EP4600416A1

EP4600416A1 - Connection system, process for connecting a first household appliance with a second household appliance or an accessory, and household appliance comprising the connection system

Info

Publication number: EP4600416A1
Application number: EP24156015.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Szymon Polka; Sebastian Platzer; Jaroslaw Szczotarski; Wiktor Plawski
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2024-02-06
Filing date: 2024-02-06
Publication date: 2025-08-13
Also published as: CN120443437A

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection system 11 for connecting a first household appliance with a second household appliance or an accessory, comprising a worktop 2,3 with several predefined cavities 4 for accepting fastening elements 1, wherein each cavity 4 is covered by a cover 5,6,7,8, and wherein each of the fastening elements 1 has an elongated narrow part 9 with a length l₁ and a maximum width d₁ and a shorter wide part 10 with a length l₂ and a maximum width d₂, wherein l₁>l₂ and d₁<d₂, and wherein the cavity 4 and/or the cover 5,6 are adapted to fixate the fastening element 1 in the cavity 4. The invention also relates to a process for connecting a first household appliance with a second household appliance or an accessory, and a household appliance comprising the connection system 11.

Description

The invention relates to a connection system, a process for connecting a first household appliance with a second household appliance or an accessory, and a household appliance comprising the connection system.
In cramped conditions and/or when a large number of household appliances is used, the stacking of several household appliances might be a convenient means to deal with limited space. A secure stacking, i.e. a mechanical connection, is important. Very often, a tumble dryer is stacked on top of an e.g. washing machine or washer dryer with the help of an additional stacking kit, which is needed to securely attach a dryer on top of a washing machine. If for example a dryer is not fixated, it can in a worst-case scenario fall of the washing machine. Currently, a stacking kit is thus usually used for secure stacking. Such a stacking kit has to be bought a user in general additionally if they want to stack a tumble dryer on a washing machine.
The publication DE 3827790 A1 discloses a kit for mounting of an upper appliance e.g. a laundry drier, with four height-adjustable feet onto a work-plate top of a lower appliance, e.g. a laundry washing machine. The kit comprises four Z-shaped brackets, at least two screws for each bracket, two side panels and a front panel, the panels having respective detent elements formed on their rear sides.
The publication DE 9101782 U1 discloses a kit for the tilt-proof connection of domestic appliances, in particular refrigerators and freezers, which can be stacked on top of one another. Refrigerators and freezers whose housings, which have at least approximately congruent base surfaces, rest on feet and are equipped at the top with an attachment in the form of a table top or the like, characterized by at least two profile rails which can be attached to the housing of the lower appliance instead of the attachment at opposite upper edges and which have receptacles for the form-fitting insertion of the feet of the appliance resting thereon.
The publication DE 102013103103258 A1 discloses a connecting kit for stackable laundry treatment appliances, with which, for example, a tumble dryer can be mounted on a washing machine to form a washer-dryer column, the connecting kit having a frame for fastening on the lid of the bottom-mounted appliance and the frame comprising lateral frame parts with foot receptacles arranged therein for the supporting feet of the top-mounted appliance and at least one crosspiece between the lateral frame parts, wherein mounting elements are provided for mounting the connection kit on the lid of the lower standing appliance, which can be connected to the frame of the connection kit in such a way that they interact as positioning and/or spacing elements between parts of the frame and the lid.
The publication US 2011/241501 A discloses a clothes treating apparatus, comprising: an upper clothes treating apparatus; and a lower clothes treating apparatus, wherein each of the upper and lower clothes treating apparatuses comprises a cabinet; and a plurality of legs installed below the cabinet, wherein the lower clothes treating apparatus comprises a plurality of leg accommodation portions formed on an upper surface of the cabinet of the lower clothes treating apparatus to accommodate the plurality of legs of the upper clothes treating apparatus, and wherein the upper and lower clothes treating apparatuses are fixed to each other as the plurality of legs of the upper clothes treating apparatus are insertion-fixed to the plurality of leg accommodation portions of the lower clothes treating apparatus. Leg insertion holes are configured to insert the legs of the upper clothes treating apparatus thereinto. In the embodiment shown in the figures, each of the legs includes a support portion directly contacting a bottom surface and supporting the cabinet, and a screw portion connected to the support portion and penetratingly-inserted into a bottom surface of the cabinet. The support portion is formed in a disc shape having a diameter larger than that of the screw portion. The screw portion is formed in a cylindrical shape having a screw thread on an outer circumference surface thereof. One end of the screw portion is protruding to inside of the cabinet of the upper clothes treating apparatus by penetrating a bottom surface of the cabinet. The leg insertion holes consist of two holes having different widths. One is a first insertion hole having a diameter larger than that of the support portion and configured to easily pass the support portion therethrough, and another is a second insertion hole having a diameter smaller than that of the support portion but larger than that of the screw portion. Under this configuration, the leg cannot pass through the second insertion hole, but can pass through only the first insertion hole.
