Patent Publication Number: US-11384769-B2

Title: Smart electric air pump

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application Ser. No. CN201920190815.9, filed on Feb. 12, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     RELATED FIELD 
     The present invention generally relates to an air pump and, in particular, the present invention relates to a smart electric air pump for inflating an inflatable product. 
     BACKGROUND 
     An air pump is one of the necessary components for an inflatable product (such as an inflatable mattress, an inflatable bed and an inflatable toy). A manual air pump and a hand-held electric air pump may be used to inflate the inflatable product through an air valve on the inflatable product. A built-in electric air pump mounted on the inflatable product (e.g., an inflatable mattress) may be used to inflate the inflatable product. The user can manually open or close the switch of the electric air pump to start or stop inflating the inflatable product. Compared to the manual air pump and the hand-held electric air pump, the built-in electric air pump is more convenient to use and allows for a higher rate of inflation. 
     Whether the inflatable product is inflated to an appropriate air pressure has a direct impact on user&#39;s experience and on the life of the inflatable product. For example, if the air pressure is low for an inflatable mattress, the mattress would be soft and cannot provide sufficient support to the user. On the other hand, if the air pressure is too high for the inflatable mattress, the mattress would expand and deform and being susceptible to be easily damaged. Without a barometer, the air pressure of the inflatable product can only be determined by manually pressing the inflatable product during inflation. This method is neither convenient, nor accurate. In addition, this method prolongs the inflation time of the inflatable product. 
     Current inflatable products are made from thermoplastic fabric. After inflation, the inflatable product can expand and deform to a certain degree, and the air pressure inside the inflatable product becomes lower in response to the expansion or deformation. Accordingly, it would be difficult to maintain the air pressure inside the inflatable product in a relatively constant range for a long period of time. Manual air pumps, hand-held electric air pumps and most of the built-in electric air pumps in the prior art cannot periodically and/or automatically detect the air pressure inside the inflatable product and automatically perform air replenishing operations such that a user need not manually and repeatedly inflate the inflatable product, which causes inconvenience to the user. 
     SUMMARY 
     A purpose of the present invention is to overcome the defects in the prior art, at least as described above, and to provide a smart electric air pump. The smart electric air pump can periodically and automatically detect air pressure inside the inflatable product to automatically replenish air in the inflatable product when necessary, thus maintaining the air pressure inside the inflatable product in a relatively constant range for a long time. 
     It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a smart air pump for an inflatable body. The smart air pump comprises a housing defining an accommodating chamber. A main air pump, located in the accommodating chamber, is configured to inflate or discharge air from the inflatable body. The main air pump includes a cover defining an inlet port and an outlet port. The cover divides the accommodating chamber into an impeller chamber and a driving chamber with the impeller chamber extending between the housing and the cover. The driving chamber is in fluid communication with an outer environment of the smart air pump. An air replenishing pump is located in the accommodating chamber and adjacent to the main air pump for replenishing air to the inflatable body. A driving switch, located in the driving chamber, connects to the main air pump and is configured to perform air passage switching. A central control unit, located in the driving chamber, is electrically connected to the main air pump, the air replenishing pump, and the driving switch. The central control unit comprises a time control module configured to initiate periodic replenishment of air to the inflatable body. The time control module has a setting module for setting a cycle time and a counting module for counting the cycle time. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cycle time can be greater than or equal to thirty seconds. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cycle time can be sixty seconds, five minutes, ten minutes, thirty minutes, or one hour. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, after activating an inflation function of the smart air pump and deactivating an inflation function of the main air pump, the counting module can begin counting for the cycle time. When the counting reaches an end of the cycle time, the air replenishing pump can begin to replenish air until an air pressure inside the inflatable body is greater than or equal to a preset air pressure. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the counting module can reset upon reaching the end of the cycle time. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the driving switch can include an actuator and an air passage switch. The actuator can be in electrical communication with the central control unit and can be configured to activate in response to receiving a start signal from the center control unit. The air passage switch can be in fluid communication with the outlet port and the outer environment. The air passage switch can couple to the actuator such that the actuator moves the air passage switch to establish an inflation air passage configuration, a deflation air passage configuration, or a closed air passage configuration. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the actuator can comprise a commutation motor. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the driving switch can include at least one position signal generator located in the driving chamber. The at least one position signal generator can couple to the air passage switch and can be in electrical communication with the central control unit. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one position signal generator can comprise a first signal generator, a second signal generator, and a third signal generator. The first signal generator can be configure to generate and send a position signal to the central control unit in response to the air passage switch establishing the inflation air passage configuration. The second signal generator can be configured to generate and send a position signal to the central control unit in response to the air passage switch establishing the deflation air passage configuration. The third signal generator can be configured to generate and send a position signal to the central control unit in response to the air passage switch establishing the closed air passage configuration. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air passage switch can include an outer tube and inner tube. The outer tube can be in fluid communication with the inflatable body and the outlet port. The inner tube can fit within the outer tube. The inner tube can be rotatable and axially movable within the outer tube and is in fluid communication with the outer environment. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the outer tube can define a first opening, a second opening, a third opening, a fourth opening, and an inlet channel. A first opening can be located at a first end of the outer tube for receiving the inner tube. A second opening can be located at a second end of the outer tube. The second opening can be in fluid communication with the inflatable body. The third opening, located on an outer tube wall and adjacent to the first end of the outer tube, can be in fluid communication with is driving chamber. The fourth opening, located on the outer tube wall and axially spaced apart from the third opening and adjacent to the second end of the outer tube, can be in fluid communication with the driving chamber. The inlet channel can connect to the outlet port. 
