Spray arm mechanism and wall-mounted dishwasher

Abstract

The present invention discloses a spray arm mechanism and a wall-mounted dishwasher thereof. The spray arm mechanism comprises: a fixed arm, a rotating arm, and an impeller. The fixed arm is provided with a first liquid passage chamber and a plurality of first spray holes connected to the first liquid passage chamber; the front end of the rotating arm is rotatably connected to the fixed arm, the rotating arm is provided with a second liquid passage chamber, and the second liquid passage chamber is provided with a plurality of second spray holes connected to the first liquid passage chamber; the impeller is connected to the rear end of the rotating arm, the impeller is provided with a third liquid passage chamber, the third liquid passage chamber, the second liquid passage chamber, and the first liquid passage chamber are connected in sequence, and the third liquid passage chamber extends radially from the axial direction of the rotating arm as the rotation axis to the surface of the impeller, so that when liquid is sprayed from the impeller, it simultaneously drives the rotating arm to rotate relative to the fixed arm. The spray arm is designed to have a structure of a fixed arm, a rotating arm, and an impeller, which realizes radial rotation of the spray arm, occupies a small space, and the liquid sprayed at both ends generates radial rotational power, without the need for an additional power mechanism, thereby reducing its complexity and cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of cleaning equipment, and in particular to a spray arm mechanism and a wall-mounted dishwasher thereof. Background Art

[0002] With the declining marriage and birth rates, the growing elderly population, and the rapid development of the single and silver economies, the market is in urgent need of a dishwasher suitable for these two demographics. Existing mainstream dishwashers have between 6 and 14 dishware sets, which cannot meet the requirements for efficient and quick cleaning of 6-8 sets of tableware. Singles often live in apartments, and choosing a small-unit tabletop dishwasher on the market would take up countertop space. Traditional built-in dishwashers require bending over to retrieve tableware, which is not ergonomic. Therefore, a wall-mounted dishwasher with a small capacity, flexible installation, and convenient tableware access is needed for the target user.

[0003] The spray arm design for wall-mounted dishwashers differs from that of standard dishwashers. Traditional spray arms typically rotate 360° along their axis to spray and clean dishes. However, small wall-mounted dishwashers are limited in space, making axially rotating spray arms unsuitable. Non-traditional axially rotating spray arms typically require an additional motor to power the rotational spray. This motor-driven approach complicates the structure and increases costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and provide a spray arm mechanism and a wall-mounted dishwasher thereof, so as to solve the technical problem that the spray mechanism of the existing traditional dishwasher cannot be applied to a wall-mounted small dishwasher.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a spray arm mechanism, which includes: a fixed arm, a rotating arm and an impeller.

[0007] A first liquid cavity is provided in the fixed arm, and a plurality of first spray holes communicating with the first liquid cavity are provided on the fixed arm;

[0008] The front end of the rotating arm is rotatably connected to the fixed arm, a second liquid cavity is provided in the rotating arm, and a plurality of second spray holes communicating with the second liquid cavity are provided on the second liquid cavity;

[0009] The impeller is connected to the rear end of the rotating arm. A third liquid chamber is provided in the impeller. The third liquid chamber, the second liquid chamber and the first liquid chamber are connected in sequence. The third liquid chamber radiates to the surface of the impeller with the axial direction of the rotating arm as the rotation axis, so that when liquid is ejected from the impeller, the rotating arm is synchronously driven to rotate relative to the fixed arm.

[0010] Wherein, a plurality of axially extending spray holes are provided on the rotating arm near the impeller.

[0011] Wherein, the jet holes are evenly distributed on the rotating arm at equal intervals.

[0012] The impeller includes a plurality of evenly distributed blades, and the plurality of blades are distributed perpendicularly to the axial direction of the rotating arm, and the third liquid passage cavity is provided in each of the blades.

[0013] The number of the jet holes is the same as the number of the blades, and each of the jet holes is located at the rear side of one of the blades.

[0014] Wherein, the two ends of the fixed arm are symmetrically connected to the rotating arm and the impeller connected to the rotating arm, and the fixed arm, the rotating arm and the impeller form a spray arm group.

