Spray arm assembly and dishwasher

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of spray arm assembly and dishwasher, spray arm assembly includes: spray arm, with first flow passage and second flow passage and is equipped with containing cavity, containing cavity is equipped with the first through hole of intercommunication first flow passage and the second through hole of intercommunication second flow passage, containing cavity defines the first guide channel and the second guide channel with one end each other close and the other end each other away, the other end of first guide channel extends to first through hole, the other end of second guide channel extends to second through hole, first guide channel and second guide channel are all from each other close end to each other away end upwardly inclined extension;Located in the obturator of containing cavity, obturator is suitable for along first guide channel movement to block first through hole or along second guide channel movement to block second through hole, obturator alternately blocks first through hole and second through hole to realize the forward and reverse rotation of spray arm. According to the spray arm assembly of the utility model embodiment, the water of first flow passage and second flow passage can be selectively realized, and the structure of spray arm assembly is simplified.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of dishwasher technology, and more specifically, to a spray arm assembly and a dishwasher. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards improve, dishwashers, which free up their hands, are gradually becoming a standard feature of quality living. Compared with traditional hand washing, dishwashers have advantages such as better cleaning, sterilization, water saving, and labor saving. Household dishwashers generally use a spray washing method, where water is sprayed through rotating spray arms to rinse the surface of the dishes under the drive of a washing pump.

[0003] In related technologies, the reversing structure for controlling the water flow to flow into one of the two channels is relatively complex for spray arms with dual flow channels. This results in a complex and bulky spray arm structure that occupies too much space and places excessive demands on the installation space inside the dishwasher. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, one objective of this invention is to provide a spray arm assembly that allows for the selective flow of water through a first guide channel and a second guide channel. Furthermore, the first and second guide channels have relatively simple structures, which simplifies the structure of the spray arm assembly, reduces its space requirements, and minimizes the space constraints on the dishwasher's installation space, thus facilitating installation.

[0005] Another objective of this invention is to provide a dishwasher having the aforementioned spray arm assembly.

[0006] A spray arm assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a spray arm having a first flow channel and a second flow channel for flowing liquid; a receiving cavity having a first through hole communicating with the first flow channel and a second through hole communicating with the second flow channel on its peripheral wall; the receiving cavity defining a first guide channel and a second guide channel; one end of the first guide channel and the second guide channel being close to each other and the other end being far from each other; the end of the first guide channel far from the second guide channel extending to the first through hole; the end of the second guide channel far from the first guide channel extending to the second through hole; both the first guide channel and the second guide channel extending upwards in the direction from the end close to each other to the end far from each other; and a sealing member movably located within the receiving cavity, the sealing member being adapted to move along the first guide channel to seal the first through hole, thereby opening the second through hole; the sealing member being adapted to move along the second guide channel to seal the second through hole, thereby opening the first through hole; the sealing member alternately sealing the first through hole and the second through hole to achieve forward and reverse rotation of the spray arm.

[0007] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the spray arm assembly guides the sealing member through the first guide channel and the second guide channel, enabling the sealing member to block one of the first through hole and the second through hole while allowing the other to remain open. This facilitates the selective flow of water through the first flow channel and the second flow channel, enabling the spray arm to rotate in both directions. This allows the spray arm to spray water from different angles to rinse tableware, reducing blind spots in washing and improving the cleaning effect. Furthermore, the structures of the first guide channel and the second guide channel are relatively simple, which helps to simplify the structure of the spray arm assembly, reduce the installation space occupied by the spray arm assembly, and facilitate installation.

[0008] In addition, the spray arm assembly according to the above embodiments of the present invention may also have the following additional technical features: According to some embodiments of the present invention, the bottom wall of the first guide channel is provided with a first guide portion, which extends upward at an inclination from the bottom of the first guide channel toward the first through hole; the bottom wall of the second guide channel is provided with a second guide portion, which extends upward at an inclination from the bottom of the second guide channel toward the second through hole.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first through hole and the second through hole are arranged along a first direction, the first guide portion includes a plurality of first guide ribs arranged at intervals along a second direction, and a groove is formed between two adjacent first guide ribs to guide the movement of the sealing member, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first through hole and the second through hole are arranged along a first direction, the second guide portion includes second guide ribs arranged at intervals along a second direction, and a groove is formed between two adjacent second guide ribs to guide the movement of the sealing member, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the spacing between two adjacent first guide ribs is less than the maximum dimension of the sealing member in the second direction.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the spacing between two adjacent second guide ribs is less than the maximum dimension of the sealing member in the second direction.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first guide portion and / or the second guide portion are provided with at least one acceleration protrusion protruding in the vertical direction.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the accelerating protrusions is a first protrusion, which is disposed on the first guide portion and adjacent to the first through hole. When the sealing member blocks the first through hole, the center of the sealing member is located on the side of the first protrusion away from the first through hole.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the accelerating protrusions is a second protrusion, which is disposed on the second guide portion and adjacent to the second through hole. When the sealing member blocks the second through hole, the center of the sealing member is located on the side of the second protrusion away from the second through hole.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the accelerating protrusions is a third protrusion, which is disposed on the first guide portion and adjacent to the second guide portion. The third protrusion is configured such that, during the process of the sealing member falling from the first through hole, the sealing member collides with the third protrusion to cross the boundary point between the first guide channel and the second guide channel.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the accelerating protrusions is a fourth protrusion, which is disposed on the second guide portion and adjacent to the first guide portion. The fourth protrusion is configured such that, during the process of the sealing member falling from the second through hole, the sealing member collides with the fourth protrusion to cross the boundary point between the first guide channel and the second guide channel.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the receiving cavity has a water inlet, and the bottom of the receiving cavity is provided with a limiting protrusion. The limiting protrusion is opposite to the water inlet in the vertical direction, and the limiting protrusion is located between the first guide portion and the second guide portion.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first guide portion is provided with a third protrusion protruding in the vertical direction, the second guide portion is provided with a fourth protrusion protruding in the vertical direction, the limiting protrusion is located between the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion, and the sealing member is configured such that, when the water inlet stops flowing, the sealing member stays between one of the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion and the limiting protrusion.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sealing member is configured such that after the water inlet stops flowing, the sealing member blocking the first through hole passes the limiting protrusion and stops between the fourth protrusion and the limiting protrusion.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present utility model, the plugging member is arranged such that after the water inlet stops water inflow, the plugging member plugging the second through hole stays between the third convex portion and the limiting convex portion after passing over the limiting convex portion.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present utility model, on the extension direction of the first guiding portion, the side surface of the third convex portion facing the first through hole is a guiding surface that protrudes upward gradually from the first through hole towards the second through hole.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the present utility model, on the extension direction of the second guiding portion, the side surface of the fourth convex portion facing the second through hole is a guiding surface that protrudes upward gradually from the second through hole towards the first through hole.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the present utility model, the middle part of the bottom wall of the accommodation cavity is recessed downward, and both the first guiding channel and the second guiding channel extend obliquely upward from the middle part of the bottom wall of the accommodation cavity.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the present utility model, the extension directions of the first guiding channel and the second guiding channel are arranged at an included angle.

[0026] According to some embodiments of the present utility model, the first guiding channel has two first limiting wall surfaces opposite to each other along the direction perpendicular to its own extension direction, and the first limiting wall surfaces extend obliquely downward and towards the direction close to the bottom wall of the first guiding channel.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the present utility model, the second guiding channel has two second limiting wall surfaces opposite to each other along the direction perpendicular to its own extension direction, and the second limiting wall surfaces extend obliquely downward and towards the direction close to the bottom wall of the second guiding channel.

[0028] According to some embodiments of the present utility model, the first through hole and the second through hole are arranged in a first direction, and the plugging member can reciprocate in the first direction to plug one of the first through hole and the second through hole. Wherein, in a second direction, the size of the accommodation cavity is L1, the maximum size of the plugging member is L2, and L2 < L1 < 2*L2, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the present utility model, the spray arm includes a connected connection portion and an arm portion. The accommodation cavity is defined within the connection portion, the first flow channel and the second flow channel are defined within the arm portion. The first flow channel is communicated with the outside through a plurality of first spray holes, the second flow channel is communicated with the outside through a plurality of second spray holes, and the opening directions of at least one of the first spray holes and at least one of the second spray holes are opposite along the circumferential direction of the spray arm.

