A cup holder lifting structure

Abstract

The application discloses a cup rack lifting structure applied to a cleaning bin or a drying bin, and comprises a driving assembly, a connecting piece and a cup rack. The cup rack is installed on the connecting piece. The driving end of the driving assembly is in transmission connection with the connecting piece, so that the connecting piece is driven to move towards the bin opening direction of the cleaning bin or the drying bin. Through the cooperative operation of the driving assembly, the connecting piece and the cup rack, the lifting function of the cup rack is realized, and the adaptability, convenience, safety and space utilization of the cup rack lifting structure are remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of lifting structures, and more particularly to a cup holder lifting structure. Background Technology

[0002] In today's fast-paced life and the consumer trend of pursuing high-quality experiences, tea culture is becoming increasingly popular, and people are paying more and more attention to the cleaning and maintenance of teaware. As a key utensil in the tea-drinking process, the cleanliness and hygiene of teacups directly affect the taste and health safety of the tea. Teacup washer-dryer combos, as an innovative kitchen appliance that integrates cleaning and drying functions, have emerged and are gradually entering people's lives, providing great convenience for people to clean teacups efficiently and conveniently, and meeting the needs of modern families and commercial venues for fast and professional teaware cleaning.

[0003] However, existing teacup washer-dryer combos on the market have certain limitations in their structural design, especially in the design of the cup holders. In most existing teacup washer-dryer combos, the cup holders are usually fixed. This fixed cup holder design reveals many inconveniences during the process of taking teacups out and putting them in. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a cup holder lifting structure to solve the technical problems of the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] On the one hand, a cup holder lifting structure is provided for use in a cleaning chamber or a drying chamber. The cup holder lifting structure includes a drive component, a connector, and a cup holder. The cup holder is mounted on the connector. The drive end of the drive component is connected to the connector to drive the connector to move toward the opening of the cleaning chamber or the drying chamber.

[0007] Furthermore, the drive component and the connector are connected by a transmission component, which converts the rotational motion input by the drive component into linear motion to drive the connector to move.

[0008] Furthermore, the transmission assembly includes a threaded rod and a threaded sleeve. The threaded rod is connected to the drive assembly in a transmission manner. The threaded sleeve is fitted onto the threaded rod. The drive assembly drives the threaded rod to rotate, thereby driving the threaded sleeve to move, and in turn, driving the connector to move.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes a base, on which the drive assembly is fixedly mounted; a guide structure is also provided between the base and the threaded sleeve or the connector to guide the connector and the threaded sleeve to move axially.

[0010] Furthermore, the guide structure includes a guide post disposed on the base and a guide groove disposed on the threaded sleeve, wherein the guide post is at least partially inserted into the guide groove to guide the threaded sleeve to move axially.

[0011] Furthermore, the drive assembly includes a motor and a reducer, the axis of the motor is perpendicular to the axis of the transmission assembly, and the motor and the transmission assembly are connected by the reducer.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a detection component for detecting the position of the connector, thereby obtaining the position of the cup holder.

[0013] Furthermore, the detection component includes a photoelectric sensor disposed on the base and a light-blocking member disposed on the threaded sleeve. The photoelectric sensor detects the position of the light-blocking member and thereby obtains the axial position of the connector.

[0014] Furthermore, the connector is provided with a locking member, which is used to fix the cup holder to the connector.

[0015] Furthermore, the cup holder includes a support rod, and the locking element is an elastic buckle. The end of the elastic buckle opposite to the connecting member is provided with an elastic slot. When the elastic slot is subjected to the force of the support rod, it can expand to allow the support rod to pass through. After the support rod passes through, the elastic slot contracts to prevent the support rod from detaching axially.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: In terms of ease of use, it breaks through the limitations of traditional fixed cup holders. Through a drive component, the connecting piece and cup holder rise to near the opening, greatly shortening the distance between the user and the teacup. This creates a more spacious operating area, allowing all types of users, especially the elderly, children, and those with disabilities, to easily pick up and place teacups, reducing the likelihood of teacup breakage due to inconvenience. Regarding safety, users do not need to reach into the confined space inside the device, avoiding collisions and friction between their hands and the edge of the cup holder or other teacups, effectively reducing the risk of accidental injury and secondary contamination of the teacups, and ensuring safe use.

