WO2018215022A1 - Electromechanical closing device for appliance doors - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an appliance and an electromechanical closing device for appliance doors (27), particularly for device doors (27) of heating appliances, wherein the closing device (01) comprises a lock (02) for receiving and securing a closure element (04), particularly a door-side element, having at least two closing stages and an actuator (03) for transferring the lock (02) into at least a part of the various closing stages, and wherein the actuator (03) and the lock (02) are executed as separate structural units spaced apart from each other and the actuator (03) is connected to the lock (02) by a connecting element (05).

Description

 Electromechanical locking device for appliance doors

The invention relates to an electromechanical locking device for appliance doors, in particular for doors of hot devices, which has a lock with different closure levels, in particular with at least two Verschlüssenstufen, preferably with at least three closure levels and an actuating unit for transferring the lock in at least a part of the different closure levels , wherein the lock is arranged for receiving, securing and releasing a particular door-side closure element. Moreover, the present invention relates to a device with a door and a, in particular door-side, closure element. There are a variety of appliance doors, such as appliance doors of hot equipment, refrigerators, refrigerators, etc., in which the opening process of the door and possibly also the closing process of the door in two or more stages runs. In the opening process while a lock of the castle, the lock and thus the closure element is released into an intermediate latching, so that no direct opening of the door takes place, but already reached a door gap or a gap opening of the door between the door and a door seal or the device becomes. Background for this is z. As in cooking or ovens the requirement is that heated air and water vapor from the interior of the oven should first escape through the door gap or the gap opening. This serves, in particular, as a safety precaution for the operating personnel, since otherwise, in particular in the case of a direct or immediate opening of the door, there is a risk that the operating staff gets in contact with the heated air or correspondingly hot water vapor and injures himself. The same applies to devices used in the sales area. Again, the security of people in the showroom is to be ensured by the fact that the opening process includes an intermediate stage of the door in which allows a gap opening of the door, a complete door opening, however, is impossible.

Accordingly, in the intermediate detent stage of the lock, as one of the lock stages of the lock, just such an arrangement of a closure element causes that a gap between the device and door, in particular between a device-side seal and the door or between the device and a door-side seal , is released. Through this opening or door gap, the air can escape from the interior of the device in the lateral direction with respect to the frontally located in front of the device operators. Only through a further closure stage, especially In particular, the door can then be completely unlocked and opened by an opening step of the lock.

Conversely, in the closing operation of the appliance door may be provided that the lock is initially transferred with an already partially arranged therein or recorded closure element in an intermediate detent stage, in the analogous to the opening process still a door or opening gap between door and device remains. In a further step or in a further closure stage, the lock is transferred to a closing stage, in which the gap between the door and the device is closed, and in particular the door is sealed with a seal and the closure element is secured or locked.

In the generic electromechanical locking devices, the lock and the adjusting unit for the transfer of the castle between the different closure levels for cost reasons are made in one piece or as a common unit. Such a closure device is known for example from DE 10 2006 019 515 A1. However, this embodiment has proved to be disadvantageous.

On the one hand, the known design is disadvantageous because in the region of the door frame of the device and its door usually only a relatively small space for the arrangement of the closure device is available. This is especially true for hot device in which heating and / or ventilation devices are provided in the lateral region of the door frame of the door, in which the closure device is to be arranged. Thus, an arrangement of a known closure device can take place only at the expense of obstruction or impairment of other device components. As a remedy, only purely mechanical locking devices are known. Although these come with a correspondingly small installation space, they can not comply with the prescribed safety standards achieved with an electromechanical locking device.

On the other hand, the known configuration of the electromechanical closing devices is also disadvantageous because the electronic and electrical components encompassed by the adjusting unit are to some extent sensitive to temperature, at least with regard to the long-term or permanent operation of the devices. This not only applies, but preferred for devices such as hot equipment, which reach a temperature of sometimes several 100 ° C during operation inside the device, such as in the oven or in the oven. For such devices leads by the known design of electromechanical locking devices to the fact that the electrical or electronic components of the actuator in the immediate vicinity of the door frame of the door are arranged, whereby they are subject despite significant insulation of the interior of the device significant temperature fluctuations, which has a negative effect on the wear resistance of said components in continuous operation. It is an object of the present invention to propose an electromechanical locking device for device doors, which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular to propose an electromechanical locking device, which is structurally adapted to the conditions of the device and to the operation of the device.

This object is achieved in a closure device of the type mentioned gel ö Stated that the actuator and the castle are designed spatially separated as separate structural units and the actuator is connected via a connecting element with the castle. This makes it possible on the one hand, that the space of the device in which the lock is to be arranged, can be optimally utilized, since in this area or space only the mechanical components of the castle must be included. It should be noted in particular that the area in which the lock must be arranged is largely determined by the type of appliance door and its locking or securing concept. For example, in a three-point backup consisting of two door hinges and a door lock, the place of attachment of the lock be determined by the positions of the hinges.

