Cleaning module and dishwasher

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a cleaning module and a dishwasher. The cleaning module includes: a support part, a transmission part, a spray part, a transmission assembly, and a drive assembly. The transmission part is connected to the support part, and the spray part is connected to the transmission part. The rotating shaft of the spray part and the rotating shaft of the transmission part are spaced apart and parallel to each other. The transmission assembly includes a first gear and a second gear. The first gear is fixed to the support part and coaxial with the rotating shaft of the transmission part, and the second gear is fixed to the spray part and coaxial with the rotating shaft of the spray part. The first gear is an internal gear, and the second gear is an external gear. The external teeth of the first gear mesh with the internal teeth of the second gear. The drive assembly is connected to the transmission part and drives the transmission part to rotate relative to the support part. The cleaning module provided by this disclosure improves the cleaning effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of cleaning equipment technology, and more specifically, to a cleaning module and a dishwasher. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of society, more and more people are focusing their lives on work, thus needing more time to rest and improve their quality of life. However, washing dishes after meals constantly affects people's quality of life; dishwashers are more time-saving and labor-saving than traditional manual dishwashing, and are being used by more and more families, with people having increasingly higher requirements for the cleaning effect of dishwashers.

[0003] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a cleaning module and a dishwasher.

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a cleaning module is provided, the cleaning module comprising:

[0006] Support section;

[0007] The transmission part is connected to the support part;

[0008] A spray unit is connected to the transmission unit, and the rotating shaft of the spray unit and the rotating shaft of the transmission unit are spaced apart and parallel to each other;

[0009] A transmission assembly, comprising a first gear and a second gear, wherein the first gear is fixed to the support portion and coaxial with the rotating shaft of the transmission portion, and the second gear is fixed to the spray portion and coaxial with the rotating shaft of the spray portion, wherein the first gear is an internal gear, and the second gear is an external gear, and the external teeth of the first gear mesh with the internal teeth of the second gear; and

[0010] A drive assembly is connected to the transmission part, and the drive assembly drives the transmission part to rotate relative to the support part.

[0011] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the gear ratio between the first gear and the second gear is 4:3.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the spraying unit includes a rotating shaft and at least one first spraying arm. The spraying unit is rotatably mounted to the transmission unit via the rotating shaft. The first spraying arm extends radially along the rotating shaft and has a spray nozzle.

[0013] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the extension length of the first spray arm is greater than the distance between the rotating shaft of the spray section and the rotating shaft of the transmission section.

[0014] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, when the first spray arm rotates, and the distance between the end of the first spray arm away from the rotating shaft and the rotating shaft of the transmission part is the smallest, the first spray arm extends in a direction away from the rotating shaft, which is the same as and parallel to the direction in which the rotating shaft of the spray part points to the rotating shaft of the transmission part.

[0015] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the spray unit includes a plurality of first spray arms, and the plurality of first spray arms are evenly distributed circumferentially along the axis of rotation.

[0016] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the spray unit further includes a second spray arm, the second spray arm having the spray nozzle;

[0017] The extension length of the first spray arm is L1, the extension length of the second spray arm is L2, and the distance between the rotating shaft of the spray part and the rotating shaft of the transmission part is L3, wherein L1≥L2+2×L3.

[0018] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the drive assembly includes a drive motor, a third gear, and a fourth gear. The third gear is fixedly mounted on the transmission part and coaxially arranged with the rotation shaft of the transmission part. The fourth gear meshes with the third gear, and the drive motor drives the fourth gear to rotate.

[0019] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the drive assembly further includes a drive shaft with opposite first and second ends, a fourth gear disposed on the first end, an output end of the drive motor connected to the second end, and the drive motor driving the drive shaft to rotate.

[0020] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, both the third gear and the fourth gear are bevel gears; or, the third gear is a crown gear and the fourth gear is a cylindrical gear; or, the third gear is a turbine and the fourth gear is a worm gear.

[0021] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the transmission unit and the third gear are integrally formed.

[0022] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the drive assembly further includes a drive gear and a plurality of connecting gears, the drive gear meshing with the fourth gear through the plurality of connecting gears, and the drive motor driving the drive gear to rotate.

[0023] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the drive assembly includes a drive motor, a first synchronous pulley, a second synchronous pulley, and a synchronous toothed belt. The first synchronous pulley is fixedly mounted on the transmission part and coaxially arranged with the shaft of the transmission part. The second synchronous pulley and the first synchronous pulley are synchronously driven through the synchronous toothed belt. The drive motor drives the second synchronous pulley to rotate.

[0024] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a dishwasher is also provided, which includes the cleaning module described above.

[0025] The cleaning module disclosed herein can drive the transmission unit to rotate relative to the support unit via a drive assembly. The first gear is fixed to the support unit and coaxially arranged with the rotation shaft of the transmission unit. The second gear is fixed to the spray unit and coaxially arranged with the rotation shaft of the spray unit. The external teeth of the first gear mesh with the internal teeth of the second gear. Therefore, when the transmission unit rotates relative to the support unit, the second gear rotates relative to the first gear, thereby driving the spray unit to rotate relative to the transmission unit, so that the spray unit can rotate and form a cleaning area within the rotation radius. At the same time, the spray unit can rotate around the center point of the transmission unit under the drive of the transmission unit, thereby increasing the cleaning area covered by the spray unit and improving the cleaning effect.