[0030] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the sealing element is a small ball.

[0031] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the receiving cavity is located in the middle of the spray arm assembly.

[0032] The dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a washing pump and a spray arm assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the dishwasher includes a body and a lower spray arm. The spray arm assembly is disposed in the washing chamber of the body and located above the lower spray arm. The top of the receiving chamber has a water inlet for supplying water to the receiving chamber.

[0034] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the spray arm assembly and connecting pipe assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the spray arm assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The front view; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along the direction shown by line AA, where the sealing element is not shown; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The center circle shows a magnified view of a portion of point B, which reveals the sealing component; Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the middle section structure; Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along the direction shown by line CC, where the sealing element is not shown; Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a spray arm assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model, wherein the sealing element is not shown; Figure 9 yes Figure 8 The center circle shows a magnified view of point D. Figure 10 of Figure 7 The front view; Figure 11yes Figure 10 The diagram shows the mating structure of the structure and the sealing component, where the arrow indicates that the sealing component moves from the front side of the limiting protrusion to the first through hole; Figure 12 yes Figure 10 The diagram shows the mating structure of the structure and the sealing component, where the arrow indicates that the sealing component moves from the first through hole to the right side of the limiting protrusion; Figure 13 yes Figure 2 Side view.

[0036] Figure label: Spray arm assembly 100; connecting pipe assembly 200; Spray arm 10; first flow channel 11; first nozzle 111; second flow channel 12; second nozzle 121; receiving cavity 13; first through hole 131; second through hole 132; First guide channel 133; first guide portion 1331; first protrusion 1332; third protrusion 1333; first guide rib 1334; first limiting wall surface 1335; Second guide channel 134; second guide part 1341; second protrusion 1342; fourth protrusion 1343; second guide rib 1344; second limiting wall surface 1345; Acceleration protrusion 138; Limiting protrusion 139; Protruding ridge 1391; Inlet 14; Inlet cavity 15; Connecting part 16; Arm part 17; Rotation axis F1; 20 sealing components. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0038] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0039] In the description of this utility model, "first feature" and "second feature" may include one or more of the features, "multiple" means two or more, "first feature above" or "below" the second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or the first and second features being in contact through another feature between them, and "first feature above", "above" and "over" the second feature may include the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicate that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature.

[0040] The spray arm assembly 100 and the dishwasher according to embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Reference Figures 1-13 As shown, the dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a spray arm assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the spray arm assembly 100 may include a spray arm 10 and a sealing member 20.

[0042] Specifically, the spray arm 10 has a first flow channel 11 and a second flow channel 12 for flowing liquid. The spray arm 10 is provided with a receiving cavity 13. The peripheral wall of the receiving cavity 13 is provided with a first through hole 131 communicating with the first flow channel 11 and a second through hole 132 communicating with the second flow channel 12. The spray arm 10 is rotatable about the rotation axis F1.

[0043] The receiving cavity 13 defines a first guide channel 133 and a second guide channel 134, with one end of the first guide channel 133 and the second guide channel 134 close to each other and the other end far from each other. The end of the first guide channel 133 away from the second guide channel 134 extends to a first through hole 131, and the end of the second guide channel 134 away from the first guide channel 133 extends to a second through hole 132. Both the first guide channel 133 and the second guide channel 134 extend upwards in the direction from their close ends to their far ends. For example, in some specific embodiments, such as... Figures 1-13 As shown, the first guide channel 133 is located in front of the second guide channel 134. The rear end of the first guide channel 133 and the front end of the second guide channel 134 are close to each other, while the front end of the first guide channel 133 and the rear end of the second guide channel 134 are far apart from each other. The front end of the first guide channel 133 extends to the first through hole 131, and the rear end of the second guide channel 134 extends to the second through hole 132. The first guide channel 133 extends from back to front and is inclined upward, while the second guide channel 134 extends from front to back and is inclined upward.

[0044] The first guide channel 133 and the second guide channel 134 are positioned such that one end is close to the other and the other end is far from each other, making it less likely that the guidance of the first guide channel 133 and the second guide channel 134 on the sealing member 20 will interfere with each other. This improves the guiding effect of the first guide channel 133 and the second guide channel 134 in guiding the sealing member 20 to the corresponding through hole (first through hole 131 or second through hole 132), reduces the risk of sealing member 20 failure, and makes it easier for the sealing member 20 located in the first guide channel 133 to seal the first through hole 131, and easier for the sealing member 20 located in the second guide channel 134 to seal the second through hole 132. Furthermore, the structure of the first guide channel 133 and the second guide channel 134 is relatively simple, occupies less space, and facilitates the miniaturization of the spray arm assembly 100 as a whole.

[0045] The sealing member 20 is movably located within the receiving cavity 13. The sealing member 20 can move along the first guide channel 133 to block the first through hole 131, allowing the second through hole 132 to connect the receiving cavity 13 and the second flow channel 12. The sealing member 20 can also move along the second guide channel 134 to block the second through hole 132, allowing the first through hole 131 to connect the receiving cavity 13 and the first flow channel 11. The size of the sealing member 20 is larger than the size of the two through holes, so that the sealing member 20 can only block the through holes and cannot pass through them. The sealing member 20 can be a small ball, an irregular cube, or other component capable of blocking through holes. For example, in some embodiments, such as... Figures 5-13 As shown, the sealing element 20 is a small ball, which makes the movement of the sealing element 20 within the receiving cavity 13 smoother. The sealing element 20 can more easily block the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132, and the sealing element 20 can alternately block the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132 to achieve higher reliability of forward and reverse rotation of the spray arm 10.

[0046] The sealing member 20 is guided by the first guide channel 133 and the second guide channel 134 so that the sealing member 20 can block one of the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132, so that the other through hole 131 and the second through hole 132 can be connected to the receiving cavity 13 and the corresponding flow channel (i.e., the first flow channel 11 or the second flow channel 12).

[0047] The spray arm assembly 100 can be supplied with liquids such as water and cleaning agents according to user needs. For ease of understanding, the following description uses water supply as an example. For instance, water can be supplied to the receiving cavity 13 of the spray arm assembly 100, and the start / stop and flow rate of the water supply can be controlled. The water supplied to the receiving cavity 13 can flow to the first flow channel 11 through the first through hole 131, or to the second flow channel 12 through the second through hole 132. Water flowing into either of the two flow channels can cause the spray arm 10 to rotate around the rotation axis F1. For example, the reaction force of the water flow sprayed outward from the flow channel can drive the spray arm 10 to rotate.

[0048] The sealing element 20 alternately seals the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132 to achieve forward and reverse rotation of the spray arm 10. For example, when the sealing element 20 seals the first through hole 131 and makes the second through hole 132 open, the spray arm 10 rotates forward; when the sealing element 20 seals the second through hole 132 and makes the first through hole 131 open, the spray arm 10 rotates in reverse. The rotation directions of the spray arm 10 are opposite in the forward and reverse rotation states. For example, in the forward rotation state, the spray arm 10 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis F1, and in the reverse rotation state, the spray arm 10 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis F1.

[0049] The extension direction of the rotation axis F1 can be vertical, or at a certain angle to the vertical direction, etc. For example, in some specific embodiments, such as... Figures 1-4 As shown, the rotation axis F1 extends vertically. With the plug 20 blocking the first through hole 131 and allowing the second through hole 132 to be open, water flows to the second flow channel 12 while the first flow channel 11 is blocked, causing the spray arm 10 to rotate clockwise around the rotation axis F1. With the plug 20 blocking the second through hole 132 and allowing the first through hole 131 to be open, water flows to the first flow channel 11 while the second flow channel 12 is blocked, causing the spray arm 10 to rotate counterclockwise around the rotation axis F1.

