Spraying arm assembly and washing electric appliance with same

Abstract

The invention discloses a gushing arm assembly and a washing electric appliance with the gushing arm assembly. The gushing arm assembly comprises a gushing arm, a gushing arm base and a ball assembly, the gushing arm is connected with the gushing arm base, the gushing arm can rotate relative to the gushing arm base, the ball assembly is arranged at the connecting and matching position of the gushing arm and the gushing arm base, and the ball assembly comprises a bearing base body and a ball, the balls are arranged on the bearing base body in a rotatable mode. According to the gushing arm assembly, the gushing arm and the gushing arm base are in rolling contact through the arrangement of the ball assembly, the friction force between the gushing arm and the gushing arm base can be reduced, reduction of hydrodynamic force loss is facilitated, meanwhile, the height of the gushing arm assembly is effectively reduced, and therefore the internal space of the washing electric appliance is saved.

Description

[0001] This case is a divisional application of application number 201810990354.3, application date August 28, 2018, and invention name “Spray arm assembly and washing appliance having the same” Technical Field

[0002] 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

[0003] For the existing spray arm assembly, 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 spray arm 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

[0004] 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.

[0005] The present invention also provides a washing appliance having the spray arm assembly.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the spray arm assembly includes: a spray arm, a spray arm seat and a ball assembly, the spray arm is connected to the spray arm seat, and the spray arm is rotatable relative to the spray arm seat, the ball assembly is arranged at the connection between the spray arm and the spray arm seat, and the ball assembly includes: a bearing base and a ball, and the ball is rotatably arranged on the bearing base.

[0007] 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.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the bearing base at least includes: an inner sleeve, and an inner sleeve ball groove suitable for cooperating with the ball is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the inner sleeve.

[0009] Furthermore, the bearing base also includes: an intermediate sleeve, which is arranged on the outside of the inner sleeve, and is provided with a plurality of ball holes, in which the balls are installed, and the balls protrude from the inner circumference and outer circumference of the intermediate sleeve in the radial direction of the intermediate sleeve.

[0010] Optionally, the bearing base further comprises: an outer sleeve, and an outer sleeve ball groove suitable for cooperating with the ball is arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the outer sleeve.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the spray arm includes: 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 and the spray arm body have a spray arm chamber connected, the spray arm seat has a spray arm seat chamber connected to the spray arm chamber, and the inner circumferential surface of the spray arm connecting sleeve is provided with a spray arm ball groove suitable for cooperating with the ball.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, 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, and the inner circumferential surface of the spray arm connecting sleeve and the outer circumferential surface of the outer sleeve are interference fit.

[0013] Furthermore, the spray arm ball groove and the inner sleeve ball groove are both circumferential annular grooves.

[0014] Furthermore, in the direction of the central axis of the spray arm connecting sleeve, the positions of the spray arm ball groove, the inner sleeve ball groove, and the ball hole correspond to each other.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the spray arm seat and the bearing base are detachably connected.

[0016] Specifically, the spray arm seat includes: a spray arm seat body and a spray arm seat flange extending radially outward from the spray arm seat body, the ball assembly is arranged above the spray arm seat flange, and the spray arm seat body is provided with a spray arm seat buckle, which is suitable for being clamped on the top end of the inner sleeve.

[0017] Specifically, the top of the spray arm seat body has a plurality of grooves, the opening direction of the grooves is parallel to the axial direction of the spray arm seat body, the spray arm seat buckle extends upward from the bottom wall of the groove, and the two sides of the spray arm seat buckle are separated from the two side walls of the groove, and the top of the spray arm seat buckle is provided with a hook facing the inner sleeve.

[0018] Furthermore, the gap between the spray arm connecting sleeve, the lower surface of the inner sleeve and the upper surface of the spray arm seat flange is L1, and L1 satisfies the relationship: 0mm<L1≤1mm.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the bearing base has a base thread, the spray arm seat has a spray arm seat thread, and the spray arm seat thread is threadedly matched with the base thread.

