A MULTI-GEAR INFLATION AND DEFLATION DEVICE FOR A SWIMMING POOL

Abstract

A multi-gear inflation and deflation device for a swimming pool having an air cavity and a water cavity may include an air pump group, a valve body in fluid communication with the air pump group, and a driving component positioned on the valve body. The valve body may include a valve core rotatably received within the valve body, and the driving component may be configured to drive the valve core between an inflation position, a deflation position, an aeration or massaging bubble position, and a sealed position.

Claims

1. A multi-gear inflation and deflation device for a swimming pool having an air cavity and a water cavity the multi-gear inflation and deflation device comprising: an air pump group comprising: an inlet end, and an outlet end; a valve body in fluid communication with the air pump group, the valve body comprising: a valve core comprising a first passage and a second passage, the valve core rotatable within the valve body, an air inlet in fluid communication with the outlet end of the air pump group, and an air outlet in fluid communication with the inlet end of the air pump group; an air pipe in selective fluid communication with the valve body, the air pipe comprising: a gear plate comprising a bubbler through hole, a deflation through hole, an inflation through hole, and a blind hole; and a driving component positioned on the valve body and operably connected to the valve core to drive the valve core between: a first position wherein the first passage of the valve core fluidly connects the bubbler through hole of the air pipe to the air inlet of the valve body, a second position wherein the second passage of the valve core fluidly connects the deflation through hole of the air pipe to the air outlet of the valve body, a third position wherein the first passage of the valve core is aligned with the blind hole of the air pipe, and a fourth position wherein the first passage of the valve core fluidly connects the inflation through hole of the air pipe to the air inlet of the valve body.

2. The multi-gear inflation and deflation device of claim 1, wherein the valve body further comprises an exhaust port and when the valve core is in the second position, the first passage of the valve core fluidly connects the inlet of the valve body to the exhaust port of the valve body.

3. The multi-gear inflation and deflation device of claim 2, wherein the valve body further comprises a check valve positioned within the exhaust port.

4. The multi-gear inflation and deflation device of claim 1, wherein the valve core further comprises a valve core body and a valve core reversing component, the valve core body having a circumference and including gear teeth positioned about the circumference and wherein the driving component further comprises a motor including a drive shaft, and a gear sleeved on the drive shaft, the gear of the driving component meshing with the gear teeth of the valve core body.

5. The multi-gear inflation and deflation device of claim 4, wherein the valve core reversing component comprises a reversing plate and a connecting rod, the reversing plate including a through hole, and one end of the connecting rod is connected to a center of the reversing plate, and another end of the connecting rod is inserted into the valve body and fixedly connected to the valve body.

6. The multi-gear inflation and deflation device of claim 5, wherein the valve body further comprises an exhaust port, and wherein the valve body and valve core body define a first chamber and a second chamber that are mutually isolated, and when the valve core is in the first position, the through hole of the reversing plate is fluidly connected to the air inlet of the valve body through the first chamber to form the first passage, and when the valve core is in the second position, the through hole of the reversing plate is fluidly connected to the air outlet of the valve body through the second chamber to form the second passage, and the first chamber is connected to the air inlet of the valve body and the exhaust port of the valve body.

7. The multi-gear inflation and deflation device of claim 1, wherein the air pipe is axially aligned with and connected to one end of the valve body, and the gear plate is arranged on a side of the air pipe facing the valve body.

8. The multi-gear inflation and deflation device of claim 7, wherein the air pipe comprises an inner pipe and an outer pipe coaxial with the inner pipe, the inner pipe is fluidly connected to the inflation through hole of the gear plate, and the outer pipe is fluidly connected to the bubbler through hole of the gear plate, the inner pipe fluidly connecting the air inlet of the valve body to the air cavity of the swimming pool, and the outer pipe fluidly connecting the air inlet of the valve body to the water cavity of the swimming pool.

9. The swimming pool of claim 1, wherein the swimming pool is a spa swimming pool.

10. A multi-gear inflation and deflation device for a swimming pool having an air cavity and a water cavity, the multi-gear inflation and deflation device comprising: a valve body in selective fluid communication with the air cavity and the water cavity of the swimming pool, the valve body comprising: a valve core rotatably positioned within the valve body, the valve core having a circumference and comprising gear teeth disposed around the circumference, an air inlet, and an air outlet in fluid communication with the air inlet; an air pipe connecting the valve body to the swimming pool, the air pipe comprising: a gear plate including a bubbler hole, a deflation hole, and an inflation hole; and a driving component coupled to the valve body and configured to rotate the valve core within the valve body, the driving component comprising: a motor connected to a drive shaft, and a gear driven by the drive shaft, the gear meshing with the gear teeth of the valve core to cause the valve core to rotate within the valve body.

