Household appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to a household appliance (1) having an interior space (3) for accommodating a shelf system (10), in which wall elements (5) are arranged on opposite sides of the interior space (3), and a locking projection (7) is arranged on at least one wall element (5); wherein the shelving system (10) has a fixed part (11) arranged in the interior space (3) and a movable part (12) which can be moved at least partially in front of the interior space by means of a guide rail; a locking element (20) is pivotally mounted on the fixed part (11) and is used for realizing releasable joint with the locking bulge (7), and the locking element (20) can be moved to an unlocking position through a driving piece (13) on the movable part (12); the locking element (20) is provided with a locking portion (21) capable of being connected with the locking protrusion (7) and a first actuating portion (22) capable of being connected with the driving piece (13), the locking element (20) is provided with a second actuating portion (23) capable of being connected with the driving piece (13), and when the locking portion (21) is in the unlocking position, the second actuating portion (22) can be connected with the driving piece (13). The drive member (13) is held between the first actuating portion (22) and the second actuating portion (23). As a result, the fastening part (11) can be reliably locked on the wall element (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a household appliance, which has an interior space for accommodating a shelf system, wherein wall elements are provided on opposite sides of the interior space, and a locking protrusion is arranged on at least one of the wall elements; wherein the shelf system includes a fixed portion arranged in the interior space and a movable portion that is movable at least partially in front of the interior space via a guide rail; and a locking element is pivotally mounted on the fixed portion for releasable engagement with the locking protrusion, and the locking element can be moved to an unlocked position by a driving member on the movable portion; the locking element has a locking portion that can engage with the locking protrusion and a first actuating portion that can engage with the driving member. Background Art

[0002] US2012 / 0097147 A1 discloses an oven in which a shelf system is arranged inside the oven. The shelf system includes a fixed part fixed inside the oven and a movable part that can be pulled out from the inside. When the movable part of the shelf system is pulled out, a rotating latch ensures that the fixed part is locked inside the oven. This improves safety when handling and preparing food. The latch is pre-tightened to a locked position by a spring and can engage with a protrusion for locking. When the movable part is retracted, a drive member ensures that the latch rotates against the spring force to unlock it. It is not appropriate to use springs in ovens because, especially at high temperatures (for example, during pyrolytic cleaning), damage may occur due to the weakening of the pre-tightening force. In addition, the locking mechanism requires a large number of parts, which will cause a lot of time to be spent on assembly and production.

[0003] US10,548,396B1 shows a sliding device for a movable shelf, which can be moved on two opposite sides in the extension direction via guide rails. A hook is provided at the rear end of the fixed portion, and when the shelf is pushed into the raised position, the hook can move against the force of a spring. When the shelf is pulled out, the hook engages with a locking mechanism on the rear wall and is preloaded into the locked position by a spring. Therefore, the locking mechanism requires additional installation space. US2021 / 0071876A1 also shows a similar shelf device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to design a household appliance in which a shelving system can be securely locked in the interior space in a simple manner.

[0005] This object is achieved by a domestic appliance having the features of claim 1 .

[0006] The household appliance according to the present invention includes an interior space for accommodating a shelf system, wherein wall elements are provided on opposite sides of the interior space, and a locking protrusion is arranged on at least one of the wall elements; wherein the shelf system includes a fixed portion arranged in the interior space and a movable portion that is at least partially movable in front of the interior space via a guide rail; and a locking element is pivotally mounted on the fixed portion for releasably engaging with the locking protrusion, and the locking element can be moved to an unlocked position by a driving member on the movable portion. The locking element includes a locking portion that can engage with the locking protrusion, a first actuating portion that can engage with the driving member, and a second actuating portion that can engage with the driving member, and when the locking portion is in the unlocked position, the driving member is retained between the first actuating portion and the second actuating portion. The first actuating portion and the second actuating portion thereby ensure positive guidance of the locking element, since the driver abuts against the first actuating portion when moving in the pulling-in direction and against the second actuating portion when moving in the pulling-out direction, thereby ensuring positive guidance by the locking element and the driver, which ensures reliable locking when the driver moves in the pulling-out direction and enables a compact design with a small number of components.

