【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は食器自動洗浄機にて食器を洗浄する際に食器を収納する洗浄用ラックに関し、特に様々なサイズ及び形状の被洗浄物を収納可能であると共に、小型で軽量の被洗浄物のラック外への飛び出しを防止可能な洗浄用ラックに関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】食器自動洗浄機は洗浄室に食器を収納した洗浄用ラックを配置し、食器に向けて洗浄水を噴射することにより、食器を洗浄するものである。そして、該食器自動洗浄機に使用される洗浄用ラックは、特開平８−７２８７２等に提案されているように側面及び底面には洗浄水が貫通する為の適宜の孔を有する上部開口の籠状に形成され、該上部開口から被洗浄物たる皿、椀、プレート、箸、スプーン等の食器を設置するように形成されている。又、これらの被洗浄物たる食器に洗浄水が満遍なく降りかかるように、食器を立てて並べると共に、その設置位置に適宜間隔をもたせるために洗浄用ラックの底面或いは側面から支持部材を適宜張出させている。
【０００３】
従って、従来の洗浄用ラックは被洗浄物の形状、大きさにより異なる種類の洗浄用ラックを必要とし、被洗浄物に適合した複数のラックが必要となり、又、その保管スペースもラックごとに必要となり、使用されないで待機している洗浄用ラックの数が増え、広い保管スペースを必要としていた。又、被洗浄物に合わせて洗浄用ラックを入れ替えて使用しなければならず作業が煩雑となっていた。
【０００４】
又、小型で軽量の食器の場合、食器を直接洗浄用ラックに設置して洗浄すると、勢いよく噴射される洗浄水により洗浄用ラックの外へ飛び出してしまうことがよくあった。特に箸、スプーン等の小型で軽量の食器の場合にはそれが顕著であった。
【０００５】
このような軽量な被洗浄物の洗浄用ラックからの飛び出しを防止するため、特開平６−２１７９２０にあるように柔軟性を有する網目状の蓋体を洗浄籠に開閉自在に取付けたものが提案されている。又、特開平７−３２７９１１、特開平８−２６６４５９では、洗浄用ラック本体と同一の線状部材からなる蓋体を洗浄用ラックの上部開口部に開閉自在に設置したものも提案されている。その他、これと類似して適宜の網、ネット、蓋を洗浄用ラックの上部開口部に開閉自在或いは着脱自在に設置したものが使用されていた。又、特開平１１−１５１１９５、特開２０００−２８７９０４、特開２００１−２３１７３７では箸、スプーン等の軽量の食器を収納する専用の小物入れを洗浄用ラックに設置することも提案されている。
【０００６】
しかし、洗浄用ラック本体と同一の線状部材からなる蓋体を洗浄用ラックの上部開口部に開閉自在に設置した洗浄用ラックは軽量な被洗浄物の洗浄用ラックからの飛び出しの防止は可能となるが、収納可能な被洗浄物の形状、大きさが限定されてしまうといった欠点があった。又、軽量の食器を収納する専用の小物入れを洗浄用ラックに設置するした場合には、小型の軽量の食器を洗浄する必要がない場合にはデッドスペースとなってしまい、着脱が可能であっても着脱の作業が煩雑であり、はずした場合の保管スペースを必要とするという問題点を有していた。更に、このような小物入れではお玉や杓文字の収納が不可能という欠点もあった。
【０００７】
又、柔軟性を有する網目状の蓋体を洗浄籠に開閉自在に取付けた洗浄用ラックは、大型の皿等を洗浄籠の端部に設置することが出来ず、大型の皿等を多数収納して洗浄籠の端部から他端部まで配置することが不可能であり、様々な大きさ、形状の被洗浄物の収納に不向きで、汎用性にかけるという欠点を有していた。又、籠の収納部には全く区切りがないので、小型で軽量の食器が一緒に収納された皿等と激しく接触して、皿等の破損や騒音の発生が不可避であるという欠点を有していた。
【０００８】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】そこで、本発明は、上記従来技術の問題点を解決し、様々なサイズ及び形状の被洗浄物を収納可能であると共に、小型で軽量の被洗浄物のラック外への飛び出しを防止可能であって、且つ、小型で軽量の被洗浄物の為の固定された収納スペースを有さず、必要なときにのみ容易に小型で、軽量の被洗浄物の為の収納スペースを形成可能な汎用性を有する洗浄用ラックを提供することを目的とする。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】上記課題を解決する為の本発明における第一の手段は、食器洗浄機に用いる食器を収納するための洗浄用ラックであって、底面及び側面を備える上部開口の函状である籠と、籠の内部に回動自在に設置される区画部材とを備え、区画部材は籠の内面に着接した状態と、籠の底面又は籠の底面及び側面と共に小物収納部を形成する状態とを形成自在であることを特徴とする洗浄用ラックである。
【００１０】
又、第二の手段は、第一の手段において、区画部材は縦面と縦面の端辺から縦面と略直角に張出する横面を備えた断面略Ｌ字形状に形成され、区画部材は区画部材の縦面端部を籠に枢着して籠に回動自在に設置され、区画部材の横面が籠の底面に着接した状態を形成自在であることを特徴とする洗浄用ラックである。
【００１１】
又、第三の手段は、第二の手段において、区画部材は縦面同士が対向位置に設置され、区画部材の横面の端辺同士を着接或いは近接させて、籠の底面又は籠の底面及び側面と共に小物収納部を形成することを特徴とする洗浄用ラックである。
【００１２】
又、第四の手段は、第一の手段において、区画部材は平面状に形成され、一側辺を籠の底面に回動自在に枢支し、区画部材の横面が籠の底面に着接した状態を形成自在であり、開放端辺を籠の側面又は他の区画部材の開放端辺と着接させて小物収納部を形成することを特徴とする洗浄用ラックである。
【００１３】
又、第五の手段は、第一の手段において、区画部材は平面状に形成された２個以上の補助区画部材を補助区画部材の側辺同士を回動自在に結合して構成し、１個の補助区画部材の一側辺を籠の底面又は側面に回動自在に枢支し、補助区画部材が籠の底面又は籠の底面及び側面に着接した状態を形成自在であり、開放端辺に形成した結合部材を籠の側面又は底面に係合させて小物収納部を形成することを特徴とする洗浄用ラックである。
