Middle-layer spraying arm for cleaning machine and cleaning machine

Abstract

The middle-layer spraying arm comprises a body, a water inlet is formed in the center of the top wall of the body, a first flow channel and a second flow channel which are located on the first side of the water inlet and are relatively independent are arranged in the body, and a third flow channel located on the second side of the water inlet is further arranged in the body. An auxiliary spraying arm which can rotate relative to the body and is communicated with the third flow channel is arranged at the top of the body; a reversing mechanism capable of controlling the body to rotate forwards or reversely by controlling the water inlet to be communicated with the first flow channel and the second flow channel or not is further arranged in the body, and the reversing mechanism conducts reversing by controlling the water inlet to switch the rotating direction of the spraying arm in the water injection state and the non-water-injection state. The rotating direction of the spraying arm can be switched along with on-off of water flow in the first flow channel and the second flow channel, and switching of the rotating direction can be matched with secondary auxiliary spraying, so that the spraying range is expanded, cleaning dead corners are eliminated, and the cleaning effect is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of dishwasher technology, specifically to a middle spray arm and a washing machine for cleaning tableware, fruits and vegetables. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, dishwashers with larger capacities generally have at least two spray systems, one above the other. The upper spray arm is usually rotatably connected to the water supply pipe in the middle, spraying upwards to rinse the dishes in the upper basket.

[0003] Chinese utility model patent CN208193082U, entitled "A Dishwasher" (application number: CN201820011032.5), discloses a structure that connects the upper spray arm to the water supply pipe. The structure includes a spray arm assembly and a water inlet pipe. The spray arm assembly includes a spray arm and an adapter. The first end of the adapter is connected to the spray arm, and the second end of the adapter is connected to the water inlet pipe. The adapter has a water passage, and the water inlet pipe is connected to the spray arm through the water passage.

[0004] The aforementioned spray arm structure is installed in the middle of the housing and can spray and clean the tableware in the upper dish rack. However, because some energy is lost during the upward transport of the water, the spray head is reduced and the spray force is weak, which can easily lead to cleaning dead spots and affect the cleaning effect. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a middle spray arm for a cleaning machine that expands the spray range and improves the cleaning effect by switching the rotation direction and cooperating with secondary auxiliary spray, in view of the current state of the prior art.

[0006] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cleaning machine that uses the above-mentioned spray arm, in view of the current state of the prior art.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows:

[0008] A middle spray arm for a cleaning machine includes a body, an inlet is provided in the center of the top wall of the body, a first flow channel and a second flow channel are provided in the body and are located on the first side of the inlet and are relatively independent, a third flow channel is also provided in the body and is located on the second side of the inlet, and an auxiliary spray arm is provided on the top of the body that can rotate relative to the body and is connected to the third flow channel.

[0009] The main body is also provided with a reversing mechanism that can control the forward or reverse rotation of the main body by controlling whether the water inlet is connected to the first flow channel and the second flow channel. The reversing mechanism reverses the rotation direction of the spray arm by controlling the water inlet to switch between water injection and non-water injection states.

[0010] Preferably, the third flow channel remains connected to the water inlet at all times, and the auxiliary spray arm rotates with the main body while simultaneously maintaining its own rotation; when the first flow channel is connected to the water inlet, the auxiliary spray arm rotates clockwise with the main body and maintains its own rotation; when the second flow channel is connected to the water inlet, the auxiliary spray arm rotates counterclockwise with the main body and maintains its own rotation. This structure further expands the spraying range and eliminates cleaning dead zones.

[0011] Preferably, the first flow channel extends along the length of the body and is arranged close to the first sidewall of the body. The first sidewall of the body has a first jet hole that communicates with the first flow channel and drives the body to rotate forward in the jet state. The second flow channel extends along the length of the body and is arranged close to the second sidewall of the body. The second sidewall of the body has a second jet hole that communicates with the second flow channel and drives the body to rotate backward in the jet state. This structure facilitates the switching of the rotation direction of the spray arm.

[0012] Preferably, the top wall of the main body has a first spray hole communicating with the first flow channel and a second spray hole communicating with the second flow channel, and the number of the first spray hole and the second spray hole does not exceed 8. The top wall of the main body has a water outlet rotatably connected to the auxiliary spray arm, and the auxiliary spray arm has a third spray hole, and the number of the third spray hole does not exceed 6. Since the present invention eliminates cleaning dead angles by changing the rotation direction of the spray arm in conjunction with the spraying of the auxiliary spray arm, the number of spray holes can be reduced, thereby increasing the water pressure of the sprayed water column and further improving the cleaning effect. Preferably, the present invention has 3 first spray holes, 3 second spray holes, and 4 third spray holes.

