Roller assembly and dishwasher

Abstract

The application provides a roller assembly and a dishwasher, and relates to the technical field of dishwashers. The roller assembly comprises an axle, a roller and balls. The balls are arranged between the roller and a mounting section of the axle to enable the roller to rotate relative to the mounting section. The balls enable the roller and the axle to form point contact and rolling friction therebetween, thereby reducing the movement resistance of the roller assembly and improving the smoothness of the movement of the compartment. Furthermore, the geometric center plane of each ball is symmetrically distributed about a second center symmetry plane, and the first center symmetry plane of the first fitting surface and the second center symmetry plane coincide, which enables the load of the roller assembly to be uniformly distributed, thereby improving the load bearing capacity of the roller assembly, preventing structural deformation of the roller assembly and prolonging the service life of the roller assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of dishwasher technology, and in particular to a roller assembly and a dishwasher. Background Technology

[0002] Dishwashers, as a cleaning device, are widely used in a variety of different fields.

[0003] In related technologies, dishwashers include an inner tub and a shelf. The shelf is equipped with casters that can roll relative to the inner tub, thereby moving the shelf. During use, dishes and cookware need to be placed in the inner tub via the shelf for cleaning.

[0004] However, the weight of tableware and kitchen utensils can easily cause the rollers to deform and increase the resistance of the rollers, thus hindering the movement of the shelves. Utility Model Content

[0005] The roller assembly and dishwasher provided in this application can improve the load-bearing capacity of the roller assembly to prevent deformation of the roller assembly, thereby reducing the movement resistance of the roller assembly and making the shelf move smoothly.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] In a first aspect, this application provides a roller assembly, comprising:

[0008] The device includes an axle, rollers, and multiple ball bearings; the axle is used to connect to the shelf of a dishwasher, and the rollers and the mounting section of the axle are coaxially arranged; the multiple ball bearings are spaced apart between the rollers and the mounting section to allow the rollers to rotate relative to the mounting section.

[0009] The roller has a first mating surface, the first mating surface has a first central symmetry plane, and the first central symmetry plane is perpendicular to the axis of the mounting section;

[0010] The geometric center planes of each ball are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axis of the mounting section. The geometric center planes corresponding to each ball are symmetrically distributed about the second central symmetry plane.

[0011] The first central symmetry plane and the second central symmetry plane coincide.

[0012] In some embodiments, the geometric center plane corresponding to each ball coincides with the second central symmetry plane.

[0013] In some embodiments, the plurality of said balls form at least two ball sets, each ball set including at least two said balls;

[0014] Within the same ball bearing assembly, the geometric center planes corresponding to each ball bearing coincide; along the axial direction of the mounting section, the geometric center planes corresponding to at least two ball bearing assemblies are located on opposite sides of the second central symmetry plane.

[0015] In some embodiments, the ball assembly includes a first ball assembly and a second ball assembly spaced apart along the axial direction of the mounting section.

[0016] The first ball assembly has a first geometric center surface, and the second ball assembly has a second geometric center surface. Along the axial direction of the mounting section, the first geometric center surface and the second geometric center surface are located on opposite sides of the second central symmetry plane.

[0017] In some embodiments, both the outer peripheral surface of the mounting section and the inner peripheral surface of the roller have annular limiting grooves;

[0018] On the outer peripheral surface of the mounting section, the annular limiting groove extends circumferentially along the mounting section;

[0019] On the inner circumferential surface of the roller, the annular limiting groove extends circumferentially along the roller;

[0020] The ball bearing is movably positioned in the corresponding annular limiting groove;

[0021] The annular limiting groove has a third central symmetry plane, which is perpendicular to the axis of the mounting section and coincides with the geometric center plane of the ball.

[0022] In some embodiments, the roller has an arcuate concave surface along the radial direction of the mounting section, the arcuate concave surface forming the first mating surface;

[0023] Along the axial direction of the mounting section, the center line of symmetry of the arc-shaped concave surface is perpendicular to the axis of the mounting section, and the surface containing the center line of symmetry of the arc-shaped concave surface forms the first central symmetry plane.

