DOOR LOCK FOR LOCKING A DOOR

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a door lock for closing a door, in particular the door of a heating appliance, comprising a first locking means, a second locking means which interacts with the first locking means to lock the door, and an automatic closing mechanism downstream of the second locking means for closing the door. Further aspects of the invention include a door, in particular the door of a heating appliance, with a door lock for closing the door, and a method for closing a door, in particular the door of a heating appliance, wherein a first locking means and a second locking means are locked together, and the door is closed after locking by an automatic closing mechanism downstream of the second locking means.

[0002] For many doors consisting of a door leaf and a door frame, closing the door usually requires only manually pushing the door leaf into a locking position. In this position, a primary locking mechanism, associated with either the door leaf or the door frame, engages with a secondary locking mechanism, also associated with either the door frame or the door leaf. This position also corresponds to the closed position of the door, in which a seal located between the door leaf and the door frame is compressed, thus closing the door. Such door locks have proven effective in applications where the door is guided manually from its open position to its closed position and pressed against the seal, as is common in residential settings.

[0003] In the much more hectic environment of industrial settings, such as commercial kitchens, doors are usually not manually pushed into the closed position, but rather slammed shut with a single, forceful movement. If this slamming action is not performed with sufficient force, the door leaf cannot compress the seal upon impact with the door frame, as the impact energy is insufficient. Because the seal is not adequately compressed, the door cannot enter the closed position. The door is also not locked, as the secondary locking mechanism cannot engage with the primary locking mechanism, which is still too far apart. Particularly with appliance doors, such as those of a heating appliance, this can lead to a hazard due to the unsecured interior of the appliance.

[0004] To ensure the door closes even with a weak slam that doesn't compress the seal with sufficient force, these door locks feature an automatic closing mechanism in addition to a primary and secondary locking mechanism. With this type of door lock, the locked position and the closed position of the door are spatially separated. During the closing process, the primary and secondary locking mechanisms initially engage in a locking position to secure the door. The door remains open enough that the seal is not compressed, allowing the locking mechanism to engage even with a weak slam.

[0005] Following this, the automatic closing mechanism brings the door into its closed position, regardless of the force with which it is slammed. This means the door leaf and frame are pulled together, compressing the seal. The automatic closing mechanism typically has its own drive, such as a tensioned spring. In this way, the automatic closing mechanism is connected downstream of the secondary locking device for closing the door. With such a door lock, reliable door closure can be achieved even with a weak slam.

[0006] However, if the door slams shut harder than necessary for locking, the impact energy not yet dissipated after locking is transferred from the first locking mechanism to the second. This impact energy, absorbed by the second locking mechanism, is then transferred to the other parts of the door lock, including the automatic closing mechanism located downstream of the second locking mechanism. Since the seal is not yet compressed when the door is slammed shut in the locked position, it cannot reduce the energy transfer by absorbing any of the energy used for compression. This undiminished energy transfer therefore negatively affects the components of the door lock and their durability, and can lead to damage to the door lock.

[0007] DE 10 2014 202 362 A1 discloses a motor-driven locking device for a hot appliance with a door having two locking elements and an elastic element which absorbs part of the force applied when the door is closed.

[0008] DE 10 2017 111 166 A1 discloses a locking device for a door of a hot appliance with a lock and an actuating unit, which are designed as spatially separated and separate structural units.

[0009] EP 2 578 134 A2 shows a door lock for cleaning and disinfection machines with a rack driven by a motor, wherein a slip clutch is arranged between the motor and the rack.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to prevent damage to the door lock when the door is slammed too hard.

[0011] This task is accomplished in a door lock of the type mentioned above with the features of the claim. 1 gelöst .

[0012] It is intended that the second locking device is shock-decoupled from the automatic locking mechanism via a freewheel.

[0013] The shock decoupling of the second locking element and the automatic closing mechanism prevents the impact of the first locking element, occurring when the door closes and locks, from propagating through the door lock to the second locking element and ultimately reaching the automatic closing mechanism. This prevents the transfer of energy from the impact absorbed by the second locking element when the door closes to the automatic closing mechanism. Because the impact energy is not transferred to the automatic closing mechanism, it cannot damage it, thus preventing damage to the door lock in the event of excessive slamming. Effective shock decoupling is achieved with a free-running mechanism that allows relative movement of the second locking element relative to the automatic closing mechanism without this movement being transferred to the mechanism.