     According an embodiment of the present invention, the inner tube can define a fifth opening, a sixth opening, a seventh opening, and an eighth opening. The fifth opening, a first end of the inner tube, can be in fluid communication with the outer environment. The sixth opening, located at a second end of the inner tube, can be in fluid communication with the inflatable body. The seventh opening can be located on an inner tube wall and adjacent to the first end of the inner tube. The eighth opening can be located on the inner tube wall, opposite of the seventh opening and adjacent to the second end of the inner tube. A separator, located in the inner tube, can divide an interior of the inner tube into two spaces wherein the seventh opening and the eighth opening can be provided on opposite sides of the separator. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air replenishing pump can comprise a core, at least one pivot arm, and an electromagnetic device. The core can define an inlet port, an outlet port, and a core opening. The at least one pivot arm can include a magnet and a cup. The magnet and the cup can couple to the at least one pivot arm. The cup can couple to the core and covering the core opening to define an air chamber. The electromagnetic device can be configured to generate magnetic flux causing the magnet and the at least one pivot arm to move, thereby causing the cup to compress and expand the air chamber. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, in response to the cup expanding the air chamber, the air replenishing pump can draw air into the air chamber through a first one-way valve located at the inlet port. In response to the cup compressing the air chamber, the air replenishing pump can discharge air from the air chamber through a second one-way valve located at the outlet port. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one pivot arm can comprise a pair of pivot arms located on opposing sides of the core and covering the core opening. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air replenishing pump can include a base, the core being coupled to the base. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the base can define a first groove and a second groove. The first groove can be in fluid communication with the inlet port to establish a first air passage for directing air into the air chamber via the inlet port. The second groove can be in fluid communication with the outlet port for directing air to the outer environment. 
     It is another aspect of the present invention to provide an inflatable device. The inflatable device comprises an inflatable body and a smart air pump. The smart air pump, located in the inflatable body, comprises a housing defining an accommodating chamber. A main air pump, located in the accommodating chamber, is configured to inflate or discharge air from the inflatable body. The main air pump includes a cover defining an inlet port and an outlet port. The cover divides the accommodating chamber into an impeller chamber and a driving chamber. The impeller chamber extends between the housing and the cover. The driving chamber is in fluid communication with an outer environment of the smart air pump. An air replenishing pump is located in the accommodating chamber and adjacent to the main air pump for replenishing air to the inflatable body. A driving switch, located in the driving chamber, connects to the main air pump and is configured to perform air passage switching. A central control unit, located in the driving chamber, electrically connects to the main air pump, the air replenishing pump, and the driving switch. The central control unit comprises a time control module configured to initiate periodic replenishment of air to the inflatable body. The time control module has a setting module for setting a cycle time and a counting module for counting the cycle time. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the inflatable body can include a top sheet, a bottom sheet, and an enclosing sheet. The enclosing sheet can connect the top sheet with the bottom sheet to define an interior cavity extending between the top sheet, the bottom sheet, and the enclosing sheet. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the inflatable device can include a plurality of reinforcing members located in the interior cavity and connected to the top sheet and the bottom sheet. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the inflatable body can comprise an inflatable bed, an inflatable mattress, an inflatable boat, or an inflatable toy. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air replenishing pump can include a core, at least one pivot arm, and an electromagnetic device. The core can define an inlet port, an outlet port, and a core opening. The at least one pivot arm can include a magnet and a cup. The magnet and the cup can couple to the at least one pivot arm. The cup can couple to the core and covering the core opening to define an air chamber. An electromagnetic device can be configured to generate magnetic flux causing the magnet and the at least one pivot arm to move, thereby causing the cup to compress and expand the air chamber. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, in response to the cup expanding the air chamber, the air replenishing pump can draw air into the air chamber through a first one-way valve located at the inlet port. In response to the cup compressing the air chamber, the air replenishing pump can discharge air from the air chamber through a second one-way valve located at the outlet port. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one pivot arm can comprise a pair of pivot arms located on opposing sides of the core and covering the core opening. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air replenishing pump can include a base, the core being coupled to the base. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the base can define a first groove and a second groove. The first groove can be in fluid communication with the inlet port to establish a first air passage for directing air into the air chamber via the inlet port. The second groove can be in fluid communication with the outlet port for directing air to the outer environment. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cycle time can be greater than or equal to thirty seconds. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cycle time can be sixty seconds, five minutes, ten minutes, thirty minutes, or one hour. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, after activating an inflation function of the smart air pump and deactivating an inflation function of the main air pump, the counting module can begin counting for the cycle time. When the counting reaches an end of the cycle time, the air replenishing pump can begin to replenish air until an air pressure inside the inflatable body is greater than or equal to a preset air pressure. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the counting module can reset upon reaching the end of the cycle time. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood from the preferred embodiments described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a smart air pump constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the smart air pump; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the smart air pump; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the smart air pump; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the smart air pump; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the smart air pump in a stopped state; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the smart air pump in an inflation state; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the smart air pump in a deflation state; 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart view illustrating an operation process of the smart air pump constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an air replenishing pump constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded top view of the air replenishing pump; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective side view of the air replenishing pump; 
         FIG. 13 a    is a perspective side view of the air replenishing pump, without cups; 
         FIG. 13 b    is another perspective side view of the air replenishing pump, without cups; 
         FIG. 13 c    is a top view of the air replenishing pump, without cups; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of the air replenishing pump; 
         FIG. 15 a    is a cross-sectional perspective view of the air replenishing pump wherein the air replenishing pump is providing air to an inflatable body; and 
         FIG. 15 b    is a cross-sectional perspective view of the air replenishing pump wherein the air replenishing pump is withdrawing air from the inflatable body. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The implementation and usage of the embodiments of the present invention will be discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments of the present invention discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to implement and use the present invention and do not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 1 to 8  illustrate a smart air pump  1  constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The smart air pump  1  includes a main air pump  101 , an air replenishing pump  20 , a driving switch  102 , an air pressure sensor  149 , a central control unit  103 , a housing  104 , and a panel  105 . 
     The main air pump  101  is configured to inflate the inflatable body (for example, an inflatable mattress) or deflate the inflatable body. The air replenishing pump  20  is configured to automatically replenish air in the inflatable body. The driving switch  102  couples to the main air pump  101  and is capable of performing air passage switching. The air pressure sensor  149  is in communication with the inflatable body to detect the air pressure inside the inflatable body. 
     The central control unit  103  is coupled to the main air pump  101 , the air replenishing pump  20 , the driving switch  102 , and the air pressure sensor  149 . The central control unit  103  contains a program for sending a drive signal to actuate the driving switch  102  to start air passage switching, and for sending a start signal or a stop signal to the main air pump  101  to respectively activate or deactivate the main air pump  101 , based on the air pressure inside the inflatable product detected by the air pressure sensor  149  in reference to a preset inflation pressure. The main air pump  101 , the air replenishing pump  20 , the air pressure sensor  149 , and the central control unit  103  are located in an accommodating chamber of the housing  104 . According to an embodiment of the present invention, the central control unit  103  can be, for example, a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) control unit. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the panel  105  covers one side of the housing  104 . The panel  105  defines a first venting hole  106 . In addition, the panel  105  may also include an input unit  107 . The input unit  107  connects to the central control unit  103 . The input unit  107  can include an inflation signal input, a deflation signal input, and a stop signal input. The inflation signal input, the deflation signal input, and the stop signal input respectively send an inflation signal, a deflation signal, and a stop signal to the central control unit  103 . 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the input unit  107  includes a first inflation signal input  1071 , a second inflation signal input  1072 , a third inflation signal input  1073 , and a deflation signal input  1074 . It should be appreciated that the first inflation signal input  1071 , the second inflation signal input  1072 , and the third inflation signal input  1073  correspond to three different preset inflation pressures. For example, in response to a user pressing any one of the above four inputs, a corresponding inflation signal or deflation signal is sent to the central control unit  103 , and when a user presses the same input again, a corresponding deactivation signal is generated. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the input unit  107  can also include a deactivation signal input provided separately from the first inflation signal input  1071 , the second inflation signal input  1072 , the third inflation signal input  1073 , and the deflation signal input  1074 , wherein, in response to a user pressing any one of the above four inputs, a corresponding inflation signal or deflation signal is sent to the central control unit  103 , and when a user presses the deactivation signal input, a corresponding deactivation signal is generated to the central control unit  103 . 