[0015] Wherein, the spray arm mechanism further includes a liquid inlet pipe, and the top and bottom of the liquid inlet pipe are respectively connected to a group of the spray arm groups.

[0016] Wherein, the spray arm group near the top of the liquid inlet pipe is also provided with a plurality of side spray holes.

[0017] Wherein, a group of spray arm groups is further provided in the middle of the liquid inlet pipe, and a tableware placement space is formed between the spray arm groups located at the top, middle and bottom.

[0018] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a wall-mounted dishwasher, which includes a cabinet body, and a spray arm mechanism as described above and arranged in the cabinet body.

[0019] Compared to existing technologies, the spray arm mechanism and its wall-mounted dishwasher offer the following technical advantages: The spray arm is designed as a fixed arm, a rotating arm, and an impeller, enabling radial rotation of the spray arm. This structure occupies less space and is suitable for wall-mounted dishwashers in small spaces. Furthermore, the dual-power design of the rotating arm and impeller combination generates radial rotational power through liquid injection, eliminating the need for an additional power mechanism and reducing complexity and cost. This wall-mounted dishwasher is suitable for single and senior citizens, offering a compact size, flexible installation, and convenient tableware access.

[0020] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present invention, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the following preferred embodiments are specifically cited and described in detail as follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the overall structure of the spray arm mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of one of the spray arm groups of the spray arm mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of the rotating arm and impeller portion of the spray arm mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the enlarged structure of the impeller portion of the spray arm mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the partially enlarged structure;

[0026] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of the spray arm group located at the top of the spray arm mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the structure of a wall-mounted dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the application scenario of a wall-mounted dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Description of reference numerals:

[0030] 100. Spray arm mechanism; 1. Liquid inlet pipe; 2. First spray arm group; 3. Second spray arm group; 4. Third spray arm group; 11. Pipe body; 20. Cabinet body; 21. Ceiling; 22. Wall; 23. Cabinet; 30. Chopstick, spoon, knife and fork placement area; 31. Fixed arm; 32. Rotating arm; 33. Impeller; 40. Plate placement area; 111. Side spray hole; 310. First liquid cavity; 311. First spray hole; 312. Longitudinal spray hole; 320. Second liquid cavity; 321. Second spray hole; 322. Spray hole; 330. Third liquid cavity; 331. Blade; 332. Disc; 200. Wall-mounted dishwasher. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clear, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0032] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships described in the accompanying 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 should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature identified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0035] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, terms such as "mounted," "connected," "connect," and "fixed" should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0036] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0037] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with that embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. Throughout this specification, the schematic representations of these terms should not be construed as necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0038] With the declining marriage and birth rates, the growing elderly population, and the rapidly developing single and silver economies, the market is in need of a dishwasher that caters to these two demographics. Existing mainstream dishwashers have between 6 and 14 dishware sets, which cannot meet the efficient and quick cleaning requirements of 6-8 sets of tableware. Singles often live in apartments, and choosing a small-unit tabletop dishwasher would take up countertop space. Traditional built-in dishwashers require bending over to retrieve dishes, which is not ergonomic. Therefore, a wall-mounted dishwasher with a small capacity, flexible installation, and convenient tableware access is needed for this target user.

[0039] The spray arm design for wall-mounted dishwashers differs from that of conventional dishwashers. Traditional spray arms typically rotate 360° axially to spray and clean dishes, but the limited space available in small, wall-mounted dishwashers makes axially rotating spray arms unsuitable. For non-traditional axially rotating spray arms, the rotational spraying power typically requires the addition of a motor. This motor-driven approach complicates the structure and increases costs. Therefore, based on these requirements, this embodiment provides a spray arm mechanism 100 and a wall-mounted dishwasher 200 thereof.

[0040] It should be noted that the spray arm mechanism 100 of this embodiment can be applied not only to wall-mounted dishwashers 200, but also to other types of dishwashers, and can also be used in combination with existing traditional dishwashers.

[0041] See also Figures 1 to 8 , this embodiment discloses a spray arm mechanism 100, which includes: a fixed arm 31, a rotating arm 32 and an impeller 33;

[0042] A first liquid cavity 310 is provided in the fixed arm 31 , and a plurality of first spray holes 311 communicating with the first liquid cavity 310 are provided on the fixed arm 31 ;

[0043] The front end of the rotating arm 32 is rotatably connected to the fixed arm 31. A second liquid cavity 320 is provided in the rotating arm 32. The second liquid cavity 320 is provided with a plurality of second spray holes 321 communicating with the second liquid cavity 320.