[0024] In some embodiments, the roller has an arcuate concave surface along the radial direction of the mounting section, the arcuate concave surface forming the first mating surface;

[0025] Along the axial direction of the mounting section, the center line of symmetry of the arc-shaped concave surface is perpendicular to the axis of the mounting section, and the surface containing the center line of symmetry of the arc-shaped concave surface forms the first central symmetry plane.

[0026] Along the radial direction of the mounting section, on a plane parallel to the axis of the mounting section, the orthographic projection of the arcuate concave surface lies between the orthographic projections of the first ball set and the second ball set.

[0027] In some embodiments, the arcuate concave surface has an annular groove, the opening of which faces outward from the roller along the radial direction of the mounting section;

[0028] The annular groove has a fourth central symmetry plane, which is perpendicular to the axis of the mounting section and coincides with the first central symmetry plane.

[0029] In some embodiments, the roller assembly further includes a retainer movably fitted between the mounting section and the roller;

[0030] The cage has mounting holes, the number of which corresponds to the number of balls. Each ball corresponds to a mounting hole and is movably disposed within the mounting hole.

[0031] In some embodiments, the number of balls within the same annular limiting groove is n, where n is a positive integer, and n satisfies: n min ≤n≤n max ;

[0032] in, a is the minimum diameter of the annular limiting groove on the mounting section; c is the maximum diameter of the annular limiting groove on the roller; d is the diameter of the ball.

[0033] Secondly, this application provides a dishwasher, comprising:

[0034] The inner liner has a cleaning cavity and a front opening, the front opening and the cleaning cavity are connected, and the inner sidewall of the inner liner has a second mating surface, the second mating surface extending along the front-rear direction of the inner liner;

[0035] Shelves;

[0036] A roller assembly is disposed on the side of the shelf; the first mating surface of the roller assembly engages with the second mating surface and rolls to drive the shelf to move along the front-back direction of the inner liner;

[0037] Along the thickness direction of the inner wall of the inner liner corresponding to the second mating surface, the second mating surface has a fifth central symmetry plane, which coincides with the first central symmetry plane of the roller assembly;

[0038] The roller assembly is the roller assembly provided in the first aspect.

[0039] The roller assembly and dishwasher provided in this application include a roller assembly comprising an axle, rollers, and balls. The balls are disposed between the rollers and the mounting section of the axle, allowing the rollers to rotate relative to the mounting section. The rolling friction between the rollers and the axle, achieved through point contact, reduces the motion resistance of the roller assembly and improves the smoothness of the compartment's movement. Furthermore, the symmetrical distribution of the geometric center planes of each ball about a second central symmetry plane, with the first and second central symmetry planes of the first mating surface coinciding, ensures uniform load distribution in the roller assembly, thereby improving its load-bearing capacity, preventing structural deformation, and extending its service life. Attached Figure Description

[0040] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the roller assembly and the shelf provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a first type of roller assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 3 An exploded view of the structure of the first type of roller assembly provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 4 for Figure 2 AA section view;

[0045] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the fit between the shelf and roller assembly and the slide rail provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 6 A slanted and sectional view of a first type of roller assembly and slide rail provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0047] Figure 7 for Figure 4 BB section view;

[0048] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a second type of roller assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 9 An exploded view of the structure of the second type of roller assembly provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0050] Figure 10 for Figure 8 CC section view;

[0051] Figure 11 A slanted and cross-sectional view of a second type of roller assembly and slide rail provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0052] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0053] 100-Roller Assembly;

[0054] 110-Axle; 111-Mounting section; 112-Connecting section; 113-Fixing buckle;

[0055] 120-roller;

[0056] 121 - First mating surface; 1211 - First central symmetry surface;

[0057] 122 - Arc-shaped concave surface;

[0058] 123 - Annular groove; 1231 - Fourth central symmetry plane;

