Tableware storage structure, load basket and household appliance

By designing a tableware storage structure with support and limiting parts in a home appliance, the problem of unstable placement of tableware of different sizes is solved, achieving stable tableware storage and improving the user experience.

CN115721243BActive Publication Date: 2026-01-30WUHU MIDEA SMART KITCHEN APPLIANCE MFG CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202111022186.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-09-01
Publication Date
2026-01-30
Estimated Expiration
2041-09-01

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing tableware storage structure of household appliances cannot stably accommodate tableware of different sizes, resulting in a poor user experience.

Method used

A tableware storage structure was designed, including a support part and a limiting part. The loading area is divided into loading areas of different sizes by a separator, and a stable limiting space is formed by the limiting part and the connecting part, which is suitable for tableware of different sizes.

Benefits of technology

It enables stable placement of tableware of different sizes, preventing shaking and tipping, and improving the user experience.

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Abstract

This application discloses a tableware storage structure, a carrying basket, and a household appliance. The tableware storage structure includes a support part and multiple limiting parts. The multiple limiting parts are spaced apart and connected to the support part, and a loading area for tableware is formed between two adjacent limiting parts. The limiting part includes a divider, which divides each loading area into a first loading area and a second loading area suitable for loading tableware of different sizes. The tableware storage structure, carrying basket, and household appliance of this application, through the support part and limiting parts, enable tableware to be placed more securely, and the divider divides the loading area, which can meet the loading and storage needs of tableware of different sizes.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of tableware storage technology, and in particular to a tableware storage structure, a support basket, and a household appliance. Background Technology

[0002] Household appliances such as dishwashers and sterilizers are equipped with matching storage structures, such as dish racks. In related technologies, the storage structure has a fixed loading area, which can only accommodate one type of tableware. However, in actual use, users have a variety of tableware, which cannot meet the needs of different sizes of tableware and can also easily cause the tableware to be placed unstably, affecting the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a tableware storage structure, a support basket, and a household appliance.

[0004] The tableware storage structure of this application includes a support part and a plurality of limiting parts. The plurality of limiting parts are spaced apart and connected to the support part. A loading interval for tableware is formed between two adjacent limiting parts. The limiting part includes a separator, which divides each loading interval into a first loading interval and a second loading interval suitable for loading tableware of different sizes.

[0005] In some embodiments, the limiting portion further includes a first limiting member, a second limiting member, and a connecting member, wherein the connecting member connects the first limiting member and the second limiting member, and the second limiting member connects to the separator.

[0006] In some embodiments, the second limiting member is connected to the separator via an intermediate member, and the second limiting member, the intermediate member, and the separator together divide the first loading section into a limiting space.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first limiting member extends along a first direction, the second limiting member extends along a second direction, the first direction being different from the second direction, and the connecting member obliquely connects the first limiting member and the second limiting member.

[0008] In some embodiments, the support portion includes a first support member, which connects the second limiting member and the separator, and the axis of the connecting member is inclined to the axis of the first support member.

[0009] In some embodiments, the limiting portion is formed by bending a metal strip.

[0010] In some embodiments, the support portion includes a first support member, a second support member, and a handle. The first support member connects the limiting portion and the handle, and the second support member connects the handle. Along the outer direction of the cutlery storage structure, the second support member is located diagonally above the first support member.

[0011] In some embodiments, the support includes a support foot located at the bottom, the support foot being connected to the handle and disposed coplanar with the handle.

[0012] This application also discloses a carrying basket, which includes the tableware storage structure of any of the above embodiments.

[0013] This application also discloses a household appliance, including the aforementioned carrying basket.

[0014] The tableware storage structure, carrying basket, and household appliance of this application embodiment can make the tableware placement more secure through the support and limiting parts, and a divider divides the loading area to meet the loading and storage of tableware of different sizes.

[0015] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the tableware storage structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a front view of the tableware storage structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a top view of the tableware storage structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figures 4 to 6 This is a schematic diagram of a tableware storage structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 7 This is a side view of the tableware storage structure according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the embodiments of this application, and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application.

