AN AIR PUMP WITH AN ELECTROMECHANICAL SWITCH ASSEMBLY

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to Chinese Application No. CN202223002656.6, filed Nov. 10, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to an air pump, and in particular to an air pump having an electromechanical switch assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Inflatable products may need to be inflated by an air pump before use. After use, the inflatable product may need to be deflated by the air pump before it can be stored. However, at present, most pumps do not have an automatic shutdown function. Thus, when inflation or deflation is completed, the pump needs to be manually operated to stop. This may lead to insufficient or excessive air pressure inside the inflatable product, diminishing the performance of the inflatable product.

Some pumps are equipped with a pressure sensor, and, through the pressure sensor, detect the air pressure in the inflatable product. When the inflatable product reaches a set pressure value, the pump automatically deactivates. However, the use of pressure sensors may result in a more complex air pump and increase manufacturing costs.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure provides an air pump configured to automatically deactivate when a detected pressure threshold is reached.

In one form thereof, the present disclosure provides an air pump for an inflatable product having an inflatable chamber. The air pump may comprise a body, a panel, an inflation-and-deflation switch assembly, and an air pump assembly. The body may be provided with an inflation-and-deflation port. The panel may be provided with an air inlet-and-outlet port and may be coupled to the body. The body and the panel may cooperate to form a body chamber. The inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may be arranged in the body chamber and may selectively open or close the inflation-and-deflation port. The air pump assembly may be arranged in the body chamber and may cooperate with the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly. The body may be further provided with a pressure-sensing port. The air pump may further comprise a pressure valve assembly and a linkage assembly arranged in the body chamber. The pressure valve assembly may comprise a pressure valve body, a pressure valve plate, a pressure ejector rod, and a pressure spring. A valve chamber in communication with the pressure-sensing port may be formed in the pressure valve body. The pressure valve plate may be arranged in the valve chamber, a lower end face of the pressure valve plate may face the pressure-sensing port, and an upper end face of the pressure valve plate may be coupled to the pressure ejector rod. The pressure spring may be located in the valve chamber and may be arranged on the pressure ejector rod. The pressure ejector rod may movably arranged in the valve chamber, and may cooperate with the linkage assembly to activate the linkage assembly when the pressure ejector rod moves up or down. The linkage assembly may be operatively coupled to the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly. When the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly opens the inflation-and-deflation port, the linkage assembly may be locked with the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly. When the pressure ejector rod activates the linkage assembly, the linkage assembly and the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may be unlocked.

In another form thereof, the linkage assembly may comprise an air pressure microswitch, a pin, a pin spring, a reversing motor and a cam. The air pressure microswitch may be arranged on the pressure valve body and may cooperate with the pressure ejector rod. The air pressure microswitch may be connected with the reversing motor. The cam may be operatively coupled with the output shaft of the reversing motor and operatively coupled with the pin. A first end of the pin may be arranged with the pin spring, and a second end of the pin may be provided with a locking part for locking the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly.

In another form thereof, the pin may be provided with a shoulder. When the cam rotates, the cam may push the pin to move by pushing the shoulder, and the locking part of the pin and the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may unlock.

In another form thereof, the pressure ejector rod may be provided with a linkage arm that may engage the air pressure microswitch. The linkage arm may be provided with an upper tab and a lower tab. When the pin is locked with the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly, the air pressure microswitch may be arranged between the upper tab and the lower tab. When the pin is unlocked from the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly, the upper tab or the lower tab may contact the air pressure microswitch.

In another form thereof, the pressure valve assembly may further comprise a pressure regulating handwheel and a pressure regulating gear. The pressure regulating handwheel may be rotatably arranged on the panel, and the pressure regulating handwheel may be operatively coupled to the pressure regulating gear. The pressure regulating gear may be threadably coupled to the pressure valve body, and the pressure regulating gear may be operatively coupled to the pressure spring.

In another form thereof, the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may comprise a bandwheel, a transmission rod, a bidirectional torsion spring, a transmission gear, an impeller, and a rack operatively coupled to the transmission rod. The handwheel may be rotatably disposed in the air inlet-and-outlet port of the panel. An upper end of the transmission rod may be operatively coupled to the handwheel, and a lower end of the transmission rod may be operatively coupled to the transmission gear. The locking part of the pin and the transmission rod are selectively engaged. The bidirectional torsion spring may have a pair of ends and may be arranged on the transmission rod. Both ends of the torsion spring may be connected in the body. The rack may be may selectively communicate with the air inlet or air outlet of the air pump assembly.

In another form thereof, the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may further comprise a transmission rod fastener, and the transmission rod may be rotatably disposed in the transmission rod fastener.

In another form thereof, the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may comprise a handwheel, a transmission rod, a first rotary disc, a bidirectional torsion spring having a pair of ends, a second rotary disc, an ejector rod, and an ejector rod spring. The handwheel may be rotatably disposed on the panel. The transmission rod may be selectively engaged with the locking part of the pin, and an upper end of the transmission rod may be operatively coupled to the handwheel, and a lower end of the transmission rod may be operatively coupled to the first rotary disc. The first rotary disc may engage with the second rotary disc, and the second rotary disc may selectively communicate the inflation-and-deflation port to the air inlet and the air outlet. The bidirectional torsion spring may be arranged on the first rotary disc or the transmission rod, and its two ends may be connected in the body. The lower end face of the first rotary disc may be provided with a groove, and the ejector rod may be operably coupled under the first rotary disc and may selectively fall into the groove. The ejector rod spring may be disposed on the ejector rod.

In another form thereof, the air pump assembly may comprise a motor, a pump body, an impeller, a pump cover, and a microswitch. The pump body may be coupled to the pump cover and together with the pump cover may form a pump chamber. The pump cover may be provided with an air inlet and an air outlet. The motor may be arranged above the pump body, and the impeller may be arranged in the pump chamber and operatively coupled to the motor. The microswitch may be arranged on the pump cover and may cooperate with the switch assembly for activating or deactivating the motor.

