Patent Description:
Currently, spray arms of most washing appliances rotate toward one direction and along a consistent cleaning trajectory, throughout the whole cleaning process, so it is easy to produce dead space. As an example, in a dishwasher, positions of a tableware basket and spray arms of the dishwasher are designed to match well. Designs of most existing tableware baskets are in accordance with the standard tableware design for the domestic market in China. During actual use by consumers in their own homes, if the size, placement, and orientation of the tableware are different from the standard tableware size and placement, the dishwasher will easily fail to clean well during work, which the consumers detest.

In order to improve the cleaning performance, some dishwashers employ satellite-type spray arms or water wall, but the structure of satellite-type spray arms or water wall is complicated and costly, which is not conducive to popularization.

Patent application publication <CIT> relates to a spray system wherein each spray device <NUM> is rotatably mounted on the main spray arm <NUM>. Patent application publication <CIT> relates to a spray arm hub/head, wherein the hub/head sub-assembly is mounted to the inlet water line via a double ball-bearing coupling that is independent of the hub and the substantially non-enclosed ball-bearing coupling enables the hub/head sub-assembly to rotate freely within the washer.

The present invention aims to solve at least one of the problems in the related art to a certain extent. To this end, the present disclosure provides a spray arm that has a simple structure and good cleaning performance when used to clean items. Aspects of the present invention are set out in the accompanying claims.

The present invention further provides a washing appliance having the above spray arm.

A spray arm according to the present invention includes a main spray arm; a plurality of auxiliary spray arms, each auxiliary spray arm being connected to the main spray arm and rotatable relative to the main spray arm; and a ball assembly arranged at a position where each auxiliary spray arm is connected to and cooperates with the main spray arm.

For the spray arm according to the present invention, by providing the main spray arm and the plurality of auxiliary spray arms, which is equivalent to increasing the number of spray arms, a water spray volume of the spray arm can be increased, which is beneficial to enhancing the cleaning effect of the spray arm on the tableware. Moreover, since the auxiliary spray arms can rotate relative to the main spray arm, a spray range of the main spray arm and the auxiliary spray arms can be enlarged, thereby ensuring that the spray arm can clean the tableware entirely. By providing the ball assemblies, the auxiliary spray arms and the main spray arm can be connected as a whole, thereby ensuring high operational reliability of the spray arm.

According to the present invention, the main spray arm includes a main spray arm body and a plurality of main spray arm connecting sleeves, the plurality of main spray arm connecting sleeves are arranged on a common side of the main spray arm body, and each auxiliary spray arm is connected to the main spray arm through one main spray arm connecting sleeve.

Further, each auxiliary spray arm includes an auxiliary spray arm body and an auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve, the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve is arranged on a side of the auxiliary spray arm body facing the main spray arm, and the ball assembly is arranged at a position where the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve is connected to and cooperates with the main spray arm connecting sleeve.

According to the present invention, the ball assembly at least includes a plurality of balls, and the plurality of balls rotatably cooperate between the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve and the main spray arm connecting sleeve.

Further, the ball assembly further includes a bearing base, and the balls cooperate between the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve and the main spray arm connecting sleeve through the bearing base.

The bearing base includes: an inner sleeve configured to be fitted with one of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve and the main spray arm connecting sleeve; a middle sleeve fitted over the inner sleeve, and provided with a plurality of ball holes, the balls being mounted in the ball holes, and the balls protruding beyond an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface of the middle sleeve in a radial direction of the middle sleeve; and an outer sleeve fitted over the middle sleeve, and configured to be fitted with the other of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve and the main spray arm connecting sleeve.

The bearing base includes: an inner sleeve configured to be fitted with one of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve and the main spray arm connecting sleeve; and an outer sleeve configured to be fitted with the other of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve and the main spray arm connecting sleeve.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the inner sleeve is integrated with one of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve and the main spray arm connecting sleeve, and the inner sleeve constitutes a part of the one of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve and the main spray arm connecting sleeve; or the outer sleeve is integrated with the other of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve and the main spray arm connecting sleeve, and the outer sleeve constitutes a part of the other of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve and the main spray arm connecting sleeve.

According to the present invention, the inner sleeve is integrated with one of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve and the main spray arm connecting sleeve, and the inner sleeve constitutes a part of the one of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve and the main spray arm connecting sleeve; and the outer sleeve is integrated with the other of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve and the main spray arm connecting sleeve, and the outer sleeve constitutes a part of the other of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve and the main spray arm connecting sleeve.

Further, an inner peripheral surface of the outer sleeve is provided with an outer sleeve ball groove configured to cooperate with the balls; an outer peripheral surface of the inner sleeve is provided with an inner sleeve ball groove configured to cooperate with the balls; and the outer sleeve ball groove and the inner sleeve ball groove are both circumferentially annular grooves.

Specifically, the outer sleeve includes: an outer sleeve peripheral wall and an outer sleeve top wall; the outer sleeve top wall is arranged on an end of the outer sleeve peripheral wall away from the main spray arm and extends inwardly along a radial direction of the outer sleeve peripheral wall; and the outer sleeve ball groove is arranged on an inner peripheral surface of the outer sleeve peripheral wall.

Specifically, the ball hole is arranged at a top of the middle sleeve; the ball hole is a major arc hole; and a top notch of the ball hole forms a ball fetching port.

Further, a weakening groove is arranged between two adjacent ball holes, and the weakening groove is provided with a weakening groove post therein.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the auxiliary spray arm includes a first spray arm and a second spray arm; the first spray arm is provided with a first drive hole configured to drive the first spray arm to rotate in a first direction; the second spray arm is provided with a second drive hole configured to drive the second spray arm to rotate in a second direction; the first direction and the second direction are consistent or opposite; and the main spray arm is provided with a main drive hole configured to drive the main spray arm to rotate in the first direction or the second direction.

Optionally, the length of the first spray arm is <NUM>-<NUM> times the length of the main spray arm body, and the length of the second spray arm is <NUM>-<NUM> times the length of the main spray arm body.

Specifically, the balls are plastic balls or stainless steel balls.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the ball assembly has a height of <NUM> to <NUM>.

A washing appliance according to embodiments of another aspect of the present disclosure includes the above spray arm.

Spray arm <NUM>, main spray arm <NUM>, main chamber <NUM>, main spray arm body <NUM>, main drive hole <NUM>, main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, main spray arm first connecting sleeve <NUM>, main spray arm second connecting sleeve <NUM>, main spray arm lower connecting sleeve <NUM>, auxiliary spray arm <NUM>, auxiliary spray arm body <NUM>, auxiliary chamber <NUM>, auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, first spray arm <NUM>, first chamber <NUM>, first spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, first spray arm body <NUM>, first drive hole <NUM>, second spray arm <NUM>, second chamber <NUM>, second spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, second spray arm body <NUM>, second drive hole <NUM>, ball assembly <NUM>, outer sleeve <NUM>, outer sleeve peripheral wall <NUM>, outer sleeve top wall <NUM>, outer sleeve ball groove <NUM>, inner sleeve <NUM>, inner sleeve ball groove <NUM>, middle sleeve <NUM>, ball hole <NUM>, weakening groove <NUM>, weakening groove post <NUM>, ball <NUM>.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments will be illustrated in drawings. The same or similar elements and the elements having same or similar functions are denoted by like reference numerals throughout the descriptions. The embodiments described herein with reference to the drawings are explanatory and are merely used to generally understand the present disclosure. The embodiments shall not be construed to limit the present disclosure.

