Bracket assembly, tableware rack, and dishwasher

Abstract

Provided are a bracket, a bracket assembly, a tableware rack, and a dishwasher. The bracket assembly includes a support frame, a hanging support, and a bracket. The hanging support is detachably connected to the support frame. The bracket is connected to the hanging support. The bracket is supported on the support frame and configured to support an item. In a first direction, the bracket is retractable to move away from or towards the hanging support and is switchable between a deployed state and a stowed state.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202310078385.2, titled “BRACKET ASSEMBLY, TABLEWARE RACK, AND DISHWASHER” and filed with China National Intellectual Property Administration on Feb. 1, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202320148727.9, titled “BRACKET ASSEMBLY, TABLEWARE RACK, AND DISHWASHER” and filed with China National Intellectual Property Administration on Feb. 1, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of cleaning technologies, and more particularly, to a bracket assembly, a tableware rack having the bracket assembly, and a dishwasher having tableware rack.BACKGROUND

[0004] Currently, large capacity loading of tableware in a dishwasher is a future trend. With a constant dishwasher interior space, a method of adding accessories such as bowl racks and chopstick / fork racks to a tableware rack to increase a tableware loading capacity is generally employed. However, the added accessories will occupy a loading space of an inner tub of the dishwasher when not in use. When the dishwasher is in use, washing pots is a rigid demand, and placement of the pots imposes specific space demands on the tableware rack, resulting in a problem that a solution of adding the accessories to the tableware rack has significant usage limitations. Alternatively, users must manually remove the accessories to avoid affecting loading of other tableware, which also leads to an unsatisfactory experience.SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure aims to solve at least one of the technical problems. To this end, embodiments of the present disclosure are to provide a bracket assembly. By providing a stowable bracket, the bracket may be deployed when in use to improve a storage space, and may be stowed when not in use to facilitate storage.

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure are also to provide a tableware rack including the bracket assembly as described above.

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure are also to provide a dishwasher including the tableware rack as described above.

[0008] A bracket assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a support frame, a hanging support, and a bracket. The hanging support is detachably connected to the support frame. The bracket is connected to the hanging support. The bracket is supported on the support frame and configured to support an item. In a first direction, the bracket is retractable to move away from or towards the hanging support and is switchable between a deployed state and a stowed state.

[0009] With the bracket assembly according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing the stowable bracket, the bracket may be deployed when in use to improve the storage space, and may be stowed when not in use to facilitate the storage.

[0010] In addition, the bracket assembly according to the above-described embodiments may further have the following additional technical features.

[0011] In some embodiments, the support frame includes a body portion and a hanging portion connected to the body portion. The hanging support is hung to the hanging portion.

[0012] In some embodiments, a hanging chamber is defined between the hanging portion and the body portion. The hanging support includes a first branch portion and a second branch portion. An upper end of the first branch portion is connected to an upper end of the second branch portion. The first branch portion is inserted into the hanging chamber. The bracket is connected to the second branch portion.

[0013] In some embodiments, the hanging chamber has a side wall snap-connected to the first branch portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the support frame further includes a first positioning rib and a second positioning rib respectively disposed at two opposite sides of the second branch portion. The first positioning rib and the second positioning rib are configured to retain the hanging support.

[0015] In some embodiments, the bracket includes a stowable rack and a carrying rack. The stowable rack is connected to the hanging support. The carrying rack is connected to the stowable rack. The stowable rack is retractable to move away from the hanging support to deploy the carrying rack or move towards the hanging support to stow the carrying rack.

[0016] In some embodiments, the stowable rack includes a plurality of rod groups. One rod group of the plurality of rod groups is connected to the hanging support. The plurality of rod groups are sequentially connected in a direction away from the hanging support. Each of the plurality of rod groups includes a first link and a second link that are crossed and hinged to each other. The first link of the one rod group is hinged to the hanging support. The second link of the one rod group is slidably connected to the hanging support. For two adjacent rod groups of the plurality of rod groups, the first link of one of the two adjacent rod groups is hinged to the second link of the other one of the two adjacent rod groups in a staggered manner.

[0017] In some embodiments, the hanging support includes a first side plate and a second side plate that are spaced apart from each other. The first link of the one rod group is rotatably connected between the first side plate and the second side plate and / or the second link of the one rod group is slidably connected between the first side plate and the second side plate.

[0018] In some embodiments, a position where the first link of the one rod group is hinged to the hanging support is higher than a position where the second link of the one rod group is slidably connected to the hanging support.

[0019] In some embodiments, a plurality of carrying racks are provided. The plurality of carrying racks are in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of rod groups. Each of the plurality of carrying racks is connected to one link of the first link and the second link of a corresponding rod group of the plurality of rod groups.

