Water flow system for a washing machine and washing machine

Abstract

This utility model relates to a water flow system for a cleaning machine and the cleaning machine itself. The water flow system includes a water supply pipe and a spray arm. The water supply pipe has a first outlet and a second outlet, with at least two second outlets. Each second outlet has a baffle and an elastic element acting on the baffle. The baffle tends to close the corresponding second outlet under the action of the corresponding elastic element. The first spray arm is installed at and connected to the first outlet. There is one second spray arm mounted on a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket can be selectively located at different second outlets, and the mounting bracket has a pushing part that can push open the corresponding baffle at the second outlet. When the pushing part pushes the baffle to open the corresponding second outlet, the second spray arm is connected to the opened second outlet. Using only one second spray arm not only allows spraying at the desired location but also involves fewer components.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of cleaning machines for cleaning tableware and / or fruits and vegetables, and specifically to a water flow system and a cleaning machine. Background Technology

[0002] Dishwashers are automated devices that automatically clean bowls, chopsticks, plates, dishes, and other tableware. As people's living standards improve, dishwashers are increasingly used in households. They reduce the user's workload, improve efficiency, enhance hygiene, and provide a more comfortable living experience. For dishwashers, the spray system is a core component, directly affecting the efficiency and effectiveness of water rinsing. The spray system mainly refers to the rotating spray arms located inside the dishwasher.

[0003] Because dishwashers typically have at least two racks spaced vertically, existing spray systems usually include multiple spray arms spaced vertically to clean each rack. Each spray arm is primarily responsible for cleaning one rack. For example, Chinese utility model patent application CN202222172227.7 (publication number CN218606508U) discloses a spray device and dishwasher, which includes multiple spray arms and an "E"-shaped water supply pipe. Each spray arm has a spray chamber. The water supply pipe has a first transverse flow path, a second transverse flow path, and a third transverse flow path from bottom to top. The free end of the first transverse flow path has a first water inlet, and a second water inlet is located to one side of the first water inlet. A three-pronged lower spray arm is rotatably connected to the second water inlet. The free ends of the second and third transverse flow paths are respectively connected to a three-pronged middle spray arm and a straight top spray arm. Multiple spray nozzles are distributed on the upper surface of the trident-shaped spray arm and the lower surface of the top spray arm, and the spray nozzles are connected to the spray chamber.

[0004] These spray arms can only rotate around a vertically extending axis, while they are fixed in the vertical direction. Because different dish racks need to be cleaned, multiple spray arms need to be installed at intervals in the vertical direction, which involves many parts and can easily create blind spots in the cleaning process. Utility Model Content

[0005] The first technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a water flow system for a cleaning machine that requires fewer spray arms and has fewer dead corners in the cleaning process, in light of the current state of the technology.

[0006] The second technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a cleaning machine that applies the above-mentioned water flow system, in view of the current state of the prior art.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is: a water flow system for a cleaning machine, including a water supply pipe and a spray arm, characterized in that: the water supply pipe is provided with a first water outlet and a second water outlet, there are at least two second water outlets, each second water outlet is provided with a baffle and an elastic element acting on the baffle, the baffle maintains the tendency to close the corresponding second water outlet under the action of the corresponding elastic element.

[0008] The spray arm includes a first spray arm and a second spray arm, wherein the first spray arm is installed at the first water outlet and is connected to the first water outlet.

[0009] The second spray arm is one and mounted on a mounting frame. The mounting frame can be selectively located at different second water outlets. The mounting frame is provided with a pushing part that can push open the corresponding baffle at the second water outlet. When the pushing part pushes the baffle to open the corresponding second water outlet, the second spray arm is connected to the opened second water outlet.

[0010] To allow the second spray arm to be mounted on the mounting bracket, the mounting bracket has a mounting port. The second spray arm has a tube that can be inserted into the mounting port, and the tube communicates with the interior of the second spray arm. The free end of the tube has a buckle that can pass through the mounting port and be snapped onto the mounting bracket. The tube can communicate with the second water outlet along the axial direction of the tube. The buckle can be made of a flexible material, or it can be used to tightly fit the tube and the mounting port to achieve relative fixation between the two.

[0011] The mounting bracket can be manually moved to different water outlets, but this is rather cumbersome. Preferably, at least two second water outlets are spaced apart along the length of the water supply pipe. A movable component that can move along the length of the water supply pipe is installed on the water supply pipe. The mounting bracket is installed on the movable component. The movable component is driven and connected to a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism drives the movable component to move, thereby moving the mounting bracket so that the second spray arm is connected to the corresponding second water outlet.

