Tiered serving tray, dishwashing basket and household dishwasher

Abstract

A tiered rack (15) for a dishware intake (14) of a household dishwasher (1), comprising a foldable wire rack (16) having free ends (21) and a one-piece plastic adapter (17) for holding dishware (41, 44) which connects the free ends (21) together, wherein the foldable wire rack (16) is foldable between a vertical and a horizontal position and wherein a holder (26) for dishware (41) is provided which can be folded away from the foldable wire rack (16) in the vertical position.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a tiered serving tray, a dishwashing tray and a household dishwasher.

[0002] Tiered trays in dishwashing baskets are commonplace. These typically feature a plastic grid that can be adjusted between a vertical and a horizontal position. In the vertical position, the plastic grid is folded against a side wall of the dishwashing basket, thus freeing up space within the basket. In the horizontal position, items such as cups can be placed on the plastic grid. In this case, the plastic grid extends into the available space.

[0003] It is also known to equip the plastic grid with a rake-like shape featuring semicircular openings. This allows long-stemmed glasses, such as wine glasses, to be placed upside down in the dish rack. The glasses are held by their stems in the semicircular openings of the plastic grid. For this purpose, the plastic grid is in its horizontal position.

[0004] German patent application DE 10 2015 112 783 A1 discloses a holder for a dishwasher basket with a plurality of recesses arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the holder for each receiving a stem of a stemmed glass or similar dishwashing item, wherein the recesses are at least partially equipped with a clamping element providing a respective clamping receptacle. A clamping element has two legs that form the clamping receptacle between them, wherein adjacent legs of adjacent clamping elements are formed in one piece and form a common tongue section that has a preferably centrally formed recess. The clamping elements of a one-piece clamping element strip can be made of a spring-elastic material. Furthermore, the clamping element strip containing the clamping elements can be made of silicone.

[0005] Document WO 2014 / 094898 A1 discloses a stemware holding unit for receiving a stemware in a predetermined position in a dishwasher cup rack, wherein the stemware holding unit comprises a flexible receiving element designed to receive the stem of the stemware, the receiving element comprising a first attachment section and a second attachment section designed to be movably connected to the dishwasher cup rack, the stemware holding unit having a loading state in which the receiving element is designed to receive the stem of the stemware, and a secured state in which the receiving element is designed to secure the stem of the stemware, wherein in the loading state the receiving element is substantially unfolded. In the secured state, the receiving element is folded in and substantially encloses the stem of the stemware.

[0006] The publication EP 1 413 241 A1 discloses a household dishwasher with a washing chamber which is closed at the front by means of a washing chamber door, wherein the washing chamber door has an inside recess which is surrounded by a frame which projects partially into the washing chamber and forms the perimeter walls of the recess, wherein the washing chamber contains at least a first horizontally extendable basket and a front section which is housed in the recess.The front section is equipped with a shelf which is suspended by an edge at the front of the front section and which tilts from a holding position for dishes and cutlery into an essentially vertical position in which the free edge of the shelf, facing away from the suspended edge, is essentially flush with the upper wall of the recess, so that when in the vertically tilted position the shelf is a reference form for the load which is housed in the front section.

[0007] Document WO 2013 / 045543 A1 discloses a dishwashing basket suitable for use in a dishwasher, in which the items to be washed are placed. The basket comprises a base and side walls surrounding the base, and at least one tier arranged on a side wall on which kitchenware such as cups, glasses, and so on can be placed. At least one holder is provided, which is arranged on the tier in such a way that it is movable in a horizontal direction and which has a housing that at least partially engages the stem of long-stemmed items such as wine glasses and the like, which are placed on the base of the dishwashing basket, and prevents them from tipping over.

[0008] Against this background, one object of the present invention is to provide an improved tiered serving tray.

