EP1467016A2 - Foldable laundry drying rack - Google Patents

Abstract

The foldable washing drier comprises hinges which incorporate safety elements interacting with other elements of the hinge mechanism and the end pieces of the drier wings so that the operating safety of the drier is improved.

Description

The present invention relates to a clothes dryer with a collapsible frame with legs, which on joints around a first axis are held pivotably and with at least one Side wings with end pieces, which in the area of the joints at the Legs are pivotable about a second axis, the end pieces at least partially between disc-like Parts of joint bodies grip, on these end pieces on the one hand and on the joint bodies on the other hand securing means are provided in order to stand with the rack up and unfolded Side wings to secure the legs of the frame.

A dryer of the type mentioned is in DE 198 02 275 A1. Tumble dryer of the type mentioned are also known as drying racks. Hereinafter is used to simplify the term clothes dryer. The Clothes dryer is in a flat transport or storage position collapsible, in which the legs are pivoted, so that they are roughly parallel to the frame on which the laundry is is dried. In addition to a main frame, the dryer has so-called side wings, which are articulated and made of one Not in use position in a use position by about 180 ° can be pivoted outside. This tumble dryer is provided that securing means on the joint bodies, to which the side wings are pivotally attached and also the Legs are pivotally attached, and others with them interacting securing means on end pieces of the side wings, securing the legs in the set position of the Frame is provided to increase stability. As this Securing means are used in the known tumble dryer Locking body located on the outside of disc-like parts of the Articulated body. There are outer ones on the side wings Drying rods that snap into place behind the locking lugs of this locking body can. In addition, one leg of the end pieces is there have an approximately angular shape, and that when unfolded Side wings on the legs are an increase in Stability achieved because the weight of the unfolded Side wing blocked the main leg. With the side wings folded the two opposite side wings are provided with a To connect bracket, so that even then a certain blockage of the Pillars is achieved. The transfer to the transport state happens in which the legs are folded in in the opposite direction of rotation as the side wings, so that the The pillars then finally roughly parallel to the struts of the Main frame and roughly parallel to the folded side wings lie, which makes a relatively flat folded Not in use position results.

Another function is already in the known tumble dryer provided, a roller blind from a tubular roller blind cover is pulled out so that you can move this roller blind over the Can pull drying rods of the main frame. The roller blind can for example a sheet made of a flexible plastic or a be textile material which is used especially when drying delicate items such as laundry Sweaters or other laundry items made of wool is provided at to avoid pressing in the drying rods when drying is. Such blinds can also be used as sun blinds use. The joint bodies of the clothes dryer joints must be constructed in such a way that the parts on the joint bodies fasten for the roller blind and the roller blind cover can.

The present invention is concerned with a tumble dryer to develop the genus mentioned above, especially in With a view to further improving functional safety, the Stability of the installed clothes horse. Task of The present invention is also to use a clothes dryer Creating joint bodies with reasonable manufacturing costs are producible, fulfill all of the above functions and additionally easy attachment of additional accessories to the Allow clothes dryer in the joint body area.

A solution according to the invention provides this object Tumble dryer of the type mentioned with the characteristic features of the main claim. An increased Stability of the tumble dryer according to the invention results through the special training of the means of protection. The According to the invention, securing means are on the one hand at the other facing insides of the disc-like parts of the joint body and on the other hand arranged in the region of the end pieces, the engages between the disc-like parts of the joint body. Thereby it is possible to secure the legs over the end pieces of the Side wings to make quasi in the interior of the joint body, see above that the joint body is constructive in the outer areas can be designed to include additional functions such as allow, for example, the attachment of accessories. This is particularly with a relatively space-saving training Articulated body possible because of the attachment of the securing means in the inner area between the disc-like parts of the Articulated body the securing means when attaching more Do not disturb functional elements in the outer area of the joint body. It also has the advantage of a better optical Appearance and there are no protruding parts that can easily be damaged.

The tumble dryer according to the invention is preferably so designed so that it does not matter whether you first fold out the legs or first the side wings. This eliminates operating errors during installation. at the tumble dryer locks the end of the Side wing in the joint body. This can vary across designed safeguards. For example, as Securing means on the ends of cams, projections or Serve wells. The securing means on the disc-like Parts of the joint body can, for example, have depressions, Recesses, holes or projections that are with the the aforementioned securing means of the end pieces interact. One can, for example, cams on the end piece of the side wing provide that in corresponding recordings of the joint body engage. The fact that the main leg with the side wing over a Joint is connected, a locking is achieved, so that at unfolded side wing the main leg can not be folded can. In addition, through this locking the mainstay in the Articulated tension, which increases the stability of the dryer clearly increased.

