WO2016050266A1 - Terminal box and cooking appliance having the same - Google Patents

Terminal box and cooking appliance having the same Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016050266A1
WO2016050266A1 PCT/EP2014/070800 EP2014070800W WO2016050266A1 WO 2016050266 A1 WO2016050266 A1 WO 2016050266A1 EP 2014070800 W EP2014070800 W EP 2014070800W WO 2016050266 A1 WO2016050266 A1 WO 2016050266A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
housing
terminal
terminal box
cover
fixing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2014/070800
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Ihsan Arslantekin
Erol Karaer
Original Assignee
Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Arcelik Anonim Sirketi filed Critical Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority to ES14784202T priority Critical patent/ES2696704T3/en
Priority to EP14784202.5A priority patent/EP3201992B1/en
Priority to PCT/EP2014/070800 priority patent/WO2016050266A1/en
Priority to PL14784202T priority patent/PL3201992T3/en
Publication of WO2016050266A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016050266A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R9/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, e.g. terminal strips or terminal blocks; Terminals or binding posts mounted upon a base or in a case; Bases therefor
    • H01R9/22—Bases, e.g. strip, block, panel
    • H01R9/24—Terminal blocks
    • H01R9/2491—Terminal blocks structurally associated with plugs or sockets
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/58—Means for relieving strain on wire connection, e.g. cord grip, for avoiding loosening of connections between wires and terminals within a coupling device terminating a cable
    • H01R13/582—Means for relieving strain on wire connection, e.g. cord grip, for avoiding loosening of connections between wires and terminals within a coupling device terminating a cable the cable being clamped between assembled parts of the housing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/10—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation effected solely by twisting, wrapping, bending, crimping, or other permanent deformation
    • H01R4/18—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation effected solely by twisting, wrapping, bending, crimping, or other permanent deformation by crimping
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/58—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation characterised by the form or material of the contacting members
    • H01R4/64—Connections between or with conductive parts having primarily a non-electric function, e.g. frame, casing, rail

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a terminal box for use in an electrical household appliance, in particular a cooking appliance.
  • An electrical household appliance generally has a terminal box for establishing electrical connection with the mains power supply via a power cable.
  • An electrical household appliance in particular in an electrical cooking appliance, is generally enclosed by a protective heat resistant casing which is made from metal.
  • a protective heat resistant casing which is made from metal.
  • any exposed electrically conductive parts of the household appliance must be kept at earth potential. Therefore, it is necessary to connect the household appliance to the mains power supply with a power cable that has a protective ground.
  • the terminal box generally has a housing and a cover for accessing the interior of the housing. Both the housing and the cover are typically made from an electrically non-conductive material.
  • the housing of the prior art terminal box generally accommodates a plurality of terminals which are electrically connectable to the wires of the power cable respectively.
  • the plurality of terminals usually includes supply terminals and a ground terminal.
  • the metal casing of the household appliance must be connected to the ground terminal.
  • each terminal comprises a metal plate which has at least one blade contact.
  • Each metal plate is generally fixed to a corresponding seat on the housing by a screw and a nut.
  • the same screw is also used to connect the corresponding wire of the power cable to the metal plate.
  • the wire is generally clamped between head of the screw and the metal plate.
  • the metal plate of the ground terminal is directly fixed to the metal casing of the household appliance by screws and nuts.
  • a drawback of this prior art terminal box is that the screws and the nuts render the production, assembly and maintenance labor and cost intensive. For instance, the assembly operator must reach the opposing sides of the appliance casing with both hands to fix the screws and the nuts while turning the appliance over and back. In addition, the screws and the nuts also require extra installation space. Thus, the size and material required for the production of the terminal box increases.
  • WO 2009/113039 A1 discloses a prior art terminal box for use in an electrical household appliance.
  • An objective of the present invention is to provide a terminal box and a cooking appliance having the same which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art in a cost effective way and which enables a quick and safe installation of the terminal box.
  • each supply terminal is integrally provided with crimping ears for establishing electrical connection with the corresponding wire of the power cable, a male or a female blade for establishing electrical connection with the corresponding female or male blade terminal of the household appliance respectively and a locking tab for fixing the supply terminal to the body of the housing.