[0020] A tableware rack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a tableware basket and the bracket assembly as described above. The support frame is connected to the tableware basket and configured to support the bracket assembly. The bracket is suspended above a bottom wall of the tableware basket.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the tableware rack may be connected to the bracket assembly, which enhances flexibility of tableware rack usage, with a simple structure and ease of assembly.

[0022] In some embodiments, the support frame has a mounting cavity. A lower end of the support frame has a mounting opening. The support frame is provided with a snap fastener. The tableware basket is provided with a fixing frame. The fixing frame is inserted in the support frame through the mounting opening and clamped by the snap fastener.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a dishwasher includes a body and the aforementioned tableware rack. The body defines a washing chamber that is open at a front side of the washing chamber. The tableware rack is disposed in the washing chamber.

[0024] With the dishwasher according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the number of dishes to be stored and washed can be increased, improving cleaning efficiency of the dishwasher.

[0025] In some embodiments, a plurality of tableware racks are vertically arranged in the body.

[0026] In some embodiments, the tableware rack is drawably disposed in the body in the first direction.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In order to clearly explain technical solutions according to embodiments of the present disclosure, drawings used in the description of the embodiments are briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings as described below are merely some embodiments of the present disclosure. Based on these drawings, other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural view of a bracket assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure with a deployed state of a bracket being shown.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a schematic structural view of a bracket assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure with a stowed state of a bracket being shown.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a schematic structural view of a support frame according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a schematic structural view of a support frame according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a support frame according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a partial schematic structural view of a bracket assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure with a hanging support and a bracket being shown.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a partial schematic structural view of a tableware rack according to some embodiments of the present disclosure with a tableware basket and a fixing frame being shown.REFERENCE NUMERALS OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS100, tableware rack; 50, tableware basket; 10, support frame; 101, mounting cavity; 11, first positioning rib; 12, second positioning rib; 102, mounting opening; 13, snap fastener; 103, through hole; 104, hanging chamber; 14, body portion; 15, hanging portion; 151, engagement hook; 30, hanging support; 31, first branch portion; 301, engagement hole; 32, second branch portion; 33, first side plate; 34, second side plate; 35, hinge portion; 105, guide groove; 20, bracket; 22, carrying rack; 25, hook; 23, shaft pin; 222, backrest; 221, base tray; 223, third link; 224, first transverse rod; 225, first vertical rod; 21, rod group; 21a, first link; 21b, second link; 211, slide portion; 40, fixing frame; 41, first mounting frame; 411, connection rod; 412, first bent portion.

[0036] Implementations of the objectives, functional features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be further described in connection with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0037] Currently, large capacity loading of tableware in a dishwasher is a future trend. With a constant dishwasher interior space, a method of adding accessories such as bowl racks and chopstick / fork racks to a tableware rack to increase a tableware loading capacity is generally employed. However, the added accessories will occupy a loading space of an inner tub of the dishwasher when not in use. When the dishwasher is in use, washing pots is a rigid demand, and placement of the pots imposes specific space demands on the tableware rack, resulting in a problem that a solution of adding the accessories to the tableware rack has significant usage limitations. Alternatively, users must manually remove the accessories to avoid affecting loading of other tableware, which also leads to an unsatisfactory experience.

[0038] To this end, a bracket assembly is provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure, which can increase a supporting space. In addition, a bracket is mounted at a side of a support frame. When in use, the bracket is deployed to load an item, and when not in use, the bracket is stowed at the side of the support frame without affecting placement of other items, which is practical, convenient, and provides a good experience.

[0039] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to examples thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which same or similar elements, or elements having same or similar functions, are denoted by same or similar reference numerals. The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are illustrative only, and are intended to explain, rather than limit, the present disclosure.

[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 7, the bracket assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a support frame 10, a hanging support 30, and a bracket 20. The hanging support 30 is detachably connected to the support frame 10. The bracket 20 is connected to the hanging support 30. The bracket 20 is supported on the support frame 10 and configured to support the item. In a first direction, the bracket 20 is retractable to move away from or towards the hanging support 30 and is switchable between a deployed state and a stowed state, which facilitates adjustment by a user, thereby improving practicality. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the bracket 20 is connected to the hanging support 30 and has the deployed state and the stowed state. In the deployed state, the user may place the item on the bracket 20, which can increase a storage space. When the user does not need to use the bracket 20, the bracket 20 may be adjusted to the stowed state, and may be stored at one side of the hanging support 30, which is convenient for the user to manage. Further, the storage space may be adjusted when the bracket 20 is deployed. When the bracket 20 is deployed, the bracket 20 needs to be stretched in a direction away from the hanging support 30, and the user may select a deployed position or a stretched length of the bracket 20 based on a size of the item to be placed. In this way, a space utilization rate is improved. In addition, a suitable storage space can also improve stability of the item placed on the bracket 20, making the item less likely to shake. When in use, the hanging support 30 may be connected to the support frame 10 to connect the bracket 20 to the support frame 10, which can add storage accessories. Also, the support frame 10 is detachably connected the hanging support 30, which can improve application flexibility.

