EP3345262A1

EP3345262A1 - Electrical connecting device for a household appliance

Info

Publication number: EP3345262A1
Application number: EP15757297.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ihsan Arslantekin; Hakan Sarier; Sadullah UGUR
Original assignee: Arcelik AS
Current assignee: Arcelik AS
Priority date: 2015-09-04
Filing date: 2015-09-04
Publication date: 2018-07-11
Also published as: WO2017036558A1; TR201611561A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrical connecting device (1) for use in a household appliance (2) comprising a casing (3) which encloses the electrical components, and a cut-out (4) on the casing (3). The electrical connecting device (1) comprises a male electric socket (5) for receiving the corresponding female electric plug of a power cord. The male electric socket (5) includes pins (6a, 6b, 6c) each having terminals (7a, 7b, 7c) for connection with the electrical components. The electrical connecting device (1) of the present invention further comprises a main body (8) that fits into the cut-out (4) and a first attachment means (9) for attaching the main body (8) into the cut-out (4).

Description

ELECTRICAL CONNECTING DEVICE FOR A HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE

The present invention relates to an electrical household appliance, in particular to a cooking appliance. The present invention more particularly relates to an electrical connecting device for connecting the electrical household appliance to the mains power supply.
Electrical household appliances such as cooking appliances are commonly known in the art. A cooking appliance generally includes a plurality electrical components which are enclosed in a sheet metal casing. The electrical components are supplied with the electric power by means of a power cable that is connected at one of its ends to the grid of the house, and at the other end to the screw terminal in the appliance. The screw terminal can be generally accessed by the service person through a cut-out on the casing. When installing the cooking appliance, the service person unscrews the screws and connects the neutral line, the phase line and the ground line of the power cable to the terminals. In order to avoid any risk of electric shock, the exposed conductive parts, in particular the sheet metal casing of the appliance must be kept at earth potential. Therefore, the casing is generally connected to the ground terminal through an earthing element.
In order to simplify and expedite the installation, the electrical household appliance manufactures generally provide the appliance with a male electric socket which commonly complies with IEC 60320 standards of the international electrotechnical commission. When installing the cooking appliance, the service person uses a power cord that includes at one of it ends a corresponding female electric plug and at the other end a male electric plug. Thus, the male electric plug of the power cord must be compatible with the female electric socket in the house whereas the female electric plug of the power cord must be compatible with the male electric socket on the appliance. In general, the shape and pin configuration of these male/female electric plugs and male/female electric sockets vary between countries. Thus, the compatible power cord cannot be easily found in the local electrical stores. Therefore, the electrical household appliance manufacturers generally provide the appliance together with the compatible power cord.
DE102008009142 (A1) discloses an electrical household appliance.
A common problem with the prior art electrical household appliances is that the provision of the appliance together with the compatible power cord increases the productions costs as well as transportation costs. Moreover, the stock management of the compatible power cords in accordance with the target countries is also a cost-intensive task.
An objective of the present invention is to provide an electrical connecting device for use in an electrical household appliance which overcomes the aforementioned problems in a cost-effective way and which enables an improved production and improved assembly of the appliance in compatibility with the target countries.
This objective has been achieved by the electrical connecting device as defined in claim 1, and the electrical household appliance as defined in claim 14. Further achievements have been attained by the subject-matters respectively defined in the dependent claims.
The electrical connecting device of the present invention comprises: a main body that fits into the cut-out, a first attachment means that is adapted to attach the main body into the cut-out, a second attachment means that is adapted to detachably attach the male electric socket to the main body, wherein the main body has a protective cover section that conceals the terminals of the male electric socket from the outside.
A major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the appliance can be easily produced and assembled with a male electric socket that is compatible with the target country by attaching the main body into the cut-out on the casing and thereafter by attaching the compatible male electric socket to the main body. Thereby, the user is enabled to easily find a compatible power cord in a local store or use an already existing compatible power cord available in the household. Thereby, the production and assembly cost can be reduced, and the need of stocking power cords can be obviated, and thus the appliance can be provided to the customer without the power cord. Thereby, the electrical household appliances can be rendered more environment friendly, and thus the valuable resources can be further saved. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the male electric socket can be easily replaced with another male electric socket that is compatible with a new target country in case of a reallocation without the need of removing the main body or replacing with another one. Thereby, the required modification can be quickly performed, and thus the production and assembly costs can be further reduced both in material and labor, and the risk of wasting the main body can be eliminated or reduced as much as possible.
In alternative embodiments, the first attachment means comprises a form-fitting connection and/or a force-fitting connection that detachably attaches the main body into the cut-out on the appliance. These embodiments are particularly advantageous as the main body can be easily detached for maintenance, reparation or modification.