[0050] With the sealing member 20 blocking the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132 open, the receiving cavity 13 continuously receives water to supply water to the first flow channel 11. Under the impact of the water flow, the sealing member 20 in the receiving cavity 13 remains at the first through hole 131 to continuously press and block the first through hole 131, thus achieving continuous openness of the second through hole 132. After the water supply to the receiving cavity 13 is stopped, the sealing member 20 loses the impact force of the water flow and falls downward under the action of gravity to move to the bottom of the first guide channel 133. Under the action of inertia, the sealing member 20 will continue to move to the second guide channel 134. At this time, water is supplied to the receiving cavity 13 again. Under the impact of the water flow, the sealing member 20 can move along the second guide channel 134 to the second through hole 132 to press and block the second through hole 132, so that the sealing member 20 continuously blocks the second through hole 132, thus achieving continuous openness of the first through hole 131. After water flow to the receiving cavity 13 is stopped, the sealing member 20 loses the impact force of the water flow and falls downward under the action of gravity to the bottom of the second guide channel 134. Under the action of inertia, the sealing member 20 will continue to move to the first guide channel 133. At this time, water is re-circulated to the receiving cavity 13, and the sealing member 20 can move along the first guide channel 133 to the first through hole 131 under the impact of the water flow, pressing and sealing the first through hole 131. This allows the sealing member 20 to continuously seal the first through hole 131, thus ensuring the continuous conduction of the second through hole 132. This cycle repeats, allowing the sealing member 20 to alternately seal the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132, thereby achieving the forward and reverse rotation of the spray arm 10.

[0051] Therefore, by controlling the start and stop of water flow to the receiving cavity 13, the sealing member 20 can intermittently seal the first through hole 131 or the second through hole 132, facilitating the selective water flow to either of the two channels. This allows the spray arm 10 to rotate around the rotation axis F1, enabling two rotational states of the spray arm 10 for forward and reverse washing. For example, in some embodiments, such as... Figures 1-7 As shown, when water is only flowing through the first channel 11, the spray arm 10 rotates counterclockwise, and when water is only flowing through the second channel 12, the spray arm 10 rotates clockwise. This allows the spray arm 10 to spray water from different angles to rinse the tableware, greatly increasing the coverage area and washing efficiency of the washing water, reducing washing dead corners, and improving the cleaning effect.

[0052] In some related technologies, a water distribution valve is added to the receiving cavity, or a structure for switching the flow direction of the spray arm is added separately to the front end of the spray arm, allowing water to flow selectively into two channels, thus achieving forward and reverse rotation of the spray arm. However, both of these measures result in a complex and bulky spray arm structure, occupying too much space and placing excessive demands on the installation space within the dishwasher.

[0053] In this application, the sealing member 20 is guided by the first guide channel 133 and the second guide channel 134, so that the sealing member 20 can be pressed and sealed by the pressure of the water flow, blocking one of the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132, while leaving the other open. This allows water to flow selectively into the two channels, realizing the forward and reverse rotation of the spray arm 10. The first guide channel 133 and the second guide channel 134 help simplify the structure of the spray arm assembly 100, reduce the space occupied by the spray arm assembly 100, reduce the installation space requirements of the spray arm assembly 100 in the dishwasher, facilitate compatibility with more complex tableware loading, facilitate installation, and have good practicality.

[0054] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the spray arm assembly 100 guides the sealing member 20 through the first guide channel 133 and the second guide channel 134 respectively, so that the sealing member 20 can block one of the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132 and allow the other to be open. This facilitates the selective flow of water through the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12, so as to realize the forward and reverse rotation of the spray arm 10. This allows the spray arm 10 to spray water to the outside from different angles to rinse tableware, reduce washing dead corners, improve the washing effect, and the structure of the first guide channel 133 and the second guide channel 134 is relatively simple, which helps to simplify the structure of the spray arm assembly 100, reduce the installation space occupied by the spray arm assembly 100, and facilitate installation.

[0055] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 4-12As shown, the bottom wall of the first guide channel 133 is provided with a first guide portion 1331, which extends upward at an angle from the bottom of the first guide channel 133 toward the first through hole 131. The bottom wall of the second guide channel 134 is provided with a second guide portion 1341, which extends upward at an angle from the bottom of the second guide channel 134 toward the second through hole 132.

[0056] The first guide portion 1331 and the second guide portion 1341 can each be a groove, protrusion, or other structure with a guiding function, making the structure of the first guide portion 1331 and the second guide portion 1341 relatively simple, occupying little space, and facilitating the miniaturization of the spray arm assembly 100 as a whole. The first guide portion 1331 and the second guide portion 1341 can each be integrally formed with the cavity wall of the receiving cavity 13, which helps to reduce manufacturing costs. The first guide portion 1331 and the second guide portion 1341 can also be separately formed with the cavity wall of the receiving cavity 13 and then assembled, which facilitates subsequent maintenance and replacement.

[0057] By guiding the sealing member 20 within the first guide channel 133 using the first guide part 1331, the guiding effect of the sealing member 20 can be further improved, making it easier for the sealing member 20 to be guided to the first through hole 131, reducing the risk of sealing failure of the sealing member 20, and making it easier for the sealing member 20 located in the first guide channel 133 to seal the first through hole 131. Similarly, by guiding the sealing member 20 within the second guide channel 134 using the second guide part 1341, the guiding effect of the sealing member 20 can be further improved, making it easier for the sealing member 20 to be guided to the second through hole 132, reducing the risk of sealing failure of the sealing member 20, and making it easier for the sealing member 20 located in the second guide channel 134 to seal the second through hole 134.

[0058] Therefore, by combining the first guide portion 1331 with the first guide channel 133 and the second guide portion 1341 with the second guide channel 134, the guiding effect on the sealing member 20 can be improved, and the risk of sealing member 20 failing to seal can be reduced. Specifically, the sealing member 20 located in the first guide channel 133 can more easily seal the first through hole 131, and the sealing member 20 located in the second guide channel 134 can more easily seal the second through hole 132. This allows the sealing member 20 to alternately seal the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132, thereby achieving higher reliability in the forward and reverse rotation of the spray arm 10.

[0059] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 4-12 As shown, the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132 are along the first direction (e.g., Figures 4-12Arranged in the front-to-back direction (as shown), the sealing member 20 is reciprocating along the first direction to block one of the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132, allowing the other of the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132 to remain open. The first guide portion 1331 includes a guide portion along the second direction (e.g., ...). Figures 4-12 Multiple first guide ribs 1334 are arranged at intervals in the left and right directions shown, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0060] The direction of the first direction in three-dimensional space is not fixed, for example Figures 1-3 The direction indicated in the first direction changes as the spray arm 10 rotates. It should be noted that in this application, the descriptions of directions such as up, down, front, back, left, and right are based only on the directions marked in the accompanying drawings, and are not limitations on the actual movement or installation direction of the spray arm assembly 100.

[0061] A groove is formed between two adjacent first guide ribs 1334 to guide the movement of the sealing member 20. The groove can guide the water flow in the receiving cavity 13, so that the water flow can flow upward along the groove to the first through hole 131. Then, the sealing member 20 moves upward to the first through hole 131 under the impact of the water flow, so that the sealing member 20 can block the first through hole 131 and reduce the risk of sealing member 20 failing to block.

[0062] In some embodiments, such as Figures 4-12 As shown, the second guide portion 1341 includes second guide ribs 1344 spaced apart along the second direction, with a groove formed between adjacent second guide ribs 1344 to guide the movement of the sealing member 20. The groove guides the water flow within the receiving cavity 13, allowing the water to flow upwards along the groove towards the second through hole 132. This causes the sealing member 20 to move upwards to the second through hole 132 under the impact of the water flow, thus sealing the second through hole 132 and reducing the risk of sealing member 20 failure.

[0063] In embodiments including the first guide rib 1334 and the second guide rib 1344, such as Figures 4-12 As shown, the first guide rib 1334 can reduce the risk of the sealing component 20 failing to seal the first through hole 131, and the second guide rib 1344 can reduce the risk of the sealing component 20 failing to seal the second through hole 132, thus achieving better reliability of the forward and reverse rotation of the spray arm 10.

[0064] In some embodiments, such as Figures 4-12As shown, the distance between two adjacent first guide ribs 1334 is less than the maximum dimension of the sealing member 20 in the second direction, making it less likely for the sealing member 20 to get stuck in the two adjacent first guide ribs 1334. The sealing member 20 can move more smoothly along the groove between the two adjacent first guide ribs 1334, and the first guide portion 1331 provides better guidance for the sealing member 20. For example, in an embodiment where the sealing member 20 is a small ball, such as... Figures 4-12 As shown, the spacing between two adjacent guide ribs 135 along the left-right direction is less than the diameter of the sealing component 20.