In the description of the present invention, it is to be understood that terms such as "length," "width," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer" should be construed to refer to the orientations or positions as then described or as shown in the drawings under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience and simplification of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation or be constructed and operated in a particular orientation. Thus, these terms shall not be construed to limit the present disclosure.

In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms "mounted," "connected," "coupled," "fixed" and the like are used broadly, and may be, for example, fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; may also be direct connections or indirect connections via intervening structures; may also be inner communication or mutual interaction of two elements, which can be understood by those skilled in the art according to specific situations.

A spray arm <NUM> according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below in combination with <FIG>. The spray arm <NUM> can be used in washing appliances. The structure of the spray arm <NUM> will be explained below by an example where the spray arm <NUM> is applied to a dishwasher.

Referring to <FIG>, and <FIG>, the spray arm <NUM> according to the embodiments of the present invention may include a main spray arm <NUM>, a plurality of auxiliary spray arms <NUM>, and ball assemblies <NUM>. Each auxiliary spray arm <NUM> is connected to the main spray arm <NUM>. When the spray arm <NUM> is installed at a bottom of the dishwasher, the auxiliary spray arms <NUM> are located above the main spray arm <NUM>. When the spray arm <NUM> is installed at a top of the dishwasher, the auxiliary spray arms <NUM> are located below the main spray arm <NUM>. When the spray arm <NUM> is installed on a side wall of the dishwasher, the auxiliary spray arms <NUM> are located on a side of the main spray arm <NUM> facing an inner cavity of the dishwasher. For the convenience of description, the structure of the spray arm <NUM> will be explained below by an example where the spray arm <NUM> is installed at the bottom of the dishwasher, and in such a case, the main spray arm <NUM> is a lower spray arm while the auxiliary spray arms <NUM> are upper spray arms.

The main spray arm <NUM> and the plurality of auxiliary spray arms <NUM> are each provided with spray holes for spraying water into the dishwasher. When water sprayed from the spray holes falls on tableware, it can clean the tableware. The main spray arm <NUM> and the plurality of auxiliary spray arms <NUM> spray water simultaneously, which is beneficial to improving washing efficiency of the dishwasher.

The ball assembly <NUM> is arranged between the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> to connect the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> as a whole. Thus, it is ensured that the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> can work simultaneously, which is beneficial to improving operational reliability of the spray arm <NUM>.

Specifically, the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> is rotatable relative to the main spray arm <NUM>, which can increase a spray range of the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm <NUM>. Thus, it is ensured that the spray arm <NUM> can clean the tableware entirely, thereby guaranteeing a better cleaning effect of the spray arm <NUM>.

By providing the ball assembly <NUM>, when the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> rotates relative to the main spray arm <NUM>, friction between the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> and the main spray arm <NUM> is in a form of rolling friction instead of sliding friction. In such a way, the rolling friction has little resistance to the rotation of the auxiliary spray arm <NUM>, so the hydrodynamic loss caused by friction can be reduced, and the utilization rate of hydrodynamic power can be improved. Meanwhile, since a rotation speed of the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> with respect to the main spray arm <NUM> is relatively fast, by providing the ball assembly <NUM>, it is helpful to enhance the smoothness of the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> during rotation, thereby reducing the noise of the dishwasher.

In addition, the ball assembly <NUM> is arranged between the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm <NUM>, and cleverly connects the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> as a whole. Moreover, the height of connection between the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> can be effectively reduced, thus reducing the height of the spray arm <NUM>, saving space inside the dishwasher, leaving more space for placement of the tableware, and hence increasing the tableware capacity of the dishwasher. For example, an internal loading capacity of the dishwasher can be increased by <NUM> to <NUM>.

In a specific embodiment, rotation directions of the auxiliary spray arms <NUM> can be consistent or different. For example, a rotation direction of some auxiliary spray arms <NUM> is opposite to a rotation direction of other auxiliary spray arms <NUM>. In such a way, water jets from these auxiliary spray arms <NUM> can produce a rubbing force on surfaces of the tableware, which helps to further improve the cleaning effect. A rotation direction of the main spray arm <NUM> may be consistent with or opposite to a rotation direction of a certain auxiliary spray arm <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, the rotation directions of the auxiliary spray arms <NUM> are the same, and the rotation directions of the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arms <NUM> are opposite. Therefore, the water jets from the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arms <NUM> can produce a rubbing force on surfaces of the tableware, which also helps to improve the cleaning effect. Orientations and positions of the water jets sprayed onto the tableware by the auxiliary spray arms <NUM> are various, which reduces dead spots and makes cleaning easier. Due to a large coverage of the water flow, the cleaning time will be reduced accordingly, which is beneficial to shortening the cleaning process.

In a specific example of <FIG>, the number of auxiliary spray arms <NUM> is two. Preferably, rotation directions of the two auxiliary spray arms <NUM> are opposite, and the rotation direction of the main spray arm <NUM> is the same as the rotation direction of one auxiliary spray arm <NUM>.

