Household appliance

Abstract

Household appliance (1) comprising a housing assembly (2), a treatment chamber (3) with a loading opening (4), a closing device (5) for closing the loading opening (4), and a locking device (6) with a movable locking element (7) for the closing device (5). The locking device (6) is arranged section by section in a housing structure (8) of the housing assembly (2), wherein the locking element (7) extends from the interior (11) of the housing structure (8) through an opening (9) in a wall (10) of the housing structure (8) towards the closing device (5). A sealing device (12) is associated with the opening (9) to seal the opening (9) in the wall (10) around the locking element (7), wherein the locking element (7) extends section by section through the sealing device (12).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a household appliance, in particular a cooking appliance such as a cooking drawer, an oven, a steam cooker, or the like, comprising at least one housing, at least one processing chamber with at least one loading opening, at least one closing device for closing the loading opening, and at least one locking device with at least one movable locking element for the locking device. The locking device is arranged at least partially within at least one housing structure of the housing, wherein the locking element extends at least partially through at least one opening in at least one wall of the housing structure from the interior of the housing structure towards the locking device.

[0002] Household appliances often have a treatment compartment. For example, some cooking appliances include a treatment compartment designed as a cooking chamber with a loading opening through which food can be placed. Other types of household appliances, such as washing machines, also have a treatment compartment.

[0003] Treatment rooms are typically closed and locked by a door or other type of closure during operation. Common locking bolts are often located within the housing and engage through a wall towards the door to be locked. This ensures that the bolt is visually appealing and as inconspicuous as possible, and that access to the treatment room is not unnecessarily obstructed when the door or closure is open.

[0004] A disadvantage of this design, however, is that the opening in the housing through which the bolt passes must be properly sealed to prevent the ingress of dirt, moisture, steam, and / or the like. Sealing moving parts, however, is not a trivial matter.

[0005] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a suitable seal.

[0006] This problem is solved by a household appliance with the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments.

[0007] The household appliance according to the invention comprises at least one housing assembly, at least one treatment chamber with at least one loading opening, at least one closing device for closing the loading opening, and at least one locking device with at least one movable locking element for the closing device. The locking device is arranged at least partially within at least one housing structure of the housing assembly, wherein the locking element extends at least partially through at least one opening in at least one wall of the housing structure from the interior of the housing structure towards the closing device. At least one sealing device is associated with the opening to seal the opening in the wall around the locking element, wherein the locking element extends at least partially through the sealing device.

[0008] The household appliance is designed in particular as a cooking appliance, especially as a cooking drawer, oven, steam cooker, combination cooker and / or the like.

[0009] Preferably, the sealing device is attached to the locking element and / or tightly connected to it. Furthermore, the sealing device is designed to be flexible and / or stretchable, at least in sections, so that it can move with the locking element.

[0010] The locking element is preferably movable between at least one open position and one closed position, wherein the locking element releases the locking device in the open position and is engaged with the locking device in the closed position. Preferably, further positions may be provided, e.g., a holding position in which the locking device is already held closed, but is not yet tightly drawn into a seal, as may be the case in the closed position.

[0011] The household appliance according to the invention offers many advantages. A significant advantage of the special design of the sealing device for the opening in the wall of the housing structure, with the locking element extending through the sealing device, is that a particularly good sealing effect can be achieved, since contact between the locking element and the sealing device occurs regardless of the position of the locking element. This is accomplished by the locking element extending at least partially through the sealing device, so that the sealing device is pulled, pushed, or displaced in the corresponding direction by the movement of the locking element, thus ensuring a good sealing effect regardless of the position of the locking element.

[0012] Preferably, the sealing device comprises at least one inner passage section with at least one opening for the locking element. The locking element extends through this opening to come into contact with the locking device.

[0013] Particularly preferred is the sealing device with at least one outer mounting section preferably tightly connected to the wall of the housing structure around the opening. By tightly connecting the sealing device to the wall of the housing structure, the opening can advantageously be protected against, for example, the ingress of steam and / or moisture.

[0014] In advantageous further developments, at least one connecting section is provided between the inner penetration section and the outer mounting section. Such a connecting section preferably allows for particularly good mobility of the sealing device, and depending on the design, movement in several axes can be improved in particular.

[0015] In advantageous embodiments, the material for the outer fastening section, the inner penetration section, and / or the connecting section is at least partially flexible and / or stretchable, wherein the material is in particular rubber and / or silicone or comprises these materials. In particular, it is provided that the sealing device is designed to be at least partially flexible or stretchable in such a way that it follows the movement of the locking element, which is preferably fixed to the sealing device. Here, "flexible" is understood to mean, in particular, flexible, stretchable, soft, or movable. In particular, for example, a silicone may be used which has a tensile strength of at least 5 N / mm², at least 10 N / mm², or at least 15 N / mm².

[0016] Preferably, the opening in the sealing device is adapted to the size and / or contour of the locking element. This particularly means that the sealing device, or the opening, is designed in such a way as to ensure a tight seal or a tight connection between the sealing device and the locking element.

[0017] Preferably, the inner passage section is designed, at least in part, to be essentially tube-like. Such a tube-like design ensures a particularly tight seal between the sealing device and the locking element.

[0018] The sealing device is particularly preferably designed and configured to compensate for the movement of the locking element in at least two axes, and especially in three axes. In particular, 3D mobility of the sealing device is provided.

[0019] Preferably, the sealing device is designed as a bellows seal. Such a design can ensure particularly reliable movement of the sealing device along the movement patterns of the locking element.

[0020] Preferably, the locking element is movable into at least one closed position, at least one open position, and / or at least one holding position. In this case, the locking element can, for example, be pivoted to the rear when the locking device is open. The locking element can, for example, be pivoted forward when it is already engaged with the locking device, but the treatment chamber is not yet completely sealed. In this case, the locking element can, for example, be moved downwards into a closed position, so that the locking device is pulled downwards, particularly to compress a seal arranged between the treatment chamber opening and the locking device. The sealing device then preferably compensates for or follows all movements of the locking element.

[0021] In advantageous embodiments, at least one fixing device is included, which holds the inner feedthrough section on the locking element in a predetermined position. The fixing device can be specifically assigned to the locking element and / or the sealing device or the feedthrough section.

[0022] In preferred embodiments, the fixing device comprises at least one recess and at least one projection on the locking element and / or the inner feedthrough section of the sealing device. A tongue-and-groove connection can then be provided, for example. In particular, a preferably circumferential recess or groove can be provided in the fixing element, with a corresponding projection or tongue on the feedthrough section. It is also possible that this groove is formed in the seal and the tongue on the locking element. However, the fixing device can preferably also be provided by another type of fixing, for example, by adhesive bonding.

[0023] Preferably, the fastening section of the sealing device is glued, clipped, clamped and / or otherwise connected to the wall of the housing structure, which in particular provides a suitable connection that provides a sealing effect between the seal and the opening appropriate to the application.

[0024] In suitable further developments, at least one retaining element is included to attach the sealing device to the wall of the housing structure. In particular, a corresponding contour may be provided on the sealing device and / or on the wall of the housing structure, so that the attachment of the retaining element or the attachment of the sealing device to the wall via the retaining element can be adequately ensured.

[0025] Preferably, the household appliance is designed as a cooking drawer, with the cooking chamber and the sealing device being a preferably pivotable lid. With this design of the household appliance, which can be configured not only as a cooking drawer but also generally as a cooking device, the moving sealing device reliably and permanently prevents steam used during cooking from penetrating the housing structure, especially when the sealing device or lid is opened.

[0026] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments, which are explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0027] The figures show: Figure 1 is a purely schematic representation of an embodiment of a household appliance according to the invention in a side view; Figure 2 is a further purely schematic representation of the embodiment according to Figure 1 Figure 3 shows a further purely schematic representation of the embodiment according to Figure 1 Figure 4 is a purely schematic representation of an embodiment of a sealing device of a household appliance according to the invention in a front view and a side view; Figure 5 is a purely schematic representation of an embodiment of a sealing device of a household appliance according to the invention in a cutaway side view; Figure 6 is a purely schematic representation of an embodiment of a sealing device with a locking element of a household appliance according to the invention in a cutaway side view.

