Stand clothes dryer

Abstract

The invention relates to a freestanding clothes dryer for drying laundry. Known freestanding clothes dryers have a drying area with frame profiles (1) and cross profiles (6) connected to each other via frame profile holders (2‴). A stand element holder (2") is pivotally mounted on the frame profile holder (2‴) for the purpose of hingedly holding stand elements (3). The stand element holder has stop elements (10, 11) projecting into the frame profile holder (2‴) that limit its movement. In the end position, a locking element (9') elastically holds the stop elements (10, 11) in position. The invention aims to improve the elastic properties and the 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') from an area of ​​the locking element (9) that projects into the path of movement of the lifting means (10 and / or 11).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a freestanding clothes dryer according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The freestanding clothes dryers of this type have a drying area comprising longitudinal frame profiles and transverse profiles connecting these, particularly at their ends, as well as line- or rod-like support elements (5) for hanging laundry. The frame profiles and the transverse profiles are connected to each other via a frame profile holder, which may also be part of the transverse 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 around a pivot axis from a storage position to an upright position. In a typical design, the freestanding clothes dryer has a rectangular drying area and a joint at each of the four corners, with a leg or end piece of a bracket of a bracket-shaped stand element being attached to it.

[0003] To limit movement, at least one, but preferably each, joint of the stand element holder is provided with a stop element that moves with the stand element holder and, upon reaching the stand element's upright position, engages against a stop that limits the movement. For this purpose, the frame profile holder has at least one locking element that can be resiliently displaced by the stop elements as the stand element approaches the upright position and then springs into a locking position in which the locking element is able to hold the stand element holder in the upright position against a locking force. Optionally, a similar locking mechanism can also be implemented in the storage position. Alternatively, in a kinematic reversal, the stop can also be arranged to move with the stand element holder, in which case the stop elements are fixed to the frame element holder.

[0004] 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, which are metal profiles. These are connected directly or via joints in simple folding hinges to feet or other support elements.

[0005] Freestanding clothes dryers with plastic crossbars are becoming increasingly popular. These offer the advantage of greater flexibility in shaping, allowing them to incorporate additional functions, particularly for holding clotheslines. With these plastic crossbars, it is advantageous to connect them to the frame profiles in one piece or as an integral part of the crossbars. However, this is not strictly necessary; a separate component can also be used for the connection. This connecting component then forms a joint part of the hinge that connects the stand elements to the drying area. Such a solution is known from EP 2 093 321 A1.

[0006] EP 2 913 432 B1 and DE 199 06 534 B4 describe further designs of freestanding clothes dryers. In DE 199 06 534 B4, a hinge is provided at the front and back that connects foldable support brackets and two folding wings on which laundry can be hung. However, this design does not have a central drying area.

[0007] The familiar joints have the advantage of connecting the frame profiles easily and with minimal torsion. At the same time, the joint can be optimized because the joint components are injection-molded, allowing for the easy integration of additional functions through their design. 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 via a hinged joint.

[0008] Although the well-known freestanding clothes dryers are reliable and have inexpensive joints, they could be optimized with regard to the damping behavior of the locking elements and the durability of the locking mechanism.

[0009] The object of the invention is therefore to create a freestanding clothes dryer in which a stand element holder and a frame profile holder are articulatedly connected to each other, wherein a locking mechanism is provided in the position of the joint in which the stand element is in the upright position and the locking device is optimized with regard to the locking effect and fatigue strength.

[0010] This problem is solved according to the invention by a freestanding clothes dryer according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0011] The new freestanding clothes dryer is characterized in particular by the fact that a separate locking element is provided as an additional component and the locking body is formed by an area of ​​the locking element that projects into the path of movement of the lifting means.

[0012] The new freestanding clothes dryer now features a joint with a separate locking element. The locking mechanism for the locking device is attached to this joint, which holds the joint securely in the upright position of the stand. Preferably, the joint incorporates two stop elements, each interacting with a locking recess. These stop elements are mounted on the stand holder and project into the frame profile holder. The separate locking element is held within the frame profile holder, and its outwardly projecting locking element extends into the path of movement of the stops. Preferably, two opposing stop elements are provided, with a separate locking element on the locking element for each stop element. This provides a higher locking force, a balanced force distribution, and redundancy of the locking element shaft.

