Apparatus with a closure member having a handle member

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device with a locking element and a handle element.

[0002] In many technical fields, devices or equipment are known that have an interior space or similar, the opening of which can be opened and closed by a movable locking element. Such a locking element can be a door, a flap, or the like. The movement between the opened and closed states can be rotational, achieved by pivoting or folding the locking element around an axis of rotation, for example, by means of hinges or the like, or translational, by pulling or pushing along an axis. Combined movements using appropriate mechanisms are also possible.

[0003] In any case, it is known and customary that this movement of the locking element is performed by a person as the user. For this purpose, a handle is usually arranged on the front of the locking element, facing the user, and can be gripped by the user with their hand or at least with their fingers to move the locking element. Such handles can be designed as grips or handgrips, specifically to be grasped by the user from behind, which allows for a secure grip and hold of the handle and thus enables or facilitates safe and controlled guidance of the locking element during movement.

[0004] Besides their technical function of being gripped and moved by the user, such handle elements should also be visually appealing or unobtrusive, as they are part of or attached to the locking mechanism and are typically positioned in a visually prominent location. The handle elements can therefore significantly influence the overall appearance of the locking mechanism. This is particularly true for kitchen appliances, and especially for built-in kitchen appliances, where the locking mechanism usually forms or even completely occupies the front. Built-in kitchen appliances can also be raised above the floor and thus positioned at eye level, which can further increase the user's attention to the appliance's appearance. The handle element of a locking mechanism can therefore be of great visual and aesthetic importance.

[0005] A device with a locking element and handle element is known, for example, from the publication DE 10 2010 043 340 A1.

[0006] For example, in cooking appliances, it is known to design the handle element of the locking mechanism in multiple parts, so that an inner part can be designed and fixedly mounted to the locking mechanism as a support element for the handle, in order to transmit the forces of the user's movement. The inner part of the locking mechanism can then be at least partially enclosed and concealed by an outer part, which serves as a decorative element of the handle, so that only the outer part is essentially or completely visible to the user and can be designed accordingly to be attractive, high-quality, and aesthetically pleasing. This allows both objectives or functions of a handle element of the locking mechanism to be combined.

[0007] Two-part handle elements are disclosed in the publications DE 10 2016 206352 A1, US 231 4 522 A and US 611 9 309 A.

[0008] The challenge here, however, is that the connection between the inner and outer parts of the handle of the locking mechanism must be both secure and visually appealing, or at least unobtrusive, to achieve both objectives and ensure proper function. This creates a gap at the contact points or surfaces between the inner and outer parts of the handle, which should therefore also be visually appealing and inconspicuous. Furthermore, visible screws between the inner and outer parts of the handle should be avoided, as these could be perceived as visually distracting by the user.

[0009] A screw connection between the inner and outer parts of the handle element of the locking element using a setscrew, especially along the vertical axis from below, could make the screw connection visually disappear, but would involve increased manufacturing and assembly effort, which would lead to increased production costs.

[0010] Accordingly, at least in the case of cooking appliances, gluing and locking are known methods for attaching the outer part to the inner part of the handle element of the locking element.

[0011] A disadvantage of bonding the outer part to the inner part of the handle element of the locking mechanism is that significant process variations can occur during the bonding process, resulting in an uneven gap. Furthermore, the gap or joint can widen under the application of the subsequent load if the adhesive does not withstand the stresses, at least in the long term. This could negatively affect the user's perception of the product.

[0012] A disadvantage of the locking or snap-fit ​​connection between the outer part and the inner part of the handle element of the locking mechanism is that it does not reliably prevent the joined components from shifting relative to each other. Furthermore, due to play in the connected parts, locked components tend to produce noises such as rubbing and clicking sounds during subsequent handling, which users may find annoying and perceive as a sign of inferior quality.

[0013] In any case, glued or latched components cannot be separated from each other without damage, which can make it difficult or even impossible to disassemble the outer part from the inner part of the handle element of the locking element, for example to remove the outer part for repair or replacement.

