Patent ID: 12245984

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

Different embodiments of the present invention are provided in the following description. It is to be understood that the embodiments are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments can be utilized by arranging, substituting, combining, separating, and designing the features in the present invention.

FIG.1shows a system block diagram of the automatic pipe clean system for massage bath equipment1(“the present system1”, hereinafter) of the present invention. The present system1includes a bathtub100, a controller400and a panel410.

The bathtub100of the present invention works with several basic pipes (which will be discussed in the following description and drawings), including a water-filling pipe, a water-draining pipe, a blower pipe, a suction pipe and a pump pipe, as well as works with several electronically controlled devices (which will be discussed in the following description and drawings), including a blower for air jet, and a pump for water pump. They can produce bubbles and/or water jets to provide the conventional functions of a massage bathtub.

However, some dirt or scum may accumulate in these basic pipes and block them, or be detrimental to the hygiene. Therefore, the present invention provides different embodiments having different auxiliary pipe(s) and device(s) to clean (or flush) these basic pipes.

The different auxiliary pipes may further be installed with different valves, for example, a water-filling valve VI, a detergent valve VC, a blower-pipe valve VA, a suction-pipe valve VJ and a water-draining valve VO. It is noted that, the present system1may include one, some or all of the aforementioned valves. The option can be made according to a practical requirement.

The controller400is used to control the aforementioned valve(s) to be open or closed.FIG.1shows that the controller400can control the water-filling valve VI, the detergent valve VC, the blower-pipe valve VA, the suction-pipe valve VJ and the water-draining valve VO, only for example. It does not necessarily means that the controller400has to control all of the aforementioned valves. According to a practical requirement, the controller400can control one, some or all of the aforementioned valves. The controller400can be realized by an integrated circuit (IC) chip, or an electronic device with an IC chip, or a combination with the panel410, or one part of the panel410.

The panel410is used to operate the controller400and display the various data. In particular, in addition to the operations of the conventional functions of the massage bathtub, the panel410can further be used to operate the automatic pipe clean functions, for example: cleaning starting, cleaning stopping, cleaning time setting (scheduling), cleaning mode setting and stage circulating times setting, cleaning stage displaying, bathtub water level displaying, detergent volume displaying and output amount controlling. For example, the panel410may be a touch panel, or a conventional display panel combined with buttons or a keyboard.

The following description will provide several embodiments to discuss the configuration of the auxiliary pipe(s) and device(s).

Embodiment Type-1

FIG.2shows the automatic pipe clean system for massage bath equipment1according to Embodiment Type-1 of the present invention. Embodiment Type-1 has functions of automatic water-filling, controlling the internal cleaning of the pump pipe, the suction pipe and the blower pipe, and automatic water-draining. In this embodiment, the detergent has to be put into the water by the user.

The present system1structurally includes a bathtub100, a plurality of peripheral pipes and a plurality of peripheral electronically controlled devices. In particular, the present system1includes a bathtub100which includes a water-draining port103, an air-jet port104, a suction port105and a water-jet port106; a water-filling pipe110which supplies water to the bathtub100; a water-draining pipe120connected to the water-draining port103; a suction pipe310connected between a pump300and the suction port105; a pump pipe320connected between the pump300and the water-jet port106; an automatic water-filling pipe130which automatically supplies water for cleaning; a water-filling valve VI arranged in the automatic water-filling pipe130; and a controller400(of which the electric connection will be discuss later).

Optionally, the present system1further includes a blower pipe210connected between a blower200and an air-jet port104of the bathtub100.

Optionally, the present system1further includes a water-draining valve VO installed on the water-draining pipe120, wherein the automatic water-filling pipe130is connected between the water-filling pipe110and a water-filling port102of the bathtub100.

Optionally, the present system1further includes a water level sensor107arranged in the bathtub100.

Here, the controller400is used to control the aforementioned peripheral electronically controlled devices, which is electrically connected to the blower200, the pump300, the water level sensor107, the water-filling valve VI and the water-draining valve VO, and configured to:

In an (early) water-draining stage:detect the water level of the bathtub100by the water level sensor107; and determine: if the bathtub100has water, then open the water-draining valve VO to allow the water-draining pipe103to drain out the water from the bathtub100; if the bathtub100has no water, then close the water-draining valve VO to stop the water-draining pipe103to drain out the water from the bathtub100.