11. The multi-gear inflation and deflation device of claim 10, further comprising an air pump coupled to the valve body, the air pump comprising an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end of the air pump connected to the air outlet of the valve body, and the outlet end of the air pump connected to the air inlet of the valve body.

12. The multi-gear inflation and deflation device of claim 10, wherein the valve body and the valve core define a first chamber and a second chamber.

13. The multi-gear inflation and deflation device of claim 11, wherein the valve body further comprises an exhaust port.

14. The multi-gear inflation and deflation device of claim 13, wherein the valve core is rotatable to a deflation position, and, when the valve core is in the deflation position, air flows from the air cavity of the swimming pool through the second chamber to the first chamber and exits the valve body through the exhaust port to atmosphere to deflate the swimming pool.

15. The multi-gear inflation and deflation device of claim 12, wherein the valve core is rotatable to an inflation position, and, when the valve core is in the inflation position, air flows from the air inlet of the valve body through the first chamber and into the air cavity of the swimming pool to inflate the swimming pool.

16. The multi-gear inflation and deflation device of claim 13, wherein the valve core is rotatable to a bubbling position, and, when the valve core is in the bubbling position, air flows from the air inlet of the valve body through the first chamber to the water cavity of the swimming pool to provide massaging bubbles to the swimming pool.

17. The multi-gear inflation and deflation device of claim 10, wherein valve core further comprises a valve core body, a connecting rod partially received within the valve core body, and a reversing plate connected to an opposing end of the connecting rod such that the reversing plate is spaced axially apart from the valve core body, and the reversing plate is axially aligned with the gear plate of the air pipe.

18. The multi-gear inflation and deflation device of claim 17, wherein the reversing plate comprises a through hole, and a position of the through hole is dependent upon a rotational position of the valve core within the valve body.

19. The multi-gear inflation and deflation device of claim 18, wherein the driving component is configured to drive the valve core to rotate within the valve body between a first position, a second position, a third position, and a fourth position.

20. The multi-gear inflation and deflation device of claim 19, wherein, when the valve body is in the first position, the through hole of the reversing plate aligns with the bubbler hole of the gear plate to fluidly connect the air inlet of the valve body to the water cavity of the swimming pool to provide massaging bubbles to the swimming pool.

21. The multi-gear inflation and deflation device of claim 19, wherein, when the valve body is in the second position, the through hole of the reversing plate aligns with the deflation hole of the gear plate to fluidly connect the air cavity of the swimming pool to the air outlet of the valve body to deflate the swimming pool.

22. The multi-gear inflation and deflation device of claim 19, wherein the gear plate further comprises a blind hole and, when the valve body is in the third position, the through hole of the reversing plate aligns with the blind hole of the gear plate align to fluidly seal the air inlet of the valve body from the air cavity and the water cavity of the swimming pool.

23. The multi-gear inflation and deflation device of claim 19, wherein, when the valve body is in the fourth position, the through hole of the reversing plate aligns with the inflation hole of the gear plate to fluidly connect the air inlet of the valve body to the air cavity of the swimming pool to inflate the swimming pool.

24. The multi-gear inflation and deflation device of claim 10, wherein the gear is supported by the drive shaft.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a multi-gear inflation and deflation device according to the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary inflatable pool or spa including the multi-gear inflation deflation device of FIG. 1;

[0034] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the inflatable pool or spa of FIG. 2;

[0035] FIG. 4 is a partial exploded view of the multi-gear inflation deflation and device of FIG. 1;

[0036] FIG. 5 is another partial exploded view of the multi-gear inflation and deflation device of FIG. 1;

[0037] FIG. 6 is a partial exploded view of an exemplary valve body and valve core of the multi-gear inflation and deflation device of FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the valve core of FIG. 6 and a check valve;

[0039] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the valve core of FIG. 6 and a printed circuit board;

[0040] FIG. 9 is a partial exploded view of an air pipe of the multi-gear inflation and deflation device of FIG. 1;

[0041] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-gear inflation and deflation device of FIG. 1 depicted in a deflation state;

[0042] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-gear inflation and deflation device of FIG. 1 depicted in a deflation state;

[0043] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-gear inflation and deflation device of FIG. 1 depicted in an inflation state;

[0044] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-gear inflation and deflation device of FIG. 1 depicted in an inflation state;

[0045] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-gear inflation and deflation device of FIG. 1 depicted in an aeration or massaging bubble state; and

[0046] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-gear inflation and deflation device of FIG. 1 depicted in a water-sealing state.

[0047] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent embodiments of various features and components according to the present disclosure, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0048] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principals of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which are described below. The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. It will be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. The disclosure includes any alterations and further modifications in the illustrative devices and described methods and further applications of the principles of the disclosure which would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.

