DOOR LOCK

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a door lock for appliance doors, in particular those of hot appliances, cooking appliances, baking appliances, or refrigerators, comprising an actuating element movably arranged relative to the appliance door, a transmission element transmitting the movement of the actuating element, and a locking assembly arranged at the end of the transmission element, in particular on the door side, which includes a bolt movably arranged via the transmission element between a locking position and an unlocking position, with which the closed appliance door can be locked in the locked position, wherein a locking element is provided which, when the appliance door is open, blocks the bolt in its unlocking position and, in particular, also blocks movement of the actuating element when the appliance door is open, wherein the locking element is part of the locking assembly. The invention further relates to an appliance door and a method for actuating an appliance door.

[0002] Appliance doors are typically used to close various appliances, such as heating, cooking, baking, or refrigeration appliances. When closed, the door leaf is reliably locked to the appliance housing by a door latch. In most cases, locking assemblies are used to secure the appliance door to the housing. These assemblies feature a bolt that moves back and forth between a locked and unlocked position. In the locked position, the bolt engages with a locking counterpart located on the appliance housing, preventing the appliance door from being opened. In the unlocked position, the bolt does not engage with the locking counterpart, allowing the appliance door to be opened. The actuating element and the locking assembly, including the bolt, can therefore be located on the door side, while the locking counterpart can be located on the appliance housing side.

[0003] The actuating element, which is used to move the bolt manually, is coupled to the bolt via a transmission element, and the locking assembly is usually located at the end of the transmission element. Thus, the actuating element allows the bolt to be moved manually from the locked position, in which the bolt locks the appliance door, to an unlocked position, in which the lock can be released and the door opened.

[0004] To open the appliance door, for example after a cooking process has taken place inside the appliance, the operating element is grasped by hand and a mechanical unlocking is effected by moving the operating element, for example a turning movement relative to the door leaf of the appliance door, after which the appliance door can then be fully opened by pulling on the operating element.

[0005] In modern commercial kitchens, depending on the appliance manufacturer, appliance type, appliance age, etc., a variety of different appliances with equally different door locks are used in most cases, which differ significantly, for example, in terms of the handling of the operating element when opening the appliance door.

[0006] This has proven to be a problem in practice. Door locks are often operated by untrained personnel, sometimes under stress, which repeatedly leads to operating errors due to the large number of different door locks, and consequently to a frequently shortened lifespan of the door lock.

[0007] This can occur particularly when the operating element, especially a handle, is moved from its open position to its closed position while the appliance door is open. This also moves the bolt into its locked position, preventing the appliance door from closing in this state. If the operator fails to recognize this, for example, in a stressful situation, and attempts to close the appliance door anyway, the bolt collides with the locking mechanism, potentially causing damage and reducing the overall lifespan of the door lock.

[0008] To prevent the bolt from remaining in the locked position even when the door is open, it is known to provide a locking element that blocks the bolt in the unlocked position. This locking element prevents operating errors. It prevents the bolt, which is in the unlocked position when the appliance door is opened, from being moved back into the locked position while the door is open, for example, by accidentally turning the handle manually. This means that when the door is closed, the bolt is always in the unlocked position, thus preventing collisions with the locking mechanism.

[0009] Such a lock with a handle lock is disclosed, for example, in DE 10 2013 101 947 A1. The lock has a locking device that blocks the operating element, in particular a handle, in its open position when the appliance door is open, thus preventing accidental movement. The locking device is designed such that the handle is prevented from turning when the door is closed by means of a locking element, which engages in a push rod, thereby also blocking movement of the bolt. While this lock has proven to be very reliable in practice and has also prevented damage to door locks, the locking element in this door lock protrudes disadvantageously from the appliance door surface at mid-height in a rod-like, vertical manner.

[0010] Another locking device is known, for example, from GB 2 423 787 A, which has a sliding locking plate with a catch element for blocking the bolt. For this purpose, the catch element of the locking plate is pre-tensioned and engages a catch device formed on the bolt when the door is open.

[0011] Based on this, the invention aims to improve such a door lock for appliance doors, an appliance door, and also a method for operating an appliance door that can be closed by means of a door lock.

