DE102014109382A1 - Cleaning device with foot actuator - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning device (1), in particular a dishwasher or a cleaning and disinfection device, with a foot operating device (2) in a base region (15) for opening a door (11) of the cleaning device (1). The cleaning device (1) is characterized in that the foot actuating device (2) is coupled to an opening mechanism (4) which unlocks a force store acting on the appliance door (11) and actively brings the appliance door (11) into a predetermined open position.

Description

The invention relates to a cleaning device, in particular a dishwasher (for example a water change machine or a tank dishwasher) for commercial use or a washer-disinfector for medical use, with a foot-operated device in a base region for opening a device door of the cleaning device.

For professional cleaning equipment in commercial establishments, easy handling is essential to enable fast and safe work. For example, commercial appliances, such as dishwashers, especially water change machines and tank dishwashers, are used, the interior of which is accessible only by manually opening a door pivotable about a horizontal bearing axis door, which is disadvantageous when carrying a larger amount of dishes.

The publication DE 44 27 122 A1 discloses a dishwasher or stove with such a door, which is closable via a hand or Fußbetätigbare door closing device. As a result, the closing of the door is very fast and easy, without having to interrupt a manual operation.

It is also known to open such a cleaning device with a foot pedal. This shows the document DE 18 65 919 U1 the example of a washing machine or a dishwasher. As a result, a quick loading of the cleaning device is possible, without having to deposit the load on a shelf before, to operate the door manually. However, this door completely opens upon actuation of the foot lever so that it can fall against the operator.

Object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning device, in particular a dishwasher, with a foot control device, which ensures an improved, simple and safe handling of the cleaning device.

This object is achieved by a cleaning device having the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

An inventive cleaning device of the type mentioned above is characterized in that the foot control device is coupled to an opening mechanism which unlocks an energy storage device acting on the door and actively brings the appliance door in a predetermined open position.

By the energy storage is achieved that the door a desired opening position, advantageously a partially open position, occupies. Thus, a charging of the cleaning device is possible without worn cleaning, such as items to be washed, must first be turned off. Next, however, an obstructive complete opening of the door can be prevented at appropriately selected predetermined opening position, which can be injurious under certain circumstances. The preferably selected partial opening position allows immediate access to an upper region of the cleaning appliance, for example an upper dishwasher carrier of a dishwasher. If required, the appliance door can then be manually opened further, in order to make accessible also a lower area of the cleaning appliance, for example a lower washware rack of a dishwasher.

In a preferred embodiment of the cleaning device, the predetermined opening position corresponds approximately to a pivoting of the door by an opening angle of 30 ° to 50 °, preferably by about 40 °, compared to the closed state of the door.

In a further preferred embodiment of the cleaning device, the foot operating device is coupled via a Bowden cable with the opening mechanism. By the Bowden cable, a mechanical coupling between the foot actuator and the opening mechanism is possible, which can also be used in a cleaning device whose housing is largely filled with modules. A coupling via bars or similar would be very expensive to implement at the available free space.

In a further preferred embodiment of the cleaning device of the energy storage device is a spring which acts on the door to open. The spring preferably acts on the appliance door via a knee joint. The knee joint allows to keep the spring in a tensioned state without further effort. In addition, the stored energy in the spring with only a small force wall, namely by overcoming a dead center of the knee joint, be retrieved.

The knee joint may in one embodiment have an actuating lever and an opening lever, which are hinged together. Advantageously, the opening lever is rotatably mounted on a pivot axis of the door. In this way, the opening lever on his be stored free end, without having to create an additional storage.

More preferably, the spring acts on the appliance door via a one-sided positive connection. In this way, a kind of freewheel is formed, through which the door can be opened manually after active opening.

In a further preferred embodiment of the cleaning device, the foot operating device also acts on a Entrieglungsmechanismus for the door, whereby a snap closure of the door is opened. Often, the door of a cleaning device is not only kept closed by a pressing force to be overcome, but is additionally locked. By also activated by the foot actuator Entieglungsmechanismus the active door opening according to the invention can take place in such a case.

