GB2591656A - Household microwave device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a household microwave device (1) which has a microwave generator (202) for generating microwaves, a treatment chamber (203) that can be charged with microwaves and has a loading opening (204), a door (8) that can be pivoted by means of door hinges (10) in order to close the loading opening (204), and at least one door opening safety switch (4) which interrupts operation of the microwave generator (202) when the door (8) is open, wherein the door (8) has no plunger (213), which is permanently protruding beyond a rear-side door plane (216), for actuating the at least one door opening safety switch (4). The invention is particularly advantageously applicable to autonomous microwave devices and microwave combination devices.

Description

Domestic microwave appliance The invention relates to a domestic microwave appliance comprising a microwave generator for generating microwaves, a treatment chamber, which can be acted on by the microwaves, with a loading opening, a door, which is pivotable by way of hinges, for closing the loading opening and at least one door opening safety switch which interrupts operation of the microwave generator when the door is open. The invention is usable with particular advantage in stand-alone microwave appliances and microwave combination appliances.

US 2014197161 Al discloses a door switch device for a microwave oven, which deactivates the microwave system, whilst no separate 'fingers' or tangs at the door surface are necessary in order to enter into a main body of the oven so as to activate a switch. The switch comprises a plurality of individual switches which are activated by a single switch lever.

EP 2 998 496 Al discloses a hinge comprising a first arm and a second arm connected together by means of a hinge pin, guide means being provided in order to guide the rotation of the second arm about the axis of the hinge pin. In addition, the hinge comprises actuating means, which act on the second arm so as to rotate it in the direction of an end position, and a support element, which is rigidly attached to the second arm and which extends by its operating part externally at the second arm and parallel to an external side of this arm at a spacing from this external side, as well as a damper which is provided at an external side of the first arm and serves the purpose of producing a damping force for the rotational movement of the second arm. The operating part of the support element is in that case connected with the hinge pin in a manner rotatable about the axis of the hinge pin.

DE 10 2005 020 744 B3 discloses a method for managing a cooking process in a cooking chamber of a cooking appliance with an access opening closable by way of a door or a cover, wherein the degree of opening of the door or the cover, particularly including the angle and the duration of the opening of the door or the cover, is detected for the purpose of managing the cooking process, and a cooking appliance for carrying out such a method.

It is the object of the present invention to at least partly overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide, in particular, a possibility of being able to reliably recognise as robustly as possible even small door opening angles of the door without provision of door plungers, which permanently project beyond a door plane at the rear side, and in that case to switch the door opening safety switch. It is, in particular, an object of the present invention to better protect the door opening safety switch from tampering.

This object is fulfilled in accordance with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous forms of embodiment are the subject of the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

The object is fulfilled by a domestic microwave appliance comprising a microwave generator for generating microwaves, a treatment chamber, which can be acted on by the microwaves, with a loading opening, a door, which is pivotable by way of hinges ("door hinges"), for closing the loading opening and at least one door opening safety switch which interrupts operation of the microwave generator when the door is open, wherein the door does not have at the rear side any plunger ("door plunger"), which permanently projects beyond a rearward door plane, for actuating the at least one door opening safety switch.

This domestic microwave appliance provides the advantage that it securely recognises in robust manner even small door opening angles of the door without provision of door plungers fixedly projecting beyond the rearward door plane and during closing of the door can switch at least one door opening safety switch with a high degree of accuracy or sensitivity. A further advantage is that the door opening safety switch is better protectible from interference. The door can in addition be cleaned particularly satisfactorily, since a user cannot be caught by a plunger or obstructed by a plunger.

The domestic microwave appliance can be a stand-alone microwave appliance or a microwave combination appliance. The microwave combination appliance can be, for example, a microwave appliance which has in addition at least one electrical resistance heating element, for example to provide a grilling function. The microwave combination application can also be a baking oven or a steam cooker with additional microwave functionality. In a case where the domestic microwave appliance is a baking oven or a steam cooker with additional microwave functionality the treatment chamber can also be termed cooking chamber. If the domestic microwave appliance is a baking oven the treatment chamber can also be termed oven chamber.

The microwave generator can comprise a magnetron. The microwave generator can be, in particular, a microwave generator operated or controlled by an inverter. The microwaves able to be radiated by the microwave generator into the treatment chamber can be introduced into the treatment chamber directly or by way of a microwave guide, particularly by way of a rotatable antenna.

Stock to be treated, particularly foodstuffs, can be introduced into the treatment chamber and removed from the treatment chamber through the loading opening.

The door is a microwave-tight door. In the closed state of the door this rests, in particular, on a door flange and forms therewith a microwave trap. The door is typically pivotably connected with a housing or body of the microwave appliance by way of door hinges. In a development the hinges each comprise a door blade which is fixedly and mechanically positively connected with the door so as to hold the door. The pivot movement of the door is thus transmitted, in particular free of play, to the pivot movement of the door blade. A folding or movement of the door thus corresponds, with respect to the angular setting thereof with a folding or movement of the door blade. In a development the door hinges each comprise a damping element so as to damp movement of the door, particularly shortly before reaching its fully open setting and/or its closed setting. The damping element can be or comprise, for example, a resilient spring or a hydraulic damping element.

The door opening safety switch serves the purpose of interrupting, when the door is open (when the door opening safety switch is not switched by means of the door), operation of the microwave generator so as to prevent escape of microwaves from the treatment chamber. If the door opening safety switch is switched, the microwave generator can be operated. In particular, a current circuit of the microwave generator can be interrupted by means of the door opening safety switch.

The door opening safety switch is switched, during closing of the door, shortly before reaching the closed setting of the door, in particular when the door is already so close to the flange that even with the then still small door opening angle microwaves can no longer escape from the treatment chamber or can escape therefrom with only a very low leakage rate below permitted limit values. The door opening angle at which the door opening safety switch switches can also be termed switching angle.

In an embodiment the hinges comprise door blades which are inserted in the door and at least one door opening safety switch is switchable by means of the door blade. The door blade thus serves as an actuator for the door opening safety switch. The advantage is thereby achieved that switching of the door opening safety switch is adaptable particularly precisely to the door opening angle. However, other components or parts, which are movable when the door pivots, of the door hinge can also serve as actuator for the door opening safety switch.

In an embodiment the door opening safety switch is a microswitch. By microswitch there is to be understood, in particular, an electrical switch, the contacts of which in the open state have a mutual spacing of less than 3 millimetres. Due to this small contact spacing the microswitch is particularly suitable for precise switching of the door at the intended target switching angle.

