Dishwasher with a receptacle for items to be washed and a lifting device for the receptacle for items to be washed

Description [0001] The present invention relates to a dishwasher with a structure for supporting the load of washing items and with a lifting device for the structure for supporting the load of washing items, wherein the lifting device is configured to lift the structure for supporting the load of washing items from the starting position to the final position or to lower it from the final position to the starting position and wherein the lifting device comprises a device leading to the horizontal guiding of the structure for supporting the load of washing items. A first pivot arm positioned pivotally on the guide device, a second pivot arm positioned pivotally on the guide device and a connecting member that connects the first end portion of the first pivot arm and the first end portion of the second pivot arm that is configured to engage the pivoting motion of the first arm rotational and rotational movement of the second rotational arm with each other in a force-guided manner.

[0002] The dishwasher has a washing container and at least one receiving container for a load of washing items that can be moved in or out of it. In particular, the dishwasher may comprise several receiving containers arranged one above the other for loading washing items, such as for example a lower basket, an upper basket or a cutlery basket. Since the lower basket is placed close to the bottom of the washing tank, to load or unload the lower basket it is necessary for the user to kneel or bend down to the lower basket.

[0003] DE 20 2009 004 771 U1 discloses a device for adjusting the height of a ledge in a household appliance by means of at least one sliding guide, comprising at least one running rail on which the shelf can be guided and which can be removed in the direction extendable, mounted on opposite side walls of the mechanism for adjusting the height of the household appliance, the height adjusting mechanism comprising two arms, which are pivotally attached to each side wall by a first end parallel to the side wall plane and which are parallel to each other at a distance and wherein the two guide rails can be pivotally attached parallel to the side wall plane in such a way that the guide rails can be at least partially lifted from the household appliance from the lower position in the home appliance to the upper position. The energy accumulator can be mounted on at least one of the opposite side walls of the household appliance and it is in functional connection with one of the arms mounted on this side wall in such a way that the energy accumulated in the energy accumulator can support the raising or lowering of rails leading. Both arms are connected in the middle with a connecting element.

[0004] EP 0 147 815 A2 discloses a household or kitchen appliance with a muffle for receiving cooked food in an oven or oven or for receiving dishes in a dishwasher, the muffle loading opening being closed by means of a door, and the muffle has at least one support for a support of cooked food or dishes, wherein the support to the cooked food bracket or the vessel support is formed as a crank clutch and wherein the oscillating axis of the crank adjacent to the charging hole is close to the charging hole and the oscillating axis of the second crank approximately in the middle of the muffle. The crank gear is formed as a parallel crank, and the length of the cranks generally corresponds to the height of the muffle. Furthermore, the support for the dish support or the dish supports has the known "L" shape in its side view. The vertical arm has brackets placed one above the other with undercut flaps, respectively, for placing and hanging the vessel support or vessel brackets, and the horizontal arm is hinged with cranks belonging to the parallel crank. Both cranks are connected to their connecting element at their lower ends.

[0005] WO 2015/185631 A1 discloses a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, having a body, at least one loading plane, at least one guide rail along which at least one loading plane can be moved linearly, at least one connecting arm that pivots at least one guide rail on the body, the connecting arm pivotally hinged about a pivoting axis, a locking element located in at least one loading plane and an opposing locking element, wherein the locking element and opposing locking element slow the linear movement of at least one loading plane along at least one guide rail, and in its blocking condition block the linear movement of at least one loading plane along at least one guide rail, wherein the locking element or opposing locking element between the locked state and the released state can be rotated around the axis of rotation in each respective respective locking element or opposing locking element and the axis of rotation being coaxial with the oscillating axis of at least one connecting arm.

[0006] In this context, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved dishwasher with a structure for supporting the load of washing items and with a lifting device for the structure for supporting the load of washing items.

[0007] Accordingly, a dishwasher with a structure for supporting the load of washing items and with a lifting device for the structure for supporting the load of washing items is proposed, wherein the lifting device is configured to lift the structure for supporting the load of washing items from the starting position to the final position or to lower it from the final position to the starting position and wherein the lifting device comprises a device leading to the horizontal guiding of the structure for supporting the load of washing items. A first pivot arm positioned pivotally on the guide device, a second pivot arm positioned pivotally on the guide device and a connecting member that connects the first end portion of the first pivot arm and the first end portion of the second pivot arm that is configured to engage the pivoting motion of the first arm rotational and rotational movement of the second rotational arm with each other in a force-guided manner. The first end portion of the first pivot arm of the lifting device and the first end portion of the second pivot arm of the lifting device each have a lever arm, the connecting element connecting the lever arms of the lifting device to each other.

[0008] In particular, respective lever arms are integrally formed in terms of material with the pivot arms assigned thereto. The lever arms preferably extend laterally from the pivot arms. For example, the pivot arms can be formed with the lever arms as bent sheet metal parts and / or die cut parts.

[0009] The first end portions of the pivot arms are preferably facing away from the guide device.

[0010] Due to the fact that the first pivot arm is forcibly coupled to the second pivot arm by means of a connecting element, the lifting device is stabilized so that it cannot warp even under high load of the structure for supporting the load of items to be washed in end position. Due to the force guiding, it is also possible to achieve between the preferably rotatable arms parallel to each other and the guide device an angle of inclination of more than 90 ° when pivoting the structure for supporting the load of washing items from the starting position and the end position. As a result, a particularly large lift of the structure to support the load of items to be washed can be obtained. The structure for supporting the load of items to be washed is preferably the bottom basket of the dishwasher. The dishwasher may further have an upper basket located above the lower basket and a cutlery drawer located above the upper basket.

[0011] The dishwasher is in particular a household dishwasher. [0012] According to an embodiment, the second end portion of the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm is each pivotably arranged on the guide device.

[0013] On the second portions of the end pivot arms, a bearing point can be provided in each case by means of which the pivot arms are pivotably mounted on the guide device. The guide device is preferably a so-called telescopic rail. The guide device preferably includes a first guide rail, a second guide rail and a third guide rail, which is arranged between the first guide rail and the second guide rail. Preferably, the second end portions of the lever arms are pivotally connected to the second guide rails. The first guide rail preferably has a structure for supporting the load of items to be washed. The swivel arms are in particular shaped like a slat or strut.

[0014] According to a further embodiment, the first end portions of the pivot arms can be pivotally connected to the washing tank of the dishwasher.

Preferably, bearing points, in particular fixed bearings, are provided on the first end pieces. Preferably, the bearing points of the first end portions are firmly connected to the wash container. Bearing points can, for example, be riveted, welded, attached with clips or bolted to the wash container.

[0016] According to a further embodiment, the connecting element is pivotally connected to the first end portion of the first pivot arm and to the first end portion of the second pivot arm.

For this purpose, bearing points are preferably provided on the second end portions in each case. The connecting element can be riveted, bolted or secured with clips at the bearing points.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the connecting element is a strut.

[0019] The connecting element has, in particular, the shape of a rod or a strip. The connecting element is configured to transfer pressure or lateral forces.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, each lever arm is disposed at an angle of inclination with respect to the associated pivot arm.

[0021] Preferably, the angle of inclination between the lever arm of the first pivot arm and the first pivot arm and between the lever arm of the second pivot arm and the second lever arm are equal in each case. The lever arms are preferably directed towards the second end portions of the pivot arms. Preferably, both lever arms are directed in the same direction. The angle of inclination may for example be from 10 to 80 °, preferably from 20 to 70 °, more preferably from 30 to 60 °, even more preferably from 40 to 50 °.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the pivot arm forms with the lever arm associated therewith "V" or "L" shaped geometry.

[0023] The bearing points of the first end portions are preferably located at the top of the V-shaped geometry. The lever arm creates a short arm, and the respective pivot arm creates a long arm of geometry.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the dishwasher comprises two lifting devices that are disposed on opposite side walls of the dishwasher washing tank.

[0025] Preferably, the structure for supporting the load of washing items is positioned between the lifting devices and suspended therein. In particular, the structure for supporting the load of items to be washed is simultaneously suspended in both lifting devices.

[0026] Further possible uses of the lifting device and / or dishwasher include also explicit combinations of features described previously or below with reference to the embodiments or embodiments. The specialist in the field also adds particular aspects as improvements or supplements to the respective basic form of the lifting device and / or dishwasher.

[0027] Further preferred embodiments and aspects of the lifting device and / or the dishwasher are subject to the dependent claims and the embodiments of the lifting device and / or the dishwasher described below. Hereinafter, the lifting device and / or dishwasher will be explained in more detail on the basis of preferred embodiments and the attached Figures.

[0028] They show

Fig. 1 a schematic side view of an embodiment of a dishwasher;

Fig. 2 another schematic side view of a dishwasher according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 a schematic side view of an embodiment of the lifting device for the dishwasher according to Fig. 1 and

Fig. 4 another schematic side view of the lifting device according to

Fig. 3.

[0029] In the Figures, the same or the same functioning elements are provided with the same reference numerals, unless otherwise stated.