In other alternative embodiments, the second attachment means comprises a form-fitting connection and/or a force-fitting connection that detachably attaches the male electric socket to the main body. These embodiments are particularly advantageous as the male electric socket can be easily detached for maintenance, reparation or modification.
In another embodiment, the power cord is secured in place through a clamp that is disposed onto the main body. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the clamp acts as a strain relief and thus the male electric socket can be protected from excessive mechanical stress.
In another embodiment, an earthing element joined to the ground pin is connected to the sheet metal casing by means of a force-fitting connection that is accessible from the outside without the need of detaching the main body. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the earthing can be conducted and also examined for defects externally.
In another embodiment, the male electric socket has a releasable fixing means that secures the pins in place. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the pins and the terminals do not need to be molded with the male electric socket. Thereby, the pins and the terminals can be easily detached for maintenance.
In another embodiment, the male electric socket extends parallel to the main body and the upper surface of the casing. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the power cord can be easily plugged into the male electric socket even there is only little space behind the casing.
In other embodiment, the male electric socket extends obliquely with respect to the main body and the casing. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the male electric socket can be embedded into the casing so as to save space.
In another embodiment, the male electric socket of the electrical connecting device and the corresponding female electric plug of the power cord comply with the IEC 60320 standards of the international electrotechnical commission. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the appliances can be provided compatible with the countries worldwide.
In other alternative embodiments, the electrical connecting device is used in various different electrical household appliances including a cooking appliance, a laundry treatment appliance, a dishwasher, a refrigeration appliance, an extractor hood, a TV device etc. Herein, the cooking appliance may be a free-standing type or a built-in type. In addition, the cooking appliance may be provided with a cooking chamber and/or cooking top.
In another embodiment, the cut-out is formed into a depression on the sheet metal casing of the appliance. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the electrical connection device can be accommodated in the depression so as to reduce the space required for the installation of the appliance.
In other alternative embodiments, the cut-out is respectively formed into one of various sections of the casing in accordance with the intended installation place and the available length of the compatible power cord. For instance, the cut-out may be formed into the casing on the rear side, the lateral sides, the bottom side or top side of the appliance.
Additional features and additional advantageous effects of the electrical connecting device and the electrical household appliance of the present invention will become more apparent with the detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 – is a schematic partial perspective rear view of an electrical household appliance which has an electrical connecting device according to an embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 2 – is a schematic partial perspective inner view of the electrical household appliance of Fig. 1,
Figure 3 – is a schematic partial perspective rear view of the electrical household appliance of Fig. 1, while attaching the electrical connecting device from the outside into the cut-out on the sheet metal casing,
Figure 4 – is a schematic perspective view of the electrical connecting device of Fig. 1,
Figure 5 – is another schematic perspective view of the electrical connecting device of Fig. 4,
Figure 6 – is a schematic sectional view of the electrical connecting device of Fig. 4,
Figure 7 – is a schematic partial perspective view of the electrical connecting device of Fig. 4, wherein the power cord clamp and the electric male socket have been detached,
Figure 8 – is a schematic perspective view of the electric male socket of the electrical connecting device of Fig. 4, prior to assembling with the pins, the terminals, and the earthing element,
Figure 9 – is a schematic perspective view of the pins, the terminals, and the earthing element of the electrical connecting device of Fig. 4,
Figure 10 – is a schematic perspective view of the power cord clamp of the electrical connecting device of Fig. 4,
Figure 11 – is a schematic perspective view of the electric male socket of the electrical connecting device of Fig. 4,
Figure 12 – is another schematic perspective view of the electric male socket of Fig. 11,
Figure 13 – is a schematic partial perspective rear view of an electrical household appliance which has an electrical connecting device according to another embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 14 – is a schematic partial perspective inner view of the electrical household appliance of Fig. 13,
Figure 15 – is a schematic partial perspective rear view of the electrical household appliance of Fig. 1, while attaching the electrical connecting device from the outside into the cut-out on the sheet metal casing,
Figure 16 – is a schematic perspective view of the electrical connecting device of Fig. 13,
Figure 17 – is another schematic perspective view of the electrical connecting device of Fig. 16,
Figure 18 – is a schematic sectional view of the electrical connecting device of Fig. 16,
Figure 19 – is a schematic partial perspective view of the electrical connecting device of
Fig. 4, wherein the power cord clamp and the electric male socket have been detached,
Figure 20 – is a schematic perspective view of the electric male socket of the electrical connecting device of Fig. 16, prior to assembling with the pins, the terminals, and the earthing element,
Figure 21 – is a schematic perspective view of the pins, the terminals, and the earthing element of the electrical connecting device of Fig. 16,
Figure 22 – is a schematic perspective view of the power cord clamp of the electrical connecting device of Fig. 16,
Figure 23 – is a schematic perspective view of the electric male socket of the electrical connecting device of Fig. 16,
Figure 24 – is another schematic perspective view of the electric male socket of Fig. 23.
The reference signs appearing on the drawings relate to the following technical features.

