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 along the circumference of the mounting section and are located between the roller and the first rotating section, so that the roller rotates relative to the mounting section through the balls. The sliding friction between the roller and the axle is converted into rolling friction through the balls, which can reduce the friction between the roller and the mounting section, thereby improving the smoothness of the rotation between the roller and the axle. Furthermore, along the radial direction of the mounting section, the projection of the balls on the plane of the first matching surface is located in the first matching surface. In this way, the balls are distributed in the first matching surface, which can disperse the load of the first matching surface and reduce the sliding friction, thereby improving the load capacity of the roller assembly and the smoothness of the shelf pushing and pulling movement.

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. 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 acts on the rollers, increasing the resistance to their movement and 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 with the shelf of a dishwasher; the rollers and the mounting section of the axle are coaxially arranged; the rollers include a first rotating section and a second rotating section connected to each other, the first rotating section and the second rotating section having the same rotation axis; the outer circumferential diameter of the first rotating section is smaller than the outer circumferential diameter of the second rotating section; the first rotating section has a first mating surface, the first mating surface being used for mating connection with the inner tub of the dishwasher;

[0009] The plurality of balls are spaced apart circumferentially along the mounting section and are all located between the roller and the first rotating section, so that the roller rotates relative to the mounting section; along the radial direction of the mounting section, the orthographic projection of the plurality of balls on the surface where the first mating surface is located is located within the first mating surface.

[0010] In some embodiments, the geometric center of each ball is located on a first plane, which is perpendicular to the axis of the mounting section.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second rotating segment has a first end face; along the axial direction of the mounting segment, the first end face faces the first rotating segment and is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the first rotating segment; and the second plane containing the first end face is tangentially disposed to the wall surface opposite the ball and the second plane.

[0012] Alternatively, along the axial direction of the mounting section, the first end face faces the first rotating section and is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the first rotating section; the second plane containing the first end face is spaced apart from the surfaces opposite the ball and the second plane.

[0013] In some embodiments, both the outer peripheral surface of the mounting section and the inner peripheral surface of the roller have annular limiting grooves;

[0014] On the outer peripheral surface of the mounting section, the annular limiting groove extends circumferentially along the mounting section;

[0015] On the inner circumferential surface of the roller, the annular limiting groove extends circumferentially along the roller;

[0016] The ball bearing is movably positioned within the annular limiting groove;

[0017] Along the axial direction of the mounting section, the third plane containing the center line of the annular limiting groove coincides with the first plane.

[0018] In some embodiments, the roller assembly further includes a retainer movably fitted between the mounting section and the roller;

[0019] 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.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first rotary section has a first rotary cavity, the axis of rotation of the first rotary cavity coinciding with the axis of the mounting section;

[0021] The first rotating section has a second end face, and the wheel axle has a third end face. Along the axial direction of the mounting section, the second end face and the third end face are located on the same side of the roller assembly, and the third end face is located in the first rotating cavity.

[0022] In the first rotary cavity, the third end face and the second end face are spaced apart along the axial direction of the mounting section.

[0023] In some embodiments, the axle includes a connecting section connected to the mounting section for connection with the shelf;

[0024] The mounting section has a receiving cavity for accommodating the mating section of the shelf; the outline of the receiving cavity is circular along the radial direction of the mounting section; along the axial direction of the mounting section, the radial dimension of the receiving cavity near the mounting section is greater than the radial dimension of the receiving cavity away from the mounting section.

[0025] In some embodiments, the axle has reinforcing ribs along the axial direction of the mounting section, the reinforcing ribs being located at the end of the receiving cavity opposite to the connecting section.

[0026] 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 ;

[0027] 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.

[0028] Secondly, this application provides a dishwasher, comprising:

[0029] 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;

[0030] Shelves;

[0031] A roller assembly is disposed on the side of the shelf; the first mating surface and the second mating surface of the roller assembly engage and roll to drive the shelf to move along the front-back direction of the inner liner; wherein the roller assembly is the roller assembly provided in the first aspect.

