COOKING APPLIANCE FOR HEATING GOODS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cooking appliance for heating food. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a cooking appliance for heating food.

[0002] Cooking appliances for heating food with a locking device for blocking the movement of a cooking chamber door from a closed position to an open position are known from prior public use. The disadvantage of such locking devices is that they are space-intensive and, on the other hand, they have components that protrude from the cooking chamber door or the cooking chamber, thus impeding the user's use of the cooking appliance.

[0003] Such cooking appliances are also known from EP 3 604 932 A1, US 2007 / 0296224 A1, DE 10 2009 059 313 A1, US 6,079,756 A, WO 2006 / 066646 A1 and US 2008 / 0271727 A1.

[0004] An object of the invention is to provide an improved cooking appliance which, in particular, makes the available installation space usable as far as possible for the cooking process and avoids any impairment of the user when using the cooking appliance.

[0005] This object is achieved by a cooking appliance for heating food to be cooked with the features of claim 1. According to the invention, it was recognized that the cooking appliance with the cooking chamber and the cooking chamber door has a locking device with a locking engagement and a locking bolt for reversibly closing the cooking chamber opening, wherein the locking device is designed such that a movement component of a displacement movement of the locking bolt is oriented parallel to the direction of a movement of the locking engagement relative to the locking bolt when displacing the cooking chamber door from the closed position, in order to enable a particularly compact design and arrangement of the locking device on the cooking appliance, in particular on the cooking chamber, to maximize the usable cooking space in the available installation space and to avoid any impairment of the user due to the locking device.Here, the cooking chamber door is preferably arranged in the closed position. The displacement movement of the locking bolt occurs between the release position and the locked position. The direction of movement of the bolt engagement relative to the locking bolt when moving the cooking chamber door from the closed position is referred to as the opening direction. Because the displacement movement of the locking bolt has a movement component oriented parallel to the opening direction, the displacement of the locking bolt occurs at least partially in the opening direction. The opening direction is preferably parallel to a surface normal of a front side of the cooking appliance, in particular a front side of the cooking chamber door. The movement space swept over by the locking bolt when moving between the release position and the locked position can thus have a main extension direction which is at least partially oriented along the opening direction.This allows the locking device to be arranged particularly compactly on the cooking chamber. Furthermore, the locking device ensures that the locking bolt can be retracted behind a front visible surface, in particular a cover, in the release position. The resulting distance between the locking bolt, in particular a bolt contact section, and the bolt engagement, in particular an engagement contact section, can be bridged by the movement component, which is oriented parallel to the opening direction, when the locking bolt is moved from the locked position to the release position. Protruding components of the locking device, particularly in and / or transverse to the opening direction, can thus be avoided. The appearance, in particular of the front of the cooking appliance, is thus particularly appealing.Any interference with the user's handling of food due to disturbing protrusions can be ruled out.

[0006] It is particularly preferred, but not essential for the invention, for the locking device to be designed such that the locking bolt penetrates a bolt exit opening in the locked position and is retracted further behind the bolt exit opening in the release position compared to the locked position. The term "behind the bolt exit opening" refers to that side of the bolt exit opening which is opposite the bolt engagement, in particular which lies within a housing, behind a panel and / or behind a cover in which the bolt exit opening is formed. In the release position, the locking bolt can project forward from the bolt exit opening, be arranged flush with the bolt exit opening, or be arranged completely behind the bolt exit opening. The release position and / or the locked position are preferably end positions of the displacement movement of the locking bolt.Preferably, one, in particular every, position of the locking bolt in which the movement of the cooking chamber door from the closed position to a fully open position is blocked is referred to as the blocked position. Because the locking bolt is retracted further behind the bolt outlet opening in the release position than in the blocked position, it is possible to avoid parts that protrude forward, which could negatively affect the appearance of the cooking appliance and / or hinder the user when handling food. Because the locking bolt penetrates the bolt outlet opening in the blocked position, in particular penetrates further than in the released position, correspondingly protruding parts can also be avoided on the part of the bolt engagement, in particular on the part of the cooking chamber door.

[0007] It is particularly preferred, but not essential for the invention, that the locking device is designed such that the locking bolt is displaced purely translationally when retracted through the bolt outlet opening into the release position, or is displaced translationally and rotationally. A purely translational movement can be a linear movement. A purely rotational movement can be a pivoting movement or a rotary movement, in particular about a spatially fixed axis of rotation. Because the locking bolt is displaced purely translationally when retracted through the bolt outlet opening into the release position, or is displaced translationally and rotationally, the bolt outlet opening can be particularly small in relation to the dimensions of the locking bolt. The penetration of dirt and / or steam through the bolt outlet opening, in particular into a housing of the cooking appliance, can thereby be reliably prevented.The cleaning effort can thus be reduced and germ formation can be avoided.