[0065] In some embodiments, such as Figures 4-12 As shown, the spacing between two adjacent second guide ribs 1344 is less than the maximum dimension of the sealing member 20 in the second direction, making it less likely for the sealing member 20 to get stuck in the two adjacent second guide ribs 1344. This allows the sealing member 20 to move more smoothly along the groove between the two adjacent second guide ribs 1344, and the second guide portion 1341 provides better guidance for the sealing member 20. For example, in an embodiment where the sealing member 20 is a small ball, such as... Figures 4-12 As shown, the spacing between two adjacent second guide ribs 1344 along the left-right direction is less than the diameter of the sealing component 20.

[0066] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 4-12 As shown, at least one of the first guide portion 1331 and the second guide portion 1341 is provided with at least one acceleration protrusion 138 protruding in the vertical direction. For example, in some embodiments, the first guide portion 1331 is provided with at least one acceleration protrusion 138 protruding in the vertical direction; for example, in some embodiments, the second guide portion 1341 is provided with at least one acceleration protrusion 138 protruding in the vertical direction; for example, in some embodiments, such as... Figures 4-12 As shown, both the first guide portion 1331 and the second guide portion 1341 are provided with at least one acceleration protrusion 138 protruding in the vertical direction.

[0067] By accelerating the protrusion 138, the sealing member 20, during its downward descent from the first through hole 131 or the second through hole 132, impacts the accelerating protrusion 138 to rise upwards, giving the sealing member 20 a higher potential. This increases the falling speed of the sealing member 20, enabling it to fall rapidly. The rapid falling of the sealing member 20 allows it to move quickly from the first guide channel 133 to the second guide channel 134, or vice versa, enabling it to quickly switch from blocking one through hole to blocking another. This improves the reliability of the sealing member 20 in switching between blocking the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132.

[0068] In some embodiments, such as Figures 4-12As shown, at least one acceleration protrusion 138 is a first protrusion 1332. The first protrusion 1332 is disposed on the first guide portion 1331 and adjacent to the first through hole 131, such that the distance between the first protrusion 1332 and the first through hole 131 is smaller than the distance between the first protrusion 1332 and the second guide portion 1324. For example Figures 7-12 As shown, the first guide portion 1331 has a first through hole 131 on its front side and a second guide portion 1341 on its rear side, and the first guide portion 1331 has a first protrusion 1332 at its front end.

[0069] With the sealing member 20 blocking the first through hole 131, the center of the sealing member 20 is located on the side of the first protrusion 1332 away from the first through hole 131. For example Figure 11 As shown, the center of the sealing member 20, indicated by the dashed line, is located behind the first protrusion 1332.

[0070] The center of the sealing member 20 refers to its center of mass. When the sealing member 20 is blocking the through hole, its center of mass is located on the side of the first protrusion 1332 away from the first through hole 131. This ensures that the sealing member 20, under its own weight, always tends to fall towards the bottom of the receiving cavity 13. After water flow to the receiving cavity 13 stops, the sealing member 20 is less likely to get stuck in the first through hole 131, facilitating the alternating blocking of the two through holes and improving the reliability of switching between blocking the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132.

[0071] In some embodiments, such as Figures 4-12 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the first protrusion 1332 perpendicular to its own extending direction is at least semi-circular, that is, the cross-sectional shape of the first protrusion 1332 perpendicular to its own extending direction is at least half of a circle. After the first protrusion 1332 collides with the sealing member 20, it raises the sealing member 20, giving the sealing member 20 a higher potential, so that the falling speed of the sealing member 20 after colliding with the first protrusion 1332 is faster. For example Figures 7-12 As shown, the first protrusion 1332 extends in the left-right direction, and the cross-sectional shape of the first protrusion 1332 perpendicular to the left-right direction is semi-circular.

[0072] In some embodiments, such as Figures 4-12 As shown, at least one acceleration protrusion 138 is a second protrusion 1342. The second protrusion 1342 is disposed on the second guide portion 1341 and adjacent to the second through hole 132, such that the distance between the second protrusion 1342 and the second through hole 132 is smaller than the distance between the second protrusion 1342 and the first guide portion 1331. For example Figures 7-12 As shown, the second guide portion 1341 has a second through hole 132 on its rear side and a first guide portion 1331 on its front side, and a second protrusion 1342 on its rear end.

[0073] With the sealing member 20 blocking the second through hole 132, the center of the sealing member 20 is located on the side of the second protrusion 1342 away from the second through hole 132. For example Figures 11-12 As shown, the center of the sealing member 20 that blocks the second through hole 132 is located on the front side of the second protrusion 1342.

[0074] The center of the sealing member 20 refers to its center of mass, ensuring that when the sealing member 20 is blocking the through hole, its center of mass is located on the side of the second protrusion 1342 away from the second through hole 132. This allows the sealing member 20 to consistently tend to fall towards the bottom of the receiving cavity 13 under its own weight. After water flow to the receiving cavity 13 stops, the sealing member 20 is less likely to get stuck in the second through hole 132, facilitating the alternating blocking of the two through holes and improving the reliability of switching between blocking the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132.

[0075] In some embodiments, such as Figures 4-12 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the second protrusion 1342 perpendicular to its own extending direction is at least semi-circular, that is, the cross-sectional shape of the second protrusion 1342 perpendicular to its own extending direction is at least half of a circle. After the second protrusion 1342 collides with the sealing member 20, it raises the sealing member 20, giving the sealing member 20 a higher potential, so that the falling speed of the sealing member 20 after impacting the second protrusion 1342 is faster. For example Figures 7-12 As shown, the second protrusion 1342 extends in the left-right direction, and the cross-sectional shape of the second protrusion 1342 perpendicular to the left-right direction is semi-circular.

[0076] In some embodiments, such as Figures 4-12 As shown, at least one acceleration protrusion 138 is a third protrusion 1333. The third protrusion 1333 is disposed on the first guide portion 1331 and adjacent to the second guide portion 1341, such that the distance between the third protrusion 1333 and the second guide portion 1341 is less than the distance between the third protrusion 1333 and the first through hole 131. For example Figures 7-12 As shown, the first guide portion 1331 has a first through hole 131 on its front side and a second guide portion 1341 on its rear side, and a third protrusion 1333 on its rear end.

[0077] The third protrusion 1333 is configured such that, during the process of the sealing member 20 falling from the first through hole 131, the sealing member 20 collides with the third protrusion 1333 to cross the boundary point between the first guide channel 133 and the second guide channel 134, wherein the boundary point between the first guide channel 133 and the second guide channel 134 refers to the boundary between the first guide channel 133 and the second guide channel 134, such as the limiting protrusion 139 located between the first guide channel 133 and the second guide channel 134 described below.

[0078] After the water intake of the receiving cavity 13 is stopped, the sealing member 20 blocking the first through hole 131 falls back down from the first through hole 131 to the adjacent second guide part 1341 through the third protrusion 1333. The sealing member 20 can hit the third protrusion 1333 to be lifted up, so that the sealing member 20 can obtain a high position to cross the boundary between the first guide channel 133 and the second guide channel 134. Then the sealing member 20 reaches the second guide channel 134 and the falling speed of the sealing member 20 is increased, so that the sealing member 20 falls rapidly toward the second guide channel 134. After the sealing component 20 quickly falls to the second guide channel 134 through the third protrusion 1333, water is re-circulated into the receiving cavity 13. Under the impact of the water flow, the sealing component 20 can move along the second guide channel 134 to the second through hole 132 and press to seal the second through hole 132. This allows the sealing component 20 to quickly switch from blocking the first through hole 131 to blocking the second through hole 132, reducing the risk of sealing component 20 failing to seal and improving the reliability of the sealing component 20 in switching between blocking the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132.

[0079] In some embodiments, such as Figures 4-12 As shown, in the extending direction of the first guide portion 1331, the side of the third protrusion 1333 facing the first through hole 131 is a guide surface that gradually protrudes upward from the first through hole 131 towards the second through hole 132. For example Figures 7-12 As shown, the first guide portion 1331 extends from the upper front to the lower rear, and the front side of the third protrusion 1333 is an arc surface that gradually protrudes from the upper front to the lower rear and upward.

[0080] The guide surface of the third protrusion 1333 guides the sealing member 20 after it has fallen downwards from the first through hole 131 for a period of time. This guide surface gives the sealing member 20 an upward throwing force, allowing it to move more quickly to the second guide channel 134. The guide surface of the third protrusion 1333 also enables the sealing member 20 to quickly switch from blocking the first through hole 131 to blocking the second through hole 132, improving the reliability of the switching between these states.

