Door lock system for an appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door lock systems for cooking ovens face challenges in balancing the closing force to ensure the door remains closed during cooking while allowing easy opening with low user effort, and require mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access, especially during specific functions like pyrolytic self-cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A door lock system that includes a hook element pivotable between unlocked and locked states, driven by sliding members and a motor-driven cam mechanism, allowing for increased closing force while requiring greater opening force and incorporating a detecting element to manage locking states, including a locked pulled state to prevent manual opening by unauthorized persons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the closing force of door hinges is increased to overcome internal pressure during cooking, then the door remains securely closed, but the opening force required by the user increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door locking system is divided into multiple functional components: a hook element for engagement, a first sliding member for pivoting the hook to locked/unlocked states, and a second sliding member for pulling the hook to apply closing force. This segmentation allows independent optimization of locking reliability and opening ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between different states: unlocked released state, locked released state, unlocked pulled state, and locked pulled state. The hook element can pivot and translate along the main axis, allowing the system to adapt its mechanical configuration based on operational requirements, thereby maintaining low opening force while ensuring secure closure.
2Reliability
If a lock mechanism is implemented to prevent door opening during specific functions or by unauthorized persons, then security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door locking system serves multiple functions through a unified mechanism: it provides normal locking during cooking, prevents unauthorized opening by children, enables pyrolytic self-cleaning protection, and maintains door closure during pulling operations. The hook element and sliding members work together to achieve all these functions without requiring separate locking systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically transitions between locked and unlocked states based on operational conditions. The detecting element monitors the operational state and triggers appropriate locking actions without requiring manual intervention, thereby simplifying the control interface while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If the hook element is pulled to increase closing force, then the door sealing is improved, but the force required to release the lock increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force application and lock release functions are separated into different sliding members. The second sliding member applies pulling force to the hook element for enhanced sealing, while the first sliding member independently controls the pivoting motion for locking and unlocking. This segmentation allows the release mechanism to overcome only the pivot resistance rather than the full pulling force.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element acts as an intermediary between the sliding members and the hook element. It stores energy during the closing operation and assists in the release process, reducing the force required by the user to unlock the door while maintaining strong closing force during operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively enhances the closing force of the oven door while allowing normal opening with minimal user effort, and securely locks the door during specific functions or to prevent unauthorized access, requiring increased force to open, thus ensuring safety and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The door lock system comprises a spring element arranged between the first sliding member and the base part
Implementation Method 2
the door lock system comprises at least one cam driven or drivable by the motor and provided for driving the sliding members
Implementation Method 3
the door lock system comprises at least one motor for driving the sliding members
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~7
AI summary
The present invention relates to a door lock system (10) for an appliance, in particular for a domestic appliance, preferably for a cooking oven. The door lock system (10) comprises a hook element (14) pivotable around a pivot axis between an unlocked released state and a locked released state and movable along a main axis perpendicular to said pivot axis between the locked released state and locked pulled state. The door lock system (10) comprises a first sliding member (18) movable along the main axis and provided for pivoting the hook element (14) to the locked released state. The door lock system (10) comprises at least one further sliding member (20, 22) movable along the main axis and provided for pulling the hook element (14) to the locked pulled state.