[0049] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be noted that the terms up, down, inside, outside, top/bottom, etc. indicate the orientation or position relationship based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the attached drawings, only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it cannot be understood as a limitation on the present disclosure. In addition, the terms first and second are only used to describe and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0050] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be noted that unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms installation, set with, set/connected, connected, etc. should be understood broadly. For example, connected can be a wall mounted connection, a detachable connection, or an integrated connection, can be a mechanical connection, can be an electrical connection, can be directly connected, or can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, can be the internal connection between two components, and for ordinary technical personnel in this field, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood in a specific situation.

[0051] The terms couples, coupled, coupler, and variations thereof are used to include both arrangements wherein two or more components are in direct physical contact and arrangements wherein the two or more components are not in direct contact with each other (e.g., the components are coupled via at least a third component, but yet still cooperates or interact with each other).

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the present disclosure provides a multi-gear inflation and deflation device 100 for a swimming pool, such as a spa, having an air cavity and a water cavity. An exemplary spa swimming pool 1000 is depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3. The swimming pool or spa 1000 may include, for example, a top wall 1010, a bottom wall 1020, a first side wall 1030, and a second side wall 1040. The top wall 1010, bottom wall 1020, first side wall 1030, and second side wall 1040 may cooperate to define the air cavity 1050, and the bottom wall 1020 and the first side 1030 wall may cooperate to define the water cavity 1060 when the air cavity 1050 is inflated. Additionally, one or more tensioning structures 1070 may be disposed within air cavity 1050 and may couple the first side wall 1030 to the second side wall 1040.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 1, the multi-gear inflation and deflation device 100 may comprise an air pump group 1 and a valve body 2 connected to the air pump group 1. Referring to FIG. 10, the air pump group 1 may include an inlet end 10 and an outlet end 12, and the valve body 2 may include an air inlet 21 and an air outlet 22. The inlet end 10 of the air pump group 1 and the air outlet 22 of the valve body 2 may be connected, and the outlet end 12 of the air pump group 1 and the air inlet 21 of the valve body 2 may be connected. A check valve 13 may be disposed between the outlet end 12 of the air pump group 1 and the air inlet 21 of the valve body 2, and the check valve 13 may be configured to allow air to flow from the outlet end 12 of the air pump group 1 to the air inlet 21 of the valve body 2 while substantially preventing air from flowing from the air inlet 21 of the valve body 2 back to the outlet end 12 of the air pump group 1.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, valve body 2 may also include an exhaust port 24. A check valve 25 may be positioned within exhaust port 24 and biased to a closed position under the biasing force of an elastic member, illustratively a spring 27. A sealing gasket 29 may be positioned between check valve 25 and exhaust port 24 to help effect a fluid-tight seal between check valve 25 and exhaust port 24 when check valve 25 is in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, sealing gasket 29 is received on check valve 2. As will be described below, when the multi-gear inflation and deflation device 100 is in a deflation state, the check valve 25 may be opened, allowing air from the air cavity 1050 of the inflatable pool or spa 1000 to exhaust to the surrounding environment through exhaust port 24.

[0055] The valve body 2 may also include a valve core 3. In the illustrated embodiment, valve core 3 is received within valve body 2 and, as will be described in detail below, may be configured to rotate within valve body 2 between a plurality of positions corresponding to, for example, an inflation state or a deflation state, among others. Valve body 2 and valve core 3 may cooperate to define a first chamber 201 and a second chamber 202 in selective fluid communication with the first chamber 201. First chamber 201 and second chamber 202 may each be at least partially bound by an inner wall of valve body 2 and an exterior wall of valve core 3. Air may flow through one or both of the first chamber 201 and the second chamber 202 depending on whether the multi-gear inflation and deflation device 100 is in an inflation, deflation, or massaging bubble state.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, valve core 3 includes a valve core body 31 and a valve core reversing component 32 coupled to the valve core body 31. The valve core body 31 and valve core reversing component 32 may be axially aligned with one another. The valve core body 31 may include one or more gear teeth 33 that, as discussed below, mesh with gear 233 of driving component 23 such that driving component 23 may cause valve core body 31 to rotate within valve body 2. Gear teeth 33 may be disposed about a circumference of the valve core body 31.