【００１４】
又、第六の手段は、第一の手段において、区画部材は上面と上面の対向する両端辺から略直角に張出する側面を備えた断面略コの字形状に形成され、区画部材は一側面端部を籠に枢着して籠に回動自在に設置され、区画部材の横面が籠の底面に着接した状態を形成自在であることを特徴とする洗浄用ラックである。
【００１５】
又、第七の手段は、第一乃至第六の手段において、籠又は区画部材に結合孔を形成すると共に区画部材又は籠に結合軸を形成し、該結合孔に該結合軸を挿通することにより区画部材を籠に回動自在に設置することを特徴とする洗浄用ラックである。
【００１６】
又、第八の手段は、第七の手段において、結合孔は長孔であることを特徴とする洗浄用ラックである。
【００１７】
又、第九の手段は、第一乃至第八の手段において、籠内面には被洗浄物を支持する支持部材を張出させ、区画部材には該支持部材を貫通させる挿通孔を形成したことを特徴とする洗浄用ラックである。
【００１８】
上記のような第一乃至第十二の手段によれば、様々なサイズ及び形状の被洗浄物を収納可能であると共に、小型で軽量の被洗浄物のラック外への飛び出しを防止可能であって、且つ、小型で軽量の被洗浄物の為の固定された収納スペースを有さず、必要なときにのみ容易に小型で軽量の被洗浄物の為の収納スペースを形成可能な汎用性を有する洗浄用ラックを提供することができる。
【００１９】
【発明の実施の形態】以下本発明の実施の形態を図に従って詳細に説明する。洗浄用ラック１は籠２、区画部材３、結合軸４、支持部材５を備え、区画部材３は籠２に架設した結合軸４と枢結して籠２の内部に回動自在に設置されている。これらは夫々ステンレス等の金属製の線状材を適宜に切断、折り曲げ、溶接等することにより形成されている。勿論、線状材に限定されず、適宜に孔を有する板状体を折り曲げ、溶接等することにより形成してもよく、又、金属製に限定されることなく、合成樹脂等により形成することとしてもよい。即ち、籠２及び区画部材３は洗浄水が挿通可能な構成とすればよく、その構成部材や素材は特に限定されない。合成樹脂により形成する場合には前記部材を夫々別個に、或いは籠２と支持部材５は一体に射出成形等により形成することが可能である。又、金属製の線状材に合成樹脂をコーティングすることとしてもよい。
【００２０】
籠２は方形の底面２１と適宜高の側面２２から形成される上部開口の函状体であり、被洗浄物たる食器を収納するものである。底面２１及び側面２２は上述のような線状材を適宜間隔をおいて碁盤目状に配列して構成し、特に箸、スプーン等の小型で軽量の食器（以下小物と称する場合がある）を収納するための空間である小物収納部６部分の底面２１及び側面２２は小物が網目から脱落しない程度の細かい網目に形成されている。尚、籠２の内面とは底面２１及び側面２２の内側の面をいう。
【００２１】
結合軸４は側面２２２から区画部材３の横面３１の縦辺３１１の長さ以上距離をおいて、籠２の対向する側面２２１，２２１間に渡って、側面２２の高さの中間に位置して側面２２を構成する線状材２２３，２２３に結合させて側面２２高さの略中央に設置する。このように配置する結合軸４を対向させ、且つお互いの距離を区画部材３の横面３１の縦辺３１１の２倍として２本設置している。
【００２２】
区画部材３は籠２の底面２１及び側面２２１，２２１と共に小物収納部６を形成して、小物の被洗浄物の洗浄用ラック１からの飛び出しを防止するためのものであり、横面３１と縦面３２から構成され、縦面３２の一側端の両端には結合孔３２１，３２１が形成され、対向する他端側から縦面３２と略直角に横面３１が張出し、略Ｌ字形状に形成されている。横面３１及び縦面３２は上述のような線状材を小物が網目から脱落しない程度の適宜間隔をおいて碁盤目状に配列して構成すると共に、横面３１及び縦面３２には支持部材５を貫通させるための挿通孔３１９，３１９…を支持部材５，５の形状、配置に適応させて形成している。挿通孔３１９は区画部材３が回動する際或いは籠２の底面２１に着接する際に区画部材３が支持部材５に阻まれることなく、回動及び着接可能とするものである。尚、横面３１及び縦面３２は側端辺間に渡って配置される線状材を側端辺に配置される線状材より細い線状材とするなど、部分的に適宜線状材の形状を異ならせてもよい。
【００２３】
区画部材３は結合孔３２１に結合軸４を挿入することにより籠２に回動自在に設置されている。結合孔３２１は縦面３２を構成する側端辺の端部を円状に湾曲させて縦面３２の一側端の両端に形成する。尚、籠２の対向する側面２２１，２２１間に渡る結合軸４及び縦面３２の一側端に結合孔３２１，３２１を設けるのではなく、図５に示すように縦面３２の一側端に線状部材の横辺３２２を設けてその両端を外側に突出形成して結合軸４１とし、籠２の対向する側面２２１，２２１を構成する線状材２２３，２２３に設けた結合孔３２９，３２９に挿入することにより区画部材３を籠２に回動自在に設置することとしてもよい。
【００２４】
結合軸４には夫々２個の区画部材３，３が並んで枢支され、洗浄用ラック１全体としては、上述のように配列された２本の結合軸４，４に夫々区画部材３が２個づつ枢結されている。区画部材３の不使用時即ち、区画部材３の収納時であり小物収納部６を形成しない時に区画部材３は縦面３２が結合軸４から下方に籠２の底面２１に略垂直に位置すると共に、横面３１が籠２の内面の籠２の底面２１に着接した状態に配置される。この際支持部材５２は挿通孔３１９を貫通して区画部材３とは接触しない。区画部材３の使用時、即ち小物収納部６形成時には、縦面３２は結合軸４から上方に籠２の底面２１に略垂直に位置すると共に、横面３１が支持部材５１上端部に支持され、籠２の底面２１と平行に離間した状態に配置される。この時対向する区画部材３，３の横面の端辺同士が近接或いは接触している。尚、区画部材３の先端部にフック等の結合部材を備え、対向する区画部材３，３の先端部同士を結合することとしてもよい。
【００２５】
このように本実施例においては、区画部材３は２対４個が設置されているが、籠２の大きさ、区画部材３の大きさによっては、図５に示すように区画部材３は対向する１対２個、或いは１個のみ等適宜数を設置することとしてもよい。