[0020] Optionally, the spray arm seat comprises: a spray arm seat body, the spray arm seat thread is an internal spray arm seat thread arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the spray arm seat body, and the base thread is an inner sleeve external thread arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the inner sleeve; or

[0021] The spray arm seat comprises: a spray arm seat body, the spray arm seat thread is an external thread of the spray arm seat arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the spray arm seat body, and the base thread is an inner sleeve internal thread arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the inner sleeve.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the ball hole is arranged at the top of the middle sleeve, the ball hole is a major arc hole, and a ball taking and releasing opening is formed at the top notch.

[0023] Furthermore, a weakened groove is provided between two adjacent ball holes.

[0024] Furthermore, a weakening groove column is arranged in the weakening groove.

[0025] A washing appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the above-mentioned spray arm assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is an exploded schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a spray arm assembly;

[0027] Figure 2 is a half-section schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a spray arm assembly;

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A local enlarged view of point A;

[0029] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a spray arm of a first embodiment of a spray arm assembly;

[0030] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the intermediate sleeve;

[0031] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the ball assembly.

[0032] Reference numerals:

[0033] Spray arm assembly 1000, spray arm 100, spray arm body 110, spray arm connecting sleeve 120, spray arm chamber 130, spray arm ball groove 140, spray arm seat 200, spray arm seat body 210, spray arm seat flange 220, spray arm seat buckle 230, spray arm seat chamber 240, ball assembly 300, intermediate sleeve 310, ball hole 311, inner sleeve 320, ball 330, inner sleeve ball groove 340, weakened groove column 341, weakened groove 342, outer sleeve 350. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] Combine the following Figure 1-Figure 6 The 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.

[0038] Reference Figure 1-Figure 3 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 .

[0039] The spray arm 100 is connected to the spray arm seat 200, 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.

[0040] The ball assembly 300 is disposed at the connection and cooperation position between the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200 . The ball assembly 300 comprises: a bearing base and a ball 330 . The ball 330 is rotatably disposed on the bearing base.

[0041] exist Figure 1-Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing base includes: an intermediate sleeve 310 and an inner sleeve 320, the inner sleeve 320 is sleeved inside the intermediate sleeve 310, the ball 330 is in rolling contact with the inner surface of the spray arm 100, the ball 330 is in rolling contact with the outer surface of the inner sleeve 320, a part of the spray arm seat 200 is arranged inside the inner sleeve 320, and the inner sleeve 320 is fixedly connected to the spray arm seat 200, therefore, the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200 are indirectly connected through the ball assembly 300, and the structure of the connection among the spray arm 100, the spray arm seat 200 and the ball assembly 300 is simple and stable.

[0042] When the spray arm 100 rotates relative to the spray arm seat 200, the ball 330 rolls, so that the spray arm 100 and the inner sleeve 320 rotate relative to each other. Since the spray arm seat 200 and the inner sleeve 320 are fixed, the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200 rotate relative to each other.

[0043] By setting 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 rolling friction instead of the previous sliding friction, which ensures that the friction force of the spray arm 100 is small when rotating relative to the spray arm seat 200, that is, the rolling friction force has little resistance to the rotation of the spray arm 100, so the water power loss caused by friction can be reduced and the utilization rate of water power can be improved. At the same time, the speed of the spray arm 100 rotating relative to the spray arm seat 200 is relatively fast, so by setting 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.

[0044] 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 in which the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200 are separately 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 thus increasing the tableware capacity of the dishwasher. For example, the internal loading capacity of the dishwasher can be increased by 10mm-40mm.

[0045] like Figure 5 As shown, the middle sleeve 310 is provided with a plurality of ball holes 311, and the balls 330 are rotatably mounted in the ball holes 311. The ball holes 311 provide support for the fixation of the balls 330, ensure that the relative positions of the plurality of balls 330 remain unchanged, and prevent collision and extrusion between the plurality of balls 330, 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 330 is the same as the number of the ball holes 311.

