Standwäschetrockner

Abstract

The invention relates to a free-standing clothes dryer for drying laundry. Known free-standing clothes dryers comprise a drying area with frame profiles (1) and cross profiles (6) that are interconnected via frame profile holders (2'''). A stand element holder (2'') is pivotally mounted on the frame profile holder (2''') for the foldable holding of stand elements (3). The stand element holder has stop means (10, 11) that project into the frame profile holder (2''') and limit the movement of the stand element holder (2''). In the end position, a locking body (9') elastically holds the stop means (10, 11) in position. The invention is intended to improve the elastic properties and fatigue strength of the joint. This is achieved by providing a separate locking element (9) as an additional component in the frame profile holder (2'''), and by forming the locking body (9') by a portion of the locking element (9) that projects into the path of movement of the stop means (10 and / or 11).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a free-standing clothes dryer according to the preamble of claim 1. These generic free-standing clothes dryers comprise a drying area comprising longitudinal frame profiles and cross-profiles connecting these, particularly in the end regions, as well as line- or rod-like support means (5) for hanging laundry items. The frame profiles and the cross-profiles are connected to one another via a frame profile holder, which may also be part of the cross-profile. A stand element holder connected to a stand element is pivotally mounted on the frame profile holder as the second joint part of a joint such that the stand elements, in the form of legs or brackets, can be folded about a pivot axis from a storage position into an erected position.In a typical design, the free-standing clothes dryer has a rectangular drying area and, at each of the four corners, a joint with a linkage for a leg or end piece of a bracket of a bracket-shaped stand element.

[0002] To limit the mobility, at least one, but preferably every joint, is provided with stop means on the stand element holder. These stop means move along with the movement of the stand element holder and, when the stand element reaches its erected position, engage with a stop that limits the movement. The frame profile holder has at least one locking body for this purpose, which can be resiliently displaced by the stop means when it approaches the erected position and then springs into a locking position in which the locking body can hold the stand element holder in the erected position against a locking force. Optionally, a similar locking option can also be implemented in the storage position. Alternatively, in a kinematic reversal, the stop can also be arranged so that it moves along with the stand element holder, in which case the stop means are fixedly arranged on the frame element holder.

[0003] Freestanding clothes dryers with a hinge joint at the corners of the drying area are known from EP 1 331 301 A1. These are freestanding clothes dryers that essentially have frame profiles and cross profiles made of metal. These are connected directly or via joints in simple folding hinges to feet or other stand elements.

[0004] Freestanding clothes dryers with cross profiles made of plastic are also becoming increasingly popular. These have the advantage of greater flexibility in design and can therefore accommodate additional functions, particularly with regard to holding load-bearing devices for laundry items. With these plastic cross profiles, it is advisable to create the connection to the frame profiles as a single piece or integrally with the cross profiles. This is not absolutely necessary, however; a separate component can also be used for the connection. This connecting component then forms a joint part of the joint through which the freestanding elements are connected to the drying area. One such solution is known from EP 2 093 321 A1.

[0005] EP 2 913 432 B1 and DE 199 06 534 B4 describe further designs of upright clothes dryers. In DE 199 06 534 B4, a hinge is provided at the front and rear, connecting foldable uprights and two folding wings on which laundry items can be hung. However, there is no central drying area.

[0006] The existing joints have the advantage of connecting the frame profiles easily and with virtually no distortion. At the same time, the joint can be optimized because the joint components are injection-molded, allowing additional functions to be easily implemented through the molding. These include, in particular, guides and stops for the movement of the stand element holder, which connects parts of the stand element to the frame profile holder in a hinged manner.

[0007] Although the existing upright tumble dryers are reliable and have inexpensively manufactured joints, they could be optimized with regard to the damping behavior of the locking elements and the fatigue strength of the locking mechanism.

[0008] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a free-standing tumble dryer in which a stand element holder and a frame profile holder are connected to one another in an articulated manner, wherein in the position of the joint in which the stand element is in the erected position, a locking possibility is created and the locking device is optimised with regard to the locking effect and fatigue strength.

[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention by a free-standing clothes dryer according to claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are described in the subclaims.

