DE102012102976B4 - Tumble dryer and storage or storage means for a tumble dryer - Google Patents

Abstract

A clothes dryer having a variable length hanging area for hanging drying laundry having a frame (1) and at least one holding means for hanging laundry, wherein • the frame (1) has at least two cross members (3,4) and at least one of the cross members (3,4) has a longitudinal connection which holds at a distance from one another, • the holding means for suspending the items of laundry extends with at least one section from a first cross member (3) to an opposite second cross member (4) and • the frame (1) is designed such that in that the distance between the transverse beams (3, 4) is changeable relative to one another, characterized in that the holding means for suspending the laundry items is a line (9) and at least one line tensioning device (7) is provided, which is designed in such a way that that of the first transverse beam (3) extending to the opposite second cross member (4) extending portion of the line (9) in its length is un d in at least two positions of use of the clothes dryer, which are characterized by different distances of the cross member (3,4), the portion of the line (9) stretched and secured against further extension by the tensile force of the hanging in garments.

Description

The invention relates to a clothes dryer with variable in length hanging area for hanging drying laundry with a frame and at least one holding means for hanging laundry, wherein the frame has at least two cross member and at least one, the cross member at a distance holding longitudinal connection, the holding means for Hanging the laundry with at least a portion of a first cross member to an opposite second cross member extends and the frame is formed such that the distance between the cross member is mutually variable. Furthermore, the invention relates to a storage or storage means for laundry.

A tumble dryer with an extendable drying rack of this kind is from the DE 101 61 319 A1 known. The known clothes dryer has a frame which consists of two longitudinal rods and two transverse rods, wherein the longitudinal rods are telescopic rods, so that the frame is variable in length. To avoid this being blocked by the holding means for the laundry items, these are also telescopic rods.

Although this known dryer allows a change in length, it still has some disadvantages:

A disadvantage is that the telescopic rods can only be pushed together if these solid rod parts are not kinked. Thus, any kinking of the bars, for example due to overload or manual action on the collapsed laundry rack during storage, results in a restriction of variability or, in the worst case, even final blocking of adjustability. An overload can be done quite quickly, for example, by putting a laundry basket on the bars.

Furthermore, the production and installation or use of telescopic drying rods is much more complicated than the use of flexible clotheslines. Many users also appreciate the feel and drying properties of linen. Linen are also considered to be gentler on linen than metallic dry rods. Finally, there is the danger in telescopic poles that dirty water gets into the interior of the rod and causes contamination of the laundry items being washed during continuous re-emergence.

From the DE 20 2007 015 592 U1 a drying rack designed as a wing dryer is known, which has two outwardly hinged wings on a central frame, wherein on one wing a spring-loaded linen pull-out device is arranged, over which then lower line level further lines can be drawn exciting to the end of the opposite wing, so that a second, then upper line level results.

Although the utility value of the laundry rack increases with this additional linen life, however, the laundry rack can only be increased in height by an additional level, but not reduced while maintaining a function.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved and more flexible tumble dryer and a storage or storage means available. In particular, the abovementioned disadvantages are to be avoided.

The object is achieved in one embodiment by a in length, ie in the longitudinal direction of the holding means, variable clothes dryer of the type mentioned, which is characterized in that the holding means for hanging the laundry is a leash and at least one linen tensioning device is provided is formed such that the length of the line extending from the first cross member to the opposite second cross member is variable in length and stretched in at least two positions of use of the clothes dryer, which are characterized by different distances of the cross member, the portion of the line and against further extension is secured by the tensile force of attached in laundry items.

The generic tumble dryer can be designed as a stand dryer, but the invention is not limited thereto. Thus, a wall mount may be possible, it is only essential that two cross member for clamping the now linen-like holding means with simultaneous length variability by displacing the cross member relative to each other are possible.

According to the invention, a clothes dryer with linen and the linen tensioning device is now proposed. This has a frame which is formed by two cross members and the longitudinal connection, which may be longitudinal beams or other means, for example an X-shaped frame. It is only important that the longitudinal connection holds the cross member and the cross member are displaced relative to each other. In this case, one of the cross members can be or have the line tensioning device, and a line tensioning device can optionally also be provided on both sides. In the latter case, a linen tensioning device seize all lines or tighten only every second line.

