Spray arm and dishwasher

Abstract

A spray arm and a dishwasher. The spray arm may comprise a spray arm main body (110) and a plurality of nozzles (120). The spray arm main body (110) may comprise a first plate body (111), a plurality of water output holes (112) being formed in the first plate body (111). Each nozzle (120) forms a spray channel (121) therein, and each nozzle (120) corresponds to one water output hole (112) and is connected to the spray arm main body (110). The spray channel (121) of each nozzle (120) is in communication with the corresponding water output hole (112). In two adjacent nozzles (120), the projection of a water curtain, which is sprayed by at least one nozzle (120), in a first plane (a) is fan-shaped, and the projections of water curtains, which are sprayed by the two adjacent nozzles (120), in the first plane (a) have an overlapping region.

Description

Spray arms and dishwashers

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent applications No. 202311126069.4 and No. 202322379413.2 filed on September 1, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of dishwashers, and in particular to a spray arm and a dishwasher. Background Art

[0004] As people's living standards improve, dishwashers have become widely used. The working principle of a dishwasher is to supply water with a certain pressure, deliver water to each nozzle, and then spray water through the nozzle to the tableware in the dishwasher, thereby achieving a jet cleaning effect on the tableware in the dishwasher.

[0005] However, in the related art, when the dishwasher is in use, it can only clean the dishes stored in a small area, and the cleaning effect needs to be improved.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The main purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a spray arm and a dishwasher, aiming to solve the technical problem in the related art that dishwashers can only clean tableware stored in a small area and the cleaning effect needs to be improved.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a spray arm is provided, which may include: a spray arm body, the spray arm body including a first plate body, the first plate body having a plurality of water outlet holes formed thereon; and a plurality of spray heads, each of the spray heads having a spray channel formed thereon, each of the spray heads corresponding to a water outlet hole and connected to the spray arm body, the spray channel of each of the spray heads communicating with the corresponding water outlet hole. In some embodiments, the water curtain sprayed by at least one of the two adjacent spray heads has a fan-shaped projection within a first plane, and the water curtains sprayed by the two adjacent spray heads have an overlapping area of ​​projection within the first plane.

[0009] In some embodiments, the projection of the water curtain sprayed by each of the nozzles on the first plane is fan-shaped.

[0010] In some embodiments, projections of the water curtains sprayed by every two adjacent nozzles in the first plane have an overlapping area.

[0011] In some embodiments, the injection channel may include: a first channel, which is arranged close to the water outlet and connected to the water outlet at one end, and extends away from the water outlet at the other end; and a second channel, which is arranged on the side of the first channel away from the water outlet and connected to the first channel.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second channel penetrates a surface of the nozzle facing away from the water outlet.

[0013] In some embodiments, a maximum width of the second channel in a first direction is smaller than a minimum width of the first channel in the first direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the first plane.

[0014] In some embodiments, a projection of a contour line of the water outlet of the second channel in the first plane is convex in a direction away from the first channel.

[0015] In some embodiments, along the water flow transmission direction, the width of the first channel in the first direction gradually decreases.

[0016] In some embodiments, the inner wall surface of the second channel includes a first surface and a second surface oppositely distributed along the first direction, and the first surface and the second surface are both planes and parallel to each other.

[0017] In some embodiments, the injection channel may further include: a third channel connected between the first channel and the second channel, wherein the width of the third channel in the first direction gradually decreases along the water flow transmission direction. In some embodiments, the inner wall surface of the first channel is a frustum with a gradually decreasing inner diameter along the water flow transmission direction.

[0018] In some embodiments, along the water flow transmission direction, the inner wall surface of the third channel is a hemispherical surface with a gradually decreasing inner diameter.

[0019] In some embodiments, along the water flow transmission direction, the sum of the heights of the third channel and the second channel is greater than or equal to 3 mm and less than or equal to 6 mm.

[0020] In some embodiments, the water curtains sprayed by two adjacent nozzles are located in different planes.