[0010] The new upright tumble dryer is particularly characterized by the fact that a separate locking element is provided as an additional component and the locking body is formed by a portion of the locking element that projects into the path of movement of the stop means.

[0011] The new upright tumble dryer now has a joint that has a separate locking element on which the locking body for the locking device is arranged, which holds the joint in position when the upright element is in its upright position. Preferably, two stop means are provided in the joint, each interacting with a locking recess. The stop means are provided on the upright element holder and protrude into the frame profile holder. The separate locking body, which, with the locking element protruding outwards from it, protrudes into the path of movement of the stops, is held in the frame profile holder. Preferably, two opposing stop means are provided, with a separate locking element arranged on the locking body for each stop means. This creates a higher locking force, a balanced distribution of forces, and redundancy of the locking property.

[0012] The locking body is held or mounted in the frame profile holder. This can, for example, be an elastic ring with the locking element protruding from its outer surface. This elastic ring can, for example, be held centrally in the frame profile holder in a corresponding receptacle, wherein the receptacle has external recesses through which the locking elements or the locking element protrudes outwards into an area of ​​the frame profile holder in which the lifting device of the stand element holder is positioned in the erected position. The lifting device itself can, in turn, have a locking receptacle into which the locking element can resiliently engage. Alternatively, the lifting device can of course also be rotated relative to the locking element so far that the locking element engages behind the entire lifting device, so that the lifting device lies between the locking element and the end of its movement path in the locking position.

[0013] By using a separate locking body, it can now be made of a different material than the rest of the frame profile holder. This allows the elasticity and thus the locking properties of the locking element to be optimized. In particular, the locking body and the locking element can be made of a rubber-elastic material, which is subject to less wear than a rigid plastic when repeatedly compressed into the locking receptacle. A further advantage is that the locking element is easier to replace for repair purposes. Since the joint, i.e. the frame profile holder and the stand element holder, must absorb comparatively large forces when a loaded upright tumble dryer is used, a stable, rigid plastic is preferably chosen as the base material from which the joint is made.By separating the locking body from the frame profile holder, the disadvantage of this rigid material with regard to the locking body can be compensated and a more favorable material can be used for the locking property.

[0014] A preferred design of the joint thus comprises a frame profile holder and a stand element holder connected to it in an articulated manner around a rotation axis, both components being made of plastic. They each have an insertion sleeve into which the frame profile and the end piece of a stand element tube can be inserted. The cross profile can also be attached via an insertion sleeve if the cross profile is a separate component. However, it is particularly preferred for the frame profile holder and cross profile to form a common component, in particular a common injection-molded component.

[0015] If the freestanding dryer has a foldable additional wing, this can also be integrated into the joint using a wing holder that pivots around the rotation axis. This wing holder then acts as an additional joint component and can, for example, be hinged to the outside of the stand element holder, which in turn is hinged to the outside of the frame profile holder.

[0016] Of course, the sash holder can also be arranged between the base element holder and the frame profile holder, in which case the stops extending from the base element holder into the frame profile holder penetrate the sash holder, and the sash holder has corresponding recesses to ensure the necessary mobility of the stop elements when moving the base elements from the storage position to the installation position. The advantage of this solution is that these recesses can also simultaneously limit the mobility of the sash holder, whereby a locking option can also be integrated here.

[0017] Preferably, a receiving chamber is provided in the inner region of the frame profile holder, in which the locking element is held concentrically to the axis of rotation of the joint. This chamber can, for example, have a wall curved around the axis of rotation in sections, with a receiving groove provided around this rounded wall, in which the stop means of the stand element holder can move back and forth.

[0018] The channel- or groove-shaped receiving grooves preferably do not extend circumferentially around the axis of rotation, but only over a defined angular range corresponding to the installation angle of the stand elements. The ends of this receiving groove then form the stop for the movement of the stand element. If the stop means are located at the end of the groove, the locking body of the locking element engages elastically either behind the stop means or preferably in a locking receptacle on the side of the stop means facing the locking element.

[0019] The attachment devices themselves can be elastic, but they are preferably made of a rigid material to increase fatigue strength. This will typically be the same material from which the stand element holder is made, although in the case of the stand element holder, an injection-molded part is preferably used that incorporates all the necessary geometries and attachment devices.