[0007] Preferably, the locking element can pivot relative to the fixing portion without spring support.No spring is required on the locking element, as such a spring would increase the possibility of error.

[0008] To simplify the design, the locking element can be rotatably mounted on the fixed portion via a bearing portion that is rotatable about a pin. The pin can be formed by a pin or a wire portion on the fixed portion, and the pin is preferably aligned substantially vertically, or it can be slightly tilted relative to the vertical. This allows the locking element to pivot independently of gravity, so that the weight of the locking element can be ignored.

[0009] In another embodiment, the first and second actuating portions are designed to protrude in different radial directions relative to the rotational axis of the locking element. This allows the driver to be positioned between the two actuating portions when in the unlocked position. The actuating portions are preferably designed as mesh-shaped protrusions, but may also be arc-shaped or have other geometric shapes. Furthermore, the locking element may also be formed with another cantilevered arm, which, when in the locked position, forms a stopper, thereby preventing rotational movement of the locking element.

[0010] In order to manufacture the locking mechanism with a small number of parts, the locking element is preferably formed in one piece. The locking element can be made of a metal plate and have an integrally formed bearing portion for being rotatably mounted on the fixing portion.

[0011] In another embodiment, the locking projection is arranged in the front half of the wall element relative to the extension direction of the movable portion. This allows the locking mechanism to be arranged in the front region of the wall element, thereby varying the overall length of the shelving system and thus enabling shelving systems of different overall lengths to be produced using the same locking mechanism.

[0012] Preferably, the actuator is designed as a protrusion that protrudes downward and / or laterally from the movable portion. The movable portion can be designed in a grid-like shape, for example, so that the actuator is designed as a protrusion made of wire. The actuator preferably protrudes downward from the support surface in a V-shape or other geometric shape to move the locking element when moved to the retracted position.

[0013] Preferably, a receiving portion is formed on the locking projection, into which the end of the locking portion can be inserted. This allows the wall of the receiving portion to form a limiting structure, against which the locking portion abuts when in the locked position. In order to achieve stable locking, when a tensile force is applied to the fixing portion in the pull-out direction, the locking portion on the locking element is subjected to pressure. This ensures that even if the fixing portion is subjected to a large force, it can be reliably transmitted to the wall element. As a result, the locking element can be locked in a self-locking manner, that is, when a tensile force is applied to the fixing portion in the pull-out direction, the locking element is pressed more forcefully into the locked position, in particular by generating a torque on the locking element, which makes accidental unlocking more difficult.

[0014] To ensure smooth operation of the shelving system, the fixed portion may include a first rail and the movable portion may include a second rail, both movably connected via rolling elements. Optionally, a pull-out intermediate rail may be provided between the first and second rails, depending on the required travel distance of the movable portion of the shelving system in front of the interior space. Preferably, the rail is part of a pull-out guide arranged between the fixed and movable portions of the shelving system. This creates a compact unit that can be easily removed from the oven interior.

[0015] To ensure reliable locking of the shelving system, a locking element can be provided on the fixed portion near each wall element, which can engage with a locking projection. Thus, when the movable portion of the shelving system is pulled out of the interior space, the fixed portion is locked on opposite sides. The locking element can be formed from a bent wire, a metal lead, or a hook-shaped element. Preferably, the locking element engages with the locking projection of the wall element in a central position, wherein the wall element can be formed, for example, from an embossed metal sheet or a side grille.

[0016] In a first variant, the locking projections on the wall element are made of embossed sheet metal. Alternatively, the locking projections can be integrally formed with a support bar that holds the fixed portion of the shelving system, wherein the locking projections are formed, for example, by V-shaped embossing. In a second variant, the locking projections are formed on side rails, for example, made of wire with vertical struts and horizontal webs, which are fixed to the walls of the interior space.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the household appliance is designed as an oven. Alternatively, the household appliance may be designed as a microwave oven, a steamer, a refrigerator, a wine cooler or other equipment for preparing food.