[0041] In the bracket assembly according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing the stowable bracket, the bracket may be deployed when in use to improve the storage space, and may be stowed when not in use to facilitate the storage.

[0042] In practical application, taking the bracket assembly used in a dishwasher as an example, the bracket assembly may be additionally mounted to a tableware rack 100. When a large number of tableware needs to be placed, the bracket 20 may be deployed to increase a placement space, improving cleaning efficiency. When the user needs to clean a relatively large item, the bracket 20 may be stored in the stowed state, which can improve flexibility of the bracket assembly, avoid disassembly, and provide use convenience for the user. That is, the bracket assembly may define a supporting space in a washing chamber, which is beneficial to improving the space utilization rate and is convenient for quick storage when not in use.

[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG, 4, in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the support frame 10 includes a body portion 14 and a hanging portion 15 connected to the body portion 14. The hanging support 30 is hung to the hanging portion 15. In this way, the hanging support 30 may be easily connected to the support frame 10. That is, the hanging support 30 may be directly connected to the support frame 10, which simplifies the structure and improves connection stability and flexibility of use.

[0044] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the support frame 10 may not be provided with the hanging portion 15, and the hanging support 30 may be directly hung to the body portion 14, which is suitable for a case where an interface adapted for hanging of the hanging support is not defined on the body portion.

[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 5, in another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a hanging chamber 104 is defined between the hanging portion 15 and the body portion 14. The hanging support 30 includes a first branch portion 31 and a second branch portion 32. An upper end of the first branch portion 31 is connected to an upper end of the second branch portion 32. The first branch portion 31 is inserted into the hanging chamber 104. The bracket 20 is connected to the second branch portion 32. That is, a part of the hanging portion 15 is engaged with the hanging chamber 104, and another part of the hanging portion 15 is connected to the bracket 20 to fix the bracket 20 to the support frame 10. The first branch portion 31 is inserted into the hanging chamber 104. Thus, assembly stability is improved, and a contact area between the hanging support 30 and the support frame 10 is increased. The hanging chamber 104 may prevent the first branch portion 31 from shaking when the bracket 20 is subjected to a force.

[0046] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the hanging chamber 104 has a side wall snap-connected to the first branch portion 31, which can improve the connection stability. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first branch portion 31 may be inserted into the hanging chamber 104, and may be snap-connected to the side wall of the hanging chamber 104. As a result, the first branch portion 31 may be fixed in the hanging chamber 104. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an engagement hook 151 is disposed at an inner wall of the hanging chamber 104, and the first branch portion 31 has an engagement hole 301. When the first branch portion 31 is inserted into the hanging chamber 104, the engagement hook 151 may be engaged into the engagement hole 301 to form a snap connection. Therefore, the connection stability and structural strength is further improved.

[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, in another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the support frame 10 further includes a first positioning rib 11 and a second positioning rib 12 respectively disposed at two opposite sides of the second branch portion 32. The first positioning rib 11 and the second positioning 12 rib are configured to retain the hanging support 30. That is, the first branch portion 31 and the support frame 10 are insertion-connected to position the hanging support 30 in a longitudinal direction, and the positioning ribs are located at two sides of the second branch portion 32 to position the hanging support 30 in a transverse direction. In this way, the connection stability between the support frame 10 and the hanging support 30 is increased, and the structural strength of the bracket assembly is enhanced.

[0048] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the support frame 10 may be made of a metal material, which is beneficial to improving structural strength and durability.

[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 6, in another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the bracket 20 includes a stowable rack and a carrying rack 22. The stowable rack is connected to the hanging support 30. The carrying rack 22 is connected to the stowable rack. The stowable rack is retractable to move away from the hanging support 30 to deploy the carrying rack 22 or move towards the hanging support 30 to stow the carrying rack 22. The carrying rack 22 is configured to support and place the item. The stowable rack may be connected to either the support frame 10 or the carrying rack 22 to allow the carrying rack 22 to stow or deploy the placement space relative to the support frame 10.