[0009] Accordingly, a tiered rack for receiving dishes in a household dishwasher is proposed, comprising a foldable wire rack having free ends and a one-piece plastic adapter for holding dishes, which connects the free ends, wherein the foldable wire rack is foldable between a vertical and a horizontal position and wherein a holder for dishes is provided which can be folded away from the foldable wire rack in the vertical position.

[0010] The proposed tiered serving stand combines the advantages of metal and plastic structures. The foldable wire rack is more durable and easier to clean compared to conventional plastic racks. Above all, it achieves better drying results because, firstly, the metal heats up more during the drying phase at the end of the cleaning cycle. This allows residual moisture, which might otherwise adhere to the dishes, to evaporate more effectively. Secondly, the foldable wire rack has a smaller surface area compared to a similar plastic structure, which also prevents residual moisture from adhering. Due to its material properties, the one-piece plastic adapter can be easily manufactured with suitable geometries for holding items, especially long-stemmed glasses.Furthermore, plastic has a higher coefficient of static friction than metal, so even without specific geometries, it ensures that dishes are held securely. Finally, the one-piece plastic adapter completes the foldable wire rack by connecting its free ends, resulting in a stable structure. This also eliminates the need for a separate wire connecting the free ends, thus reducing manufacturing costs.

[0011] One or more holders, in particular two or three per shelf, can be provided. The holder preferably has a position folded away from the folding wire frame and a position folded against the folding wire frame. The holder is adjustable between these two positions in the vertical position of the folding wire frame. Thus, in the folded-up position of the holder, the entire loading volume of the dishwashing tray is exposed, whereas in its folded-down position, the holder extends into this volume to hold items (dishes) arranged within it.

[0012] Accordingly, the loading volume of the dishwashing area is increased by the vertically positioned, foldable wire rack. This makes it possible, in particular, to place tall items, such as long-stemmed glasses, in the now available loading volume (there is no collision between the stem or base of such a glass and the foldable wire rack or the one-piece plastic adapter). To secure such tall items against tipping, slipping, and the like, the holders are folded down from the wire rack. The holders can then grip the items using a form-fit and / or friction-fit mechanism.

[0013] "Etagere" refers to a device that is designed to be placed in a dishwashing tray and detachably attached to it, and to provide an additional surface for dishes, especially cups, compared to the dishwashing tray itself.

[0014] “Washables holder” refers in particular to a basket, especially a wire basket, for example in the form of a lower or upper basket.

[0015] "Wire frame" refers to a frame comprising one, two, or more wires. The two or more wires may be firmly connected to each other and / or cross each other. The one, two, or more wires may be coated with a plastic layer.

[0016] "Foldable" means that the foldable wire frame is designed to pivot between at least a first and a second position. The first position may be a vertical position. "Vertical" in this context also includes deviations of up to 20°, preferably up to 10°, from the exact vertical direction. The second position may be a horizontal position. "Horizontal" in this context also includes deviations of up to 20°, preferably up to 10°, from the exact horizontal direction.

[0017] "Free ends" does not refer to wire ends of the folding wire frame that are connected by wires. The free ends can be arranged together to form a rake shape.

[0018] "One-piece" means that the one-piece plastic adapter consists of one or more plastic elements that are joined together to form a single plastic part. Preferably, the one-piece plastic adapter is a single-piece (also referred to as "integral") plastic part, meaning it is manufactured from a single piece. The plastic elements or the plastic part can be manufactured, for example, by injection molding.

[0019] "Plastic adapter" refers to a plastic part that connects the free (wire) ends of the folding wire rack. The one-piece plastic adapter can be attached to the free ends, typically by simply pushing or clipping it onto the ends. The one-piece plastic adapter can hold the items being washed by a form-fit and / or friction fit. "Form-fit" refers to the interlocking or overlapping of the one-piece plastic adapter and the items being washed. "Friction fit" means that the one-piece plastic adapter and the items being washed are prevented from shifting relative to each other, to the extent that static friction allows.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the one-piece plastic adapter has a calculating shape.