[0059] 130 - Ball bearing; 131 - Geometric center plane; 132 - Second central symmetry plane;

[0060] 133 - Ball bearing assembly; 1331 - First ball bearing assembly; 1332 - Second ball bearing assembly; 1333 - First geometric center plane; 1334 - Second geometric center plane;

[0061] 140 - Annular limiting groove; 141 - Third central symmetry plane;

[0062] 150 - Cage; 151 - Mounting hole;

[0063] 200-shelf;

[0064] 300 - Slide rail; 310 - Second mating surface; 311 - Track surface; 312 - Fifth central symmetry surface. Detailed Implementation

[0065] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0066] First, see Figure 1 Let X be the front-to-back direction of the dishwasher, Y be the left-to-right direction, and Z be the up-to-down direction.

[0067] This application provides a dishwasher, which includes an inner tub (not shown) and a shelf 200. The inner tub has a cleaning cavity and a front opening, which communicates with the cleaning cavity and allows the shelf 200 to enter and exit the cleaning cavity. That is, the shelf 200 and the inner tub have different connection states; for example, there may be no connection between the inner tub and the shelf 200, in which case the shelf 200 may be located outside the inner tub; or the shelf 200 may be located within the cleaning cavity of the inner tub. When the inner tub is located within the cleaning cavity, the dishwasher can be in cleaning mode or in a non-operating state.

[0068] It should be noted that the structure of shelf 200 is based on the shelf 200 commonly seen by those skilled in the art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0069] There are many ways for the shelf 200 to enter and exit the cleaning chamber. As one optional implementation, the dishwasher also includes a roller assembly 100, which can be disposed on both sides of the shelf 200 in the left-right direction (Y). As the roller assembly 100 rolls relative to the inner tub, it can drive the shelf 200 to move relative to the inner tub, thereby enabling the shelf 200 to enter and exit the cleaning chamber.

[0070] See below. Figures 2 to 7 Various embodiments of the first roller assembly 100 provided in this application will be described.

[0071] See Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 The roller assembly 100 in this embodiment includes an axle 110, which includes a mounting section 111 and a connecting section 112 connected to each other. The connecting section 112 is connected to the wires on the left and right sides of the shelf 200. Exemplarily, the connecting section 112 and the shelf 200 can be connected by a fastener 113, or by a plug-in connection; alternatively, the connecting section 112 can also be fixedly connected to the shelf 200. This embodiment does not limit the specific connection.

[0072] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the axle 110 can be a single piece, that is, the connecting section 112 and the mounting section 111 can be integrally formed by injection molding or by two-color injection molding, and there are no requirements for this.

[0073] In this embodiment, the roller assembly 100 further includes a roller 120, which is coaxially arranged with the mounting section 111. Thus, the roller 120 and the mounting section 111 form a hole-shaft connection structure, and the roller 120 can rotate around the axis of the mounting section 111. In this way, during use, as the roller 120 rotates relative to the mounting section 111, the user can push the shelf 200 into the inner liner, and after cleaning the tableware, the shelf 200 can still be pulled out of the inner liner. Thus, the cooperation between the roller 120 and the axle 110 facilitates the pushing and pulling operation of the shelf 200, improving the user experience.

[0074] However, during use, the shelf 200 is often filled with bowls, plates, chopsticks, and cookware. These utensils and cookware increase the weight of the shelf 200. Understandably, this increases the load between the axle 110 and the roller 120, which can easily lead to deformation of the axle 110 and / or the roller 120. In this case, the rolling friction between the roller 120 and the axle 110 will change into sliding friction. The increased friction between the axle 110 and the roller 120 will cause the roller 120 to rotate poorly, and the user will need to apply more force when pushing or pulling the shelf 200. All of these factors will lead to a poorer user experience.