[0018] Brief description of the attached figure

[0019] The present invention will be described in more detail below by means of two embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a household appliance according to the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 showing a perspective view of the shelving system in a retracted position;

[0022] Figure 3 showing a perspective view of the movable portion of the shelving system in an extended position;

[0023] Figure 4 A perspective view showing the fixing portion on the wall element;

[0024] Figure 5 a detailed view showing the locking mechanism of the shelving system in an unlocked position;

[0025] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 A detailed view of the locking mechanism in the locked position;

[0026] Figure 7 Shows Figure 5 A perspective view of the locking mechanism in FIG. 1 without the wall element;

[0027] Figure 8 A detailed view of the locking mechanism is shown in the locked position without the wall element;

[0028] Figure 9 a view showing a locking element of the locking mechanism;

[0029] Figure 10 A front view showing the locking mechanism in the installed position when in the unlocked position;

[0030] Figure 11 Shows Figure 10 A detailed view of the locking mechanism in the locked position;

[0031] Figure 12 An embodiment of an improved locking mechanism is shown; and

[0032] Figures 13A to 13C The figures show different variants of fastening the locking element to the pin. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The household appliance 1 is designed as an oven and comprises a housing 2 , in particular made of sheet metal, in which an interior space 3 is provided. The front side of the interior space 3 is open and can be closed by a hinged door 4 .

[0034] On opposite sides of the interior space 3 are provided wall elements 5, each made of profiled metal sheet and having a plurality of support bars 6 for supporting food containers or one or more shelf systems 10. A locking protrusion 7 is formed on each support bar 6, and the locking protrusion 7 is formed as an inwardly protruding V-shaped embossing, but other geometric shapes can also be used on the wall element 5.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, the shelf system 10 includes a fixed portion 11, which is supported on support bars 6 on opposite sides and is retained within the interior space 3. In addition, the shelf system 10 includes a movable portion 12, which is retained on opposite sides of the fixed portion 11 by guide rails and can be moved to a position in front of the interior space 3. If the movable portion 12 is moved to the extended position by the fixed portion 11, the fixed portion 11 is fixed to the wall element 5 by at least one locking mechanism.

[0036] exist Figure 3 In FIG, the shelf system 10 is shown in a locked position, wherein the movable portion 12 has been moved to a protruding position relative to the fixed portion 11. The movable rail 15 (to which the movable portion 12 is fixed) moves relative to the fixed rail 14 (to which the fixed rail 14 is fixed). The rails 14 and 15 are optionally connected to each other by an extended intermediate rail. Figure 3 In FIG, only the right side shows the extension guide with the slide rails 14 and 15, while the left side has been omitted so that the locking element 20 can be seen, which serves to lock the fixing part 11 on the locking projection 7.

[0037] exist Figure 4, only the fixed portion 11 of the shelving system 10 is shown positioned between two wall elements 5. The fixed portion 11 is supported on opposite sides of the wall elements 5 by struts on support bars 6. At its rear end, it has upwardly projecting cantilever arms 60, which are supported on the underside of another support bar 6. This prevents the fixed portion 11 from tilting when a weight load is applied to the movable portion 12 in the protruding position. A downwardly projecting locking protrusion 7 is formed on each support bar 6, and a locking element 20 can be provided on each locking protrusion 7. The locking element 20 is pivotally mounted on the fixed portion 11.

[0038] Figure 5 The locking mechanism is shown in detail. The locking element 20 includes a protruding locking portion 21, which, when in the unlocked position, is adjacent to the locking projection 7. The locking projection 7 is formed with a receiving portion 8, into which one end of the locking portion 21 can be inserted when in the locked position. When in the unlocked position, the locking portion 21 can move past the locking projection 7 in the pull-out direction.

[0039] The locking element 20 further includes a first actuating portion 22, which can engage with the driving member 13 on the movable portion 12 when the movable portion 12 moves from the protruding position to the retracted position. The locking element 20 is also provided with a second actuating portion 23, which is pivotable together with the first actuating portion 22 and can be driven by the driving member 13 when the movable portion 12 moves in the pulling direction.

[0040] Figure 6 The locking mechanism is shown in its locked position. By moving the movable portion 12 and the driver 13 outward, the locking element 20 rotates clockwise, causing one end of the locking portion 21 to engage with the receiving portion 8 on the locking projection 7. If force is applied to the fixed portion 11 in the pull-out direction at this time, the locking portion 21 contacts the locking projection 7 and prevents movement, thereby applying pressure to the locking portion 21.

