, such as handheld fabric steamers. Handheld fabric steamers apply steam to remove wrinkles, clean, and deodorize fabrics such as clothing, decorative fabrics, and other items. In such appliances, water is placed in a tank and heated to produce steam, which is then expelled through a nozzle or steam outlet directed by the user toward the fabric. If the handheld fabric steamer uses all the water in the tank, the user will need to wait for it to cool down before refilling. If the user has not yet finished using the handheld fabric steamer, they will not want to wait for it to cool down before refilling. If the handheld garment steamer requires a large water tank, the larger tank results in an undesirable increase in weight.

[0005] Therefore, improvements are still needed for handheld electrical appliances that require water tanks. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides a handheld electrical appliance, such as a garment steamer, having a main water tank that can be connected to a bracket with a secondary water tank, allowing the main water tank to be refilled by the secondary water tank. This eliminates the need to cool the garment steamer before starting to refill the main water tank, especially if the user has run out of water and has not yet finished using the garment steamer.

[0007] This disclosure also provides a handheld electrical appliance having a main water tank that can be attached to a lightweight bracket for user comfort and timely refilling of the main water tank.

[0008] In embodiments of this disclosure, a handheld electrical appliance includes an electrical appliance unit having a housing with a steam vent, a heater within the housing, a main water tank within the housing, and a bracket removably connected to the electrical appliance unit. The bracket has a secondary water tank that can communicate with the main water tank when the electrical appliance unit is connected to the bracket.

[0009] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. As shown throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 The front perspective view of the handheld electrical appliance disclosed herein is a fabric steam iron having a main water tank and an auxiliary water tank.

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A rear 3D view of a fabric steam iron.

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of a fabric steam iron.

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A side view of a garment steamer, wherein the garment steamer includes a main body with a main water tank, which is separate from a bracket with a secondary water tank.

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A side view of the main body with the main water tank.

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A side view of a garment steamer, wherein the garment steamer includes a body having a main water tank, which is connected to a bracket having a secondary water tank.

[0016] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 A side view of the main body with a main water tank, showing a portion of the main water tank inside the main body in cross-section.

[0017] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A partial magnified view of a section of the cross-section, schematically showing the flow of water and air.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a side view of the main body with the main water tank, where the main water tank is connected to... Figure 4 A bracket with an auxiliary water tank, which has a portion showing, in cross-section, the main water tank inside the main body and the auxiliary water tank inside the bracket.

[0019] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A partial magnified view of a section of the cross-section, schematically showing the flow of water and air.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the main body containing the main water tank, where the main water tank and... Figure 4 The bracket with the auxiliary water tank is separated, schematically showing the direction in which the main body moves to connect to the bracket.

[0021] Figure 12 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the main body containing the main water tank, wherein the main water tank is connected to... Figure 4 The bracket with the auxiliary water tank schematically illustrates the water flow from the auxiliary water tank to the main water tank and the air flow from the main water tank.

[0022] Figure 13 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the main body containing the main water tank, wherein the main water tank is connected to... Figure 4 The bracket with the auxiliary water tank schematically shows the state where the water flow from the auxiliary water tank to the main water tank has stopped.

[0023] Figure 14 This is a side cross-sectional view of the main body containing the main water tank, and the main water tank and Figure 1 The fabric steamer has a separate bracket with an auxiliary water tank, and the fabric steamer has been modified with an alternative water refill system.

[0024] Figure 15 This is a side cross-sectional view of the main body with the main water tank, wherein the main water tank is connected to... Figure 14 The bracket of the garment steamer with an auxiliary water tank schematically shows the water levels in the main and auxiliary water tanks when the water flow from the auxiliary water tank to the main water tank stops.

[0025] Figure 16 This is a side cross-sectional view of the main body containing the main water tank, wherein the main water tank and... Figure 1 The fabric steam iron's bracket with an auxiliary water tank has been separated, with components removed and modified to use an alternative water refill system.

[0026] Figure 17 This is a side cross-sectional view of the main body with the main water tank, wherein the main water tank is connected to... Figure 16 The bracket of the garment steamer with an auxiliary water tank schematically shows the water flow from the auxiliary water tank to the main water tank and the air flow from the main water tank.

