DE102020207938B3 - Adjustable prong arrangement and household dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjustable spike arrangement (15) for a domestic dishwasher (1), with a row of spikes (16) which has several spikes (17) for holding items to be washed, which are mounted so as to be linearly movable with respect to one another, a rotatable shaft (28), and Gear means (24) which are set up to convert a rotary movement of the shaft (28) into the linear movement of the spikes (17) in order to adjust a distance (A1, A2) between the spikes.

Description

The present invention relates to an adjustable spike arrangement for a domestic dishwasher and a domestic dishwasher.

It is known to equip baskets in household dishwashers (hereinafter also referred to as “dishwashers”) with spikes. These make it easier to hold the items to be washed in the dishwasher. In particular because the desired load situation differs from wash cycle to wash cycle, it has long been known to provide the user with an adaptable arrangement of the spikes.

To this extent, the publications disclose US 2012/0292269 A1 and US 2012/0292270 A1 Solutions in which the spines can be positioned at different distances from one another. On the one hand, a first arrangement of spikes is disclosed which, compared to a second arrangement of spikes fixed to the basket, can be clipped onto the basket at different positions. On the other hand, locking rails are shown to which the spikes can be attached in different positions.

The pamphlet DE 10 2005 044 264 A1 discloses a crockery holder for a dishwasher, preferably for arrangement in a crockery basket, with a plurality of spikes protruding upward in at least one row, between which crockery can be placed. The distance between adjacent spines arranged in a row can be changed. For example, at least some of the upwardly protruding spines can be removed, so that the spacing between adjacent spines is greater than in a position when all the spines in a row protrude upwards, with the formation of gaps. Alternatively, at least some of the upwardly protruding spikes can be pivoted. Again, alternatively, part of the upwardly protruding spines can be displaced in such a way that at least two spines form a closely spaced unit and the distance between the units of at least two spines is greater than in a position when all the spines are individually spaced upwards protrude.

The pamphlet U.S. 3,892,453 A1 discloses means for adjusting a vertical position of one or both sides of an upper crockery basket in a dishwasher which has a door rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis. A rack and pinion arrangement is provided on each side of the crockery basket to couple a vertically movable bracket to a vertically fixed bracket. Further, a rotatable operating knob is provided to rotate the pinion of the pinion assembly and to move the racks of the rack and pinion assembly up or down to thereby adjust the height of the vertically movable bracket and the dish rack held by the vertically movable bracket.

The pamphlet EP 2 322 073 A1 discloses a rack for a crockery basket. The frame includes a first portion that includes at least one pair of dish support members that are parallel to each other for supporting at least one dish item. The crockery basket comprises a structure with a base and at least two walls which are connected to the base and face one another. The frame is connected to the two walls and comprises a spring section. The first portion of the frame includes guide means for sliding at least one dish-carrying element of the pair of dish-carrying elements, the at least one dish-carrying element being associated with the spring portion to move the other dish-carrying element of the pair of dish-carrying elements along the guide means over a distance that is the size of the depends on supporting dishes.

With this in mind, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved adjustable spike assembly.

Accordingly, an adjustable spike arrangement for a household dishwasher is proposed. This comprises a row of spikes, which has several spikes for holding items to be washed, which are mounted so as to be linearly movable with respect to one another, a rotatable shaft, and gear means which are set up to convert a rotary movement of the shaft into the linear movement of the spikes in order to create a distance between the To adjust spikes, the gear means having a wedge or several wedges which are rotatably mounted on the shaft and are designed to interact with the rotation of the shaft with flanks of the spikes in order to adjust the one or more distances.

This results in a simple possibility of adjustment with regard to the distance between the prongs. In particular, there is no need to manually remove one or more spikes fastened to the basket by means of clips or otherwise, or to reposition and fasten them to the basket.

“Gear means” are to be understood here as one or more mechanical elements which are set up to convert the rotary movement of the shaft into a linear movement of the spikes to implement. The mechanical elements can include inclined planes, gears, levers and so on.

The row of spines can have two or more spines, in particular three or more spines. The spikes are preferably made of metal and / or plastic.