[0032] The roller assembly and dishwasher provided in this application include a roller assembly comprising an axle, rollers, and balls. Multiple balls are spaced circumferentially along an mounting section and located between the rollers and a first rotating section, allowing the rollers to rotate relative to the mounting section via the balls. The balls convert the sliding friction between the rollers and the axle into rolling friction, reducing the friction between the rollers and the mounting section and thus improving the smoothness of rotation between the rollers and the axle. Furthermore, along the radial direction of the mounting section, the orthographic projection of the multiple balls onto the surface of the first mating surface lies within the first mating surface. This arrangement distributes the multiple balls across the first mating surface, distributing the load on the first mating surface and reducing sliding friction, thereby improving the load-bearing capacity of the roller assembly and enhancing the smoothness of the shelf's push-pull movement. Attached Figure Description

[0033] 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.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the roller assembly and the inner liner provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the roller assembly and the shelf provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view showing the connection between the roller assembly and the inner liner provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the roller assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the roller assembly provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0039] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the roller assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 7 for Figure 6 AA sectional view.

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

[0042] 100-Roller Assembly;

[0043] 110-Axle; 111-Mounting section; 112-Connecting section; 113-Fixing buckle; 114-Third end face; 115-Receiving cavity; 116-Reinforcing rib;

[0044] 120-roller;

[0045] 121-First rotating section; 1211-First mating surface; 1212-First rotating cavity; 1213-Second end face;

[0046] 122-Second rotating section; 1221-First end face; 1222-Second rotating cavity;

[0047] 130 - Ball bearing; 131 - First plane;

[0048] 140 - Annular limiting groove; 141 - Third plane;

[0049] 150 - Cage; 151 - Mounting hole;

[0050] 200 - Shelf; 210 - Assembly section;

[0051] 300-Inner liner; 310-Clean chamber; 311-Front opening; 312-Second mating surface. Detailed Implementation

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] This application provides a dishwasher, which includes an inner tub 300 and a shelf 200. The inner tub 300 has a cleaning cavity 310 and a front opening 311, which communicates with the cleaning cavity 310. The front opening 311 allows the shelf 200 to enter and exit the cleaning cavity 310. That is, the shelf 200 and the inner tub 300 have different connection states. For example, there may be no connection between the inner tub 300 and the shelf 200, in which case the shelf 200 may be located outside the inner tub 300; or the shelf 200 may be located within the cleaning cavity 310 of the inner tub 300. When the inner tub 300 is located within the cleaning cavity 310, the dishwasher can be in cleaning mode or a non-operating state.

[0055] 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.

[0056] There are many ways for shelf 200 to enter and exit cleaning chamber 310, see [link / reference] Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As an 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 300, it can drive the shelf 200 to move relative to the inner tub 300, thereby enabling the shelf 200 to enter and exit the cleaning chamber 310.

[0057] Combination Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6The 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] See Figure 3 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the mounting section 111 has a receiving cavity 115 for receiving the mating section 210 of the shelf 200; the outline of the receiving cavity 115 is circular along the radial direction of the mounting section 111; and the radial dimension of the mounting section 111 to which the receiving cavity 115 is close is greater than the radial dimension of the receiving cavity 115 away from the mounting section 111.

[0060] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, along the axial direction of the mounting section 111, the radial dimension of the receiving cavity 115 closer to the mounting section 111 is greater than the radial dimension of the receiving cavity 115 farther from the mounting section 111. Thus, the receiving cavity 115 forms a flared structure, with the side of the receiving cavity 115 with the larger radial dimension closer to the connecting section 112, facilitating the insertion of the mating section 210 of the axle 110 and the shelf 200. This makes it easier for the mating section 210 to enter the receiving cavity 115, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of the roller assembly 100 and the shelf 200.

[0061] In some embodiments, the axle 110 is an injection molded part, and the receiving cavity 115 has a trumpet-shaped structure, which also facilitates the demolding of the axle 110, thereby improving the production efficiency of the roller assembly 100.

[0062] 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. During use, as the roller 120 rotates relative to the mounting section 111, the user can push the shelf 200 into the inner liner 300, and after cleaning the tableware, the shelf 200 can still be pulled out of the inner liner 300. Therefore, the cooperation between the roller 120 and the axle 110 facilitates the pushing and pulling operation of the shelf 200, improving the user experience.