[0046] In a specific embodiment, there are multiple balls 330, and the multiple balls 330 can be evenly distributed along the circumference of the middle sleeve 310, thereby improving the stability of the spray arm 100 during rotation. Preferably, the number of balls 330 is an even number, thereby ensuring that the ball assembly 300 is subjected to balanced force and relieving stress concentration.

[0047] Optionally, the diameter of the ball 330 is 3 mm to 8 mm, and the number of the ball 330 is 4 to 12. The ball 330 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 330 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 330 from rusting.

[0048] like Figure 1-3As shown, the ball 330 protrudes from the inner circumference and the outer circumference of the intermediate sleeve 310 in the radial direction of the intermediate sleeve 310, that is, the diameter of the ball 330 is greater than the wall thickness of the intermediate sleeve 310, and only the middle part of the ball 330 is installed in the intermediate sleeve 310. The inner side of the ball 330 protrudes inwardly from the inner circumference of the intermediate sleeve 310, and the outer side of the ball 330 protrudes outwardly from the outer circumference of the intermediate sleeve 310. There is rolling contact between the ball 330 and the spray arm 100 and the inner sleeve 320. Since the inner sleeve 320 is fixedly connected to the spray arm seat 200, it is equivalent to rolling contact between the ball 330 and the spray arm seat 200. The ball assembly 300 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 inner sleeve 320 are in contact with each other through the ball bearings 330 , so rolling friction occurs between the spray arm 100 and the inner sleeve 320 .

[0049] According to the spray arm assembly 1000 of the embodiment of the present invention, a spray arm seat 200 is provided to provide a connection interface for the spray arm 100, and the spray arm seat 200 also serves as a water inlet pipe of the spray arm 100. By providing a ball assembly 300 between the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200, the spray arm 100 and the inner sleeve 320 are in rolling contact, and the spray arm seat 200 is fixed to the inner sleeve 320, thereby reducing the friction between the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200, which is beneficial to reducing the water power loss, improving the utilization rate of the water power, ensuring that the pressure of water sprayed from the water spray hole of the spray arm 100 is relatively large, which is beneficial to improving the cleaning effect of the dishwasher on the 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 water inlet of the spray arm 100, thereby saving the internal space of the dishwasher.

[0050] refer to Figure 4 As 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.

[0051] like Figure 2As shown, the spray arm connecting sleeve 120 has a spray arm chamber 130 connected to the spray arm body 110, and the spray arm seat 200 has a spray arm seat chamber 240 connected to 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 240, 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 guaranteed to be better.

[0052] After the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200 are connected by the ball assembly 300, the height dimension of the spray arm connecting sleeve 120 can be reduced, thereby reducing the overall height dimension of the spray arm assembly 1000, leaving more space for placing tableware.

[0053] Furthermore, a spray arm ball groove 140 suitable for cooperating with the ball 330 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the spray arm connecting sleeve 120, and an inner sleeve ball groove 340 suitable for cooperating with the ball 330 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the inner sleeve 320. The spray arm ball groove 140 and the inner sleeve ball groove 340 are both circumferential annular grooves, thereby ensuring the smoothness of the full rotation of the spray arm 100. The ball 330 is in rolling contact with the spray arm ball groove 140 and the inner sleeve ball groove 340, and the friction force is small. In a specific embodiment, the diameter of the spray arm ball groove 140 and the inner sleeve ball groove 340 can be equal to the diameter of the ball 330, or can also be slightly larger than the diameter of the ball 330, thereby ensuring that the ball 330 cooperates well with the spray arm ball groove 140 and the inner sleeve ball groove 340.