[0023] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it is worth mentioning that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application. The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more.

[0024] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the terms "installation," "connection," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between the components; it can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can refer to the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0025] In embodiments of this application, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0026] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the embodiments of this application. To simplify the disclosure of the embodiments of this application, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Reference numerals and / or reference letters may be repeated in different examples of the embodiments of this application; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. Furthermore, the embodiments of this application provide examples of various specific processes and materials, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0027] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The tableware storage structure 100 of this application is used in household appliances. The tableware storage structure 100 includes a support part 10 and a plurality of limiting parts 20. The plurality of limiting parts 20 are spaced apart and connected to the support part 10. A loading section 101 for tableware to be inserted is formed between two adjacent limiting parts 20. The limiting part 20 includes a separator 21. The separator 21 divides each loading section 101 into a first loading section 102 and a second loading section 103 suitable for loading tableware of different sizes.

[0028] Specifically, the tableware storage structure 100 can be used to store and arrange tableware of different sizes, including but not limited to bowls and plates of different sizes. The tableware storage structure 100 includes a support part 10, which connects to multiple limiting parts 20 and, together with the limiting parts 20, supports the tableware. In one embodiment, the support part 10 may include multiple support members welded together to form a basic structure. In another embodiment, the support part 10 can be a one-piece structure, and the material of the support part 10 can be sturdy steel wire, which is formed by stamping or other methods.

[0029] Please refer to the following: Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6A loading area 101 is formed between every two adjacent limiting portions 20. The separator 21 of the limiting portion 20 can be welded to the support portion 10. The separator 21 divides the loading area 101, which can accommodate the loading and storage of tableware of different sizes. In one embodiment, the tableware of different sizes includes thin tableware 110 and thick tableware 120. Both thin tableware 110 and thick tableware 120 can be 8-inch round plates, which is not limited here. The separator 21 can divide the loading area 101 into a first loading area 102 and a second loading area 103. When the user uses the tableware storage structure 100 to store thin tableware 110, thin tableware 110 can be located in the first loading area 102; when the user uses the tableware storage structure 100 to store thick tableware 120, thick tableware 120 can be located in the first loading area 102 and the second loading area 103. This allows for the placement of tableware of various sizes, and the divider 21 ensures the stability of the tableware. When using the tableware storage structure 100 to transfer the tableware as a whole, it can prevent the tableware from flipping or shaking, and reduce abnormal noise problems during use.

[0030] In some embodiments, the multiple limiting portions 20 can be evenly spaced. The distance between any two adjacent limiting portions 20 can be 3 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm, 5.5 cm, etc., and is not limited here. In some embodiments, the distance between the multiple limiting portions 20 can also be arranged from small to large. In one example, from left to right, the distance between the first and second limiting portions 20 can be 2 cm, the distance between the second and third limiting portions 20 can be 2.5 cm, the distance between the third and fourth limiting portions 20 can be 3 cm, the distance between the fourth and fifth limiting portions 20 can be 3.5 cm, and the distance between the fifth and sixth limiting portions 20 can be 4 cm. In this way, the tableware storage structure 100 can accommodate more tableware of different sizes according to its own settings.

[0031] In some embodiments, the two ends of the limiting part 20 can be connected to the supporting part 10 by welding, bonding, screwing or other means. The tableware storage structure 100 connected by welding, bonding or screwing or other means is more stable, stronger and more durable and not easily deformed. The two ends of the limiting part 20 can also be detachably connected to the supporting part 10 by buckles, pins or other means. The tableware storage structure 100 can be disassembled to increase the loading area 101 by buckles, pins or other means, which can accommodate larger tableware and increase the flexibility of the tableware storage structure 100.

[0032] It should be noted that the examples and specific figures mentioned above are for the purpose of illustrating the implementation of this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] The tableware storage structure 100 of this application embodiment can make the tableware placement more secure through the support part 10 and the limiting part 20. A divider 21 divides the loading area 101, which can meet the loading and storage of tableware of different sizes.