[0021] In some embodiments, the distance between the projections of two adjacent nozzles on the first plane is less than or equal to 30 mm.

[0022] In some embodiments, the spray arm body is rotatable about a first axis, and the first axis is parallel to the first plane.

[0023] In some embodiments, the spray arm body may further include: a second plate body spaced apart from the first plate body; and a peripheral side plate located between the first plate body and the second plate body and connecting the first plate body and the second plate body.

[0024] In some embodiments, a cavity is formed between the peripheral side plate, the first plate body, and the second plate body.

[0025] In some embodiments, the chamber is connected to a plurality of the water outlet holes.

[0026] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a dishwasher is further provided, comprising the spray arm and a housing as described above, wherein the spray arm is connected to the housing.

[0027] In the technical solutions according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the water curtain sprayed by at least one nozzle is designed to have a fan-shaped projection on a first plane. Because the fan-shaped water curtain covers a wider area, it can expand the washable range within the dishwasher and improve the cleaning effect of items being washed in the dishwasher compared to the thin water column-like spraying water curtains used in related technologies. The impact force of the fan-shaped water curtain gradually decreases from the center to the periphery, which can reduce the difference in cleaning effect on items placed in different areas of the dishwasher between the center and periphery of the fan-shaped water curtain, thereby achieving uniform cleaning. The water curtains sprayed by two adjacent nozzles have overlapping projections on the first plane, thereby increasing the water flow coverage area of ​​the spray arm, avoiding blind spots in the washing process, and improving the cleaning effect of the dishwasher. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be derived based on the structures shown in these drawings without inventive effort.

[0029] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a spray arm according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the spray arm body in the spray arm shown in FIG1 ;

[0031] FIG3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure taken along CC in FIG1 ;

[0032] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the use effect of the spray arm shown in FIG1 ;

[0033] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of an embodiment of a spray head in a spray arm according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a nozzle in a spray arm taken along line BB in FIG5 ;

[0035] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of another embodiment of a spray head in a spray arm according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG8 is a schematic side view of the structure of the nozzle shown in FIG7;

[0037] FIG9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a nozzle in the spray arm taken along line DD in FIG7 ;

[0038] FIG10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative solution for the nozzle in the spray arm taken along line DD in FIG7 ; and

[0039] FIG11 is an enlarged structural diagram of part A in FIG1 .

[0040] Figure numerals: 100, spray arm; 110, spray arm body; 111, first plate; 112, water outlet; 113, second plate; 114, peripheral side plate; 1141, first structural part; 1142, second structural part; 115, chamber; 120, nozzle; 121, injection channel; 1211, first channel; 1212, second channel; 1212a, first surface; 1212b, second surface; 1213, third channel; 122, first part; 123, second part; a, first plane; b, first direction; d, first axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0042] It should be noted that all directional indications in the embodiments of the present disclosure (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the various components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0043] In addition, the terms "first," "second," and so on, used in this disclosure are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In the description of this disclosure, "plurality" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0044] In this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "connect," "fix," etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "fix" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean internal communication between two elements or an interaction between two elements, unless otherwise expressly specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this disclosure based on specific circumstances.

[0045] In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the fact that ordinary technicians in this field can implement it. When the combination of technical solutions is mutually contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by this disclosure.

[0046] In the related art, when a dishwasher is in use, it can only clean items to be cleaned stored in a small area, and the cleaning effect needs to be improved.

[0047] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a spray arm according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. To address the aforementioned issues, referring to Figure 1, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a spray arm 100 disposed within a dishwasher (not shown). The spray arm 100 may include a spray arm body 110 and a plurality of spray heads 120. The spray heads 120 are connected to and communicate with the spray arm body 110, allowing liquid to flow from the spray arm body 110 to the spray heads 120 and be sprayed by the spray heads 120 to clean items within the dishwasher.

