DOMESTIC APPLIANCE AND PULL-OUT GUIDE FOR A DOMESTIC APPLIANCE

A pull-out guide for a domestic appliance with microwave cooking function includes a cabinet rail and at least one metal running rail movable relative thereto, to support a carrier. St least one support element for the carrier is secured to the running rail and is made, at least in part, of an electrically insulating material. In a front region of the running rail, as seen in the pull-out direction, a stopper is arranged, which has a support portion, as support element for the carrier, oriented parallel to the pull-out direction and protruding upwardly above the running rail.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to a pull-out guide for a domestic appliance with a microwave cooking function, which has a cabinet rail and at least one metallic running rail movable relative thereto for supporting a carrier, wherein at least one support element is arranged on the running rail and is made at least partially from an electrically insulating material. The invention also relates to a domestic appliance with microwave cooking function with such a pull-out guide.

In various types of domestic appliances, pull-out guides have become established on which removable supports can be placed, which can be conveniently inserted into the domestic appliance or extended and removed more easily using the pull-out guide. In the case of cooking appliances, such supports are, for example, food carriers such as baking trays or grids. In other domestic appliances, for example food warmers or refrigerators, the supports can also be baskets, trays, or other food containers.

As a rule, both the running rails of the pull-out guides and the supports are made of a metallic material. The arrangement of metal on metal is electrically conductive and also conducts heat well, which can be problematic in cooking appliances and especially in microwave ovens. Electrical contact between the pull-out guide and a generally conductive coated front panel of a microwave oven is also unfavorable with regard to possible sparking. In addition, the combination of a metal support on a metal running rail leads to increased noise generation, e.g., when placing or during vibrations which can be caused by drive motors, fans or similar.

To prevent electrical contact in microwave cooking appliances, it is known to provide the food carriers and/or the running rails of the pull-out guide with an electrically insulating coating, for example a ceramic coating. However, such a coating is susceptible to scratching and does not reduce noise.

A pull-out guide for a cooking appliance that is at least partially coated with PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is known from the publication DE 102 11 470 A1.

The pull-out guide is easier to clean thanks to the coating and there are advantages with regard to the smooth running of the pull-out system, as this coating also dampens noise.

The publication DE 10 2017 202 746 A1 describes a pull-out guide for a cooking appliance in which a contact surface between a running rail and a support is reduced by a support element. For this purpose, a narrow, strip-shaped support element is arranged essentially continuously lengthwise on the running rail, which is thus positioned between the running rail and the support. The support element can be made of plastic, which results in good sliding properties and noise damping. Plastic as a material also has an insulating effect. The support element can, for example, be inserted into a groove-shaped receptacle that is formed in the longitudinal direction of the running rail.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to a pull-out guide for a domestic appliance with microwave cooking function and a domestic appliance equipped therewith, in which electrical insulation between the running rail and the support can be achieved in a simple and durable manner.

A pull-out guide of the type mentioned at the beginning is characterized in that a stopper is arranged in a front region of the running rail as seen in the pull-out direction, which has a support portion, as a support element for the carrier, oriented parallel to the pull-out direction and protruding upwardly above the running rail.

A stopper, which is inserted into the running rail from the front, e.g., pushed in, is often used to close off the running rail at the front and thus prevent the risk of injury and provide a front stop for the carrier. In accordance with the invention, the stopper is now provided with a support portion that is oriented parallel to the pull-out direction and protrudes upwardly above the running rail and which forms the support element for the carrier.

Assuming that a stopper is usually present anyway, electrical and optionally thermal insulation between the carrier and the metal running rail is achieved in this way, at least in the front region of the running rail, without an additional element. It is noted that a stopper in the sense of the application is an element that can be pushed into the running rail from the front or that can be pushed onto the running rail from the front.