[0008] Preferably, when moving between the release position and the blocking position, in particular when retracting through the bolt exit opening into the release position, the locking bolt is pivoted by an angle of maximum 90°, in particular maximum 60°, in particular maximum 30°, in particular maximum 15°, and / or at least 10°, in particular at least 25°, in particular about an axis parallel and / or transverse to the longitudinal axis of the locking bolt and / or to the opening direction.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, the locking bolt is retracted through the bolt exit opening between the release position and the locking position, particularly when retracting through the bolt exit opening into the release position, over a length in the range of 5 mm to 50 mm, in particular 10 mm to 30 mm. This advantageously ensures that the locking bolt can reliably and robustly engage the bolt.

[0010] According to a further aspect of the invention, a sealing means for sealing a gap between the locking bolt and the bolt exit opening, in particular an edge structure of the bolt exit opening, the cover, or the housing, is arranged between the locking bolt and the bolt exit opening. The penetration of dirt or steam through the bolt exit opening can thus be prevented. In particular, the sealing means can be designed to wipe dirt and / or moisture off the locking bolt when it is retracted into the release position.

[0011] In the closed position, the cooking chamber door closes the cooking chamber opening. When the locking latch is in the release position, movement of the cooking chamber door from the closed position, in particular to the open position, is permitted. When the locking latch is in the locked position, movement of the cooking chamber door can be blocked, in particular prevented.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, a ratio between an adjustment path oriented parallel to the opening direction and an adjustment path of the locking bolt oriented perpendicular to the opening direction between the blocking position and the release position is at least 0.5, in particular 0.8, in particular at least 1, in particular at least 2, in particular at least 4, in particular at least 10 and / or a maximum of 20, in particular a maximum of 10, in particular a maximum of 4, in particular a maximum of 2, in particular a maximum of 1. Preferably, the locking device is designed for translational and / or rotational, in particular purely translational, displacement of the locking bolt between the release position and the blocking position.

[0013] The locking device can be designed such that the locking bolt has a travel distance of at least 2 mm, in particular at least 4 mm, in particular at least 10 mm, in particular at least 15 mm, in particular at least 20 mm, measured parallel to the opening direction when displaced between the release position and the locking position. A travel distance of the locking bolt perpendicular to the opening direction is preferably in a range from 2 mm to 20 mm, in particular from 3 mm to 15 mm, in particular from 4 mm to 10 mm. This advantageously ensures that the locking device can be designed to save installation space, whereby unintentional opening of the cooking chamber door can be reliably and robustly prevented.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the locking mechanism is attached to the cooking chamber door. The opening direction is determined by the movement of the locking mechanism relative to the cooking chamber when the cooking chamber door is moved from the closed position, in particular into the open position. Alternatively, the locking mechanism can be attached to the cooking chamber. The opening direction is then determined by the direction of movement of the locking mechanism when the cooking chamber door is moved from the closed position, in particular into the open position.

[0015] Preferably, the cooking chamber door is pivotable relative to the cooking chamber. The locking device, in particular the locking engagement, is preferably arranged on a side of the cooking chamber door opposite the pivot axis. The blocking forces acting on the locking device are thus particularly low. The locking device, in particular the locking engagement, can also be arranged laterally on the cooking chamber door. The locking device is preferably arranged completely outside the cooking chamber, in particular laterally, above and / or below the cooking chamber.

[0016] According to a further aspect of the invention, the locking bolt, in particular the locking contact section, is arranged in the release position along the opening direction at a distance from the locking engagement, particularly when the cooking chamber door is arranged in the closed position. This advantageously ensures that the locking bolt can engage the locking engagement in the locking position and can be moved out of the user's field of vision and / or action in the release position.

[0017] According to the invention, the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the bolt exit opening and the smallest convex envelope of a sectional area of ​​the locking bolt with the bolt exit opening is a maximum of 2:1. This ratio is preferably in the range from 1:10 to 2:1, in particular from 1:2 to 1.5:1, in particular from 1:1 to 1.25:1, in particular from 1:1 to 1.1:1. This ratio can be present in the release position, in particular in any position of the locking bolt in which it penetrates the bolt exit opening, in particular in any position of the locking bolt. A gap, in particular a tolerance gap, between the locking bolt and the bolt exit opening can thus be dimensioned particularly small. The gap is preferably a maximum of 2 mm, in particular a maximum of 1 mm, in particular at any point around the bolt exit opening.The shape of the bolt exit opening and that of the locking bolt, in particular its cross-sectional shape, especially in the area of ​​the bolt exit opening, can be adapted to each other, in particular identical to each other. For example, the bolt exit opening and the locking bolt can be rectangular in cross-section, preferably with an identical aspect ratio.

[0018] According to a further aspect of the invention, the locking bolt protrudes forward in the release position of the bolt outlet opening, particularly on the bolt engagement side, by a maximum of 10 mm. The part of the locking bolt that protrudes in the release position of the bolt outlet opening can partially or completely seal the bolt outlet opening. The slight overhang prevents the user from being hindered when handling food. To seal the bolt outlet opening, the locking bolt can have a widened portion for flush seating against the edge structure of the bolt outlet opening. The widened portion can be T-shaped and / or mushroom-shaped in longitudinal section.

