A locking system and an associated panel apparatus

Abstract

Present invention relates to a locking system (1 ) and an associated panel apparatus (10) comprising a body (20) seated onto a platform (11), the locking system (1) housing a button (30) positioned on the front side of a cooker and enabling the connection of the button (30) to electronic circuitry, while ensuring that the button (30) is mounted into the body (20) in the correct orientation in order to prevent incorrect assembly of the button (30).

Description

[0001] A LOCKING SYSTEM AND AN ASSOCIATED PANEL APPARATUS

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a locking system for use in cookers and a panel apparatus associated therewith.

[0004] More particularly, the present invention relates to a locking system belonging to a housing structure that supports a button arranged on the front part of a cooker and enables connection with electronic circuitry, and to a panel apparatus suitable for use with metal panels, which ensures that the button associated with the locking system is mounted in the correct orientation, thereby preventing incorrect assembly.

[0005] State of the Art

[0006] A cooker is a household appliance used for cooking or heating food. Typically located on a kitchen countertop or above it, this device is used for preparing food (heating, cooking). Cookers include varieties such as gas-operated or electric. One of the most notable examples of cookers is ovens. Cookers are equipped with setting buttons possessing different features. Different button designs are important for personalizing cooking experience and providing a user-friendly interface. Therefore, careful design of the setting buttons used in cookers, both functionally and aesthetically, increases user satisfaction.

[0007] The setting buttons used in cookers provide users with control and flexibility. These buttons offer the possibility to set various parameters such as temperature, cooking time, and cooking modes. Moreover, various designs may be employed in setting buttons. For instance, buttons embedded on a cooker’s front part provide an attractive appearance and also offer advantages in terms of cleaning, while protruding buttons serve as another example.

[0008] Correct assembly of setting buttons used in cookers (for example ovens) is an important feature for users. Correct positioning of buttons allows a user to easily select a desired temperature or cooking mode. A correctly assembled button helps a user manage the cooking process more effectively. It is necessary that the portion in which a button is seated be placed in accordance with indicators surrounding that portion so as to confirm the selected settings and to detect any issues during the cooking process. In case a button is assembled incorrectly, accuracy of the indicators is compromised. For example, if a user sets a temperature when a button is incorrectly assembled, the indicator will point to a different value, adversely affecting the cooking process. Poorly or incorrectly assembled buttons make it difficult for a user to select the desired setting. In addition, improper assembly of buttons in long-term use may lead to damage and failure. Therefore, correct assembly is critical for the reliability and performance of cookers.

[0009] Another important point of the correct positioning of buttons embedded in a cooker’s front is that these buttons operate in synchronization with electrical circuitry. Correctly assembled buttons work in harmony with electrical circuits so that temperature, cooking time, and other settings become controllable as intended. In a situation where buttons are incorrectly assembled, it becomes necessary to modify the design of electrical circuitry or change the positioning of the buttons. Reorganizing the electrical circuitry or adjusting the button positions requires extra labor, materials, and time. This situation results in time loss and added costs. Incorrectly assembled buttons adversely affect the reliability and performance of cookers, thereby reducing customer satisfaction. Consequently, correct positioning and assembly not only ensure the proper functioning of electrical circuitry but also help avoid potential additional costs.

[0010] The use of metal panels in cookers and the production of an embedded button housing structure within these panels increase the cost due to the higher expense of metal materials and the more complicated processing required. Additionally, this leads to challenges and extra costs in the design and manufacturing process. The production of embedded housing structures for buttons in metal panels requires the processing of metal, which is done using specialized techniques and equipment. As a result, the manufacturing process becomes more complex, and the costs increase. The special shaping and cutting requirements for metal panels mean that additional steps are involved in the production process. This results in wasted time and the consumption of more resources.

[0011] CN219418860U discloses, in the field of household appliances, a button structure and a household appliance utilizing said button structure. A button structure is described, which comprises a light source arranged in a button body, and an outer surface of the button body is provided with a circular ring-shaped light emitting area having the rotating center shaft of the button body as its center. In the document, the aim is to enable the button to emit light so as to enhance its visual appeal.

