Cooking appliance and method of operation

Abstract

A cooking appliance (1) comprising a housing (2) and an extension (3) movably received in the housing (2), wherein the extension (3) is associated with a locking device (4) to secure the extension (3) in a locking position (5) against unintentional displacement. The locking device (4) comprises a locking element (6) and a locking element receptacle (7), wherein the locking element (6) is received in the locking element receptacle (7) in the locking position (5) and secured in the locking position (5) by a preloading device (8). A sensor device (24) is included to detect whether the locking element (6) is in the locking position (5). In the method for operating such a cooking appliance, the extension (3) is secured against unintentional displacement in at least one locking position (5) by means of at least one locking device (4), wherein the sensor device (24) detects whether the locking element (6) is in the locking position (5).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooking appliance comprising at least one housing and at least one extension movably mounted in the housing. An extension comprises, in particular, for example, a drawer or a food drawer, or a food carrier. Such a drawer or food carrier can then be extended and retracted by a suitable mechanism, for example, a rail system. The present invention also relates to a method for operating such a cooking appliance.

[0002] Many cooking appliances have become known for their pull-out design, such as drawers or cooking trays. Drawers with an integrated cooking chamber, so-called cooking drawers, are also common.

[0003] Common drawer slides are typically mounted on a housing via a rail system. The two endpoints—a retracted position and an extended position—are usually defined by the design of the rail system. These endpoints are often designed as detents to prevent the user from accidentally moving the slide out of its final position.

[0004] A disadvantage of this system is that intermediate positions cannot usually be specified, and the points are determined by the rail system. This prevents more flexible configuration of detents or locking positions, and a rail system can only be used for one specific extension.

[0005] It is also not possible with the known devices to check whether an extension is currently in a detent position or between detent positions.

[0006] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a cooking appliance with at least one extension in which locking positions can be provided more flexibly, in particular by detecting whether the extension is in a locking position.

[0007] This problem is solved by a cooking appliance with the features of claim 1 and by a method for operating a cooking appliance with the features of claim 13. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments.

[0008] The cooking device according to the invention comprises at least one housing and at least one extension movably mounted in the housing. The extension is assigned at least one locking device to secure it in at least one locking position against unintentional movement. For this purpose, the locking device comprises at least one locking element and at least one locking element receptacle, wherein the locking element is received at least partially in the locking element receptacle in the locking position and secured in the locking position by at least one preloading direction.

[0009] An advantageous embodiment is that the cooking appliance includes at least one sensor device which is designed and configured to detect whether the locking element or the extension is in a locking position.

[0010] According to the invention, a pull-out is, in particular, for example, a cooking drawer with the corresponding components for repositioning it, such as a rail system and / or the like. A pull-out can also be, for example, a food carrier pull-out, which can be provided, for example, in a conventional cooking chamber of a cooking appliance such as an oven. Such a food carrier pull-out can be attached to the inner side walls of the cooking chamber or can be pulled out together with the door.

[0011] The preloading device preferably secures the detent element in the detent element receptacle with a predetermined force, for example, a spring force, so that a detent position can be reliably defined. A preloading device can be provided, for example, by at least one spring and / or at least one spring element and / or by other resiliently loaded components.

[0012] The locking position can, in particular, define at least one operating and / or filling position of the extension. For example, if the extension provides a cooking drawer, it is possible for the cooking drawer to be fixed in a predetermined extended position for filling the cooking chamber.

[0013] A detent position can, in particular, be a transit position, whereby the detent positions can then be assumed from and exited in at least two directions. Depending on the design, a detent position can preferably also define at least one end position, such that the extension can only be moved out of the detent element receptacle in the direction from which the detent position was assumed.

[0014] The sensor device is suitable and designed to recognize or detect whether the extension, preferably the locking element, is positioned in a locking position. The sensor device is provided, in particular, by at least one sensor and / or switch and / or the like.

[0015] If the extension is not in a locking position, it is in a release position in which the locking device does not secure the extension, so that it is released and can be moved freely.

