Spray arm assembly and washing appliances

Abstract

This invention discloses a spray arm assembly and a washing appliance. The spray arm assembly includes a spray arm base, a main spray arm connected to the spray arm base and capable of rotating relative to the spray arm base; a secondary spray arm assembly connected to the main spray arm, rotating synchronously with the main spray arm and capable of oscillating around its own axis; a gear transmission mechanism connected to the main spray arm; and a rocker mechanism, one end of which is eccentrically connected to the gear transmission mechanism, and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the secondary spray arm assembly, so that the secondary spray arm assembly oscillates around its own axis when the main spray arm rotates. When the spray arm assembly is working, not only does the water jet sprayed by the main spray arm spray outwards with the rotation of the main spray arm, but the secondary spray arm assembly also generates an angularly varying oscillating water flow, washing the items in the washing appliance from different angles, reducing washing dead zones, thereby improving the washing efficiency and ensuring a good washing effect of the spray arm assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a spray arm assembly and a washing appliance having the same. Background Technology

[0002] With the improvement of living standards, hand-washing appliances such as dishwashers, fruit and vegetable washers, and medical washing machines are gradually gaining widespread use. Compared with traditional hand washing, these appliances offer advantages such as better cleaning, sterilization, and water and labor savings. Taking dishwashers as an example, they generally use a spray-type washing method. Driven by a washing pump, water flows through rotating spray arms to rinse the surface of the dishes. The cleaning effect of these appliances is closely related to the design of the spray arms. Therefore, this invention provides a spray arm assembly to improve the cleaning effect of these appliances. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes a spray arm assembly that can provide an oscillating water flow to achieve multi-dimensional spraying, reduce washing dead areas, and improve the washing effect.

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

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a spray arm assembly includes: a spray arm base; a main spray arm connected to the spray arm base and rotatable relative to the spray arm base; a secondary spray arm assembly connected to the main spray arm, the secondary spray arm assembly rotating synchronously with the main spray arm and being oscillating about its own axis; a transmission mechanism connected to the main spray arm; one end of a rocker mechanism being eccentrically connected to the transmission mechanism, and the other end being rotatably connected to the secondary spray arm assembly, so that when the main spray arm rotates, the secondary spray arm assembly oscillates about its own axis.

[0006] The spray arm assembly according to embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: the main spray arm can rotate relative to the spray arm base, thereby allowing the main spray arm to clean items placed in the washing appliance. The auxiliary spray arm can not only rotate with the main spray arm about the axis of the spray arm assembly, but also swing about the axis of the auxiliary spray arm assembly. Therefore, when the spray arm assembly is working, not only does the water jet sprayed by the main spray arm spray outwards with the rotation of the main spray arm, but the auxiliary spray arm assembly can also generate an angularly varying oscillating water flow to wash the items in the washing appliance from different angles, reducing washing dead angles, thereby improving the washing efficiency and ensuring a good washing effect of the spray arm assembly. Furthermore, this spray arm assembly combines a gear transmission mechanism with a rocker mechanism, enabling the auxiliary spray arm assembly to achieve oscillating motion. The gear transmission mechanism and the rocker mechanism have high precision in their cooperation, and the cooperation resistance between the gear transmission mechanisms is small, thereby ensuring good smoothness of the oscillation of the auxiliary spray arm assembly and ensuring that the oscillation of the auxiliary spray arm assembly is stable and flexible.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the transmission mechanism is a gear transmission mechanism.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the gear transmission mechanism includes: a fixed gear, which is fixedly connected to the spray arm seat; a movable gear, which is rotatably disposed on the main spray arm, the movable gear meshing with the fixed gear, and one end of the rocker mechanism being eccentrically connected to the movable gear.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, both the moving gear and the fixed gear are bevel gears, and the central axis of the moving gear is perpendicular to the central axis of the fixed gear.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the main spray arm is provided with a first rotating shaft, a bearing is mounted on the first rotating shaft, the fixed gear is provided with a bearing seat, and the bearing is fixed to the bearing seat.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the rocker mechanism includes: a first connecting shaft disposed on the auxiliary spray arm assembly; a second connecting shaft eccentrically disposed on the moving gear; and a rocker arm, one end of which is rotatably connected to the first connecting shaft and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the second connecting shaft.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the auxiliary spray arm assembly includes: a swing member rotatably connected to a second rotating shaft of the main spray arm; an auxiliary spray arm fixedly connected to the swing member; and a positioning member fixedly connected to the second rotating shaft to restrict the swing member from moving axially along the second rotating shaft.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the outer side wall of the second rotating shaft is provided with a first buckle, and the inner side wall of the positioning member is provided with a first slot for the first buckle to engage.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the outer side wall of the swing member is provided with a second buckle, and the inner side wall of the auxiliary spray arm is provided with a second slot for the second buckle to engage.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a sealing element is provided between the positioning element and the swinging element.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a support arm is provided on the main spray arm, and the auxiliary spray arm assembly is supported on the support arm.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the main spray arm is provided with a mounting groove, the support arm is disposed around the mounting groove of the auxiliary spray arm assembly, and the auxiliary spray arm assembly is located inside the mounting groove of the auxiliary spray arm.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the main spray arm includes an upper main spray arm plate and a lower main spray arm plate fixedly connected to the upper main spray arm plate.