[0075] To address this issue, the roller assembly 100 in this embodiment further includes a plurality of balls 130, which are spaced apart between the roller 120 and the mounting section 111, allowing the roller 120 to rotate relative to the mounting section 111 via the balls 130. In this way, the sliding friction between the roller 120 and the axle 110 is converted into rolling friction by the balls 130, reducing the friction between the roller and the mounting section 111, thereby improving the smoothness of rotation between the roller 120 and the axle 110 and providing a better user experience. Furthermore, the spaced arrangement of the balls 130 can distribute the load on the roller 120 and the axle 110, further enhancing the load-bearing capacity of the roller assembly 100.

[0076] As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, when multiple balls 130 are spaced apart between the roller 120 and the mounting section 111, the multiple balls 130 may be spaced apart on the same rolling path, or on different rolling paths, with the different rolling paths spaced apart from each other; no requirement is made in this regard.

[0077] Combination Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6Furthermore, in this embodiment, the roller 120 has a first mating surface 121 that mates with the inner liner. The first mating surface 121 has a first central symmetry plane 1211, which is perpendicular to the axis of the mounting section 111. The inner wall of the inner liner has a second mating surface 310, which extends along the front-rear direction (X) of the inner liner. When the shelf 200 mates with the inner liner via the roller assembly 100, the first mating surface 121 mates with the second mating surface 310 and rolls, thereby moving the shelf 200 along the front-rear direction (X) of the inner liner. Along the thickness direction of the inner wall of the inner liner corresponding to the second mating surface 310, the second mating surface 310 has a fifth central symmetry plane 312, which coincides with the first central symmetry plane 1211.

[0078] See Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 It should be noted that, along the radial direction of the mounting section 111, the roller 120 has an arc-shaped concave surface 122, which forms a first mating surface 121; along the axial direction of the mounting section 111, the center line of symmetry of the arc-shaped concave surface 122 is perpendicular to the axis of the mounting section 111, and the surface containing the center line of symmetry of the arc-shaped concave surface 122 forms a first central symmetry surface 1211.

[0079] See Figure 5 A slide rail 300 can be installed on the inner sidewall of the inner liner along the left-right direction (Y). The track surface 311 of the slide rail 300 forms a second mating surface 310. The cross-sectional profile of the second mating surface 310 is adapted to that of the first mating surface 121. It can be understood that the first mating surface 121 is an arc-shaped concave surface 122, and the second mating surface 310 is an arc-shaped convex surface. When the roller 120 and the slide rail 300 are engaged, the arc-shaped convex surface is located in the arc-shaped concave surface 122, and a point contact is formed between the two, thereby reducing the friction between the roller 120 and the slide rail 300, improving the smoothness of the roller 120's rotation, and facilitating the user's push-pull operation of the shelf 200.

[0080] In this embodiment, by aligning the first central symmetry plane 1211 and the fifth central symmetry plane 312, the load on the roller 120 and the slide rail 300 during rolling contact can be evenly distributed on the first central symmetry plane 1211. This is beneficial for the load-bearing capacity of the shelf 200 and can also prevent the roller 120 from jamming due to uneven loading, thereby improving the smoothness of the roller 120 rolling relative to the slide rail 300.

[0081] In addition, in the embodiments of this application, the geometric center planes 131 of each ball 130 are parallel to each other and are all perpendicular to the axis of the mounting section 111. The geometric center planes 131 corresponding to each ball 130 are symmetrically distributed about the second central symmetry plane 132; the first central symmetry plane 1211 and the second central symmetry plane 132 coincide.

[0082] It should be noted that the plane containing the geometric center of the ball 130 is the geometric center plane 131 corresponding to the ball 130, and the geometric center plane 131 of the ball 130 is perpendicular to the axis of the mounting section 111. It is easy to understand that in this embodiment, the geometric center planes 131 corresponding to each of the multiple balls 130 are all perpendicular to the axis of the mounting section 111, and each geometric center plane 131 is parallel. Furthermore, in this embodiment, each geometric center plane 131 is symmetrically distributed about the second central symmetry plane 132, and the second central symmetry plane 132 coincides with the first central symmetry plane 1211. Thus, the multiple balls 130 are symmetrically distributed between the mounting section 111 and the roller 120, resulting in a uniform load distribution on the balls 130 and improving the load-bearing capacity of the roller assembly 100.