[0054] Further, in the direction of the central axis of the spray arm connecting sleeve 120, the positions of the spray arm ball groove 140, the inner sleeve ball groove 340, and the ball hole 311 correspond to each other, and the ball 330 is partially disposed in the ball hole 311. Figure 2-Figure 3 As shown, the outer side of the ball 330 contacts the spray arm ball groove 140, and the inner side of the ball 330 contacts the inner sleeve ball groove 340, thereby completing the connection between the spray arm 100 and the inner sleeve 320, and the inner sleeve 320 is fixedly connected to the spray arm seat 200, thereby completing the indirect connection between the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200. The positions of the spray arm ball groove 140, the inner sleeve ball groove 340, and the ball hole 311 correspond to each other, which can prevent the spray arm 100 from rotating. The sliding trajectory of the ball 330 is different from the trajectory of the spray arm ball groove 140 and the inner sleeve ball groove 340, thereby preventing the spray arm 100 from being squeezed, resulting in the spray arm 100 being unable to rotate.

[0055] Specifically, the spray arm seat 200 may include: a spray arm seat body 210 and a spray arm seat flange 220, Figure 2-Figure 3 As shown, the spray arm seat flange 220 is arranged below the spray arm seat body 210, and the spray arm seat flange 220 extends outward along the radial direction of the spray arm seat body 210. The outer diameter of the spray arm seat flange 220 is larger than the outer diameter of the spray arm seat body 210. The spray arm seat flange 220 is suitable for being connected to other components in the dishwasher. The larger outer diameter of the spray arm seat flange 220 can make the fixation between the spray arm seat 200 and other components more stable and reliable.

[0056] In some embodiments, the spray arm base 200 and the supporting base may be detachably connected.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, the ball assembly 300 is arranged above the spray arm seat flange 220, and the spray arm seat body 210 is provided with a spray arm seat buckle 230, and the spray arm seat buckle 230 is suitable for being clamped on the top of the inner sleeve 320. By arranging the spray arm seat buckle 230 on the spray arm seat body 210, it can be ensured that the spray arm seat 200 and the inner sleeve 320 are reliably connected as a whole, and it is convenient to connect and disconnect the spray arm seat 200 and the ball assembly 300, so as to facilitate the installation of the spray arm assembly 1000.

[0058] The top of the spray arm seat body 210 has a plurality of grooves, the opening direction of the grooves is parallel to the axial direction of the spray arm seat body 210, the spray arm seat buckle 230 extends upward from the bottom wall of the groove, and the two sides of the spray arm seat buckle 230 are separated from the two side walls of the groove, thereby ensuring that the spray arm seat buckle 230 can be elastically deformed in the groove. The top of the spray arm seat buckle 230 is provided with a hook facing the inner sleeve 320, and the hook is suitable for hooking on the top of the inner sleeve 320, thereby limiting the relative axial position of the spray arm seat 200 and the inner sleeve 320.

[0059] When the inner sleeve 320 is assembled with the spray arm seat 200, the inner circumferential surface of the inner sleeve 320 squeezes the hook of the spray arm seat buckle 230, so that the spray arm seat buckle 230 is deformed toward the inside of the spray arm seat body 210, ensuring that the spray arm seat buckle 230 can reach the top of the inner sleeve 320 from the bottom end of the inner sleeve 320 (i.e. from bottom to top). When the spray arm seat buckle 230 passes over the top of the inner sleeve 320, the squeezing force on the spray arm seat buckle 230 disappears. Under the action of the elastic force of the spray arm seat buckle 230 itself, the spray arm seat buckle 230 approaches the inner sleeve 320, so that the hook hooks the top of the inner sleeve 320.

[0060] When the inner sleeve 320 needs to be separated from the spray arm seat 200, the spray arm 100 is lifted upward with force, the top of the inner sleeve 320 squeezes the hook so that the hook is retracted into the inner sleeve 320, and the spray arm 100 is continued to be lifted to separate the inner sleeve 320 from the spray arm seat 200.

