DE102020211463A1 - Pull-out rail device for a microwave cooking appliance with an electrically insulating closing element on a front side of the rail, and microwave cooking appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a rail extension device (17) for a microwave cooking appliance (1), with a first elongated rail (18) and a second elongated rail (19) connected thereto, the two rails (18, 19) in the direction of their longitudinal axes (A) can be displaced relative to one another, with the two rails (18, 19) being made of an electrically conductive material at least in certain areas, characterized in that at least one rail (19) at a front end (20) which, when the Rail pull-out device (17) in a cooking chamber (2) of the microwave cooking appliance (1) facing a door (1a) of the microwave cooking appliance (1), has an electrically insulating closing element (21). The invention also relates to a microwave cooking appliance (1).

Description

One aspect of the invention relates to an extension rail device for a microwave cooking appliance. The rail extension device has a first elongate rail. The rail extension device also has a second elongate rail. The two rails are connected to one another and can be displaced relative to one another in the direction of their longitudinal axis. The two rails are made of an electrically conductive material, at least in certain areas. A further aspect of the invention relates to a microwave cooking appliance with such a rail extension device.

Rail extension devices with a plurality of rails that can be displaced relative to one another are known in a wide variety of configurations. They can be placed in a cooking chamber and are usually used to hold the food support. Due to the displaceability in the depth direction of the cooking appliance, the food support placed on it can be pulled out and pushed into the cooking chamber, thus improving accessibility. Such rail pull-out devices are usually arranged laterally either directly on vertical side walls of a muffle that delimits the cooking space of the cooking appliance. Or they can also be arranged on additional carrier units, such as a carrier frame made up of rods. Such a support frame can in turn be releasably attached to such a wall of a muffle without destroying it.

Since conventional ovens are generally used in temperature ranges and mechanical stress types in which alternative, non-conductive drawer system materials such as plastic are no longer functional and other materials are more expensive in comparison, a common material for such rails is metal. For example, this can be steel or stainless steel.

Such rail pull-out devices are fully suitable for cooking appliances that do not have a microwave function.

However, this is different with microwave cooking appliances. Electromagnetic radiation in the form of microwaves induces an electrical charge in electrically conductive components, resulting in a potential difference between several electrically conductive components that are insulated from one another. This instantaneous potential can be different for different parts due to different influencing factors. If the parts are connected in a stable, electrically conductive manner, this potential is reduced by current flow. If the parts are electrically insulated, electrical discharges, such as sparks, can occur if the potential difference is too great and the electrical field is too strong.

In order to avoid these electrical discharges, a stable electrically conductive connection or stable electrical insulation should be aimed for between metallic parts.

Electrical discharges between parts can also lead to component malfunctions or user dissatisfaction. In particular, the visual appearance of such a cooking appliance can also be impaired here, for example due to annealing colors of the materials at the point of sparking. The acoustic perception of such a spark also unsettles a user and doubts about the functionality of the cooking appliance grow. In addition, a functional impairment of the movement characteristics of the rail expansion device can occur as a result of spot welding, deformations or material displacements due to such a spark. The penetration of protective layers, for example enamel layers, or the change in the material properties or the surface properties of the materials in a rail can also cause subsequent corrosion. Since the at least two rails of the rail extension device that can be moved relative to one another are usually positioned manually by a user, such an undefined positioning can result in a position that is not suitable for microwave use, which can also lead to the disadvantages mentioned above.

A pull-out system, which is also suitable for a microwave cooking appliance, is, for example, from DE 10 2013 214 852 A1 or the DE 10 2013 214 853 A1 or the DE 10 2013 214 854 A1 famous. There, a minimum distance between the metallic components is realized via one or more spacers. A distance between the electrically conductive rails is achieved there via the intermediate running bodies or rollers, which are made of an electrically non-conductive material.

It should be mentioned that the above-mentioned problems can also occur when the door of the microwave cooking appliance is arranged close to a pull-out rail device, in particular when the door is closed.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a rail extension device, wel che is suitable for a microwave cooking appliance, in particular an improved avoidance of sparks between the rail extension device and a door of the microwave cooking appliance.

This object is achieved by a pull-out rail device and a microwave cooking appliance according to the independent claims.

One aspect of the invention relates to an extension rail device for a microwave cooking appliance. A pull-out rail device is therefore provided which is suitable for a microwave cooking appliance. This means in particular that when the microwave cooking appliance is operated and, for example, food is being prepared with microwaves, such sparking between electrically conductive components on the one hand of the rail extension device and on the other hand of the microwave cooking appliance is avoided in an improved manner. The rail extension device has a first, elongate rail. The rail extension device has at least one second, elongate rail that is separate therefrom. The at least two elongate rails are connected to one another, in particular directly connected to one another. The two rails are arranged to be displaceable relative to one another in the direction of their longitudinal axes. The two rails are made of an electrically conductive material, at least in certain areas. The at least one rail has an electrically insulating closing element at a front end viewed in the direction of its longitudinal axis, which faces a door of the microwave cooking appliance when the rail extension device is installed as intended in a cooking chamber of the microwave cooking appliance.