【００２６】
支持部材５は皿等の被洗浄物を立てた状態に支持すると共に、被洗浄物に適宜の間隔を持たせて洗浄水を被洗浄物に満遍なく噴射する為の部材であり、籠２の底面２１に適宜植立配置している。その形状は縦断面が逆Ｕ字型、三角型、四角型、棒状等適宜の形状とすることが出来る。又、その高さは籠２の側面２２より上方に突出しなければ特に限定されず適宜高とすることが出来、又、前後左右の間隔も任意である。
【００２７】
本実施例においては支持部材５は結合軸４と平行に籠２の中央部、即ち小物収納部６部分に設置される支持部材５１，５１…と結合軸４と直角に籠２の側面２２２，２２２側に設置される支持部材５２，５２…を備えている。尚、支持部材５の設置は任意であり、設置しなくてもよく、支持部材５１又は支持部材５２のいずれか一方のみを設置することとしてもよい。
【００２８】
小物収納部６は小物を収納するための空間であり、区画部材３と籠２の底面２１或いは底面２１及び側面２２で画定されて形成される空間である。小物収納部６は区画部材３の収納時、即ち区画部材３が内面、ここでは籠２の底面２１に着接しているときには形成されず、区画部材３を底面２１に着接した状態から回動し回動完了時に形成される。
【００２９】
尚、図示しないが籠２の対向する側面２２，２２の上部中央付近に適宜本洗浄用ラックの運搬用の取っ手を形成することとしてもよい。
【００３０】
区画部材３の不使用時、即ち小物を洗浄しない時には区画部材３は縦面３２が結合軸４から下方に籠２の底面２１に略垂直に位置させると共に、横面３１が結合軸４と側面２２２間の籠２の底面２１に着接した状態に配置するので、区画部材３の横面３１上及び小物収納部６を構成する籠２の底面２１上に任意の被洗浄物をその形状、大きさに制限されることなく収納することが可能となる。小物を洗浄する場合には、先ず、小物を小物収納部６を構成する籠２の底面２１上に置き、区画部材３，３を回動させて、縦面３２を結合軸４から上方に籠２の底面２１に略垂直に位置させると共に、横面３１が支持部材５１上端部に支持され、籠２の底面２１と平行の状態に配置して、小物収納部６を形成して小物を該小物収納部６内に内在させ、同時に皿等を小物収納部６と側面２２２，２２２間に設置する。その後に食器洗浄機に搬入して洗浄を開始する。
【００３１】
又、洗浄用ラック１は上記の構成以外にも区画部材３の構成、形状を以下のように変化させて形成することが可能である。以下に示す区画部材３も上述のような線状材を小物が網目から脱落しない程度の適宜間隔をおいて碁盤目状に配列して構成すると共に、支持部材５を貫通させるための挿通孔３１９，３１９…を支持部材５，５の有無、形状、配置に適宜適応させて形成している。勿論、以下の区画部材３も前述の通り板状体により形成してもよく、又、金属製に限定されることなく、合成樹脂等により形成することとしてもよい。又、小物収納部６を画定する籠２の底面２１或いは側面２２の部分は適宜小物が網目から脱落しない構成とする。
【００３２】
第二の実施例として、図７に示すように結合孔３２１を長孔に形成している。長孔状の結合孔３２１は側面３２の縦辺３２５と同等の長さに縦辺３２５の線状材を延長、屈曲して形成する。このように形成することにより、結合孔３２１は区画部材３の不使用時には結合軸４が長孔状の結合孔３２１の上面３１と反対方向に位置して、区画部材３は側面３２が結合軸４から下方に籠２の底面２１に略垂直に位置すると共に、上面３１が籠２の底面２１に着接した状態に配置される。一方区画部材３の使用時、即ち小物収納部６形成時には、結合軸４が長孔状の結合孔３２１の上面３１側に位置して、側面３２は結合軸４から下方に籠２の底面２１に略垂直に位置すると共に、上面３１は籠２の底面２１と平行の状態に配置される。即ち、側面３２と籠２の底面２１との間に隙間を生じることがない。小物収納部６に配置されている支持部材５は上面３１に形成された孔３１９を貫通する。上面３１上に皿等を配置することも可能である。
【００３３】
又、尚、結合軸４及び側面３２の一側端に結合孔３２１，３２１を設けるのではなく、側面３２の一側端の線状部材である横辺３２２の両端を外側に突出形成して結合軸４１とし、籠２の対向する側面２２１，２２１を形成する縦線２２３に縦方向に長い長孔を設けて結合孔として該結合孔３２９に挿入することにより区画部材３を籠２に回動自在に設置することとしてもよい。
【００３４】
更に、図８に示すように区画部材３の線状部材である横辺３２２の両端を外側に突出形成することなく横辺３２２をそのまま結合軸として用い支持部材５又は底面２１から上方に突出させて設けた結合孔４８に挿入することとしてもよい。このような場合の結合孔４８は線状部材を円状又は上下方向に長い長孔状に湾曲させ、或いは板状体に孔又は溝を形成した部材を溶接等により側面３２、底面３１或いは支持部材５に設置して形成すればよい。
【００３５】
このように区画部材３を籠２に枢支するための結合孔を長孔状に形成することにより、区画部材３の側面３２と籠２の底面２１間に隙間を生じることがなく、小物収納部６は完全に六面総てが囲まれた空間となり、小物が小物収納部６から脱することを完全に防止可能となる。又、区画部材３の上面３１上に更に皿等の被洗浄物を配置することも可能となる。
【００３６】
又、第三の実施例として、図９に示すように平面状の区画部材３９，３９を籠２の底面２１に回動自在に設置している。区画部材３９の不使用時には区画部材３９，３９は底面２１に着接させ、或いは一方の区画部材３９を底面２１に着接させ他の区画部材３９を底面２１に着接させた区画部材３９に着接させて収納し、区画部材３９の使用時には区画部材３９，３９の開放端辺７同士を当接して断面三角形の小物収納部６を形成する。区画部材３９の開放端辺７にフック等の結合部材６９を備え、使用時には対向する区画部材３９，３９の開放端辺７同士を係合することが望ましい。
【００３７】
尚、開放端辺７とは区画部材又は補助区画部材の側端辺であって、籠２に枢支された側辺に対向する、籠２に枢支されていない側端辺或いは籠２に枢支された補助区画部材に枢支された他の補助区画部材の側端辺であって補助区画部材に枢支された側辺に対向する、籠２及び補助区画部材に枢支されていない側端辺である。