[0019] A washing appliance according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: a spray arm assembly comprising any one of the preceding claims.

[0020] The washing appliance according to embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: the main spray arm can rotate relative to the spray arm base, thereby allowing the main spray arm to clean items placed in the washing appliance. The auxiliary spray arm can not only revolve around the axis of the spray arm assembly following the main spray arm, but also oscillate around the axis of the auxiliary spray arm assembly. Therefore, when the spray arm assembly is working, not only does the water jet sprayed by the main spray arm spray outwards with the rotation of the main spray arm, but the auxiliary spray arm assembly can also generate an angularly varying oscillating water flow to wash the items in the washing appliance from different angles, reducing washing dead angles, thereby improving the washing efficiency and ensuring a good washing effect of the spray arm assembly; furthermore, this spray arm assembly combines a gear transmission mechanism and a rocker mechanism, enabling the auxiliary spray arm assembly to achieve oscillating motion. The gear transmission mechanism and the rocker mechanism have high precision in their cooperation, and the cooperation resistance between the gear transmission mechanisms is small, thereby ensuring good smoothness of the oscillation of the auxiliary spray arm assembly and ensuring that the oscillation of the auxiliary spray arm assembly is stable and flexible.

[0021] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of a spray arm assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the spray arm assembly of the embodiment shown;

[0025] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the spray arm assembly of the illustrated embodiment;

[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the spray arm assembly of the illustrated embodiment from another direction;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the positioning element of the spray arm assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the swinging component of a spray arm assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the auxiliary spray arm of a spray arm assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the lower part of the main spray arm assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the moving gear of the spray arm assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the rocker arm of a spray arm assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Icon labels:

[0034] Spray arm assembly 1000;

[0035] Spray arm mount 100;

[0036] Main spray arm 200, upper main spray arm 210, lower main spray arm 220, first rotating shaft 230, third connecting shaft 231, support arm 240, mounting groove 241, main spray hole 250, main drive hole 260, second rotating shaft 270, first buckle 271, main chamber 280;

[0037] Sub-spray arm assembly 300, sub-spray arm 310, second slot 311, second clearance slot 312, swing member 320, second buckle 321, first connecting shaft 322, positioning member 330, first slot 331, first clearance slot 332, sealing member 340, sub-spray hole 350, sub-chamber 360;

[0038] Gear transmission mechanism 400, fixed gear 410, bearing housing 411, moving gear 420, second connecting shaft 421, bearing 430;

[0039] Joystick 500, first connecting hole 510, second connecting hole 520. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0041] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0042] In the description of this invention, the use of "first" and "second" is for the purpose of distinguishing technical features only, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated or the order of the technical features indicated.

[0043] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installing," and "connecting" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0044] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 10 The spray arm assembly 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. The spray arm assembly 1000 can be used in washing appliances. The structure of the spray arm assembly 1000 will be described below by taking the application of the spray arm assembly 1000 in a dishwasher as an example.