[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 6, in another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the stowable rack includes a plurality of rod groups 21. One rod group 21 of the plurality of rod groups 21 is connected to the hanging support 30. The plurality of rod groups 21 are sequentially connected in the direction away from the hanging support 30, which enables the stowable rack to extend in the direction away from the hanging support 30. Each of the plurality of rod groups 21 includes a first link 21a and a second link 21b that are crossed and hinged to each other. The first link 21a of the one rod group 21 is hinged to the hanging support 30, and the second link 21b of the one rod group is slidably connected to the hanging support 30. For two adjacent rod groups 21 of the plurality of rod groups 21, the first link 21a of one of the two adjacent rod groups 21 is hinged to the second link 21b of the other one of the two adjacent rod groups 21 in a staggered manner. That is, the second link 21b is slidable at the hanging support 30. When an end of the second link 21b slides, another end of the second link 21b may be driven to move close to or away from the hanging support 30. When the second link 21b moves, the first link 21a is crossed and hinged to the second link 21b may be driven to rotate at a hinge joint between the first link 21a and the second link 21b and at a hinge joint between the first link 21a and the hanging support 30, and thus a state of the rod group 21 is changed. In this way, through hinge connection between the first link 21a and the support frame 10 and slide connection between the second link 21b and the hanging support 30, the rod group 21 may be movably connected relative to the hanging 30, and has high stability during sliding, which is conducive to rapid adjustment.

[0051] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, both the first link 21a and the second link 21b may be slidably connected to the hanging support 30 to improve flexibility of the adjustment.

[0052] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, first links 21a of the plurality of rod groups 21 are parallel to one another, and second links 21b of the plurality of rod groups 21 are parallel to one another. Therefore, balance and stability of the bracket 20 can be enhanced.

[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 6, in the bracket 20 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of rod groups 21 are sequentially connected to one another. For two adjacent rod groups 21 of the plurality of rod groups 21, ends of two links of one of the two adjacent rod groups 21 are hinged to ends of two connection rods 411 of the other one of the two adjacent rod groups 21. Since the first link 21a and the second link 21b intersect to form an “X”-shaped structure, the balance and structural strength of the bracket 20 can be improved. By providing the plurality of rod groups 21, the bracket 20 is retractable away from or towards the support frame 10 with a large retractable range and a simple structure, which enables construction to be easy, and the stability to be high.

[0054] Each of the first link 21a and the second link 21b may be constructed as a straight rod shape. A diamond-shaped structure is constructed between each rod group 21 and an adjacent rod group 21. The plurality of rod groups 21 composed of the first links 21a and the second links 21b may collectively constitute a plurality of diamond-shaped structures in the deployed state. For example, a stowed state of the plurality of rod groups 21 is illustrated in FIG. 2, and intersections of two adjacent rod groups 21 of the plurality of rod groups 21 are positioned close to one another. Therefore, stowing of the bracket 20 is achieved. A deployed state of the plurality of rod groups 21 is illustrated in FIG. 1, and the intersections of the two adjacent rod groups 21 of the plurality of rod groups 21 are positioned away from one another. Therefore, deploying of the bracket 20 is achieved. By providing the plurality of rod groups 21, an effect of multiple deployments or extensions can be realized to increase a deployed length of the bracket 20 and increase the storage space. In addition, each intersection is composed of the first link 21a and the second link 21b hinged with each other, which can effectively improve support strength of the support frame.

[0055] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a hinge shaft is disposed at the intersection between the first link 21a and the second link 21b corresponding to each other, which facilitates relative rotation of the first link 21a and the second link 21b. As a result, retractable flexibility of the bracket 20 is improved. Further, connection stability between the first link 21a and the second link 21b is enhanced.

[0056] As illustrated in FIG. 6, in another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the hanging support 30 includes a first side plate 33 and a second side plate 34 that are spaced apart from each other, which can construct a double-layer structure. In this way, a weight of the hanging support 30 is reduced, and the structural strength of the hanging support 30 is enhanced. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first link 21a of the one rod group 21 is rotatably connected between the first side plate 33 and the second side plate 34 and / or the second link 21b of the one rod group 21 is slidably connected between the first side plate 33 and the second side plate 34. Therefore, it is beneficial to increasing the structural stability when the first link or the second link is connected to the hanging support 30.

[0057] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a position where the first link 21a of the one rod group 21 is hinged to the hanging support 30 is higher than a position where the second link 21b of the one rod group 21 is slidably connected to the hanging support 30. When stowing and deploying by the user, the second link 21b moves below the hanging support 30. This design leverages the second link 21b's own gravity to enhance the stability of engagement, while the sliding connection position positioned below is less likely to be touched or visible, improving both the practicality and aesthetics. Additionally, movement of the second link 21b below the hanging support 30 ensures that upper parts of the plurality of rod groups remain aligned during deploying and stowing operations. Therefore, interference with a top or a door body of a device is avoided.