[0013] Preferably, a water-dividing chamber is formed at the intersection of the first flow channel, the second flow channel, and the third flow channel. This water-dividing chamber is equipped with a water-dividing component that can rotate at a certain angle during water injection to connect the water inlet with either the first or second flow channel. This structure facilitates switching the rotation direction of the spray arm by controlling the flow of water.

[0014] Preferably, the third flow channel is arranged in a ring shape within the body on the second side of the inlet. The first port of the third flow channel is connected to the water distribution chamber and corresponds to the inlet end of the first flow channel. The second port of the third flow channel is connected to the water distribution chamber and corresponds to the inlet of the second flow channel. When the first flow channel is connected to the water distribution chamber, the first port of the third flow channel constitutes its inlet port, and the second port is closed by the water distribution component. When the second flow channel is connected to the water distribution chamber, the second port of the third flow channel constitutes its inlet port, and the first port is closed by the water distribution component. That is, the flow direction of the water in the third flow channel changes with the rotation direction of the body. This structure helps improve the rotational stability of the spray arm when the rotation direction of the spray arm changes.

[0015] Preferably, the side wall of the water distribution component is provided with a guide port for water in the water distribution chamber to enter the first flow channel or the second flow channel. The water distribution chamber is provided with a limiting structure that can circumferentially limit the water distribution component when it is in communication with the first or second flow channel. The number of the above-mentioned guide ports can be set according to the specific shape and number of the flow channels. With the above structure, it is convenient to maintain the corresponding state when the first or second flow channel is in communication with the water distribution chamber, and to keep the fluid flow stable.

[0016] Preferably, the water distribution component includes a water guide sleeve, the lower end of which is closed and the upper end is open, forming a water inlet corresponding to the water inlet arrangement. This structure ensures that the water intake at the inlet and the water delivery at the water guide sleeve remain stable at all times.

[0017] Preferably, the central portion of the inner top wall of the water guide sleeve is provided with an upwardly protruding guide cone that disperses the incoming water circumferentially, with the tip of the guide cone facing the inlet. This structure allows for timely guidance of the water flow towards the inlet of the channel, reducing energy loss in the water distribution chamber and increasing the head.

[0018] Preferably, the water distribution component is buoyantly disposed within the water distribution chamber, and the limiting structure is used to guide its circumferential rotation during descent and to limit its vertical movement after descent or ascent. This structure allows for switching the rotation direction of the spray arm by controlling the on / off state of water injection.

[0019] A cleaning machine includes a housing and the aforementioned spray arm, which is rotatable in either the forward or reverse direction within the housing.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows: The present invention sets up a first flow channel, a second flow channel, and a third flow channel that are relatively independent but partially intersecting in the main body. The first and second flow channels are set relatively independently on the first side of the water inlet, and the third flow channel is set on the second side of the water inlet. During the use of the spray arm, the third flow channel is always in a water-flow state, thereby spraying upward through the auxiliary spray arm. The first and second flow channels can be used only one of them, that is, they cannot be filled with water at the same time. The rotation direction of the spray arm can be switched by switching the water flow in the first and second flow channels. This switching of rotation direction can be coordinated with the secondary auxiliary spray to expand the spray range, eliminate cleaning dead corners, and improve the cleaning effect. Furthermore, with the structure of the present invention, due to the wide spray range, fewer spray holes can be set, increasing the head and pressure of the spray water column, further improving the cleaning effect. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is an assembly diagram of the spray arm and the inner water pipe in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded view;

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the reversing mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0026] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the middle spray arm for the cleaning machine in this embodiment includes a body 1. A water inlet 11 is provided in the center of the top wall of the body 1. The body 1 is provided with a first flow channel 10 and a second flow channel 20 located on the first side of the water inlet 11 and relatively independent. The body 1 is also provided with a third flow channel 30 located on the second side of the water inlet 11. An auxiliary spray arm 2 is provided on the top of the body 1, which can rotate relative to the body 1 and is connected to the third flow channel 30.

[0027] The main body 1 is also provided with a reversing mechanism that can control the forward or reverse rotation of the main body 1 by controlling whether the water inlet 11 is connected to the first flow channel 10 and the second flow channel 20. The reversing mechanism reverses the rotation direction of the spray arm by controlling the water inlet 11 to switch between water injection and non-water injection states.

