Spray arm assembly and washing appliance having the same

Abstract

The present invention discloses a spray arm assembly and a washing machine having the same. The spray arm assembly includes a spray arm, a spray arm seat and a ball assembly, wherein the spray arm is connected to the spray arm seat and is rotatable relative to the spray arm seat, and the ball assembly is arranged at the connection and cooperation between the spray arm and the spray arm seat. According to the spray arm assembly of the present invention, by arranging the spray arm seat, a connection interface is provided for the spray arm, and it also serves as a water inlet pipe of the spray arm. By arranging the ball assembly, the spray arm and the spray arm seat are in rolling contact, thereby reducing the friction between the spray arm and the spray arm seat, which is beneficial to reducing the loss of water power, improving the utilization rate of water power, ensuring that the pressure of water when spraying out from the water spray hole of the spray arm is relatively large, which is beneficial to improving the cleaning effect of the washing machine on the parts to be cleaned. At the same time, the connection between the spray arm and the spray arm seat through the ball assembly can effectively reduce the height of the spray arm assembly, thereby saving the internal space of the washing machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular to a spray arm assembly and a washing appliance having the same. Background Art

[0002] The main way to connect the spray arm to the spray arm seat is through a snap-fit ​​connection with a snap-fit ​​flange, but this connection method will result in a larger gap between the spray arm and the spray arm seat. When the washing appliance is working, the water in the spray arm is easy to leak through the gap, affecting the cleaning effect. In addition, when the spray arm and the spray arm seat produce relative motion, the friction between the two is sliding friction, so the loss of water power is relatively large. On the other hand, the snap-fit ​​connection method directly leads to a larger upper and lower height dimension of the spray arm seat and the spray arm, which wastes the inner tank space of the washing appliance and reduces the placement space of the parts to be cleaned inside the washing appliance. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the above technical problems in the prior art to a certain extent. To this end, the present invention provides a spray arm assembly that can reduce the friction between the spray arm and the spray arm seat.

[0004] The present invention also provides a washing appliance having the spray arm assembly.

[0005] The spray arm assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a spray arm, a spray arm seat and a ball assembly, wherein the spray arm is connected to the spray arm seat and is rotatable relative to the spray arm seat, and the ball assembly is arranged at the connection between the spray arm and the spray arm seat.

[0006] The spray arm assembly according to the present invention provides a connection interface for the spray arm by arranging a spray arm seat, and the spray arm seat also serves as a water inlet pipe of the spray arm. By arranging a ball assembly between the spray arm and the spray arm seat, the spray arm and the spray arm seat are in rolling contact, thereby reducing the friction between the spray arm and the spray arm seat, which is beneficial to reducing the water power loss, improving the utilization rate of the water power, and ensuring that the pressure of water sprayed from the water spray hole of the spray arm is relatively high, which is beneficial to improving the cleaning effect of the washing appliance on the parts to be cleaned. At the same time, the connection between the spray arm and the spray arm seat through the ball can effectively reduce the height of the water inlet of the spray arm, thereby saving the internal space of the washing appliance.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the ball assembly comprises at least: a plurality of balls, and the plurality of balls are rollably engaged between the spray arm and the spray arm seat.

[0008] Furthermore, the ball assembly also includes: a sleeve, a plurality of ball holes are provided on the sleeve, the balls are installed in the ball holes, and the balls protrude from the inner circumference and the outer circumference of the sleeve in the radial direction of the sleeve.

[0009] Optionally, in the direction of the central axis of the sleeve, the ball bearing hole is located in the middle of the sleeve, and the plurality of ball bearing holes are evenly arranged along the circumference of the sleeve.

[0010] Optionally, in the direction of the central axis of the sleeve, the ball hole is located at the top or bottom of the sleeve, the ball hole is a major arc hole, and a ball taking and releasing port is formed at the notch of the major arc hole.

[0011] Furthermore, a weakened groove is provided between two adjacent ball holes.

[0012] Furthermore, a weakening groove column is arranged in the weakening groove.

[0013] Furthermore, the spray arm comprises: a spray arm body and a spray arm connecting sleeve, the spray arm connecting sleeve is arranged on the lower side of the spray arm body, the spray arm connecting sleeve has a spray arm chamber connected to the spray arm body, and the spray arm seat has a spray arm seat chamber connected to the spray arm chamber.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the spray arm connecting sleeve is at least partially arranged in the spray arm seat, and a spray arm ball groove suitable for cooperating with the ball is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the spray arm connecting sleeve, and a spray arm seat ball groove suitable for cooperating with the ball is arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the spray arm seat.

[0015] Furthermore, the spray arm seat includes: a spray arm seat water inlet shaft, a spray arm seat peripheral wall, and a spray arm seat annular wall arranged between the spray arm seat water inlet shaft and the spray arm seat peripheral wall, the spray arm seat peripheral wall is arranged above the spray arm seat annular wall, the spray arm seat water inlet shaft is arranged below the spray arm seat annular wall, and the spray arm seat ball groove is arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the spray arm seat peripheral wall.