[0048] FIG2 is a perspective schematic diagram of the spray arm body 110 in the spray arm 100 shown in FIG1 . In conjunction with FIG2 , in some embodiments, the spray arm body 110 may include a first plate 111 having a plurality of water outlet holes 112 formed therein, such that the spray arm body 110 discharges water from the side where the first plate 111 is located. Thus, when the spray arm 100 is used in a dishwasher, the first plate 111 of the spray arm body 110 may be positioned toward the items to be cleaned in the dishwasher to achieve proper cleaning of the items.

[0049] In some embodiments, multiple water outlet holes 112 can be arranged at intervals on the first plate body 111, for example, arranged at intervals in the length direction of the first plate body 111, so that the water flow sprayed through different water outlet holes 112 can clean the items to be cleaned in different areas.

[0050] 1 to 2 , in other embodiments, each nozzle 120 may be provided corresponding to a water outlet 112 , so that the water flow ejected through each water outlet 112 may be output at high pressure under the action of each nozzle 120 , thereby improving the cleaning rate of items to be cleaned in the dishwasher.

[0051] FIG3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG1 . Referring to FIG3 , in some embodiments, each nozzle 120 is formed with a spray channel 121 , which is connected to a corresponding water outlet 112 , such that water flows through the water outlet 112 to the spray channel 121 and is then sprayed from the spray channel 121 to clean the items to be cleaned.

[0052] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the use of the spray arm shown in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 4 , the water curtain sprayed by at least one of the two adjacent spray heads 120 forms a fan-shaped projection within the first plane a. As will be appreciated, a fan-shaped water curtain provides a larger spray area, allowing it to clean a wider area of ​​items. The first plane a can be a virtual plane parallel to the rotation axis of the spray arm 100, and this is not a limitation.

[0053] In some embodiments, to avoid the water curtains sprayed by two adjacent nozzles 120 being too far apart, resulting in a blind area between the spraying areas of the two adjacent nozzles 120, the projections of the water curtains sprayed by the two adjacent nozzles 120 in the first plane a may have an overlapping area.

[0054] In summary, the spray arm 100 provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure is designed to project the water curtain sprayed by at least one nozzle 120 into a fan shape within the first plane a. Since the fan-shaped water curtain has a wider coverage area, compared to the thin water column-type spray water curtain in the related art, it can expand the washable range in the dishwasher and improve the cleaning effect of the items to be washed in the dishwasher. The impact force of the fan-shaped water curtain gradually decreases from the center to the periphery, which can reduce the difference in the cleaning effect of the center and periphery of the fan-shaped water curtain on the items to be washed placed in various areas of the dishwasher, thereby achieving cleaning uniformity. The projections of the water curtains sprayed by two adjacent nozzles 120 within the first plane a have an overlapping area, thereby increasing the water flow coverage area of ​​the spray arm 100, avoiding washing dead corners, and making the cleaning effect of the spray arm 100 better.

[0055] It should be noted that the spray arm 100 in the embodiment of the present disclosure can use tap water, detergent or other fluids to form a spray water curtain, and there is no limitation on this.

[0056] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 4 , the projection of the water curtain sprayed by each nozzle 120 on the first plane a can be fan-shaped. The projection area of ​​multiple fan-shaped projections on the first plane a is larger, and the area that can be covered within the dishwasher can also be increased. In other embodiments, the projections of the water curtains sprayed by each of two adjacent nozzles 120 on the first plane a can have an overlapping area. This design increases the area of ​​the overlapping area of ​​the water curtains ejected by the two adjacent nozzles 120, thereby increasing the coverage range of the water curtains. The water curtains in the overlapping area spray two layers of water curtains on the items to be cleaned at the same time, that is, performing a secondary cleaning, thereby effectively preventing the generation of dead corners in washing, enhancing the washing effect of the spray arm 100, and improving cleaning efficiency.