[0083] See Figure 4 As an optional implementation, the geometric center plane 131 corresponding to each ball 130 coincides with the second central symmetry plane 132. That is, the multiple balls 130 have the same rolling path along the circumference of the mounting section 111 between the mounting section 111 and the roller 120. In this embodiment, along the radial direction of the mounting section 111, on a plane parallel to the axis of the mounting section 111, the orthographic projection of the ball 130 lies within the orthographic projection of the arc-shaped concave surface 122. In this way, the force direction of the balls 130 is consistent, avoiding positional displacement of the balls 130. This not only improves the load-bearing capacity of the roller assembly 100 but also enhances the smoothness of the roller 120's movement, thereby facilitating the pushing and pulling movement of the shelf 200.

[0084] See Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 To limit the positional deviation of the roller 120 during rolling, in this embodiment, both the outer peripheral surface of the mounting section 111 and the inner peripheral surface of the roller 120 have annular limiting grooves 140. On the outer peripheral surface of the mounting section 111, the annular limiting grooves 140 extend circumferentially along the mounting section 111; on the inner peripheral surface of the roller 120, the annular limiting grooves 140 extend circumferentially along the roller 120. The ball 130 is movably disposed in the corresponding annular limiting groove 140. The annular limiting groove 140 has a third central symmetry plane 141, which is perpendicular to the axis of the mounting section 111 and coincides with the geometric center plane 131 of the ball 130.

[0085] It is easy to understand that the annular limiting groove 140 on the mounting section 111 and the annular limiting groove 140 on the roller 120 together form a rolling path. The ball 130 rolls in the annular limiting groove 140. In this way, the annular limiting groove 140 on the mounting section 111 and the roller 120 limit and guide the installation and rolling of the ball 130, and prevent the ball 130 from shifting its position during the rolling process.

[0086] In some embodiments, the roller assembly 100 further includes a retainer 150, which is movably sleeved between the mounting section 111 and the roller 120. The retainer 150 has mounting holes 151, the number of which corresponds to the number of balls 130. Each ball 130 corresponds one-to-one with a mounting hole 151, and the mounting holes 151 are movably provided. In this way, the position of the balls 130 is restricted by the mounting holes 151 of the retainer 150, and the connection between the roller 120 and the axle 110 is prevented from disengaging during the rotation of the balls 130, thereby improving the structural stability of the roller assembly 100 and further ensuring the smoothness of the shelf 200 sliding relative to the inner liner through the roller assembly 100.

[0087] Combination Figure 4 and Figure 7 The number of balls 130 in the annular limiting groove 140 in this embodiment can be determined in the following way. Let n be the number of balls 130 in the same annular limiting groove 140, where n is a positive integer; and n satisfies: n min ≤n≤n max .

[0088] in, a is the minimum diameter of the annular limiting groove 140 on the mounting section 111; c is the maximum diameter of the annular limiting groove 140 on the roller 120; d is the diameter of the ball 130.

[0089] It should be noted that n in this embodiment min and n max It is calculated based on the floor function mentioned above.

[0090] Combination Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 In this embodiment, the arc-shaped concave surface 122 and the track surface 311 of the slide rail 300 in the inner liner cooperate with each other. The arc-shaped concave surface 122 rolls relative to the track surface 311, causing the shelf 200 to move relative to the inner liner. It can be understood that the first mating surface 121 (arc-shaped concave surface 122) and the second mating surface 310 (track surface 311) are in line contact. As an optional implementation, the arc-shaped concave surface 122 has an annular groove 123 along the radial direction of the mounting section 111, with the groove opening of the annular groove 123 facing the outside of the roller 120; the annular groove 123 has a fourth central symmetry plane 1231, which is perpendicular to the axis of the mounting section 111 and coincides with the first central symmetry plane 1211.