There are preferably two side wings on the tumble dryer intended. There is then the possibility of only one or both Fold in the side wings. The side wing is about 180 ° pivoted inwards and on the middle part of the dryer stored. In the inwardly pivoted position, the aforementioned cams of the end pieces of the side wings for example in a recess in the joint, which also causes a Fixing the legs and thus securing them against folding the legs are reached with the side wings folded inwards. This depression can, for example, be designed such that at Exposure to a greater force, i. H. in the event of an overload Stand can still be folded. This happens when you fold the dryer completely and put it in the Want to transfer non-use position. The above Belay devices that take effect when the side wings are folded, can also be designed differently. It is possible and beneficial at least the securing means provided on the end pieces both for securing in the aforementioned position with unfolded can also be used with the side wings folded. To the Articulated bodies are usually for both side wing positions (folded or unfolded) different recordings, Wells or the like provided.

The type of backup has the advantage that the invention Tumble dryer can be used flexibly. He can do it with two unfolded side wings can be used with a unfolded and a folded wing, being in the the respective positions always the stability of the frame of the Tumble dryer is given.

According to a preferred development of the invention provided that when the Tumble dryer into the non-use position via further Belay means a fixation in this position in the joint area he follows. For example, cams or the like on the End pieces of the side wings be present, which are then in the area of Articulated body to be fixed. These cams can, for example, in snap into a designated position and thereby prevent the frame from opening by itself.

According to a preferred development of the invention provided that the articulated body of the dryer further Have receptacles for attaching accessories.

Such accessories can include a roller blind as it is made of the above-mentioned document from the prior art is known or a tubular sleeve for the blind cover. In addition, however, other accessories are preferably in Area of the joint body attachable, for example cover caps for the joint body, a tube, which slidable drying rods takes a sock holder, which is also on the frame of the Tumble dryer is attachable or a clothespin container. Preferably, these accessories can be used without any help a tool can be assembled and disassembled, for example via plug-in, snap-in, snap-in connections or other positive connections Links. This makes it possible in a simple way without Installation work different variants of the dryer realize, the joint bodies are preferably designed so that they allow the different variants mentioned and this can also reduce manufacturing costs.

The features mentioned in the dependent claims relate to preferred Developments of the task solution according to the invention. Further Advantages of the invention result from the following Detailed description.

Fig. 1

eine Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Wäschetrockners;

Fig. 2

eine vergrößerte Detailansicht eines Gelenks bei ausgeklapptem Seitenflügel;

Fig. 3

eine entsprechende Ansicht eines Gelenks bei eingeklapptem Seitenflügel;

Fig. 4

eine entsprechende Ansicht eines Gelenks bei vollständig zusammengeklapptem Wäschetrockner;

Fig. 5

eine enfsprechende Draufsicht auf das Gelenk gemäß der Stellung von Fig. 2;

Fig. 6

eine entsprechende Draufsicht auf das Gelenk gemäß der Stellung von Fig. 3;

Fig. 7

eine entsprechende Draufsicht auf das Gelenk gemäß der Stellung von Fig. 4;

Fig. 8

eine Ansicht auf das Gelenk von der Innenseite her gesehen;

Fig. 9

eine Ansicht des Gelenks in Richtung des Pfeils IX von Fig. 8 gesehen;

Fig. 10

eine Draufsicht auf den Gelenkkörper von Fig. 9;

Fig. 11

eine vergrößerte Detailansicht eines Ausschnitts des Gelenkkörpers, wobei man von Innen auf eines der scheibenartigen Elemente des Gelenkkörpers sieht;

Fig. 12

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Gelenkkörpers;

Fig. 13

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Endstücks des Seitenflügels;

Fig. 14

eine Seitenansicht des Endstücks von Fig. 13;

Fig. 15

eine Ansicht des Endstücks in Richtung des Pfeils XV von Fig. 14;

Fig. 16

eine Ansicht des Endstücks in Richtung des Pfeils XVI von Fig. 14;

Fig. 17

eine Draufsicht auf das Endstück von Fig. 14.