Even if the present system1is capable of automatic cleaning with new water, it is also possible to ignore the early water-draining stage, and clean with original water, depending on the demand of the user.

In a water-filling stage:detect a water level of the bathtub100by the water level sensor107; and determine: if the water level is lower than a normal level, then open the water-filling valve VI to allow the automatic water-filling pipe130to supply water to the bathtub100; if the water level is equal to or higher than the normal level, then close the water-filling valve VI to stop the automatic water-filling pipe130from supplying water to the bathtub100.

In a detergent stage:Mix the water in the bathtub100with a detergent. In this embodiment, the detergent has to be put into the water by the user.

In a cleaning stage:Turn on the pump300to allow the water to pass and clean the suction pipe310and the pump pipe320; and turn on and control the blower200to perform an intermittent operation to clean the blower pipe210. So-called the “intermittent operation” is an alternative operation of turning on and turning off. The detergent water may flow into the blower pipe when the blower is turned off, and the detergent water may be blown out from the blower pipe when the blower is turned on. This operation helps the water to be sufficiently mixed with the detergent, and also helps flushing the bathtub and the pipes.Optionally, in the cleaning stage, the controller400is configured to control the pump300to perform an intermittent operation.Perform another (late) water-draining stage, which is similar to the early water-draining stage, in order to drain out the water mixed with the detergent.

In a new water flushing stage after the late water-draining stage after the cleaning stage:Repeat the water-filling stage, the cleaning stage and the late water-draining stage, while no detergent step is required in the new water flushing stage. We flush the bathtub100and the relevant pipes purely with new water.

In a drying stage:Turn on the pump300to allow the water to drain out from the suction pipe310and the pump pipe320; turn on the blower200to blow dry the blower pipe210; and turn off the pump300and the blower200.

Embodiment Type-2

FIGS.3A and3Bshow the automatic pipe clean system for massage bath equipment1according to Embodiment Type-2 and its modification of the present invention. The main difference between Embodiments Type-2 and Type-1 is the presence of the relevant devices for automatic detergent adding. Embodiment Type-2 has functions of automatic detergent adding with water-filling, controlling the internal cleaning of the pump pipe, the suction pipe and the blower pipe, and automatic water-draining.

In this embodiment, the automatic water-filling pipe130includes a first node N1downstream of the water-filling valve VI.

In this embodiment, in addition to the devices in embodiment Type-1, the present system1further includes a detergent pipe150connected between a detergent container with a detergent500and the first node N1of the automatic water-filling pipe130; and a detergent valve VC installed on the detergent pipe150and electrically connected to the controller400. Wherein the water-filling port102is located on one lateral surface of the bathtub100, as shown inFIG.3A, or connected onto the suction pipe310near the suction port105, as shown inFIG.3B, or connected onto the blower pipe210near the air-jet port104.

In this embodiment, and the controller400is configured to:

Firstly, perform an early water-draining stage, the way of which may be referred to the aforementioned embodiment(s).

In a detergent stage:Open the water-filling valve VI and the detergent valve VC to allow the detergent to enter the automatic water-filling pipe130from the detergent container500through the detergent pipe150, being mixed with the water; and close the water-filling valve VI and the detergent valve VC; wherein the detergent stage is performed at least one time.

Optionally, if the detergent stage is performed more than one time, the detergent is added at least once in the previous few times.

Optionally, in the aforementioned process, the controller400may open the water-filling valve VI for a short time and then close it, so that the automatic water-filling pipe130can have a little water, and then open the detergent valve VC for a short time and then close it, so that the detergent can be mixed with the water without the water intruding into the detergent container500due to the high pressure of the water.

In a water-filling stage:Detect a water level of the bathtub100by the water level sensor107; and determine: if the water level is lower than a normal level, then open the water-filling valve VI to allow the automatic water-filling pipe130to supply water to the bathtub100; if the water level is equal to or higher than the normal level, then close the water-filling valve VI to stop the automatic water-filling pipe130from supplying water to the bathtub100.Next, perform a cleaning stage and a late water-draining stage, the ways of which may be referred to the aforementioned embodiment(s).

