DISHWASHING MACHINE WITH TRANSPORTATION AND LIFTING MECHANISM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a transport and lifting mechanism for removing and lifting a dishwashing basket from a dishwashing tub of a dishwasher, comprising a lifting device for the dishwashing basket, which has a four-jointed linkage, comprising a dishwashing basket-side linkage, a fixed base link on the dishwashing tub side, and a first and a second link, each of which is pivotably arranged at one end on the base link and at the other end on the linkage, comprising a transport device for the dishwashing basket, which has a rail system, wherein the linkage of the lifting device is arranged on the rail system, and comprising an operating device pivotably arranged on the dishwashing basket.

[0002] Dishwasher baskets in general, and the transport and lifting mechanisms for such baskets in particular, are well known from the prior art, which is why a separate printed reference is not required here. Reference is therefore only made to WO 2019 / 219433 A1 as an example.

[0003] A typical dishwasher has a wash chamber that provides a washing area. This chamber is accessible to the user via a loading opening, which can be sealed fluid-tight by means of a hinged wash chamber door. Under normal operating conditions, the wash chamber serves to hold items to be cleaned, such as dishes, cutlery, and / or similar items.

[0004] A dish rack is typically used to load a dishwasher with dishes. This rack can be moved through the loading opening, either into or out of the wash chamber, depending on the direction of movement. A dishwasher typically has two or three dish racks, depending on the design. These racks are usually designed as baskets, with a typical design including a lower basket, an upper basket positioned above it in the direction of the dishwasher's height, and optionally, a cutlery drawer located above the upper basket.

[0005] In a common and standard kitchen design, a dishwasher is usually installed vertically beneath a kitchen worktop. Consequently, when extended for loading or unloading, the lower rack is below the knee height of an adult. Therefore, users can only load or unload the lower rack in a stooped position, which is perceived as inconvenient, especially when handling bulky and potentially heavy items, which are typically placed in the lower rack.

[0006] To address this problem, prior art reveals transport and lifting mechanisms that allow the lower basket to be raised to the same height as the upper basket. This simplifies loading and unloading of the lower basket for the user. Such a transport and lifting mechanism is disclosed, for example, in WO 2019 / 219433 A1.

[0007] DE 102018111657 A1 discloses a transport and lifting mechanism for removing and lifting a dishwashing basket from a dishwashing container of a dishwasher, with a lifting device for the dishwashing basket which has a four-jointed linkage which has a dishwashing basket-side linkage, a base link fixed on the dishwashing container side and a first and a second link, which are each pivotably arranged at one end on the base link on one side and at the other end on the linkage on the other, and with a transport device for the dishwashing basket which has a rail device, wherein the linkage of the lifting device is arranged on the rail device.

[0008] Although previously known traversing and lifting mechanisms have proven their worth in everyday practical use, there is room for improvement, particularly with regard to further simplifying user operation. Therefore, the object of the invention is to constructively further develop a traversing and lifting mechanism of the generic type in such a way as to enable simplified operation by the user.

[0009] To Solution The invention proposes a dishwasher with a transport and lifting mechanism having the features of claim 1 to solve this problem.

[0010] Of particular importance according to the invention of the proposed traversing and lifting mechanism is, firstly, that a lifting device is provided which, instead of a four-linkage linkage, has a seven-linkage linkage, with a traversing device being provided in combination with this linkage. Secondly, of essential importance according to the invention is the provision of means for the releasable coupling of the operating device and the locking linkage. A distinction can thus be made between a decoupled state of the operating device and the lifting device on the one hand, and a coupled state of the operating device and the lifting device on the other. Advantageously, this allows the user to selectively either traverse the rinsing tank or lift it.In this process, a movement of the rinsing container is possible when the operating device and lifting device are not coupled, whereas lifting of the rinsing container is possible when the operating device and the lifting device are coupled together.

[0011] The seven-link linkage provided according to the invention, unlike a previously known four-link linkage, is supplemented by two links: the locking link on the one hand and the connecting link on the other. The locking link and the connecting link are pivotably connected to each other, and the locking link is also pivotably arranged on the link and the connecting link is pivotably arranged on the first link.

[0012] This design according to the invention, in combination with the possibility of detachably coupling the operating device and locking lever, offers numerous advantages, resulting in simplified user handling.

[0013] The dishwasher has at least one dish rack. It can, as is usually the case, have several dish racks, for example at least a lower rack and an upper rack above it.

[0014] According to the invention, a dishwashing basket, such as a lower basket, can assume two operating positions at the user's discretion. The user can move the dishwashing basket from its unused position within the wash chamber to a first operating position by means of the moving mechanism. Such a movement is possible when the operating mechanism and locking lever are decoupled. The lifting mechanism remains unused in this case.