[0012] CN109904023A discloses a button structure for a microwave oven. Here, the button structure comprises an integrated display within a button body. A user can follow instructions on the display by rotating the button. However, the document does not disclose a locking system similar to the present invention. US2009152086A1 discloses a rotatable button structure. An electronic component with rotary operation comprises a rotating shaft and a signal generation section. A rotatable operation section covers an upper portion of an intermediate section and is assembled with an operation button. The signal generation section produces an electrical signal in response to the rotation of the operating section. A connection section, extending from the axial direction of the rotating shaft to the operating section, is provided with a predetermined strength such that it may break when a load equal to or exceeding the predetermined level is applied. However, this document does not disclose a locking mechanism having a structure similar to the present invention.

[0013] As a result, considering the prior art and the mentioned drawbacks, there is a need for a housing structure that ensures the correct placement of the button by allowing proper positioning and assembly. This housing structure would be integrated with a panel apparatus configuration that can be used in metal front panels commonly found in cooking appliances, along with a locking system related to these components.

[0014] Object and Brief Description of the Invention

[0015] The objective of the invention is to provide a panel apparatus that can be used in metal panels.

[0016] Another objective of the invention is to ensure proper attachment of a body structure supporting the button to a platform.

[0017] Another objective of the invention is to provide a practical body-panel locking system that eliminates time loss caused by the difficulty of processing metal panels.

[0018] Another objective of the invention is to provide a practical body-panel locking system that eliminates the cost associated with expensive metal panels.

[0019] Another objective of the invention is to ensure that when the button is placed inside the body structure, it correctly aligns according to the indicators surrounding the button.

[0020] Another objective of the invention is to ensure that when the button is placed inside the body structure, it is correctly connected to the electrical system (circuit) for proper adjustment of temperature, usage mode, etc., using the button.

[0021] A locking system which houses a button arranged on the front part of a cooker and enables the button to be connected to electronic circuitry. The locking system comprises, in order to prevent incorrect assembly by ensuring the button is mounted in a correct position, components of • at least one body comprising at least one second protrusion which provides alignment during assembly and is seated in a second opening, at least one third protrusion comprising a locking tab that, during rotational movement, is nested in a channel and engages into a slot, and at least one fourth protrusion stops the rotational movement upon resting against a first protrusion,

[0022] • at least one platform comprising at least one first opening formed on an edge and corresponding to the third protrusion, at least one first protrusion which stops the rotational movement of the body, at least one second opening formed on the edge and corresponding to the second protrusion, and at least one channel which guides the third protrusion and enables the rotational movement and

[0023] • at least one panel apparatus comprising the platform, connected to a panel.

[0024] Brief Description of the Figures

[0025] Figure 1 Rear, angled, perspective view of the panel.

[0026] Figure 2 Rear, angled, perspective view of the locking system, panel apparatus, and panel.

[0027] Figure 3 Rear view of the panel apparatus.

[0028] Figure 4 Front, angled, perspective view of the panel apparatus.

[0029] Figure 5 Rear, angled, perspective view of the panel apparatus.

[0030] Figure 6 Rear, angled, perspective view of the locking system formed by the panel apparatus and body.

[0031] Figure 7 Front, angled, perspective view of the platform.

[0032] Figure 8 Another front, angled, perspective view of the platform.

[0033] Figure 9 Front, angled, perspective view of the platform's slot.

[0034] Figure 10 Front, angled, perspective view of the first opening on the platform.

[0035] Figure 11 Front, angled, perspective view of the second opening on the platform.

[0036] Figure 12 Front, angled, perspective view of the body.

[0037] Figure 13 Front, angled, perspective view of the third protrusion on the body. Figure 14 Side, angled, perspective view of the third opening on the body.

[0038] Figure 15 Front, angled, perspective view of the button and indicators on the cooker.

[0039] Figure 16 Front, angled, perspective view of the body and indicators on the cooker.

[0040] Figure 17 Angled, perspective view of the slot and locking tab.

[0041] Figure 18 Angled, perspective view of the slot.

[0042] Figure 19 Front, angled, perspective view showing the alignment of the body with the platform and pushing the body towards the panel apparatus (Locking process - Stage 1).

[0043] Figure 20 Front, angled, perspective view depicting the rotation of the body after contact with the platform and the direction of rotation (Locking process - Stage 2).

[0044] Figure 21 Another front, angled, perspective view showing the rotation of the body after contact with the platform and the direction of rotation (Locking process - Stage 3).

[0045] Figure 22 Front, angled, perspective view depicting the final locked position of the body on the platform (Locking process - Stage 4).

[0046] Reference Numerals

[0047] I Locking system

[0048] 10 Panel apparatus

[0049] II Platform

[0050] 12 Edge

[0051] 13 First opening

[0052] 14 Upper lateral portion

[0053] 15 Upper boundary end

[0054] 16 First protrusion

[0055] 17 Second opening

[0056] 18 Channel

[0057] 19 Slot

[0058] 20 Body

[0059] 21 Second protrusion

[0060] 22 Third protrusion

[0061] 22.1 Locking tab

[0062] 23 Fourth protrusion

[0063] 24 Third opening (L form)

[0064] 30 Button

[0065] 40 Panel (surface) Detailed Description of the Invention

[0066] Present invention relates to a locking system (1 ) and a panel apparatus (10) for a button (30) arranged on the front of a cooker, wherein a body (20) is seated on a platform (1 1 ) of a panel (40) and ensures that the button (30) is mounted in the correct position within the body (20), thereby preventing misassembly of the button (30) and enabling connection with electrical circuitry.

[0067] Cookers are generally devices used for cooking and heating food, and are available in various types, including electrical, gas, induction, and others. Such cooking stoves are primarily used in the kitchen sections of residences. One of the processes during the manufacturing of cookers (e.g., ovens) is the assembly of button (30) structures. If the button (30) is not assembled in a correct (proper) manner for any reason, the corresponding product (cooker) is deemed defective, causing problems for the user during prolonged use. To achieve proper assembly of the button (30), a housing structure is required in which the button (30) can be seated. Housing structures are particularly installed on the rear side of the front part of ovens featuring an embedded button (30). The embedded button (30) is fitted into the installed housing structure. Proper placement of the housing directly influences the correct positioning of the button (30). The platform (1 1 ) structure, where the housing structures will be placed, can be located in different areas depending on the type of oven. In cases where the front panel (40) of the oven that contains the indicators is made of metal, configuring the housing structure as an extension of the metal panel (40) is disadvantageous due to the high cost and difficulty of processing metal. In present invention, the housing (body (20)) structure can be connected to a panel (40) in the cooking device, and it comprises a simple and practical panel apparatus (10). This panel apparatus (10) includes a platform (1 1 ), and the body (20) is connected to the platform (11 ), resulting in a locking system (1 ). The preferred configuration of the invention involves a cooking device being an oven.

[0068] Present invention essentially comprises at least one panel apparatus (10) comprising at least one platform (11 ) and at least one body (20). The platform (1 1 ) comprises at least one edge (12), at least one first opening (13), at least one upper lateral portion (14), an upper boundary end (15), at least one first protrusion (16), at least one second opening (17), at least one channel (18), and at least one slot (19). The body (20) comprises at least one second protrusion (21 ), at least one third protrusion (22), at least one fourth protrusion (23), and at least one third opening (24). The third protrusion (22) comprises at least one locking tab (22.1 ).

[0069] Panel apparatus (10) is attached to the panel (40) and comprises the platform (1 1 ) structure, which is one of the components forming the locking system (1 ). The panel apparatus (10) is preferably configured from rigid plastic material and has a rectangular geometry, with the platform (1 1) structure located in the center. The central part of the panel apparatus (10) is preferably configured in a hollow structure. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the panel apparatus (10) is attached to the rear surface of the panel (40) by applying silicone to the front surface of the panel apparatus (10). In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the panel (40) is made of metal material and is placed across the front part of the cooking device.

[0070] The platform (1 1) refers to the structure into which the body (20) is inserted, and it comprises indentation-protrusion geometries on its surface. The platform (11 ) is preferably positioned on a panel apparatus (10) and has a hollow cylindrical geometry. The mentioned cylindrical structure is attached to the panel apparatus (10) along the bottom surface. The circular side surface of the platform (11 ) is referred to as the edge (12).

[0071] The edge (12) preferably comprises a first opening (13), which is formed as a recess extending in height from a point on the upper portion of the edge (12) to another point on the upper portion of the edge (12), and continuing downward from the top of the edge (12) to a location near the middle of the edge (12), along a circumferential length on the upper portion of the edge (12). The portion of the edge (12) located below the first opening (13) is preferably configured to be thicker.

[0072] The upper portion of the edge (12) preferably comprises an upper lateral portion (14) which is formed by bending the edge (12) continuously inward towards the center of the cylindrical platform (1 1 ). The end parts of the upper lateral portion (14) are referred to as the upper boundary end (15). The portion of the edge (12) located below the upper lateral portion (14) is preferably configured to be thinner.

[0073] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, when the platform (11 ) is viewed from above, one first opening (13), one upper lateral portion (14) following first opening (13), another first opening (13) following upper lateral portion (14), and another upper lateral portion (14) following another first opening (13) can be observed. This sequence completes the circular configuration of the platform (1 1 ). The first opening (13) structures are positioned on the edge (12) symmetrically and opposite to one another. Similarly, the upper lateral portions (14) are also positioned on the edge (12) symmetrically and opposite to one another.

[0074] On the edge (12), a first protrusion (16) is provided, configured as an extension that extends upwards from a location near the starting point of the upper lateral portion (14) (in other words, from a location close to where the upper lateral portion (14) adjoins the first opening (13)) and from the upper boundary end (15). The first protrusion (16) rests against the fourth protrusion (23) on the body (20) and prevents rotational movement. Starting preferably from a point adjacent to the first protrusion (16), a second opening (17) is formed as a recess extending circumferentially along a certain length. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, on both of the upper lateral portions (14), the first protrusion (16) and the second opening (17) are positioned adjacent to each other and located close to the starting point of the upper lateral portion (14). When viewed from above, the first protrusion (16) and the second opening (17), configured in an adjacent manner, are positioned opposite each other and diagonally relative to one another.

[0075] On the lower side of the upper lateral portion (14), a channel (18) is formed as a hollow structure positioned so as to correspond to the third protrusion (22) on the body (20). The channel (18) acts as a guide rail for the third protrusion (22), allowing rotational movement to occur. In the preferred configuration of the invention, two channels (18) are provided, positioned symmetrically and opposite to each other. In the region where the channel (18) is located, a slot (19) is formed so as to allow passage of a locking tab (22.1 ). The slot (19) and the locking tab (22.1 ) interlock with each other, thereby performing the locking of the body (20) to the platform (11 ).

[0076] The body (20) refers to a housing structure that supports the button (30), ensures proper connection of the button (30) with electrical installation, and aligns the positions of the button (30) precisely with the indicators on the cooker when the button (30) is seated within the body (20). The body (20) preferably has a hollow cylindrical geometry, with one base surface open and the other configured to allow connection with the electrical installation. The base surface of the body (20) that is seated onto the platform (1 1 ) is open.

[0077] A second protrusion (21 ) is formed on the body (20) near its open base, configured as an extension. The second protrusion (21 ) is preferably configured in a geometry resembling a rectangular prism. The second protrusion (21 ) is aligned with the second opening (17) and is positioned on the platform (1 1 ) accordingly.

[0078] An extension-structured third protrusion (22) is formed on the body (20), axially aligned approximately with the second protrusion (21 ). The third protrusion (22) preferably comprises two portions. These are: a first portion, which extends from a third opening (24) towards the second protrusion (21 ), terminates at a distance from the second protrusion (21 ), is configured in a geometry resembling a rectangular prism, and has both ends cut diagonally to better accommodate rotational movement; and a second portion, which is also formed as an extension on the body (20), axially aligned with first portion, extends from a region near the open base of the body (20) towards first portion, terminates at third opening (24), is preferably configured in a geometry resembling a rectangular prism, has an end facing the first portion shaped in the geometry of a triangular prism, and is configured to be wider in width at this end than at the opposite end, wherein wider end is referred to as a locking tab (22.1 ).

[0079] The locking tab (22.1 ) engages into a slot (19) formed in the channel (18), thereby providing onesided locking of the body (20). In the preferred configuration of the invention, the non-perpendicular edge of the triangular prism-shaped locking tab (22.1 ) has a rounded form. The third protrusion (22) enters channel (18) during the rotational movement. In the preferred configuration of the invention, the second protrusion (21 ) and the third protrusion (22) are positioned in the same axial alignment. In an alternative configuration of the invention, the third protrusion (22) is formed as a single piece.

