Adjustable dish rack

Abstract

This utility model discloses an adjustable dish rack, including a base frame and multiple support frames. The base frame has at least one sliding groove arranged along its length. Each support frame has a shaft head that can cooperate with the corresponding sliding groove and slide and rotate within the groove. The upper end of the shaft head has a damping part, and the lower end of the shaft head has a limiting part. When the shaft head rotates relative to the sliding groove to a locked position, the damping part applies elastic pressure to the inner top surface of the sliding groove, while the limiting part abuts against the inner bottom surface of the sliding groove, thereby jointly restricting the sliding of the shaft head along the sliding groove. This utility model has the advantages of novel structure, stable and reliable locking, convenient adjustment, and durability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of dish rack technology, and in particular to an adjustable dish rack. Background Technology

[0002] Dish racks are essential in modern kitchens, and to accommodate different sizes and types of tableware, various adjustable dish racks have emerged on the market. In existing adjustable dish rack designs, the commonly used adjustment and locking mechanism employs an eccentric wheel structure. Specifically, this structure typically features an eccentric wheel mounted at the bottom of the support frame, which is housed within a slide rail or groove in the base. When the support frame needs to be secured, the user rotates the eccentric wheel, utilizing its eccentric rim to generate a radial clamping force against the inner wall of the slide rail, thus locking the support frame through friction.

[0003] However, adjustable dish racks with eccentric wheel structures have several inherent drawbacks in practical use:

[0004] 1. Poor structural stability and prone to wobbling: The locking principle of the eccentric wheel is essentially a frictional locking mechanism based on point contact or a small area of ​​line contact. This single-point force application method has very limited ability to resist lateral thrust or torsional torque caused by uneven placement of tableware. When users place heavy or tall tableware, the support frame is prone to wobbling and tilting, providing an unsafe and unstable user experience.

[0005] 2. Low locking reliability and easy to loosen: In daily use, the impact of placing dishes, minor vibrations in the kitchen environment, or material creep after long-term load can all cause a decrease in the friction between the eccentric wheel and the slide rail, resulting in "creep" or "loosening" of the lock. Once loosened, the support frame will slide unexpectedly in the slide rail, which may not only cause collisions and damage to the tableware, but also affect the normal use of the dish rack.

[0006] 3. Insufficient durability and short lifespan: Because the locking force is concentrated entirely on the tiny contact point between the eccentric wheel and the slide rail, the pressure at this point is extremely high, easily causing rapid wear on the contact surfaces of the eccentric wheel or slide rail. With increasing usage time, the wear becomes more severe, leading to a further decrease in locking force and ultimately causing the entire adjustment and locking mechanism to fail.

[0007] 4. Limited load-bearing capacity: The maximum frictional locking force that the eccentric wheel can provide is limited. When the number of dishes or the weight of the dishes stored are large, it may exceed its load-bearing limit, causing the support frame to suddenly slide, which poses a safety hazard.

[0008] Therefore, it is necessary to further improve and perfect the existing technology to overcome these shortcomings, and this utility model is made based on this situation. Utility Model Content

[0009] The purpose of this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide an adjustable dish rack with a novel structure, a stable and reliable locking mechanism, convenient adjustment, and durability.

[0010] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0011] To solve the above technical problems, this utility model provides an adjustable dish rack, including a base frame and multiple support frames. The base frame is provided with at least one slide groove arranged along its length direction. The support frames are provided with shaft heads that can cooperate with the corresponding slide grooves and slide and rotate in the slide grooves. The upper end of the shaft head is provided with a damping part, and the lower end of the shaft head is provided with a limiting part.

[0012] When the shaft head rotates to a locked position relative to the slide groove, the damping part applies elastic pressure to the inner top surface of the slide groove, while the limiting part abuts against the inner bottom surface of the slide groove, thereby jointly restricting the sliding of the shaft head along the slide groove.

[0013] Furthermore, when the shaft head rotates relative to the slide groove to an unlocked position, the elastic pressure between the damping part and the inner top surface of the slide groove is released, and the limiting part disengages from the inner bottom surface of the slide groove, thereby allowing the shaft head to slide freely along the slide groove.

[0014] In order to further solve the technical problem to be solved by this utility model, the adjustable dish rack provided by this utility model includes an elastic arm provided on the side of the shaft head, and the top surface of the elastic arm is provided with an upward protrusion, which is used to press against the inner top surface of the slide groove.