[0015] Once the user has detachably coupled the operating device and the locking lever using the provided means, the lifting device is activated. This allows the dish rack, in particular the lower rack, to be lifted out of the wash tub, preferably to the level of a higher dish rack, which is hereinafter referred to as the upper rack. In this position, the dish rack, especially the lower rack, is in its second operating position. In both the first and second operating positions, the dish rack is positioned above the open wash cabinet door, so that any liquids or dirt dripping from the dish rack or from items being washed in the dish rack are collected on the inside of the open wash cabinet door.

[0016] The advantage of the design according to the invention is therefore, among other things, that the dish rack can be pulled out of the wash chamber like a conventional dish rack, but that it is also possible to raise the dish rack, in particular the lower rack, to the height of an upper rack. The fact that both full extension and lifting are possible offers the advantage that the wash chamber floor, provided by the wash tub, is more easily accessible, namely when the dish rack is only in the extended position, but not in the raised position. Conventional four-joint linkages cannot distinguish between these two operating positions, so that, according to the prior art, the dish rack is either in its unused position or in its raised operating position. In both cases, however, the wash chamber floor is difficult or even impossible to access.

[0017] User-side access to the floor of the dishwasher is particularly important in order to reach the salt refill opening, which is typically located there.

[0018] Furthermore, the distinction between lifting and extending is advantageous when a user wants to load more than one item into the dishwasher. If, according to the prior art, the dish rack, especially the lower rack, can only be pivoted upwards, then to load the other dish racks properly, it is necessary each time to pivot the raised rack, especially the lower rack, back down before accessing the other racks is possible. This is perceived as cumbersome by the user. The invention, as described above, provides a remedy for this, as it allows a distinction between two operating positions: the fully extended position and the raised position.

[0019] The dishwashing basket can be operated intuitively and easily by the user using the control device provided by the basket, which is pivotally mounted on it. The user either pulls the control device to remove the dishwashing basket from the wash tub in the conventional way, or, thanks to its pivoting design, rotates the control device and swivels it upwards, automatically coupling the control device and locking lever, thus raising the dishwashing basket. Therefore, the user can operate the device in a simple, self-explanatory, and intuitive manner, automatically coupling or uncoupling the control device and locking lever—that is, the lifting mechanism—depending on the desired position of the dishwashing basket.

[0020] Furthermore, the inventive design offers the advantage of an end-position locking mechanism in the raised, i.e., second, operating position of the dishwashing basket. This prevents the dishwashing basket from unintentionally sagging and ensures that the user must first unlock the mechanism before the dishwashing basket can be swung back into the first operating position.

[0021] The construction according to the invention is also simple in design and therefore robust, not very susceptible to malfunctions and durable.

[0022] Overall, the invention proposes a simple and cost-effective mechanism that simplifies the handling of a dishwashing basket, in particular by making it possible to distinguish between two operating positions: a fully extended first operating position and a swivelled second operating position.

[0023] According to a further feature of the invention, the rail device comprises an upper rail, a middle rail and a body rail, wherein the upper rail is slidably arranged on the middle rail and the middle rail is slidably arranged on the body rail, wherein the upper rail is arranged on the dish basket and wherein the coupling element is arranged on the body rail.

[0024] The rail system has three individual, telescopically arranged rails: an upper rail, a middle rail, and a body rail. The upper rail can be moved relative to the middle rail, and the middle rail relative to the body rail, thus providing the overall telescopic capability of the rail system. This allows the rail system to move the dishwashing basket from its unused position, in which it is inside the wash tub, to its first used position, in which it is removed from the wash tub.

[0025] When the dishwashing basket is removed from the wash tub, the operating mechanism is not coupled to the locking linkage of the lifting device, so the lifting device remains completely unused. The dishwashing basket moves only linearly along the rail system.

[0026] According to the invention, it is further provided that the upper rail is arranged on the dishwashing basket, with the coupling element of the seven-jointed coupling mechanism according to the invention being located on the body rail. In the lifting operation, the dishwashing basket is thus lifted with the rail assembly intermediately positioned.

[0027] According to a further feature of the invention, the means for releasable coupling include a pawl rotatably arranged on the locking linkage, which provides a receiving pin. This receiving pin serves to couple the dishwashing basket to the lifting device, in particular to couple the operating device and the locking linkage, if the user wishes to lift the basket. For this purpose, according to a further feature of the invention, the means for releasable coupling include a receptacle provided by the dishwashing basket, namely by the operating device pivotably arranged on the dishwashing basket, which interacts with the receiving pin of the pawl. Thus, if the user wishes to lift the dishwashing basket, the receiving pin of the lifting device provided by the pawl engages in a correspondingly designed receptacle of the operating device.This engagement of the receiving pin into its corresponding receptacle occurs automatically when the dishwashing basket is lifted by a user-operated twisting and lifting motion of the control unit, causing the receptacle of the dishwashing basket or control unit to engage the receiving pin. During a purely translational movement of the dishwashing basket to move it into its first operating position, this lifting motion does not occur, so the receptacle on the dishwashing basket or control unit side passes below the receiving pin, consequently preventing the receptacle and receiving pin from engaging.