[0057] Valve core body 31 may also include a blocker 34 positioned within air outlet 22 of valve body 2. As valve core body 31 rotates within valve body 2 under the action of driving component 23, the position of blocker 34 changes. Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, when the valve core body 31 is in a position corresponding to, for example, an inflation state or massaging bubble state, the blocker 34 may be positioned within air outlet 22 of valve body 2 such that the pump inlet 10 can draw air from the surrounding environment through air outlet 22 of valve body 2. In contrast, referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, when the valve core body 31 is in a position corresponding to, for example, a deflation state, blocker 34 may seal air outlet 22 of valve body 2 from the surrounding environment such that the pump inlet 10 is in fluid communication with the air cavity of the inflatable pool or spa through valve core 3 and valve body 2. Lastly, referring to FIG. 15, when the valve core body 31 is in a position corresponding to, for example, a sealed state, the blocker 34 may seal air outlet 22 of valve body 2 and pump inlet 10 from the surrounding environment.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 10, valve core body 31 may further include a cam surface 35 configured to open the aforementioned check valve 25 against the biasing force of elastic member 27. Thus, for example, when the valve core body 31 rotates to the deflation position, the cam surface 35 may cause the check valve 25 to translate against the biasing force of the elastic member 27 to open the check valve, thus allowing air to exhaust through exhaust port 24. The elastic member 27 may accumulate an elastic restoring force. To prevent air leakage when the valve core body 31 is in an inflation or massaging bubble state, the check valve 25 may be closed under the biasing force of the elastic member 27.

[0059] Returning to FIGS. 4 and 5, valve core reversing component 32 may include a reversing plate 321 and a connecting rod 322. Connecting rod 322 and reversing plate 321 may be axially aligned with one another such that an axis of connecting rod 322 intersects a center of the reversing plate 321. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, for example, at a first end, a portion of connecting rod 322 may be received within a corresponding channel 311 of valve core body 31, and, at an opposing, second end, connecting rod 322 may be coupled to the reversing plate 321 to indirectly couple the reversing plate 321 to the valve core body 31. The connecting rod 322 may be coupled to the valve core body 31 via a pin or other suitable fastener. As such, when valve core body 31 is driven to rotate by driving component 23, reversing plate 321 is also driven to rotate. Although described herein as separate components, reversing plate 321 and connecting rod 322 may be monolithically formed as a single structure.

[0060] Reversing plate 321 may include a through hole 323. As the valve body 31 and, thus, the reversing plate 321 are driven to rotate by the driving component 23, the position of through hole 323 changes. That is, the position of through hole 323 is dependent on the rotational position of the valve body 31. As will be described herein, the position of through hole 323, in combination with additional elements, causes the valve body 2 to be in fluid communication with the water cavity 1060 or air cavity 1050 of the swimming pool or spa 1000, or sealed relative thereto.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 4-6, valve core 3 may also include a valve head 325 positioned between valve core body 31 and valve core reversing component 32. Valve head 325 may be formed with one or more tabs or protrusions, such as protrusions 3251, that are received within one or more corresponding grooves 2251 in the valve body 2. Thus, while valve core body 31 rotates within valve body 2 under the action of driving component 23, valve head 325 is stationary within valve body 2. Valve head 325 includes a plurality of apertures or through holes 3252, which align with the valve core body 31 such that air may flow through the valve core body 31 and subsequently through the valve head 325 and vice versa, and a plurality of blockers 3253, which help direct airflow through valve core body 31 and through hole 323 and vice versa. A seal 327 may be positioned between valve head 325 and valve core body 31 to limit the direct contact between the valve head 325 and valve core body 31. As discussed below, valve head 325 may also act as a shoulder for an elastic member, illustratively spring 326, that biases the valve core reversing component 32 away from the valve core body 31 to effect a seal between the reversing plate 321 and a gear plate 46 of air pipe 4.

[0062] As best shown in FIGS. 4-8, valve core 3 may include one or more seals to effect a substantially fluid-tight seal between components and/or to reduce direct contact between components, which may improve service life. For example, valve core 3 may include one or more O-rings 328A, 328B or other suitable sealing members to effect a seal and to reduce direct contact between the valve core body 31 and the valve body 2. The O-rings or suitable sealing members may be received in corresponding grooves 329A, 329B within valve core body 31.

[0063] As introduced above, valve core 3 may rotate axially within the valve body 2 under the action of driving component 23. Driving component 23 may be operably connected to the valve body 2 and may be configured to drive the valve core 3 to rotate within the valve body 2. In the illustrated embodiment, driving component 23 includes a motor 231, an output or drive shaft 232 operably connected to the motor 231, a gear 233 sleeved on the output or drive shaft 232, and a printed circuit board 234. The driving component 23 is positioned such that gear 233 meshes with gear teeth 33 of valve core body 31. Accordingly, as gear 233 is driven to rotate by motor 232, valve core 3 is also driven to rotate, thereby changing the position of valve core reversing component 32, and thus through hole 323.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 8, valve core body 31 may include one or more projections, for example tabs or projections A, B, C, and D, which function as locators and which engage with the printed circuit board 234 of driving component 23. Printed circuit board 234 may include one or more slots, illustratively slots A, B, and C, and a position of the projections A, B, C, and D relative to slots A, B, and C may signal to the driving component 23 that the valve core body 31 is in the desired position or needs to be driven to rotate to the desired position. For example, when projection C is positioned within slot B, the printed circuit board 234 may detect that the valve core body 31 is in a deflation position. When projection B is positioned within slot C, the printed circuit board 234 may detect that the valve core body 31 is in an inflation position. When projection D is positioned within slot A, the printed circuit board 234 may detect that the valve core body 31 is in an aeration or bubbling position. And when projections A are positioned within slots A and C, the printed circuit board 234 may detect that the valve core body 31 is in a sealing position. Thus, as the valve core body 31 rotates within valve body 2, the printed circuit board 234 may detect the position of the one or more projections and, for example, stop the motor 231 when the valve core body 31 is in the desired position, e.g., the inflation or deflation position, among others, or continue to operate the motor 231 to cause the valve core body 31 to continue to rotate until it is in the desired position.