【００３８】
又、第四の実施例として、図１０に示すように区画部材３８は平面状の補助区画部材３８１，３８２から構成されている。補助区画部材３８１は籠２の底面２１に回動自在に枢支され、補助区画部材３８２と補助区画部材３８１は回動自在に結合している。区画部材３８の不使用時には補助区画部材３８１，３８２を一平面にして底面２１に着接させ、或いは一方の補助区画部材３８１を底面２１に着接させ他の補助区画部材３８２を底面２１に着接させた補助区画部材３８１に着接させて収納し、区画部材３８の使用時には補助区画部材３８２の開放端辺７に形成した結合部材たるフック３８９を底面２１を構成する線状部材に係合し、補助区画部材３８１と補助区画部材３８２の接辺を頂点とする断面三角形の小物収納部６を形成する。フック３８９の係合位置により小物収納部６の底面部分の面積を変化させることが可能である。又、結合部材としてフック３８９を補助区画部材３８２の開放端辺７に形成するのではなく、底面２１にフックを形成して補助区画部材３８２の開放端辺７を構成する線状部材を該フックに係合させる構成としてもよい。
【００３９】
又、第五の実施例として、図１１及び図１２に示すように区画部材３７は平面状の補助区画部材３７１，３７２から構成されている。補助区画部材３７１は籠２の側面２２に回動自在に枢支され、補助区画部材３７２と補助区画部材３７１は回動自在に結合している。区画部材３７の不使用時には補助区画部材３７１は籠２の側面２２着接し、補助区画部材３７２は底面２１に着接させる。区画部材３７の使用時には補助区画部材３７２の開放端辺７に形成したフック３８９を底面２１を構成する線状部材に係合し、底面２１、側面２２，２２，２２、補助区画部材３７１及び補助区画部材３７２に囲まれた断面四角形の小物収納部６を形成する。フック３８９の係合位置により小物収納部６の底面部分の面積を変化させることが可能である。
【００４０】
又、第六の実施例として、図１３に示すように横面３６１とその両側辺から略直角に延設した縦面３６２，３６２から構成される区画部材３６を配置している。一方の縦面３６２の先端部に結合孔３２１，３２１を形成し、籠２の側面２２１，２２１間に渡って架設された結合軸４を結合孔３２１に挿通して区画部材３６を籠２に回動自在に枢支している。小物収納部６の形成時には結合孔３２１を有さない縦面３６２の先端部が底面２１に当接するか或いは横面３６１が支持部材５上に載置されて上面３６１と籠２の底面２１が平行に位置する。又、結合孔３２１を前述のような長孔として形成することとしてもよい。
【００４１】
又、第七の実施例として、平面状の区画部材３５を籠２の底面２１に回動自在に設置している。区画部材３５の不使用時には区画部材３５は底面２１に着接させて収納し、区画部材３５の使用時には区画部材３５を籠２の側面２２に立掛けて断面三角形の小物収納部６を形成する。区画部材３５の開放端辺７にフック等の結合部材３５９を備え、使用時には側面２２に結合することが望ましい。
【００４２】
【発明の効果】上記のような請求項１乃至請求項３及び請求項７記載の発明によれば、様々なサイズ及び形状の被洗浄物を収納可能であると共に、小型で、軽量の被洗浄物のラック外への飛び出しを防止可能であって、且つ、小型で軽量の被洗浄物の為の固定された収納スペースを有さず、必要なときにのみ容易に小型で、軽量の被洗浄物の為の収納スペースを形成可能な汎用性を有する洗浄用ラックを提供することができた。
【００４３】
又、請求項４記載の発明によれば、更に簡素な構成で、必要なときのみに容易に、小型で軽量の被洗浄物の為の収納スペースを形成可能可能となった。
【００４４】
又、請求項５記載の発明によれば、小型で軽量の被洗浄物の為の収納スペースを任意の形状、広さに形成可能であり、小物の量に適応させてスペースを構成でき便である。
【００４５】
又、請求項６、請求項８及び請求項９記載の発明によれば、小型で軽量の被洗浄物の為の収納スペースは完全に包囲されるので、小物の飛び出し防止力が更に高まった。更に、当該収納スペースの上部にも他の被洗浄物を設置するスペースが生じ、一度に多くの被洗浄物の洗浄が可能となった。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明一実施例の区画部材の収納時を示す斜視図
【図２】本発明一実施例の区画部材の使用時を示す斜視図
【図３】本発明一実施例の区画部材の収納時を示す上面図
【図４】本発明一実施例側面図
【図５】本発明他実施例の区画部材の使用時を示す斜視図
【図６】本発明他実施例側面図
【図７】本発明第二実施例側面図
【図８】本発明変形第二実施例側面図
【図９】本発明第三実施例側面図
【図１０】本発明第四実施例側面図
【図１１】本発明第五実施例区画部材の収納時を示す側面図
【図１２】本発明第五実施例区画部材の使用時を示す側面図
【図１３】本発明第六実施例側面図
【図１４】本発明第七実施例側面図
【符号の説明】
１ 洗浄用ラック
２ 籠
２１ 籠の底面
２２ 籠の側面
３ 区画部材
３１ 区画部材の横面
３１９ 挿通孔
３２ 区画部材の縦面
３２１ 結合孔
４ 結合軸
５ 支持部材
６ 小物収納部
６９ 結合部材
７ 開放端辺[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing rack for accommodating dishes when washing dishes in an automatic dishwashing machine, and more particularly to a washing rack capable of accommodating various sizes and shapes of articles to be washed. The present invention relates to a cleaning rack capable of preventing a lightweight object to be washed out of a rack.