[0012] The drive mechanism can have various structural forms. Preferably, the drive mechanism includes a first rack, a first gear, and a first drive member. The first rack is provided along the length of the water supply pipe, and the first gear is provided on the moving member. The first gear meshes with the first rack, and the first gear is driven by the first drive member. This structural form of the drive mechanism can adapt to water supply pipes of different shapes.

[0013] The water supply pipe can have various structural forms. To reduce blind spots in the spraying, the water supply pipe is C-shaped, including two horizontally extending sections and a vertical section connecting the two horizontal sections. The two horizontal sections are spaced apart vertically. The first water outlet is located on the lower horizontal section, and a second water outlet is provided on both the vertical section and the upper horizontal section. This structural form of the water supply pipe ensures that the arrangement of the first and second water outlets forms a more comprehensive spraying area, reducing cleaning blind spots.

[0014] Preferably, the vertical section is equipped with a water distribution component. The water distribution component has a T-shaped cross-section and includes a connecting pipe located in the water supply pipe and an outlet pipe passing through the second outlet. The outlet pipe and the connecting pipe are connected, and each of the opposite walls of the connecting pipe has a water passage hole that penetrates the wall thickness. The second spray arm is connected to the outlet pipe. The water distribution component can rotate under the action of the driving structure to a state where the water passage hole faces vertically or horizontally. When the water passage hole faces vertically, the water passage hole and the interior of the connecting pipe together form a channel for water supply flow. At this time, water can be delivered to the second outlet and sprayed out from the second spray arm. When the water passage hole faces horizontally, the water passage hole is blocked by the inner wall of the water supply pipe. At this time, water cannot be delivered to the second outlet and can only be sprayed out from the first spray arm. The advantage of this design is that the water distribution component can play the role of water distribution. When water is not needed at the second outlet, the water flow can be concentrated at the first outlet, resulting in a large head of water sprayed from the first spray arm.

[0015] To enable the water distribution component to rotate and position the water passages in different orientations, preferably, the peripheral wall of the water outlet pipe is provided with a ring of teeth, and the mounting bracket is provided with a second rack that meshes with the teeth. The second rack extends along the length of the water supply pipe, and the teeth and the second rack constitute the driving structure. Thus, as the moving component moves along the water supply pipe, it drives the mounting bracket to move synchronously, and the second rack also moves synchronously. Due to its meshing with the teeth, it drives the water distribution component to rotate, thereby causing the water passages to rotate to different positions.

[0016] To prevent the baffle from interfering with the movement of the mounting bracket, the moving component is also equipped with a driving assembly for driving the mounting bracket to move. The direction in which the mounting bracket moves under the action of the driving assembly is called the first direction, and the direction in which the mounting bracket moves under the action of the driving mechanism is called the second direction. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other. The mounting bracket can move along the first direction to a state where it is offset from or aligned with the baffle in the second direction. When the mounting bracket needs to push the baffle away from the second outlet, the mounting bracket is aligned with the baffle in the second direction; when the mounting bracket needs to move, the mounting bracket is offset from the baffle in the second direction. The mounting bracket can move normally under the drive of the moving component, and after the mounting bracket and the baffle are offset in the second direction, the baffle will move under the action of the elastic component to a state that covers the second outlet.

[0017] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the second technical problem mentioned above is: a cleaning machine, characterized in that it includes a box, a bowl basket and the above-mentioned water flow system, wherein the water flow system and the bowl basket are both located in the box, and the spray holes on the spray arm face the bowl basket.

[0018] In the above scheme, there are two bowl baskets, namely an upper bowl basket and a lower bowl basket located below the upper bowl basket. One horizontal section is located below the lower bowl basket, and the other horizontal section is located above the upper bowl basket. The second water outlet on the vertical section is located vertically between the upper bowl basket and the lower bowl basket.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are as follows: This utility model sets multiple second water outlets on the water pipe, and has only one second spray arm, which can be selectively connected to one of the second water outlets to spray at different positions, reducing spray dead zones; This utility model only sets one second spray arm that can spray at different positions, which not only allows spraying at the required positions, but also involves fewer components compared to structures with multiple second spray arms.