[0028] The third flow channel 30 remains connected to the inlet 11, and the auxiliary spray arm 2 rotates with the main body 1 while maintaining its own rotation. When the first flow channel 10 is connected to the inlet 11, the auxiliary spray arm 2 rotates clockwise with the main body 1 and maintains its own rotation. When the second flow channel 20 is connected to the inlet 11, the auxiliary spray arm 2 rotates counterclockwise with the main body 1 and maintains its own rotation. This structure is used to further expand the spray range and eliminate cleaning dead zones.

[0029] The first flow channel 10 extends along the length of the body 1 and is arranged close to the first sidewall of the body 1. The first sidewall of the body 1 has a first jet hole 101 that communicates with the first flow channel 10 and drives the body 1 to rotate forward in the jet state. The second flow channel 20 extends along the length of the body 1 and is arranged close to the second sidewall of the body 1. The second sidewall of the body 1 has a second jet hole 201 that communicates with the second flow channel 20 and drives the body 1 to rotate backward in the jet state. This structure facilitates the switching of the rotation direction of the spray arm.

[0030] The top wall of the main body 1 has a first spray hole 100 communicating with the first flow channel 10 and a second spray hole 200 communicating with the second flow channel 20. The number of the first spray hole 100 and the second spray hole 200 does not exceed 8. The top wall of the main body 1 has a water outlet 14 rotatably connected to the auxiliary spray arm 2. The auxiliary spray arm 2 has a third spray hole 300, and the number of the third spray hole 300 does not exceed 6. Since this embodiment eliminates cleaning dead angles by changing the rotation direction of the spray arm in conjunction with the spraying of the auxiliary spray arm 2, the number of spray holes can be reduced, thereby increasing the water pressure of the sprayed water column and further improving the cleaning effect. In this embodiment, the number of first spray holes 100, second spray holes 200 is 3, and the number of third spray holes 300 is 4.

[0031] The water distribution chamber 12 is formed at the intersection of the first flow channel 10, the second flow channel 20, and the third flow channel 30. A water distribution component 3 is installed in this chamber 12, which can rotate at a certain angle during water injection to connect the water inlet 11 with either the first flow channel 10 or the second flow channel 20. This structure facilitates switching the rotation direction of the spray arm by controlling the flow of water.

[0032] The third flow channel 30 is arranged in a ring shape in the body 1 on the second side of the inlet 11. The first port of the third flow channel 30 is connected to the water distribution chamber 12 and is arranged corresponding to the inlet end of the first flow channel 10. The second port of the third flow channel 30 is connected to the water distribution chamber 12 and is arranged corresponding to the inlet of the second flow channel 20. When the first flow channel 10 is connected to the water distribution chamber 12, the first port of the third flow channel 30 constitutes its water inlet port, and the second port is closed by the water distribution component 3. When the second flow channel 20 is connected to the water distribution chamber 12, the second port of the third flow channel 30 constitutes its water inlet port, and the first port is closed by the water distribution component 3. That is, the flow direction of the water in the third flow channel 30 changes with the rotation direction of the body 1. This structure is beneficial to improving the rotational stability of the spray arm when the rotation direction of the spray arm changes.

[0033] The side wall of the water distribution component 3 is provided with a guide port 31 for water in the water distribution chamber 12 to enter the first flow channel 10 or the second flow channel 20. The water distribution chamber 12 is provided with a limiting structure that can circumferentially limit the water distribution component 3 when it is connected to the first flow channel 10 or the second flow channel 20. The number of the above-mentioned guide ports 31 can be set according to the specific shape and number of the flow channels. With the above structure, it is convenient to maintain the corresponding state when the first flow channel 10 or the second flow channel 20 is connected to the water distribution chamber 12, and maintain the stability of the fluid flow.

[0034] The water distribution component 3 includes a water guide sleeve 32, which is closed at the lower end and open at the upper end, forming an inlet 33 corresponding to the water inlet 11. The above structure is adopted to ensure that the water intake of the water inlet 11 and the water delivery of the water guide 31 are always stable.

[0035] The central part of the inner top wall of the water guide sleeve 32 is provided with an upwardly protruding guide cone 321 that can disperse the incoming water in a circumferential direction. The tip of the guide cone 321 is arranged facing the inlet 33. With the above structure, the water flow can be guided to the inlet of the flow channel in a timely manner, so as to reduce the energy loss of the water flow in the water distribution chamber 12 and increase the head.

[0036] The water distribution component 3 is floating vertically within the water distribution chamber 12. A limiting structure guides the circumferential rotation of the water distribution component 3 during its descent and limits its vertical movement after it has risen or fallen. This structure allows for switching the rotation direction of the spray arm by controlling the on / off state of the water injection.