If only a variability of the suspension area is desired, it is also possible to use a rigid, rectangular frame on which the cross members are fixed and only the line tensioning device is mounted transversely displaceable relative to the frame, for example on the longitudinal members. This embodiment then has the advantage that a portion of the frame can be released, such as to hang a laundry basket or to be able to reach through the frame in a laundry basket underneath. In this case, the frame is then set up rigidly and then the line tensioning device is moved in the desired direction.

The lines then run from the line tensioning device to one of the cross beams, on the other side of the line tensioning device then results between the line tensioning device and the opposite cross member, a rectangular area which is free of lines. This can be chosen so that a commercial or explicitly designed for this purpose laundry basket is suspended in this area, so that the user can easily take out the laundry and hang in the adjacent linen area. Then he can then remove the basket again and pull back the line tensioning device, so that it is then again arranged at the frame end as the opposite cross member and the length-variable lines have the maximum length.

The fixed frame with a transversely displaceable to the frame line tensioning device for releasing a portion of the frame can also be combined with the Längenveränderbarkeit described above, so that both advantages can be achieved. If desired, both ends of the line can each be arranged on a line tensioning device, wherein, for example, a line tensioning device fixed to a variable-length frame and the other line tensioning device in the transverse direction to the cross members can be arranged movably on this frame.

According to one aspect of the invention, at least one line is proposed, wherein the line runs at least partially between at least two cross members of the frame. A distance between the cross members to each other and a line section between the cross members are variable in length in the variable-length configuration of the frame in their length. Preferably, the frame has at least one side member connecting the cross members.

The proposed tumble dryer has the advantage, among other things, that it is easy to store. Furthermore, linen compared to the usual today with clothes racks designs with metal rods have the advantage that in addition to the lower risk of damage, the risk of transmission of rust stains or dirty water is not given to the laundry. The tumble dryer offers greater variability than variable line length dryers due to the variable length of linen, whether due to the variability of length achievable thereby or the ability to release e.g. for a take-up for the laundry basket.

In the following, the invention will be described with reference to a variable length clothes dryer having a frame with two cross beams, wherein the line tensioning device may be one of the cross beams or may be disposed on one of the cross beams, which of course does not require the use of another line tensioning device or other additional elements excludes.

The tumble dryer can be designed in this embodiment as a clothes dryer with one or more legs or a preferably foldable stand frame. Alternatively, a variant may be provided in which the tumble dryer is attachable to a wall or to a heater or is held between two walls.

The frame of the tumble dryer may be a rectangular frame, but may also have other shapes, in particular individual frame parts can be configured bent. The frame has cross members which are variably spaced from one another.

In this embodiment, the frame has side members that are variable in length and connected to the cross members in one piece, fixed or articulated. The side members and / or the cross member may be part of a frame with which the dryer on the floor, a bathtub, in the shower or other area can be set up. Alternatively, the frame may have fastening means with which the tumble dryer can be fastened, for example, to a wall, a bathtub, a heater and / or another suitable location.

According to the invention, a clothesline is used instead of the telescopic rods, this can be made of a rubber-elastic material, polypropylene, metal wire and / or of a natural fiber, such as hemp or sisal. By the linen tensioning device, the line is changeable in length, by which is meant that the straight section for hanging the laundry items is changeable. This can be done, for example, by pulling the line into a frame section or by rolling up one or both ends of the line.

In particular, the leash after a change in the distance of the cross member is clamped to each other. Particularly preferably, the tension of the line is in particular automatically adapted to a change in distance of the cross member each other, so that the user does not need to take further measures to stretch the line on the one hand after a change in length and on the other hand to avoid sagging by the weight of the laundry.

The linen tensioning device may be formed as a winding device, which winds the free end of the line, driven by the force of a tension spring. In this case, a plurality of mutually parallel and mutually independent lines are used, which are each attached at one end to a cross member and at an opposite end to the line tensioning device. Alternatively, a leash can run several times from the cross member to the linen tensioning device, for example via deflection rollers or other means for reversing the direction. Also, the lines can all be tensioned with a line tensioning device or, for example, alternately, with one of two opposing line tensioning devices.