In a new water flushing stage after the late water-draining stage after the cleaning stage:Repeat the water-filling stage, the cleaning stage and the late water-draining stage, while no detergent step is required in the new water flushing stage. We flush the bathtub100and the relevant pipes purely with new water.

Finally, perform a drying stage, the way of which may be referred to the aforementioned embodiment(s).

Embodiment Type-3

FIG.4shows the automatic pipe clean system for massage bath equipment1according to Embodiment Type-3 of the present invention. The main difference between Embodiments Type-3 and Type-2 is the presence of the relevant devices for cleaning the blower pipe210. Embodiment Type-3 has functions of automatic detergent adding with water-filling, controlling the internal cleaning of the blower pipe, the suction pipe and the pump pipe, and automatic water-draining.

In this embodiment, in addition to the devices in Embodiments Type-1 and Type-2, the present system1further includes a blower-pipe valve VA and a blower-pipe-branch140, wherein the automatic water-filling pipe130further includes a second node N2downstream of the first node N1, the blower-pipe-branch140is connected between the blower pipe210and the second node N2of the automatic water-filling pipe130, the blower-pipe valve VA is installed on the blower-pipe-branch140and electrically connected to the controller400.

In this embodiment, and the controller400is configured to:Firstly, perform an early water-draining stage, the way of which may be referred to the aforementioned embodiment(s).

In a detergent stage:Open the blower-pipe valve VA, the water-filling valve VI and the detergent valve VC to allow the detergent to enter the automatic water-filling pipe130from the detergent container500through the detergent pipe150, being mixed with the water, flowing into the blower pipe210and the bathtub; and close the blower-pipe valve VA, the water-filling valve VI and the detergent valve VC; wherein the detergent stage is performed at least one time.

The number of performing of the detergent stage and the solution of the high water pressure problem may be referred to the aforementioned embodiment(s).

In a water-filling stage:detect a water level of the bathtub100by the water level sensor107; and determine: if the water level is lower than a normal level, then open the blower-pipe valve VA and the water-filling valve VI to allow water to enter the automatic water-filling pipe130and the blower pipe210and then into the bathtub100; if the water level is equal to or higher than the normal level, then close the blower-pipe valve VA and the water-filling valve VI to stop the automatic water-filling pipe130from supplying water to the bathtub100.

Next, perform a cleaning stage and late water-draining stage, the way of which may be referred to the aforementioned embodiment(s).

In a new water flushing stage after the late water-draining stage after the cleaning stage:Repeat the water-filling stage, the cleaning stage and the late water-draining stage, while no detergent step is required in the new water flushing stage. We flush the bathtub100and the relevant pipes purely with new water.

Finally, perform a drying stage, the way of which may be referred to the aforementioned embodiment(s).

Embodiment Type-4

FIG.5shows the automatic pipe clean system for massage bath equipment1according to Embodiment Type-4 of the present invention. The main difference between Embodiments Type-4 and Type-3 is that the water-filling pipe110is not directly connected to the bathtub100, but a suction-pipe-branch TP is added to supply water to the suction pipe310, and the water-draining valve VO and the water level sensor107are both removed. Embodiment Type-4 has functions of automatic detergent adding for and controlling the internal cleaning of the blower pipe, the suction pipe and the pump pipe.

In this embodiment, the automatic water-filling pipe130is connected to a suction-pipe-branch TP from the water-filling pipe110through the water-filling valve VI and includes an upstream node N3and a downstream node N4both downstream of water-filling valve VI, the suction-pipe-branch TP is connected between the suction pipe and one terminal of the automatic water-filling pipe130near the downstream node N4.

In this embodiment, in addition to the devices in embodiment Type-1, the present system1further includes a suction-pipe valve VJ installed on the suction-pipe-branch TP and near the suction pipe310; a detergent pipe150connected between a detergent container with a detergent500and the upstream node N3of the automatic water-filling pipe130; a detergent valve VC installed on the detergent pipe150; and a blower-pipe-branch140connected between a blower pipe210and the downstream node N4of the automatic water-filling pipe130, and a blower-pipe valve VA installed on the blower-pipe-branch140.