[0026] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a dishwasher provided as an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a dishwasher with its lid opened, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a dishwasher with a double-layer cleaning module provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the spray area and inner tank of the cleaning module provided in this disclosure.

[0032] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of a cleaning module provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a second gear and a spray unit provided for one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a first gear and a support portion provided for one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a spray unit, a transmission unit, and a drive assembly provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the third and fourth gears in a drive assembly provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the third and fourth gears in a drive assembly provided for another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0038] Figures 11-18 This is a schematic diagram of a Reuleaux triangular spray unit rotating under the drive of a transmission unit, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0039] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of a spray area formed by a Reuleaux triangular spray unit driven by a transmission unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of a second spray arm provided for one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0042] 10. Dishwasher;

[0043] 100. Cleaning module; 110. Support unit; 111. Rotating shaft; 112. Liquid inlet; 120. Transmission unit; 121. Rotating shaft hole; 130. Spray unit; 131. First spray arm; 132. Rotating shaft; 140. Transmission assembly; 141. First gear; 142. Second gear; 150. Drive assembly; 151. Third gear; 152. Fourth gear; 153. Transmission shaft; 154. Drive gear;

[0044] 200. Bowl basket;

[0045] 300. Inner liner; 310. Gallbladder wall. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore their detailed description will be omitted.

[0047] Although relative terms such as "up" and "down" are used in this specification to describe the relative relationship of one component of an icon to another, these terms are used only for convenience, such as according to the orientation of the examples shown in the accompanying drawings. It is understood that if the device of the icon is flipped upside down, the component described as "up" will become the component described as "down." When a structure is "up" of another structure, it may mean that the structure is integrally formed on the other structure, or that the structure is "directly" mounted on the other structure, or that the structure is "indirectly" mounted on the other structure through another structure.

[0048] The terms “a,” “one,” “the,” “the,” and “at least one” are used to indicate the presence of one or more elements / components / etc.; the terms “including” and “having” are used to indicate an open-ended inclusion and to mean that there may be other elements / components / etc. in addition to the listed elements / components / etc.; the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used only as markers and are not a limitation on the number of objects.

[0049] This disclosure provides a dishwasher that can be used in home kitchens or restaurants to automatically clean tableware such as bowls, chopsticks, plates, dishes, knives, and forks.

[0050] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the dishwasher 10 includes a cleaning module 100, a dish rack 200, and an inner tub 300. The dish rack 200 is disposed inside the inner tub 300 and is used to hold bowls, chopsticks, plates, dishes, knives, forks, and other tableware awaiting cleaning. The cleaning module 100 is fixed to the inner wall of the inner tub 300 and is located below the dish rack 200, i.e., below the tableware to be cleaned, to spray cleaning liquid onto the tableware to facilitate cleaning.

[0051] Generally, to improve kitchen space utilization and reduce the footprint of the dishwasher 10, it can be integrated into or installed in a kitchen cabinet or sink (also known as a dishwashing basin or sink). The overall outline of the dishwasher 10 needs to match the cabinet or sink, hence its square shape. The inner drum 300 of the dishwasher 10 typically opens by pulling out or flipping, facilitating the placement of dishes on the dish rack 200. Simultaneously, to ensure the dish rack 200 has sufficient space and improves washing efficiency, the horizontal cross-section of the inner drum 300 is also square or rectangular, maximizing its size to enhance washing efficiency.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, the dishwasher 10 may be equipped with a double-layer cleaning module 100, namely cleaning module 100a and cleaning module 100b. Cleaning module 100a and cleaning module 100b may each include at least one spray section capable of rotating around a central point, through which cleaning liquid is sprayed onto the dishes to be cleaned on their respective dish racks 200. Of course, the dishwasher 10 may also be equipped with only one cleaning module 100, or with three or more cleaning modules 100, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, in related technologies, the spray section rotates to form a circular first spray area S1 with the geometric center of the inner tank 300 as the center and the arm length of the spray arm as the radius. The first spray area S1 cannot cover the four corners of the rectangular inner tank 300, thus creating unsanitary areas. If the length of the spray arm is directly extended, for example, extending the first spray area S1 to the second spray area S2, the spray arm will inevitably interfere with the movement of the inner tank wall 310, causing the dishwasher 10 to malfunction. Regarding... Figure 4 As shown, embodiments of this disclosure provide a cleaning module 100, which will be described below by... Figures 5-8 The structure of the cleaning module 100 is described in detail.

[0054] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cleaning module 100 provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 As shown, the cleaning module 100 includes a support portion 110, a transmission portion 120, and a spraying portion 130. The transmission portion 120 is rotatably mounted on the support portion 110, and the spraying portion 130 is rotatably mounted on the transmission portion 120. The spraying portion 130 includes a rotating shaft 132 and a first spraying arm 131, wherein the rotating shaft 132 is spaced apart from and parallel to the rotating shaft of the transmission portion 120.

[0055] like Figure 5As shown, in one embodiment, the first spray arm 131 can rotate around the rotating shaft 132 with the arm length of the first spray arm 131 as the radius, driven by the transmission unit 120, to cover... Figure 4 The first spray zone S1 is shown. The transmission unit 120 can be an eccentric arm.