[0065] Returning to FIGS. 4 and 5, the multi-gear inflation and deflation device 100 may also include an air pipe 4 that couples the valve body 2 to the swimming pool or spa. In the illustrated embodiment, air pipe 4 is coupled to the valve body 2 and includes an inner pipe 44 and an outer pipe 45. Inner pipe 44 and outer pipe 45 are positioned coaxially relative to one another such that inner pipe 44 and outer pipe 45 adopt a pipe-in-pipe arrangement. However, in embodiments, pipe 44 and pipe 45 may be arranged side-by-side, such as horizontally or vertically offset from one another.

[0066] As will be described further herein, inner pipe 44 may be in fluid communication with the air cavity 1050 of the swimming pool or spa 1000, and outer pipe 45 may be in fluid communication with the water cavity 1060 of the swimming pool or spa 1000. Thus, inner pipe 44 may be used for inflation or deflation functions, and outer pipe 45 may be used for aeration or massaging bubble functions, which will be described below. However, in embodiments, inner pipe 44 may be in fluid communication with the water cavity, and outer pipe 45 may be in fluid communication with the air cavity.

[0067] Additionally, outer pipe 45 may be in fluidly connected to a network of conduits and nozzles (not shown) positioned substantially within air cavity 1050 to supply massaging bubbles around the water cavity 1060 of the inflatable pool or spa 1000 rather than in a single location.

[0068] Air pipe 4 may also include a gear plate 46, which may be axially aligned with reversing plate 321 of valve core reversing component 32 and may be positioned within air pipe 4 such that it faces valve body 2. To assist in aligning reversing plate 321 and gear plate 46, gear plate 46 may include a protrusion 461 that is received within a corresponding channel or groove 361 of reversing plate 321. Additionally, gear plate 46 may also include one or more projections, ribs, or tabs 462 that are received within corresponding grooves or openings 463 within air pipe 4 such that gear plate 46 is held stationary as valve core body 31 and reversing plate 321 rotate under the action of driving component 23. A seal 464 may be positioned between gear plate 46 and air pipe 4, and another seal 465 may be positioned between gear plate 46 and reversing plate 321 of valve core reversing component 32. In addition to effecting a seal therebetween, seals 464, 465 may reduce the direct contact between gear plate 46 and air pipe 4 and between reversing plate 321 and gear plate 46. Seals 464, 465 may include a plurality of apertures that align with the apertures of gear plate 46 such that air may flow through seals 464, 465 during inflation, deflation, and aeration operations. Additionally, a seal, illustratively O-ring 466, may be positioned between air pipe 4 and valve body 2 to effect a seal therebetween and/or reduce direct contact between air pipe 4 and valve body 2.

[0069] Gear plate 46 may include an aeration or bubbling through hole 41 in fluid communication with the outer pipe 45, a deflation through hole 42 in communication with inner pipe 44, a blind hole 43 sealed from both inner pipe 44 and outer pipe 45, and an inflation through hole 47 in communication with inner pipe 44. Referring to FIGS. 10 and 12, inner pipe 44 may include a first channel 401 in fluid communication with the deflation through hole 42 and a second channel 402 in fluid communication with the inflation through hole 47. First and second channels 401, 402 function as intermediate conduits between the gear plate 46 and the inner pipe 44. Thus, while the inflation through hole 47 and deflation through hole 42 are located at different positions about the circumference of gear plate 46, both inflation through hole 47 and deflation through hole 42 may be in fluid communication with inner pipe 44.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and 9, a check valve 467 may be disposed in inflation through hole 47 and configured to allow air to flow from the inflation through hole 47 to the air cavity of the inflatable swimming pool or spa while substantially preventing air from flowing from the air cavity of the inflatable swimming pool or spa back through the inflation through hole 47.

[0071] As valve core 3 and, thus, through hole 323 of reversing plate 321 are driven to rotate by driving component 23, through hole 323 of reversing plate 321 may align with one of the aeration or bubbling through hole 41, deflation through hole 42, blind hole 43, and inflation through hole 47. An elastic member, illustratively spring 326, may be sleeved on the connecting rod 322 to help effect a seal between the reversing plate 321 and the gear plate 46. Spring 326 may abut valve head 325 to help effect a seal between reversing plate 321 and gear plate 46.

[0072] Accordingly, as valve core 3 rotates within valve body 2, valve body 2 may be in fluid communication with the water cavity 1060 of the inflatable swimming pool or spa 1000 for aeration functions or the air cavity 1050 of the inflatable swimming pool or spa 1000 for inflation or deflation functions. Further, valve body 2 may be sealed relative to the water cavity 1060 and air cavity 1050 of the swimming pool or spa 1000.

[0073] Having described the individual components of the inflation and deflation device, operation of the inflation and deflation device will now be described.

[0074] In embodiments, driving component 23 may cause valve core 3 to rotate between one of four positions within valve body 2. For example, driving component 23 may cause valve core 3 to rotate between an aeration or massaging bubble position, a deflation position, an inflation position, and a sealed position.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 14, when valve core 3 is in a first position, which may correspond to the aeration or bubbling position, a first passage 203 of the valve core 3 may fluidly connect the air inlet 21 of valve body 2 to the bubbling gear through hole 41 of gear plate 46 and ultimately the outer pipe 45 of air pipe 4, thus fluidly connecting the air inlet 21 of valve body 2 to the water cavity 1060 of the inflatable swimming pool or spa 1000 to supply massaging bubbles to the water cavity 1060. Specifically, in the aeration or massaging bubble state, air pump group 1 may draw air from the surrounding environment through air outlet 22 of valve body 2 and into inlet end 10 of air pump group 1. From inlet end 10 of air pump group 1, air may flow through outlet end 12 of air pump group 1, through check valve 13, and into first chamber 201, which is defined by valve core 3 and valve body 2. From first chamber 201, air may flow through first passage 203, through the through hole 323 of reversing plate 321, through bubbling gear through hole 41, and into outer pipe 45 of air pipe 4. From outer pipe 45 of air pipe 4, massaging bubbles may enter the water cavity 1060 of the inflatable swimming pool or spa 1000.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, when valve core 3 is in a second position, which may correspond to the deflation position, a second passage 204 of the valve core 3 may fluidly connect the deflation gear through hole 42 of gear plate 46 of to the air outlet 22 of valve body 2. Specifically, in the deflation position, blocker 34 of valve body 2 seals air outlet 22 of valve body 2 from the surrounding environment, and second passage 204 of the valve core 3 fluidly connects inlet end 10 of air pump group 1 to the air cavity 1050 of the inflatable swimming pool or spa 1000 through inner pipe 44, first channel 401, deflation gear through hole 42 of gear plate 46, through hole 323 of reversing plate 321, and second chamber 202. As air is drawn from the air cavity 1050 through the valve core 3 and through the air pump group 1, air exits the outlet end 12 of air pump group 1, flows through check valve 13 and into air inlet 21 of valve body 2. From air inlet 21 of valve body 2, air may flow into first chamber 201 defined by valve core 3 and valve body 2. In the deflation fluid flow stream, first chamber 201 is downstream of second passage 204 and second chamber 202. During deflation, first chamber 201 functions as a conduit between air inlet 21 of valve body 2 and exhaust port 24 of valve body 2. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, valve core body 31 may be formed with an exhaust opening 310 which, during deflation, fluidly connects first chamber 201 with exhaust port 24 of valve body 2.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 15, when valve core 3 is in a third position, which may correspond to a closed or sealed position, through hole 323 of reversing plate 322 may align with blind hole 43 of gear plate 46. Thus, first passage 203 of the valve core 3 may be sealed from air pipe 4 via blind hole 43 of gear plate 46, sealing valve body 2 from water cavity 1060 and air cavity 1060 of inflatable swimming pool or spa 1000. Additionally, blocker 34 may be positioned within air outlet 22 of valve body 2 such that inlet end 10 of pump group 1 is sealed from both the environment and the water cavity 1060 or air cavity 1050 of the inflatable pool 1000.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, when valve core 3 is in a fourth position, which may correspond to an inflation position, first passage 203 of valve core 3 may fluidly connect inflation gear through hole 47 of gear plate 46 to air inlet 21 of valve body 2. Specifically, in the inflation position, inlet end 10 of air pump group 1 may be in communication with the surrounding environment through air outlet 22 of valve body 2 and draws air from the surrounding environment into inlet end 10 of air pump group 1 and expels air out of air outlet end 12 of air pump group 1. From air outlet end 12 of air pump group 1, air flows through check valve 13 and into air inlet 21 of valve body 2. From air inlet 21 of valve body 2, air may flow into first chamber 201 defined by valve core 3 and valve body 2, through first passage 203 of valve core 3, and through the through hole 323 of reversing plate 322, which is now aligned with the inflation gear through hole 47 of gear plate 46. The airflow forces check valve 467 open and may flow through inflation gear through hole 47 of gear plate 46 and into inner pipe 44 via second channel 402. Accordingly, in this position, air may inflate the air cavity 1050 of inflatable swimming pool or spa 1000.