[0012] This task is accomplished in the case of a door lock of the type mentioned above by gelöst , that the bolt is guided linearly in a bolt housing which has a recess through which the locking element can penetrate in order to block the bolt.

[0013] Because the locking element is part of the locking assembly located at the end of the transmission element, the locking element is not positioned in the middle of the device door. Instead, the locking element can be located at the top or bottom of the device door, thus reducing the possibility, for example, of people's clothing getting caught on the locking element, even in hectic situations.

[0014] Additionally, the door lock may be provided with a locking counterpart, in particular a bolt, which can be engaged by the bolt in the locked position to lock a closed appliance door in this position, with the locking element being actuated by the locking counterpart when the appliance door is closed. This configuration may also be provided in combination with the previously described assignment of the locking element to the locking assembly.

[0015] Due to the interaction of the locking element with the locking counterpart, it is not necessary for the door-side locking element to protrude from the appliance door surface and be flush with the appliance housing. Instead, the locking counterpart can be used to actuate the locking element and move it into the release position. The locking element can thus be actuated via the locking counterpart. This actuation releases the bolt's locking mechanism. The locking counterpart can therefore perform a dual function: both unlocking the bolt when the door is closed, particularly to release a lock on the operating element, such as a handle, of the door lock, and locking the bolt when the door is closed.

[0016] The actuating element, the transmission element, the locking element and / or the locking assembly including the bolt can be arranged on the door side and / or the locking counterpart can be arranged on the device housing side.

[0017] It has also proven advantageous if the locking element can engage with the locking counterpart during the final part of the closing movement of the appliance door, thereby allowing the locking element to move from its locked position to the released position. The locking element and the locking counterpart can thus be designed and configured such that the locking element can engage with the locking counterpart during the final part of the closing movement of the appliance door. This allows the locking element to be moved from the locked position to the released position only shortly before the appliance door reaches its closed position. This prevents the bolt from moving into the locked position before the appliance door is closed.Advantageously, the locking element and the locking counterpart are designed and arranged such that the locking element comes into contact with the locking counterpart when the device door is opened at an angle of less than 10 degrees. Advantageously, the locking element is only moved into the release position when the bolt can engage behind the locking counterpart.

[0018] The interaction of the bolt and the locking mechanism reliably prevents unintentional movement of the locked appliance door. To open the appliance door, the bolt must first be moved back to the unlocked position, in which it no longer engages the locking mechanism. When the bolt is in the unlocked position, the appliance door can be moved freely, that is, towards the closed or open position.

[0019] With regard to the locking mechanism, it has proven advantageous for it to have a first section designed as a release stop and a second section designed as a locking section. When the appliance door is closed, the locking element initially engages with the release stop. As the appliance door continues to close, the release stop moves the locking element into the release position. With further movement of the appliance door into the closed position, the bolt can then be moved behind the locking mechanism. The bolt can then engage the locking section of the locking mechanism.The release stop can therefore be located on the side of the locking counterpart facing the device door, and the locking section can be located on the opposite side of the locking counterpart facing the device housing.

[0020] Overall, the locking element can therefore have a dual function and can be used both to lock the door and to automatically move the locking element into the release position when the device door is closed.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the locking element is movable between a release position, in which the bolt is movable between the locked and unlocked positions, and a locked position, in which movement of the bolt is blocked. In the locked position, the bolt cannot be moved; instead, it can be fixed or blocked by the locking element in the unlocked position. To move the bolt from the unlocked position to the locked position to lock the appliance door, the locking element must first be moved from the locked position to the release position. It has proven advantageous if the locking element is designed and arranged such that it automatically moves back and forth between the locked and released positions when the appliance door is opened and closed.Therefore, it is not necessary to actively move the locking element back and forth between the locked and unlocked positions; instead, the corresponding movement of the locking element can be linked to the movement of the appliance door. The movement of the locking element between the locked and unlocked positions can thus occur automatically, ensuring that the locking element is always moved into the locked or unlocked position at the correct time or at a predetermined door opening angle. In essence, the closing movement of the appliance door can be used to move the locking mechanism that blocks the locking element.