[0017] In addition, this structure optimizes the use and layout of equipment space. During washing and drying, the cup rack is lowered to a reasonable position inside the chamber, ensuring the operation effect while making efficient use of the internal space of the equipment. The overall design is more compact and reasonable, reducing space occupation, promoting the development of equipment towards miniaturization and integration, facilitating installation and placement, improving space utilization, and fully meeting the diverse needs of users. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the cup holder lifting structure described in the embodiments of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the cup holder lifting structure described in the embodiments of this application;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a top view of the cup holder lifting structure described in the embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 4 Examples of this application Figure 3 Sectional view at point AA;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the connector described in an embodiment of this application.

[0024] In the diagram: 1. Drive assembly; 101. Motor; 102. Reducer; 2. Connector; 3. Cup holder; 4. Transmission assembly; 401. Threaded rod; 402. Threaded sleeve; 5. Base; 6. Detection assembly; 601. Photoelectric sensor; 602. Light blocking component; 7. Guide structure; 701. Guide post; 702. Guide groove; 8. Elastic buckle; 801. Elastic latch. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the technical problems solved by this application, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application are further described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0026] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "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" 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.

[0028] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this embodiment provides a cup holder lifting structure, which is applied in a cleaning chamber or a drying chamber. The cup holder lifting structure includes: a driving component 1, a connecting member 2, and a cup holder 3. The cup holder 3 is installed on the connecting member 2. The driving end of the driving component 1 is connected to the connecting member 2 in a transmission manner to drive the connecting member 2 to move towards the opening of the cleaning chamber or the drying chamber.

[0029] Based on the above solution, the cup holder lifting structure of this application cleverly coordinates the operation of the drive component 1, the connector 2, and the cup holder 3 to achieve the lifting function of the cup holder 3. In the initial state, the cup holder 3 is located relatively low inside the cleaning or drying chamber, and the teacup is placed on the cup holder 3, ready for cleaning or drying. When the user completes the relevant operation and needs to remove the teacup, the drive component 1 starts working. After receiving the command, the drive end of the drive component 1 starts and generates power. Since the drive end of the drive component 1 is connected to the connector 2, this power is precisely transmitted to the connector 2 through the transmission connection structure. Under the action of the power, the connector 2 moves smoothly along a preset track or path towards the opening of the cleaning or drying chamber. As the connector 2 moves, the cup holder 3, fixedly installed on the connector 2, also rises synchronously. When the cup holder 3 rises to a suitable position, that is, a height convenient for the user to pick up and put down the teacup, the drive component 1 stops working, and the cup holder 3 remains in that position, allowing the user to easily and conveniently remove the teacup from the cup holder 3. Conversely, when the user needs to place the teacup for subsequent operations, the drive component 1 drives the connector 2 in the opposite direction, causing it to move the cup holder 3 away from the opening until the cup holder 3 returns to its initial position for the cleaning or drying process.

[0030] The cup holder lifting structure of this application has significant advantages, effectively improving adaptability, convenience, safety, and space utilization. Regarding adaptability, traditional fixed cup holders 3 are limited by their single structure, making it difficult to accommodate teacups of different sizes and shapes, thus affecting the equipment's versatility. The cup holder lifting structure of this application allows for flexible adjustment of the height of the cup holder 3 according to the actual size of the teacup, ensuring that all types of teacups can be stably placed on the cup holder 3, smoothly completing the washing and drying process. This effectively expands the adaptability of the teacup washing and drying machine to different teacups and enhances the equipment's compatibility with diverse teaware.

[0031] In terms of convenience, traditional fixed cup holders require users to stretch their arms or adjust their posture when taking out or putting in teacups, which is inconvenient and can easily damage the teacups. This application uses the drive component 1 to raise the connector 2 and the cup holder 3 to near the opening, greatly shortening the distance between the user and the teacup, making the taking out and putting in teacups easier and smoother, reducing the difficulty of operation and the risk of teacup breakage, and improving the user experience.