[0016] Optionally, the inner diameter of the water inlet shaft of the spray arm seat is equal to the inner diameter of the spray arm connecting sleeve.

[0017] Specifically, a spray arm seat top wall extending radially inwardly along the spray arm seat peripheral wall is provided at the top of the spray arm seat peripheral wall, and a gap between the upper surface of the spray arm seat top wall and the lower surface of the spray arm body is L1, and L1 satisfies the relationship: 0mm<L1≤0.5mm.

[0018] Optionally, a gap between an inner circumferential surface of the top wall of the spray arm seat and an outer circumferential surface of the sleeve is L2, and L2 satisfies the relationship: 0mm<L2≤0.5mm.

[0019] Optionally, a gap between an upper surface of the spray arm seat ring wall and a lower surface of the spray arm connecting sleeve is L3, and L3 satisfies the relationship: 0mm<L3≤0.5mm.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the spray arm seat is at least partially disposed within the spray arm connecting sleeve, a spray arm ball groove suitable for cooperating with the ball is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the spray arm connecting sleeve, and a spray arm seat ball groove suitable for cooperating with the ball is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the spray arm seat.

[0021] Optionally, a spray arm flange is provided on the inner side of the spray arm connecting sleeve, and a gap between an upper surface of the spray arm seat and a lower surface of the spray arm flange is L4, and L4 satisfies the relationship: 0mm<L4≤0.5mm.

[0022] Specifically, a spray arm water inlet hole is formed on the spray arm flange, and the spray arm seat has a spray arm seat water inlet hole, and the inner diameter of the spray arm seat water inlet hole is equal to the inner diameter of the spray arm water inlet hole.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the present invention, in the direction of the central axis of the spray arm connecting sleeve, the positions of the spray arm ball groove, the spray arm seat ball groove, and the ball hole correspond to each other, and the spray arm ball groove and the spray arm seat ball groove are both circumferential annular grooves.

[0024] A washing appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the above-mentioned spray arm assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a spray arm assembly;

[0026] Figure 2 is a left side view of a first embodiment of a spray arm assembly;

[0027] Figure 3 is a bottom view of a first embodiment of a spray arm assembly;

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 AA section view;

[0029] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A partial enlarged view of point C;

[0030] Figure 6 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of a spray arm assembly;

[0031] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a spray arm seat of a first embodiment of a spray arm assembly;

[0032] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a spray arm assembly;

[0033] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A partial enlarged view of point B;

[0034] Fig.10 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of a spray arm assembly;

[0035] Fig.11 It is a schematic diagram of the ball hole being set on the top of the sleeve;

[0036] Fig.12 It is a schematic diagram of the ball hole being arranged at the bottom of the sleeve.

[0037] Reference numerals:

[0038] Spray arm assembly 1000, spray arm 100, spray arm body 110, spray arm connecting sleeve 120, spray arm ball groove 121, spray arm chamber 130, spray arm flange 111, spray arm water inlet hole 112, spray arm seat water inlet hole 201, spray arm seat 200, spray arm seat ball groove 210, spray arm seat water inlet shaft 220, spray arm seat annular wall 230, spray arm seat peripheral wall 240, spray arm seat top wall 250, spray arm seat chamber 260, ball assembly 300, sleeve 310, ball hole 311, ball access port 312, weakened groove 313, weakened groove column 314, ball 320. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to be used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0040] In the description of the present invention, it is necessary to understand that the terms "length", "width", "up", "down", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0041] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0042] Combine the following Figure 1-Figure 12The spray arm assembly 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described in detail. The spray arm assembly 1000 can be used in a washing appliance. The structure of the spray arm assembly 1000 is described below by taking the application of the spray arm assembly 1000 in a dishwasher as an example.

[0043] Reference Figure 3-Figure 6 , Figure 8-Figure 10 As shown, the spray arm assembly 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include: a spray arm 100 , a spray arm seat 200 and a ball assembly 300 .

[0044] Combination Figure 1-Figure 2 As shown, the spray arm 100 is connected to the spray arm seat 200, and the spray arm seat 200 is located below the spray arm 100, and the spray arm 100 is rotatable relative to the spray arm seat 200. By setting the spray arm seat 200, a connection interface is provided for the spray arm 100. At the same time, after the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200 are connected as one, the spray arm seat 200 can also serve as a water inlet pipe for the spray arm 100. When the water source of the dishwasher is connected, water flows from the spray arm seat 200 into the spray arm 100. In some embodiments, the spray arm 100 is provided with a water spray hole and a driving hole. When the water pressure in the spray arm 100 reaches a certain value, the spray arm 100 starts to spray water columns through the water spray hole and the driving hole. The spray arm 100 rotates due to the reaction force when the water column is sprayed out. As the water column is continuously sprayed out from the water spray hole and the driving hole, the spray arm 100 can rotate continuously. The water column sprayed from the water spray hole and the driving hole will be sprinkled on the surface of the tableware or the inner wall of the dishwasher as the spray arm 100 rotates, and then the stains on the tableware or the inner wall of the dishwasher are cleaned, thereby completing the dishwasher's cleaning work on the tableware. The direction and position of the water column sprayed onto the tableware by the spray arm 100 are multi-directional, which reduces dead corners and makes it easier to clean. Since the water flow has a large coverage rate, the cleaning time will also be reduced accordingly, which is conducive to shortening the cleaning time.