  • the housing has two or more than two connector slots for respectively receiving and fixing the supply terminals.
  • Each connector slot is integrally formed into the body of the housing and has an abutment which catches the locking tab upon insertion of the supply terminal into the connector slot.
  • the cover is releasably engageable with the body of the housing so as to enable access to the plurality of terminals.
  • the housing and the cover engage slidably. Thereby, the need for extra space required for pivoting the cover has been obviated.
  • the housing and the cover engage snap fittingly. Thereby, the cover can be secured to the housing without screws.
  • the cover can be secured onto the housing by a fastening screw. Thereby, additional safety can be achieved if required by local authorities.
  • the power cable is introduced into the housing through a notch which is formed on the cover. Thereby, the cover can be released without interfering with the power cable.
  • the terminal box and the household appliance have an interlocking means for positioning and aligning the housing on its designated installation position on the household appliance. Thereby, the installation of the terminal box can be expedited.
  • the housing and the cover slightly constricts the power cable from both sides when they are engaged. Thereby, the power cable can be safely held in position. Thus, a sufficient strain relief can be easily obtained by engaging the cover with the housing.
  • the ground terminal has two conductive pieces which are releasably interconnectable.
  • the first piece has a male or female crimping blade terminal which can be crimped onto the ground wire.
  • the second piece has a fixing tab which is integrally provided with a female or male blade terminal for interconnecting with the first piece. The fixing tab projects out of the housing and contacts the chassis of the appliance in a flush manner. The second piece is retained by the housing.
  • the second piece can be fitted onto the housing. Thereby the second piece can be retained by the housing without screws.
  • the fixing tab has a grounding hole for fixing the same flush onto the chassis of the household appliance by a screw.
  • the fixing tab has additional holes for fixing the same flush onto the chassis of the household appliance by additional screws. Thereby, the strain on the grounding screw can be relieved.
  • the cover presses the second piece onto the housing when it is engaged with the housing. Thereby, the second piece can be securely held in position without screws.
  • the present invention also provides a cooking appliance which has a terminal box according to the present invention.
  • the terminal box is partly disposed in an insertion hole which is formed on the bottom of the cooking appliance.
  • the cover and the fixing tab are bot accessible from the outside whereas the connector slots are accessible from the inside of the cooking appliance.
  • the production and the assembly of the terminal box has been rendered easy and cost efficient.
  • the need for utilizing screws and nuts when connecting the supply/ground terminals with the corresponding cable wires has been obviated.
  • the aforementioned burden on the assembly operator in terms of labor has been reduced and the assembly process has been expedited.
  • the size of the box terminal and the plastic material required for its production has been reduced. Thereby, the utilizable volume of the household appliance has been increased and the overall production cost has been further reduced.
  • Figure 1 – is a schematic perspective view of the outer bottom side of a cooking appliance which has a terminal box according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2 – is a schematic perspective view of the outer bottom side of the cooking appliance which has the terminal box according to an embodiment of the present invention, prior to engaging the cover with the housing,
  • Figure 3 – is a schematic perspective view of the inner bottom side of the cooking appliance which has the terminal box according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 4 – is a schematic perspective exploded view of the terminal box according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 – is a schematic vertical sectional view of the terminal box according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the wires of the power cable have been omitted,
  • Figure 6 – is another schematic vertical sectional view of the terminal box according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the wires of the power cable have been omitted.
  • Terminal 4a Terminal 4b. Terminal 4c. Terminal 4d. Terminal
  • the terminal box (1) is suitable for use in a household appliance (2), in particular a cooking appliance (2).
  • the terminal box (1) comprises a housing (3) which accommodates a plurality of terminals (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) which are electrically connectable to the wires (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) of a power cable (6) respectively.
  • the plurality of terminals (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) include two or more than two supply terminals (4a, 4b, 4c) and a ground terminal (4d).
  • the terminal box (1) further comprises a cover (7) for accessing the housing (3) (Fig. 1 to 6).
  • each supply terminal (4a, 4b, 4c) is integrally provided with crimping ears (8), a male or a female blade (9a, 9b, 9c) and a locking tab (10a, 10b, 10c).