In an embodiment the domestic microwave appliance comprises a gearwheel mechanism which is connected with the door blade (or with another part of the door hinge movable when the door pivots) and which converts a rotational movement of the door and thus of the door blade into a linear movement, wherein the door blade urges the gearwheel mechanism in the direction of the door opening safety switch during closing. This embodiment gives the advantage of offering a possibility, which is mechanically particularly robust and non-vulnerable, to precisely switch the door at its desired switching angle. A further advantage is that the gearwheel mechanism can be accommodated by plugging (i.e. not readily accessible for a user) in the housing and is thus protected from tampering.

In an embodiment the domestic microwave appliance comprises a resettable plunger between the door blade and the door opening safety switch and the door blade moves the plunger in the direction of the door opening safety switch during closing of the door. This embodiment is similarly mechanically robust and reliable and better protected against tampering by a user than a switch accessibly mounted on a flange. The plunger is disposed, in the case of a widely opened door, in a 'forward' end setting in which it does not actuate the door opening safety switch. On closing of the door, the door blade contacts the plunger and urges this in the direction of the door opening safety switch. Only when the door has reached its switching setting is the door plunger urged so far into the housing that it switches the door opening safety switch. The fact that the plunger is a resettable plunger means that the plunger, on opening of the door, automatically moves back out into its forward end setting. For that purpose the plunger can be equipped or connected with, for example, an appropriate spring element.

In an embodiment the door hinge comprises a damping element and a connecting element, which connects the damping element with the door blade, the domestic microwave appliance comprises a resettable plunger and the door blade moves the connecting element in the direction of the plunger during closing of the door and thus the connecting element moves the plunger in the direction of the door opening safety switch. The same advantages are thus achieved as for a case of the plunger being actuated directly by the door blade. A further advantage is that the plunger can be fully accommodated in the housing of the microwave appliance so that it cannot be reached by a user and a particularly high level of safeguard against tampering is thereby achieved.

In an embodiment the domestic microwave appliance comprises a cable pull mechanism which converts a rotational movement of the door blade into a linear movement, wherein the door blade moves the cable pull mechanism in the direction of the door opening safety switch during closing of the door. A further possibility of reliably switching the door opening safety switch is thus advantageously provided. The advantage also arises that the cable pull mechanism can be accommodated virtually entirely in the housing and thus a particularly high level of safeguard against tampering is achieved. A further advantage is that the cable pull mechanism can be arranged particularly diversely and thus is also usable with small installation spaces and with complex component geometries. In a development the cable pull is a resiliently biased cable pull. The cable pull can comprise one or more rollers for cable deflection. A further advantage is that through the provision of several rollers a movement translation can be realised in accordance with the pulley hoist principle, whereby the sensitivity of the switching of the door opening safety switch can be further increased.

In an embodiment the domestic microwave appliance can comprise, for example, a mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic stroke translator which converts a movement of the door hinge, particularly a rotational movement of the door blade or a movement of another part of the door hinge movable during pivotation of the door, into a stroke-translated linear movement, wherein the stroke translator moves out in the direction of the door opening safety switch during closing of the door. The door blade or other part of the door hinge movable during pivotation of the door serves as an actuator of the door translator. The sensitivity of the switching of the door opening safety switch can also be further increased by that. The stroke translator can comprise a component which is movable similarly to the above-described plunger and which is urged into the translator by the door during closing thereof and thereby moves, in particular displaces, in stroke-translated manner a further component which actuates the door opening safety switch.

It is an embodiment that the domestic microwave appliance comprises a bistable tilt or snap spring which during closing of the door is actuable by the door hinge (for example by the door blade or by another part of the door hinge movable during pivotafion of the door) and, when it snaps over, actuates the door opening safety switch. This enables a virtually instantaneous deflection of the bistable snap spring on reaching of the switching angle for switching the door opening safety switch, whereby the switching thereof is achieved with a particularly high level of accuracy or sensitivity. In addition, a bistable snap spring is mechanically particularly robust and reliable. It can be constructed for example, similarly to a clicker frog.

In a development, the bistable snap spring enters at one side into a jaw of the door blade.

In an embodiment, the door opening safety switch comprises at least one strain gauge, the deformation of which is measurable by means of an electronic evaluating system, and the at least one strain gauge is arranged at the door blade or at a connecting element of the door hinge between the door blade and a damping spring of the door hinge. The electronic evaluating system can appropriately activate and deactivate the microwave generator. As a result, switching of the door opening safety switch with particular safeguarding against tampering is achieved. In the case of this embodiment use is made of the fact that the door blade and, if present, the connecting element slightly deform, especially are bent or stretched, in the case of, in particular, initial pivotation of the door, which is reliably detectable by a strain gauge.

In a development a force/time plot of the deformation of the door blade or the connecting element is evaluated by means of the electronic evaluating system. As a result, the advantage is achieved that distinction can be made between a very slow movement of the door (as typically takes place during heating up of a cooking appliance) and an abrupt movement of the door (as typically occurs in the case of manual opening of the door).

In an embodiment the domestic microwave appliance comprises at least one light source (for example, comprising a light-emitting diode or a laser) and at least one light detector (for example, comprising a photodiode), wherein a light beam radiated by the light source is incident in the light detector only in the case of a closed door. The light detector can then serve as the door opening safety switch. This gives the advantage that the pivotation of the door is not transmitted by a mechanical force transmission to the door opening safety switch, but the switching of the light detector takes place contactlessly. This in turn gives the advantage that longer-term wear of the door opening safety switch and thus drift of the switching angle can be prevented particularly reliably. In a development this embodiment can also be seen as such in which the domestic microwave appliance comprises a light barrier with the light detector as door opening safety switch, which is triggered by the door on reaching the switching angle. When the door is opened, the light barrier is interrupted, whereas when the door is closed a light path is provided between the light source and the light detector. The light source and the light detector do not need to be constructionally combined, but can be located in different positions.

In a development the light source and the light detector are arranged at or in the housing of the microwave appliance.

In a development the light source and the light detector are arranged at or in the door or at a movable part of the door hinge.

It is a development that the light source or the light detector is arranged at or in the housing, whereas the respective other component (light detector or light source) is arranged at or in the door or at a movable part of the door hinge.

In a development the light path or light route is encapsulated. The advantage is thereby achieved that dirtying or blocking thereof is excluded.

In an embodiment, a movable hinge part has, especially, a region which is light-reflecting in the manner of a mirror and the light source and the light detector are so arranged that a light beam radiated towards the light-reflecting region is reflectable back to the light detector only when the door is closed.

In an embodiment, an optical path system is integrated in the door, and the light source and the light detector are so arranged that a light beam radiated by the light source passes into the optical path system and can be diverted by the optical path system to the light detector only when the door is closed. A particularly compact arrangement, especially a light barrier, can thus be achieved. A further advantage is that the door opening safety switch is virtually safeguarded against interference, since, for interference when the door is open, a passing light-reflecting object would have to stop at the correct angle between the light source and the light detector, which in practical terms is very difficult and presupposes significant preparation.