[0016] The cooking appliance according to the invention offers many advantages. A significant advantage is that locking can be achieved independently of the extension itself. This makes it possible, in particular, to install the locking mechanism in various systems or even to retrofit it. Furthermore, depending on the design, several, and especially arbitrary, locking positions can be defined, allowing for particularly flexible use of the cooking appliance or the extension.

[0017] The sensor system makes it possible to link specific functionalities to certain detent positions. This would improve the user-friendliness of the device.

[0018] In the prior art, only locking mechanisms in the end positions are provided or known, whereby the end positions are directly predetermined, e.g., via the rail system of the extension. In the cooking appliance according to the invention, depending on the design, intermediate or transition positions can also be assumed as locking positions, independent of the end positions.

[0019] By additionally incorporating a sensor device, it is possible not only to secure the drawer in a locked position but also to verify that position. Thus, by combining mechanical and sensory / electrical positioning, it can be ensured, for example, that a drawer or a cooking drawer can only be used in safe positions, minimizing the risk of incorrect operation and injury.

[0020] In the case of a cooking drawer, for example, a specific functionality can be linked to the detection of the respective detent position by the sensor device, which determines the drawer's position in its two end positions (extended and retracted). For instance, the upward-swinging lid of a cooking drawer could only be released when the extended detent position is detected. Operation of the drawer could be linked to its position in the retracted end position.

[0021] Preferably, the locking element and / or the locking element receptacle is arranged along the displacement direction of the extension. This advantageously allows a locking position to be provided along the travel path of the extension.

[0022] Particularly preferably, the locking element and / or the locking element receptacle are associated with the housing assembly and / or the extension. "Associated" in this context means, in particular, that the locking element and / or the locking element receptacle are arranged on the housing assembly and / or an extension and / or formed on them.

[0023] In appropriate further developments, the detent element and / or the detent element receptacle are suitable and designed to define at least one end position as a detent position. With such a detent position, which defines an end position, the detent element can only engage and disengage from the detent element receptacle from one side.

[0024] In advantageous embodiments, the detent element and / or the detent element receptacle is suitable and configured to define at least one intermediate position as a detent position. In such a configuration, the detent element can exit the detent element receptacle from at least two sides and enter the detent element receptacle from at least two directions.

[0025] Preferably, the locking element comprises at least one roller, and the locking element receptacle is provided by at least one receptacle, wherein the roller is held in the locking position in the receptacle by means of the preloading device. Such a receptacle can, for example, be a recess in a component or a component mounted on top, into which the roller moves against the spring force and is subsequently held there.

[0026] The receptacle is preferably designed as a recess. It is particularly preferred that such a recess is provided, for example, in the housing assembly, and that a roller, particularly one arranged on the extension, rolls over the housing assembly and is then pressed into the recess by spring force upon reaching the recess or the detent position and fixed there.

[0027] Preferably, the locking element comprises at least one locking button, wherein the locking element receptacle comprises at least one holding device with at least one holding section, wherein the at least one holding section is movable perpendicular to the direction of movement of the locking element.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the holding device has at least two holding sections that are movable relative to each other.

[0029] The holding device, together with the at least one holding section or at least two holding sections, forms at least one receptacle for the locking button, wherein the holding sections are pre-loaded and pressed against each other. The two holding sections are, in particular, arranged and designed such that the locking button can move between the two holding sections and slightly push them apart, allowing the locking button to enter the receptacle between the two holding sections.

[0030] A holding device with at least one holding section can be designed in the manner of a center stop.

[0031] Preferably, the holding device with at least two holding sections is formed in one piece. In particular, a holding device can be made, for example, from a sheet metal or plastic material, wherein the holding sections are provided to be at least slightly resilient relative to each other. This can be achieved by appropriate punching or embossing or another suitable shaping of the material.

[0032] In advantageous embodiments, the force of the preloading device is adjustable. This preferably allows the force required to engage and disengage the detent position to be adjusted according to the user's preferences.

[0033] Preferably, at least two detent devices are provided, defining at least two detent positions. For example, each detent device can preferably have at least one detent element and at least one detent element receptacle to define the different positions.

[0034] Preferably, at least one detent device is provided which defines at least two detent positions. For example, a detent element can be provided which can preferably be moved into two successively arranged detent element receptacles in order to define specific detent positions.