[0028] In the Figures 1 to 3The same embodiment of a household appliance 1 according to the invention is shown purely schematically, wherein the locking device 5 and the locking element 7 are in different positions.

[0029] The household appliance 1 shown here is designed as a cooking appliance 200, with a cooking drawer 100 being depicted. The appliance comprises a housing 2 in which a cooking chamber 3 with a loading opening 4 is formed. Depending on the design of the household appliance 1, the cooking chamber 3 can be loaded via the loading opening 4. If the household appliance 1 is designed as a cooking appliance 200, as in the illustrated embodiment, here as a cooking drawer 100, the cooking chamber 3 is accordingly designed as a cooking chamber 101, with the closing device 5 in this illustrated embodiment being a pivoting lid 102. The cooking chamber 101 can then be loaded with food via the loading opening 4.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, a locking device 6 is provided on the side opposite the pivot axis 25 of the locking device 5, which is arranged within a housing structure 8 of the housing structure 2. The locking device 6 comprises a locking element 7 for locking the locking device 5 or the cover 102, wherein the locking element 7 extends through an opening 9 in the wall 10 of the housing structure 8 from the interior 11 of the housing structure 8 towards the locking device 5.

[0031] To seal the opening 9 with the through-reaching locking element 7, a sealing device 12 is provided so that, for example, when designed as a cooking drawer 100, no steam can enter the interior 11 of the housing structure 8 when the lid 102 is opened.

[0032] In Figure 1an opening position 26 is shown in which the locking device 6 or the locking element 7 has released the locking device 5 or the cover 102, so that the cover 101 pivots upwards. In In this opening position 26, the locking element 7 is largely swung back into the interior 11 of the housing structure 8.

[0033] In Figure 2 A so-called holding position 27 is shown, in which the closing device 5 or the cover 102 is already closed and held by the control element 7, but a seal 29 arranged between the feed opening 4 and the closing device 5 is not yet compressed.

[0034] In Figure 3A so-called closed position 28 is shown, in which the locking element 7, as already in the holding position 7 20, is pivoted forward in the direction of the locking device 5 out of the interior 11 of the housing structure 8, wherein in the closed position 28 the locking element 7 is shifted slightly downwards, so that the seal 29 between the locking device, the loading opening 4 or the housing structure 2 is compressed.

[0035] Thus, in the embodiment shown here, the locking element 7 moves at least forwards and backwards and upwards and downwards. These movements must be tracked by the sealing device 12, since the locking element 7, as shown in more detail in the following figures, is guided through a passage 14 in the sealing device 12. Therefore, the locking element 7 extends at least partially through the sealing device 12, here in a passage section 13 (passage 14).

[0036] In Figure 4 The figure shown is a purely schematic embodiment of a sealing device 12 for a household appliance 1 according to the invention, shown purely schematically in a frontal view and in a side view.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment of a sealing device 12, this includes a feedthrough section 13 for the locking element 7, wherein the feedthrough section 13 has a feedthrough 14 for the locking element 7.

[0038] In the embodiment shown here, the sealing device 12 is designed as a bellows seal 20, so that movement of the sealing device 12 or tracking of the movement of the locking element 7 can take place in three planes.

[0039] In the embodiment shown here, a fastening section 15 is provided next to the through-passage section 13, with which the sealing device 12 is attached to the wall 10 of the housing structure 8. A connecting section 16 is provided between this fastening section 15 and the through-passage section 13, which is shaped in such a way as to ensure good mobility of the sealing device 12.

[0040] To ensure flexible tracking of the locking element 7, a flexible material 17 is provided as the material for the sealing device 12, in particular rubber 18 or silicone 19 can be used.

[0041] In Figure 5A purely schematic lateral sectional view of an embodiment of a sealing device 12 for a household appliance 1 according to the invention is shown. The individual sections 13, 15, 16 of the sealing device 12 are also known here, and it is further shown that the feedthrough section 13 with the feedthrough 14 is provided in a tube-like manner, so that a particularly tight seal can be created around the part of the locking element 7 that extends through the opening 9 of the housing structure 8.