[0022] The locking element can have a contact surface that can abut the locking counterpart when the appliance door is closed. The locking element can thus be actuated by the locking counterpart through contact between the contact surface and the locking counterpart. The contact surface can abut the release stop of the locking counterpart, thereby moving the locking counterpart into the release position.

[0023] Regarding the arrangement of the locking element and the bolt, it has proven advantageous if the locking counterpart is positioned between the locking element and the bolt when the appliance door is closed. When the appliance door is open, the bolt can be positioned between the locking counterpart and the locking element, so that when the appliance door is closed, the bolt must first move past the locking counterpart until it comes into contact with the locking element.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the locking element engages positively in the bolt in the locked position to block the bolt. By engaging the bolt, the locking element in the locked position can directly prevent movement of the element, which would otherwise cause problems when closing the door if it were in the locked position. In this respect, such direct blocking has proven advantageous, for example, compared to blocking the transmission element or the actuating element.

[0025] Nevertheless, it is advantageous if the bolt is mechanically coupled to the actuating element via the transmission element. This prevents the actuating element and bolt from moving relative to each other, or rather, eliminates any free play between the elements. This positive coupling ensures that the position of the bolt is directly reflected in the position of the actuating element. Simultaneously, if the bolt is locked, it is no longer possible to move the actuating element. In this respect, the locking element indirectly serves to lock both the actuating element and the transmission element that couples the actuating element to the bolt.

[0026] According to the invention, the bolt is guided linearly within a bolt housing. The locking assembly can thus include a bolt housing, which ensures that the bolt moves back and forth only in a linear direction between the locked and unlocked positions. The bolt housing can have a mounting section by which it can be attached to the device door. The bolt housing can therefore serve as a bearing element, and all components arranged on the bolt housing can be mounted to the device door via the bolt housing.

[0027] To guide the bolt, the bolt housing can have a guide tunnel that can be adapted to the bolt's geometry, so that the bolt is enclosed by the guide tunnel and can therefore only move in the longitudinal direction of the guide tunnel. In the unlocked position, the bolt can be located inside the bolt housing, and in the locked position, the bolt can protrude from the bolt housing on one side. Structurally, the bolt can have a block-like geometry and be designed as a locking block, so that it can reliably secure even heavy equipment doors and ensure sufficient bolt stability.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the locking element is mounted on the bolt housing. The bolt housing can thus function as a common bearing element for both the bolt and the locking element, and this proximity ensures reliable locking of the bolt in the locked position. Since the bolt is arranged to be movable relative to the bolt housing, it is also arranged to be movable relative to the locking element. This allows the forces required at the actuating element for locking and unlocking to be kept comparatively low.

[0029] With regard to the arrangement and mounting of the locking element, it has proven advantageous for it to be pivotally mounted on the bolt housing. The locking element can thus pivot back and forth between the locked and unlocked positions about a pivot axis. It is advantageous if the pivot axis extends transversely to the direction of movement of the bolt. Furthermore, the pivot axis can extend parallel to the appliance door or its surface. This ensures that when the appliance door is closed, the locking element abuts the locking counterpart and can then be pivoted about the corresponding pivot axis by further movement of the appliance door towards the closed position. From a design perspective, the bolt housing can have at least one, but preferably two, projections on its outer surface, which, for example,They can be designed in the shape of ears and through which the pivot axis of the locking element can pass.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment, the locking element is designed as a locking lever. The pivot axis can thus extend through an end region of the locking element, and the locking element can be moved around the pivot axis like a lever. The pivot bearing at the end allows for a large range of motion in the end region of the locking element opposite the pivot axis. The contact surface of the locking element can be located in the end region opposite the pivot bearing, so that a comparatively large torque is generated when the contact surface comes into contact with the locking counterpart. This allows the force required to move the locking element against the device door to be kept comparatively low.

[0031] With regard to the locking element, it has proven advantageous for it to be spring-loaded into the locked position. The spring ensures that the locking element is reliably held in the locked position and that it is not unintentionally moved to the unlocked position, even during rapid door movement or due to external influences. When the appliance door is closed and the locking element moves from the locked to the unlocked position, the force of the spring must be overcome by the locking element striking the locking counterpart and by the movement of the appliance door. The spring can be designed as a double-lever spring, which has proven advantageous in practice for ensuring sufficient spring force.

[0032] According to a constructively advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the locking element has a locking lug which, in the locked position, engages in a locking recess of the bolt. The locking lug engaging in the locking recess enables a reliable positive-locking connection between the locking element and the bolt. Due to the bolt's guidance within the bolt housing, the bolt housing can have a recess according to the invention which can align with the locking recess of the bolt in the unlocked position, so that the locking element or locking lug can extend through the bolt housing and project into the bolt to block it.

[0033] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous for the locking element to laterally engage the bolt housing, at least in the locked position. This design allows the locking element to be very securely mounted to the bolt housing, eliminating the risk of it breaking off due to an unintentional lateral force. This design thus results in particularly high stability. To enable the locking element to laterally engage the bolt housing, it can have a U-shaped cross-section, at least in sections, and the two lateral legs can be positioned accordingly on either side of the bolt housing.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it has proven beneficial with regard to the locking element if it has an opening into which the bolt housing, in particular an end region of the bolt housing, can engage in the locked position. This design allows for a very flat construction, and the opening makes it possible for the locking element to protrude only minimally from the bolt housing.

[0035] To ensure reliable locking of the appliance door, it is advantageous to provide two locking assemblies, each with a bolt. The appliance door can thus be reliably locked by two bolts. The actuating element can be coupled to each locking assembly or bolt via a transmission element, so that movement of the actuating element results in simultaneous movement of both bolts. Advantageously, the locking assemblies are arranged in opposite end regions of the appliance door, particularly in an upper and a lower end region. The bolts of the two locking assemblies can move in opposite directions when actuated. That is, the upper bolt can be extended upwards and the lower bolt downwards into the locked position.

[0036] The transmission element can be designed as a push rod and connected at one end to the actuating element and at the opposite end to the bolt. With two locking assemblies, the actuating element can be positioned centrally between the two locking assemblies and connected to the respective bolts via two push rods, similar to a lever-operated mechanism.

[0037] Overall, due to the positive coupling of the bolt with the actuating element, and therefore also the positive coupling of one bolt with the other, it may be sufficient if only one of the two locking assemblies has a locking element. This is because if the movement of one bolt is blocked by the locking element, the movement of the other bolt is also blocked accordingly. However, to ensure reliable functionality, it has proven advantageous for both locking assemblies to have a locking element.

[0038] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the bolt be linearly movable back and forth via the transmission element. The transmission element can be coupled to the bolt via a pin part, wherein the pin part can project into the bolt.

[0039] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous to provide a latch mounted linearly within the bolt. The latch can be spring-loaded against the bolt and may have a chamfered lead-in. The latch can also protrude from the bolt housing in the locked position. To allow relative movement, the latch can have an elongated hole extending in the direction of bolt movement, and the latch can be linearly connected to the bolt via a rivet engaging in the elongated hole. Due to the movable mounting of the latch, it can deflect against the spring force upon contact with the locking counterpart and then engage behind the locking counterpart during a further closing movement of the device door.

[0040] With regard to the aforementioned task, a further appliance door, particularly for heating, cooking, drying, or cooling appliances, is proposed, wherein the appliance door can be locked against the appliance housing by means of a door latch. The advantages already described with regard to the door latch result from this.

[0041] Due to the design of the locking element described above, it cannot protrude from the contour of the appliance door; rather, it can be arranged within the contour of the appliance door together with the bolt in the unlocked position. The transmission element(s) can extend parallel to the pivot axis of the appliance door. Accordingly, the bolt can also be movable parallel to the pivot axis of the appliance door between the locked and unlocked positions.

[0042] With regard to the aforementioned task, a method for operating an appliance door, particularly of hot appliances, cooking appliances, baking appliances, or cooling appliances, which can be locked by means of a door latch, is further proposed, wherein the door latch is designed in the manner described above. The method comprises the following steps: Moving the actuating element to transfer the bolt locking the device door in a locked position relative to a device housing to an unlocked position; moving the device door towards its open position; automatically moving the locking element, which passes through a recess of a bolt housing that guides the bolt linearly, into a locked position to block movement of the bolt by the movement of the device door towards its open position.