[0081] In some embodiments, such as Figures 4-12 As shown, at least one acceleration protrusion 138 is a fourth protrusion 1343. The fourth protrusion 1343 is disposed on the second guide portion 1341 and adjacent to the first guide portion 1331, such that the distance between the fourth protrusion 1343 and the first guide portion 1331 is less than the distance between the fourth protrusion 1343 and the second through hole 132. For example Figures 7-12As shown, the second guide portion 1341 has a second through hole 132 on its rear side and a first guide portion 1331 on its front side, and the first guide portion 1331 has a fourth protrusion 1343 at its front end.

[0082] The fourth protrusion 1343 is configured such that, during the process of the sealing member 20 falling from the second through hole 132, the sealing member 20 collides with the fourth protrusion 1343 to cross the boundary between the first guide channel 133 and the second guide channel 134. After the water intake of the receiving cavity 13 is stopped, the sealing member 20, which is blocking the second through hole 132, falls back down from the second through hole 132 to the vicinity of the first guide portion 1331 through the fourth protrusion 1343. At this state, the sealing member 20 can collide with the fourth protrusion 1343 to be lifted upward, so that the sealing member 20 has a high potential to cross the boundary between the first guide channel 133 and the second guide channel 134. Then, the sealing member 20 reaches the first guide channel 133, and the falling speed of the sealing member 20 is increased, so as to achieve a rapid falling of the sealing member 20 toward the first guide channel 133. After the sealing component 20 quickly falls to the first guide channel 133 through the fourth protrusion 1343, water is re-circulated into the receiving cavity 13, so that the sealing component 20 can move along the first guide channel 133 to the first through hole 131 under the impact of the water flow and press to seal the first through hole 131. This allows the sealing component 20 to quickly switch from the state of sealing the second through hole 132 to the state of sealing the first through hole 131, reducing the risk of sealing component 20 failing to seal and improving the reliability of the sealing component 20 in switching between the states of sealing the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132.

[0083] In some embodiments, such as Figures 4-12 As shown, in the extending direction of the second guide portion 1341, the side of the fourth protrusion 1343 facing the second through hole 132 is a guide surface that gradually protrudes upward from the second through hole 132 toward the first through hole 131. For example Figures 7-12 As shown, the second guide portion 1341 extends from the upper rear to the lower front, and the rear side of the fourth protrusion 1343 is an arc surface that gradually protrudes from the upper rear to the lower front and upward.

[0084] The guide surface of the fourth protrusion 1343 guides the sealing member 20 after it has fallen downwards from the second through hole 132 for a period of time. This guide surface gives the sealing member 20 an upward throwing force, allowing it to move more quickly to the first guide channel 133. The guide surface of the fourth protrusion 1343 also enables the sealing member 20 to quickly switch from blocking the second through hole 132 to blocking the first through hole 131, improving the reliability of the switching between blocking the first and second through holes 131.

[0085] In the embodiment provided with a first protrusion 1332, a second protrusion 1342, a third protrusion 1333, and a fourth protrusion 1343, such as Figures 4-12 As shown, the lower end of the first guide portion 1331 is provided with a third protrusion 1333 and the upper end is provided with a first protrusion 1332, and the lower end of the second guide portion 1341 is provided with a fourth protrusion 1343 and the upper end is provided with a second protrusion 1342.

[0086] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 4-12 As shown, the receiving cavity 13 has a water inlet 14, and a limiting protrusion 139 is provided at the bottom of the receiving cavity 13. The limiting protrusion 139 is opposite to the water inlet 14 in the vertical direction, so that the water flowing into the receiving cavity 13 from the water inlet 14 first flows through the limiting protrusion 139. For example, the limiting protrusion 139 is located below the water inlet 14 in the vertical direction. The limiting protrusion 139 is located between the close ends of the first guide portion 1331 and the second guide portion 1341, so that when the receiving cavity 13 is not filled with water for a long time, the sealing member 20 loses the water flow impact and naturally stays on the side of the limiting protrusion 139 facing the first guide portion 1331, or on the side of the limiting protrusion 139 facing the second guide portion 1341.

[0087] With the sealing member 20 blocking the first through hole 131, water flow to the inlet 14 is stopped. The sealing member 20 will fall downwards under its own weight and pass over the limiting protrusion 139, causing the sealing member 20 to move to the side of the limiting protrusion 139 facing the second guide part 1341. Then, the potential energy of the sealing member 20 decreases, and the limiting protrusion 139 will prevent the sealing member 20 from moving from the second guide channel 134 to the first guide channel 133, so that the sealing member 20 finally stops on the side of the limiting protrusion 139 facing the second guide part 1341. With the sealing member 20 blocking the second through hole 132, water flow to the inlet 14 is stopped. The sealing member 20 will fall downwards under its own weight and pass over the limiting protrusion 139, causing the sealing member 20 to move to the side of the limiting protrusion 139 facing the first guide part 1331. Then, the potential energy of the sealing member 20 decreases, and the limiting protrusion 139 will prevent the sealing member 20 from moving from the first guide channel 133 to the second guide channel 134, so that the sealing member 20 finally stops on the side of the limiting protrusion 139 facing the first guide part 1331.

[0088] With the sealing member 20 positioned on the side of the limiting protrusion 139 facing the first guide portion 1331, water is introduced into the inlet 14. The water flow impacts the sealing member 20, causing it to move along the first guide portion 1331 to block the first through hole 131. With the sealing member 20 positioned on the side of the limiting protrusion 139 facing the second guide portion 1341, water is introduced into the inlet 14. The water flow impacts the sealing member 20, causing it to move along the second guide portion 1341 to block the second through hole 132.

[0089] For example, when the dishwasher is off, water flow to the inlet 14 is stopped, and the sealing member 20 remains on the side of the limiting protrusion 139 facing the first guide portion 1331 under its own weight. Then, the dishwasher is started, and water flow to the inlet 14 begins. The water flow first flows to the limiting protrusion 139, and then flows to the first guide portion 1331 and the second guide portion 1341 on both sides of the limiting protrusion 139. The water flow to the first guide portion 1331 impacts the sealing member 20, causing the sealing member 20 to move towards the first through hole 131 under the impact of the water flow and the guidance of the first guide channel 133 and the first guide portion 1331 to block the first through hole 131. The water flow to the second guide portion 1341 flows directly to the second through hole 132 to flow into the second flow channel 12.

[0090] Then, the dishwasher is turned off again, stopping the water flow to the inlet 14. The sealing member 20 falls downward under its own weight and passes the limiting protrusion 139, so that the sealing member 20 finally stops on the side of the limiting protrusion 139 facing the second guide part 1341. Then, the dishwasher is turned on again to start water flow to the inlet 14. Similarly, the sealing member 20 moves towards the second through hole 132 under the impact of the water flow and the guidance of the second guide channel 134 and the second guide part 1341 to block the second through hole 132. Meanwhile, the water flowing to the first guide part 1331 flows directly to the first through hole 131 to flow into the first flow channel 11.

[0091] The sealing member 20 is repeatedly positioned by the limiting protrusion 139 on the side of the limiting protrusion 139 facing the first guide portion 1331, or on the side of the limiting protrusion 139 facing the second guide portion 1341. This allows the sealing member 20 to freely switch between blocking the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132 during the dishwasher's start-up and shutdown processes. This allows for flexible switching of water flow to one of the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12, enabling the spray arm 10 to rotate in both directions. This allows the spray arm 10 to spray water from different angles to rinse the dishes, resulting in better cleaning. Even if the dishwasher is turned off for an extended period and then restarted, water can be recirculated to allow the sealing member 20 to alternately block one of the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132, improving its practicality.

[0092] In some embodiments, such as Figures 4-12 As shown, the limiting protrusion 139 is provided with at least one protruding ridge 1391. The first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132 are arranged along the first direction. The protruding ridge 1391 is opposite to the first guide portion 1331 along the first direction, or opposite to the second guide portion 1341 along the first direction. For example Figures 8-12As shown, the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132 are arranged in the front-back direction. The front and rear sides of the limiting protrusion 139 are provided with protruding ridges 1391. The protruding ridge 1391 on the front side is opposite to the first guide part 1331 in the front-back direction, and the protruding ridge 1391 on the rear side is opposite to the second guide part 1341 in the front-back direction.