[0028] The design according to the invention thus advantageously enables automatic coupling of the operating device and the locking lever as a result of intuitive operation of the operating device by a user.

[0029] According to a further feature of the invention, the means for releasable coupling include a bearing pin arranged on the locking linkage. In the lifting position, this bearing pin defines the axis of rotation around which the lifting device pivots to raise the dishwashing basket. According to a further feature of the invention, the bearing pin interacts with a further receptacle provided by the dishwashing basket, namely by the operating device which is also pivotably arranged on the dishwashing basket, into which the bearing pin engages during the intended lifting operation. Thus, when the dishwashing basket is lifted as intended, the receiving pin engages in a first receptacle on the dishwashing basket or operating device side, and the bearing pin engages in a second receptacle on the dishwashing basket or operating device side.Once the pins are fully inserted into their respective receptacles, the dishwashing basket and lifting mechanism are coupled, in particular the operating mechanism and locking lever, enabling the dishwashing basket to be raised as intended. At the moment of coupling, each of the two pins assumes an additional function.

[0030] The receiving pin is attached to a locking pawl, which in turn is pivotably mounted on the locking linkage. When the receiving pin is engaged by its corresponding receptacle on the dishwashing basket or control panel, the locking pawl rotates, releasing a locking mechanism that blocks the lifting device. Thus, the engagement of the receiving pin in its receptacle not only engages it but also releases the locking mechanism of the lifting device, making it possible to lift the dishwashing basket.

[0031] The bearing pin, which in the coupled configuration is located in the second mounting position, ensures that the axes of rotation of the locking lever and the operating device are aligned, i.e., congruent. This allows the washing basket to be lifted without a cam guide, thus avoiding the frictional forces that would otherwise occur. This guarantees that no relative movement takes place between the locking lever and the operating device during the lifting motion. The advantage is that when the locking lever and operating device are coupled, their respective axes of rotation are perfectly aligned.

[0032] According to a further feature of the invention, the dishwashing basket, namely the operating device pivotably arranged on the dishwashing basket, has a guide rail on the locking linkage side. This guide rail ensures that when the user pivots the operating device to lift the dishwashing basket, the basket or the operating device is not lifted too far, so that the receiving pin can reliably engage in the corresponding receptacle as described above. This reliably prevents user error in lifting the dishwashing basket and its receptacle over the corresponding receiving pin.

[0033] According to a further feature of the invention, the guide rail interacts with a stop bolt arranged on the locking linkage. In operation, the dishwashing basket can thus be lifted by the user until the guide rail on the dishwashing basket or operating device side rests against the stop bolt on the locking linkage side. In this position of the dishwashing basket, the receiving pin can reliably engage in its corresponding receptacle during continued user movement of the dishwashing basket.

[0034] According to a further feature of the invention, the pawl has a locking bolt. This locking bolt ensures that the lifting device is locked, so that it is blocked in the event of improper operation. For this purpose, according to a further feature of the invention, the coupling member has a counter-bearing that interacts with the locking bolt. This can be provided, for example, by a locking tooth on the coupling member. The locking bolt rests against this locking tooth when the dishwashing basket is in its non-use position. The lifting device is then locked, so that lifting the dishwashing basket is not possible.

[0035] Provided the dishwashing basket is moved only translationally, i.e., into its first operating position, the locking bolt remains in its position against the locking tooth. The lifting mechanism is therefore still locked, preventing the dishwashing basket from being lifted out of its first operating position. Incorrect operation is thus reliably prevented.

[0036] Only when the user wishes to lift the dishwashing basket from its inactive position, and therefore pivots the operating mechanism while simultaneously moving the basket, does the basket lift in such a way that the receiving pin provided by the locking pawl engages in the corresponding receptacle on the dishwashing basket, particularly on the operating mechanism, as previously described. Consequently, the locking pawl also pivots, causing the locking bolt provided by the pawl to move out of its position engaged on the coupling link. This releases the locking mechanism of the lifting device, allowing the dishwashing basket to be lifted using the lifting mechanism.

[0037] According to a further feature of the invention, the locking lever has a receptacle for the locking bolt that provides an end stop. This prevents the locking pawl from over-rotating. In the raised, i.e., second, operating position of the dishwashing basket, the locking pawl is thus held securely in position by the locking lever, specifically because the locking bolt of the pawl rests against the end stop of the locking lever.