     The panel  105  include a display unit. The display unit is coupled to the central control unit  103  for receiving a display signal in response to an inflation state or a deflation state, generated by the central control unit  103 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the display unit is a display light  134  located adjacent the first inflation signal input  1071 , the second inflation signal input  1072 , the third inflation signal input  1073 , and the deflation signal input  1074 . 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the central control unit  103  can further include a main control unit  1031  and an input control unit  1032 . The main control unit  1031  couples to the main air pump  101 , the air replenishing pump  20 , the driving switch  102 , and the air pressure sensor  149 . The input control unit  1032  couples to the main control unit  1031  and to the input unit  107 . 
     The structure of the main air pump  101  and the driving switch  102  will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 4 through 8 . 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 4 through 8 , the main air pump  101  includes a cover  108 , an impeller  109 , and a main motor  110 . The cover  108 , located in the accommodating chamber, couples to the housing  104  and divides the accommodating chamber of the housing  104  into an impeller chamber and a driving chamber. The impeller chamber extends between the housing  104  and the cover  108 . The driving chamber is in fluid communication with an outer environment of the smart air pump  1 . The cover  108  defines an inlet port  111  and an outlet port  143 . The impeller  109  is located inside of the impeller chamber  108 . The main motor  110  is located inside of the driving chamber and on the cover  108 . The main motor  110  couples to the central control unit  103 . A rotating shaft of the main motor  110  couples to the impeller  109  through the inlet port  111 . The driving switch  102  couples to the outlet port  143 . 
     The air pressure sensor  149  is located in the driving chamber and is in communication with the inflatable body via a pressure measuring pipe. One end of the pressure measuring pipe couples to the air pressure sensor  149 , and the other end of the pressure measuring pipe couples to a pressure tap provided on the housing  104 . The pressure tap is in communication with the inflatable body. 
     The housing  104  defines a second venting hole  123 , and the second venting hole  123  is in communication with the inflatable body. A one-way valve  118  is located at the second venting hole  123  for regulating airflow through the second venting hole  123 . 
     The driving switch  102  is located inside of the driving chamber. The driving switch  102  includes an actuator  1021  and an air passage switch  1022 . According to an embodiment of the present invention, the actuator  1021  comprises a commutation motor  128 . The actuator  1021  couples to the central control unit  103  for receiving a start signal sent by the central control unit  103  to activate the commutation motor  128 . The air passage switch  1022  couples to the outlet port  143  of the cover  108  and is in communication with the first venting hole  106  of the panel  105  and with the second venting hole  123  of the housing  104 . The actuator  1021  drives the air passage switch  1022  to initiate air passage switching wherein the air passage includes an inflation air passage configuration, a deflation air passage configuration, and a closed air passage configuration. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the driving switch  102  includes at least one position signal generating device. The position signal generating device is located in the driving chamber and is electrically connected to the central control unit  103 . The position signal generating device is coupled to and triggered by the air passage switch  1022  to generate a position signal sent to the central control unit  103 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the position signal generating device can further include a first signal generating device  1131 , a second signal generating device  1132  and a third signal generating device  1133 . The first signal generating device  1131  is configured to generate a position signal to the central control unit  103 , in response to the air passage switch  1022  establishing the inflation air passage configuration. The second signal generating device  1132  is configured to generate a position signal to the central control unit  103 , in response to the air passage switch  1022  establishing the deflation air passage configuration. The third signal generating device  1133  is configured to generate a position signal to the central control unit  103 , in response to the air passage switch  1022  establishing the closed air passage configuration. It should be appreciated that these position signals may be displayed, for example, by the display unit. 