[0045] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the spray arm assembly 1000 includes a spray arm base 100, a main spray arm 200, a secondary spray arm assembly 300, a gear transmission mechanism 400, and a rocker mechanism.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3The main spray arm 200 is connected to the spray arm base 100, which is used to install inside the dishwasher. The main spray arm 200 can rotate around the axis of the spray arm base 100. The auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 is connected to the main spray arm 200. When the main spray arm 200 rotates around the axis of the spray arm base 100, the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 can rotate synchronously with the main spray arm 200. Furthermore, while the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 rotates synchronously with the main spray arm 200, the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 can swing around its own axis.

[0047] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the main spray arm 200 and the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 are arranged in parallel. The main spray arm 200 has a main water spray hole 250, and the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 has an auxiliary water spray hole 350. Water jets can be sprayed from the main water spray hole 250 and the auxiliary water spray hole 350 to clean tableware. The number of main water spray holes 250 and auxiliary water spray holes 350 can be set to multiple to improve water spraying efficiency.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 In this embodiment, to achieve the goal of the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 rotating synchronously with the main spray arm 200 while the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 can swing around its own axis, the transmission mechanism is connected to the main spray arm 200, and the rocker mechanism is located between the transmission mechanism and the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300. One end of the rocker mechanism is eccentrically connected to the gear transmission mechanism 400, and the other end of the rocker mechanism is rotatably connected to the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300. When the main spray arm 200 rotates around the axis of the spray arm seat 100, the gear transmission mechanism 400 converts the rotational motion of the main spray arm 200 into the swinging motion of the rocker mechanism, thereby causing the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 to swing around its own axis.

[0049] Understandably, in some embodiments, a portion of the main spray nozzle 250 can be configured as a main drive nozzle 260. When the water column inside the main spray arm 200 is ejected from the main drive nozzle 260, the main spray arm 200 will be subjected to a reaction force (i.e., a reverse driving force) when the water column is ejected from the main drive nozzle 260. At this time, the main spray arm 200 will rotate around the axis of the spray arm seat 100 under the action of the reaction force. As the water column is continuously ejected from the main drive nozzle 260, the main spray arm 200 can rotate continuously. The water column ejected from the main drive nozzle 260 and the main spray nozzle 250 will spray in all directions as the main spray arm 200 rotates, thereby working together to clean the dishes or stains on the inner wall of the dishwasher.

[0050] Because the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 can also oscillate around its own axis—that is, the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 can not only rotate around the axis of the spray arm seat 100 following the main spray arm 200, but also oscillate around the axis of the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300—when the spray arm assembly 1000 is working, not only will the water jets sprayed from the main drive hole 260 and the main spray hole 250 spray outwards with the rotation of the main spray arm 200, but at the same time, the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 can generate an angularly varying oscillating water flow, spraying water from different angles. The brushing mechanism removes items from the washing machine, reducing blind spots and improving cleaning efficiency, thus ensuring a better washing effect for the spray arm assembly 1000. Furthermore, this spray arm assembly combines a gear transmission mechanism 400 with a rocker mechanism, enabling the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 to swing. The gear transmission mechanism 400 and the rocker mechanism have a high degree of precision in their cooperation, and the resistance between the gear transmission mechanisms 400 is low, ensuring smooth swinging of the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 and guaranteeing stable and flexible swinging.

[0051] Reference Figure 3 It is understandable that the main spray arm 200 has a main chamber 280 inside, and the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 has an auxiliary chamber 360 inside. The auxiliary chamber 360 is connected to the main chamber 280. Water can be introduced into the main spray arm 200 and the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 through the same water inlet pipe, thereby reducing the setting of water inlet components, simplifying the structure of the spray arm assembly 1000, and reducing the cost of the spray arm assembly 1000.

[0052] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 It is understood that in some embodiments, the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 includes a swing member 320, an auxiliary spray arm 310 and a positioning member 330, the main spray arm 200 is provided with a second rotating shaft 270, the swing member 320 is sleeved on the second rotating shaft 270 and can rotate relative to the second rotating shaft 270.

