CONNECTING DEVICE FOR FIXING A PULL-OUT GUIDE TO A SIDE GRATE

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting device for fixing a pull-out guide (5) to a side grate (1), in particular for baking ovens, comprising a holder (10), which has at least one hook (11) for engaging with a horizontal brace (3) of the side grate (1), and a spring element (12, 12″, 12″′, 12″″), by means of which the holder (10) can be latched to the side grate (1), wherein the spring element (12, 12′, 12″′, 12″″) is designed as a separate component and has a flexible spring leg (15) for latching the holder (10).

Description

The present invention relates to a connecting device for fixing a pull-out guide to a side grate, especially for baking ovens, comprising a holder which has at least one hook for engaging in a horizontal brace of the side grate and a spring element by means of which the holder can be latched onto the side grate.

DE 20 2005 020 458 discloses a quick-fixing element for fixing a guide rail to a brace of a grate-like side part, wherein the quick-fixing element comprises a clamp-like holding section and can be slid onto the brace in the horizontal direction. An integrally arranged leaf spring is provided for fixing the quick-fixing element. Although the latching of the quick-fixing element leads to simple mounting, there is still the problem that integrally arranged leaf springs will often operate in a critical tension range in stable configuration. A high amount of spring power is necessary as a result of the small spring excursion in order to securely latch the quick-fixing element.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a connecting device for fixing a pull-out guide to a side grate which is easy to mount and in which a high load on the material of the spring element can be avoided.

This object is achieved by a connecting device with the features of claim 1.

In accordance with the invention, the spring element of the connecting device is arranged as a separate component, i.e. it is therefore separated from the holder, and comprises a flexible spring leg for latching the holder. The flexible spring leg can have a larger spring excursion, so that lower forces will be necessary for latching the holder to the brace. Moreover, the spring element can be provided with a flexible configuration in one direction in which the holder has high stiffness, so that an optimized arrangement for secure fixing to the brace is enabled.

Preferably, the spring element is fixed to the holder in the latched position. The spring element can be fixed in a clamping manner to the holder, but fixing via a fastening means is also possible.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the holder is arranged as an angle which forms the hook on one side and a support for the pull-out guide on a bent-off section. The pull-out guide can be fixed in a simple manner to the bent-off section in this way. A recess can be formed in the bent-off section for stable fixing in the horizontal direction, in which recess a vertical pillar of the side grate can be inserted. As a result, the horizontal forces which occur during the displacement of the pull-out guide are transmitted directly onto the side grate.

A spring element can be arranged as a leaf spring for compact configuration. The flexible spring leg can be provided with a length of at least 2 cm from low spring forces.

The spring element is preferably arranged in a substantially L-shaped manner, with one leg forming the spring leg and the other leg being supported on the bent-off section of the holder. This provides an especially flat configuration of the spring element, which can substantially be made of a bent sheet metal, wherein a bent limit stop can additionally be provided on the spring leg for limiting the spring excursion of the spring leg.

The connecting device preferably comprises a second holder which can be mounted on the opposite end of the pull-out guide for example and comprises a hook for engagement in a horizontal brace of the side grate. The second holder comprises a strip-like section for secure fixing to the side grate, on which a groove is formed for inserting a vertical pillar of the side grate, so that horizontal forces can be transmitted onto the side grate. A horizontal extension arm can be provided on the second holder for stable fixing of the pull-out guide, on which a rail of the pull-out guide is fixed, e.g. by inserting the extension arm into the rail.

In a further embodiment the spring element comprises a spring leg which is arranged in the sheet metal in an arc-like, especially spiral, manner. A slight deflection transversely to the sheet plane of the spring leg over a very long spring excursion can be achieved in combination with a very compact configuration.

It is the object of this spring arrangement, relating to the base area of the flatbed spring, to achieve the maximum stretched length relating to the blank.