[0045] like Figure 4 , Figure 7 , Fig.10 As shown, the ball assembly 300 is arranged at the connection between the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200. The spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200 are indirectly connected through the ball assembly 300. The structure of the connection between the spray arm 100, the spray arm seat 200 and the ball assembly 300 is simple and stable.

[0046] By providing the ball assembly 300, when the spray arm 100 rotates relative to the spray arm seat 200, the friction between the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200 is in the form of rolling friction, rather than the previous sliding friction. Thus, the rolling friction has little resistance to the rotation of the spray arm 100, thereby reducing the loss of water power caused by friction and improving the utilization rate of water power. At the same time, the spray arm 100 rotates at a faster speed relative to the spray arm seat 200, so by providing the ball assembly 300, it is helpful to improve the smoothness of the spray arm 100 when rotating, thereby helping to reduce the noise of the dishwasher.

[0047] In addition, the ball assembly 300 is arranged between the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200, and the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200 are cleverly connected as a whole. Compared with the original form of the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200 being connected by a snap-fit, the height of the connection between the spray arm seat 200 and the spray arm 100 can be effectively reduced, thereby reducing the height dimension of the spray arm assembly 1000, saving the internal space of the dishwasher, leaving more space for the placement of tableware, and thereby increasing the tableware capacity of the dishwasher. For example, the internal loading capacity of the dishwasher can be increased by 10mm-40mm.

[0048] According to the spray arm assembly 1000 of the embodiment of the present invention, by setting the spray arm seat 200, a connection interface is provided for the spray arm 100, and the spray arm seat 200 also serves as the water inlet pipe of the spray arm 100. By setting the ball assembly 300 between the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200, the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200 are in rolling contact, thereby reducing the friction between the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200, thereby reducing the loss of water power, improving the utilization rate of water power, ensuring that the pressure of water when spraying out from the water spray hole of the spray arm 100 is relatively large, and improving the cleaning effect of the dishwasher on tableware. At the same time, the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200 are connected by the ball assembly 300, which can effectively reduce the height of the spray arm assembly 1000, thereby saving the internal space of the dishwasher, leaving more space for the placement of tableware, and improving the tableware capacity of the dishwasher.

[0049] refer to Figure 6 , Fig.10 As shown, the ball assembly 300 may include: a sleeve 310 and a ball 320. When the spray arm 100 rotates relative to the spray arm seat 200, the ball 320 converts the friction between the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200 into rolling friction, thereby ensuring that the friction force when the spray arm 100 rotates relative to the spray arm seat 200 is small, and the smoothness of the spray arm 100 when rotating can be improved.

[0050] In a specific embodiment, there are multiple balls 320, and the multiple balls 320 can be evenly distributed along the circumference of the sleeve 310, thereby improving the smoothness of the rotation of the spray arm 100. Preferably, the number of balls 320 is an even number, thereby ensuring that the ball assembly 300 is balanced in force and relieving stress concentration.

[0051] Optionally, the diameter of the ball 320 is 3 mm to 8 mm, and the number of the ball 320 is 4 to 12. The ball 320 may be a plastic ball or a stainless steel ball, because the working environment of the spray arm assembly 1000 is full of water, and the spray arm assembly 1000 is in a hot and humid environment for a long time, which may easily cause the ball 320 to rust and get stuck. The plastic ball or the stainless steel ball has a strong anti-corrosion ability, which can effectively slow down or even prevent the ball 320 from rusting.

[0052] The sleeve 310 is provided with a plurality of ball holes 311, in which the balls 320 are rotatably mounted, and the ball holes 311 provide support for fixing the balls 320, thereby ensuring that the relative positions of the plurality of balls 320 remain unchanged, and preventing collision and extrusion between the plurality of balls 320, thereby improving the working stability of the ball assembly 300, and further improving the smoothness of the rotation of the spray arm 100. Optionally, the number of the balls 320 is the same as the number of the ball holes 311.

[0053] The ball 320 protrudes from the inner and outer circumferences of the sleeve 310 in the radial direction of the sleeve 310, that is, the diameter of the ball 320 is greater than the wall thickness of the sleeve 310, and only the middle part of the ball 320 is installed in the sleeve 310. The inner side of the ball 320 protrudes inward from the inner circumference of the sleeve 310, and the outer side of the ball 320 protrudes outward from the outer circumference of the sleeve 310. The ball 320 is in rolling contact with the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200, and the ball 320 provides support for the connection between the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200. When the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200 rotate relative to each other, the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200 are in contact through the ball 320, so there is rolling friction between the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200.