[0053] The auxiliary spray arm 310 is fixedly connected to the swing member 320. The positioning member 330 is set on the second rotating shaft 270 and fixedly connected to the second rotating shaft 270. The positioning member 330 can restrict the swing member 320 from moving axially along the second rotating shaft 270, thereby achieving the purpose of the auxiliary spray arm 310 swinging around its own axis and preventing the auxiliary spray arm 310 from falling off the main spray arm 200.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, the second rotating shaft 270 is configured as a hollow tubular structure. The cavity of the second rotating shaft 270 is connected to the main chamber 280 of the main spray arm 200 and the auxiliary chamber 360 of the auxiliary spray arm 310. The second rotating shaft 270 serves to connect the auxiliary spray arm 310 to the main spray arm 200 and to allow water to enter the auxiliary spray arm 310.

[0055] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 8 It is understood that in some embodiments, the outer side wall of the second rotating shaft 270 is provided with a first buckle 271, which is arranged circumferentially along the outer side wall of the second rotating shaft 270. The inner side wall of the positioning member 330 is correspondingly provided with a first slot 331, which is arranged circumferentially along the inner side wall of the positioning member 330. The first buckle 271 is engaged in the first slot 331, and the positioning member 330 is fixedly connected to the second rotating shaft 270 through the cooperation of the first buckle 271 and the first slot 331.

[0056] It should be noted that, in order to enable the positioning component 330 to be fitted onto the second rotating shaft 270 and to achieve a snap-fit ​​connection, a first clearance groove 332 is provided on the inner side wall of the positioning component 330, and the first clearance groove 332 is connected to the first slot 331.

[0057] The positioning component 330 is fitted into the second rotating shaft 270, and the first buckle 271 enters the first slot 331 along the first clearance groove 332. The positioning component 330 is rotated to snap the first buckle 271 into the first slot 331, thereby achieving a fixed connection between the positioning component 330 and the second rotating shaft 270.

[0058] Reference Figure 6 , Figure 7 It is understood that in some embodiments, the outer side wall of the swing member 320 is provided with a second buckle 321, which is arranged circumferentially along the outer side wall of the swing member 320. The inner side wall of the auxiliary spray arm 310 is provided with a corresponding second slot 311, which is arranged circumferentially along the inner side wall of the auxiliary spray arm 310. The swing member 320 is inserted into one end of the auxiliary spray arm 310, and the second buckle 321 is engaged in the second slot 311. The auxiliary spray arm 310 is fixedly connected to the swing member 320 through the cooperation of the second buckle 321 and the second slot 311.

[0059] It should be noted that, in order to enable the swinging component 320 to be inserted into one end of the auxiliary spray arm 310 and to achieve a snap-fit ​​connection, a second clearance groove 312 is provided on the inner side wall of the auxiliary spray arm 310, and the second clearance groove 312 is connected to the second slot 311.

[0060] When the swinging member 320 is inserted into the auxiliary spray arm 310, the second buckle 321 enters the second slot 311 along the second clearance groove 312. By rotating the auxiliary spray arm 310, the second buckle 321 is snapped into the second slot 311, thus achieving a fixed connection between the auxiliary spray arm 310 and the swinging member 320.

[0061] Thus, the positioning component 330, the second rotating shaft 270, and the swing component 320 are fixedly connected to the auxiliary spray arm 310 through a snap-fit ​​structure, which facilitates the assembly between the positioning component 330 and the second rotating shaft 270, as well as between the swing component 320 and the auxiliary spray arm 310, and reduces the assembly difficulty.

[0062] It should be noted that the fixed connection between the positioning component 330 and the second rotating shaft 270 can also be achieved by threaded connection, fastener connection, etc. Similarly, the fixed connection between the swing component 320 and the auxiliary spray arm 310 can also be achieved by threaded connection, fastener connection, etc., and no limitation is made here.