The invention will be explained below in closer detail by reference to an embodiment shown in the enclosed drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the connecting device in the mounted state;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the connecting device of FIG. 1 during mounting;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective exploded view of the connecting device without the side grate;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the first holder and the spring element;

FIGS. 5A to 5C show several views of a further embodiment of a first holder with a modified spring element;

FIGS. 6A to 6C show several views of a further embodiment of a first holder with a modified spring element.

FIGS. 7A to 7G show several views of a further embodiment of a first holder with a modified spring element.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of the deformation of the flatbed spring of FIG. 7 under action of force, and

FIG. 9 shows an example for a modified flatbed spring blank.

A connecting device is used for fixing a pull-out guide 5 on a side grate 1, with the side grate 1 comprising two mutually spaced vertical pillars 2 or posts, on which a plurality of horizontal braces 3 or bars are fixed. Each horizontal brace 3 comprises a bent-off end section 4 on one side which is fixed to the vertical pillar 2. On the opposite side, every horizontal brace 3 is fixed with a linear section at the end side to a vertical pillar 2.

The side grate 1 is fixed to a side wall of a baking oven and is used for guiding foodstuff racks, with a pull-out guide 5 with a stationary guide rail 6 and a displaceable running rail 7 being fixed at least to a part of the horizontal braces 3. At least one middle rail which extends the pull-out distance can be arranged between the guide rail 6 and the running rail 7.

A first holder 10 is fixed to the front pillar 2, which holder comprises a hook 11 which is engaged into a bent-off end section 4 of a horizontal brace 3. In order to secure the hope 11 in the engaged position, a spring element 12 is provided.

The connecting device further comprises a second holder 20 which is fixed to the rear pillar 2 of the side grate 1. The second holder 20 comprises a hook 21 which is engaged in a horizontal brace 3. Furthermore, the second holder 20 comprises a strip-like section 22 which encloses the vertical pillar 2 in a U-shaped manner.

FIG. 2 shows the connecting device during mounting, with the second holder 20 already being fixed to the vertical pillar 2 and the horizontal brace 3, and the first holder 10 is not yet fixed to the bent-off end section 4. The spring element 12 is bent away from the hook 11, so that the bent-off end section 4 can be inserted into the hook 11. Subsequently, the spring element 12 will bend back and will secure the first holder.

FIG. 3 shows the first holder 10 and the second holder 20 with the pull-out guide 5 that has not yet been arranged thereon. The first holder 10 is arranged in a substantially angular manner, with the hook 11 being arranged on one side and a bent-off section 30 on the other side, on which the pull-out guide is supported. The pull-out guide 5 can be fixed with a rail to the bent-off section 30, e.g. by welding. An angularly protruding stop 18 is arranged adjacent to the hook 11, which stop is aligned parallel to the bent-off end section 4 and rests on the horizontal brace 3. As a result, the holder 10 can be secured against withdrawal transversely to the pull-out direction.

A horizontally aligned bracket 31 is arranged on the rear side of the bent-off section 30, on which a recess 32 is provided for inserting the pillar 2. As a result, the holder 12 can be secured against displacement in the pull-out direction.

The spring element 12 comprises a flexible spring leg 15, on which a lateral projection 13 is arranged in order to close off an opening 19 on the hook 11. A bent-off stop 14 is further arranged on the spring leg 15 in order to limit the movement of the spring leg 15. Furthermore, the stop 14 is used as a handle in dismounting the pull-out guide 5. The spring element 12 further comprises a bottom section 16 which is arranged on the holder 10 adjacent to the bent-off section 30, which prevents that the spring element 12 can be moved downwardly. An extension arm 17 is further integrally attached to the bottom section 16.

The second holder 20 comprises a strip-like section 22 in which a U-shaped groove 23 is arranged for accommodating the vertical pillar 2. A laterally protruding hook 21 is arranged on a lateral leg of the strip-like section 22, which hook comprises an opening 24 for inserting the horizontal brace 3. Furthermore, a laterally protruding strip 25 is arranged on a leg of the strip-like section 22, on which an angularly protruding extension arm 26 is arranged. The extension arm 26 extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the pull-out guide 5 and can be inserted into a receiver on a guide rail 6. The guide rail 6 can be fixed by means of suitable fastening means to the extension arm 26.

FIG. 4 shows the holder 10 and the spring element 12 in closer detail. The holder 10 is arranged as an angle and comprises a horizontally bent-off section 30 and a vertical angular section 33. The hook 11 with an opening 19 for inserting the bent-off end section 4 is arranged in the vertical angular section 33. The holder 10 is made of a bent and punched sheet metal.

The spring element 12 is produced in a substantially plate-like manner from a sheet metal and has a substantially L-shaped contour. The spring leg 12 comprises the bent-off stop 14 and the projection 13 at the end side. The bottom section 16 is arranged on the side facing the bending axis with the extension arm 17′ which is arranged with a modified configuration in this case and which can be glued or welded to the vertical section 33. The spring element 12 is arranged as a leaf spring, wherein a spring element 12 made of a round wire or with any other geometry can be used instead of the flat plate-like configuration.

Modified spring elements 12″ and 12″′ are provided in FIGS. 5 and 6 in the previously described holder 10.

A spring element 12″ is provided in FIGS. 5A to 5C, which spring element comprises a projection 13 adjacent to a stop 14 for closing the opening 19. The spring element 12″ is provided with a substantially strip-like and flat arrangement and comprises a bottom section 16 which is arranged adjacent to the bent-off section 30 of the holder 10. A spring leg 17″ extends from the bottom section 16 after an arc-shaped recessed transitional region, which spring leg comprises a section 37 and an end 38 after an arc-shaped recessed transitional region. As a result, the spring element 12″ can be tensioned in the manner of a leaf spring, with the spring element 12″ being comparatively long as a result of the wound section 37, so that a spring force can be provided in an especially compact arrangement. The large resilient length that is achieved by the traditional regions allows using inexpensive materials of lower elasticity range.

In the embodiments as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, a spring element 12″′ is provided which comprises a stop 14 and a projection 13 in the region of the hook 11, as in the preceding embodiments. The spring element 12″′ comprises a spring leg 17″′ which comprises an outer spiral winding 40 and an inner spiral winding 41 originating from the bent-off section 30 of the holder 10. As a result of the spiral windings 40 and 41, an especially long spring leg 15 is provided in combination with compact configuration, which spring leg can also be used as a lateral supporting surface. The tip of the inner winding 41 can be welded glued together with the vertical section 33 of the holder 10.

In the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7G, a spring element 12″″ is provided in form of a flatbed spring, which represents a modification of the embodiment as shown in FIG. 5. The spring element 12″″ comprises a section 42 for securing the flatbed spring against inadvertent release. The section 42 comprises for this purpose a U-shaped cross-section and engages behind an edge on the hook 11. The spring element 12″″ comprises a handle 43 in form of a projection for release. For releasing, the user must deflect the spring element 12″″ in the direction away from the hook 11, so that the section 42 comes out of engagement with the hook 11 before it can deflect the spring element 12″″ transversely to its main plane in order to release the connection.

FIG. 8 schematically shows the characteristics of a flatbed spring 44 according to FIGS. 5 and 7. The flatbed spring 44 is welded together at a fixing point 49 to the vertical angular section 33 of the holder 10. No deformation in form of bending occurs in this region. Strong bending 48 in the direction of the negative Z axis occurs in the diagonal spring section. Strong bending 46 in form of deflection also occurs in the vertical spring section beneath an application of force 45. The force acts in the Z direction on the spring and produces an equiaxed deformation. The horizontal leg of the flatbed spring shows only slight bending 47 over its entire length. The direction of the deflection is determined by the vertical and diagonal spring sections, and therefore travels from the positive Z axis to the negative. Virtually no deformation occurs at the point of force application 45. This is caused by the folded edges by the stop 14 and the section 42 and the resulting stiffness. There is also only weak bending in the areas determined by the radii. The spring excursion is achieved relevantly by the elongated straight spring sections. The bent transitional regions stiffen the flatbed spring and merely have an influence on the direction of deflection.