[0058] In the bracket assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hanging support 30 includes a hinge portion 35 and a slide rail portion. The hinge portion 35 is located at a top of the hanging support 30, and the slide rail portion is located at a bottom of the hanging support 30. The slide rail portion has a guide groove 105 extending in the vertical direction. An end of the second link 21b of the one rod group 21 is provided with a slide portion 211 slidably embedded in the guide groove 105. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the guide groove 105 defines a slide range of the second link 21b. The slide portion 211 may be engaged with the guide groove 105 to be adapted to slide. In this way, the end of the second link 21b can be prevented from being disengaged from the guide groove 105. In this way, slide stability is improved, facilitating user's operation.

[0059] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an inner side surface of the guide groove 105 is provided with an engagement structure, and the engagement structure for positioning the bracket 20 is arranged at an upper end and / or a lower end of the slide rail portion. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the engagement structure protrudes from the inner side surface of the guide groove 105. When the slide portion 211 slides in the guide groove 105, the engagement structure may engage the slide portion 211 at a predetermined position to position the stowable rack at the predetermined position.

[0060] The engagement structure may be two protruding structures disposed opposite to each other at an inner side of the guide groove 105. In this way, the engagement structure may provide engagement and limitation functions at two ends of the slide portion 211. Therefore, it is beneficial to maintain the stability of the stowed state and the deployed state.

[0061] For example, the upper end and the lower end of the slide rail portion 15 are provided with the engagement structure. When deploying the bracket 20, the slide portion 211 moves upward along the guide groove 105. When the bracket 20 is fully deployed, the slide portion 211 slides into the engagement structure with a clear click feedback, indicating to the user that the bracket 20 is fully deployed to facilitate the user to load the item. When stowing the bracket 20, the slide portion 211 moves downward along the guide groove 105 and slides into the lower engagement structure. In this way, the bracket 20 is restricted and stably and reliably placed at a side of the support frame 10.

[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 6, in another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of carrying racks 22 are provided to increase the storage space. The plurality of carrying racks 22 are in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of rod groups 21. Each of the plurality of carrying racks 22 is connected to one link of the first link 21a and the second link 21b of a corresponding rod group of the plurality of rod groups 21. That is, the plurality of carrying racks 22 may be directly connected to the link. The plurality of carrying racks 22 may be stowed or deployed with the extension or retraction of the plurality of rod groups 21 to facilitate use and simplify the structure.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of carrying racks 22 are provided and arranged at intervals in a direction toward or away from the hanging support 30. The plurality of carrying racks 22 are located close to one another when the bracket 20 is in the stowed state. The plurality of carrying racks 22 are separated from one another when the bracket 20 is in the deployed state. In this way, when a distance between two adjacent carrying racks 22 is reduced, the carrying racks 22 may be stowed to avoid space occupation; and when the distance between the two adjacent carrying racks 22 is increased, a storage space is defined between the two carrying racks 22, and the item may be placed on the carrying racks 22 to fully utilize the storage space of the two carrying racks 22, thereby improving the space utilization rate.

[0064] As illustrated in FIG. 6, in another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the carrying rack 22 includes a third link 223. Two ends of the third link 223 are respectively connected to the hook 25. The hook 25 may be hung on a shaft pin 23 at a hinge joint at ends of the first link 21a and the second link 21b, which facilitates connection of the carrying rack 22. The plurality of carrying racks 22 may be stowed or deployed with the extension or retraction of the first link 21a and the second link 21b. That is, buckles are disposed at two ends of the links, and the carrying rack 22 is provided with hooks 25 at two ends of the carrying rack 22. The hooks 25 corresponds to the buckles, and are each hooked onto a corresponding buckle. In this way, the carrying rack 22 is connected to the link. Therefore, a simple structure is provided, enabling easy disassemble and assemble, thereby improving the convenience of use.

[0065] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the carrying rack 2 includes a backrest 222 and a base tray 221. The backrest 222 is arranged vertically. The base tray 221 is connected to a lower end of the backrest 222 and adapted to support the items placed on the carrying rack 22. When in use, the item may be placed on the base tray 221 and rest on the backrest 222 to improve carrying stability, simplify a structure of the carrying rack 22, and reduce a volume occupied by the carrying rack 22. Further, when the bracket assembly is provided with the plurality of carrying racks 22, a backrest 222 of a front carrying rack 22, a backrest 222 of a rear carrying rack 22, and the base tray 221 may define a cavity with an opening at a top, which is convenient for placing the item, preventing the item from falling, and improving a supporting effect.

[0066] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the backrest 222 includes a plurality of first transverse rods 224 and a plurality of first vertical rods 225. The plurality of first vertical rods 225 extend vertically and are arranged at intervals in a transverse direction. The plurality of first transverse rods 224 are connected to the plurality of vertical rods. Each of the plurality of first vertical rods 225 has a lower end connected to the base tray 221. The base tray 221 and the vertical rod 225 form an “L” shape with an upward opening in the deployed state of the bracket 20. The plurality of first transverse rods 224 and the plurality of first vertical rods 225 are arranged at intervals to form a mesh structure, which can prevent the item from falling, which in turn improves the structural strength of the backrest 222. In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the base tray 221 may also be directly constructed by the first transverse rod 224 and the first vertical rod 225. That is, the first vertical rod 225 first extends vertically and then extends transversely to form an “L” shape. The first vertical rod 225 has the lower end connected to the first transverse rod 224. The first transverse rod 224 is connected to the plurality of first vertical rods 225 to construct a base tray 221 adapted to support the item.