[0002]
2. Description of the Related Art An automatic dishwashing machine is for washing dishes by placing a washing rack containing dishes in a washing room and injecting washing water toward the dishes. The washing rack used in the automatic dishwashing machine has a basket with an upper opening having an appropriate hole on a side surface and a bottom surface for penetrating washing water as proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-72872. It is formed so that dishes, such as dishes, bowls, plates, chopsticks, spoons, etc., to be washed are placed from the upper opening. In addition, the dishes are erected and arranged so that the washing water uniformly falls on the dishes to be washed, and the supporting members are appropriately extended from the bottom or side surfaces of the washing rack in order to provide an appropriate space between the dishes. ing.
[0003]
Therefore, conventional cleaning racks require different types of cleaning racks depending on the shape and size of the object to be cleaned, and require a plurality of racks suitable for the object to be cleaned, and also require a storage space for each rack. As a result, the number of washing racks that are not used and waiting increases, and a large storage space is required. Further, the cleaning rack has to be replaced and used according to the object to be cleaned, and the operation is complicated.
[0004]
Further, in the case of small and lightweight tableware, if the tableware is directly installed on the cleaning rack and washed, the tableware often jumps out of the cleaning rack due to the vigorously jetted cleaning water. This was particularly noticeable in the case of small and lightweight tableware such as chopsticks and spoons.
[0005]
In order to prevent such a light-weight object from jumping out of the cleaning rack, it is proposed that a flexible mesh-like lid is attached to the washing basket so as to be openable and closable, as disclosed in JP-A-6-217920. Have been. Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. Hei 7-327911 and Hei 8-26659 propose a cover in which a lid made of the same linear member as the main body of the cleaning rack is openably and closably provided at an upper opening of the cleaning rack. In addition, similar to the above, a device in which a suitable net, a net, and a lid are installed in the upper opening portion of the washing rack so as to be freely opened and closed or detachable is used. In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 11-151195, 2000-287904, and 2001-231737, it has also been proposed to install a dedicated accessory case for storing lightweight tableware such as chopsticks and spoons on a washing rack.
[0006]
However, the cleaning rack in which the lid made of the same linear member as the main body of the cleaning rack is openably and closably installed at the upper opening of the cleaning rack can prevent a lightweight object to be washed out of the cleaning rack. However, there is a drawback that the shape and size of the washable object that can be stored are limited. In addition, if a small accessory case for storing lightweight tableware is installed in the cleaning rack, dead space is created when small and lightweight tableware does not need to be washed, and the tableware can be removed. However, there has been a problem that the work of attaching and detaching is complicated, and a storage space is required when detached. Further, there is a disadvantage that such a small case cannot store bowls and scoops.
[0007]
In addition, the washing rack, which has a flexible mesh-like lid that can be freely opened and closed on the washing basket, cannot store a large dish etc. at the end of the washing basket and stores many large dishes etc. Therefore, it is impossible to arrange the washing basket from the end to the other end, and it is not suitable for storing objects to be washed having various sizes and shapes, and has a drawback that it is versatile. In addition, since there is no partition in the storage part of the basket, there is a drawback that small and lightweight tableware comes into intense contact with the dish etc. stored together, and damage to the dish etc. and generation of noise are inevitable. I was
[0008]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and is capable of accommodating objects to be cleaned of various sizes and shapes, as well as a small and lightweight rack for objects to be cleaned. It can be prevented from jumping out and has no fixed storage space for small and light objects to be washed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a versatile cleaning rack capable of forming a storage space for the cleaning.
[0009]
Means for Solving the Problems A first means according to the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a washing rack for accommodating tableware used in a dishwasher, the upper opening having a bottom surface and side surfaces. And a partition member rotatably installed inside the basket, the partition member being in contact with the inner surface of the basket, and storing small items together with the bottom surface of the basket or the bottom and side surfaces of the basket. And a state in which a part is formed.
[0010]
Further, the second means is the first means, wherein the partition member is formed in a substantially L-shaped cross section having a vertical surface and a lateral surface projecting substantially perpendicularly to the vertical surface from an edge of the vertical surface. The cleaning is characterized in that the member is pivotally mounted on the basket with the vertical end of the partition member pivotally attached to the basket, and is capable of forming a state in which the lateral surface of the partition member is in contact with the bottom surface of the basket. Rack.
[0011]
Further, the third means is that in the second means, the partition members are disposed at positions where the vertical surfaces are opposed to each other, and the edges of the horizontal surfaces of the partition members are brought into contact with or close to each other, and A cleaning rack, wherein a small-item storage portion is formed together with a bottom surface and side surfaces.
[0012]
A fourth means is the first means, wherein the partition member is formed in a planar shape, one side is rotatably supported on the bottom surface of the basket, and the lateral surface of the partition member is attached to the bottom surface of the basket. A cleaning rack that can freely form a contact state and that has an open end that is brought into contact with a side surface of a basket or an open end of another partition member to form a small item storage section.
[0013]
Further, the fifth means is the first means, wherein the partition member is constituted by connecting two or more auxiliary partition members formed in a planar shape so that the side sides of the auxiliary partition member are rotatable. One side of each of the auxiliary partition members is rotatably supported on the bottom surface or side surface of the basket, and the auxiliary partition member can freely form a state in which the auxiliary partition member is in contact with the bottom surface or the bottom surface and side surfaces of the basket. A cleaning rack, wherein a small-item storage portion is formed by engaging a coupling member formed on a side with a side surface or a bottom surface of a basket.
[0014]
The sixth means is that, in the first means, the partition member is formed in a substantially U-shaped cross section having side surfaces projecting substantially perpendicularly from both opposing sides of the upper surface. A cleaning rack, wherein a side end portion is pivotally attached to a basket and is rotatably installed in the basket, and a state in which a lateral surface of a partition member is in contact with a bottom surface of the basket can be freely formed.