[0035] Preferably, the sensor device comprises at least one microswitch and / or at least one reed contact and / or is provided by at least one microswitch or switch and / or at least one reed contact. By using a microswitch, particularly a contact switch, it is easy to detect whether the extension is in a detent position. The use of capacitive or inductive sensors for the sensor device is also possible.

[0036] In appropriate further developments, the sensor device is assigned to the locking device and, in particular, to the locking element. Specifically, this may involve an interaction between the sensor device and the locking element, the locking element receptacle, and / or the preloading device.

[0037] The sensor device preferably interacts with the detent element. Depending on the configuration, a detent position can be easily detected, for example, by the position of the detent element. The sensor device can be actuated or triggered, for instance, by a moving detent element. Depending on the configuration, it is particularly preferred that the detent element actuates the switch in the pre-tensioned or release position, and that the switch contact is released by moving the detent element into its receptacle in the detent position.

[0038] Preferably, the sensor device is designed as a single assembly with the locking element. Preferably, the preloading device is also integrated into the single assembly. This allows for a particularly easy-to-install system. In such a design, it is preferred that the single assembly can be mounted without tools, for example, by means of suitable snap-fit ​​and / or plug connections.

[0039] Preferably, the assembly comprises a holder in which the locking element is guided and can be displaced between at least one locking position and at least one release position, wherein in particular at least one movable part of the holder interacts with the sensor device.

[0040] The method according to the invention is suitable for operating a cooking device as described above. In this method, the extension is secured against unintentional movement in at least one detent position by means of at least one detent device during repositioning. For this purpose, at least one detent element is received at least partially in at least one detent element receptacle, and at least one preloading device secures it in the detent position. At least one sensor device detects whether the detent element or the extension is in the detent position.

[0041] The inventive method also offers the advantages that have already been described for the inventive cooking device.

[0042] Preferably, the force of the preloading device must be at least partially overcome to move the locking element out of the locking element receptacle. With such a design, it is particularly possible for the user to assume the locking position virtually without force. This can occur especially when the locking element is designed as a roller that moves into a recessed locking element receptacle. In this way, a locking position is assumed with relatively little force by extending or retracting the element. To leave this locking position, the force of the preloading device must be overcome to move the locking element out of the locking element receptacle.

[0043] In suitable designs, the force of the preloading device must be at least partially overcome in order to move the locking element into the locking element receptacle. This can be the case, in particular, if the locking element is designed as a locking button and must be moved into a holding device. In this case, especially if a force must be exerted against the preloading device when engaging the locking position, then moving the element out of the locking position is also only possible with a force.

[0044] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments, which are explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0045] The figures show: Fig. 1 a purely schematic representation of an embodiment of a cooking appliance according to the invention in three side views; Fig. 2 a purely schematic representation of a further embodiment of a cooking appliance according to the invention in two side views; Fig. 3 a purely schematic representation of another embodiment of a cooking appliance according to the invention in three side views; Fig. 4 a purely schematic representation of a further embodiment of a cooking appliance according to the invention in two side views; Fig. 5 a purely schematic representation of a further embodiment of a cooking appliance according to the invention in three side views; Fig. 6 a purely schematic representation of another embodiment of a cooking appliance according to the invention in two side views, Fig. 7 a purely schematic representation of an embodiment of an assembly comprising a locking device and a sensor device in a perspective view; Fig. 8 the execution according to Fig. 7 in a purely schematic exploded view; Fig. 9 the execution according to Fig. 7 in a purely schematic view from above; Fig. 10 the execution according to Fig. 7 in a purely schematic view from below; and Fig. 11 the execution according to Fig. 7 in a purely schematic side view.

[0046] In Fig. Figure 1 is a purely schematic representation of a cooking appliance 1 according to the invention, shown in three views. It can be seen that the cooking appliance 1 comprises a housing 2, which in this case includes a drawer 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the drawer 3 provides a cooking drawer 50, which can be moved along the transfer device 9 by means of a rail system 51. The three views show different positions of the cooking drawer 50 and the drawer 3, respectively.

[0047] According to the invention, a locking device 4 is associated with the extension 3, which is suitable and designed to lock the extension in at least one locking position 5, so that the extension 3 is secured against accidental movement or displacement in this locking position 5. The extension 3 in a locking position 5 is shown in the middle view.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking device 4 comprises a locking element 6 and a locking element receptacle 7. Here, the locking element 6 is designed as a roller 12, which is received on the extension 3 via a preloading device 8. The preloading device 8 is provided by a spring 19.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking element receptacle 7 is provided by a receptacle 13, which here is designed as a recess 14. When the extension 3 is moved to the right in the displacement device 9, the roller 12 rolls on a spring-loaded bearing over a support 20, which is formed on or through the housing device 2. As soon as the extension 3 reaches the locking position 5, the force of the preloading device 8 or by means of the spring 19 presses the roller 12 into the recess 14 or the receptacle 13. This is illustrated in the middle figure. The locking position 5 is provided as an intermediate position 11 or transition position 21, so that the extension 3 can also leave the locking position 5 in displacement directions 9 to the right, and so that the extension can be extended further.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking position 5 is assumed almost effortlessly when the extension 3 is pulled out, because the roller 12 rolls or is pressed into the receptacle 13 or recess 14 by the preloading device upon reaching it. If the extension 3 is to be moved further to the left or right from the locking position 5, a force must be applied to move the roller 12 back out of the receptacle 13 or recess against the holding force or the force of the preloading device 8.

[0051] Depending on the design, further recesses 14 or indentations 13 can be provided along the support 20, so that further resting positions 5 can also be assumed.

[0052] Furthermore, it is shown that a sensor device 24 is included, which here is designed as a microswitch 25 or contact switch 26.

[0053] By means of such a microswitch 25, or more generally by means of a corresponding sensor device 24, it can be reliably detected whether the extension 3, or in this case the cooking drawer, is in a position in which the locking element 6 is in a locking position 5. Thus, for example, by detecting a locking position 5 using the sensor device 24, a certain functionality of the cooking appliance can only be enabled if the extension 3, or the locking element 6, is in a defined position.

[0054] In the embodiment shown here, the microswitch 25 or the contact switch 26 is actuated by the locking element 6 or, in this case, the roller 12, when the locking element 6 is spring-loaded against the force of the preloading device 8 in a release position 29 in which the extension is freely movable.

[0055] In the detent position 5, the detent element 6 is springed away from the sensor device 24 to such an extent that no contact with the contact switch 26 occurs, and thus a detent position 5 of the extension is recognized by the lack of contact.

[0056] Depending on the design, different switching points or contact points of the microswitch 25 can be actuated by means of different depths of recesses 13 or depressions 14, so that several detent positions 5 can be reliably distinguished from each other.

[0057] Depending on the design, the sensor device 24 for distinguishing different detent positions 5 may also include, in addition to the microswitch 24, or, depending on the design, may exclusively include reed contacts 39.

[0058] In Fig. 2 is a further embodiment of a cooking appliance 1 according to the invention, shown purely schematically, which is based on the same principle as the embodiment shown previously. Fig. 1 corresponds to.

[0059] Here too, the locking device 4 includes at least one roller 12 as a locking element 6 and the locking element receptacle 7 includes a receptacle 13 or a recess 14.

[0060] In contrast to the previously shown embodiment, a detent position 5 is shown here, which defines an end position 10. For this purpose, a limiting element 22 is provided on one side of the recess 14 or the receptacle 13, which prevents the roller 12 or the detent element 6 from leaving the recess 14 in the displacement direction 9 to the right.

[0061] Also in Fig. Figure 2 shows a sensor device 24 for reliably detecting the presence of a detent position 5. The sensor device 24 is described in the following sections. Fig. 3 to 6 are no longer shown, but are preferably provided in a suitable configuration.

[0062] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of a cooking appliance 1 according to the invention, shown purely schematically. Here again, a pull-out drawer 3 is provided, which is also designed as a cooking drawer 50. The cooking drawer 50 can be moved left and right along the displacement direction 9 via a rail system 51.