[0020] Additional locking edges can be provided in the receiving groove, protruding inward from the groove wall. These can, for example, lock the lifting devices in the storage position. Additional securing via a locking element is not necessary here, as the forces required to hold the upright elements in the storage position are significantly lower than the forces required to keep the upright dryer stable in the setup position. Similar locking edges can also provide additional support for the locking mechanism described above via the locking element.

[0021] To achieve optimum stability, at least two stop means are preferably provided, which can be arranged opposite one another in the joint, for example. More than two stop means entail the problem that the required angle of rotation can no longer be achieved without requiring complex designs. In principle, this would be possible if the stop means moved on different radii around the axis of rotation. However, since the joint should be kept as compact as possible, a design with two opposing stop means and corresponding receiving grooves that lie on a common virtual circle is preferred. The individual parts of the joint can be connected to one another via a metal hinge pin, which can and should extend into the cross profile.

[0022] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0023] In the drawings shows: Fig. 1 a free-standing tumble dryer according to the invention, Fig. 2 of the Fig. 1 shows a three-dimensional view of the free-standing tumble dryer according to the invention, Fig. 3 the area of ​​the joint in an enlarged detailed view, Fig. 4 a side view of the Fig. 3 shown area, Fig. 5 cut AA from Fig. 4, Fig. 6 an exploded view of the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 shown joint, Fig. 7 a top view of the frame holder of the Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shown joint and Fig. 8 a three-dimensional view of the assembly forming the frame holder and the cross profiles.

[0024] In Fig. 1 shows a free-standing tumble dryer according to the invention. This differs in the illustration according to Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 is not yet different from the models known from the prior art. The freestanding clothes dryer has bracket-like stand elements 3 that support a drying area, on which laundry items can be hung via support means 5 in the form of lines or rods. The drying area consists of longitudinal frame profiles 1 and cross profiles 6 that connect these at the ends. On both sides, the drying area has a foldable additional wing 4.

[0025] Fig. 2 shows the Fig. 1 in a three-dimensional view. Here, the cross sections 6 are shown, and it can be seen that the stand elements 3, as well as the additional wing 4, can be folded around the rotation axis D of the joint 2. Fig. Figure 3 shows the area of ​​the joint 2 in an enlarged view. The corners of the drying field are held together by a frame profile holder 2", which forms part of the joint 2 and is described in detail below. The frame profile holder 2 is part of the component that also forms the cross profile 6.

[0026] The joint 2 is in three parts in the illustrated embodiment, which is due to the fact that the additional wing 4 is also hingedly attached to the drying field via the joint 2. The three basic parts of the joint 2 are the frame profile holder 2''' for holding the frame profiles 1 and for connecting these frame profiles 1 to the cross profiles 6, the stand element holder 2'' for the hinged connection of the joint 2 with the U-shaped stand elements 3, and a wing holder 2' for linking the arms of the foldable additional wing 4. The stand element holder 2'' in turn has an insertion sleeve 8 for one end of the bow-shaped stand element 3. This is best seen from Fig. 6 can be seen.

[0027] The additional wing 4 can also only be folded by a defined swivel angle so that it does not fall down and preferably, as shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, protrudes slightly upwards when unfolded. For this purpose, corresponding stops are provided for the additional sash 4. These stops can be formed by the sash holder 2', which, for example, engages either the frame profile holder 2''' or the stand element holder 2'' with an extension in the unfolded position shown. Alternatively, these stops can also be implemented in the joint 2, as described below for the mobility of the stand element holder 2'' relative to the frame profile holder 2'''.

[0028] The Fig. 5 to 8 show the joint 2, which is in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is shown in a detailed view, in detailed individual illustrations. Fig. 5 cut AA from Fig. 4. It can be seen that the frame profile holder 2''' has an insertion sleeve 7 for the end of the frame profile 1. Fig. 8 shows that the frame profile holder 2''' and the cross profile 6 are formed by a single component. This is not absolutely necessary, but it is very advantageous, as it saves manufacturing costs and eliminates the need for a separate attachment of the cross profile 6 to the joint 2.