[0057] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an embodiment of a nozzle in a spray arm according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the nozzle in the spray arm taken along FIG5B-B. In some embodiments, please refer to FIG4 to FIG6 , the injection channel 121 may include a first channel 1211 and a second channel 1212. The first channel 1211 is arranged near the water outlet 112 and is connected to the water outlet 112 at one end, and extends in a direction away from the water outlet 112 at the other end. The second channel 1212 is arranged on a side of the first channel 1211 away from the water outlet 112 and is connected to the first channel 1211. The second channel 1212 also penetrates the surface of the nozzle 120 away from the water outlet 112, so that water can be ejected from the second channel 1212. The maximum width of the second channel 1212 in the first direction b is smaller than the minimum width of the first channel 1211 in the first direction b. The first direction b is perpendicular to the first plane a, so that when water flows from the first channel 1211 into the second channel 1212, the water column is subjected to resistance from two surfaces of the second channel 1212 that are relatively distributed along the first direction b, and the flow direction changes, thereby allowing the projection of the water curtain ejected from the second channel 1212 in the first plane a to be fan-shaped.

[0058] In some embodiments, referring to FIG6 , the width of the first channel 1211 in the first direction b can gradually decrease along the direction of water flow transmission, so that the water flow gradually becomes flat, preparing for the emission of a fan-shaped water curtain. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first channel 1211 can gradually decrease along the direction of water flow transmission. Since the flow rate of the water flow remains unchanged, the water flow path gradually narrows, which can increase the flow rate of the water when it is ejected from the injection channel 121, making the ejected water flow more impactful, thereby enhancing the washing effect, better removing stains on the items to be cleaned, and improving the cleanliness of the items to be cleaned.

[0059] It is understood that the inner diameter of the end of the first channel 1211 away from the water outlet 112 can be set as small as possible so that the ejected water flow can meet the required injection pressure. In this way, when debris falls on the nozzle 120, sufficient water injection pressure can flush the debris away, thereby preventing the debris from clogging the nozzle 120.

[0060] 5 to 6 , the inner wall of the first channel 1211 may be a frustum with a gradually decreasing inner diameter. This design can gradually increase the pressure of the water flow and reduce the resistance of the inner wall to the water flow.

[0061] In some embodiments, the nozzle 120 may include a third portion forming the first channel 1211, and the third portion may be generally thin-walled, so that the structure of the nozzle 120 is simple, the consumables are small, and the manufacturing cost is low. In other embodiments, the thickness of each portion of the third portion of the nozzle 120 forming the first channel 1211 may be relatively uniform, so that the structural strength of each portion of the third portion is approximately equal. In some embodiments, when the inner wall surface of the first channel 1211 is a frustum with a gradually decreasing inner diameter, that is, when the inner wall surface of the third portion is a frustum with a gradually decreasing inner diameter, the outer wall surface of the third portion may also be a frustum with a gradually decreasing inner diameter.

[0062] The nozzle 120 may include a first portion 122 and a second portion 123, which are spaced apart and form a second channel 1212 therebetween. In some embodiments, in conjunction with Figures 5 and 6, the first portion 122 and the second portion 123 may be two thin plate-like structures extending in a direction away from the water outlet 112. This design structure is simple and saves materials. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of another embodiment of a nozzle in a spray arm according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the side view structure of the nozzle shown in Figure 7; and Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional structure of the nozzle in the spray arm taken along DD in Figure 7. In other embodiments, in conjunction with Figures 7 to 9, the first portion 122 and the second portion 123 may also be roughly dome-shaped structures, so that the third portion of the nozzle 120, the first portion 122 and the second portion 123 have better structural fluidity and better aesthetics.

[0063] In some embodiments, the projection of the contour line of the water outlet of the second channel 1212 within the first plane a can be convex in the direction away from the first channel 1211, so that the contour line of the water outlet of the second channel 1212 is roughly arched. Such a design is conducive to the spraying of a fan-shaped water curtain at the second channel 1212, and such a design can improve the structural strength of the nozzle 120, thereby avoiding damage to the second channel 1212 due to water flow impact, and making the nozzle 120 more durable.

[0064] Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a nozzle in the spray arm, taken along line DD in Figure 7. In yet other embodiments, referring to Figure 10 , the spray channel 121 may further include a third channel 1213 connected between the first channel 1211 and the second channel 1212. The width of the third channel 1213 in the first direction b gradually decreases along the direction of water flow, thereby buffering the water flow.

