Holder for holding items to be washed in a rack of a domestic dishwasher and domestic dishwasher with such a holder

Abstract

The invention relates to a holder (12) for holding items to be washed (13) in a dish rack (3, 4) of a household dishwasher (1), comprising at least one first holding element (14.1) forming a first support level (14a) for items to be washed (13), at least one second holding element (14.2) pivotably mounted on the first holding element (14.1) about a first pivot axis (S1) and forming a second support level (14b) for items to be washed (13), and at least one third holding element (14.3) pivotably mounted on the second holding element (14.2) about a second pivot axis (S2) different from the first pivot axis (S1) and forming a third support level (14c) for items to be washed (13). The invention further relates to a household dishwasher (1) with a dish rack (3, 4) comprising at least one such holder (12).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a holder for holding dishes in a dish rack of a household dishwasher, comprising at least one first holding element forming a first support surface for dishes, and at least one second holding element pivotably mounted on the first holding element about a first pivot axis, forming a second support surface for dishes. The invention further relates to a household dishwasher with a dish rack having at least one such holder.

[0002] WO 2018 / 188881 A1 describes a handle holder for use in dishwashers, comprising two handle holder units joined at a joint area so that one can move relative to the other, and having a plurality of holding elements arranged side by side which grip the handle of the handled dish when a handled dish is placed on it, and a support element against which the rim of the handled dish rests when the handle of the handled dish is placed on the holding element, wherein the handle holder can be adjusted between a closed position in which the handle holder units are twisted at the joint area so that they are close to each other, and an open position in which the handle holder units are moved away from each other so that they are set up to receive handled dishes.wherein the utensil holder has a locking mechanism that makes it possible to fix the utensil holder units in both the closed and open positions.

[0003] The object of the invention is to create a holder for holding dishes in a dish basket of a household dishwasher, which can be used in a variety of ways.

[0004] The task is solved by a holder for holding dishes in a dish basket of a household dishwasher, comprising: at least one first holding element forming a first support plane for items to be washed, at least one second holding element pivotably mounted on the first holding element about a first pivot axis, forming a second support plane for items to be washed, and at least one third holding element pivotably mounted on the second holding element about a second pivot axis different from the first pivot axis, forming a third support plane for items to be washed.

[0005] The holder accordingly comprises at least three retaining elements, each articulated to one another via at least one pivot axis. Each retaining element is designed to form a support plane. This support plane can be configured to allow individual items to be placed on it or at least leaned against it. By means of the respective pivot axis, any two retaining elements arranged directly adjacent to each other can be adjusted such that the support plane of one retaining element can be set at different angles relative to the support plane of the other retaining element.Accordingly, the holder according to the invention can be used in a dish basket of a household dishwasher to store items to be washed during a washing process, wherein, depending on the particular shape, size and / or number of different items to be washed, the holder can be adjusted to a specific configuration from several possible configurations in order to better adapt the holder to the specific items to be washed, so that the items are held better, and in particular more stably.

[0006] In known holders, such as a holder according to WO 2018 / 188881 A1, two different utensil holder units are provided, which are connected to each other via a common pivot axis and are adjustable relative to each other. However, only one setting is provided: a fully folded closed position, to allow space-saving storage of the holder outside the household dishwasher, and a fully unfolded operating position, in which the support levels for the items to be washed can be used in a single, fixed configuration for cleaning the items inside the household dishwasher.The holder according to the state of the art cannot therefore be used in different configurations, especially since it also has a locking mechanism that locks the two handle holder units in the only operating position, so that it can only be used in this single setting.

[0007] By comprising at least three holding elements that are pivotally connected to one another via at least two different pivot axes, the holder according to the invention allows at least three different support levels of the holder to be oriented differently relative to each other, so that each of the at least three support levels can assume an individual position independently of the other support levels. The advantage of the holder according to the invention is therefore that a virtually any number of different positions or configurations of the multiple holding elements or the multiple support levels on the holder can be manually adjusted. In this way, the holder can be easily and very flexibly adjusted and adapted to different types of items being washed.

[0008] For example, in a first configuration, a first support level can occupy a first position, a second support level can occupy a second position different from the first position of the first support level, and a third support level can occupy a third position different from the first position of the first support level and the second position of the second support level, if the holder is used in a dish basket of a household dishwasher.

[0009] In a second configuration different from the first, for example, the first support level can occupy a first position and the second support level can also occupy a first position, so that the first support level and the second support level form a common support level twice as large, with the third support level being able to occupy a position different from the position of the first and second support levels when the holder is used in a dish basket of a household dishwasher.

[0010] In a third configuration, which differs again from the first and second configurations, for example, the second support level can assume a second position and the third support level can also assume a second position, so that the second support level and the third support level form a common support level twice as large, whereby the first support level can assume a position different from the position of the second and third support levels when the holder is used in a dish basket of a household dishwasher.

[0011] In various configurations, the angles of the first, second, and third support levels can be individually adjusted to allow the holder to be inserted into the dish rack of a household dishwasher in one of these different configurations. The support levels can also be adjusted even after the holder has already been inserted into the dishwasher's dish rack.

[0012] The first pivot axis can be a single pivot axis. Similarly, the second pivot axis can also be a single pivot axis.

[0013] The holder can have at least one detent ring, which can be arranged concentrically to the first pivot axis or to the second pivot axis on the first holding element, on the second holding element or on the third holding element, and the detent ring can interact with a counter-detent means, which is arranged on a holding element adjacent to the first holding element, second holding element or third holding element, in such a way that several detent angle positions are realized, which allow different, detent positions of the first holding element, the second holding element and / or the third holding element or each further holding element relative to each other.

[0014] In a first embodiment, the detent ring can have several recesses evenly distributed around a common circumference, each with a spherical segment-shaped surface. In this first embodiment, for example, twelve such recesses can be provided, thus enabling several detent angle positions, each differing by 30 degrees.

[0015] The counter-locking element can be formed by a single locking projection which has a convex spherical segment surface shape corresponding to the concave spherical segment surface shapes of the recesses of the locking ring, so that when the first retaining element is adjusted relative to the second retaining element or when the third retaining element is adjusted relative to the second retaining element, the convex spherical segment locking projection can jump from one recess to the next and thereby specify preferred locking angle positions.