For the spray arm <NUM> according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, by providing the main spray arm <NUM> and the plurality of auxiliary spray arms <NUM>, which is equivalent to increasing the number of spray arms <NUM>, a water spray volume of the spray arm <NUM> can be increased, which is beneficial to enhancing the cleaning effect of the spray arm <NUM> on the tableware. Moreover, since the auxiliary spray arms <NUM> can rotate relative to the main spray arm <NUM>, a spray range of the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arms <NUM> can be enlarged, and the water jets from the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arms <NUM> can generate the rubbing force on the surfaces of the tableware, ensuring that the spray arm <NUM> can clean the tableware entirely. By arranging the ball assemblies <NUM> between the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arms <NUM>, the auxiliary spray arms <NUM> and the main spray arm <NUM> are connected as a whole, thereby ensuring high operational reliability of the spray arm <NUM>; moreover, the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arms <NUM> have rolling contact therebetween, which is beneficial to reducing the friction between the auxiliary spray arms <NUM> and the main spray arm <NUM> and hence the hydrodynamic loss, and improving the utilization rate of hydrodynamic power. Hence, it can be ensured that the pressure of water sprayed from the spray holes of the spray arm <NUM> is large, which helps to improving the cleaning effect of the dishwasher on the tableware. Meanwhile, since the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arms <NUM> are connected by the ball assemblies <NUM>, the height of the spray arm <NUM> can be decreased effectively, thereby saving the internal space of the dishwasher and leaving more space for the tableware, so as to increase the tableware capacity of the dishwasher.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the main spray arm <NUM> may include a main spray arm body <NUM> and a plurality of main spray arm connecting sleeves <NUM>, and the plurality of main spray arm connecting sleeves <NUM> are arranged on a common side of the main spray arm body <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the plurality of main spray arm connecting sleeves <NUM> are all arranged above the main spray arm body <NUM>, and the plurality of main spray arm connecting sleeves <NUM> are fixedly connected to the main spray arm body <NUM>. Each auxiliary spray arm <NUM> is connected to the main spray arm <NUM> through one main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>. Each main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> has a hollow cylindrical structure. Therefore, by providing the main spray arm connecting sleeves <NUM>, it is ensured that the auxiliary spray arms <NUM> can rotate relative to the main spray arm <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the main spray arm body <NUM> and the plurality of main spray arm connecting sleeves <NUM> have a communicating main chamber <NUM>. The main spray arm body <NUM> and the plurality of main spray arm connecting sleeves <NUM> may be hollow components. Hollow positions of the spray arm body <NUM> and the main spray arm connecting sleeves <NUM> together form the main chamber <NUM>, so that it is ensured that water from a water source of the dishwasher can smoothly enter the main spray arm <NUM>, then pass through the spray holes of the main spray arm <NUM> and is sprayed to the surfaces of the tableware, thereby completing an operation of washing the tableware. Therefore, by providing the main chamber <NUM>, it can be ensured that a certain amount of water exists in the main spray arm <NUM>, and hence that the main spray arm <NUM> can spray water jets to the tableware, so as to ensure the reliable operation of the main spray arm <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the main spray arm <NUM> may also include a main spray arm lower connecting sleeve <NUM> arranged on a lower side of the main spray arm body <NUM>. Specifically, a top of the main spray arm lower connecting sleeve <NUM> is fixedly connected to a bottom of the main spray arm body <NUM>. A bottom of the main spray arm lower connecting sleeve <NUM> can be connected to an inner container of the dishwasher or can be connected to a spray arm base. Water from the water source can enter the main chamber <NUM> through the main spray arm lower connecting sleeve <NUM>. In other words, a cavity within the main spray arm lower connecting sleeve <NUM> is a part of the main chamber <NUM>, that is, the main spray arm lower connecting sleeve <NUM> is also a hollow component, which can ensure that the water from the water source can smoothly enter the main chamber <NUM>.

Further, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, each auxiliary spray arm <NUM> may include an auxiliary spray arm body <NUM> and an auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, and the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is arranged on a side of the auxiliary spray arm body <NUM> facing the main spray arm <NUM>. That is, the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is located below the auxiliary spray arm body <NUM>, and the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is fixedly connected to the auxiliary spray arm body <NUM>.

During production, the main spray arm body <NUM>, the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, and the main spray arm lower connecting sleeve <NUM> can be integrally formed; and the auxiliary spray arm body <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> can also be integrally formed, thereby simplifying an assembling process and saving assembling time. Certainly, in some embodiments (not illustrated), the main spray arm body <NUM>, the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, and the main spray arm lower connecting sleeve <NUM> may be detachably connected; and the auxiliary spray arm body <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> can also be detachably connected.

As shown in <FIG>, the auxiliary spray arm body <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> have a communicating auxiliary chamber <NUM>. The auxiliary spray arm body <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> may both be hollow components, and hollow positions of the two components together form the auxiliary chamber <NUM>. By providing the auxiliary chamber <NUM>, it can be ensured that a certain amount of water exists in the auxiliary spray arm <NUM>, and hence that the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> can spray water jets to the tableware, so as to ensure the reliable operation of the auxiliary spray arm <NUM>. The auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> has a hollow cylindrical structure to ensure relative rotation between the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the auxiliary chamber <NUM> is also in communication with the main chamber <NUM> to ensure that the water in the main chamber <NUM> can flow into the auxiliary chamber <NUM>. In a specific embodiment, after the spray arm <NUM> is connected to the water source of the dishwasher, water from the water source of the dishwasher first enters the main chamber <NUM> through the main spray arm lower connecting sleeve <NUM> and at this time, the water in the main chamber <NUM> is sprayed out through the spray holes, thereby cleaning an inner wall of the dishwasher or the tableware. In such a case, as the water from the water source continues entering the main chamber <NUM>, the water from the water source gradually fills the main chamber <NUM>, and the water pressure in the main chamber <NUM> becomes greater and greater. At this time, the water in the main spray arm body <NUM> will enter the auxiliary spray arm body <NUM> through the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> or the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, that is, the water in the main chamber <NUM> will enter the auxiliary chamber <NUM>. At this time, the water in the auxiliary chamber <NUM> is also sprayed out to clean the inner wall of the dishwasher or the tableware. Therefore, by communicating the auxiliary chamber <NUM> with the main chamber <NUM>, it is ensured that the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> can work normally, and the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> spray water together, which is beneficial to increasing the water spray volume, thereby improving the cleaning effect.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the ball assembly <NUM> is provided at a position where the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is connected to and cooperates with the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>. Since the ball assembly <NUM> is arranged between the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> are connected as a whole, and hence the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> are connected as a whole, which can ensure reliable connection between the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm <NUM>, without hindering the relative rotation of the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm <NUM>, so as to guarantee the high operational reliability of the spray arm <NUM>. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the ball assembly <NUM> at least includes a plurality of balls <NUM>, and the plurality of balls <NUM> rotatably cooperate between the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>.

Further, the ball assembly <NUM> further includes: a bearing base through which the balls <NUM> cooperate between the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>.

Optionally, the bearing base includes: an inner sleeve <NUM>, a middle sleeve <NUM>, and an outer sleeve <NUM>. The inner sleeve <NUM> is configured to be fitted with one of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>. The middle sleeve <NUM> is fitted over the inner sleeve <NUM>. The middle sleeve <NUM> is provided with a plurality of ball holes <NUM>, and the balls <NUM> are installed in the ball holes <NUM>. The balls <NUM> protrude beyond an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface of the middle sleeve <NUM> in a radial direction of the middle sleeve <NUM>. The outer sleeve <NUM> is fitted over the middle sleeve <NUM>, and the outer sleeve <NUM> is configured to be fitted with the other of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>.

Optionally, the bearing base includes: an inner sleeve <NUM> and an outer sleeve <NUM>. The inner sleeve <NUM> is configured to be fitted with one of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, while the outer sleeve <NUM> is configured to be fitted with the other of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the inner sleeve <NUM> is integrated with one of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, so that the inner sleeve <NUM> constitutes a part of the one of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>; or the outer sleeve <NUM> is integrated with the other of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, so that the outer sleeve <NUM> constitutes a part of the other of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the inner sleeve <NUM> is integrated with one of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, so that the inner sleeve <NUM> constitutes a part of the one of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>; and the outer sleeve <NUM> is integrated with the other of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, so that the outer sleeve <NUM> constitutes a part of the other of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>.

It should be noted that the inner sleeve <NUM> being integrated with one of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> may be that the inner sleeve <NUM> is integrated with the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, that is, the inner sleeve <NUM> constitutes a part of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, such that the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is fitted over the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, the ball assembly <NUM> does not include the inner sleeve <NUM>, and inner sides of the balls <NUM> are in direct rolling contact with the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>. It is also possible that the inner sleeve <NUM> is integrated with the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, that is, the inner sleeve <NUM> constitutes a part of the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, such that the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is fitted over the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, the ball assembly <NUM> does not include the inner sleeve <NUM>, and inner sides of the ball <NUM> are in direct rolling contact with the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>.