The linen tensioning device may comprise a drum, wherein the line is windable with a free end on the drum. Preferably, the drum is then loaded by the tension spring, for example a torsion spring, so that the winding operation and / or a tensioning of the lines are driven by a spring force. Alternatively, in another embodiment, a hand crank, a slider or a similar means for retracting the end of the line may be provided in the line tensioning device. These may also be weights that either drive the winding drum or pull the lines directly into a frame section.

In any case, after setting the length, the leash should be held so that the laundry can not pull it out of the line tensioning device. This can be done by the clamping device, so the clamping force, but has the disadvantage that the user must overcome this tension when pulling apart the frame to widen the tumble dryer also. After the total weight of the wet laundry is not low, this creates a comparatively large drag.

Therefore, it will be preferable to support the attachment of the line at least by a locking device. This can be a braking or locking device that acts on the line and either triggered automatically or can be activated by the user aware. One possible locking device is, for example, a lock which automatically engages when the leash is pulled out too quickly, as is known from the safety belt of a car. Furthermore, the locking device can also be triggered automatically by locking the sliding line tensioning device or the cross member. A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention uses linen tensioning devices, which are already known from wall dryers ago. These are wall-mounted dryers, which are pulled out to the front and then stretched between the wall and the front end lines, which are pulled against a clamping force and held tightly via a retraction lock.

Alternatively, the linen tensioning device has a locking element, wherein by means of the locking element, a fixing of the line and / or a fixing of the drum, on which the line is wound, can be effected. This has the advantage that the driving element, such as the tension spring or crank, can be relieved and the clamping force of the spring can be made smaller.

The basic idea according to the invention can now - in addition to the above-discussed release of a frame area - be used in a variety of ways:

In a simple embodiment, a variable-length clothes dryer is provided whose frame is adjustable in length. If it is a frame with side rails, then these may be telescopic rods, scissors gear or any other form of adjustable frame and substructures. In this embodiment, the change in length is taken into account that the linen tensioning device shortened or extended the lines and blocked either by itself or by a separate locking device before use by hanging the lines.

The linen tensioning device may be provided on a cross member or on both cross members. In this case, the cross member, in particular in the case of a line tensioning device, which is designed as a drum-like winding device, also form the cross member. Alternatively, one or two line tensioning devices can be provided in the middle of the frame, of which the lines then extend to the cross member. These, too, can in turn be displaceable.

A somewhat more complex, but very flexible and advantageous embodiment of the invention has a frame, on which at least on one side a frame wing is arranged. This frame is then formed, for example, by a central frame, which may be approximately rectangular. At the ends of this central frame can then be provided a frame wing, which is formed by a sash, which may for example consist of a bent twice by 90 ° or U-shaped frame profile. Such clothes dryers are well known and have additional lines in the frame wing in order to increase the effective drying area as needed.

Now, however, the line tensioning device can be arranged either on the cross member of the central frame, which can be variable in length, as described above, so that the frame wing offers substantially the same extension as in the known clothes dryers. New is then the change in length of the central frame. Here then completely independent clothes lines in the frame wings and the central frame can be used.

A change in length of the central frame can be realized in the same way, when the lines are passed through the cross member of the central frame and attached to the outer ends of the sash. Then, the line tensioning device may be provided at any point, it may be either at the end of a frame wing or, if two frame wings are used opposite, be arranged on both frame wings. Alternatively, line tensioning devices may be provided in the center of the center frame, the lines then extending from these central line tensioning devices through the cross members to the end of the frame wing.

However, an embodiment in which the frame wing is pivotable in the plane of the frame from a position in which it protrudes laterally outwards into a middle position in which it essentially rests on the central frame is particularly advantageous. In this case, the line tensioning device may be provided at the end of the frame wing, so that it is folded together with this end. Then, attached to the opposite end of the central frame or an opposite, additional frame wing line extends in the unfolded state through the entire frame. In the folded state, however, the line then "only" still extends from the central region of the central frame, in which now lies a cross member to the other end of the central frame or the frame wing, so that the pivoting range of that frame wing, which carries the linen tensioning device, now free of linen and can be used as a hanging area for a laundry basket.