     The air passage switch  1022  includes an outer tube  114  and an inner tube  115 . The outer tube  114  is in fluid communication with the inflatable body via the second venting hole  123  of the housing  104 . The outer tube  114  couples to the cover  108  and is in fluid communication with the outlet port  143  of the cover  108 . The inner tube (also referred to as a commutation core)  115  is rotatably fitted in the outer tube  114  and is also axially movable within the outer tube  114 . A first end of the inner tube  115  is in fluid communication with the first venting hole  106  on the panel  105 . The actuator  1021  starts air passage switching by driving the inner tube  115  to move axially and rotate inside of the outer tube  114 . 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 4-8 , the outer tube  114  defines a first opening  301 , a second opening  302 , a third opening  303 , a fourth opening  304 , and an inlet channel  300 . The first opening  301  is located at a first end of the outer tube  114  for receiving the inner tube  115 . In other words, the inner tube  115  is slidably placed into the outer tube  114  through the first opening  301 . The second opening  302  is located at a second end of the outer tube  114  and is in fluid communication with the inflatable body via the second venting hole  123 . The third opening  303  is located on an outer tube wall of the outer tube  114 . The third opening  303  is adjacent to the first end of the outer tube  114  and in fluid communication with the driving chamber. The fourth opening  304  is located on the outer tube wall of the outer tube  114 . The fourth opening  304  is axially spaced apart from the third opening and adjacent to the second end of the outer tube  114 . The fourth opening  304  is in fluid communication with the driving chamber. The inlet channel  300  is in fluid communication with the outlet port  143  of the cover  108 . 
     The inner tube  115  defines a fifth opening  305 , a sixth opening  306 , a seventh opening  307 , and an eighth opening  308 . The fifth opening  305  is located at a first end of the inner tube  115  and is in fluid communication with the outer environment of the inflatable body. The sixth opening  306  is located at a second end of the inner tube  115  and is in fluid communication with the second venting hole  123 . The seventh opening  307  is located an inner tube wall of the inner tube  115 . The eighth opening  308  is located on the inner tube wall opposite of the seventh opening  307 . A separator  151  is located inside the inner tube  115  dividing an interior of the inner tube  115  into two spaces, e.g. an upper space and a lower space, that are not in communication with one another. The seventh opening  307  and the eight opening  308  are provided on opposites sides of the separator  151 . In other words, the separator  151  is located between the seventh opening  307  and the eighth opening  308 . According to an embodiment of the present invention, the inner tube  115  is movably and partially sleeved outside of a venting tube. The venting tube is in communication with the first venting hole  106 , through the fifth opening  305 . As best shown in  FIG. 7 , as the inner tube  115  rotates within the outer tube  114 , when the third opening  303  of the outer tube  114  is in alignment with the seventh opening  307 , and the eighth opening  308  is in alignment with the inlet channel  300 , the air passage switch  1022  establishes the inflation air passage configuration (the direction of the inflation air flow is indicated by the arrows). As best shown in  FIG. 8 , as the inner tube  115  rotates within the outer tube  114 , when the fourth opening  304  is in alignment with the eighth opening  308 , and the seventh opening  307  is in alignment with the inlet channel  300 , the air passage switch  1022  establishes the deflation air passage configuration (the direction of the deflation air flow is indicated by the arrows). As best shown in  FIG. 6 , when the seventh opening  307  is not in alignment with the third opening  303  and the inlet channel  300  and the eighth opening  308  are not in alignment with the fourth opening  304  and the inlet channel  300 , the air passage switch  1022  establishes the closed air passage configuration (i.e. a stopped state). 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 4-8 , the inner tube  115  can include a first transmission gear  125 , a first bump  126 , and a second bump  127 . The first transmission gear  125  is located at the outside of the first end of the inner tube  115 . The first bump  126  is located at the outside of the first end of the inner tube  115  and extends radially outwardly from the first end of the inner tube  115  for engaging the third signal generating device  1133  to generate a position signal in response to a rotation movement of the inner tube  115 . The second bump  127  is located opposite of the first bump  126  at the outside of the first end of the inner tube  115 . The second bump  127  extends radially outwardly from the inner tube  115  for engaging the first signal generating device  1131  or the second signal generating device  1132  to generate a position signal in response to a rotational movement of the inner tube  115 . 
     As also shown in  FIG. 4 , the actuator  1021  can include the commutation motor  128 , a second transmission gear (not shown), and a motor frame  130 . The second transmission gear is coupled to a rotating shaft of the commutation motor  128  and is in mesh engagement with the first transmission gear  125 . The motor frame  130  couples to the outer tube  114 , and the commutation motor  128  couples to the motor frame  130 . The commutation motor  128  drives the first transmission gear  125  via the second transmission gear to rotate the inner tube  115  within the outer tube  114 . 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the outer tube  114  may include a slideway, and the inner tube  115  may correspondingly include a sliding block (the slideway and the sliding block are not shown). The slideway is located on the tube wall of the outer tube  114  and has an arc shape with the center of the arc shape higher than both ends thereof. The sliding block is located on the outer surface of the inner tube  115 . The sliding block is configured to be slidable within the slideway, such that the inner tube  115  is axially movable while being rotated. 