Similarly, the outer sleeve <NUM> being integrated with the other of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> may be that the outer sleeve <NUM> is integrated with the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, that is, the outer sleeve <NUM> constitutes a part of the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, such that the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is fitted over the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, the ball assembly <NUM> does not include the outer sleeve <NUM>, and outer sides of the balls <NUM> are in direct rolling contact with the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>. It is also possible that the outer sleeve <NUM> is integrated with the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, that is, the outer sleeve <NUM> constitutes a part of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, such that the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is fitted over the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, the ball assembly <NUM> does not include the outer sleeve <NUM>, and outer sides of the balls <NUM> are in direct rolling contact with the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>.

The structure of the ball assembly <NUM> will be described below by an example where the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is fitted over the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>.

For example, in an embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the ball assembly <NUM> may include: an outer sleeve <NUM>, an inner sleeve <NUM>, a middle sleeve <NUM>, and balls <NUM>. The outer sleeve <NUM>, the inner sleeve <NUM>, and the middle sleeve <NUM> may all be ring members. The inner sleeve <NUM> is arranged inside the outer sleeve <NUM>, and the middle sleeve <NUM> is arranged between the outer sleeve <NUM> and the inner sleeve <NUM>. That is, in an inward direction of the ball assembly <NUM>, the outer sleeve <NUM>, the middle sleeve <NUM> and the inner sleeve <NUM> are arranged in sequence. The main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is fitted over a periphery of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>. The outer sleeve <NUM> can be fixedly connected to the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>. The inner sleeve <NUM> can be fixedly connected to the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>. The balls <NUM> are arranged in the middle sleeve <NUM>, and the balls <NUM> can rotate in the middle sleeve <NUM> relative to the outer sleeve <NUM> and the inner sleeve <NUM>, so as to ensure that the inner sleeve <NUM> can rotate relative to the outer sleeve <NUM>, and hence guarantee that the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> can rotate relative to the main spray arm <NUM>.

The balls <NUM> protrude beyond the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the middle sleeve <NUM> in the radial direction of the middle sleeve <NUM>. That is, a diameter of each ball <NUM> is larger than a wall thickness of the middle sleeve <NUM>, and the ball <NUM> is only partially arranged in the middle sleeve <NUM>. In a specific embodiment, a part of the ball <NUM> protruding beyond the inner peripheral surface of the middle sleeve <NUM> can be in rolling contact with an outer surface of the inner sleeve <NUM>, and a part of the ball <NUM> protruding beyond the outer peripheral surface of the middle sleeve <NUM> can be in rolling contact with an inner surface of the outer sleeve <NUM>. Since the inner sleeve <NUM> is fixedly connected to the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the outer sleeve <NUM> is fixedly connected to the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, indirect connection between the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> can be achieved through the ball assembly <NUM>, and the main spray arm <NUM>, the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> and the ball assembly <NUM> have a simple and stable connection structure.

When the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> rotates relative to the main spray arm <NUM>, the balls <NUM> roll to allow relative rotation between the inner sleeve <NUM> and the outer sleeve <NUM>; and since the main spray arm <NUM> is fixedly connected to the outer sleeve <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> is fixedly connected to the inner sleeve <NUM>, relative rotation between the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> and the main spray arm <NUM> can be realized.

Specifically, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the middle sleeve <NUM> is provided with a plurality of ball holes <NUM>, and the balls <NUM> are rotatably installed in the ball holes <NUM>. The ball holes <NUM> provide support for the fixation of the balls <NUM> to ensure that relative positions of the plurality of balls <NUM> remain unchanged, which can prevent collision and squeezing among the plurality of balls <NUM>, thereby improving the working stability of the ball assembly <NUM>. Optionally, the number of balls <NUM> is identical to the number of ball holes <NUM>.

In a specific embodiment, a plurality of balls <NUM> are provided and can be evenly distributed along a circumferential direction of the middle sleeve <NUM>, thereby improving the stability of the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> during rotation. Preferably, the number of balls <NUM> is an even number, thus ensuring a balanced force on the ball assembly <NUM> and relieving a stress concentration phenomenon.

Optionally, the diameter of the ball <NUM> is <NUM> to <NUM>, and the number of the ball <NUM> is four to twelve.

By providing the ball assembly <NUM>, it is ensured that the friction is small when the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> rotates relative to the main spray arm <NUM>, which helps to improve the smoothness of the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> during the rotation, and reduce the noise of the dishwasher.

The middle sleeve <NUM> has three main functions. First, by providing the ball holes <NUM> on the middle sleeve <NUM> and installing the balls <NUM> in the ball holes <NUM>, the positions of the balls <NUM> can be fixed and limited to prevent accumulation of the balls <NUM>. Second, food residues can be isolated and prevented from entering ball grooves, which may otherwise cause friction. Third, the middle sleeve can play a strengthening role, and can isolate vibration of the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> to prevent the spray arm <NUM> from shaking seriously.

Further, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an inner peripheral surface of the outer sleeve <NUM> is provided with an outer sleeve ball groove <NUM> configured to cooperate with the balls <NUM>, and an outer peripheral surface of the inner sleeve <NUM> is provided with an inner sleeve ball groove <NUM> configured to cooperate with the balls <NUM>. The outer sleeve ball groove <NUM> and the inner sleeve ball groove <NUM> are both circumferentially annular grooves, which can ensure the smooth rotation of the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> relative to the main spray arm <NUM>. Meanwhile, the ball assembly <NUM> is an independent modular component, which is easy to mount and dismount, and also reduces processing costs of the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> or the main spray arm <NUM>. The balls <NUM> are in rolling contact with the outer sleeve ball groove <NUM> and the inner sleeve ball groove <NUM>, and the friction is small. In a specific embodiment, a diameter of the outer sleeve ball groove <NUM> and a diameter of the inner sleeve ball groove <NUM> may be equal to the diameter of the ball <NUM>, or may be slightly larger than the diameter of the ball <NUM>, thereby ensuring that the ball <NUM> can well cooperate with the outer sleeve ball groove <NUM> and the inner sleeve ball groove <NUM>.

In combination with <FIG>, in a direction of a central axis of the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, positions of the outer sleeve ball groove <NUM>, the inner sleeve ball groove <NUM>, and the ball hole <NUM> correspond to each other, and the ball <NUM> is partially arranged in the ball hole <NUM>. An outer side of the ball <NUM> is in contact with the outer sleeve ball groove <NUM>, and an inner side of the ball <NUM> is in contact with the inner sleeve ball groove <NUM>, thereby completing indirect connection between the outer sleeve <NUM> and the inner sleeve <NUM>. Moreover, since the positions of the outer sleeve ball groove <NUM>, the inner sleeve ball groove <NUM>, and the ball hole <NUM> correspond to each other, it is possible to avoid a situation that a sliding trajectory of the ball <NUM> when the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> rotates relative to the main spray arm <NUM> is different from trajectories of the outer sleeve ball groove <NUM> and the inner sleeve ball groove <NUM> and thus the ball is squeezed, causing the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> to fail to rotate.