This electrically insulating terminating element thus represents a front terminating part of a rail of the telescopic rail device, in particular of the entire telescopic rail device. This front end of the telescopic rail device facing the door of the microwave cooking appliance is arranged in a quasi-electrically insulated manner from the door. In particular, when the door is closed when the telescopic rail device is installed in the cooking chamber as intended in this regard, and there is therefore a relatively small distance between the front end of the telescopic rail device and the inside of the door, this configuration of the telescopic rail device can improve the avoidance of sparks between the front end of the sliding rail device and the door of the microwave oven. The electrically insulating terminating element is a separate component from the rail.

In particular, the door can thus also be protected from being scratched by a rail when the door is closed, if the door touches the rail extension device that has not yet been fully pushed in when it is closed.

The closing element is made in particular from such a material that, with regard to the life of the microwave cooking appliance, taking into account the chemical and/or thermal cleaning (pyrolysis), does not crumble, splinter and/or is not damaged with a loss of function when the pull-out rail device is removed in a free fall.

In particular, the closing element also enables electrical insulation to a baffle wall of the microwave cooking appliance and/or electrical insulation to the door from both sides.

In particular, the electrically insulating closing element also electrically insulates the rails from one another. A double function of electrical insulation can thus be achieved with such an element. Once externally and once internally.

In one exemplary embodiment, the electrically insulating terminating element, viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the rails, is the component of the rail expansion device that protrudes the furthest to the front. This closing element is thus positioned in a correspondingly exposed manner and is therefore at the shortest distance from the door of the microwave cooking appliance when the pull-out rail device is arranged in the cooking chamber and, in particular, the door is closed.

In one exemplary embodiment it is provided that the electrically insulating closing element is arranged on the second rail, which is a running rail of the rail expansion device. When the rail extension device is arranged as intended, a running rail is that rail which can be displaced in the direction of the longitudinal axis relative to the other rail. The other rail is then usually referred to as a fixed rail. This means that after the mounted state it is arranged in a quasi-stationary manner in the cooking chamber and does not move relative to the walls of the cooking chamber. The running rail is that rail which, when the rails and thus also the rail extension device are in the pushed together state, protrudes further forward than the other rail when viewed in the depth direction. This running rail is thus the one whose front end is further forward than the other rail when these two rails are arranged in the pushed together state. The advantages mentioned above are thus supported, because then the electrically insulating closing element is the component of the rail expansion device arranged furthest to the front even in this pushed together state.

In one embodiment, the electrically insulating terminating element is made of ceramic. In particular, it is made entirely of ceramic. Such a material configuration is advantageous with regard to the electrical insulation effect. It is also advantageous with regard to the mechanical stability and the long-term functionality with regard to this electrical insulating effect.

In particular, the electrically insulating closing element is designed in one piece.

In one embodiment, the second rail has a faceplate at the front end. The front of the rail is covered by this front panel. In particular, the front of the rail is completely covered by this front panel. When looking at the rail from the front, only the surface of this front panel can be seen.

The elongate rail body located behind the second rail is then covered by this front panel when viewed from the front in this way. In particular, the electrically insulating terminating element is arranged on the front panel. The front panel is thus a multifunctional component. In addition to covering the elongated rail body, it stabilizes the rail. In addition, it serves as an advantageous support component for this closing element arranged at the front. The terminating element can thus be fastened to the rail in a simple and yet mechanically stable manner.

In one embodiment it is provided that the electrically insulating closing element extends through a hole in the front panel. In particular, the electrically insulating terminating element is arranged on both sides of the front panel. This makes it mechanically easy to assemble and mechanically stable.

In one embodiment it is provided that the second rail is designed to be open at the front end. In particular, it can be provided that the electrically insulating closing element is introduced with a coupling part into a hollow area of this rail at the front. This hollow area can thus be used for positioning a partial element of the closing element. A mechanically stable attachment of the closing element is also achieved as a result. In such a configuration it can then be provided that the second rail does not have such a front panel. A direct mechanical support and coupling is then provided between the closure element and the elongate rail body of the rail. In particular, in this exemplary embodiment, the electrically insulating closing element forms the complete front cover of this elongated rail body.

This may be different from the design of a front panel. With an embodiment of a front panel, the terminating element can also be smaller in size than this front panel. When viewed from the front, it can then also be provided in this exemplary embodiment that the electrically insulating closing element is smaller in terms of area than the front side of the elongate rail body. This is because the above-mentioned advantages can then also be achieved due to the larger dimensioning of the front panel that is preferably present in this regard.

In an embodiment without such a front panel, it is advantageous if the terminating element completely covers the front of the elongated rail body. Therefore, a corresponding size dimensioning is advantageous in this respect.