The invention therefore also relates to a storage and storage means in the form of a laundry basket, which is designed so that it can be suspended in the frame. For this purpose, the length and depth of the basket is adapted to the frame, so that the basket can be hung in the now free frame section with an outwardly projecting retaining area, which can be integrated into a handle. Alternatively, the so kept free of linen area can also be used only to put the basket under the drying rack, so that the user can reach through.

The frame wings can, if in addition to a first frame wing and an additional frame wing is used, in the longitudinal direction of the lines or of the frame have a different length. Thus, the one frame wing, which carries the linen tensioning device, be adjusted in length exactly the length of the laundry basket or be created even smaller in creating a penetration possibility, so that the shared area is kept as small as possible in order to keep the longest possible leash.

The additional frame wing, however, can then be made longer. Also, the sash itself telescopically be pulled out. Finally, it can be provided that the central frame has only longitudinal members, so the cross member in favor of the sash, which then take over their function, accounts. The line tensioning device ensures in all cases that the lines are stretched after shortening the distance between their attachment ends and not sag. It can act on the leash a tension for straightening the leash, which may be between about 0.2 kN to about 5 kN, depending on whether the clamping force should only cause the straightening of the non-loaded leash or the leash loaded with laundry. Particularly preferred here, a force of about 0.6 kN to about 2.5 kN can be used, wherein the necessary force, of course, also depends on the length of the line sections.

Usually then the clamping force is adapted to the length of the rope to be tensioned and to the maximum expected load and the tolerable sag, especially at maximum distance of the cross member. For example, with a maximum span of the lines of about 2.5 m, an expected wet weight of about 10 kg per line and a tolerable sag of about 2 cm to 3 cm, a tension of about 2 kN to about 3.5 kN exercised on the lines.

Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following drawings of a preferred embodiment. However, the developments described there are not to be construed restrictively, but rather the features described there can be combined with one another and with the features described above to form further embodiments.

• 1 einen aufgeklappten Wäschetrockner,
• 2 der Wäschetrockner aus 1, bei dem ein Flügel zur Mitte geklappt ist,
• 3 der Wäschetrockner in einem vollständig zusammengeklappten Zustand und
• 4 eine Detailansicht einer Leinenspannvorrichtung.

In the drawings shows:

• 1 an unfolded tumble dryer,
• 2 the tumble dryer off 1 in which a wing is folded to the middle,
• 3 the tumble dryer in a fully folded state and
• 4 a detailed view of a linen tensioning device.

1 shows a clothes dryer, which is designed as a foldable clothes horse. The tumble dryer has a frame 1 , Legs and a first frame wing 2 and an additional frame wing 2 ' on. The legs are articulated on the frame 1 arranged. Furthermore, the frame wings 2 and 2 ' articulated on the frame 1 arranged. The frame 1 has in the version shown two mutually parallel side members 5 . 6 on.

The frame wings 2 . 2 ' form the crossbeams here 3 . 4 holding the side members of the frame 1 connect together, so that can be dispensed with explicit cross member. Between the end cross members 3 . 4 the frame wing 2 . 2 ' are the linen 9 curious, to which the laundry, not shown here can be hung. One of the crossbeams 2 . 2 ' is as a linen tensioning device 7 designed, the linen tensioning device 7 the linen 9 holding on to tension and designed so that the lines 9 preferably inside the linen tensioning device 7 can be rolled up.

2 shows the tumble dryer off 1 , where the frame wing 2 ' to the middle of the frame 1 turned down. The long sides of the frame wing 2 ' lie on the side rails 5 . 6 of the frame 1 on. This will be the frame wing 2 ' held in a nearly horizontal position. It can be seen that the lines 9 through the linen tensioning device 7 so that the length of the line is shortened, but the lines are shortened 9 are still curious.

By folding down the frame wing 2 ' the lines are lost 9 now from the inside folded end of the frame wing 2 ' to the additional frame wing 2 or, if this should not be present, to the opposite cross member of the frame 1 , It is irrelevant whether the folded frame wing 2 ' or 2 or the unfolded frame wing 2 or 2 ' or even the frame 1 the linen tensioning device 7 wearing. Due to the clamping effect is achieved in each case that the area next to the clamping of the lines 9 which is directed outward, no longer of linen 9 is covered, so that through him in a standing under the clothes dryer laundry basket 8th can be grabbed or a laundry basket in it 8th can be used.