In addition, the physical separation of the actuating unit and lock embodied as separate structural units makes it possible for the control unit and its electrical or electronic components to be arranged in areas of the device that are detrimental to the wear resistance of the electronic components during operation of the device , such as against temperature jumps, better protected or shielded. In the connecting element, which allows the inventive spatial separation between the separate structural unit of the lock and the separate structural unit of the actuating unit and at the same time ensures the connection between the actuator and the lock, it is preferably a mechanical connecting element. This means that the actuating unit generates movements based on corresponding regulating and control devices and preferably using at least one drive unit, these movements being transmitted to the connecting element through a connection between the actuating unit and the connecting element and likewise through a connection be transferred between the connecting element and the lock on the lock, in particular a lock latch. According to a first advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the connecting element at one end, in particular at the end, which is connected to the lock, preferably with the case of the lock, is arranged in a freewheel device. The arrangement of one end of the connecting element in a freewheel device offers the fundamental possibility, movements of the castle, preferably movements of the case of the castle, not necessarily or not in any case via the connecting element to transfer to the setting unit. This means that this creates a possibility that certain closure levels of the castle reached and possibly also a transfer of the castle between different levels of closure is made possible without the actuator to actively generate a corresponding movement or at least passively understand. This is always the case if, during movement of the lock or the latch of the lock, the end of the connecting element arranged in the freewheel device is not moved beyond the limits or stops of the freewheel device. This not least leads to the fact that an at least partially manual opening and closing of the door or door is made possible without the actuator has to perform a movement. This reduces wear and maintenance of the actuator. According to a likewise preferred embodiment, it is provided that the freewheel device is connected to a latch of the lock. It can thereby be achieved that not all movements of the case of the lock or the lock latch are necessarily transmitted or forwarded via the connecting element to the setting unit. As a result, it is achieved in an advantageous manner that the lock and / or the latch of the lock It is also possible to adopt and, if necessary, change the closing steps without requiring actuation or movement on the part of the adjusting unit.

Particularly preferably, it can be provided that the freewheel device is dimensioned so that two locking steps of the lock can be assumed without a movement of the connecting element. The fact that according to this embodiment and the corresponding dimensioning of the freewheel device without movement of the connecting element can be assumed two closure levels of the lock or the case of the lock, but does not mean that these closure levels can not be achieved via a movement of the connecting element, in reverse order which, in turn, go back to a movement initiated and executed by the actuator. Rather, it can be provided that the freewheel or freewheel device and the actuating movements of the actuator are dimensioned and matched to one another that the closure stages, which can be realized or taken without movement of the connecting element due to the freewheel device and its dimensions, also via a corresponding movement of the connecting element can be manufactured or realized. Consequently, it may be advantageously provided that the freewheel of the freewheel device is shorter than the maximum distance or the maximum distance of the actuating positions generated or generated by the actuating unit.

Particularly preferably, it can be provided that the closure steps, which can be assumed at least even without movement of the connecting element, are at least an intermediate detent step and an opening step. As already mentioned, the intermediate detent stage is that closure stage in which the closure element is already at least partially in contact with the lock or into the lock Lock was added, the position of the closure element in the lock, however, carried out such that between the door of the device and the device or the door frame of the device still a door gap or opening gap remains. In the opening stage of the castle may be the position of the castle or the case of the castle, in which the case is open insofar as that the closure element just as in the lock -in as well as can just emerge from the castle. This means that the opening stage is not necessarily or not exclusively connected to the opening operation of the door, but that the opening stage must be taken at least once during the closing operation of the door, in the moment in which the closure element overcomes the lock latch. This also means that the opening stage of the lock describes a state of the lock in which the closure element can overcome the trap of the lock both into the lock and out of the lock.

This can be achieved that the door is transferred manually and without action of the actuator from a fully open state to a partially open state in which a door gap between the door and device remains.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the closure device according to the invention can also be provided that the lock has a movable, in particular linearly movable trap for receiving, securing and releasing the closure element. Thus, an overall simpler and more compact design can be achieved for the lock and for the case, as it is achieved by known rotary traps.

Another advantage, but in particular but not exclusively realized in conjunction with a linearly movable trap of the castle can, consists in a further embodiment of the closure device according to the invention.

This provides that the trap is movable parallel to a direction of movement of the connecting element. This ensures that in a particularly simple and direct manner, the movement of the actuating unit can be transferred to the connecting element and in turn to the lock and the case of the castle. In particular, no means are needed to translate, for example, a linear movement of the actuator in a rotational movement of the castle.

Another advantage is that over a same direction movement or a parallel direction of movement between the connecting element and latch of the lock with the connecting element relatively large distances between the running as a separate structural units actuators and locks can be realized because in the case of sufficiently rigid materials for the realization of the connecting element, the forces generated by the movement of the actuating unit, ie in particular tensile and compressive forces effectively transmitted via the connecting element to the lock or the case and there also as a corresponding tensile or compressive forces, the movement of the castle, in particular the change of the closure stage of Lock effect.