[0020] In addition, the water supply pipe is equipped with a first water outlet, and a first spray arm is installed at the first water outlet. The first spray arm, which remains in a fixed position, works in conjunction with a second spray arm, which can change position, to achieve a large spray range and fewer spray dead zones. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the water flow system and the basket structure;

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the water flow system;

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure with the second spray arm removed;

[0025] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of point A;

[0026] Figure 6 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of point B;

[0027] Figure 7 for Figure 3 A sectional view;

[0028] Figure 8 for Figure 7Enlarged view of point C;

[0029] Figure 9 for Figure 7 Enlarged view of point D;

[0030] Figure 10 for Figure 3 Another sectional view;

[0031] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the mounting bracket in the diagram;

[0032] Figure 12 for Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the water distribution component. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0034] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more, and the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0035] In the description of this utility model patent, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an adhesive connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model patent based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] like Figures 1-12 As shown, the washing machine of this preferred embodiment includes a housing 1, a dish rack, and a water flow system. Both the dish rack and the water flow system are located in the housing 1. One side of the housing 1 is open, and a door 11 that can be opened or closed is provided at the opening. The housing 1 can be open at the front or at the top. The door 11 can be rotatably connected to the housing 1 or can be a drawer-type pull-out connection.

[0037] like Figure 3 , 7 As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the water flow system includes a water supply pipe 2 and a spray arm. The water supply pipe 2 is provided with an inlet 20, a first outlet 21, and a second outlet 22. There are at least two second outlets 22, which are spaced apart along the length of the water supply pipe 2. In this embodiment, the water supply pipe 2 is C-shaped, including two laterally extending horizontal sections 23 and a vertical section 24 connecting the two horizontal sections 23. The two horizontal sections 23 are spaced apart vertically. A first outlet 21 is located on the lower horizontal section 23, and a second outlet 22 is provided on both the vertical section 24 and the upper horizontal section 23.

[0038] Each second water outlet 22 is provided with a baffle 3 and an elastic element 31 acting on the baffle 3. Under the action of the corresponding elastic element 31, the baffle 3 tends to close the corresponding second water outlet 22. In this embodiment, the water supply pipe 2 is provided with a support block 32 near each second water outlet 22. The elastic element 31 is a spring, with one end connected to the support block 32 and the other end connected to the baffle 3.

[0039] The spray arm includes a first spray arm 4 and a second spray arm 5. The first spray arm 4 is installed at the first water outlet 21 and is connected to the first water outlet 21. The first spray arm 4 is axially fixed relative to the first water outlet 21, but the first spray arm 4 can rotate around the axis of the first water outlet 21.

[0040] The second spray arm 5 is mounted on a mounting frame 51. The mounting frame 51 can be selectively located at different second water outlets 22. The mounting frame 51 is provided with a pushing part 511 that can push open the corresponding baffle 3 at the second water outlet 22. When the pushing part 511 pushes the baffle 3 to open the corresponding second water outlet 22, the second spray arm 5 is connected to the opened second water outlet 22.

[0041] The second spray arm 5 is mounted on the mounting bracket 51 in the following manner: (e.g.) Figure 9 , 10 As shown in Figure 11, the mounting bracket 51 has a mounting port 512, and the second spray arm 5 has a tube 52 that can be inserted into the mounting port 512. The tube 52 is connected to the interior of the second spray arm 5. The free end of the tube 52 has a buckle 521 that can pass through the mounting port 512 and be snapped onto the mounting bracket 51. The tube 52 can be connected to the second water outlet 22 along the axial direction of the tube 52. The buckle 521 can be made of flexible material, or it can be used to tightly fit the tube 52 and the mounting port 512 to achieve relative fixation between the two.

[0042] A movable part 6 that can move along its length is installed on the water supply pipe 2. The mounting bracket 51 is installed on the movable part 6. The movable part 6 is connected to the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism drives the movable part 6 to move, thereby driving the mounting bracket 51 to move, so that the second spray arm 5 is connected to different second water outlets 22.

[0043] In this embodiment, as Figure 10 As shown, the drive mechanism includes a first rack 71, a first gear 72, and a first drive member. The first rack 71 is provided on the water supply pipe 2 along its length, and the first gear 72 is provided on the moving member 6. The first gear 72 meshes with the first rack 71, and the first gear 72 is driven by the first drive member, which can be a motor. This structure of the drive mechanism can adapt to water supply pipes 2 of different shapes.