[0038] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the figures. These show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a washing container with a lower basket in the non-use position; Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the lower basket after Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 in schematic side view of the lower basket Fig. 2Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a washing container with a lower basket in its first position of use; Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the lower basket after Fig. 4 ; Fig. 6 in schematic side view of the lower basket Fig. 5 Fig. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a wash tub with a lower basket in its second position of use; Fig. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of the lower basket after Fig. 7 ; Fig. 9 in schematic side view of the lower basket Fig. 8 Fig. 10 shows a schematic perspective view of an operating device; Fig. 11 shows a schematic perspective view of a locking lever in a first position, facing the dish basket; Fig. 12 shows the locking lever after Fig. 11 in a view away from the dishwashing basket; Fig. 13 in a schematic perspective view towards the dishwashing basket, a locking lever in a second position; Fig. 14 the locking lever after Fig. 13in a view facing away from the dishwashing basket; Fig. 15 in a schematic perspective view of a lower basket; Fig. 16 in a detail view of a section towards Fig. 15 ; Fig. 17 in a detail view, a section according to Fig. 15 ; Fig. 18 shows a partially cutaway top view of a washing container; Fig. 19 shows a schematic sectional view of the lower basket. Fig. 18 according to section line AA in a first position; Fig. 20 in a schematic sectional view the lower basket after Fig. 18 according to section line AA in a second position; Fig. 21 in a schematic sectional view the lower basket after Fig. 18 according to section line AA in a third position; Fig. 22 in a schematic side view of a lower basket in a first position; Fig. 23 in a detail view of a section according to Fig. 22 Fig. 24 shows a schematic side view of a lower basket in a second position; Fig. 25 shows a detail view of a section after Fig. 24Fig. 26 shows a schematic side view of a lower basket in a third position; Fig. 27 shows a detail view of a section after Fig. 26 Fig. 28 shows a schematic perspective view of a lower basket in a first position; Fig. 29 shows a detail view of a section after Fig. 28 Fig. 30 shows a schematic perspective view of a lower basket in a second position; Fig. 31 shows a detail view of a section after Fig. 30 Fig. 32 shows a schematic perspective view of a lower basket in a third position; Fig. 33 shows a detail view of a section after Fig. 32 Fig. 34 shows a schematic side view of a lower basket in another position; Fig. 35 shows a detail view of a section after Fig. 34 Fig. 36 shows a schematic perspective view of a lower basket in another position; Fig. 37 shows a detail view of a section after Fig. 36Fig. 38 shows a schematic side view of a lower basket in another position; Fig. 39 shows a detail view of a section after Fig. 38 Fig. 40 shows a schematic perspective view of a lower basket in another position; Fig. 41 shows a detail view of a section after Fig. 40 Fig. 42 shows a schematic side view of a lower basket in another position; Fig. 43 shows a detail view of a section after Fig. 42 Fig. 44 shows a schematic perspective view of a lower basket in another position; Fig. 45 shows a detail view of a section after Fig. 44 Fig. 46 shows a schematic view of a lower basket in another position; Fig. 47 shows a detail view of a section after Fig. 46 Fig. 48 shows a schematic perspective view of a lower basket in another position; Fig. 49 shows a detail view of a section after Fig. 48Fig. 50 shows a schematic side view of a lower basket in another position; Fig. 51 shows a detail view of a section after Fig. 50 Fig. 52 shows a schematic side view of a locking lever; Fig. 53 shows a schematic side view of a locking lever according to an alternative embodiment in a first position; and Fig. 54 shows a schematic side view of the locking lever after Fig. 53 in a second position.

[0039] Fig. 1 The schematic perspective view shows a wash tub of a dishwasher, which is not otherwise depicted in detail. The wash tub 1 in turn provides a wash chamber 2, which, in its intended use, serves to hold the items to be cleaned.

[0040] The wash chamber 2 is accessible from the user through a loading opening 4. The loading opening 4 can be closed fluid-tight by means of a wash chamber door 3, the wash chamber door 3 being pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis and being opened from a closed position to the open position on the user side. Fig. 1 The disclosure shown can be transferred, and vice versa.

[0041] In the intended use, dishwashing baskets serve to hold the items being washed, whereby in the illustrated embodiment a dishwashing basket 5 in the form of a lower basket is provided as the dishwashing basket.

[0042] Fig. 1 shows the dish basket 5 in its non-use position, in which the dish basket 5 is moved completely into the washing chamber 2 against the direction of pull-out 6, so that the washing chamber door 3 can be moved from its open position to its closed position without collision.