[0091] It is easy to understand that an annular groove 123 is provided on the first mating surface 121. Along the radial direction of the mounting section 111, the annular groove 123 is recessed towards the center of the roller 120, and the opening of the annular groove 123 faces the outside of the roller 120. When the roller 120 mates with the track surface 311 of the inner liner, the opening of the annular groove 123 faces the track surface 311. In this way, by setting the annular groove 123, line contact can be avoided between the first mating surface 121 and the second mating surface 310, thereby reducing the friction of the roller 120 and improving the smoothness of the shelf 200 moving relative to the inner liner in the front-back direction (X) via the roller 120, thus improving the user experience.

[0092] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the fourth central symmetry plane 123 of the annular groove 123 is perpendicular to the axis of the mounting section 111 and coincides with the first central symmetry plane 1211. At this time, the roller 120 has a symmetrical structure, which makes the load distribution of the roller 120 uniform and avoids the obstruction of the roller 120 rolling due to uneven load distribution. That is to say, it can improve the smoothness of the shelf 200 moving relative to the inner liner in the front-back direction (X) through the roller 120, thereby improving the user experience.

[0093] The following is combined Figure 1 , Figure 5 as well as Figures 8 to 11 Various different embodiments of the second type of roller assembly 100 in this application will be described.

[0094] It should be noted that the structural difference between the second type of roller assembly 100 and the first type of roller assembly 100 lies in the arrangement of the multiple balls 130 between the mounting section 111 of the axle 110 and the roller 120. The remaining identical structures and functions have been described in various different embodiments of the first type of roller assembly 100, and will not be repeated here.

[0095] As an optional implementation, a plurality of balls 130 form at least two ball sets 133, each ball set 133 including at least two balls 130; within the same ball set 133, the geometric center planes 131 corresponding to each ball 130 coincide; along the axial direction of the mounting section 111, the geometric center planes 131 corresponding to at least two ball sets 133 are located on opposite sides of the second central symmetry plane 132.

[0096] For example, multiple balls 130 can form two ball groups 133, three ball groups 133, four ball groups 133, etc., and the specific number of ball groups 133 is not required.

[0097] Specifically, the number of balls 130 in each ball group 133 can be two, three, four, or more. Optionally, the number of balls 130 in each ball group 133 can be determined according to the method for determining the number of balls 130 in the first roller assembly 100, which will not be elaborated further.

[0098] It is easy to understand that the geometric center planes 131 of each ball 130 in the same ball set 133 coincide, that is, the rolling paths of the balls 130 in the same ball set 133 between the mounting section 111 and the roller 120 are the same. In this way, the axial dimension of the roller assembly 100 can be reduced.

[0099] Furthermore, the geometric center plane 131 of each ball assembly 133 is located on opposite sides of the second central symmetry plane 132 along the axial direction of the mounting section 111. The geometric center plane 131 of each ball assembly 133 is symmetrical about the second central symmetry plane 132. This ensures a uniform load distribution on the rollers 120 and the balls 130, prevents positional misalignment of the balls 130, facilitates smooth pushing and pulling of the shelf 200 relative to the inner liner via the roller assembly 100, reduces friction, increases the load-bearing capacity of the roller assembly 100, reduces deformation of the roller assembly 100, and extends the service life of the roller assembly 100.

[0100] The following explanation uses a set of three rollers 120 as an example. The geometric center plane 131 corresponding to the three rollers 120 is symmetrical with respect to the second central symmetry plane 132. Two of the rollers 120 have their geometric center planes 131 located on either side of the second central symmetry plane 132, while the geometric center plane 131 of the third roller 120 coincides with the second central symmetry plane 132. It should be noted that the three ball bearing sets 133 can be arranged adjacently or spaced apart along the axial direction of the mounting section 111; this embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this arrangement.

[0101] See Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 Specifically, the ball assembly 133 includes a first ball assembly 1331 and a second ball assembly 1332 spaced apart along the axial direction of the mounting section 111; the first ball assembly 1331 has a first geometric center surface 1333, and the second ball assembly 1332 has a second geometric center surface 1334. Along the axial direction of the mounting section 111, the first geometric center surface 1333 and the second geometric center surface 1334 are located on opposite sides of the second central symmetry plane 132.