[0013] The locking element is held or mounted in the frame profile holder. This could, for example, be an elastic ring from whose outer surface the locking element protrudes. This elastic ring can, for instance, be held centrally in a corresponding receptacle within the frame profile holder, the receptacle having external recesses through which the locking element or the locking element protrudes outwards into an area of ​​the frame profile holder where the stop of the stand element holder is positioned in the setup position. The stop itself can, in turn, have a locking recess into which the locking element can spring-loadedly engage. Alternatively, the stop can, of course, be rotated relative to the locking element so that the locking element engages the entire stop behind it, so that the stop lies in the locking position between the locking element and the end of its path of travel.

[0014] By using a separate locking element, it can now be made of a different material than the rest of the frame profile holder. This allows for optimization of the elasticity and thus the locking properties of the locking element. In particular, the locking element and the locking element can be made of a rubber-elastic material that is subject to less wear than a rigid plastic when repeatedly compressed into the locking receptacle. Another 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, has to absorb comparatively large forces when a clothes dryer is loaded, a stable, rigid plastic is preferably chosen as the base material for the joint.By separating the locking element from the frame profile holder, the disadvantage of this rigid material with regard to the locking element can be compensated for and a more affordable material can be used for the locking element shaft.

[0015] A preferred design of the joint thus comprises a frame profile holder and a stand element holder pivotally connected to it about a pivot axis, both components being made of plastic. Each has an insertion sleeve into which, on the one hand, the frame profile and, on the other hand, the end piece of a tube of a stand element can be inserted. The attachment of the cross profile can also be effected via an insertion sleeve if the cross profile is a separate component. However, it is particularly preferred that the frame profile holder and the cross profile form a single component, in particular a single injection-molded component.

[0016] If the freestanding clothes dryer has a foldable additional wing, this can also be integrated into the joint with a wing holder, allowing it to pivot around the axis of rotation. 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.

[0017] Of course, the sash holder can also be positioned between the stand element holder and the frame profile holder. In this case, the stops projecting from the stand element holder into the frame profile holder extend through the sash holder, and the sash holder has corresponding recesses to ensure the necessary movement of the stop elements when moving the stand elements from the storage position to the installation position. The advantage of this solution is that these recesses can also simultaneously limit the movement of the sash holder, and a locking mechanism can also be integrated here.

[0018] Preferably, a receiving chamber is provided in the inner area of ​​the frame profile holder, in which the locking element is held, concentric 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 elements of the stand element holder are movable back and forth.

[0019] The channel- or groove-shaped receiving slots preferably do not extend circumferentially around the axis of rotation, but only over a defined angular range corresponding to the setup angle of the support elements. The ends of this receiving slot then form the stop for the movement of the support element. If the stop elements are located at the end of the slot, the locking element's detent engages elastically either behind the stop element or, preferably, in a detent recess on the side of the stop element facing the detent element.

[0020] The lifting elements themselves can be elastic, but are preferably made of a rigid material to increase fatigue strength. This will usually be the same material from which the stand element holder is made, with the stand element holder also preferably being an injection-molded part that incorporates all the necessary geometries and the lifting elements.

[0021] Additional locking edges can be provided in the receiving groove, projecting inwards from the groove wall. These can, for example, lock the lifting elements into place in the storage position. Here, an additional locking element is unnecessary, as the forces required to hold the support elements in the storage position are significantly lower than the forces required to keep the clothes dryer stable in its upright position. However, similar locking edges can also provide additional support for the locking mechanism described above.

[0022] To achieve optimal stability, at least two lifting elements are preferably provided, which, for example, can be arranged opposite each other within the joint. More than two lifting elements present the problem that the necessary angle of rotation can no longer be achieved without requiring complex designs. In principle, such designs would be possible if the lifting elements were moved at different radii around the axis of rotation. However, since the joint should be kept as compact as possible, a design with two opposing lifting elements and corresponding receiving grooves lying on a common virtual circle is preferred. The individual parts of the joint can be connected to each other via a metallic joint pin, which can and should extend into the cross-section.

[0023] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0024] The drawings show: Fig. 1 a freestanding clothes dryer according to the invention, Fig. 2 the in Figure 1 The freestanding clothes dryer shown in the invention is depicted in a three-dimensional view, Fig. 3 shows the area of ​​the joint in an enlarged detail view, Fig. 4 shows a side view of the in Figure 3 depicted area, Fig. 5, section AA from Figure 4 , Fig. 6 an exploded view of the in the Figures 4 and 5 The joint shown, Fig. 7, is a top view of the frame holder of the joint shown in the Figures 4, 5 and 6 The joint shown and Fig. 8 a three-dimensional view of the assembly forming the frame holder and the cross profiles.