[0054] refer to Figure 6 , Fig.10 As shown, in the direction of the central axis of the sleeve 310, the ball hole 311 is located in the middle of the sleeve 310, and the multiple ball holes 311 are evenly arranged along the circumference of the sleeve 310. Therefore, after the ball 320 is matched and connected with the ball hole 311, the ball 320 is evenly distributed on the middle cross-sectional circle of the sleeve 310, ensuring that the force point of the ball assembly 300 when working is located on the middle cross-sectional circle of the ball assembly 300, thereby ensuring the working stability and reliability of the ball assembly 300.

[0055] refer to Figure 6 , Fig.10As shown, the spray arm 100 may include: a spray arm body 110 and a spray arm connecting sleeve 120. The spray arm connecting sleeve 120 is arranged on the lower side of the spray arm body 110. By setting the spray arm connecting sleeve 120, it is convenient to connect the spray arm 100 with the spray arm seat 200, ensuring that the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200 can be reliably connected as a whole.

[0056] The spray arm connecting sleeve 120 is provided with a spray arm chamber 130 in communication with the spray arm body 110, and the spray arm seat 200 is provided with a spray arm seat chamber 260 in communication with the spray arm chamber 130, thereby ensuring that the water from the dishwasher water source can smoothly enter the spray arm chamber 130 through the spray arm seat chamber 260, and then the water is sprayed onto the surface of the tableware through the water spray hole and the driving hole on the spray arm 100, thereby completing the operation of washing the tableware. As the water continues to enter the spray arm chamber 130, the water pressure in the spray arm chamber 130 becomes higher and higher. At this time, the reaction force generated by the water column sprayed from the driving hole of the spray arm 100 is also greater, and the speed of the spray arm 100 rotation is also faster. At the same time, the force of the sprayed water column hitting the tableware is also greater, which is conducive to cleaning the stains on the tableware. Therefore, by setting the spray arm chamber 130, the washing effect of the dishwasher can be ensured to be better.

[0057] Reference below Figure 1-Figure 7 A first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0058] like Figure 4-Figure 5 As shown, the spray arm connecting sleeve 120 and the spray arm seat 200 are both arranged below the spray arm body 110, and the spray arm connecting sleeve 120 is at least partially arranged in the spray arm seat 200. Therefore, it is beneficial to improve the connection reliability between the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200, and after the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200 are connected, the height of the spray arm assembly 1000 can be effectively lowered, thereby leaving more space for placing tableware, saving the internal space of the dishwasher, and increasing the tableware capacity of the dishwasher.

[0059] The ball 320 is in rolling contact with the outer surface of the spray arm 100, and the ball 320 is in rolling contact with the inner surface of the spray arm seat 200. Specifically, the spray arm connecting sleeve 120 is provided with a spray arm ball groove 121 suitable for cooperating with the ball 320 on the outer circumference, and the spray arm seat 200 is provided with a spray arm seat ball groove 210 suitable for cooperating with the ball 320 on the inner circumference. The ball 320 is in rolling contact with the spray arm ball groove 121 and the spray arm seat ball groove 210, and the friction force is small. In a specific embodiment, the diameter of the spray arm ball groove 121 and the spray arm seat ball groove 210 can be equal to the diameter of the ball 320, or can be slightly larger than the diameter of the ball 320, thereby ensuring that the ball 320 is well matched with the spray arm ball groove 121 and the spray arm seat ball groove 210.

[0060] Specifically, when the ball assembly 300 is connected with the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200, the ball 320 protrudes from the inner and outer circumferences of the sleeve 310 in the radial direction of the sleeve 310, wherein the portion of the ball 320 protruding from the inner circumference of the sleeve 310 can cooperate with the spray arm ball groove 121 on the spray arm connecting sleeve 120, providing support for the installation of the spray arm 100 on the spray arm seat 200, and the portion of the ball 320 protruding from the outer circumference of the sleeve 310 can cooperate with the spray arm seat ball groove 210 on the spray arm seat 200, providing support for the spray arm seat In other words, the ball assembly 300 acts as a bridge in the connection between the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200, cleverly connecting the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200 as a whole. At the same time, the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200 are connected by the ball 320. When the spray arm 100 rotates relative to the spray arm seat 200, the friction between the two is rolling friction, thereby reducing the resistance of the spray arm 100 when rotating, saving water power, and ensuring the high working reliability of the spray arm assembly 1000.

[0061] By rolling the ball 320 with the spray arm ball groove 121 and the spray arm seat ball groove 210, support is provided for the connection between the spray arm connecting sleeve 120 and the spray arm seat 200. At the same time, the friction between the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200 is reduced, thereby improving the working reliability of the spray arm assembly 1000.