[0102] As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, there is a gap between the first ball set 1331 and the second ball set 1332 along the axial direction of the mounting section 111. This part does not specify the gap between the first ball set 1331 and the second ball set 1332. By setting the first ball set 1331 and the second ball set 1332 at intervals, the radial dimension of the roller assembly 100 can be reduced while satisfying the load-bearing capacity of the roller assembly 100. This makes the roller assembly 100 suitable for use in environments where the cleaning space of the inner liner is limited along the vertical (Z) direction.

[0103] Combination Figure 10 and Figure 11 It is easy to understand that the first ball set 1331 and the second ball set 1332 are spaced apart, and the interval length between them can be varied. As an optional implementation, along the radial direction of the mounting section 111, on a plane parallel to the axis of the mounting section 111, the orthographic projection of the arc-shaped concave surface 122 is located between the orthographic projections of the first ball set 1331 and the second ball set 1332.

[0104] According to the roller assembly 100 in this embodiment, when the shelf 200 is engaged with the slide rail 300 of the inner liner through the roller assembly 100, the first ball set 1331 and the second ball set 1332 are respectively symmetrically located on both sides of the first mating surface 121 (arc concave surface 122) along the axial direction of the mounting section 111, and also symmetrically located on both sides of the second mating surface 310 (track surface 311), thereby evenly distributing the load of the shelf 200 to both sides of the slide rail 300 and improving the load-bearing capacity of the shelf 200 and the roller assembly 100.

[0105] In some embodiments, the number of balls 130 in the first ball group 1331 is the same as the number of balls 130 in the second ball group 1332.

[0106] It should be noted that the terms "one embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," "some embodiments," etc., mentioned in the specification indicate that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not, is within the knowledge scope of those skilled in the art.

[0107] Generally speaking, terms should be understood at least in part by their use in context. For example, at least in part by context, the term "one or more" as used in the text can be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic of the singular meaning, or a combination of features, structures, or characteristics of the plural meaning. Similarly, at least in part by context, terms such as "a" or "the" can also be understood to convey either singular or plural usage.

[0108] It should be readily understood that the terms “on,” “above,” and “on top of” in this application should be interpreted in the broadest possible sense, such that “on” means not only “directly on something” but also “on something” with an intermediate feature or layer therebetween, and that “above” or “on top of” means not only “on top of something” but also “on top of something” without an intermediate feature or layer therebetween (i.e., directly on something).

[0109] Furthermore, for ease of explanation, spatially relative terms such as "below," "below," "under," "above," and "above" may be used to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to other elements or features as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those shown in the figures. The device may have other orientations (rotated 90° or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptive terms used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0110] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A roller assembly, characterized in that, include: The device includes an axle (110), a roller (120), and a plurality of balls (130); the axle (110) is used to connect to a shelf (200) of a dishwasher, and the roller (120) and the mounting section (111) of the axle (110) are coaxially arranged; the plurality of balls (130) are spaced apart between the roller (120) and the mounting section (111) to allow the roller (120) to rotate relative to the mounting section (111); The roller (120) has a first mating surface (121), the first mating surface (121) has a first central symmetry plane (1211), and the first central symmetry plane (1211) is perpendicular to the axis of the mounting section (111); The geometric center planes (131) of each ball (130) are parallel to each other and are perpendicular to the axis of the mounting section (111). The geometric center planes (131) corresponding to each ball (130) are symmetrically distributed about the second central symmetry plane (132). The first central symmetry plane (1211) and the second central symmetry plane (132) coincide.

2. The roller assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The geometric center plane (131) corresponding to each of the ball bearings (130) coincides with the second central symmetry plane (132).

3. The roller assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of said balls (130) form at least two ball sets (133), each ball set (133) including at least two said balls (130); Within the same ball set (133), the geometric center planes (131) corresponding to each ball (130) coincide; along the axial direction of the mounting section (111), the geometric center planes (131) corresponding to at least two ball sets (133) are located on opposite sides of the second central symmetry plane (132).