[0032] From a safety perspective, in traditional structures, when users pick up or put down teacups, their hands are prone to collisions and friction with the edge of the cup holder 3 or other teacups. This can not only contaminate cleaned teacups but also pose a risk of hand injury. The cup holder lifting structure of this application allows users to operate near the opening, avoiding direct contact between their hands and the internal structure of the device, reducing the possibility of accidental injury and secondary contamination, and ensuring user safety.

[0033] In terms of space utilization, the cup rack lifting structure of this application allows the cup rack 3 to descend to a suitable position within the chamber during cleaning and drying, fully optimizing the internal space layout of the equipment and ensuring effective cleaning and drying. Simultaneously, the compact structural design reduces space occupation, facilitates equipment miniaturization and integration, and makes installation and placement easier, thereby improving space utilization.

[0034] Furthermore, the drive assembly 1 and the connecting member 2 are connected by a transmission assembly 4. The transmission assembly 4 converts the rotational motion input from the drive assembly 1 into linear motion to move the connecting member 2. The transmission assembly 4 can efficiently convert the rotational motion of the drive assembly 1 into linear motion. This conversion not only improves the accuracy of motion transmission but also ensures the stability of the connecting member 2 and the cup holder 3 during the lifting process, avoiding vibration or jamming caused by poor motion conversion. Moreover, the design of the transmission assembly 4 optimizes the power transmission path, enabling the power to be transmitted to the connecting member 2 more evenly and stably, extending the service life of the entire lifting structure.

[0035] Furthermore, the transmission component 4 includes a threaded rod 401 and a threaded sleeve 402. The threaded rod 401 is connected to the drive component 1, and the threaded sleeve 402 is fitted onto the threaded rod 401. The drive component 1 drives the threaded rod 401 to rotate, thereby driving the threaded sleeve 402 to move, and consequently, driving the connecting member 2 to move. When the drive component 1 is activated, its output power drives the threaded rod 401 to rotate. Due to the threaded engagement between the threaded sleeve 402 and the threaded rod 401, the rotational motion of the threaded rod 401 is converted into linear motion of the threaded sleeve 402 along the axis of the threaded rod 401. The threaded sleeve 402 is connected to the connecting member 2, so the linear motion of the threaded sleeve 402 drives the connecting member 2 to move along a preset direction, realizing the lifting function of the cup holder 3. This threaded transmission method can ensure the accuracy and stability of motion conversion, so that the cup holder 3 remains stable during the lifting process and accurately reaches the target position, providing convenience for users to pick up and put down teacups.

[0036] In some embodiments, the cup holder lifting structure further includes a base 5, on which the drive assembly 1 is fixedly mounted. A guide structure 7 is provided between the base 5 and the threaded sleeve 402 or the connector 2 to guide the connector 2 and the threaded sleeve 402 to move in a predetermined direction. When the drive assembly 1 is activated, the threaded rod 401 rotates, and the threaded sleeve 402 moves along its axial direction under the rotational drive of the threaded rod 401. The guide structure 7 provides stable guiding support for this movement process, ensuring that the connector 2 and the cup holder 3 move smoothly along a straight path.

[0037] Specifically, the guide structure 7 includes a guide post 701 disposed on the base 5 and a guide groove 702 disposed on the threaded sleeve 402. The guide post 701 is at least partially inserted into the guide groove 702 to guide the threaded sleeve 402 to move axially. The cooperation of the guide post 701 and the guide groove 702 provides reliable directional guidance for the movement of the threaded sleeve 402 and the connecting piece 2, resulting in a significant improvement in stability and accuracy. The combination of the guide post 701 and the guide groove 702 effectively prevents the threaded sleeve 402 from rotating or shifting during movement, ensuring its smooth operation along a straight path. This not only improves the accuracy of the cup holder 3's lifting and lowering, avoiding potential damage to the teacups due to shaking or jamming during movement, but also enhances the reliability of the equipment operation and extends its service life. Furthermore, this guide structure 7 is simple in design, low in cost, easy to manufacture and assemble, helps optimize the internal space layout of the equipment, improves space utilization, makes the teacup washing and drying machine more compact, and facilitates installation and maintenance.