[0019] In the release position, the locking bolt can be arranged at a distance from the locking engagement point perpendicular to the opening direction. This advantageously ensures that the locking bolt can securely engage the locking engagement point. Furthermore, the locking bolt can be retracted behind a cover extending perpendicular to the opening direction.

[0020] According to a further aspect of the invention, the locking bolt is arranged flush with the bolt exit opening in the release position or is retracted completely behind the bolt exit opening. In the locked position, the locking bolt can penetrate the bolt exit opening. The bolt exit opening is preferably part of a cover and / or a panel and / or a housing of the cooking appliance. The bolt exit opening can be arranged on a front side of the cooking appliance. Preferably, a front side of the locking bolt arranged on the side of the bolt engagement is arranged flush with the bolt exit opening in the release position. This makes the cooking appliance particularly easy to clean and visually appealing.

[0021] According to a further aspect of the invention, the locking device can be designed for, in particular partially, rotational displacement of the locking bolt about a rotation axis which is arranged on the side of the bolt outlet opening opposite the bolt engagement. The rotation axis can be a spatially fixed or movable rotation axis. The rotation axis can be fixed by a joint axis and / or determined by the kinematics of the displacement movement, in particular without being located in a joint. By arranging the rotation axis behind the bolt outlet opening, it is advantageously achieved that the movement path of the locking bolt in front of the bolt outlet opening can be greater than in the region of the bolt outlet opening. As a result, the bolt outlet opening can have a particularly small dimension compared to the dimension of the locking bolt.

[0022] According to a further aspect of the invention, the locking bolt and the locking engagement interact in the locked position as a dead-center locking mechanism or as an over-center locking mechanism. Dead-center locking means that a reaction force between the locking bolt and the locking engagement when attempting to open the cooking chamber door does not include a force component in the direction of the release position. Accordingly, over-center locking means that the reaction force between the locking bolt and the locking engagement acts on the locking bolt in the direction of the locked position. In particular, the locking device can be designed such that a force exerted on the cooking chamber door in the opening direction causes a reaction force on the locking bolt that is at least partially oriented in the direction of the locked position or oriented exclusively parallel to the opening direction.This advantageously ensures that any movement of the cooking chamber door from the closed position to the locked position is reliably prevented. The locking effect is thus achieved particularly reliably.

[0023] According to a further aspect of the invention, the locking bolt interacts with the locking engagement without play in the locked position. The locking bolt, in particular the locking contact section, contacts the locking engagement, in particular the engagement contact section. In particular, the locking bolt is arranged without play on the locking engagement in the closed position, in particular without the cooking chamber door first having to be moved toward the open position.

[0024] The locking device can be designed to move the cooking chamber door at least partially between the open position and the closed position. Preferably, the locking device is designed to move the cooking chamber door from a transfer position, which is formed between the open position and the closed position, into the closed position, in particular in an automated manner. For this purpose, the locking bolt can first be brought into engagement with the locking mechanism. A motor acting on the locking bolt or the locking mechanism can cause the cooking chamber door to move from the transfer position to the closed position. The closing process can thus be particularly smooth and reliable.

[0025] Alternatively, a locking gap between the locking bolt, in particular the bolt contact section, and the bolt engagement, in particular the engagement contact section, can be a maximum of 2 mm, in particular a maximum of 1 mm, in particular a maximum of 0.5 mm.

[0026] The locking latch can be damped and / or spring-loaded to gently slow down the movement of the cooking chamber door.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the invention, the locking device comprises a motor for displacing the locking bolt between the locking position and the release position, in particular from the release position to the locking position and / or from the locking position to the release position. The motor can be designed as a rotary motor or a linear motor. This advantageously ensures that the locking device, in particular the locking bolt, can be displaced automatically between the release position and the locking position.

[0028] The cooking appliance may include a control device. The control device is preferably in signal communication with the locking device, in particular the motor, for the automated movement of the locking bolt between the release position and the locking position.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the invention, the motor is a wax motor. The wax motor is designed to effect a heat-induced actuating movement. To provide the heat, the wax motor can have an electric heating element and / or be connected to the cooking chamber in a heat-transferring manner. Preferably, the electric heating element is used exclusively to heat the wax motor. The electric heating element can have a signal connection to the control device. Alternatively or additionally, the wax motor can be operated using heat transferred from the cooking chamber to the wax motor. For this purpose, for example, a heat-conducting element can be provided between the cooking chamber and the wax motor. By heating the wax motor using the heat transferred from the cooking chamber, the locking bolt can be automatically actuated depending on the temperature of the cooking chamber.In particular, this ensures that the locking latch remains reliably locked even in the event of a power failure or a control error, as long as the temperature in the cooking chamber remains above a certain threshold. This ensures particularly safe operation of the cooking appliance.

[0030] According to a further aspect of the invention, the motor, in particular the wax motor, in an activated state exerts a force on the locking bolt in the direction of the locking position and / or the release position. Preferably, the locking device is designed such that the motor acts on the locking bolt exclusively in the direction of the locking position. For example, a one-sided positive-locking, in particular latching, connection or a butt joint can exist between the locking bolt and the motor. This advantageously ensures that the connection between the motor and the locking bolt can be designed particularly cost-effectively.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the invention, the motor is mounted for displacement, particularly counter to its actuating direction, particularly between a working position in which the motor can actuate the locking bolt and an emergency release position in which the motor cannot act on the locking bolt. The displaceable mounting of the motor enables emergency release of the locking bolt.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the invention, the motor is mounted displaceably against the spring force of a biasing spring. The motor is preferably biased into the working position, particularly in the actuating direction, by means of the biasing spring. The locking device can have a tool engagement, particularly for a screwdriver, for manually moving the motor from the working position to the emergency release position.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the invention, the motor and the locking bolt interact in such a way that the motor can exert a force on the locking bolt toward the locked position, but not toward the release position. This enables, in particular, the emergency release function in a particularly simple design. Because the motor does not interact with the locking bolt toward the release position, the motor can be moved to the emergency release position without acting on the locking bolt. The emergency release function is thus particularly robust against damage to the locking mechanism.

[0034] According to a further aspect of the invention, the locking device comprises a return spring for moving the locking bolt from the locked position to the release position. The locking device is preferably designed such that the return spring is tensioned when the locking bolt is moved to the locked position. The energy stored in the return spring can thus be used to move the locking bolt to the release position. The locking device is thus particularly robust in operation and economical to manufacture.

[0035] The return spring and / or the preload spring can be designed as a tension spring and / or a compression spring and / or a leaf spring and / or a torsion spring. Preferably, the preload spring is designed as a compression spring, and the return spring is designed as a tension spring.

[0036] According to a further aspect of the invention, the locking device has a guide rail for guided displacement of the locking bolt. The guide rail ensures particularly precise guidance of the locking bolt. The guide rail can have one or two end stops to limit the displacement of the locking bolt. The guide rail can be formed by a base body. The motor can be attached to the base body. The guide rail can be manufactured particularly economically.

[0037] Preferably, an actuating lever acts between the motor and / or the return spring and the locking bolt to transmit the actuating forces from the motor and / or the return spring to the locking bolt. The slotted guide is preferably designed to guide the locking bolt. As an alternative to the slotted guide, the locking device can comprise a coupling mechanism, in particular an articulated mechanism, in particular a four-bar linkage mechanism. This allows the locking bolt to be displaced between the locking position and the release position with particularly low friction.

[0038] The locking device can also have a cam drive for moving the locking bolt between the release position and the locking position. A rotary motor is preferably provided for rotationally driving the cam drive. The cam drive is preferably designed to move the locking bolt translationally, in particular purely translationally, in particular purely linearly, and / or rotationally between the release position and the locking position.

[0039] According to a further aspect of the invention, the guide slot is designed to be self-locking in the locked position. This means that a force acting on the locking bolt, in particular on the bolt contact section, cannot cause the locking bolt to shift toward the release position. In particular, the guide slot acts self-locking in the locking position of the locking bolt with respect to a force exerted on the bolt contact section toward the release position.

[0040] According to a further aspect of the invention, the locking device comprises at least one button for detecting the position of the locking bolt, in particular the arrangement of the locking bolt in the release position and / or the locking position. The at least one button is preferably in signal communication with the control device.

[0041] A further object of the invention is to provide an improved method for operating an appliance for heating food.

[0042] This object is achieved by a method comprising the steps of providing a cooking chamber for receiving the food to be heated, with a cooking chamber opening for loading and unloading the cooking chamber with the food, a cooking chamber door for reversibly closing the cooking chamber opening, and a locking device with a locking engagement, and a locking bolt movably mounted relative to the cooking chamber door and the cooking chamber, and moving the locking bolt from a release position, in which the cooking chamber door can be moved from the closed position to the open position, to a blocking position, in which the locking bolt engages the locking engagement and blocks movement of the cooking chamber door from the closed position to the open position,wherein a movement component of the displacement movement of the locking bolt is oriented parallel to an opening direction of the locking engagement relative to the locking bolt when moving the cooking chamber door from the closed position to the open position. Preferably, the method is further developed with at least one of the features described above in connection with the cooking appliance. The advantages of the method correspond in particular to the advantages of the cooking appliance described above.

[0043] The method for operating the cooking appliance particularly preferably, but not necessarily, includes the step of the locking bolt in the locked position penetrating a bolt exit opening through which the locking bolt is retracted in a purely translational or translational and rotational manner when moved into the release position. This allows the locking bolt to be guided through the bolt exit opening with particularly little play, i.e., with a particularly small distance from an edge structure of the bolt exit opening.

[0044] Preferably, the locking bolt is moved from the release position to the closed position when a limit temperature in the cooking chamber is exceeded, in particular in a pyrolysis process, and / or when starting and / or ending a specific functional program of the cooking appliance, in particular a cleaning program, in particular before chemical cleaning of the cooking chamber.

[0045] The position of the locking latch, in particular in the locked position, is preferably detected, in particular by means of a limit switch, in particular a push button. Heating the cooking chamber above the limit temperature and / or starting the cleaning process preferably only occurs when the locking latch is in the locked position. Furthermore, the position of the cooking chamber door in the closed position can be detected, in particular via a limit switch. Heating the cooking chamber and / or starting the cleaning process preferably only occurs when the cooking chamber door is also in the closed position.