In this embodiment, the controller400is electrically connected to the water-filling valve VI, the suction-pipe valve VJ, the detergent valve VC and the blower-pipe valve VA, and the controller400is configured to:

In a detergent stage:Control the pump300to perform an intermittent operation; open the blower-pipe valve VA, the suction-pipe valve VJ, the water-filling valve VI and the detergent valve VC to allow the detergent to enter the automatic water-filling pipe130from the detergent container500through the detergent pipe150, being mixed with the water, flowing into the blower pipe210and the suction pipe310; and close the blower-pipe valve VA, the suction-pipe valve VJ, the water-filling valve VI and the detergent valve VC; wherein the detergent stage is performed at least one time.

The number of performing of the detergent stage and the solution of the high water pressure problem may be referred to the aforementioned embodiment(s).

In a cleaning stage:turn on and control the pump300and the blower200to perform an intermittent operation; open the blower-pipe valve VA, the suction-pipe valve VJ and the water-filling valve VI to allow the water mixed with the detergent to enter the blower pipe210, the suction pipe310and the pump pipe320; and turn off the pump300, the blower200, and close the blower-pipe valve VA, the suction-pipe valve VJ and the water-filling valve VI.

In a new water flushing stage after the cleaning stage:Repeat the cleaning stage, while no detergent step is required in the new water flushing stage. We flush the relevant pipes purely with new water.

Finally, perform a drying stage, the way of which may be referred to the aforementioned embodiment(s).

Embodiment Type-5

FIG.6shows the automatic pipe clean system for massage bath equipment1according to Embodiment Type-5 of the present invention. The main difference between Embodiments Type-5 and Type-4 is that Embodiment Type 5 is provided with a water-draining valve VO for water-draining, a water level sensor107for detecting the water level in the bathtub. Embodiment Type-5 is completely automatic for cleaning, and has functions of automatic detergent adding for and controlling the internal cleaning of the pump pipe, the suction pipe and blower pipe, and automatic water-draining.

In this embodiment, in addition to the devices in Embodiments Type-1 and Type-4, the present system1further includes a water-draining valve VO installed on the water-draining pipe120; and a water level sensor107arranged in the bathtub100.

In this embodiment, the controller400is electrically connected to the water level sensor107, the water-draining valve VO, the water-filling valve VI, the suction-pipe valve VJ, the detergent valve VC and the blower-pipe valve VA, and configured to:

In an (early) water-draining stage:Detect the water level of the bathtub100by the water level sensor107; and determine: if the bathtub100has water, then open the water-draining valve VO to allow the water-draining pipe120to drain out the water from the bathtub100; if the bathtub100has no water, then close the water-draining valve VO to stop the water-draining pipe120from draining out the water from the bathtub100.

In a detergent stage:Control the pump300to perform an intermittent operation; open the blower-pipe valve VA, the suction-pipe valve VJ, the water-filling valve VI and the detergent valve VC to allow the detergent to enter the automatic water-filling pipe130from the detergent container500through the detergent pipe150, being mixed with the water, flowing into the blower pipe210and the suction pipe310; and close the blower-pipe valve VA, the suction-pipe valve VJ, the water-filling valve VI and the detergent valve VC; wherein the detergent stage is performed at least one time.

The number of performing of the detergent stage and the solution of the high water pressure problem may be referred to the aforementioned embodiment(s).

In a water-filling stage:Detect a water level of the bathtub100by the water level sensor107; and determine: if the water level is lower than a normal level, then open the water-filling valve VI, the blower-pipe valve VA and the suction-pipe valve VJ to allow the automatic water-filling pipe130to supply water to the bathtub100through the blower pipe210and the suction-pipe-branch TP; if the water level is equal to or higher than the normal level, then close the water-filling valve VI, the blower-pipe valve VA and the suction-pipe valve VJ to stop the automatic water-filling pipe130from supplying water to the bathtub100.

In a water-filling type cleaning stage:Turn on and control the pump300to perform an intermittent operation to allow the water to pass and clean the suction pipe310and the pump pipe320; turn on and control the blower200to perform an intermittent operation to clean blower pipe210.

After the cleaning is complete, perform another (late) water-draining stage:Detect the water level of the bathtub100by the water level sensor107; determine: if the bathtub100has water, then open the water-draining valve VO to allow the water-draining pipe120to drain out the water from the bathtub100; and if the bathtub100has no water, then close the water-draining valve VO to stop the water-draining pipe120to drain out the water from the bathtub100.

In a new water flushing stage:Turn on and control the pump300and the blower200to perform an intermittent operation; open the water-draining valve VO, the blower-pipe valve VA, the suction-pipe valve VJ and the water-filling valve VI to allow new water to enter the blower pipe210, the suction pipe310and the pump pipe320; and turn off the pump300, the blower200, the water-draining valve VO, the blower-pipe valve VA, the suction-pipe valve VJ and the water-filling valve VI. We flush the relevant pipes purely with new water.

Finally, perform a drying stage, the way of which may be referred to the aforementioned embodiment(s).

Embodiment Type-6-1

FIG.7shows the automatic pipe clean system for massage bath equipment1according to Embodiment Type-6-1 of the present invention. Embodiment Type-6-1 is modified based on Embodiment Type-1, while it may also be referred to Embodiment Type-5. The main difference between Embodiments Type-6-1 and Type-5 is that the absence of the suction-pipe valve VJ and the relevant devices for automatic water-draining. Embodiment Type-6-1 has functions of automatic detergent adding for and controlling the internal cleaning of the blower pipe, the suction pipe and the pump pipe.

In this embodiment, the automatic water-filling pipe130is connected to a suction-pipe-branch TP from the water-filling pipe110through the water-filling valve VI, and includes an upstream node N3and a downstream node N4both downstream of the water-filling valve VI, the suction-pipe-branch TP is connected between the suction pipe310and one terminal of the automatic water-filling pipe130near the downstream node N4.

In this embodiment, in addition to the devices in Embodiment Type-1, the present system1further includes a detergent pipe150connected between a detergent container with a detergent500and the upstream node N3of the automatic water-filling pipe130; a detergent valve VC installed on the detergent pipe150; a blower-pipe-branch140connected between a blower pipe210and the downstream node N4of the automatic water-filling pipe130, a blower-pipe valve VA installed on the blower-pipe-branch140.

In this embodiment, the controller400is electrically connected to the water-filling valve VI, the detergent valve VC and the blower-pipe valve VA, and configured to:

In a detergent stage:Open the water-filling valve VI, the detergent valve VC and the blower-pipe valve VA to allow the detergent to enter the automatic water-filling pipe130through the detergent pipe150, being mixed with the water, then flowing into the blower pipe210and the suction pipe310; and close the water-filling valve VI, the detergent valve VC and the blower-pipe valve VA; wherein the detergent stage is performed at least one time.

The number of performing of the detergent stage and the solution of the high water pressure problem may be referred to the aforementioned embodiment(s).

In the cleaning stage:Open the water-filling valve VI and the blower-pipe valve VA; control the blower200and the pump300to perform an intermittent operation to allow the water mixed with the detergent to flow into both the blower-pipe-branch140and the suction-pipe-branch TP to clean the blower pipe210, the suction pipe310and the pump pipe320; and turn off the blower200, the pump300, and close the water-filling valve VI and the blower-pipe valve VA.

Next, perform a new water flushing stage and a drying stage, the way of which may be referred to the aforementioned embodiment(s).

Embodiment Type-6-2

FIG.8shows the automatic pipe clean system for massage bath equipment1according to Embodiment Type-6-2 of the present invention. The main difference between Embodiments Type-6-2 and Type-6-1 is the presence of the relevant device(s) for automatic water-draining Embodiment Type-6-2 has functions of automatic detergent adding for and controlling the internal cleaning of the blower pipe, the suction pipe and the pump pipe and automatic water-draining.

In this embodiment, in addition to the devices in embodiments Type-1 and Type-6-1, the present system1further includes a water-draining valve VO installed on the water-draining pipe120and electrically connected to the controller400; and a water level sensor107arranged in the bathtub100and electrically connected to the controller400.

In this embodiment, and the controller400is configured to:

In an (early) water-draining stage before the cleaning stage:detect the water level of the bathtub100by the water level sensor107; and determine: if the bathtub100has water, then open the water-draining valve VO to allow the water-draining pipe to drain out the water from the bathtub100; if the bathtub100has no water, then close the water-draining valve VO to stop the water-draining pipe to drain out the water from the bathtub100.

Next, perform a detergent stage and cleaning stage, the way of which may be referred to the aforementioned embodiment(s).

In the cleaning stage:Open the water-draining valve VO simultaneously with or earlier/later than the water-filling valve VI and the blower-pipe valve VA.

After the cleaning stage:Close the water-draining valve VO simultaneously with or after the closing of the water-filling valve VI and the blower-pipe valve VA.

Next, perform another (late) water-draining stage and a drying stage, the way of which may be referred to the aforementioned embodiment(s).

Embodiment Type-7-Basic

FIG.9shows the automatic pipe clean system for massage bath equipment1according to Embodiment Type-7-Basic of the present invention. Embodiment Type-7-Basic performs the cleaning with original water mixed with a detergent, and has a function of the water-draining alarm. In this embodiment, the user has to pull off the plug of the bathtub manually to drain out the water.

The present system1structurally includes a bathtub100, a plurality of peripheral pipes and a plurality of peripheral electronically controlled devices. In particular, the present system1structurally includes a bathtub100which includes a water-draining port103, a suction port105and a water-jet port106; a water-draining pipe120connected to the water-draining port103; a suction pipe310connected between a pump300and the suction port105; a pump pipe320connected between the pump300and the water-jet port106; a detergent pipe150connected between a detergent container with a detergent500and the suction pipe310; a detergent valve VC installed on the detergent pipe150; and a controller400(of which the electric connection will be discuss later).

Optionally, the present system1further includes a blower pipe210connected between a blower200and an air-jet port104of the bathtub.

Optionally, the present system1further includes an alarm device, preferably using the panel410directly, which provides a sound or an image to notify a user to drain out the water from the bathtub100manually when the detergent cleaning stage is complete.

Here, the controller400is used to control the aforementioned peripheral electronically controlled devices, which is electrically connected to the blower200, the pump300, the alarm device410and the detergent valve VC, and configured to:

In a detergent cleaning stage:Turn on the pump300for a preset time interval, and then turn off the pump300; open the detergent valve VC to allow the detergent to enter the suction pipe310from the detergent container500, being mixed with a circulating water, flowing into the bathtub100through the pump pipe320and the water-jet port106; close the detergent valve VC; turn on the pump300to circulate the water in the bathtub100to clean the suction pipe310and the pump pipe320; turn on and control the blower200to perform an intermittent operation to clean the blower pipe210, and drain out the water after the cleaning is complete; wherein the detergent adding is performed at least one time.

Optionally, if the detergent stage is performed more than one time, the detergent is added at least once in the previous few times.

FIG.10shows that the detergent is added into the suction pipe310by the residual suction force provided by the pump300. As shown inFIG.10in the present invention, in the “pump turning on” stage, the strength of the suction force is larger. In the “pump turning off” stage, the strength of the residual suction force decease gradually, and at this time, the detergent valve VC may be open to allow the detergent to enter the suction pipe310from the detergent container500. Time intervals T1, T2and T3represent the three different opening times when the detergent valve VC is open, by which the output amount of the detergent can be adjusted. The detergent is preferably to be add in the “pump turning off” stage, in order to avoid the detergent suddenly running off due to strong suction force provided by the pump.

Embodiment Type-7-Complete

FIG.11shows the automatic pipe clean system for massage bath equipment1according to Embodiment Type-7-Complete of the present invention. The main difference between Embodiments Type-7-Complete and Type-7-Basic is the presence of the relevant devices for automatic water-draining and the removal of the alarm device. Embodiment Type-7-Complete performs the cleaning with original water mixed with a detergent, and has a function of automatic water-draining.

In this embodiment, in addition to the devices in embodiment Type-7-Basic, the present system1further includes a water-draining valve VO installed on the water-draining pipe120and electrically connected to the controller400; and a water level sensor107arranged in the bathtub100and electrically connected to the controller400.

In this embodiment, the controller is configured to:

In a water-draining stage after the detergent cleaning stage:Detect the water level of the bathtub100by the water level sensor107; and determine: if the bathtub100has water, then open the water-draining valve VO to allow the water-draining pipe to drain out the water from the bathtub100.

In a drying stage after the water-draining stage:Turn on the pump300to allow the water to drain out from the suction pipe310and the pump pipe320; and turn on the blower200, to blow dry the blower pipe210; and turn off the pump300and the blower200.

Embodiment Type-8

FIG.12shows the automatic pipe clean system for massage bath equipment1according to Embodiment Type-8 of the present invention. The main difference between Embodiments Type-8 and Type-7-Complete is the presence of the relevant devices for strengthened cleaning the blower pipe210. Embodiment Type-8 performs the cleaning with original water mixed with a detergent, and has a function of strengthening the internal cleaning of the blower pipe especially.

In this embodiment, in addition to the devices in embodiment Type-7-Basic and Complete, the present system1further includes a blower-pipe-branch140connected between the blower pipe210and the water-filling pipe110; a blower-pipe valve VA installed on the blower-pipe-branch140and electrically connected to the controller400.

In this embodiment, and the controller400is configured to:

In new water flushing stage after the detergent cleaning stage and the water-draining stage:Turn on and control the blower200to perform an intermittent operation; open the water-draining valve VO, intermittently open the blower-pipe valve VA to allow the water to enter the blower pipe210from the blower-pipe-branch140; close the water-draining valve VO and the blower-pipe valve VA; wherein the new water flushing stage is performed at least one time.

Embodiment Type-9

FIG.13shows the automatic pipe clean system for massage bath equipment1according to Embodiment Type-9 of the present invention. Embodiment Type-9 has functions of automatic detergent adding for and controlling the internal strengthened cleaning of the blower pipe and automatic water-draining.

The present system1structurally includes a bathtub100, a plurality of peripheral pipes and a plurality of peripheral electronically controlled devices. In particular, the present system1includes a bathtub100which includes a water-draining port103, an air-jet port104, a suction port105and a water-jet port106; a water-filling pipe110which supplies water to the bathtub100; a water-draining pipe120connected to the water-draining port103; a blower pipe210connected between a blower200and the air-jet port104; a suction pipe310connected between a pump300and the suction port105; a pump pipe320connected between the pump300and the water-jet port106; an automatic water-filling pipe130connected to a blower-pipe-branch140from the water-filling pipe110through a water-filling valve VI and including an upstream node N3and a downstream node N4both downstream of the water-filling valve VI, the blower-pipe-branch140connected between the blower pipe210and the downstream node N4of the automatic water-filling pipe130; a blower-pipe valve VA installed on the blower-pipe-branch140; a detergent pipe150connected between a detergent container500and the upstream node N3of the automatic water-filling pipe130; a detergent valve VC installed on the detergent pipe150; a water-draining valve VO installed on the water-draining pipe120; a water level sensor107arranged in the bathtub100; and a controller400, electrically connected to the water level sensor107, the water-filling valve VI, the detergent valve VC, the blower-pipe valve VA and the water-draining valve VO.

Here, the controller400is used to control the aforementioned peripheral electronically controlled devices.

In so-called a “blower-pipe water-filling with detergent” operation, the controller400is configured to:

In a detergent stage:Open the blower-pipe valve VA and the water-filling valve VI to allow water to enter the blower-pipe-branch140; open the detergent valve VC to allow the detergent from the detergent container500to enter the automatic water-filling pipe130through the detergent pipe150, being mixed with the water; close the water-filling valve VI, the blower-pipe valve VA and the detergent valve VC; wherein the detergent stage is performed at least one time.

In so-called an “original water type” operation, the controller400is configured to: if the detergent stage is performed more than one time, the detergent is added at least once in the previous few times; while in the following cleaning stage, the bathtub100has original water.

In so-called a “new water type” operation, the controller400is configured to: before the cleaning stage: detect a water level of the bathtub100by the water level sensor107; determine: if the water level is lower than a normal level, then open the water-filling valve VI and the blower-pipe valve VA to allow the automatic water-filling pipe130to supply water to the bathtub through the blower-pipe-branch140; if the water level is equal to or higher than the normal level, then close the water-filling valve VI and the blower-pipe valve VA to stop the automatic water-filling pipe130from supplying water to the bathtub100; wherein if the detergent stage is performed more than one time, the detergent is added at least once in the previous few times.

In a cleaning stage:Turn on the blower200to perform an intermittent operation; open the blower-pipe valve VA and the water-filling valve VI to allow the water mixed with the detergent pass and clean the blower-pipe-branch140and the blower pipe210, being mixed with the water in the bathtub100; close the water-filling valve VI; turn on the pump300to allow the water mixed with the detergent pass and clean the suction pipe310and the pump pipe320; turn off the blower200and the pump300; open the water-draining valve VO to allow the water-draining pipe to drain out the water from the bathtub100; close the water-draining valve VO.

In a new water flushing stage:Open the water-filling valve VI and the blower-pipe valve VA to allow the automatic water-filling pipe130to supply water to the bathtub100through the blower-pipe-branch140; detect a water level of the bathtub100by the water level sensor107, determine: if the water level is equal to or higher than a normal level, then close the water-filling valve VI and the blower-pipe valve VA to stop the automatic water-filling pipe130from supplying water to the bathtub100; turn on the pump300to circulate the water in the bathtub; turn on the blower200to perform an intermittent operation; turn off the pump300and the blower200; open the water-draining valve VO to allow the water-draining pipe to drain out the water from the bathtub100; and close the water-draining valve VO.

In a drying stage:Turn on the pump300to allow the water to drain out from the suction pipe310and the pump pipe320, turn on the blower200to blow dry the blower pipe210; and turn off the pump300and the blower200.

Therefore, the functions and the valves in the aforementioned embodiments can be arranged in Table 1.

TABLE 1Em-bodi-mentFunction(s)VIVCVAVJVOType-1automatic water-filling,◯XXX◯controlling the internal cleaningof the pump pipe, the suction pipeand the blower pipe, andautomatic water-drainingType-2automatic detergent adding with◯◯XX◯water-filling, controlling theinternal cleaning of the pumppipe, the suction pipe and theblower pipe, and automaticwater-drainingType-3automatic detergent adding with◯◯◯X◯water-filling, controlling theinternal cleaning of the blowerpipe, the suction pipe and thepump pipe, and automaticwater-drainingType-4automatic detergent adding for◯◯◯◯Xand controlling the internalcleaning of the pump pipe, thesuction pipe and the blower pipeType-5completely automatic (automatic◯◯◯◯◯detergent adding for andcontrolling the internal cleaningof the pump pipe, the suction pipeand blower pipe, and automaticwater-draining)Typeautomatic detergent adding for◯◯◯XX6-1and controlling the internalcleaning of the blower pipe, thesuction pipe and the pump pipeTypeautomatic detergent adding for◯◯◯X◯6-2and controlling the internalcleaning of the blower pipe, thesuction pipe and the pump pipe,and automatic water-drainingType-7original water mixed with aX◯XXXBasicdetergent, controlling the internalstrengthened cleaning of theblower pipe, and water-drainingalarmType-7original water mixed with aX◯XX◯Com-detergent, controlling the internalpletestrengthened cleaning of theblower pipe, and automaticwater-drainingType-8original water mixed with aX◯◯X◯detergent and controlling theinternal strengthened cleaning ofthe blower pipeType-9automatic detergent adding for◯◯◯X◯and controlling the internalstrengthened cleaning of theblower pipe and automaticwater-draining

For the valves VI, VC, VA, VJ and VO, “0” means that the embodiment has the valve(s), and “X” means that the embodiment does not have the valve(s).

Embodiments Type-1, Type-2, Type-3, Type-4, Type-5, Type-6-1 and Type-6-2 can be the new water type. Embodiments Type-7-Basic, Type-7-Complete and Type-8 can be the original water type. Embodiment Type-9 can be the mix type.

In light of above, the present invention has conceive various cleaning ways for the basic pipe(s) of the massage bathtub, including the original water type, the new water type and the mix type, categorized by the water sources. The cleaning can also be performed by the water-filling type or the water-spray type, categorized by the water routes, flushing by new water, and drying by the blower and the pump. According to these types, the operations of the pipes, their valves, the blower and the pump can be determined.

Therefore, the present invention makes it possible to automatically clean the massage bathtub. It saves time and labor, and can clean the deep part of the pipes and, of course, clean the water-draining port, the air-jet port, the suction port and the water-jet port of the bathtub which is connected to the tubes, and thus avoid their blocking, also improve the health and the safety for the user. It has significant effects.

Although the present invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.