[0015]
A seventh means is that, in the first to sixth means, a connecting hole is formed in the basket or the partition member, a connecting shaft is formed in the partition member or the basket, and the connecting shaft is inserted through the connecting hole. The washing rack is characterized in that the partition member is rotatably installed in the basket.
[0016]
An eighth means is the cleaning rack according to the seventh means, wherein the coupling hole is a long hole.
[0017]
The ninth means is that, in the first to eighth means, a support member for supporting the object to be washed is protruded on the inner surface of the basket and an insertion hole for penetrating the support member is formed on the partition member. A cleaning rack characterized by the above-mentioned.
[0018]
According to the above-mentioned first to twelfth means, it is possible to store objects to be cleaned of various sizes and shapes, and to prevent a small and lightweight object to be washed out of the rack. It does not have a fixed storage space for small and light objects to be cleaned, and has a versatility that can easily form a storage space for small and lightweight objects only when necessary. And a cleaning rack having the same.
[0019]
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The cleaning rack 1 includes a basket 2, a partition member 3, a coupling shaft 4, and a support member 5. The partition member 3 is pivotally connected to a coupling shaft 4 installed on the basket 2 and is rotatably installed inside the basket 2. ing. These are formed by appropriately cutting, bending, welding, etc., a metal linear material such as stainless steel. Of course, it is not limited to a linear material, and may be formed by bending and welding a plate having a hole as appropriate, and is not limited to metal, and may be formed of a synthetic resin or the like. It may be. That is, the basket 2 and the partition member 3 may have a configuration in which the washing water can be inserted, and the constituent members and materials are not particularly limited. When it is formed of a synthetic resin, the members can be formed separately, or the basket 2 and the support member 5 can be formed integrally by injection molding or the like. Further, a metal linear material may be coated with a synthetic resin.
[0020]
The basket 2 is a box-shaped body having an upper opening formed by a square bottom surface 21 and an appropriately high side surface 22, and stores tableware to be washed. The bottom surface 21 and the side surface 22 are formed by arranging the above-described linear materials in a grid pattern at appropriate intervals, and in particular, small and lightweight tableware such as chopsticks and spoons (hereinafter sometimes referred to as small items). The bottom surface 21 and the side surface 22 of the accessory storage portion 6 which is a space for storing are formed in a fine mesh so that the accessory does not fall off the mesh. Note that the inner surface of the basket 2 refers to the inner surface of the bottom surface 21 and the side surface 22.
[0021]
The coupling shaft 4 is located at a distance from the side surface 222 at least the length of the vertical side 311 of the lateral surface 31 of the partition member 3 and between the opposing side surfaces 221 and 221 of the basket 2, in the middle of the height of the side surface 22. Then, it is connected to the linear members 223 and 223 constituting the side surface 22 and installed at substantially the center of the height of the side surface 22. The coupling shafts 4 arranged in this manner are opposed to each other, and two of them are installed with the distance between them being twice as long as the vertical side 311 of the horizontal surface 31 of the partition member 3.
[0022]
The partitioning member 3 forms the accessory storage section 6 together with the bottom surface 21 and the side surfaces 221 and 221 of the basket 2 to prevent small objects from jumping out of the cleaning rack 1. It is composed of a vertical surface 32, and coupling holes 321, 321 are formed at both ends of one end of the vertical surface 32, and the horizontal surface 31 projects substantially perpendicularly to the vertical surface 32 from the opposite other end, and has a substantially L-shape. Is formed. The horizontal surface 31 and the vertical surface 32 are formed by arranging the linear materials as described above in a grid pattern at appropriate intervals such that small objects do not fall off the mesh, and the horizontal surface 31 and the vertical surface 32 are supported. The insertion holes 319 for inserting the member 5 are formed in accordance with the shape and arrangement of the support members 5. The insertion hole 319 allows the partition member 3 to rotate and contact without being blocked by the support member 5 when the partition member 3 rotates or comes into contact with the bottom surface 21 of the basket 2. In addition, the horizontal surface 31 and the vertical surface 32 are partially linear material, such as making the linear material disposed between the side edges thinner than the linear material disposed on the side edge. May be made different.
[0023]
The partition member 3 is rotatably installed in the basket 2 by inserting the coupling shaft 4 into the coupling hole 321. The coupling holes 321 are formed at both ends of one side end of the vertical surface 32 by bending the ends of the side edges constituting the vertical surface 32 into a circular shape. It should be noted that the coupling shaft 4 extending between the opposing side surfaces 221 and 221 of the basket 2 and one end of the vertical surface 32 are not provided with coupling holes 321 and 321 as shown in FIG. Are provided with lateral sides 322 of the linear member, and both ends thereof are formed to protrude outward to form a coupling shaft 41, and coupling holes 329 provided in linear members 223, 223 constituting opposed side surfaces 221, 221 of the basket 2. The partition member 3 may be rotatably installed in the basket 2 by inserting it into the basket 329.
[0024]
Two partition members 3 and 3 are pivotally supported side by side on the coupling shaft 4, and the partition member 3 is arranged on the two coupling shafts 4 and 4 arranged as described above as a whole for the cleaning rack 1. They are connected by two. When the partition member 3 is not used, that is, when the partition member 3 is stored and the accessory storage section 6 is not formed, the vertical surface 32 of the partition member 3 is positioned substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 21 of the basket 2 below the coupling shaft 4. At the same time, the lateral surface 31 is arranged in a state of being in contact with the bottom surface 21 of the basket 2 on the inner surface of the basket 2. At this time, the support member 52 penetrates the insertion hole 319 and does not contact the partition member 3. When the partition member 3 is used, that is, when the accessory storage section 6 is formed, the vertical surface 32 is located substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 21 of the basket 2 above the coupling shaft 4, and the horizontal surface 31 is supported by the upper end of the support member 51. , Arranged in parallel with the bottom surface 21 of the basket 2. At this time, the side edges of the opposing partition members 3 and 3 are close to or in contact with each other. Note that a coupling member such as a hook may be provided at the distal end of the partition member 3, and the distal ends of the facing partition members 3 and 3 may be coupled to each other.