[0080] A fourth protrusion (23) is formed as an extension on the body (20), in a region near the center of the third protrusion (22), above the third protrusion (22), and at a distance from it. The fourth protrusion

[0081] (23) is preferably configured in a geometry resembling a right triangular prism, with its long perpendicular face connected to the body (20). The end of the fourth protrusion (23) facing the third protrusion (22) is preferably cut flat, making it more suitable for rotational movement. The fourth protrusion (23) comes into contact with the first protrusion (16) during rotational movement, thereby limiting rotational movement.

[0082] The body (20) further comprises a third opening (24), which starts from a region on the inner side of the body (20) that is located approximately at the same height as the second portion, extends circumferentially along the side surface, bends upwards at an approximately right angle between the first and second portions, continues in an upward direction, and terminates in a region near the middle of the body (20). When viewed from the outside, only the vertical portion of the third opening (24) (the part that bends between the first and second portions and ends near the center of the body (20)) is visible. In the present invention, the third opening (24) is configured in an “L” shape. The third opening

[0083] (24) enables the body (20) to elastically deform during any removal or installation process, thereby facilitating assembly.

[0084] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the process described below is followed in order to mount the body (20) onto the platform (11 ).

[0085] First, the body (20) is aligned such that the second protrusion (21 ) corresponds to the second opening (17). During this alignment, the third protrusion (22) is simultaneously aligned with the first opening (13). Following the alignment, the operator pushes (presses) the body (20) towards the platform (1 1 ) until the third protrusion (22) comes into contact with the surface where the first opening (13) is located. At the end of this stage, the body (20) is retained in a position that only permits rotational movement. Subsequently, the body (20) is rotated in a predetermined direction. During the rotation, the third protrusion (22) enters the channel (18) and slides within the channel (18). When the fourth protrusion (23) rests against the first protrusion (16), the locking tab (22.1 ) simultaneously engages with the slot (19). At this point, the rotational movement is halted due to the contact between the fourth protrusion (23) and the first protrusion (16), and the locking tab (22.1 ) - slot (19) structure ensures that the body (20) is locked from the inside onto the platform (11 ). Thus, the assembly process is completed.

[0086] The terms "upper", "lower", "upward", and "downward" as used in this description refer to orientations or positional relationships based on the orientation illustrated in the figures. These terms are provided solely for clarity and ease of explanation of the technical solution and do not imply or indicate that the device or element must be constructed or operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they shall not be construed as limitations of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A locking system (1 ) which houses a button (30) arranged on the front part of a cooker and enables the button (30) to be connected to electronic circuitry characterized in that it comprises, in order to prevent incorrect assembly by ensuring the button (30) is mounted in a correct position, components of• at least one body (20) comprising at least one second protrusion (21 ) which provides alignment during assembly and is seated in a second opening (17), at least one third protrusion (22) comprising a locking tab (22.1 ) that, during rotational movement, is nested in a channel (18) and engages into a slot (19), and at least one fourth protrusion (23) stops the rotational movement upon resting against a first protrusion (16),• at least one platform (1 1 ) comprising at least one first opening (13) formed on an edge (12) and corresponding to the third protrusion (22), at least one first protrusion (16) which stops the rotational movement of the body (20), at least one second opening (17) formed on the edge (12) and corresponding to the second protrusion (21 ), and at least one channel (18) which guides the third protrusion (22) and enables the rotational movement and• at least one panel apparatus (10) comprising the platform (11 ), connected to a panel (40).

2. The locking system (1 ) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the platform (1 1 ) comprises at least one upper lateral portion (14), wherein an upper part of the edge (12) is bent longitudinally toward the center of platform (1 1 ).

3. The locking system (1 ) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the body (20) comprises at least one third opening (24) which facilitates elasticity of the body (20) structure for ease of assembly in any removal-insertion condition.

4. The locking system (1 ) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the locking system (1 ) comprises at least one panel (40) fabricated from a metal material.

5. The locking system (1 ) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the locking system (1 ) comprises at least one panel apparatus (10) bonded to the panel (40) with silicone.