[0015] In order to further solve the technical problem to be solved by this utility model, the adjustable dish rack provided by this utility model has an asymmetrical cross-sectional shape of the protrusion, and its two sides are respectively a guide surface for providing a guiding function during rotation and a limiting steep surface for locking in the slide groove in the locked position to enhance the locking effect.

[0016] In order to further solve the technical problem to be solved by this utility model, the adjustable dish rack provided by this utility model has a hollow groove between the elastic arm and the shaft head to enhance the elastic deformation capability of the elastic arm.

[0017] In order to further solve the technical problem to be solved by this utility model, the adjustable dish rack provided by this utility model includes a limiting part including a pressing head extending radially from the side wall of the shaft head, and the pressing head has a supporting surface arranged parallel to the inner bottom surface of the slide groove, so as to tightly fit the inner bottom surface of the slide groove.

[0018] To further address the technical problems to be solved by this utility model, the adjustable dish rack provided by this utility model has a wedge-shaped top pressure head.

[0019] To further address the technical problems addressed by this utility model, an adjustable dish rack is provided in which the cross-section of the shaft head is I-shaped, and the cross-section of the sliding groove is adapted to the cross-section of the shaft head.

[0020] In order to further solve the technical problem to be solved by this utility model, the adjustable dish rack provided by this utility model has at least one end of the slide groove being open, and an end cap is detachably provided at the open end to prevent the shaft head from slipping out of the slide groove.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0022] This invention abandons the traditional eccentric wheel structure that relies on unstable friction and instead features a unique upper and lower supporting clamping and locking structure that can be achieved simply by rotating the shaft head. This structure utilizes the elastic damping part at the top of the shaft head to press upwards against the inner top surface of the slide groove, while the rigid limiting part at the bottom uses a "surface contact" method to support the inner bottom surface of the slide groove, forming a robust force couple balance. This design fundamentally solves the problems of wobbling, loosening, and insufficient load-bearing capacity caused by point contact or line contact locking in existing dish racks. It boasts outstanding advantages such as extremely stable and reliable locking, strong load-bearing capacity, durable and wear-resistant structure, and intuitive and convenient adjustment operation. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a partial schematic diagram of the shaft head;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of this utility model, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0028] Please see Figures 1 to 3This utility model provides an adjustable dish rack, which mainly includes at least one base frame 1 and at least one adjustable support frame 2. In a typical application scenario, the dish rack may include two parallel base frames 1, with the two ends of multiple support frames 2 connected to these two base frames 1 respectively, thereby forming a stable storage structure. The support frame 2 itself can be designed as a rod-shaped or plate-shaped structure with a specific curvature or tilt angle as needed, so as to better support and drain different types of dishes.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the base frame 1 has at least one sliding groove 11 along its length. The sliding groove 11 provides a track for the movement of the support frame 2. The end of the support frame 2 is provided with a shaft head 21, the size and shape of which match the sliding groove 11, so that it can be accommodated in the sliding groove 11 and slide along the length of the sliding groove 11, and can also rotate around its own central axis within the sliding groove 11.

[0030] The core innovation of this utility model lies in the locking and unlocking structure on the shaft head 21. Specifically, as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the upper part of the shaft head 21 is provided with a damping part 22, and the lower part is provided with a limiting part 23. It is these two parts that, through their cooperative action with the inner wall of the slide groove 11, achieve rapid and stable locking of the position of the support frame 2.

[0031] In this embodiment, the specific implementation of the locking structure is described in detail:

[0032] The damping part 22 has the following specific structure: an elastic arm 221 integrally formed or connected to the side wall of the shaft head 21. The elastic arm 221 has a certain elastic deformation capability. At its top, there is an upwardly protruding part 222.

[0033] To further improve the elastic stroke and sensitivity of the elastic arm 221, preferably, a hollow groove 223 is provided at the connection root of the elastic arm 221 and the main body of the shaft head 21. The presence of the hollow groove 223 makes it easier for the elastic arm 221 to bend and deform under pressure.

[0034] Please refer to this carefully. Figure 2 The cross-sectional profile of the protrusion 222 is designed to be asymmetrical, and includes:

[0035] The top of the protrusion 222 has rounded corners for easy guidance and transition. The two sides of the rounded corners are respectively provided with a guide surface 2221 and a limiting steep surface 2222, making it difficult to rotate clockwise and easier to rotate counterclockwise.