The wedge or wedges have a narrow and a wide side. If the broad side is positioned between the flanks of the spines by rotating the shaft and thus one or more wedges, the distance between the flanks and thus the spike is at a maximum. If, on the other hand, the narrow side is arranged between the flanks by rotating the shaft and thus one or more wedges, the distance between the flanks and thus the spike is minimal. Any intermediate positions of the wedges are preferably possible, so that the distances between the spikes can be adjusted continuously.

For the non-rotatable connection, it can be provided that the shaft has a non-round, such as a triangular or square, cross-section. The wedge or the wedges or other gear means can have corresponding non-round openings which are in positive engagement with the shaft in the direction of rotation.

According to one embodiment, the distances between two adjacent spikes can be adjusted.

According to this, there are at least three spines with at least two adjustable distances between them. These include at least a first, second and third prong. A first distance is provided between the first and second prongs, and a second distance is provided between the second and third prongs. The first and second distances can each be adjusted by rotating the shaft.

According to a further embodiment, the spacing or spacings are continuously adjustable.

As a result, the distance or the distances can be finely adjusted.

According to a further embodiment, the distances can be adjusted at the same time.

This advantageously means that the distance does not have to be set individually, for example for a respective pair of prongs. Rather, a plurality of distances can be set, that is to say adjusted, in an ergonomically favorable manner by means of a (single) rotary movement.

According to a further embodiment, the distances can be set to different sizes.

As a result, a loading space can be provided which can be loaded even more flexibly with items to be washed.

According to a further embodiment, the shaft is provided so that it can be rotated manually.

Alternatively, a motor, in particular an electric motor, could be provided for actuation.

According to a further embodiment, a lever for manual rotation is provided on the shaft.

The lever can for example be arranged at one end of the shaft and can therefore be easily reached.

According to a further embodiment, the shaft has a pinion which is in engagement with a worm thread.

Actuation by means of a worm thread has the advantage that the shaft cannot continue to rotate automatically. Further turning is only possible through manual or motorized actuation of the shaft. In particular, items to be washed ajar cannot lead to the shaft continuing to rotate, that is to say the distances between the spikes cannot be adjusted automatically.

In particular, the dishwasher can have several pin arrangements, the shaft of each pin arrangement having a corresponding pinion, the several pinions being drivable by means of a single worm thread with which they are in engagement. As a result, several prong arrangements or prong rows can be adjusted at the same time.

According to a further embodiment, the one wedge or the plurality of wedges and / or flanks have a round outer contour as seen along the shaft.

This allows the wedges to grip between the flanks with particularly little friction.

According to a further embodiment, a spring is provided which is designed to pretension the spines in relation to one another in this way.

As a result, a defined position of the spines (smallest possible distance between them) is always ensured. In particular, the spring pretensions the spikes or their flanks against the gear mechanism or the wedges.

According to a further embodiment, the spring connects the first and last prongs in the row of prongs with one another.

This results in a particularly simple construction.

According to a further embodiment, the shaft is guided through openings in the spikes and / or the gear means.

This results in a compact structure. The shaft can be provided freely rotating in the passage openings of the spikes and / or in a rotationally fixed manner in the passage openings of the transmission means.

According to a further embodiment, the spikes are mounted so as to be linearly movable along a guide rail.

For this purpose, corresponding feet, grooves or link elements can be provided on the spikes, which ensure that they are guided along the guide rail.

Furthermore, a dishwasher is provided with a washware receptacle and the spike arrangement described above, the spike arrangement being arranged in or on the washware receptacle.

Further possible implementations of the invention also include combinations, not explicitly mentioned, of features or embodiments described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. The person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.

Further advantageous configurations and aspects of the invention are the subject matter of the subclaims and of the exemplary embodiments of the invention described below. The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of preferred embodiments with reference to the attached figures.

• 1 eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform einer Haushaltsgeschirrspülmaschine;
• 2 perspektivisch eine Stachelanordnung gemäß einer Ausführungsform in einem ersten Zustand, in welchem die Stacheln einen Minimalabstand aufweisen;
• 3 perspektivisch die Stachelanordnung aus 2 in einem zweiten Zustand, in welchem die Stacheln einen Maximalabstand aufweisen;
• 4 einen Schnitt IV-IV aus 2;
• 5 einen Schnitt V-V aus 3;
• 6 eine Ansicht VI aus 3;
• 7 perspektivisch einen Stachel aus 1;
• 8 perspektivisch einen Keil aus 1;
• 9 perspektivisch eine Welle aus 1; und
• 10 perspektivisch eine Variante bezüglich des Antriebs der Welle.