[0093] When the sealing component 20 falls and contacts the limiting protrusion 139, it will first contact the protruding ridge 1391. The protruding ridge 1391 reduces the contact area between the sealing component 20 and the limiting protrusion 139, thereby reducing the resistance of the limiting protrusion 139 to the sealing component 20. This makes it easier for the sealing component 20 to pass over the limiting protrusion 139 during its fall, reducing the difficulty of switching the sealing component 20 to block the two through holes and improving the reliability of the sealing component 20 in switching the blocking state of the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132 to switch the conduction state of the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12. For example, when the sealing component 20 located in the first guide channel 133 contacts the protruding ridge 1391 during its fall, it makes it easier for the sealing component 20 to pass over the limiting protrusion 139 to reach the second guide channel 134. For example, the sealing element 20 located in the second guide channel 134 comes into contact with the protrusion 1391 during the descent, making it easier for the sealing element 20 to pass over the limiting protrusion 139 to reach the first guide channel 133.

[0094] In some embodiments, such as Figures 4-12 As shown, the first guide portion 1331 has a third protrusion 1333 protruding in the vertical direction, and the second guide portion 1341 has a fourth protrusion 1343 protruding in the vertical direction. The limiting protrusion 139 is located between the third protrusion 1333 and the fourth protrusion 1343. The sealing member 20 is configured such that, when the water inlet 14 stops supplying water, the sealing member 20 remains between one of the third protrusion 1333 and the fourth protrusion 1343 and the limiting protrusion 139.

[0095] By using the limiting protrusion 139, the third protrusion 1333 and the fourth protrusion 1343, when the receiving cavity 13 is not filled with water for a long time, the sealing member 20 loses the impact of water flow and can naturally stay between the limiting protrusion 139 and the third protrusion 1333, or stay between the limiting protrusion 139 and the fourth protrusion 1343. For example, when water flow to the inlet 14 is stopped, for the sealing member 20 that falls down from the first through hole 131 and passes the limiting protrusion 139 to reach the second guide channel 134, the fourth protrusion 1343 will prevent the sealing member 20 from moving upward from the bottom of the second guide channel 134 towards the second through hole 132. This can reduce the height of the sealing member 20, thereby further reducing the potential energy of the sealing member 20. This prevents the sealing member 20 from falling back towards the first guide channel 133 and passing the limiting protrusion 139 to reach the first guide channel 133. This helps the sealing member 20 to eventually stop between the limiting protrusion 139 and the fourth protrusion 1343.

[0096] For the sealing member 20 that falls down from the second through hole 132 and passes the limiting protrusion 139 to reach the first guide channel 133, the third protrusion 1333 will prevent the sealing member 20 from moving upward from the bottom of the first guide channel 133 towards the first through hole 131. This can reduce the height of the sealing member 20, thereby further reducing the potential energy of the sealing member 20. This prevents the sealing member 20 from falling back towards the second guide channel 133 and passing the limiting protrusion 139 to reach the second guide channel 133. This helps the sealing member 20 to eventually stop between the limiting protrusion 139 and the third protrusion 1333.

[0097] Therefore, by using the limiting protrusions 139, 1333, and 1343, the sealing member 20 can be more reliably positioned between the limiting protrusions 139 and 1333, or between the limiting protrusions 139 and 1343. This allows the sealing member 20 to freely switch between blocking the first through hole 131 or the second through hole 132 during the dishwasher's start-up and shutdown process, and to freely switch the water flow to one of the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12. This enables the spray arm 10 to rotate in both directions, allowing it to spray water from different angles to rinse the dishes, resulting in better cleaning. Even if the dishwasher is turned off for a long time and then restarted, water can be recirculated so that the sealing member 20 can alternately block one of the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132, improving its practicality.

[0098] In some embodiments, such as Figures 4-12 As shown, the sealing member 20 is configured such that after the water inlet 14 stops flowing, the sealing member 20, which blocks the first through hole 131, passes the limiting protrusion 139 and stops between the fourth protrusion 1343 and the limiting protrusion 139. In some embodiments, such as Figures 4-12 As shown, the sealing member 20 is configured such that after the water inlet 14 stops supplying water, the sealing member 20 that blocks the second through hole 132 passes the limiting protrusion 139 and stops between the third protrusion 1333 and the limiting protrusion 139.

[0099] It should be noted that this application uses one sealing element 20 to alternately seal the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132, rather than using two sealing elements 20 to seal the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132 simultaneously. The above description refers to two states of the same sealing element 20 falling from the first through hole 131 and falling from the second through hole 132.

[0100] The fourth protrusion 1343 and the limiting protrusion 139 limit the sealing member 20 falling from the first through hole 131 between the fourth protrusion 1343 and the limiting protrusion 139. The third protrusion 1333 and the limiting protrusion 139 limit the sealing member 20 falling from the second through hole 132 between the fourth protrusion 1343 and the limiting protrusion 139. This allows the sealing member 20 to alternately block the two through holes, making it less likely that the sealing member 20 will block the same through hole twice in a row after the water inlet 14. This also allows the spray arm 10 to alternately rotate forward and backward to increase the washing angle and improve the washing effect of the dishwasher.

[0101] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2-12 As shown, the spray arm 10 also has a water inlet chamber 15, which is connected to the receiving cavity 13 via a water inlet 14. At least a portion of the peripheral wall of the water inlet chamber 15 extends obliquely downwards and close to the center, which can concentrate the water flow entering the receiving cavity 13, thereby increasing the impact force of the water flow on the sealing member 20. This allows the sealing member 20 to seal the first through hole 131 or the second through hole 132 more quickly, reducing the waiting time for the spray arm 10 to enter the rotating state when the dishwasher starts or to switch to the rotating state during the dishwasher's start-up and shutdown process, thus improving the dishwasher's washing efficiency. For example... Figures 5-12 As shown, the inner wall of the front side of the water inlet chamber 15 extends downward and backward at an angle, and the inner wall of the rear side of the water inlet chamber 15 extends downward and forward at an angle.

[0102] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 6-12 As shown, the bottom wall of the receiving cavity 13 is recessed downwards in the middle, and both the first guide channel 133 and the second guide channel 134 extend upwards at an angle from the middle of the bottom wall of the receiving cavity 13. This creates an inclined channel 133 extending upwards from the middle of the bottom wall of the receiving cavity 13 towards the first through hole 131, and an inclined channel 134 extending upwards from the middle of the bottom wall of the receiving cavity 13 towards the second through hole 132, resulting in good guiding effect for the small ball. The downward recess in the middle of the bottom wall of the receiving cavity 13 also helps to reduce the volume of the cavity 13, thereby reducing the installation space required for the spray arm assembly 100 and facilitating installation.

[0103] In some embodiments, such as Figures 6-12 As shown, the extension direction of the first guide channel 133 and the extension direction of the second guide channel 134 are set at an angle, for example, the angle between the extension directions of the first guide channel 133 and the second guide channel 134 is 110°, 115°, 120°, 125° or 130°, etc. This makes the first guide channel 133 and the second guide channel 134 form a non-circular channel, which facilitates more reliable movement of the sealing member 20. The sealing member 20 also reliably seals the two channels alternately through the first guide channel 133 and the second guide channel 134.

[0104] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 7-12 As shown, the first guide channel 133 has two first limiting walls 1335 that are opposite each other along a direction perpendicular to its own extension direction. The first limiting walls 1335 extend obliquely downward from top to bottom and toward the bottom wall of the first guide channel 133. For example, in some specific embodiments, such as Figures 7-12 As shown, the first guide channel 133 is provided with first limiting walls 1335 on both the left and right sides. The first limiting wall 1335 on the left side extends from top to bottom and to the right along an arc, and the first limiting wall 1335 on the right side extends from top to bottom and to the left along an arc.

[0105] The first limiting wall surface 1335 can limit the sealing member 20, making it easier for the sealing member 20 between the two first limiting wall surfaces 1335 to conform to the bottom wall of the first guide channel 133 (such as the first guide part 1331) under water pressure and not easy to separate from the bottom wall of the first guide channel 133. This facilitates the movement of the sealing member 20 along the first guide channel 133 to seal the first through hole 131, reduces the risk of sealing member 20 failing to seal, and improves the guiding effect of the sealing member 20.