[0046] By using the wax motor to move the locking bolt between the release position and the locking position, the locking device can be manufactured particularly cost-effectively and is particularly quiet in operation.

[0047] The opening direction is preferably horizontal. The locking bolt is preferably moved horizontally and / or vertically. The guide rail is preferably designed such that the locking bolt is first moved horizontally and then vertically. The locking bolt is preferably retracted behind a bolt exit opening, in particular behind a cover, when moved from the locked position to the released position. This reliably prevents the locking bolt from interfering with the user's movement.

[0048] The movement of the locking bolt preferably occurs in a single plane, particularly non-linearly or linearly. The displacement of the locking bolt thus occurs in a simple and robust manner.

[0049] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment with reference to the figures. They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a cooking appliance for heating food in the form of a steam oven, comprising a locking device for reversibly blocking the movement of a cooking chamber door from a closed position to an open position, Fig. 2 a perspective view of the locking device in Fig. 1 from the top right, wherein a locking bolt of the locking device is arranged in a release position in which the cooking chamber door can be moved from the closed position to the open position, Fig. 3 a side view of the locking device in Fig. 1 from the right, wherein the locking bolt is arranged in a locking position in which a movement of the cooking chamber door from the closed position to the open position is blocked, Fig. 4 a front view of the locking device in Fig. 1 , in the locking position, Fig. 5 a perspective view of the locking device in Fig. 1 from top left, in the locking position, Fig. 6 a side view of the locking device in Fig. 1 from the left, in the locking position, and Fig. 7 a side view from the right of a locking device according to a further embodiment, wherein the locking bolt is arranged in the locking position, in which the movement of the cooking chamber door from the closed position to the open position is blocked and wherein the actuation of a button for detecting a switching position of the locking device takes place by means of a linearly displaceably mounted switching carriage.

[0050] Based on the Fig. 1 bis Fig. 6 A cooking appliance 1 for heating food is described. The cooking appliance 1 comprises a cooking chamber 2 for accommodating the food to be heated, with a cooking chamber opening 3 for loading and unloading the cooking chamber 2 with the food. A cooking chamber door 4 of the cooking appliance 1 is pivotally mounted relative to the cooking chamber 2. The cooking chamber door 4 can be moved between an open position, in which the cooking chamber opening 3 is released for loading and unloading food, and a closed position, in which the cooking chamber opening 3 is closed.

[0051] The cooking appliance 1 has a locking device 5 with a locking latch 6 and a locking bolt 7. The locking latch 6 is fixedly attached to the cooking chamber door 4. The locking bolt 7 is movably attached to the cooking chamber 2.

[0052] The locking bolt 7 can be moved between a release position and a locked position. In the release position, the locking bolt 7 is disengaged from the locking engagement 6 and the cooking chamber door 4 can be moved from the closed position to the open position. In the locked position, the locking bolt 7 engages the locking engagement 6 and movement of the cooking chamber door 4 is locked. In particular, movement of the cooking chamber door 4 from the closed position is locked, i.e. prevented, when the locking bolt 7 engages the locking engagement 6. In particular, movement of the cooking chamber door 4 from the closed position to the open position is locked. In particular, the locking engagement 6 and the locking bolt 7 interact as a reversibly releasable, positive-locking connection.

[0053] In principle, it is also possible to specify further defined positions of the cooking chamber door 4 using the locking latch 7. In particular, it is possible to hold the cooking chamber door 4 in one or more predetermined opening positions using the locking latch 7. It may also be possible to move the cooking chamber door 4 into one or more defined opening positions using the locking latch 7.

[0054] The locking engagement 6 is arranged in the upper region of the cooking chamber door 4. The cooking chamber door 4 can be pivoted about a horizontal pivot axis 8 relative to the cooking chamber 2. An opening direction 9 of the locking engagement 6 is determined by the displacement direction of the locking engagement 6 when the cooking chamber door 4 is moved from the closed position, in particular toward the open position. The opening direction 9 is oriented essentially horizontally, in particular parallel to a surface normal of the cooking chamber door 4.

[0055] The locking device 5 is arranged laterally next to the cooking chamber 2. In particular, the locking device 5 is arranged completely above the cooking chamber 2 in the release position.

[0056] In the Fig. 2 The locking device 5 arranged in the release position is shown in further detail. The locking bolt 7 is arranged at a distance from the locking engagement 6 along the opening direction 9. A locking contact portion 10 of the locking bolt 7 is arranged at a distance B of 15 mm from an engagement contact portion 11 of the locking engagement 6 parallel to the opening direction 9 and at a distance H of 20 mm in the vertical direction.

[0057] The locking bolt 7 is connected to the cooking chamber 2 via a slotted guide 12 of the locking device 5. The slotted guide 12 is designed such that, when the locking bolt 7 is moved from the release position to the locking position, the locking contact section 10 is displaced downwards by the distance B in the opening direction 9 and by the distance H in the vertical direction. In the release position, the locking bolt 7 is arranged at a distance from the locking engagement 6 along the opening direction 9. A movement component of the displacement movement of the locking bolt 7 when moving between the release position and the locking position is oriented parallel to the opening direction 9.