[0063] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 It is understood that a seal 340 is provided between the positioning member 330 and the swing member 320. The seal 340 forms a seal between the positioning member 330, the swing member 320, and the auxiliary spray arm 310 to prevent water leakage from the joint of the positioning member 330, the swing member 320, and the auxiliary spray arm 310, thereby reducing water loss during the operation of the spray arm assembly 1000. The seal 340 may be a gasket, an O-ring, or the like.

[0064] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 It is understandable that a support arm 240 is provided on the main spray arm 200, and one end of the auxiliary spray arm 310 is connected to the main spray arm 200, while the other end of the auxiliary spray arm 310 is supported on the support arm 240. The auxiliary spray arm 310 can rotate synchronously with the main spray arm 200. Therefore, the water in the auxiliary spray arm 310 can also be sprayed around the spray arm assembly 1000, thereby increasing the water spray volume of the spray arm assembly 1000 and improving its working effect. Furthermore, by supporting the other end of the auxiliary spray arm 310 on the support arm 240, the left and right weight balance of the spray arm assembly 1000 can be ensured, and the outer end of the auxiliary spray arm 310 can be prevented from swaying randomly. This improves the smoothness and stability of the rotation of the auxiliary spray arm 310, thereby enhancing the washing effect and the product reliability of the spray arm assembly 1000.

[0065] Reference Figure 1It is understood that the main spray arm 200 has a secondary spray arm 310 mounting groove 241, and the support arm 240 is located around the secondary spray arm 310 mounting groove 241. The secondary spray arm 310 is located inside the secondary spray arm 310 mounting groove 241. That is to say, the secondary spray arm 310 is suitable for being placed in the secondary spray arm 310 mounting groove 241 of the main spray arm 200, and the support arm 240 is located around the secondary spray arm 310 mounting groove 241. When the secondary spray arm 310 is placed in the secondary spray arm 310 mounting groove 241, the secondary spray arm 310 is suitable for being placed in the secondary spray arm 310 mounting groove 241 of the main spray arm 200. After the arm 310 is installed in the slot 241, the outer side of the auxiliary spray arm 310 cooperates with the support arm 240, so that the support arm 240 supports the auxiliary spray arm 310 and prevents the outer side of the auxiliary spray arm 310 from tilting due to excessive weight, which would cause the auxiliary spray arm 310 to interfere with the main spray arm 200, thus preventing the auxiliary spray arm 310 from swinging, or even causing the side of the auxiliary spray arm 310 connected to the main spray arm 200 to bend or break.

[0066] Reference Figure 1 It is understood that the main spray arm 200 includes an upper main spray arm piece 210 and a lower main spray arm piece 220. The upper main spray arm piece 210 and the lower main spray arm piece 220 are fixedly connected by fasteners, snap-fit ​​connections, welding, etc. The support arm 240 and the auxiliary spray arm 310 mounting groove 241 are set in the upper main spray arm piece 210. The upper main spray arm piece 210 and the lower main spray arm piece 220 enclose each other to form a main chamber 280. The main spray arm 200 adopts a structure composed of the upper main spray arm piece 210 and the lower main spray arm piece 220, which facilitates the mold opening of the main spray arm 200 and reduces the difficulty of mold opening.

[0067] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 It is understood that in some embodiments, the transmission mechanism adopts a gear transmission mechanism 400. Since the gear transmission mechanism 400 and the rocker mechanism have high precision and the cooperation resistance between the gear transmission mechanisms 400 is small, the smoothness of the swing of the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 can be guaranteed, and the swing of the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 can be guaranteed to be stable.

[0068] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 It is understood that in some embodiments, the gear transmission mechanism 400 includes a fixed gear 410 and a moving gear 420. The fixed gear 410 is disposed on the spray arm seat 100 and fixedly connected to the spray arm seat 100. The moving gear 420 is rotatably disposed on the main spray arm 200 and meshes with the fixed gear 410. One end of the rocker mechanism is eccentrically connected to the moving gear 420.

[0069] In this embodiment, the main spray arm 200 is provided with a first rotating shaft 230, which is disposed on the lower plate 220 of the main spray arm. A third connecting shaft 231 is provided on the side wall of the first rotating shaft 230, and the moving gear 420 is rotatably disposed on the third connecting shaft 231. The fixed gear 410 and the moving gear 420 have high precision in their transmission structure, and the resistance between the gear transmission mechanisms 400 is small, thereby ensuring good smoothness of the swing of the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 and ensuring stable swing of the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300.