[0025]
As described above, in this embodiment, two to four partition members 3 are provided, but depending on the size of the basket 2 and the size of the partition members 3, the partition members 3 face each other as shown in FIG. It is also possible to provide an appropriate number, such as one-to-two or one only.
[0026]
The support member 5 is a member for supporting an object to be cleaned such as a dish in an upright state, and for jetting the cleaning water evenly to the object to be cleaned with an appropriate interval between the objects to be cleaned. 21 is appropriately planted. The vertical cross section may have an appropriate shape such as an inverted U-shape, a triangular shape, a square shape, a rod shape, and the like. The height is not particularly limited as long as it does not protrude above the side surface 22 of the basket 2, and can be set to an appropriate height.
[0027]
In the present embodiment, the supporting member 5 is parallel to the connecting shaft 4 and the supporting members 51, 51,... Are provided on the 222 side. The support member 5 may be installed arbitrarily, and may not be installed, and only one of the support member 51 and the support member 52 may be installed.
[0028]
The accessory storage unit 6 is a space for storing accessories, and is a space defined and formed by the partition member 3 and the bottom surface 21 or the bottom surface 21 and the side surface 22 of the basket 2. The accessory storage section 6 is not formed when the partition member 3 is stored, that is, when the partition member 3 is in contact with the inner surface, here, the bottom surface 21 of the basket 2, and is rotated from the state in which the partition member 3 is in contact with the bottom surface 21. It is formed when the rotation is completed.
[0029]
Although not shown, a handle for carrying the main cleaning rack may be appropriately formed near the upper center of the opposing side surfaces 22 of the basket 2.
[0030]
When the partition member 3 is not used, that is, when small articles are not washed, the partition member 3 has the vertical surface 32 positioned below the coupling shaft 4 and substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 21 of the basket 2, and the horizontal surface 31 is connected to the coupling shaft 4 and the side surface. Since it is arranged in a state of being in contact with the bottom surface 21 of the basket 2 between 222, any object to be cleaned is placed on the side surface 31 of the partition member 3 and on the bottom surface 21 of the basket 2 constituting the accessory storage unit 6, It can be stored without being limited in size. In the case of cleaning small articles, first, the small articles are placed on the bottom surface 21 of the basket 2 constituting the small article storage section 6, the partition members 3 and 3 are rotated, and the vertical surface 32 is moved upward from the connecting shaft 4. 2 and the lateral surface 31 is supported by the upper end of the support member 51 and is arranged in parallel with the bottom surface 21 of the basket 2 to form the accessory storage section 6 and remove the accessory. At the same time, a dish or the like is installed between the accessory storage unit 6 and the side surfaces 222, 222. Then, it is carried into the dishwasher to start washing.
[0031]
Further, the cleaning rack 1 can be formed by changing the configuration and the shape of the partition member 3 as follows in addition to the above configuration. The partition member 3 to be described below is also formed by arranging the linear members as described above in a grid pattern at appropriate intervals such that small objects do not fall off the mesh, and an insertion hole 319 for allowing the support member 5 to penetrate. , 319... Are appropriately adapted to the presence / absence, shape, and arrangement of the support members 5 and 5. Of course, the following partition member 3 may be formed of a plate-like body as described above, and may be formed of a synthetic resin or the like without being limited to metal. Further, the bottom 21 or the side 22 of the basket 2 defining the accessory storage section 6 is configured so that the accessory does not fall off the mesh as appropriate.
[0032]
As a second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a coupling hole 321 is formed in a long hole. The elongated coupling hole 321 is formed by extending and bending the linear material of the vertical side 325 to the same length as the vertical side 325 of the side surface 32. By forming in this manner, when the partition member 3 is not used, the coupling shaft 4 is located in the direction opposite to the upper surface 31 of the elongated coupling hole 321. 4 is located substantially vertically below the bottom surface 21 of the basket 2 while the upper surface 31 is in contact with the bottom surface 21 of the basket 2. On the other hand, when the partition member 3 is used, that is, when the accessory storage section 6 is formed, the connecting shaft 4 is located on the upper surface 31 side of the elongated connecting hole 321, and the side surface 32 is located below the connecting shaft 4 and the bottom surface 21 of the basket 2. And the upper surface 31 is arranged in parallel with the bottom surface 21 of the basket 2. That is, there is no gap between the side surface 32 and the bottom surface 21 of the basket 2. The support member 5 arranged in the accessory storage section 6 passes through a hole 319 formed in the upper surface 31. It is also possible to arrange a dish or the like on the upper surface 31.
[0033]
In addition, instead of providing the coupling holes 321 and 321 at one end of the coupling shaft 4 and the side surface 32, both ends of the lateral side 322 which is a linear member at one end of the side surface 32 are formed to protrude outward. The partition member 3 is turned to the basket 2 by providing a longitudinally long hole in the vertical line 223 forming the opposing side surfaces 221 and 221 of the basket 2 as the coupling shaft 41 and inserting the elongated hole into the coupling hole 329 as a coupling hole. It may be installed movably.
[0034]
Further, as shown in FIG. 8, both ends of the side 322, which is a linear member of the partition member 3, are not formed so as to protrude outward, and the side 322 is directly used as a coupling shaft and is projected upward from the support member 5 or the bottom surface 21. Alternatively, it may be inserted into the coupling hole 48 provided. In such a case, the connecting hole 48 is formed by bending a linear member into a circular shape or a vertically long elongated hole shape, or by welding a member having a hole or groove formed in a plate-like body to the side surface 32, the bottom surface 31, or the support. What is necessary is just to install and form in the member 5.
[0035]
By forming the connecting holes for pivotally supporting the partition member 3 to the basket 2 in this manner, no gap is formed between the side surface 32 of the partition member 3 and the bottom surface 21 of the basket 2, and the small articles can be stored. The part 6 is a space in which all six sides are completely enclosed, and it is possible to completely prevent small articles from falling out of the small article storage part 6. Further, an object to be cleaned such as a dish can be further disposed on the upper surface 31 of the partition member 3.
[0036]
As a third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, planar partition members 39, 39 are rotatably installed on the bottom surface 21 of the basket 2. When the partition member 39 is not used, the partition members 39 and 39 are brought into contact with the bottom surface 21, or one partition member 39 is brought into contact with the bottom surface 21 and the other partition member 39 is brought into contact with the bottom surface 21. When the partition member 39 is used, the open ends 7 of the partition members 39, 39 are brought into contact with each other to form the accessory storage section 6 having a triangular cross section. It is preferable that a coupling member 69 such as a hook is provided on the open end 7 of the partition member 39, and the open ends 7 of the opposing partition members 39, 39 are engaged with each other during use.
[0037]
The open end 7 is a side edge of the partition member or the auxiliary partition member, which is opposite to the side pivotally supported by the basket 2 and which is not pivotally supported by the basket 2. The side edge of the other auxiliary partition member pivotally supported by the pivotally supported auxiliary partition member, which is opposed to the side edge pivotally supported by the auxiliary partition member, is not pivotally supported by the basket 2 and the auxiliary partition member. It is a side edge.
[0038]
As a fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the partition member 38 is composed of planar auxiliary partition members 381 and 382. The auxiliary partition member 381 is rotatably supported by the bottom surface 21 of the basket 2, and the auxiliary partition member 382 and the auxiliary partition member 381 are rotatably connected. When the partitioning member 38 is not used, the auxiliary partitioning members 381 and 382 are made to be flat and are in contact with the bottom surface 21, or one auxiliary partitioning member 381 is in contact with the bottom surface 21 and the other auxiliary partitioning member 382 is attached to the bottom surface 21. When the partition member 38 is used, the hook 389 serving as a coupling member formed on the open end 7 of the auxiliary partition member 382 is engaged with the linear member forming the bottom surface 21 when the partition member 38 is used. Then, the accessory storage section 6 having a triangular cross section having the vertex at the contact side between the auxiliary partition member 381 and the auxiliary partition member 382 is formed. It is possible to change the area of the bottom surface portion of the accessory storage section 6 depending on the engagement position of the hook 389. Also, instead of forming the hook 389 as a coupling member on the open end 7 of the auxiliary partition member 382, a hook is formed on the bottom surface 21 and the linear member forming the open end 7 of the auxiliary partition member 382 is connected to the hook. It is good also as a structure made to engage with.
[0039]
As a fifth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the partition member 37 is composed of planar auxiliary partition members 371 and 372. The auxiliary partition member 371 is rotatably supported by the side surface 22 of the basket 2, and the auxiliary partition member 372 and the auxiliary partition member 371 are rotatably connected. When the partition member 37 is not used, the auxiliary partition member 371 contacts the side surface 22 of the basket 2, and the auxiliary partition member 372 contacts the bottom surface 21. When the partition member 37 is used, the hook 389 formed on the open end 7 of the auxiliary partition member 372 engages with the linear member forming the bottom surface 21, and the bottom surface 21, the side surfaces 22, 22, 22, the auxiliary partition member 371 and the auxiliary An accessory storage section 6 having a rectangular cross section surrounded by the partition member 372 is formed. It is possible to change the area of the bottom surface portion of the accessory storage section 6 depending on the engagement position of the hook 389.
[0040]
Further, as a sixth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, a partition member 36 composed of a horizontal surface 361 and vertical surfaces 362 and 362 extending substantially at right angles from both sides thereof is arranged. Connecting holes 321 and 321 are formed at the tip of one vertical surface 362, and the connecting shaft 4 erected between the side surfaces 221 and 221 of the cage 2 is inserted into the connecting hole 321 to partition the partition member 36 into the basket 2. It is pivotally supported. When the accessory storage section 6 is formed, the tip of the vertical surface 362 having no coupling hole 321 abuts on the bottom surface 21 or the horizontal surface 361 is placed on the support member 5 so that the upper surface 361 and the bottom surface 21 of the basket 2 are Are located in parallel. Further, the coupling hole 321 may be formed as the long hole as described above.
[0041]
Further, as a seventh embodiment, a planar partition member 35 is rotatably installed on the bottom surface 21 of the basket 2. When the partition member 35 is not used, the partition member 35 is stored in contact with the bottom surface 21, and when the partition member 35 is used, the partition member 35 stands on the side surface 22 of the basket 2 to form the accessory storage section 6 having a triangular cross section. . It is preferable that a coupling member 359 such as a hook is provided on the open end side 7 of the partition member 35, and the coupling member 359 is coupled to the side surface 22 at the time of use.
[0042]
According to the first to third and seventh aspects of the present invention, objects to be cleaned of various sizes and shapes can be stored, and small and lightweight objects to be cleaned can be stored. It is possible to prevent objects from jumping out of the rack, and has no fixed storage space for small and lightweight objects to be washed. A versatile cleaning rack capable of forming a storage space for articles can be provided.
[0043]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily form a small and lightweight storage space for the object to be cleaned only when necessary, with a simpler configuration.
[0044]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the storage space for a small and lightweight object to be cleaned can be formed in any shape and width, and the space can be configured according to the amount of the small object, and the space can be conveniently formed. is there.
[0045]
According to the sixth, eighth and ninth aspects of the present invention, the storage space for the small and lightweight object to be cleaned is completely surrounded, so that the ability of the small object to prevent the small object from jumping out is further enhanced. Further, a space for installing another object to be cleaned is provided above the storage space, so that many objects to be cleaned can be cleaned at one time.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state where a partition member according to an embodiment of the present invention is stored. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where a partition member according to an embodiment of the present invention is used. FIG. FIG. 4 is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the use of a partition member of another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention. 7: Side view of the second embodiment of the present invention FIG. 8: Side view of the modified second embodiment of the present invention FIG. 9: Side view of the third embodiment of the present invention FIG. 10: Side view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention FIG. 12 is a side view of the fifth embodiment of the present invention when the partition member is stored. FIG. 12 is a side view of the fifth embodiment of the present invention when the partition member is used. FIG. 13 is a side view of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Side view of the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cleaning rack 2 Basket 21 Basket bottom surface 22 Basket side surface 3 Partition member 31 Partition member lateral surface 319 Insertion hole 32 Partition member vertical surface 321 Binding hole 4 Binding shaft 5 Support member 6 Small article storage section 69 Binding member 7 Open Edge