[0058] The locking device 5 has a motor 13 for displacing the locking bolt 7 between the locked position and the release position, in particular from the release position to the locked position. The motor 13 is designed as a linear motor, in particular as a wax motor. The motor 13 is displaceably mounted on a base structure 14 of the locking device 5. A motor mount 15 connected to the base structure 14 ensures that the motor 13 is mounted on the base structure 14 so that it can be displaced along an actuating direction 16 of the motor 13. The motor 13 comprises a base body 17 and an actuator 18 that can be displaced relative to the base body 17 along the actuating direction 16. When the motor 13 is deactivated, the actuator 18 is arranged in a reset position. When the motor 13 is activated, the actuator 18 is arranged in a feed position displaced in the actuating direction 16 relative to the reset position.

[0059] The locking device 5 comprises a preload spring 19. The preload spring 19 preloads the motor 13 in the actuating direction 16. The motor 13 is slidably mounted in the motor mount 15 for manually moving the locking bolt 7 into the release position, counter to the actuating direction 16 and the spring force of the preload spring 19. This ensures an emergency release function.

[0060] The motor 13 acts on the locking bolt 7 exclusively in the direction of the locking position. To move the locking bolt 7 from the locking position to the release position, the locking device 5 comprises a return spring 20. The motor 13 and the return spring 20 act on the locking bolt 7 via an adjusting lever 21. The adjusting lever 21 is rotatably mounted about an adjusting axis 22. The motor 13, the return spring 20, and the adjusting lever 21 are designed such that the return spring 20 is tensioned when the motor 13 is moved into the closed position.

[0061] An electrical switch 23 is arranged on the base structure 14. The switch 23 detects a switching position of the control lever 21.

[0062] The adjusting lever 21 acts on the locking bolt 7 via an adjusting bolt 24. The adjusting bolt 24 is guided in the link guide 12.

[0063] Based on the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 The locking device 5 is described in further detail. The adjusting bolt 24 penetrates the base structure 14 in the region of an adjusting opening 25. The adjusting bolt 24 engages in an adjusting slot 26 of the locking bolt 7. To guide the locking bolt, a bearing pin 27 engages in a bearing slot 28 of the locking bolt 7. The bearing pin 27 is formed integrally with the base body 17. A guide pin 29 is attached to a front region of the locking bolt 7. The guide pin 29 engages in a guide slot 30 formed in the base structure 14.

[0064] The adjustment slot 26 and the bearing slot 28 are straight. The adjustment opening 25 is designed as a circular arc-shaped slot, in particular arranged concentrically to the adjustment axis. The guide slot 30 is curved, in particular angularly curved, in particular curved at an angle of approximately 90°.

[0065] To attach the locking device 5 to a housing 31 of the cooking appliance 1, two shaft-shaped connecting elements 32 are attached to the base structure 14. The connecting elements 32 are formed integrally with the base structure 14.

[0066] The housing 31 has a bolt exit opening 33. In the release position, the locking bolt 7 is completely retracted behind the bolt exit opening 33, toward the cooking chamber 2. In the locked position, the locking bolt penetrates the bolt exit opening 33.

[0067] The locking contact section 10 contacts the engagement contact section 11 in the locking position. In the locking position, the locking bolt 7 interacts with the locking engagement 6 without play.

[0068] The cooking appliance 1 with the locking device 5 functions as follows: The locking device 5, in particular the locking latch 7, is in the release position, and the cooking chamber door 4 is in the closed position. The preload spring 19 and the return spring 20 are released. The adjusting lever 21 does not contact the button 23.

[0069] To heat the food, it is placed in the cooking chamber 2. To do this, the cooking chamber door 4 is pivoted from the closed position to the open position about the pivot axis 8. The locking mechanism 6 is initially moved in the opening direction 9 and then downward in a circular arc. The cooking chamber door is now in the open position, and the food can be placed in the cooking chamber 2.

[0070] The cooking chamber door 4 is moved back to the closed position. The cooking chamber surrounded by the cooking chamber door 4 is heated, and the food is heated. Water, particularly steam, is also introduced into the cooking chamber. The food is heated by the heated air and steam. After the cooking process is complete, the food can be removed from the cooking chamber 2.

[0071] The cooking chamber 2 becomes increasingly dirty due to splashed and / or overflowing components of the heated food. A cleaning process is therefore carried out at regular intervals. For this purpose, a chemical cleaning composition is introduced into the cooking chamber 2. The cooking chamber door 4 is moved back to the closed position. The cooking chamber is heated up, and water is introduced into the cooking chamber. To protect the user from burns caused by hot air, hot steam, or from a hazard caused by the chemical cleaning composition due to an accidental opening of the cooking chamber door 4 during the cleaning process, the locking latch 7 is moved to the locked position at the start of the cleaning process.