[0027] Figure 18 This is a side cross-sectional view of the main body with the main water tank, wherein the main water tank is connected to... Figure 16 The bracket of the garment steamer with an auxiliary water tank schematically shows the water level in the auxiliary water tank when the water flow from the auxiliary water tank to the main water tank stops.

[0028] Figure 19 yes Figure 16 A front perspective view of a garment steamer, showing a transparent section to reveal the locking button assembly in the locked position.

[0029] Figure 20 yes Figure 16 A front perspective view of a garment steamer, showing a transparent section to indicate it is in the unlocked position. Figure 19 Lock button component.

[0030] Figure 21 This is a front cross-sectional view of the main body with the main water tank, wherein the main water tank and... Figure 1 The fabric steamer has a separate bracket with an auxiliary water tank, and the fabric steamer is modified with an alternative water refill system with a manual pump for refilling.

[0031] Figure 22 This is a front cross-sectional view of the main body with the main water tank, wherein the main water tank is connected to... Figure 21 The bracket of the garment steamer with an auxiliary water tank schematically shows the water levels in the main and auxiliary water tanks as water flows from the auxiliary water tank to the main water tank.

[0032] Figure 23 This is a front cross-sectional view of the main body with the main water tank, wherein the main water tank and... Figure 21 The bracket with the auxiliary water tank of the garment steamer is separated, schematically showing the movement of the main water tank, the water flow in the main water tank, the water flow in the auxiliary water tank, and the movement of the piston in the auxiliary water tank.

[0033] Figure 24 This is a front cross-sectional view of the main body with the main water tank, wherein the main water tank and... Figure 21 The fabric steamer has a separate bracket with an auxiliary water tank, and the fabric steamer is modified with an alternative water refill system with an electric pump for refilling.

[0034] Figure 25 This is a front cross-sectional view of the main body with the main water tank, wherein the main water tank is connected to... Figure 21 The garment steamer has a bracket for the auxiliary water tank, which schematically shows the water levels in the main and auxiliary water tanks as water flows from the auxiliary water tank to the main water tank.

[0035] Figure 26 This is a front cross-sectional view of the main body with the main water tank, wherein the main water tank is connected to... Figure 25 The bracket of the garment steamer with an auxiliary water tank schematically shows the water levels in the main and auxiliary water tanks when the water flow from the auxiliary water tank to the main water tank stops.

[0036] Detailed description of the invention

[0037] Figure 1 and Figure 2The diagram illustrates an electrical appliance assembly 100 (“Electrical Appliance 100”) according to this disclosure. The Electrical Appliance 100 has an Electrical Appliance Unit 200 removably connected to a bracket 300. The Electrical Appliance 100 may be a garment steamer including a water tank or other handheld electrical appliance. The Electrical Appliance Unit 200 has a main water tank 202. The bracket 300 has a secondary water tank 302. The main water tank 202 is removably connected to the secondary water tank 302, allowing the secondary water tank 302 to refill the main water tank 202. This eliminates the need to wait for the Electrical Appliance 100 to cool down before refilling the main water tank 202 if the user runs out of water and has not yet finished using the Electrical Appliance Unit 200. For user comfort, it is also desirable to keep the Electrical Appliance 100 lightweight. It is also desirable that the Electrical Appliance 100 have a timely manner to refill the main water tank 202.

[0038] When the electrical appliance unit 200 is a garment steamer as shown herein, the electrical appliance unit 200 has a base plate 204 connected to the housing 205. The electrical appliance unit 200 has an outlet 206 passing through the base plate 204. The electrical appliance unit 200 also includes a power switch 208, a water tank lock 210, steam control buttons 212, 214, and a power cord sleeve 216. The user can press the power switch 208 to selectively connect and disconnect power to the electrical appliance unit 200. The water tank lock 210 has a mechanism, as indicated by arrow 211, that allows access from... Figure 2 The lock position, which holds the electrical appliance unit 200 connected to the bracket 300, is moved to an unlock position, allowing the electrical appliance unit 200 to disconnect from the bracket 300. The water tank lock 210 can be moved from the unlock position to the locked position in the direction opposite to that shown by arrow 211, as... Figure 2 As shown, the electrical appliance unit 200 is connected to the bracket 300. The user can press steam control buttons 212, 214 to selectively start steam emission, adjust steam emission, and stop steam emission from the electrical appliance unit 200. A cable sleeve 216 surrounds the power cord to supply power from a power source (e.g., a power outlet) to the garment steamer 100.

[0039] refer to Figure 3The housing 205 houses a steam generator 218, a steam controller 220, and a pump 222. The steam generator 218 heats water from the main water tank 202 to form steam that is discharged through outlet 206. The soleplate 204 is heated by the steam and the steam generator 218 and can contact fabric for ironing. The steam controller 220 has a circuit board 224. The steam controller 220 controls the formation of steam and / or the temperature of steam using steam control buttons 212, 214 to increase or decrease steam formation. The pump 222 generates pressure to draw water from the main water tank 202 through the pump 222 and the steam generator 218, thereby generating steam that is discharged through outlet 206 through the soleplate 204. The main water tank 202 is, for example, connected by... Figure 8 The pipe 223 shown is connected to the pump 222. The pump 222 is connected to the steam generator 218, for example, via a pipe (not shown). The main water tank 202 is connected to the auxiliary water tank 302, such that the main water tank 202 can be refilled by the auxiliary water tank 302, as further described herein. The main water tank 202 and the auxiliary water tank 302 may each be built-in or removable.

[0040] refer to Figures 4 to 6 In operation, the power cord passing through the sleeve 216 is connected to a power source, such as a power outlet. A user can press the power switch 208 to selectively supply power to the electrical appliance unit 200, thereby turning it on. When the electrical appliance unit 200 is on, power is supplied to the steam generator 218, steam controller 220, and pump 222. A user can press control buttons 212, 214 to selectively begin emitting steam 400, for example, to activate pump 222. Pump 222 generates pressure to draw water from the main water tank 202 through pump 222 and through steam generator 218, thereby generating steam that exits through the base plate 204 to outlet 206. A user can press control buttons 212, 214 to selectively stop emitting steam 400 by, for example, disabling pump 222, wherein pump 222 is deactivated by pressing one of the steam control buttons 212, 214 and the power switch 208.

[0041] refer to Figure 4 The electrical appliance unit 200 can be used with or without the bracket 300. The electrical appliance unit 200 without the bracket 300 can perform steam ironing without the auxiliary water tank 302. When the main water tank 202 is empty, the user can insert the electrical appliance unit 200 into the bracket 300, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the main water tank 202 and the auxiliary water tank 302 are connected as a refill station for rapid water injection. Figure 4 As shown, once the main water tank 202 is fully filled, the user can remove the auxiliary water tank 302, and as... Figure 5 As shown, steam ironing continues again using the electrical appliance unit 200 without the bracket 300 and the auxiliary water tank 302.

[0042] The main water tank 202 can be relatively small. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the auxiliary water tank 302 has a larger capacity than the main water tank 202 and provides a longer steam time when the electrical appliance unit 200 is connected to and operating the bracket 300. When the electrical appliance unit 200 is connected to and operating the bracket 300, the auxiliary water tank 302 can continuously supply water to the main water tank 202 to continue discharging steam 400.

[0043] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 When the electrical appliance unit 200 is used without the bracket 300, water is filled into the main water tank 202 from the auxiliary water tank 302 or alternatively from the main water tank 202. The electrical appliance unit 200 can be modified to have an opening that is opened and closed to fill the main water tank 202 with water, and the electrical appliance unit 200 is not connected to the bracket 300. When the pump 222 is turned on, water is drawn from the main water tank 202 to the steam generator 218 via the pump 222, as indicated by arrow 226. The main water tank 202 has an air valve 228 to allow airflow into the main water tank 202, as indicated by arrow 230. When water is drawn from the main water tank 202 to the steam generator 218 via the pump 222, this airflow supplements the main water tank 202 with air to balance the pressure within the main water tank 202. The auxiliary water tank 302 may also have an air valve similar to the air valve 228.

[0044] The main water tank 202 is connected to the auxiliary water tank 302, so that the auxiliary water tank 302 can refill the main water tank 202. Figure 9 and Figure 10 It is shown that a one-way main water tank 202 can be connected to a secondary water tank 302, so that the secondary water tank 302 can refill the main water tank 202. When the secondary water tank 302 is inserted into the main water tank 202, both the main water tank 202 and the secondary water tank 302 are connected via a water valve assembly 102.

[0045] The water valve assembly 102 has a main water valve 232 and a secondary water valve 332. During water pumping by pump 222, as shown by arrow 234, water is drawn from the main water tank 202, and at the same time, as shown by arrow 334, water in the secondary water tank 302 refills the main water tank 202 to keep the main water tank 202 completely full until the secondary water tank 302 is empty.

[0046] like Figure 11As shown, the main water valve 232 and the auxiliary water valve 332 are closed before the user begins filling the main water tank 202 from the auxiliary water tank 302, or when the main water tank 202 is separated from or disconnected from the auxiliary water tank 302. The main water tank 202 has a float valve 236, which is in the open position due to gravity when the main water tank 202 is separated from the auxiliary water tank 302. The main water tank 202 can be empty, partially filled, or fully filled.

[0047] like Figure 12 As shown, in order to begin refilling the main water tank 202 with water from the auxiliary water tank 302, the auxiliary water tank 302 is inserted into the main water tank 202 to connect the main water valve 232 to the auxiliary water valve 332. Both the main water valve 232 and the auxiliary water valve 332 are spring-loaded valves. The main water valve 232 is opened by mechanically pushing the auxiliary water valve 332, as shown by arrow 235. When the auxiliary water tank 302 is inserted into the main water tank 202 to connect the main water valve 232 to the auxiliary water valve 332, the auxiliary water valve 332 is opened by mechanically pushing the main water valve 232, as shown by arrow 335. The auxiliary water tank 302 is preferably positioned higher than the main water tank 202, such that water from the auxiliary water tank 302 (as shown by arrow 334) flows into the main water tank 202 by gravity (as shown by arrow 233) to refill the main water tank 202 from the auxiliary water tank 302. Air in the main water tank 202 is released via air release valve 238, which is a float valve 236, to balance the internal pressure while the main water tank 202 is refilled from the auxiliary water tank 302. Figure 12 As shown, when the water has not yet reached the float 240 in the main water tank 202 during the refilling of the main water tank 202 (from the auxiliary water tank 302), the float 240 of the float valve 236 remains at the bottom position, so that air can still be released through the air release valve 238, as shown by arrow 242.

[0048] like Figure 13 As shown, the main water tank 202 continues to be refilled from the auxiliary water tank 302 until the float 240 rises and the water level in the opening 244 of the air release valve 238 stops, thus stopping the refilling of the main water tank 202 from the auxiliary water tank 302. Since the refilling of the main water tank 202 from the auxiliary water tank 302 is achieved through gravity and the potential energy of the water level, the refilling speed is very fast, for example, 1 to 10 seconds, depending on the air release design of the pipe 336 and the air release valve 238. Therefore, the potential energy of the water stored in the auxiliary water tank 302 is at a position such that when released, gravity causes the water level to drop (and thus fills the main water tank 202). When water flow is allowed, the water reaches equilibrium, thus water will flow from the auxiliary water tank 302 to the main water tank 202 until the pressure is equalized. The size of the auxiliary water tank 302 can be set such that the main water tank 202 can be filled by the auxiliary water tank 302 more than once.

[0049] Electrical appliance unit 200 can be disconnected from bracket 300 to disconnect the main water tank 202 from the auxiliary water tank 302 during or after refilling. When the main water tank 202 is disconnected from the auxiliary water tank 302, the main water valve 232 and the auxiliary water valve 332 each return to their closed positions, such as... Figure 11 As shown, both the main water valve 232 and the auxiliary water valve 332 are spring-loaded. The closed position of the main water valve 232 prevents water from leaking from the main water tank 202. Similarly, the closed position of the auxiliary water valve 332 prevents water from leaking from the auxiliary water tank 302. A float 240 rests on the opening 244 to block it (e.g., to prevent debris and anything else from entering). The opening 244 and the float 240 cooperate as a pressure valve, such that when water enters the main water tank 202, air from the main water tank 202 is expelled by pushing the float 240 upward, thereby maintaining equal pressure in the main water tank 202 (because if pressure were allowed to build up, the water would stop flowing).