FIG. 9 shows an example for a modified flatbed spring blank 51. A meandering flatbed spring blank 51 is gained from a plate-like rectangular basic area 50 of the flat material. As a result, a flatbed spring with a large deflection transversely to the material strength is produced in combination with low input of material. The flatbed spring can further be arranged as in the preceding embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

• 1 Side grate
• 2 Pillar
• 3 Brace
• 4 End section
• 5 Pull-out guide
• 6 Guide rail
• 7 Running rail
• 10 Holder
• 11 Hook
• 12 Spring element
• 12″ Spring element
• 12″′ Spring element
• 12″″ Spring element
• 13 Projection
• 14 Stop
• 15 Spring leg
• 16 Bottom section
• 17 Extension arm
• 17′ Extension arm
• 17″ Spring leg
• 17″′ Spring leg
• 18 Stop
• 19 Opening
• 20 Holder
• 21 Hook
• 22 Section
• 23 Groove
• 24 Opening
• 25 Strip
• 26 Extension arm
• 30 Section
• 31 Bracket
• 32 Recess
• 33 Angular section
• 37 Section
• 38 End
• 40 Winding
• 41 Winding
• 42 Section
• 43 Handle
• 44 Flatbed spring
• 45 Application of force
• 46 Strong bending
• 47 Light bending
• 48 Strong bending
• 49 Fixing
• 50 Base area
• 51 Flatbed spring blank

Claims

1. A connecting device for fixing a pull-out guide (5) to a side grate (1), especially for baking ovens, comprising a holder (10) which has at least one hook (11) for engaging in a horizontal brace (3) of the side grate (1) and a spring element (12, 12″, 12″′, 12″″) by means of which the holder (10) can be latched onto the side grate (1), characterized in that the spring element (12, 12″, 12″′, 12″″) is arranged as a separate component and comprises a flexible spring leg (15) for latching the holder (10).

2. A connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring element (12, 12″, 12″′, 12″″) is fixed on the holder (10) in the latched position.

3. A connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the holder (10) is arranged as an angle which forms the hook (11) on one side and a support for the pull-out guide (5) on a bent-off section (30).

4. A connecting device according to claim 3, characterized in that a recess (32) is arranged on the bent-off section (30), into which a vertical pillar (2) of the side grate (1) can be inserted.

5. A connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring element (12, 12″, 12″′) is arranged as a leaf spring.

6. A connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible spring leg (15) has a length of at least 2 cm.

7. A connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring element (12, 12″, 12″′) is provided with a substantially L-shaped arrangement, with one leg forming the spring leg (15) and the other leg (16) resting on the bent-off section (30) of the holder (10).

8. A connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that a second holder (20) is provided which comprises a hook (21) for engagement in a horizontal brace (3) of the side grate (1).

9. A connecting device according to claim 8, characterized in that the second holder (20) comprises a strip-like section on which a groove (23) is formed for inserting a vertical pillar (2) of the side grate (1).

10. A connecting device according to claim 8, characterized in that a horizontal extension arm (26) is provided on the second holder (20), on which a rail (6) of the pull-out guide (5) is fixed.

11. A connecting device according to claim 10, characterized in that the extension arm (26) can be inserted into the rail (6).

12. A connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring element (12″, 12″′) comprises a spring leg (17″, 17″′) which is wound in itself, especially in a spiral manner.

13. A connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring element (12″, 12″′, 12″″) comprises a spiral-shaped blank made from a flatbed spring.

14. A connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first holder (10), the second holder (20) and/or the spring element (12, 12″, 12″′, 12″″) is made of a sheet metal.

15. A pull-out guide with a connecting device according to claim 1.