The laundry basket 8th preferably has tabs or other protruding form elements as abutment, which are designed such that these on the sash of the frame wing 2 or. 2 ' protrude, leaving them hanging the laundry basket 8th enable.

Preferably, the tumble dryer is statically designed so that this even when fully loaded laundry basket 8th no overweight in one direction arises. This can be realized for example by appropriate shaping of the pedestal that, for example, an angled, outwardly directed arrangement of the support bracket may have. Through the side overhanging the laundry basket 8th In this case, the space that is lost through the provision of a hanging position is minimized, so that the largest possible, usable area for hanging the laundry remains.

3 shows the tumble dryer, which is completely folded up. The frame wings 2 and 2 ' are to the middle of the frame 1 folded. The lengths of the sash frames of the frame wings 2 and 2 ' are selected such that in the folded state, the rear ends of the frame wings 2 and 2 ' lie next to each other. The leash 9 was largely by the linen tensioning device 7 mounted, so that - if any - only one line length is available, the distance between the outer ends of the frame wings 2 . 2 ' corresponds to each other. Furthermore, in 3 to recognize that the legs are to the frame 1 folded down. In this condition, the tumble dryer is easy to stow. In particular, the linen 8th protected against contamination or damage during storage.

4 shows a sketchy detail view of the linen tensioning device 7 , This has a drum which, by means of an indicated spring-loaded clamping mechanism, the lines 9 constantly trying to roll up. Because the linen 9 on the frame wing 2 are fixed, the lines become 9 curious; excited. To prevent sagging of the lines 9 when loaded with laundry, a locking mechanism is provided which locks the drum.

Furthermore, the linen tensioning device 7 a cover which partially encloses the drum. In addition to pulling in the leash 9 prevents the cover especially during storage of the dryer a contamination of the leash 9 ,

The cover is preferably designed such that it is rotatable about the drum. This has the advantage that the outlet for the linen 9 depending on the position of the frame wing 2 is variable. Preferably, the leashes beat 9 when swinging the frame wing 2 to the cover, so that a force is exerted on the cover, which twists the cover about its longitudinal axis.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

frame

2

frame wings

2 '

Additional frame wing

3

First cross member

4

Second cross member

5

First side member

6

Second side member

7

Line tensioner

8th

clothes basket

9

Leash for hanging laundry

Claims (20)