Specifically, the outer sleeve <NUM> may include: an outer sleeve peripheral wall <NUM> and an outer sleeve top wall <NUM>. The outer sleeve top wall <NUM> is arranged on an end of the outer sleeve peripheral wall <NUM> away from the main spray arm <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the outer sleeve top wall <NUM> is arranged at an upper end of the outer sleeve peripheral wall <NUM>, and extends inwardly along a radial direction of the outer sleeve peripheral wall <NUM>. That is, half of a cross section of the outer sleeve <NUM> exhibits an inverted L-shape. moreover, an inner diameter of the outer sleeve top wall <NUM> is slightly larger than an outer diameter of the inner sleeve <NUM>, so as to ensure that when the outer sleeve <NUM> and the inner sleeve <NUM> rotate relative to each other, the outer sleeve <NUM> is not in contact with the inner sleeve <NUM>, thereby ensuring normal rotation of the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm <NUM>. Furthermore, the outer sleeve top wall <NUM> is located above the ball <NUM>, which can play a shielding role for the ball <NUM> to prevent residues in the dishwasher from entering the ball assembly <NUM> and obstructing normal working of the ball assembly <NUM>, and which can also prevent the ball <NUM> from slipping out of the ball assembly <NUM>. The outer sleeve ball groove <NUM> is arranged on an inner peripheral surface of the outer sleeve peripheral wall <NUM>, to ensure that the ball <NUM> can roll along the outer sleeve ball groove <NUM>, thereby guaranteeing the high operational reliability of the ball assembly <NUM>.

Specifically, the ball hole <NUM> is arranged at a top of the middle sleeve <NUM>; the ball hole <NUM> is a major arc hole; and a top notch of the ball hole <NUM> forms a ball fetching port. The ball <NUM> enters the ball hole <NUM> or exits from the ball hole <NUM> through the ball fetching port, which can facilitate installation and detachment of the ball <NUM> in and from the ball hole <NUM>. The major arc hole is a hole with a central angle greater than <NUM>° and less than <NUM>°, so that each ball <NUM> can be mostly located in the ball hole <NUM> to prevent the ball <NUM> from falling out of the ball hole <NUM> after installation. When the ball <NUM> is installed, the ball fetching port can be expanded with the help of external force, and then the ball <NUM> is installed in the ball hole <NUM> through the ball fetching port. Then, as the external force is removed, elastic deformation of the ball hole <NUM> disappears, and the ball hole <NUM> is restored into its original shape. At this time, the ball hole <NUM> tightly wraps the ball <NUM>, so that the installation of the ball <NUM> in the ball hole <NUM> is firmer and more reliable.

Further, a weakening groove <NUM> is provided between two adjacent ball holes <NUM>. By providing the weakening groove <NUM>, the rigidity between the two adjacent ball holes <NUM> can be made smaller. Therefore, when the ball <NUM> is installed, the ball hole <NUM> is easily deformed, thereby reducing the difficulty of mounting or dismounting the ball <NUM>.

The weakening groove <NUM> is provided with a weakening groove post <NUM>. Optionally, a central axis of the weakening groove post <NUM> is parallel to a central axis of the middle sleeve <NUM>, which is beneficial to simplifying the processing technique of the middle sleeve <NUM>. By providing the weakening groove column <NUM>, a certain strengthening effect can be achieved, so as to prevent the weakening groove <NUM> from excessively weakening the rigidity of the middle sleeve <NUM>, thereby helping to improve the working reliability of the ball assembly <NUM>.

Certainly, in some embodiments (not illustrated), the ball hole <NUM> can also be arranged in a middle position of the middle sleeve <NUM>. At this time, the ball hole <NUM> is a round hole penetrating the wall thickness of the middle sleeve <NUM>.

Optionally, the balls <NUM> are plastic balls <NUM> or stainless steel balls <NUM>, because a working environment of the spray arm <NUM> is full of water, and the spray arm <NUM> is in a warm and humid environment for a long time, which will easily cause the ball <NUM> to rust and jam. The plastic balls <NUM> or stainless steel balls <NUM> have a strong anti-corrosion ability, which can effectively slow down or even avoid the rust of the ball <NUM>.

Specifically, the outer sleeve <NUM> is installed inside the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, and an inner diameter of the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is equal to an outer diameter of the outer sleeve <NUM>. Preferably, the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is in interference fit with the outer sleeve <NUM>, so as to ensure that the outer sleeve <NUM> can be firmly fixed in the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, thereby guaranteeing the reliable connection between the ball assembly <NUM> and the main spray arm <NUM>. Similarly, the inner sleeve <NUM> is fitted over the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, and an outer diameter of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is equal to an inner diameter of the inner sleeve <NUM>. Preferably, the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is in interference fit with the inner sleeve <NUM>, so as to ensure that the inner sleeve <NUM> can be firmly fixed on the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, thereby ensuring that the ball assembly <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> can be reliably connected. Therefore, the ball assembly <NUM> is connected to the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm <NUM>, which can ensure the reliable connection between the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm <NUM>, and the high working reliability of the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm <NUM>.

Based on the embodiment of <FIG>, the ball assembly <NUM> of the present disclosure may have many variations, and these variations fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, a plurality of variations of the ball assembly <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be summarized in conjunction with <FIG>.

For example, in the first embodiment (not illustrated), the ball assembly <NUM> may only include the balls <NUM>. That is, compared with the embodiment of <FIG>, the outer sleeve <NUM>, the middle sleeve <NUM>, and the inner sleeve <NUM> are omitted. The balls <NUM> are directly used to cooperate with the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, which can also realize the rolling connection between the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>. At this time, an inner peripheral surface of the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is provided with a main spray arm ball groove suitable for cooperating with the balls <NUM>, and an outer peripheral surface of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is provided with an auxiliary spray arm ball groove suitable for cooperating with the balls <NUM>.

For example, in the second embodiment (not illustrated), the ball assembly <NUM> may only include the balls <NUM> and the inner sleeve <NUM>. That is, compared with the embodiment of <FIG>, the middle sleeve <NUM> and the outer sleeve <NUM> are omitted. The balls <NUM> are directly used to cooperate with the inner sleeve <NUM> and the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, which can also realize the rolling connection between the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>. At this time, an inner peripheral surface of the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is provided with a main spray arm ball groove suitable for cooperating with the balls <NUM>.

For example, in the third embodiment (not illustrated), the ball assembly <NUM> may only include the balls <NUM> and the outer sleeve <NUM>. That is, compared with the embodiment of <FIG>, the middle sleeve <NUM> and the inner sleeve <NUM> are omitted. The balls <NUM> are directly used to cooperate with the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the outer sleeve <NUM>, which can also realize the rolling connection between the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>. At this time, an outer peripheral surface of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is provided with an auxiliary spray arm ball groove suitable for cooperating with the balls <NUM>.