[0065] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the third channel 1213 may be raised in a direction away from the first channel 1211. Referring to FIG. 10 , along the direction of water flow, the inner wall of the third channel 1213 may be a hemispherical surface with a gradually decreasing inner diameter. Because the water flow through the first channel 1211 has a relatively high velocity and pressure, to prevent pressure damage to the second channel 1212, the inner wall of the third channel 1213, which connects the first channel 1211 and the second channel 1212, is designed to be a hemispherical surface with a gradually decreasing inner diameter. This creates a buffer zone for the water flow in the third channel 1213, reducing the impact of the water flow on the second channel 1212 and thus preventing damage to the second channel 1212, thereby increasing the service life of the nozzle 120. This ensures a smooth connection between the first channel 1211 and the third channel 1213, reduces water flow resistance, and enables smoother water flow.

[0066] It should be noted that when the first portion 122 and the second portion 123 are substantially dome-shaped, the third channel 1213 can be formed in the first portion 122 and the second portion 123 by, for example, trenching, so that the first portion 122 and the second portion 123 are substantially thin-walled. In some embodiments, the thickness of each portion of the first portion 122 can be relatively uniform, so that the structural strength of each portion of the first portion 122 is substantially the same. In some embodiments, the thickness of each portion of the second portion 123 can be relatively uniform, so that the structural strength of each portion of the second portion 123 is substantially the same.

[0067] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 10 , the sum of the heights h1 of the third channel 1213 and the second channel 1212 along the direction of water flow can be greater than or equal to 3 mm and less than or equal to 6 mm. Designing the sum of the heights h1 of the third channel 1213 and the second channel 1212 to be greater than or equal to 3 mm allows for sufficient channel height to allow the water to change direction and form a fan-shaped pattern when exiting through the second channel 1212. Designing the sum of the heights h1 of the third channel 1213 and the second channel 1212 to be less than or equal to 6 mm prevents the nozzle 120 from being too large and affecting the operation of other components within the dishwasher, and also facilitates a more compact dishwasher design.

[0068] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 3 , the inner wall of the second channel 1212 may include a first surface 1212a and a second surface 1212b that are arranged relative to each other along a first direction b. The first surface 1212a and the second surface 1212b are both planar and parallel to each other. Because the first surface 1212a and the second surface 1212b are both planar and parallel to each other, water can be ejected in a divergent manner under the guidance of the first surface 1212a and the second surface 1212b, achieving the effect of projecting a fan-shaped water curtain within the first plane a.

[0069] In some embodiments, the first surface 1212a and the second surface 1212b can be arranged at an angle to the first plate 111. By designing the first surface 1212a and the second surface 1212b to be arranged at an angle to the first plate 111, the sprayed water curtain can be inclined, and compared with a vertical water curtain, more water can be sprayed onto the items to be cleaned. As a result, the impact of the water pressure can be applied to more items to be cleaned in the dishwasher, thereby enhancing the cleaning effect of the spray arm 100.

[0070] In other embodiments, the distance between the first surface 1212a and the second surface 1212b may be larger than the aperture of the residue filter in the dishwasher to prevent smaller residues from passing through the residue filter into the second channel 1212 and clogging the spray head 120.

[0071] In some embodiments, the water curtains sprayed by two adjacent nozzles 120 can be located in different planes. This design prevents the edges of the fan-shaped water curtains from the two adjacent nozzles 120 from impacting each other, which could weaken the cleaning effect. This allows the impact of the fan-shaped water curtains to be more effectively applied to the items being cleaned. Positioning the water curtains in different planes not only increases their coverage, but also provides a double cleaning effect on the items being cleaned. The combined impact of the two layers of water curtains is also greater, resulting in a more effective cleaning effect.