[0062] Further, refer to Figure 6-Figure 7 As shown, the spray arm seat 200 may include: a spray arm seat water inlet shaft 220, a spray arm seat peripheral wall 240 and a spray arm seat annular wall 230, the spray arm seat annular wall 230 is arranged between the spray arm seat water inlet shaft 220 and the spray arm seat peripheral wall 240, the spray arm seat peripheral wall 240 is arranged above the spray arm seat annular wall 230, the spray arm seat peripheral wall 240 is vertically connected to the spray arm seat annular wall 230, and the connection position is located at the lowermost end of the spray arm seat peripheral wall 240 and At the outermost end of the spray arm seat ring wall 230, the spray arm seat water inlet shaft 220 is arranged below the spray arm seat ring wall 230, the spray arm seat water inlet shaft 220 is vertically connected to the spray arm seat ring wall 230, and the connection position is located at the top of the spray arm seat water inlet shaft 220 and the innermost end of the spray arm seat ring wall 230, the spray arm seat peripheral wall 240 is parallel to the spray arm seat water inlet shaft 220, and the diameter of the spray arm seat peripheral wall 240 is larger than the diameter of the spray arm seat water inlet shaft 220.

[0063] When the spray arm 100 is connected with the spray arm seat 200, the water inlet shaft 220 of the spray arm seat is directly below the spray arm connecting sleeve 120. Therefore, there is a certain gap between the spray arm connecting sleeve 120 and the spray arm seat peripheral wall 240, and the spray arm seat ball groove 210 is arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the spray arm seat peripheral wall 240, and the spray arm ball groove 121 is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the spray arm connecting sleeve 120, thereby providing space for the arrangement of the ball assembly 300, and completing the connection between the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200, which can effectively reduce the height of the connection between the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200, thereby leaving more space for the placement of tableware. In addition, the ball assembly 300 is arranged above the spray arm seat annular wall 230 and between the spray arm connecting sleeve 120 and the spray arm seat peripheral wall 240, thereby playing a certain protective role for the ball assembly 300, preventing the ball assembly 300 from being exposed to the outside and affecting the service life of the ball assembly 300.

[0064] Reference Figure 4-Figure 5 As shown, the inner diameter of the water inlet shaft 220 of the spray arm seat is equal to the inner diameter of the spray arm connecting sleeve 120. When the water source of the dishwasher is turned on, water flows in from the water inlet shaft 220 of the spray arm seat, and then flows into the spray arm chamber 130 of the spray arm connecting sleeve 120. Therefore, the inner diameter of the water inlet shaft 220 of the spray arm seat is equal to the inner diameter of the spray arm connecting sleeve 120, which can ensure that the inner circumferential surface of the water inlet shaft 220 of the spray arm seat and the inner circumferential surface of the spray arm connecting sleeve 120 are in the same cylindrical surface, and the two are aligned, which is conducive to reducing hydrodynamic loss, ensuring that the water flow speeds in the water inlet shaft 220 of the spray arm seat and the spray arm connecting sleeve 120 are equal, and the water flow speed entering the spray arm chamber 130 is stable, thereby ensuring that the water pressure in the spray arm chamber 130 rises steadily, preventing a sudden change in flow speed at the connection between the water inlet shaft 220 of the spray arm seat and the spray arm connecting sleeve 120, ensuring that the spray arm 100 can rotate stably, and then ensuring that the working reliability of the spray arm assembly 1000 is high.

[0065] Specifically, the top of the spray arm seat peripheral wall 240 is provided with a spray arm seat top wall 250 extending radially inwardly along the spray arm seat peripheral wall 240, the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the spray arm seat top wall 250 and the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve 310 is L2, L2 satisfies the relationship: 0mm<L2≤0.5mm, the gap between the upper surface of the spray arm seat top wall 250 and the lower surface of the spray arm body 110 is L1, L1 satisfies the relationship: 0mm<L1≤0.5mm, the gap between the upper surface of the spray arm seat annular wall 230 and the lower surface of the spray arm connecting sleeve 120 is L3, L3 satisfies the relationship: 0mm<L3≤0.5mm, that is, between the spray arm seat top wall 250 and the sleeve 310, between the spray arm seat top wall 250 and the spray arm body 11 0 and between the spray arm seat annular wall 230 and the spray arm connecting sleeve 120. Therefore, when the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200 rotate relative to each other, it is possible to avoid sliding friction between the inner circumferential surface of the spray arm seat top wall 250 and the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve 310, between the upper surface of the spray arm seat top wall 250 and the lower surface of the spray arm body 110, and between the upper surface of the spray arm seat annular wall 230 and the lower surface of the spray arm connecting sleeve 120. This ensures that there is no other contact between the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200 except for the contact with the ball 320 in the ball assembly 300. This prevents the spray arm 100 from contacting with the spray arm seat 200 and causing sliding friction when the spray arm 100 rotates, thereby consuming the power of the spray arm 100 when it rotates.