[0037] The limiting structure of this embodiment includes a protruding post 34 disposed on the outer peripheral wall of the water distribution component 3 and a limiting groove 15 arranged circumferentially on the inner wall of the water distribution cavity 12. The protruding post 34 is movably constrained in the limiting groove 15. This structure facilitates the guidance of the rotation of the water distribution component 3 and the positioning of the water distribution component 3 in the cleaning state through the cooperation of the protruding post 34 and the limiting groove 15, so as to achieve smooth reversal of the spray arm and stable cleaning in a specific direction.

[0038] The upper edge of the limiting groove 15 is serrated and includes multiple interconnected first teeth 151. The lower edge of the limiting groove 15 is serrated and includes multiple interconnected second teeth 152. The tips of the second teeth 152 are arranged corresponding to the tooth surfaces of the first teeth 151. Along the rotation direction of the water distribution component 3, the slope of the first tooth surface 1511 of the first tooth 151 is greater than the slope of the second tooth surface 1512, and the slope of the third tooth surface 1521 of the second tooth 152 is greater than the slope of the fourth tooth surface 1522. The tips of the second teeth 152 are arranged corresponding to the first tooth surface 1511 of the first tooth 151. With the above structure, the protruding post 34, in the state of floating up and down with the water distribution component 3, can easily cooperate with the corresponding tooth surfaces and grooves to achieve circumferential guidance or vertical limiting.

[0039] The main body 11 is provided with an elastic element 4 (in this embodiment, a spring) that enables the water distribution component 3 to maintain a downward movement trend. The elastic element 4 is located between the inner bottom wall of the main body 1 and the lower end face of the water distribution component 3.

[0040] The upper part of the water distribution chamber 12, corresponding to the first flow channel 10 and the second flow channel 20, is provided with a fitting 5 for constraining the side wall of the water distribution chamber 12. The fitting 5 is vertically continuous and has openings 51 on its side wall corresponding to the inlets of each flow channel. The water distribution component 3 is movably fitted into the fitting 5. The above structure facilitates the production, manufacturing, and assembly of the spray arm body 1, the water distribution structure, etc.

[0041] The second tooth 152 of the limiting structure is formed at the upper edge of the assembly 5, and the first tooth 151 is formed on the inner wall surface of the upper part of the water distribution cavity 12. This structure facilitates assembly, improves the compactness between the components after assembly, and thus improves the reliability and stability of the vertical movement of the water distribution component 3.

[0042] To facilitate the installation of the assembly 5, the edge of the assembly 5 is provided with a vertically extending retaining edge 52. Correspondingly, the body 1 has retaining ribs 16 at the end edge of each flow channel that can hold the retaining edge 52 therein and thus limit the position of the assembly 5.

[0043] The cleaning machine of this embodiment includes a housing and the aforementioned spray arm, which is rotatable in both directions within the housing. An inner water pipe extending upwards from the bottom, close to the side wall, is installed within the housing. The lower end of this inner water pipe is connected to a water pump, and the upper end is rotatably connected to the water inlet 11 at the top of the main body 1 via a horizontally arranged water guide pipe 6.

[0044] In this embodiment, the main body 1 is provided with a first flow channel 10, a second flow channel 20, and a third flow channel 30 that are relatively independent but partially intersecting. The first flow channel 10 and the second flow channel 20 are relatively independently located on the first side of the water inlet 11, and the third flow channel 30 is located on the second side of the water inlet 11. During the use of the spray arm, the third flow channel 30 is always in a water-flow state, so that the auxiliary spray arm 2 sprays upward. The first flow channel 10 and the second flow channel 20 can be used only one of them, that is, they cannot be water-flowed at the same time. The rotation direction of the spray arm can be switched by switching the water flow in the first flow channel 10 and the second flow channel 20. This switching of rotation direction can be coordinated with the secondary auxiliary spray to expand the spray range, eliminate cleaning dead corners, and improve the cleaning effect. Furthermore, with the structure of this embodiment, due to the wide spray range, fewer spray holes can be set, increasing the head and pressure of the spray water column, further improving the cleaning effect.

[0045] The specification and claims of this invention use terms indicating direction, such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "side," "top," and "bottom," to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements of the invention. However, these terms are used herein merely for ease of explanation and are determined based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in this invention can be arranged in different orientations, these terms indicating direction are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limitations. For example, "upper" and "lower" are not necessarily limited to directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity.

Claims

1. A mid-level spray arm for a washing machine, comprising a body (1) having a water inlet (11) in the central portion of the top wall, characterized in that: The body (1) is provided with a first flow channel (10) and a second flow channel (20) on the first side of the water inlet (11) and are relatively independent, the body (1) is also provided with a third flow channel (30) on the second side of the water inlet (11), and the top of the body (1) is provided with an auxiliary spray arm (2) which can rotate relative to the body (1) and is connected with the third flow channel (30). The body (1) is also provided with a reversing mechanism which can control the forward rotation or reverse rotation of the body (1) by controlling whether the water inlet (11) is connected with the first flow channel (10) and the second flow channel (20), and the reversing mechanism switches the rotation direction of the spray arm by controlling the water inlet (11) in the water injection state and the non-water injection state.

2. The mid-level spray arm for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The third flow channel (30) is always connected with the water inlet (11), and the auxiliary spray arm (2) rotates with the body (1) and always rotates at the same time; in the state that the first flow channel (10) is connected with the water inlet (11), the auxiliary spray arm (2) rotates with the body (1) and always rotates; in the state that the second flow channel (20) is connected with the water inlet (11), the auxiliary spray arm (2) rotates with the body (1) and always rotates.

3. The mid-level spray arm for a washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first flow channel (10) extends along the length direction of the body (1) and is arranged close to the first side wall of the body (1), the first side wall of the body (1) is provided with a first jet hole (101) which is connected with the first flow channel (10) and drives the body (1) to rotate forward in the jet state; the second flow channel (20) extends along the length direction of the body (1) and is arranged close to the second side wall of the body (1), the second side wall of the body (1) is provided with a second jet hole (201) which is connected with the second flow channel (20) and drives the body (1) to rotate reverse in the jet state.

4. The mid-level spray arm for a washing machine according to claim 2, wherein: The top wall of the body (1) is provided with a first spray hole (100) connected with the first flow channel (10) and a second spray hole (200) connected with the second flow channel (20), and the number of the first spray hole (100) and the second spray hole (200) is not more than 8, the top wall of the body (1) is provided with a water outlet connected with the auxiliary spray arm (2), the auxiliary spray arm (2) is provided with a third spray hole (300), and the number of the third spray hole (300) is not more than 6.

5. The mid-level spray arm for a washing machine according to claim 2, wherein: The intersection of the first flow channel (10), the second flow channel (20) and the third flow channel (30) forms a water distribution cavity (12), and the water distribution cavity (12) is provided with a water distribution piece (3) which can rotate a certain angle at the moment of water injection so as to connect the water inlet (11) with the first flow channel (10) or the second flow channel (20).

6. The mid-level spray arm for a washing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The third flow channel (30) is arranged annularly in the body (1) on the second side of the water inlet (11), the first port of the third flow channel (30) is connected with the water distribution cavity and corresponds to the inlet end of the first flow channel (10), the second port of the third flow channel (30) is connected with the water distribution cavity and corresponds to the inlet of the second flow channel (20), in the state that the first flow channel (10) is connected with the water distribution cavity, the first port of the third flow channel (30) constitutes the water inlet port thereof and the second port is closed by the water distribution member (3), in the state that the second flow channel (20) is connected with the water distribution cavity, the second port of the third flow channel (30) constitutes the water inlet port thereof and the first port is closed by the water distribution member (3), that is, the flow direction of water flow in the third flow channel (30) is switched with the switching of the rotating direction of the body (1).

7. The mid-level spray arm for a washing machine according to claim 5, wherein: The side wall of the water distribution member (3) is provided with a water guide port (31) for water in the water distribution cavity (12) to enter the first flow channel (10) or the second flow channel (20), and the water distribution cavity (12) is provided with a limiting structure capable of limiting the water distribution member (3) in the circumferential direction in the state that the water distribution member (3) is connected with the first flow channel (10) or the second flow channel (20).

8. The mid-level spray arm for a washing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: The water distribution member (3) comprises a water guide sleeve (32), the lower end of the water guide sleeve (32) is closed, the upper end is open and forms a water inlet port (33) corresponding to the arrangement of the water inlet (11).

9. The mid-level spray arm for a washing machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: The central part of the inner top wall of the water guide sleeve (32) is upwardly provided with a flow guide cone (321) capable of dispersing the incoming water in the circumferential direction, the tip of the flow guide cone (321) is arranged towards the water inlet port (33); the water distribution member (3) is arranged in the water distribution cavity (12) to be able to float up and down, and the limiting structure is used for guiding the circumferential rotation of the water distribution member (3) during the floating down process of the water distribution member (3) and limiting the up and down of the water distribution member (3) in the state that the water distribution member (3) rises or finishes floating down.

10. A cleaning machine comprising a housing, characterised in that: It also comprises the spray arm of any one of claims 1-9, which can be arranged in the box to be positively rotated or reversely rotated.

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