[0106] In some embodiments, such as Figures 7-12 As shown, the second guide channel 134 has two opposing second limiting walls 1345 perpendicular to its own extending direction. The second limiting walls 1345 extend obliquely downwards and towards the bottom wall of the second guide channel 134. For example, in some specific embodiments, such as Figures 7-12 As shown, the second guide channel 134 is provided with second limiting walls 1345 on both the left and right sides. The second limiting wall 1345 on the left side extends downward and to the right along an arc, while the second limiting wall 1345 on the right side extends downward and to the left along an arc.

[0107] The second limiting wall 1345 can limit the sealing member 20, making it easier for the sealing member 20 between the two second limiting wall surfaces 1345 to conform to the bottom wall of the second guide channel 134 (such as the second guide part 1341) under water pressure and not easy to separate from the bottom wall of the second guide channel 134. This facilitates the movement of the sealing member 20 along the second guide channel 134 to seal the second through hole 132, reduces the risk of sealing member 20 failing to seal, and improves the guiding effect of the sealing member 20.

[0108] In the embodiment where the guide rib 135 is provided, such as Figures 4-12As shown, through the first limiting wall surface 1335, the plugging member 20 between the two first limiting wall surfaces 1335 is more easily held at the groove between two adjacent guiding ribs 135, which is conducive to improving the reliability of the plugging member 20 moving along the first guiding portion 1331 to plug the first through hole 131. Through the second limiting wall surface 1345, the plugging member 20 between the two second limiting wall surfaces 1345 is more easily held at the groove between two adjacent guiding ribs 135, which is conducive to improving the reliability of the plugging member 20 moving along the second guiding portion 1341 to plug the second through hole 132.

[0109] In some embodiments, as Figures 4-9 shown, the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132 are arranged along a first direction, and the plugging member 20 can reciprocate along the first direction to plug one of the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132, so that the other of the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132 is导通. Among them, in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the size of the accommodating cavity 13 is L1, and the maximum size of the plugging member 20 is L2, where L2 < L1 < 2*L2, and the size L1 of each part of the accommodating cavity 13 along the second direction satisfies the above formula.

[0110] Making L2 < L1 facilitates the plugging member 20 to reciprocate more smoothly along the first direction. Making L1 < 2*L2 can reduce the possibility that the plugging member 20 is offset from the first through hole 131 or the second through hole 132 in the second direction, so that the plugging member 20 can be directly opposite the first through hole 131 or the second through hole 132 along the reciprocating movement in the first direction to plug the first through hole 131 or the second through hole 132, which is conducive to improving the reliability of the plugging member 20 selectively plugging the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132.

[0111] In some embodiments of the present invention, as Figures 1-13 shown, the spray arm 10 includes a connected connection portion 16 and an arm portion 17. The arm portion 17 can be one or more. For example Figures 1-13 shown, the arm portion 17 is two and is connected to both sides of the connection portion 16. An accommodating cavity 13 is defined in the connection portion 16, and a first flow channel 11 and a second flow channel 12 are defined in the arm portion 17. The first flow channel 11 communicates with the outside through a plurality of first spray holes 111, and the second flow channel 12 communicates with the outside through a plurality of second spray holes 121. Through the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12, the number of effective spray holes can be doubled and multiple spraying angles can be achieved, making the cleaning more comprehensive, and the structure of the spray arm assembly 100 is relatively simple and more suitable for complex loading.

[0112] At least one first nozzle 111 and at least one second nozzle 121 have opposite opening directions along the circumference of the spray arm 10. For example, a first nozzle 111 and a second nozzle 121 located at the end of the same arm 17 have opposite opening directions along the circumference of the spray arm 10. The centerline of the connecting portion 16 is the rotation axis F1 of the spray arm 10, and the opening direction of the nozzle (first nozzle 111 or second nozzle 121) along the circumference of the spray arm 10 is the opening direction of the nozzle about the rotation axis F1.

[0113] Water flowing into the first flow channel 11 is sprayed outward along the opening direction of the first nozzle 111 to rinse the tableware. Simultaneously, the spray arm 10 is subjected to the reaction force of the water sprayed from the first nozzle 111 and moves in the opposite direction to the opening direction of the first nozzle 111. In embodiments where the multiple first nozzles 111 have the same opening direction along the circumference of the spray arm 10, the spray arm 10 is rotated around its axis of rotation due to the reaction force of the water sprayed from the multiple first nozzles 111. The direction of rotation of the spray arm 10 is opposite to the opening direction of the first nozzles 111 along the circumference of the spray arm 10.

[0114] For example, in some embodiments, such as Figures 1-13 As shown, a plurality of first nozzles 111 are arranged in a left-right direction on the two arms 17 of the spray arm 10, and the plurality of first nozzles 111 open upward in a clockwise direction around the spray arm 10. Specifically, Figure 2 In the indicated state, multiple first spray holes 111 on the left arm 17 open backward or tilted backward, while multiple first spray holes 111 on the right arm 17 open forward or tilted forward. Simultaneously, the multiple first spray holes 111 on both arms 17 spray water outward, causing the spray arm 10 to rotate counterclockwise around its axis of rotation. Some of the first spray holes 111 on both arms 17 also open upward, allowing water to flow upward through the first spray holes 111 to wash dishes and improve cleaning effectiveness.

[0115] The spray arm 10 rotates while spraying water through the first spray holes 111 to rinse the dishes. This allows each first spray hole 111 to spray water from different angles during the rinsing process, rinsing more areas of the dishes, reducing blind spots and improving the cleaning effect. The water flow into the second channel 12 has a similar effect to the above process, and will not be described in detail here.

[0116] At least one first spray hole 111 and at least one second spray hole 121 have opposite opening directions along the circumference of the spray arm 10, so that when the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 are circumferentially filled with water, the rotation direction of the spray arm 10 is opposite. This enables the spray arm 10 to rotate in two opposite directions, which is beneficial for spraying water from more different angles to rinse the tableware from all directions, further reducing washing dead angles and improving the cleaning effect on the tableware.

[0117] The first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 can be arranged side-by-side, intersecting, etc., such as side-by-side along the horizontal direction, intersecting along a straight line, or intersecting along a curve. The first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 within the spray arm 10 can be separated by a partition plate. For example, in some embodiments, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 are arranged at intervals along the front-to-back direction, and multiple first nozzles 111 and multiple second nozzles 121 are respectively distributed on both sides of the rotation axis F1 of the spray arm 10. The first nozzles 111 and the second nozzles 121 located in the same arm 17 are arranged along the front-to-back direction and respectively distributed on both sides of the rotation axis F1 of the spray arm 10. This simplifies the arrangement structure of the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12, as well as the corresponding arrangement structure of the first nozzles 111 and the second nozzles 121, making it easier to manufacture. It also increases the driving force that drives the spray arm 10 to rotate circumferentially when the first nozzles 111 and the second nozzles 121 spray water, making the spray arm 10 easier to rotate.

[0118] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-13 As shown, the receiving cavity 13 is located in the middle of the spray arm assembly 100. The sealing member 20 is used to alternately seal the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132 in the middle of the spray arm assembly 100, rather than directly sealing the nozzles that communicate with the flow channel. This allows one sealing member 20 to be used to switch the water spraying state of multiple nozzles in a flow channel, that is, to switch the state of the nozzles spraying water outward and not spraying water, which helps to simplify the structure of the spray arm assembly 100.

[0119] The first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 are each connected to the receiving cavity 13. A smooth transition structure can be provided between the first flow channel 11 and the receiving cavity 13, and between the second flow channel 12 and the receiving cavity 13, to guide the water flow, allowing the water to flow more quickly in the two channels and accelerate its ejection from the nozzle, thus improving the dishwasher's washing efficiency. For example, in some embodiments, such as... Figure 5 As shown, a cavity is provided between the first flow channel 11, the second flow channel 12 and the receiving cavity 13 to guide the water flow through the smooth transition wall of the cavity.

[0120] The dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a washing pump and a spray arm assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The washing pump is used to control the start and stop of water supply to the spray arm assembly 100. Since the spray arm assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention has the aforementioned beneficial technical effects, the dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention, through the guidance of the first guide channel 133 and the second guide channel 134 respectively on the sealing member 20, enables the sealing member 20 to block one of the first through hole 131 and the second through hole 132 while allowing the other to remain open. This facilitates the selective flow of water through the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12, enabling the spray arm 10 to rotate in both directions. This allows the spray arm 10 to spray water from different angles to rinse dishes, reducing washing dead zones and improving cleaning effect. Furthermore, the structures of the first guide channel 133 and the second guide channel 134 are relatively simple, which helps to simplify the structure of the spray arm assembly 100, reduce the installation space occupied by the spray arm assembly 100, and facilitate installation.