[0034] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the limiting part 20 further includes a first limiting member 22, a second limiting member 23 and a connecting member 24, the connecting member 24 connecting the first limiting member 22 and the second limiting member 23, and the second limiting member 23 connecting the separator 21.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first limiting member 22, the second limiting member 23, and the connecting member 24 can be steel wire structures with circular cross-sections, and the areas of the circular cross-sections are the same. The two ends of the first limiting member 22 can be connected to the two connecting members 24 by welding or other methods. One end of each connecting member 24 is connected to the first limiting member 22, and the other end is connected to the second limiting member 23. Two adjacent first limiting members 22 can limit the horizontal swaying distance of the tableware, while the second limiting member 23 can abut against the bottom surface of the tableware to prevent it from tipping over. The first limiting member 22, the second limiting member 23, the connecting member 24, and the separator 21 form a zigzag structure. This zigzag structure reduces space occupation, allowing the tableware storage structure 100 to hold more tableware.

[0036] In some embodiments, the second limiting member 23 is connected to the separator 21 via an intermediate member 25, and the second limiting member 23, the intermediate member 25 and the separator 21 together divide the first loading section 102 into a limiting space.

[0037] Specifically, the second limiting member 23, the intermediate member 25, and the dividing member 21 can together form a bent structure, and the space formed within the bent structure is the second loading section 103. The length of the intermediate member 25 determines the ratio of the first loading section 102 to the second loading section 103. In one embodiment, if the length of the intermediate member 25 is half that of the loading section 101, then the dividing member 21 can divide the loading section 101 into two equal widths, the first loading section 102 and the second loading section 103. The limiting space allows the thick tableware 102 to be inserted within the limiting space when it is being accommodated, thus limiting the thickness of the tableware 102.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first limiting member 22, the second limiting member 23, the intermediate member 25 and the separator 21 can be integrally manufactured, so that the limiting part 20 has a steel wire zigzag structure, which simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces production costs.

[0039] Please refer to it again. Figure 1 In some embodiments, the first limiting member 22 extends along the first direction AA, the second limiting member 23 extends along the second direction BB, the first direction AA is different from the second direction BB, and the connecting member 24 obliquely connects the first limiting member 22 and the second limiting member 23.

[0040] Specifically, the first limiting member 22 and the second limiting member 23 are neither parallel nor perpendicular, such as Figure 1 The limiting part 20 shown has a first limiting member 22 connected to one end of the connecting member 24 and extending along the first direction AA, and a second limiting member 23 connected to the other end of the connecting member 24 and extending along the second direction BB. Therefore, the first limiting member 22 and the second limiting member 23 are neither parallel nor perpendicular. Thus, a portion of the limiting part 20 (the first limiting member 22 and the connecting member 24) can protrude towards the center of the dish. The relatively protruding first limiting member 22 and the connecting member 24 can limit the tableware placed in the middle of the protrusion, thereby preventing the tableware from sliding and colliding with the tableware storage structure 100 during washing, disinfection, or movement. This helps to reduce noise caused by sliding relative to the tableware storage structure 100 during washing, disinfection, or movement. Simultaneously, the second limiting member 23 can further secure the tableware against its edge, preventing it from tipping over or shaking.

[0041] In some embodiments, the support portion 10 includes a first support member 11, which connects the second limiting member 23 and the separator 21, and the axis of the connecting member 24 is inclined to the axis of the first support member 11.

[0042] In one embodiment, the first support member 11 is connected to a plurality of second limiting members 23. If the second limiting members 23 are arranged vertically in space, the first support member 11 is arranged horizontally in space, and the second limiting members 23 are perpendicular to the first support member 11. The connecting member 24 is arranged at an angle and is connected to the first support member 11. Thus, the axis of the connecting member 24 is inclined to the axis of the first support member 11, that is, the axis of the connecting member 24 is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the axis of the first support member 11.

[0043] In some embodiments, the limiting part 20 is formed by bending a metal strip.

[0044] Specifically, each limiting part 20 can be formed by bending a metal strip. In this way, the limiting part 20 has a simple structure, low cost, and is beneficial to production and processing. At the same time, the tableware storage structure 100 made of metal strips is lighter and will not be too heavy even when the tableware storage structure 100 is fully loaded, which can improve the user experience.

[0045] In some embodiments, the support portion 10 includes a first support member 11, a second support member 12, and a handle 13. The first support member 11 connects the limiting portion 20 and the handle 13, and the second support member 12 connects to the handle 13. Along the outer direction of the tableware storage structure 100, the second support member 12 is located diagonally above the first support member 11.

[0046] Specifically, the second support member 12 can be connected to a handle, and the second support member 12 can support the two ends of the tableware, providing a vertical limiting effect in space; the first limiting member 22, the second limiting member 23, and the separator 21 can support the center and edges of the tableware, providing a horizontal limiting effect in space. Thus, the tableware storage structure 100 has a good limiting effect, making the tableware more stable. The first support member 11 and the second support member 12 make the tableware storage structure 100 more robust and stable. The handle 13 facilitates the removal of the tableware storage structure 100 from dishwashers, sterilizers, and other appliances.

[0047] Please see Figure 7 In some embodiments, the support portion 10 includes a support foot 14 located at the bottom, the support foot 14 being connected to the handle 13 and disposed coplanar with the handle 13.

[0048] Specifically, the cutlery storage structure 100 can be stably placed on a tabletop, stovetop, or dishwasher cavity via support legs 14. The support legs 14 are coplanar with the handle 12, and the support legs 14 and handle 12 connect to form four support points 141. Under normal placement, the four support points 141 are close to the load-bearing surface (e.g., tabletop, stovetop, dishwasher cavity, etc.), while the first support member 11 is further away from the load-bearing surface compared to the four support points 141. The support legs 14 protrude as a whole, thus facilitating the storage and securing of cutlery. In one example, the support leg 14 includes support points 141 and a middle portion 142. The cutlery can be a disc, with the edge of the disc extending beyond the middle portion 142 and positioned between the middle portion 142 and the support points 141, preventing the edge of the disc from touching the load-bearing surface.

[0049] In some embodiments, the support foot 14 can be integrally formed with the handle 12, and the support foot 14 and the handle 12 can be formed by bending a single metal strip, which can reduce the number of processes and lower production costs.

[0050] This application also discloses a carrying basket 200, which includes a tableware storage structure 100.

[0051] The carrying basket 200 can be used in household appliances such as dishwashers and sterilizers, or as a standalone dish basket for storing kitchen tableware. The carrying basket 200 includes a basket body and tableware storage structures 100 that can be installed on the basket body. The basket body provides flexible placement space for the tableware storage structures 100. Multiple tableware storage structures 100 can be modularly arranged and freely combined to create various placement schemes, making it more flexible and convenient for users.

[0052] In some embodiments, the carrying basket 200 includes a basket body and a tableware storage structure 100. The tableware storage structure 100 can hold small tableware such as bowls and plates, while the basket body can be used alone to hold large kitchen utensils such as pots and pans, which can meet the needs of using cookware to lay flat, thus realizing multiple storage functions.

[0053] Specifically, the cutlery storage structure 100 can be placed in the cutlery storage space provided in the basket, and the support legs 14 can be locked onto the basket. The two can achieve a stable connection through their own weight, without the need for a complex connection mechanism. The basket includes multiple mesh holes, which, in conjunction with the support legs 14 of the cutlery storage structure 100, provide a certain degree of anti-slip effect.

[0054] In some embodiments, the cutlery storage structure 100 can be used alone, that is, the cutlery can be placed in the cutlery storage structure 100 and then the cutlery storage structure 100 with the cutlery can be placed directly into the household appliance instead of being placed in the basket.

[0055] The connection between the basket and the tableware storage structure 100 is simple, making it easy to install the tableware storage structure 100 on the support basket, which is beneficial for production and assembly.

[0056] The carrying basket 200 of this application embodiment can make the tableware placement more secure through the support part 10 and the limiting part 20. A divider 21 divides the loading area 101, which can meet the loading and storage of tableware of different sizes.

[0057] This application also discloses a household appliance, including but not limited to dishwashers, sterilizers, and refrigerators. The household appliance can be equipped with a direct tableware storage structure 100, or it can be equipped with a carrying basket 200 that includes the tableware storage structure 100; this is not limited here.

[0058] Specifically, this application uses a dishwasher as an example of a household appliance. A dishwasher is a device that automatically cleans tableware such as bowls, chopsticks, plates, dishes, knives, and forks. Dishwashers can be divided into two categories: household and commercial. Household fully automatic dishwashers are suitable for families and mainly include cabinet-style, countertop-style, sink-integrated, and combined models. Commercial dishwashers can be classified into five main categories according to their structure: cabinet-style, hood-style, basket-type, belt-type, and ultrasonic. Dishwashers reduce the labor intensity for users, improve efficiency, and enhance cleanliness and hygiene.

[0059] The dish storage structure 100 can be used to hold dishes waiting to be washed. While dish sizes vary, the loading space of the dish storage structure used in current dishwashers is fixed. The size of the space for accommodating dishes in each part of the dish storage structure is predetermined, resulting in limited flexibility in its use and potentially leaving some dishes uncleaned. Because the loading space is fixed, the distance between dishes is also fixed. This doesn't meet practical needs, as the size, height, and shape of dishes vary, leading to poor compatibility in dish placement. This can result in incomplete cleaning, water accumulation at the bottom of dishes, poor support for the dishes, unstable dish placement, and a severely negative impact on the user experience.

[0060] The household appliance of this application embodiment can make the tableware more securely placed by means of the support part 10 and the limiting part 20, and a divider 21 divides the loading area 101 to meet the loading and storage of tableware of different sizes.

[0061] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0062] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A tableware storage structure characterized by comprising: The utility model relates to a tableware storage structure, comprising: a support part; a plurality of limiting parts, the plurality of limiting parts are spaced and connected with the support part, two adjacent limiting parts form a loading interval for inserting tableware, the limiting part comprises a partition, the partition divides each loading interval into a first loading interval and a second loading interval suitable for loading different specifications of tableware; the limiting part further comprises a first limiting part, a second limiting part and a connecting part, the connecting part connects the first limiting part and the second limiting part, and the second limiting part is connected with the partition.

2. The tableware storage structure according to claim 1, wherein The second limiting part is connected with the partition through an intermediate part, and the second limiting part, the intermediate part and the partition jointly separate the first loading interval into a limiting space.

3. The tableware storage structure according to claim 1, wherein The first limiting part extends along a first direction, the second limiting part extends along a second direction, the first direction is different from the second direction, and the connecting part is obliquely connected with the first limiting part and the second limiting part.

4. The tableware storage structure according to claim 1, wherein The support part comprises a first support part, the first support part is connected with the second limiting part and the partition, and the axis of the connecting part is obliquely arranged with the axis of the first support part.

5. The tableware storage structure according to claim 1, wherein The limiting part is formed by bending a metal strip.

6. The tableware storage structure according to claim 1, wherein The support part comprises a first support part, a second support part and a handle, the first support part is connected with the limiting part and the handle, the second support part is connected with the handle and is located obliquely above the first support part along the outward direction of the tableware storage structure.

7. The tableware storage structure according to claim 6, wherein The support part comprises a support leg located at the bottom, the support leg is connected with the handle and is arranged in the same plane with the handle.

8. A carrier basket, characterized by The utility model relates to a tableware storage structure, comprising:

9. A domestic appliance characterized in that, The utility model relates to a bearing basket, comprising: The utility model relates to a tableware storage structure, comprising: The utility model relates to a bearing basket, comprising:

Citation Information

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