[0043] Fig. 4shows the dishwashing basket in a first operating position, in which the dishwashing basket 5 has been moved out of the washing chamber 2 in the extension direction 6.

[0044] Fig. 7 Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the dishwashing basket 5 in a second operating position, in which the dishwashing basket 5 is pivoted out of the washing chamber 2 and raised upwards in the vertical direction 49. In this second operating position, the dishwashing basket 5, which serves as the lower basket, is at the same height as an upper basket (not shown in detail in the figures).

[0045] To move the dishwashing basket 5 from the non-use position to Fig. 1 into the first operating position according to Fig. 4 or into the second operating position after Fig. 7The traversing and lifting mechanism 7 provided according to the invention serves this purpose. The traversing and lifting mechanism 7 has a lifting device 8 on the one hand and a traversing device 19 on the other, as shown in particular in the illustration according to Fig. 5 As can be seen from the presentation according Fig. 5 Likewise, two traversing and lifting devices 7 designed according to the invention are provided for a dishwashing basket 5, with reference to the drawing plane according to Fig. 5 both a left-hand and a right-hand traversing and lifting mechanism 7.

[0046] To move the dishwashing basket 5 from the non-use position to Fig. 1 into the first operating position after Fig. 4 The traversing device 19 serves this purpose. The lifting device 8, however, serves to move the dishwashing basket 5 from the non-use position to Fig. 1 into the second operating position after Fig. 7 to transfer.

[0047] As already explained above using the following examples: Fig. 5 As explained, each dishwashing basket 5 is provided with two traversing and lifting mechanisms 7, namely one on the left and one on the right. For the sake of simplicity, only one of the two traversing and lifting mechanisms 7 will be referred to in the following.

[0048] As can be seen in particular from a review of the Figures 3 and 6 The traversing device 19 has a rail assembly 20. The rail assembly 20 itself has a total of three rails, which are telescopically arranged relative to each other. Specifically, an upper rail 27, a middle rail 28, and a body rail 29 are provided, wherein the upper rail 27 is movably arranged on the middle rail 28 relative to the middle rail 28, and the middle rail 28 is movably arranged on the body rail 29 relative to the body rail 29.

[0049] To move the dishwashing basket 5 from the non-use position to Fig. 1 into the first operating position after Fig. 5 The aforementioned rail device 20 serves, as can be seen, for example, from a comparison of the illustrations according to the Figures 3 and 6 results.

[0050] To move the dishwashing basket 5 from the non-use position to Fig. 1 into the second operating position after Fig. 7 The lifting device 8 serves, as can be seen in particular from a review of the Figures 3 and 9 results.

[0051] The lifting device 8 has a seven-jointed linkage 18, the structure of which can be seen in particular from the illustration according to Fig. 3 results.

[0052] The coupling mechanism 18 has a coupling element 10 arranged on the rail assembly 20 of the washing basket 5. A base element 11, fixed to the washing container, is also provided. This is, for example, securely positioned on the inside of the washing container against the corresponding washing chamber wall.

[0053] Furthermore, two links 12 and 13 are provided, each pivotably arranged at one end on the base member 11 and at the other end on the coupling member 10. The first link 12 forms pivot points 14 and 16 with the base member 11 and the coupling member 10, and the second link 13 forms pivot points 15 and 17 with the base member 11 and the coupling member 10.

[0054] The coupling link 10, the base link 11, the first link 12 and the second link 13 together form a four-link coupling mechanism 9 known from the prior art as a lifting device per se.

[0055] The lifting device 8 according to the invention is characterized in that the four-joint linkage 9 is supplemented by a locking link 22 and a link 23 to form a seven-joint linkage 18, wherein the locking link 22 is pivotably arranged at one end on the link 10 and at the other end on the link 23, and wherein the link 23 is pivotably arranged at one end on the first link 12 and at the other end on the locking link 22. The locking link 22 is thus pivotably arranged about pivot point 26 on the link 10, and the link 23 is pivotably arranged about pivot point 24 on the first link 12. The locking link 22 and the link 23 also form the common pivot point 25. Overall, a seven-jointed linkage 18 with pivot points 14, 15, 16, 17, 24, 25 and 26 is provided.

[0056] The further Figures 10 to 54In a summary, the functionality of the inventive traversing and lifting mechanism 7 can be seen in detail in different views.

[0057] For user operation or lifting of the dishwashing basket 5, the dishwashing basket 5 has a pivotable operating device 21 arranged on the dishwashing basket 5. This is shown in a schematic perspective view in Fig. 10 shown.