[0061] There may be multiple (for example, four) spray arm seat buckles 230 at the upper edge of the spray arm seat body 210, the grooves correspond one to one with the spray arm seat buckles 230, and the multiple spray arm seat buckles 230 are evenly arranged along the circumference of the spray arm seat body 210, thereby improving the clamping stability between the spray arm seat buckle 230 and the inner sleeve 320.

[0062] Further, the gap between the lower surface of the spray arm connecting sleeve 120, the intermediate sleeve 310, the inner sleeve 320 and the upper surface of the spray arm seat flange 220 is L1, and L1 satisfies the relationship: 0mm<L1≤1mm, for example, L1 can be 0.3mm, 0.5mm or 0.8mm, that is, between the upper surface of the spray arm seat flange 220 and the lower surface of the spray arm connecting sleeve 120, between the upper surface of the spray arm seat flange 220 and the lower surface of the intermediate sleeve 310, and between the upper surface of the spray arm seat flange 220 and the inner sleeve 3 There is a gap between the lower surfaces of the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200. 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 bottom of the spray arm connecting sleeve 120 and the upper surface of the spray arm seat flange 220, the bottom of the middle sleeve 310 and the upper surface of the spray arm seat flange 220, and the bottom of the inner sleeve 320 and the upper surface of the spray arm seat flange 220, thereby ensuring that there is no other sliding contact between the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200 except for the rolling contact with the ball 330 in the ball assembly 300.

[0063] 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 to 0mm-1mm, it can prevent leftovers or other contaminants 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. When the spray arm 100 is tilted, the spray arm 100 can quickly contact the spray arm seat 200, thereby preventing the spray arm 100 from further tilting.

[0064] Reference Figure 4As shown, the ball hole 311 is arranged at the top of the middle sleeve 310, and the ball hole 311 is a major arc hole, and a ball access opening is formed at the notch at the top of the ball hole 311, and the ball 330 enters or exits the ball hole 311 through the ball access opening, thereby facilitating the installation and removal of the ball 330 in the ball hole 311. The major arc hole is a hole with a central angle greater than 180° and less than 360°, thereby making most of each ball 330 located in the ball hole 311, preventing the ball 330 from falling out of the ball hole 311 after installation. When installing the ball 330, the ball access opening can be opened with the help of external force, and then the ball 330 is installed in the ball hole 311 through the ball access opening. Then the external force is removed, and 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 330, making the installation of the ball 330 in the ball hole 311 more firm and reliable.

[0065] Furthermore, a weakening groove 342 is provided between two adjacent ball holes 311. By providing the weakening groove 342, the rigidity between the two adjacent ball holes 311 can be reduced. Therefore, when the ball 330 is installed, the ball hole 311 is easily deformed, thereby reducing the difficulty of installing or removing the ball 330.

[0066] Further, a weakening groove column 341 is provided in the weakening groove 342, and optionally, the central axis of the weakening groove column 342 is parallel to the central axis of the intermediate sleeve 310, which is conducive to simplifying the processing technology of the intermediate sleeve 310. By providing the weakening groove column 341, a certain strengthening effect can be played, thereby preventing the weakening groove 342 from excessively weakening the rigidity of the intermediate sleeve 310, which is conducive to improving the working reliability of the ball assembly 300.

[0067] In some embodiments not shown, the ball hole 311 is disposed at the bottom of the middle sleeve 310 , the ball hole 311 is a major arc hole, and a ball access opening is formed at the bottom notch of the ball hole 311 .

[0068] In some other embodiments not shown, the ball hole 311 may also be disposed in the middle of the intermediate sleeve 310 , in which case the ball hole 311 is a complete hole.

[0069] The middle sleeve 310 has three main functions: (1) by opening a ball hole 311 on the middle sleeve 310 and installing the ball 330 in the ball hole 311, the position of the ball 330 can be fixed and limited to prevent the ball 330 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.