Equally advantageously, it can be provided that the setting unit, in particular the movable components of the setting unit, is movable parallel to a direction of movement of the connecting element. This also achieves the above advantages.

A further, particularly preferred embodiment of the closure device provides that the case of the lock is biased by an elastic element in the direction of an intermediate latching stage of the castle. Thereby Various advantages are achieved. On the one hand it is possible that without a force on the case, this is positioned or positioned so that the lock occupies the intermediate detent stage. In addition, the elastic element also allows the case by simultaneous elastic deformation of the elastic element from the intermediate detent stage of the castle deflected both by a force on the case by the closure element as well as by a force on the case by the connecting element and in particular in a Opening stage of the castle is transferred. It can be provided that the elastic element cooperates with the case and the remaining components of the lock that further movement of the case is prevented by elastic deformation of the elastic element beyond the opening stage of the castle. For this purpose, for example, a stop can be provided. It can also be provided that the elastic element experiences a maximum possible compression in this state.

Particularly preferably, it can also be provided that the elastic element is designed so that it can be transferred without changing a state of tension together with the latch from an intermediate latching stage of the castle in a closing step of the castle. This makes it possible that the elastic element has to undergo or perform less total and also smaller elastic deformations and accordingly a lesser wear of the elastic element occurs. For example, such an embodiment of the elastic element can be realized in that the elastic end is arranged and secured on the one hand on the movable latch and on the other hand, optionally provided with a corresponding bias to a one-sided movable stop comes to rest, for example, on a with the case together movable guide element for guiding the elastic element is arranged. In a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the closure device can be further provided that the connecting element can be converted by the actuator into a locking position, wherein the lock is transferred from an intermediate detent stage in a closing step.

Preferably, the closure element is pulled into the lock. The transfer of the lock and the latch of the lock in the closing step can result from an actuation of the actuating unit and a movement of the actuating unit generated therefrom, which is adapted to move the connecting element beyond the freewheel of the freewheel device, so that in the Freewheeling arranged end of the connecting element to a corresponding stop of the freewheel device comes into abutment and after production of the stopper layer is able to transmit a compressive or tensile force on the freewheel device and the associated case of the lock. As a result, the case can be transferred from an intermediate detent stage into a closing stage.

This movement or this transfer of the trap to reach the closing stage, starting from the intermediate stage and the pulling of the closure element thereby achieved in the lock, causes the appliance door is subjected to a corresponding tensile force, which ensures that the door completely closed and in particular is pressed or pulled with a corresponding force or a corresponding pressure to a door seal.

The pulling in of the closure element into the lock during the transfer of the lock into the closing step can be achieved, for example, by a correspondingly geometrical configuration of the trap. In the event that the closure element has a cylindrical closure pin, it can be provided, for example, that the latch has a rear ramp shape remote from the appliance door, so that at a corresponding movement of the case causes the ramp shape of the same that the closure element is pulled into the lock via the closure pin. Particularly preferably, the transfer of the lock in the closing step can be done automatically. Accordingly, the closure device can be set up in an advantageous development for the automatic transfer of the lock from the intermediate catch stage in the closing stage. This means that the transfer takes place without an active intervention of an operator. An initiation of the process for the transfer of the castle in the closing stage should not be included. Rather, it should be assumed that an automatic transfer, when the closure device itself or in coordination with other devices of the device detects or identifies that the transfer to the closed position is possible and wanted. This may include, for example, the determination that the closure element is already partly in the lock and the lock is in or approximately in the intermediate detent stage. Also, the automatic transfer may include requesting or confirming a user or operator input to close the door. Other status information about the device obtained from sensor devices of the device can also be taken into account when initiating the automatic transfer of the lock from the intermediate latching stage into the closing step. Furthermore, it may be advantageously provided that, in analogy to the previously described embodiment, the closure device be set up for the automatic transfer of the lock from the closing stage into the intermediate catch stage. Here, in addition to the automatic closing of the door, so when transferring the lock from the intermediate detent stage in the closure stage, be provided that the initiation of the transfer of the castle from the closing stage in the intermediate detent not or only can be triggered in an emergency by an operator or user. For automatic transfer of the lock while the above-described objects can be used. For example, the position of the lock or the latch and the position of the closure element can be determined and processed by means of appropriate measuring and control devices. The position of the setting unit can also be detected and processed by measuring and control devices in order to realize the automatic actuation of the lock. In the following part of the description of the present invention, at least one embodiment of such measuring and control devices will be discussed in more detail. This may be the switching elements arranged in the lock and / or in the setting unit. But other parts of the device and device components can influence the automatic transmission to transfer the lock from the closing stage in the intermediate detent stage. For example, the automation of electronic components of the device can be influenced and / or controlled. An automatic opening of the appliance door via an automatic transfer of the lock from the closing stage to the intermediate latching stage has the advantage, for example, that a manual opening of the appliance, apart from an emergency stop function, can only be initiated and subsequently completed or completed, if in the US Pat Device or the room closed by the door no more dangerous conditions prevail. For example, cleaning the device using aggressive cleaning agents can prevent the door from being opened before the cleaning or cleaning program is completed. To identify when an automatic opening of the door by an automatic transfer of the lock from the closing stage in the intermediate detent step may or may be, other sensors of the device can be considered. In addition, a control electronics of the device affect the automatic opening of the lock, so release or prevent.

According to a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the closing device it can be provided that the connecting element can be transferred by the adjusting unit into an open position, wherein the lock is transferred from an intermediate detent stage into an opening stage. Particularly preferably, it can be provided that the closure element emerges from the lock. The transfer of the lock from the intermediate detent stage in the opening stage can be accomplished, for example, by a movement electromechanically generated by the adjusting unit, which is transmitted via the connecting element to the castle, in particular to the case of the castle. The movement transmitted by the connecting element can be designed such that the connecting element with its end arranged in a freewheeling device initially exceeds the freewheel and comes to rest against a stop of the freewheel device and subsequently exert a tensile or compressive force on the freewheel device can, which is transmitted via the corresponding connection of the freewheel device with the case of the lock on the case and is suitable, for example, against a bias of an elastic element to push the case from the intermediate detent stage in an opening stage or pull.

The release or emergence of the connecting element from the lock is realized by a sufficiently large movement of the trap, which is adapted to release the closure element. The movement of the closure element out of the lock can be provided by basically different mechanisms. On the one hand, appropriate ejection means may be provided. On the other hand, too other components of the appliance or appliance door, such as a door gasket, apply corresponding forces to move the closure element out of the lock in the event of release of the closure element by the latch.

As already indicated with reference to the preceding two embodiments, the freewheel device can be dimensioned such that the freewheel device comprises two stops on which, depending on the direction of movement, an end of the connecting element arranged in the free running direction comes into contact when the freewheel is exceeded. Particularly preferably, it may be provided that the arranged in the freewheel device end of the connecting element comes at least in the closed position and at least in the open position of the lock on opposite stops of the freewheel device to the plant. In this case, the system between freewheel device or stop the freewheel device and connecting element is achieved before reaching the closed position and the opening position of the castle or the case of the castle advantageous. Rather, the freewheel device can be configured such that the production of a system of the connecting element on a stop of the freewheel device provides the basis for the freewheel device and thus the latch of the lock connected to the freewheel device to move via a movement of the connecting element and into another closure step, especially in the closing stage or opening stage, can be converted.

A further, particularly advantageous embodiment provides that the lock has a switching element, in particular a microswitch, with which the position of the closure element is detected in the lock. In this case, the switching element can not only be set up to detect the position of the closure element in the lock, but also the presence of the closure element in the lock. For example, can be provided be that a first switching state of the switching element maps the absence of a closure element in the lock and a second switching state maps the presence of a closure element in the lock. In addition, further switching states of the switching element can be provided, which are assigned to different positions of the closure element in the castle.

This ensures that the respective position of the closure element in the lock and thereby also the locking steps of the lock safely detected, and starting from or based on this, safely and reliably corresponding control signals, not only exclusively, but also to the control unit, sent or transmitted can. For example, it can be provided that when the closure element is identified in the lock by the switching element and a corresponding positional mood of the closure element in the lock, which suggests that the latch of the lock is in an intermediate detent step or approximately in an intermediate detent step, the switching element, possibly after or together with a user-side interaction, initiates or releases the transfer of the case of the lock on the part of the actuator in order to bring the lock in the closing stage. Conversely, for example, be provided that a user interaction for closing the door no further consequences, possibly up to an output of an error message, triggers when the switching element arranged in the lock detects no presence or the absence of the closure element in the lock.

The switching element of the lock can accordingly be used in the automatic transfer between locking stages of the lock by the switching element detects or determines the state of the lock and possibly the closure element. In this respect, a particularly advantageous embodiment of the closure device also provides that the switching element is connected to a shift lever, which is arranged so that it is moved by the closure element or is movable. The shift lever can be designed such that one end is rotatably mounted and in particular is connected to the shift element and a second movable end is provided which can come into abutment with the closure element and a corresponding movement during the movement of the closure element in the lock learns which is forwarded via the rotatable end of the shift lever and its connection with the switching element to the switching element.

According to a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the closure device can further be provided that the setting unit comprises a drive unit, in particular a motor and a transmission for moving the connecting element. In this case, it can also be provided that the setting unit and its drive unit does not act directly or directly on the connecting element in order to generate a movement on the part of the connecting element, but rather that the setting unit comprises an actuator element, for example a linear actuator, onto which the Drive unit acts and in turn is connected to the connecting element and transmits the movement of the linear actuator to the connecting element. The movement of the actuator element moved by the drive unit is particularly preferably parallel to the direction of movement of the connecting element.

In addition, it can be provided with particular advantage that the setting unit comprises at least two switching elements, in particular at least two microswitches, for controlling the setting unit. The switching elements allow Chen while an actual state of the actuator, for example, the actual state of the drive unit or the actual state of an actuator to detect. This allows a mechanical control of the actuator. As an alternative to the switching elements, an electronic control of the setting unit could also be provided, which detects and controls the control of the setting unit on the basis of voltage and current curves

Also, the switching elements of the actuator can be used in the or the automatic transfer (s) between the lock level and intermediate latch of the lock to determine the state of the actuator, in particular the position or position of the actuator and process.

The object mentioned at the outset is achieved in the case of a device, in particular a hot device with a door and an in particular door-side closure element, in that the device has an electromechanical closure device according to one of the previously described embodiments. By means of the device according to the invention, the advantages and further developments achieved with the closure devices described above are realized in the same way, which is why these statements, effects and advantages should not be discussed again in detail here.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the device, however, provides that the lock is arranged at half the height of a door opening and the setting unit is arranged in a lower region of the door opening or below the door opening of the device.

As a result, securing of the device door, for example a three-point safety device via two door hinges and the door lock, is achieved in a particularly advantageous manner, at the same time making use of the installation space taking and possibly temperature-sensitive actuating unit in an area of the device, namely in a lower region of the door opening or even located below the door opening area can be arranged. This can be achieved via the use of the connecting element of the electromechanical locking device according to the invention that in a region of the door opening, which is particularly advantageous, for example, for producing or providing the door security, such as an area halfway up the door opening, only a minimum of construction is claimed. Moreover, components of a closure device which have sensitivity to the conditions and characteristics inside the device during operation are arranged as separate structural units in areas of the device in which good to optimum shielding from the negative states and properties prevails, such as for example, an area of the device below the door opening or in the lower area of the door opening.

In a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the device, it can also be provided that the connecting element extends from a lower region of a door opening to a middle region of a door opening or to a region of the door opening at half the height. This also means that the length of the connecting element and thus also the spatial separation of the separate structural unit of the actuating unit and the lock usually correspond to about half the height of the door opening. Accordingly, it can be provided at a door height of about 60 cm, that the connecting element is arranged a length of about 30 cm and the separate structural unit of the castle about 30 cm from the separate unit of the actuator separately. However, it should be mentioned at this point that, depending on the design of the appliance door, for example in the case of a circular design of the appliance door, there may be other differences. de between actuator and lock and other lengths of the connecting element with respect to the door height or the door diameter can be provided, but at the same time are sufficiently equal to realize the inventive spacing of the separate structural units.

Further details and advantages of the electromechanical locking device according to the invention and a device according to the invention will be explained below with the aid of the attached drawings of exemplary embodiments. Show:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a closure device according to the invention together with a closure element.

2 shows a schematic representation of a lock according to an embodiment of the invention in a first closure stage; a schematic representation of a lock according to an embodiment of the invention in a second closure stage;

4 shows a schematic representation of a lock according to an embodiment of the invention in a third closure stage; 5 shows a schematic representation of a lock according to an embodiment of the invention in a fourth closure stage;

6 shows a schematic representation of a lock according to an embodiment of the invention in a fifth closure stage; a schematic representation of a lock according to an embodiment of the invention in a sixth closure stage; a schematic representation of a lock according to an embodiment of the invention in a first closure stage; a schematic representation of a Stellein unit according to the invention according to a first embodiment; a schematic section through an inventive device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows an electromechanical closure device 01 which comprises a lock 02 and an adjustment unit 03. The lock 02 is set up to receive, secure and release a closure element 04. Insofar as the lock 02 is arranged on the device side, the closure element 04 can be arranged on the door side, so that with the electromechanical closure device 01, a device door, not shown in FIG. 1, of a device, likewise not shown in FIG. 1, is opened and closed over several stages can be.

The closure device 01 is designed such that both the lock 02 and the setting unit 03 are designed as separate structural units, the lock 02 and the setting unit 03 being connected to one another via a connecting element 05, in particular via a mechanical connecting element 05 , so that even despite the spatial separation between the lock 02 and the actuator 03 generated by the actuator 03 positioning movements can be transmitted via the connecting element 05 on the lock. This makes it possible that the lock 02 is arranged in device areas, on the one hand allow an effective and safe closing a door and on the other hand, due to the other construction of the device only provide a minimum amount of space available. In addition, it can be ensured that the setting unit 03 is placed in a device such that the available space is optimally utilized and, moreover, the setting unit is protected against negative influences and conditions, such as temperature differences. 2 shows the lock 02 and the closure element 04, wherein in comparison to FIG. 1 in the illustration of FIG. 2, a rear wall 02.2 of the housing 02.1 of the lock 02 has been removed and thus allows insight into the interior 02.3 of the lock 02 , Apart from the housing 02.1, a case 06 of the lock 02 is shown. The case 06 is movably mounted on a base member 07 in the lock 02, wherein the case 06 is linearly movable in the direction of the directional arrow B. About the base member 07, the case 06 is connected to the freewheel device 08, in the freewheel 09, an end 10 of the connecting element 05 is arranged. The case 06 is also connected to an elastic element 11, which comes to a remote from the case 06 end 12 to a movable stop 13 to the plant. The elastic element 11 is guided on a guide element 14, which is designed as a cylinder pin and also serves as a one-sided boundary for the stop 13 of the elastic member 11. Also, the freewheel device 08 includes on both sides of the freewheel 09 stops 15 and 16, where the arranged in the freewheel device 08 end 10 of the connecting element 05 can come into contact and in each case a positive connection between the connecting element 05 and freewheel device and thus between the connecting element 05 and trap 06 can generate. The lock stage shown in Fig. 2 of the lock 02 represents the intermediate detent stage or the neutral stage of the castle. In this closure stage, the case 06 by the elastic member 11 and a corresponding bias of the elastic member 11 in the in Fig. 2 held position held. The position of the connecting element 05 in the illustration of FIG. 2 corresponds to a neutral position. The position of the connecting element is defined via the relative arrangement with respect to the lock 02. Subsequently, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8, the multi-stage closing process and, subsequently, the multi-stage opening process, ie the receiving, securing and subsequent release of the closure element 04, into the lock 02 and out of the lock 02 will be described.

In the illustration of FIG. 3, the closure element 04, in particular the closure pin 04.1, has already partially entered the lock 02 by the partial closing of a device door not shown in FIG. 3. In this case, the closure pin 04.1 has come to rest with a shift lever 17 of a shifting element 18. Furthermore, the door 06 from the neutral stage or intermediate latching stage illustrated in FIG. 2 is opened by the door side ramp 06.1 in the end section 06.3 of the latch 06 and the force action of the shutter element 04 in the direction of the lock interior into an opening step illustrated in FIG been convicted. As can be seen from FIG. 3, the elastic element 11 is elastically deformed, in particular elastically compressed. In addition, the end 10 of the connecting element 05 without a movement of the connecting element 05 and thus without a controlled by the adjusting unit and generated movement by the movement of the case 06 in the freewheel 09 of the freewheeling device 08 has been moved. The connecting element is thus still in the neutral position. As shown in Fig. 3, the freewheel 09 of the freewheel device 08 is at least just dimensioned so that the case 06 can be transferred from the illustrated in FIG. 2 neutral stage or intermediate detent stage in the opening stage shown in FIG Without this, a movement of the connecting element 05, ie a change in the position of the connecting element 05, would be necessary.

In FIG. 4, the closure pin 04.1 of the closure element 04 has passed the trap 06. This means that the closure pin 04.1 has been led into the interior of the lock 02 so far that the case 06 has returned under relaxation of the elastic member 11 again in the intermediate detent stage of the lock 02. In this case, the return of the lock shown in FIG. 4, in particular the latch 06 in the intermediate latching stage, also represent a not complete return to the neutral stage shown in FIG. Instead, the elastic element 11 with respect to the position shown in FIG. 2, a residual deformation or residual stress maintained, which may for example result from frictional forces between the closure element, in particular the closure pin 04 and the case 06. Also in Fig. 4 it will be seen that the end 10 of the connecting element 5 in comparison to Fig. 3, although against the freewheel 09 of the freewheeling device 08 has changed in position, but not in its position relative to the lock 02. The connecting element 05 is thus still in the neutral position. This means that the return of the latch 06 from the opening stage of the lock to the intermediate latching stage of FIG. 4 brought about by relaxation or at least partial relaxation of the elastic element 11 does not occur without movement of the connecting element 05 and thus also without a movement generated and executed by the actuating means can be accomplished. In the position of the closure element 04 of FIG. 4, the shift lever 17 of the switching element 18 is deflected against an elastic return element 19, that of the switching element 18, the intermediate detent stage of the lock 02 is identified.

In Fig. 4, the closure element 04 is already introduced to a part in the lock 02. However, the dimensioning of the closure element 04 is such that there is still an opening gap or a door gap between the device, not shown, and the appliance door, not shown, in the position of the lock 02 and the closure element 04. In response to user input or user interaction, the lock 02, and thus the closure element 04, can be transferred from the intermediate latching stage into the closing stage, this transfer being effected by a movement generated by the actuating unit and mediated via the connecting element 05. Consequently, to achieve the closing step of the lock 02, the connecting element 05 is transferred from the neutral position to a locking position. This is shown in FIG. 5.

About the movement of the case 06, the closure element 04, in particular the closure pin 04.1, drawn on the rear ramp 06.2 of the case 06 in the lock 02. As a result, the still existing in Fig. 4, but not shown door gap between the device and the door is lifted and the door closed and secured. By the movement of the case 06, the elastic element 11 is also moved in the biased state of the neutral stage or the intermediate latching stage in the direction of movement of the connecting element 05, wherein the arranged on the guide member 14 unidirectional movable stop 13 causes the state of stress or the deformation state of the elastic member 11 is maintained. In the position of the illustration of FIG. 5, the closure element 04, in particular the locking pin 04.1 the back ramp 06.2 of the case 06 already completely crossed. Accordingly, the closure of the door is already completed and reaches the closing stage of the lock 02. The shift lever 17 of the shift element 18 can detect the corresponding positioning of the closure element 04 and impart it to the shift element 18.

After reaching the state of Fig. 5, the multi-stage closing operation is completed. In order to maintain this state, on the one hand, the locking position of the connecting element 05 can be maintained or, on the other hand, the catch 06 can be otherwise locked or secured against movement. Correspondingly, in the following illustrations of FIGS. 6 to 8, an illustration and description of the different states of the lock 02 of the closure device 01 follows during the likewise multi-stage opening process.

As shown in Fig. 6, the case 06 is transferred from the locking stage shown in FIG. 5, first again in the intermediate latching stage to open the appliance door, not shown. This is done via a movement of the connecting element 05, which is performed by the not shown adjusting unit 03 such that the end 10 of the connecting element 05 not only the free run 09 of the free-running device 08 passes through, but also a compressive force on the freewheel device 08th and thus on the case 06 exercises. The end point of the movement can be identified, for example, by the switching element 18 and the switching lever 17 connected to the switching element. The end point of the movement of the connecting element 05 can be realized by the neutral position of the connecting element. With the repeated crossing of the rear ramp 06.2 of the case 06, the closure element 04, in particular the closure pin 04.1 a Part of the castle 02 moved out. As a result, on the one hand changes the position of the shift lever 17, which can be detected by the switching element 18 and transmitted accordingly. On the other hand, by the piecewise moving out of the connecting element 04 from the

Also, a door gap between the appliance door and the device opened.

As can be seen in FIG. 6, in which the intermediate latching stage of the lock 02 has been assumed again, due to the region of the latch 06 adjoining the rearward ramp 06.2, in which the locking element 04, in particular the locking bolt 04.1, is in the intermediate latching stage of the lock 02, without causing a further adjusting movement on the part of the adjusting unit and the associated connecting element 05 is not a complete or final opening of the door. This ensures a special security feature of the closure device 01, since it is ensured that the appliance door is always opened only partially, in particular a gap, after the device has been used, so that, for example, hot air and / or water vapor can laterally escape from the door gap and thereby effectively kept away from the operator.

It can be further provided in the opening operation of the lock 02 and the closure device 01, that after a certain residence time of the lock 02 in the intermediate latching stage shown in FIG. 6, a complete opening of the door takes place, in which the lock is transferred to an opening stage and the Closing element 04 completely exits the lock 02.

Accordingly, the transition from the representation of FIG. 6 to the representation of FIG. 7 represents a transfer of the lock 02 into an opening stage, wherein the actuating unit 03, not shown, transfers the connecting element 05 into an open position shown in FIG. The Opening step of the lock 02 of FIG. 7 corresponds largely to the opening stage of the lock of FIG. 3, wherein in contrast to FIG. 3 in FIG. 7, the locking element 04 entering the lock does not cause the movement or deflection of the catch 06; but the transfer of the connecting element into the open position causes the case 06 is deflected counter to the bias of the elastic member 11 from the intermediate detent stage.

Also in this case, ie when the closure element 04 exits the lock 02, the shift lever 17 of the switching element 18 can again detect and pass on a conclusion or completion. For example, it may be provided that once the elastic return element 19 has the shift lever 17 of the switching element 18 has returned to an original or neutral position, the shift lever 17 and the switching element 18 determine the emergence of the closure element 04 from the castle or confirm and forward if necessary. On the basis of this, or subsequently, the connecting element 05 can be transferred to a neutral position via a movement controlled and executed by the setting unit, in which the catch 06 is returned to the neutral position by a corresponding movement of the freewheel device 08, as initially described in US Pat Frame of Fig. 2 has been shown and described. Accordingly, in the cycle, starting from FIG. 2 and ending with FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, a complete transition from an opened door to a door is shown. closed or locked appliance door and back described by passing through the corresponding intermediate stages, in particular between latching steps of the appliance door.

In Fig. 9, the actuator 03 is also shown without the rear wall shown in FIG. 1 03.2 of the housing 03.1. In the interior of the actuating unit 03, a drive unit 20 is arranged, which has a motor 21 and a drive unit. gear 22 includes. In addition, a total of three switching elements 23 are arranged in the actuator 03, which may be formed as a micro-switch. The drive unit 20 acts on the actuator element 24, which is designed as a linear actuator 24 and accordingly performs linear movements in the direction of the movement arrow B. The actuator element 24 is in this case coupled to one end 25 of the connecting element 05, so that the movements performed by the setting unit 03, in particular by the actuator element 24, are transmitted to the connecting element 05 and via the connecting element 05 to the lock 02. In this case, both the actuator element 24 and the connecting element 05 move in the direction of the movement arrow B.

10 shows a section through a schematically illustrated device 26 according to the invention with a door 27 and a closure device 01 according to the invention. The lock 02 of the closure device 01 is arranged approximately at half the height of a door opening 28. The actuating unit 03 is arranged below the door opening 28. The lock 02 and the actuator 03 are arranged according to the invention as separate structural units spatially separated from each other. The particular advantage of this spatial separation and the connection of the lock with the setting unit via the connecting element 05 is illustrated in the sketchy representation of FIG. Because the side of the door opening 28 are located inside the device 26 even more device components. For example, there are heating and ventilation devices 29 and control and electronic control 30. Due to the inventive design of the closure device 01 but allows on the one hand, the limited space in the door opening 28 is optimally utilized and also the electrical and electronic components of the actuator as possible optimally protected against harmful influences, such as extreme temperatures and temperature fluctuations. The length of the connecting element 05 is about half the height of the appliance door.

Reference numerals:

01 closing device

 02 Castle

 02.1 housing

 02.2 rear wall

 02.3 Interior of the castle

 03 actuator

 03.1 housing

 03.2 Rear wall

 04 closure element

 04.1 Locking bolt

 05 connecting element

 06 trap

 06.1 ramp

 06.2 ramp

 07 basic element

 08 freewheel device

 09 free run

 10 end of the connecting element

11 elastic element

 12 end of the elastic element

13 stop

 14 guide element

 15 stop the freewheel device

16 stop the freewheel device

17 shifter

 18 switching element

 19 return element

 20 drive unit

21 engine 22 gears

 23 switching element

 24 Actuator element

 25 end of the connecting element 26 device

 27 appliance door

 28 door opening

 29 Heating and ventilation system

30 operating and control electronics

B motion arrow

Claims

claims: Electromechanical closing device for appliance doors (27), in particular for appliance doors (27) of hot devices, wherein the closure device (01) has a lock (02) for receiving and securing a, in particular door-side, closure element (04) with at least two closure steps and an actuating unit (03 ) for transferring the lock (02) into at least a part of the different closing stages,  characterized ,  the setting unit (03) and the lock (02) are designed spatially separated as separate structural units and the setting unit (03) is connected to the lock (02) via a connecting element (05). Locking device according to claim 1,  characterized,  in that the connecting element (05) is arranged at one end (10), in particular at the end (10) connected to the lock (02), in a freewheel device (08). Locking device according to claim 2,  characterized,  in that the freewheel device (08) is connected to a latch (06) of the lock (02). Locking device according to claim 2 or 3,  characterized, the freewheel device (08) is dimensioned so that at least two locking steps of the lock (02) can be assumed without <ne movement of the connecting element (05). Locking device according to claim 4,  characterized,  that at least one intermediate detent stage and an opening stage can be taken. Locking device according to one of claims 1 to 5,  characterized,  the lock (02) has a movable, in particular linearly movable, latch (06) for receiving and securing the closure element (04). Locking device according to claim 6,  characterized,  in that the catch (06) is movable parallel to a direction of movement of the connecting element (05). Locking device according to claim 6 or 7,  characterized,  that the latch (06) is biased by an elastic element (1 1) in the direction of an intermediate detent stage. Locking device according to claim 8,  characterized,  that the elastic element (1 1) is designed so that it can be transferred without changing a state of tension together with the latch (06) from the intermediate detent stage in a closing step. 10. Closure device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized, that the connecting element (05) can be transferred by the adjusting unit (03) in a locking position, wherein the lock (02) is transferred from an intermediate latching stage in a closing step, and wherein in particular the closure element (04) into the lock (02) inside is pulled. Closure device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized that the connecting element (05) can be transferred by the adjusting unit (03) in an open position, wherein the lock (02) is transferred from an intermediate detent stage in an opening stage, and wherein in particular the closure element (04) from the lock (02) exits , Locking device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized, that in the free running direction (08) arranged end (10) of the connecting element (05) in the closed position and in the open position on opposite stops (15, 16) of the freewheel device (08) comes to rest. Closure device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized the lock (02) has a switching element (18), in particular a microswitch, with which the position of the closure element (04) in the lock (02) is detected. Locking device according to claim 13, characterized, that the switching element with (18) with a shift lever (17) ver which is arranged so that it is moved by the closure element (04). Closing device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized  in that the setting unit (03) comprises a drive unit (20), in particular a motor (21) and a gear (22) for moving the connecting element (05). Closure device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized  the setting unit (03) comprises at least two switching elements (23), in particular at least two microswitches, for controlling the setting unit (03). Device, in particular hot device, with a device door (27) and a, in particular door-side, closure element (04),  marked by  An electromechanical closure device (01) according to one of claims 1 to 16. Apparatus according to claim 17,  characterized,  in that the lock (02) is arranged halfway up a door opening (28) and the setting unit (03) is arranged in a lower area of the door opening (28) or below the door opening (28). 19. Apparatus according to claim 17 or 18,  characterized, that the connecting element (05) at least from a lower ren range of a door opening (28) to a central region door opening (28) extends.