[0030] In Fig. 1 a schematic side view is shown of an embodiment of a dishwasher 1. In Fig. 2 another schematic side view of the dishwasher 1 is shown. The following simultaneously refers to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0031] The dishwasher 1 is in particular a household dishwasher. The dishwasher 1 has a washing tank 2. The washing container 2 is in particular rectangular. Preferably, the washing tank 2 is made of sheet steel. Alternatively, the washing container 2 can be at least partly made of plastic material. The washing tank 2 has a front opening 3 that can be closed watertight by means of a door not shown in Fig. 1 and in Fig. 2. For this purpose, a sealing device is provided between the door and the washing tank 2.

[0032] The washing tank 2 comprises a lid 4, a base 5 located opposite the lid 4 on which a pump clarifier 6 can be provided, a rear wall 7 opposite to the feed opening 3 and two opposing side walls 8, 9. Opposite dishwasher 1 the dishes further comprises at least one structure 10 for supporting the load of items to be washed. The structure 10 for supporting the load of items to be washed has the shape of a basket. Preferably, the structure 10 for supporting the load of items to be washed is the bottom structure for supporting the load of items to be washed or the bottom basket of the dishwasher 1. The structure 10 for supporting the load of washing items has a handle 11 at the front. The dishwasher 1 further comprises an upper structure for supporting the load of washing items or an upper basket and a cutlery drawer. The cutlery drawer is located above the upper structure for supporting the load of items to be washed.

[0033] The structure 10 for supporting the load of items to be washed can be slid out of the wash container 2 in the pull-out direction A (arrow) and slide in opposite to the pull-out direction A (arrow) in the slip direction E (arrow) into the wash tank 2. To this end, the structure 10 for supporting the load of washing items is guided by means of a guide device 12 in the washing container 2. The guide device 12 may be a so-called telescopic rail. The structure 10 for supporting the load of washing items is made of wires 13 which can be suspended in the guide device 12. The structure 10 for supporting the load of washing items can as a result be removed from the guide device 12. Preferably on both sides of the structure 10 for supporting the load items to be washed such a guide device 12 is provided.

[0034] The dishwasher 1 further comprises a lifting device 14 which is configured to lift the structure 10 for supporting the load of washing items from the starting position shown in Fig. 1 to the end position shown in Fig. 2 or to lowering from position final position. In the starting position shown in Fig. 1 the structure 10 for supporting the load of items to be washed is extended from the wash container 2 by means of the guide device 12 in the direction of extension (arrow). In the final position, the structure 10 for supporting the load of washing items is lifted by means of the lifting device 14, approximately to the height not shown, of the upper structure for supporting the load of washing items, so that the user does not have to bend down to load and unload the structure 10 to supporting the load of items to be washed. Preferably, the dishwasher 1 comprises two such lifting devices 14 which are located on opposite side walls 8, 9 of the washing tank 2. However, only the lifting device 14 is considered below. The lifting device 14 may comprise a drive device. The drive device may comprise an active or passive drive element. The drive element can be a spring or an electric motor.

[0035] In Fig. 3 the lifting device 14 is shown in the starting position. In Fig. 4 the lifting device 14 is shown in its end position. Below, reference is also made to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 do not show structure 10 for supporting a load of washing items. The structure 10 for supporting the load of items to be washed is preferably secured in the guide device 12 with the possibility of removal. The guide device 12 comprises a first guide rail 15 mounted in a structure 10 for supporting a load of items to be washed, a second guide rail 16 and a third guide rail 17 located between the first guide rail 15 and the second guide rail 16. The lifting device 14 comprises a guide device 12. Behind by means of the guide device 12 the structure 10 for supporting the load of items to be washed can be guided horizontally. Advantageously, the structure 10 for supporting the load of items to be washed can be slid in or out of the wash container 2 only when the structure 10 for supporting the load of items to be washed is in the starting position shown in Fig. 1.

[0036] The lifting device 14 further comprises a first pivot arm 18 and a second pivot arm 19. Each pivot arm 18, 19 has a second end portion 20 and a first end portion 21 facing the second end portion 20. The pivot arms 18, 19 are in particular shaped rods, struts or slats. By means of the second end piece 20, the pivot arms 18, 19 are each pivotably mounted in the guide device 12, in particular in the second guide rail 16 of the guide device 12. For this purpose, a bearing point 22 can be provided in each second end piece 20. Swivel arms 18, 19 are located at a distance from each other. In the starting position shown in Fig. 3 the pivot arms 18, 19 are positioned vertically and in particular positioned perpendicular to the guide device 12. In particular, the angle β between the pivot arms 18, 19 and the guide device 12, and in particular the second guide rail 16, is 90 °.