[0038] Generally, the drive assembly 1 includes a motor 101 and a reducer 102. The axis of the motor 101 is perpendicular to the axis of the transmission assembly 4, and the motor 101 and the transmission assembly 4 are connected by the reducer 102. When the motor 101 starts, its output shaft rotates, and after being reduced in speed and increased in torque by the reducer 102, the power is transmitted to the transmission assembly 4. Since the axis of the motor 101 is perpendicular to the axis of the transmission assembly 4, the reducer 102 in the middle changes the output direction, thus effectively saving vertical installation space. While transmitting power, the reducer 102 reduces the speed of the motor 101 and increases the output torque, ensuring that the transmission assembly 4 can smoothly and powerfully drive the threaded rod 401 to rotate, thereby driving the threaded sleeve 402 and the connecting piece 2 to move in a predetermined direction, realizing the lifting function of the cup holder 3.

[0039] Preferably, the system further includes a detection component 6, which detects the position of the connector 2 to determine the position of the cup holder 3. The detection component 6 can be implemented using various technologies, such as a photoelectric sensor 601, a magnetic induction sensor, or a mechanical limit switch. When the connector 2 moves, the detection component 6 can monitor its position change in real time and feed the position information back to the control system. For example, the photoelectric sensor 601 can determine the position by detecting reflective marks or light blocking on the connector 2; the magnetic induction sensor detects the position by sensing the magnetic elements on the connector 2. Based on the information fed back by the detection component 6, the control system precisely controls the operation of the drive component 1 to ensure that the cup holder 3 can accurately stop at the target position, whether it rises to a height convenient for the user to pick up or put down, or descends to the initial position for washing or drying.

[0040] The detection component 6 includes a photoelectric sensor 601 mounted on the base 5 and a light-blocking element 602 mounted on the threaded sleeve 402. The photoelectric sensor 601 detects the position of the light-blocking element 602 to obtain the axial position of the connector 2. When the threaded sleeve 402 moves along the axis of the threaded rod 401, the light-blocking element 602 moves accordingly. The photoelectric sensor 601 detects the position change of the light-blocking element 602, converts the light signal into an electrical signal, and transmits the electrical signal to the control system. The control system accurately determines the current position of the connector 2 and the cup holder 3 based on the received electrical signal, thereby achieving real-time monitoring and precise control of the lifting position of the cup holder 3. This detection method ensures that the cup holder 3 accurately reaches the target position during the lifting process, whether it rises to a height convenient for users to pick up or put down, or descends to the initial position for washing or drying operations, providing accurate position feedback and ensuring the automated operation of the equipment.

[0041] It is worth mentioning that the connecting member 2 is equipped with a locking component, which is used to fix the cup holder 3 to the connecting member 2. In the cup holder lifting structure, the cup holder 3 needs to be firmly fixed to the connecting member 2 to ensure the stability of the cup holder 3 during lifting. The locking component can be a bolt, a buckle, or other mechanical fixing device. When the cup holder 3 is placed on the connecting member 2, it is secured by the locking component to prevent the cup holder 3 from shifting or loosening due to vibration or external force during lifting. This fixing method ensures a reliable connection between the cup holder 3 and the connecting member 2, so that the cup holder 3 remains stable during lifting, thereby ensuring the safety of the teacup during cleaning, drying, and handling.

[0042] Optionally, the cup holder 3 includes a support rod, and the locking element is an elastic buckle 8. The end of the elastic buckle 8 facing away from the connecting member 2 has an elastic slot 801. When subjected to the force of the support rod, the elastic slot 801 expands to allow the support rod to pass through. After the support rod passes through, the elastic slot 801 contracts to prevent the support rod from detaching axially. When it is necessary to fix the cup holder 3 to the connecting member 2, the support rod of the cup holder 3 is aligned with the elastic slot 801 of the elastic buckle 8, and a certain force is applied to expand the elastic slot 801. After the support rod passes through, the elastic slot 801 returns to its original shape under its own elasticity, tightly locking the support rod, thereby firmly fixing the cup holder 3 to the connecting member 2. When it is necessary to disassemble the cup holder 3, force is applied again to expand the elastic slot 801, allowing the support rod to be pulled out from the elastic buckle 8, completing the disassembly of the cup holder 3.

[0043] The locking mechanism employs a flexible snap-lock design 8, significantly enhancing the convenience and reliability of installing and securing the cup holder 3. Firstly, the flexible snap-lock 8's simple structure and easy operation allow users to easily install and remove the cup holder 3 without additional tools, improving the equipment's flexibility. Secondly, the flexible snap-lock 8 firmly secures the cup holder 3, preventing displacement or loosening due to vibration or external force during lifting, ensuring its stability and thus guaranteeing the safety of teacups during washing, drying, and handling. Furthermore, the flexible snap-lock 8's design can accommodate support rods of a certain size range, demonstrating good versatility and compatibility, further expanding the equipment's adaptability to different specifications of cup holders 3. In conclusion, the addition of the flexible snap-lock 8 makes the cup holder lifting structure more stable and reliable, further optimizing the performance and usability of the teacup washer-dryer combo.

[0044] In the description herein, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and other orientations or positional relationships are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used merely for descriptive distinction and have no special meaning.

[0045] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0046] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style of the specification is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0047] The technical principles of this application have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. These descriptions are merely for explaining the principles of this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application in any way. Based on this explanation, those skilled in the art can readily conceive of other specific embodiments of this application without inventive effort, and these embodiments will all fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A cup holder lifting structure, used in a cleaning or drying chamber, characterized in that, The cup holder lifting structure includes a drive assembly (1), a connector (2), and a cup holder (3). The cup holder (3) is mounted on the connector (2). The drive end of the drive assembly (1) is connected to the connector (2) to drive the connector (2) to move toward the opening of the cleaning chamber or the drying chamber.

2. The cup holder lifting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive component (1) and the connector (2) are connected by a transmission component (4), which converts the rotational motion input by the drive component (1) into linear motion to drive the connector (2) to move.

3. The cup holder lifting structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transmission assembly (4) includes a threaded rod (401) and a threaded sleeve (402). The threaded rod (401) is connected to the drive assembly (1) for transmission. The threaded sleeve (402) is sleeved on the threaded rod (401). The drive assembly (1) drives the threaded rod (401) to rotate, thereby driving the threaded sleeve (402) to move, and thus driving the connector (2) to move.

4. The cup holder lifting structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a base (5), and the drive assembly (1) is fixedly installed on the base (5); a guide structure (7) is also provided between the base (5) and the threaded sleeve (402) to guide the connector (2) and the threaded sleeve (402) to move axially.

5. The cup holder lifting structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The guide structure (7) includes a guide post (701) disposed on the base (5) and a guide groove (702) disposed on the threaded sleeve (402). The guide post (701) is at least partially inserted into the guide groove (702) to guide the threaded sleeve (402) to move axially.

6. The cup holder lifting structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive assembly (1) includes a motor (101) and a reducer (102). The axis of the motor (101) is perpendicular to the axis of the transmission assembly (4). The motor (101) and the transmission assembly (4) are connected by the reducer (102).

7. The cup holder lifting structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a detection component (6) for detecting the position of the connector (2) and thereby obtaining the position of the cup holder (3).

8. The cup holder lifting structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The detection component (6) includes a photoelectric sensor (601) disposed on the base (5) and a light-blocking member (602) disposed on the threaded sleeve (402). The photoelectric sensor (601) detects the position of the light-blocking member (602) and thereby obtains the axial position of the connector (2).

9. The cup holder lifting structure according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The connector (2) is provided with a locking member, which is used to fix the cup holder (3) to the connector (2).

10. The cup holder lifting structure according to claim 9, characterized in that, The cup holder (3) includes a support rod, and the locking element is an elastic buckle (8). The end of the elastic buckle (8) opposite to the connector (2) is provided with an elastic slot (801). When the elastic slot (801) is subjected to the force of the support rod, it can expand to allow the support rod to pass through. After the support rod passes through, the elastic slot (801) contracts to prevent the support rod from detaching axially.

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