[0050] refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15 The main water tank 202 can be modified to work with or replace the air release valve 238 via the internal piping path 1400. During the refilling of the main water tank 202 from the auxiliary water tank 302, water refills the main water tank 202 and reaches the internal piping path 1400, as indicated by arrow 1402. Figure 15 As shown, refilling stops when the water level 346 in the auxiliary water tank 302 is the same as the water level 246 in the internal piping path 1400. The internal piping path 1400 has a height 1404 within the electrical appliance unit 200, extending above the height 348 of the auxiliary water tank 302, such that the water in the internal piping path 1400 does not exceed the height 348 of the auxiliary water tank 302 and cross the curve 1406 of the internal piping path 1400. The internal piping path 1400 has an end 1408 opposite to the end 1410 connected to the main water tank 202. The end 1408 connects to the bottom of the housing 205 for air and water release in case of misuse.

[0051] refer to Figure 16The main water tank 202 can be modified to replace the air release valve 238 with an air valve assembly 1600. Furthermore, the main water valve 232 can be replaced with a main water valve 1632, and the bracket 300 can be modified to add a bracket lock 310. The main water valve 1632 is a spring-loaded water valve similar to the main water valve 232. The air valve assembly 1600 has an air valve 1602 connected to an internal conduit 1604. The internal conduit 1604 has an end 1606 connected to the main water tank 202 and an end 1608 connected to the air valve 1602. The air valve 1602 is a spring-loaded ball valve 1610, having a valve seat 1612, a ball 1614, a housing 1616, and a spring 1618 that pushes the ball 1614 against the valve seat 1612 to close the opening 1620 formed by the valve seat 1612.

[0052] Reference Figures 16 to 18 The auxiliary water tank 302 is inserted into the main water tank 202 to connect and open the main water valve 1632 and the auxiliary water valve 332. The main water valve 1632 is connected and opened in the same manner as the main water valve 232. Simultaneously, as... Figures 16 to 18 As shown, when the bracket lock 310 is in the unlocked position, the main water valve 1632 and the auxiliary water valve 332 are connected and opened. An actuator 1606 is present at the bracket lock 310 in the auxiliary water tank 302 to open the air valve 1602. The actuator 1606 has a protrusion 1622 extending from the bracket lock 310. The protrusion 1622 moves together with the bracket lock 310 in a direction 213 opposite to direction 211, as... Figure 20 As shown, when the electrical appliance unit 200 is connected to the bracket 300, it moves through the opening 1620 formed by the valve seat 1612, thereby moving the ball 1614 away from the opening 1620 to open the air valve 1602. Furthermore, the protrusion 1622 moves together with the bracket lock 310 in direction 211, as... Figure 19 As shown, the protrusion 1622 is moved out of the opening 1620, so that the ball 1614 is moved by the bias of the spring 1618 to cover the opening 1620.

[0053] When the auxiliary water tank 302 is inserted into the main water tank 202, the main water valve 1632 and the auxiliary water valve 332 connect and open simultaneously as the protrusion 1622 moves through the opening 1620 formed by the valve seat 1612, so that when the bracket lock 310 is in the unlocked position, the ball 1614 moves away from the opening 1620, thereby opening the air valve 1602. Air flows out of the housing 1616 of the air valve assembly 1600 through the opening 1620, and water from the auxiliary water tank 302 flows into the main water tank 202 through the main water valve 1632 and the auxiliary water valve 332, as indicated by arrow 1634, until... Figure 18As shown, the water level 1638 in the internal pipe 1604 and the water level 1640 in the auxiliary water tank 302 are balanced. If the air valve 1602 is not open, water from the auxiliary water tank 302 cannot flow into the main water tank 202 because air is trapped within the main water tank 202 and the internal pipe 1604. If the electrical appliance unit 200 is disconnected from the bracket 300 during or after refilling, the main water valve 1632 and the auxiliary water valve 332 open and close because they are spring-loaded to be biased in the closed position, as shown. Figure 16 As shown. At the same time, if the bracket lock 310 is in the unlocked position, the protrusion 1622 moves through the opening 1620 formed by the valve seat 1612, so that the ball 1614 is pushed by the spring 1618 to cover the opening 1620, thereby closing the air valve 1602.