Electrical connecting device
Household appliance
Casing
Cut-out
Socket

6a. Phase pin
6b. Neutral pin
6c. Ground pin
7a. Phase terminal
7b. Neutral terminal
7c. Ground terminal
7d. Earthing element
8. Main body
9. 1^st attachment means
10. 2^nd attachment means
11. Cover section
12. Flange
13. Catch
14. Protrusion
15. Snap-in slot
16. Snap-in claw
17. Guiding slot
18. Guide
19. Alignment hole
20. Alignment pin
21. Clamp
22. Pivot
23. Catch
24. Pivot
25. Projection
26. Hole
27. Screw
28. Fixing means
29. Depression
The electrical connecting device (1) is suitable for use in an electrical household appliance (2). The electrical household appliance (2) comprises electrical components (not shown), a sheet metal casing (3) that is adapted to enclose the electrical components and a cut-out (4) that is formed into the casing (3) so as to receive the electrical connecting device (1) (Fig. 1 to 24).
The electrical connecting device (1) comprises: a male electric socket (5) that is suitable for receiving the corresponding female electric plug (not shown) of a power cord (not shown) that also has a male electric plug (not shown) for connection to the mains (not shown), wherein the male electric socket (5) includes pins (6a, 6b, 6c) each provided with one or more respective terminals (7a, 7b, 7c) for releasable connection with the electrical components of the appliance (2).
The electrical connecting device (1) o the present invention further comprises: a main body (8) that fits into the cut-out (4), a first attachment means (9) that is adapted to attach the main body (8) into the cut-out (4), a second attachment means (10) that is adapted to detachably attach the male electric socket (5) to the main body (8), wherein the main body (8) has a protective cover section (11) that conceals the terminals (7a, 7b, 7c) of the male electric socket (5) from the outside.
The electrical household appliance (2) of the present invention further comprises the electrical connecting device (1).
In an embodiment, the electrical household appliance (2) further comprises: a depression (29) that is formed into the sheet metal casing (3), wherein the cut-out (4) is formed into depression (29), and wherein the depth of the depression (29) matches with the height of the electrical connecting device (1).
In another embodiment, the cut-out (4) is formed into the sheet metal casing (3) located on the back of the appliance (2).
In another embodiment, the electrical household appliance (2) is provided as an in-built type cooking appliance (2) which comprises a cooking chamber (not shown), a heating unit (not shown) for heating the cooking chamber, a control unit (not shown) for controlling the heating unit, and a control panel (not shown) including one or more controls buttons (not shown) and a display (not shown).
In another embodiment, the first attachment means (9) is further adapted to detachably attach the main body (8) into the cut-out (4).
In another embodiment, the first attachment means (9) comprises a flange (12) adapted to abut onto the outer periphery of the cut-out (4), and a one or more catches (13) each adapted to grip the inner periphery of the cut-out (4). In this embodiment, the flange (12) and each catch (13) are disposed onto the main body (8).
In another embodiment, the first attachment means (9) further comprises: a protrusion (14) adapted to abut onto the inner periphery of the cut-out (4). In this embodiment, the protrusion (14) is disposed onto the main body (8).
In another embodiment, the second attachment means (10) comprises one or more snap-in slots (15), and one or more snap-in claws (16) each adapted to snap-into the respective snap-in slot (15).
In another embodiment, the second attachment means (10) comprises one or more guiding slots (17), and one or more guides (18) each adapted to slide into the respective guiding slot (17).
In another embodiment, the second attachment means (10) comprises one or more alignment holes (19), and one or more alignment pins (20) each adapted to project into the respective alignment hole (19).
In another embodiment, each snap-in slot (15), each guiding slot (17), and each alignment pin (20) are disposed onto the main body (8). In this embodiment, each snap-in claw (16), each guide (18), and each alignment hole (19) are disposed onto the male electric socket (5) (Fig. 1 to 12).