[0044] like Figure 6 As shown, the water supply pipe 2 is provided with a guide rail 25 extending along its length, and the moving part 6 is provided with a sliding groove 61. The guide rail 25 is located in the sliding groove 61 and the two are slidably engaged to guide the movement trajectory of the moving part 6. Alternatively, the water supply pipe 2 may be provided with a guide groove extending along its length, and the moving part 6 may be provided with a guide block placed in the guide groove and able to move along the guide groove.

[0045] In addition, such as Figure 9 , 10 As shown in Figure 12, a water distribution component 8 is provided in the vertical section 24. The cross-section of the water distribution component 8 is T-shaped, including a connecting pipe 81 located in the water supply pipe 2 and an outlet pipe 82 passing through the second outlet 22. The outlet pipe 82 and the connecting pipe 81 are connected, and water passage holes 83 with a wall thickness are provided on the opposite walls of the connecting pipe 81. The second spray arm 5 is connected to the outlet pipe 82. The water distribution component 8 can rotate under the action of the driving structure to a state where the water passage holes 83 are vertical or horizontal. When the water passage holes 83 are vertical, the water passage holes 83 and the interior of the connecting pipe 81 together form a channel for water supply to flow through. At this time, water can be delivered to the second outlet 22 and sprayed out from the second spray arm 5. When the water passage holes 83 are horizontal, the water passage holes 83 are blocked by the inner wall of the water supply pipe 2. At this time, water cannot be delivered to the second outlet 22 and can only be sprayed out from the first spray arm 4. The advantage of this design is that the water distribution component 8 can play the role of water distribution. When water is not needed at the second water outlet 22, the water flow can be concentrated at the first water outlet 21, which makes the water flow sprayed by the first spray arm 4 have a large head.

[0046] To enable the water distribution component 8 to rotate and place the water passage 83 in different orientations, in this embodiment, a ring of teeth 84 is provided on the peripheral wall of the water outlet pipe 82, and a second rack 513 that meshes with the teeth 84 is provided on the mounting bracket 51. The second rack 513 extends along the length of the water supply pipe 2, and the teeth 84 and the second rack 513 constitute a driving structure. Thus, as the moving component 6 moves along the water supply pipe 2, it drives the mounting bracket 51 to move synchronously, and the second rack 513 also moves synchronously. Due to its meshing with the teeth 84, it drives the water distribution component 8 to rotate, thereby causing the water passage 83 to rotate to different positions.

[0047] In addition, the movable component 6 is also equipped with a drive assembly 62 for moving the mounting bracket 51. The direction in which the mounting bracket 51 moves under the action of the drive assembly 62 is called the first direction, and the direction in which the mounting bracket 51 moves under the action of the drive mechanism is called the second direction. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other. The mounting bracket 51 can move along the first direction to a state where it is offset from or aligned with the baffle 3 in the second direction. When the mounting bracket 51 needs to push the baffle 3 away from the second outlet 22, the mounting bracket 51 is aligned with the baffle 3 in the second direction; when the mounting bracket 51 needs to move, the mounting bracket 51 is offset from the baffle 3 in the second direction. The mounting bracket 51 can move normally under the drive of the movable component 6, and after the mounting bracket 51 is offset from the baffle 3 in the second direction, the baffle 3 will move under the action of the elastic component 31 to a state where it covers the second outlet 22. The drive assembly 62 can be a cylinder, an electric push rod, etc.

[0048] In the above scheme, there are two baskets: an upper basket 91 and a lower basket 92 located below the upper basket 91. One horizontal section 23 is located below the lower basket 92, and the other horizontal section 23 is located above the upper basket 91. The second water outlet 22 on the vertical section 24 is vertically located between the upper basket 91 and the lower basket 92. The spray nozzles on the spray arms face the baskets; specifically, the spray nozzles on the first spray arm 4 face the lower basket 92, and the spray nozzles on the second spray arm 5 face the upper basket 91 or the area between the upper basket 91 and the lower basket 92.

[0049] In this embodiment, the first spray arm 4, whose position remains unchanged, cooperates with the second spray arm 5, whose position can change, resulting in a large spraying range and fewer spray dead zones.