In one exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the coupling part of this electrically insulating closing element has an upper coupling hump and/or a lower coupling hump. A mechanically stable positioning of the closing element in the hollow area of the elongate rail body can thus be achieved. A related direct mechanical connection and mounting of the coupling part in the hollow area of the elongate rail body of the rail is thereby particularly advantageously made possible. In particular, at least one coupling hump of this type achieves a form-fitting attachment of the electrically insulating closing element inside the rail.

In one exemplary embodiment, the coupling part has on a side wall a snap-in receptacle for snapping in for a resilient snap-in element. This resilient snap element can be arranged on the first rail. The snap-in element and the snap-in receptacle form an end-of-travel device for securing the rail telescopic device that can be automatically released and snapped in again. The position of the rails when pushed together can be secured by this end position securing device. Undesirable displacement of the rails relative to one another is thus prevented in this pushed-together state. This also has advantages regarding an undesired sparking during the operation of the microwave cooking appliance.

In one exemplary embodiment, it can be provided that the coupling part has a depression on a side wall. This depression or trough is provided for engagement by an engagement element, which is arranged on the first rail. A further mechanical fixing of the position of the coupling part in the interior of the elongated rail body of the rail can be achieved by such a configuration. The mechanical position fixing in at least two spatial directions can thus be achieved in particular in operative connection with at least one coupling hump already mentioned above.

Said side walls of the coupling part are in particular vertical side walls. The coupling bumps are formed in particular on an upper side and an underside. In particular, the coupling part has a preferably cuboid shape. The above-mentioned coupling humps and/or indentations are then formed on the corresponding surface areas.

In one embodiment, the front end of the second rail has a cross-sectional area, or front face. When this rail is viewed from the front, the electrically insulating terminating element is located entirely within the front surface. It can be provided that this terminating element, when viewed from the front, only extends in such a way that it partially covers this front surface of the rail. Then this closing element is smaller in area than the area of the front side of the elongated rail body. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the front end of the rail has a front surface, with the electrically insulating closing element completely covering the front surface when viewed from the front. In particular, it can have exactly this area of the front surface. Complete covering is then achieved, but no protruding beyond this is provided.

In another exemplary embodiment, however, it can be provided that when viewed from the front in this way, the terminating element is larger in area than the front surface of the elongated rail body of the second rail and also completely covers the front surface of the elongated rail body. In one exemplary embodiment, it can be provided that the electrically insulating closing element has an overhang that projects upwards. This is to be understood when the rail extension device is arranged as intended. There is thus an overhang that protrudes upwards in the height direction of the telescopic rail device. This overhang protrudes beyond an upper side of the rail on which the electrically insulating closing element is arranged. In particular, a food support stop element is formed by the overhang. This means that when a food carrier is stored on the separate rail pull-out device, a stop element is formed by this overhang. This food support can be placed on the pull-out rail device from above and rests in particular on an upper side of the rail that has the electrically insulating closing element on the front. In particular, this is the running rail. In this way, a food support cannot be undesirably displaced in the depth direction relative to the rail extension device, in particular it cannot be undesirably pulled forward. An undesired tipping of the food support from the sliding rail device is thereby avoided.

Such a configuration means that the electrically insulating closing element has multifunctionality. It thus has both electrical and mechanical functionality.

In one exemplary embodiment, the electrically insulating terminating element is arranged in a stationary manner on the second rail. However, it can also be arranged to be movable relative thereto. In particular, in the case of a relatively movable arrangement, it can be mounted on it in an axially resilient manner. This can also result in a certain damping effect. In particular, when forces act on the rail, in particular on the closing element, these can be cushioned. An undesired impairment of the terminating element is thereby avoided. Undesirable high and abrupt force peaks acting on the closing element can be prevented in this way.

In one embodiment, the rail extension device has at least one electrically conductive contacting element. The rails are connected in an electrically conductive manner to one another, depending on their displacement position, in particular at least in the pushed together state, by means of the electrically conductive contacting element. This is an alternative embodiment to an electrically insulating arrangement of the two rails relative to one another, in particular when pushed together. There can thus also be an electrically insulating arrangement of the two rails with respect to one another when pushed together.

In the case of an electrically conductive connection in this respect, the electrically conductive connecting element is arranged on the second rail, on which the electrically insulating closing element is arranged. In one embodiment, the electrically conductive contacting element can be U-shaped. It can be arranged at the front end of the rail, on which the electrically insulating closing element is also arranged. The U-shape can face the further rail with the U-opening. In particular, this means that when the two rails are pushed together, this U-shaped contacting element contacts this further rail with an upper U leg and/or a lower U leg, in particular with these two U legs. This can then be on an upper side and an underside of this further rail. In particular, there can be an overlapping and an undercutting in this regard, so that the respective U-leg rests on the outer sides of this additional rail. In this context, the contacting element is therefore also a clamp-like gripping part. The electrical connection between the two rails is thus automatically achieved by this electrically conductive contacting element when the rails are pushed together, in particular when they are pushed together.