[0072] Figure 11 is an enlarged structural diagram of part A in Figure 1. In some embodiments, referring to Figure 11, the projections of two adjacent nozzles 120 along the length direction of the first plate 111 onto the second plane can be set to not overlap, and the second plane can be perpendicular to the first plane a, so that the water curtains sprayed by the two adjacent nozzles 120 are ejected from different planes. Alternatively, the angles between the first surface 1212a and the second surface 1212b of the two adjacent nozzles 120 and the first plate 111 can be set to different angles, so that the sprayed water curtains are located in different planes. In some embodiments, multiple nozzles 120 can be distributed in a staggered manner on the first plate 111, and the angles between the first surface 1212a and the second surface 1212b of each nozzle 120 and the first plate 111 are different.

[0073] It is understood that the distance between the projections of two adjacent nozzles 120 on the first plane a can be less than or equal to 30 mm. By limiting the distance between the projections of two adjacent nozzles 120 on the first plane a to less than or equal to 30 mm, the projections of the edges of the fan-shaped water curtain on the first plane a do not overlap due to the distance between the two adjacent nozzles 120. This ensures that the fan-shaped water curtains sprayed by the two adjacent nozzles 120 have an overlapping area, thereby achieving a wider coverage area of ​​the water curtain ejected by the spray arm 100.

[0074] Referring to Figure 3 , the spray arm body 110 may further include a second plate 113 and a peripheral side plate 114. The second plate 113 is spaced apart from the first plate 111. The peripheral side plate 114 is located between and connects the first and second plates 111, 113. A chamber 115 is formed between the peripheral side plate 114, the first plate 111, and the second plate 113. The chamber 115 is connected to the plurality of water outlets 112.

[0075] In some embodiments, the first plate 111 of the spray arm body 110 can bulge in a direction away from the second plate 113 with a certain curvature, so that when the multiple nozzles 120 are connected to various parts of the first plate 111 along the length direction of the spray arm body 110, the multiple nozzles 120 are arranged in an undulating manner, so that the water curtain sprayed by the nozzles 120 can be sprayed onto the items to be cleaned at higher and lower places in the dishwasher at the same time.

[0076] In some embodiments, the first plate 111 and the nozzle 120 can be integrally formed. When assembling the spray arm 100, the integrated structure formed by the first plate 111 and the nozzle 120 can be assembled with the peripheral side plate 114 and the second plate 113 to save assembly process and improve assembly efficiency.

[0077] In some embodiments, the peripheral side plate 114 may include a first structural portion 1141 connected to the first plate 111 and disposed around the periphery of the first plate 111, and a second structural portion 1142 connected to the second plate 113 and disposed around the periphery of the second plate 113. The first structural portion 1141 may be integrally formed with the first plate 111, and the second structural portion 1142 may be integrally formed with the second plate 113. This allows the spray arm 100 to be assembled by combining the first structural portion 1141 and the first plate 111 with the second structural portion 1142 and the second plate 113, thereby simplifying assembly steps and improving assembly efficiency. The first structural portion 1141 and the first plate 111 are integrally formed, which improves the structural stability of the first plate 111 compared to a separate first plate 111. Similarly, the second structural portion 1142 and the second plate 113 are integrally formed, which improves the structural stability of the second plate 113 compared to a separate second plate 113.

[0078] In some embodiments, the nozzle 120 can also be formed independently, so that the nozzle 120 can be assembled with the spray arm body 110 after being formed. The nozzle 120 and the spray arm body 110 can be connected in a detachable manner. In this way, when the nozzle 120 is blocked or damaged, only the damaged nozzle 120 can be replaced, thereby facilitating maintenance.

[0079] In some embodiments, the spray arm body 110 may be provided with one of a groove or a protrusion, and the portion of the spray head 120 near the water outlet 112 may be provided with the other of the groove or protrusion, so that the spray arm body 110 and the spray head 120 can be connected through the groove and the protrusion. In other embodiments, one of the groove or the protrusion can be provided on the inner wall surface of the water outlet 112 of the spray arm body 110, and the other can be provided on the portion of the spray head 120 extending into the water outlet 112, so that the connection between the spray head 120 and the water outlet 112 is tighter and more secure. In other embodiments, the spray head 120 can be partially provided in the water outlet 112 and have an interference fit with the water outlet 112, so that the spray head 120 is more firmly fixed in the water outlet 112. It is understood that the spray arm body 110 and the spray head 120 can both be made of at least one of plastic, ceramic, or metal.