[0058] As can also be seen from the presentation Fig. 10As a result, the operating device 21 is designed in the form of a frame 42. This consists of two side struts 43 and 44, a cross strut 45, and an operating handle 46 opposite the cross strut 45. The two side struts 43 and 44 each have a first receptacle 40 for receiving a receiving pin and a second receptacle 41 for receiving a bearing pin, which pins are provided by the respective locking link 22, as will be explained in the following description.

[0059] The Figures 11 to 14 show a locking lever 22 from different views and in different positions with respect to the pawl 30 provided by the locking lever 22.

[0060] How a synthesis of Figures 11 to 14As can be seen, the locking lever 22 has a stop bolt 34 and a bearing pin 35 on its side facing the dishwashing basket. In addition, a pawl 30 is provided, which is designed like a tab and is pivotably arranged on the locking lever 22 about the pivot point 31. The pawl is subjected to a counterclockwise force by means of a torsion spring (not shown in the figures), as shown in the Figures 11 and 13 The arrows shown symbolize this.

[0061] The locking pawl 30 carries a receiving pin 32 and, on the side opposite the receiving pin, a locking bolt 33.

[0062] When a force is applied to the pawl 30 in the opposite direction to the spring force acting on the pawl 30, the pawl 30 can, with reference to the drawing plane, for example, according to the Figures 11 and 13pivot clockwise to the left until the locking bolt 33 comes to rest against the end stop 37 of the receptacle 36, as shown by the Figures 13 and 14 show.

[0063] The Figures 15, 16 and 17 Figure 1 shows the inventive transport and lifting mechanism 7 in the unraveled position of the dishwashing basket 5, wherein the dishwashing basket 5 is in its first operating position, i.e., in its position removed from the wash chamber 1. The lifting mechanism 8 is locked and cannot be moved. This is achieved by the fact that the locking pin 33 of a locking link 22 rests below a locking tooth 39 of the respective coupling member 10, the locking tooth 39 thus forming a counter-bearing for the locking pin 33.

[0064] The axis of the bearing pin 35 is simultaneously the axis of rotation of the entire operating device assembly 21 relative to the cabinet rail 29. Since the locking lever 22 and the pawl 30 perform a vertical movement around the pivot point or axis of rotation of the bearing pin 35 at the beginning of a lifting movement relative to the locking tooth 39, this movement is only possible if the pawl 23 or the locking bolt 33 provided by it is rotated forward to the end stop 37. This results from a combined view of the Figures 18 to 21 .

[0065] Depicted in three different positions in the Figures 19, 20 and 21 The four functional elements are: mounting pin 32, stop bolt 34, guide rail 47, and the basket / operating device-side mounting 40. These are in the Figures 19, 20 and 21 The three positions are shown into which the operator can move the traversing and lifting mechanism 7 by simply pulling on the operating device 21.

[0066] As can be seen in particular from the presentation according to Fig. 10 As can be seen, the receptacle 40 for the receiving pin 32 is arranged in the vertical direction 49 below the guide rail 47. This is also evident from the illustration, for example, according to Fig. 19 Due to this arrangement, it is possible to move the dishwashing basket 5 out of the dishwashing container 1 using the traversing device 19 without the receiving pin 32 engaging in the receptacle 40. Thus, a full extension of the dishwashing basket 5 is possible without lifting it. This is demonstrated in particular by... Fig. 19 The receiving pin 32 is located below the guide rail 47 when the latter is moved in the direction of the arrow and therefore cannot engage in the receptacle 40. The locking pawl 30 remains in the locked position, as shown above. Figures 15 to 17 explained.

[0067] If the user needs to lift the dishwashing basket 5, this intuitively pulls the operating device 21 upwards, as shown in Fig. 20 as indicated by the arrow. As a result of this lifting, the dishwashing basket 5 moves upwards in the vertical direction 49 until the guide rail 47 comes to rest against the stop bolt 34.

[0068] Simultaneously or subsequently, the user pulls the dish basket 5 out of the dish container 1, as indicated by the arrow. Fig. 21 as indicated. By pulling the operating device 21 further, the guide rail 47 is guided above the receiving pin 32. By pulling the dishwashing basket 5 out further, the receiving pin 32 now engages in the receptacle 40 during the further movement. This rotates the locking pawl 30 forward from its locked position until it reaches its stop. The lifting mechanism 8 is now unlocked and the dishwashing basket 5 can be lifted. The two movements can then be reversed. Figs. 20 and 21 parallel or superimposed processes occur.

[0069] The process described above is shown in more detail in the following figures.

[0070] From the Figures 22 to 25 It can be seen that the stop bolt 34 is located above the guide rail 47 in the inserted position of the dishwashing basket 5. However, this rail ends before the receiving pin 32, so that the dishwashing basket 5 can be pulled upwards by means of the operating device 21 until the guide rail 47 comes to rest against the stop bolt 34, as can be seen in particular from Fig. 25 recognizable.