The section of the stopper that serves as a support element is made of an insulating material that is electrically insulating and, optionally, also thermally insulating and/or shock-insulating. The stopper can also be made as a whole from the insulating material. The support portion of the stopper can, for example, have longitudinal webs on which the carrier can rest. The electrically insulating materials listed below can be used, among others: Ceramics, high-temperature-resistant thermoplastics, in particular from the polyether ketone family (e.g. polyether ether ketone-PEEK) and/or elastomers, in particular from the polysiloxane or thermoset family.

In an advantageous design of the pull-out guide, the stopper also has a support plate for the carrier that protrudes forwards and upwards over the running rail. As a result, the stopper serves as a front stop for the carrier. An upwardly projecting guide pin for the carrier can also be arranged in the area of the support portion of the stopper. If the guide pin engages in a corresponding recess or indentation in the carrier, the carrier is also fixed laterally and/or in the pull-out direction.

In a further advantageous design, the pull-out guide has a stop element that is mounted on the running rail in a rear area as seen in the pull-out direction and has a stop for the support that protrudes upwardly above the running rail. Preferably, the stop element has a further support portion for the carrier that is oriented parallel to the direction of extension and protrudes upwardly above the running rail. As a result, the carrier rests on the support portion of the stopper in the front region and on the further support portion of the stop element in the rear area. If the support portion of the stopper and the further support portion are of the same thickness, the support is oriented parallel to the running rail. Alternatively, it is possible to form the two support portions in defined and optionally significantly different thicknesses. In this case, an inclination of the pull-out guide can be provided, even if the support is aligned flat, which prevents or promotes the pull-out guide to run in/out on its own, for example, without tilting the support. Preferably, the stop element as a whole or at least the further support portion is made of an insulating material, so that the support is then completely electrically insulated from the running rail.

Furthermore, the stop can be formed by a protrusion with which the stop element is placed on a stop bolt that is arranged on the running rail. Such stop bolts are often fitted as standard to running rails and can then be used advantageously as a fastening option for the stop element. A damping cap made of a material that is softer than the material of the protrusion can also be placed on the protrusion. This results in a noise-damped stop and soft positioning of the carrier.

In a further advantageous design, the pull-out guide has at least one further support element that is mounted on the running rail and has a further support portion for the carrier that is oriented parallel to the pull-out direction and protrudes upwardly above the running rail. The further support element can have a C-shaped base body so that it can be simply clipped onto the running rail for installation. A further support point for the carrier (in addition to the stopper) can also be provided in this way by the support element, which does not represent a rear stop for the carrier, but supports the carrier in a central area of the running rail, for example. Like the support portion of the stopper, the other support portions can also be provided with longitudinal webs or an upwardly projecting guide pin for the carrier can be arranged in the region of the support portions.

A domestic appliance with microwave cooking function according to the invention is characterized in that it has at least one such pull-out guide. This results in the advantages mentioned in connection with the pull-out guide.

In all figures, the same reference signs indicate elements that are identical or have the same effect. For reasons of clarity, not all elements are marked with reference signs in all figures. If relative terms such as “left” or “right” are used in the description, these refer to the figures described. Only the terms “front”, “rear”, “top” and “bottom” refer to the natural orientation of the pull-out guide in operation, in which a support rests on top of the pull-out guide and in which the front end of the pull-out guide faces towards a user located in front of the domestic appliance in which the pull-out guide is used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS.1a-1cshow a first exemplary embodiment of a pull-out guide according to the application.

The pull-out guide has a fixed cabinet rail1that can be fixed in or on a domestic appliance using mounting elements, here exemplified by mounting clamps11. The pull-out guide1is suitable for a cooking appliance with a food carrier, e.g., a baking tray6(seeFIG.1c). In this case, the mounting clamps11can be attached to a side grid, which is typically located in the cooking chamber of the cooking appliance.

The pull-out guide comprises a running rail2, which is mounted so that it can move relative to the cabinet rail1. In the example shown, the cabinet rail1as well as the running rail2and the mounting clamps11are made of metal, e.g., punched and bent sheet metal. Between cabinet rail1and running rail2there is an arrangement of rolling elements, not visible here, which allow the running rail2to move easily in relation to the cabinet rail1. Further components, such as additional running rails or center rails, can also be arranged between the cabinet rail1and the running rail2to enable an extension of the pull-out guide.