By electrically insulating the electrically conductive parts, as they were called, a minimum distance is also achieved between the pull-out rail device, in particular the front end, and a closed door of the microwave cooking appliance. This spacer or this electrically insulating closing element can be positively or non-positively connected to one rail, in particular the running rail, and can be arranged directly on it. For example, a clamping connection or an adhesive connection or a caulking connection or an embossing, interlocking, countering, screwing, welding or snapping or the like can be provided here.

In particular, the technical design of the mechanical connection method also means that the electrically insulating closing element is fixed in position. As a result, tolerances in the movement between the electrically insulating terminating element and the rail can be avoided. Undesirable rattling noises or the like can then be avoided when the rail is moved. In addition, it is also conceivable to limit the travel distance on the rails to create defined, isolating distances. In this regard, a relative position adjustment of the electrically insulating closing element can also be formed on the rail.

Combinations can also be provided for the above-mentioned mechanical fastening devices of the electrically insulating closing element. A clamp connection or a counter connection can also be provided. In particular, a resilient counter connection can also be implemented here. Such a spring can also be formed on a front flap of the rail. As a result, in one exemplary embodiment, the relatively movable mounting of the electrically insulating closing element on the rail can also be provided. In one configuration of the electrically insulating closing element, in which it is also inserted directly into an interior of the elongated rail body and mechanically held therein, this closing element can also be mushroom-shaped. In this context, it can also represent a front cap for the rail. A rail-internal travel limit, as already explained above, can be made possible, for example, by an embossing in a rail in a running area on rollers or balls of the rail extension device, with which the two rails are mounted so that they can move relative to one another.

A stable electrical contact between two electrically conductive parts of the rail extension device, in particular the rails that can be moved relative to one another, can be realized by self-closing and/or a resilient connection and/or a sliding contact. In particular, provision is then made for the contact point to have as large an area as possible in order to achieve improved electrical conduction. In this way, punctiform heating or sparking can be avoided. In particular, this flat contact area is to be designed in such a way that a slight protrusion, ie the formation of a minimal distance between the conductive parts and one another, does not lead to sparking of this kind. It can be provided that a spring resiliently connects the electrically insulating terminating element to the corresponding rail and, in addition, this spring also electrically conductively connects these two rails when the two rails are pushed together. In particular, this element can also be used to achieve a resilient connection between the two rails. In particular, this can be the U-shaped contacting element, as has already been mentioned above.

In particular, it is also achieved here that a snap connection is formed in the pushed-together state. This also makes it possible to achieve an alternative end position securing device in addition to or instead of the above-mentioned end position securing device.

A rail extension device preferably also has a ball guide with balls, which allows the relative mobility of the rails to each other. These balls can be made of metal. Point-to-point contact can occur here between the movable rails and accidental discharges or sparks can therefore also occur during operation of the microwave cooking appliance. This can also lead to undesired discolorations in the corresponding areas. However, these are located inside the rails and are therefore visually and functionally not recognizable and impairing. Permanent, electrically conductive contact between the rails and the balls is achieved by preloading the rail and by gravity.

The information “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, “horizontal”, “vertical”, “depth direction”, “width direction”, “height direction” are the intended use and intended arrangement of the rail expansion device or the device given positions and orientations.

Further features of the invention result 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 mentioned below in the description of the figures and/or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the combination specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without the frame to abandon the invention. The invention is therefore also to be considered to include and disclose embodiments that are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, but that result from the explained embodiments and can be generated by separate combinations of features. Versions and combinations of features are also to be regarded as disclosed which therefore do not have all the features of an originally formulated independent claim.

• 1 in schematischer und perspektivischer Darstellung ein Haushaltsgerät gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung;
• 2 in schematischer und perspektivischer Darstellung einen Garraum des Haushaltsgeräts gemäß 1;
• 3 eine perspektivische Teildarstellung einer Schiene eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Schienenauszugsvorrichtung mit einem Ausführungsbeispiel eines elektrisch isolierenden Abschlusselements;
• 4 eine Teildarstellung einer Schiene eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Schienenauszugsvorrichtung mit einer Federlagerung für ein elektrisch isolierendes Abschlusselement;
• 5 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Teilbereichs eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Schienenauszugsvorrichtung;
• 6 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines elektrisch isolierenden Abschlusselements zum Positionieren an einem vorderen Ende einer Schiene einer Schienenauszugsvorrichtung;
• 7 eine Draufsicht auf ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Schienenauszugsvorrichtung, bei welchem ein elektrisch isolierendes Abschlusselement gemäß 6 an einem vorderen Ende einer Schiene der Schienenauszugsvorrichtung angeordnet ist;
• 8 eine Horizontalschnittdarstellung der Anordnung gemäß 8; und
• 9 eine Seitenansicht der Darstellung in 7 und 8.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with the aid of schematic drawings. Show it:

• 1 a schematic and perspective view of a household appliance according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 2 in a schematic and perspective view according to a cooking chamber of the household appliance 1 ;
• 3 a perspective partial view of a rail of an embodiment of a rail extension device according to the invention with an embodiment of an electrically insulating closing element;
• 4 a partial view of a rail of an embodiment of a rail extension device according to the invention with a spring bearing for an electrically insulating closing element;
• 5 a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of a rail extension device according to the invention;
• 6 a perspective view of an embodiment of an electrically insulating closing element for positioning at a front end of a rail of a rail extension device;
• 7 a plan view of an embodiment of a rail extension device, in which an electrically insulating closing element according to 6 is arranged at a front end of a rail of the rail extension device;
• 8th a horizontal sectional view of the arrangement according to 8th ; and
• 9 a side view of the illustration in 7 and 8th .

Elements that are the same or have the same function are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

In 1 a domestic appliance designed as a cooking appliance 1 for preparing food is shown in a schematic representation. The cooking appliance 1 is in particular a microwave cooking appliance, for example a pure microwave appliance or a combination appliance in the form of an oven with a microwave generator. The microwave cooking appliance 1 can optionally also have pyrolysis operation.

The microwave cooking appliance 1 has a cooking chamber 2 which is delimited by a muffle 3 which, as a domestic appliance component, has vertical side walls 4, 5 and a bottom wall 6, a top wall 7 and a rear wall 8. The loading opening of the cooking chamber 2 can be closed at the front by a door 1a.

On an inside of the vertical side walls 4, 5, for example, recesses or holes 9, 10, 11, 12 can be formed, the number and position of which are only shown as an example. In addition, the recesses in the opposite vertical side wall 5 are provided at the appropriate height and appropriate number. The recesses 9, 10, 11, 12 are used to accommodate a carrier part 13 (see 2 ), which can be designed, for example, as a frame or so-called hanging grid.

Referring to 2 For example, the carrier part 13 can be releasably mounted on the associated side wall 4 without destroying it. Alternatively, it is also possible to attach the carrier part 13 to the side wall 4 in a non-detachable manner, namely, for example, by welding or the like. In 2 the carrier part 13 is only shown as an example and can also have other geometric shapes.

The carrier part 13 has two vertical rods 14, 15 which are arranged parallel to one another and are also spaced apart from one another and which are connected to one another via a large number of rods 16 which are arranged horizontally and run perpendicularly to the vertical rods 14, 15. The horizontal rods 16 are U-shaped.

In addition, in 2 an exemplary embodiment of a rail extension device 17 is shown in a schematic representation. The rail extension device 17 has a first rail 18 here. In the exemplary embodiment, the first rail 18 is a fixed rail. This means that when the rail extension device 17 is arranged as intended in the cooking chamber 2, it is arranged in a stationary manner, in particular on a side wall 4, 5. In the exemplary embodiment, the rail extension device 17 can be arranged directly on the optionally available support part 13 . However, it is also possible for this rail 18 to be arranged directly on a side wall 4, 5 if the carrier part 13 is not present.

The rail extension device 17 has a further rail 19 in the exemplary embodiment. This is a second rail that is separate from the first rail 18 . This further rail 19 can be displaced relative to the first rail 18 in the direction of a longitudinal axis A of the two elongated rails 18 and 19 . A displacement in the depth direction of the microwave cooking appliance 1 is thus made possible here. The depth direction is the horizontal, backward-oriented direction.

The further rail 19 is shown in its extended state as an example. The other rail 19 is referred to here as a running rail.

However, it can be provided that the rail extension device 17 has a further, third rail. This can be another track.

The rail extension device 17, in particular the further rail 19, has an electrically insulating closing element 21 at a front end 20 viewed in the depth direction. In particular, the two rails 18 and 19, in particular their elongated rail bodies 22 and 23, are made of an electrically conductive material. Specifically, it's metal. In particular, it is steel or stainless steel. This electrically insulating closing element 21 is a separate component from the elongated rail bodies 22 and 23 . The pull-out rail device 17 is provided for the intended arrangement in the cooking chamber 2 in such a way that its elongated arrangement is oriented in the depth direction. This means that the front end 20 faces a front loading opening of the cooking chamber 2 when the rails 18 and 19 are arranged in the pushed together state. Then the pull-out rail device 17 is also arranged completely in the cooking chamber 2 . The pull-out rail device 17 is designed for non-destructively detachable arrangement and removal on the microwave cooking appliance 1 .

The microwave cooking appliance 1 also has the door 1a, as shown in FIG 1 is shown. The door 1a is movably arranged on a housing 1b of the microwave cooking appliance 1. FIG. The cooking chamber 2 can thus be closed at the front by the door 1a.

