Chopstick box and dish-washing machine using same

Abstract

The chopstick box comprises a cage body frame and a chopstick support, and one end of the chopstick support is hinged to the cage body frame so that the chopstick support can rotate up and down. The elastic limiting structure is arranged between the chopstick support and the cage body frame, and the chopstick support is adjustably limited on the cage body frame through the elastic limiting structure. The chopstick supports are stably fixed to the cage body frame by arranging the elastic limiting structures on the chopstick supports, the efficient cleaning capacity of the chopstick box is guaranteed, meanwhile, the stability of the chopstick box is improved when the chopstick box is used, and chopsticks are prevented from falling off or sliding out when impacted by water flow or air flow; by arranging the elastic limiting structure, a user can adjust the height of the chopstick support according to the use condition of the user, and the adaptation degree is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a chopsticks box and a dishwasher using the same. Background Technology

[0002] Chopstick holders are commonly found in household appliances such as dishwashers and sterilizers. They are mainly used to store chopsticks or spoons for washing or sterilization. A typical chopstick holder is a cubic box with an open top and openings on the other five sides. While simple and inexpensive, the chopsticks are placed horizontally against the bottom, resulting in a large contact area and making it difficult for excess water to drain. This leads to poor drying and a higher risk of mold growth.

[0003] Chinese utility model patent CN208550939U describes a design that uses a rotatable support plate connected to a box body, allowing the support plate to rotate up and down and tilt, thus facilitating the rapid drying of water stains on chopsticks. Furthermore, by incorporating an elastic element, the support plate can achieve multiple tilt positions to accommodate different numbers of chopsticks. When there are fewer chopsticks, the support plate is pressed down less, and its free end is closer to the top surface of the box, making it easier for the user to retrieve the chopsticks. Additionally, the chopstick box includes a spoon shelf for convenient spoon storage. However, the addition of a support plate increases the resistance to the washing water or drying airflow, which is detrimental to the washing and drying of chopsticks. On the other hand, since the support plate is only fixed at one end, it is prone to shaking during washing, which may cause chopsticks to fall out of the box and generate additional noise. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model provides a chopsticks box, and the first technical problem it solves is how to avoid the phenomenon that the chopsticks inserted into the chopsticks box are not stable and are easily thrown out when in use.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the chopsticks holder proposed in this utility model includes:

[0006] Cage frame,

[0007] A chopstick holder, one end of which is hinged to the cage frame so that it can rotate up and down;

[0008] An elastic limiting structure is disposed between the chopstick holder and the cage frame, and the chopstick holder is adjustablely limited to the cage frame by the elastic limiting structure.

[0009] Preferably, the elastic limiting structure includes an elastic limiting member disposed at the end or side wall of the chopstick holder, and the cage frame includes at least one limiting groove, wherein the elastic limiting member can be engaged and confined within the limiting groove under the action of elastic force.

[0010] Preferably, the elastic limiting member includes an elastic member, a guide rod, a sliding part, and a limiting block. The sliding part and the elastic member are both sleeved on the guide rod. One end of the sliding part abuts against the elastic member, and the other end is connected to the limiting block.

[0011] Preferably, the cage frame has multiple limiting slots at different heights, and the elastic limiting member can be inserted into any of the limiting slots to fix the chopsticks holder at different heights.

[0012] By setting an elastic limiting structure on the chopstick holder, the chopstick holder is stably fixed to the cage frame. At the same time, by the movement of the elastic telescopic block and the cooperation of the limiting groove, the fixed height of the chopstick holder can be selected by switching between the two states of the elastic limiting structure according to the amount of chopsticks to be washed, thus meeting the requirements of stability and adaptability.

[0013] The second technical problem solved by this invention is how to improve the cleaning, draining and drying effects of chopsticks boxes.

[0014] Preferably, the cage frame includes side plates, and the side plates have through holes, which are circular, strip-shaped or square in shape, and the through holes can also serve as limiting grooves.

[0015] Preferably, the chopstick holder includes a frame and a grid array structure, wherein the grid array structure is composed of multiple grid strips, and the upper end face of the grid strips is set to an acute angle or an arc shape.

[0016] By incorporating perforations in the cage frame for water or airflow, washing and drying are facilitated. The upper surfaces of the grid strips are defined as acute angles and curved, ensuring point contact between the chopsticks and the grid strips along the length of the chopsticks and line contact along the lateral direction. This reduces the contact area and significantly improves washing, draining, and drying efficiency.

[0017] Preferably, the cross-section of the limiting groove is greater than or equal to the cross-section of the limiting block, and in its natural state, the projection of the limiting block and the side plate in the vertical direction at least partially overlaps. By limiting the cross-sectional sizes of the limiting groove and the limiting block, it can be ensured that the limiting block can enter or pass through the limiting groove, thus ensuring the stable positioning of the chopstick holder.

[0018] Preferably, a handle groove is provided on the end face of the sliding part facing the limiting block to avoid the possibility of pinching the hand when using the elastic limiting structure.

[0019] Preferably, the lower part of the cage frame is provided with a limiting structure to limit the lowest rotation position of the chopsticks support.

[0020] Preferably, the top surface of the limiting structure contacts the bottom surface of the chopstick holder to prevent the chopstick holder from falling out of the cage frame and causing the chopsticks to spill out.

[0021] The third problem solved by this invention is how to effectively store and use the spoon rack.

[0022] Preferably, the chopsticks box is provided with a flip-up spoon rack, the spoon rack is provided with a flipping part, the flipping part is movably connected to the cage frame, and the spoon rack has two states: use and storage.

[0023] Preferably, the spoon holder is provided with a limiting buckle, and the cage frame is provided with a limiting groove, and the limiting buckle cooperates with the limiting groove to limit the movement.

[0024] Preferably, the spoon holder includes a frame and a plurality of resting parts, the space between two adjacent resting parts is used for inserting a spoon, and the resting parts are used for the spoon to rest against.

[0025] This utility model, through the above-mentioned solution, can ensure the efficient cleaning ability of the chopstick box while improving its stability during use, preventing chopsticks from falling or slipping out when impacted by water or airflow; the elastic limiting structure allows users to adjust the height of the chopstick support according to their own usage, with a high degree of adaptability; the design of the flip-up spoon shelf can save internal space of the chopstick box. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the chopstick box according to an embodiment of the present utility model (I).

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the chopsticks box in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cage frame structure of an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the chopstick holder structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the split structure of the elastic limiting structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the elastic limiting structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the spoon holder structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram (II) of the chopstick box according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0034] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram (a) of the spoon holder in the outward-folded state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram (II) of the spoon holder in the inward-folded state according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0037] 100. Chopstick holder; 1. Cage frame; 11. Front side panel; 12. Rear side panel; 13. Right side panel; 14. Left side panel; 15. Limiting structure; 111. Through hole; 121. Limiting slot; 131. Limiting groove; 122. Fixing part; 2. Chopstick holder; 21. Elastic limiting component; 211. Elastic component; 212. Guide rod; 213. Sliding part; 2130. Handle groove; 214. Limiting block; 22. Grille strip; 3. Spoon holder; 31. Limiting buckle; 32. Hinge; 33. Support part; 34. Frame. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0039] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0040] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the chopsticks box 100 includes:

[0041] Cage frame 1,

[0042] Chopstick holder 2, one end of which is hinged to the cage frame 1 so that it can rotate up and down;

[0043] An elastic limiting structure is provided between the chopstick holder 2 and the cage frame 1, and the chopstick holder 2 is adjustablely limited on the cage frame by the elastic limiting structure.

[0044] In this embodiment, the cage frame 1 is rectangular, formed by a front side plate 11, a rear side plate 12, a left side plate 14, and a right side plate 13. The upper part of the cage frame 1 is open, making it easy to insert chopsticks into the box through the open opening. The chopstick holder 2 is a grid array structure, allowing chopsticks to be inserted between the grid gaps and in contact with the grid, thus providing some support for the chopsticks. At the same time, the gaps between the grids allow airflow or water flow during washing to pass directly through the chopstick holder, reducing fluid resistance and improving the washing and drying effect. The chopstick holder 2 is rotatably connected to the cage frame 1, and its front end can be temporarily fixed at a specific rotation angle or detached from that specific rotation angle by an elastic limiting structure.

[0045] The elastic limiting structure includes an elastic limiting member disposed at the end or side wall of the chopstick holder 2. The cage frame 1 includes at least one limiting groove 131. The elastic limiting member 21 can be engaged and confined within the limiting groove 131 under the action of elastic force. Thus, the elastic limiting structure can be limited and fixed with the limiting groove of the cage frame 1, allowing adjustment according to the specific number of chopsticks. In other embodiments, the cage frame 1 can be circular, and adaptably, the chopstick holder 2 is also circular.

[0046] In this embodiment, the elastic limiting member 21 includes an elastic member 211, a guide rod 212, a sliding part 213, and a limiting block 214. Both the sliding part 213 and the elastic member 211 are sleeved on the guide rod 212. One end of the sliding part 213 abuts against the elastic member 211, and the other end connects to the limiting block 214. Thus, in its natural state, the elastic member 211 is limited by the limiting block 214 cooperating with the right side plate 13. By applying a certain leftward force along the sliding part 213 at the rear end of the chopstick holder 2, the elastic member 211 is compressed, the limiting block 214 moves backward, and the limitation between the chopstick holder 2 and the right side plate 13 is released. At this time, the right end of the chopstick holder 2 is suspended and can move along the height direction of the chopstick box 100. After adjusting to a suitable position, the force on the sliding part 213 is removed, the elastic member 211 returns to its natural state, and the limiting block 214 is again limited by the right side plate 13. In this way, users can freely adjust the tilt of the chopstick holder according to the number of chopsticks or their usage habits to meet different needs. In this embodiment, the elastic element is a compression spring extending left and right. The compression spring and the grid array structure are fixed by welding; of course, the compression spring and the grid array structure can also be fixed by snap-fitting. In addition, the compression spring can also be fixed to the sliding part 213. Furthermore, the elastic element 211 can also be a rubber block, silicone block, or sponge, etc., which can also play the role of elastic deformation and support.

[0047] In other embodiments, the elastic limiting structure may use elastic buckles to reduce the cost of the chopsticks box.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cage frame 1 has multiple limiting grooves 131 at different heights, and the elastic limiting member 21 can be inserted into any of the limiting grooves 131 to achieve fixation of the chopstick holder 2 at different heights. By fixing the chopstick holder 2 into the limiting grooves 131 at different heights, the position of the chopstick holder 2 can be adjusted according to the amount of chopsticks washed.

[0049] Furthermore, to improve the cleaning effect of the chopsticks box, multiple through holes 111 are provided on the side panels to allow water flow or water to pass through, thereby improving the cleaning and ventilation effects of the chopsticks box 100. In this embodiment, through holes 111 are provided on all side panels, and the through holes can be circular, square, or strip-shaped. The shapes of the through holes on each side panel can be the same or different. In this embodiment, the front side panel 11 and the rear side panel 12 use circular through holes, while the left side panel 14 and the right side panel 13 use strip-shaped through holes.

[0050] In this embodiment, the grid array structure consists of multiple grid strips 22, with the upper end face of each grid strip being set as an acute angle or an arc shape. When the chopsticks holder is in use, the chopsticks and grid strips are essentially perpendicular. When the cross-sectional area of ​​the grid strip at the end furthest from the frame edge is smaller than the cross-sectional area at the end closest to the frame edge, the chopsticks and grid strips make point contact in the length direction and line contact in the lateral direction. This reduces the contact area between the grid strips and the chopsticks, significantly improving washing, draining, and drying effects. Specifically, the end of the grid strip furthest from the frame edge can be set as a convex shape, such as an acute angle or an arc shape. In this embodiment, the cross-section of the limiting groove is greater than or equal to the cross-section of the limiting block 214, and the projections of the side plate and the limiting block 214 in the vertical direction at least partially overlap, ensuring that part of the limiting block 214 can be inserted into the through hole 111 on the side plate. This fixes the chopstick holder, ensuring the stability of the chopsticks and chopstick holder during washing, preventing rotation or shaking of the chopstick holder, and avoiding the chopsticks slipping out.

[0051] In this embodiment, a handle groove 2130 is provided on the front side of the sliding part 213, which allows a finger to be inserted to move the sliding part 213, preventing the sliding part 213 from pinching the hand due to the close proximity of the limiting block 214.

[0052] In this embodiment, a limiting structure 15 is provided at the lower part of the cage frame 1 to limit the lowest rotational position of the chopstick holder 2. The top surface of the limiting structure 15 contacts the bottom surface of the chopstick holder 2 to prevent the chopstick holder 2 from falling out of the cage frame 1 and causing the chopsticks to spill. Specifically, the limiting structure 15 can be a limiting rod connecting the right side plate 13 and the left side plate 14. The limiting rod is located at the lower end of the chopstick holder 2 and can limit the extreme position of downward rotation of the chopstick holder 2. The shape of the limiting rod can be a round rod, a square rod, or other shapes. In other embodiments, the limiting structure 15 can also be a limiting protrusion provided on the right side plate 13 and the left side plate 14. The top of the limiting protrusion is connected to the bottom of the chopstick holder 2 to play a limiting role. The shape of the limiting protrusion can be round, square, or other. There can be one or more, and they can be symmetrically arranged or arranged on one side. Any limiting protrusion that limits the downward rotation of the chopstick holder 2 is acceptable.

[0053] Furthermore, such as Figures 7 to 10 As shown, the chopsticks box 100 also includes a spoon shelf 3 that can be flipped inside the chopsticks box 100 and outside the frame. The spoon shelf 3 is used to place spoons. When the spoons need to be cleaned, the shelf is rotated into the chopsticks box for rinsing and drying. When there are no spoons to clean, it can be flipped out of the chopsticks box 100 to save internal space. Specifically, the spoon shelf 3 is provided with a hinge 32, which is connected to the fixing part 122 on the rear side plate 12 of the cage frame 1 via a hinge to realize the flipping of the spoon shelf 3. Alternatively, other structures that can achieve flipping are also acceptable, such as a rotating pivot.

[0054] Furthermore, the spoon holder 3 is equipped with a limiting buckle 31, which cooperates with the limiting groove 121 on the rear side plate 12 to limit the spoon holder 3, ensuring its stable fixation and preventing the spoon from falling due to shaking or wobbling under the impact of water or airflow. Specifically, the rear side plate 12 has a limiting groove 121 that matches the limiting buckle 31 of the spoon holder 3. For example, the limiting groove 121 can be a through hole, and the limiting buckle 31 can be a corresponding strip. Alternatively, the limiting groove 121 can be circular, and the limiting buckle 31 can be a limiting rod passing through the limiting groove 121. Any structure in which the limiting buckle 31 and the limiting groove 121 can cooperate to limit the spoon is acceptable.

[0055] In this embodiment, the spoon holder 3 includes a frame 34 and multiple resting parts 33. The multiple resting parts 33 are disposed on the frame 34 and spaced apart along the length of the frame 34. The space between two adjacent resting parts 33 is used for inserting a spoon, and the resting parts 33 are used for the spoon to rest against. This separates multiple spoons, preventing incomplete cleaning. It also allows for the orderly placement of spoons, making it convenient for users to take them out.

[0056] In this embodiment, the support portion 33 is strip-shaped and extends along the side of the frame 34 near the front side panel 11 to the other side near the rear side panel 12, with two base strips correspondingly arranged at the upper and lower ends of the frame 34. Preferably, the support portion is arc-shaped, and the middle of the side of the support portion 33 forms a concave portion, which is more conducive to placing the spoon. In this embodiment, the spoon holder 3 is composed of strip-shaped base strips and strip-shaped support portions. The spaces formed by adjacent support portions are all connected to the outside, so when the spoon is placed inside, the ventilation performance of the spoon location is good, which is more conducive to moisture evaporation and prevents bacteria from growing on the spoon. In addition, in other embodiments, the support portion 33 may also be plate-shaped and placed vertically, with the lower end of the support portion 33 connected to two base strips, and the support portion 33 is preferably curved.

[0057] In this invention, the spoon holder 3 can take various forms, as long as it can accommodate a spoon. For example, in some embodiments, the spoon holder 3 is a flat plate on which the spoon is placed directly; in other embodiments, the spoon holder 3 has multiple slots, which can be positioned with the opening facing upwards or to the side, and the spoon is placed inside the slots; or, in other embodiments, the spoon holder is a hollow basket, and the spoon is placed inside the basket.

[0058] This utility model also proposes a dishwasher with a chopstick holder inside. The specific structure of the chopstick holder is described in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here. Because the dishwasher uses the aforementioned chopstick holder, it is more convenient to arrange spoons and chopsticks, making them easier for users to access.

[0059] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A chopstick case characterized by comprising: The chopstick box comprises: a cage frame, a chopstick support hingedly connected to the cage frame to be able to rotate up and down, a flexible limiting structure arranged between the chopstick support and the cage frame, the chopstick support being adjustably limited on the cage frame by the flexible limiting structure.

2. The chopstick case according to claim 1, wherein The flexible limiting structure comprises a flexible limiting member arranged at the end or side wall of the chopstick support, and the cage frame comprises at least one limiting slot, the flexible limiting member being capable of being clamped into and limited in the limiting slot under the action of elastic force.

3. The chopstick case according to claim 2, wherein The flexible limiting member comprises an elastic member, a guide rod, a sliding part and a limiting block, the sliding part and the elastic member being sleeved on the guide rod, one end of the sliding part abutting against the elastic member and the other end connecting the limiting block.

4. The chopstick case according to claim 2, wherein The cage frame has a plurality of limiting slots at different heights, and the flexible limiting member can be clamped into any of the limiting slots to achieve fixation of the chopstick support at different heights.

5. The chopstick case according to claim 3, wherein The cage frame comprises a side plate, and a through hole is formed in the side plate, the through hole being circular, strip-shaped or square, and the through hole serving as the limiting slot.

6. The chopstick case according to claim 1, wherein The chopstick support comprises a frame and a grid array structure, the grid array structure being composed of a plurality of grid bars, and the upper end face of each grid bar being provided in an acute angle or an arc shape.

7. The chopstick case according to claim 5, wherein The cross section of the limiting slot is greater than or equal to the cross section of the limiting block, and the limiting block and the side plate at least partially overlap in the vertical direction in a natural state.

8. The chopstick case according to claim 3, wherein A handle recess is formed in the end face of the sliding part facing the limiting block.

9. The chopstick case according to claim 1, wherein A limiting structure is arranged at the lower part of the cage frame to limit the lowest rotating position of the chopstick support.

10. The chopstick case according to claim 9, wherein The top surface of the limiting structure is in contact with the bottom surface of the chopstick support.

11. The chopstick case according to claim 1, wherein A reversible spoon rack is arranged on the chopstick box, the spoon rack being provided with a turnover part, the turnover part being movably connected to the cage frame, and the spoon rack having two states of use and storage.

12. The chopstick case according to claim 11, wherein A limiting buckle is arranged on the spoon rack, and a limiting groove is arranged on the cage frame, the limiting buckle and the limiting groove being matched and limited.

13. The chopstick case according to claim 11, wherein The spoon rack comprises a frame and a plurality of leaning parts, the space between adjacent two leaning parts being used for inserting a spoon, and the leaning parts being used for leaning the spoon.

14. A dishwasher, characterized in that The dishwasher comprises the chopstick box according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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