[0054] The air valve assembly 1600 allows the user to use the electrical appliance 100 in two ways. The first is that the user can use the electrical appliance unit 200 alone for steam ironing, with the air valve 1602 closed. The second is that the user can use the electrical appliance unit 200 connected to the bracket 300 by pressing the bracket lock 310 downwards along direction 211 to trigger two actions: closing the air valve 1602, and locking and holding the bracket 300 with the electrical appliance unit 200 to allow for a larger water tank and thus longer usage time. Therefore, as... Figure 19 As shown, when a user uses the electrical appliance 100 for steam ironing, with the electrical appliance unit 200 connected to the bracket 300 and the user pressing the bracket lock 310 downwards in direction 211, the air valve 1602 is closed. If the user wants to refill the main water tank 202 from the auxiliary water tank 302, the user presses the bracket lock 310 upwards in direction 213, opposite to direction 211, to open the air valve 1602, as shown. Figure 20 As shown.

[0055] refer to Figure 19The bracket lock 310 has a user-engageable portion 311 and a locking mechanism 350. The locking mechanism 350 engages with the engagement portion 250 of the electrical appliance unit 200 to lock the electrical appliance unit 200 and the bracket 300 together. The locking mechanism 350 has locking members 352. Although only a single locking member 352 is shown, the locking mechanism 350 has two locking members 352 on opposite sides of the bracket lock 310, each locking member having a mirror structure of the other locking member. Each locking member 352 has a connector 354, an extension member 356, and a locking pin 358. The user-engageable portion 311 has a hole 360 ​​for receiving the connector 354, such that the connector 354 can move within the hole 360 ​​to move the extension member 356 toward and away from the user-engageable portion 311. A spring 362 biases the extension member 356 toward the user-engageable portion 311. Each connector 354 of the two locking members 352 is abutted against each other to restrict movement within the hole 360 ​​of the user-accessible portion 311. Figure 19 As shown, pin 358 overlaps with protrusion 252 of engagement portion 250 in the locked position. User-engageable portion 311 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position in direction 213, as... Figure 20 As shown, the bias of the resisting spring 352 causes the extension member 356 to move away from the user-accessible portion 311 to move the pin 358 outward so that the pin 358 does not overlap with the protrusion 252 of the engagement portion 250.

[0056] In the unlocked position, the electrical appliance unit 200 can be disconnected from the bracket 300. The main water valve 1632 and the auxiliary water valve 332 are also connected in the unlocked position, and the air valve 1602 is open, allowing water to be refilled from the auxiliary water tank 302 into the main water tank 202. The user-accessible part 311 moves from the unlocked position to the locked position in direction 211, as... Figure 19 As shown, this is achieved by biasing the spring 352 to move the extension member 356 toward the user-accessible portion 311 to move the pin 358 inward so that the pin 358 overlaps with the protrusion 252 of the engagement portion 250.

[0057] In the locked position, electrical appliance unit 200 is locked to bracket 300. Main water valve 1632 and auxiliary water valve 332 are also connected in the locked position. However, air valve 1602 is closed, preventing water from being refilled from auxiliary water tank 302 into main water tank 202.

[0058] The operation of the air valve assembly 1600 allows the main water tank 202 to be refilled from the auxiliary water tank 302 based on the air valve 1602. This assembly can be integrated with and work in conjunction with the bracket lock 310 to control the opening and closing of the air valve 1602. When the air valve 1602 is open, it balances the water level in the main water tank 202. When the air valve 1602 is closed, it prevents water from escaping through the internal conduit 1604 during use of the electrical appliance unit 200 for steam ironing.