Claims

1. A water flow system for a cleaning machine, comprising a water supply pipe (2) and a spray arm, characterized in that: The water supply pipe (2) is provided with a first outlet (21) and a second outlet (22). There are at least two second outlets (22). Each second outlet (22) is provided with a baffle (3) and an elastic element (31) acting on the baffle (3). The baffle (3) maintains the tendency to close the corresponding second outlet (22) under the action of the corresponding elastic element (31). The spray arm includes a first spray arm (4) and a second spray arm (5). The first spray arm (4) is installed at the first water outlet (21) and connected to the first water outlet (21). The second spray arm (5) has one and is mounted on a mounting frame (51). The mounting frame (51) can be selectively located at different second water outlets (22). The mounting frame (51) is provided with a pushing part (511) that can push open the corresponding baffle (3) at the second water outlet (22). When the pushing part (511) pushes the baffle (3) to open the corresponding second water outlet (22), the second spray arm (5) is correspondingly connected to the opened second water outlet (22).

2. The water flow system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting bracket (51) is provided with a mounting port (512), and the second spray arm (5) is provided with a tube (52) that can be inserted into the mounting port (512). The tube (52) is connected to the inside of the second spray arm (5). The free end of the tube (52) is provided with a buckle (521) that can pass through the mounting port (512) and be snapped onto the mounting bracket (51). The tube (52) can be connected to the second water outlet (22) along the axial direction of the tube (52).

3. The water flow system according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least two second water outlets (22) are spaced apart along the length of the water supply pipe (2), and a movable part (6) that can move along its length is installed on the water supply pipe (2). The mounting bracket (51) is installed on the movable part (6), and the movable part (6) is driven and connected to the drive mechanism.

4. The water flow system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The driving mechanism includes a first rack (71), a first gear (72) and a first driving member. The water supply pipe (2) is provided with a first rack (71) along its length direction, and the moving member (6) is provided with a first gear (72). The first gear (72) meshes with the first rack (71), and the first gear (72) is driven and connected to the first driving member.

5. The water flow system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The water supply pipe (2) is C-shaped and includes two horizontally extending sections (23) and a vertical section (24) connecting the two horizontal sections (23). The two horizontal sections (23) are arranged vertically at intervals. The first outlet (21) is located on the lower horizontal section (23), and the vertical section (24) and the upper horizontal section (23) are both provided with a second outlet (22).

6. The water flow system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The vertical section (24) is provided with a water distribution component (8). The cross-section of the water distribution component (8) is T-shaped, including a connecting pipe (81) located in the water supply pipe (2) and an outlet pipe (82) passing through the second outlet (22). The outlet pipe (82) and the connecting pipe (81) are connected, and the opposite walls of the connecting pipe (81) are provided with water passage holes (83) that penetrate the wall thickness. The second spray arm (5) is connected to the outlet pipe (82). The water distribution component (8) can rotate under the action of the driving structure to a state where the water passage hole (83) is facing vertically or horizontally. When the water passage hole (83) is facing vertically, the water passage hole (83) and the interior of the connecting pipe (81) together form a channel through which the water supply flows. When the water passage hole (83) is facing horizontally, the water passage hole (83) is blocked by the inner wall of the water supply pipe (2).

7. The water flow system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The water outlet pipe (82) has a ring of teeth (84) on its peripheral wall, and the mounting bracket (51) has a second rack (513) that meshes with the teeth (84). The second rack (513) extends along the length of the water supply pipe (2), and the teeth (84) and the second rack (513) constitute the driving structure.

8. The water flow system according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that: The movable component (6) is also provided with a drive assembly (62) for driving the mounting bracket (51) to move. The direction in which the mounting bracket (51) moves under the action of the drive assembly (62) is called the first direction. The direction in which the mounting bracket (51) moves under the action of the drive mechanism is called the second direction. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other. The mounting bracket (51) can move along the first direction to a state where it is offset from or aligned with the baffle (3) in the second direction.

9. A cleaning machine, characterized in that, It includes a housing (1), a bowl basket, and the water flow system as described in claim 5, wherein the water flow system and the bowl basket are both located in the housing (1), and the spray holes on the spray arm face the bowl basket.

10. The cleaning machine according to claim 9, characterized in that: There are two bowl baskets, namely an upper bowl basket (91) and a lower bowl basket (92) located below the upper bowl basket (91). One horizontal section (23) is located below the lower bowl basket (92), and the other horizontal section (23) is located above the upper bowl basket (91). The second outlet (22) on the vertical section (24) is located vertically between the upper bowl basket (91) and the lower bowl basket (92).

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