Show it

• 1 a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a household dishwasher;
• 2 in perspective, a spike arrangement according to an embodiment in a first state in which the spikes have a minimum spacing;
• 3 perspective from the spike arrangement 2 in a second state in which the spines have a maximum spacing;
• 4th a section IV-IV 2 ;
• 5 a section VV 3 ;
• 6th a view VI 3 ;
• 7th perspective from a sting 1 ;
• 8th perspective from a wedge 1 ;
• 9 a wave from perspective 1 ; and
• 10 in perspective a variant with regard to the drive of the shaft.

In the figures, elements that are the same or have the same function have been given the same reference symbols, unless otherwise stated.

the 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a household dishwasher 1 . The household dishwasher 1 includes a rinsing container 2 which through a door 3 , in particular watertight, can be closed. This can be done between the door 3 and the rinsing container 2 a sealing device can be provided. The rinsing container 2 is preferably cuboid. The rinsing container 2 can in a housing of the household dishwasher 1 be arranged. The rinsing container 2 and the door 3 can use a wash cabinet 4th for washing items to be washed.

The door 3 is in the 1 shown in their open position. By pivoting around one at a lower end of the door 3 provided pivot axis 5 can open the door 3 be closed or opened. With the help of the door 3 can be a loading opening 6th of the rinsing container 2 be closed or opened. The rinsing container 2 has a bottom 7th , one the floor 7th opposite ceiling 8th , one of the closed door 3 opposite rear wall 9 and two opposing side walls 10 , 11 on.

The household dishwasher 1 furthermore has at least one washware receptacle 12th until 14th on. Preferably, several, for example three, items to be washed can be accommodated 12th until 14th be provided, wherein the washware receptacle 12th a lower washware holder or a lower basket, the washware holder 13th an upper washware holder or an upper basket and the washware holder 14th can be a cutlery drawer. As the 1 continues to show are the items to be washed 12th until 14th one above the other in the rinsing container 2 arranged. Every washware holder 12th until 14th is optionally in the rinsing container 2 can be moved in or out of this. In particular, every washware holder is 12th until 14th in one direction of insertion E. (Arrow) into the rinsing container 2 can be pushed in or moved in and against the direction of insertion E. (Arrow) in one pull-out direction A. (Arrow) from the rinsing container 2 can be pulled out or pulled out.

In or on one or more of the washware receptacles 12th , 13th , 14th one or more of the adjustable spike arrangements described below can be arranged, in particular fastened.

the 1 shows a spike arrangement in perspective 15th according to one embodiment. The spine arrangement 15th is, for example, on unspecified wires (only in the 1 shown) one of the items to be washed 12th , 13th , 14th attached.

The spine arrangement 15th includes a row of spines 16 with several - schematically illustrated - spines 17th , which are also known as basket spikes. Here in the example there are six spines 17th provided, but it could also be more or less. the spikes 17th are each along two guide rails 18th the spine arrangement 15th held linearly movable. A corresponding axis of movement is in the 1 marked with B (double arrow).

A single sting 17th is in the 7th illustrated in perspective. This includes a holding section 19th for holding items to be washed (not shown) and a foot section 20th . From the foot section 20th Two guide sections protrude laterally opposite one another 21 away. The guide sections 21 slide along on the guide rails 18th (please refer 1 ) in the direction of the axis of movement B. , where the foot section 20th between the guide rails 18th can be arranged. In principle, any other type of linear guidance is also the sting 17th conceivable.

At the foot section 20th is on both sides in the direction of the axis of movement B. (Double arrow) a flank 22nd respectively 23 molded. The flanks 22nd , 23 are at an angle + α or -a (only for the flank 22nd in the 7th to see) to the axis of motion B. . The flanks 22nd , 23 correspond with regard to their incline with gear means in the form of a wedge 24 , which in the 8th is shown. The wedge 24 has sloping sides 25th , 26th on. These are at an angle + α or -a (only for the side surface 25th in the 7th to see) to the axis of motion B. . The flanks 22nd , 23 and the stone surfaces 25th , 26th (or the wedges 24 total) can move along the axis of motion B. (Double arrow) have a round, in particular circular, outer contour. To that extent, these are 2 and 3 schematic as they are the flanks 22nd , 23 and side faces 25th , 26th show with a rectangular outer contour.