The publication DE 10355457 A1 discloses a device for sorting washing into different compartments prior to feeding to a washing machine, consisting of at least two washing holders with base plates and side walls, where the base plates are adapted in dimensions to the shape and dimensions of the washing machine cover plate.
The publication DE 3827789 A1 discloses a washer/dryer column, of which the washing machine, situated at the bottom, possesses a worktop and the drying machine, placed on top, possesses four height-adjustable standing feet with footplates, has four Z-shaped brackets which are screwed onto the worktop in order to connect and cover the connecting gap. The fastening plate, situated at a distance from the worktop, of the brackets possesses a fork which serves to receive the standing foot. After the washing dryer has been placed on top, the footplates are screwed against the fastening plate from below. Two side panels and a front panel are fastened by means of snap-in elements to between the bottom of the dryer and the worktop of the washing machine.
The publication DE 4233803 C2 discloses an invention where two domestic appliances, esp. a washing machine and a dryer, are mounted on top of each other. Four adjustable feet are screwed sufficiently far into the base of the upper machine so that the foot end plates or the base respectively, project beyond the lower edge of the upper housing by the same amount as the upper edge of the lower machine projects above the top surface of its bearing plate. The base is connected to the bearing plate by screws which are inserted from below. Pref., adjustable feet are screwed into the base of the dryer and accept screws which are inserted from below in holes in the top bearing plate of the washing machine. Sealing rings prevent moisture from penetrating past the screw. The position of the feet is set so that the edges of the dryer casing and washer housing meet without a gap.
The publication DE 102005026134 A1 discloses an arrangement for connecting two domestic units, especially a washing machine with a drier on top, comprises a frame or board which can be fixed to the lower unit. The frame or board has at least two shoe sections for fixing the feet of the upper unit. The feet of the upper unit can be placed in the shoe sections and fixed using a horizontal force. The frame or board is made of plastic or metal as are the locating elements and spacers. The frame or board is fixed to the lower unit using screws or adhesive.
In view of this situation, it was an object of the present invention to provide a connection system that allows a simplified process of secure stacking on the basis of a mechanical connection of a first household appliance with a second household appliance and/or an accessory without the need of an additional stacking kit. Preferably, the invention allows to use a worktop as a basic element to which additional accessories can also be attached.
This object is achieved according to the present invention by the connection system, the process for connecting a first household appliance, and a household appliance comprising the connection system pursuant to the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the connection system are shown especially in the dependent claims. Preferred embodiments of the household appliance and the process correspond to preferred embodiments of the connection system and vice versa even if not expressly stated herein.
The invention is thus directed to a connection system for connecting a first household appliance with a second household appliance or an accessory, comprising a worktop with several predefined cavities, in general at least two, preferably at least three and most preferably four, for accepting fastening elements, wherein each cavity is covered by a cover, and wherein each of the fastening elements has an elongated narrow part with a length l₁ and a maximum width d₁ and a shorter wide part with a length l₂ and a maximum width d₂, wherein l₁>l₂ and d₁<d₂, and wherein the cavity and/or the cover are adapted to fixate the fastening element in the cavity.
The first household appliance can be for example a dishwasher or laundry care appliance, for example a washing machine or a dryer. Preferably, the first household appliance is a washing machine and the second household appliance is a dryer.
In a preferred embodiment, the connection system is integrated into the first household appliance.
In a further preferred embodiment of the connection system of the present invention, the connection system is adapted to be attached to the first household appliance.