[0070] In addition to the above-mentioned clamping form, the detachable connection between the spray arm seat 200 and the bearing base can also be connected by threading. Specifically, the bearing base has a base thread, the spray arm seat 200 has a spray arm seat thread, and the spray arm seat thread and the base thread are screwed together to achieve the connection between the spray arm seat 200 and the bearing base. When the spray arm seat thread and the base thread are loosened, the spray arm seat 200 and the bearing base can be disassembled.

[0071] based on Figure 3 The detachable connection between the arm base 200 and the inner sleeve 320 can have a variety of deformation modes, and these deformation modes all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0072] For example, in the first embodiment not shown, the spray arm seat 200 comprises: a spray arm seat body 210, the spray arm seat thread is an external thread of the spray arm seat provided on the outer circumference of the spray arm seat body 210, and the base thread is an inner sleeve internal thread provided on the inner circumference of the inner sleeve 320. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the spray arm seat 200 and the inner sleeve 320 are threadedly connected, and the external thread of the spray arm seat is threadedly matched with the internal thread of the inner sleeve, so that the spray arm seat 200 and the inner sleeve 320 can be detachably connected.

[0073] For example, in the second embodiment not shown, the spray arm seat 200 includes: a spray arm seat body 210, compared with the above Figure 3 In the embodiment, the inner sleeve 320 extends downwardly beyond the middle sleeve 310, the base thread is an inner sleeve outer thread provided on the outer circumference of the inner sleeve 320, the spray arm seat body 210 is sleeved on the outer side of the inner sleeve 320 extending downwardly beyond the middle sleeve 310, the spray arm seat thread is an inner thread of the spray arm seat provided on the inner circumference of the spray arm seat body 210, and the inner circumference of the spray arm seat body 210 is matched with the outer circumference of the inner sleeve 320. The inner thread of the spray arm seat is screwed with the outer thread of the inner sleeve, so that the spray arm seat 200 and the inner sleeve 320 can be detachably connected.

[0074] based on Figure 1-Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, the supporting substrate 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 1-Figure 3 , Figure 6 A plurality of variations of the carrier substrate according to the embodiment of the present invention are summarized.

[0075] For example, in one embodiment not shown, the support base may only include: the inner sleeve 320, that is, compared with the above Figure 3In the embodiment, the intermediate sleeve 310 is reduced. At this time, the ball 330 is in rolling contact with the inner sleeve ball groove 340 on the outer circumference of the inner sleeve 320, and is also in rolling contact with the spray arm ball groove 140 on the inner circumference of the spray arm connecting sleeve 120, thereby realizing the rolling connection between the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200.

[0076] For example, in Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing base may include: an inner sleeve 320, an intermediate sleeve 310, and an outer sleeve 350. The outer sleeve 350 is sleeved on the outer side of the intermediate sleeve 310. The inner circumference of the outer sleeve 350 is provided with an outer sleeve ball groove suitable for cooperating with the ball 330, and the outer circumference of the inner sleeve 320 is provided with an inner sleeve ball groove 340 suitable for cooperating with the ball 330. The inner circumference of the spray arm connecting sleeve 120 and the outer circumference of the outer sleeve 350 are interference fit, thereby preventing the ball assembly 300 from falling off from the spray arm connecting sleeve 120. At this time, the ball 330 rolls in contact with the inner sleeve ball groove 340 on the outer circumference of the inner sleeve 320, and rolls in contact with the outer sleeve ball groove on the inner circumference of the outer sleeve 350, thereby realizing the rolling connection between the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200.