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings using exemplary embodiments. Show in it

Fig. 1

a view of a clothes dryer according to the invention;

Fig. 2

an enlarged detail view of a joint with the side wing unfolded;

Fig. 3

a corresponding view of a joint with the side wing folded;

Fig. 4

a corresponding view of a joint with the clothes dryer fully folded;

Fig. 5

a corresponding plan view of the joint according to the position of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6

a corresponding plan view of the joint according to the position of Fig. 3;

Fig. 7

a corresponding plan view of the joint according to the position of Fig. 4;

Fig. 8

a view of the joint seen from the inside;

Fig. 9

seen a view of the joint in the direction of arrow IX of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10

a plan view of the joint body of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11

an enlarged detail view of a section of the joint body, one looking from the inside at one of the disk-like elements of the joint body;

Fig. 12

a perspective view of the joint body;

Fig. 13

a perspective view of the end piece of the side wing;

Fig. 14

a side view of the end of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15

a view of the end piece in the direction of arrow XV of Fig. 14;

Fig. 16

a view of the end piece in the direction of arrow XVI of Fig. 14;

Fig. 17

14 shows a plan view of the end piece from FIG. 14.

First, reference is made to FIG. 1. The illustration shows a perspective overall view of an exemplary Laundry dryer according to the invention, designated a total of 9 is. The dryer has a collapsible frame with Legs 8, which can be swiveled around joints the dryer into a flat, non-use position convict. The clothes dryer 9 has a main frame 7 Drying sticks 4 or clothes lines, on which items of laundry are placed or can be hung. In addition to this main frame 7 are So-called side wings 15 are present, which about the axis of the aforementioned joints can be folded out to about 180 ° in the functional position shown in Fig. 1. there both the side wings 15 and the legs 8 each to be horizontal when the dryer is in the installed state extending axes pivoted, which are in the range of Joint bodies 10 are located. There are a total of four such joint bodies 10 available, each in the four corner areas of the Main frame 7, of which both the legs 8 and the Side wing 15 go out. On the joint bodies 10 is the first axis 5 (see Fig. 2), which is the pivot axis for the Legs 8 is. The side wings 15, of which in Fig. 2 in principle only the end pieces 11 are visible, are again in the area of Joint body 10 pivotable about a second axis 6 with the Legs 8 connected so that the side wings or their End pieces 11 about this axis 6 with respect to the legs 8 can be pivoted and also the legs 8 with the on these hinged side wings when folding the Tumble dryer can be pivoted about the first axis 5.

The aforementioned movements are described below With reference to FIGS. 2 to 7 explained in more detail. 2, 3 and 4 each show side views in an end region of the Clothes dryer in the different positions, with FIGS. 5, 6 and Fig. 7 show the respective top views. Fig. 2 shows the erected tumble dryer in the area of its joint body 10 in the functional position with the side wing 15 unfolded the end piece 11, in which, for example, frame rods of Side wing 15 are held. This end piece 11 is about the axis 6 pivotally connected to the support leg 8, being in the position 2 this axis 6 lies within the joint body and indeed in the upper end region of the supporting leg 8. From the in Fig. 2nd Functional position shown, in which the side wing 15th is unfolded and thus in addition to drying Items of laundry can be used (see also Fig. 1), the Side wings 15 are now pivoted inward by pivoting about the axis 6 by about 180 ° in a position in which it is approximately parallel is located above the main frame 7, as can be seen from FIG. 3 can. Now the dryer should be from that shown in Fig. 3 Position can be completely folded into its non-use position, in which both the main frame 7 and the legs 8 as well the side wings 15 are each approximately parallel (see Fig. 4), then Starting from the situation according to FIG. 3, the supporting leg 8 is included the end piece 11 attached to this around the hinge axis 5 pivoted. 3 and 4 that the hinge axis 5 lies in the lower region of the joint body 10, at a distance from the Axis 6. By this pivoting movement of the leg 8 around his Axis 5 inwards referred to the parallel position shown in FIG. 4 on the main frame 7, the hinge axis 6 pivots from the Area inside the joint body 10 outwards. In addition, the angle that the end piece 11 and the supporting leg 8th in Fig. 3 include each other by pivoting the End piece 11 with respect to the supporting leg 8 about the axis 6 further downsized so that the collapsed shown in Fig. 4 Non-use position is reached.

5 to 7 show the respective top views of the Corner area of the dryer with the articulated body 10. Man 5 recognizes that the joint body 10 in principle disc-like parts 12, 13 and the end piece 11 and also the upper end of the supporting leg 8 (less clearly visible in FIG. 5) between these two disc-like parts 12, 13 of the Grab the joint body. In the view according to FIG. 2, that is upper end of the pillar 8 behind the outer part 12 of the Joint body 10. The upper end of the support leg 8 is flat and that 2 and 3 is the inward end of the end piece 11 approximately fork-shaped with a slot 21 so that the flat End of the support leg 8, which is designated 8a, in the slot 21 is where the joint 6 is located (see Fig. 2). In the folded position as shown in FIG. 7, the outer Recognize the end of the slot 21, as well as a piece of the flat end 8a of the mainstay.