[0056] like Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, the first spray arm 131 rotates around the rotating shaft 132 with the arm length of the first spray arm 131 as the radius, driven by the transmission unit 120. Simultaneously, the rotating shaft 132 also rotates around the axis of the transmission unit 120, further driving the first spray area S1 formed by the first spray arm 131 to rotate under the drive of the transmission unit 120, thereby forming an area larger than... Figure 4 The spray area of ​​the first spray area S1 shown can, for example, basically cover the entire interior of the bladder wall 310, improving the cleaning effect and reducing dead corners.

[0057] To facilitate reader comprehension, the following is explained using... Figure 5 Taking the first spray arm 131 as an example, the working principle of the spray arm will be explained. Figure 5 As shown, the first spray arm 131 is equipped with spray nozzles. By providing spray nozzles on the first spray arm 131, spraying operations can be performed on various positions within its coverage area during the rotation of the first spray arm 131, thereby spraying cleaning liquid onto the tableware to be cleaned on the dish rack 200 for cleaning. The cleaning liquid can be water or a cleaning solution, and different spray nozzles can spray different cleaning liquids; this disclosure does not impose any limitations on this.

[0058] The first spray arm 131 may have multiple spray nozzles, which are arranged in rows or columns along the extension direction of the first spray arm 131. Through these spray nozzles, the first spray arm 131 can spray liquid onto the spray area it rotates to cover, thereby improving the cleaning effect.

[0059] The sizes of the multiple spray nozzles can be the same or different. For example, in the extension direction of the first spray arm 131, the diameter of the spray nozzle closer to the rotating shaft 132 can be larger than the diameter of the spray nozzle farther from the rotating shaft 132. Since the first spray arm 131 usually supplies liquid on the side closer to the rotating shaft 132, the liquid supply pressure on the side closer to the rotating shaft 132 is relatively high. By setting spray nozzles of different sizes, the amount of liquid sprayed from each spray nozzle can be the same or basically the same, thereby improving the cleaning effect.

[0060] In addition, such as Figure 5As shown, the cleaning module 100 also includes a transmission assembly 140. The transmission assembly 140 includes a first gear 141 and a second gear 142. The first gear 141 is fixed to the support portion 110 and coaxial with the rotating shaft of the transmission portion 120, while the second gear 142 is fixed to the spray portion 130 and coaxial with the rotating shaft 132 of the spray portion 130. The first gear 141 is an internal gear, and the second gear 142 is an external gear, with some of the external teeth of the first gear 141 meshing with some of the internal teeth of the second gear 142. Therefore, when the transmission portion 120 rotates relative to the support portion 110, the second gear 142 rotates relative to the first gear 141, thereby driving the spray portion 130 to rotate relative to the transmission portion 120, enabling the spray portion 130 to rotate and form a cleaning area covering a certain radius. Furthermore, driven by the transmission unit 120, the spray unit 130 can rotate around the center point of the transmission unit 120, thereby increasing the cleaning area covered by the spray unit 130 and improving the cleaning effect. The following will explain... Figures 6 to 8 Further explanation of the cleaning module 100.

[0061] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the second gear 142 and the spray unit 130 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 As shown, the spray unit 130 includes a rotating shaft 132 and a first spray arm 131. The spray unit 130 is rotatably mounted to the transmission unit 120 via the rotating shaft 132, and the first spray arm 131 extends radially along the rotating shaft 132. A second gear 142 is fixed to the spray unit 130 and coaxial with the rotating shaft 132 of the support unit 110. The second gear 142 and the spray unit 130 can be integrally formed to avoid reducing the coaxiality between them due to long-term use. Of course, it is understood that the second gear 142 and the spray unit 130 can also be fixedly connected by means of bonding, welding, snap-fitting, threaded connection, etc.

[0062] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the first gear 141 and the support portion 110 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 7 As shown, the first gear 141 is fixedly connected to the support portion 110. The first gear 141 and the support portion 110 can be integrally formed to avoid reducing the coaxiality between the shaft of the transmission portion 120 on the first gear 141 and the support portion 110 due to long-term use. Of course, it is understood that the first gear 141 and the support portion 110 can also be fixedly connected by means of bonding, welding, snap-fitting, threaded connection, etc.

[0063] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the support portion 110 and the transmission portion 120 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the support part 110 is provided with a rotating shaft 111, and the transmission part 120 is provided with a rotating shaft hole 121. The transmission part 120 is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft 111 through the rotating shaft hole 121.

[0064] In one embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the support portion 110 has a first flow channel (not shown) and a liquid inlet 112. The support portion 110 can receive liquid, such as purified water or water mixed with detergent (hereinafter referred to as cleaning fluid), transmitted through the liquid inlet 112 via the first flow channel. Figure 7 The rotating shaft 111 on the support 110 shown is a hollow structure. The transmission part 120 is provided with a second flow channel (not shown in the figure). The second flow channel is connected to the hollow structure of the rotating shaft 111, so that the second flow channel can be connected to the first flow channel.

[0065] For example Figure 6 As shown, the rotating shaft 132 of the spray section 130 can be hollow to connect to the second flow channel within the transmission section 120. The spray section 130 may include a snap-fit ​​upper shell and a lower shell, with a third flow channel (not shown) formed between the snap-fit ​​upper shell and the lower shell. The third flow channel is connected to the hollow structure of the rotating shaft 132, allowing the third flow channel to connect to the second flow channel and the first flow channel, thereby supplying liquid to the first spray arm 131 through the liquid inlet 112.