In a further preferred embodiment of the cleaning device, the foot actuating device has a rocker, which is mounted pivotably in the base area. A rocker, in particular with a horizontal pivot axis, is well operable with the foot. In a suitably selected position of the pivot axis also an accidental maloperation can be prevented by accidental abutment of the rocker with the toes in the lower area. Preferably, for this purpose, the pivot axis is slightly spaced from the ground and is at a height which is approximately between one-third and one-half the height of the base area. More preferably, the rocker extends over the substantially entire width of the base region.

In a further preferred embodiment of the cleaning device, this is designed as a dishwasher, in particular for professional use, or as a cleaning and disinfecting device.

In the following the invention will be described in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments with the aid of figures. The figures show:

1 an inventive cleaning device, in (a) in a perspective view, and in (b) - (e) schematically a section of the cleaning device in a side view when opening a door;

2 in (a) - (c) a foot operating device for the cleaning device, in (a) in the ground state and in (b) in the operating state, respectively in a front view, and in (c) in the ground state in a rear view;

3 in (a) - (c) an opening mechanism for opening the door of the cleaning device, in (a) in the ground state, in (b) in an intermediate state and in (c) in the operating state; and

4 a door opener for the door, in (a) in the ground state and in (b) in the operating state.

That in the 1 illustrated cleaning device 1 is a dishwasher, especially for commercial use. The invention is not limited to dishwashers, but also for other devices such as a stove, a refrigerator or a washing and / or drying machine applicable. The following are the terms cleaning device 1 and dishwasher 1 used synonymously.

The dishwasher 1 has a device body 12 and a door 11 on. A through the device body 12 limited interior (not shown) of the dishwasher 1 is through the door 11 accessible from the front.

That's the door 11 around a horizontal pivot axis 6 in and against a pivoting direction 61 pivotable. For a manual operation of the door 11 can a handle 13 be provided.

The dishwasher 1 also has a foot actuator 2 on. The foot actuator 2 is in a pedestal area 15 the dishwasher 1 arranged. She is here below the door 11 intended. Furthermore, it extends almost over an entire width b of the dishwasher 1 ,

Such foot actuator 2 is basically for performing a variety of functions of the household appliance 1 usable. This is indicated by the dishwasher 1 a switch 3 on, with which performing the function of the household appliance 1 is triggerable. Such a switch 3 is preferred as a mechanical or electrical switch 3 educated. But it is also a visual or acoustic switching possible.

In the present embodiment, the switch 3 a mechanical switch and designed as a Bowden cable. The Bowden cable is with a first open end 31 on the foot actuator 2 established. The following are the terms switch 3 and Bowden cable used synonymously. Instead of a Bowden cable 3 but also another means of transmission is usable. In addition, as a switch 3 also the use of a pressure medium conceivable.

With a second open end 32 is the Bowden cable 3 on a release mechanism 5 attached. He is also with an opening mechanism 4 for the door 11 connected. The foot actuator 2 is here to open the door 11 intended.

The 1 (b) - (e) each show a side view of the dishwasher 1 and an enlarged section of the side view in the foot actuator 2 ,

In 1 (b) the door is closed. Hereinafter, this state will be referred to as the ground state G.

1 (c) shows the dishwasher 1 with a by a pivot angle α of about 30 ° -50 °, preferably 40 °, in the pivoting direction 61 pivoted door 11 , Hereinafter, this state will be referred to as an operation state B. The operating state B is in the present embodiment by operating the foot actuator 2 reachable.

The 1 (d) shows the dishwasher 1 at around the pivot angle α of about 70 ° pivoted door 11 , the 1 (e) at around the pivot angle α of about 90 ° pivoted, so completely open door 11 , Such a swivel angle α of the door 11 is in the embodiment described here by manual pivoting of the door 11 achievable in the pivoting direction α. It is understood that the pivot angle α, in the operating state B of 1 (c) is also smaller or larger than the aforementioned 30 ° -50 ° can be selected.

The 2 shows the foot actuator. The foot actuator 2 has a tread 22 and an actuating surface 21 on. The tread 22 is in a vertical direction 71 below the actuating surface 21 arranged. The tread 22 and the actuating surface 21 are preferably made in one piece, for example as a stamped and bent part. tread 22 and the actuating surface 21 form a kind of rocker, which can be pivoted about a movement mechanism in the base area 15 is stored.