[0063] In the embodiment shown here, the locking device 4 comprises a locking element 6, which is designed here as a locking button 15.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking element receptacle 7 is provided by a holding device 16, which here comprises two holding sections 17, 18, each of which is held resiliently by a preloading device 8 or springs 19.

[0065] The middle view shows that the extension 3 has been moved to the right in the displacement direction 9, so that the locking button 15 engages in the receptacle 13 between the two retaining sections 17, 18. The two retaining sections 17, 18 are arranged relative to each other such that the locking button 15 can be moved between them via an insertion aid 23, and in doing so, it slightly pushes them apart against the force of the preloading devices 8. Once the locking button 15 is in the receptacle 13 between the two retaining sections 17, 18, it is held in the detent position 5 by the retaining device 16, i.e., by the two retaining sections 17, 18 being pressed together.

[0066] The lower view shows that here too, the detent position 5 is provided as an intermediate position 11 or through position 21. Accordingly, here too, the extension 3 or the detent button 15 can enter the holding device 16 or the receptacle 13 in the displacement device 9 from the left and right, and can also exit detent position 5 to the right and left.

[0067] In Fig. Figure 4 is a purely schematic representation of an embodiment of a cooking appliance according to the invention, which is based on the same principle as the embodiment shown previously. Fig. 3 corresponds. Here too, the locking element 6 is designed as a locking button 15 and the locking element receptacle 7 is provided by a holding device 16.

[0068] In contrast to the previously shown embodiment, here the two holding sections 17, 18 are connected to each other via a limiting element 22, so that in the illustrated embodiment the locking button 15 can only enter the holding device 16 from the left in the displacement device 9 and can only leave the holding device to the left. Thus, here too, an end position 10 is defined as the locking position 5.

[0069] Depending on the design, the limit or limiting element 22 can also be replaced by other suitable means.

[0070] In Fig. Figure 5 schematically illustrates a further embodiment of a cooking appliance 1 according to the invention, which is similar in basic structure to that shown in Figure 5. Fig. 3 resembles the embodiment shown.

[0071] Here too, a locking device 4 is provided, which includes a locking element 6 designed as a locking button 15. As in Fig. 3 Here too, the locking element receptacle 7 is provided by a holding device 16.

[0072] In contrast to the previously shown embodiment, the holding device 6, or rather the holding sections 17, 18, are designed as a single piece or as a single component. Here too, the two holding sections 17 and 18 are arranged relative to each other with at least a slight spring action by appropriately designed preloading devices 8. Such a preloading device 8 can be provided, for example, by a corresponding stamping or a similar or other manufacturing technique.

[0073] As in Fig. Figure 3 shows three views which show the movement of the extension 3 through the detent position 5, where the detent position 5 is again provided as intermediate position 11 or through position 21.

[0074] In Fig. 6 is an embodiment similar to the one in Fig. 5 shown embodiment, wherein here too a limiting element 22 is provided which here connects the holding sections 17, 18 on the right side, so that here too an end position 10 is defined as the detent position 5, in which the detent button 15 can only enter the holding device 16 from the left and can only leave it to the left.

[0075] In Fig. Figure 7 is an embodiment of a locking device 4 according to the application, shown purely schematically in a perspective view. In this embodiment, a sensor device 24 is also included, which here is implemented together with the locking device 4 or with parts thereof as a common assembly 27.

[0076] The common assembly 27 here comprises a holder 28, on which both the sensor device 24 and the intended components of the locking device 4, here the locking element 6 and the preloading device 8, are mounted.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the common assembly 27 can be easily and without tools attached to the housing 2 and / or the extension 3 of a cooking appliance by means of the locking elements 37. Depending on the design, one such common assembly 27, or more generally, one such locking device 4, can be provided on each of the left and right extensions 3, and depending on the design, a sensor device 24 may also be provided on only one side.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking element 6 is designed as a roller 12, which is movably mounted on the bracket 28 via a movable part 30, or in this case a hinged lever 31, by means of an axle 34. The preloading device 8, in this case a spring 19, biases the roller 12 towards a receptacle 13 or recess 14, into which the locking element 6 engages when the extension 3 has moved into the corresponding position. The receptacle 13 or recess 14 is not shown here.