In another form thereof, the present disclosure provides an air pump for an inflatable product having an inflatable chamber. The air pump may comprise a body, which may comprise an inflation-and-deflation port in communication with the inflatable chamber and a pressure-sensing port in communication with the inflatable chamber, and a panel, which may be coupled to the body and may comprise an air inlet-and-outlet port in selective communication with the inflation-and-deflation port. The panel and the body may define a body chamber. The air pump may further comprise an air pump assembly arranged within the body chamber. The air pump assembly may comprise a pump motor, a pump body, a pump cover having an inlet and an outlet, the pump body and the pump cover may define a pump chamber, the inlet and the outlet of the pump cover may be in communication with the pump chamber, and an impeller may be disposed within the pump chamber and operatively coupled to the pump motor. The air pump may further comprise a pressure valve assembly arranged within the body chamber. The pressure valve assembly may comprise a pressure valve body, which may include a duct in communication with the pressure-sensing port of the body, and a pressure valve plate, which may be movably positioned within the pressure valve body in a first direction and a second direction. The pressure valve plate may have a first side and a second side, the first side may face the pressure-sensing port, and a pressure ejector rod may be coupled to the second side of the pressure valve plate. The pressure ejector rod may be movable with the pressure valve plate in the first direction and the second direction. The air pump may further comprise an inflation-and-deflation switch assembly, which may be configured to selectively place the inlet and outlet of the pump cover in communication with the inflation-and-deflation port of the body. The inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may comprise a user actuatable controller, which may be rotatably disposed on the panel, and a transmission rod, which may be operatively coupled to the user actuatable controller for rotation therewith. The transmission rod may comprise a first locking surface and a second locking surface. The air pump may further comprise a linkage assembly, which may be operatively coupled to the pressure valve assembly and the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly. The linkage assembly may be selectively activated by the pressure ejector rod and may comprise a lock configured to selectively engage the first locking surface of the transmission rod when the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly is in a first position or the second locking surface of the transmission rod when the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly is in a second position. The linkage assembly may further comprise a cam configured to selectively disengage the lock from the first locking surface or the second locking surface. Movement of the pressure valve plate in the first direction or the second direction may cause the pressure ejector rod to activate the linkage assembly to disengage the lock from the first locking surface or the second locking surface of the transmission rod.

In another form thereof, the pressure valve assembly may further comprise a pressure spring sleeved on the pressure ejector rod.

In another form thereof the pressure valve assembly may further comprise a second user actuatable controller rotatably disposed on the panel and operatively coupled to the pressure spring. Rotation of the second user actuatable controller may manipulate the pressure spring to set a pressure threshold for the pressure valve assembly. The pressure ejector rod may activate the linkage assembly when a pressure in the inflatable chamber reaches the pressure threshold.

In another form thereof, the pressure valve assembly may further comprise a pressure regulating gear rotatably disposed in the valve body and between the second user actuatable controller and the pressure spring. The pressure regulating gear may operatively couple the second user actuatable controller to the pressure spring.

In another form thereof, the linkage assembly may further comprise a cam motor, which may comprise an output shaft operatively coupled to the cam, and a switch configured to selectively activate the cam motor. Movement of the pressure ejector rod in the first direction or the second direction may activate the switch of the linkage assembly.

In another form thereof, the lock of the linkage assembly may comprise a spring pin and a spring sleeved on the spring pin. The spring pin may have a locking end and a shoulder. The locking end may selectively engage the first locking surface or the second locking surface of the transmission rod to prevent rotation of the transmission rod. The cam may selectively engage the shoulder of the spring pin to disengage the locking end from the first locking surface or the second locking surface of the transmission rod to permit rotation of the transmission rod.

In another form thereof, the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may further comprise a torsion spring operatively coupled to transmission rod. The torsion spring may accumulate a restoring force when inflation-and-deflation switch assembly is in the first position or the second position and may be configured to bias the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly to a third position when the lock of the linkage assembly disengages from the first locking surface of the transmission rod or the second locking surface of the transmission rod.

In another form thereof, when the pressure ejector rod activates the linkage assembly, the transmission rod may rotate to the third position under the restoring force of the torsion spring.

In another form thereof, the transmission rod may further comprise a groove, and the groove may receive the pressure ejector rod when the transmission rod is in the third position.

In another form thereof, the transmission rod may comprise a first end and a second end, the transmission rod may be operatively coupled to the user actuatable controller at the first end, and the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may further comprise a transmission gear operatively coupled to the transmission rod at the second end for rotation therewith.

In another form thereof, the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may further comprise a slider positioned between the pump cover and the inflation-and-deflation port of the body. The slider may comprise a rack operatively coupled to the transmission gear such that rotation of the transmission gear may cause the slider to translate relative to the inflation-and-deflation port.

In another form thereof, the inlet of the pump cover may communicate with the inflation-and-deflation port through the slider.

In another form thereof, the slider may include a first conduit, a second conduit, and a baffle between the first conduit and the second conduit.

In another form thereof, the slider may be translatable to a first position wherein the first conduit may be in communication with the inlet-and-outlet port of the panel and the air inlet of the pump cover, and the second conduit may be in communication with the air outlet of the pump cover and the inflation-and-deflation port of the body.

In another form thereof, the slider may be translatable to a second position wherein the first conduit may be in communication with the air inlet of the pump cover and the inflation-and-deflation port of the body, and the air outlet of the pump cover may be in communication with the inlet-and-outlet port of the panel.

In another form thereof, the slider may be translatable to a third position wherein the baffle seals the inflation-and-deflation port of the body.

In another form thereof, the air pump assembly further may comprise a selectively actuatable switch configured to activate and deactivate the pump motor, and the transmission rod may comprise an arcuate surface configured to selectively actuate the switch when the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly is in the first position or the second position.

In another form thereof, the transmission rod may comprise a first end and a second end, the transmission rod may be operatively coupled to the user actuatable controller at the first end, and the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly further comprises a first rotary disc operatively coupled to the second end of the transmission rod for rotation therewith.

In another form thereof, the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may further comprise a second rotary disc operatively coupled to the first rotary disc, and the second rotary disc may comprise a first conduit and a second conduit therethrough for selectively communicating with the inlet of the pump cover and the outlet of the pump cover.

In another form thereof, the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may further comprise a valve configured to open and close the inflation-and-deflation port of the body, and the valve may comprise a valve stem and a spring sleeved on the valve stem.

In another form thereof, the first rotary disc may comprise a first side and a second side, the second side may face the inflation-and-deflation port of the body, and a groove may be disposed on the second side.

In another form thereof, the valve may be selectively received within the groove such that rotation of the first rotary disc may cause linear movement of the valve relative to the inflation-and-deflation port of the body to open or close the inflation-and-deflation port.

In another form thereof, the present disclosure provides an air pump for an inflatable product having an inflatable chamber. The air pump may comprise a body, which may comprise an inflation-and-deflation port in communication with the inflatable chamber and a pressure-sensing port in communication with the inflatable chamber, and a panel coupled to the body. The panel may comprise an air inlet-and-outlet port in selective communication with the inflation-and-deflation port. The panel and the body may define a body chamber. The air inlet-and-outlet port may be in fluid communication with an environment outside of the body chamber. The air pump may further comprise an air pump assembly arranged within the body chamber. The air pump assembly may comprise a pump motor, an impeller operatively coupled to the pump motor, a pump body, and a pump cover coupled to the pump body. The air pump assembly may have an inlet and an outlet. The air pump may further comprise a pressure valve assembly, which may comprise a pressure valve plate having a first side in fluid in communication with the pressure-sensing port and a second side in fluid communication with the environment, and an actuator movable by the pressure valve plate from a first position to a second position. The air pump may further comprise an inflation-and-deflation switch assembly operatively coupled to the air pump assembly and the pressure valve assembly. The inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may have a first position and a second position, and the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may comprise a user actuatable controller disposed on the panel, a first stop, and a second stop. The air pump may further comprise a linkage assembly operatively coupled to the pressure valve assembly and the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly. The linkage assembly may be selectively activated by the actuator and may comprise a lock configured to selectively engage the first stop of the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly when the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly is in the first position or the second stop of the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly when the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly is in the second position. When the actuator moves from the first position to the second position, the actuator may activate the linkage assembly, and the linkage assembly may disengage the lock of the linkage assembly from the first stop or the second stop of the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly.