The movement mechanism includes a first lever 23 and a second lever 24 , Both levers 23 . 24 form a four-bar joint and have two opposite open ends 233 . 234 . 243 . 244 on. With her first open end 233 . 243 are the two levers 23 . 24 each on a housing component 27 around a rotation axis 230 . 240 rotatably mounted. This is the first open end 233 of the first lever 23 from the first open end 243 of the second lever 24 spaced. With her second open end 234 . 244 they are each on a connecting strut 26 rotatably mounted. This is the second open end 234 of the first lever 23 from the second open end 244 of the second lever 24 spaced.

The tread 22 and the actuating surface 21 are at the connecting strut 26 established.

Since the foot actuator 2 here almost over the entire width b of the dishwasher 1 extends, and therefore in the horizontal direction 72 is very long, is here on both sides 291 . 292 the foot actuator 2 each provided a movement mechanism. The following is the operation of the foot operating device 2 but described by a single movement mechanism.

In the ground state G, the tread extends 22 in the vertical direction 71 , The actuating surface 21 has an acute angle β to the tread 21 on, so they in a direction of extension 73 the dishwasher 1 opposite the tread 22 bent backwards. In addition, the first lever points 23 in the ground state with respect to the horizontal an inclination angle γ, so that it is in the vertical direction 71 extends downwards. This is the first open end 233 of the first lever 23 in the ground state G approximately at the height of the actuating surface 21 , and the second open end 234 of the first lever 23 approximately between the actuating surface 21 and the tread 22 arranged.

At a pressure in a first actuation direction B1 approximately in the normal direction on the tread surface 22 this will be against a stop 28 pressed. This is on a back of the tread 22 on the housing component 27 attached. In the process, the foot-operated device becomes 2 not activated. This serves to avoid unintentional actuation, when working in the environment of the dishwasher 1 the tread is unintentionally touched with a toe.

At a pressure in a second operating direction B0 approximately in the normal direction on the actuating surface 21 on the other hand, the first lever turns 23 around the first axis of rotation 230 , Because both the first lever 23 as well as the second lever 24 on the connecting strut 26 are fixed and their distance (not labeled) to each other does not change, is also the second lever 24 around the second axis of rotation 240 in the second direction of rotation 241 turned. This shifts the second open end 234 of the first lever 23 almost straight in the vertical direction 71 down while the second open end 244 of the second lever 24 against the extension direction 73 and in the vertical direction 71 moves down. The connecting strut 26 shifts from a nearly vertical orientation in the ground state G in a against the extension direction 73 and in the vertical direction 71 downward shift in the operating state B.

The operating state B is reached when the actuating surface 21 extends nearly parallel to the horizontal or is only slightly inclined relative to this.

In the 2 (c) is shown that the Bowden cable 3 at the back of the tread 22 is arranged. Because the tread 22 on the connecting strut 26 is attached and when pressing the actuating surface 21 with this against the extension direction 73 shifts, the Bowden cable 3 while in a pulling direction 33 against the extension direction 73 pulled and thereby operated. Visible is that this against the force of a return spring 25 he follows.

This will be an unlocking rocker 51 a release mechanism 5 actuated. The unlocking mechanism is on a housing component 57 arranged. He is in the 4 shown. The 4 (a) shows the ground state G and the 4 (b) the operating state B.

The Bowden cable 3 is at a first open end 511 the release rocker 51 established. At a first open end 511 opposite second open end 512 is a pestle 52 rotatably and displaceably fastened, for example by means of a slot. The pestle 52 is in a guide element 54 led, in which he in and against a shift direction 56 is displaceable.

The release rocker 51 is about a Entriegelungsdrehpunkt 50 in and against a unlocking direction 501 rotatable between the first and second open ends 511 . 512 the release rocker 51 is arranged.

When operating the Bowden cable 3 against the pulling direction 33 becomes the release rocker 51 in the unlocking direction 501 turned, leaving the second open end 512 the release rocker 51 around the fulcrum 50 rotates. This will cause the plunger 52 in the direction of displacement 56 , in particular against the direction of extension 73 , postponed. Visible is that even turning the unlocking rocker 51 in the unlocking direction 501 against the force of a return spring 53 he follows.