[0016] In an alternative second embodiment, the detent ring can also have several recesses evenly distributed around a common circumference, but these have wedge-shaped surface profiles. In this second embodiment, for example, twelve such wedge-shaped recesses can be provided, thus enabling several detent angle positions, each differing by 30 degrees.

[0017] The counter-locking element can be formed by a single locking projection which has a convex wedge-shaped surface shape corresponding to the concave wedge-shaped surface shapes of the recesses of the locking ring, so that when the first retaining element is adjusted relative to the second retaining element or when the third retaining element is adjusted relative to the second retaining element, the convex wedge-shaped locking projection can jump from one recess to the next and thereby specify preferred locking angle positions.

[0018] The concave wedge-shaped surface features of the depressions can be formed in the form of notches, extending radially outwards from the center of the first pivot axis or from the center of the second pivot axis.

[0019] Alternatively, the first pivot axis can be designed as a double pivot axis, comprising a first partial pivot axis and a second partial pivot axis running parallel to the first partial pivot axis. If the first pivot axis is designed as a double pivot axis, then the first retaining element and the second retaining element can be pivoted relative to each other in such a way that they can be aligned parallel to each other and arranged side by side. The double joints described in more detail below can be used to form such a double pivot axis.

[0020] Analogous to the first pivot axis, the second pivot axis can also be a single pivot axis. Alternatively, the second pivot axis can be designed as a double pivot axis, comprising a first partial pivot axis and a second partial pivot axis running parallel to the first partial pivot axis. If the second pivot axis is designed as a double pivot axis, then the second and third retaining elements can be pivoted relative to each other in such a way that they can be aligned parallel to each other and arranged side by side. Double joints, described in more detail below, can be used to form such a double pivot axis.

[0021] In a further design, the holder can have at least one fourth holding element pivotably mounted on the third holding element about a third pivot axis different from the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis, which forms a fourth support level for washing items.

[0022] Accordingly, the holder according to the invention can have not only three retaining elements, but, for example, four retaining elements. In supplementary variants, in addition to a fourth retaining element, one or more further retaining elements can be provided, each of which can be connected to the other retaining elements via a further pivot axis.

[0023] Regardless of the specific number of retaining elements, at least three retaining elements can thus be joined together in series in a chain-like fashion, with each pair of immediately adjacent retaining elements being pivotally connected to each other by means of a single-joint arrangement or a double-joint arrangement. Optionally, individual adjacent retaining elements can also be pivotally connected to each other by means of a single-joint arrangement, and other adjacent retaining elements can be pivotally connected to each other by means of a double-joint arrangement.

[0024] If the holder according to the invention has at least four holding elements, a larger number of individual configurations can be set. This has the advantage that such a holder can be adapted even more flexibly and universally to a wide variety of dishes. As a result, the dishes can then be positioned better, and in particular more stably, in a dish rack, reducing the risk of an item falling over and / or being damaged during a wash cycle in a household dishwasher.

[0025] In one variant, for example, a configuration can be set such that a first support plane occupies a first position and the second support plane also occupies a first position, so that the first support plane and the second support plane form a common, twice as large first overall support plane, whereby a third support plane can occupy a second position different from the first position and the fourth support plane also occupies a second position, so that the third support plane and the fourth support plane form a common, twice as large second overall support plane, whereby the first overall support plane can be set at a steep angle to the second overall support plane.

[0026] In an alternative second variant, for example, a different configuration can be set in which a first support plane occupies a first layer, and a second support plane, a third support plane, and also the fourth support plane occupy a second layer different from the first layer, so that the second support plane, the third support plane, and the fourth support plane form a common, three times larger overall support plane, whereby this overall support plane can be set at a steep angle to the then significantly smaller first support plane.

[0027] The third retaining element can be pivotally mounted on the second retaining element via a second pivot axis, which is arranged parallel to the first pivot axis about which the second retaining element is pivotally mounted on the first retaining element, and / or the fourth retaining element can be pivotally mounted on the third retaining element via a third pivot axis, which is arranged parallel to the first pivot axis and parallel to the second pivot axis about which the third retaining element is pivotally mounted on the second retaining element.

[0028] In such an embodiment, the holder accordingly comprises several retaining elements which are connected to one another by means of several pivot axes that run parallel to and spaced apart from one another. The several retaining elements are thus connected in the manner of a chain with several chain links, each chain link being formed by a retaining element. In the simplest embodiment, the holder may comprise only three such retaining elements. In a special embodiment, the holder comprises four such retaining elements. In a further developed embodiment, however, the holder may also comprise five or even more retaining elements which are articulated to one another in a chain-like manner by a corresponding number (number of retaining elements minus one) of parallel pivot axes.

[0029] The chain-like design of the holder, with its multiple serially and articulated holding elements, offers not only universal adjustability for storing various types of dishes, but also the further advantage that the holder can be folded down to a very compact size when not in use, allowing it to be stored in a space-saving manner, either inside or outside the household dishwasher.

[0030] The first retaining element can have at least one first locking foot designed for manually releasing the first retaining element onto a first wire section of a dish basket of a household dishwasher and / or the third retaining element or the fourth retaining element can have at least one second locking foot designed for manually releasing the third retaining element or the fourth retaining element onto a second wire section of the dish basket of the household dishwasher.

[0031] The at least one first locking foot is accordingly formed on the first retaining element in the chain of several retaining elements, and the at least one second locking foot is accordingly formed on the last retaining element in the chain of several retaining elements. Thus, if the holder comprises a total of three retaining elements, the at least one second locking foot is formed on the third retaining element. However, if the holder comprises a total of four retaining elements, the at least one second locking foot is formed on the fourth retaining element. Should the holder have a larger number of retaining elements, the at least one second locking foot is formed on the last retaining element in the chain.

[0032] In the simplest embodiment, a single first locking foot and a single second locking foot may suffice. However, if the holder is designed, for example, with left- and right-hand support tabs, as described in more detail below, then two first locking feet may be provided on the first retaining element in the link chain: one first locking foot on the left-hand support tab of the first retaining element and another first locking foot on the right-hand support tab of the first retaining element. Similarly, a second locking foot may be provided on the left-hand support tab of the last retaining element in the link chain, and another second locking foot may be provided on the right-hand support tab of the last retaining element in the link chain.

[0033] The first and / or second locking foot can be formed by a notch on the respective end section of a support bracket. The notch can have an inner cutout contour that corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of a wire section of the dish rack in a household dishwasher. Standard dish racks in household dishwashers use wires with a circular cross-section. Accordingly, the notch can have a circular inner cutout contour. The diameter of the circular inner cutout contour can be slightly smaller than the actual diameter of the wire sections of the dish rack, so that the respective support bracket can be locked onto a wire section of the dish rack with spring tension. The spring tension can be achieved through elastic deformation of the support bracket.Two opposing locking fingers, adjacent to the inner cutout contour of the notch, can be attached to the mounting tab, forming spring sections. The inner cutout contour of the notch is open at the edge, allowing the wire section of the dish basket to penetrate the open gap and be springily locked into place during the locking process, in which the holder is attached to the dish basket. The two locking fingers can have opposing chamfers that widen outwards, thus centering the wire section of the dish basket within the gap during the locking process, enabling the holder to be easily and reliably locked to the wire section of the dish basket.

[0034] The locking feet offer the advantage of a secure yet detachable attachment of the holder to the dish rack of a household dishwasher. This reliably prevents the holder from tipping over. Furthermore, the special design of the locking feet allows the support tabs to be rotated relative to the wire section to which they are attached, even when the holder is locked to the dish rack. This means that the various support elements, and therefore the different support levels, can be manually adjusted, i.e., set up or configured, even after the holder is already locked to the dish rack.

[0035] The holder can be characterized by at least one first pivot bearing arrangement, which is designed as at least one first double joint with a first connecting rod, a first pivot joint connecting the first connecting rod to the first retaining element and a second pivot joint connecting the first connecting rod to the second retaining element and / or by at least one second pivot bearing arrangement, which is designed as at least one second double joint with a second connecting rod, a third pivot joint connecting the second connecting rod to the second retaining element and a fourth pivot joint connecting the second connecting rod to the third retaining element.

[0036] By means of such first and / or second double joints, each immediately adjacent retaining element can be adjusted relative to the other immediately adjacent retaining element not only with respect to its relative rotational position, but also in a translational movement component. Thus, the multiple support planes of the multiple retaining elements can not only be adjusted in a V-shape at different angles, but also, for example, in a stepped or stair-like configuration, thereby allowing the multiple support planes to be positioned at different heights. These heights can also be arranged parallel to each other, particularly in several horizontal planes at different heights.This has the advantage that even more individual configurations of the support levels can be set in order to support a wide variety of items being washed even more flexibly and precisely.

[0037] Each double joint can be formed by a first bore in one of the support brackets of one of the retaining elements, a second bore in an immediately adjacent support bracket of another immediately adjacent retaining element, and a connecting rod. The respective connecting rod has a rib section from which, in the region of a first end section, a first pin projects laterally, designed to engage, in particular to lock, into the first bore of one of the support brackets of one of the retaining elements, so that one of the support brackets is rotatably mounted on the connecting rod about the first pin.From the same strip section, a second pin projects laterally in the area of ​​a second end section opposite the first end section. This pin is designed to engage, and in particular to lock, into the second bore of the other support bracket of the immediately adjacent retaining element, so that the other support bracket is rotatably mounted on the connecting rod about the second pin. The first pin and the second pin extend parallel to each other and project, in particular, from the same side of the strip section.

[0038] The first and second pins can each be formed by a tubular projection on the connecting rod, with a bead formed on the distal circumferential edge of the tubular projection. Furthermore, the tubular projection is provided with an open-edged slot at at least one point, in particular at two opposite points in the axial direction, so that the bead or the two bead sections acquire spring-elastic properties.The first pin can be axially inserted into the first bore and the second pin into the second bore. Due to the open edges of the slots, the bead sections are spring-loaded to a smaller circumference during insertion, allowing the pins to be pushed into the bore. After exiting the bore on the rear side of the connecting rod, the bead sections spring back to their original positions, where they engage positively behind the rear of the respective mounting tab of the associated retaining element. The connecting rods and pins are preferably made of plastic. They are preferably manufactured as a single-piece injection-molded plastic part.

[0039] The first pivot bearing arrangement can have a left-hand first double joint at a lateral end section of the first retaining element and the second retaining element, and can have a right-hand first double joint at an end section opposite the lateral end section of the first retaining element and the second retaining element, and the second pivot bearing arrangement can have a left-hand second double joint at a lateral end section of the second retaining element and the third retaining element, and can have a right-hand second double joint at an end section opposite the lateral end section of the second retaining element and the third retaining element.

[0040] The first double joints and / or the second double joints can be designed with respective connecting rods and respective pins, as described in more detail above.

[0041] The first retaining element, the second retaining element and / or the third retaining element can have at least two support bars extending parallel to each other, wherein the adjacent first ends of the support bars are attached to a left-hand support bracket and the opposite, adjacent second ends of the support bars are attached to a right-hand support bracket.

[0042] The at least two support bars, together with the left-hand and right-hand support brackets, form a flat grid or lattice that constitutes the respective support plane. Accordingly, the at least two support bars, together with the left-hand and right-hand support brackets, can form a frame-like, in particular ladder-frame-like, structure.

[0043] Each support rod can have several upward-projecting extensions. These extensions can be arranged at regular intervals along the support rod. Each support rod and its multiple extensions can be made of plastic. Each support rod, together with its multiple extensions, can be manufactured as a single injection-molded plastic part. The extensions form locking points to which individual items can be attached, thus preventing them from slipping and / or from striking other items. This has the advantage that the items are particularly well protected from damage on the holder according to the invention.

[0044] Each support bar can have a plug end that engages in a mortise on the corresponding support bracket to secure the support bar to that bracket. The plug end can have one or two mortises. Separate locking caps with locking pins can be attached to the sides of the support brackets opposite the support bars, with the locking pins of the caps engaging in the corresponding mortises of the plug end. The locking caps secure the support bars inserted into the support brackets and prevent accidental loosening. A single retaining element can thus form a multi-part assembly comprising the support bars, the support brackets, and the locking caps.

[0045] The first retaining element, the second retaining element and / or the third retaining element may have a stop designed to prevent further pivoting about the respective pivot axis when the immediately adjacent retaining element associated with the respective pivot axis has pivoted from a folded arrangement, in which the plane of one retaining element forms a steep angle with the plane of the immediately adjacent retaining element, into an extended arrangement, in which the plane of one retaining element and the plane of the immediately adjacent retaining element lie in a common plane.

[0046] The stop can be formed by a stop tongue located at an edge of the respective retaining element, particularly at the end face of a support bracket of that retaining element. The stop tongue can extend, for example, from the area of ​​the bore in the support bracket for the connecting rod pin towards the immediately adjacent support bracket. The adjacent support bracket may have an open-edged recess adapted to the shape of the stop tongue, so that in an extended configuration where the plane of one retaining element and the plane of the immediately adjacent retaining element lie in a common plane, the stop tongue abuts or rests against the open-edged recess, preventing further rotation of one retaining element relative to the other.

[0047] The first retaining element, the second retaining element and / or the third retaining element may have a support projection designed to brace against the immediately adjacent retaining element when the immediately adjacent retaining element associated with a respective pivot axis is pivoted from an extended arrangement in which the plane of one retaining element and the plane of the immediately adjacent retaining element lie in a common plane, into a folded arrangement in which the plane of one retaining element forms a steep angle with the plane of the immediately adjacent retaining element.

[0048] The support projection can, for example, be formed on a support bracket of a retaining element which connects to another support bracket of an immediately adjoining retaining element, wherein the stop or stop tongue can be formed on the other support bracket opposite the support projection.

[0049] In the folded arrangement, where the plane of one retaining element forms an angle with the plane of the immediately adjacent retaining element, in particular a steep angle or a right angle, the support projection can be supported on a longitudinal edge of the other support tab of the other retaining element.

[0050] The aforementioned task is also solved by a household dishwasher having a dish basket which has at least one holder according to one of the described designs.

[0051] The holders according to the invention can optionally be installed as an integrated component of the household dishwasher or the dish rack of the household dishwasher during the manufacture of the household dishwasher. Alternatively, the holder according to the invention can be manufactured as a separate accessory or spare part and offered for subsequent purchase after the household dishwasher has been bought.

[0052] Specific embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying figures. Specific features of these exemplary embodiments can, regardless of the specific context in which they are mentioned, and optionally considered individually or in further combinations, represent general features of the invention.

[0053] They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an exemplary dishwasher, Fig. 2 a side view of an exemplary dish rack in which two holders for items to be washed according to the invention are inserted in a first embodiment in two different configurations, Fig. 3 a top view of a holder of the first embodiment in a standalone position with an item to be washed placed on it, Fig. 4 an exploded view of the holder according to the invention. Fig. 3 , Fig. 5 a perspective view of a middle carrying strap and an outer carrying strap of the holder according to Fig. 3 with a detent ring and a counter-detent means of a first embodiment, Fig. 6 a side view of the detent ring according to Fig. 5 , Fig. 7 a sectional view through a swivel joint of the holder according to Fig. 3 , which includes a ratchet ring and a counter ratchet device according to Fig. 5 Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a middle support loop and an outer support loop of the holder according to Fig. 3 with a detent ring and a counter-detent means of a modified second embodiment, Fig. 9 a side view of the detent ring according to Fig. 8 , Fig. 10 a sectional view through a swivel joint of the holder according to Fig. 3 , which includes a ratchet ring and a counter ratchet device according to Fig. 8 Fig. 11 shows a partial view of a locking foot on a support tab of the holder according to Fig. 3 , Fig. 12 a side view of the holder according to Fig. 3 in a folded arrangement, Fig. 13 a perspective view of a holder according to the invention of a modified second embodiment in a standalone position in an unfolded operating position in an exemplary configuration, Fig. 14 an exploded view of two holding elements of the holder according to Fig. 13 , Fig. 15 a section of the exploded view according to Fig. 14 in the area of ​​double joints of two retaining elements of the exemplary holder according to Fig. 13 , Fig. 16 an enlarged partial view of two locking feet of the retaining elements of the exemplary holder according to Fig. 13 , Fig. 17 an enlarged view of a Ge steering range of the exemplary holder according to Fig. 13 in a first joint configuration with a horizontal first support plane and an inclined second support plane, Fig. 18 an enlarged view of a Ge steering range of the exemplary holder according to Fig. 13 in a first joint configuration with a horizontal first support plane and a horizontal second support plane at two different heights, Fig. 19 an enlarged view of a joint area of ​​the exemplary holder according to Fig. 13 in a first joint configuration with a horizontal first retaining element and an inclined second retaining element, against which a support projection of the first retaining element rests, and Fig. 20 an enlarged view of a joint area of ​​the exemplary holder according to Fig. 13 in a first joint configuration with a horizontal first holding element and a horizontal second holding element which has a stop that rests against a recess on the first holding element.

[0054] In the Fig. 1 A dishwasher 1a is shown as a representative example of a household dishwasher 1.

[0055] Dishwasher 1a comprises a wash chamber 2 in which, for example, an upper dish rack 3 and a lower dish rack 4 are arranged. At least one spray arm 5 rotates within the wash chamber 2. A cutlery basket 6 can be placed in the lower dish rack 4, as shown. A screw cap 7 leading to an access opening in a salt reservoir can be arranged below the lower dish rack 4. Furthermore, a filter 8 is placed below the lower dish rack 4.

[0056] Dishwasher 1a has a control unit 9 with a memory 10 in which at least one cleaning program is stored. Dishwasher 1a also includes program buttons 11 connected to the control unit 9.

[0057] At least one holder 12 according to one of the described embodiments can be inserted into the dish baskets 3, 4 of the household dishwasher 1. In the case of the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 2 For example, in the dish basket 3, 4, two holders 12 for items to be washed 13 are used, which are set in two different configurations.

[0058] In Fig. 3 Figure 12 shows a first embodiment of a holder 12 according to the invention in a top view. This holder 12 has a first holding element 14.1, which forms a first support plane 14a for items to be washed 13. The holder 12 also has a second holding element 14.2 pivotably mounted on the first holding element 14.1 about a first pivot axis S1, which forms a second support plane 14b for items to be washed 13. The holder 12 further has a third holding element 14.3 pivotally mounted on the second holding element 14.2 about a second pivot axis S2, which is different from the first pivot axis S1, and which forms a third support plane 14c for items to be washed 13.

[0059] In the case of the present first embodiment, the third retaining element 14.3 is pivotably mounted on the second retaining element 14.2 via a second pivot axis S2, which is arranged parallel to the first pivot axis S1, about which the second retaining element 14.2 is pivotably mounted on the first retaining element 14.1.

[0060] The Fig. 4 shows the holder 12 of the first embodiment according to Fig. 3 in an exploded view. The first retaining element 14.1 has several support bars 24, each of which also carries several extensions 25. The extensions 25 serve to additionally secure placed items 13a. Each pair of extended support bars 24a carries a locking pin 38 at their opposite ends, which engages in an associated, open-edged locking recess 39 of an outer support bracket 17.1 or a middle support bracket 17.2 when assembled. The respective locking pin 38 comprises a constricted shaft section, which is bounded by two edge discs arranged at an axial distance from one another. The open-edged locking recess 39 has a rounded depression, the shape of which is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the shaft section of the locking pin 38.In assembly, the constricted shaft section lies in the rounded recess, and the two edge discs of the locking pin 38 rest against opposite sides of the locking cutout 39, or the outer support lug 17.1 or the middle support lug 17.2, from the outside, so that the locking pin 38 is also axially fixed to the outer support lug 17.1 or the middle support lug 17.2. After the retaining elements 14.1, 14.2, 14.3 have been joined with the outer support lugs 17.1 and the middle support lug 17.2, the locking pins 38 can be secured against falling apart by means of locking strips 40. Each outer support bracket 17.1 and each middle support bracket 17.2 can have at least one retaining tongue 41 onto which the associated locking strip 40 is placed in such a way that the open-edged detent recesses 39 are covered in order to secure the detent pins 38 in the detent recesses 39.

[0061] Each outer carrying loop 17.1 has a locking ring 42 and each middle carrying loop 17.2 has two opposing counter-locking means 43.

[0062] In assembly, the respective locking ring 42 and the associated counter-locking device 43 align, forming a hub into which a separate axle 44 can be inserted to pivotally connect the first retaining element 14.1 to the second retaining element 14.2 about the first pivot axis S1 and to pivotally connect the second retaining element 14.2 to the third retaining element 14.3 about the second pivot axis S2.

[0063] A first embodiment of a ring connection between the locking ring 42 and the counter locking device 43 is shown in Fig. 5 bis Fig. 7 A more detailed explanation.

[0064] In this first embodiment, the detent ring 42 has several recesses 42a evenly distributed around a common circumference, which have a spherical segment-shaped surface. In the case of the first embodiment, a total of twelve such recesses 42a are provided, thus enabling several detent angle positions, each differing by 30 degrees.

[0065] In this case, the counter-locking element 43 is formed by a single locking projection 43a, which has a convex, spherical segment-shaped surface shape corresponding to the concave, segment-shaped surface shapes of the recesses of the locking ring 42, so that when the first retaining element 14.1 is adjusted relative to the second retaining element 14.2, or when the third retaining element 14.3 is adjusted relative to the second retaining element 14.2, the convex, spherical segment-shaped locking projection 43a can jump from one recess 42a to the next, thereby defining preferred locking angle positions. The convex, spherical segment-shaped locking projection 43a is in Fig. 5 This is recognizable by the fact that one of the two tongues 17a of the middle support bracket 17.2 is shown broken. Each of the two tongues 17a can have an inwardly projecting locking projection 43a. Accordingly, the recesses 42a can be formed on both opposite outer wall surfaces of the outer support bracket 17.1, as is particularly evident in Fig. 7 has been shown.

[0066] An alternative second embodiment of a ring connection between the locking ring 42 and the counter locking device 43 is shown in Fig. 8 bis Fig. 10 A more detailed explanation.

[0067] In this second embodiment, the detent ring 42 also has several recesses 42a evenly distributed around a common circumference; however, these have wedge-shaped surface profiles. In the case of the second embodiment, a total of twelve such wedge-shaped recesses 42a are provided, thus enabling several detent angle positions, each differing by 30 degrees.

[0068] In this case, the counter-locking element 43 is formed by a single locking projection 43a, which has a convex wedge-shaped surface profile corresponding to the concave wedge-shaped surface profiles of the recesses of the locking ring 42, so that when the first retaining element 14.1 is adjusted relative to the second retaining element 14.2, or when the third retaining element 14.3 is adjusted relative to the second retaining element 14.2, the convex wedge-shaped locking projection 43a can jump from one recess 42a to the next recess 42a, thereby defining preferred locking angle positions. The convex wedge-shaped locking projection 43a is in Fig. 8 This is recognizable by the fact that one of the two tongues 17a of the middle support bracket 17.2 is shown broken. Each of the two tongues 17a can have an inwardly projecting locking projection 43a. Accordingly, the recesses 42a can be formed on both opposite outer wall surfaces of the outer support bracket 17.1, as is particularly evident in Fig. 10 The concave wedge-shaped surface features of the recesses 42a can be designed in the form of notches, extending radially outwards from the center of the first pivot axis S1 or from the center of the second pivot axis S2.

[0069] In the Fig. 11 A first locking foot 31.1 of the outer support bracket 17.1 is shown in an enlarged view. The first locking foot 31.1 has a cutout contour 33, which represents two diameters of different sizes, M1 and M2. Diameter M2 is larger than diameter M1. Thus, the holder 12 can be selectively clipped onto two different wire sections 32.1, 32.2, which have different wire thicknesses.

[0070] The Fig. 12 Figure 1 shows the holder 12 according to the first embodiment in a folded state.

[0071] The Fig. 13 bis 20 In contrast, an alternative second embodiment of a holder 12 according to the invention is shown in an operating position in an exemplary configuration, wherein the holder 12 has, for example, four holding elements 14.

[0072] The holder 12 is used to hold items to be washed 13 in a dish basket 3, 4 of a household dishwasher 1.

[0073] The holder 12 has a first holding element 14.1, which forms a first support level 14a for items to be washed 13.

[0074] The holder 12 also has a second holding element 14.2 which is pivotably mounted on the first holding element about a first pivot axis S1 and which forms a second support level 14b for washing items 13.

[0075] The holder 12 further comprises a third holding element 14.3 pivotably mounted on the second holding element 14.2 about a second pivot axis S2 different from the first pivot axis S1, which forms a third support level 14c for items to be washed 13, and a fourth holding element 14.4 pivotally mounted on the third holding element 14.3 about a third pivot axis S3 different from the first pivot axis S1 and the second pivot axis S2, which forms a fourth support level 14d for items to be washed 13.

[0076] In the case of the present second embodiment, the third retaining element 14.3 is pivotably mounted on the second retaining element 14.2 via a second pivot axis S2, which is arranged parallel to the first pivot axis S1, about which the second retaining element 14.2 is pivotably mounted on the first retaining element 14.1, and the fourth retaining element 14.4 is pivotably mounted on the third retaining element 14.3 via a third pivot axis S3, which is arranged parallel to the first pivot axis S1 and parallel to the second pivot axis S2, about which the third retaining element 14.3 is pivotably mounted on the second retaining element 14.2.

[0077] In the case of the exemplary embodiment, in particular the Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 The holder 12 has at least one first pivot bearing arrangement SA1, which is configured as at least one first double joint 22.1 ( Fig. 14 ) with a first connecting rod 15.1, a first pivot joint D1 pivotally connecting the first connecting rod 15.1 to the first retaining element 14.1 and a second pivot joint D2 pivotally connecting the first connecting rod 15.1 to the second retaining element 14.2 and the holder 12 has at least a second pivot bearing arrangement SA2, which is designed as at least a second double joint 22.2 ( Fig. 14 ) with a second connecting rod 15.2, a third swivel joint D3 pivotally connecting the second connecting rod 15.2 with the second retaining element 14.2 and a connecting the second connecting rod 15.2 with the third retaining element 14.3 (in Fig. 14 (not shown) a pivotable connecting fourth pivot joint D4 is formed.

[0078] As in Fig. 15 As shown in more detail, each double joint 22.1, 22.2 can be formed by a first bore 16.1 in a support bracket 17 of one of the retaining elements 14, a second bore 16.2 in an immediately adjacent support bracket 17 of another immediately adjacent retaining element 14, and a connecting rod 15.1, 15.2. The respective connecting rod 15.1, 15.2 has a rib section 18 from which, in the region of a first end section, a first pin 19.1 projects laterally. This pin is designed to engage, and in particular to lock, into the first bore 16.1 of one support bracket 17 of one retaining element 14, so that one support bracket 17 is rotatably mounted on the connecting rod 15.1, 15.2 about the first pin 19.1. From the same strip section 18, in the area of ​​a second end section opposite the first end section, a second pin 19.2 projects laterally into the second bore 16.2 of the other support bracket 17 of the immediately adjacent other retaining element 14 to engage, in particular to lock into place, so that the other support bracket 17 is rotatably mounted on the connecting rod 15.1, 15.2 about the second pin 19.2. The first pin 19.1 and the second pin 19.2 extend parallel to each other and project, in particular, from the same side of the strip section 18.

[0079] The respective first pin 19.1 and the respective second pin 19.2 can each be formed by a tubular projection 20 on the connecting rod 15.1, 15.2, wherein a bead 21 is formed on the distal circumferential edge of the tubular projection 20. Furthermore, the tubular projection 20 is provided at least at one location, in particular at two opposite locations in the axial direction, with an open-edged slot 23, so that the bead 21 or the two bead sections 21a acquire spring-elastic properties. Thus, the respective first pin 19.1 can be axially inserted into the first bore 16.1 and the respective second pin 19.2 into the second bore 16.2, the bead sections 21a being spring-elastically bent to a smaller circumference due to the open-edged slots 23 during insertion, so that the pins 19.1, 19.2 can be inserted into the bore 16.1, 16.2, the bead sections 21a, after passing through the bore 16.1, 16.After the connecting rods 15.1, 15.2 have left the connecting rods 15.1, 15.2, they spring back into their initial positions, in which the bead sections 21a engage positively behind the rear of the respective support tab 17 of the associated retaining element 14. The connecting rods 15.1, 15.2 and the pins 19.1, 19.2 are preferably made of plastic. The connecting rods 15.1, 15.2 and the pins 19.1, 19.2 are preferably manufactured as a one-piece injection-molded plastic part.

[0080] The first swivel bearing arrangement SA1 can, as in Fig. 14 As shown, a first double joint 22.1a on the left side is located at a lateral end section of the first retaining element 14.1 and the second retaining element 14.2, and a first double joint 22.1b on the right side is located at an end section opposite the lateral end section of the first retaining element 14.1 and the second retaining element 14.2, and the second pivot bearing arrangement SA2 can be located at a lateral end section of the second retaining element 14.2 and the third retaining element 14.3 (in Fig. 14 (not shown) have a left-sided second double joint 22.2a and are attached to one of the lateral end sections of the second retaining element 14.2 and the third retaining element 14.3 (in Fig. 14 (not shown) opposite end section having a second double joint 22.2b on the right side.

[0081] The first retaining element 14.1, the second retaining element 14.2 and / or the third retaining element 14.3 can, as shown, have at least two support bars 24 extending parallel to each other, wherein the adjacent first ends of the support bars 24 are attached to a left-hand support bracket 17 and the opposite, adjacent second ends of the support bars 24 are attached to a right-hand support bracket 17.

[0082] The at least two support bars 24, together with the left-hand support bracket 17 and the right-hand support bracket 17, can form a planar grid or a grating as shown, which forms the respective support plane 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d. The at least two support bars 24, together with the left-hand support bracket 17 and the right-hand support bracket 17, can in particular form a frame-like, especially ladder-frame-like, structure.

[0083] Each support bar 24 can have several upwardly projecting extensions 25. The extensions 25 can be formed at regular intervals on the respective support bar 24. Each support bar 24 and the several extensions 25 formed on it can be made of plastic. Each support bar 24 together with the several extensions 25 can be manufactured as a single injection-molded plastic part. The extensions 25 form locking points to which individual items 13a to be washed can attach, thus securing each item 13a from slipping down and / or from striking other items 13a to be washed.

[0084] Each support rod 24 can have a plug pin 26 at its end, which is inserted into a mortise 27 on the associated support bracket 17 in order to fasten the support rod 24 to this support bracket 17. The respective plug pin 26 can have one or two mortises 28 ( Fig. 15 Separate locking caps 29 with locking pins 30 can be attached to the respective sides of the support brackets 17 opposite the support bars 24, with the locking pins 30 of the locking caps 29 engaging in the respective pin bores 28 of the plug pins 26. The locking caps 29 secure the support bars 24 inserted into the support brackets 17 and prevent unintentional loosening. Each retaining element 14 can thus form a multi-part assembly comprising the individual components of the support bars 24, the support brackets 17, and the locking caps 29.

[0085] As in Fig. 16 As shown in two different embodiments, the first retaining element 14.1 can have at least one first locking foot 31.1, which is designed for manually releasing the first retaining element 14.1 onto a first wire section 32.1 of the dish basket 3, 4 of the household dishwasher 1 and / or the third retaining element 14.3 or the fourth retaining element 14.4 can have at least one second locking foot 31.2, which is designed for manually releasing the third retaining element 14.3 or the fourth retaining element 14.4 onto a second wire section 32.2 of the dish basket 3, 4 of the household dishwasher 1.

[0086] For example, the first locking foot 31.1 can be formed by a notch on a respective end section of a support bracket 17. The notch can have an inner cutout contour that corresponds to the shape of the cross-section of a wire section 32.1 or 32.2 of the dish rack 3, 4 of the household dishwasher 1. In typical dish racks 3, 4 of household dishwashers 1, wires with a circular cross-section are used. Accordingly, the notch can have a circular inner cutout contour 33. The diameter of the circular inner cutout contour can be selected to be slightly smaller than the actual diameter of the wire sections 32.1 of the dish rack 3, 4 so that the respective support bracket 17 can be released onto a wire section 32.1 of the dish rack 3, 4 with spring tension. The spring preload can be obtained from an elastic deformation of the support bracket 17.For this purpose, two opposing locking fingers 34, adjacent to the inner cutout contour of the notch, can connect to the support tab 17, forming spring sections. The inner cutout contour of the notch is open at the edge, so that during a locking process by which the holder 14 is locked onto the dish rack 3, 4, the wire section 32.1 of the dish rack 3, 4 can penetrate through the open gap of the notch into the inner cutout contour 33 of the notch and is springily locked in place. The two locking fingers 34 can have opposing chamfers which are angled in such a way that they widen outwards, whereby during a locking process by which the holder 14 is locked onto the dish basket 3, 4, the wire section 32.1 of the dish basket 3, 4 is centered in the gap so that the holder 14 can be easily and reliably locked onto the wire section 32.1 of the dish basket 3, 4 can be locked into place.

[0087] As in Fig. 17 bis Fig. 20 As shown, the first retaining element 14.1, the second retaining element 14.2 and / or the third retaining element 14.3 or the fourth retaining element 14.4 can have a stop 35 which is designed to prevent further pivoting about the respective pivot axis S1, S2, S3, if the immediately adjacent retaining element 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4 associated with the respective pivot axis S1, S2, S3 is in a folded arrangement in which the plane of one retaining element, 14.1 for example, forms a steep angle with the plane of the immediately adjacent retaining element, 14.2 for example ( Fig. 19 ), is pivoted into an extended arrangement in which the plane of one retaining element, 14.1 for example, and the plane of the immediately adjacent retaining element, 14.2 for example, lie in a common plane ( Fig. 20 ).

[0088] The stop 35 can be formed by a stop tongue that is arranged on an edge region of the respective retaining element 14, in particular on the end face of a support bracket 17 of a respective retaining element 14. The stop tongue can, for example, extend from the region of the second bore 16.2 of the support bracket 17 for the second pin 19.2 of the connecting rod 15.1, 15.2 in the direction of the immediately adjacent support bracket 17. An open-edged recess 36 can be formed on the adjacent support bracket 17, which is adapted to the shape of the stop tongue, so that in an extended arrangement, in which the plane of one retaining element, 14.1 for example, and the plane of the immediately adjacent retaining element, 14.2 for example, lie in a common plane, the stop tongue abuts or rests against the open-edged recess 36 and further rotation of one retaining element, 14.1 for example, relative to the other retaining element, 14.2, for example, prevents this from happening in . Fig. 20 has been shown.

[0089] The first retaining element 14.1, the second retaining element 14.2 and / or the third retaining element 14.3 or the fourth retaining element 14.4 can have a support projection 37, as shown specifically in Fig. 19 is shown, which is designed to support itself against the immediately adjacent retaining element 14, if the immediately adjacent retaining element 14 assigned to a respective pivot axis S1, S2, S3, S4 is made of an extended arrangement in which the plane of one retaining element and the plane of the immediately adjacent retaining element lie in a common plane ( Fig. 20 ), into a folded arrangement according to Fig. 19 is pivoted in which the plane of one retaining element 14 takes a steep angle with the plane of the immediately adjacent retaining element 14.

[0090] The support projection 37 can, for example, be formed on a support bracket 17 of a retaining element 14, which connects to another support bracket 17 of an immediately adjoining other retaining element 14, wherein the stop 35 or the stop tongue can be formed on the other support bracket 17 opposite the support projection 37.

[0091] In the folded arrangement, where the plane of one retaining element 14 forms an angle with the plane of the immediately adjacent retaining element 14, in particular a steep angle or a right angle, the support projection 37 can be supported on a longitudinal edge of the other support tab 17 of the other retaining element 14, as shown in Fig. 19 is shown. Reference symbol list

[0092] 1 Household dishwasher 1a Dishwasher 2 Wash compartment upper dish rack 3 4 Lower dish rack 5 Spray arm 6 Cutlery basket 7 Screw cap 8 Filter 9 Appliance control unit 10 Memory 11 Program buttons 12 Holders 13 Dishes to be washed 13a Dishes to be washed 14 Holding elements first holding element 14.1 14.2 second holding element 14.3 third holding element 14.4 fourth holding element 14a first support level 14b second support level 14c third support level 14d fourth support level first connecting rod 15.1 15.2 second connecting rod 16.1 first bore 16.2 second bore 17 Support bracket 17a Tongues 17.1 outer support bracket 17.2 middle support bracket 18 Strip section 19.1 first pin 19.2 Second pin 20 Tubular projection 21 Bead 21a Bead section 22.1 First double joint 22.1a Left-hand first double joint 22.1b Right-hand first double joint 22.2 Second double joint 22.2a Left-hand second double joint 22.2b right-hand second double joint 23 slots 24 support bars 24a extended support bars 25 extensions 26 plug pins 27 pin hole 28 pin bores 29 locking caps 30 locking pins first locking foot 31.1 31.2 second locking foot 32.1 first wire section 32.2 second wire section 33 cutout contour 34 locking finger 35 stop 36 open-edged recess 37 support projection 38 locking pin 39 locking cutout 40 locking strips 41 retaining tongues 42 locking ring 42a recess 43 counter locking means 43a locking projection 44 axis . D1 first pivot joint D2 second pivot joint D3 third pivot joint D4 fourth pivot joint M1 first diameter M2 second diameter S1 first pivot axis S2 second pivot axis S3 third pivot axis SA1 first pivot bearing arrangement SA2 second pivot bearing arrangement

Claims

1. Holder for holding items to be washed (13) in a dish basket (3, 4) of a household dishwasher (1), comprising: - at least one first holding element (14.1) forming a first support plane (14a) for items to be washed (13), - at least one second holding element (14.2) pivotably mounted on the first holding element (14.1) about a first pivot axis (S1) forming a second support plane (14b) for items to be washed (13), and - at least one third holding element (14.3) pivotally mounted on the second holding element (14.2) about a second pivot axis (S2) different from the first pivot axis (S1) forming a third support plane (14c) for items to be washed (13).

2. Holder according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe holder (12) has at least one fourth holding element (14.4) pivotably mounted on the third holding element (14.3) about a third pivot axis (S3) different from the first pivot axis (S1) and the second pivot axis (S2), which forms a fourth support plane (14d) for washing items (13).

3. Holder according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the third retaining element (14.3) is pivotably mounted on the second retaining element (14.2) via a second pivot axis (S2) which is arranged parallel to the first pivot axis (S1) about which the second retaining element (14.2) is pivotably mounted on the first retaining element (14.1) and / or the fourth retaining element (14.4) is pivotably mounted on the third retaining element (14.3) via a third pivot axis (S3) which is arranged parallel to the first pivot axis (S1) and parallel to the second pivot axis (S2) about which the third retaining element (14.3) is pivotably mounted on the second retaining element (14.2).

4. Holder according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that the first retaining element (14.1) has at least one first locking foot (31.1) which is designed for manually releasing the first retaining element (14.1) onto a first wire section (32.1) of a dish basket (3, 4) of a household dishwasher (1) and / or the third retaining element (14.3) or the fourth retaining element (14.4) has at least one second locking foot (31.2) which is designed for manually releasing the third retaining element (14.3) or the fourth retaining element (14.4) onto a second wire section (32.2) of the dish basket (3, 4) of the household dishwasher (1).

5. Holder according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized byat least one detent ring (42) which is arranged concentrically to the first pivot axis (S1) or to the second pivot axis (S2) on the first retaining element (14.1), on the second retaining element (14.2) or on the third retaining element (14.3) and which interacts with a counter-detent means (43) which is arranged on a respective adjacent retaining element of the first retaining element (14.1), second retaining element (14.2) or third retaining element (14.3) in such a way that several detent angle positions are realized which allow different, detent positions of the first retaining element (14.1), the second retaining element (14.2) and / or the third retaining element (14.3) relative to each other.

6. Holder according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized byat least one first pivot bearing arrangement (SA1) which is designed as at least one first double joint (22.1) with a first connecting rod (15.1), a first pivot joint (D1) pivotably connecting the first connecting rod (15.1) with the first retaining element (14.1) and a second pivot joint (D2) pivotably connecting the first connecting rod (15.1) with the second retaining element (14.2) and / or by at least one second pivot bearing arrangement (SA2) which is designed as at least one second double joint (22.2) with a second connecting rod (15.2), a third pivot joint (D3) pivotably connecting the second connecting rod (15.2) with the second retaining element (14.2) and a fourth pivot joint (D4) pivotally connecting the second connecting rod (15.2) with the third retaining element (14.3).

7. Holder according to claim 6, characterized by the fact thatthe first pivot bearing arrangement (SA1) has a left-hand first double joint (22.1a) at a lateral end section of the first retaining element (14.1) and the second retaining element (14.2) and has a right-hand first double joint (22.1b) at an end section opposite the lateral end section of the first retaining element (14.1) and the second retaining element (14.2), and the second pivot bearing arrangement (SA2) has a left-hand second double joint (22.2a) at a lateral end section of the second retaining element (14.2) and the third retaining element (14.3) and has a right-hand second double joint (22.2b) at an end section opposite the lateral end section of the second retaining element (14.2) and the third retaining element (14.3).

8. Holder according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact thatthe first retaining element (14.1), the second retaining element (14.2) and / or the third retaining element (14.3) has at least two support bars (24) extending parallel to each other, wherein the adjacent first ends of the support bars (24) are attached to a left-hand support bracket (17) and the opposite, adjacent second ends of the support bars (24) are attached to a right-hand support bracket (17).

9. Holder according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the fact thatthe first retaining element (14.1), the second retaining element (14.2) and / or the third retaining element (14.3) has a stop (35) which is designed to prevent further pivoting about the respective pivot axis (S1, S2, S3, S4) when the immediately adjacent retaining element (14) associated with the respective pivot axis (S1, S2, S3, S4) has pivoted from a folded arrangement in which the plane of one retaining element (14) makes a steep angle with the plane of the immediately adjacent retaining element (14) into an extended arrangement in which the plane of one retaining element (14) and the plane of the immediately adjacent retaining element (14) lie in a common plane.

10. Holder according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the fact thatthe first retaining element (14.1), the second retaining element (14.2) and / or the third retaining element (14.3) has a support projection (37) designed to support itself against the immediately adjacent retaining element (14) when the immediately adjacent retaining element (14) associated with a respective pivot axis (S1, S2, S3, S4) is pivoted from an extended arrangement in which the plane of one retaining element (14) and the plane of the immediately adjacent retaining element (14) lie in a common plane, into a folded arrangement in which the plane of one retaining element (14) takes a steep angle with the plane of the immediately adjacent retaining element (14).

11. Household dishwasher comprising a dish basket (3, 4) comprising at least one holder (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images