[0071] The Figures 26 and 27This shows that in this position, the locking pawl 30 cannot be unlocked because the receiving pin 32 is located above the guide rail 47 and therefore cannot engage in the receptacle 40. The other receptacle 41 can also pass the bearing pin 35 because the receptacle 41 is open at both the front and rear in the extension direction 6 when the operating device 21 is not rotated. The receiving pin 32 also prevents the operating device from being lifted or rotated as long as the receiving pin 32 is located above the guide rail 47. For this reason, the receptacle 41 on the dish rack or operating device side can also move past the bearing pin 35 without collision.

[0072] The Figures 28 to 31 show the function of the receptacle 41 for the bearing pin 32 in more detail.

[0073] The receptacle 41 is mounted on the operating device 21 and is therefore rotatable relative to the dishwashing basket 5. In the lowered position of the operating device 21, the bearing surfaces of the receptacle 41 are horizontally aligned, as shown in Fig. 29 recognizable. In this position, the receptacle 41 can be moved past the associated bearing pin 35. If the operating device 21 is rotated, as shown in Fig. 31 As shown, the axes of the bearing pin 35 and those of the operating device 21 are coincident with each other, whereby in this position a displacement movement in both directions is blocked by the twisted receptacle 41.

[0074] According to the Figures 32 to 35The receiving pin 32, arranged on the locking pawl 30, has engaged in the receptacle 40 on the dish rack or operating device side. However, the locking pawl is still locked. The lifting device cannot yet be moved. The receptacle 41 for the bearing pin 35 and the pivot axis of the operating device 21 are not yet coincident with each other, as can be seen in particular. Fig. 35 This can be seen.

[0075] By further raising the dish rack 5 according to the Figures 36 to 38 The locking pawl 30 is pulled into its end position. This unlocks the lifting device 8. Simultaneously, the receptacle 41 for the bearing pin 35 slides over the bearing pin 35, and the axes of rotation of the operating device 21 and the locking lever 22 are coincident with each other. Both are now coupled together.

[0076] Like the others Figures 40 to 50As can be seen, the receptacle 41 for the bearing pin 35 blocks a horizontal extension movement of the dishwashing basket 5 relative to the lifting device 8 as soon as the lifting device 8 is slightly rotated. At the same time, it is no longer possible for the locking pawl 30 to move back into its locked position as soon as the operating device 21 is coupled to the locking link 22.

[0077] The Figures 48 to 50 The locked end position of the dishwashing basket 5 in the raised position, in which it can be loaded and unloaded, is indicated. The lifting device 8 is achieved by an over-center position between the connecting link 10 and the operating device 21. In the over-center position, the locking link 22 is rotated further by the weight of the dishwashing basket 5 until it comes to rest against the stop 48.

[0078] How Fig. 52As indicated by the arrows, increased frictional forces between the guide rail 47 and the receiving pin 32 can lead to unintentional unlocking before the operating device 21 and the locking lever 22 are engaged. This problem can arise particularly when the user pulls the dish rack 5 out of the wash tub 1 without intending to activate the lifting device 8. A strong pull on the operating device 21 by the user can generate a high sliding frictional force on the receiving pin 32, causing it to rotate towards its unlocked position. The same could occur if the guide rail 47 is located above the receiving pin 32 and the operating device 21 is pressed down about the pivot point 50, i.e., if the user intends to lift the dish rack 5 but the operating device 21 and the locking lever 22 are not yet engaged.

[0079] To address this problem, in accordance with the Figures 53 and 54 The receiving pin 32 may deviate from a circular shape. The differing contact points of the guide rail 47 and the receiving pin 32 above and below, due to the illustrated contour of the receiving pin 32, always produce a torque in the direction of the locked position, since the line of action of the resulting force when the operating device 21 is pressed down is relative to the drawing plane. Figures 53 and 54 The locking pawl 30 is located to the left of its pivot point, and conversely, when pulled, to the right of its pivot point. This prevents unintentional unlocking.

[0080] As explained above, the solution according to the invention allows the dishwashing basket 5 to be fully extended in the unlifted position, extending beyond the inner door panel provided by the inside of the dishwasher door. The advantages lie in the flexibility this provides for loading the dishwasher while maintaining access to the salt container lid.

[0081] Furthermore, the proposed mechanism is relatively simple in design and therefore cost-effective.