[0043] The advantages already described with regard to the door lock result.

[0044] When the appliance door is closed, the bolt can be freely moved between the locked and unlocked positions via the operating element, particularly by a rotary motion. This is because, with the appliance door closed, the locking element is always in the release position, thus not preventing movement of the bolt. However, when the appliance door is opened, the locking element is automatically moved into the locked position by a spring, in which movement of the bolt is blocked. Since the bolt must be moved into the unlocked position to open the appliance door, the locking element blocks the bolt in this unlocked position, preventing it from being moved back into the locked position. This reliably prevents the bolt from colliding with a locking mechanism when the door is closed.

[0045] According to an advantageous further development of the procedure, the following steps are planned: Moving the appliance door towards its closed position; the locking element engaging a locking counterpart and automatically moving the locking element into a release position due to further movement of the appliance door towards its closed position; moving the actuating element to transfer the bolt into the locking position to lock the appliance door in its closed position.

[0046] As the appliance door moves towards its closed position, the locking element remains in the locked position, thus securing the bolt in the locked position. Shortly before the appliance door is fully closed, the locking element can engage with the locking counterpart and be moved into the release position by further movement of the appliance door. Advantageously, the release position is only reached once the appliance door is closed, so that the bolt can only be moved into the locked position when the appliance door is completely closed. This prevents a collision between the bolt and the locking counterpart. A collision between the locking element and the locking counterpart is not critical, as the locking element can deflect against the force of a spring, as described above.

[0047] Further details and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 an exploded view of a locking assembly of a door latch of an appliance door; Fig. 2 the locking assembly according to Fig. 1 in a perspective side view; Fig. 3a, b Views of a door lock and a locking assembly in a side view in which the locking element is in a locked position; Fig. 4a, b Views of a door lock and a locking assembly in a side view in which the locking element contacts the locking counterpart; Fig. 5a, b Views of a door lock and a locking assembly in a side view in which the bolt locks the device door.

[0048] The representations of Fig. 3a bis 5b The figures first show a side view of a door lock 1 for an appliance door not shown, which can be used, for example, in the kitchen area for hot, cooking, baking or cooling appliances.

[0049] The appliance door is pivotally mounted to the appliance housing around a vertical axis and can be moved back and forth between an open and a closed position. A door lock 1 is provided to lock the appliance door to the appliance housing in the closed position, preventing it from being opened.

[0050] The door lock 1 essentially consists of an actuating element 3, which in the illustrated embodiment has a handle that can be pivoted by hand, a transmission element 11 designed as a push rod, and a locking assembly 4 arranged at the end of the transmission element 11, the construction of which is shown below, in particular with reference to the illustration of the Fig. 1 , will be explained in more detail later.

[0051] The door lock 1 has a door-side handle lock which blocks movement of the actuating element 3 when the door is open. The actuating element 3, the transmission element 11, and the locking assembly 4, including the bolt 7, are arranged on the door side.

[0052] Based on the depictions of the Fig. 3a bis 5a It can also be seen that two locking assemblies 4 are provided, namely one in the upper area of ​​the device door and one in the lower area of ​​the device door. The actuating element 3 is arranged between these two locking assemblies 4 and is connected to the upper and lower locking assemblies 4 via a transmission element 11.

[0053] The two locking assemblies 4 are identical in design. The following explanations regarding the function and design of one locking assembly 4 therefore also apply to the other locking assembly 4.

[0054] The locking assembly 4 has a bolt 7 that can be moved between a locking position V and an unlocking position E via the actuating element 3. In the locking position V, the bolt can engage a locking counterpart 14, designed as a hinge on the door frame or the device housing, thus securing the device door in the locking position V so that it can no longer be opened. The bolts 7 of the two locking assemblies 4 according to the Fig. 3a bis 5a They move in opposite directions. That is, to lock the appliance door, the upper bolt 7 moves upwards and the lower bolt 7 moves downwards, so that the two bolts 7 can then engage the respective locking counterparts 14. The locking counterparts 14 are located on the appliance housing side.

[0055] The presentation of Fig. 1 Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the locking assembly 4, which clearly reveals the individual components. First, the bolt 7, already described above, can be seen. It is guided linearly within a bolt housing 6 and can move back and forth between the locking position V and the unlocking position E when the actuating element 3 is moved. To guide the bolt 7, the bolt housing 6 has a guide tunnel 6.1 that surrounds the bolt 7 and is geometrically adapted to the design of the bolt 7, so that the bolt 7 can only move in one direction.

[0056] The locking housing 6 has a mounting section 6.4 on its underside, which allows it to be attached to the appliance door. The locking housing 6 can, for example, be screwed to the appliance door. Because of this connection between the locking housing 6 and the appliance door, the other components of the locking assembly 4 are also mounted to the appliance door via the locking housing 6.

[0057] In the area opposite assembly section 6.4, the locking housing 6 has two parallel projections 6.2, which are shown in the illustration of the Fig. 1 These projections 6.2 serve as connecting sections for linking the bolt housing 6 to a locking element 5, the function of which will be explained in more detail below. The locking element 3 is also located on the door side.

[0058] The locking element 5 has an overall wedge-shaped geometry and is pivotally connected to the bolt housing 6 at its rear end. The locking element 5 is thus designed as a locking lever and is movable around the bolt housing 6, or around the pivot axis, between a locked position S (which will be explained in more detail below) and a released position F. Furthermore, the locking element 5 has a U-shaped cross-section, so that in the locked position S, which is also shown in the illustration of the Fig. 2 It can be seen that the locking housing 6 wraps around laterally from above.

[0059] On its upper side, the locking element 5 has an inclined surface 5.4, which gives the locking element 5 its overall wedge-shaped geometry. The inclined surface 5.4 is provided with an opening 5.3, which allows for a particularly compact design. This is shown in the illustration of the Fig. 2 The bolt housing 6 or an end area of ​​the bolt housing 6 can extend into the opening 5.3 and thus the locking element 5 can rest on the cuboid bolt housing 6 in the locking position S.

[0060] The locking element 5 has a locking lug 5.2 on its underside, which is formed by the breakthrough of the Fig. 3b This can be seen in the figure. In the locked position E, the locking lug 5.2 can engage in a correspondingly shaped locking recess 7.1 in the bolt 7, thus preventing movement of the bolt 7. In this position, the locking lug 5.2 extends through the bolt housing 6 or a recess 6.3 of the bolt housing 6, and the locking lug 5.2 can engage positively from above in the locking recess 7.1. In the unlocked position E, i.e., when the bolt 7 is retracted and moved into the bolt housing 6, the locking recess 7.1 aligns with the recess 6.3, so that the locking lug 5.2 can engage in the locking recess 7.1.

[0061] As this is further illustrated in the presentation of the Fig. 1 As can be seen, the locking element 5 is biased against the bolt housing 6 by a spring 5.1 designed as a double-legged torsion spring. The spring 5.1 thus presses the locking element 5 downwards onto the bolt housing 6 in the position shown in the illustration. Fig. 2 shown locking position S.

[0062] In the locked position S, the bolt 7 cannot be moved. The bolt 7 is positively coupled to the actuating element 3 on its rear side via the pin part 11.1 of the transmission element 11, so that a rotational movement of the actuating element 3 directly results in a linear movement of the bolt 7. Due to the locking of the bolt 7 by the locking element 5, the actuating element 3 can no longer be moved in the locked position S. The actuating element 3 is thus locked.

[0063] In the front area, the bolt 7 is connected to a spring-loaded latch 7.2, which is arranged to be linearly movable relative to the bolt 7 within certain limits. The latch 7.2 is mounted in the bolt 7 and can be moved back and forth to a certain extent by means of the rivet pin 7.5, which is guided in an elongated hole in the latch 7.2 and fixed to the bolt. Furthermore, the latch 7.2 is also adjustable via the mechanism shown in the illustration. Fig. 1 The visible spring 7.4 is pre-tensioned and can be moved into the bolt 7 against the force of the spring 7.4, which is designed as a compression spring, and which in turn serves as a linear guide for the trap.