[0014] According to a further development of the invention, the second connecting element and the locking mechanism are coupled to each other via a coupling element for closing the door. The second locking element and the locking mechanism can be mechanically coupled to each other in a simple manner via the coupling element. The locking mechanism can act on the second locking element to close the door via the coupling element. In a structurally simple manner, the coupling element can be designed as a connecting rod, located in particular on the side of the second locking element opposite the first connecting element and / or directly adjoining the second locking element or an element that receives the second locking element. In this context, it has proven advantageous if the coupling element is directly connected to the locking mechanism.

[0015] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the coupling element has a freewheel, particularly in the form of an elongated slot. The freewheel allows the coupling element to decouple the second locking element from the automatic closing mechanism, preventing energy transfer to the mechanism when the door slams shut. At the same time, the coupling element can couple the second locking element and the automatic closing mechanism in such a way that the automatic closing mechanism can act on the second locking element to close the door. The coupling element can be easily equipped with a freewheel by means of an elongated slot, which can be designed, in particular, as a through-hole extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the coupling element. The length of the freewheel can define an axial range of motion for the second locking element, which can be, in particular, coaxial with the coupling element.The length of the axial movement space can advantageously correspond to at least one maximum spring travel of a spring that cushions the movement of the second locking means.

[0016] According to a proposed design, the locking mechanism includes an engagement element that engages in the freewheel. This engagement element allows the locking mechanism to easily actuate the coupling element for opening and closing the door, particularly by axially displacing it. The movement of the coupling element can be transferred to the second locking element to couple the locking mechanism with it. Advantageously, the engagement element can engage in the freewheel transversely to the longitudinal axis of the coupling element, and in particular, extend through it. A design of the engagement element similar to a dowel pin has proven advantageous, as it allows the locking mechanism to exert a force on the coupling element.In particular, the dowel pin can transmit a tensile force when it rests against the ends of the freewheel that are diametrically opposite to the second locking means.

[0017] The second locking element, particularly in conjunction with the automatic locking mechanism, is arranged in a lock housing with a receiving opening for the first locking element along a receiving axis. The lock housing allows for the second locking element to be largely protected from external elements. By housing the second locking element and the automatic locking mechanism together in the lock housing, a particularly space-saving arrangement on the door can be achieved. The lock housing can be designed as a self-contained unit that can be mounted on the door frame, the door leaf, and / or the device housing. Alternatively, the lock housing can be formed by a portion of the door frame, the door leaf, and / or the device housing. The receiving opening allows for the easy, complete or partial insertion of the first locking element for locking and / or closing the door.The first locking element can essentially be inserted into the lock housing along the receiving axis for locking and / or closing.

[0018] According to the invention, the second locking element is mounted so as to be axially movable along the receiving axis. This axially movable mounting allows the second locking element to move in a straight line along the receiving axis. When the door closes, the second locking element can thus be mounted in a way that allows it to yield to the force exerted by the first locking element along the receiving axis. To close the door, the locking mechanism can move the axially movable second locking element along the receiving axis, thereby drawing the first locking element, which is engaged with it, further into the lock housing to close the door.

[0019] In this context, it has proven particularly advantageous if the axially movable second locking means is spring-mounted along the receiving axis, especially in the direction of a closed position of the door.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, the second locking element is arranged on a slide, which is movably guided, particularly within the lock housing. The movable slide allows the second locking element to be mounted axially in a particularly simple manner. The slide can be multi-part and / or housing-like. It can have one or more mounting points for springs that serve to close or open the first locking element. The mounting points on the slide allow the springs to be movably mounted together with the first locking element without their extension being altered by axial movement. A housing-like slide can partially surround the second locking element. The housing-like slide can also have a receiving opening for the first locking element.

[0021] Another embodiment provides for at least one spring, and in particular two springs, to absorb the impact energy transferred to the second locking element. The spring can easily absorb the impact energy transferred to the second locking element and thus prevent it from being passed on to the locking mechanism. The spring can be tensioned to absorb the impact energy. The spring can be a coil spring and / or a spring assembly. In the case of a coil spring, the tension absorbing the impact energy can be achieved by stretching or compressing the spring, with a compression spring proving particularly advantageous for absorbing the impact energy. It is also advantageous for the spring to be fixed at only one end, so that one of its ends is free.

[0022] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one spring is arranged between the lock housing and the second locking element. By arranging it between the lock housing and the second locking element, the spring can be structurally separated from the connection between the locking mechanism and the first locking element via the coupling element. The absorption of the impact energy by the spring can also be structurally separate from the coupling between the first locking element and the locking mechanism. The at least one spring can be advantageously arranged on a side of the second locking element opposite the first locking element.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, the slide has at least one engagement projection for engaging the at least one spring. The engagement projection can engage the spring, in particular partially immerse it, to guide and / or stabilize it. Particularly in the case of a spring not attached to the slide, but, for example, attached to one side of the lock housing, the engagement projection can prevent the spring from slipping during tensioning, especially compression.

[0024] Preferably, the spring constant of the spring is matched to the mass of one of the door leaves. By matching the spring to the mass of the door leaf, it can be ensured that the spring allows axial movement of the second locking element to transfer the impact energy to the spring instead of to the closing mechanism, while at the same time not being too soft, so that the spring exerts a sufficiently large force against the first locking element. In particular, when the second locking element is closed in its rest position, is pushed open by the first locking element, and then closes again automatically to lock it, the spring constant can be matched to the mass of the door such that the force opposing the first locking element is sufficiently large so that the first locking element can push the second locking element open to lock it, and not merely push it along.

[0025] It is further advantageous if the locking mechanism has a pivot-mounted lever arm, in particular with an engagement element that engages in the freewheel, for moving the second locking element into a closed position. The lever arm allows the second locking element to be moved into its closed position, in which the door is closed and locked. The lever arm can also be used to increase the driving force of the locking mechanism for moving the second locking element. For this purpose, the drive of the locking mechanism can act on the lever arm at a greater distance from the pivot bearing, so that the force of the drive is transmitted to the second locking element with greater force according to the lever principle, particularly via the coupling element.The drive mechanism for the automatic closing device can engage the lever arm on the same side of the pivot bearing as the engagement element. The pivot-mounted lever arm can exert a high force to close the door, particularly in the range of 350 to 400 Newtons. Depending on the direction of the lever arm's pivot, it can be used to lock or unlock the door.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the automatic closing mechanism comprises a motor, in particular a motor-driven spindle, for closing the door. In contrast to automatic closing mechanisms that rely solely on springs for drive, an automatic closing mechanism with a motor allows for more precise control of the door closing. A motor can also apply higher forces than a tensioned spring. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to tension the spring when opening the door to enable subsequent closing by the automatic closing mechanism. Advantageously, the motor is an electric motor, particularly one that is resistant to high temperatures. A motor-driven drive spindle enables efficient force transmission to the lever when pivoting in both directions around the pivot bearing, i.e., for both closing and opening the door.To close the door, the lever arm can be swung away by the motor, especially from the second locking mechanism.

[0027] According to a constructive embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the first locking means is a latch and the second locking means is a catch, or that the first locking means is a catch and the second locking means is a latch.

[0028] In this context, it has proven advantageous for the trap to have two locking elements, particularly hook-shaped ones, for engaging behind the hinge pin. These two locking elements reliably secure the trap to the hinge pin by engaging behind it. The hinge pin can be designed in the form of a shackle, a stirrup, or an eyelet.

[0029] Another embodiment provides that the locking elements can be opened by a double cam. The double cam, which can be designed as a cam disc or as a camshaft with two cams, can simultaneously push the two locking elements apart or together by rotating about its longitudinal axis. Particularly in the case of a self-closing latch, the double cam can, as it rotates, push the locking elements apart to open the latch and / or release the catch.

[0030] It is possible that the locking elements, especially the double cam, are electromechanically driven. An electromechanical drive can enable precise electrical control of the trap without relying solely on mechanically stored energy, such as pre-tensioned springs, for its operation.

[0031] In the case of a door of the type mentioned above, the following applies: Lösung The above task is proposed to have a door closure designed in the manner described above, which results in the advantages described in connection with the door closure.

[0032] In a procedure of the type mentioned above, the following is carried out: Lösung The above task proposes that, in the event of the door slamming shut, the transfer of impact energy absorbed by the second locking means to the automatic closing mechanism is prevented by means of impact decoupling.

[0033] The shock decoupling of the second locking element and the automatic closing mechanism prevents the impact of the first locking element, occurring when the door closes and locks, from propagating through the door lock to the second locking element and ultimately to the automatic closing mechanism. This prevents the transfer of energy from the impact energy absorbed by the second locking element when the door closes to the automatic closing mechanism. Because the impact energy is not transferred to the automatic closing mechanism, it cannot damage it, thus preventing damage to the door lock in the event of excessive slamming. This shock decoupling can be effectively achieved through a free-running mechanism, which allows relative movement of the second locking element relative to the automatic closing mechanism without this movement being transmitted to the mechanism.

[0034] Further details and advantages of a door closure, a door, and a method according to the invention will be explained below by way of example with reference to the embodiments of the invention schematically illustrated in the figures. These figures show: Fig. 1 shows different views of a door lock according to the invention in its closed position, Fig. 2 shows different positions of the door lock according to the invention. Fig. 1 during the locking and closing of the door and Fig. 3 Detail views of another door lock according to the invention in different positions during the locking and closing of the door.

[0035] The Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a door closure 1 according to the invention, comprising a first locking element 4 designed as a hinge and a second locking element 5 designed as a latch. The first locking element 4 is part of a door leaf (not shown) of a door (not shown in detail). To lock this door to a door frame, which is formed, for example, by the housing of a heating appliance, in such a way that the door leaf and thus the door cannot be easily opened, the first locking element 4 engages in a locked manner with the second locking element 5. Fig. 1 This shows the position of the second locking means 5, in which it is locked to the first locking means 4.

[0036] The second locking device 5 has two hook-shaped locking elements 5.1. With these two locking elements 5.1, the second locking device 5 engages behind the first locking device 4 from two opposite sides. In the case of the eyelet-shaped first locking device 4 shown, the hook-shaped ends of the locking elements 5.1 engage in the opening of the first locking device 4. The ends of the locking elements 5.1 facing the first locking device 4 when the door lock is in the open position, in which the first locking device 4 and the second locking device 5 are not locked to each other, are chamfered so that the first locking device 4, as it moves towards the second locking device 5, can push the two locking elements 5.1 to the side.As soon as the first locking means 4 is immersed far enough into the second locking means 5, the self-closing second locking means 5 engages behind the first locking means 4 independently.

[0037] The second locking element 5 is arranged on a slide 7, which partially surrounds the second locking element 5 in a housing-like manner. The multi-part slide 7 is in Fig. 1a only partially shown, so that the second locking device 5 is visible, while the slide 7 is in Fig. 1b The slide 7 is shown closed. On its front side, the slide 7 has a receiving opening 7.2 through which the first locking means 4 can enter the slide 7 for locking with the second locking means 5.

[0038] The locking elements 5.1 are rotatably mounted in the slide 7 by means of bearing pins 5.4. A closing spring 5.2 extends between the locking element 5.1 and the slide 7, biasing the second locking element 5 into its closed position. The closing spring 5.2 is attached at one end to an end region of the locking element 5.1 facing away from the hook-shaped end (as viewed from the bearing pin 5.4) and at the other end to a mounting point 7.3 of the slide 7. This attachment of the closing spring 5.2 allows the second locking element 5 to be changed in position together with the movably guided slide 7 without affecting the extension of the closing spring 5.2 and the resulting closing force. The slide 7 is movably guided in a lock housing 2, which accommodates the second locking element 5 and a locking mechanism 6, by a guide formed by the lock housing 2.

[0039] In order to release the first locking element 4, which is locked with the second locking element 5, for opening the door, the locking elements 5.1 additionally have actuating projections 5.5. These actuating projections 5.5 are located on the side of the second locking element 5 opposite the hook-shaped ends. In the Fig. 1 In the closed position of the second locking element shown, the actuating projections 5.5 of the two locking elements 5.1 run essentially parallel to each other. A double cam 5.3 is arranged between the two locking elements 5.1 in the area of ​​the actuating projections 5.5. The locking elements 5.1 are arranged intersecting each other such that, in the closed position of the second locking element 5, the actuating projection 5.5 of the locking element 5.1, which is otherwise located essentially on a first (upper in the figures) side of the double cam 5.3, abuts a second (lower in the figures) side of the double cam 5.3, and the actuating projection 5.5 of the locking element 5.1, which is otherwise located essentially on the second side of the double cam 5.3, abuts the first side of the double cam 5.3. To open the second locking device 5, the double cam 5.3 is rotated so that it engages the two actuating projections 5.The locking elements 5.1 are pushed apart, so that the ends of the locking elements 5.1 used to engage behind the first locking means 4 are moved away from each other in a scissor-like manner. The double cam 5.3 has an electromechanical drive (not shown) with which it can be rotated to open and close the second locking means 5.

[0040] In order for the first locking element 4 to engage with the second locking element 5, the lock housing 2 has a receiving opening 3 through which the first locking element 4 can enter the lock housing 2 along a receiving axis A in the direction of the second locking element 5, and can exit the lock housing 2 to open the door. Along the receiving axis A, the receiving opening 3 of the lock housing 2 is aligned with the receiving opening 7.2 of the slide 7. Fig. 1a This shows the first locking means 4, which is received by both the lock housing 2 and the slide 7.

[0041] Since the door lock 1 not only locks the door with the first locking element 4 and the second locking element 5, but is also intended to close the door, i.e., to move the entire door into its closed position, in which, among other things, a seal between the door frame and the door leaf is compressed, the door lock 1 also has an automatic closing mechanism 6, which is connected downstream of the second locking element 5. The automatic closing mechanism 6 allows the axially movable second locking element 5 to be moved along the receiving axis A. Likewise, the automatic closing mechanism 6 allows the second locking element 5, together with the first locking element 4 locked to it, to be drawn further into the interior of the lock housing 2, so that the door leaf is drawn against the door frame.

[0042] To enable axial movement of the second locking element 5, the locking mechanism 6 is coupled to the second locking element 5 via a coupling element 9. The coupling element 9 is fork-shaped so that it can be fitted over a coupling projection 7.4 of the slide 7. The coupling element 9 is connected to the slide 7 by a screw running transversely to its longitudinal axis. In this way, the locking mechanism 6 and the first locking element 4 are indirectly coupled to each other via the coupling element 9 and the slide 7.

[0043] The automatic closing mechanism 6 has a lever arm 6.1 which is pivotally mounted at one end on a pivot bearing 11. Fig. 1a This two-legged lever arm 6.1 is shown in its entirety, while in Fig. 1b Only the rear leg of the lever arm 6.1 is shown in this view. The end of the lever arm opposite the pivot bearing 11 has a rotor 6.5 mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the rest of the lever arm 6.1. This rotor 6.5 is driven along the longitudinal axis of a schematically depicted drive spindle 6.3 and moved by it. This linear movement of the rotor 6.5 causes the lever arm 6.1 to pivot. The drive spindle 6.3 is driven by an electric motor 6.4, which, particularly in the case of a door lock for cooking appliances, is designed to be high-temperature resistant. The lever arm 6.1 can be pivoted by this motor-driven drive spindle 6.3, and can essentially assume two functional positions.

[0044] In a first operating position, the lever arm 6.1 of the locking mechanism 6 is pivoted towards the second locking means 5, as for example in Fig. 2a bis Fig. 2c shown. This functional position of the lever arm 6.1 allows the second locking element 5 to assume a forward position in which it can be locked with the first locking element 4. This first functional position of the lever arm 6.1 also corresponds to the position assumed when the door is open.

[0045] In a second functional position, the lever arm 6.1 is pivoted away from the first locking means 5, as for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2d shown. In this second operating position, the automatic closing mechanism 6 closes the door and holds it in the closed position. When the lever arm 6.1 is moved into its second operating position, the automatic closing mechanism 6 pulls the second locking element 5 along the receiving axis A into a rear position corresponding to its closed position and holds it there.

[0046] The lock housing 2 has an electrical connection 12 for controlling and supplying power to the motor 6.4 and the motor-driven double cam 5.3. The motor 6.4 and the double cam 5.3 can be supplied with power and / or receive control signals for their operation via connection 12.

[0047] Since, when the door slams shut – during which the first locking element 4 moves at high speed towards the second locking element 5 and, even after the two locking elements 4 and 5 have locked together, still possesses enough energy to transfer impact energy to the second locking element 5 – a further transfer of this impact energy via the coupling element 9 to the locking mechanism 6 would damage the locking mechanism, the second locking element is impact-decoupled from the locking mechanism. This impact decoupling prevents energy transfer from the second locking element 5 to the locking mechanism 6, so that, in particular, the lever arm 6.1 is not pushed by the second locking element 5 via the coupling element 9 towards its second operating position, even in its first operating position. Without this impact decoupling, the lever arm 6.1 would otherwise move in the opposite direction to the motor 6.4 would be moved, which would lead to damage to the 6.4 motor.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, this shock decoupling is implemented by a freewheel 10 of the coupling element 9. This freewheel 10 is designed as an elongated through-hole of the coupling element 9, which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the coupling element 9.

[0049] In this freewheel 10, an engagement element 6.2 of the locking mechanism 6 engages. This engagement element 6.2 is designed like a dowel pin. The engagement element 6.2 extends through the freewheel 10 between the two legs of the lever arm 6.1. The two-legged design of the lever arm 6.1 allows the coupling element 9 to move axially through the lever arm 6.1 without transferring energy to it. At the same time, as the lever arm 6.1 pivots, it can move the engagement element 6.2 within the freewheel 10 such that it rests against the end of the freewheel 10 opposite the second locking means 5. By further pivoting the lever arm 6.1, the closing mechanism 6 can then exert a force on the coupling element via the engagement element 6.2 and the wall of the freewheel 10, and pull the second locking means 5 along an axial direction to close the door.

[0050] The length of the freewheel 10 along the longitudinal axis of the coupling element 9 is chosen to be at least equal to the length of the axial movement space of the second locking element 5, along which it can move at most within the lock housing 2. This ensures that the movement of the second locking element 5 caused by the impact energy is not sufficient to move the end of the freewheel 10 facing the second locking element 5 to the point of contact with the engagement element 6.2 or beyond, as this would result in energy transfer from the second locking element 5 via the coupling element 9 to the locking mechanism.

[0051] To absorb the impact energy received by the second locking element when the door closes and prevent it from being transferred to the automatic closing mechanism 6, the door lock 1 has several springs 8. These springs 8, designed as coil springs, are arranged parallel to the receiving axis A on both sides of the coupling element 9. Through their compression, they can absorb the impact energy transmitted along the receiving axis A to the second locking element 5 without it being transferred via the coupling element 9, which runs along the receiving axis A, to the automatic closing mechanism 6.

[0052] The springs 8 are arranged between the second locking element 5 and the lock housing 2 along the receiving axis A. At one end, each spring is attached to a counter bearing 13 projecting into the interior of the space surrounding the lock housing 2. For this purpose, the respective counter bearing 13 of the lock housing 2 has two grooves extending transversely to the receiving axis A, into which the spring 8 is inserted transversely to the receiving axis A in order to secure it to the counter bearing 13 in the manner of a tongue-and-groove connection.

[0053] The springs 8 can interact directly with the second locking means 5 to absorb the impact energy, or indirectly with it via the slide 7. The end of the spring 8 opposite the counter bearing 13 can be configured as shown in Fig. 2 shown, to which the sled 7 is attached, or as shown in Fig. 3 shown to be designed in the manner of a free end.

[0054] The procedure for closing a slammed door is shown below, step by step. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 explained in more detail. The examples of implementation of the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 They differ from each other only in that the springs 8 in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2 are attached on both sides, while the springs 8 in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 3 each have a free end.

[0055] The illustration shows the interaction of the locking means 4, 5, the coupling element 9, the automatic locking mechanism 6 and the springs 8 in a higher magnification. Fig. 3 Furthermore, engagement projections 7.1 of the slide 7 are also visible. These engagement projections 7.1 allow the slide 7 to engage with the springs 8 and guide them during compression. The engagement projection 7.1 enables, particularly in the case of a spring 8 with a free end, reliable positioning of the spring 8 on the slide 7 during compression. However, engagement projections 7.1 can also be provided on a slide 7 to which the springs 8 are attached, as in the embodiment of the Fig. 2 corresponds.

[0056] The in Fig. 3 The closing spring 5.2, which appears to be unattached on one side, is attached to a mounting point 7.3 of a second housing part of the housing-like slide 7, which is not shown to illustrate the internal structure.

[0057] The Fig. 2a and 3aEach figure shows a position of the lock 1 in which the first locking element 4 engages through the receiving openings 3, 7.2 into the lock housing 2 to such an extent that it pushes open the second locking element 5 and passes it sufficiently to lock with the first locking element 4. The second locking element 5 is still in its foremost position, corresponding to a locked position of the door. The coupling element 9, connected to the second locking element 5 via the slide 7, is also correspondingly still in its foremost position.

[0058] The engagement element 6.2 of the automatic closing mechanism 6 rests against the end of the freewheel 10 opposite the second locking means 5. The automatic closing mechanism 6, in particular the lever arm 6.1, is in a position in which it would not yet close the door. The springs 8 are in a relaxed position.

[0059] Since the first locking element 4 has not yet come to rest, it continues to move along the receiving axis A, collides with the second locking element 5, and thereby transfers the impact energy to it. Both locking elements 4 and 5 continue to move along the receiving axis A into the interior of the lock housing, this movement being guided by the axially guided slide 7. The slide 7, moving axially towards the interior of the lock housing 2, compresses the springs 8 and thus transfers the impact energy to them.

[0060] Depending on the magnitude of the impact energy, the slide 7, together with the interlocked locking means 4, 5, springs back up to a maximum of the in Fig. 2b and Fig. 3b The position shown is entered. The free movement 10 of the coupling element 9 allows the slide 7, together with the second locking means 4, to move along the receiving axis A without this movement being transmitted to the engagement element 6.2 or the lever arm 6.1. In this position, the impact energy is absorbed by the springs 8 without any energy transfer to the closing mechanism 6.

[0061] The impact energy stored in the springs 8 is transferred back to the slide, the locking means 4, 5, and the door leaf connected to them by the subsequent release of the springs 8. After this release of impact energy by the springs 8, the door lock 1 is in the Fig. 2c and 3c The position shown corresponds to the locking position of the door, in which it is not yet closed.

[0062] Since the springs 8 are arranged between the slide 7 and the counter bearings 13, they exert a force only on these two components and not on the locking mechanism 6. The spring constant of each spring 8 is selected based on the mass of the door leaf, ensuring that the springs 8 are not so strong that they cannot be compressed when the door slams shut. Otherwise, as essentially rigid elements, they would transfer the impact energy directly to the lock housing 2 and, in particular, the counter bearings 13, potentially damaging them. In extreme cases, this could lead to failure of the counter bearings 13, allowing the slide 7, together with the coupling element 9 and the two locking elements 5, to penetrate to the locking mechanism 6.At the same time, the springs 8 must not be too soft, as otherwise they would not sufficiently pre-tension the second locking element 5 towards the receiving opening 3 when the door closes. The first locking element 4, which passes through the receiving opening 3 when the door closes, would then push the second locking element 5 ahead of it without being able to engage the locking elements 5.1. Springs 8 with too low a spring constant would therefore prevent the two locking elements 4, 5 from engaging when the door closes. The spring constant of the springs 8 must therefore be matched to the mass of the door leaf and the resulting maximum closing energy, so that springs 8 that are neither too soft nor too stiff are used.

[0063] To now open the door from the in Fig. 2c and Fig. 3c To enable the locking mechanism 6 to close in the shown locking position, the automatic locking mechanism is activated. The motor 6.4 then begins to rotate the drive spindle 6.3. The rotation of the drive spindle 6.3 moves the rotor 6.5 away from the motor and pivots the lever arm 6.1 around the pivot bearing 11 away from the second locking device 5.

[0064] By pivoting the lever arm 6.1, the engagement element 6.2, which is located on the same side of the receiving axis A as the drive spindle 6.3, is also moved away from the second locking means 5. Since the engagement element 6.2, in the locked position, rests against the end of the freewheel 10 opposite the second locking means 5, this movement of the engagement element 6.2 is transmitted via the coupling element 9 to the slide 7, so that the slide, together with both locking means 4, 5, is pulled away from the receiving opening 3 along the receiving axis A. In this way, the door leaf is drawn towards the door frame and the seal between them is compressed, so that the door is in the Fig. 2d and Fig. 3d The locking positions shown are locked.

[0065] The lever arm 6.1 also allows a high tensile force to be exerted on the coupling element 9 and the locking means 4, 5, thus overcoming even high sealing forces of a comparatively stiff seal in a hot appliance for compression. Since the lever arm 6.1 is articulated at one end to the pivot bearing 11 and driven at its opposite end by the drive spindle 6.3, but the force transmission to the coupling element 9 via the engagement element 6.2 is significantly closer to the pivot bearing 11 than this drive, the lever arm 6.1 can translate a smaller drive force into a higher tensile force.

[0066] To open the door from its closed position, either the second locking element 5 can be actuated, for example via the double cam 5.3, thus releasing the lock with the first locking element 4. The second locking element 5 is then free and can move away from the second locking element 5 along the receiving axis A, with the then-relaxed seal acting as a drive for this movement. Subsequently, the closing mechanism 6 would return to its initial operating position, so that it can return the door to its closed position the next time it is closed.