[0021] This allows the one-piece plastic adapter to hold elongated objects, especially long-stemmed glasses, in a vertically upward position without them touching each other, as they are kept separated by the rake-like tines. The elongated objects are positioned at least partially along their length within the recesses formed by the rake-like shape, which are open on one side.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the calculator has semicircular openings.

[0023] The semicircular openings allow elongated objects, especially long-stemmed glasses, to be held easily and securely.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the one-piece plastic adapter is designed to hold long-stemmed glasses.

[0025] This can be done using the described calculation method, or using any other suitable shape of the one-piece plastic adapter.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the one-piece plastic adapter is designed to hold the long-stemmed glasses in the horizontal position of the foldable wire frame.

[0027] For example, in this position of the foldable wire frame, each glass stem is arranged in a corresponding recess in the rake shape of the one-piece plastic adapter.

[0028] According to another embodiment, items to be washed can be placed on the foldable wire rack in its horizontal position.

[0029] For example, cups or bowls can be placed upside down (i.e., with their opening facing downwards) on the foldable wire rack. At the same time, the one-piece plastic adapter for holding long-stemmed glasses or similar objects is conveniently positioned on the foldable wire rack in this position.

[0030] According to another embodiment, the foldable wire frame is designed to release a loading volume within the dishwashing compartment when in its vertical position.

[0031] Advantageously, in the vertical position of the foldable wire frame, the entire loading volume is available, meaning it is not obscured by the foldable wire frame.

[0032] According to another embodiment, the one-piece plastic adapter has a coefficient of static friction greater than 1.

[0033] This means that the one-piece plastic adapter relies less, or not at all, on a form-fit connection, such as that achieved by the rake shape, to hold the items being washed. Instead, it can hold the items partially or completely based on static friction or frictional engagement.

[0034] According to another embodiment, the one-piece plastic adapter has silicone, silicone rubber or acrylic rubber.

[0035] This allows the one-piece plastic adapter to be made soft, ensuring a good grip on the items being washed. Furthermore, this method can also potentially provide a coefficient of static friction greater than 1.

[0036] According to another embodiment, the holder is designed to hold long-stemmed glasses.

[0037] This embodiment is particularly advantageous with regard to the loading volume which is open upwards in the vertical position of the foldable wire frame.

[0038] According to a further embodiment, the holder is attached to a first wire of the foldable wire frame, in particular clipped on, wherein the attachment allows the holder to pivot around the first wire in order to be folded down.

[0039] In particular, the holder is detachably attached to the first wire, which can be easily accomplished using a clip connection.

[0040] According to a further embodiment, the foldable wire frame has a second wire which serves as a stop for the at least one holder in a position folded against the foldable wire frame.

[0041] Such a wire can therefore fulfill a dual function: On the one hand, it serves to form the foldable wire frame, and on the other hand, it acts as a stop.

[0042] According to a further embodiment of the tiered stand, it comprises a pivoting device on which the foldable wire frame is pivotably mounted between its horizontal and vertical positions about a pivot axis, wherein the foldable wire frame can be lowered into the pivoting device in its vertical position and is thereby locked against pivoting about the pivot axis into the horizontal position.

[0043] This provides a simple locking mechanism for securing the foldable wire frame in the vertical position.

[0044] According to another aspect, a dishwashing area is provided with a tiered tray, as described above.

[0045] According to yet another aspect, a household dishwasher is provided with a tiered rack or a dishwashing basket, as described above.

[0046] Other possible implementations of the invention also include combinations of features or embodiments described previously or subsequently with regard to the exemplary embodiments, even if not explicitly mentioned. In such cases, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.

[0047] Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the exemplary embodiments of the invention described below. The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures.