[0037] The lifting device 14 further includes a connecting member 23 that connects the first pivot arm 18 and the second pivot arm 19, which is configured to couple the rotational movement of the first pivot arm 18 and the rotational movement of the second pivot arm 19 with each other in a force-guided manner. This means that the movement of the first pivot arm 18 is transmitted by means of the connecting element 23 to the second pivot arm 19 and vice versa. The connecting element 23 is preferably a spacer for transferring pressure forces. In particular, the first end portions 21 of the pivot arms 18, 19 are connected to each other by means of a connecting element 23. The first end portions 21 of the pivot arms 18, 19 are furthermore pivotally connected to the respective side wall 8, 9 of the washing tank 2. To this end, the first end portions 21 of the pivot arms 18, 19 may include bearing points 24, in particular fixed bearings. In the horizontal direction, the bearing point 24 of the second pivot arm 19 is in this case located under the bearing point 24 of the first pivot arm 18.

[0038] The first end portion 21 of the first pivot arm 18 and the first end portion 21 of the second pivot arm 19 furthermore have a lever arm 25, the connecting member 23 connecting the lever arms 25 to each other. To this end, lever arms may be provided at bearing points 26 25. Preferably, each lever arm 25 is positioned at an angle α of inclination with respect to the associated pivot arm 18, 19. In particular, each pivot arm 18, 19 with the associated lever arm 25 forms V-shaped or L-shaped geometry. In particular, both angles α of the arms of the lever 25 of the first pivot arm 18 and the second pivot arm 19 are the same.

[0039] The operating method of the lifting device 14 will be explained below. In the extended state of the guide device 12 shown in Fig. 3, the structure 10 for supporting the load of washing items applies a force F10 of gravity to the guide device 12, and in particular to the first guide rail 15. The force F10 acts towards the base 5 of the washing tank 2. Resulting from the force F10 of gravity, at point 22 of bearing the second pivot arm 19, parallel to the second pivot arm 19, the resulting force F19 acts against the force F10. Furthermore, the bearing 22 of the first pivot arm 18 is affected by force F18 oriented parallel to the force F10 of gravity.

[0040] When moving the structure 10 for supporting the load of washing items from the starting position shown in Fig. 3 to the end position shown in Fig. 4, the pivot arms 18, 19 rotate around bearing points 24 mounted on the side walls 8, 9. Moreover , the pivot arms 18, 19 pivot on the guide device 12 around bearing points 22. Furthermore, the force F10 of gravity acts on the first guide rail 15, with the force F18 acting at the bearing point 22 of the first pivot arm 18 and the force F19 at the bearing point 22 of the second pivot arm 19. Furthermore, the connecting member 23 absorbs shear or shear forces F23 and as a result prevents buckling of point 22 of the bearing of the second pivot arm 19.

In particular, due to the stabilization of the lifting device 14 by means of the connecting element 23, the bearing points 22 of the pivot arms 18, 19 can be moved vertically beyond the bearing points 24 of the pivot arms 18, 19 upwards towards the cover 4, yes that bearing points 22 are located above bearing points 24. In particular, the pivot arms 18, 19 can be tilted so much that the angle β is greater than 180 °. This means that the pivot angle between the pivot arms 18, 19 and the guide device 12 when pivoting the structure 10 for supporting the load of washing items from the starting position to the final position is greater than 90 °. As a result, in the end position of the structure 10 for supporting the load of washing items, a particularly high extension height of the structure 10 for supporting the load of washing items can be obtained. Moreover, by means of the connecting element 23 the lifting device 14 is stabilized in comparison with known solutions.

Applied reference designations

<td> [0042] 1 2</td><td>dishwasher; household dishwasher washing tank</td>

<td> 3 4 5</td><td>batch hole ceiling base</td>

<td> 6 7 8</td><td>pump tank rear wall side wall</td>

<td> 9 10 11 12</td><td>side wall construction for supporting the load of items to wash the handle guiding device</td>

<td> 13 14 15 16</td><td>wire lifting rail guide rail guide rail</td>

<td> 17 18</td><td>guide rail first swivel arm</td>

<td> 19 20 21</td><td>second pivot arm second end fragment first end fragment</td>

<td> 22 23 24</td><td>bearing point connecting element bearing point</td>

<td>25 26 AND</td><td>lever arm bearing point extension direction (arrow)</td>

<td>and</td><td>distance</td>

<td>E</td><td>insertion direction (arrow)</td>

<td>F10</td><td>force</td>

<td>F18</td><td>force</td>

<td>F19</td><td>force</td>

<td>F23</td><td>force</td>

<td>α</td><td>slope angle</td>

<td>β</td><td>angle</td>