One flank complements each other 22nd , 23 of a sting 17th and a side face 25th , 26th of a wedge 24 Gap-free if this, as in the 7th and 8th shown are oriented. This is also in the cut IV-IV from the 1 to see which one is in the 4th is shown. The flanks 22nd , 23 lie directly and completely on the side surfaces 25th , 26th on. This corresponds to a first state of the prong arrangement 15th , in this case also as the minimum position of the sting 17th designated. There is a gap in this A1 , A2 between the spines 17th minimal. As also in the 1 and 4th can be seen is between two adjacent spines 17th such a wedge 24 arranged.

In the 7th is still a passage opening 27 shown showing the foot section 20th of the sting 17th completely penetrates. Through the passage opening 27 through there is one in the 9 rotatable shaft shown in perspective 28 guided. The passage opening 27 is dimensioned so large that when the shaft rotates it 28 does not come into engagement with this about its longitudinal axis, that is, the shaft 28 can in the passage opening 27 rotate freely.

The wedges 24 are, however, non-rotatably on the shaft 28 arranged. For this purpose, it has, for example, a rectangular (as shown here) or otherwise non-round cross-section. As with the wedge 24 from the 8th can be seen, this has a corresponding rectangular passage opening 29 on which one with the wave 28 in the direction of rotation D. (Double arrow) (see 9 ) forms a form fit.

The wave 28 is at their opposite ends 30th , 31 (please refer 9 ) rotatable in bearing elements 32 , 33 (please refer 2 5 ) stored. The bearing elements 32 , 33 are fixed to the ends of the guide rails 18th connected. The sting 17th as well as the wedges 24 are alternating along the axis of motion B. (Double arrow) between the bearing elements 32 , 33 arranged.

From the end 30th the wave 28 stands a peg 34 away. At this one is particularly in the 2 shown lever 35 non-rotatably attached. By means of the lever 35 can the wave 28 around its longitudinal center axis (corresponds to the axis of movement B. ) be rotated. The turning can be done manually or by motor.

the 2 shows, as mentioned, a first state of the prong arrangement 15th where the distances A1 , A2 between the spines 17th are minimal. Will now be the lever 35 in the 2 from its 0-degree position counterclockwise (see arrow in the 2 ) is actuated, the shaft rotates 28 and with it the wedges 24 . After rotating 180 degrees, the spike arrangement takes off 15th the in 3 shown second state in which the distances A1 ' , A2 ' between the spines 17th are maximum (in this case also "maximum position"). As in the cut VV (please refer 5 ) as well as the top view VI (please refer 6th ) you can see the wedges 24 so between the flanks 22nd , 23 arranged that this along the axis of movement B. (Double arrow) are pressed apart. Form accordingly - as in the 5 to recognize - the side surfaces 25th , 26th with the flanks 22nd , 23 each a gap in the direction of the axis of movement B. (Double arrow). When the wave 28 rotates, so the wedges slide 24 according to the principle of the inclined plane between the foot sections 20th or their flanks 22nd , 23 .

Will the lever 35 brought into an intermediate position between the 0 and 180 degree position, any distance between the minimum and maximum position of the spines can be infinitely varied 17th be approached. Of course you need the lever 35 not be adjustable between 0 and 180 degrees; between 0 and 90 degrees or any other suitable angle may also suffice. With the rotation of the shaft 28 will be all spacing A1 , A2 between the spines 17th set at the same time.

Furthermore, the distances A1 , A2 also be provided differently adjustable with one and the same rotary movement. This is done using the wedges 24 executed with different angles a1, a2, as based on the 4th indicated (there are the angles α1 , α2 actually the same).

To make sure the sting 17th resume their minimum distance from each other when the lever 34 back to its 0 degree position (see 2 ) is turned back, is a spring 36 , in particular spiral tension spring, provided. This connects the first and last sting 17 ' , 17 " in the row of spines 16 , such as in the 5 to recognize and tension them in the 0-degree position (see 2 ) towards each other. Now give way to the wedges 24 by turning the shaft 28 or the lever 35 the flanks 22nd , 23 the thorn 17th off, that's how the sting move 17th Due to the spring force, keep moving towards each other until they finally reach their minimum distance A1 , A2 to achieve.