[0079] The position or arrangement of the roller 12 shown in the illustration is the detent position 5, in which the roller 12 is provided further away from the sensor device 24.

[0080] In order to enable a guided displacement of the roller 12, the articulated lever 31 in the illustrated embodiment comprises guide elements 36 which can be displaced in corresponding guides 35 in the holder 28 between a detent position 5 and a release position 29 not shown here.

[0081] In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor device 24 comprises a microswitch 25, which here is designed as a contact switch 26. The contact switch 26 comprises a contact element 32 and a contact 33, wherein the contact element 32 and the contact 33 come into contact together when the roller 12 is pushed back against the force of the preloading device 8 and is in the release position 29, so that the extension 3 can then be moved.

[0082] Furthermore, the sensor device 24 in the illustrated embodiment includes a reed contact 39, so that the sensor device 24 in the illustrated embodiment can not only detect whether the extension 3 or the locking element 6 is in a locking position 5, but also, if several locking positions 5 are provided, in which locking position 5 the extension 3 is located.

[0083] In Fig. Figure 8 shows the previously described embodiment again in an exploded view. Here too, it is known that a holder 28 is provided in which the locking element 6, the preloading device 8, and the sensor device 24 are accommodated as a common assembly 20. Locking elements 38 are provided on the holder 28 for attaching the sensor device 24, so that the sensor device 24, here a microswitch 25, can be easily connected to the holder 28.

[0084] The illustration shown here also shows how the movable part 30, or the articulated lever 31, is designed. The articulated lever 31 can be pivotally mounted on the bracket 28 by means of an axle 34. The roller 12 is also rotatably mounted on the articulated lever 31 by means of an axle 40.

[0085] In order to enable controlled guidance of the joint lever 31 and to define end positions, guide elements 36 are provided on the joint lever 31 as described above, which are moved in corresponding guides 35 in the holder depending on the position of the detent element 6 or roller 12.

[0086] Furthermore, the contact element 32 and the contact 33 of the microswitch 25 or contact switch 26 can be seen, wherein the contact 33 actuates the contact element 32 in the illustrated embodiment by means of the articulated lever 31 which moves up and down.

[0087] Since the sensor device 24 in the version shown here also includes a reed contact 39, it is possible, for example, to detect not only whether the drawer 50 is in the fully retracted or extended position, but also which of the two positions the drawer 50 is in.

[0088] Without such a reed contact 39, it would only be possible to determine, without further specifications for microswitch 25 and / or locking device 4, that the cooking drawer 50 is in one of the locking positions 5, but not which one. However, since certain functionalities or states can be linked to specific positions depending on the locking position 5 and the design and type of cooking appliance 1, this distinction is advantageous.

[0089] For example, in a cooking drawer 50, a defined and known detent position 5 can be specified so that, for example, the lid of the cooking drawer 50 is only released when the drawer is fully open, whereby, for example, the operation of the cooking drawer is only released in the fully retracted detent position.

[0090] In the Fig. 9, Fig. 10 and Fig. Figure 11 shows schematic views of the previously shown embodiment of a common assembly 27 from above, below and from the side.

[0091] The described embodiments of the exemplary embodiments shown can be combined arbitrarily to achieve further suitable embodiments with regard to suitable detent positions 5. Reference symbol list 1 cooking appliance 2 Housing setup 3 Excerpt 4 Locking device 5 locking positions 6 locking element 7 Latch element holder 8 Preloading device 9. Direction of displacement 10 End position 11 Intermediate position 12 rolls 13th entry 14 In-depth study 15 locking button 16 Holding device 17 Stop section 18 Stop section 19 feathers 20th edition 21 Passage position 22 Boundary element 23 Insertion aid 24 Sensor system 25 microswitches 26 contact switches 27 Assembly 28 bracket 29 Release position 30 moving parts 31 Joint levers 32 Contact element 33 Contact 34 axle 35 Leadership 36 Guide element 37 Latching element 38 locking elements 39 Reed contact 40 axle 50 cooking drawer 51 rail system

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