  • the crimping ears (8) are suitable for establishing electrical connection with the corresponding wire (5a, 5b, 5c) of the power cable (6).
  • the male or female blade (9a, 9b, 9c) is suitable for establishing electrical connection with the corresponding female or male blade terminal (not shown) of the household appliance (2) respectively.
  • the locking tab (10a, 10b, 10c) is suitable for fixing the supply terminal (4a, 4b, 4c) to the body (3a) of the housing (3).
  • the housing (3) has two or more than two connector slots (11a, 11b, 11c) for respectively receiving and fixing the supply terminals (4a, 4b, 4c).
  • Each connector slot (11a, 11b, 11c) is integrally formed into the body (3a) of the housing (3).
  • each connector slot (11a, 11b, 11c) has an abutment (12) configured to catch the locking tab (10a, 10b, 10c) upon insertion of the supply terminal (4a,4b,4c) into the connector slot (11a, 11b, 11c).
  • the cover (7) is releasably engageable with the body (3a) of the housing (3).
  • the housing (3) has one or more than one mounting slot (13a) which is formed on its body (3a).
  • the cover (7) has one or more than one mating mounting tab (13b) which slidably engages with the corresponding mounting slot (13a) and secures the cover (7) to the housing (3) (Fig. 1 to 6).
  • two mounting slots (13a) are formed on the opposing lateral sides of the housing (3) and two mating mounting tabs (13b) are formed on the opposing lateral side of the cover (7).
  • the housing (3) has one or more than one locking slot (14a) which is formed on the body (3a).
  • the cover (7) has one or more than one mating locking claw (14b) which snap fittingly engages with the corresponding locking slot (14a) of the housing (3) and secures the cover (7) to the housing (3).
  • the locking slot (14a) is formed on the upper side of the housing (3) and the locking claw (14b) is formed on the upper side of the cover (7).
  • the housing (3) has one or more than one fastening hole (15a) for receiving a fastening screw (not shown).
  • Each fastening hole (15a) is formed on the body (3a) of the housing (3).
  • the cover (7) has one or more than one counterpart fastening hole (15b) which is aligned with the fastening hole (15a) of the housing (3) so as to receive the fastening screw and secure the cover (7) to the housing (3).
  • each counterpart fastening hole (15b) is formed on the front side of the cover (7).
  • the cover (7) has a throughlet (16) for receiving the power cable (6).
  • the throughlet (16) is formed on the front side of the cover (7).
  • the housing (3) has a hook (17a) for engaging with an alignment slot (17b) which is formed on the chassis (18) of the household appliance (2).
  • the hook (17a) is formed on the body (3a) of the housing (3).
  • the hook (17a) is integrally formed as a cantilever structure on the bottom side of the housing (3).
  • the housing (3) has a clamping edge (19a) which is formed into the body (3a).
  • the cover (7) has a counterpart clamping edge (19b) which is arranged to oppose the clamping edge (19a) of the housing (3) so as to secure the power cable (6) respectively from both sides when the cover (7) is engaged with the housing (3).
  • the ground terminal (4d) comprises a first sub-terminal (20) and a second sub-terminal (21) which are releasably interconnectable.
  • the first sub-terminal (20) is integrally provided with crimping ears (8) and a male or female blade (9d).
  • the crimping ears (8) are suitable for establishing the electrical connection with the ground wire (5d) of the power cable (6).
  • the male or female blade (9d) is suitable for establishing electrical connection with the second sub-terminal (21) respectively.
  • the second sub-terminal (21) is integrally provided with a fixing tab (22) and a female or male blade (9e).
  • the fixing tab (22) is suitable for fixing the second sub-terminal (21) to the chassis (18) of the household appliance (2) so as to ground the chassis (18) of the household appliance (2).
  • the female or male blade (9e) is suitable for establishing electrical connection with the first sub-terminal (20) respectively.
  • the housing (3) has a screwless retainer (23) for releasably securing the second sub-terminal (21).
  • the fixing tab (22) has two fitting holes (24a).
  • the retainer (23) has two fitting pins (24b) which penetrate through the fitting holes (24a) respectively.
  • the fitting pins (24b) are formed on the body (3a) of the housing (3).
  • the fitting pins (24b) are integrally formed onto the inner bottom side of the housing (3).