[0080] As can be understood, referring to Figure 4 , the spray arm body 110 can rotate about a first axis d, which is parallel to the first plane a. This rotation of the spray arm body 110 allows the water curtain ejected by the spray arm 100 to form a solid cylindrical water curtain as the spray arm body 110 rotates. This rotation also generates centrifugal force, which causes the water to flow further, flushing not only the items being cleaned but also every corner of the dishwasher's interior, achieving a 360° all-round, seamless wash. This avoids any potential blind spots within the dishwasher, thereby improving the dishwasher's cleaning efficiency.

[0081] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a dishwasher is provided, comprising the above-described spray arm 100 and a housing, the spray arm 100 being connected to the housing. In the dishwasher of the present disclosure, the water curtain sprayed by at least one nozzle 120 is designed to have a fan-shaped projection on a first plane a. Because the fan-shaped water curtain covers a wider area, it can expand the washable area within the dishwasher and improve the cleaning effect on items being cleaned, compared to the thin water column-like spray curtains used in related art. The impact force of the fan-shaped water curtain gradually decreases from the center to the periphery, reducing the difference in cleaning effect between the center and periphery of the fan-shaped water curtain on items placed in different areas of the dishwasher, thereby achieving uniform cleaning. The water curtains sprayed by two adjacent nozzles 120 have overlapping projections on the first plane a, thereby increasing the water coverage area of ​​the spray arm 100, avoiding blind spots in the washing process, and achieving better cleaning results. The spray arm 100 has a simple structure, is easy to process and form, saves costs, and facilitates mass production.

[0082] It should be noted that the number of nozzles 120 can be specifically set according to the actual spray range covered by the dishwasher. For example, the number of nozzles 120 can be determined according to the size of the dishwasher to fully cover all spray ranges in the dishwasher.

[0083] When the spray arm body 110 can rotate about the first axis d, the dishwasher can further include a driving member for driving the spray arm body 110 to rotate about the first axis d. The driving member can be a motor, etc., which is not limited in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] 4 , the dishwasher may further include a water inlet pipe 210 , which is connected to the water inlet hole of the spray arm 100 for conveying water to the spray arm 100 . The water inlet pipe 210 is also connected to the housing.

[0085] In some embodiments, the chamber 115 of the spray arm body 110 of the spray arm 100 can be connected to the water inlet pipe 210 so that the water inlet pipe 210 transports water to the water outlet 112. This design structure is simple and the water inlet pipe 210 can supply water to multiple nozzles 120 at the same time.

[0086] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 4 , when the spray arm body 110 is rotatable about the first axis d, the water inlet pipe 210 may be disposed at the first axis d of the spray arm body 110. This means that the central axis of the water inlet pipe 210 coincides with the first axis d, thereby preventing the water supply pipeline connected to the water inlet pipe 210 from becoming entangled during the rotation of the spray arm body 110. In other embodiments, the water inlet pipe 210 and the water supply pipeline may be rotatably connected, such that when the spray arm body 110 and the water inlet pipe 210 rotate about the first axis d, the water supply pipeline does not rotate with the water inlet pipe 210, thereby ensuring smooth water supply.

[0087] In other embodiments, the water inlet pipe 210 may include multiple pipes, the number of which may be the same as the number of water outlet holes 112. The multiple pipes may pass through the chamber 115 and directly communicate with the water outlet holes 112 in a one-to-one manner, shortening the water flow path and facilitating rapid water output. The water output may be controlled by opening some of the pipes. When there are fewer items to be cleaned, only some of the pipes may be opened to deliver water, thereby achieving a more water-efficient and environmentally friendly cleaning effect.