[0048] They show Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a household dishwasher; Fig. 2 in a perspective view from a slightly elevated angle, a dish basket from the Fig. 1 with a tiered stand arranged therein according to one embodiment, wherein a foldable wire frame of the tiered stand is in a vertical position; Fig. 3 a detailed view III from the Fig. 2; Fig. 4 a detailed view IV from the Fig. 2, wherein the folding wire frame of the tiered stand is in a horizontal position; and Fig. 5 in a top view individual components of the tiered stand according to one embodiment.

[0049] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements have been given the same reference symbols, unless otherwise indicated.

[0050] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a household dishwasher 1. The household dishwasher 1 comprises a wash chamber 2, which can be closed by a door 3, in particular in a watertight manner. For this purpose, a sealing device can be provided between the door 3 and the wash chamber 2. The wash chamber 2 is preferably cuboid in shape. The wash chamber 2 can be arranged in a housing of the household dishwasher 1. The wash chamber 2 and the door 3 can form a wash chamber 4 for washing items.

[0051] Door 3 is in the Fig. The door 3 is shown in its open position. It can be opened or closed by pivoting it about a pivot axis 5 located at its lower end. The door 3 can be used to open or close a loading opening 6 of the wash tank 2. The wash tank 2 has a base 7, a top 8 opposite the base 7, a rear wall 9 opposite the closed door 3, and two opposing side walls 10 and 11. The base 7, the top 8, the rear wall 9, and the side walls 10 and 11 can, for example, be made of stainless steel. Alternatively, the base 7 can, for example, be made of a plastic material.

[0052] The household dishwasher 1 further comprises at least one dishware holder 12 to 14. Preferably, several, for example three, dishware holders 12 to 14 can be provided, wherein the dishware holder 12 can be a lower dishware holder or a lower basket, the dishware holder 13 an upper dishware holder or an upper basket, and the dishware holder 14 a cutlery drawer. As the Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the dishware holders 12 to 14 are arranged one above the other in the washing container 2. Each dishware holder 12 to 14 can be moved either into or out of the washing container 2. In particular, each dishware holder 12 to 14 can be pushed or moved into the washing container 2 in an insertion direction E (arrow) and pulled or moved out of the washing container 2 in an extraction direction A (arrow) opposite to the insertion direction E (arrow).

[0053] The Fig. Figure 2 shows, by way of example and in part, the upper basket 14 from the Fig. 1 from a slightly angled top. A tiered serving stand 15 is detachably attached to this. Individual parts of the tiered serving stand 15 are in the Fig. 5 shown. This includes a foldable wire frame 16 and a one-piece plastic adapter 17.

[0054] The foldable wire frame 16 is preferably designed as a planar structure, i.e., that all its wires lie in one plane. The foldable wire frame 16 initially comprises wires which together form a rake shape. For this purpose, a wire 18 is U-shaped, from whose central section 18a wires 19 project parallel to its legs 18b. The wires 19 and legs 18b each have free (wire) ends 21.

[0055] The one-piece plastic adapter 17 itself preferably has a rake shape. This is defined by projections 22 and recesses 23. In the area of ​​the recesses 23, the one-piece plastic adapter 17 has semicircular openings 24 or recesses, which are open on one side, in order to accommodate, partially encompass, and thereby hold the stems of glasses, as explained in more detail below. At the beginning and end, as well as between each pair of projections 22, the one-piece plastic adapter 17 may have fastening sections 25, which are designed for clipping onto the free ends 21 of the hinged wire frame 16.

[0056] The one-piece plastic adapter 17, comprising in particular the projections 22, recesses 23, and fastening sections 25, is preferably manufactured in one piece from plastic, especially by injection molding. Suitable plastics include silicone, silicone rubber, or acrylic rubber. It has, in particular, a coefficient of static friction greater than 1. The resulting one-piece plastic adapter 17 is soft, allowing items being washed against it to be (slightly) pressed into it, thus creating a form-fit connection. Furthermore, due to the high coefficient of static friction, a frictional connection exists between the one-piece plastic adapter 17 and the items being washed.