FIG.1ashows the pull-out guide in an assembled state with a stopper3and a stop element4. InFIG.1b, the stopper3and the stop element4are shown separately from the pull-out guide. Finally,FIG.1cshows the pull-out guide in an assembled state with the baking tray6in place.

The stopper3is fixed to a front end of the running rail2. For this purpose, it has an insertion body31, which is pushed into the essentially U-shaped profile of the running rail2. After the insertion body31has been pushed in, the stopper3rests against the front end of the running rail2with a contact plate32projecting laterally and in particular upwards beyond the insertion body31. The contact plate32prevents the baking tray6from slipping forwards off the running rail2.

In the front region of the running rail2, two recesses21are made in the material of the running rail2, into which, for example, latching elements of the insertion body31engage, so that the stopper3is fixed to the running rail2after insertion. However, it is also possible to secure the inserted stopper3to the running rail by embossing a web211remaining between the two recesses21.

A special feature of the stopper3is a support portion33which, starting from the contact plate32, rests on the running rail2when the stopper3is inserted. Towards the running rail2, the support portion33is adapted to the shape of the running rail2and embraces it at least partially (in the present case in the area of lateral chamfers of the running rail2) in order to be fixed laterally on the running rail2and to achieve a larger support surface for the baking tray6. Towards the top, the support portion33is provided with longitudinal webs331. In addition, a guide pin332projects in height beyond the longitudinal webs331.

A stop element4is placed on the rear end of the running rail2, which provides an upwardly projecting stop42and a further support portion43. The stop element4is provided with a hole22for fastening it to the running rail2. The stop element4has a mounting means41, for example a pin, hook, or lug not visible here, which engages in the hole22and which can be provided with latching means so that the stop element4is held on the running rail2. Instead of a pin, a screw connection can also be used to secure the stop element or a rivet that engages in the hole22. In this case, the screw head or rivet head are housed in a recess in the stop element4in order to be at a distance from the baking tray6, so that the insulation between the baking tray6and the running rail2is maintained.

A profiling of the underside of the stop element4, which is adapted to the shape of the running rail2, also serves to secure the stop element4to the running rail2. This profiling, in particular regions that partially enclose the sides of the running rail2, is also to be understood as a mounting means41. The further support portion43is provided with longitudinal webs431in a similar way to the support portion33of the stopper3.

As can be seen inFIG.1c, the baking tray6rests with an edge61on the support portions33and43and in particular on the longitudinal webs331and431. In contrast to the running rail2, which is made of metal, the stopper3and the stop element4are made of an electrically insulating material, for example the plastic PEEK (polyether ether ketone), so that the baking tray6placed on it is electrically insulated from the metal of the pull-out guide. In addition, the stopper3separates the metal of the running rail2from a door or flap of the microwave oven through the contact plate32, thus preventing the otherwise possible formation of sparks between the front end of the running rail2and the door or flap. Microwave ovens often use a door or flap with a front panel that is provided with conductive elements, for example with a conductive coating or wires in the glass.

The stopper3and the stop element4can also have a noise-damping effect. In order to optimize noise damping, parts of the stopper3and/or the stop element4can also be made of a softer component than the base material. For example, the longitudinal webs331or431can be made of a molded-on or bonded-on, softer silicone material.

The baking tray6has apertures62in the edge61, wherein the guide pin332of the stopper3engages in the front of the apertures62and thus positions the baking tray6during placement and, in particular, fixes it in a lateral direction. In the rear region of the baking tray6, it rests with an outer edge63against the stop42of the stop element4. Alternatively, the carrier can also be positioned on the elements of the stopper3and/or the stop element4on the running rail2by means of a flanged edge of the carrier, in this case the baking tray6, or a circumferential wire of a lattice-shaped carrier.