[0059] refer to Figure 21 The main water tank 202 can be modified to replace the air valve 228 and the main water valve 232 with the receiving assembly 2200, and the bracket 300 can be modified to replace the auxiliary water valve 332 with the manual pump assembly 2300. The auxiliary water tank 302 has a first chamber 2302 and a second chamber 2304. The first chamber 2302 contains water to be transferred to the main water tank 202. The second chamber 2304 contains water to be transferred to the first chamber 2302. The auxiliary water tank 302 has a spring 2305 connected between the piston 2306 and the first chamber 2302, such that when the piston 2306 moves in the direction 2308, pressure will be applied by the piston 2306 to the water in the first chamber 2302, so that water will be pumped out of the first chamber 2302 through the piston 2306, forming a manual pump, as shown. Figure 22 As shown. When piston 2306 moves in direction 2308, spring 2305 is energized. Sub-tank 302 has a first check valve 2310 and a second check valve 2312, which close when piston 2306 moves in direction 2308 due to the pressure exerted by each of their springs and the water pumped into main tank 202. Sub-tank 302 has a third check valve 2314, and main tank 202 has a fourth check valve 2214, which open when piston 2306 moves in direction 2308 due to the pressure exerted by piston 2306 on the water in first chamber 2302 overcoming the force exerted by the springs of each of the third and fourth check valves 2214. By overcoming the force applied to the spring, water in the first chamber 2302, as indicated by arrow 2316, can enter the main water tank 202 through the third check valve 2314 and the fourth check valve 2214, as indicated by arrow 2216. The first check valve 2310, the second check valve 2312, the third check valve 2314, and the fourth check valve 2214 are spring-loaded ball valves similar to the spring-loaded ball valve 1610; however, other valves may be used. Furthermore, since the first check valve 2310 and the second check valve 2312 are closed, no water flows back to the second chamber 2304. The main water tank 202 is then filled when the piston 2306 moves to the bottom 2318 of the first chamber 2302.

[0060] After the main water tank 202 is refilled by piston 2306 and moved to the bottom 2318 of the first chamber 2302, as Figure 23 As indicated by arrow 2210, the electrical appliance unit 200 is removed from the bracket 300. During removal, the spring 2305 is de-energized to push the piston 2306 upward as... Figure 21 The initial position is shown as indicated by arrow 2320. When spring 2305 is de-energized to push piston 2306 to the initial position, the first check valve 2310 and the second check valve 2312 open due to the release of pressure from the water in the first chamber 2302 and the pressure exerted by each spring of the first check valve 2310 and the second check valve 2312. Furthermore, the third check valve 2314 and the fourth check valve 2214 close due to the release of pressure from the water in the first chamber 2302 and the pressure exerted by each spring of the third check valve 2314 and the fourth check valve 2214, causing water in the second chamber 2304 to be pumped into the first chamber 2302, as shown. Figure 23 As indicated by arrow 2322, the first chamber 2302 is refilled with water. Therefore, the main water tank 202 is refilled when the electrical appliance unit 200 is reconnected to the bracket 300. Leakage is prevented when the electrical appliance unit 200 is removed from the bracket 300 when the third check valve 2314 and the fourth check valve 2214 are closed. The benefit of the housing assembly 2200 and the manual pump assembly 2300 is instantaneous refilling. Thus, the entire refill cycle is completed with a single downward press of the piston 2306.