     When the inner tube  115  is rotated, the sliding block moves towards an first end of the slideway. At the same time, the inner tube  115  is axially moved toward the second venting hole  123 . Accordingly, the third opening  303  is in alignment with the seventh opening  307 , and the eighth opening  308  is in alignment with the inlet channel  300 . At this time, the air passage switch  1022  establishes the inflation air passage configuration, and the inner tube  115  pushes the one-way valve  118  open, as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     When the inner tube  115  is rotated, the sliding block moves toward a second end of the slideway. At the same time, the inner tube  115  is axially moved toward the second venting hole  123 . Accordingly, the fourth opening  304  is in alignment with the eighth opening  308 , and the seventh opening  307  is in alignment with the inlet channel  300 . At this time, the air passage switch  1022  establishes the deflation air passage configuration, and the inner tube  115  pushes the one-way valve  118  open, as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     When the sliding block is moved to an arc-shaped bottom at a center of the slideway, the inner tube  115  is axially moved away from the second venting hole  123 , thereby releasing the force applied to the one-way valve  118  by the inner tube  115 . Accordingly, the air passage switch  1022  establishes the closed air passage configuration, and the one-way valve  118  is closed to prevent fluid communication between the inflatable body and the outer environment of the inflatable body, as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the one-way valve  118  may include a valve plate  119 , a valve rod  120 , a supporting frame (not shown), and a spring  122 . The valve plate  119  includes a sealing ring  121  for providing a sealing engagement to the second venting hole  123 . The valve rod  120  couples to the valve plate  119 , and an end of the valve rod  120  includes a limiting member  155 . The supporting frame is located in the second venting hole  123 , and the valve rod  120  is located in a through hole of the supporting frame. The valve rod  120  is movable in an axial direction inside the through hole of the supporting frame. The spring  122  is sleeved outside of the valve rod  120  and located between the limiting member  155  and the supporting frame for biasing the valve plate  119  against the second venting hole  123  to cover the second venting hole  123 . 
     As the inner tube  115  moves axially toward the second venting hole  123 , the separator  151  of the inner tube  115  engages and pushes the valve rod  120 , thereby moving the valve plate  119  axially to open the second venting hole  123 . As the inner tube  115  moves axially away from the second venting hole  123 , the force applied to the one-way valve  118  by the separator  151  of the inner tube  115  is released and the valve plate  119  is biased against the second venting hole  123  under a spring force of the spring  122 . According to an embodiment of the present invention, the housing  104  includes a protective cover  124  located adjacent to the second end of the inner tube  115 . The protective cover  124  couples to the housing  104  for protecting the one-way valve  118 . 
     The air replenishing pump  20  couples to the central control unit  103  and defines a second inlet port (not shown) and a second outlet port  152 . The second inlet port is configured to allow the air in the space outside of the smart electric air pump to enter the interior of the air replenishing pump  20 . The second outlet port  152  is in communication with the inflatable body. The central control unit  103  comprises a time control module configured to initiate periodic replenishment of air to the inflatable body. The air replenishing pump  20  includes a mounting frame  147  for coupling the air replenishing pump  20  to the housing  104 . 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the time control module includes a setting module for setting a cycle time and a counting module for counting the cycle time. After the air pressure inside of the inflatable product reaches the preset inflation pressure and the cycle time is set by the setting module and reached by the counting module, the central control unit  103  sends a start signal to the air replenishing pump  20  to initiate air replenishing. When the air pressure inside of the inflatable product, as detected by the air pressure sensor  149 , is greater than or equal to a preset air pressure, the air replenishing pump  20  is stopped. The principle of the air replenishing operation is as follows. When the counting module counts to the preset cycle time, the central control unit  103  activates the air replenishing pump  20  to start and perform the air replenishing operation. At the same time, the air pressure sensor  149  detects the air pressure inside of the inflatable body. When the air pressure inside of the inflatable product is greater than or equal to the preset air pressure set by operating the first inflation signal input  1071 , the second inflation signal input  1072 , or the third inflation signal input  1073 , the central control unit  103  triggers the air replenishing pump  20  to stop. Otherwise, the air replenishing pump  20  continues to perform the air replenishing operation, until the preset air pressure is reached. Accordingly, the central control unit  103  triggers the air replenishing pump  20  to stop. After the air replenishing pump  20  stops, the counting module recounts the cycle time to trigger the next cycle of the air replenishing operation. The air replenishing operation continues cycling in this manner. 