[0063] As an optional implementation, the roller assembly 100 in this application embodiment can be applied to the lowest shelf 200 in the inner liner 300. The roller 120 cooperates with the inner wall of the inner liner 300 so that the shelf 200 moves relative to the inner liner 300 in the front-back direction (X) by rolling relative to the inner wall of the inner liner 300.

[0064] For example, in this embodiment of the application, the roller 120 includes a first rotating segment 121 and a second rotating segment 122 connected to each other, the first rotating segment 121 and the second rotating segment 122 have the same rotation axis; the outer peripheral diameter of the first rotating segment 121 is smaller than the outer peripheral diameter of the second rotating segment 122; the first rotating segment 121 has a first mating surface 1211, the first mating surface 1211 is used for mating connection with the inner tub 300 of the dishwasher.

[0065] Specifically, the inner wall of the inner liner 300 has a second mating surface 312, which extends along the front-rear direction (X) of the inner liner 300.

[0066] It should be noted that, see Figure 3 The second mating surface 312 may be formed by two stepped surfaces on the two opposite inner sidewalls of the inner liner 300 along the left-right direction (Y). Alternatively, the second mating surface 312 may be formed by a slide rail provided on the two opposite inner sidewalls of the inner liner 300. This embodiment does not require this.

[0067] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 When the roller 120 and the inner liner 300 are engaged, the first mating surface 1211 and the second mating surface 312 engage, and the first mating surface 1211 rolls on the second mating surface 312, thereby driving the shelf 200 to move in the front-back direction (X). In this embodiment, along the axial direction of the first rotating segment 121, the first mating surface 1211 is an annular plane. It is easy to understand that, due to the larger diameter of the outer circumferential surface of the second rotating segment 122, a stepped structure is formed at the connection between the first rotating segment 121 and the second rotating segment 122. In this way, the first end face 1221 of the second rotating segment 122 can engage with the inner sidewall of the inner liner 300 extending in the vertical direction (Z) and form a stop to prevent the shelf 200 from shifting in the horizontal direction (Y) within the inner liner 300, ensuring the stability of the shelf 200 during the pushing and pulling process, and thus preventing tableware and / or kitchen utensils on the shelf 200 from falling off.

[0068] Understandably, during use, the shelf 200 will hold a large number of bowls, plates, chopsticks, and pots and pans. These utensils and cookware will increase the weight of the shelf 200. Understandably, the increased load between the axle 110 and the roller 120 will easily cause the axle 110 and / or the roller 120 to deform. At this time, 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 and pulling the dish rack. All of these factors will lead to a poor user experience.

[0069] To address this issue, the roller assembly 100 in this embodiment further includes a plurality of balls 130. These balls 130 are spaced apart circumferentially along the mounting section 111 and located between the roller 120 and the first rotating section 121, allowing the roller 120 to rotate relative to the mounting section 111 via the balls 130. Thus, 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 and improving the smoothness of rotation between the roller 120 and the axle 110, resulting in a better user experience. Furthermore, the spaced arrangement of the balls 130 disperses the load on the roller 120 and the axle 110, further enhancing the load-bearing capacity of the roller assembly 100.

[0070] As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, when multiple balls 130 are circumferentially spaced between the first rotating section 121 and the mounting section 111 of the roller 120, 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.

[0071] As the roller 120 and axle 110 roll along the roller, the first rotating section 121 is the main load distribution section. Therefore, in this embodiment, along the radial direction of the mounting section 111, the orthographic projection of multiple balls 130 onto the surface of the first mating surface 1211 is located within the first mating surface 1211. Thus, the multiple balls 130 are distributed across the first mating surface 1211, which can disperse the load on the first mating surface 1211 and reduce sliding friction, thereby improving the load-bearing capacity of the roller assembly 100 and enhancing the smoothness of the push-pull movement of the shelf 200.

[0072] See Figure 6As an optional implementation, the geometric center of each ball bearing 130 is located on the first plane 131, which is perpendicular to the axis of the mounting section 111. That is, the multiple balls 130 roll along the same circumferential path of the mounting section 111 between the mounting section 111 and the roller 120. This ensures that the balls 130 experience force in the same direction, preventing positional misalignment and improving both the load-bearing capacity of the roller assembly 100 and the smoothness of the roller 120's movement, thus facilitating the push-pull movement of the shelf 200. Furthermore, the fact that the geometric centers of the multiple balls 130 are all located on the first plane 131 concentrates the distribution of the balls 130, reducing the circumferential dimension of the roller assembly 100.