[0072] The cooking appliance 1 has a control device (not shown) that is in signal communication with the locking device 5. To move the locking bolt 7 from the release position to the locking position, the motor 13 is activated. The wax in the motor is heated, expands, and drives the actuator 18 from the reset position along the actuating direction 16 to the feed position.

[0073] The adjusting lever 21 is pivoted about the adjusting axis 22, in particular towards a front side of the cooking appliance 1, and the return spring 20 is tensioned. The locking bolt 7 is driven towards the locked position via the adjusting bolt 24. The locking bolt 7 is guided by the slotted guide 12, in particular in the bearing slot 28 and the guide slot 30. First, the locking bolt 7, in particular the locking contact section 10, is displaced essentially in the horizontal direction along a first leg 34 of the guide slot 30. A second leg 35 of the guide slot 30 is oriented vertically. The subsequent displacement of the locking bolt 7 is essentially a pivoting movement about the bearing pin 27. The locking contact section 10 is displaced essentially downwards in the vertical direction.

[0074] The locking contact section 10 engages behind the engagement contact section 11 of the locking engagement 6. The locking bolt 7 is in the locking position in which a movement of the cooking chamber door 4 from the closed position to the open position is blocked.

[0075] In the locked position, the guide rail 12 acts on the locking bolt 7 in a self-locking manner. Any force acting on the bolt contact section 10 cannot cause the locking bolt 7 to move from the locked position to the release position. A corresponding force is transmitted to the base structure 14 via the guide pin 29 and / or the adjusting bolt 24 without causing the locking bolt 7 to move.

[0076] In the locked position, the locking bolt 7 and the locking engagement 6 interact as a dead-center lock. For this purpose, a contact surface between the locking bolt 7 and the locking engagement 6 is oriented such that a reaction force acting between the locking bolt 7 and the locking engagement 6 during an attempt to open the cooking chamber door 4 is oriented parallel to the opening direction 9. The design of the locking bolt 7 and the locking engagement 6 such that they interact as a dead-center lock prevents a force being exerted on the locking bolt 7 during an attempt to open the cooking chamber door 4 that is at least partially oriented toward the release position.

[0077] In the locked position, the button 23 is actuated by the adjusting lever 21. The control device, which is signal-connected to the button 23, detects that the locking bolt 7 is in the locked position. Only after this signal is provided by the button 23 does the control device activate a heating unit to carry out the cleaning process and heat the cooking chamber.

[0078] After the cleaning process is complete, the cleaning composition is pumped out, a heating unit for heating the cooking chamber is deactivated, and the cooking chamber 2 cools down. The control device monitors the temperature in the cooking chamber. Once a predetermined limit temperature, in particular a temperature of 60°C, is undershot in the cooking chamber, the control device provides a signal to move the locking bolt 7 to the release position. The motor 13 is deactivated. The wax contained therein cools and contracts. The actuator 18 is moved to the reset position. The return spring 20 exerts a force on the adjusting lever 21 opposite to the adjusting direction 16.

[0079] The locking bolt 7 is moved back to the release position by means of the adjusting lever 21 via the adjusting bolt 24. The locking bolt 7 is disengaged from the locking engagement 6. The movement of the cooking chamber door 4 from the closed position to the open position is released. The adjusting lever 21 no longer contacts the button 23. Based on the corresponding signal from the button 23, the control device detects that the locking bolt 7 is in the release position. Reheating of the cooking chamber 2 is prevented.

[0080] Because the motor 13 is mounted on the base structure 14 so that it can be moved along the actuating direction 16, manual emergency release can be carried out easily. To do this, the motor 13 is manually moved in the motor mount 15 against the force exerted on the motor 13 by the preload spring 19. This moves the actuator 18 against the actuating direction 16. The actuating lever 21 is pivoted by the return spring 20 against the actuating direction 16. The actuating lever 21 retracts the locking bolt 7 into the release position. The locking bolt 7 is disengaged from the locking engagement 6. The emergency release has been completed, and the cooking chamber door 4 can be moved from the closed position to the open position.

[0081] Based on the Fig. 7A further embodiment of a locking device 5 is disclosed. In contrast to the embodiment described above, the locking device 5 has a switching carriage 36. The switching carriage 36 is mounted on the base structure 14 for linear displacement. Via a pin 37 of the adjusting lever 21, which engages in an eyelet 38 of the switching carriage 36, the switching carriage 36 is linearly displaceable by rotating the adjusting lever 21. The switching carriage 36 has a switching cam 39 for actuating the button 23 depending on the switching position of the adjusting lever 21. The switching carriage 36 actuates the button 23 in the closed position of the locking bolt 7. In the release position, the button 23 is not actuated.

[0082] The functionality of the locking device 5 corresponds to the functionality of the previously described embodiment. The switching slide 36 enables the actuation of the button 23 in a particularly precise manner, and the operation of the locking device 5 can be particularly low-wear and low-friction.