[0070] Reference Figure 3 The first rotating shaft 230 is configured as a hollow tubular structure. The cavity of the first rotating shaft 230 is connected to the main chamber 280 of the main spray arm 200. The first rotating shaft 230 serves to rotatably connect the main spray arm 200 to the spray arm seat 100, and also serves to allow water to enter the main spray arm 200.

[0071] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 It is understandable that a bearing 430 is installed on the first rotating shaft 230, and a bearing seat 411 is provided on the fixed gear 410. The inner ring of the bearing 430 is installed on the first rotating shaft 230, and the outer ring of the bearing 430 can be inserted into the bearing seat 411. The inner ring of the bearing 430 and the first rotating shaft 230, and the outer ring of the bearing 430 and the bearing seat 411 can be connected by an interference fit. The bearing 430 can reduce the relative friction between the spray arm seat 100 and the main spray arm 200, ensuring the smooth rotation of the spray arm assembly 1000. At the same time, the bearing 430 also acts as a latch to connect the fixed gear 410 and the main spray arm 200, ensuring that the main spray arm 200 and the fixed gear 410 do not separate axially.

[0072] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the inner ring of the bearing 430 and the first rotating shaft 230, and the outer ring of the bearing 430 and the bearing housing 411 can also be connected by a snap-fit ​​connection, which is not limited here.

[0073] Reference Figures 1 to 4It is understood that in some embodiments, both the moving gear 420 and the fixed gear 410 are bevel gears, meaning both are conical gears, and the central axis of the moving gear 420 is perpendicular to the central axis of the fixed gear 410. In other words, the axis of the auxiliary spray arm 310 is perpendicular to the axis of the fixed gear 410. Therefore, while the main spray arm 200 and the auxiliary spray arm 310 rotate about the spray arm assembly 1000, the auxiliary spray arm 310 can also swing about its own axis under the drive of the moving gear 420 and the rocker mechanism. In a specific embodiment, the water sprayed by the main spray arm 200 is mainly located on the upper and lower sides of the dishwasher, while the water sprayed by the auxiliary spray arm 310 can be distributed around the dishwasher, ensuring thorough cleaning without blind spots and thus guaranteeing high reliability of the spray arm assembly 1000.

[0074] It is understandable that the gear transmission mechanism 400 may also adopt other gear meshing transmission structures, which are not limited here.

[0075] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 It is understood that in some embodiments, the rocker mechanism includes a first connecting shaft 322, a second connecting shaft 421, and a rocker arm 500. The first connecting shaft 322 is disposed at the end edge of the swing member 320 and extends along the axial direction of the swing member 320. The second connecting shaft 421 is eccentrically disposed on the moving gear 420. One end of the rocker arm 500 is provided with a first connecting hole 510, through which the first connecting shaft 322 passes and is rotatably connected to the rocker arm 500. The other end of the rocker arm 500 is provided with a second connecting hole 520, through which the second connecting shaft 421 passes and is rotatably connected to the rocker arm 500. Therefore, the spray arm assembly 1000 combines gear transmission with rocker mechanism to enable the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 to swing. Since the gear transmission mechanism 400 and rocker mechanism have high precision and the resistance between the gear transmission mechanisms 400 is small, the smoothness of the swing of the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 can be guaranteed, and the swing of the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 can be guaranteed to be stable.

[0076] It is understandable that the rocker mechanism can also adopt other structural forms, and the first connecting shaft 322 can also be set on the side wall of the auxiliary spray arm 310, which is not limited here.