  • the fixing tab (22) has a grounding hole (25a) for receiving a grounding screw which is fixable to a counterpart grounding hole (25b) which is formed on the chassis (18) of the household appliance (2).
  • the grounding hole (25a) is accessible from the outside of the housing (3) also when the cover is closed.
  • the fixing tab (22) has one or more than one fixing hole (26a) for receiving a corresponding fixing screw which is fixable to a counterpart fixing hole (26b) which is formed on the chassis (18) of the household appliance (2).
  • each fixing hole (26a) is accessible from the outside of the housing (3) also when the cover is closed.
  • the retainer (23) has one or more than one mounting notch (27a) which is formed on the body (3a) of the housing (3).
  • the cover (7) has one or more than one corresponding mating clamping tab (27b).
  • Each clamping tab (27b) is configured to slidably engage with the corresponding mounting notch (27a). In the engaged state each clamping tab (27b) presses the second sub-terminal (21) against the body (3a) of the housing (3) (Fig. 1 to 6).
  • two mounting notches (27a) are formed on the opposing later sides of the housing (3).
  • two clamping tabs (27b) are formed on the opposing later sides the cover (7).
  • the cooking appliance (2) of the present invention comprises the power cable (6) and the terminal box (1).
  • the cooking appliance (2) comprises a protective metal casing (28) which encloses at least the lower part of the cooking appliance (2) and defines a chassis (18).
  • the protective metal casing (28) has an alignment slot (17b), one counterpart grounding hole (25b) and one or more than one counterpart fixing hole (26b) and a depression (29) which has an insertion hole (30).
  • the housing (3) of the terminal box (1) is disposed within the insertion hole (30) such that the connector slots (11a, 11b, 11c) are accessible from the interior whereas the cover (7) and the fixing tab (22) are both accessible from the exterior.
  • both the mounting slot (13a) and the mounting tabs (13b) are accessible from the outside of the household appliance (2).
  • both the locking claw (14b) and the locking slot (14a) are accessible from the outside of the household appliance (2).
  • each fastening hole (15b) is accessible from the outside of the household appliance (2).
  • the throughlet (16) is accessible from the outside of the household appliance (2).
  • the alignment slot (17b) is accessible from the outside of the household appliance (2) so as to easily engage with the hook (17a) of the housing (3).
  • the ground terminal (4d) is entirely accessible from the outside of the household appliance (2).
  • the fitting pins (24b) are accessible from the outside of the household appliance (2).
  • the grounding holes (25a, 25b) are accessible from the outside of the cooking appliance (2) even when the cover (7) is closed.
  • each fixing hole (26a) is accessible from the outside of the housing (3) even when the cover is closed.
  • each mounting notch (27a) and each clamping tab is (27b) is accessible from the outside of the housing (3).
  • a terminal box (1) has been provided which is compact and comparatively easy to produce and assemble. Thereby, the overall cost both in material and labor has been reduced. Thereby, the customer satisfaction can be increased.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a terminal box (1) for use in an electrical household appliance (2). The terminal box (1) comprises a housing (3) accommodating a plurality of terminals (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and a cover (7) for accessing the housing (3). In the terminal box (1) of the present invention each supply terminal (4a, 4b, 4c) is integrally provided with crimping ears (8), a male or a female blade (9a, 9b, 9c) for establishing electrical connection with the corresponding female or male blade terminal of the household appliance (2) respectively and a locking tab (10a, 10b, 10c).

Description

TERMINAL BOX AND COOKING APPLIANCE HAVING THE SAME
The present invention relates to a terminal box for use in an electrical household appliance, in particular a cooking appliance.
An electrical household appliance generally has a terminal box for establishing electrical connection with the mains power supply via a power cable. An electrical household appliance, in particular in an electrical cooking appliance, is generally enclosed by a protective heat resistant casing which is made from metal. As a general rule to avoid any risk of electric shock, any exposed electrically conductive parts of the household appliance must be kept at earth potential. Therefore, it is necessary to connect the household appliance to the mains power supply with a power cable that has a protective ground. The terminal box generally has a housing and a cover for accessing the interior of the housing. Both the housing and the cover are typically made from an electrically non-conductive material. The housing of the prior art terminal box generally accommodates a plurality of terminals which are electrically connectable to the wires of the power cable respectively. The plurality of terminals usually includes supply terminals and a ground terminal. The metal casing of the household appliance must be connected to the ground terminal. In the prior art terminal box, each terminal comprises a metal plate which has at least one blade contact. Each metal plate is generally fixed to a corresponding seat on the housing by a screw and a nut. The same screw is also used to connect the corresponding wire of the power cable to the metal plate. In particular, the wire is generally clamped between head of the screw and the metal plate. In general, the metal plate of the ground terminal is directly fixed to the metal casing of the household appliance by screws and nuts.
A drawback of this prior art terminal box is that the screws and the nuts render the production, assembly and maintenance labor and cost intensive. For instance, the assembly operator must reach the opposing sides of the appliance casing with both hands to fix the screws and the nuts while turning the appliance over and back. In addition, the screws and the nuts also require extra installation space. Thus, the size and material required for the production of the terminal box increases.
WO 2009/113039 A1 discloses a prior art terminal box for use in an electrical household appliance.
An objective of the present invention is to provide a terminal box and a cooking appliance having the same which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art in a cost effective way and which enables a quick and safe installation of the terminal box.
This objective has been achieved by the terminal box as defined in claim 1 and the cooking appliance as defined in claim 13. Further achievements have been attained by the subject-matters respectively defined in the dependent claims.
In the terminal box of the present invention each supply terminal is integrally provided with crimping ears for establishing electrical connection with the corresponding wire of the power cable, a male or a female blade for establishing electrical connection with the corresponding female or male blade terminal of the household appliance respectively and a locking tab for fixing the supply terminal to the body of the housing. In the terminal box of the present invention the housing has two or more than two connector slots for respectively receiving and fixing the supply terminals. Each connector slot is integrally formed into the body of the housing and has an abutment which catches the locking tab upon insertion of the supply terminal into the connector slot. The cover is releasably engageable with the body of the housing so as to enable access to the plurality of terminals.
In an embodiment, the housing and the cover engage slidably. Thereby, the need for extra space required for pivoting the cover has been obviated.
In another embodiment, the housing and the cover engage snap fittingly. Thereby, the cover can be secured to the housing without screws.
In another embodiment, the cover can be secured onto the housing by a fastening screw. Thereby, additional safety can be achieved if required by local authorities.
In another embodiment, the power cable is introduced into the housing through a notch which is formed on the cover. Thereby, the cover can be released without interfering with the power cable.
In another embodiment, the terminal box and the household appliance have an interlocking means for positioning and aligning the housing on its designated installation position on the household appliance. Thereby, the installation of the terminal box can be expedited.
In another embodiment, the housing and the cover slightly constricts the power cable from both sides when they are engaged. Thereby, the power cable can be safely held in position. Thus, a sufficient strain relief can be easily obtained by engaging the cover with the housing.
In another embodiment, the ground terminal has two conductive pieces which are releasably interconnectable. The first piece has a male or female crimping blade terminal which can be crimped onto the ground wire. The second piece has a fixing tab which is integrally provided with a female or male blade terminal for interconnecting with the first piece. The fixing tab projects out of the housing and contacts the chassis of the appliance in a flush manner. The second piece is retained by the housing.
In another embodiment, the second piece can be fitted onto the housing. Thereby the second piece can be retained by the housing without screws.
In another embodiment, the fixing tab has a grounding hole for fixing the same flush onto the chassis of the household appliance by a screw.
In another embodiment, the fixing tab has additional holes for fixing the same flush onto the chassis of the household appliance by additional screws. Thereby, the strain on the grounding screw can be relieved.
In another embodiment, the cover presses the second piece onto the housing when it is engaged with the housing. Thereby, the second piece can be securely held in position without screws.
The present invention also provides a cooking appliance which has a terminal box according to the present invention.
In another embodiment, the terminal box is partly disposed in an insertion hole which is formed on the bottom of the cooking appliance. In the installed state, the cover and the fixing tab are bot accessible from the outside whereas the connector slots are accessible from the inside of the cooking appliance.
With the present invention, particularly by the inbuilt connector slots of the housing and the crimping bade terminals having the locking tabs, the production and the assembly of the terminal box has been rendered easy and cost efficient. With the present invention, the need for utilizing screws and nuts when connecting the supply/ground terminals with the corresponding cable wires has been obviated. With the present invention the aforementioned burden on the assembly operator in terms of labor has been reduced and the assembly process has been expedited. With the present invention, the size of the box terminal and the plastic material required for its production has been reduced. Thereby, the utilizable volume of the household appliance has been increased and the overall production cost has been further reduced.
Additional advantages of the terminal box according to the present invention and the cooking appliance of the present invention will become apparent with the detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 – is a schematic perspective view of the outer bottom side of a cooking appliance which has a terminal box according to an embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 2 – is a schematic perspective view of the outer bottom side of the cooking appliance which has the terminal box according to an embodiment of the present invention, prior to engaging the cover with the housing,
Figure 3 – is a schematic perspective view of the inner bottom side of the cooking appliance which has the terminal box according to an embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 4 – is a schematic perspective exploded view of the terminal box according to an embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 5 – is a schematic vertical sectional view of the terminal box according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the wires of the power cable have been omitted,
Figure 6 – is another schematic vertical sectional view of the terminal box according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the wires of the power cable have been omitted.
The reference signs appearing on the drawings relate to the following technical features.
  1. Terminal box
  2. Appliance
  3. Housing
4a. Terminal
4b. Terminal
4c. Terminal
4d. Terminal
5a. Wire
5b. Wire
5c. Wire
5d. Wire
6. Cable
7. Cover
8. Ears
9a. Blade
9b. Blade
9c. Blade
9d. Blade
9e. Blade
10a. Locking tab
10b. Locking tab
10c. Locking tab
11a. Connector slot
11b. Connector slot
11c. Connector slot
12. Abutment
13a. Mounting slot
13b. Mounting tab
14a. Locking slot
14b. Locking claw
15a. Fastening hole
15b. Fastening hole
16. Throughlet
17a. Hook
17b. Alignment slot
18. Chassis
19a. Clamping edge
19b. Clamping edge
20. Sub-terminal
21. Sub-terminal
22. Fixing tab
23. Retainer
24a. Fitting hole
24b. Fitting pin
25a. Grounding hole
25b. Grounding hole
26a. Fixing hole
26b. Fixing hole
27a. Mounting notch
27b. Clamping tab
28. Casing
29. Depression
30. Insertion hole
The terminal box (1) is suitable for use in a household appliance (2), in particular a cooking appliance (2). The terminal box (1) comprises a housing (3) which accommodates a plurality of terminals (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) which are electrically connectable to the wires (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) of a power cable (6) respectively. The plurality of terminals (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) include two or more than two supply terminals (4a, 4b, 4c) and a ground terminal (4d). The terminal box (1) further comprises a cover (7) for accessing the housing (3) (Fig. 1 to 6).
In the terminal box (1) of the present invention, each supply terminal (4a, 4b, 4c) is integrally provided with crimping ears (8), a male or a female blade (9a, 9b, 9c) and a locking tab (10a, 10b, 10c). The crimping ears (8) are suitable for establishing electrical connection with the corresponding wire (5a, 5b, 5c) of the power cable (6). The male or female blade (9a, 9b, 9c) is suitable for establishing electrical connection with the corresponding female or male blade terminal (not shown) of the household appliance (2) respectively. The locking tab (10a, 10b, 10c) is suitable for fixing the supply terminal (4a, 4b, 4c) to the body (3a) of the housing (3). In the terminal box (1) of the present invention, the housing (3) has two or more than two connector slots (11a, 11b, 11c) for respectively receiving and fixing the supply terminals (4a, 4b, 4c). Each connector slot (11a, 11b, 11c) is integrally formed into the body (3a) of the housing (3). And each connector slot (11a, 11b, 11c) has an abutment (12) configured to catch the locking tab (10a, 10b, 10c) upon insertion of the supply terminal (4a,4b,4c) into the connector slot (11a, 11b, 11c). The cover (7) is releasably engageable with the body (3a) of the housing (3).