When returning the Bowden cable 3 becomes the release rocker 51 with the force of the return spring 53 against the unlocking direction 501 Turned until it stops at a stop 55 strikes.

With the release mechanism 5 will be the door 11 at their doorstep 6 opposite end bumped to a snap closure of the appliance door 11 to overcome.

3 shows the opening mechanism 4 for the door 11 with which it controlled from the closed ground state G in the operating state B is adjustable. This is also on a housing component 47 arranged. It includes one by means of a spring 41 , in particular a compression spring, actuatable piston 412 , a particular hydraulic damper 42 , and an operating lever 43 , The piston 412 is in a leadership 411 out, which is cylindrical here. The piston 412 , the damper 42 and the operating lever 43 are on a coupling element 413 arranged. The operating lever 43 is at a pivot 432 opposite open end 431 on the coupling element 413 arranged. Here are the piston 412 and the damper 42 arranged parallel to each other.

Furthermore, the opening mechanism comprises 4 one on the operating lever 43 via a swivel joint 432 attach opening lever 44 , At one of the swivel joints 432 opposite end of the opening lever 44 forms a fixed pivot, such as a pen 60 , the opening lever 44 the pivot axis 6 the door 11 ,

The opening mechanism 4 also includes a seesaw 45 , which by operating the Bowden cable 3 in the pulling direction 33 around a rocker axis 450 in a rocker direction 451 is rotatable. That's the Bowden cable 3 at a first end 452 the seesaw 45 attached. At one the first end 452 opposite second end 453 the seesaw 45 is an actuating means 46 such as a bent wire element provided. The following are the terms actuating means 46 and wire element used synonymously.

In the operating lever 44 is a recess 49 provided, in which a precisely fitting actuator 14 , For example, a nose engages. The actuator 14 is at the door 11 appropriate.

3 (a) shows the opening mechanism 4 in the ground state G. In this state is that of the spring 41 operated pistons 412 retracted. There is also a damper piston 422 of the damper 42 retracted. The operating lever 43 and the opening lever 44 are not aligned with each other. But they are both opposite to a fictional connection line, that at the coupling element 413 fortified open end 431 of the operating lever 43 with the fulcrum 60 connects, each slightly inclined. This is the operating lever 43 at a stop 433 at.

When operating the Bowden cable 3 in the pulling direction 33 becomes the seesaw 45 in rocking direction 451 turned. This will be the wire element 46 against the pulling direction 33 emotional. This is the fulcrum 432 against the pulling direction 33 pressed.

The opening mechanism 4 is designed so that only a slight lifting of the fulcrum 432 is required to the operating lever 44 from the ground state G to adjust so that the spring 41 the piston 412 actuated. As a result, the coupling element 413 in an actuating direction 40 moved, leaving the open end 431 of the operating lever 43 with the coupling element 413 shifts. At the same time the damper piston 422 of the damper 42 loaded on train and dampens the movement. This is the rotary joint 432 along a circular path 600 in the swing direction 61 around the pivot axis 6 pivoted.

This will be the opening lever 44 in the swing direction 61 around the pivot axis 6 pivoted. Because the door 11 with the actuating element 14 on the opening lever 44 rests, it is also in the swing direction 61 around the pivot axis 6 pivoted.

The opening mechanism 4 is also designed so that the door is pivoted in the operating state by about 30 ° -50 °, preferably by about 40 °.

Because the door 11 with the actuating element 14 only at the opening lever 44 it can be opened manually. Through the controlled, with the damper 42 muted opening the door 11 when operating the foot control device 2 around the defined opening angle α it does not fall against the operator and does not hinder him.

Resetting the opening mechanism 4 is possible by closing the door, as the actuator 14 the operating lever 44 doing against the feeding direction 61 around the pivot axis 6 pushes until the operating lever 43 in the ground state G at the stop 433 is applied.

This is the plunger 52 against the unlocking direction 56 moved back to the ground state G until the release rocker 51 at the stop 55 is applied. This will unlock the rocker 51 with the restoring force of the return spring 53 against the unlocking direction 501 turned. This pulls the Entriegelungswippe 51 the unlocking mechanism 5 the Bowden cable 3 against the pulling direction 33 back.