[0029] The frame profile holder 2''' has a substantially round housing, from which the insertion sleeve 7 for the frame profile 1 extends horizontally. A cylindrical body is provided centrally in this housing, forming the core of the joint 2 and onto which the stand element holder 2'' is rotatably fitted. This cylindrical body is located in a cavity formed by a wall, in which a separate locking element 9 is arranged. Curved receiving grooves or channels extend around this cavity, in which stop means 10, 11 are movable back and forth, protruding from the side of the stand element holder 2'' opposite the frame profile holder 2'''. The ends of these receiving grooves simultaneously form stops for the folding movement of the stand element holder 2'' relative to the frame profile holder 2'''.

[0030] From the locking element 9, locking bodies 9' extend on opposite sides of the locking element 9 through recesses in the wall into the receiving grooves or channels. These are arranged in such a way that they provide a locking connection when the stand element holder 2'' is in the unfolded position. The locking connection is achieved here by the fact that the stops 10, 11 have a substantially rectangular cross-section with rounded corners, wherein the surface is constricted and thus forms a locking receptacle for the locking body 9'. This is best done in Fig. 5 can be recognized.

[0031] The annular locking element 9 is placed onto the cylindrical body or inserted into the receptacle around it, leaving a certain amount of play. Because the locking element 9 is a separate component, it can be made of a suitable material or have locking bodies 9' made of a different material than the locking element 9 itself. Because the locking body 9' is now materially independent of the rest of the joint 2, an optimized material selection can be achieved, with the locking element 9 preferably being made of a rubber-elastic material, for example.

[0032] In Fig. 7 and Fig.8 shows additional locking positions. Opposite the locking position described above, a locking edge 13, 14 is provided in each of the receiving grooves, which elastically overcomes the stops 10, 11 when the stand elements 3 are moved into the storage position. Here, the wear problem is not as severe, since the forces to be absorbed are significantly lower than the locking forces in the set-up position.

[0033] The figures show a variant of the invention in which the stop means 10, 11 are arranged on the stand element holder 2" and move with it. Of course, in kinematic reversal, the stop for the stop elements can also be provided on the stand element holder 2" and move with it. In this case, the stop means 10, 11 are provided on the frame profile holder 2" and are not movable.

[0034] Furthermore, a similar solution can also be used to provide a stop in the joint 2 for the sash holder 2'. In this case, guide grooves can be provided on the outside of the stand element holder 2'', into which corresponding stops of the sash holder 2' engage. Here, too, this can, of course, be done in kinematic reversal. A separate locking element 9 can also be provided for this locking device, although this will generally not be necessary due to the lower forces. List of reference symbols: 1 frame profile 2 joints 2' wing holder 2'' stand element holder 2''' frame profile holder 3 Stand element 4 Foldable additional wing 5 load-bearing means 6 Cross section 7 Insert sleeve for the frame profile 8 Insert sleeve for the stand element 9 locking element 9' locking body 10 lifting gear 11 Lifting gear 12 hinge pins 13 locking edge 14 locking edge D axis of rotation