[0025] In Figure 1 A freestanding clothes dryer according to the invention is shown. This differs in its representation according to... Figure 1 or Figure 2not yet from models known from the prior art. The freestanding clothes dryer has frame-like support elements 3 that support a drying panel on which laundry items can be hung using support means 5 in the form of lines or rods. The drying panel consists of longitudinally extending frame profiles 1 and these connected at the ends by transverse profiles 6. On both sides, the drying panel has a hinged additional wing 4.

[0026] Figure 2 shows the in Figure 1 The depicted freestanding clothes dryer is shown in a three-dimensional view. The cross profiles 6 are shown here, and it can be seen that the stand elements 3, as well as the additional wing 4, can be folded around the pivot axis D of the joint 2. Figure 3Figure 1 shows an enlarged view of the joint 2. The corners of the drying area 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.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge 2 is divided into three parts. This is due to the fact that the additional wing 4 is also hinged to the drying chamber via the hinge 2. The three basic parts of the hinge 2 are therefore the frame profile holder 2‴ for holding the frame profiles 1 and connecting these frame profiles 1 to the cross profiles 6, the support element holder 2" for articulatedly connecting the hinge 2 to the U-shaped support elements 3, and a wing holder 2' for pivoting the arms of the hinged additional wing 4. The support element holder 2" in turn has an insertion sleeve 8 for one end of the U-shaped support element 3. This is best illustrated by... Figure 6 visible.

[0028] The additional wing 4 can also only be folded through a defined swivel angle to prevent it from falling down and preferably, as in the Figures 1 and 2As can be seen, the additional sash protrudes slightly upwards when unfolded. Corresponding stops are provided for the additional sash 4 for this purpose. 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 a projection in the unfolded position shown. Alternatively, these stops can also be implemented in the hinge 2, as described below for the movement of the stand element holder 2" relative to the frame profile holder 2'.

[0029] The Figures 5 to 8 show joint 2, which is located in the Figures 3 and 4 is displayed in a detailed view, in detailed individual representations. This shows Figure 5 the AA cut Figure 4 It can be seen that the frame profile holder 2‴ has an insertion sleeve 7 for the end of the frame profile 1. From Figure 8It can be seen that the frame profile holder 2‴ and the cross profile 6 are formed from a single component. This is not strictly necessary, but very advantageous, as it saves on manufacturing costs and eliminates the need for a separate attachment of the cross profile 6 to the joint 2.

[0030] 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 centrally located within this housing, forming the core of the joint 2, onto which the stand element holder 2" is rotatably mounted. This cylindrical body is situated in a cavity formed by a wall, in which a separate locking element 9 is arranged. Curved receiving grooves or channels run around this cavity, in which stop elements 10, 11 are movable back and forth. These stop elements project 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"'.

[0031] 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 so 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 stops 10, 11 having a substantially rectangular cross-section with rounded corners, the surface being constricted and thus forming a locking receptacle for the locking body 9'. This is best illustrated in Figure 5 to recognize.

[0032] The ring-shaped locking element 9 is placed onto the cylindrical body, allowing for some play, or inserted around it into the receptacle. Because the locking element 9 is a separate component, it can be made of a suitable material or have locking elements 9' made of a different material than the locking element 9 itself. Since the locking element 9' is now material-independent from the rest of the joint 2, an optimized material selection can be made, with the locking element 9 preferably being made of a rubber-elastic material, for example.

[0033] In Figure 7 and Figure 8Further detent positions are discernible. Opposite the detent position described above, a detent edge 13, 14 is provided in each of the receiving grooves, which elastically overcomes the stops 10, 11 when the support elements 3 are moved into the storage position. Here, the wear problem is not as serious, since the forces to be absorbed are significantly lower than the detent forces in the setup position.

[0034] The figures illustrate a variant of the invention in which the stop elements 10, 11 are arranged on the stand element holder 2" and move with it. Conversely, 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 elements 10, 11 are then provided on the frame profile holder 2‴ and are not movable.