FIGS.2a-cshow a further exemplary embodiment of a pull-out guide according to the application. This pull-out guide also has a stopper3and a stop element4.FIG.2ashows the pull-out guide with the stopper3and stop element4removed and a baking tray6in place.FIG.2bshows the baking tray6placed on the two pull-out guides shown here.FIG.2cis a detailed representation of the rear support region of the baking tray6on the pull-out guide.

The structure of the pull-out guide of this second exemplary embodiment with cabinet rail1and running rail2is basically comparable to that of the first exemplary embodiment. In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment, there is no hole at the rear end of the running rail2for fastening the stop element4, but a metal stop bolt23is fastened, in particular welded, to the running rail2.

The stopper3fixed at the front end of the running rail2corresponds to that of the first exemplary embodiment, the description of which is hereby referred to. The stop element4, which is inserted in the rear area of the running rail2, differs from that of the first exemplary embodiment. It also has a support portion43, on which the baking tray6is positioned with its edge61. Behind the support portion43, a stop42is formed, which here has the shape of a hollow cylindrical protrusion that forms a cap with which the stop element4is placed on the stop bolt23of the running rail2. The stop element4can be attached to the stop bolt23by positive or frictional locking. In addition, at the rear end of the stop element4, a latching element engaging around the edge of the running rail2can be formed as a mounting means41.

Like the stopper3and the stop element4of the first exemplary embodiment, the stop element4of the second exemplary embodiment can be made of an insulating material, for example PEEK. It is also conceivable that a softer material, for example silicone, is used in the area of the support43. As in the first exemplary embodiment, the support of the baking tray6on the support portion33or43of the stopper3or stop element4provides electrical, or optionally also thermal or noise-damping insulation between the baking tray6and the running rail2and, through the contact plate32, between the running rail2and a door, flap or front panel of the domestic appliance.

FIGS.3aand3bshow a further development of the second exemplary embodiment. The basic structure of the pull-out guide corresponds to that of the second exemplary embodiment shown inFIGS.2a-c.FIG.3ashows the pull-out guide with the stopper3removed and the stop element4lifted off.FIG.3bshows the assembled pull-out guide with the baking tray6in place.

In this third exemplary embodiment, the stopper3again corresponds to that of the exemplary embodiments described above. The stop element4is constructed in a similar way to that of the second exemplary embodiment. Here too, the stop element4is provided with a hollow cylindrical protrusion which forms a cap with which the stop element4is fitted onto the stop bolt23of the running rail2. In addition, a damping cap44is provided, which is placed on the stop42of the stop element4. This damping cap44is preferably made of a softer material, for example a silicone, so that an impact of the backing plate6against the stop element4is damped even more effectively.

FIGS.4a-cshow a further exemplary embodiment of a pull-out guide according to the application with a stopper3.FIGS.4a, bshow the assembled pull-out guide in an isometric overall view, once without the baking tray (FIG.4a) and once with the baking tray6in place (FIG.4b).

The basic structure of the pull-out guide with cabinet rail1and running rail2corresponds to the structure of the pull-out guides shown above.

A stop element4, which is already shown in this design in the third exemplary embodiment inFIGS.3aand3b, is used in the rear area of the running rail2.

InFIG.4c, the stopper3according toFIGS.4a, bis shown separately and in detail in two isometric views from different angles.

Unlike the stopper3described in the first two exemplary embodiments, this stopper3as shown inFIGS.4a-cis not inserted into the front end of the running rail2, but is pushed onto the front end.

For this purpose, the stopper3has an approximately C-shaped base body34, which at least partially surrounds the running rail2. The base body34can be made of an elastic material to the extent that it can also be clipped around the running rail2from the side.

A projection341is arranged on an inner side of the base body34, which engages in a corresponding recess or hole on the running rail2, whereby the stopper3is fixed in the longitudinal direction. However, the form-fit fixing and the projection341provided for this purpose can also be dispensed with if the stopper3and the running rail2are adapted to each other in such a way that the stopper3is fixed by frictional engagement.