[0057] Returning to the foldable wire frame 17, this frame has a wire 26a which connects several or all of the wires 19. Preferably, one or more holders 26 are attached to this wire. For the sake of simplicity, reference will be made below to one holder 26, although one, two, three, or more holders 26 may be provided per tiered stand 15.

[0058] The holder 26, for example, comprises a mounting section 27 by which it is clipped to the wire 26a (also referred to herein as the first wire). A web 28 projects from the mounting section 27 to a holding section 29. The holding section 29 is designed to hold the stem of a long-stemmed glass, as will be explained in more detail below. For this purpose, the holding section 29 is provided with a semicircular, one-sided open recess 30, which is designed to partially encircle the stem. The holder 26, clipped to the wire 26a, is pivotable about an axis coaxial with the wire 26a, specifically pivotable between a position folded against the hinged wire frame 16 and a position folded away from it, as will be explained in more detail below. In the folded position, the holder 26 abuts a wire 26b (also referred to herein as the second wire).

[0059] The holder 26, or even just its holding section 29, can be made partially or entirely of plastic, like the one-piece plastic adapter 17. It can be manufactured as a single plastic part. Suitable plastics include silicone, silicone rubber, or acrylic rubber. Its coefficient of static friction can be greater than 1.

[0060] The Fig. Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of III from the Fig. 2. The individual parts are clearly visible from the Fig. 5 in the assembled state. In addition, the following are in the Fig. Three pivoting devices 31 are shown on both sides of the foldable wire frame 16. These hold the same foldable or pivotable between a vertical position ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) and a horizontal position ( Fig. 4).

[0061] To move the foldable wire frame 16 from its vertical to its horizontal position, it must preferably first be lifted vertically. This prevents the foldable wire frame 16 from unintentionally or automatically moving from its vertical to its horizontal position. For lifting, the pivoting devices 31 are each formed with a U-profile-shaped section 32. The U-profile-shaped sections 32 each engage the legs 18b of the foldable wire frame 16 from the outside and thus guide its vertical movement upwards.

[0062] The vertical movement of the foldable wire frame 16 ends as soon as its central section 18a reaches a stop 33 (see enlarged illustration on the right in the Fig. 3) the respective swivel device 31 engages. Then the foldable wire frame 16 folds into a loading volume 34 ( Fig. 2) of the upper basket 14 into it, until it reaches its vertical position ( Fig. 4), pivoting about a pivot axis 20. As further described in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the foldable wire frame 16, in its vertical position, is supported by a projection 35 of the pivoting device 31. This projection limits the downward movement of the foldable wire frame 16. When the foldable wire frame 16 is folded up, it pivots about the pivot axis 20 and can then be lowered into the pivoting device 31 with respect to the pivot axis 20, where the foldable wire frame 16 is locked against tilting, as already explained above.

[0063] In the Fig. 4 Furthermore, fastening devices 36, 37 can be seen on each swivel device 31, which attach the tiered stand 15 to a side wall 38 (see Fig. 2) detachably fasten the upper basket 14. The fastening devices are in particular clip connectors 36 and / or hook connectors 37 and allow the tiered shelf 15 to be attached to vertical wires 39 (see Fig. 2) and horizontal wires 40 (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 4) the side wall 38.

[0064] In the horizontal position of the foldable wire rack 16, this releases the loading volume 34, so that long-stemmed glasses 41 - in the example in the Fig. Figure 2 shows one example – or other items can be placed upside down on the bottom 42 of the upper basket 14. To secure the long-stemmed glass 41 against tipping over, the holder 26 is folded downwards from its position folded against the folding wire rack 16 (also vertically in the vertical position of the folding wire rack 16). In the folded-down position, the holder 26 is horizontally oriented and extends into the loading volume 34. With its holding section 29, it holds the stem 43 of the glass 41, which is positioned in the semicircular opening 30.