[0066] The shaft 132 has its axis located in the through hole at the junction of the hollow shaft 132 and the second flow channel. In other words, the axis of the shaft 132 is located within or coaxial with the hollow structure of the shaft 132. In some embodiments, the second flow channel surrounds the shaft 132 and can move together with the transmission unit 120. Therefore, during the rotation of the shaft 132, the through hole remains connected to the second flow channel, enabling continuous spraying operation of the spray unit 130 during rotation.

[0067] Specifically, the spray unit 130 rotates relative to the transmission unit 120 according to the logic of a Reuleaux triangle inscribed in a rounded square. Due to the geometric properties of the Reuleaux triangle, it can rotate smoothly within a square of equal width, forming a trajectory of a rounded square. Furthermore, the rotation direction of the transmission unit 120 and the spray unit 130 must be set to be opposite, and the rotational speed ratio between the transmission unit 120 and the spray unit 130 must be set to 3:1. It should be noted that the rounded square referred to here is a square-like structure with rounded corners and slightly curved straight edges.

[0068] refer to Figures 6 to 8By making the extension length of the first spray arm 131 greater than the distance between the rotating shaft 132 of the spray section 130 and the rotating shaft of the transmission section 120, the spray area formed by the rotation of the first spray arm 131 can completely cover the rotating area of ​​the transmission section 120. The first spray arm 131 can form a roughly square spray area, avoiding the formation of empty sanitary dead corners in the spray area.

[0069] During initial configuration, the relative positions between the spray unit 130 and the transmission unit 120 need to be calibrated. By rotating the transmission unit 120 around its own axis, and with the assistance of the meshing of the first gear 141 and the second gear 142, the distance between the end of the first spray arm 131 furthest from the axis 132 (hereinafter referred to as the distal end) and the axis of the transmission unit 120 is minimized. At this point, the extension direction of the first spray arm 131 towards the distal end is the same as and parallel to the direction of the axis 132 of the spray unit 130 pointing towards the axis of the transmission unit 120. This achieves rotation of the first spray arm 131 relative to the transmission unit 120 according to the motion logic of a Reuleaux triangle inscribed in a rounded square.

[0070] Furthermore, while maintaining the rotational balance of the spray section 130, the spray section 130 may include one or more spray arms. That is, the spray section 130 may only have the first spray arm 131, or it may additionally have other spray arms with the same or similar structure as the first spray arm 131, or additionally have other spray arms with different and dissimilar structures than the first spray arm 131. These spray arms extend radially along the rotating shaft 132 together with the first spray arm 131. In other words, in addition to the first spray arm 131, the spray section 130 may additionally have other spray arms with the same or complementary functions as the first spray arm 131. These spray arms extend radially along the rotating shaft 132 together with the first spray arm 131, and rotate relative to the transmission section 120 according to the motion logic of a Reuleaux triangle inscribed in a rounded square, thereby forming a square spray area. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0071] In some embodiments, the spray arms and the first spray arm 131 are evenly spaced apart. In other embodiments, the spray arms and the first spray arm 131 are non-evenly spaced apart. "Evenly" means that any two adjacent spray arms form the same angle with the axis of rotation 132.

[0072] Those skilled in the art will understand that other spray arms (if any) of the spray unit 130 can also operate in the same manner as the first spray arm 131. However, the shape of these spray arms can be similar to that of the first spray arm 131. Figure 5 Consistent with what is shown, or can be with Figure 5 The illustrations shown are not entirely consistent, or may not be entirely consistent. In other words, while there is some indication, Figure 5This is used to illustrate the working method of the spray arms and the first spray arm 131. Unless otherwise specified, it is not intended to limit the specific shape of the spray arms and the first spray arm 131.

[0073] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, the cleaning module 100 also includes a drive assembly 150. The drive assembly 150 is connected to the transmission unit 120 and can drive the transmission unit 120 to rotate relative to the support unit 110. The drive assembly 150 includes a drive motor (not shown), a third gear 151, and a fourth gear 152. The third gear 151 is fixed to the transmission unit 120 and coaxial with the shaft of the transmission unit 120, and the fourth gear 152 meshes with the third gear 151. The drive motor drives the fourth gear 152 to rotate, and the engagement of the fourth gear 152 with the third gear 151 drives the transmission unit 120, enabling it to rotate. The engagement of the third gear 151 and the fourth gear 152 gives the transmission unit 120 high rotational accuracy, high reliability, low maintenance cost, and long service life.

[0074] like Figure 8 As shown, the drive assembly 150 also includes a drive shaft 153, which has a first end and a second end in opposite directions. The first end of the drive shaft 153 is where the fourth gear 152 is mounted / connected, and the second end is where the output end of the drive motor (not shown) is connected. The drive motor drives the rotation of the drive shaft 153. Connecting the drive motor and the fourth gear 152 via the rod-shaped drive shaft 153 facilitates the layout of the drive motor and the spray unit 130 within the dishwasher 10. For example, the drive motor can be placed in a waterproof part of the dishwasher 10, while the spray unit 130 can be supported in the middle of the inner tub 300.

[0075] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment, in order to cooperate with the operation of the drive motor, the second end of the transmission shaft 153 is also provided with a drive gear 154. The transmission shaft 153 is connected to the gear on the output shaft of the drive motor through the drive gear 154, thereby realizing the power transmission to the drive motor.