[0061] refer to Figure 24The main water tank 202 can be modified to replace the air valve 228 and the main water valve 232 with the housing assembly 2500. Furthermore, the bracket 300 can be modified to replace the auxiliary water valve 332 with the electric pump assembly 2600. The housing assembly 2500 has a main connection valve 2504 in the main water tank 202. The electric pump assembly 2600 has an electric pump 2602 housed in a cavity 2603 and an auxiliary connection valve 2604 in the auxiliary water tank 302. The main connection valve 2504 and the auxiliary connection valve 2604 are spring-loaded ball valves similar to the spring-loaded ball valve 1610; however, other valves can be used. As indicated by arrow 2502, the electric pump 2602 is actuated when the electrical appliance unit 200 is connected to the bracket 300. The main water tank 202 has a cavity 2509, and the auxiliary water tank 302 has a protrusion 2609 in the cavity 2509 that mates with the main connection valve 2504 and the auxiliary connection valve 2604 for connection. Water in the auxiliary water tank 302 is pumped to the main water tank 202 by an electric pump 2602 (as indicated by arrow 2608) through the auxiliary connection valve 2604 and the main connection valve 2504 (as indicated by arrow 2508). The force generated by the water pumped by the electric pump 2602 opens the auxiliary connection valve 2604 and the main connection valve 2504. The water pressure from the electric pump 2602 overcomes its bias spring and pushes both the ball valves of the main connection valve 2504 and the auxiliary connection valve 2604 upward. Once the main water tank 202 is filled, a sensor or switch, for example, such as... Figure 26 As shown, the sensor can detect when the floating ball 240 floats and blocks the opening 244 in the air release valve 238, and will provide feedback to the electric pump 2602 or its controller to stop the electric pump 2602. Once the main water tank 202 is filled, the electrical appliance unit 200 is removed from the bracket 300, and the main connection valve 2504 and the auxiliary connection valve 2604 close due to the release of force generated by the water pumped by the electric pump 2602 to prevent leakage.

[0062] Therefore, if the electrical appliance unit 200 uses all the water in the main water tank 202, the user can refill the main water tank 202 from the auxiliary water tank 302 without undesirably waiting for the electrical appliance unit 200 to cool down before refilling it if the user has not finished using the electrical appliance unit 200. The electrical appliance 100 also allows the electrical appliance unit 200 to be used without the bracket 300, thus avoiding the need for the undesirable heavier auxiliary water tank 302, which is instead optional.

Claims

1. An electrical appliance, comprising: An electrical appliance unit having a housing; A heater, which is located within the housing, the housing having a steam vent. The main water tank is located within the casing; A bracket detachably connected to the electrical appliance unit, the bracket having a secondary water tank that can communicate with the main water tank when the electrical appliance unit is connected to the bracket; The electrical appliance unit can be used with or without the bracket, the electrical appliance unit can operate to vent steam when disconnected from the bracket, and the electrical appliance unit can operate to vent steam when connected to the bracket; The main water tank is equipped with a float valve, which includes an air release valve and a float ball. The auxiliary water tank refills the main water tank at a rate controlled by the air release valve and the pipeline. The opening in the air release valve and the float ball work together as a pressure valve to maintain the pressure balance in the main water tank.

2. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, wherein, The auxiliary water tank is then filled with the main water tank.

3. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, wherein, When the bracket is connected to the electrical appliance unit during operation, the auxiliary water tank extends the water supply to the main water tank.

4. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, wherein, When the bracket is connected to the electrical appliance unit during operation, the auxiliary water tank refills the main water tank and extends the water supply to the main water tank.

5. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, wherein, The auxiliary water tank is refilled into the main water tank more than once.

6. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, wherein, The main water tank has a valve for balancing the pressure inside the main water tank.

7. The electrical appliance according to claim 2, wherein, The auxiliary water tank is refilled into the main water tank by gravity.

8. The electrical appliance according to claim 2, wherein, The auxiliary water tank refills the main water tank by using the potential energy difference between the water level in the auxiliary water tank and the water level in the main water tank.

9. The electrical appliance according to claim 2, wherein, The auxiliary water tank then fills the main water tank until the float valve stops the filling process.

10. The electrical appliance according to claim 2, wherein, The main water tank is connected to the pipeline.

11. The electrical appliance according to claim 10, wherein, The pipe extends above the height of the auxiliary water tank, such that the auxiliary water tank refills the main water tank by the potential energy difference between the water level in the auxiliary water tank and the water level in the pipe.

12. The electrical appliance according to claim 10, wherein, The pipeline has an air valve.

13. The electrical appliance according to claim 12, wherein, The auxiliary water tank has a lock that controls the air valve and locks the electrical appliance unit to the bracket.

14. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, wherein, The auxiliary water tank is refilled into the main water tank by a manual pump.

15. The electrical appliance according to claim 1, wherein, The auxiliary water tank is then filled into the main water tank by an electric pump.

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