[0121] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the dishwasher includes a washing pump and a connecting pipe assembly 200. The connecting pipe assembly 200 connects the washing pump and the spray arm assembly 100, so that the washing pump can guide water flow into the spray arm assembly 100 through the connecting pipe assembly 200, without having to directly connect the washing pump and the spray arm assembly 100 together, making the relative installation position of the washing pump and the spray arm assembly 100 more flexible.

[0122] The spray arm assembly 100 can be positioned flexibly within the dishwasher. For example, in some embodiments, the spray arm assembly 100 is a top sprayer, meaning it is located at the top of the dishwasher to achieve top spraying, with the first spray hole 111 and the second spray hole 121 located on the lower surface of the spray arm 10 to spray water downwards. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the spray arm assembly 100 is located in the middle of the dishwasher to achieve center spraying, with the first spray hole 111 and the second spray hole 121 located on the upper surface, lower surface, or both of the spray arm 10.

[0123] A dishwasher may include one, two, or more spray arms. For example, in some embodiments, the dishwasher includes a body and a lower spray arm, with a spray arm assembly 100 disposed in the washing chamber of the body and above the lower spray arm; for example, the spray arm assembly 100 may be a center spray or a top spray. The top of the receiving cavity 13 has a water inlet 14 for supplying water to the receiving cavity 13. The spray arm assembly 100 and the lower spray arm can increase the washing angle, and the spray arm assembly 100 can rotate in both directions by supplying or stopping water to the receiving cavity 13 through the water inlet 14, further increasing the washing angle and improving the washing efficiency of the dishwasher.

[0124] The spray arm assembly 100 and other components and operation of the dishwasher according to the embodiments of the present invention are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0125] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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 electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0126] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "embodiment," "specific embodiment," and "example" indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0127] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A spray arm assembly, characterized in that, include: The spray arm has a first flow channel and a second flow channel for flowing liquid. The spray arm is provided with a receiving cavity. The peripheral wall of the receiving cavity is provided with a first through hole communicating with the first flow channel and a second through hole communicating with the second flow channel. The receiving cavity defines a first guide channel and a second guide channel. One end of the first guide channel and the second guide channel are close to each other and the other end are far from each other. The end of the first guide channel away from the second guide channel extends to the first through hole, and the end of the second guide channel away from the first guide channel extends to the second through hole. The first guide channel and the second guide channel both extend upward in the direction from the end close to each other to the end far from each other. A blocking member is movably located within the receiving cavity. The blocking member is adapted to move along the first guide channel to block the first through hole, thereby opening the second through hole. The blocking member is also adapted to move along the second guide channel to block the second through hole, thereby opening the first through hole. The blocking member alternately blocks the first through hole and the second through hole to achieve forward and reverse rotation of the spray arm.

2. The spray arm assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom wall of the first guide channel is provided with a first guide portion, which extends upward at an incline from the bottom of the first guide channel toward the first through hole. The bottom wall of the second guide channel is provided with a second guide portion, which extends upward at an incline from the bottom of the second guide channel toward the second through hole.

3. The spray arm assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first through hole and the second through hole are arranged along a first direction. The first guide portion includes a plurality of first guide ribs arranged at intervals along a second direction, and a groove is formed between two adjacent first guide ribs to guide the movement of the sealing member; and / or, the second guide portion includes second guide ribs arranged at intervals along a second direction, and a groove is formed between two adjacent second guide ribs to guide the movement of the sealing member, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

4. The spray arm assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The spacing between two adjacent first guide ribs is less than the maximum dimension of the sealing member in the second direction; and / or, the spacing between two adjacent second guide ribs is less than the maximum dimension of the sealing member in the second direction.

5. The spray arm assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first guide portion and / or the second guide portion are provided with at least one acceleration protrusion protruding in the vertical direction.

6. The spray arm assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, At least one of the accelerating protrusions is a first protrusion, which is disposed on the first guide portion and adjacent to the first through hole. When the sealing member blocks the first through hole, the center of the sealing member is located on the side of the first protrusion away from the first through hole; and / or, At least one of the accelerating protrusions is a second protrusion, which is disposed on the second guide portion and adjacent to the second through hole. When the sealing member blocks the second through hole, the center of the sealing member is located on the side of the second protrusion away from the second through hole.

7. The spray arm assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, At least one of the accelerating protrusions is a third protrusion, the third protrusion being disposed on the first guide portion and adjacent to the second guide portion, the third protrusion being configured such that, during the process of the sealing member falling from the first through hole, the sealing member collides with the third protrusion to cross the boundary point between the first guide channel and the second guide channel; and / or At least one of the acceleration protrusions is a fourth protrusion, which is disposed on the second guide portion and adjacent to the first guide portion. The fourth protrusion is configured such that, during the process of the sealing member falling from the second through hole, the sealing member collides with the fourth protrusion to cross the boundary point between the first guide channel and the second guide channel.

8. The spray arm assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The receiving cavity has a water inlet, and a limiting protrusion is provided at the bottom of the receiving cavity. The limiting protrusion is opposite to the water inlet in the vertical direction and is located between the first guide part and the second guide part.

9. The spray arm assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first guide portion has a third protrusion protruding in the vertical direction, the second guide portion has a fourth protrusion protruding in the vertical direction, the limiting protrusion is located between the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion, and the sealing member is configured such that, when the water inlet stops flowing, the sealing member stays between one of the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion and the limiting protrusion.

10. The spray arm assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The sealing member is configured such that, after the water inlet stops flowing, the sealing member blocking the first through hole passes the limiting protrusion and then stops between the fourth protrusion and the limiting protrusion; and / or The sealing member is configured such that, after the water inlet stops flowing, the sealing member blocking the second through hole passes the limiting protrusion and stops between the third protrusion and the limiting protrusion.

11. The spray arm assembly according to any one of claims 7, 9, and 10, characterized in that, In the extending direction of the first guide portion, the side of the third protrusion facing the first through hole is a guide surface that gradually protrudes upward from the first through hole toward the second through hole; and / or, In the extending direction of the second guide portion, the side of the fourth protrusion facing the second through hole is a guide surface that gradually protrudes upward from the second through hole toward the first through hole.

12. The spray arm assembly according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The bottom wall of the receiving cavity is recessed downwards in the middle, and both the first guide channel and the second guide channel extend upwards at an angle from the middle of the bottom wall of the receiving cavity; and / or, the extension direction of the first guide channel and the extension direction of the second guide channel are set at an angle.

13. The spray arm assembly according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The first guide channel has two opposing first limiting walls perpendicular to its own extending direction, the first limiting walls extending obliquely downwards and towards the bottom wall of the first guide channel; and / or, The second guide channel has two second limiting walls that are opposite each other along its own extension direction, and the second limiting walls extend downward from top to bottom and toward the bottom wall of the second guide channel.

14. The spray arm assembly according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The first through hole and the second through hole are arranged along a first direction, and the sealing member can reciprocate along the first direction to block one of the first through hole and the second through hole, wherein... In the second direction, the size of the receiving cavity is L1, and the maximum size of the plugging member is L2, where L2 < L1 < 2*L2, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

15. The spray arm assembly according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The spray arm includes a connected connecting portion and an arm portion. The receiving cavity is defined within the connecting portion, and the first flow channel and the second flow channel are defined within the arm portion. The first flow channel communicates with the outside through a plurality of first spray holes, and the second flow channel communicates with the outside through a plurality of second spray holes. The opening directions of at least one of the first spray holes and at least one of the second spray holes are opposite along the circumferential direction of the spray arm.

16. The spray arm assembly according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The plugging member is a small ball; and / or, the receiving cavity is located in the middle of the spray arm assembly.

17. A dishwasher, characterized in that, It includes a washing pump and a spray arm assembly according to any one of claims 1-16.

18. The dishwasher according to claim 17, characterized in that, The dishwasher includes a machine body and a lower spray arm. The spray arm assembly is disposed in the washing cavity of the machine body and above the lower spray arm. The top of the receiving cavity has a water inlet for supplying water to the receiving cavity.

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