[0014] In any case, it is necessary that the outer part, as a decorative element, can be attached to the inner part of the handle or locking element over a longer area or at an angle, and that both components can be positioned precisely relative to each other. If this cannot be achieved, it can lead to visual defects in the handle or locking element, as mentioned previously.

[0015] The invention thus addresses the problem of creating a device with a locking element and a handle element, the handle element of which can be mounted to the locking element more easily, quickly, cost-effectively, and / or more aesthetically than previously known methods. This should be particularly applicable to the mounting of an outer part of the handle element to an inner part of the handle element of the locking element. At the very least, an alternative to the known methods should be provided.

[0016] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a device, a locking element, and a handle element having the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the following dependent claims.

[0017] The invention thus relates to a device, preferably a household appliance, particularly preferably a kitchen appliance, most preferably a cooking appliance, with an interior having an access opening and with a locking element which is designed to be moved by a user by means of a handle element in order to close and release the access opening of the interior, wherein the handle element has at least one inner part which is fixedly connected to the locking element and at least one outer part which is fixedly connected to the inner part of the handle element.

[0018] The outer part has an outer surface facing the user, and in particular, visible to the user. When the locking element is closed, the extent of this outer surface is essentially parallel to the access opening of the interior.

[0019] The device according to the invention is characterized in that the outer part of the handle element has at least one retaining element extending in a straight line along a joining direction and the inner part of the handle element has at least one corresponding interlocking receptacle which extends obliquely away from the outer part along the joining direction, wherein the outer part of the handle element is positively connected to the inner part of the handle element by means of the interlocking of the interlocking receptacle of the inner part of the handle element, or vice versa.

[0020] An interlocking or interlocking recess of the inner part of the handle element refers to an inclined or slanted orientation of the recess along its longitudinal direction or along the joining direction, which is inclined by a few degrees to the surface area of ​​the outer part compared to a straight orientation along its longitudinal direction. Simultaneously, the mounting element runs exactly in a straight line along its longitudinal direction or along the joining direction, so that the mounting element of the outer part of the handle element and the interlocking recess of the inner part of the handle element are designed to correspond to each other and thus fit together precisely. However, due to the interlocking of the recess of the inner part of the handle element, their respective directions of extension are not congruent but rather form an angle between them.

[0021] Thus, the outer part of the handle element can initially be held in a form-fitting manner in the corresponding receptacle of the inner part of the handle element by means of its retaining element, in order to essentially prevent relative movements perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of extension or in the joining direction. The additional twisting of the receptacle of the inner part of the handle element allows a tensile force to be exerted from the inner part of the handle element onto the outer part of the handle element during the joining process, thereby creating an additional force-fit connection between the inner and outer parts of the handle element. The degree of twisting of the receptacle of the inner part of the handle element can be selected so that the desired force-fit connection is achieved at the end of the joining process.

[0022] This allows for a firm, stable, and durable, play-free connection between the inner and outer parts of the handle element, while simultaneously enabling defined and highly precise positioning of the two connecting components. In particular, the connection can be easily and quickly disconnected and reconnected without damage, for example, to replace the outer part.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the outer part of the handle element is positively connected to the inner part of the handle element by means of a plurality of mounting elements extending in a straight line along the joining direction, by means of the interlocking of a plurality of interlocking receptacles of the inner part of the handle element. This can increase or improve the stability of the connection as well as the accuracy of the positioning.

[0024] According to a further aspect of the invention, the pairs of retaining elements of the outer part of the handle element and the interlocking receptacles of the inner part of the handle element are arranged at uniform distances from one another. This can increase or improve the stability of the connection as well as the accuracy of the positioning.