[0077] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a washing appliance includes the spray arm assembly 1000 described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the main spray arm 200 is rotatable relative to the spray arm seat 100, thereby the main spray arm 200 can clean items placed in the washing appliance. The auxiliary spray arm 310 can not only revolve around the axis of the spray arm assembly 1000 following the main spray arm 200, but also swing around the axis of the auxiliary spray arm 310. Therefore, when the spray arm assembly 1000 is working, it can generate a swinging water flow with varying angles, washing the items in the washing appliance from different angles, reducing washing dead angles, thereby improving the washing efficiency and ensuring a good washing effect of the spray arm assembly 1000. Furthermore, this spray arm assembly 1000 combines gear transmission with a rocker mechanism, enabling the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 to swing. Because the gear transmission mechanism 400 and the rocker mechanism have high precision and low resistance, the swinging of the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 is smooth and stable.

[0078] Washing appliances can be dishwashers, or washing appliances with washing functions such as fruit and vegetable washing machines and medical washing machines.

[0079] The following reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 The structure and working principle of the dishwasher of the present invention will be described.

[0080] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, the dishwasher in this embodiment uses a spray arm assembly 1000, which includes a spray arm base 100, a main spray arm 200, a secondary spray arm assembly 300, a gear transmission mechanism 400, and a rocker mechanism.

[0081] The main spray arm 200 is rotatable around the axis of the spray arm base 100. The auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 is connected to the main spray arm 200. The main spray arm 200 includes an upper main spray arm plate 210 and a lower main spray arm plate 220, which are fixedly connected.

[0082] The main spray arm 200 has a main chamber 280 inside, and the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 has an auxiliary chamber 360 inside. The auxiliary chamber 360 is connected to the main chamber 280. The main spray arm 200 and the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 are arranged in parallel. The main spray arm 200 has a main water spray hole 250, and the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 has an auxiliary water spray hole 350. Water jets can be sprayed from the main water spray hole 250 and the auxiliary water spray hole 350 to clean tableware.

[0083] Furthermore, a portion of the main spray nozzle 250 can be configured as a main drive nozzle 260. When the water column inside the main spray arm 200 is ejected from the main drive nozzle 260, the main spray arm 200 will be subjected to a reaction force (i.e., a reverse driving force) when the water column is ejected from the main drive nozzle 260. At this time, the main spray arm 200 will rotate around the axis of the spray arm seat 100 under the action of the reaction force. As the water column continues to be ejected from the main drive nozzle 260, the main spray arm 200 can rotate continuously.

[0084] The auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 includes a swing member 320, an auxiliary spray arm 310, and a positioning member 330. The main spray arm 200 is provided with a second rotating shaft 270. The swing member 320 is sleeved on the second rotating shaft 270 and can rotate relative to the second rotating shaft 270. The auxiliary spray arm 310 and the swing member 320 are fixedly connected by a snap-fit ​​structure. The positioning member 330 is disposed on the second rotating shaft 270 and is fixedly connected to the second rotating shaft 270 by a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0085] A support arm 240 is provided on the main spray arm 200. One end of the auxiliary spray arm 310 is connected to the main spray arm 200, and the other end of the auxiliary spray arm 310 is supported on the support arm 240. A mounting groove 241 for the auxiliary spray arm 310 is provided on the main spray arm 200. The support arm 240 is located around the mounting groove 241 for the auxiliary spray arm 310, and the auxiliary spray arm 310 is located inside the mounting groove 241 for the auxiliary spray arm 310.

[0086] The gear transmission mechanism 400 includes a fixed gear 410 and a moving gear 420. Both the moving gear 420 and the fixed gear 410 are bevel gears, that is, both the moving gear 420 and the fixed gear 410 are bevel gears, and the central axis of the moving gear 420 is perpendicular to the central axis of the fixed gear 410.

[0087] The main spray arm 200 is provided with a first rotating shaft 230, the fixed gear 410 is provided with a bearing seat 411, the inner ring of the bearing 430 is connected to the first rotating shaft 230, the outer ring of the bearing 430 is inserted into the bearing seat 411, and the fixed gear 410 and the spray arm seat 100 are fixedly connected by a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0088] The first connecting shaft 322 of the rocker mechanism is disposed on the end edge of the swing member 320 and extends along the axial direction of the swing member 320. The second connecting shaft 421 of the rocker mechanism is eccentrically disposed on the moving gear 420. One end of the rocker 500 is rotatably connected to the first connecting shaft 322, and the other end of the rocker 500 is rotatably connected to the second connecting shaft 421.

[0089] The spray arm seat 100 is fixed on the base of the dishwasher, and the fixed gear 410 is also relatively fixed. The main spray arm 200 rotates around the central axis of the spray arm seat 100 under the action of the main drive hole 260. Since the moving gear 420 meshes with the fixed gear 410 and the fixed gear 410 is fixed, the moving gear 420 rotates along the first rotating shaft 230 and also rotates along its own horizontal axis. At this time, the moving gear 420, the second connecting shaft 421, the rocker arm 500, and the swinging member 320 form a crank-rocker mechanism. The rocker arm 500 drives the swinging member 320 to swing back and forth. The auxiliary spray arm 310 is fixedly connected to the swinging member 320, so it also swings back and forth. The auxiliary spray holes 350 set on it can provide swing water flow to rinse the tableware from different angles, reduce washing dead corners, thereby improving the washing rate and ensuring that the washing effect of the spray arm assembly 1000 is good. In addition, this spray arm assembly combines the gear transmission mechanism 400 with the rocker arm mechanism, so that the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 realizes the swinging motion. The gear transmission mechanism 400 and the rocker arm mechanism have high precision and low resistance between the gear transmission mechanisms 400, which can ensure the smoothness of the swing of the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 and ensure that the swing of the auxiliary spray arm assembly 300 is stable and flexible.

[0090] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0091] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such equivalent modifications or substitutions are included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A spray arm assembly, characterized in that, include: Spray arm mount; The main spray arm is connected to the spray arm base and is rotatable relative to the spray arm base; A secondary spray arm assembly is connected to the main spray arm. The secondary spray arm assembly rotates synchronously with the main spray arm, and the secondary spray arm assembly can swing around its own axis. The gear transmission mechanism includes a fixed gear and a moving gear. The fixed gear is fixedly connected to the spray arm seat, and the moving gear is rotatably disposed on the main spray arm. The moving gear meshes with the fixed gear. The rocker mechanism includes a first connecting shaft, a second connecting shaft, and a rocker arm. The first connecting shaft is disposed on the auxiliary spray arm assembly, and the second connecting shaft is eccentrically disposed on the moving gear. One end of the rocker arm is rotatably connected to the first connecting shaft, and the other end is rotatably connected to the second connecting shaft. The rocker mechanism is used to enable the auxiliary spray arm assembly to swing around its own axis when the main spray arm rotates.

2. The spray arm assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the moving gear and the fixed gear are bevel gears, and the central axis of the moving gear is perpendicular to the central axis of the fixed gear.

3. The spray arm assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main spray arm is provided with a first rotating shaft, on which a bearing is mounted. The fixed gear is provided with a bearing seat, and the bearing is fixed to the bearing seat.

4. The spray arm assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The main spray arm is provided with a second rotating shaft, and the auxiliary spray arm assembly includes: The swing element is rotatably connected to the second rotating shaft; The auxiliary spray arm is fixedly connected to the swinging component; A positioning element is fixedly connected to the second rotating shaft to restrict the oscillating element from moving axially along the second rotating shaft.

5. The spray arm assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer side wall of the second rotating shaft is provided with a first buckle, and the inner side wall of the positioning member is provided with a first slot for the first buckle to engage.

6. The spray arm assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer side wall of the swinging component is provided with a second buckle, and the inner side wall of the auxiliary spray arm is provided with a second slot for the second buckle to engage.

7. The spray arm assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, A sealing element is provided between the positioning element and the swinging element.

8. The spray arm assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main spray arm is provided with a support arm, and the auxiliary spray arm assembly is supported on the support arm.

9. The spray arm assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The main spray arm has a mounting groove, the support arm is located around the mounting groove of the auxiliary spray arm assembly, and the auxiliary spray arm assembly is located inside the mounting groove of the auxiliary spray arm.

10. The spray arm assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main spray arm includes an upper main spray arm plate and a lower main spray arm plate fixedly connected to the upper main spray arm plate.

11. A washing appliance, characterized in that, Includes the spray arm assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images