[0079] In this way, when a user wishes to use the aeration or bubbling function of the multi-gear inflation and deflation device, the user can simply set the driving component 23 to cause the valve core 3 to rotate to the first position to supply massaging bubbles to the water cavity 1060 of the swimming pool or spa 1000. Instead, if the user needs to deflate the air cavity of the inflatable swimming pool or spa 1000, the user can set the driving component 23 to cause the valve core 3 to rotate to the second position to deflate the air cavity 1050 of the inflatable swimming pool or spa 1000. And if the user does not need to use the foregoing functions, the valve core 3 can be rotated to the third position under the action of the driving component 23 to seal the first passage of the valve core 3, which can avoid water or air backflow through the valve body 2, thus ensuring that the inflation and deflation device can be used safely and stably. When the user needs to inflate the inflatable swimming pool or spa, the user may use the driving component 23 to drive the valve core 3 to rotate to the fourth position to inflate the air cavity 1050 of the inflatable swimming pool or spa 1000.

[0080] The above multi gear inflation and deflation device can be widely used in inflatable swimming pools, especially SPA inflatable swimming pools, to achieve functions such as bubbling, inflation, and deflation, which is very convenient.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

[0081] A multi-gear inflation and deflation device for a swimming pool having an air cavity and a water cavity, the multi-gear inflation and deflation device may comprise an air pump group, a valve body in fluid communication with the air pump group, an air pipe in selective fluid communication with the valve body, and a driving component positioned on the valve body. The air pump group may comprise an inlet end and an outlet end. The valve body may comprise a valve core comprising a first passage and a second passage, and the valve core may be rotatable within the valve body. The valve body may further comprise an air inlet in fluid communication with the outlet end of the air pump group, and an air outlet in fluid communication with the inlet end of the air pump group. The air pipe may comprise a gear plate, and the gear plate may comprise a bubbler through hole, a deflation through hole, an inflation through hole, and a blind hole. The driving component may be operably connected to the valve core to drive the valve core between a first position, a second position, a third position, and a fourth position. In the first position, the first passage of the valve core may fluidly connect the bubbler through hole of the air pipe to the air inlet of the valve body. In the second position, the second passage of the valve core may fluidly connect the deflation through hole of the air pipe to the air outlet of the valve body. In the third position, the first passage of the valve core may align with the blind hole of the air pipe. In the fourth position, the first passage of the valve core may fluidly connect the inflation through hole of the air pipe to the air inlet of the valve body.

Example 2

[0082] The multi-gear inflation and deflation device according to Example 1, wherein the valve body may further comprise an exhaust port and, when the valve core is in the second position, the first passage of the valve core may fluidly connect the inlet of the valve body to the exhaust port of the valve body.

Example 3

[0083] The multi-gear inflation and deflation device according to Example 2, wherein the valve body further comprises a check valve positioned within the exhaust port.

Example 4

[0084] The multi-gear inflation and deflation device according to Example 1, wherein the valve core may further comprise a valve core body and a valve core reversing component. The valve core body may have a circumference and may include gear teeth positioned about the circumference. The driving component may further comprise a motor, which may include a drive shaft and a gear sleeved on the drive shaft. The gear of the driving component may mesh with the gear teeth of the valve core body.

Example 5

[0085] The multi-gear inflation and deflation device according to Example 4, wherein the valve core reversing component may comprise a reversing plate and a connecting rod. The reversing plate may include a through hole, and one end of the connecting rod may be connected to a center of the reversing plate, and another end of the connecting rod may be inserted into the valve body and fixedly connected to the valve body.

Example 6

[0086] The multi-gear inflation and deflation device according to Example 5, wherein the valve body may further comprise an exhaust port, and wherein the valve body and valve core body may define a first chamber and a second chamber that are mutually isolated. When the valve core is in the first position, the through hole of the reversing plate may fluidly connect the air inlet of the valve body through the first chamber to form the first passage, and when the valve core is in the second position, the through hole of the reversing plate may be fluidly connected to the air outlet of the valve body through the second chamber to form the second passage. The first chamber may be connected to the air inlet of the valve body and the exhaust port of the valve body.

Example 7

[0087] The multi-gear inflation and deflation device according to Example 1, wherein the air pipe may be axially aligned with and connected to one end of the valve body, and the gear plate may be arranged on a side of the air pipe facing the valve body.