In a development, the light source and the light detector are arranged in a region of the microwave appliance opposite a side edge of the door when the door is closed. This advantageously make possible a particularly simple mounting and a sufficient installation space is usually available. In addition, the optical path system can then be accommodated in an edge region of the door which is subject to less thermal loading. In a development, the optical path system is arranged in the region of a side edge of the door, which is opposite the door hinges. If, for example, the door is connected at the lower side edge thereof with the door hinges the optical path system is disposed in the region of an upper side edge of the door. The light detector and the light source can thereby be incorporated, in particular, in the region of a switch front which the closed door laterally covers. This gives the advantage that the door opening safety switch can be incorporated in the microwave appliance with only a small constructional outlay and, in addition, the light source and the light detector can be incorporated in a region of the microwave appliance which is exposed to particularly low thermal loading. In addition, an especially high degree of sensitivity of the light barrier is achieved so that the switching angle can be maintained particularly accurately.

In a development, the optical path system produces at least two deflections of light, for example for an overall U-shaped light deflection. Thus, advantageously, a larger constructional spacing between the light detector and the light source can also be realised. In addition, security against tampering further increases, since it is virtually almost excluded that in the normal household an appropriate reflective object able to reproduce this deflection of the light beam is present.

In an embodiment a displaceable screen is present between the light source and the light detector on the one hand and the optical path system on the other hand, which screen covers the light source and the light detector when the door is open and frees a light path between the light source and the light detector when the door is closed (at least from the point of reaching the switching angle). The advantage is thus achieved that the light source and the light detector or an associated light exit channel or light entry channel are protected from contamination. In addition, security against interference is thereby further increased, since then not only an appropriate light-reflecting object has to be stationary between the light source and the light detector, but also the screen has to be displaced so as to open the light path between light source and light detector. An additional advantage is that the emission of light from the light source when the door is open is blocked by the screen so that a user does not perceive a light beam.

In a development, the microwave appliance comprises a plurality of light detectors which can be irradiated at different door opening angles by light radiated from at least one light source. They thus correspond with different switching angles. The advantage is thereby achieved that a movement direction of the door is determinable by evaluation of the time sequence of the illumination of the light detectors. For example, the electronic evaluating system can activate or deactivate the microwave generator in dependence on a sequence of irradiation or activation of the photodetectors.

The associated at least one light source can irradiate a light-reflecting region at the door or at the door hinge so that the associated light beam scans the light detectors in succession when pivotation of the door takes place. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one light source can be arranged at the door or at the door hinge.

In a development, the screen is a screen which is resettable, for example with spring assistance, and which when the door is open is disposed in a forward end setting in which it covers the light source and the light detector, is so displaced by the door during closing of the door that it frees the light path between the light source and light detector and, due to the restoring force exerted thereon, automatically displaces back into the forward setting during opening of the door.

In an embodiment the door opening safety switch is a magnetically switchable switch, for example a Hall sensor or a Reed relay. This gives the advantage that the door opening safety switch can contactlessly detect the switching angle. This in turn has the advantageous effect that there is no mechanical wear of the door opening safety switch, that the door opening safety switch is arranged to be plugged into place and that it cannot be easily manually manipulated.

In an embodiment, the magnetically switchable switch is arranged in the door and a magnet in a region, which is opposite the closed door, of a door frame or conversely. This makes possible a particularly simple construction -even in the case of a small amount of installation space -and a particularly reliable switching. In particular, the door opening safety switch is arranged at an edge, which is opposite the door hinges, of the microwave appliance so as to achieve a particularly high degree of sensitivity of the switching, particularly below a switch front. The "door frame" can comprise, in particular, the door flange and an edge, which laterally surrounds the closed door, of the housing.

In an embodiment, a magnet is arranged in the door and a magnetically switchable magnet sensor, which is connected with an electronic evaluating system, is arranged in a region, which is opposite the closed door, of a door frame, wherein the electronic evaluating system converts signals of the magnetic sensor and, when the magnetic sensor is actuated, switches an actuator with a blocking pin, for example armature pin, so that the blocking pin is retracted and thereby releases a switch actuator, which is then movable (for example pushable or displaceable) rearwardly towards a door opening safety switch by means of the door. An advantage of this embodiment is that the switch actuator is indeed accessible, but cannot be actuated solely by hand, since it is blocked by the blocking pin. The magnetically switchable magnetic sensor is used only for the blocking mechanism and therefore does not need to have the accuracy for switching off the door opening safety switch, in particular a microswitch. The door frame can comprise the door flange or another edge opposite the closed door, for example an edge of a switch front.

In an embodiment, the door has, at a region opposite a door flange, a rebate in which a plunger ("door plunger") is fully accommodated at least when the door is open, a switch actuator (for example a displaceable pin or bolt) protrudes at the front into the door flange when the door is open, and the plunger so moves, in particular displaces, the switch actuator during closing of the door that this actuates the door opening safety switch. Thus, actuation of the door opening safety switch can be provided by the plunger of the door without the plunger being obstructive to the user. The door plunger thus does not project beyond a rear-side door plane of the door.

In an embodiment, a cover or a contact protector, which laterally surrounds the switch actuator when the door is open, for the switch actuator is present at the front side at the flange. Protection of the switch actuator against contamination and tampering is thus advantageously provided.

In a development, the door-side plunger and/or the contact protector has or have lateral or sideways play. Thus, introduction of the door-side plunger into the contact protector is advantageously facilitated. Alternatively, the door-side plunger and the contact protector are laterally fixed. The contact protector can be furnished with a slide slot laterally movable through the door plunger.

In an embodiment, the door has, in a region opposite a door flange, a receptacle in which a movable plunger (door plunger) is fully accommodated when the door is open, the door flange has at a region opposite the door a plunger (actuator plunger) fixedly or permanently projecting at the front, the door has, at a region opposite the actuator plunger, a trigger device which can be triggered by the actuator plunger during closing of the door, the trigger device is arranged when triggered to push the door plunger out of the receptacle and a door opening safety switch is so arranged in a region opposite the door plunger that during closing of the door the then pushed-forward door plunger actuates the door opening safety switch. The advantage is thereby achieved that actuation of the door opening safety switch is made possible by a plunger arrangement without the door-side plunger protruding when the door is open and thus being able to obstruct a user. The door plunger is automatically resettable when opening of the door takes place.

In an embodiment, the door plunger is a linearly movable or longitudinally movable plunger. This makes possible a plunger arrangement which can be particularly simple to realise.

In an embodiment, the door plunger is a rotationally movable plunger, i.e. the door plunger can be moved out of the door by means of a rotary movement. A particularly high length of outward travel of the door plunger is thus made possible. Moreover, the advantage is achieved that the door opening safety switch can be positioned in the appliance to be particularly inaccessible (especially not within a line of sight) and thereby security against tampering is further increased.

The above-described embodiments make it possible to reliably and robustly recognise even small door opening angles and in that case to remain substantially protected from tampering.

The object is also fulfilled by analogous methods.

The above-described characteristics, features and advantages of this invention as well as the mode and manner in which these are achieved are more clearly and meaningfully understandable in connection with the following schematic description of an embodiment, which is explained in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. In that case, identical or equivalent components are provided with the same reference numerals.

Fig. 1 shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a diagram of a domestic microwave appliance according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance according to a second embodiment, in the region of a door hinge; Fig. 3 diagrammatically shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance according to a third embodiment, in the region of a door hinge; Fig 4 diagrammatically shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance according to a fourth embodiment, in the region of a door hinge; Fig. 5 diagrammatically shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance according to a fifth embodiment, in the region of a door hinge; Fig. 6 diagrammatically shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance according to a sixth embodiment, in the region of a door hinge with closed door; Fig. 7 diagrammatically shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance according to the sixth embodiment, in the region of a door hinge with the door open; Fig. 8 diagrammatically shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance according to a seventh embodiment, in the region of a door hinge; Fig. 9 diagrammatically shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance according to an eighth embodiment, in the region of a door hinge; Fig. 10 diagrammatically shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance according to a ninth embodiment, in the region of a door hinge; Fig. 11 diagrammatically shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance according to a tenth embodiment, in the region of a door; Fig. 12 diagrammatically shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a domestic microwave appliance according to an eleventh embodiment; Fig. 13 diagrammatically shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance according to a twelfth embodiment; Fig. 14 diagrammatically shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance according to a thirteenth embodiment; Fig. 15 diagrammatically shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance according to a fourteenth embodiment; Fig. 16 diagrammatically shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance according to a fifteenth embodiment; Fig. 17 diagrammatically shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance according to a sixteenth embodiment; Fig. 18 diagrammatically shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance according to a seventeenth embodiment; Fig. 19 diagrammatically shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a conventional domestic microwave appliance in which at a rear side of a door at least one plunger permanently projects beyond the door plane at the rear side.

Fig. 1 shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a domestic microwave appliance 1 according to a first embodiment. The microwave domestic appliance 1 has a similar basic construction as the conventional domestic microwave appliance 201, but by contrast therewith does not have a door plunger 213 mounted at the door 8 (plunger-free door 8).

Instead, now present in a lower region of the door blade 2 of at least one door hinge 10 is a gearwheel mechanism 3 which converts the rotational movement of the door blade 2 and thus of the door 8 into a linear movement (as indicated by the double arrow) and thus actuates the door opening safety switch 4. The door opening safety switch 4 is here constructed as a microswitch. The gearwheel mechanism 3 comprises, by way of example, at least one gearwheel 5 which meshes in a toothing 6 of the door blade and transmits the rotational movement of the door blade 2 to a rack 7. The linearly movable rack 7 then serves as an actuator for actuation of the door opening safety switch 4. The door opening safety switch 4 is disposed outside the treatment chamber 203 and is connected with the control device 208.

A translation ratio can be set by selection of the number and size of the at least one gearwheel 5.

Fig. 2 shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance 11 according to a second embodiment, in the region of the door blade. The microwave domestic appliance 11 has a similar basic construction to the conventional domestic microwave appliance 201, but by contrast thereto does not have a plunger 213 permanently projecting beyond a door plane 216 at the rear side.

Rather, the domestic microwave appliance 11 comprises a linearly displaceable apparatus-side plunger 13, which is resettable by means of a spring element 12, between the door blade 210 and the door opening safety switch 4 embodied as a microswitch. The plunger 13 is thus not part of the door 8 and thus also does not project rearwardly of the door 8 when open. Instead, the plunger 13 is accommodated in the housing 209 and projects at the front through a passage opening in the door flange 9. When the door 8 is open the plunger 13 is disposed in a forward end setting in which it projects or protrudes to a maximum extent from the flange 9. On closing of the door 8 the door blade 210 comes into contact with the plunger 13 and urges this in the direction of the door opening safety switch 4. When the switching angle is reached the microswitch 4 is switched by the plunger 13 serving as an actuator. The plunger 13 is urged in the direction of its forward end setting by the spring element 12.

Fig. 3 shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance 21 in the region of the door blade 210. The microwave domestic appliance 21 has a similar basic construction to the domestic microwave appliance 11, wherein, however, the plunger 13 is now actuated not by the door blade 210, but by a connecting element 22 of the door hinge 23. For that purpose the connecting element 22 has an enlargement or a projection 24. The plunger 13 and the door opening safety switch 4 are here fully accommodated in the housing 209 and thus not accessible.

Fig. 4 shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance 31 in the region of the door blade 32. The microwave domestic appliance 31 has a similar basic construction to the conventional domestic microwave appliance 201, but by contrast thereto does not have a plunger 213 permanently projecting beyond a door plane 216 at the rear side.

The domestic microwave appliance 31 comprises a cable pull mechanism 33 which converts a rotational movement of the door 8 and thus of the door blade 32 into a linear movement, wherein the door 8 moves the cable pull mechanism 33 in the direction of the door opening safety switch 4 during closing of the door 8. For that purpose the cable pull mechanism 33 comprises a cable pull 35 resiliently biased by means of a spring 34. In the present case the door blade 32 and a housing 36 of the door hinge 37 each comprise a roller. Although only a single cable deflection about a roller is shown, an appropriate translation can be realised through multiple deflections by way of several rollers (pulley-hoist principle). The sensitivity of the arrangement then increases.

Fig. 5 shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance 41 in the region of the door blade 210. The microwave domestic appliance 41 has a similar basic construction to the conventional domestic microwave appliance 201, but by contrast thereto does not have a plunger 213 permanently projecting beyond a door plane 216 at the rear side.

The domestic microwave appliance 41 comprises a -for example hydraulic -stroke translator 42 which converts a rotational movement of the door 8 and thus of the door blade 210 into a stroke-translated linear movement, wherein during closing of the door 8 the door blade 210 moves the stroke translator 42 in the direction of the door opening safety switch 4 for the actuation thereof. A small movement of the door blade 210 towards the, here left, hydraulic side of the stroke translator 42 has the consequence of a large movement, for example plunger movement, towards the righthand hydraulic side of the stroke translator 42.

Alternatively, the stroke translator 42 can also be actuated by other movable parts of the door hinge, for example by a projection 24 of a connecting element 22.

Fig. 6 shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance 51 in the region of the door hinge 54 when the door 8 is closed. The domestic microwave appliance 51 comprises a bistable snap spring 52 which on closing of the door 8 is actuable by the intermediate element 53 of the door hinge 54, on reaching its switching point, which corresponds with the switching angle, snaps over and, on snapping over, actuates the door opening safety switch 4. A translation effect of the movement, which securely actuates the door opening safety switch 4, can, in particular, result.

The bistable snap spring 52 is so secured at a suspension 55 that a first section or arm engages in a jaw 56 formed in the intermediate element 53. A second section or arm projects at the other side into the region of the door opening safety switch 4. If the door 8 is closed, the intermediate element 53 has so moved the first arm into its jaw 56 that the bistable snap spring 52 is disposed in its first end setting and in that case the second arm presses on the door opening safety switch 4 and thereby actuates this.

The bistable spring 52 can be so adjusted at the switching point that the switching point when the door is closed is undershot very narrowly and the spring, with only a small actuation, immediately switches (for example similarly to a biased plate spring which is stationary shortly ahead of the switching and tips with a small door movement).

Fig. 7 shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of the domestic microwave appliance 51 in the region of the door hinge 54 with the door 8 open.

When the door 8 is open, the intermediate element 53 has so moved the first arm into its jaw 56 that the bistable snap spring 52 is disposed in its second end setting and in that case the second arm is raised from the door opening safety switch 4.

The appropriate movement of the first arm for transition between the two end settings is primarily determined by the movement of the intermediate element 53 and the form of the jaw 56 Fig. 8 shows, as a sectional illustration in side view on the righthand side, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance 61 in the region of a door hinge 62. The door hinge 62 differs from the door hinge 205 in that mounted on the door blade 64 is a strain gauge 63, the deformation, particularly stretching, of which is measurable by means of an electronic evaluating system (not illustrated) of the domestic microwave appliance 61. In that case, use is made of the knowledge that during opening and closing of the door 8 the hinge blade 210 is mechanically loaded. The consequent weak warping of the hinge blade 210 is detectable by way of the strain gauge 63. In particular, it can be evaluated whether the door 8 is opened or closed. The electronic evaluating system can, in one case depending on exceeding a threshold value, trigger a switching action, for example activate or deactivate the microwave generator 202. It is also possible to perform a delta comparison between an at-rest force in closed door setting and a deflection force in the switching-off region of the door deflection, i.e. at the switching angle. Moreover, evaluation of the force/time plot is possible so as to differentiate, for example, between an extremely slow movement of the door (such as typically takes place during heating-up of the treatment chamber 203) and an abrupt movement of the door 8 (such as typically occurs during manual opening of the door 8).

A particularly advantageous position for mounting the strain gauge 63 is present at a narrow side of the door blade 210, such as illustrated on the lefthand side. since there the stretchings are particularly pronounced, especially on a rear-side or appliance-side narrow side of the door blade 210, specifically in the region of the axis of rotation thereof, particularly especially where the door blade 210 has a small depth.

Fig. 9 shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance 71 in the region of a door hinge 72. The door hinge 72 differs from the door hinge 205 by the fact that the strain gauge 63 is now mounted on the connecting element 73, the deformation, particularly stretching, of which is measurable by means of an electronic evaluating system (not illustrated) of the domestic microwave appliance 71. In that case, use is made of the knowledge that during opening and closing of the door 8 the connecting element 73 also stretches or deforms and this is recognisable analogously to stretching of the door blade 210.

Fig. 10 shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance 81 in the region of a door hinge 82. The domestic microwave appliance 81 comprises a light source 83 (for example, an LED or a laser) and a light detector 84 (for example, a photodiode) as door opening safety switch. The door blade 86 has a region (mirror) 87 which is light-reflecting in the manner of a mirror. The light source 83 and optionally the light-reflecting region 87 can also be understood as an actuator for the light detector.

The light source 83 and the light detector 84 are so arranged that when the door 8 is closed a light beam L, which is radiated by the light source 83 towards the light-reflecting region 87, is reflected back into the light detector 84. However, if the door 8 is opened out beyond its switching angle the light beam L is no longer reflected back into the light detector 84. Thus, the rotational movement of the door blade 86 can be measured by way of the deflection of the light beam L, since the rotational movement of the door blade 86 is converted into a deflection of the reflected light beam L. The light source 83, the light detector 84 and the light-reflecting region 87 form a kind of light barrier. The microwave generator 202 is activatable only when the light beam L is detected in the light detector 84, but otherwise the microwave generator 202 is deactivated.

The light source 83 and the light detector 84 are accommodated within the housing 209. Advantageously, the light path is encapsulated so that dirtying or blocking of the light path is excluded. This can be realised, for example, by the light source 83 and the light detector 84 being accommodated in a protective housing having a window for issue of light to the region 87 reflecting light in the manner of a mirror, through which window the reflected light beam L can also be incident back on the light detector 84.

The light source 83 and the light detector 84 can be constructionally combined (for example in a module), but they do not need to be. Thus, they can also be present at different positions at a spacing from one another.

Alternatively, one of the two components 83 and 84 can be mounted directly on the hinge blade so that the region 87 reflecting light in the manner of a mirror can be dispensed with.

Fig. 11 shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance 91 according to an eighth embodiment, in the region of a door 92. The light source 83 and the light detector 84 are, for example, arranged at a lower edge of a switch front 96. The lower edge of the switch front 96 is opposite an upper door edge when the door 92 is closed. Also illustrated is a detail of an upper edge region, which is opposite the door hinges 205, of the door 92 when the door 92 is closed and when the door 92 is open.

An optical path system 93 which deflects in U-shape a light beam incident from the light source 83 is integrated in an upper edge region, which is opposite the door hinges 205, of the door 92. The optical path system 93 can for that purpose comprise, for example, a deflecting mirror arranged in a U-shaped light channel.

The light beam emitted by the light source 83 can be incident in the optical path system 93 only when the door 92 is closed or has a door opening angle which corresponds with or is smaller than the switching angle of the door 92. Correspondingly, the light beam can also be deflected by the optical path system 93 into the light detector 84, which serves as door opening safety switch, only when the door 92 is closed. Conversely, when the door 92 is open (thus when this has a door opening angle greater than the switching angle) the light beam L radiated by the light source 93 is not incident in the optical path system 93, so that the light detector 84 does not detect this. However, the microwave generator 202 is activatable only when the light beam L is detected in the light detector 84, but the microwave generator 202 is otherwise deactivated. Here, too, the light source 83, the light detector 84 and the optical path system 93 can be regarded as a light barrier 83, 84, 93.

The domestic microwave appliance 91 optionally further comprises a displaceable screen 94, which is mounted on the housing 209 between the light source 83 and the light detector 84 on the one hand and the optical path system 93 on the other hand and which has two light passage openings, namely a first light passage opening for the light beam incident in the optical path system 93 and a second light passage opening for the deflected light beam issuing from the optical path system 93. The screen 94 is connected with a spring element 95 which urges the screen 94 in a frontward direction.

When the door 92 is closed, the door holds the screen 94 against the spring force of the spring element 95 in a setting in which the light beam can pass through the two light outlet openings so that the light beam is incident in the light detector 84 (upper enlarged-scale detail).

When the door 92 is closed, the screen 94 is pushed so far forwardly by the spring force of the spring element 95 that the two light outlet openings are offset to such an extent relative to the light path that the screen 94 covers the light source 83 and the light detector 84 (lower enlarged-scale detail). As a result, the light beam radiated by the light source 83 is blocked and the light source 83 and the light detector 84 are protected by the screen 94 from contamination, for example by vapours, and from tampering. The screen 94 can be constructed as, in particular, a stripper.

Fig. 12 shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a domestic microwave appliance 101, which comprises a first light barrier 83, 84, 102 with a light source 83 and light detector 84, which are arranged in the region of a switch front 96. The light beam L radiated by the light source 83 is here reflected at a region 102, which reflects light in the manner of a mirror, of the door blade 103 and, in particular, so that it is incident in the light detector 84 only when the door 104 is closed (i.e. when the door 104 adopts a door opening angle equal to or smaller than the switching angle).

Alternatively or additionally, a second light barrier 83, 84, 105 accommodated in the housing 209 behind the switch front 96 can be present. The light beam L radiated by the light source 83 thereof is reflected at, in particular, a different region 105, which reflects light in the manner of a mirror, of the door blade 103 or the connecting element 106 and, in particular, similarly so that it is incident in the light detector 84 only when the door 104 is closed (i.e. when the door 104 adopts a door opening angle equal to or smaller than the switching angle).

The light source 83 and the light detector 84 of the first and/or second light barrier can be arranged upstream of a screen 94, in particular a respective screen.

In a development in which the first and the second light barriers 83, 84, 102 and 83, 84, 105 are present, different first or switching angles can be assigned thereto so that a sequence of switching of the respective light detector 84 is detectable. Only when the door 104 has performed a closing action in the correct sequence is the microwave generator 202 activatable, for example in that only then a relay for a controller (for example an inverter) of the microwave generator 202 is activated.

Figure 13 shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance 111. The associated door opening safety switch 112 is now a magnetically switchable switch, for example a Hall sensor or a Reed relay, and is here arranged at an upper edge of the door flange 115. The door 113 has at a region, which is opposite the door opening safety switch 112 when the door 113 is closed, a magnet 114 (permanent magnet or electrical coil able to conduct current). The magnet 114 is so dimensioned that during closing of the door 113 it switches the door opening safety switch 112 when reaching the switching angle. The microwave generator 202 is thereby in turn switched to be activatable.

Alternatively, the magnetically switchable door opening safety switch 112 can be present in the door 113, whilst the magnet 114 is present in the region of the door flange 115.

In general it is possible to also arrange the door opening safety switch 112 in a region of the door frame different from the door flange 115, for example at an edge, which is opposite the lateral edge of the closed door 113, of the switch front 215.

Fig. 14 shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance 121. In the case of the domestic microwave appliance 121 a magnet 114 is arranged in the door 122 and a magnetically switchable magnetic sensor 123 (for example, a Hall sensor or a Reed switch) is arranged in a region, which opposite the closed door 122, of a door frame.

The signal of the actuated magnetic sensor 123 is converted in an electronic evaluating system 124 and switches an actuator 125 (for example a coil), the blocking component (for example an armature pin 126) of which is then retracted (for example drawn upwardly). As a result, a switch actuator 127 is freed and (when the door 122 is closed) urged rearwardly, in particular pushed, towards a door opening safety switch 4. The door opening safety switch 4, which is constructed in, for example, the form of a microswitch, is thereby actuated.

In order that in the current-free state or due to imprecise mounting the door 122 during closing thereof does not hit against the armature pin 126, a spring (damping spring or 'cushion spring' 128), which damps or buffers the door closing process, is advantageously provided within the switch actuator 127.

Fig. 15 shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance 131. The door 132 of the domestic microwave appliance 131 has, in a region opposite a door flange 139, a rebate 133 in which a fixedly mounted door plunger 134 is fully accommodated. The door plunger 134 does not project out beyond a rear-side door plane 216 of the door 132 and accordingly does not obstruct a user.

A spring-assisted, linearly displaceable switch actuator 136 projects at the front from the door flange 139 when the door 132 is open, wherein during closing of the door 132 the door plunger 134 moves, in particular displaces, the switch actuator 136 in such a way that this actuates the door opening safety switch 4, which is here present as, for example, a microswitch.

In addition, a contact protector 137 or cover, which is, for example, tubular and which laterally surrounds or houses the switch actuator 136 when the door 132 is open, is present at the door flange 139 at the front side. The contact protector 137 can be resiliently deformable or stiff. The contact protector 137 can be furnished at its front-side free edge with a laterally displaceable slide slot 138 which can be easily displaced by the door plunger 134 of the door 132. The slide slot 138 assists particularly reliable entry of the door plunger 134 into the contact protector 137. In addition, the slide slot 138 makes possible a greater degree of tolerance during installation of the door 132, i.e. the door plunger 134 does not have to precisely enter the contact protector 137. This advantageously has the consequence that the door plunger 134 does not have to be so narrowly constructed at the door 132 (preferably 5 to 15 millimetres), which in turn gives the advantage that the switch actuator 137 does not necessarily have to consist of steel or a comparably strong material. In the present case, contact protection is already guaranteed for parts which are approximately 3 millimetres or larger, in particular wider.

Fig. 16 shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance 141. The domestic microwave appliance 141 is constructed similarly to the domestic microwave appliance 131, but now has a -flexible or rigid -contact protector 142 without a slide slot. In order to assist reliable entry of the door plunger 144, which is accommodated within a rebate 143, into the contact protector 142 the door plunger 144 is mounted in a bearing 145 to be movable sideways or laterally. Here, too, the door plunger 144 does not project out beyond the rear-side door plane 216 of the door 146.

Fig. 17 shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance 151. In this case, the door 152 now has a recess 153, in which a linearly movable, rectilinear door plunger 154 is fully accommodated when the door 152 is open, at a rear-side region opposite a door flange 157. The door flange 157 has, at a region opposite the door 152, a plunger (actuator plunger) 155 protruding fixedly or permanently at the front side. The door 152 in turn has, at a region opposite the actuator plunger 155, a trigger device 156 which can be triggered by the actuator plunger 155 of the door flange 157 during closing of the door 152, wherein the trigger device 156 is arranged for the purpose, when it is triggered, of pushing the door plunger 154 forwardly out of the recess 153. The door opening safety switch 4 is so arranged behind the door flange 157 at a region opposite the door plunger 154 that during closing of the door 152 the pushed-forward door plunger 154 enters into the door flange 157 and actuates the door opening safety switch 4. The door opening safety switch 4 is disposed, in particular, in a straight line behind a passage opening in the door flange 157 for the door plunger 154.

Through the above arrangement it is also possible, for example, to form a translation in the door 152.

Alternatively, the door plunger 154 can be hinged.

It is also possible to replace the actuator plunger 155, which is fixedly mounted on the door flange 157, by a magnet which actuates the trigger device 156 for the movable door plunger 154 by way of magnetic force.

Fig. 18 shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a detail of a domestic microwave appliance 161. The domestic microwave appliance 161 is constructed similarly to the domestic microwave appliance 151, wherein the door plunger 162 is now a rotationally movable plunger and can have, in particular, a curved shape. The door plunger 162 is also fully accommodated in the door 166 when the door 166 is open.

The trigger device 164, which is actuable by the actuator plunger 155 and is accommodated in the receptacle 163 of the door 166, can comprise, for example, a rotatable, automatically resettable rotary disc 165 which is rotatable by the actuator plunger 155. The door opening safety switch 4 is here similarly disposed behind the door flange 167, but not in a straight line ('line of sight') behind a passage opening in the door flange 167 for the door plunger 162, whereby security against tampering can be further increased.

It is also possible here to replace the actuator plunger 155 by a magnet which actuates the trigger device 164 for the door plunger 162 by way of magnetic force.

Fig. 19 shows a conventional domestic microwave appliance 201 comprising a microwave generator 202 for generating microwaves, a treatment chamber 203, which can be acted on by the microwaves, with a loading opening 204, a microwave-tight door 206, which is pivotable by way of door hinges 205, for closing the loading opening 204 and at least one door opening safety switch 207, which interrupts operation of the microwave generator 206 when the door is open. The door opening safety switch 207 can be directly arranged in a current circuit of the microwave generator 202 or -as shown -connected with a control device 208 which monitors the switching state of the door opening safety switch 207 and, when the door opening safety switch 207 is actuated, activates the microwave generator 202, but otherwise deactivates it. The door hinge 205 is fixedly connected with a housing 209 of the domestic microwave appliance 201 and comprises a door blade 210 which is fixedly and mechanically positively connected with the door 206 and which is pivotable relative to the rest of the door hinge 205. The door blade 210 is connected by way of a connecting element 211 with a damping element 212, which is here constructed as a resilient spring. The domestic microwave appliance 201 has, above the closed door 206, a switch front or control panel 215.

The door 206 has at a rear side, which in the closed state of the door 206 faces in the direction of the housing 209 and bounds the treatment chamber 203, a plunger 213 which permanently projects beyond a door plane 216 at the rear side. By permanently projecting plunger 213 there is to be understood, in particular, a plunger which projects beyond the rear-side door plane 216 of the door 206 in every door opening angle. In the closed state of the door 206 the plunger 213 enters an opening in a door flange 214 and actuates the door opening safety switch 207. The door opening safety switch 207 is thus accommodated in the housing 209.

All above-described domestic microwave appliances according to the invention lack, by comparison with the conventional domestic microwave appliance 201, a plunger permanently projecting beyond a door plane at the rear side.

The present invention is obviously not restricted to the illustrated embodiment.

Thus, for example, in principle any other suitable switch, for example a magnetically switchable switch, can be used instead of the microswitch.

In addition, the door opening safety switch and/or the components, which actuate the door opening safety switch, can be arranged at a different side of the door frame, for example, at a region of the door frame which is lateral with respect to the door hinges.

In general, there can be understood by "a", "an", etc., a single one or a plurality, particularly in the sense of "at least one" or "one or more", etc., as long as this is not explicitly excluded, for example by the expression "exactly one", etc. In addition, a numerical statement can embrace exactly the indicated number and also a usual tolerance range as long as this is not explicitly excluded.

Reference numeral list 1 domestic microwave appliance 2 door blade 3 gearwheel mechanism 4 door opening safety switch gearwheel 6 toothing 7 rack 8 door 9 door flange door hinge 11 domestic microwave appliance 12 spring element 13 plunger 21 domestic microwave appliance 22 connecting element 23 door hinge 24 projection 31 domestic microwave appliance 32 door blade 33 cable pull mechanism 34 spring cable pull 36 housing of the door hinge 37 door hinge 41 microwave domestic appliance 42 stroke translator 51 microwave domestic appliance 52 snap spring 53 intermediate element 54 door hinge suspension 56 jaw 61 microwave domestic appliance 62 door hinge 63 strain gauge 64 door blade 71 microwave domestic appliance 72 door hinge 73 connecting element 81 microwave domestic appliance 82 door hinge 83 light source 84 light detector 86 door blade 87 light-reflecting region 91 microwave domestic appliance 92 door 93 optical path system 94 screen spring element 96 switch front 101 microwave domestic appliance 102 light-reflecting region 103 door blade 104 door light-reflecting region 106 connecting element 111 microwave domestic appliance 112 door opening safety switch 113 door 114 magnet door flange 121 microwave domestic appliance 122 door 123 magnetic sensor 124 electronic evaluating system actuator 126 armature pin 127 switch actuator 128 cushioning spring 129 door flange 131 microwave domestic appliance 132 door 133 rebate 134 door plunger 136 switch actuator 137 contact protector 138 slide slot 141 microwave domestic appliance 142 contact protector 143 rebate 144 door plunger bearing 146 door 151 microwave domestic appliance 152 door 153 recess 154 door plunger actuator plunger 156 trigger device 157 door flange 161 microwave domestic appliance 162 door plunger 163 receptacle 164 trigger device rotary disc 166 door 167 door flange 201 domestic microwave appliance 202 microwave generator 203 treatment chamber 204 loading opening 205 door hinge 206 door 207 door opening safety switch 208 control device 209 housing 210 door blade 211 connecting element 212 damping element 213 plunger 214 door flange 215 switch front 216 rear-side door plane L light beam

Claims (21)