For example, in the fourth embodiment (not illustrated), the ball assembly <NUM> may only include the balls <NUM>, the inner sleeve <NUM>, and the outer sleeve <NUM>. That is, compared with the embodiment of <FIG>, the middle sleeve <NUM> is omitted. The balls <NUM> are directly used to cooperate with the inner sleeve <NUM> and the outer sleeve <NUM>, which can also realize the rolling connection between the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>. At this time, the outer sleeve <NUM> can be interference fit with the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, and the inner sleeve <NUM> can be interference fit with the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>.

For example, in the fifth embodiment (not illustrated), the ball assembly <NUM> may only include the balls <NUM> and the middle sleeve <NUM>. That is, compared with the embodiment of <FIG>, the inner sleeve <NUM> and the outer sleeve <NUM> are omitted. The balls <NUM> are directly used to cooperate with the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, which can also realize the rolling connection between the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>. At this time, an inner peripheral surface of the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is provided with a main spray arm ball groove suitable for cooperating with the balls <NUM>, and an outer peripheral surface of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is provided with an auxiliary spray arm ball groove suitable for cooperating with the balls <NUM>.

For example, in the sixth embodiment (not illustrated), the ball assembly <NUM> may only include the balls <NUM>, the inner sleeve <NUM>, and the middle sleeve <NUM>. That is, compared with the embodiment of <FIG>, the outer sleeve <NUM> is omitted. The balls <NUM> are directly used to cooperate with the inner sleeve <NUM> and the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, which can also realize the rolling connection between the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>. At this time, an inner peripheral surface of the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is provided with a main spray arm ball groove suitable for cooperating with the balls <NUM>.

For example, in the seventh embodiment (not illustrated), the ball assembly <NUM> may only include the balls <NUM>, the outer sleeve <NUM>, and the middle sleeve <NUM>. That is, compared with the embodiment of <FIG>, the inner sleeve <NUM> is omitted. The balls <NUM> are directly used to cooperate with the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the outer sleeve <NUM>, which can also realize the rolling connection between the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>. At this time, an outer peripheral surface of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is provided with an auxiliary spray arm ball groove suitable for cooperating with the balls <NUM>.

Certainly, the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> can also be fitted over the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>. At this time, an inner side of the ball assembly <NUM> is in contact with the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, and an outer side of the ball assembly <NUM> is in contact with the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>. The situation in which the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is fitted over the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is similar to the above seven embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

In some embodiments, the ball assembly <NUM> has a height of <NUM> to <NUM>. On the one hand, the ball assembly <NUM> should have a certain height to ensure that its load capacity meets the requirements of the present disclosure (for example, <NUM> N), so a minimum height of the ball assembly <NUM> is <NUM>. On the other hand, when a distance between the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> is large, the spray arm <NUM> will interfere with internal parts of the dishwasher and reduce the loading capacity, so a maximum height of the ball assembly <NUM> is <NUM>. Thus, the heights of the main spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> can be reduced, the distance between the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> can also be decreased, and hence the overall height of the spray arm <NUM> can be reduced. Optionally, the height of the ball assembly <NUM> may be <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, etc..

Further, the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> may include: a first spray arm <NUM> and a second spray arm <NUM>. The auxiliary chamber <NUM> may include: a first chamber <NUM> within the first spray arm <NUM> and a second chamber <NUM> within the second spray arm <NUM>. That is, in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, and <FIG>, the number of auxiliary spray arms <NUM> is two, namely the first spray arm <NUM> and the second spray arm <NUM>. The first spray arm <NUM> and the second spray arm <NUM> are arranged above the main spray arm <NUM>. Specifically, the first spray arm <NUM> may be located at the upper left of the main spray arm <NUM>, and the second spray arm <NUM> may be located at the upper right of the main spray arm <NUM>. Similarly, the first spray arm <NUM> can also be located at the upper right of the main spray arm <NUM>, and the second spray arm <NUM> can also be located at the upper left of the main spray arm <NUM>. For the convenience of description, the structures of the first spray arm <NUM> and the second spray arm <NUM> are explained by an example where the first spray arm <NUM> may be located at the upper left of the main spray arm <NUM>, and the second spray arm <NUM> may be located at the upper right of the main spray arm <NUM>.

The first spray arm <NUM> is provided with the first chamber <NUM> therein, and the second spray arm <NUM> is provided with the second chamber <NUM> therein, so as to ensure that both the first spray arm <NUM> and the second spray arm <NUM> can retain a certain amount of water, which can ensure that the first spray arm <NUM> and the second spray arm <NUM> work normally.

It should be noted that, terms such as "first" and "second" are used herein for purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance or significance or to imply the number of indicated technical features. Thus, the feature defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly comprise one or more this feature. In the description of the present disclosure, "a plurality of" means at least two, for example, two, three, and etc., unless specified otherwise.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the main spray arm <NUM> may include: a main spray arm body <NUM>, a main spray arm first connecting sleeve <NUM>, and a main spray arm second connecting sleeve <NUM>. The main spray arm first connecting sleeve <NUM> and the main spray arm second connecting sleeve <NUM> are arranged on a common side of the main spray arm body <NUM>. That is, the main spray arm first connecting sleeve <NUM> and the main spray arm second connecting sleeve <NUM> are both arranged above the main spray arm body <NUM>.

In a specific embodiment, the main spray arm first connecting sleeve <NUM> is configured to be connected with the first spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, and the main spray arm second connecting sleeve <NUM> is configured to be connected with the second spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>, so as to ensure that the first spray arm <NUM> and the second spray arm <NUM> can be connected to the main spray arm <NUM>. The main spray arm body <NUM>, the main spray arm first connecting sleeve <NUM>, and the main spray arm second connecting sleeve <NUM> have a communicating main chamber <NUM> therein, so that the water in the main chamber <NUM> can smoothly enter the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM> through the main spray arm first connecting sleeve <NUM> and the main spray arm second connecting sleeve <NUM>, so as to ensure normal working of the first spray arm <NUM> and the second spray arm <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first spray arm <NUM> may include: a first spray arm body <NUM> and a first spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>. The first spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is disposed on a side of the first spray arm body <NUM> facing the main spray arm <NUM>. That is, the first spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is located below the first spray arm body <NUM>. The first spray arm body <NUM> and the first spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> have a communicating first chamber <NUM>. In a specific embodiment, the first spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> can be connected with the main spray arm first connecting sleeve <NUM> on a left side of the main spray arm <NUM>, so as to ensure the connection between the first spray arm <NUM> and the main spray arm <NUM>. Since the first chamber <NUM> is in communication with the main chamber <NUM>, the water in the main chamber <NUM> can smoothly enter the first chamber <NUM>.

The ball assembly <NUM> is arranged at the position where the first spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is connected to and cooperates with the main spray arm first connecting sleeve <NUM>, so as to ensure that when the first spray arm <NUM> rotates relative to the main spray arm <NUM>, the friction between the first spray arm <NUM> and the main spray arm <NUM> is rolling friction, which can reduce hydrodynamic loss and ensure high working stability of the first spray arm <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the second spray arm <NUM> may include: a second spray arm body <NUM> and a second spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM>. The second spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is disposed on a side of the second spray arm body <NUM> facing the main spray arm <NUM>. That is, the second spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is located below the second spray arm body <NUM>. The second spray arm body <NUM> and the second spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> have a communicating second chamber <NUM>. In a specific embodiment, the second spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> can be connected with the main spray arm second connecting sleeve <NUM> on a right side of the main spray arm <NUM>, so as to ensure the connection between the second spray arm <NUM> and the main spray arm <NUM>. Since the second chamber <NUM> is in communication with the main chamber <NUM>, the water in the main chamber <NUM> can smoothly enter the second chamber <NUM>.

The ball assembly <NUM> is arranged at the position where the second spray arm connecting sleeve <NUM> is connected to and cooperates with the main spray arm second connecting sleeve <NUM>, so as to ensure that when the second spray arm <NUM> rotates relative to the main spray arm <NUM>, the friction between the second spray arm <NUM> and the main spray arm <NUM> is rolling friction, which can reduce hydrodynamic loss and ensure high working stability of the second spray arm <NUM>.

Preferably, the main spray arm first connecting sleeve <NUM> and the main spray arm second connecting sleeve <NUM> are symmetrical with respect to the main spray arm lower connecting sleeve <NUM>, so as to ensure that the first spray arm <NUM> and the second spray arm <NUM> are symmetrical about the main spray arm lower connecting sleeve <NUM>. Thus, it can be ensured that pressure of the first spray arm <NUM> and pressure the second spray arm <NUM> exerted on the main spray arm <NUM> are symmetrical on an axis of the main spray arm lower connecting sleeve <NUM>, so as to guarantee the working stability of the spray arm <NUM>. The symmetrical design is not only beautiful, but also makes it easy to assemble and disassemble as there is no difference between the first spray arm <NUM> and the second spray arm <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the first spray arm <NUM> is provided with a first drive hole <NUM> configured to drive the first spray arm <NUM> to rotate in a first direction, and the first drive hole <NUM> is in communication with the first chamber <NUM>, which ensures that the water jet in the first chamber <NUM> can be sprayed from the first drive hole <NUM>. When the water jet inside the first spray arm <NUM> is sprayed from the first drive hole <NUM>, the first spray arm <NUM> will be subject to a counterforce (i.e., a reverse drive force) when the water jet is sprayed from the first drive hole <NUM>. At this time, the first spray arm <NUM> rotates in the first direction under the action of the counterforce. The first direction is opposite to an opening direction of the first drive hole <NUM>. As the water jet is continuously sprayed from the first drive hole <NUM>, the first spray arm <NUM> can continuously rotate, and the water jet sprayed from the first drive hole <NUM> will be sprayed around along with the rotation of the first spray arm <NUM>. The water jet from the spray hole of the first spray arm <NUM> also enters a working area of the dishwasher, and the water jets from the two kinds of holes cooperate to clear away stains on the tableware in the dishwasher or the inner wall of the dishwasher.

The second spray arm <NUM> is provided with a second drive hole <NUM> configured to drive the second spray arm <NUM> to rotate in a second direction, and the second drive hole <NUM> is in communication with the second chamber <NUM>, which ensures that the water jet in the second chamber <NUM> can be sprayed from the second drive hole <NUM>. When the water jet is sprayed from the second drive hole <NUM>, the second spray arm <NUM> will be subject to a counterforce when the water jet is sprayed from the second drive hole <NUM>. At this time, the second spray arm <NUM> will rotate in the second direction under the action of the counterforce. The second direction is opposite to an opening direction of the second drive hole <NUM>. As the water is continuously sprayed from the second drive hole <NUM>, the second spray arm <NUM> can continuously rotate, and the water jet sprayed from the second drive hole <NUM> will be sprayed around along with the rotation of the second spray arm <NUM>. The water sprayed from the spray hole of the second spray arm <NUM> also enters the working area of the dishwasher, so that the second spray arm <NUM> and the first spray arm <NUM> cooperate to clear away stains on the tableware in the dishwasher or the inner wall of the dishwasher.

At the same end of the first spray arm body <NUM> and the second spray arm body <NUM>, the directions of the first drive hole <NUM> and the second drive hole <NUM> are opposite to ensure that the rotation directions of the first spray arm <NUM> and the second spray arm <NUM> are opposite. That is, the first direction is opposite to the second direction. For example, the first spray arm <NUM> can rotate counterclockwise, and the second spray arm <NUM> can rotate clockwise. Certainly, in some embodiments (not illustrated), the first spray arm <NUM> can rotate clockwise, and the second spray arm <NUM> can rotate counterclockwise, in which case the water jets from the first drive hole <NUM> of the first spray arm <NUM> and the second drive hole <NUM> of the second spray arm <NUM> are sprayed in opposite directions. When the water jets sprayed from the first drive hole <NUM> and the second drive hole <NUM> fall on the tableware or the inner wall of dishwasher at the same time, due to inconsistent washing directions of the water jets applied to the tableware or the inner wall of dishwasher, the sprayed water jets from the first drive hole <NUM> and the second drive hole <NUM> produce a rubbing force on the tableware or the inner wall of dishwasher, which can enhance the cleaning effect of the spray arm <NUM> and ensure that the tableware or the inner wall of dishwasher is cleaned. In addition, the reverse rotation of the first spray arm <NUM> and the second spray arm <NUM> can also cause the water sprayed from the spray hole of the first spray arm <NUM> and the water sprayed from the spray hole of the second spray arm <NUM> to produce a rubbing force on the tableware or the inner wall of dishwasher, thereby further improving the cleaning effect of the spray arm <NUM>.

The main spray arm <NUM> is provided with a main drive hole <NUM> configured to drive the main spray arm <NUM> to rotate in the first direction or the second direction. That is, by changing the orientation of the main drive hole <NUM>, the rotation direction of the main spray arm <NUM> can be changed, to make the main spray arm <NUM> rotate in the first direction or in the second direction. For the convenience of description, the working process of the main spray arm <NUM> is described below by taking the rotation in the first direction as an example.

When the main spray arm <NUM> rotates in a first direction, at the same end of the main spray arm <NUM> and the first spray arm <NUM>, the orientations of the main drive hole <NUM> and the first drive hole <NUM> are the same. When the water jet inside the main spray arm <NUM> is sprayed from the main drive hole <NUM>, the main spray arm <NUM> will be subject to a counterforce (i.e., a reverse drive force) when the water jet is sprayed from the main drive hole <NUM>. At this time, the main spray arm <NUM> rotates in a first direction under the action of the counterforce. The first direction is opposite to an opening direction of the main drive hole <NUM>. As the water jet is continuously sprayed from the main drive hole <NUM>, the main spray arm <NUM> can continuously rotate, and the water jet sprayed from the main drive hole <NUM> will be sprayed around along with the rotation of the main spray arm <NUM>. The water jet from the spray hole of the main spray arm <NUM> also enters the working area of the dishwasher. The water jets from the two kinds of holes cooperate to clear away stains on the tableware in the dishwasher or the inner wall of the dishwasher. By providing the main spray arm <NUM>, it can supply water to the auxiliary spray arm <NUM>. Moreover, the main spray arm <NUM> and the auxiliary spray arm <NUM> can spray water simultaneously, which can further enhance the cleaning ability of the spray arm <NUM> and ensure the working effect of the spray arm <NUM>.