Example 8

[0088] The multi-gear inflation and deflation device according to Example 7, wherein the air pipe may comprise an inner pipe and an outer pipe coaxial with the inner pipe. The inner pipe may be fluidly connected to the inflation through hole of the gear plate, and the outer pipe may be fluidly connected to the bubbler through hole of the gear plate. The inner pipe may fluidly connect the air inlet of the valve body to the air cavity of the swimming pool, and the outer pipe may fluidly connect the air inlet of the valve body to the water cavity of the swimming pool.

Example 9

[0089] The swimming pool according to claim 1, wherein the swimming pool is a spa swimming pool.

Example 10

[0090] A multi-gear inflation and deflation device for a swimming pool having an air cavity and a water cavity, the multi-gear inflation and deflation device may comprise a valve body in selective fluid communication with the air cavity and the water cavity of the swimming pool, an air pipe connective the valve body to the swimming pool, and a driving component coupled to the valve body. The valve body may comprise a valve core rotatably positioned within the valve body, and the valve core may have a circumference and may comprise gear teeth disposed around the circumference. The valve body may further comprise an air inlet and an air outlet in fluid communication with the air inlet. The air pipe may comprise a gear plate. The gear plate may include a bubbler hole, a deflation hole, and an inflation hole. The driving component may comprise a motor connected to a drive shaft and a gear driven by the draft shaft. The gear may mesh with the gear teeth of the valve core to cause the valve core to rotate within the valve body.

Example 11

[0091] The multi-gear inflation and deflation device according to Example 10 may further comprise an air pump coupled to the valve body. The air pump may comprise an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end of the air pump may be connected to the air outlet of the valve body. The outlet end of the air pump may be connected to the air inlet of the valve body.

Example 12

[0092] The multi-gear inflation and deflation device according to Example 10, wherein the valve body and the valve core may define a first chamber and a second chamber.

Example 13

[0093] The multi-gear inflation and deflation device according to Example 11, wherein the valve body may further comprise an exhaust port.

Example 14

[0094] The multi-gear inflation and deflation device according to Example 13, wherein the valve core may be rotatable to a deflation position, and, when the valve core is in the deflation position, air may flow from the air cavity of the swimming pool through the second chamber to the first chamber and exit the valve body through the exhaust port to atmosphere to deflate the swimming pool.

Example 15

[0095] The multi-gear inflation and deflation device according to Example 12, wherein the valve core may be rotatable to an inflation position, and, when the valve core is in the inflation position, air may flow from the air inlet of the valve body through the first chamber and into the air cavity of the swimming pool to inflate the swimming pool.

Example 16

[0096] The multi-gear inflation and deflation device according to Example 13, wherein the valve core may be rotatable to a bubbling position, and, when the valve core is in the bubbling position, air may flow from the air inlet of the valve body through the first chamber to the water cavity of the swimming pool to provide massaging bubbles to the swimming pool.

Example 17

[0097] The multi-gear inflation and deflation device according to Example 10, wherein the valve core may further comprise a valve core body, a connecting rod partially received within the valve core body, and a reversing plate connected to an opposing end of the connecting rod such that the reversing plate may be spaced axially apart from the valve core body, and the reversing plate may be axially aligned with the gear plate of the air pipe.

Example 18

[0098] The multi-gear inflation and deflation device according to Example 17, wherein the reversing plate may comprise a through hole, and a position of the through hole may be dependent upon a rotational position of the valve core within the valve body.

Example 19

[0099] The multi-gear inflation and deflation device according to Example 18, wherein the driving component may be configured to drive the valve core to rotate within the valve body between a first position, a second position, a third position, and a fourth position.

Example 20

[0100] The multi-gear inflation and deflation device according to Example 19, wherein, when the valve body is in the first position, the through hole of the reversing plate may align with the bubbler hole of the gear plate to fluidly connect the air inlet of the valve body to the water cavity of the swimming pool to provide massaging bubbles to the swimming pool.

Example 21

[0101] The multi-gear inflation and deflation device according to Example 19, wherein, when the valve body is in the second position, the through hole of the reversing plate may align with the deflation hole of the gear plate to fluidly connect the air cavity of the swimming pool to the air outlet of the valve body to deflate the swimming pool.

Example 22

[0102] The multi-gear inflation and deflation device according to Example 19, wherein, when the valve body is in the third position, the through hole of the reversing plate may align with the blind hole of the gear plate to fluidly seal the air inlet of the valve body from the air cavity and the water cavity of the swimming pool.

Example 23

[0103] The multi-gear inflation and deflation device according to Example 19, wherein, when the valve body is in the fourth position, the through hole of the reversing plate may align with the inflation hole of the gear plate to fluidly connect the air inlet of the valve body to the air cavity of the swimming pool to inflate the swimming pool.

Example 24

[0104] The multi-gear inflation and deflation device according to Example 10, wherein the gear may be supported by the drive shaft.

[0105] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variation can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover the modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.