[0025] According to a further aspect of the invention, the inner part of the handle element preferably has a narrowed opening which extends in a straight line along the joining direction and provides access to the preferably interlocking receptacle of the inner part of the handle element relative to the outer part of the handle element, wherein preferably a retaining element web of the outer part of the handle element, which connects the preferably respective retaining element to the outer part, runs within the narrowed opening of the inner part of the handle element. This can represent a concrete way of implementing the aforementioned positive locking between the inner and outer parts of the handle element.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the invention, the retaining element, preferably the retaining elements, of the outer part of the handle element are T-shaped. This can be one possible implementation. In particular, this allows two flanks or edges of the T-shaped retaining element to be created, which can be bent or pressed together by means of the interlocking of the inner part of the handle element, thus supporting or reinforcing the force transmission.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the invention, the retaining element, preferably the retaining elements, of the outer part of the handle element are C-shaped. This can represent an alternative way to achieve the properties and advantages described above, as well as increased force transmission and / or increased frictional transmission through the surface contact.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the invention, the interlocking recess of the inner part of the handle element is cylindrical. This can be achieved by means of a bore which penetrates the material of the inner part of the handle element to the outside at its edge, thereby preferably creating the previously described narrowed opening.

[0029] According to the invention, the joining direction runs at an angle to the vertical axis. This allows the length of the retaining element of the outer part of the handle element, as well as the interlocking receptacle of the inner part of the handle element, to be minimized.

[0030] According to a further aspect of the invention, the outer part of the handle element projects beyond the inner part of the handle element at least along the transverse axis, and preferably also along the longitudinal axis. This allows the outer part of the handle element to enclose the handle element externally, creating a uniform and closed appearance, which may be more visually appealing to the user than seeing the inner part of the handle element. The aforementioned relative dimensions refer to the state of the device when the locking element is closed.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the invention, the outer part of the handle element is a decorative element visible from the outside. This can improve the visual impression and increase the design possibilities.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the invention, the outer part of the handle element and the inner part of the handle element form a defined joint between them. This can improve the visual appearance.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the invention, the handle element is curved to allow the user to grip it from behind with at least one finger, preferably with all fingers, at least partially, preferably completely and continuously. This can simplify the user's operation of the locking element by grasping and pulling or pushing the handle element.

[0034] According to another aspect of the invention, the handle element runs essentially horizontally. This can make gripping easier for the user. This can be particularly useful for locking elements in the form of flaps that are movably mounted at the lower edge.

[0035] The present invention also relates to a locking element with at least one handle element for use in a device as described above. This allows a locking element to be created for implementing a device as described above.

[0036] The present invention further relates to a handle element for use with a locking element as described above and / or with a device as described above. This allows a handle element to be created for implementing a device as described above.

[0037] Several embodiments of the invention are shown schematically in the drawings and are described in more detail below. It shows Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device according to the invention in the form of a cooking device according to a first embodiment, from a front oblique angle above; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a section of an inner part of a handle element of a locking element of the cooking device. Figure 1 Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a section of an outer part of the handle element of the locking element of the cooking appliance. Figure 1 Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the section of the handle element of the Figures 1 to 3 in the connected state; Figure 5 a top view of a section of the connected handle element of the Figure 4 Figure 6 is a perspective view of a section of the outer part of the handle element of the locking element of the cooking appliance according to a second embodiment; and Figure 7 is a top view of a section of the connected handle element of the Figure 6 .

[0038] The figures above are viewed in Cartesian coordinates. A longitudinal axis X extends, which can also be called depth X or length X. Perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X extends a transverse axis Y, which can also be called width Y. Perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis Y extends a vertical axis Z, which can also be called height Z and corresponds to the direction of gravity. The longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis Y together form the horizontal X,Y, which can also be called the horizontal plane X,Y.

[0039] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device 1 according to the invention in the form of a cooking device 1 according to a first embodiment, viewed obliquely from the front above. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a section of an inner part 14, a handle element 13, a locking element 12 of the cooking appliance 1 of the Figure 1 . Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a section of an outer part 15 of the handle element 13 of the locking element 12 of the cooking appliance 1 of the Figure 1 . Figure 4 shows a perspective view of section 13 of the handle element. Figures 1 to 3 in a connected state. Figure 5 shows a top view of a section of the connected handle element 13 of the Figure 4 .