     As best illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the air replenishing pump  20  is located inside of the driving chamber of the housing  104  wherein the air replenishing pump  20  and the main air pump  101  are separated by a bracket  135  provided in the housing  104 . The second outlet port  152  is in communication with the inflatable body via an air replenishing tube  146  wherein one end of the air replenishing tube  146  couples to the second outlet port  152 , and the other end of the air replenishing tube  146  couples to an air replenishing port provided on the housing  104 . According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air replenishing pump  20  can include the one-way valve  118  coupled to the air replenishing pump  20  for preventing air inside of the inflatable body from flowing to the outer environment after the air replenishing pump  20  is stopped. 
     The air replenishing pump  20  constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 10-15   b . The air replenishing pump  20  includes a core  206 , at least one pivot arm  207 , and an electromagnetic device  209 . According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one pivot arm  207  includes a pair of pivot arms  207 . The pair of pivot arms  207  are provided on opposing sides of the core  206 . The core  206  includes an inlet port  2010 , an outlet port  2011 , a first one-way valve  2012 , a second one-way valve  2013 , and a core opening  2014 . Each pivot arm  207  includes a cup  208  and a magnet  2015  coupled thereto. The cup  208  covers the core opening  2014  of the core  206  to define an air chamber  2016 . The electromagnetic device  209  is configured to generate magnetic flux, causing the magnet  2015  and the at least one pivot arm  207  to move, thereby causing the cup to compress and expand the air chamber  2016 . When the cup  208  expands the space of the air chamber  2016 , the air replenishing pump  20  draws air from the outer environment of the inflatable body into the air chamber  2016  through the first one-way valve  2012  disposed at the inlet port  2010 . When the cup  208  compresses the air chamber  2016 , the air replenishing pump  20  discharges air from the air chamber  2016  through the second one-way valve  2013  disposed at the outlet port  2011 . It should be understood that the air replenishing pump  20  may be provided with only one pivot arm. The first one-way valve  2012  and the second one-way valve  2013  are in the form of one-way valve plates, according an embodiment of the present invention. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air replenishing pump  20  includes a base  2017 . The core  206  is mounted on the base  2017  to define the inlet port  2010  and the outlet port  2011 . The base  2017  includes a first groove  2018 , defining a first air passage for directing air from the outer environment of the inflatable body to the inlet port  2010  of the core  206 . The base  2017  also includes a second groove  2019 , defining a second air passage for directing air in the air chambers  2016  from the outlet port  2011  to the outer environment of the inflatable body. The first groove  2018  and the second groove  2019  are independent of each other. Moreover, the intake and discharge of air are staggered in time and do not occur simultaneously. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the two cups  208  form two air chambers  2016  with the core  206 . Each of the air chambers  2016  includes a first one-way valve  2012  and a second one-way valve  2013 . As illustrated in  FIG. 15 a    wherein the direction of air flow is indicated by the arrows, when the air chamber  2016  compresses, the first one-way valve  2012  prevents air from entering the first air passage from the air chamber  2016  through the inlet port  2010 , and the second one-way valve  2013  allows air to enter the second air passage from the air chamber  2016  through the outlet port  2011  and then be discharged to provide air replenishing to the inflatable body. As illustrated in  FIG. 15 b    wherein the direction of air flow is indicated by the arrows, when the space of the air chamber  2016  expands, the second one-way valve  2013  prevents air from entering the air chamber  2016  from the second air passage through the outlet port  2011 , and the first one-way valve  2012  allows air to enter the air chamber  2016  from the first air passage through the inlet port  2010 , such that the air chamber  2016  can receive air from the first air passage. During this process, air from the outer environment of the inflatable body is provided to the air replenishing pump  20 . 
     One period of compressing and one period of expanding are considered as one operating cycle. The operating frequency depends on the frequency of the alternating current in each country. For example, with an alternating current having a frequency of 50 Hz, the cup  208  compresses and expands the space of the air chamber 50 times per second, and the air replenishing pump  20  performs air replenishing operation 50 times per second. With an alternating current having a frequency of 60 Hz, the cup  208  compresses and expands the space of the air chamber 60 times per second, and the air replenishing pump  20  performs air replenishing operation 60 times per second. 