[0067] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the base tray 221 includes a plurality of bottom racks arranged at intervals in a second direction. The plurality of bottom racks are all connected to the corresponding backrest 222. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the first direction may be a front-rear direction, and the second direction may be a left-right direction. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of bottom racks may be used to support the item, and are connected to the corresponding backrest 222 to define a storage space. The plurality of bottom racks are arranged at intervals, which can simplify a structure of the base tray 221, and reduce a weight of the bracket 20. When the bracket 20 is applied to a washing apparatus, washing water may pass between the plurality of bottoms racks, and thus the washing water may fully come into contact with the item on the base tray 221. As a result, a washing effect can be improved.

[0068] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of bottom racks in two adjacent carrying racks 22 are arranged in a staggered manner to facilitate spatial arrangement. In an exemplary embodiment, in combination with the aforementioned contents, a plurality of backrests 222 are arranged in the first direction. The plurality of backrests 222 may move towards or away from one another with the extension or retraction of the stowable rack. The plurality of bottom racks in two connected carrying racks 22 are arranged in a staggered manner. Therefore, when the stowable rack is retracted, the bottom racks in a rear row may be inserted into gaps between the bottom racks in a front row. In this way, the plurality of bottom racks of two adjacent carrying racks 22 do not interfere with one another. When the stowable rack is extended, the plurality of bottom racks may also be used for placement of the item.

[0069] As illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 7, the tableware rack 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a tableware basket 50 and the bracket assembly as described. The support frame 10 is connected to the tableware basket 50 and configured to support the bracket 20. The bracket 20 is suspended above a bottom wall of the tableware basket 50. Thus, the bracket 20 may be deployed to increase a storage space of the tableware rack 100, and the bracket 20 may be stowed when not in use to store the bracket 20 without assembly and disassembly, which is beneficial to improving practicality of the tableware rack 100 with a simple structure and is easy to use.

[0070] With the tableware rack 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by connecting the bracket assembly to the tableware basket 50, the storage space of the tableware basket 50 can be expanded. The bracket 20 has the stowed state and the deployed state, and the user may adjust a state of the bracket 20 based on an actual situation, providing convenience for the user.

[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, in another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the support frame 10 has a mounting cavity 101. A lower end of the support frame 10 has a mounting opening 102. The support frame 10 is provided with a snap fastener 13. The tableware basket 50 is provided with a fixing frame 40. The fixing frame 40 is inserted in the support frame 10 through the mounting opening 102 and clamped by the snap fastener 13. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the mounting opening 102 is used for inserting the fixing frame 40 into the mounting cavity 101. The snap fastener 13 is used for positioning the fixing frame 40 inserted into the support frame 10, which is beneficial to quick assembly and can improve connection stability and structural strength of the fixing frame 40 and the support frame 10. In this way, mounting the bracket assembly at the tableware basket 50 by the fixing frame 40 can increase the supporting space, and the bracket assembly can be directly connected to the fixing frame 40 without rivets or screws. Therefore, it is convenient to assemble, and high flexibility is provided.

[0072] In actual use, when the user needs to increase a supporting space, the bracket assembly may be connected to the fixing frame 40 to place the item on the bracket 20. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the user may first orient the mounting opening 102 of the support frame 10 toward an extension direction of the fixing frame 40, and then insert the fixing frame 40 into the mounting cavity 101. Thereafter, the fixing frame 40 may be engaged with the snap fastener 13 at the support frame 10 to enhance connection stability. For example, when the snap fastener 13 is engaged with the fixing frame 40, the user feels a clear click or hears a sound of the snap fastener 13 snapping together to confirm that the support frame 10 and the fixing frame 40 have been stably assembled. As a result, the user experience is improved. Since the bracket 20 is connected to the support frame 10, the bracket 20 can be fixed to the fixing frame 40 by the support frame 10, and the item may be placed on the bracket 20. The support frame 10 may be detachably connected to the fixing frame 40 to facilitate maintenance and replacement by the user, improve versatility, and reduce cost.