[0036] The guide surface 2221 on one side has a relatively gentle slope, which facilitates counterclockwise rotation. When the user rotates the shaft head 21 counterclockwise (in the unlocking direction) to unlock, the guide surface 2221 will first contact the inner top surface of the slide groove 11 and smoothly guide the protrusion 222 to slide over the inner top surface, making the operation smooth and effortless.

[0037] The other side features a steep limiting surface 2222: this surface has a very steep, almost vertical slope, which can, to a certain extent, impede clockwise rotation (rotation towards the locking direction). During clockwise rotation, the protrusion 222 gradually contacts the inner top surface of the slide groove 11, causing the elastic arm 221 to gradually bend and store force. When the shaft head 21 rotates to the correct position (i.e., the locked position), the steep limiting surface 2222 uses its steep edge to create a locking effect, effectively preventing the shaft head 21 from accidentally rotating further clockwise due to vibration or external force, thereby greatly enhancing the stability of the locked state. (Generally, the support frame 2 itself has a certain tilt angle, and the support frame 2 tends to rotate clockwise after being subjected to force.)

[0038] Meanwhile, to achieve stable and reliable lower locking, the limiting part 23 specifically includes a rigid pressing head 231 extending radially outward from the side wall of the shaft head 21. Preferably, the pressing head 231 and the shaft head 21 body are integrally formed to ensure their connection strength and the reliability of torque transmission.

[0039] The key technical feature of the top pressure head 231 is that it has a flat support surface 232 at its bottom. This support surface 232 allows its surface to be completely or substantially parallel to the inner bottom surface of the slide groove 11 and to form a tight fit with it when the shaft head 21 is rotated to the locked position.

[0040] This design constitutes a key advantage of this invention—a robust "surface contact" lock, which contrasts sharply with the unstable "point contact" or "line contact" frictional locking in the prior art. Specifically, its beneficial effects are reflected in:

[0041] 1. Excellent stability and load-bearing capacity: Through "surface contact," the weight applied to the support frame 2 (originating from the dishes) can be evenly distributed across the entire support surface 232 before being transferred to the inner bottom surface of the slide 11. This greatly reduces the pressure on the contact surface, avoiding structural failure that may be caused by stress concentration. Compared to point contact, surface contact provides a robust, non-sagging support platform, thus capable of withstanding greater loads and effectively resisting the impact and vibration generated by placing tableware, preventing wobbling.

[0042] 2. Excellent durability and lifespan: In traditional point-contact locking, the enormous pressure at tiny contact points accelerates material wear and plastic deformation. However, the surface contact design of this invention, with its uniform pressure distribution, significantly reduces the wear rate of the support surface 232 and the inner bottom surface of the groove 11, ensuring that the locking mechanism maintains its original performance even after long-term, frequent use, thus significantly extending the lifespan of the entire dish rack.

[0043] 3. Enhanced Locking Friction: According to the principle of friction, under the condition of a constant positive pressure (provided here by the damping part 22 above) and coefficient of friction, the effectiveness of locking directly depends on the static friction that prevents slippage. Although surface contact does not directly change the coefficient of friction, its uniform pressure distribution and macroscopic contact area ensure that effective static friction is formed across the entire contact surface, avoiding "slippage" or "loosening" caused by local overload, thus making the locking more reliable.

[0044] While the upper damping part 22 provides elastic support, the lower limiting part 23 provides a robust support platform through its support surface 232. The two work together to form a counter-bracing locking structure similar to a "clamp" or "jack," locking the shaft head 21 simultaneously from both the top and bottom directions within the slide groove 11, thereby achieving unparalleled locking stability and reliability.

[0045] Preferably, the overall shape of the top pressure head 231 can be designed as a wedge, with the side facing away from the support surface 232 (i.e., the upper side) being an inclined surface. This inclined surface design provides necessary clearance space when the shaft head 21 rotates in the unlocking direction, thus avoiding structural interference.

[0046] To further enhance the stability of the overall structure, the cross-section of the shaft head 21 is preferably designed as an I-shape, and the cross-section of the slide groove 11 is matched accordingly. This fit effectively prevents the shaft head 21 from tilting or wobbling unnecessarily within the slide groove 11, ensuring that it can only move along the preset sliding and rotating paths.

[0047] To facilitate user installation or removal of the support frame 2, at least one end of the slide 11 can be designed to be open, and an end cap 3 can be detachably installed at the open end. When it is necessary to add or remove the support frame 2, the end cap 3 can be removed; after installation, the end cap 3 can be reinstalled to prevent the support frame 2 from accidentally slipping off during use.