     The specific operation mode of the smart electric air pump  1  according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the flow chart in  FIG. 9 . 
     First, after initializing the smart electric air pump  1 , the operational process first switches to the closed air passage configuration, thereby allowing the entire smart air pump  1  to enter a standby state. 
     Then, in the event that a user presses one of the inflation signal inputs, e.g. the first inflation signal input  1071 , the second inflation signal input  1072  or the third inflation signal input  1073 , assuming that the initially preset inflation pressure is P, the air pressure sensor  149  determines whether current air pressure inside the inflatable body is greater than P+15, for example. In the event that the air pressure inside inflatable body is greater than P+15, the air passage switch  1022  is moved to establish the deflation air passage configuration to perform deflation. During this process, if an input for stopping deflation is received or the detected pressure is less than P, the air passage switch  1022  is moved to the closed air passage configuration. If the air pressure inside of the inflatable body is less than P+15, and it is detected whether current air pressure inside the inflatable product is less than P, the air passage switch  1022  is moved to establish the inflation air passage configuration and the main air pump  101  is activated to perform inflation. If the air pressure inside the inflatable body is not less than P, there is no need for inflation and the air passage switch  1022  is moved to establish the closed air passage configuration. During the inflation process, it is simultaneously detected whether the user gives an input for stopping the inflation and whether the inflation has timed out. When the above condition is detected, the main air pump  101  and the air replenishing pump  20  are subsequently deactivated and the air passage switch  1022  is moved to establish the closed air passage configuration, and the smart air pump  1  enters the standby state. After the inflatable product is inflated by the main air pump  101 , and the air pressure inside the inflatable product reaches the pressure P, the air passage switch  1022  is moved to establish the closed air passage configuration, and then the main air pump  101  becomes deactivated. Accordingly, the counting module of the time control module of the central control unit  103  begins to count time. When the counting module counts to the cycle time preset by the setting module of the time control module (as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the cycle time can be sixty seconds, and generally, the cycle time may be set to be any value greater than or equal to thirty seconds, for example, five minutes, ten minutes, thirty minutes and one hour, etc.), the counting module is stopped and the counted time is cleared. Then, the air replenishing pump  13  is activated to provide air replenishing to the inflatable body via an air replenishing process. If the air pressure sensor  149  detects that the air pressure inside of the inflatable body is greater than or equal to P, the air replenishing pump  20  is deactivated. Otherwise, the air replenishing pump  20  continues the air replenishing process, until the air pressure inside the inflatable product is greater than or equal to P. After the air replenishing pump  20  is stopped, the counting module of the time control module of the central control unit  103  restarts to count time to repeatedly initiate the air replenishing process. During the air replenishing process, it is simultaneously detected whether the user gives an input for stopping the air replenishing and whether the air replenishing has timed out. When the above condition is detected, the smart electric air pump returns to the aforementioned standby state. 
     In the event that a user presses the deflation signal input  1074  of the input unit  107 , it is first determined whether the deflation signal input  1074  is pressed for more than one second (preset, as an example preset value). If the deflation signal input  1074  is pressed for more than one second, the air passage switch  1022  is moved to the deflation air passage configuration, and then the main air pump  101  is turned on to perform automatic deflation. If it is determined that the deflation signal input  1074  is pressed for more than four seconds (preset, again as an example preset value), a manual deflation mode can be entered, and further, it is simultaneously determined whether the manual deflation is performed for thirty seconds or whether the deflation signal input  1074  is released. When it is detected that the manual deflation is performed for thirty seconds or the deflation signal input  1074  is released, the deflation is stopped (that is, the main air pump  101  is turned off and the air passage is switched to the closed air passage configuration). During automatic deflation, if it is detected that the user gives an input for stopping the deflation or the deflation has timed out, the main air pump  101  is turned off and the air passage switch  1022  is moved to the closed air passage configuration, and then the smart air pump  1  returns to the standby state. In addition, during automatic deflation, it is detected in real time by the air pressure sensor  149  whether the air pressure inside the inflatable product is less than or equal to 0. If it is determined that the air pressure inside the inflatable body is less than or equal to 0, the deflation is directly stopped, and the entire system returns to the aforementioned standby state. 
     The technical content and features of the present invention have been disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can make various variations and improvements to the concepts disclosed herein under the inventive idea of the present disclosure, and all these variations and improvements belong to the scope of protection of the present invention. 
     The description for the above embodiments is illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of protection of the present invention is determined by the claims.