[0073] As illustrated in FIG. 3, in another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the support frame 10 has a side wall with a through hole 103. The snap fastener 13 is connected to a lower edge of the through hole 103 and extends upward. The snap fastener 13 is inclined toward an inside of the support frame 10 in an upward extension direction. The through hole 103 may provide a movement space for the snap fastener 13. Further, when the support frame 10 and the fixing frame 40 need to be separated, a shape of the snap fastener 13 may be controlled through the through hole 103 to allow the fixing frame 40 to be released from the snap fastener 13. In an exemplary embodiment, a reinforcement rib may be disposed at an outer side surface of the snap fastener 13. The reinforcement rib can improve structural strength of the snap fastener 13, and the snap fastener 13 may be controlled by pulling the reinforcement rib when adjusting a state of the snap fastener 13.

[0074] Further, the snap fastener 13 and the support frame 10 may be integrally formed to facilitate manufacturing.

[0075] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the snap fastener 13 may also be a protruding structure at an inner side wall of the support frame 10 to be engaged with the fixing frame 40.

[0076] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an outer top surface of the support frame 10 is an inclined surface inclined downward, which is not easy to accumulate water and residue during use. Therefore, it is convenient for cleaning and maintenance. In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixing frame 40 includes a first mounting frame configured as a U-shaped rod with a downward opening. The first mounting frame is connected to the tableware basket 50, and is adapted to be inserted into the mounting opening 102 and clamped by the snap fastener 13. The first U-shaped mounting frame can enhance the structural strength when the support frame 10 is connected to the fixing frame 40. The snap fastener 13 may be clamped at a position of a transverse rod of the first mounting frame. In combination with the aforementioned contents, after a closed end of the first mounting frame is inserted into the mounting cavity 101 from the mounting opening 102, an upper side of the closed end of the mounting frame abuts against the first positioning rib 11, and a lower side of the closed end of the mounting frame is clamped by the snap fastener 13.

[0077] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixing frame 40 may be made of materials such as steel wire to increase the structural strength.

[0078] As illustrated in FIG. 7, with the fixing frame 40 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, two mounting frames 41 are transversely arranged. Each of the two first mounting frames 41 has an end extending transversely with the connection rod 411 for connection, and another end extending downward to be connected to the tableware basket 50 through welding connection for example. The two first mounting frames 41 and the connection rod 411 may be integrally formed. When the first mounting frame 41 is connected to the tableware basket 50, the first mounting frame 41 may be provided with a first bent portion 412 that is bent toward an inner side of the tableware basket 50. In this way, an avoidance space is formed between the first U-shaped mounting frame 41 and an edge of the tableware basket 50, and the support frame 10 is adapted to be mounted in the avoidance space. As a result, the support frame 10 may be flush with the tableware basket 50 or located at the inner side of the tableware basket 50 after mounting, facilitating the spatial arrangement.

[0079] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the tableware basket 50 further includes a protection frame. The protection frame and the fixing frame 40 are arranged side by side. The protection frame and the bracket assembly are opposite in the first direction. The protection frame can improve the stability of supporting the item on the bracket assembly. When the item is placed on the bracket 20 of the bracket assembly, a limit space defined between the protection frame and the bracket 20 can expand an accommodation space of the bracket 20 and can also prevent the item from falling.

[0080] Further, the protection frame has a plurality of vertical rods and a plurality of transverse rods. The plurality of vertical rods are arranged at intervals in the transverse direction and extend in the up-down direction. The vertical rod has an upper end connected to the transverse rod. The transverse rod is vertically opposite to the edge of the tableware basket 50. Lower ends of the vertical rods at two ends of the protection frame extend to the tableware basket 50 and are welded to the tableware basket 50.

[0081] With the dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by applying the above-described tableware rack 100 in the dishwasher, capacity for storing and cleaning the tableware is increased, improving the cleaning efficiency of the dishwasher.

[0082] As illustrated in FIG. 1, in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first direction is a front-rear direction of a body to facilitate the user in using it. That is, the bracket assembly may be connected to the tableware rack 100 and a rear side of the body. When in use, the bracket assembly at the rear side is stowed without affecting normal use by the user, and the storage space can be expanded. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the bracket assembly may be connected to the tableware rack 100 and a left side or a right side of the body.

[0083] When a small number of dishes need to be stored or washed, the user may stow the bracket assembly behind the tableware basket 50, which does not affect the user from putting in or taking out the tableware from an accommodation space of the tableware basket 50. In a case where the tableware basket 50 is used in a device that opens a door by pulling, when the tableware basket 50 is closed or not fully pulled, the bracket assembly will not affect the user from placing the tableware and is not easily visible, which can improve the practicality and aesthetics of the tableware rack 100.

[0084] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of tableware racks 100 are vertically arranged in the body, which can make full use of a longitudinal space in the body. In this way, storage capacity in the body can be increased to improve the space utilization rate and the cleaning efficiency.

[0085] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the tableware rack 100 is drawably disposed in the body in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction, which facilitates the user in taking the tableware.