In another form thereof, the user actuatable controller may be rotatably disposed on the panel.

In another form thereof, the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may further comprise a transmission rod operatively coupled to the user actuatable controller for rotation therewith.

In another form thereof, the first stop and the second stop may be disposed on the transmission rod of the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly.

In another form thereof, the inlet and outlet of the pump assembly may be formed in the pump cover.

In another form thereof, the actuator of the pressure valve assembly may comprise a pressure ejector rod.

In another form thereof, the pressure valve assembly may further comprise a spring sleeved on the pressure ejector rod.

In another form thereof, the pressure ejector rod may further comprise an upper tab and a lower tab, the upper tab or the lower tab may engage the linkage assembly when the actuator moves from the first position to the second position.

In another form thereof, when the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly is in the first position, the air pump assembly may provide fluid to the inflation-and-deflation port of the body.

In another form thereof, when the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly is in the second position, the air pump assembly may receive fluid from the inflation-and-deflation port of the body.

In another form thereof, the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may have a third position wherein the inflation-and-deflation port of the body may be sealed relative to the inlet-and-outlet port of the panel.

In another form thereof, the second side of the pressure valve plate may be in communication with the environment through the body chamber.

The present disclosure provides a linkage assembly and a pressure valve assembly. The linkage assembly may be used to lock the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly in the inflating or deflating state. The pressure valve assembly is used to sense the internal pressure of the inflatable product. When the set pressure value is reached, the linkage assembly is activated, and the linkage assembly releases the lock from the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly. The inflation-and-deflation switch assembly automatically returns to the closed state, and the pump automatically deactivates.

The present disclosure adopts the pressure valve assembly and the linkage assembly to replace a pressure sensor. Although the linkage assembly contains a reversing motor, the reversing motor only needs to drive the pin, and the required driving force is small. Accordingly, the reversing motor may be a low-power motor.

Among other advantages, compared with the use of a pressure sensor, the cost of the air pump according to the present disclosure is lower.

Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an embodiment of an air pump according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a pressure valve assembly according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pin according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the air pump of FIG. 1 shown assembled and separate from the body;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the air pump of FIG. 1 in an inflation state;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the air pump of FIG. 1 in an inflation state;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of Section A of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of Section B of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the air pump of FIG. 1 in a closed state;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the air pump of FIG. 1 in a closed state;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of Section C of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of Section D of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the air pump of FIG. 1 in a deflation state;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the air pump of FIG. 1 in a deflation state;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of Section E of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of Section F of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of another embodiment of an air pump according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of a pressure valve assembly according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view a pin according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the air pump of FIG. 16;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the air pump of FIG. 16 in an inflation state;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the air pump of FIG. 16 in an inflation state;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of Section A′ of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of Section B′ of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the air pump of FIG. 16 in a closed state;

FIG. 26 i is a cross-sectional view of the air pump of FIG. 16 in a closed state;

FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of the Section C′ of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of the Section D′ of FIG. 26;

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the air pump of FIG. 16 in a deflation state;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the air pump of FIG. 16 in a deflation state;

FIG. 31 is an enlarged view of the Section E′ of FIG. 30; and

FIG. 32 is an enlarged view of the Section F′ of FIG. 30.

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

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.

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.

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.

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).

The present disclosure provides an air pump for an inflatable product having an inflatable chamber. The air pump may include a body 10, a panel 20, an inflation-and-deflation switch assembly, a linkage assembly, a pressure valve assembly and an air pump assembly arranged in the body 10. The inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may be used to control the pump for inflation and deflation in coordination with the air pump assembly.

The linkage assembly may be used to lock the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly in the inflating or deflating state. The pressure valve assembly may be used to sense the internal pressure value of the inflatable product. When the set pressure value is reached, the linkage assembly is activated, and the linkage assembly releases a lock from the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly. The inflation-and-deflation switch assembly automatically returns to the closed state, and the pump automatically shuts down.

As shown in FIGS. 1-16, an inflation-and-deflation port 11 (FIG. 5) and a pressure-sensing port 12 (FIG. 5) are provided on the body 10. The inflation-and-deflation port 11 may be in communication with the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly, and the pressure-sensing port 12 may be in communication with the pressure valve assembly. The panel 20 is provided with an air inlet-and-outlet port 21, and the panel 20 is coupled to the body 10 to form a body chamber. In embodiments, panel 20 is coupled to body 10 through interlocking features, fasteners, adhesive, and other suitable connections.

Referring to FIG. 1, the air pump assembly is arranged in the body chamber and comprises a motor 61, a pump body 62, an impeller 63, a pump cover 64, and a microswitch 65. The pump body 62 is coupled the pump cover 64, and the pump body 62 and pump cover 64 form a pump chamber. The pump cover 64 is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, and the air inlet and the air outlet are selectively communicated with the inflation-and-deflation port 11 of the body 10 through the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly. The motor 61 may be arranged above the pump body 62, the impeller 63 may be arranged in the pump chamber and operatively coupled to the motor 61, such as to the output shaft of the motor 61, and the microswitch 65 may be arranged within the body chamber, such as disposed on pump cover 64, and operatively coupled to the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly. The inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may activate or trigger the microswitch 65 during rotation to start or shutdown the motor 61. For example, the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may include an arcuate surface that engages the microswitch 65 when the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly rotates.

The pressure valve assembly is arranged substantially within the body chamber formed by the body 10 and panel 20. The pressure valve assembly may comprise a pressure valve body 31, a pressure valve plate 32 having a lower face and an upper face, an actuator, illustratively pressure ejector rod 33, and a pressure spring 34. A valve chamber in communication with the pressure-sensing port 12 is formed in the pressure valve body 31. The pressure valve plate 32 is arranged in the valve chamber, its lower face towards the pressure-sensing port 12, and its upper end face is operatively coupled to the pressure ejector rod 33. The pressure spring 34 is disposed in the valve chamber and is mounted, i.c., sleeved, on the pressure ejector rod 33. The pressure ejector rod 33 is movable in the valve chamber and selectively engages with the linkage assembly to activate the linkage assembly when the pressure ejector rod 33 is moved in a first direction or a second direction, for example up or down, within the valve chamber. For case of installation, the pressure body 31 may comprise a valve body 311 and a base 312.

Referring to FIG. 2, the pressure ejector rod 33 is provided with a linkage arm 331, which selectively engages with the following air pressure microswitch 41 of the linkage assembly, and the linkage arm 331 is provided with an upper tab 332 and a lower tab 333. When the pressure ejector rod 33 is moved up or down in response to varying pressure in the inflatable chamber of the inflatable product, the lower tab 333 or the upper tab 332 may contact or press against the air pressure microswitch 41, at which time the linkage assembly is activated to release the locking of the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly.