4. The roller assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The ball assembly (133) includes a first ball assembly (1331) and a second ball assembly (1332) spaced apart along the axial direction of the mounting section (111); The first ball assembly (1331) has a first geometric center surface (1333), and the second ball assembly (1332) has a second geometric center surface (1334). Along the axial direction of the mounting section (111), the first geometric center surface (1333) and the second geometric center surface (1334) are located on opposite sides of the second central symmetry plane (132).

5. The roller assembly according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The outer peripheral surface of the mounting section (111) and the inner peripheral surface of the roller (120) both have annular limiting grooves (140); On the outer peripheral surface of the mounting section (111), the annular limiting groove (140) extends circumferentially along the mounting section (111); On the inner circumferential surface of the roller (120), the annular limiting groove (140) extends circumferentially along the roller (120); The ball (130) is movably disposed in the corresponding annular limiting groove (140); The annular limiting groove (140) has a third central symmetry plane (141), which is perpendicular to the axis of the mounting section (111), and the third central symmetry plane (141) coincides with the geometric center plane (131) of the ball (130).

6. The roller assembly according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Along the radial direction of the mounting section (111), the roller (120) has an arcuate concave surface (122), which forms the first mating surface (121); Along the axial direction of the mounting section (111), the center line of symmetry of the arc-shaped concave surface (122) is perpendicular to the axis of the mounting section (111), and the surface on which the center line of symmetry of the arc-shaped concave surface (122) is located forms the first central symmetry plane (1211).

7. The roller assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, Along the radial direction of the mounting section (111), the roller (120) has an arcuate concave surface (122), which forms the first mating surface (121); Along the axial direction of the mounting section (111), the center line of symmetry of the arc-shaped concave surface (122) is perpendicular to the axis of the mounting section (111), and the surface on which the center line of symmetry of the arc-shaped concave surface (122) is located forms the first central symmetry plane (1211). Along the radial direction of the mounting section (111), on a plane parallel to the axis of the mounting section (111), the orthographic projection of the arcuate concave surface (122) lies between the orthographic projection of the first ball set (1331) and the orthographic projection of the second ball set (1332).

8. The roller assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The arc-shaped concave surface (122) has an annular groove (123) along the radial direction of the mounting section (111), with the opening of the annular groove (123) facing the outside of the roller (120); The annular groove (123) has a fourth central symmetry plane (1231), which is perpendicular to the axis of the mounting section (111), and the fourth central symmetry plane (1231) coincides with the first central symmetry plane (1211).

9. The roller assembly according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, It also includes a retainer (150) which is movably sleeved between the mounting section (111) and the roller (120); The retainer (150) has mounting holes (151), the number of which corresponds to the number of balls (130). Each ball (130) corresponds to a mounting hole (151) and is movably disposed in the mounting hole (151).

10. The roller assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The number of balls (130) within the same annular limiting groove (140) is n, where n is a positive integer, and n satisfies: n min ≤n≤n max ; in, a is the minimum diameter of the annular limiting groove (140) on the mounting section (111); c is the maximum diameter of the annular limiting groove (140) on the roller (120); d is the diameter of the ball (130).

11. A dishwasher, characterized in that, include: The inner liner has a cleaning cavity and a front opening, the front opening and the cleaning cavity are connected, and the inner sidewall of the inner liner has a second mating surface (310), the second mating surface (310) extends along the front-rear direction of the inner liner; Shelves (200); A roller assembly (100) is disposed on the side of the shelf (200); the first mating surface (121) of the roller assembly (100) engages with the second mating surface (310) and rolls to drive the shelf (200) to move along the front-back direction of the inner liner; Along the thickness direction of the inner wall of the inner liner corresponding to the second mating surface (310), the second mating surface (310) has a fifth central symmetry plane (312), which coincides with the first central symmetry plane (1211) of the roller assembly (100); The roller assembly (100) is the roller assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1-10.

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