[0066] In some optional embodiments, the gap value at each location may be 0.1 mm, or 0.2 mm, or 0.3 mm.

[0067] By setting the gap, it can be ensured that the spray arm 100 rotates at a high speed and with good stability. In addition, by setting the gaps L1, L2, and L3 to 0mm<L1≤0.5mm, 0mm<L2≤0.5mm, and 0mm<L3≤0.5mm, it can prevent leftovers or other pollutants from entering the gaps to increase the friction between the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200 or even jam the spray arm 100. When the spray arm 100 tilts, the spray arm 100 can quickly contact the spray arm seat 200, thereby preventing the spray arm 100 from tilting further. At the same time, it can also prevent serious water leakage between the spray arm seat ring wall 230 and the spray arm connecting sleeve 120 and loss of water power.

[0068] based on Figure 4-Figure 5 In the embodiment of the present invention, the ball assembly 300 of the present invention can have a variety of deformation modes, and these deformation modes all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Figure 4-Figure 5 One of the variations of the ball assembly 300 will be summarized.

[0069] In this variant example not shown, the ball assembly 300 only includes: a plurality of balls 320, that is, compared with the above Figure 5 In the embodiment, the sleeve 310 is reduced, and the plurality of balls 320 are rollably fitted between the spray arm connecting sleeve 120 of the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat peripheral wall 240 of the spray arm seat 200 .

[0070] Reference below Figure 8-Figure 10 A second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0071] refer to Figure 8-Figure 9 As shown, the spray arm seat 200 is at least partially arranged in the spray arm connecting sleeve 120. When the spray arm 100 is connected to the spray arm seat 200, a part of the spray arm seat 200 is arranged in the spray arm connecting sleeve 120. There is a certain gap between the part of the spray arm seat 200 arranged in the spray arm connecting sleeve 120 and the inner circumferential surface of the spray arm connecting sleeve 120, and a spray arm ball groove 121 suitable for cooperating with the ball 320 is arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the spray arm connecting sleeve 120, and a spray arm seat ball groove 210 suitable for cooperating with the ball 320 is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the spray arm seat 200, thereby providing space for the arrangement of the ball assembly 300, and completing the connection between the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200, and can effectively reduce the height of the connection between the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200, thereby leaving more space for the placement of tableware, saving the internal space of the dishwasher, and thus increasing the tableware capacity of the dishwasher.

[0072] Optionally, a spray arm flange 111 is provided inside the spray arm connecting sleeve 120 , and when the spray arm 100 is connected to the spray arm seat 200 , the inner circumferential surface of the spray arm flange 111 and the inner circumferential surface of the spray arm seat 200 are within the same cylindrical surface.

[0073] The gap between the upper surface of the spray arm seat 200 and the lower surface of the spray arm flange 111 is L4, and L4 satisfies the relationship: 0mm<L4≤0.5mm, that is, there is a gap between the spray arm seat 200 and the spray arm flange 111. Therefore, when the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200 rotate relative to each other, the contact and sliding friction between the upper surface of the spray arm seat 200 and the lower surface of the spray arm flange 111 can be avoided, thereby ensuring that there is no other contact between the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200 except for the contact with the ball 320 in the ball assembly 300, thereby preventing the spray arm 100 from contacting the spray arm seat 200 and sliding friction when the spray arm 100 rotates, thereby consuming the power of the spray arm 100 when it rotates.

[0074] In some optional embodiments, the gap between the upper surface of the spray arm seat 200 and the lower surface of the spray arm flange 111 may be 0.1 mm, or may be 0.2 mm or 0.3 mm.

[0075] By setting the gap, it can be ensured that the spray arm 100 rotates at a higher speed and with better stability. In addition, by setting the gap L4 to 0mm<L4≤0.5mm, it can prevent leftovers or other pollutants from entering the gap and increasing the friction between the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200 or even jamming the spray arm 100. It can also prevent excessive water from entering between the spray arm seat 200 and the spray arm flange 111 and causing water power loss. When the spray arm 100 is tilted, the spray arm flange 111 can quickly contact the spray arm seat 200, thereby preventing the spray arm 100 from further tilting.

[0076] refer to Figure 8-Figure 10 As shown, specifically, a spray arm water inlet hole 112 is formed on the spray arm flange 111, and the spray arm seat 200 has a spray arm seat water inlet hole 201, and the inner diameter of the spray arm seat water inlet hole 201 is equal to the inner diameter of the spray arm water inlet hole 112. When the water source of the dishwasher is turned on, water flows in from the spray arm seat 200 and then flows into the spray arm chamber 130. Therefore, the inner diameter of the spray arm seat water inlet hole 201 is equal to the inner diameter of the spray arm water inlet hole 112, which can ensure that the water flow speeds in the spray arm seat 200 and the spray arm seat water inlet hole 201 are equal, and the water flow speed entering the spray arm chamber 130 is stable, thereby ensuring that the water pressure in the spray arm chamber 130 rises steadily, preventing a sudden change in flow speed at the connection between the spray arm seat 200 and the spray arm 100, ensuring that the spray arm 100 can rotate stably, and further ensuring that the working reliability of the spray arm assembly 1000 is high.