Claims

[1] Free-standing clothes dryer with a drying field and stand elements (3) in the form of legs or brackets mounted on the drying field for placing the free-standing clothes dryer on a surface, wherein • the drying field has frame profiles (1), cross profiles (6) connecting the end regions of two frame profiles (1) to form a frame and support means (5) for hanging laundry items, • at each corner of the drying field, a frame profile (1) and a cross profile (6) are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner via a frame profile holder (2'''), and in the connection areas of the frame profiles (1) with the cross profiles (6) to form a joint (2), a stand element holder (2'') which is firmly connected to a stand element (3) is connected to the frame profile holder (2''') in an articulated manner about an axis of rotation (D) in such a way that the stand elements (3) can be folded from a storage position into an erection position, and wherein • stop means (10, 11) are provided on at least one joint (2), which are moved relative to a stop when the stand element holder (2'') moves and, when the stand element (3) reaches its set-up position, abut against the stop limiting the movement in a locking manner, and at least one locking body (9') is provided, which can be resiliently displaced by the stop means (10, 11) and, when the stand element (3) reaches its set-up position, springs back into a locking position in which the locking body (9') is able to hold the stand element holder (2'') in the set-up position against a locking force, characterized by that a separate locking element (9) is provided as an additional component in the joint (2) and the locking body (9') is formed by a region of the locking element (9) projecting into the path of movement of the stop means (10 and / or 11). [2] Free-standing clothes dryer according to claim 1, characterized bythat the stop means (10, 11) are provided on the stand element holder (2'') and are moved along with the movement of the stand element holder (2'') and, when the stand element (3) reaches the erected position, abut against the stop arranged in the frame profile holder (2''') in a locking manner, wherein the locking body (9') is arranged in or on the frame profile holder (2'''). [3] Freestanding clothes dryer according to claim 1, characterized by that the stop means (10, 11) are arranged on the frame profile holder (2''') and stops are provided in the stand element holder (2''), which are moved along with the movement of the stand element holder (2'') and, when the stand element (3) reaches the erected position, abut against the stop means (10, 11) arranged in the frame profile holder (2''') in a locking manner, wherein the locking body (9') is arranged in or on the stand element holder (2''). [4] Free-standing clothes dryer according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat the locking element (9) is an elastic body held in the frame profile holder (2''') and penetrated by the axis of rotation (D), from whose surface directed outwards and at right angles to the axis of rotation (D), the locking body (9') protrudes. [5] Freestanding clothes dryer according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the locking element (9) is formed by an elastically deformable ring which is held in a receptacle in the frame profile holder (2''') and has at least one locking body (9') projecting radially outwards. [6] Freestanding clothes dryer according to the preceding claim, characterized bythat at least one stop means (10) is provided which is connected to the stand element holder (2'') and projects into the frame profile holder (2'''), wherein the frame profile holder (2''') has a curved receiving groove which is assigned to the stop means (10) and is concentric with the axis of rotation (D), in which groove the stop means (10) is moved back and forth when the stand element (3) moves between the storage position and the erected position, wherein the receiving groove is designed such that the stop means (10) rests in a detent position at the end of the receiving groove in the erected position of the associated stand element (3) to form a pivot angle limitation. [7] Freestanding clothes dryer according to the preceding claim, characterized by that two stop means (10, 11) are provided which are offset from one another, in particular offset by 180° from one another, wherein the frame profile holder (2''') has a separate receiving groove for each of the two stop means (10 or 11). [8] Freestanding clothes dryer according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized by that the receiving groove runs along a curved line concentric with the axis of rotation (D) and the locking element (9), with the exception of the locking body (9'), is arranged in the frame profile holder (2''') in such a way that the receiving groove is partially curved around the locking element (9), wherein the locking body (9') resiliently engages with a locking receptacle of the stop means (10, 11) in the locking position and for this purpose projects into the receiving groove at the position in which the locking receptacle is in the locking position. [9] Freestanding clothes dryer according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the locking element (9) is an elastic body, in particular a hollow body with an elastic wall, which has a recess on the side facing the locking body (9') in the locking position to form the locking receptacle, into which recess the locking body (9') can engage in a resilient and locking manner. [10] Free-standing clothes dryer according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized by that a locking edge (13, 14) projecting into the receiving groove is provided as a locking retaining means for at least one stop means in the storage position. [11] Freestanding clothes dryer according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the locking edge (13, 14) is formed by a thickening of the wall area of ​​the receiving groove projecting into the receiving groove. [12] Freestanding clothes dryer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the frame profile holder (2''') and the cross profile (6) are integrally connected to one another, in particular are formed by a common plastic component. [13] Freestanding clothes dryer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a joint part of a lateral, foldable additional wing (4) is arranged on the stand element holder (2'') on the side facing away from the frame profile holder (2'''). [14] Free-standing clothes dryer according to one of claims 6 to 12, characterized by that between the stand element holder (2'') and the frame profile holder (2''') a wing holder (2') is articulated as a joint part of a lateral, foldable additional wing (4), which has groove-shaped through openings, wherein the stop means (10, 11) extend through the groove-shaped through openings into the frame profile holder (2''') and the groove-shaped through openings are designed such that the stop means (10, 11) have the necessary freedom of movement when moving the stand element (3) from the storage position into the erection position. [15] Freestanding clothes dryer according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the ends of the groove-shaped through openings form stops for a folding movement of the wing holder (2') of the foldable additional wing (4).

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