[0041] During the extension movement, the locking element 20 is driven to pivot by the driver 13, as the driver 13 abuts the second actuating portion 23, thereby causing the entire locking element 20 to pivot. The pivotal movement ends when the cantilever arm 24 abuts the web 16 of the fixed portion 11, thereby limiting the rotational movement. This rotational movement limitation can also be achieved in a different manner, for example, by having the cantilever arm 24 abut against the fixed portion 11 of the guide rail.

[0042] When in the locked position, the locking element 20 is self-locking. If a pulling force F1 is applied to the fixing portion 11 in the pulling direction, the locking protrusion 7 will apply a reaction force F2 to the locking element 20, and the reaction force F2 will press the locking element 20 more forcefully into the locked position through the torque generated by the reaction force F2.

[0043] like Figure 7 As shown, the locking element 20 includes a bearing portion 25 arranged around the pin 9 on the fixed portion 11. The bearing portion 25 and the pin 9 define a rotation axis, which is vertically aligned in the illustrated embodiment. A groove 26 is formed in the first actuator portion 22, into which a portion of the V-shaped drive member can be inserted when the movable portion 12 moves in the extension direction.

[0044] exist Figure 8 In the figure, the driver 13 is inserted into the groove 26 of the first actuating portion 22. As can be seen, the groove 26 ensures that the driver 13 can move further relative to the locking element 20 in the extension direction, but in the opposite direction, the driver 13 contacts the first actuating portion 22 during the retraction movement, thereby causing the locking element 20 to pivot counterclockwise. In the locked position, the driver 13 is located between the first actuating portion 22 and the second actuating portion 23, so that the driver 13 is coupled to the locking element 20 in both movement directions.

[0045] Figure 9 The locking element 20 is shown in detail on the pin 9 of the fixing part 11. The bearing part 25 surrounds the pin 9, thereby forming the rotation axis of the locking element 20. The locking element 20 is integrally formed and comprises a radially protruding locking part 21, a first actuating part 22 and a second actuating part 23, each of which protrudes in a different radial direction. The second actuating part 23 comprises two angled webs, which form an inclined surface for the drive member 13. In addition, a cantilever 24 is integrally formed with the second actuating part 23, and when the drive member 13 moves in the extension direction, the cantilever 24 limits the rotational movement of the locking element 20. The cantilever 24 can be abutted against a pillar of the fixing part 11. The locking element 20 is fixed axially by a screw 27 or other fixing means.

[0046] exist Figure 10 In FIG, the locking mechanism is shown in the unlocked position when in the installed position. The second actuating portion 23 is in contact with the front side of the driver 13. When the movable portion 12 is extended, the driver 13 rotates the locking element 20 so that it enters the locked position.

[0047] Figure 11 The figure shows the locked position when the driving member 13 on the movable portion 12 is moved in the opening direction. The driving member 13 is located below one side of the movable portion 12 and has pivoted the second actuating portion 23, causing the locking portion 21 on the locking element 20 to also pivot and now engage with the locking protrusion 7. Alternatively, the driving member 13 may protrude obliquely downward or to the side, or be arranged or formed on the second slide rail 15.

[0048] Figure 12An improved embodiment of the locking mechanism is shown, in which the locking element 20 is designed identically to the previous embodiment, but is mounted on a pin 9' of the fixing portion 11, which is angled relative to the vertical. The bearing portion 25 on the locking element 20 is also tilted relative to the axis of rotation, but despite this tilt, the locking portion 21 can still engage with the locking projection 7 during rotational movement of the locking element 20, as described in the previous embodiment. This makes unlocking particularly easy, and in addition, locking can be assisted by gravity.

[0049] Figures 13A to 13C Different variants of fastening the locking element 20 on the pin 9 are shown.

[0050] exist Figure 13A In the embodiment, two embossed rings 28 are formed on the pin 9, and the embossed rings 28 protrude radially from the pin so that the bearing portion 25 is held between the two rings 28 in the axial direction. The rings 28 can be made by upsetting or stamping the pin 9.

[0051] exist Figure 13B In the embodiment, the pin 9 is embossed 30 on both sides of the bearing portion 25, thereby punching out an axial web 29 and two rings 28 around the embossing 30. The rings 28 form a limiting structure for the bearing portion 25 in the axial direction.