A clothes dryer having a variable length hanging area for hanging drying laundry having a frame (1) and at least one holding means for hanging laundry, wherein • the frame (1) has at least two cross members (3,4) and at least one of the cross members (3,4) has a longitudinal connection which holds at a distance from one another, • the holding means for suspending the items of laundry extends with at least one section from a first cross member (3) to an opposite second cross member (4) and • the frame (1) is designed such that in that the distance between the cross members (3, 4) is changeable relative to one another, characterized in that the holding means for suspending the laundry items is a line (9) and at least one line tensioning device (7) is provided, which is designed such that the one of the first Cross member (3) to the opposite second cross member (4) extending portion of the line (9) in its length changeable i st and in at least two positions of use of the clothes dryer, which are characterized by different distances of the cross member (3,4), the portion of the line (9) stretched and secured against further extension by the tensile force of the hung in garments. Clothes dryer according to the preceding claim, characterized in that one or more lines (9) are connected at one end to the line tensioning device (7) and are fastened at an opposite end to the cross member (3 or 4) opposite the line tensioning device (7), wherein the line (9) between the cross members (3 and 4) repeatedly reciprocates and is held in the direction of reversal UmleenkmitteL sliding. Clothes dryer for hanging drying laundry with a fixed frame (1) and at least one holding means for hanging items of laundry, wherein the frame (1) at least two cross members (3,4) and at least one, the cross member (3,4) at a distance from each other holding longitudinal connection and the holding means for hanging the laundry with at least a portion of a cross member (3 or 4) extends to an opposite fastening means, characterized in that the holding means for hanging the laundry items is a line (9) and at least one linen tensioning device (7 ) is provided, which is displaceable and fixable between the cross members (3,4), wherein the leash (9) from a cross member (3,4) to the fastening means forming the linen tensioning device (7), which is designed such that a from a cross member (3 or 4) to the line tensioning device (7) extending portion of the line (9) in its length changed is bar and in at least two positions of use of the line tensioning device (7), which are characterized by different distances of the line tensioning device (7) to the opposite end of the line (9) holding cross member (3,4), stretched the portion of the line (9) and against further extension by the tensile force is secured to suspended laundry. Tumble dryer after Claim 1 . 2 or 3 , characterized in that the clothes dryer has a tension spring for tensioning the portions of the line (9) or the entire line (9) and the line tensioning device (7) has a roll-up mechanism for the line (9), wherein when changing the distance of the first cross member (3) relative to the opposite second cross member (4) the line (9) can be unwound from a supply roll against the force of the tension spring. Dryer after one of the Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that a plurality of lines (9) arranged parallel to each other are provided, each of which is connected at one end to the linen tensioning device (7) and to a opposite end to the linen tensioning device (7) opposite cross member (3 or 4) are attached. Tumble dryer after Claim 4 , characterized in that the tension spring is dimensioned such that the tension of the line (9) through the line tensioning device (7) greater than the weight of hanging on her, wet items at maximum distance of the first cross member (3) to the second cross member (4 ), wherein as the weight of the laundry, in particular 10 g to 100 g, in particular 20 g, per linen millimeter is assumed. Tumble dryer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the line (9) after changing the distance of the linen tensioning device (7) relative to the opposite cross member (3 or 4) via a locking device to avoid further extension is fixed. Laundry dryer according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locking device is formed by a braking or locking device of the linen tensioning device (7). Laundry drier according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross member (3,4) at a distance holding each other longitudinal connection of longitudinal members (5,6) of the frame (1) is formed, which are formed as telescopic rods. Laundry drier according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (1) has at least on one side a hingedly connected to the frame frame wing (2), which with a sash in the unfolded state of the first side member (5) to the opposite , second side member (6). Laundry drier according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tumble dryer has an additional frame wing (2 ') which is arranged on the frame wing (2) opposite side of the frame (1) and with a sash in the unfolded state of the first side rail (5) to the opposite, second side member (6). Laundry drier according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the additional frame wing (2 ') in the longitudinal direction of the side members (5, 6) has a different length from the first frame wing (2). Dryer after one of the Claims 10 . 11 or 12 , characterized in that the casement is formed by two in particular parallel to the longitudinal members (5,6) arranged sash portions, which are connected to the longitudinal beams (5,6) facing away from each other via a transverse connection. Laundry dryer according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one casement is telescopically extendable. Dryer after one of the Claims 10 to 14 , characterized in that the first cross member (3) and / or the second cross member (4) is formed by the wing frame. Laundry drier according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a linen tensioning device (7) is arranged along the transverse connection on the casement or the transverse connection is formed by a linen tensioning device (7). Tumble dryer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (1) has a receiving or receiving means for particular hanging or hanging recording of a storage means for laundry, in particular a hook in the receptacle laundry basket (8), or a worktop for sorting, preparing and / or having folds of laundry items. Tumble dryer after Claim 16 , characterized in that a receiving or receiving means for particular hanging or hanging receiving a storage means for laundry in the casement is arranged, wherein the casement between a folded position and a deployed position back and forth and in the folded position parallel to the frame is arranged so that the line tensioning device (7) between the ends of the side members (5,6) is arranged and the line (9) from the line tensioning device (7) to one end of the side members (5,6), while between the line tensioning device (7) and the other end of the side members (5, 6) for releasing the exception do not extend from the line tensioning device (7) outgoing lines. Dryer after one of the Claims 1 to 15 , characterized in that the linen tensioning device (7) extends along one of the transverse beams (3 or 4) or one of the transverse beams (3 or 4) is formed by the linen tensioning device (7). Storage or storage means for laundry for use with a tumble dryer Claim 17 , characterized in that the storage or storage means comprises an edge region which projects beyond a base body in such a way that it can be suspended in the receptacle or the receiving means of the frame.

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