[0065] In the Fig.In the horizontal position shown in Figure 4, the foldable wire rack 16 projects into the loading volume 34. The holder 26 is in its folded position against the foldable wire rack 16. Items to be washed, in this example a glass 44, can be placed on the horizontal upper surface of the foldable wire rack 16. Furthermore, the one-piece plastic adapter 17 holds a long-stemmed glass 41, placed upside down on the base 42 of the upper basket 14, by its stem 43, which is positioned in the semicircular opening 24 and thus secured against tipping over. The one-piece plastic adapter 17 could also secure any other item to be washed against tipping over, for example a pot leaning against it (not shown).

[0066] Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in many ways. Reference symbols used 1 household dishwasher 2 washing containers 3 Door 4. Dishwashing area 5 swivel axes 6 Feed opening 7 Floor 8 ceiling 9 Back panel 10 side wall 11 Side wall 12 Dishwashing tray 13 Dishwashing tray 14 Dishwashing tray 15 tiered serving trays 16 Folding wire frame 17 One-piece plastic adapters 18 wire 18a Middle section 18b thigh 19 wires 20 Swivel axis 21 Free End 22 lead 23 Jump back 24-hour opening 25 Fastening section 26 holders 26a wire 26b wire 27 Fastening section 28 Bridge 29 Stop section 30 Exclusion 31 Swivel device Section 32 33 Rest 34 Loading volume 35 lead 36 clip connectors 37 Hanging connectors 38 side wall 39 Vertical wire 40 horizontal wire 41 glasses 42 Floor 43 stem 44 glasses A Extraction direction (arrow) E Insertion direction (arrow)

Claims

[1] A tiered tray (15) for a dishware holder (14) of a household dishwasher (1), comprising a foldable wire rack (16) having free ends (21) and a one-piece plastic adapter (17) for holding dishware (41, 44) which connects the free ends (21) together, wherein the foldable wire rack (16) is foldable between a vertical and a horizontal position and wherein a holder (26) for dishware (41) is provided which can be folded away from the foldable wire rack (16) in the vertical position. [2] Etagere (15) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the one-piece plastic adapter (17) has a calculating shape. [3] Etagere (15) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the calculation form has semicircular openings (24). [4] Etagere (15) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized by , that the one-piece plastic adapter (17) is designed to hold long-stemmed glasses (41). [5] Etagere (15) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the one-piece plastic adapter (17) is designed to hold the long-stemmed glasses (41) in the horizontal position of the foldable wire frame (16). [6] Etagere (15) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that items to be washed (44) can be placed on the foldable wire rack (16) in its horizontal position and / or the foldable wire rack (16) is designed to release a loading volume (43) within the item receiving area (14) in its vertical position. [7] Etagere (15) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the one-piece plastic adapter (17) has a coefficient of static friction greater than 1 and / or is made of silicone, silicone rubber or acrylic rubber. [8] Etagere (15) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the holder (26) is designed to hold long-stemmed glasses (41). [9] Etagere (15) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the holder (26) is attached to a first wire (26a) of the foldable wire frame (16), wherein the attachment allows the holder (26) to pivot about the first wire (26a) for the purpose of folding it down. [10] Etagere (15) according to claim 9, characterized by , that the folding wire frame (16) has a second wire (26b) which serves as a stop for the at least one holder (26) in a position folded against the folding wire frame (16). [11] Etagere (15) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bya pivoting device (31) on which the foldable wire frame (16) is pivotably mounted between its horizontal and vertical position about a pivot axis (20), wherein the foldable wire frame (16) can be lowered into the pivoting device (31) in its vertical position and is thereby locked against pivoting about the pivot axis (20) into the horizontal position. [12] Dishwashing tray (14) with a tiered stand (15) according to one of the preceding claims. [13] Household dishwasher (1) with a tiered rack (15) according to one of claims 1 to 11 or a dish loading unit (14) according to claim 12.

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