The front end 20 and thus also the electrically insulating closing element 21 faces the door 1a in the closed state of this door 1a. In particular, a correspondingly small distance is then formed in this respect. Viewed in the depth direction, this electrically insulating closing element 21 is the component of the telescopic rail device 17 that protrudes furthest to the front. It is therefore at the shortest distance from the door 1a. Electrical insulation is thus formed between the telescopic rail device 17 and the door 1a, which is also arranged without contact thereto in the closed state.

In 3 a partial view of a further rail 19 of a rail extension device 17 is shown in a perspective representation. In this embodiment, a front panel 24 of the rail 19 is arranged at a front end 20 . This is in addition to the elongated rail body 23 . This front panel 24 is in particular made of metal. This front panel 24 covers the elongated rail body 23 of the rail 19 from the front, in particular completely. In this exemplary embodiment, the electrically insulating terminating element 21 is arranged directly on this front panel 24 . It extends through a hole 25 in the front panel 24. The electrically insulating terminating element 21 is thus arranged directly on both sides of this front panel 24 in the assembled state. A diverse mechanical fastening connection can be provided here. In this regard, connections can be provided as already mentioned above. Several combinations of connections can also be provided, to attach the electrically insulating termination element 21 to the front panel 24 . A fixed attachment can be provided here. This means that the electrically insulating terminating element 21, viewed as a whole, is arranged on the front panel 24 without the possibility of movement.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, provision can be made for the electrically insulating closing element 21, viewed as a whole, to be arranged on the rail 19, here in particular on the front panel 24, so that it can be moved relatively. Such an elastic relative movement bearing can be provided, for example, by a spring element 26, as shown in 4 shown can be realized. The electrically insulating closing element 21 can thus move resiliently in the direction of the longitudinal axis A towards this front panel 24 . Such a resilient mounting of the electrically insulating closing element 21 on the rail 19 is also possible if this front panel 24 is not present. In particular, a corresponding direct bearing on the elongated rail body 23 is then provided. As already explained, a stationary bearing or a bearing that is resilient in the direction of the longitudinal axis A can also be provided here.

In the embodiment in 3 the electrically insulating terminating element 21 is smaller than a front surface or a front cross-section 23a of the elongated rail body 23 when viewed from the front and thus viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis A on the front side. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the electrically insulating terminating element 21 is button-shaped .

However, other shapes and geometric sizes can also be provided.

In 5 a further exemplary embodiment of a rail extension device 17 is shown in a perspective view. It can be seen here that, in the exemplary view, the electrically insulating closing element 21 is arranged directly on a front panel 24 that is preferably present.

In contrast to the previously explained exemplary embodiments, in which the two rails 18 and 19 have no electrical connection to one another in any displacement position, an electrical connection of the rails 18 and 19 to one another can also be provided here. In particular, this can be configured automatically in specific displacement positions of the rails 18 and 19 relative to one another. In particular, this can be provided, in particular only, when the rails 18 and 19 are pushed together. For this purpose, the telescopic rail device 17 has an electrically conductive contacting element 27 . This is formed here on that rail 19 on which the electrically insulating closing element 21 is also formed. In particular, this electrically conductive contacting element 27 is arranged in a stationary manner on the front end 20 of this further rail 19 . In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the electrically conductive contacting element 27 is U-shaped. It has an upper leg 28 of the U. It also has a lower U-leg. This is viewed in the vertical direction of the telescopic rail device 17 . This vertical direction is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. As in the in 5 shown pushed together state of the rails 18 and 19 can be seen, the upper U-leg 28 contacts a top 30 of the other rail 18. In addition, it is provided that the lower U-leg 29 contacts an underside 31 of this other rail 18 directly. A clamp-like gripping by electrically conductive contacting element 27 is thus provided. In particular, this electrically conductive contacting element 27 is also arranged here directly on the front panel 24 and is electrically conductively connected to this electrically conductive front panel 24 . In particular, a resilient mounting of the electrically insulating closing element 21 is also realized by this configuration. The electrically conductive contacting element 27 is thus designed to be multifunctional. In this regard, however, the electrically insulating closing element 21 reaches through an opening or a hole 32 in a bottom leg 33 of the U-shaped electrically conductive contacting element 27 . The electrically insulating closing element 21 is thus also arranged on both sides of this base leg 33 . However, such an electrically conductive contacting element 27, in particular also with this specific shape, can also be provided in a telescopic rail device 17 which does not have such a front plate 24. It can then be attached to the rail 19 in some other way.

In one exemplary embodiment, this electrically conductive contacting element 27 can also additionally form an end-of-travel safety device. The pushed-together state of the rails 18 and 19 is then also secured in position axially by this end position securing device. For example, a snap connection can also be provided here. In this regard, at least one of the U-legs 28 and 29 can have an in 5 have not shown or not to be recognized snap element, which snapped, for example, in a snap receptacle on the top 30 and / or on the bottom 31 when this collapsed state is reached. However, an inverse configuration can also be provided, in which a snap receptacle is formed on one of the legs 28 or 29 and a raised snap element is formed on the top 30 and/or the bottom 31.

In 6 a further exemplary embodiment of an electrically insulating closing element 21 is shown in a perspective illustration. This is formed here, for example, as a front cap to be placed and plugged directly onto the front end 20 of the rail 19 . In particular, this element is provided when no front panel 24 is present.

This electrically insulating closing element 21 is designed in one piece. Like the previously mentioned exemplary embodiments, it can be made of ceramic. The electrically insulating terminating element 21 has a cover part 34 . This is in particular dimensioned in such a way that a cross section 23a of the elongate rail body completely covers the front of the rail 19 in the attached state. Therefore, it is also larger than the one in the in 3 and 5 shown embodiment of the electrically insulating closing element 21. In particular, it is larger in this respect. Therefore, in the embodiment shown, it has 6 an overhang 35 on. In the installed final state of the electrically insulating closing element 21 at the front end 20 of the rail 19 viewed in the height direction, this protrudes upwards over the area of the cross section 23a. As a result, a food support stop element is also formed by this overhang 35 . It is thus integrated into this electrically insulating closing element 21 and is formed in one piece with it. A food support, such as a baking tray or a grating or a dripping pan, which can be placed on the separate rail extension device 17 from above, can therefore not be pulled out or pulled over the rail extension device 17 in the depth direction.

This electrically insulating terminating element 21 also has a coupling part 36 . It is connected directly to the cover part 34 or is formed thereon and extends horizontally to the rear from it. This coupling part 36 is designed in particular as a cuboid base body. An upper coupling bump 38 is formed on a top side 37 . This coupling hump 38 extends in particular over the entire depth of the coupling part 36. In addition to or instead of this, it can be provided that a lower coupling hump 40 is formed on an opposite underside 39. These coupling humps 38 and/or 39 engage, in particular in a form-fitting manner, in corresponding grooves in the further rail 19, in particular in the elongate rail body 23. In this regard, the plan view in 7 the upper groove 41 indicated. The upper coupling hump 38 engages in this, as shown in 7 can be seen.

In addition, this coupling part 36 has a first vertical side wall 42 . A recess 43 is formed in this first side wall 42 . This is for engaging an engaging element 44 ( 8th ) intended. This engagement element 44 is integrally formed on the further rail 19, in particular the elongated rail body 23, or is formed inwards. As a result, a further mechanical fixing of the position of the electrically insulating closing element 21 on this rail 19 can be achieved.

In one embodiment it is provided that on an opposite vertical side wall 45 of this coupling part 36 a snap receptacle 46 ( 8th ) is formed. This snap-in receptacle 46 is also a trough or depression. This is for snapping engagement of a resilient snap element 47 ( 7 and 8th ) intended. In this exemplary embodiment, the end positions of the rails 19 and 18 that have been pushed together can then be secured by this snapping of the resilient snap element 47 in this snap receptacle 46 . The resilient snap-in element 47 is attached here in particular to the rail 18 . An axially acting end position securing device is also formed by this resilient snap element 47 and the snap receptacle 46 .

In addition, on a rear side 48 of this coupling part 36, another hump 49 standing to the rear is formed. This is in the pushed together state of the rails 18 and 19 for striking against a stop 50 ( 7 and 8th ) at a front end of the further rail 18 is provided.

In 7 is, as already explained above, a plan view of a portion of the rail extension device 17 is shown. The pushed-together state of the rails 18 and 19 is shown here. The arrangement of the electrically insulating closing element 21 can be seen. As can also be seen, the coupling part 36 is inserted into the interior of the elongated rail body 23 of the rail 19 .

In 8th is a horizontal sectional view of the embodiment according to 7 shown. The sectional plane is in a plane to the figure in 7 parallel plane drawn.

It can also be provided in this embodiment that the two rails 18 and 19 are electrically contacted directly with one another. However, it can also be provided here that these rails 18 and 19 are not directly electrically contacted, but are electrically insulated.

In 9 is a side view of the configuration of the rail extension device 17 according to FIG 7 and 8th shown. The overhang 35 of the electrically insulating closing element 21 that protrudes upwards in the height direction over an upper side 51 of the further rail 19 or of the elongate rail body 23 can be seen. In addition, the snapped-in state of the resilient snap-in element 47 in the snap-in receptacle 46 can also be seen. It can also be seen that the lower coupling hump 40 is inserted in a form-fitting manner into a lower groove 53 on an underside 52 in the elongated rail body 23 .

Reference List

1

Microwave Cooker

1a

door

1b

housing

2

cooking chamber

3

muffle

4, 5

side walls

6

bottom wall

7

ceiling wall

8th

back panel

9, 10, 11, 12

recesses

13

carrier part

14, 15, 16

rods

17

rail extension device

18

first rail

19

second rail

20

front end

21

final element

22, 23

rail body

23a

cross-section

24

front panel

25

hole

26

spring element

27

contacting element

28

upper U leg

29

lower U leg

30

top

31

bottom

32

hole

33

floor leg

34

cover part

35

Got over

36

coupling part

37

top

38

coupling bumps

39

bottom

40

coupling bumps

41

upper groove

42

first side wall

43

deepening

44

engagement element

45

Side wall

46

snapshot

47

snap element

48

back

49

hump

50

attack

51

top

52

bottom

53

lower groove

A

longitudinal axis

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 102013214852 A1 [0008]
• DE 102013214853 A1 [0008]
• DE 102013214854 A1 [0008]

Claims (15)

Pull-out rail device (17) for a microwave cooking appliance (1), with a first elongated rail (18) and a second elongated rail (19) connected thereto, the two rails (18, 19) relative to one another in the direction of their longitudinal axes (A). are displaceable, the two rails (18, 19) being made of an electrically conductive material at least in regions, characterized in that at least one rail (19) at a front end (20) which, when the rail extension device (17) is installed as intended, in a Cooking chamber (2) of the microwave cooking appliance (1) facing a door (1a) of the microwave cooking appliance (1), has an electrically insulating closing element (21). Rail extension device (17) after claim 1 , characterized in that the electrically insulating closing element (21) viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A) of the rails (17, 18) is the component of the rail extension device (17) that projects the furthest to the front. Rail extension device (17) after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the electrically insulating closing element (21) is arranged on the rail (19), which is a running rail of the rail extension device (17) and which, when the rails (18, 19) are pushed together, projects further forward than the other rail (18). Rail extension device (17) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrically insulating closing element (21) is made of ceramic. Rail extension device (17) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second rail (19) has a front panel (24) which covers the front of the second rail (19), the electrically insulating closing element (21) being attached directly to the front panel ( 24) is arranged. Rail extension device (17) after claim 5 , characterized in that the electrically insulating closing element (21) extends through a hole (25) in the front panel (24) and is arranged on both sides of the front panel (24). Rail extension device (17) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that the second rail (19) is open at the front end (20) and the electrically insulating closing element (21) is introduced with a coupling part (36) into a hollow area of the second rail (19) at the front. Rail extension device (17) after claim 7 , characterized in that the coupling part (36) has an upper coupling hump (38) and/or a lower coupling hump (40) with which a form-fitting attachment of the electrically insulating closing element (21) in the hollow area of the second rail (19) is formed. Rail extension device (17) after claim 6 or 7 , characterized in that the coupling part (36) has on a side wall (45) a snap receptacle (46) for snapping in for a resilient snap element (47) which is arranged on the first rail (18), the snap element (47 ) and the snap-in receptacle (46) is formed as an automatically detachable and snap-on end-of-travel safety device, by means of which the pushed-together state of the rails (18, 19) is secured in position, and/or the coupling part (36) has a recess (43 ) for engagement for an engagement element (44) which is arranged on the first rail (18). Rail extension device (17) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front end (20) of the second rail (19) has a cross-sectional area (23a), the electrically insulating closing element (21) being located completely within the cross-sectional area when viewed from the front (23a) is located, in particular only partially covers the cross-sectional area (23a). Rail extension device (17) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 until 9 , characterized in that the front end (20) of the second rail (19) has a cross-sectional area (23a), the electrically insulating closing element (21) completely covering the cross-sectional area (23a) when viewed from the front. Rail extension device (17) after claim 11 , characterized in that the electrically insulating terminating element (21) has an overhang (35) which projects upwards and protrudes beyond an upper side (51) of the second rail (19) on which the electrically insulating terminating element (21) is arranged, so that the overhang (35) forms a food support stop element for a food support that can be placed on the second rail (19). Rail extension device (17) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrically insulating Closing element (21) is arranged in a stationary manner on the second rail (19) or is arranged on the second rail (19) so as to be movable relative thereto, in particular axially resiliently mounted. Rail extension device (17) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rail extension device (17) has at least one electrically conductive contacting element (27), the rails (18, 19) depending on their displacement position relative to one another, in particular at least in the pushed together state, by means of are electrically conductively connected to the electrically conductive contacting element (27), in particular the electrically conductive contacting element (27) is arranged on the second rail (19), on which the electrically insulating closing element (21) is arranged, in particular the electrically conductive contacting element (27) Is U-shaped and at the front end (20) of the second rail (19) is arranged. Microwave cooking appliance (1) with a housing (1b) in which a cooking space (2) is formed, and with a door (1a) which is movably arranged on the housing (1b) and closes the cooking space (2) at the front, wherein the microwave cooking appliance (1) has at least one pull-out rail device (17) according to one of the preceding claims, which is arranged in the cooking chamber (2) such that the electrically insulating closing element (21) faces the door (1a).

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