[0076] It is understood that, in addition to the transmission connection between the drive gear 154 and the fourth gear 152 via the drive shaft 153, the drive assembly 150 may also include multiple connecting gears. The drive gear 154 meshes with the fourth gear 152 through multiple connecting gears, meaning that the multiple connecting gears can replace the drive shaft 153 for transmission. The drive motor is configured to drive the multiple connecting gears to rotate, which in turn drives the fourth gear 152 to rotate. Connecting the drive motor and the fourth gear 152 through multiple connecting gears facilitates the layout of the drive motor and the spray unit 130 within the dishwasher 10. For example, the drive motor can be placed in a deeper, waterproof part within the dishwasher 10, while the spray unit 130 can be suspended in the middle of the inner tub 300.

[0077] It is understood that, in addition to the components described in the above embodiments, the drive assembly 150 may also consist of a drive motor, a first synchronous pulley, a second synchronous pulley, and a synchronous toothed belt. The first synchronous pulley is fixed to the transmission part 120 and coaxial with the shaft of the transmission part 120. The second synchronous pulley is synchronously driven with the first synchronous pulley via the synchronous toothed belt. The drive motor is configured to drive the second synchronous pulley to rotate. The drive motor connects the first and second synchronous pulleys via the synchronous toothed belt to achieve meshing transmission with the drive gear 154, thereby driving the fourth gear 152. This facilitates the layout of the drive motor and the spray unit 130 within the dishwasher 10. For example, the drive motor can be placed in a deeper waterproof part within the dishwasher 10, while the spray unit 130 can be suspended in the middle of the inner tub 300.

[0078] refer to Figures 6 to 8 When the gear ratio of the first gear 141 to the second gear 142 is 4:3, and since the first gear 141 is fixed to the support part 110, the transmission part 120, which serves as the housing, can rotate around its own axis. This allows the free end of the transmission part 120, connected to the rotating shaft 132 of the spray part 130, to rotate 90° clockwise, causing the first spray arm 131 of the spray part 130 to rotate 30° counterclockwise. Thus, when the first spray arm 131 rotates one revolution within a square with side length R, the transmission part 120 can rotate three revolutions in the opposite direction. Hereinafter, it will be explained by... Figure 9 and Figure 10 The possible configurations of the third gear 151 and the fourth gear 152 are described in detail.

[0079] In one embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, the third gear 151 and the fourth gear 152 are both bevel gears, which achieves the purpose of setting the drive shaft 153 and the rotating shaft of the spray unit 130 perpendicular to each other. At the same time, they have high rotational accuracy, high reliability, low maintenance cost and long service life.

[0080] In one embodiment, such as Figure 10 As shown, the third gear 151 is a crown gear, and the fourth gear 152 is a cylindrical gear, so as to achieve the purpose of the drive shaft 153 being perpendicular to the rotating shaft of the spray unit 130, while having high rotational accuracy, high reliability, low maintenance cost, and long service life. Among them, the teeth of the crown gear are spur teeth or helical teeth, and the teeth on the cylindrical gear are also matched with spur teeth or helical teeth.

[0081] In one embodiment, the third gear 151 is a turbine and the fourth gear 152 is a worm gear, so as to achieve the purpose of the drive shaft 153 being perpendicular to the rotating shaft of the spray unit 130, while having high rotational accuracy, high reliability, low maintenance cost and long service life.

[0082] In one embodiment, the transmission unit 120 and the third gear 151 are integrally formed. For example... Figure 9 and 10 As shown, the third gear 151 is disposed on the shaft hole 121 of the transmission part 120. After the transmission part 120 and the support part 110 are assembled, the third gear 151 is sleeved on the shaft 111 of the support part 110 to rotate coaxially with the transmission part 120. By setting it as an integral molding structure, the connection accuracy between the third gear 151 and the transmission part 120 is improved, thereby improving the driving accuracy of the transmission part 120. Of course, the transmission part 120 and the third gear 151 can be connected together by means of bonding, snap-fitting, welding, threaded connection, etc., and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0083] To further clarify for the reader the motion logic of the Reuleaux triangle inscribed with a rounded square as described in this disclosure, the following will be combined with... Figures 11 to 19 The process of how the first spray arm 131 rotates under the drive of the transmission unit 120 according to the motion logic of a Reuleaux triangle inscribed in a rounded square is explained in detail.

[0084] like Figure 11 As shown, in the X-axis and Y-axis coordinate system, Reuleaux triangle 123 has vertices 1, 2, and 3, and arcs 12, 23, and 31 as sides. The drive shaft of transmission unit 120 is located at point O, and the free end of transmission unit 120 is connected to the drive shaft 132 of spray unit 130. The drive shaft 132 of spray unit 130 is located at the center point P of Reuleaux triangle 123. The distal end of the first spray arm 131 is located at a vertex of Reuleaux triangle 123. To facilitate understanding of how the first spray arm 131 moves as an inscribed rounded square within the Reuleaux triangle under the drive of transmission unit 120, the following explanation uses the example of the distal end of the first spray arm 131 being located at vertex 1 of Reuleaux triangle 123. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the distal end of the first spray arm 131 could also be located at vertex 2 or vertex 3 of Reuleaux triangle 123.

[0085] The transmission unit 120 rotates in the opposite direction to the first spray arm 131. When the Reuleaux triangle is in... Figure 11 At the position shown, under the action of the transmission assembly 140 and the drive assembly 150, the free end of the transmission unit 120, with its pivot (point O) as the center point, drives the pivot 132 (point P) of the spray unit 130 to rotate clockwise along the circular motion trajectory A′B′C′D′. Then, the pivot 132 (point P) of the spray unit 130 drives the distal end (vertex 1) of the first spray arm 131 to move counterclockwise around point P, starting from point A, along the rounded square motion trajectory ADGJ, wherein the first spray arm 131 is distributed along P1.