On the outer upper side of the base body34, a support portion33is again formed for an edge of a placed baking tray. Similar to the stopper3shown inFIGS.1a-3b, longitudinal webs331and a guide pin332are formed, which positions and laterally fixes the placed baking tray.

FIGS.5a, bshow an additional support element5that can be used together with the previously shown stopper3in a pull-out guide according to the application. This additional support element5is shown separately inFIG.5ain isometric representations from three different viewing directions.FIG.5bshows a mounting process of the additional support element5in three sequences using sectional views of a pull-out guide2.

The additional support element5has an approximately C-shaped base body51with which it is clipped around the running rail2. The base body51is made of an elastic material that allows this clip-on movement.

A projection52is arranged on the upper inner side of the base body51, which engages in a corresponding recess or hole on the running rail2after clipping on, whereby the additional support element5is fixed in the longitudinal direction. However, it is also possible to dispense with the form-fit fixing and the projection52provided for this purpose, so that the additional support element5can be placed freely on the running rail2depending on the shape of the attachable support, in this case the baking tray6, and maintains its position in the direction of the pull-out guide solely by frictional engagement.

A projection52is arranged on the upper inside of the base body51, which engages in a corresponding recess or hole on the running rail2after clipping on, whereby the additional support element5is fixed in the longitudinal direction. However, it is also possible to use the form-fit

The additional support element5can be freely positioned on the running rail2depending on the shape of the support, in this case the baking tray6, and maintains its position in the direction of the pull-out guide solely by frictional engagement.

The outer upper side of the base body51forms a further support portion53for an edge of a baking tray placed on top. Similar to the support portion33of the stopper3(seeFIGS.1-4), longitudinal webs531and a guide pin532are formed, which positions and laterally fixes the placed baking tray.

It should be noted that one or more such additional support elements5can be arranged on the running rail2, in particular an additional support element5in the region of the rear end of the running rail2, i.e., adjacent to a damping cap44, which here, as shown inFIG.5b, is placed directly on a stop bolt of the running rail2. In such a design of the pull-out guide, the baking tray is aligned parallel to the running rail2and is also electrically insulated from it.

FIGS.6a-cshow a further example of an additional support element5, which can be used in combination with the stopper3shown above in a pull-out guide according to the application.

FIG.6ashows the additional support element5placed on a pull-out guide with the placed baking tray6in a sectional view looking in the pull-out direction.FIG.6bshows the additional support element5separately in two isometric detailed views from different angles. Finally,FIG.6cshows, from top to bottom, a sequence of the placement of the support element5on the pull-out guide in three stages. The left and right sides of the figure each show a section of a running rail2together with the additional support element5from different viewing directions.

The function and use of the additional support element5shown inFIGS.6a-ccorrespond to the additional support element5shown previously inFIGS.5aand5b. The additional support element5shown previously completely embraces the running rail2on two sides and partially embraces it on two other sides in order to fix it radially to the running rail2. The additional support element5shown inFIGS.6a-ccan be clipped onto the running rail2without engaging at least partially around it. It rests on only two adjacent side surfaces of the running rail2. In order to be able to be clipped onto the running rail2nevertheless, it has a punched-out tab24on its upper side that is bent out upwards and two lateral recesses25on one side surface.

For mounting, the additional support element5is first placed on the running rail2at a slight angle from above so that the tab24engages in a receiving opening54formed on the additional support element5. This is shown inFIG.6cin the upper and middle drawings. The lateral part of the L-shaped base body51of the additional support element5is then pressed against the running rail, wherein two projections52, which are formed on the inside of the additional support element5, engage in the lateral recesses25of the running rail2. As a result, the two inner side surfaces of the base body51of the additional support element5now lie flush against the running rail2and are secured in both the radial and axial directions.

As in the previous example, the additional support element5provides a support portion53on which a support, such as the baking tray6shown inFIG.6a, can rest with its edge61. In this exemplary embodiment, guide pins532are formed on the support portion53in order to fix the support laterally. Longitudinal webs (cf. longitudinal webs531inFIG.5a) are not present in the present example, but could also be formed.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS