DE102012211205A1 - Rail expansion device for household appliance, has latching unit, with which both rails are held in maximum extended position relative to each other, where latching unit is formed such that latching force is automatically changed - Google Patents

Abstract

The rail expansion device (14) has rails (17,18), where the latter rail is coupled with the former rail and is movable relative to the former rail. A bearing device is provided, with which the both rails are mounted to each other. A latching unit is formed, with which the both rails are held in a maximum extended position relative to each other. The latching unit is formed such that their latching force holding the latching state is automatically changed depending on loading of the latter rail. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a household appliance with a cooking device; and (2) a method for operating a household appliance.

Description

The invention relates to a rail extension device for a household appliance, having a first rail and at least one second rail, which is coupled to the first rail and displaceable relative to the first rail. The rail extension device comprises a bearing device, with which the two rails are mounted to each other. Furthermore, the invention relates to a household appliance with such a rail extension device and a method for operating or operating a rail extension device for a household appliance.

Rail extension devices for household appliances, which have at least two relatively movable rails are widely known. In this context, it is also known that in a rail extension device, the maximum extension position between two rails is fixed and locked in a certain way. This embodiment is only suitable for a rail extension device with only two rails. In addition, these positions are relatively limited and in different scenarios, they can easily solve. This means that their effect and functionality varies greatly, and the rail extension device is unoccupied or is occupied by a food support. Since an applied food support whose gravity acts downward and thus moves the two rails relative to each other, in conventional embodiments of a rail extension device, the lock can be solved undesirable. In addition, the embodiments are relatively complex, which is component-intensive and cost-intensive.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a rail extension device for a household appliance as well as such a household appliance and a method in which or in which the position fixation between two rails of the rail extension device is improved in the maximum extension position and the handling is simplified for a user ,

This object is achieved by a rail extension device and a household appliance and a method according to the independent claims.

An inventive rail extraction device for a household appliance comprises a first rail and at least one second rail, which is coupled to the first rail and displaceable relative to the first rail, and a bearing device, with which the two rails are mounted to each other. Furthermore, a latching device is formed, with which the two rails are held locked in a maximum extension position relative to each other, wherein the latching device is designed such that its locking state holding latching force is automatically changed depending on a loading of the second rail. As a result, a secure position fixation can be achieved and yet a user-friendly operation can be achieved because not always static the same locking force is present, but this changes dynamically. The user therefore does not have to overcome a large latching force in specific situations, in particular when inserting a second rail provided with a load. This allows a jerk-free and with less effort achievable insertion done. By not suddenly a large detent force must be overcome, also an undesirable shifting or even falling of the load can be prevented by the rail extension device. In addition, wear of the rails is significantly reduced.

It is preferably provided that the maximum latching force is formed in the unloaded state of the second rail. In particular, the latching force is continuously reduced with increasing load. The above advantages are particularly apparent.

It is preferably provided that the latching device has a first latching element formed on a rail or a first latching point or a latching point which can be latched with a first latching component contacted in the maximum pull-out position on an underside of the other rail and which first locking component which is closest to a front end of a rail locking component of a lower locking component row.

In particular, the latching device has at least two, in particular four, latching elements on a rail, in each of which a latching component can be latched.

Preferably, it is provided that at least one latching element with a latching component, in particular two latching elements, each with a latching component, which is or is contacted in the maximum pull-out position on a lower side of the first rail is or are locked, and at least one further latching element with a Latching component, in particular further two latching elements, each with a further latching component, which is contacted in the maximum pull-out position on an upper side of the first rail or are, is latched or are.

It is preferably provided that the bearing device has at least one second latching component which is connected to an upper side of the first Rail is contacted and the latching device has at least one second latching element which is latched in the maximum extension position with the second latching component.

In particular, it is provided that the second locking component which is a front end of the second rail farthest detent component of an upper detent component row.

It is preferably provided that the latching device has a third latching element which can be latched with a third latching component of the bearing device contacted in the maximum pull-out position on an upper side of the rearward first rail and the third latching component is the latching component of an upper latching component row closest to a front end of the second rail is.

The above-mentioned embodiments are particularly true when the second rail surrounds the first rail at least above and below the outside. The above explanations apply inversely to embodiments when the first rail engages around the second rail at least at the top and bottom on the outside.

Preferably, it is provided that the latching device has a fourth latching element, which can be latched with a fourth latching component of the bearing device contacted in the maximum pull-out position on an underside of the rearward first rail and the fourth latching component is the latching component of the latching component farthest from a front end of the second rail lower detent component row is.

It can be provided that the bearing device is a spring bearing and a latching element is a hole or a recess and a latching component is a spring, in particular a leaf spring or coil spring

It is preferred that the bearing device is a ball bearing and a locking element is a hole or a depression and a locking component is a ball.

A preferred rail extension device for a household appliance then comprises a first rail and at least one second rail, which is coupled to the first rail and displaceable relative to the first rail. The rail extension device further comprises a ball bearing over which the two rails are mounted to each other. The rail extension device further comprises a locking device, with which the two rails are held locked in a maximum extension position relative to each other, wherein the locking device comprises a first locking element, which is contacted with a in the maximum extension position on an underside of the rear first rail contacted first ball of the ball bearing latched and the first ball is the closest to a front end of the second rail ball of a lower ball row. By such a configuration of the rail extension device, the position assurance in the maximum extension position is substantially improved, and this is also the case both in the loaded and in the unloaded state of the rail extension device, in particular the second rail.

It is preferably provided that the latching element is a depression or a hole, which can engage the first ball. This locking element is easy to produce and on the other hand functionally highly effective. In addition, a very space-saving locking device is created by this configuration.

It is preferably provided that the latching element is formed in the underside of the first rail. The snapping in during the movement sequence and when the maximum extension position is reached is thus possible in a particularly reliable manner.

In particular, it is provided that the balls of the ball bearing are arranged biased, which in particular the ball cage is biased, so that the ball when reaching the locking element, which is in particular designed as a recess or hole, engages.

It is preferably provided that the latching device has at least two, in particular four, latching elements, in each of which a ball can be latched. Such a configuration is particularly emphasized in view of the advantages mentioned above.

Preferably, it is provided that at least one latching element with a ball, in particular two latching elements, each with a ball which is or is in the maximum extension position of the rails contacted on a bottom of the first rail is or is locked, and at least one further latching element with a ball, in particular further two latching elements each having a further ball, which is or is contacted in the maximum pull-out position on an upper side of the first rail, is or are latched. On both opposite sides of the first rail latching elements are thus formed, whereby on the one hand in interaction with the respective at least one ball a particularly rectilinear guidance of the rails to each other and on the other hand with respect to the Position fixation in the maximum extension position allows a particularly reliable implementation. On the one hand a particularly smooth and jerk-free as well as non-locking sliding into the detent position is made possible. On the other hand, a particularly stable attitude of the horizontal position can be achieved even when loaded second rail.

Due to the mechanical leverage effects, the functionality regarding the achievement of advantages is to be particularly mentioned by this concept.

It is preferably provided that the ball bearing has at least one second ball, which is contacted with an upper side of the first rail and the latching device has at least one second latching element, which can be latched in the maximum extension position with the second ball.

It is preferably provided that the second detent element is a depression or a hole into which the second ball engages.

In particular, it is provided that the second ball is the ball of a top ball row furthest away from a front end of the second rail.

Just by such a configuration, a positional arrangement between the two balls can be achieved in interaction with the already existing first ball on the underside, which are arranged offset from one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the rail extension device. Especially at maximum extension position and loaded second rail can be generated due to the lever forces corresponding mechanical effects, so that the locking position is held securely and no unwanted loosening is accompanied.

It is preferably provided that the latching device has a third latching element which can be latched with a third ball of the ball bearing contacted in the maximum pull-out position on an upper side of the rear first rail, and the third ball is the ball of an upper ball row closest to a front end of the second rail is.

Preferably, it is provided that the latching device has a fourth latching element which can be latched with a fourth ball of the ball bearing or the ball bearing contacted in the maximum pull-out position on an underside of the rear first rail and the fourth ball is latched to a front end of the second rail on farthest removed ball of a lower ball row.

It can also be provided that one or more, possibly also all locking elements are formed in the second rail. The first rail is arranged in particular stationary. For example, it can be provided here that when the household appliance is a cooking appliance, in particular an oven, this first rail is fixedly arranged on a vertical wall of a muffle which delimits a cooking chamber. In this context, a direct arrangement can be provided. However, it can also be provided that this first rail is arranged on this wall of the muffle via an additional device or adapter device. For example, a grid or the like may be provided here.

The rail extension device can preferably be non-destructively detachable and thus reversibly removable and attached again attached to this wall.

Due to the inventive design of the rail extension device or an advantageous embodiment of it is achieved that virtually only a last locking component of the ball cage passes over the detent point of the locking element and thus only generates this quasi a locking force for fixing the position in the maximum extension position. It is preferably provided that the rail extension device has only the first and the second rail.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a household appliance with a rail extraction device according to the invention or an advantageous embodiment thereof. The household appliance is in particular a cooking appliance with a cooking chamber in which the rail extension device can be attached and a food support can be positioned on the second rail.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a rail extension device for a household appliance, comprising a first rail and at least one second rail, which is coupled to the first rail and can be displaced relative to the first rail, wherein the two rails are mounted with a bearing device to each other become. The two rails are held locked in a maximum extension position by a latching device relative to each other, wherein a locking state holding latching force of the latching device is automatically changed depending on a load of the second rail.

Advantageous embodiments of the rail extension device are advantageous embodiments View the method, in which case the respective means for carrying out the procedures are designed.

Generally, a dynamic change of the blocking force or latching force is formed by the invention. For this purpose, in particular specific locations for one or more locking elements or locking points are formed, in particular in operative connection with locking components of the bearing device. In principle, a locking element can be introduced at any point in the rail end position, with the particularly preferred embodiment being at the respective end point of the bearing device. It can be provided on the running rail, which represents the movable second rail, or on the fixing rail, which represents the first rail. In particular, only in the row last locking component may run over the locking point or the locking element, otherwise for each in the series further locking component a detent force is generated.

We the rail extension device, in particular the second rail, loaded by a load, such as a food support, so acts a force. This creates a moment which is transmitted from the second rail via the latching components to the first rail and is given by the first rail to a mounting device for fastening the rail pull-out device to a muffle wall. The moment acts differently on the locking components.

The main load by the moment is then generated in a pull-out position between the rails in the first areas at the top and front and back and down, this being in view of the arrangement of the upper and lower locking elements and locking components in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the rails between the rails see is. In particular, this is also the case when the second rail engages around the first notes, for example, when the second rail has a C-shaped cross-section, and the first rail engages on the outside. In such a configuration then occur low reaction forces in the second areas at the front bottom and rear on top.

Thus, if a latching element or a latching point is formed on a said first region, the resulting latching force or blocking force is greatly influenced by the loading of the second rail. The higher this is, the greater the blocking force that has to be overcome. If a latching point or latching element is formed in a named second region, the resulting blocking force is only slightly influenced by the moment. Rather, the moment generates a dynamic reduction of the blocking force or latching force.

In particular, in an embodiment in which the second rail engages around the first rail at the top and bottom on the outside, the preferred position of the detent point or the detent element is at the bottom front.

If an arrangement is provided in which the first rail engages around the second rail at the top and at the bottom, the low reaction forces on the one hand and the high reaction forces on the other hand occur precisely at the inverse areas. A preferred position of a detent point or the detent element is then up front between the rails.

It can be realized by the illustrated embodiments particularly user-friendly operations. If the user pulls out the empty system and thus also the unloaded second rail, the maximum locking force is created. The maximum locking force remains, so that the extracts are at the same height. The user can then easily load the load. With the application of the load, the weight of the load causes, for example, a food support, that the locking force is automatically reduced, so that the user has to overcome only a small locking force, if he then pushes the second rail with the load starting from the maximum pull-out position again ,

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and feature combinations shown only in the figures alone and / or the features and feature combinations shown only in the description of the figures alone, are not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations or used alone, without departing from the scope of the invention.

An embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to schematic drawings. Show it:

1 a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a household appliance according to the invention;

2 a perspective view of an embodiment of a rail expansion device according to the invention in the maximum extension position of the two rails relative to each other; and

3 an enlarged view of a partial section of the illustration in 2 ,

In the figures, the same elements are provided with the same reference numerals as their function.

In 1 is in a perspective view as a cooking appliance 1 trained home appliance shown. The cooking appliance 1 is an oven. It includes a cooking space 2 passing through walls of a muffle 3 is limited.

Both positionally and numerically merely by way of example are four cooking zones 4 . 5 . 6 and 7 shown. Also in position and configuration merely by way of example is an operating device 8th provided, which is a display unit 9 and controls 10 and 11 having.

The muffle 3 includes two opposite vertical walls 12 and 13 , At these are rail extension devices 14 and 15 arranged. For this purpose it is provided that a grid 16 as a mounting device each on the wall 12 and 13 is arranged. At these bars 16 can the rail extension devices 14 and 15 non-destructively arranged reversibly.

The rail extension devices 14 and 15 are constructed analogously, so that in the following explanation only one, namely the rail extension device 14 will be discussed in more detail.

This includes as shown in 2 only two rails, namely a first rear rail 17 and a subsequent second rail 18 , The first rail 17 is fixed to the grid 16 attached, the second rail 18 is relatively displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal axis A. Both rails 17 and 18 are formed in the embodiment in cross section as C-profiles. They are about a ball bearing 19 coupled as a bearing device, thereby also the sliding bearing is guaranteed. The second rail 18 thus embraces the first rail 17 at least above and below on the outside.

In 2 is the rail extension device 14 shown in a state where the two rails 17 and 18 are arranged in their maximum extension position relative to each other. In this they are locked in position fixed, so that an undesirable pushing together can be prevented.

The ball bearing 19 includes a bottom row of balls 20 as latching component row and an upper ball row 21 as locking component row. In the embodiment, six balls are provided as latching components for this purpose.

As from the illustration in 2 can be seen, includes the second rail 18 a rear end 18a and a front end 18b , The C-shaped profile design also includes an upper bridge 18c which is oriented horizontally. On the opposite side is also a horizontally oriented lower bridge 18d formed, with the two webs 18a and 18d through a vertical wall 18e are connected. Between the two bridges 18c and 18d is a free space 18f formed in which the first rail 17 can move.

Also the first rail 17 includes a rear end 17a and a front end 17b , Again, an upper web is formed, which has a top 17c having. A lower bridge has a bottom 17d on. The top 17c and the bottom 17d are each the outer sides, leading to the webs 18c and 18d are facing.

With regard to further explanation is on 3 Referenced. This shows an enlarged view of the rail extension device 14 according to 2 in the area of ball bearings 19 ,

As can be seen, the lower ball row comprises 20 a front first ball 20a which is the one ball that is the front end 18b the second rail 18 nearest is.

Following in the order backwards are then balls 20b . 20c . 20d . 20e and 20f arranged.

Likewise, the upper ball row includes 21 a first ball 21a , which here, however, the the front end 18b the second rail 18 represents the farthest sphere. Following forward here are in the top row of balls 21 then more balls 21b . 21c . 21d . 21e and 21f educated.

The balls 20a to 20f and 21a to 21f are in a ball cage 26 arranged.

In the exemplary embodiment it is provided that at the bottom 17d a first locking element 22 formed, which is designed as a recess or hole. By the balls 20a to 20f and 21a to 21f by the design of the ball cage 26 are arranged in a certain bias, the first ball snaps 20a upon reaching the maximum pull-out position shown automatically in this locking element 22 one.

In addition, a second locking element 23 at the top 17c educated. It can thus be seen that the two considered in the direction of the longitudinal axis A balls 20a and 21a , which are offset from each other, on different sides 17c and 17d the first rail 17 lock.

The locking elements or locking points are at respective end points of the ball cage 26 appropriate. Only the last ball of the ball cage 26 engages in said locking points when driving over, so that the optimum locking force or locking force is generated in the position fixation.

In addition, it is provided in the embodiment that a third locking element 24 in the top 17c is formed as a recess or hole into which the ball 21f the upper ball row 21 that the the front end 18b represents the nearest ball, locks in when the maximum pull-out position is reached.

In addition, a fourth locking element 25 in the bottom 17d provided, in which the rear ball 20f the lower ball row 20 locks. So there are four locking points created here, in which each one can engage a ball when the maximum extension position is reached. It is on both opposite sides of the rail 17 each constructed two such locking points.

If the system is loaded, and for example on the second rail 18 placed a baking sheet or the like, so a force acts down, so that a moment M arises. This moment M is from the track, which is the second track 18 represents over the balls of the ball bearing 19 to the fix rail, which is the first rail 17 represents, transmit. Through this fixation rail or first rail 17 then this moment will be sent to the grid 16 transfer. The moment M acts differently on the balls. The main load through the moment M will be in the spheres 20e and 20f as well as the balls 21e and 21f recorded while the areas at the balls 21a and 21b such as 20a and 20b have only low reaction forces.

Thus, when the locking points in the region of the locking elements 22 and 23 are attached, the resulting locking force only slightly influenced by the moment M. Rather, the moment M produces a dynamic reduction of the blocking force. Thus, the best functionality and the highest ease of use is achieved here, this particular for the locking element 22 with latched ball 20a applies. The further locking elements then contribute to improving the functionality of the operating functionality. The optimal locking is thus at the location of the locking element 22 with the ball 20a , In particular, the in 3 shown functional locking points with the locking elements 22 to 25 be considered advantageous. This relationship and the attachment of the optimal detent point with the locking element 22 and the ball 21a offers the highest ease of use. When a user removes the empty system, the maximum locking power is created. During Auflegevorgangs a baking sheet or grate or the like on the second rail 18 the locking force remains, so that the extracts are at the same height. The user can easily hang up the baking sheet or the grid or the like. After the lay-up process, the weight of the food support and optionally of the food causes the blocking force is reduced, so that the user has to overcome only a small blocking force. Such a dynamic change of the blocking force is of particular advantage. It is thus virtually generated a load-dependent change in the blocking force, which is optimized in terms of the use scenario.

The illustrated embodiment is not intended to be limiting. Both the detent components referred to as balls and the detent elements called holes are only examples. Likewise, the design in which the first rail 17 from the second rail 18 embraced above and below on the outside, not restrictive to understand. It may also be provided an embodiment in which the first rail 17 the second rail 18 embraces above and below and thus the first rail 17 in cross-section is C-shaped. The preferred locking point is then not at the position of the locking element 22 , but at the position of the locking element 24 ,

Likewise, springs or other elements may be provided instead of the balls.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 Cooking appliance

2

 oven

3

 muffle

4

 cooking zone

5

 cooking zone

6

 cooking zone

7

 cooking zone

8th

 operating device

9

 display unit

10

 operating element

11

 operating element

12

 vertical wall

13

 vertical wall

14

 Rail expansion device

15

 Rail expansion device

16

 grid

17

 first rail

17a

 rear end

17b

 front end

17c

 top

17d

 bottom

18

 second rail

18a

 rear end

18b

 front end

18c

 upper jetty

18d

 lower jetty

18e

 vertical wall

18f

 free space

19

 ball bearing

20

 bottom ball row

20a to 20f

 roll

21

 upper ball row

21a to 21f

 roll

22

 first locking element

23

 second locking element

24

 third catch element

25

 fourth catch element

26

 ball cage

A

 longitudinal axis

M

 moment

Claims (15)

Rail extension device ( 14 . 15 ) for a household appliance ( 1 ), with a first rail ( 17 ) and at least one second rail ( 18 ) with the first rail ( 17 ) and relative to the first rail ( 17 ) is displaceable, and a storage device ( 19 ), with which the two rails ( 17 . 18 ) are mounted to each other, characterized in that a latching device is formed, with which the two rails ( 17 . 18 ) are held latched in a maximum extension position relative to each other, wherein the latching device is designed such that its latching state holding the latched state depends on a loading of the second rail ( 18 ) is automatically changeable. Rail extension device ( 14 . 15 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the maximum latching force in the unloaded state of the second rail ( 18 ) is trained. Rail extension device ( 14 . 15 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the latching force is continuously reduced with increasing load. Rail extension device ( 14 . 15 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching device a first on a rail ( 17 . 18 ) formed locking element ( 22 ), which with one in the maximum extension position at a bottom ( 17d ) of the other rail ( 17 . 18 ) contacted first latching component ( 20a ) is latched and the first catch component ( 20a ) leading to a front end ( 18b ) of a rail ( 17 . 18 ) nearest resting component ( 20a ) of a lower detent component row ( 20 ). Rail extension device ( 14 . 15 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching device at least two, in particular four, latching elements ( 22 to 25 ) on a rail ( 17 . 18 ), in each of which a latching component ( 20a . 20f . 21a . 21f ) is latched. Rail extension device ( 14 . 15 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one locking element ( 22 . 25 ) with a locking component ( 20a . 20f ), in particular two latching elements ( 22 . 25 ) each with a latching component ( 20a . 20f ), which in the maximum pull-out position on a lower side ( 17d ) of the first rail ( 17 ) is or is, is locked or are, and at least one further latching element ( 23 . 24 ) with a locking component ( 21a . 21f ), in particular further two latching elements ( 23 . 24 ) each having a further latching component ( 21a . 21f ), which in the maximum pull-out position on an upper side ( 17c ) of the first rail ( 17 ) is or is, is locked or are. Rail extension device ( 14 . 15 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing device ( 19 ) at least one second latching component ( 21a ), which with an upper side ( 17c ) a rail ( 17 . 18 ) is contacted and the latching device at least a second locking element ( 23 ), which in the maximum pull-out position with the second latching component ( 21a ) is latched. Rail extension device ( 14 . 15 ) according to claim 7, characterized in that the second latching component ( 21a ) the one front end ( 18b ) of the second rail ( 18 ) farthest detent component of an upper detent component row ( 21 ) and with the top ( 17c ) of the first rail ( 17 ) is contacted. Rail extension device ( 14 . 15 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching device, a third locking element ( 24 ), which with one in the maximum extension position on an upper side ( 17c ) of the rear first rail ( 17 ) contacted third locking component ( 21f ) of the storage device ( 19 ) is latched and the third latching component ( 21f ) leading to a front end ( 18b ) of the second rail ( 18 ) nearest catch component of an upper detent component row ( 21 ). Rail extension device ( 14 . 15 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching device has a fourth latching element ( 25 ), which with one in the maximum extension position at a bottom ( 17d ) of the rear first rail ( 17 ) contacted fourth locking component ( 20f ) of the storage device ( 19 ) is latched and the fourth latching component ( 20f ) leading to a front end ( 18b ) of the second rail ( 18 ) farthest detent component of a lower detent component row ( 20 ). Rail extension device ( 14 . 15 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing device has a ball bearing ( 19 ) is and a locking element ( 22 to 25 ) is a hole or a depression and a latching component ( 20a to 20f . 21a to 21f ) is a ball. Rail extension device ( 14 . 15 ) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the bearing device is a spring bearing and a latching element ( 22 to 25 ) is a hole or a recess and a locking component is a spring, in particular a leaf spring or coil spring. Household appliance ( 1 ) with a rail extension device ( 14 . 15 ) according to any one of the preceding claims. Household appliance according to claim 13, which is a cooking appliance ( 1 ) with a cooking space ( 2 ) in which the rail extension device ( 14 . 15 ) and on the second rail ( 18 ) a food support is positionable. Method for operating a rail extension device ( 14 . 15 ) for a household appliance ( 1 ), with a first rail ( 17 ) and at least one second rail ( 18 ) with the first rail ( 17 ) and relative to the first rail ( 17 ) and a storage device ( 19 ), with which the two rails ( 17 . 18 ) are mounted to each other, characterized in that the two rails ( 17 . 18 ) are held locked in a maximum extension position by a latching device relative to each other, wherein a latching state holding latching force of the latching device depending on a load of the second rail ( 18 ) is changed automatically.

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