[0040] A kitchen appliance 1 according to the invention, as a household appliance 1 and in particular as a kitchen appliance 1, is considered using the example of a cooking appliance 1. The cooking appliance 1 has a housing 10 which essentially encloses the cooking appliance 1 externally. Within the housing 10, the cooking appliance 1 has an interior space (not shown) with an access opening (not shown) and a closing element 12 in the form of a flap 12, which forms the essential part of the front 12a or the outer surface 12a of the cooking appliance 1. The flap 12 is designed to be moved by a user by means of a handle 13 to close and open the access opening of the interior space. Above the flap 12, the front 12a of the cooking appliance 1 is closed off by a cover 11. The flap 12 is hinged or pivotably attached to the housing 10 of the cooking appliance 1 at its lower edge.

[0041] The handle element 13 has an inner part 14, which is fixedly connected to the flap 12, and an outer part 15, which is fixedly connected to the inner part 14 of the handle element 13. The inner part 14 of the handle element 13 can also be referred to as the mounting part 14 of the handle element 13. The outer part 15 of the handle element 13 is a decorative part 15 of the handle element 13.

[0042] For the fixed and precise arrangement of the outer part 15 of the handle element 13 on the inner part 14 of the handle element 13, the inner part 14 of the handle element 13 has a plurality of interlocking receptacles 14a such that, firstly, a bore in each receptacle penetrates the material of the inner part 14 of the handle element 13 outwards at its edge, thereby creating a narrowed opening 14b. Secondly, these bores, as interlocking receptacles 14a of the inner part 14 of the handle element 13, extend obliquely or at an angle to the vertical axis Z, such that the central axis of the interlocking receptacles 14a, in the course of its longitudinal extension from top to bottom, moves further and further away from the edge of the inner part 14 of the handle element 13 or its narrowed opening 14b, cf. Figure 2 .

[0043] Correspondingly, the outer part 15 of the handle element 13 has a retaining element 15a, which can also be referred to as a pin 15a. In the first embodiment of the Figures 1 to 5 The mounting element 15a is T-shaped, such that each mounting element web 15b, acting as a pin web 15b, points straight from the inside (not labeled) of the outer part 15 of the handle element 13 to the corresponding interlocking receptacle 14a of the inner part 14 of the handle element 13 and passes through the respective narrowed opening 14b. There, the respective mounting element web 15b transitions into the respective mounting element 15a, which extends at right angles on both sides and rests with its two outer edges (not labeled) against the inner surface (not labeled) of the respective interlocking receptacles 14a of the inner part 14 of the handle element 13.

[0044] When the outer part 15 of the handle element 13 is mounted on the inner part 14 of the handle element 13, the retaining elements 15a of the outer part 15 of the handle element 13 are positioned along the vertical axis Z from above against the interlocking receptacles 14a of the inner part 14 of the handle element 13 and guided downwards into the interlocking receptacles 14a of the inner part 14 of the handle element 13, thereby achieving a positive locking connection. The interlocking of the receptacles 14a of the inner part 14 of the handle element 13 simultaneously creates a frictional connection, so that a secure but non-destructively releasable hold with a defined gap 16 between the inner part 14 and the outer part 15 on the top and bottom surfaces of the handle element 13 can be established.

[0045] Figure 6 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a section of the outer part 15 of the handle element 13 of the locking element 12 of the cooking appliance 1 according to a second embodiment. Figure 7 shows a top view of a section of the connected handle element 13 of the Figure 6 In this case, the second embodiment of the Figures 6 to 7 The retaining element 15a is C-shaped, so that the outer edges or flanks are curved and conform to the contour of the bore of the interlocking receptacle 14a of the inner part 14 of the handle element 13, cf. Figure 7 . Reference numeral list (part of the description)

[0046] XLelongated axis; depth; length Ytransverse axis; width Zvertical axis; height X, Yhorizontal; horizontal plane 1Appliance; household appliance; kitchen appliance; cooking appliance 10Housing 11Panel 12Locking element or flap 12aFront or outside of the locking element 12 13Handle element 14Inner part or mounting part of the handle element 13 14aInterlocking receptacles 14bNarrowed openings of the interlocking receptacles 14a 15Outer part or decorative part of the handle element 13 15aMounting elements; pins 15bMounting element webs; pin webs 16Gap between inner part 14 and outer part 15