[0048] The working principle and usage process of this utility model are as follows:

[0049] 1. Unlocking and Adjustment: When the position of the support frame 2 needs to be adjusted, the user holds the support frame 2 and rotates it counterclockwise from the locked position by a certain angle. During this process, as the protrusion 222 gradually disengages from the inner top surface of the slide groove 11, the elastic arm 221 recovers its elasticity and disengages from the clamped state; at the same time, the wedge-shaped top pressure head 231 also rotates, creating a gap between its supporting surface 232 and the inner bottom surface of the slide groove 11. At this time, the entire shaft head 21 is in the unlocked position, and both the upper and lower locks are released, allowing the user to easily push or pull the support frame 2 along the slide groove 11 to any desired position.

[0050] 2. Locking: After moving the support frame 2 to the target position, the user rotates the support frame 2 clockwise. During the rotation, the elastic arm 221 undergoes elastic deformation, generating a continuous upward elastic force. When the rotation is complete, the protrusion 222 engages in the locking position. At the same time, the pressing head 231 of the limiting part 23 also rotates into position, and its supporting surface 232 tightly abuts against the inner bottom surface of the slide groove 11 in a surface contact manner, generating a stable downward supporting force. At this time, the upward elastic force from the damping part 22 and the downward supporting force from the limiting part 23 form a pair of locking forces, firmly "locking" the shaft head 21 in the current position of the slide groove 11, making it impossible to slide or rotate due to the locking of the protrusion 222.

[0051] Compared with existing technologies, this adjustable dish rack achieves a "top-bottom support" locking structure through a rotating shaft and a coordinated locking mechanism of the elastic arm and limiting head. This locking method has a large force-bearing area and extremely high stability, preventing it from shaking or loosening under the pressure or vibration of tableware. The entire adjustment process requires only "one turn, one push, and another turn," making operation intuitive and convenient. Furthermore, because the components are in "surface contact" and stress is evenly distributed during locking, wear caused by localized stress concentration is avoided, significantly improving the product's durability and lifespan.

[0052] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adjustable dish rack characterized by: It includes a base frame (1) and multiple support frames (2). The base frame (1) is provided with at least one slide groove (11) arranged along its length direction. The support frame (2) is provided with a shaft head (21) that can cooperate with the corresponding slide groove (11) and slide and rotate in the slide groove (11). The upper end of the shaft head (21) is provided with a damping part (22), and the lower end of the shaft head (21) is provided with a limiting part (23). When the shaft head (21) rotates to a locked position relative to the slide groove (11), the damping part (22) applies elastic pressure to the inner top surface of the slide groove (11), and at the same time the limiting part (23) abuts against the inner bottom surface of the slide groove (11), thereby jointly restricting the sliding of the shaft head (21) along the slide groove (11); Furthermore, when the shaft head (21) rotates relative to the slide groove (11) to an unlocked position, the elastic pressure between the damping part (22) and the inner top surface of the slide groove (11) is released, and the limiting part (23) disengages from the inner bottom surface of the slide groove (11), thereby allowing the shaft head (21) to slide freely along the slide groove (11).

2. An adjustable dish rack as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The damping part (22) includes an elastic arm (221) provided on the side of the shaft head (21). The top surface of the elastic arm (221) is provided with an upward protrusion (222), which is used to press against the inner top surface of the slide groove (11).

3. An adjustable dish rack as claimed in claim 2, wherein: The cross-sectional shape of the protrusion (222) is asymmetrical, and its two sides are a guide surface (2221) for providing guidance during rotation and a limiting steep surface (2222) for locking in the slide groove (11) in the locked position to enhance the locking effect.

4. An adjustable dish rack according to claim 2, characterized in that: A slot (223) is provided between the elastic arm (221) and the shaft head (21) to enhance the elastic deformation capability of the elastic arm (221).

5. An adjustable dish rack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting part (23) includes a pressing head (231) extending radially from the side wall of the shaft head (21), and the pressing head (231) has a support surface (232) arranged parallel to the inner bottom surface of the slide groove (11) for tightly fitting the inner bottom surface of the slide groove (11).

6. An adjustable dish rack according to claim 5, characterized in that: The pressure head (231) is wedge-shaped.

7. An adjustable dish rack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross-section of the shaft head (21) is I-shaped, and the cross-section of the groove (11) is adapted to the cross-section of the shaft head (21).

8. An adjustable dish rack according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one end of the groove (11) is open, and an end cap (3) is detachably provided at the open end to prevent the shaft head (21) from slipping out of the groove (11).

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