There are now various means of protection provided ensure that the leg 8 and thus the dryer in the set up position with both side wings 15 extended 2 and 5 and also with the side wing 15 folded in 3 and Fig. 6 is secured to the standing position of the Improve clothes dryer. These safeguards are in place on the one hand on the end piece 11 and on the other hand to the disc-like parts 12, 13 of the joint body. In part you can the securing means and their function from FIGS. 2 to 7 detect. In addition, the individual part view of the joint body 12 and the detailed view of FIG. 11 referenced and also on the individual parts of the end piece 11, which for taken in Figs. 13 to 17 is shown. As Securing means 14 are located on the end pieces 11 two Cams in the state shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 with unfolded side wings 15 in these associated receptacles 16 (see Fig. 5) engage the joint body. By that Leg 8 with the end piece 11 pivotable about the axis 6 is connected, the end piece 11 and thus the side wing locks 15 in the position according to FIGS. 2 and 5 the arrangement, so that the leg 8 can not be folded. Through this Locking also becomes the supporting leg 8 in the joint body 10 tense and this increases the stability of the dryer elevated. Said cams 14 can also be folded in Recognize positions of the side wing 15 according to FIG. 6. The location of the Cam 14 on the end piece 11 is clearly shown in FIGS. 13 and FIG. 14 out. 14 also shows the bore 26 of the end piece 11, through which the hinge axis 6 passes, this with the Leg 8 connects. The recordings 16 of the joint body 10, in these cams 14 in the position according to FIGS. 2 and 5 11 can be seen particularly well in FIG. 11, the one shows corresponding detail of the joint body 10, in which one on the inside of the disc-like part behind 13 looks.

Fig. 3 and Fig. 6 show the position with the folded Side wing 15, which you get when you start from Fig. 2nd the side wing 15 with the end piece 11 in the direction of the arrow swivels approximately 180 °. One can see in Fig. 3 that in this Position of the cams 14 the upper edge of the joint body 10 somewhat surmounted. 6 that the cams 14 in this position in recesses 25, which are in shoulders 24 of the Joint body 10 are. These recesses 25 are in the upper Edge area of the joint body, approximately where the shoulders 24 end up. These depressions 25 can be seen well in Fig. 11, in which one can also see that the shoulders 24 quasi a curve line follow, on which the recesses 16 further below and with Distance to the recesses 25 are. Because the Cam 14 of the end piece 11 in the position shown in FIG. 6 in the Depressions 25 of the joint body 10 is also in this Position of the side wings 15 reaches a fixation of the legs 8, that provide a collapse protection. The wells 25 are like this carried out that the leg is folded in the event of an overload can be d. that is, you can then remove the cams 14 from the recess 25 can move out to the dryer completely collapse into that shown in FIGS. 4 and 7 Position.

At the end pieces there are two more cams 17, their Position in Fig. 7 can be seen and which one also from the Individual representation of the end piece 11, for example FIG. 13 recognizes. You can see that through the pivoting movement of the main leg 8 around its axis 5 the end piece 11 compared to the position 6 in the position shown in FIG. 7 has moved outwards, so that the two cams 17 of the end piece 11 in the complete folded position according to FIG. 7 and FIG. 4 in recordings 18 of the joint body 10 set. These shots 18 can again clearly visible in FIG. 11. There you can see that this Recordings 18 in the area of the shoulders 24 slightly above the Recordings 16 are. On the joint body can this Recordings 18 on the disc-like parts 13 in addition Bores 23 are present, so that the cams 17 also after protrude outside and can engage in these holes 23 to a to achieve better security, so to speak, by latching. Through the Cam 17 is the clothes dryer in the fully folded Position in the joint is fixed via the end pieces 11 of the side wings 15. The folded clothes dryer according to FIG. 4 can therefore do not open automatically.

The possibilities are described below with reference to FIG. 8 explained on the joint body 10 of the dryer further Attach accessories. In Fig. 8 one looks in principle at the Inside of the joint, with a cover cap attached there was removed. On the joint body 10 shown in Fig. 8 can for example a sock holder, not shown here Fasten. For this purpose, two receptacles 30, 31 are provided, specifically once a sleeve-shaped extension 31 of the joint body. In these Extension 31, a part of the sock holder can be snapped into place after this engagement is still articulated and is then pivoted into a fastening position in which a another part of the sock holder, not shown, on one Bulge 30 of a projection 32 of the joint engages.

The formation 32 runs, as can be seen, in areas approximately on one Circular path, but is interrupted in places. This projection 32 is also used in part to attach a cover sleeve, in which In the area of an interruption of the molding 32, a recess 33 and there is a projection 34 on another projection which also for attaching a tubular, not shown here Cover sleeve is used.