[0077] In the central axis direction of the spray arm connecting sleeve 120, the positions of the spray arm ball groove 121, the spray arm seat ball groove 210, and the ball hole 311 correspond to each other, and the ball 320 is partially arranged in the ball hole 311. Figure 4-Figure 6 As shown, the outer side of the ball 320 contacts the spray arm seat ball groove 210, and the inner side of the ball 320 contacts the spray arm ball groove 121. Figure 8-Figure 10 As shown, the outer side of the ball 320 contacts the spray arm ball groove 121, and the inner side of the ball 320 contacts the spray arm seat ball groove 210, thereby completing the connection between the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200. The corresponding positions of the spray arm ball groove 121, the spray arm seat ball groove 210, and the ball hole 311 can prevent the spray arm 100 from rotating. The sliding trajectory of the ball 320 is different from the trajectory of the spray arm ball groove 121 and the spray arm seat ball groove 210, thereby being squeezed, resulting in the spray arm 100 being unable to rotate.

[0078] The spray arm ball groove 121 and the spray arm seat ball groove 210 are both circumferential annular grooves. The spray arm 100 rotates relative to the axis of the spray arm seat 200. Therefore, the spray arm ball groove 121 and the spray arm seat ball groove 210 are both circumferential annular grooves, which can ensure that the spray arm 100 rotates smoothly in a full circle, thereby ensuring that the spray arm assembly 1000 works reliably.

[0079] In the central axis direction of the sleeve 310, the position of the ball hole 311 is not limited to the middle part of the sleeve 310, for example Fig.11 As shown, the ball hole 311 may be located at the top of the sleeve 310. Fig.12 As shown, the ball hole 311 is located at the bottom of the sleeve 310 .

[0080] The ball hole 311 is a major arc hole, and a ball access opening 312 is formed at the notch of the major arc hole. The major arc hole is a hole with a central angle greater than 180° and less than 360°, so that most of each ball 320 can be located in the ball hole 311, preventing the ball 320 from falling out of the ball hole 311 after installation. When installing the ball 320, the ball access opening can be opened with the help of external force, and then the ball 320 is installed in the ball hole 311 through the ball access opening, and then the external force is removed, the elastic deformation of the ball hole 311 disappears, and the ball hole 311 returns to its original state. At this time, the ball hole 311 tightly wraps the ball 320, making the installation of the ball 320 in the ball hole 311 more firm and reliable.

[0081] Furthermore, a weakened groove 313 is provided between two adjacent ball holes 311, and a weakened groove column 314 is provided in the weakened groove 313. Optionally, the central axis of the weakened groove column 314 is parallel to the central axis of the sleeve 310, which is conducive to simplifying the processing technology of the sleeve 310. By providing the weakened groove 313, the rigidity between the two adjacent ball holes 311 can be reduced, so that when the ball 330 is installed, the ball hole 311 is easily deformed, thereby reducing the difficulty of installing or removing the ball 330. In addition, by providing the weakened groove column 314, a certain strengthening effect can be played, thereby preventing the weakened groove 313 from excessively weakening the rigidity of the sleeve 310, which is conducive to improving the working reliability of the ball assembly 300.

[0082] The sleeve 310 has three main functions: (1) by opening a ball hole 311 on the sleeve 310 and installing the ball 320 in the ball hole 311, the position of the ball 320 can be fixed and limited to prevent the ball 320 from accumulating; (2) it can isolate food residues to prevent small food residues from entering the ball groove and causing friction; (3) it can strengthen and isolate the vibration of the spray arm 100 to prevent the spray arm 100 from shaking severely.

[0083] based on Figure 8-Figure 9 In the embodiment of the present invention, the ball assembly 300 of the present invention can have a variety of deformation modes, and these deformation modes all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Figure 8-Figure 9 One of the variations of the ball assembly 300 will be summarized.

[0084] In this variant example not shown, the ball assembly 300 only includes: a plurality of balls 320, that is, compared with the above Figure 5 , Fig. 9 In the embodiment, the sleeve 310 is reduced, and the plurality of balls 320 are rollably fitted between the spray arm connecting sleeve 120 of the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200 .

[0085] According to another aspect of the present invention, a washing appliance includes the spray arm assembly 1000 of the above embodiment. The washing appliance may be a dishwasher, or a fruit and vegetable washing machine, a medical washing machine, or other washing appliances with washing functions, and the effect thereof is similar to the effect of setting the spray arm assembly 1000 in a dishwasher, which will not be described in detail here.

[0086] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example" or "some examples" etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0087] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is to be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and are not to be construed as limitations of the present invention. A person skilled in the art may change, modify, replace and vary the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A spray arm assembly, characterized in that: include: A spray arm, wherein the spray arm is provided with a water spray hole and a driving hole; A spray arm seat, the spray arm is connected to the spray arm seat, and the spray arm is rotatable relative to the spray arm seat; A ball assembly, the ball assembly being arranged at the connection and cooperation between the spray arm and the spray arm seat; The ball assembly at least comprises: a plurality of balls, wherein the plurality of balls are rollably fitted between the spray arm and the spray arm seat; The spray arm comprises: a spray arm body and a spray arm connecting sleeve, wherein the spray arm connecting sleeve is arranged at the lower side of the spray arm body, and the spray arm connecting sleeve is at least partially arranged in the spray arm seat; The inner circumferential surface of the spray arm seat is provided with a spray arm seat ball groove suitable for cooperating with the ball; The spray arm seat includes: a spray arm seat water inlet shaft, a spray arm seat peripheral wall, and a spray arm seat annular wall arranged between the spray arm seat water inlet shaft and the spray arm seat peripheral wall, the spray arm seat peripheral wall is arranged above the spray arm seat annular wall, the spray arm seat water inlet shaft is arranged below the spray arm seat annular wall, and the spray arm seat ball groove is arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the spray arm seat peripheral wall.

2. The spray arm assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ball assembly further includes: a sleeve, a plurality of ball holes are arranged on the sleeve, the balls are installed in the ball holes, and the balls protrude from the inner circumference and the outer circumference of the sleeve in the radial direction of the sleeve.

3. The spray arm assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: In the direction of the central axis of the sleeve, the ball hole is located in the middle of the sleeve, and a plurality of the ball holes are evenly arranged along the circumference of the sleeve.

4. The spray arm assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: In the central axis direction of the sleeve, the ball hole is located at the top or bottom of the sleeve, the ball hole is a major arc hole, and a ball taking and releasing opening is formed at the notch of the major arc hole.

5. The spray arm assembly according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that: A weakened groove is arranged between two adjacent ball holes.

6. The spray arm assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: And a weakening groove column is arranged in the weakening groove.

7. The spray arm assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: A spray arm ball groove suitable for cooperating with the ball is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the spray arm connecting sleeve.

8. The spray arm assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner diameter of the water inlet shaft of the spray arm seat is equal to the inner diameter of the spray arm connecting sleeve.

9. The spray arm assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the spray arm seat peripheral wall is provided with a spray arm seat top wall extending radially inwardly along the spray arm seat peripheral wall, and the gap between the upper surface of the spray arm seat top wall and the lower surface of the spray arm body is L1, and L1 satisfies the relationship: 0mm<L1≤0.5mm.

10. The spray arm assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that: The ball assembly further comprises: a sleeve, wherein a plurality of ball holes are provided on the sleeve, wherein the balls are installed in the ball holes, and wherein the balls protrude from the inner circumference and the outer circumference of the sleeve in the radial direction of the sleeve; The gap between the inner circumference of the top wall of the spray arm seat and the outer circumference of the sleeve is L2, and L2 satisfies the relationship: 0mm<L2≤0.5mm.

11. The spray arm assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gap between the upper surface of the spray arm seat ring wall and the lower surface of the spray arm connecting sleeve is L3, and L3 satisfies the relationship: 0mm<L3≤0.5mm.

12. The spray arm assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spray arm comprises: a spray arm body and a spray arm connecting sleeve, wherein the spray arm connecting sleeve is arranged at the lower side of the spray arm body, and the spray arm seat is at least partially arranged in the spray arm connecting sleeve.

13. The spray arm assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that: A spray arm ball groove suitable for cooperating with the ball is arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the spray arm connecting sleeve, and a spray arm seat ball groove suitable for cooperating with the ball is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the spray arm seat.

14. The spray arm assembly according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that: A spray arm flange is arranged on the inner side of the spray arm connecting sleeve, and a gap between the upper surface of the spray arm seat and the lower surface of the spray arm flange is L4, and L4 satisfies the relationship: 0mm<L4≤0.5mm.

15. The spray arm assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that A spray arm water inlet hole is formed on the spray arm flange, and the spray arm seat has a spray arm seat water inlet hole. The inner diameter of the spray arm seat water inlet hole is equal to the inner diameter of the spray arm water inlet hole.

16. The spray arm assembly according to claim 7 or 13, characterized in that: In the central axis direction of the spray arm connecting sleeve, the positions of the spray arm ball groove and the spray arm seat ball groove correspond to each other, and both the spray arm ball groove and the spray arm seat ball groove are circumferential annular grooves.

17. A washing appliance, characterized in that: Comprising a spray arm assembly according to any one of claims 1-16.

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