1. Patent claims 1. Domestic microwave appliance (1; 11; 21; 31; 41; 51; 61; 71; 81; 91; 101; 111; 121; 131; 141; 151; 161) comprising a microwave generator (202) for generating microwaves, a treatment chamber (203), which can be acted on by the microwaves, with a loading opening (204), a door (8; 85; 92; 113; 122; 132; 146; 152; 166), which is pivotable by way of hinges (10; 23; 37; 54; 62; 72; 82; 205), for closing the loading opening (204) and at least one door opening safety switch (4; 84; 112; 207) which interrupts operation of the microwave generator (202) when the door (8; 85; 92; 113; 122; 132; 146; 152; 166) is open, wherein the door (8; 85; 92; 113; 122; 132; 146; 152; 166) does not have a plunger (213), which projects permanently beyond a door plane (216) at the rear side, for actuation of the at least one door opening safety switch (4; 84; 112; 207).
2. 2. Domestic microwave appliance (1; 11; 21; 31; 41; 51; 61; 71; 81) according to claim 1, wherein the hinges (10; 23; 37; 54; 62; 72; 82; 205) comprise door blades (2; 32; 64; 86; 210) which are inserted into the door (8; 85) and at least one door opening safety switch (4; 84; 207) is switchable by means of the door blade (2; 32; 64; 86; 210).
3. 3. Domestic microwave appliance (1) according to claim 2, wherein the domestic microwave appliance (1) comprises a gearwheel mechanism (3) which is connected with the door blade (2) and which converts a rotational movement of the door blade (2) into a linear movement, wherein the door blade (2) urges the gearwheel mechanism (3) in the direction of the door opening safety switch (4) during closing of the door (8).
4. 4. Domestic microwave appliance (11) according to claim 2, wherein the domestic microwave appliance (11) comprises a resettable plunger (13) between the door blade (210) and the door opening safety switch (4) and the door blade (210) moves the plunger (13) in the direction of the door opening safety switch (4) during closing of the door (8).
5. 5. Domestic microwave appliance (21) according to claim 2, wherein the door hinge (210) comprises a damping element (212) and a connecting element (22), which connects the damping element (212) with the door blade (210), the domestic microwave appliance (21) comprises a resettable plunger (13) and the connecting element (22) moves the plunger (13) in the direction of the door opening safety switch (4) during closing of the door (8).
6. 6. Domestic microwave appliance (31) according to claim 2, wherein the domestic microwave appliance (31) comprises a cable pull mechanism (33) which converts a rotational movement of the door blade (32) into a linear movement, wherein the door blade (32) moves the cable pull mechanism (33) in the direction of the door opening safety switch (4) during closing of the door (8).
7. 7. Domestic microwave appliance (41) according to one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the domestic microwave appliance (41) comprises a hydraulic stroke translator (42) which converts a movement of the door hinge (210) into a stroke-translated linear movement, wherein the stroke translator (42) moves out in the direction of the door opening safety switch (4) during closing of the door (8).
8. 8. Domestic microwave appliance (51) according to one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the domestic microwave appliance (51) comprises a bistable snap spring (52) which is actuable by the door hinge (54) during closing of the door (8) and actuates the door opening safety switch (4) when snapping-over takes place.
9. 9. Domestic microwave appliance (61: 71) according to one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the door opening safety switch comprises at least one strain gauge (63), the deformation of which is measurable by means of an electronic evaluating system, and the at least one strain gauge (63) is arranged at the door blade (64) or at a connecting element (73) of the door hinge (72) between a door blade (210) and a damping element (212) of the door hinge (72).
10. 10. Domestic microwave appliance (81; 91; 101) according to claim 1, wherein the domestic microwave appliance (81; 91; 101) comprises at least one light source (83) and at least one light detector (84), wherein a light beam (L) radiated by the light source (83) is incident in the light detector (84) only when the door (8; 92; 104) is closed.
11. 11. Domestic microwave appliance (81; 101) according to claim 10, wherein a movable hinge part (86) has a light-reflecting region (87; 102; 105) and the light source (83) and the light detector (84) are so arranged that a light beam (L) radiated from the light source (83) towards the light-reflecting region (87; 102; 105) can be reflected back to the light detector (84) only when the door (8) is closed.
12. 12. Domestic microwave appliance (91) according to claim 10, wherein an optical path system (93) is integrated in the door (92) and the light source (83) and the light detector (94) are so arranged that a light beam (L) radiated by the light source (83) passes into the optical path system (93) and can be diverted by the optical path system (93) to the light detector (84) only when the door (92) is closed.
13. 13. Domestic microwave appliance (91) according to claim 12, wherein a displaceable screen (94) is present between the light source (83) and the light detector (84) on the one hand and the optical path system (93) on the other hand, which screen covers the light source (83) and the light detector (84) when the door (92) is open and frees a light path between the light source (83) and the light detector (84) when the door (92) is closed.
14. 14. Domestic microwave appliance (111) according to claim 1, wherein the door opening safety switch (112) is a magnetically switchable switch.
15. 15. Domestic microwave appliance (111) according to claim 14, wherein the door opening safety switch (112) is arranged in the door (113) and a magnet (114) is arranged in a region, which is opposite the door opening safety switch (112) when the door (113) is closed, of a door frame (115) or conversely.
16. 16. Domestic microwave appliance (121) according to claim 14, wherein a magnet (114) is arranged in the door (122) and a magnetically switchable magnet sensor (123), which is connected with an electronic evaluating system (124), is arranged in a region, which is opposite the closed door (122), of a door frame (115), wherein the electronic evaluating system (124) converts signals of the magnetic sensor (123) and, when the magnetic sensor (123) is actuated, switches an actuator (124) with a blocking pin (126) so that the blocking pin (126) is retracted and thereby releases a switch actuator (127), which is then movable by means of the door (124) rearwardly towards a door opening safety switch (4).
17. 17. Domestic microwave appliance (131; 141) according to claim 1, wherein the door (132; 146) has at a region opposite a door flange (139) a rebate (133; 143) in which a door plunger (134; 144) is fully accommodated, a switch actuator (136) protrudes at the front side in the door flange (139) when the door (132; 146) is open and the door plunger (134; 144) so moves the switch actuator (136) during closing of the door (132; 146) that this actuates the door opening safety switch (4).
18. 18. Domestic microwave appliance (131) according to claim 17, wherein a contact protector (137; 142) is present at the door flange (139) at the front side and laterally surrounds the switch actuator (136) when the door is open (132).
19. 19. Domestic microwave appliance (151; 161) according to claim 1, wherein the door (152; 166) has at a region opposite a door flange (157; 167) a receptacle (153; 163) in which a movable door plunger (154; 162) is fully accommodated when the door (152; 166) is open, the door flange (157; 167) has at a region opposite the door (152; 166) a fixedly projecting actuator plunger (155) at the front side, the door (152; 166) has at a region opposite the actuator plunger (155) a trigger device (156; 164, 165) can be triggered by the actuator plunger (155) during closing of the door (152; 166), the trigger device (156; 164, 165) is arranged, when it is triggered, to push the door plunger (162; 154) forwardly out of the receptacle (163) and the door opening safety switch (4) is so arranged in the door flange (157; 167) at a region, which is opposite the door plunger (154; 162), of the door opening safety switch (4) that during closing of the door (152; 166) the door plunger (154; 162) then pushed forward actuates the door opening safety switch (4).
20. 20. Domestic microwave appliance (151) according to claim 19, wherein the door plunger (154) is a linearly movable plunger.
21. 21. Domestic microwave appliance (161) according to claim 19, wherein the door plunger (162) is a rotationally movable plunger.