The pressure valve assembly further comprises a user actuatable controller, illustratively pressure regulating bandwheel 35, and a pressure regulating gear 36 (see FIG. 1). The pressure regulating handwheel 35 is rotatably arranged on a panel 20 and is operatively coupled to the pressure regulating gear 36. The pressure regulating gear 36 is threadably engaged with pressure valve body 31 and operatively coupled to a pressure spring 34. An upper end of pressure spring 34 may abut pressure regulating gear 36. Rotating the regulating handwheel 35 may drive the pressure regulating gear 36 to move up and down in the pressure body 31, thereby moving the pressure body 31 up and down and adjusting the compression of the pressure spring 34 which in turn adjusts the pressure required inside the inflatable product corresponding to when the pump is shut down. As the pressure spring 34 is compressed by the pressure regulating gear, the force exerted on the pressure valve plate 32 by the pressure spring 34 increases. Accordingly, as the pressure spring 34 is compressed, the force which must be overcome by the pressure inside the inflatable chamber of the inflatable product to trigger the linkage assembly increases.

The linkage assembly is arranged in the body chamber formed by body 10 and panel 20 and is operatively coupled to the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly. When the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly opens the inflation-and-deflation port 11, the linkage assembly is locked with the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly. When the pressure ejector rod 33 activates the linkage assembly, the linkage assembly and the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly are unlocked. The linkage assembly may comprise an air pressure microswitch 41, a pin 42, a pin spring 43, a reversing motor 44, and a cam 45. The air pressure microswitch 41 is arranged on the pressure valve body 31 and is selectively activated by the pressure ejector rod 33. The air pressure microswitch 41 is operatively coupled to the reversing motor 44 for activating the reversing motor 44. The cam 45 is operatively coupled with the output shaft of the reversing motor 44 and is operatively coupled to the pin 42. One end of the pin 42 is provided with a pin spring 43, and the other end is provided with a locking part 421 for locking the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly.

A shoulder 422 is provided on the pin 42 (see FIG. 3). When the linkage assembly is activated, the reversing motor 44 starts and drives the cam 45 to rotate, for example in one rotation or circle. The cam 45 will push the shoulder 422 to drive the pin 42 to move against the biasing force of pin spring 43, and the pin spring 43 is compressed. When the cam 45 returns to the initial position, the pin 42 returns to the initial position under the action of the pin spring 43.

The inflation-and-deflation switch assembly is arranged substantially within the body chamber and may comprise a user actuatable controller, illustratively handwheel 51, a transmission rod 53, a bidirectional torsional spring 54, a transmission gear 55, and a slider 56. The handwheel 51 may be rotatably arranged at the air inlet-and-outlet port 21 of the panel 20. An upper end of the transmission rod 53 is operatively coupled to the handwheel 51, and a lower end may be operatively coupled to the transmission gear 55. The transmission rod 53 is selectively engaged with the locking part 421 of the pin 42. The bidirectional torsion spring 54 is arranged on the transmission rod 53, and both ends of the torsion spring 54 are connected in the body 10. The transmission rod 53 comprises a rod body 533 and a torsion spring pressure rod 534 operatively coupled to the rod body 533. Although the rod body 533 is shown in two parts, the rod body 533 may be monolithically formed as a single structure. The bidirectional torsion spring 54 is arranged on the torsion spring pressure rod 534, and the torsion spring pressure rod 534 is rotatably arranged in the pump cover 64 so that the two ends of the torsion spring are coupled to the pump cover 64 in the body 10. The slider 56 is provided with a rack 563 which is engaged with the drive gear 55. The slider 56 selectively communicates the inflation-and-deflation port 11 with the air inlet or air outlet of the air pump assembly. In this embodiment, the slider 56 comprises an upper slider 561 and a lower slider 562, and a rack 563 is arranged on the lower slider 562. The upper slider 561 is arranged under the pump cover 64, and the lower slider 562 may be positioned between the upper slider 561 and the body 10. The lower slider may comprise a first conduit, a second conduit, and a baffle between the first conduit and the second conduit. The lower slider 562 may translate relative to the upper slider 561 and body 10, And the upper slider 561 may be fixed relative to the lower slider 562. As it translates, the lower slider 562 may connect the inflation-and-deflation port 11 to the air inlet or air outlet of the pump assembly or close the inflation-and-deflation port 11.

The transmission rod 53 may be provided with an inflation locking surface or stop 531 and a deflation locking surface or stop 532. When the pin 42 locks the inflation locking surface or stop 531, the pump may inflate. When the pin 42 locks the deflation locking surface or stop 532, the pump may deflate. The transmission rod 53 is further provided with an engagement feature or touch block (not shown) for touching the microswitch 65 of the air pump assembly.

The inflation-and-deflation switch assembly further comprises a transmission rod fastener 52, and the transmission rod 53 is rotatably disposed in the transmission rod fastener 52. The transmission rod fastener 52 is used to provide support to the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly so that the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly can rotate steadily.

Additionally, the handwheel 51 and the pressure regulating handwheel 35 may be arranged at the same position on the panel 20. Specifically, the handwheel 51 is rotatably arranged in the pressure regulating bandwheel 35 so that the pressure regulating bandwheel 35 cooperates with the pressure regulating gear 36 through the pressure regulating linkage gear 37. The pressure regulating handwheel 35 is operatively coupled to the pressure regulating linkage gear 37, and the pressure regulating linkage gear 37 is engaged with the pressure regulating gear 36.

The exemplary operation of the air pump is discussed below.

Referring to FIGS. 5-8, when the inflatable product needs to be inflated, rotate the handwheel 51 clockwise. The transmission rod 53 and the transmission gear 55 rotate accordingly, and the transmission gear 55 engages the rack 563 to drive the lower slider 562, thus connecting the air outlet of the air pump assembly with the inflation-and-deflation port 11 through the second conduit of the lower slider 562. In the inflation position, air may flow from the inlet-and-outlet port 21 of panel 20 through the first conduit in lower slider 562, into the air inlet of the air pump assembly, out of the pump outlet of the air pump assembly, through the second conduit of the lower slider 562, and through the inflation-and-deflation port 11 of body 10. When the transmission rod 53 is turned to the inflation position, the locking part 421 of the pin 42 locks the inflation locking surface or stop 531 of the transmission rod 53. At the same time, the engagement feature or touch block of the transmission rod 53 engages the microswitch 65, activating the motor 61 of the air pump assembly, and the pump begins to inflate.

When the internal pressure of the inflatable product reaches the set value, the air inside the inflatable product moves upward by pushing the pressure valve plate 32, driving the pressure ejector rod 33 to move upward within the valve chamber, and the lower tab of the pressure ejector rod 33 moves up to activate the air pressure microswitch 41, which then activates the reversing motor 44. After the reversing motor 44 is activated, it drives the cam 45 to rotate, for example in rotation or one circle. The cam 45, in the process of rotation, pushes the shoulder 422, and thus pushes the pin 42 to compress the pin spring 43. The locking part 421 of pin 42 and the inflation locking surface or stop 531 of the transmission rod 53 disengage to release the lock. At the same time, under the action of bidirectional torsion spring 54, the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly returns to the initial position (that is, the closed position), the inflation-and-deflation port 11 is closed, the microswitch 65 is disconnected, and the pump stops inflating. When the pin 42 loses the thrust of the cam 45, the pin 42 returns to the initial position under the action of the pin spring 43.

Referring to FIGS. 13-16, when the inflatable product needs to be deflated, the handwheel 51 is rotated counterclockwise, the transmission rod 53 and the transmission gear 55 are rotated accordingly, and the transmission gear 55 engages the rack 563 to slide the lower slider 562, so as to connect the air inlet of the air pump assembly with the inflation-and-deflation port 11. In the deflation position, air may flow through the inflation-and-deflation port 11 of body 10, through the first conduit of lower slider 562, into the air inlet of the air pump assembly, out of the air outlet of the air pump assembly, into the body chamber formed by the body 10 and panel 20, and through the air inlet-and-outlet port 21 of panel 20. When the transmission rod 53 is rotated to the deflating position, the locking part 421 of the pin 42 locks the deflation locking surface or stop 532 of the transmission rod 53. At the same time, the engagement feature or touch block of the transmission rod 53 engages the microswitch 65, activating the motor 61 of the air pump assembly, and the pump begins to deflate.

After the inflatable product is deflated, the pressure valve plate 32 moves downward under the suction of the pump and decreased pressure in the inflatable chamber of the inflatable product, driving the pressure ejector rod 33 to move downward. The upper tab 332 of the pressure ejector rod 33 engages the air pressure microswitch 41, thereby activating the reversing motor 44. After the reversing motor 44 starts, it drives the cam 45 to rotate, and the cam 45, in the process of rotation, pushes the shoulder 422 of pin 42, and then pushes the pin 42 to compress the pin spring 43, Locking part 421 of pin 42 disengages the deflation locking surface or stop 532 to release the lock. At the same time, under the action of bidirectional torsion spring 54, the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly returns to the initial position (that is, the closed position), the inflation-and-deflation port 11 is closed, the microswitch 65 is disconnected, and the pump stops deflating. When the pin 42 loses the thrust of the cam 45, the pin 42 returns to the initial position under the action of the pin spring 43.

Now referring to FIGS. 17-32, the present disclosure provides an air pump for an inflatable product having an inflatable chamber, the air pump including a body 10′, a panel 20′, a pressure valve assembly, and an inflation-and-deflation switch assembly. The structure of the body 10′, panel 20′, pressure valve assembly, linkage assembly and air pump assembly are the same as that of FIGS. 1-16 and will not be repeated here. Thus, although the reference numerals have been updated to include an apostrophe, e.g., 10′, it is understood that body 10′, panel 20′, the pressure valve assembly, the linkage assembly, and the air pump assembly of FIGS. 17-32 are the same as that of FIGS. 1-16. Accordingly, only the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly is described further.

The inflation-and-deflation switch assembly comprises a user actuatable controller, illustratively handwheel 51′, a transmission rod 52′, a bidirectional torsion spring 53′, a first rotary disc 54′, a second rotary disc 55′, a valve or ejector rod 56′, and an ejector rod spring 57′. The handwheel 51′ is rotatably arranged on the panel 20′, and the transmission rod 52′ is selectively engaged with the locking part 421′ of the pin 42′. The upper end of the transmission rod 52′ is operatively coupled to the handwheel 51′, and the lower end is operatively coupled to with first rotary disc 54′, As will be described herein, the first rotary disc 54′ is operatively coupled to the ejector rod 56′. The first rotary disc 54′ is disposed under the pump cover 64′. The air ejector rod 56′ will open or close the inflation-and-deflation port 11′ of body 10′ to selectively communicate the inflation-and-deflation port 11′ of body 10′ with the air inlet or the air outlet 21′ of panel 20′. The bidirectional torsion spring 53′ is arranged on the first rotary disc 54′ or the transmission rod 52′, and its two ends are connected in the body 10′. A lower end face of the rotary disc 54′ is provided with a groove, and the ejector rod 56′ is operatively coupled under the rotary disc 54′ and selectively falls into the groove. The ejector rod spring 57′ is sleeved outside the ejector rod 56′.

The transmission rod 52′ is provided with an inflation locking surface or stop 521′ and a deflation locking surface or stop 522′, When the pin 42′ locks the inflation locking surface or stop 521′, the pump may inflate. When the pin 42′ locks the deflation locking surface or stop 522′, the pump may deflate. The transmission rod 52′ is further provided with an engagement feature or touch block that activates the microswitch 65′ of the air pump assembly.

When the handwheel 51′ is turned, the transmission rod 52′ drives the first rotary disc 54′ to rotate, which in turn drives the second rotary disc 55′ to rotate so that the air inlet of the pump cover 64′ is connected with the inflation-and-deflation port 11′ of the body 10′, or so that the air outlet of the pump cover 64′ is connected with the inflation-and-deflation port 11′ of the body 10′. At the same time, in the process of rotating the rotary disc, the upper end of the ejector rod 56′ falls into the groove of the rotary disc 54′ or is separated from the groove. When the ejector rod 56′ is received in the groove, the inflation-and-deflation port 11′ of the body 10′ is open. When the ejector rod 56′ is separated from the groove, the inflation-and-deflation port 11′ of the body 10′ is closed. Ejector rod 56′ may include a valve stem that is selectively received within the groove of first rotary disc 54′. The exemplary operation of the air pump is discussed below.

Referring to FIGS. 21-24, when the inflatable product needs to be inflated, rotate the handwheel 51′ clockwise, the transmission rod 52′ and the rotary disc 54′ rotate accordingly, and the rotary disc 54′ drives the second rotary disc 55′ to rotate, thereby connecting the air outlet of the air pump assembly with the inflation-and-deflation port 11′. When the transmission rod 52′ is turned to the inflation position, the locking part 421′ of the pin 42′ locks the inflation locking surface or stop 521′of the transmission rod 52′. At the same time, the engagement feature or touch block of the transmission rod 52′ activates the microswitch 65′, activating the motor of the air pump assembly 61′, and the pump begins to inflate.

When the internal pressure of the inflatable product reaches the set value, the air inside the inflatable product moves up by pushing the pressure valve plate 32′. The pressure ejector rod 33′ moves up within the valve chamber, and the lower tab 333′ of the pressure ejector rod 33′ moves up to touch the air pressure microswitch 41′, activating the reversing motor 44′. After the reversing motor 44′ starts, it drives the cam 45′ to rotate. The cam 45′, in the process of rotation, pushes the shoulder 422′ of pin 42′, and thereby pushes the pin 42′ to compress the pin spring 43′. The locking part 421′ of pin 42′ disengages the inflation locking surface or stop 521′ of the transmission rod 52′ to release the lock. At the same time, under the action of the bidirectional torsion spring 53′, the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly is restored to the initial position (that is, the closed position), the inflation-and-deflation port 11′ is closed, the microswitch 65′ is disconnected, and the pump stops inflating. When the pin 42′ loses the thrust of the cam 45′, the pin 42′ returns to the initial position under the action of the pin spring 43′.

Turning to FIGS. 29-32, when the inflatable product needs to be deflated, the handwheel 51′ is rotated counterclockwise, the transmission rod 52′ and the rotary disc 54′ are rotated accordingly, and the rotary disc 54′ drives the second rotary disc 55′ to rotate, thereby connecting the air inlet of the air pump assembly with the inflation-and-deflation port 11′. When the transmission rod 52′ is turned to the deflating position, the locking part 421′ of the pin 42′ locks the deflation locking surface or stop 522′ of the transmission rod 52′. At the same time, the transmission rod 52′ engagement feature or touch block engages the microswitch 65′, activating the motor of the air pump assembly 61′, and the pump begins to deflate.

When the inflatable product is deflated, the pressure valve plate 32′ moves downward under the suction of the pump and the decrease in pressure within the inflatable chamber of the inflatable product, driving the pressure ejector rod 33′ to move downward. The upper tab 332′ of the pressure ejector rod 33′ will move downwards within the valve chamber and engage the air pressure microswitch 41′ to activate the reversing motor 44′. After the reversing motor 44′ starts, it drives the cam 45′ to rotate, and the cam 45′, in the process of rotation pushes the shoulder 422′ of pin 42′, thereby pushing the pin 42′ to compress the pin spring 43′. The locking part 421′ of pin 42′ disengages the deflation locking surface or stop 521′ to release the lock. At the same time, under the action of the bidirectional torsion spring 53′, the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly is restored to the initial position (that is, the closing position), the inflation-and-deflation port 11′ is closed, the microswitch 65′ is disconnected, and the pump stops deflating. When the pin 42′ loses the thrust of the cam 45′, the pin 42′ returns to the initial position under the action of the pin spring 43′.

Among other features and advantages, the present disclosure provides a linkage assembly and a pressure valve assembly. The linkage assembly may be used to lock the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly in the inflation and deflation states. The pressure valve assembly is used to sense the internal pressure value of the inflatable product. When the set pressure value is reached, the linkage assembly is activated, and the linkage assembly disengages the lock from the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly. The inflation-and-deflation switch assembly automatically returns to the closed state, and the pump automatically shuts down.

Among other features and advantages, the present disclosure adopts a pressure valve assembly and a linkage assembly to replace a pressure sensor. Although the linkage assembly contains a reversing motor 44, 44′, the reversing motor 44, 44′ need only drive pin 42, 42′, and the required driving force is small. Therefore, the reversing motor 44, 44′ may be a low-power motor. Thus, among other advantages, the air pump of the present disclosure may have much lower cost.

EXAMPLES

Example 1: An air pump for an inflatable product having an inflatable chamber. The air pump may comprise a body, a panel, an inflation-and-deflation switch assembly, and an air pump assembly. The body may be provided with an inflation-and-deflation port. The panel may be provided with an air inlet-and-outlet port and may be coupled to the body. The body and the panel may cooperate to form a body chamber. The inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may be arranged in the body chamber and may selectively open or close the inflation-and-deflation port. The air pump assembly may be arranged in the body chamber and may cooperate with the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly. The body may be further provided with a pressure-sensing port. The air pump may further comprise a pressure valve assembly and a linkage assembly arranged in the body chamber. The pressure valve assembly may comprise a pressure valve body, a pressure valve plate, a pressure ejector rod, and a pressure spring. A valve chamber in communication with the pressure-sensing port may be formed in the pressure valve body. The pressure valve plate may be arranged in the valve chamber, a lower end face of the pressure valve plate may face the pressure-sensing port, and an upper end face of the pressure valve plate may be coupled to the pressure ejector rod. The pressure spring may be located in the valve chamber and may be arranged on the pressure ejector rod. The pressure ejector rod may be movably arranged in the valve chamber and may cooperate with the linkage assembly to activate the linkage assembly when the pressure ejector rod moves up or down. The linkage assembly may be operatively coupled to the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly. When the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly opens the inflation-and-deflation port, the linkage assembly is locked with the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly. When the pressure ejector rod activates the linkage assembly, the linkage assembly and the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly are unlocked.

Example 2: The air pump according to Example 1, wherein the linkage assembly may comprise an air pressure microswitch, a pin, a pin spring, a reversing motor and a cam. The air pressure microswitch may be arranged on the pressure valve body and may cooperate with the pressure ejector rod. The air pressure microswitch may be connected with the reversing motor. The cam may be operatively coupled with the output shaft of the reversing motor and operatively coupled with the pin. A first end of the pin may be arranged with the pin spring, and a second end of the pin may be provided with a locking part for locking the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly.

Example 3: The air pump according to Example 2, wherein the pin may be provided with a shoulder. When the cam rotates, the cam may push the pin to move by pushing the shoulder, and the locking part of the pin and the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may unlock.

Example 4: The air pump according to Example 2, wherein the pressure ejector rod may be provided with a linkage arm that may engage the air pressure microswitch. The linkage arm may be provided with an upper tab and a lower tab. When the pin is locked with the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly, the air pressure microswitch may be arranged between the upper tab and the lower tab. When the pin is unlocked from the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly, the upper tab or the lower tab may contact the air pressure microswitch.

Example 5: The air pump according to Example 1, wherein the pressure valve assembly may further comprise a pressure regulating handwheel and a pressure regulating gear. The pressure regulating handwheel may be rotatably arranged on the panel, and the pressure regulating handwheel may be operatively coupled to the pressure regulating gear. The pressure regulating gear may be threadably coupled to the pressure valve body, and the pressure regulating gear may be operatively coupled to the pressure spring.

Example 6: The air pump according to Example 2, wherein the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may comprise a handwheel, a transmission rod, a bidirectional torsion spring, a transmission gear, an impeller, and a rack operatively coupled to the transmission rod. The handwheel may be rotatably disposed in the air inlet-and-outlet port of the panel. An upper end of the transmission rod may be operatively coupled to the handwheel, and a lower end of the transmission rod may be operatively coupled to the transmission gear. The locking part of the pin and the transmission rod are selectively engaged. The bidirectional torsion spring may have a pair of ends and may be arranged on the transmission rod. Both ends of the torsion spring may be connected in the body. The rack may selectively communicate with the air inlet or air outlet of the air pump assembly.

Example 7: The air pump according to Example 6, wherein the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may further comprise a transmission rod fastener, and the transmission rod may be rotatably disposed in the transmission rod fastener.

Example 8: The air pump according to Example 2, wherein the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may comprise a handwheel, a transmission rod, a first rotary disc, a bidirectional torsion spring having a pair of ends, a second rotary disc, an ejector rod, and an ejector rod spring. The handwheel may be rotatably disposed on the panel. The transmission rod may be selectively engaged with the locking part of the pin, and an upper end of the transmission rod may be operatively coupled to the handwheel, and a lower end of the transmission rod may be operatively coupled to the first rotary disc. The first rotary disc may engage with the second rotary disc, and the second rotary disc may selectively communicate the inflation-and-deflation port to the air inlet and the air outlet. The bidirectional torsion spring may be arranged on the first rotary disc or the transmission rod, and its two ends may be connected in the body. The lower end face of the first rotary disc may be provided with a groove, and the ejector rod may be operably coupled under the first rotary disc and may selectively fall into the groove. The ejector rod spring may be disposed on the ejector rod.

Example 9: The air pump according to Example 1, wherein the air pump assembly may comprise a motor, a pump body, an impeller, a pump cover, and a microswitch. The pump body may be coupled to the pump cover and together with the pump cover may form a pump chamber. The pump cover may be provided with an air inlet and an air outlet. The motor may be arranged above the pump body, and the impeller may be arranged in the pump chamber and operatively coupled to the motor. The microswitch may be arranged on the pump cover and may cooperate with the switch assembly for activating or deactivating the motor.

Example 10: An air pump for an inflatable product having an inflatable chamber. The air pump may comprise a body, which may comprise an inflation-and-deflation port in communication with the inflatable chamber and a pressure-sensing port in communication with the inflatable chamber, and a panel, which may be coupled to the body and may comprise an air inlet-and-outlet port in selective communication with the inflation-and-deflation port. The panel and the body may define a body chamber. The air pump may further comprise an air pump assembly arranged within the body chamber. The air pump assembly may comprise a pump motor, a pump body, a pump cover having an inlet and an outlet, the pump body and the pump cover may define a pump chamber, the inlet and the outlet of the pump cover may be in communication with the pump chamber, and an impeller may be disposed within the pump chamber and operatively coupled to the pump motor. The air pump may further comprise a pressure valve assembly arranged within the body chamber. The pressure valve assembly may comprise a pressure valve body, which may include a duct in communication with the pressure-sensing port of the body, and a pressure valve plate, which may be movably positioned within the pressure valve body in a first direction and a second direction. The pressure valve plate may have a first side and a second side, the first side may face the pressure-sensing port, and a pressure ejector rod may be coupled to the second side of the pressure valve plate. The pressure ejector rod may be movable with the pressure valve plate in the first direction and the second direction. The air pump may further comprise an inflation-and-deflation switch assembly, which may be configured to selectively place the inlet and outlet of the pump cover in communication with the inflation-and-deflation port of the body. The inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may comprise a user actuatable controller, which may be rotatably disposed on the panel, and a transmission rod, which may be operatively coupled to the user actuatable controller for rotation therewith. The transmission rod may comprise a first locking surface and a second locking surface. The air pump may further comprise a linkage assembly, which may be operatively coupled to the pressure valve assembly and the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly. The linkage assembly may be selectively activated by the pressure ejector rod and may comprise a lock configured to selectively engage the first locking surface of the transmission rod when the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly is in a first position or the second locking surface of the transmission rod when the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly is in a second position. The linkage assembly may further comprise cam configured to selectively disengage the lock from the first locking surface or the second locking surface. Movement of the pressure valve plate in the first direction or the second direction may cause the pressure ejector rod to activate the linkage assembly to disengage the lock from the first locking surface or the second locking surface of the transmission rod.

Example 11: The air pump according to Example 10, wherein the pressure valve assembly may further comprise a pressure spring sleeved on the pressure ejector rod.

Example 12: The air pump according to Example 11, wherein the pressure valve assembly may further comprise a second user actuatable controller rotatably disposed on the panel and operatively coupled to the pressure spring. Rotation of the second user actuatable controller may manipulate the pressure spring to set a pressure threshold for the pressure valve assembly. The pressure ejector rod may activate the linkage assembly when a pressure in the inflatable chamber reaches the pressure threshold.

Example 13: The air pump according to Example 11, wherein the pressure valve assembly may further comprise a pressure regulating gear rotatably disposed in the valve body and between the second user actuatable controller and the pressure spring. The pressure regulating gear may operatively couple the second user actuatable controller to the pressure spring

Example 14: The air pump according to Example 10, wherein the linkage assembly may further comprise a cam motor, which may comprise an output shaft operatively coupled to the cam, and a switch configured to selectively activate the cam motor. Movement of the pressure ejector rod in the first direction or the second direction may activate the switch of the linkage assembly.

Example 15: The air pump according to Example 10, wherein the lock of the linkage assembly may comprise a spring pin and a spring sleeved on the spring pin. The spring pin may have a locking end and a shoulder. The locking end may selectively engage the first locking surface or the second locking surface of the transmission rod to prevent rotation of the transmission rod. The cam may selectively engage the shoulder of the spring pin to disengage the locking end from the first locking surface or the second locking surface of the transmission rod to permit rotation of the transmission rod.

Example 16: The air pump according to Example 10, wherein the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may further comprise a torsion spring operatively coupled to transmission rod. The torsion spring may accumulate a restoring force when inflation-and-deflation switch assembly is in the first position or the second position and may be configured to bias the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly to a third position when the lock of the linkage assembly disengages from the first locking surface of the transmission rod or the second locking surface of the transmission rod.

Example 17: The air pump according to Example 16, wherein when the pressure ejector rod activates the linkage assembly, the transmission rod may rotate to the third position under the restoring force of the torsion spring.

Example 18: The air pump according to Example 16, wherein the transmission rod may further comprise a groove, and the groove may receive the pressure ejector rod when the transmission rod is in the third position.

Example 19: The air pump according to Example 10, wherein the transmission rod may comprise a first end and a second end, the transmission rod may be operatively coupled to the user actuatable controller at the first end, and the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may further comprise a transmission gear operatively coupled to the transmission rod at the second end for rotation therewith.

Example 20: The air pump according to Example 19, wherein the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may further comprise a slider positioned between the pump cover and the inflation-and-deflation port of the body. The slider may comprise a rack operatively coupled to the transmission gear such that rotation of the transmission gear may cause the slider to translate relative to the inflation-and-deflation port.

Example 21: The air pump according to Example 20, wherein the inlet of the pump cover may communicate with the inflation-and-deflation port through the slider.

Example 22: The air pump according to Example 19, wherein the slider may include a first conduit, a second conduit, and a baffle between the first conduit and the second conduit.

Example 23: The air pump according to Example 22, wherein the slider may be translatable to a first position wherein the first conduit may be in communication with the inlet-and-outlet port of the panel and the air inlet of the pump cover, and the second conduit may be in communication with the air outlet of the pump cover and the inflation-and-deflation port of the body.

Example 24: The air pump according to Example 22, wherein the slider may be translatable to a second position wherein the first conduit may be in communication with the air inlet of the pump cover and the inflation-and-deflation port of the body, and the air outlet of the pump cover may be in communication with the inlet-and-outlet port of the panel.

Example 25: The air pump according to Example 22, wherein the slider may be translatable to a third position wherein the baffle seals the inflation-and-deflation port of the body.

Example 26: The air pump according to Example 10, wherein the air pump assembly further may comprise a selectively actuatable switch configured to activate and deactivate the pump motor, and the transmission rod may comprise an arcuate surface configured to selectively actuate the switch when the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly is in the first position or the second position.

Example 27: The air pump according to Example 10, wherein the transmission rod may comprise a first end and a second end, the transmission rod may be operatively coupled to the user actuatable controller at the first end, and the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly further comprises a first rotary disc operatively coupled to the second end of the transmission rod for rotation therewith.

Example 28: The air pump according to Example 27, wherein the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may further comprise a second rotary disc operatively coupled to the first rotary disc, and the second rotary disc may comprise a first conduit and a second conduit therethrough for selectively communicating with the inlet of the pump cover and the outlet of the pump cover.

Example 29: The air pump according to Example 27, wherein the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may further comprise a valve configured to open and close the inflation-and-deflation port of the body, and the valve may comprise a valve stem and a spring sleeved on the valve stem.

Example 30: The air pump according to Example 29, wherein the first rotary disc may comprise a first side and a second, the second side may face the inflation-and-deflation port of the body, and a groove may be disposed on the second side.

Example 31: The air pump according to Example 30, wherein the valve may be selectively received within the groove such that rotation of the first rotary disc may cause linear movement of the valve relative to the inflation-and-deflation port of the body to open or close the inflation-and-deflation port.

Example 32: An air pump for an inflatable product having an inflatable chamber. The air pump may comprise a body, which may comprise an inflation-and-deflation port in communication with the inflatable chamber and a pressure-sensing port in communication with the inflatable chamber, and a panel coupled to the body. The panel may comprise an air inlet-and-outlet port in selective communication with the inflation-and-deflation port. The panel and the body may define a body chamber. The air inlet-and-outlet port may be in fluid communication with an environment outside of the body chamber. The air pump may further comprise an air pump assembly arranged within the body chamber. The air pump assembly may comprise a pump motor, an impeller operatively coupled to the pump motor, a pump body, and a pump cover coupled to the pump body. The air pump assembly may have an inlet and an outlet. The air pump may further comprise a pressure valve assembly, which may comprise a pressure valve plate having a first side in fluid in communication with the pressure-sensing port and a second side in fluid communication with the environment, and an actuator movable by the pressure valve plate from a first position to a second position. The air pump may further comprise an inflation-and-deflation switch assembly operatively coupled to the air pump assembly and the pressure valve assembly. The inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may have a first position and a second position, and the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may comprise a user actuatable controller disposed on the panel, a first stop, and a second stop. The air pump may further comprise a linkage assembly operatively coupled to the pressure valve assembly and the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly. The linkage assembly may be selectively activated by the actuator and may comprise a lock configured to selectively engage the first stop of the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly when the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly is in the first position or the second stop of the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly when the inflation-and- deflation switch assembly is in the second position. When the actuator moves from the first position to the second position, the actuator may activate the linkage assembly, and the linkage assembly may disengage the lock of the linkage assembly from the first stop or the second stop of the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly.

Example 33: The air pump according to Example 32, wherein the user actuatable controller may be rotatably disposed on the panel.

Example 34: The air pump according to Example 33, wherein the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may further comprise a transmission rod operatively coupled to the user actuatable controller for rotation therewith.

Example 35: The air pump according to Example 34, wherein the first stop and the second stop may be disposed on the transmission rod of the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly.

Example 36: The air pump according to Example 32, wherein the inlet and outlet of the pump assembly may be formed in the pump cover.

Example 37: The air pump according to Example 32, wherein the actuator of the pressure valve assembly may comprise a pressure ejector rod.

Example 38: The air pump according to Example 37, wherein the pressure valve assembly may further comprise a spring sleeved on the pressure ejector rod.

Example 39: The air pump according to Example 37, wherein the pressure ejector rod may further comprise an upper tab and a lower tab, the upper tab or the lower tab may engage the linkage assembly when the actuator moves from the first position to the second position.

Example 40: The air pump according to Example 32, wherein when the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly is in the first position, the air pump assembly may provide fluid to the inflation-and-deflation port of the body.

Example 41: The air pump according to Example 32, wherein when the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly is in the second position, the air pump assembly may receive fluid from the inflation-and-deflation port of the body.

Example 42: The air pump according to Example 32, wherein the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly may have a third position wherein the inflation-and-deflation port of the body may be sealed relative to the inlet-and-outlet port of the panel.

Example 43: The air pump according to Example 32, wherein the second side of the pressure valve plate may be in communication with the environment through the body chamber.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

• • Body 10; Inflation-and-deflation port 11; Pressure-sensing port 12;
  • Panel 20; Air inlet-and-outlet port 21;
  • Pressure valve body 31; Valve body 311; Valve base 312; Pressure valve plate 32; Pressure ejector rod 33; Linkage arm 331; Upper tab 332; Lower tab 333; Pressure spring 34; Pressure regulating handwheel 35; Pressure regulating gear 36; Pressure regulating gear 37;
  • Air pressure microswitch 41; Pin 42; Locking part 421; Shoulder 422; Pin spring 43; Reversing motor 44; Cam 45;
  • Handwheel 51; transmission rod fastener 52; transmission rod 53; Inflation locking surface or stop 531; Deflation locking surface or stop 532; Rod body 533; Torsion spring pressure rod 534; Bidirectional torsion spring 54; Transmission gear 55; Slider 56; Upper slider 561; Lower slider 562; Rack 563;
  • Motor 61; Pump body 62; Impeller 63; Pump cover 64; Microswitch 65;
  • Body 10′; Inflation-and-deflation port 11′;
  • Panel 20′; Air inlet-and-outlet port 21′;
  • Pressure valve body 31′; Valve body 311′; Valve base 312′; Pressure valve plate 32′; Pressure ejector rod 33′; Linkage arm 331′; Upper tab 332′; Lower tab 333′; Pressure spring 34′; Pressure regulating handwheel 35′; Pressure regulating gear 36′; Pressure regulating gear 37′;
  • Air pressure microswitch 41′, Pin 42′; Locking part 421′, Shoulder 422′; Pin spring 43′; Reversing motor 44′; cam 45′;
  • Handwheel 51′; transmission rod 52′; Inflation locking surface or stop 521′, Deflation locking surface or stop 522′; Bidirectional torsion spring 53′; First rotary disc 54′; Second rotary disc 55′; Ejector rod 56′; Ejector rod spring 57′;
  • Motor 61′; Pump body 62′; Blade 63′; Pump cover 64′; Microswitch 65′.

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.