[0086] In the figure, the rounded square trajectory ADGJ formed by the rotation of the Reuleaux triangle has rounded corners. Point A is the center point of the top edge of the square, point B is the transition position between the left side of the top edge of the square and the rounded corner, point C is the transition position between the upper side of the left side of the square and the rounded corner, point D is the center point of the left side of the square, point E is the transition position between the lower side of the left side of the square and the rounded corner, point F is the transition position between the left side of the bottom edge of the square and the rounded corner, point G is the center point of the bottom edge of the square, point H is the transition position between the right side of the bottom edge of the square and the rounded corner, point I is the transition position between the lower side of the right side of the square and the rounded corner, point J is the center point of the right side of the square, point K is the transition position between the upper side of the right side of the square and the rounded corner, and point L is the transition position between the right side of the top edge of the square and the rounded corner.

[0087] When the Reuleaux triangle is in its current position, vertex 1 of the Reuleaux triangle coincides with the center point A of the top edge of the square, and α is the angle α between line segment 13 and line segment BL, which is 60°.

[0088] The transmission unit 120 rotates around point O along a circular motion trajectory A′B′C′D′. Points A′ and C′ are the two intersection points of the rotation trajectory of the transmission unit 120 (i.e., the circular motion trajectory A′B′C′D′) with the Y-axis, and points B′ and D′ are the two intersection points of the rotation trajectory of the transmission unit 120 (i.e., the circular motion trajectory A′B′C′D′) with the X-axis.

[0089] Combination Figure 12 The free end of the transmission unit 120, with its pivot (point O) as the center point, drives the pivot 132 (point P) of the spray unit 130 to rotate clockwise from point A' to point B' along a circular motion trajectory A′B′C′D′. Then, the pivot 132 (point P) of the spray unit 130 drives the distal end (vertex 1) of the first spray arm 131 to move counterclockwise from point A along a rounded square motion trajectory ADGJ towards point B, with point P as the center point. The first spray arm 131 is distributed along P1.

[0090] When the free end of the transmission unit 120 drives the rotating shaft 132 (point P) to move clockwise in the order of A'B'C'D', for example, clockwise from point A' toward point B', the far end (vertex 1) of the first spray arm 131 moves counterclockwise from point A toward point B along the edge of the rounded square motion trajectory ADGJ.

[0091] Since the first spray arm 131 is distributed along the center line P1 of the Reuleaux triangle, when the far end (vertex 1) of the first spray arm 131 moves counterclockwise from point A to point B within a square of equal width, it is a linear motion along line segment AB.

[0092] And such Figure 13 As shown, during the movement of the Reuleaux triangle, the distal end (vertex 1) of the first spray arm 131 continues to move counterclockwise to point B. The free end of the transmission unit 120 continues to drive the rotation axis 132 (point P) of the spray unit 130 clockwise to point B′, with its rotation axis (point O) as the center point. At this time, the distal end (vertex 1) of the first spray arm 131 moves from point A to point B in a near-straight line, and the angle α between line segment 13 and line segment BL changes from 60° to 30°.

[0093] It can be seen that the movement trajectory of the far end (vertex 1) of the first spray arm 131 of the spray unit 130 is on the rounded square. When the free end of the transmission unit 120 drives the rotating shaft 132 (point P) to rotate clockwise from point A' to point B', the vertex 1 of the first spray arm 131 must move from point A to point B in a straight line.

[0094] from Figures 11 to 13 During the state change, the free end of the transmission unit 120 drives the rotating shaft 132 (point P) of the spray unit 130 to rotate clockwise by 90°, while the distal end (apex 1) of the first spray arm 131 rotates counterclockwise by 30°. Corresponding to this state change, the speed ratio of the distal end (apex 1) of the first spray arm 131 of the spray unit 130 is preset to -1:3. That is, when the first spray arm 131 moves counterclockwise by 30°, the transmission unit 120 rotates clockwise by 90°, and the speed ratio between the first spray arm 131 and the transmission unit 120 is -1:3.

[0095] like Figure 14 As shown, as the free end of the transmission unit 120 continues to drive the rotating shaft 132 (point P) of the spray unit 130 to move, and as the distal end (apex 1) of the first spray arm 131 of the spray unit 130 continues to rotate, the distal end (apex 1) of the first spray arm 131 continues to move counterclockwise from point B toward point C, and the free end of the transmission unit 120 continues to drive the rotating shaft 132 (point P) of the spray unit 130 to rotate clockwise from point B' toward point C'.

[0096] Since the first spray arm 131 is distributed along the center line P1 of the Reuleaux triangle, when the far end (vertex 1) of the first spray arm 131 moves counterclockwise from point B to point C within a square of equal width, it moves along the curve of the arc BC.

[0097] like Figure 15 As shown, during the continued movement of the transmission unit 120 and the first spray arm 131, the distal end (apex 1) of the first spray arm 131 moves counterclockwise from point B to point C, and the free end of the transmission unit 120 continues to drive the rotating shaft 132 (point P) of the spray unit 130 to rotate clockwise from point B′ to point C′.