[0083] The locking device 5 is particularly compact. In particular, the locking device 5 can be arranged in the cooking appliance 1, particularly on the cooking chamber 2, in a particularly space-saving manner. Because the displacement movement of the locking bolt 7 has a movement component oriented parallel to the opening direction 9, the locking bolt 7 can be largely or completely retracted through the bolt outlet opening 33 in the release position. The installation space required by the locking device 5 perpendicular to the opening direction 9, particularly in the horizontal direction, is thus particularly small. The locking bolt 7 arranged in the release position can be retracted below the bolt outlet opening 33 in a particularly unobtrusive and thus appealing manner for the user.

Claims

1. Cooking device (1) for heating food, having 1.

1. a cooking chamber (2) for receiving the food to be heated, having a cooking chamber opening (3) for loading and unloading the cooking chamber (2) with food, 1.

2. a cooking chamber door (4), which can be moved between an open position in which the cooking chamber opening (3) is released and a closed position in which the cooking chamber opening (3) is closed, 1.

3. a locking device (5) for reversibly locking the cooking chamber door (4) in the closed position, having 1.3.

1. a locking engagement (6), and 1.3.

2. a locking latch (7) mounted movably relative to the cooking chamber door (4) and to the cooking chamber (2), which latch can be moved between a release position in which the cooking chamber door (4) can be moved from the closed position into the open position and a locking position in which the locking latch (7) engages in the locking engagement (6) and blocks a movement of the cooking chamber door (4) from the closed position into the open position, and 1.3.

3. a latch exit opening (33), 1.

4. wherein the locking device (5) is designed in such a way that a movement component of a displacement movement of the locking latch (7) is orientated parallel to the direction (9) of a movement of the locking engagement (6) relative to the locking latch (7) when the cooking chamber door (4) is moved from the closed position, 1.

5. wherein the locking device (5) is designed in such a way that the locking latch (7) penetrates the latch exit opening (33) in the locking position and is retracted further behind the latch exit opening (33) in the release position compared to the locking position, characterised in that the locking device (5) is designed in such a way that the locking latch (7) is displaced purely translationally or is displaced translationally and rotationally when it is retracted through the latch exit opening (33) into the release position, in that in the locking position, the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the latch exit opening (33) and an area surrounded by the smallest convex envelope of an intersection surface of the locking latch (7) with the latch exit opening (33) is at most 2:1.

2. Cooking device (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the locking latch (7) is arranged in the release position at a distance from the locking engagement (6) along the opening direction (9) when the cooking chamber door (4) is arranged in the closed position.

3. Cooking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that in the release position, the locking latch (7) of the latch exit opening (33) projects by a maximum of 10 mm on the side of the locking engagement (6).

4. Cooking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the locking latch (7) is arranged flush with the latch exit opening (33) in the release position or is completely retracted behind the latch exit opening (33).

5. Cooking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the locking device (5) is designed for rotationally displacing the locking latch (7) about an axis of rotation, which is arranged on the side of the latch exit opening (33) opposite the locking engagement (6).

6. Cooking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the locking device (5) has a motor (13) for moving the locking latch (7) between the locking position and the release position.

7. Cooking device (1) according to claim 6, characterised in that the motor (13) is a linear motor.

8. Cooking device (1) according to either one of claims 6 or 7, characterised in that the motor (13) is mounted so as to be displaceable in the direction opposite to its direction of travel (16).

9. Cooking device (1) according to claim 8, characterised in that the motor (13) is mounted so as to be displaceable against the spring force of a preload spring (19).

10. Cooking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the motor (13) interacts with the locking latch (7) in such a way that the motor (13) can exert a force on the locking latch (7) in the direction of the locking position, but not in the direction of the release position.

11. Cooking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by a return spring (20) acting on the locking latch (7) for moving the locking latch (7) from the locking position into the release position.

12. Cooking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the locking device (5) has a slide guide (12) for the guided displacement of the locking latch (7).

13. Cooking device (1) according to claim 12, characterised in that, in the locking position of the locking latch (7), the slide guide (12) acts in a self-locking manner in the direction of the release position with respect to a force exerted on a locking contact section (10) of the locking latch (7) interacting with the locking engagement (6).

14. Method for operating a cooking device (1) for heating food according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps: 14.

1. providing a cooking chamber (2) for receiving the food to be heated having a cooking chamber opening (3) for loading and unloading the cooking chamber (2) with the food, a cooking chamber door (4) for reversibly locking the cooking chamber opening (3), and a locking device (5) with a locking engagement (6), and a locking latch (7) mounted movably relative to the cooking chamber door (4) and to the cooking chamber (2), and 14.

2. moving the locking latch (7) from a release position in which the cooking chamber door (4) can be moved from the closed position into the open position into a locking position in which the locking latch (7) engages in the locking engagement (6) and blocks a movement of the cooking chamber door (4) from the closed position into the open position, wherein a movement component of the displacement movement of the locking latch (7) is orientated parallel to an opening direction (9) of the locking engagement (6) relative to the locking latch (7) when the cooking chamber door (4) is moved from the closed position into the open position 14.

3. wherein the locking latch (7) penetrates a latch exit opening (33) in the locking position, through which the locking latch (7) is retracted purely translationally or translationally and rotationally when it is moved into the release position.