[0077] For example, in another embodiment not shown, the bearing substrate may include: an inner sleeve 320, an outer sleeve 350, that is, compared with the above Figure 6 In the embodiment, the intermediate sleeve 310 is reduced, and the outer sleeve 350 is sleeved on the outer side of the inner sleeve 320. The inner circumference of the outer sleeve 350 is provided with an outer sleeve ball groove suitable for cooperating with the ball 330, and the outer circumference of the inner sleeve 320 is provided with an inner sleeve ball groove 340 suitable for cooperating with the ball 330. The inner circumference of the spray arm connecting sleeve 120 and the outer circumference of the outer sleeve 350 are interference fit, thereby preventing the ball assembly 300 from falling off from the spray arm connecting sleeve 120. At this time, the ball 330 rolls with the inner sleeve ball groove 340 on the outer circumference of the inner sleeve 320, and rolls with the outer sleeve ball groove on the inner circumference of the outer sleeve 350, thereby realizing the rolling connection between the spray arm 100 and the spray arm seat 200. At this time, the ball assembly 300 is an independent modular component, which is easy to install and disassemble, and also reduces the processing cost of the spray arm seat 200 or the spray arm 100.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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 for a washing appliance, characterized in that: include: Spray arm; 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, wherein the ball assembly is arranged at the connection and cooperation between the spray arm and the spray arm seat, so that the spray arm and the spray arm seat can realize relative rotation through the ball assembly, and the ball assembly comprises: a bearing base and a ball, wherein the ball is rotatably arranged on the bearing base; The bearing base comprises: an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve, wherein the outer sleeve is sleeved on the outer side of the inner sleeve, an outer sleeve ball groove suitable for cooperating with the ball is arranged on the inner circumference of the outer sleeve, and an inner sleeve ball groove suitable for cooperating with the ball is arranged on the outer circumference of the inner sleeve; 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 in the central axis direction of the spray arm connecting sleeve, the outer sleeve ball groove corresponds to the position of the inner sleeve ball groove.

2. The spray arm assembly for a washing appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The balls are in rolling contact with the inner sleeve ball grooves on the outer circumferential surface of the inner sleeve, and the balls are in rolling contact with the outer sleeve ball grooves on the inner circumferential surface of the outer sleeve.

3. The spray arm assembly for a washing appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bearing base also includes: an intermediate sleeve, which is sleeved on the outer side of the inner sleeve, and a plurality of ball holes are arranged on the intermediate sleeve, and the balls are installed in the ball holes.

4. The spray arm assembly for a washing appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that: The balls protrude from the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate sleeve in the radial direction of the intermediate sleeve, and the diameter of the balls is greater than the wall thickness of the intermediate sleeve.

5. The spray arm assembly for a washing appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that: There are multiple balls, and the balls are evenly distributed along the circumference of the middle sleeve.

6. The spray arm assembly for a washing appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ball hole is a major arc hole and a ball taking and releasing opening is formed at the top notch. The major arc hole is a hole with a central angle greater than 180° and less than 360°. And / or, a weakened groove is provided between two adjacent ball holes.

7. The spray arm assembly for a washing appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that: In the direction of the central axis of the spray arm connecting sleeve, the positions of the outer sleeve ball groove, the inner sleeve ball groove, and the ball hole correspond to each other.

8. The spray arm assembly for a washing appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spray arm seat comprises: a spray arm seat body and a spray arm seat flange extending radially outward from the spray arm seat body, the spray arm seat flange is arranged below the spray arm seat body, and the outer diameter of the spray arm seat flange is greater than the outer diameter of the spray arm seat body.

9. The spray arm assembly for a washing appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that: 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. Water from the dishwasher water source enters the spray arm chamber through the spray arm seat chamber, and then the water is sprayed onto the surface of the tableware through the water spray hole and the drive hole on the spray arm.

10. The spray arm assembly for a washing appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that: The ball assembly is arranged above the spray arm seat flange.

11. The spray arm assembly for a washing appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner sleeve ball groove is a circumferential annular groove.

12. The spray arm assembly for a washing appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ball assembly is an independent modular component.

13. The spray arm assembly for a washing appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spray arm seat and the bearing base are detachably connected.

14. The spray arm assembly for a washing appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The balls are plastic balls or stainless steel balls.

15. A washing appliance, characterized in that: Comprising a spray arm assembly according to any one of claims 1-14.

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