[0082] A further advantage is that raising and lowering is significantly more comfortable due to reduced operating forces. High forces are transmitted during a lifting movement, and no cam or similar mechanism is required, as the pivot axes of the operating device 21 and the locking lever 22 are aligned. Full extension is also possible without restriction, meaning the lifting mechanism can be ignored at any time, thus providing easy access to the salt container refill. Reference sign

[0083] 1 Rinse container 34 Stop bolt 2 Dishwashing room 35 bearing journal 3 Dishwashing area door 36 Recording 4 Feed opening 37 End stop 5 Dishwashing basket 38 abutment 6 Extraction direction 39 Locking tooth 7 Travel and lifting mechanism 40 Receptacle Receptacle 8 Lifting device 41 Mounting bearing journal 9 four-joint linkage 42 Frame 10 Coupling link 43 Side strut 11 Base member 44 Side strut 12 first handlebar 45 crossbar 13 second handlebar 46 operating handle 14 pivot point 47 Guide rail 15 pivot point 48 End stop over-center position 16 pivot point 49 Altitude 17 pivot point 50 pivot point 18 seven-jointed linkage 19 Traction device 20 Rail system 21 Control unit 22 Locking handlebar 23 Linkage 24 pivot point 25 pivot point 26 pivot point 27 Upper rail 28 Middle rail 29 Carcass rail 30 Locking latch 31 pivot point 32 Mounting pin 33 Locking bolt

Claims

1. Dishwasher comprising a washing container (1) which provides a washing chamber (2), and comprising a dishwasher rack (5) which is movably received in the washing container (1), and comprising a moving and lifting mechanism for moving and lifting the dishwasher rack (5) out of the washing container (1), the moving and lifting mechanism having: a lifting device (8) for the dishwasher rack (5), which lifting device has a four-bar linkage (9) which has a coupling member (10) on the dishwasher rack side, a base member (11) fixed on the washing container side, and a first and a second link (12, 13), which are each pivotably arranged on the base member (11) at one end and on the coupling member (10) at the other end, a moving device (19) for the dishwasher rack (5), which moving device has a rail device (20), the coupling member (10) of the lifting device (8) being arranged on the rail device (20), and an operating device (21) pivotably arranged on the dishwasher rack (5), characterised in that the four-bar coupling mechanism (9) is supplemented by a locking link (22) and a coupling link (23) to form a seven-bar coupling mechanism (18), the locking link (22) being arranged so as to be pivotable at one end on the coupling member (10) and so as to be pivotable at the other end on the coupling link (23) and the coupling link (23) being arranged so as to be pivotable at one end on the first link (12) and so as to be pivotable at the other end on the locking link (22), and in that means (30, 32, 40) are provided for releasably coupling the operating device (21) and the locking link (22), which means are designed in such a way that, by the user pulling on the operating device (21),the dishwasher rack (5) is moved out of the washing container (1) and, by the user pivoting the operating device (21) upwards in the vertical direction, the operating device (21) and the locking link (22) are coupled and the dishwasher rack (5) is lifted.

2. Dishwasher according to claim 1, characterised in that the rail device (20) has an upper rail (27), a middle rail (28) and a carcass rail (29), the upper rail (27) being slidably arranged on the middle rail (28) and the middle rail (28) being slidably arranged on the carcass rail (29), the upper rail (27) being arranged on the dishwasher rack (5) and the coupling member (10) being arranged on the carcass rail (29).

3. Dishwasher according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the means for releasable coupling comprise a pawl (30) which is pivotably arranged on the locking link (22) and which provides a retaining pin (32).

4. Dishwasher according to claim 3, characterised in that the means for releasable coupling comprise a receptacle (40) provided by the dishwasher rack (5), in particular the operating device (21), which receptacle cooperates with the retaining pin (32) of the pawl (30).

5. Dishwasher according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the means for releasable coupling comprise a bearing pin (35) arranged on the locking link (22).

6. Dishwasher according to claim 5, characterised in that the means for releasable coupling comprise a receptacle (41) provided by the dishwasher rack (5), in particular the operating device (21), which receptacle cooperates with the bearing pin (35) of the locking link (22).

7. Dishwasher according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the dishwasher rack (5), in particular the operating device (21), has a guide rail (47) on the locking link side.

8. Dishwasher according to claim 7, characterised in that the guide rail (47) cooperates with a stop bolt (34) arranged on the locking link (22).

9. Dishwasher according to either of the preceding claims 3 or 4, or any of claims 5 to 8 in conjunction with claim 3, characterised in that the pawl (30) provides a blocking bolt (33).

10. Dishwasher according to claim 9, characterised in that the coupling member (10) has an abutment (38) which cooperates with the blocking bolt (33).

11. Dishwasher according to claim 10, characterised in that the abutment (38) is provided by a blocking tooth (39).

12. Dishwasher according to any of the preceding claims 9 to 11, characterised in that the locking link (22) has a receptacle (36) for the blocking bolt (33), which receptacle provides an end stop (37).