[0098] When point P rotates from point B' to point C', the distal end (vertex 1) of the first spray arm 131 moves from point B to point C. At this time, line segment 13 is parallel to line segment BL, meaning the angle α between line segment 13 and line segment BL changes from 30° to 0°. Meanwhile, the free end of the transmission unit 120 continues to drive the rotating shaft 132 (point P) of the spray unit 130 to rotate by 90°.

[0099] like Figure 16 As shown, the transmission unit 120 and the first spray arm 131 continue to rotate. The free end of the transmission unit 120 continues to drive the rotating shaft 132 (point P) of the spray unit 130 to continue to move clockwise from point C' to point D'. The distal end (vertex 1) of the first spray arm 131 continues to move counterclockwise from point C to point D. When the free end of the transmission unit 120 drives the rotating shaft 132 (point P) of the spray unit 130 to move circumferentially from point C' to point D', the distal end (vertex 1) of the first spray arm 131 moves from point C to point D.

[0100] Since the first spray arm 131 is distributed along the center line P1 of the Reuleaux triangle, when the far end (vertex 1) of the first spray arm 131 moves counterclockwise from point C to point D within a square of equal width, it is a quasi-linear motion along line segment CD.

[0101] like Figure 17 As shown, the transmission unit 120 and the first spray arm 131 continue to rotate. The free end of the transmission unit 120 continues to drive the rotating shaft 132 (point P) of the spray unit 130 to continue clockwise from point C′ to point D′. The distal end (vertex 1) of the first spray arm 131 continues to move counterclockwise from point C to point D. When the free end of the transmission unit 120 drives the rotating shaft 132 (point P) of the spray unit 130 to rotate clockwise to point D′, and when point P moves from point C' to point D', the distal end (vertex 1) of the first spray arm 131 moves from point C to point D. At this time, the angle α between line segment 13 and line segment BL changes from 0° to 30°.

[0102] It can be seen that the movement trajectory of the far end (vertex 1) of the first spray arm 131 of the spray unit 130 is on the rounded square. When the free end of the transmission unit 120 drives the rotating shaft 132 (point P) of the spray unit 130 to rotate clockwise from point C' to point D', the vertex 1 of the first spray arm 131 moves clockwise from point C to point D.

[0103] When point P rotates from point C' to point D', the distal end (vertex 1) of the first spray arm 131 moves from point C to point D, at which point the angle α between line segment 13 and line segment BL changes by 30°. Correspondingly, the free end of the transmission unit 120 drives the rotating shaft 132 (point P) of the spray unit 130 to rotate by 90°. That is, when the first spray arm 131 rotates 30° counterclockwise, the transmission unit 120 rotates 90° clockwise, and the ratio of the rotational speed of the first spray arm 131 to the rotational speed of the transmission unit 120 is -1:3.

[0104] like Figure 18 As shown, the transmission unit 120 then moves clockwise, driving the distal end (vertex 1) of the first spray arm 131, i.e., the Reuleaux triangle, to continue moving counterclockwise within the rounded square. Specifically, this means that point P continues to move in a circle from point D' to point A', while the distal end (vertex 1) of the first spray arm 131 moves in a near-linear motion from point D to point E.

[0105] Since the first spray arm 131 is distributed along the center line P1 of the Reuleaux triangle, when the far end (vertex 1) of the first spray arm 131 moves counterclockwise from point D to point E within a square of equal width, it is a quasi-linear motion along line segment DE.

[0106] Specifically, when point P rotates from point D' to point A', the distal end (vertex 1) of the first spray arm 131 moves from point D to point E. When point P moves from point D' to point A', the distal end (vertex 1) of the first spray arm 131 moves from point D to point E, at which point the angle α between line segment 13 and line segment BL changes from 30° to 60°. That is, when the first spray arm 131 rotates 30° counterclockwise, the transmission unit 120 rotates 90° clockwise, and the ratio of the rotational speed of the first spray arm 131 to the rotational speed of the transmission unit 120 is -1 / 3.

[0107] Based on the rotation process of point P described above, it can be seen that when point P moves clockwise one revolution along the circular trajectory A'B'C'D', the distal end (vertex 1) of the first spray arm 131 moves from point A to point E, where vertex 2 was initially located, and the first spray arm 131 has rotated one-third of a revolution. Therefore, when the Reuleaux triangle rotates one revolution within a square with side length R, its centroid point P rotates three revolutions in the opposite direction.

[0108] The detailed process of the distal end (vertex 1) of the first spray arm 131 moving from point E to point I and from point I to point A is similar to the process of the distal end (vertex 1) of the first spray arm 131 moving from point A to point E described above. Please refer to the process of the distal end (vertex 1) of the first spray arm 131 moving from point A to point E described above. This disclosure will not repeat it here.

[0109] Furthermore, the distal end (apex 1) of the first spray arm 131 can also move clockwise, and correspondingly, the transmission unit 120 can drive the first spray arm 131 counterclockwise. Similar to the process described above where the distal end (apex 1) of the first spray arm 131 moves from point A to point E, please refer to the process described above where the distal end (apex 1) of the first spray arm 131 moves from point A to point E; this disclosure will not repeat it here.

[0110] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of a spray area formed by a Reuleaux triangular spray unit driven by a transmission unit, according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 19 As shown, when the centroid P rotates three times in opposite directions, causing the Reuleaux triangle to rotate once within a square with side length R, a rectangular third spray area S3 is formed. Compared to the first spray area S1, the third spray area S3 better covers the corner areas of the rectangular inner liner 300, improving the cleaning effect and reducing dead corners.