On one with respect to the projection 32 approximately in the central area lying molding 35 is an approximately keyhole-shaped Recording 36, to which a dry roller blind can be attached. For example, you plug in the shaft of such a roller blind the recording 36.

Starting from the projection 34 is another part-circular Formation 37 is provided, which is smaller than the part-circular Formation 32 and which extends into the latter. At the Partially circular projection 37 can be used, for example, in this fitting pipe (also not shown here) for attach slidable drying rods, such a tube in the part-cylindrical space 38 is recorded. Also the Cover cap that covers the joint body 10 to the inside and which is removed in the illustration according to FIG. 8 has a protruding sleeve, which is approximately tubular and on the Recording 37, 38 can be attached. If a sock holder or a dry roller blind on the inside of the shown in Fig. 8 Articulated body 10 is attached, the aforementioned is previously Cover removed, which causes the state shown in Fig. 8 is achieved. The outline shape of the cover cap roughly follows that on the in the drawing Fig. 8 right side semicircular outline of the Articulated body, the one on the left in the drawing has arcuate boundary 39 with a wider radius and the has a straight section 40 on the top and bottom, which then turns to the right into a semicircular shape. Should on that Articulated body 10 a clip bag for receiving Clothespins are attached, then a cover cap used with the outline shape that has holes for the Fastening rods of the clothespin bag. The Cover cap is pushed on the one hand over the projection 32, is attached to the projection 37 with a projecting sleeve and in addition to the cylindrical projection 41, which in the lower left corner area of the upper projection 31 is opposite and has the same shape and dimensions as that Formation 31, which is used to attach the sock holder.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

4

dry bars

5

first joint axis

6

joint axis

7

main frame

8th

mainstays

8a

flat end of the supporting leg 8

9

clothes dryer

10

joint body

11

Tails

12, 13

disc-like parts

14, 17

cam

16, 18

Recordings

23, 28

drilling

24

Shoulders

25

wells

30

bulge

31

sleeve-shaped extension

32

conformation

33

recess

34

head Start

35

conformation

36

key-shaped receptacle

37

part-circular shape

38

part-cylindrical space

39

arched boundary

40

straight section

41

cylindrical shape

Claims (11)

Clothes dryer with a collapsible frame with legs that are pivoted on joints about a first axis and with at least one side wing with end pieces that are pivotally attached to the legs on the legs about a second axis, the end pieces at least partially between disc-like parts of articulated bodies, with securing means being provided on these end pieces on the one hand and on the articulated bodies on the other hand, in order to secure the legs of the frame when the frame is upright and the side wings are unfolded.
characterized in that the securing means (20) are arranged, on the one hand, on the mutually facing inner sides of the disk-like parts of the joint bodies (10) and, on the other hand, in the region of the end pieces (11) between the disk-like parts (12, 13) of the joint bodies (10 ) takes effect. Clothes dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that the securing means (14) are cams, projections or depressions on the end pieces (11). Laundry dryer according to claim 2, characterized in that the securing means (20) on the disc-like parts (12, 13) of the joint body (10) are depressions, recesses, bores or projections. Laundry dryer according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that securing means (14) are also provided on the end pieces (11) and / or on the disk-like parts (12, 13), which securing means (14) when the side wing (15 ) be effective. Clothes dryer according to claim 4, characterized in that the securing means (14) on the end pieces (11) also serve as securing means (14) when the side wings (15) are folded in. Laundry dryer according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that on the disc-like parts (12, 13) of the joint body (10) recesses, recesses or locking bores (16) are provided which serve as securing means (14) when the side wing (15) is folded. Clothes dryer according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that further securing means (14) are provided on the end pieces (14) in the area facing the side wing (15), which effect a fixation when the clothes dryer frame is folded. Clothes dryer according to claim 7, characterized in that cams, projections (17) or the like are provided on the end pieces (11) as securing means (14) when the frame is folded. Clothes dryer according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that on the mutually facing inner sides of the disk-like parts (12, 13) of the joint body (10) receptacles (18) are provided for the effective securing means (14) when the frame is folded. Laundry dryer according to claim 9, characterized in that the receptacles (18) on the disc-like parts (12, 13) of the joint body (10) are shoulders, shoulders, depressions or bores. Clothes dryer according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that on the joint body (10) further receptacles for attaching accessories, in particular a roller blind, a cover sleeve, a cover cap, a clothespin container, a sock holder and / or a tube for displaceable drying rods are provided are, which preferably allow a tool-free assembly of these accessories.

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