[0064] The functionality will now be explained using the illustrations of the Fig. 3a bis 5b will be explained in more detail. The representations of the Fig. 3a und 3b The locking element 5 is initially shown in the locked position S, in which it engages the bolt 7 and blocks the bolt 7 in the unlocked position E. The bolt 7 cannot therefore be extended or moved into the locked position V, and the actuating element 3 cannot be moved due to the positive coupling. In this state, the appliance door is not locked and can be opened and closed. Furthermore, there is no risk of the bolt 7 colliding with the locking counterpart 14 when the appliance door is closed, as it is retracted into the bolt housing 6, as is also shown in the illustration. Fig. 3b can be seen.

[0065] When the appliance door is moved towards its closed position, the bolt 7 initially does not come into contact with the locking counterpart 14. Although the latch 7.2, located at the tip of the bolt 7, can contact the locking element 14 with its leading edge 7.3, its movable bearing allows the latch 7.2 to move towards the bolt 7 and against the force of the spring 7.4. This allows the latch 7.2 to snap behind the locking element 14 once the appliance door has closed sufficiently.

[0066] If the latch 7.2 is already engaged behind the locking counterpart 7.2, the appliance door may be in a pre-locked position. If the appliance door was previously closed, hot vapors, for example, may escape from the appliance housing in this position through the gap between the slightly open appliance door and the housing.

[0067] From a certain closing angle of the appliance door, the locking counterpart 14 comes into contact with the underside of the locking element 5. The corresponding side of the locking element 5 is thus designed as a contact surface 5.5, which serves to contact the locking counterpart 14. The side of the locking counterpart 14 facing the locking element 5 in this position is therefore designed as a release stop 14.1, and the contact surface 5.5 of the locking element 5 then abuts the release stop 14.1 when the appliance door is closed, once the bolt 7 has moved past it.

[0068] When the appliance door is closed further or moved further towards the closed position, the locking element 5 is lifted from the bolt housing 6 by contact with the release stop 14.1. This then occurs according to the illustration of the Fig. 4b The locking element 5 is pivoted counterclockwise and the locking lug 5.2 is pivoted out of the locking recess 7.1. The illustration of the Fig. 4b This position shows.

[0069] Only when the appliance door has reached the closed position is the locking element 5 pivoted or lifted from the bolt housing 6 to such an extent that the locking lug 5.2 no longer engages the locking rebate 7.1, and the bolt 7 can then be moved into the locking position V in this release position F of the locking element. When the bolt 7 is then moved into the locking position V by a rotary movement of the actuating element 3 and extended from the bolt housing 6, the bolt 7 engages behind the locking counterpart 14. The side of the locking counterpart 14 opposite the release stop 14.1 is thus designed as a locking section 14.2, and this ensures that the appliance door can no longer be opened when the bolt 7 engages behind the locking counterpart 14 or the locking section 14.2.

[0070] When the appliance door is to be opened again, the bolt 7 must first be retracted and moved into the unlocked position by a corresponding movement of the actuating element 3. When the appliance door is then opened slightly, the locking element 5 moves back towards the locked position S due to the preload force of the spring 5.1, and the locking lug 5.2 re-engages in the locking recess 7.1. When the appliance door is open far enough that the locking element 5, or rather its contact surface 5.5, is no longer in contact with the locking counterpart 14 or the release stop 14.1, the locking element 5 is in the locked position S, and further movement of the bolt 7 is no longer possible.

[0071] Overall, this design of the locking assembly 4 ensures reliable blocking of the bolt 7 in the unlocked position E, preventing a collision between the bolt 7 and the locking counterpart 14 that could potentially damage the components when the appliance door is closed. Furthermore, the locking element 5 does not protrude from the contour of the appliance door; instead, it is only lifted from the bolt housing 6 and moved into the release position F by actuation via the locking counterpart 14 shortly before the appliance door is completely closed. Bezugszeichen:

[0072] 1 Door lock 3 Actuating element 4 Locking assembly 5 Locking element 5.1 Spring 5.2 Locking lug 5.3 Opening 5.4 Slanted surface 5.5 Contact surface 6 Bolt housing 6.1 Guide tunnel 6.2 Projection 6.3 Recess 6.4 Mounting section 7 Bolt 7.1 Locking recess 7.2 Latch 7.3 Lead-in chamfer 7.4 Spring 7.5 Rivet pin 11 Transmission element 11.1 Pin part 14 Locking counterpart 14.1 Release stop 14.2 Locking section Locking position V Unlocking position S Locking position F Release position

Claims

1. Door lock for appliance doors, in particular of heating, cooking, baking or cooling appliances, comprising an actuating element (3) arranged so as to be movable relative to the appliance door, a transmission element (11) transmitting the movement of the actuating element (3), and a locking assembly (4) arranged at the end of the transmission element (11), which locking assembly has a bolt (7) arranged so as to be movable via the transmission element (11) between a locking position (V) and an unlocking position (E), with which bolt the closed appliance door is lockable in the locking position (V), wherein a blocking element (5) is provided which, when the appliance door is open, blocks the bolt (7) in its unlocking position (E), wherein the blocking element (5) is part of the locking assembly (4), characterized in that the bolt (7) is guided in a linearly movable manner in a bolt housing (6) which has an aperture (6.3) that can be passed through by the blocking element (5) for blocking the bolt (7).

2. Door lock according to claim 1, characterized by a locking counterpart (14), in particular a striker, which can be engaged behind by the bolt (7) in the locking position (V) in order to lock a closed appliance door in this position, wherein the blocking element (5) is actuatable by the locking counterpart (14) when closing the appliance door.

3. Door lock according to claim 2, characterized in that the blocking element (5) can come into abutment with the locking counterpart (14) during the last part of the closing movement of the appliance door, whereby the blocking element (5) can move from its blocking position (S) into a release position (F).

4. Door lock according to one of the claims 2 or 3, characterized in that a first portion of the locking counterpart (14) is formed as a release stop (14.1) and a second portion is formed as a locking portion (14.2).

5. Door lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blocking element (5) is movable between a release position (F), in which the bolt (4) is movable between the locking position (V) and the unlocking position (E), and a blocking position (S), in which a movement of the bolt (4) is blocked, wherein the blocking element (5) is formed and arranged such that it automatically moves back and forth between the blocking position (S) and the release position (F) when opening and closing the appliance door.

6. Door lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blocking element (5) engages in a form-fitting manner into the bolt (4) in a blocking position (S) for blocking the bolt (4).

7. Door lock according to claim 6, characterized in that the blocking element (5) is mounted on the bolt housing (6).

8. Door lock according to claim 7, characterized in that the blocking element (5) is pivot-mounted on the bolt housing (6).

9. Door lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blocking element (5) is biased into the blocking position (S) by a spring (5.1).

10. Door lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blocking element (5) comprises a blocking lug (5.2) which, in the blocking position (S), engages in a blocking recess (4.1) of the bolt (4).

11. Door lock according to one of the claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the blocking element (5) laterally engages around the bolt housing (6) at least in the blocking position (S).

12. Appliance door, in particular for heating, cooking, drying or cooling appliances, characterized by a door lock (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 11.

13. Method for actuating an appliance door lockable by means of a door lock (1), in particular of heating, cooking, baking or cooling appliances, which is formed according to one of the claims 1 to 11, characterized by the following steps: - moving the actuating element (3) to transfer the bolt (7), which locks - the appliance door (1) in a locking position (V) relative to an appliance housing, into an unlocking position (E); - moving the appliance door in the direction of its open position; - automatically transferring the blocking element (5) into a blocking position (S), in which the blocking element (5) passes through an aperture (6.3) of the bolt housing (6), for blocking a movement of the bolt (7) by the movement of the appliance door in the direction of its open position.

14. Method according to claim 13, further characterized by the following steps: - moving the appliance door in the direction of its closed position; - leading-in of the blocking element (5) against a locking counterpart (14) and automatic movement of the blocking element (5) into a release position (F) due to a continued movement of the appliance door in the direction of its closed position; - moving the actuating element (3) to transfer the bolt (3) into the locking position (V) for locking the appliance door in its closed position.