[0111] It should be noted that, to improve the practicality of the technical solution, the central motion trajectory of point P is constrained to circular motion, which can be achieved through easily engineering-implemented methods such as gears, cams, or guide rails. In the described scenario, the center points A, D, G, and J of the trajectory square edge will be concave inward, thus forming a third spray area S3 with rounded corners, resembling a square.

[0112] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of some embodiments of this disclosure, including a second spray arm. Figure 20As shown, in addition to the first spray arm 131, the spray section 130 may also include a second spray arm. The second spray arm can extend in the opposite direction to the first spray arm 131. The relationship between the extension length L2 of the second spray arm and the extension length L1 of the first spray arm 131 is: L1≥L2+2×L3, where L3 is the distance between the rotation axis of the spray section 130 and the rotation axis of the transmission section 120. By making the extension length L1 of the first spray arm 131 greater than the sum of the extension length L2 of the second spray arm and twice the distance L3 between the rotation axis of the spray section 130 and the rotation axis of the transmission section 120, and by ensuring that the third spray area S3 formed by the first spray arm 131 completely covers the spray area formed by the second spray arm, the second spray arm can rotate within the equal-width square formed by the first spray arm 131 as a Reuleaux triangle, without interfering with the wall 310 of the inner liner 300. The spray nozzles on the second spray arm allow for the application of more cleaning solution, thus enhancing the cleaning effect.

[0113] While the spray arms can maintain balance, the number of second spray arms can be one, two or more, and can be unequal to the number of first spray arms 131. This disclosure does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0114] The first spray arm 131 and the second spray arm can spray the same cleaning liquid, or provide different cleaning liquids through different flow channels to spray different cleaning liquids. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0115] Furthermore, the rotation of the spray section 130 is actively controlled, so the rinsing time of the corner areas of the inner drum can be adjusted or the rinsing area can be selected, thereby improving the overall cleaning performance of the dishwasher 10.

[0116] The dishwasher 10 provided in this disclosure may include only one cleaning space, i.e., the dishwasher 10 has a drawer for placing dishes to be washed onto the dish rack 200 of the inner drum 300 by opening the drawer. Having fewer cleaning spaces allows for a relatively larger size of the cleaning space, enabling the inner drum 300 to accommodate larger dishes. Alternatively, it may include two cleaning spaces, i.e., the dishwasher 10 has two drawers for placing dishes to be washed onto the dish racks 200 of different inner drums 300 by opening different drawers, allowing for the separate washing of different types of dishes and improving cleaning efficiency. Of course, it may also have three, four, or more inner drums 300, each equipped with a cleaning module; this disclosure does not impose any limitations on this.

[0117] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the appended claims.

[0118] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cleaning module, characterized in that, include: Support section; The transmission part is connected to the support part; A spray unit is connected to the transmission unit, and the rotating shaft of the spray unit and the rotating shaft of the transmission unit are spaced apart and parallel to each other; A transmission assembly includes a first gear and a second gear. The first gear is fixed to the support portion and coaxial with the rotating shaft of the transmission portion. The second gear is fixed to the spray portion and coaxial with the rotating shaft of the spray portion. The first gear is an internal gear, and the second gear is an external gear. The external teeth of the first gear mesh with the internal teeth of the second gear. as well as A drive assembly is connected to the transmission part, and the drive assembly drives the transmission part to rotate relative to the support part.

2. The cleaning module of claim 1, wherein, The gear ratio between the first gear and the second gear is 4:

3.

3. The cleaning module of claim 1, wherein, The spray unit includes a rotating shaft and at least one first spray arm. The spray unit is rotatably mounted to the transmission unit via the rotating shaft. The first spray arm extends radially along the rotating shaft and has a spray nozzle.

4. The cleaning module of claim 3, wherein, The extension length of the first spray arm is greater than the distance between the rotating shaft of the spray section and the rotating shaft of the transmission section.

5. The cleaning module of claim 3, wherein, During the rotation of the first spray arm, when the distance between the end away from the rotating shaft and the rotating shaft of the transmission part is the smallest, the first spray arm extends in a direction away from the rotating shaft, which is the same as and parallel to the direction from the rotating shaft of the spray part to the rotating shaft of the transmission part.

6. The cleaning module of claim 3, wherein, The spray section includes a plurality of first spray arms, and the plurality of first spray arms are evenly distributed along the circumference of the rotating shaft.

7. The cleaning module of claim 3, wherein, The spray unit also includes a second spray arm, which has the spray nozzle. The extension length of the first spray arm is L1, the extension length of the second spray arm is L2, and the distance between the rotating shaft of the spray part and the rotating shaft of the transmission part is L3, wherein L1≥L2+2×L3.

8. The cleaning module of claim 1, wherein, The drive assembly includes a drive motor, a third gear, and a fourth gear. The third gear is fixedly mounted on the transmission part and coaxially arranged with the rotating shaft of the transmission part. The fourth gear meshes with the third gear, and the drive motor drives the fourth gear to rotate.

9. The cleaning module of claim 8, wherein, The drive assembly further includes a drive shaft with opposite first and second ends. The fourth gear is disposed on the first end, and the output end of the drive motor is connected to the second end. The drive motor drives the drive shaft to rotate.

10. A dishwasher, characterized in that Includes the cleaning module as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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