[0067] Alternatively, the automatic closing mechanism can first be driven in the opposite direction to open the door, so that the lever arm 6.1 returns to its original position. Fig. 2c and Fig. 3c The position shown is transferred. Since the springs 8 are compressed by the locking mechanism 6 in the same way as when the second locking element 5 is moved into the closed position, the springs 8 then relax together with the movement of the lever arm 6.1. The springs 8 then push the slide 7 and the locking elements 4, 5 towards the receiving opening 3. In this way, the locking mechanism 6 enables a controlled relaxation of the springs 8, which then serve as return springs.

[0068] With the help of the door lock 1 described above, the door and the method for closing the door, it is possible to prevent damage to the door lock in the event of the door slamming too hard. Bezugszeichen:

[0069] 1 Door lock 2 Lock housing 3 Mounting opening 4 Locking device 5 Locking device 5.1 Bolt element 5.2 Closing spring 5.3 Double cam 5.4 Bearing pin 5.5 Actuating projection 6 Automatic closing mechanism 6.1 Lever arm 6.2 Engagement element 6.3 Drive spindles 6.4 Motor 6.5 Runner 7 Slide 7.1 Engagement projection 7.2 Mounting opening 7.3 Mounting point 7.4 Coupling projection 8 Spring 9 Coupling element 10 Freewheel 11 Swivel bearing 12 Connection 13 Counter bearing A mounting axle

Claims

1. Door lock for locking a door, in particular an appliance door of a heating appliance, with a first locking means (4), a second locking means (5) cooperating with the first locking means (4) in a locking manner, and an automatic closing mechanism (6) arranged downstream of the second locking means (5) for closing the door, wherein the second locking means (5) is shock-decoupled from the automatic closing mechanism (6) via a freewheel (10), and wherein the second locking means (5), in particular together with the automatic closing mechanism (6), is arranged in a lock housing (2) with a receiving opening (3) for receiving the first locking means (4) along a receiving axis (A), characterized in that the second locking means (5) is mounted so as to be axially movable along the receiving axis (A).

2. Door lock according to claim 1, characterized in that the second locking means (5) and the automatic closing mechanism (6) are coupled to each other via a coupling element (9) for closing the door.

3. Door lock according to claim 2, characterized in that the coupling element (9) comprises the freewheel (10), in particular in the manner of an elongated hole.

4. Door lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the automatic closing mechanism (6) has an engagement element (6.2) that engages in the freewheel (10).

5. Door lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second locking means (5) is arranged on a slide (7) that is movably guided, in particular in the lock housing (2).

6. Door lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one spring (8), in particular two springs (8), for absorbing the slamming energy transmitted to the second locking means (5).

7. Door lock according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one spring (8) is arranged between the lock housing (2) and the second locking means (5).

8. Door lock according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the slide (7) has at least one engagement projection (7.1) for engaging in the at least one spring (8).

9. Door lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the automatic closing mechanism (6) has a pivot-mounted lever arm (6.1), in particular with an engagement element (6.2) engaging in the freewheel (10), for moving the second locking means (4) into a locking position.

10. Door lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the automatic closing mechanism (6) comprises a motor (6.4, 6.3), in particular a motor-driven drive spindle (6.3), for closing the door.

11. Door lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first locking means (4) is a striker and the second locking means (5) is a latch, or the first locking means (4) is a latch and the second locking means (5) is a latch.

12. Door lock according to claim 11, characterized in that the latch (5) has two, in particular hook-shaped, bolt elements (5.1) for engaging behind the striker (4).

13. Door lock according to claim 12, characterized in that the bolt elements (5.1) can be opened by a double cam (5.3).

14. Door lock according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that the bolt elements (5.1), in particular the double cam (5.3), are driven electromechanically.

15. Door, in particular an appliance door of a heating appliance, with a door lock (1) for locking the door, which is designed according to one of the preceding claims.

16. Door according to claim 15 and one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the spring constant of the spring (8) is matched to the mass of a door leaf of the door.

17. Door according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the lock housing (2) is designed as a separate housing that can be arranged on a door frame, a door leaf, and / or an appliance housing.

18. Door according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the lock housing (2) is formed by a part of a door frame, a door leaf, or an appliance housing.

19. Method for locking a door, in particular an appliance door of a heating appliance, with a door lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14 or a door according to one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the first locking means (4) and the second locking means (5) are locked together, wherein the door is closed after locking by an automatic closing mechanism (6) arranged downstream of the second locking means (5), characterized in that when the door is slammed shut, the transfer of the slamming energy absorbed by the second locking means (5) to the automatic closing device (6) is prevented by a shock decoupling.