It can be provided that instead of the lever 35 (or additionally) a pinion 37 (please refer 10 ) on the wave 28 is non-rotatably provided. By means of a worm drive or thread 38, shafts can then 28 of several in one wash ware holder 12th , 13th , 14th arranged spike arrangements 15th (not shown) can be rotated at the same time. A drive or actuation by means of a worm drive or screw thread also has the advantage (regardless of whether several pin arrangements 15th provided or not) that the shaft 28 not automatically - for example due to on the spines 17th load-bearing wash items - can rotate.

Although the present invention has been described on the basis of exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in many ways.

List of reference symbols

1

Household dishwasher

2

Rinsing container

3

door

4th

Wash cabinet

5

Swivel axis

6th

Loading opening

7th

floor

8th

ceiling

9

Back wall

10

Side wall

11

Side wall

12th

Wash ware holder

13th

Wash ware holder

14th

Wash ware holder

15th

Spine arrangement

16

Row of spines

17th

Sting

17 '

Sting

17 "

Sting

18th

Guide rail

19th

Holding section

20th

Foot section

21

Guide sections

22nd

Flank

23

Flank

24

wedge

25th

Side face

26th

Side face

27

Passage opening

28

wave

29

Passage opening

30th

The End

31

The End

32

Bearing element

33

Bearing element

34

Cones

35

lever

36

feather

37

pinion

38

Worm thread

A.

Pull-out direction (arrow)

A1

Minimum distance

A1 '

Maximum distance

A2

Minimum distance

A2 '

Maximum distance

B.

Axis of motion (double arrow)

D.

Direction of rotation (double arrow)

E.

Direction of insertion (arrow)

IV-IV

cut

V-V

cut

VI

view

α1

angle

α2

angle

Claims (14)

Adjustable spike arrangement (15) for a household dishwasher (1), with a row of spikes (16) which has several spikes (17) for holding items to be washed, which are mounted so as to be linearly movable with respect to one another, a rotatable shaft (28), and gear means (24) , which are set up to convert a rotary movement of the shaft (28) into the linear movement of the spikes (17) in order to adjust a distance (A1, A2) between the spikes, the gear means having a wedge (24) or several wedges ( 24) which are non-rotatably mounted on the shaft (28) and are designed to interact with the flanks (22, 23) of the spikes (17) when the shaft (28) is rotated in order to reduce the distance (A1, A2) or to adjust the several distances (A1, A2). Adjustable spike arrangement (15) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the distances (A1, A2) between two adjacent spikes can be adjusted. Adjustable spike arrangement (15) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the distance (A1, A2) or the distances (A1, A2) are continuously adjustable. Adjustable spike arrangement (15) according to Claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that the distances (A1, A2) are adjustable at the same time. Adjustable spike arrangement (15) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distances (A1, A2) can be set to different sizes. Adjustable spike arrangement (15) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shaft (28) is provided so that it can be rotated manually. Adjustable spike arrangement (15) according to Claim 6 , characterized in that a lever (35) for manual rotation is provided on the shaft (28). Adjustable spike arrangement (15) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shaft (28) has a pinion (37) which engages with a worm thread (38). Adjustable spike arrangement (15) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one wedge (24) or the several wedges (24) and / or flanks (22, 23) have a round outer contour as seen along the shaft (28). Adjustable spike arrangement (15) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a spring (36) is provided which is set up to pretension the spikes (17) towards one another. Adjustable spike arrangement (15) according to Claim 10 , characterized in that the spring (36) connects the first and last prongs (17 ', 17 ") in the row of prongs (16) to one another. Adjustable spike arrangement (15) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shaft (28) is guided through openings (27, 29) in the spikes (17) and / or the gear means (24). Adjustable spike arrangement (15) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spikes (17) are mounted so as to be linearly movable along a guide rail (18). Domestic dishwasher (1) with a washware receptacle (12, 13, 14) and an adjustable spike arrangement (15) according to one of the preceding claims, which is arranged in or on the washware receptacle (12, 13, 14).

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