[0088] In order to ensure that the position above the center of the high items to be cleaned is within the spray range of the water curtain and the projection of the water curtain sprayed by the nozzle 120 in the first plane a has an overlapping area, in some embodiments, the angle of the fan-shaped water curtain sprayed by the nozzle can be greater than or equal to 13°.

[0089] When the dishwasher is working: the spray arm 100 is started, and the water inlet pipe 210 provides water flow to the spray arm 100. The water flows through the water outlet 112 to the nozzle 120, and then is sprayed out at the nozzle 120 in the form of a fan-shaped water curtain to clean the items to be cleaned. The multiple overlapping fan-shaped water curtains sprayed by multiple nozzles 120 cover the items to be cleaned as comprehensively as possible, and the spray arm 100 starts to rotate to form a solid cylindrical water curtain. The solid cylindrical water curtain flushes the items to be cleaned and the inner wall of the dishwasher, performing all-round washing without dead angles.

[0090] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure and does not limit the patent scope of the present disclosure. All equivalent structural transformations made based on the contents of the present disclosure and the drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included in the patent protection scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A spray arm, comprising: A spray arm body, the spray arm body comprising a first plate body, a plurality of water outlet holes being formed on the first plate body; as well as A plurality of nozzles, each of which is formed with a spray channel, each of which corresponds to one of the water outlet holes and is connected to the spray arm body, and the spray channel of each nozzle is connected to the corresponding water outlet hole; Among the two adjacent nozzles, the projection of the water curtain sprayed by at least one of the nozzles in the first plane is fan-shaped, and the projections of the water curtains sprayed by the two adjacent nozzles in the first plane have an overlapping area.

2. The spray arm according to claim 1, wherein: The projections of the water curtains sprayed by each of the nozzles on the first plane are all fan-shaped, and the projections of the water curtains sprayed by every two adjacent nozzles on the first plane have an overlapping area.

3. The spray arm according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The injection channel comprises: A first channel, which is disposed near the water outlet and has one end connected to the water outlet and the other end extending in a direction away from the water outlet; and A second channel is arranged on a side of the first channel away from the water outlet and is connected to the first channel. The second channel runs through the surface of the nozzle away from the water outlet. The maximum width of the second channel in the first direction is smaller than the minimum width of the first channel in the first direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the first plane.

4. The spray arm according to claim 3, wherein: The projection of the contour line of the water outlet of the second channel in the first plane is convex in a direction away from the first channel; and / or Along the water flow transmission direction, the width of the first channel in the first direction gradually decreases; and / or The inner wall surface of the second channel includes a first surface and a second surface that are oppositely distributed along the first direction, and the first surface and the second surface are both planes and parallel to each other.

5. The spray arm according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The injection channel also includes: The third channel is connected between the first channel and the second channel, and along the water flow transmission direction, the width of the third channel in the first direction gradually decreases.

6. The spray arm according to claim 5, wherein: Along the water flow transmission direction, the inner wall surface of the first channel is a frustum surface with a gradually decreasing inner diameter; Along the water flow transmission direction, the inner wall surface of the third channel is a hemispherical surface with a gradually decreasing inner diameter.

7. The spray arm according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: Along the water flow transmission direction, the sum of the heights of the third channel and the second channel is greater than or equal to 3 mm and less than or equal to 6 mm.

8. The spray arm according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The water curtains sprayed by two adjacent nozzles are located in different planes respectively; and / or The distance between the projections of two adjacent nozzles on the first plane is less than or equal to 30 mm; and / or The spray arm body can rotate around a first axis, and the first axis is parallel to the first plane.

9. The spray arm according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The spray arm body also includes: a second plate body, spaced apart from the first plate body; and The peripheral side plate is located between the first plate body and the second plate body and connects the first plate body and the second plate body. A chamber is formed between the peripheral side plate, the first plate body and the second plate body, and the chamber is connected to the plurality of water outlets.

10. A dishwasher, comprising: The spray arm as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9; as well as A shell is connected to the spray arm.

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