[0042] Furthermore, it is shown that the implementation section 13 or the implementation 14 includes a projection 23, which is part of a fixing device 21, wherein the fixing device 21 ensures that the sealing device 12 is securely held on the locking element 7, even when the latter is moved.

[0043] In Figure 6Figure 1 shows a further embodiment of a household appliance 1 according to the invention, or of a locking element 7 in conjunction with a sealing device 12. Here too, it can be seen that the locking element 7 extends through the sealing device 12 in the through-passage section 13 via the through-passage 14 in order to engage with the locking device 5.

[0044] Here too, a fixing device 21 is provided, which includes a projection 23 or a spring on the passage section 13. Furthermore, the fixing device 21 includes a recess 22 or a circumferential groove in the locking element 7.

[0045] Furthermore, it is shown that the sealing device 12 is arranged, fixed, or held on the wall 10 around the opening 9 of the housing structure 8 by means of a retaining element 24. Depending on the embodiment, a different contour environment, for example on the wall 10, may also be provided. Furthermore, a different type of fastening may be appropriately chosen depending on the embodiment. For example, the seal may also be bonded to the wall. Reference symbol list

[0046] 1 Household appliance 2 Housing assembly 3 Treatment chamber 4 Loading opening 5 Locking device 6 Latch assembly 7 Latch element 8 Housing structure 9 Opening 10 Wall 11 Interior of housing structure 12 Sealing device 13 Feedthrough section 14 Feedthrough 15 Mounting section 16 Connecting section 17 Flexible material 18 Rubber 19 Silicone 20 Bellows seal 21 Fixing device 22 Recess 23 Projection 24 Retaining element 25 Swivel axis 26 Open position 27 Holding position 28 Closed position 29 Seal 100 Cooking drawer 101 Cooking chamber 102 Lid 200 Cooking appliance

Claims

1. Household appliance (1) comprising at least one housing assembly (2), at least one treatment chamber (3) with at least one loading opening (4), at least one closing device (5) for closing the loading opening (4) and at least one locking device (6) with at least one movable locking element (7) for the locking device (5), wherein the locking device (6) is arranged at least partially in at least one housing structure (8) of the housing assembly (2), wherein the locking element (7) extends at least partially through at least one opening (9) in at least one wall (10) of the housing structure (8) from the interior (11) of the housing structure (8) in the direction of the locking device (5), characterized by thatat least one sealing device (12) is assigned to the opening (9) in order to seal the opening (9) in the wall (10) around the locking element (7), wherein the locking element (7) extends at least sectionally through the sealing device (12).

2. Household appliance (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sealing device (12) comprises at least one inner passage section (13) with at least one passage (14) for the locking element (7) (through which the locking element extends).

3. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing device (12) is connected to the wall (10) of the housing structure (8) by at least one outer fastening section (14).

4. Household appliance (1) according to the two preceding claims, wherein at least one connecting section (16) is provided between the inner through-passage section (13) and the outer fastening section (15).

5. Household appliance (1) according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein the material (17) for the outer fastening section (15), the inner feedthrough section (13) and / or the connecting section (16) is at least partially flexible, wherein the (17) material is in particular rubber (18) and / or silicone (19).

6. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the passage (14) in the sealing device (12) is adapted to the size and / or contour of the locking element (7).

7. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner passage section (13) is at least partially formed in a substantially tube-like manner.

8. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing device (12) is suitable to compensate for the movement of the locking element (7) in at least two axes, in particular in three axes.

9. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing device (12) is designed as a bellows seal (20).

10. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (7) is movable into at least one closed position, at least one open position and / or at least one holding position.

11. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one fixing device (21) is included which holds the inner feedthrough section (13) on the locking element (7) in a predetermined position.

12. Household appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein fixing device (21) comprises at least one recess (22) and at least one projection (23) on the locking element (7) and / or the inner through-section (13).

13. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening section (15) is glued, clipped, clamped and / or snapped to the wall (10) of the housing structure (8).

14. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one retaining element (24) is included to attach the sealing device (12) to the wall (10) of the housing structure (8).

15. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the household appliance (1) is designed as a cooking drawer (100), wherein the treatment chamber (3) is designed as a cooking chamber (101) and the closing device (5) is designed as a (pivoting) lid (102).

Images