In an alternative embodiment, each snap-in slot (15), each guiding slot (17), and each alignment pin (20) are disposed onto the male electric socket (5). In this embodiment, each snap-in claw (16), each guide (18), and each alignment hole (19) are disposed onto the main body (8) (Fig. 13 to 24).
In another embodiment, the electrical connecting device (1) comprises: a clamp (21) for securing the power cord in place when the corresponding female electric plug thereof is plugged into male electric socket (5), wherein the clamp (21) is releasably disposed onto the main body (8) (Fig. 1 to 24).
In another embodiment, the clamp (21) comprises a pivot (22) and a catch (23). In this embodiment, the main body (8) comprises: counterpart pivot (24) for engaging with the pivot (22) of the clamp (21), and a projection (25) adapted to engage with the catch (23).
In another embodiment, the electrical connecting device (1) comprises: an earthing element (7d) joined to the ground pin (6c), wherein the earthing element (7d) comprises two holes (26) for mounting the same to the sheet metal casing (3) by means of respective screws (27), and wherein each screw (27) is accessible from the outside without detaching the main body (8).
In another embodiment, the male electric socket (5) comprises a releasable fixing means (28) adapted to secure the pins (6a, 6b, 6c) in place.
In another embodiment, the male electric socket (5) is parallel with respect to the main body (8) and the sheet metal casing (3) (Fig. 1 to 12).
In another alternative embodiment, the male electric socket (5) is inclined with respect to the main body (8) and the sheet metal casing (3) (Fig. 13 to 24).
In another embodiment, the male electric socket (5) is adapted to receive a corresponding female electric plug that complies with the IEC 60320 standards of the international electrotechnical commission.
In other alternative embodiments, the male electric socket (5) is respectively adapted to receive a C5 (2.5A/250V or 10A/125V), C7 (2.5A/250V or 10A/125V) , C13 (10A/250V or 15A/250V), C15 (10A/250V or 15A/250V), C17 (10A/250V or 15A/250V), C19 (16A/250V or 20A/250V) type female electric plug which is moulded to the power cord. In these embodiments, the male electric socket (5) is respectively provided as a corresponding C6, C8, C14, C16, C18, or C20 male electric socket (5). This list is not exhaustive.
In another embodiment, the pins (6a, 6b, 6c) are respectively joined to the terminals (7a, 7b, 7c) and the earthing element (7d) by welding.
In another embodiment, each terminal (7a, 7b, 7c) is provided in form of a male blade terminal (7a, 7b, 7c).
A major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the appliance (2) can be easily produced and assembled with a male electric socket (5) that is compatible with the target country by attaching the main body (8) into the cut-out (4) on the casing (3) and thereafter by attaching the compatible male electric socket (5) to the main body (8). Thereby, the user is enabled to easily find a compatible power cord in a local store of the target country or use an already existing compatible power cord available in his/her household. Thereby, the production and assembly cost can be reduced, and the need of stocking power cords can be obviated, and thus the appliance (2) can be provided to the customer without the power cord. Thereby, the electrical household appliances (2) can be rendered more environment-friendly, and thus the valuable resources can be further saved. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the male electric socket (5) can be easily replaced with another male electric socket (5) that is compatible with a new target country in case of a reallocation without the need of removing the main body (8) or replacing with another one. Thereby, the required modification can be quickly performed, and thus the production and assembly costs can be further reduced both in material and labor, and the risk of wasting the main body (8) can be eliminated or reduced as much as possible. Other advantageous effects of the present invention can be taken form the above described embodiments.

Claims

An electrical connecting device (1) for use in an electrical household appliance (2), in particular in a cooking appliance (2) comprising electrical components, a sheet metal casing (3) that is adapted to enclose the electrical components, and a cut-out (4) that is formed into the casing (3), the electrical connecting device (1) further comprising: a male electric socket (5) that is suitable for receiving the corresponding female electric plug of a power cord that also has a male electric plug for connection to the mains, wherein the male electric socket (5) includes pins (6a, 6b, 6c) each provided with one or more respective terminals (7a, 7b, 7c) for releasable connection with the electrical components of the appliance (2), the electrical connecting device (1) being characterized in that a main body (8) that fits into the cut-out (4), a first attachment means (9) that is adapted to attach the main body (8) into the cut-out (4), a second attachment means (10) that is adapted to detachably attach the male electric socket (5) to the main body (8), wherein the main body (8) has a protective cover section (11) that conceals the terminals (7a, 7b, 7c) of the male electric socket (5) from the outside.
The electrical connecting device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first attachment means (9) is further adapted to detachably attach the main body (8) into the cut-out (4).
The electrical connecting device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first attachment means (9) comprises a flange (12) adapted to abut onto the outer periphery of the cut-out (4), and a one or more catches (13) each adapted to grip the inner periphery of the cut-out (4), wherein the flange (12) and each catch (13) are disposed onto the main body (8).
The electrical connecting device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first attachment means (9) further comprises a protrusion (14) adapted to abut onto the inner periphery of the cut-out (4), wherein the protrusion (14) is disposed onto the main body (8).
The electrical connecting device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second attachment means (10) comprises one or more snap-in slots (15), and one or more snap-in claws (16) each adapted to snap-into the respective snap-in slot (15).
The electrical connecting device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that each snap-in slot (15) is disposed onto the main body (8), and each snap-in claw (16) is disposed onto the male electric socket (5).
The electrical connecting device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that each snap-in slot (15) is disposed onto the male electric socket (5), and each snap-in claw (16) disposed onto the main body (8).
The electrical connecting device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a clamp (21) for securing the power cord in place when the corresponding female electric plug thereof is plugged into male electric socket (5), wherein the clamp (21) is releasably disposed onto the main body (8).
The electrical connecting device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the clamp (21) comprises a pivot (22) and a catch (23), and the main body (8) comprises counterpart pivot (24) for engaging with the pivot (22) of the clamp (21), and a projection (25) adapted to engage with the catch (23).
The electrical connecting device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that an earthing element (7d) joined to the ground pin (6c), wherein the earthing element (7d) comprises one or more holes (26) for mounting the same to the sheet metal casing (3) by means of respective screws (27), and wherein each screw (27) is accessible from the outside without detaching the main body (8).
The electrical connecting device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the male electric socket (5) comprises a releasable fixing means (28) adapted to secure the pins (6a, 6b, 6c) in place.
The electrical connecting device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the male electric socket (5) is inclined with respect to the main body (8).
A household appliance (2), in particular a cooking appliance comprising electrical components, a sheet metal casing (3) that is adapted to enclose the electrical components, and a cut-out (4) that is formed into the metal casing (3), the electrical household appliance (2) being characterized in that the electrical connecting device (1) as defined in any one claims 1 to 12.
The household appliance (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that a depression (29) that is formed into the sheet metal casing (3), wherein the cut-out (4) is formed into depression (29), and wherein the depth of the depression (29) matches with the height of the electrical connecting device (1).