[0044] The impeller 33 is connected to the rear end of the rotating arm 32. A third liquid chamber 330 is provided in the impeller 33. The third liquid chamber 330, the second liquid chamber 320 and the first liquid chamber 310 are connected in sequence, and the third liquid chamber 330 radiates to the surface of the impeller 33 with the axial direction of the rotating arm 32 as the rotation axis, so that when the liquid is ejected from the impeller 33, the rotating arm 32 is synchronously driven to rotate relative to the fixed arm 31.

[0045] The above describes the structure of one of the second spray arm groups 3 of the spray arm mechanism 100. During operation, liquid (mainly cleaning liquid) is input into the first liquid chamber 310 by the fixed arm 31. Part of the liquid is sprayed out from the first spray hole 311, and part of the liquid continues to flow from the first liquid chamber 310 to the second liquid chamber 320 of the rotating arm 32, and flows along the second liquid chamber 320 to the third liquid chamber 330 of the impeller 33. Since the extension direction of the third liquid chamber 330 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating arm 32 and radiates outward from the axis, Therefore, after the liquid is ejected from the impeller 33, the Bernoulli phenomenon will occur, pushing the impeller 33 to rotate in the opposite direction of the liquid ejection direction. The impeller 33 is fixedly connected to the rotating arm 32, and thus synchronously drives the rotating arm 32 to rotate relative to the fixed arm 31. At this time, there is no need to add an additional power unit to achieve automatic rotation of the rotating arm 32. During the rotation process, the liquid ejected from the impeller 33 and the rotating arm 32 will also have an impact on the outside, and combined with the liquid ejected outward from the fixed arm 31, the jet cleaning of tableware and other utensils is completed.

[0046] As attached Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, a first spray arm assembly 2 at the top, a second spray arm assembly 3 in the middle, and a third spray arm assembly 4 at the bottom are arranged horizontally and connected to a vertical liquid inlet pipe 1. Unlike traditional spray arm structures, a rotating arm 32 rotates in a vertical plane, following an impeller 33 with a horizontal axis, i.e., radially. In this case, only the rotating impeller 33 occupies a certain space, while the rotating arm 32 does not need to rotate axially. Therefore, the structure occupies less space and is suitable for small dishwashers.

[0047] Please refer again Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the spray arm mechanism 100 is horizontally arranged. In other embodiments, the arrangement direction of the spray arm mechanism 100 is not limited thereto, and is also applicable to a layout in a vertical direction or other directions.

[0048] The rotating arm 32 can be provided at only one end of the fixed arm 31, and the corresponding impeller 33 can also be designed as a single one. Of course, a set of rotating arms 32 and their corresponding impellers 33 can also be provided at both ends of the fixed arm 31. In this case, the fixed arm 31 is located between the two rotating arms 32. The liquid is input from the fixed arm 31 and divided into two paths to enter the rotating arms 32 connected to the two ends of the fixed arm 31 and their corresponding impellers 33.

[0049] Please refer again Figure 2 and Figure 3 The rotating arm 32 is also provided with a plurality of axially extending spray holes 322 near the impeller 33 .

[0050] In this embodiment, the spray holes 322 are evenly distributed on the rotating arm 32 at equal intervals. When the liquid enters the third liquid-passing chamber 330, part of the liquid is first ejected from the spray holes 322 and the liquid outlet of the third liquid-passing chamber 330. At this time, the Bernoulli phenomenon is formed at the outlet of the third liquid-passing chamber 330 and the spray holes 322, thereby generating a greater rotational force to drive the rotating arm 32 to rotate. The liquid at the outlet of the third liquid-passing chamber 330 generates a first rotational force, and a second rotational force is generated at the spray hole 322, thereby forming a dual-power spray arm structure to increase the rotation speed of the rotating arm 32 and the liquid spraying effect. If a set of rotating arms 32 and corresponding impeller 33 structures are provided on both sides of the fixed arm 31, a dual-power spray arm structure at both ends can be formed, further improving the cleaning effect.

[0051] Specifically, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the impeller 33 includes a plurality of evenly distributed blades 331, each of which is perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating arm 32. Each blade 331 is provided with the third liquid passage cavity 330. The inner ends of the blades 331 are connected to a disk 332, which is connected to the outer port of the rotating arm 32. The blades 331 being perpendicular to the rotating arm 32 means that the plane in which the blades 331 lie is approximately perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating arm 32.

[0052] In this embodiment, there are six blades 331, and the six blades 331 are distributed at equal central angles with the disk 332 as the center. The impeller 33 and the rotating arm 32 can be an integrally formed structure or two independent components assembled through a connector.

[0053] Furthermore, the number of the jet holes 322 is the same as the number of the blades 331, and each of the jet holes 322 is located at the rear side of one of the blades 331. Figure 3As shown, each jet hole 322 is located behind one of the blades 331, which means that in the axial direction of the rotating arm 32, the jet hole 322 is in the axial direction of the rotating arm 32 and is located behind the blade 331. The liquid ejected from the third liquid cavity 330 in the blade 331 and the liquid ejected from the jet hole 322 both provide rotational power for the rotating arm 32. The jet hole 322 and the blade 331 are arranged in an axially forward and backward position so that the rotational power they provide can be combined to increase its rotational speed.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the third liquid cavity 330 extends radially with the rotating arm 32 as the axis, that is, the extension direction of the third liquid cavity 330 cannot coincide with its own radial direction. At this time, it cannot provide rotational power, but extends in a rotating radial manner with the disk 332 as the center. At this time, the sprayed liquid can provide rotational power.

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the spray hole 322 is a rectangular hole with a size of 15*3 mm. The liquid outlet of the third liquid passage chamber 330 is a circumferentially extending rectangular opening with a size of 8*3 mm. The second spray hole 321 located on the rotating arm 32 has a diameter of 4-5 mm. It is understood that in other embodiments, the sizes of the spray hole 322, the rectangular opening, and the second spray hole 321 can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0056] In this embodiment, the two ends of the fixed arm 31 are symmetrically connected to the rotating arm 32 and the impeller 33 connected to the rotating arm 32 . The fixed arm 31 , the rotating arm 32 and the impeller 33 form a spray arm group.

[0057] Furthermore, the spray arm mechanism 100 includes a liquid inlet pipe 1, connected to the top and bottom of the first and third spray arm groups 2 and 4, respectively. The chopstick, spoon, and fork placement area 30 between the top first spray arm group 2 and the middle second spray arm group 3 is used to store tableware such as chopsticks, spoons, forks, and bowls. The plate placement area 40 between the middle second spray arm group 3 and the bottom third spray arm group 4 is used to store plates or pots. Zoned cleaning not only improves cleanliness but also fully utilizes the dishwasher's internal space.

[0058] If the liquid inlet pipe 1 is arranged vertically and connected to the central fixed arm 31 of the first spray arm group 2 at the top, the second spray arm group 3 in the middle, and the third spray arm group 4 at the bottom, the central fixed arm 31 of the three spray arm groups is provided with first spray holes 311 opened front and back and longitudinal spray holes 312 opened up and down. When washing dishes, the water flow from the first spray holes 311 and the longitudinal spray holes 312 is fixed. The rotating arms 32 and impellers 33 on both sides rotate radially, and the water flow injected during rotation fully rinses different surfaces of the dishes and sanitary blind spots.

[0059] Please refer again Figure 6 , the tube body 11 of the first spray arm group 2 near the top of the liquid inlet pipe 1 is also provided with a plurality of side spray holes 111. The liquid sprayed by the side spray holes 111 forms an umbrella-shaped water curtain to rinse the tableware below. Since the liquid inlet pipe 1 transports the cleaning liquid from the bottom to the top, it is not advisable to set side spray holes in the middle and lower parts of the liquid inlet pipe 1 to avoid excessive side spray holes causing a decrease in water flow pressure, and ultimately insufficient impact of the liquid sprayed from the first spray arm group 2 at the top. The side spray holes 111 are set on the side wall of the tube body 11 near the top, which not only ensures a moderate pressure of the liquid, but also provides a water curtain spraying downward, thereby improving the cleaning effect.

[0060] Please refer again Figure 7 and Figure 8 The embodiment of the present invention further provides a wall-mounted dishwasher 200 , which includes a cabinet 20 and a spray arm mechanism 100 as described above and arranged in the cabinet 20 .

[0061] The wall-mounted dishwasher 200 is mounted on a kitchen wall 22, with a ceiling 21 at the top and a cabinet 23 at the bottom. When placing or taking out dishes from the wall-mounted dishwasher 200, there is no need to bend over, making it more convenient to take dishes, especially for the elderly, who have a better user experience.

[0062] In order to solve the garbage cleaning problem of the wall-mounted dishwasher 200, a garbage disposer can be added to crush the tableware cleaning garbage and discharge it directly into the sewer pipe. In order to improve the cleaning effect, an ultrasonic generator can also be added to the wall-mounted dishwasher 200 to provide ultrasonic cleaning.

[0063] The first spray hole 311, the second spray hole 321, the side spray hole 111 and the jet hole 322 may also be provided with nozzles to increase the spraying force. The nozzles spray water evenly, covering a larger area, and improving the spraying efficiency and uniformity.

[0064] Compared to existing technologies, the spray arm mechanism and its wall-mounted dishwasher of this embodiment offer the following technical advantages: The spray arm is designed as a fixed arm, a rotating arm, and an impeller, enabling radial rotation of the spray arm. This reduces space requirements and makes it suitable for wall-mounted dishwashers in small spaces. Furthermore, the dual-power design of the rotating arm and impeller combination generates radial rotational power through liquid injection, eliminating the need for an additional power mechanism. This simplifies the structural design and reduces complexity and cost. Suitable for single and senior citizens, this wall-mounted dishwasher is compact, flexible, and convenient for removing tableware.

[0065] The above examples are merely provided to further illustrate the technical content of the present invention for easier understanding by the reader, but do not limit the embodiments of the present invention to these examples. Any extension or re-creation of the technology based on the present invention is protected by the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A spray arm mechanism, characterized in that: include: Fixed arm, rotating arm and impeller, A first liquid cavity is provided in the fixed arm, and a plurality of first spray holes communicating with the first liquid cavity are provided on the fixed arm; The front end of the rotating arm is rotatably connected to the fixed arm, a second liquid cavity is provided in the rotating arm, and a plurality of second spray holes communicating with the second liquid cavity are provided on the second liquid cavity; The impeller is connected to the rear end of the rotating arm. A third liquid chamber is provided in the impeller. The third liquid chamber, the second liquid chamber and the first liquid chamber are connected in sequence. The third liquid chamber radiates to the surface of the impeller with the axial direction of the rotating arm as the rotation axis, so that when liquid is ejected from the impeller, the rotating arm is synchronously driven to rotate relative to the fixed arm.

2. The spray arm mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating arm is also provided with a plurality of axially extending spray holes near the impeller.

3. The spray arm mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The jet holes are evenly distributed on the rotating arm at equal intervals.

4. The spray arm mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The impeller includes a plurality of evenly distributed blades, and the plurality of blades are distributed perpendicularly to the axial direction of the rotating arm, and the third liquid passage cavity is provided in each of the blades.

5. The spray arm mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The number of the spray holes is the same as the number of the blades, and each of the spray holes is located at the rear side of one of the blades.

6. The spray arm mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The two ends of the fixed arm are symmetrically connected to the rotating arm and the impeller connected to the rotating arm, and the fixed arm, the rotating arm and the impeller form a spray arm group.

7. The spray arm mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The spray arm mechanism further comprises a liquid inlet pipe, and the top and bottom of the liquid inlet pipe are respectively connected to a group of the spray arm groups.

8. The spray arm mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that: A plurality of side spray holes are also provided on the liquid inlet pipe of the spray arm group near the top.

9. The spray arm mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that: A group of spray arm groups is also provided in the middle of the liquid inlet pipe, and tableware placement space is formed between the spray arm groups located at the top, middle and bottom.

10. A wall-mounted dishwasher, characterized in that: It comprises a cabinet body, and a spray arm mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 arranged in the cabinet body.

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