[0086] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the tableware basket 50 may be provided with a pulley to facilitate movement of the tableware basket 50. The user can pull the tableware rack 100 in the front-rear direction through the pulley, which can save labor and improve smoothness of pulling.

[0087] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the orientation or the position indicated by terms such as “longitudinal”, “lateral”, “length”, “over”, “below”, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “top”, “bottom”, “inner”, “outer”, “axial”, and “circumferential” should be construed to refer to the orientation or the position as shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the pointed device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation of the present disclosure.

[0088] In the present disclosure, the first feature “on” or “under” the second feature may mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate. Moreover, the first feature “above” the second feature means that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the level of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature “below” the second feature means that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the level of the first feature is smaller than that of the second feature.

[0089] Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment”, “some embodiments”, “an example”, “a specific example”, or “some examples” means that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. The appearances of the above phrases in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example. Further, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, different embodiments or examples and features of different embodiments or examples described in the specification may be combined by those skilled in the art without mutual contradiction.

[0090] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described above, it should be understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary, and cannot be construed to limit the present disclosure. For those of ordinary skill in the art, various changes, modifications, replacements, and variations can be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A bracket assembly, comprising:a support frame;a hanging frame detachably connected to the support frame; anda bracket connected to the hanging support, the bracket being supported on the support frame and configured to support an item,wherein in a first direction, the bracket is retractable to move away from or towards the hanging support and is switchable between a deployed state and a stowed state.

2. The bracket assembly according to claim 1, wherein the support frame comprises a body portion and a hanging portion connected to the body portion, the hanging support being hung to the hanging portion.

3. The bracket assembly according to claim 2, wherein:a hanging chamber is defined between the hanging portion and the body portion; andthe hanging support comprises a first branch portion and a second branch portion,wherein:an upper end the first branch portion is connected to an upper end of the second branch portion;the first branch portion is inserted into the hanging chamber; andthe bracket is connected to the second branch portion.

4. The bracket assembly according to claim 3, wherein the hanging chamber has a side wall snap-connected to the first branch portion.

5. The bracket assembly according to claim 3, wherein the support frame further comprises a first positioning rib and a second positioning rib respectively disposed at two opposite sides of the second branch portion, the first positioning rib and the second positioning rib configured to retain the hanging support.

6. The bracket assembly according to claim 1, wherein the bracket comprises:a stowable rack connected to the hanging support; anda carrying rack connected to the stowable rack,wherein the stowable rack is retractable to move away from the hanging support to deploy the carrying rack or move towards the hanging support to stow the carrying rack.

7. The bracket assembly according to claim 6, wherein the stowable rack comprises a plurality of rod groups, one rod group of the plurality of rod groups being connected to the hanging support, and the plurality of rod groups being sequentially connected in a direction away from the hanging support,wherein each of the plurality of rod groups comprises a first link and a second link that are crossed and hinged to each other, the first link of the one rod group being hinged to the hanging support, and the second link of the one rod group being slidably connected to the hanging support, wherein for two adjacent rod groups of the plurality of rod groups, the first link of one of the two adjacent rod groups is hinged to the second link of the other one of the two adjacent rod groups in a staggered manner.

8. The bracket assembly according to claim 7, wherein the hanging support comprises a first side plate and a second side plate that are spaced apart from each other, wherein:the first link of the one rod group being rotatably connected between the first side plate and the second side plate; and / orthe second link of the one rod group being slidably connected between the first side plate and the second side plate.

9. The bracket assembly according to claim 7, wherein a position where the first link of the one rod group is hinged to the hanging support is higher than a position where the second link of the one rod group is slidably connected to the hanging support.

10. The bracket assembly according to claim 7, wherein a plurality of carrying racks are provided, the plurality of carrying racks being in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of rod groups, and each of the plurality of carrying racks being connected to one link of the first link and the second link of a corresponding rod group of the plurality of rod groups.

11. A tableware rack, comprising:a tableware basket; andthe bracket assembly according to claim 1, the support frame being connected to the tableware basket and configured to support the bracket, and the bracket being suspended above a bottom wall of the tableware basket.

12. The tableware rack according to claim 11, wherein:the support frame has a mounting cavity;a lower end of the support frame has a mounting opening;the support frame is provided with a snap fastener; andthe tableware basket is provided with a fixing frame, the fixing frame being inserted in the support frame through the mounting opening and clamped by the snap fastener.

13. A dishwasher, comprising:a body defining a washing chamber that is open at a front side of the washing chamber; andthe tableware rack according to claim 11, the tableware rack being disposed in the washing chamber.

14. The dishwasher according to claim 13, wherein:a plurality of tableware racks are vertically arranged in the body; and / orthe tableware rack is drawably disposed in the body in the first direction.

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