[0073] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 3 to Figure 6 Specifically, the second rotating section 122 has a first end face 1221; along the axial direction of the mounting section 111, the first end face 1221 faces the first rotating section 121 and is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the first rotating section 121; and the second plane where the first end face 1221 is located is tangent to the wall surface opposite to the ball 130 and the second plane.

[0074] Alternatively, in some embodiments, along the axial direction of the mounting section 111, the first end face 1221 faces the first rotating section 121 and is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the first rotating section 121; the second plane where the first end face 1221 is located is spaced apart from the surfaces opposite to the ball 130 and the second plane.

[0075] It is easy to understand that in this embodiment, the ball bearings 130 are all located between the inner side of the first rotating section 121 and the mounting section 111 of the axle 110. Thus, during the interaction between the roller 120 and the inner liner 300, the ball bearings 130 are always positioned directly above the second mating surface 312 of the inner liner 300, which helps the roller 120 to achieve better load-bearing capacity and improves the reliability of the push-pull movement of the shelf 200.

[0076] It should be noted that the second plane containing the first end face 1221 is spaced apart from the surfaces of the ball 130 and the second plane. That is to say, there is a gap between the first plane 131 and the ball 130. The embodiments of this application do not specify the exact size of the gap.

[0077] See Figure 5 and Figure 6In order to limit the positional deviation of the roller 120 during the rolling process, in this embodiment of the application, 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 bearing 130 is movably positioned along the axial direction of the annular limiting grooves 140 in the mounting section 111, and the third plane 141 where the center line of the annular limiting grooves 140 is located coincides with the first plane 131.

[0078] 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.

[0079] See Figure 5 and Figure 6 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 to a mounting hole 151 and is movably disposed in the mounting hole 151.

[0080] Thus, the position of the ball 130 is restricted by the mounting hole 151 of the retainer 150, and the connection between the roller 120 and the axle 110 is prevented during the rotation of the ball 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 300 through the roller assembly 100.

[0081] Combination Figure 6 and Figure 7 The number of balls 130 in the annular limiting groove 140 in this embodiment can be determined in the following way. Specifically, the number of balls 130 in the same annular limiting groove 140 is n, where n is a positive integer, and n satisfies: n min ≤n≤n max ;

[0082] 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.

[0083] It should be noted that n in this embodiment min and n maxIt is calculated based on the floor function mentioned above.

[0084] See Figure 3 and Figure 6 The first rotating section 121 has a first rotating cavity 1212, the axis of rotation of the first rotating cavity 1212 coincides with the axis of the mounting section 111; the first rotating section 121 has a second end face 1213, and the axle 110 has a third end face 114. Along the axial direction of the mounting section 111, the second end face 1213 and the third end face 114 are located on the same side of the roller assembly 100, and the third end face 114 is located in the first rotating cavity 1212; in the first rotating cavity 1212, along the axial direction of the mounting section 111, the third end face 114 and the second end face 1213 are spaced apart. Thus, the third end face 114 of the axle 110 is always located in the first rotating cavity 1212 of the first rotating section 121, thereby preventing interference between the roller assembly 100 and other structural components on the inner wall of the inner liner 300, and ensuring the smooth movement of the shelf 200 relative to the inner liner 300 via the roller assembly 100.

[0085] For example, the second rotating section 122 has a second rotating cavity 1222, the rotation axis of the second rotating cavity 1222 coincides with the rotation axis of the first rotating cavity 1212, and the diameter of the first rotating cavity 1212 is smaller than the diameter of the second rotating cavity 1222. In this way, the thickness of the second rotating section 122 can be appropriately reduced while meeting the rolling and strength requirements, thereby reducing the material cost of the roller assembly 100.