Specifically, referring to <FIG>, the first drive hole <NUM> is arranged at an end of the first spray arm body <NUM>, the second drive hole <NUM> is arranged at an end of the second spray arm body <NUM>, and the main drive hole <NUM> is arranged at an end of the main spray arm <NUM>. Thus, it can be ensured that when water jets are sprayed from the first drive hole <NUM>, the second drive hole <NUM> and the main drive hole <NUM>, a moment arm is long, which is beneficial to increase a driving torque of the first spray arm <NUM>, the spray arm <NUM> and the main spray arm <NUM>. Hence, the first spray arm <NUM>, the spray arm <NUM> and the main spray arm <NUM> can have a relatively higher rotation speed, and the water jets sprayed from the first drive hole <NUM>, the second drive hole <NUM> and the main drive hole <NUM> and falling on the inner wall of the dishwasher and the tableware can have a greater beating force, which helps to improve the cleaning effect of the spray arm <NUM>.

In some optional embodiments, the first direction and the second direction may be the same. At this time, at the same end of the first spray arm body <NUM> and the second spray arm body <NUM>, orientations of the first drive hole <NUM> and the second drive hole <NUM> are the same, and the first spray arm <NUM> and the second spray arm <NUM> rotate in the same direction, which can increase the water spray amount of the spray arm <NUM> and improve the cleaning effect of the spray arm <NUM>. By changing the diameters of the first drive hole <NUM> and the second drive hole <NUM>, a drive force of the first drive hole <NUM> to the first spray arm <NUM> and a drive force of the second drive hole <NUM> to the second spray arm <NUM> can be changed, thereby changing the rotation speeds of the first spray arm <NUM> and the second spray arm <NUM>, so as to enable the first spray arm <NUM> and the second spray arm <NUM> to rotate in the same direction at the same speed or rotate in the same direction at different speeds.

Optionally, the length of the first spray arm body <NUM> is <NUM>-<NUM> times the length of the main spray arm body <NUM>, and the length of the second spray arm body <NUM> is <NUM>-<NUM> times the length of the main spray arm body <NUM>. In other words, the lengths of the first spray arm body <NUM> and the second spray arm body <NUM> are both less than or equal to the length of the main spray arm body <NUM>. On the one hand, the first spray arm <NUM> and the second spray arm <NUM> are arranged at the same height above the main spray arm <NUM>, and the first spray arm <NUM> and the second spray arm <NUM> are both connected to the main spray arm <NUM>, so that the maximum lengths of the first spray arm body <NUM> and the second spray arm body <NUM> that can be set are equal to the length of the main spray arm body <NUM>. On the other hand, the first spray arm body <NUM> and the second spray arm body <NUM> are configured to be relatively short, which can reduce the weight of the first spray arm <NUM> and the second spray arm <NUM>, thereby ensuring that the first spray arm <NUM> and the second spray arm <NUM> can rotate smoothly, and the structure of the entire spray arm <NUM> is relatively stable and will not be easily tipped over. In addition, the lengths of the first spray arm body <NUM> and the second spray arm body <NUM> are smaller than the length of the main spray arm body <NUM>, so that the volumes in the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM> are smaller than the volume of the main chamber <NUM>. In a washing stage, most of the water flow preferentially enters the main chamber <NUM>, and the water pressure in the main chamber <NUM> is relatively high, which can ensure that pressure of the water jet sprayed from the main spray arm <NUM> is relatively large, and the main spray arm <NUM> can rotate smoothly. By configuring the lengths of the first spray arm body <NUM> and the second spray arm body <NUM> to be shorter, the volumes of the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM> can be reduced, thereby ensuring sufficiently high water pressure in the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM>, so as to ensure that pressure of the water jets sprayed from the first spray arm <NUM> and the second spray arm <NUM> is relatively large, and hence the first spray arm <NUM> and the second spray arm <NUM> can rotate smoothly.

In some embodiments (not illustrated), the heights of the first spray arm <NUM> and the second spray arm <NUM> relative to the main spray arm <NUM> are not equal. For example, the first spray arm body <NUM> may be located above the second spray arm body <NUM>.

A washing appliance according to embodiments of another aspect of the present disclosure includes the spray arm <NUM> described above. The washing appliance may be a dishwasher, a fruit and vegetable washing machine, a medical washing machine, and other washing appliances with washing functions, and can have a similar effect to the dishwasher with the spray arm <NUM> arranged therein, which will not be repeated here.

Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "an example," "a specific example," or "some examples," means that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of these phrases in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, those skilled in the art can incorporate and combine different embodiments and examples described herein.

Claim 1:
A spray arm (<NUM>), comprising:
a main spray arm (<NUM>); and
a plurality of auxiliary spray arms (<NUM>), each auxiliary spray arm (<NUM>) being connected to the main spray arm (<NUM>) and rotatable relative to the main spray arm (<NUM>),
characterized by comprising:
a ball assembly (<NUM>) arranged at a position where each auxiliary spray arm (<NUM>) is connected to and cooperates with the main spray arm (<NUM>), wherein:
the ball assembly (<NUM>) further comprises a bearing base, and balls (<NUM>) of the ball assembly (<NUM>) cooperate between an auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve (<NUM>) of the auxiliary spray arm (<NUM>) and a main spray arm connecting sleeve (<NUM>) of the main spray arm (<NUM>) through the bearing base, and
wherein the bearing base comprises:
an inner sleeve (<NUM>) configured to be fitted with one of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve (<NUM>) and the main spray arm connecting sleeve (<NUM>);
a middle sleeve (<NUM>) fitted over the inner sleeve (<NUM>), and provided with a plurality of ball holes (<NUM>), the balls (<NUM>) being mounted in the ball holes (<NUM>), and the balls (<NUM>) protruding beyond an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface of the middle sleeve (<NUM>) in a radial direction of the middle sleeve (<NUM>); and
an outer sleeve (<NUM>) fitted over the middle sleeve (<NUM>), and configured to be fitted with the other of the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve (<NUM>) and the main spray arm connecting sleeve (<NUM>),
wherein the main spray arm (<NUM>) comprises a main spray arm body (<NUM>) and a plurality of main spray arm connecting sleeves (<NUM>), and each auxiliary spray arm (<NUM>) is connected to the main spray arm (<NUM>) through one main spray arm connecting sleeve (<NUM>),
wherein each auxiliary spray arm (<NUM>) comprises an auxiliary spray arm body (<NUM>) and the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve (<NUM>), the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve (<NUM>) is arranged on a side of the auxiliary spray arm body (<NUM>) facing the main spray arm (<NUM>), and the ball assembly (<NUM>) is arranged at a position where the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve (<NUM>) is connected to and cooperates with the main spray arm connecting sleeve (<NUM>),
wherein the ball assembly (<NUM>) at least comprises a plurality of the balls (<NUM>), and the plurality of balls (<NUM>) rotatably cooperate between the auxiliary spray arm connecting sleeve (<NUM>) and the main spray arm connecting sleeve (<NUM>).