Claims

1. Appliance (1), preferably a domestic appliance (1), particularly preferably a kitchen appliance (1), most preferably a cooking appliance (1), comprising an interior with an access opening, and comprising a closure element (12) designed to be moved by a user by means of a handle element (13) in order to close and release the access opening to the interior, the handle element (13) having at least one inner part (14) fixedly connected to the closure element (12) and at least one outer part (15) fixedly connected to the inner part (14) of the handle element (13), the outer part (15) having an outer surface of which the surface extent in the closed state of the closure element (12) is oriented substantially parallel to the access opening to the interior, characterised in that the outer part (15) of the handle element (13) has at least one holding element (15a) extending in a straight line in a joining direction and the inner part (14) of the handle element (13) has at least one corresponding interlocking retainer (14a) extending obliquely away from the outer part (15) in the joining direction, the outer part (15) of the handle element (13) being force-fittingly connected to the inner part (14) of the handle element (13) by means of the interlocking of the interlocking retainer (14a) of the inner part (14) of the handle element (13), or vice versa, the joining direction being inclined relative to the surface extent of the outer surface of the outer part (15).

2. Appliance (1) according to claim 1, wherein the outer part (15) of the handle element (13) is force-fittingly connected to the inner part (14) of the handle element (13) by means of a plurality of holding elements (15a) extending in a straight line in the joining direction, by means of the interlocking of a plurality of interlocking retainers (14a) of the inner part (14) of the handle element (13).

3. Appliance (1) according to claim 2, wherein the pairs consisting of holding elements (15a) of the outer part (15) of the handle element (13) and interlocking retainers (14a) of the inner part (14) of the handle element (13) are uniformly spaced apart.

4. Appliance (1) according to either of the two preceding claims, wherein at least one of the holding elements (15a) of the outer part (15) of the handle element (13) is T-shaped and / or wherein at least one of the holding elements (15a) of the outer part (15) of the handle element (13) is C-shaped.

5. Appliance (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner part (14) of the handle element (13), preferably in each case, has a narrowed opening (14b) extending in a straight line in the joining direction and making the, preferably each, interlocking retainer (14a) of the inner part (14) of the handle element (13) accessible to the outer part (15) of the handle element (13), wherein, preferably in each case, a holding element rib (15b) of the outer part (15) of the handle element (13), which rib connects the, preferably each, holding element (15a) to the outer part (15), extends within the narrowed opening (14b) of the inner part (14) of the handle element (13).

6. Appliance (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the interlocking retainer (14a) of the inner part (14) of the handle element (13) is cylindrical.

7. Appliance (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the closure element (12) is configured and designed to be moved about an axis of rotation in order to close and release the access opening to the interior, wherein preferably the axis of rotation is oriented parallel to the in particular horizontal transverse axis (Y).

8. Appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the surface extent of the outer surface of the outer part (15) is oriented parallel to the axis of rotation.

9. Appliance (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the outer part (15) of the handle element (13) projects beyond the inner part (14) of the handle element (13) at least along the transverse axis (Y), preferably also along the longitudinal axis (X).

10. Appliance (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the outer part (15) of the handle element (13) is an outwardly visible decorative element (15) of the handle element (13).

11. Appliance (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the outer part (15) of the handle element (13) and the inner part (14) of the handle element (13) form a defined joint (16) therebetween.

12. Appliance (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the handle element (13) is arcuate so that it can be gripped from behind by the user with at least one finger, preferably with all fingers, at least in portions, preferably completely and continuously.

13. Appliance (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the handle element (13), in particular in the closed state of the closure element (12), is oriented substantially parallel to the transverse axis (Y) and / or the longitudinal axis (x), and is preferably aligned parallel to the horizontal (X, Y).

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