[0086] Optionally, the axle 110 has a reinforcing rib 116 along the axial direction of the mounting section 111, located at the end of the receiving cavity 115 away from the connecting section 112. It is easy to understand that the reinforcing rib 116 is located in the portion of the receiving cavity 115 near the first end face 1221 to enhance the load-bearing capacity of the axle 110. When the mounting section 111 and the roller 120 engage via the ball bearings 130, it prevents sliding friction caused by deformation of the roller assembly 100, further reducing the internal friction of the roller assembly 100 and improving the smoothness of the push-pull movement of the shelf 200.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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).

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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 comprises an axle (110), a roller (120), and a plurality of balls (130); the axle (110) is used to connect with the rack (200) of the dishwasher; the roller (120) and the mounting section (111) of the axle (110) are coaxially arranged; the roller (120) includes a first rotating section (121) and a second rotating section (122) connected to each other, the first rotating section (121) and the second rotating section (122) have the same axis of rotation; the outer peripheral diameter of the first rotating section (121) is smaller than the outer peripheral diameter of the second rotating section (122); the first rotating section (121) has a first mating surface (1211), the first mating surface (1211) is used for mating connection with the inner tub (300) of the dishwasher; The plurality of balls (130) are spaced apart circumferentially along the mounting section (111) and are all located between the roller (120) and the first rotating section (121) so that the roller (120) rotates relative to the mounting section (111); along the radial direction of the mounting section (111), the orthographic projection of the plurality of balls (130) on the surface where the first mating surface (1211) is located is within the first mating surface (1211).

2. The roller assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The geometric center of each ball (130) is located on a first plane (131), which is perpendicular to the axis of the mounting section (111).

3. The roller assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second rotating section (122) has a first end face (1221); along the axial direction of the mounting section (111), the first end face (1221) faces the first rotating section (121) and is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the first rotating section (121); and the second plane where the first end face (1221) is located is tangent to the wall surface opposite to the ball (130) and the second plane. Alternatively, along the axial direction of the mounting section (111), the first end face (1221) faces the first rotating section (121) and is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the first rotating section (121); the second plane where the first end face (1221) is located is spaced apart from the surface of the ball (130) and the second plane.

4. The roller assembly according to claim 2, 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 bearing (130) is movably disposed in the annular limiting groove (140); Along the axial direction of the mounting section (111), the third plane (141) where the center line of the annular limiting groove (140) is located coincides with the first plane (131).

5. 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).

6. The roller assembly according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first rotating section (121) has a first rotating cavity (1212), and the rotation axis of the first rotating cavity (1212) coincides with the axis of the mounting section (111); The first rotating section (121) has a second end face (1213), and the axle (110) has a third end face (114). Along the axial direction of the mounting section (111), the second end face (1213) and the third end face (114) are located on the same side of the roller assembly (100), and the third end face (114) is located in the first rotating cavity (1212). In the first rotary cavity (1212), the third end face (114) and the second end face (1213) are spaced apart along the axial direction of the mounting section (111).

7. The roller assembly according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The axle (110) includes a connecting section (112) connected to the mounting section (111), the connecting section (112) being used to connect to the shelf (200); The mounting section (111) has a receiving cavity (115) for receiving the mating section (210) of the shelf (200); the outline of the receiving cavity (115) is circular along the radial direction of the mounting section (111); along the axial direction of the mounting section (111), the radial dimension of the receiving cavity (115) near the mounting section (111) is greater than the radial dimension of the receiving cavity (115) away from the mounting section (111).

8. The roller assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The axle (110) has a reinforcing rib (116) along the axial direction of the mounting section (111), and the reinforcing rib (116) is located at the end of the receiving cavity (115) away from the connecting section (112).

9. The roller assembly according to claim 4, 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).

10. A dishwasher, characterized in that, include: The inner liner (300) has a cleaning cavity (310) and a front opening (311), the front opening (311) and the cleaning cavity (310) are connected, and the inner wall of the inner liner (300) has a second mating surface (312), the second mating surface (312) extending along the front-rear direction of the inner liner (300); Shelves (200); A roller assembly (100) is disposed on the side of the shelf (200); the first mating surface (1211) and the second mating surface (312) of the roller assembly (100) engage and roll to drive the shelf (200) to move along the front-back direction of the inner liner (300); The roller assembly (100) is the roller assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1-9.

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