[0035] Furthermore, a similar solution can also be used to provide a stop in the joint 2 for the wing holder 2', whereby in this case guide grooves can be provided on the outside of the stand element holder 2" into which corresponding stops of the wing holder 2' engage. This can, of course, also be done in reverse kinematic terms. 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 involved. Reference symbol list:

[0036] 1 Frame profile 2 Hinge 2' Wing holder 2" Stand element holder 2' Frame profile holder 3 Stand element 4 Folding additional wing 5 Support element 6 Cross profile 7 Insertion sleeve for the frame profile 8 Insertion sleeve for the stand element 9 Locking element 9' Locking body 10 Stop element 11 Stop element 12 Hinge bolt 13 Locking edge 14 Locking edge D-axis of rotation

Claims

1. A freestanding clothes dryer with a drying area and support elements (3) in the form of legs or stands for setting up the clothes dryer on a surface, articulated to the drying area, wherein: • the drying area 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 area, a frame profile (1) and a cross profile (6) are connected to each other 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), a support element holder (2") fixedly connected to a support element (3) is articulated about an axis of rotation (D) to the frame profile holder (2‴) to form a joint (2), such that the support elements (3) can be folded from a storage position to an erection position; and wherein: • at least one joint (2) has lifting means (10,11) are provided which, when the stand element holder (2") is moved relative to a stop, and upon reaching the upright position of the stand element (3) engage against the stop limiting the movement, and at least one detent element (9') is provided which is resiliently displaceable by the stop means (10, 11) and, upon reaching the upright position of the stand element (3), springs back into a detent position in which the detent element (9') is able to hold the stand element holder (2") in the upright position against a detent force, , characterized by the fact that in the joint (2) a separate locking element (9) is provided as an additional component and the locking body (9') is formed by a region of the locking element (9) that projects into the path of movement of the lifting means (10 and / or 11).

2. Standing clothes dryer according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe stop means (10, 11) are provided on the stand element holder (2") and move with the movement of the stand element holder (2") and, when the stand element (3) reaches its upright position, engage against the stop arranged in the frame profile holder (2‴), with the locking element (9') being arranged in or on the frame profile holder (2'').

3. Standing clothes dryer according to claim 1, characterized by the fact 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 move with the movement of the stand element holder (2") and, when the stand element (3) reaches its erection position, engage against the stop means (10, 11) arranged in the frame profile holder (2‴), with the locking element (9') being arranged in or on the stand element holder (2").

4. Stand-alone clothes dryer according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact thatthe 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 perpendicular to the axis of rotation (D) the locking body (9') protrudes.

5. Freestanding clothes dryer according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact 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 element (9') projecting radially outwards.

6. Freestanding clothes dryer according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact thatat least one lifting element (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 associated with the lifting element (10) and concentric to the axis of rotation (D), in which the lifting element (10) is moved back and forth between the storage position and the setup position when the stand element (3) is moved, wherein the receiving groove is designed such that the lifting element (10) rests in a detent position at the end of the receiving groove in the setup position of the associated stand element (3) to form a swivel angle limit.

7. Freestanding clothes dryer according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that Two lifting devices (10, 11) are provided that are offset from each other, in particular offset by 180° from each other, wherein the frame profile holder (2‴) has a separate receiving groove for each of the two lifting devices (10 or 11).

8. Freestanding clothes dryer according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the receiving groove runs along a curved line concentric to 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"') such that the receiving groove is partially curved around the locking element (9), wherein the locking body (9') engages resiliently with a locking receptacle of the stop element (10, 11) in the locking position and for this purpose projects into the receiving groove at the position in which the locking receptacle is located in the locking position.

9. Freestanding clothes dryer according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact 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 the locking body (9') is able to engage in a resilient and locking manner.

10. Standing clothes dryer according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized by the fact that A locking edge (13, 14) projecting into the receiving groove is provided as a locking retaining device for at least one lifting device in the storage position.

11. Freestanding clothes dryer according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact 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 the fact that the frame profile holder (2‴) and the cross profile (6) are integrally connected to each other, in particular formed by a common plastic component.

13. Freestanding clothes dryer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that a hinge part of a lateral, foldable additional wing (4) is arranged on the side of the stand element holder (2") facing away from the frame profile holder (2'').

14. Standing clothes dryer according to one of claims 6 to 12, characterized by the fact that A wing holder (2') is articulated between the stand element holder (2") and the frame profile holder (2‴) as a hinged part of a lateral, foldable additional wing (4), which has groove-shaped passage openings, wherein the stop means (10, 11) extend through the groove-shaped passage openings into the frame profile holder (2'') and the groove-shaped passage openings are designed such that the stop means (10, 11) have the necessary freedom of movement when the stand element (3) is moved from the storage position to the installation position.

15. Freestanding clothes dryer according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the ends of the groove-shaped passage openings form stops for a folding movement of the wing holder (2') of the folding additional wing (4).

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