[0052] exist Figure 13C In the embodiment, different from the ring 28 , a radially protruding web 31 is formed beside the recess 32 , and the web 31 forms a limiting structure for limiting the axial movement of the bearing portion 25 of the locking element 20 .

[0053] In the example shown, the wall element 5 is made of embossed sheet metal. Side grids can also be used as wall elements, for example with horizontal struts, to which the shelf system 10 can be fastened. In this case, the drive element can be arranged or formed on the second rail 15.

[0054] Reference Signs List

[0055] 1 Household appliances

[0056] 2. Housing

[0057] 3 Internal Space

[0058] 4 doors

[0059] 5 Wall elements

[0060] 6 Support bars

[0061] 7 Locking tab

[0062] 8. Accommodation

[0063] 9, 9' pin

[0064] 10 Shelving System

[0065] 11 Fixed part

[0066] 12 Activities Department

[0067] 13 drive parts

[0068] 14 slide rails

[0069] 15 slide rails

[0070] 16 belly plate

[0071] 20 Locking element

[0072] 21 Locking part

[0073] 22 First Action Department

[0074] 23 Second actuator

[0075] 24 Cantilever

[0076] 25 bearing

[0077] 26 grooves

[0078] 27 screws

[0079] 28 rings

[0080] 29 belly plate

[0081] 30 embossing

[0082] 31 belly plate

[0083] 32 notches

[0084] 60 Cantilever

[0085] F1 Rally

[0086] F2 reaction force

Claims

1. A household appliance (1), comprising an interior space (3) for accommodating a shelf system (10), wherein wall elements (5) are provided on opposite sides of the interior space (3), and a locking protrusion (7) is arranged on at least one of the wall elements (5); wherein the shelf system (10) comprises a fixed portion (11) arranged in the interior space (3) and a movable portion (12) movable at least partially in front of the interior space by a guide rail; and a locking element (20) is pivotally mounted on the fixed portion (11) for releasably engaging with the locking protrusion (7), and the locking element (20) can be moved to an unlocked position by a drive member (13) on the movable portion (12); the locking element (20) comprises a locking portion (21) engageable with the locking protrusion (7) and a first actuating portion (22) engageable with the drive member (13), characterized in that: The locking element (20) has a second actuating portion (23) engageable with the driver (13), and when the locking portion (21) is in the unlocked position, the driver (13) is held between the first actuating portion (22) and the second actuating portion (23).

2. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking element (20) can pivot relative to the fixing portion (11) without requiring spring support.

3. The household appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The locking element (20) is rotatably mounted on the fixing portion (11) via a bearing portion (25), and the bearing portion (25) is rotatable around a pin shaft (9, 9') or a wire portion.

4. The household appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The first actuating portion (22) and the second actuating portion (23) protrude from the locking element (20) in different radial directions relative to the rotation axis.

5. The household appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The locking element (20) is integrally formed.

6. Household appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The locking projection (7) is arranged in a front half region of the wall element (5) relative to the extension direction of the movable portion (12).

7. Household appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The locking element (20) is configured to be self-locking when in a locked position, and if the fixing portion (11) is subjected to a pulling force (F1) in a pulling-out direction, a reaction force (F2) exerted by the locking protrusion (7) on the locking element (20) will push the locking element (20) more forcefully into the locked position through the torque generated thereby.

8. Household appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: When a pulling force is applied to the fixing portion (11) in a pulling direction, a locking portion (21) provided on the locking element (20) is subjected to pressure.

9. Household appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The first slide rail (14) of the pull-out guide rail is fixed on the fixed portion (11), and the movable portion is fixed on the second slide rail (15) of the pull-out guide rail.

10. The household appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The driving member (13) is designed as a protrusion protruding downward and / or laterally from the movable portion (12) or from the second slide rail (15).

11. The household appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: Locking elements (20) are provided on opposite sides of the fixing portion (11), and the locking elements (20) can engage with locking protrusions (7) on corresponding wall elements (5).

12. The household appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The locking projection (7) is formed on the wall element (5) by an embossed metal sheet, or the locking projection (7) is formed on a side grille.

13. The household appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The household appliance (1) is designed as an oven.

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