In this regard it is to be noted that the worktop comprises in general a worktop frame and/or a worktop board. In the aforementioned embodiment both parts could be attached to the first household appliance.
In an alternative embodiment, the connection system is integrated into the first household appliance.
In the present invention it is preferred that the cover encompasses a first cover without a cut-out and a second cover with a cut-out, in embodiment corresponding sliders. In the second-cut out slider, as compared to the closed slider a part of it is cut-out to allow the passage of a fastening element. The cover, in embodiments a slider can be present in various locations in or on top of the worktop.
In one preferred embodiment of the connection system, a slider is arranged to be slided in the direction of a front of the household appliance.
Alternatively, the slider can be arranged to be slided in the direction of a side of the household appliance.
In a very different embodiment, the slider is a rotary slider arranged to be slided around a fastening element to be fixated.
In general, the first cover without a cut-out and the second cover with a cut-out, in embodiments corresponding sliders, are locked in place in the worktop, preferably in a worktop frame, by a mechanical clip.
In any way, the connection system of the present invention allows for integration into the worktop of a household appliance or on its principal worktop. In the latter case the connection system of the present invention provides an interface that can be used for stacking. The household appliance, for example a laundry care appliance, can be stacked with another household appliance or with suitable accessories. These accessories comprise additional working plates, drawers, all for example between a dryer and a washing machine.
In the present invention a connection system is preferred, wherein two of the cavities are closed by the same cover.
In an embodiment of the connection system of the present invention, the cavity is a non-cylindrical cavity with a broad opening and a small opening, wherein both could be also merged, wherein the broad opening is sufficiently broad to allow the shorter wide side of the fastening element to enter into the cavity while the small opening is too small for the shorter wide part of the fastening element to pass through, such that a fixation of the fastening element can be achieved by shifting the fixing element from the broad to the small opening. The broad opening and the small opening are in this case in general merged to form one greater opening.
In a further embodiment of the connection system of the present invention, the cavity is a non-cylindrical cavity which is larger than the short wide part of the fastening element, and the fastening element can be fixated by the second cover with a cut-out for locking, wherein the cut-out can be adapted to allow the fixation of the fastening element at different locations in the cavity.
In an embodiment of the invention the worktop is designed as a reversible worktop with a top and a bottom side. If the top side is up it looks like a conventional worktop. The worktop can be removed from the housing and turned upside down. The original bottom side is then facing upwards. It contains then in general retainers for connectors/feet, wherein the retainers contain a locking mechanism as described herein and illustrated in the figures.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, additional means are provided to securely connect an appliance or an accessory on top of a worktop. This can be achieved by using a suitable special additional clamping system. For example, the worktop could be provided with four predefined clamping hooks located on the left and right side. The top appliance/accessory which should be attached might then have predefined cut-outs on the bottom left and right side. With the clamps, the appliance/accessory can be locked in place. In contrast to this configuration, the clamps could be attached to the upper appliance/accessory, i.e. in an upside down configuration.
The stacked household appliances or the combination of a household appliance with an accessory like a drawer can also be securely connected in addition by a system involving spring hooks. In this embodiment, the worktop is in general provided with four predefined cut-outs. Corresponding cut-outs have to be provided on the upper appliance/accessory. Specific spring hooks are attached in those cut-outs to connect the upper and lower household appliance or a lower household appliance with an upper accessory. When the springs are released, they will lock the appliance/accessory on the top.
The invention is moreover directed to a process for connecting a first household appliance with a second household appliance or an accessory, comprising a worktop with several predefined cavities for accepting fastening elements, wherein each cavity is covered by a cover, and wherein each of the fastening elements has an elongated narrow part with a length l₁ and a maximum width d₁ and a shorter wide part with a length l₂ and a maximum width d₂, wherein l₁>l₂ and d₁<d₂, and wherein the cavity and/or the cover is adapted to fixate the fastening element in the cavity, wherein the process involves the use of a first cover without a cut-out and a second cover with a cut-out and comprises the steps

(a) removing the first cover without a cut-out from the cavity;
(b) placing each fastening element with its shorter wider part in the cavity; and
(c) inserting the second cover with a cut-out to fixate the fastening element in that the second cover has a cut-out that is smaller than the wide part and broader than the narrow part; and
(d) connecting the second household appliance or accessory via the fastening elements with the first household appliance.

In a preferred embodiment of this process, the first and the second household appliance are connected such that the second household appliance is stacked on the first household appliance.
In a further preferred process, the removing in step (a) and the inserting in step (c) is effected by sliding at least one of the covers.
It is moreover preferred in the process of the present invention that the fastening elements are inserted in corresponding lower openings of the second household appliance or the accessory. The lower openings of the second household appliance or the accessory will be in general adapted to allow for a secure connection.
The invention is moreover directed to a household appliance comprising the connection system described herein.
The first and second household appliance are in principle not limited. It can be a laundry care appliance, i.e. a washing machine, washer dryer or dryer. In addition it can be also a dishwasher, a refrigerator or freezer.
The invention provides several advantages. The present invention allows the use of the connection system as a regular worktop, as a base for appliance stacking, and as an interface for the attachment of multiple accessories. The consumers can decide which functionality will be used depending on their needs.
The stacking process can be effected very easy. The invention allows a very easy and visible possibility to securely attach for example a laundry care appliance like a dryer on top of another laundry care appliance, for example a washing machine, or of a washer dryer on a dishwasher. The invention also allows to store items like detergent on top of their laundry care appliances or to provide the worktop for storage or as extended work space. In any way, the invention allows many different uses in that numerous accessories could also be fixated with the connection system. The accessories comprise for example various accessories for specific needs like drawers, shelves, changing tables for babies and many others. As a side-effect, the visual aspect of the connection between the appliances can be improved.
Numerous positions for fastening elements can be provided in the present invention, for example from four to sixteen positions. An upper appliance or accessory can be fixed on the lower household appliance without a specific tool. Thus, for example a dryer can be placed on washing machine and fixed thereto. Moreover, no additional nut is needed and also no bar in the back of the household appliances. The invention allows to cover the slots and have a surface like in a regular worktop, for example by the use of sliders. The stacking can be done by consumers themselves and no customer service is needed. Moreover, the height of the gap between the appliances can be in principle adjusted without specific tools.
The inventive connection system of the present invention can be also be used for side by side appliances to install one large worktop which can cover all household appliances.
Further details of the invention will be presented in the following by referring to Figs. 1 to 29 wherein important details of specific illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown:

Figures 1 to 6 show a first embodiment of a connection system according to the present invention.
Figures 7 to 9 show a second embodiment of a connection system according to the present invention.
Figures 10 to 12 show a third embodiment of a connection system according to the present invention.
Figures 13 to 17 show a fourth embodiment of a connection system according to the present invention.
Figures 18 to 20 show a fifth embodiment of a connection system according to the present invention.
Figures 21 to 24 show a sixth embodiment of a connection system according to the present invention.
Figures 25 to 28 show a seventh embodiment of a connection system according to the present invention.

Figures 1 to 6 show a first embodiment of a connection system according to the present invention.
The connection system 11 for connecting a first household appliance with a second household appliance or an accessory, comprises a worktop 2,3 with several predefined cavities 4 for accepting fastening elements 1 which are shown from Fig. 3 onwards. Each cavity 4 is covered by a cover 5,6. The worktop 2,3 comprises in this embodiment a worktop frame 2 and a worktop board or plate 3. As can be seen, the worktop frame 2 is positioned at the edge of the worktop boar 3. The cover 5, 6 is in this first embodiment represented by a first cover (slider) 6 without a cut-out - for covering the cavity, and a second cover (slider) 5 with a cut-out for locking the fastening element 1. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the empty cavity 4 is covered here in the beginning of a process of connecting a first household appliance with a second household appliance or an accessory with a first slider 6 without a cut out. To attach an appliance e.g. a dryer or an accessory to the worktop, the slider covers 6 need to be removed.
In Fig. 2, it can be seen that the slider 6 has been pulled out in the direction of a front of a household appliance, which is here however not shown. Thus, an access to the cavity 4 is provided. Fig. 3 shows that in this embodiment four cavities and thus four first cover sliders 6 are used. Fig. 4 shows the fastening elements 1 which are to be placed in the cavities provided in the worktop frame 2.
As can be seen in Figs. 5 and 6, the fastening elements 1 have an elongated narrow part 9 with a length l₁ and a maximum width d₁ and a shorter wide part 10 with a length l₂ and a maximum width d₂, wherein l₁>l₂ and d₁<d₂, and wherein the cavity 4 and/or the cover 5,6 are adapted to fixate the fastening element 1 in the cavity 4. The other reference numerals have the same meaning as in Figs. 1 to 4. It can be clearly recognized in Fig. 5 that a second slider 5 with a cut-out for locking the fastening element 1 is present in a pulled out state. Fig. 6 differs from Fig. 5 in that the second slider 5 with a cut-out has been pushed into the worktop frame 2 for locking the fastening element 1.
Figures 7 to 9 show a second embodiment of a connection system 11 according to the present invention. The difference to the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 6 is that the shape of the cavity 4, 12 is different. The shape of the cavity 12 is not cylindrical. Thus, the fastening element 1 can be placed at different locations in the cavity 4 to adapt to the second household appliance or accessory. Of course the shape and thus the exact location will depend on the shape of the second slider 5 with a cut-out. Fig. 7 shows fastening element 1 placed in cavity 12. Fig. 8 illustrates the non-cylindrical shape of cavity 12 and thus illustrates as to how the position of the fastening element 1 can be changed. Fig. 9 illustrates the situation where fastening element 1 is fixated by an inserte second slider 5 with a cut-out.
The advantage of this embodiment is the flexibility to move the upper appliance/accessory in the Y direction, i.e. along the front of the first household appliance, so it caters for different positions of the second household appliance or accessory. Thus, for example different laundry care architectures can be used, e.g. cubic and inclined appliances.
Figures 10 to 12 show a third embodiment of a connection system according to the present invention. The difference to the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 6 is that the shape of the cavity 4,12 within the edge 2 of the worktop is not cylindrical (see Fig. 10). Accordingly, the fastening element 1 can be placed at different locations within cavity 12. The final fixing of fastening element 1 can be achieved by using a slider 5 whose cut-out is adapted to the desired location of fastening element 1. As can be seen from Fig 11, also here the broad part of the fastening element 1 is placed in the cavity 12. Fig. 12 shows a cut view of the fastening element 1 and the slider 5 with a cut-out.
The advantage of the third embodiment is the flexibility to move the upper household appliance or accessory in the Y direction so that it caters for different fastening element 1 positions and thus for example for different laundry care architectures, e.g. cubic and inclined laundry care appliances.
Figures 13 to 17 show a fourth embodiment of a connection system according to the present invention. The difference to the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 6 is the shape of the slider 5 with a specific cut-out for locking and also the locking mechanism by rotation. The crescent-shaped slider 5 is fixed rotatably around a pivot point 16 close to the cavity 4. Opening and closing cavity 4 and securing a fastening element 1 is achieved by rotating this slider 5. Accordingly, the slider 5 is a rotary slider arranged to be slided around a fastening element 1 to be fixated. The slider 5 movement could be realized by rotation of the crescent-shaped locking element for example inside the worktop frame with a hinge.
Figs. 13 to 17 demonstrate the principle. Thus, other parts shown in the other Figures are omitted here.
Figures 18 to 20 show a fifth embodiment of a connection system 11 according to the present invention. The difference to the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 6 is that one cover which is here named locking bar 8 is used for fixating two fastening elements 1. To this end, non-cylindrical openings 15 are here present in the locking bar. As can be seen, the non-cylindrical openings 15 comprise a broad opening and a small opening, wherein the broad opening is sufficiently broad to allow the placement of the locking bar above the fastening element 1. On the other hand, the small opening is too small for the shorter wide part of the fastening element 1 to pass through, such that a fixation of the fastening element 1 can be achieved by shifting the locking bar 8 in the direction from one fastening element 1 to another fastening element 1. In Figs. 18 to 20 the cavities in which the fastening elements 1 are already placed are not shown. It is possible to securely attach an appliance or an accessory on top of a worktop using for example four predefined cavities and an additional movable plastic bar for locking. The fastening elements 1 will be locked by the plastic locking bar 8 to ensure a solid and stable connection.
The advantage of the fifth embodiment is that two fastening elements 1 can be blocked by only one slider which is termed here locking bar 8. Locking bar 8 is here made from plastic.
Figures 21 to 24 show a sixth embodiment of a connection system according to the present invention. The difference to the fifth embodiment shown in Figs. 18 to 20 is that the locking plastic bar 8 is hidden within the edge 2 of the worktop and is only visible from the back of the household appliance. The function of the locking plastic bar 8 of which usually two are used for altogether four fastening elements (not shown here) remains the same as for the fifth embodiment. The reference signs have the same meaning as in the other Figures.
Figures 25 to 28 show a seventh embodiment of a connection system according to the present invention. The difference to the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 6 is that side sliders 5 are hidden on the side edge 2 of the worktop. The function of the sliders of which here only one is shown, remains unchanged. If the fastening element 1 is not used, the cavity 4 is sealed by a cover 7.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

1: fastening element; appliance or accessory connector/foot
2: worktop frame
3: worktop board or plate
4: cavity
5: second cover (slider) with a cut-out for locking
6: first cover (slider) without a cut-out - for covering the cavity
7: cover for cavity
8: cover; locking bar
9: elongated narrow part of fastening element
10: shorter part of fastening element
11: connection system
12: non-cylindrical cavity
13: small opening of non-cylindrical cavity
14: broad opening of non-cylindrical cavity
15: non-cylindrical opening (in locking bar)
16: pivot point

Claims

Connection system (11) for connecting a first household appliance with a second household appliance or an accessory, comprising a worktop (2,3) with several predefined cavities (4) for accepting fastening elements (1), wherein each cavity (4) is covered by a cover (5,6,7,8), and wherein each of the fastening elements (1) has an elongated narrow part (9) with a length l₁ and a maximum width d₁ and a shorter wide part (10) with a length l₂ and a maximum width d₂, wherein l₁>l₂ and d₁<d₂, and wherein the cavity (4) and/or the cover (5,6) are adapted to fixate the fastening element (1) in the cavity (4).
Connection system (11) according to claim 1, wherein the first household appliance is a washing machine and the second household appliance is a dryer.
Connection system (11) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection system (11) is integrated into the first household appliance.
Connection system (11) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection system (11) is adapted to be attached to the first household appliance.
Connection system (11) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connection system (11) is integrated into the first household appliance.
Connection system (11) according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cover encompasses a first cover (6) without a cut-out and a second cover (5) with a cut-out, preferably as a first slider (6) and as a second slider (5).
Connection system (11) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the slider (5,6) is arranged to be slided in the direction of a front of the household appliance.
Connection system (11) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the slider (5,6) is arranged to be slided in the direction of a side of the household appliance.
Connection system (11) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the slider (5,6) is a rotary slider arranged to be slided around a fastening element (1) to be fixated.
Connection system (11) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein two of the cavities (4,12) are closed by the same cover (8).
Connection system (11) according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cavity (4,12) is a non-cylindrical cavity (12) with a broad opening (14) and a small opening (13), wherein the broad opening (14) is sufficiently broad to allow the shorter wide part (10) to enter the cavity (12) while the small opening (13) is too small for the shorter wide part (10) to pass through, such that a fixation of the fastening element (1) can be achieved by shifting the fastening element (1) from the broad opening (14) to the small opening (13).
Connection system (11) according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cavity (4) is a non-cylindrical cavity (15) which is larger than the shorter wide part (10) of the fastening element (1), and wherein the fastening element (1) can be fixated by a second cover with a cut-out for locking, wherein the cut-out can be adapted to allow the fixation of the fastening element (1) at different locations in the cavity (4).
Process for connecting a first household appliance with a second household appliance or an accessory, comprising a worktop (2,3) with several predefined cavities (4) for accepting fastening elements (1), wherein each cavity (4) is covered by a cover (5,6,7,8), and wherein each of the fastening elements (1) has an elongated narrow part (9) with a length l₁ and a maximum width d₁ and a shorter wide part (10) with a length l₂ and a maximum width d₂, wherein l₁>l₂ and d₁<d₂, and wherein the cavity (4) and/or the cover (5,6,7,8) is adapted to fixate the fastening element (1) in the cavity (4), wherein the process involves the use of a first cover (6) without a cut-out and a second cover (5) with a cut-out cover and comprises the steps
(a) removing the first cover (6) without a cut-out from the cavity (4);

(b) placing each fastening element (1) with its shorter wider part (10) in the cavity (4); and

(c) inserting the second cover (5) with a cut-out to fixate the fastening element (1) in that the second cover (5) has a cut-out that is smaller than the wide part (10) and broader than the narrow part (9); and

(d) connecting the second household appliance or accessory via the fastening elements (1) with the first household appliance.
Process according to claim 13, wherein the first and the second household appliance are connected such that the second household appliance is stacked on the first household appliance.
Household appliance comprising a connection system (11) of any of claims 1 to 12.