This will be the foot actuator 2 with the Bowden cable 3 against the pulling direction 33 pulled until it is again in the ground state G arranged. In this case, the restoring force of the return spring 25 used.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 Cleaning device, dishwasher

11

 door

12

 device body

13

 Handle

14

 Actuator, nose

15

 plinth

2

 foot operation

21

 actuating surface

22

 tread

23

 First lever

230

First axis of rotation

231

 First direction of rotation

232

 First circular arc

233

 First open end

234

 Second open end

24

 Second lever

240

 Second axis of rotation

241

 Second direction of rotation

242

 Second arc

243

 First open end

244

 Second open end

25

 Return spring

26

 connecting strut

27

 housing component

28

 attack

291

 First page

292

 Second page

3

 Switch, cable, Bowden cable

31

 First end

32

 Second end

33

 tensile direction

4

 opening mechanism

40

 movement direction

41

 Spring, compression spring

411

 Guide, cylindrical guide

412

 spring piston

413

 coupling element

42

 damper

422

 damper piston

43

 actuating lever

431

 lever bearing

432

 swivel

433

 attack

44

 opening lever

45

 seesaw

450

 rocker axis

451

 Rocker direction of rotation

452

 First open end of the rocker

453

 Second open end of the rocker

46

 Actuating means, bent wire element

47

 housing component

481, 482

 angle

49

 recess

5

 unlocking

50

 Entriegelungsdrehpunkt

501

 Entriegelungsdrehrichtung

51

 Entriegelungswippe

511

 First open end

512

 Second open end

52

 tappet

53

 Return spring

54

 guide element

55

 attack

56

 displacement direction

57

 housing component

6

 door axis

60

 Pivot, pin

600

 Opening arc

61

 Door swing direction

71

 Vertical direction

72

 Horizontal direction

73

 extension direction

G

 ground state

B

 operational state

B0, B1

 operating direction

b

 Width of the dishwasher

α

 opening angle

β

 acute angle

Γ

 tilt angle

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 4427122 A1 [0003]
• DE 1865919 U1 [0004]

Claims (12)

Cleaning device ( 1 ) with a foot-operated device ( 2 ) in a base area ( 15 ) for opening a door ( 11 ) of the cleaning device ( 1 ), characterized in that the foot-operated device ( 2 ) with an opening mechanism ( 4 ), one on the appliance door ( 11 ) unlocked energy storage and the door ( 11 ) actively brings in a predetermined opening position. Cleaning device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, in which the foot-operated device ( 2 ) via a Bowden cable ( 3 ) with the opening mechanism ( 4 ) is coupled. Cleaning device ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the energy accumulator is a spring ( 41 ), which can be opened on the appliance door ( 11 ) acts. Cleaning device ( 1 ) according to claim 3, wherein the spring ( 41 ) via a knee joint on the appliance door ( 11 ) acts. Cleaning device ( 1 ) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the spring ( 41 ) via a one-sided positive connection to the appliance door ( 11 ) acts. Cleaning device ( 1 ) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the knee joint comprises an actuating lever ( 43 ) and an opening lever ( 44 ), which are hinged together. Cleaning device ( 1 ) according to claim 6, wherein the opening lever ( 44 ) on a pivot axis of the appliance door ( 11 ) is rotatably mounted. Cleaning device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the predetermined opening position about a pivoting of the door ( 11 ) by an opening angle of 30 ° -50 °, preferably by about 40 °, compared to the closed state of the door ( 11 ) corresponds. Cleaning device ( 1 ) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, in which the foot-operated device ( 2 ) in addition to an unlocking mechanism ( 5 ) for the appliance door ( 11 ), whereby a snap closure of the door ( 11 ) is opened. Cleaning device ( 1 ) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, in which the foot-operated device ( 2 ) has a rocker which in the base area ( 15 ) is pivotally mounted. Cleaning device ( 1 ) according to claim 10, in which the rocker extends over substantially the entire width of the base region ( 15 ). Cleaning device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 11, designed as a dishwasher or a washer-disinfector.

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