In an embodiment, the housing (3) has one or more than one mounting slot (13a) which is formed on its body (3a). In this embodiment, the cover (7) has one or more than one mating mounting tab (13b) which slidably engages with the corresponding mounting slot (13a) and secures the cover (7) to the housing (3) (Fig. 1 to 6). In a version of this embodiment, two mounting slots (13a) are formed on the opposing lateral sides of the housing (3) and two mating mounting tabs (13b) are formed on the opposing lateral side of the cover (7).
In another embodiment, the housing (3) has one or more than one locking slot (14a) which is formed on the body (3a). In this embodiment, the cover (7) has one or more than one mating locking claw (14b) which snap fittingly engages with the corresponding locking slot (14a) of the housing (3) and secures the cover (7) to the housing (3). In a version of this embodiment, the locking slot (14a) is formed on the upper side of the housing (3) and the locking claw (14b) is formed on the upper side of the cover (7).
In another embodiment, the housing (3) has one or more than one fastening hole (15a) for receiving a fastening screw (not shown). Each fastening hole (15a) is formed on the body (3a) of the housing (3). In this embodiment, the cover (7) has one or more than one counterpart fastening hole (15b) which is aligned with the fastening hole (15a) of the housing (3) so as to receive the fastening screw and secure the cover (7) to the housing (3). In a version of this embodiment, each counterpart fastening hole (15b) is formed on the front side of the cover (7).
In another embodiment, the cover (7) has a throughlet (16) for receiving the power cable (6). In a version of this embodiment, the throughlet (16) is formed on the front side of the cover (7).
In another embodiment, the housing (3) has a hook (17a) for engaging with an alignment slot (17b) which is formed on the chassis (18) of the household appliance (2). The hook (17a) is formed on the body (3a) of the housing (3). In a version of this embodiment, the hook (17a) is integrally formed as a cantilever structure on the bottom side of the housing (3).
In another embodiment, the housing (3) has a clamping edge (19a) which is formed into the body (3a). In this embodiment, the cover (7) has a counterpart clamping edge (19b) which is arranged to oppose the clamping edge (19a) of the housing (3) so as to secure the power cable (6) respectively from both sides when the cover (7) is engaged with the housing (3).
In another embodiment, the ground terminal (4d) comprises a first sub-terminal (20) and a second sub-terminal (21) which are releasably interconnectable. The first sub-terminal (20) is integrally provided with crimping ears (8) and a male or female blade (9d). The crimping ears (8) are suitable for establishing the electrical connection with the ground wire (5d) of the power cable (6). The male or female blade (9d) is suitable for establishing electrical connection with the second sub-terminal (21) respectively. The second sub-terminal (21) is integrally provided with a fixing tab (22) and a female or male blade (9e). The fixing tab (22) is suitable for fixing the second sub-terminal (21) to the chassis (18) of the household appliance (2) so as to ground the chassis (18) of the household appliance (2). The female or male blade (9e) is suitable for establishing electrical connection with the first sub-terminal (20) respectively. In this embodiment, the housing (3) has a screwless retainer (23) for releasably securing the second sub-terminal (21).
In another embodiment, the fixing tab (22) has two fitting holes (24a). In this embodiment, the retainer (23) has two fitting pins (24b) which penetrate through the fitting holes (24a) respectively. The fitting pins (24b) are formed on the body (3a) of the housing (3). In a version of this embodiment, the fitting pins (24b) are integrally formed onto the inner bottom side of the housing (3).
In another embodiment, the fixing tab (22) has a grounding hole (25a) for receiving a grounding screw which is fixable to a counterpart grounding hole (25b) which is formed on the chassis (18) of the household appliance (2). In a version of this embodiment, the grounding hole (25a) is accessible from the outside of the housing (3) also when the cover is closed.
In another embodiment, the fixing tab (22) has one or more than one fixing hole (26a) for receiving a corresponding fixing screw which is fixable to a counterpart fixing hole (26b) which is formed on the chassis (18) of the household appliance (2). In a version of this embodiment, each fixing hole (26a) is accessible from the outside of the housing (3) also when the cover is closed.
In another embodiment, the retainer (23) has one or more than one mounting notch (27a) which is formed on the body (3a) of the housing (3). In this embodiment, the cover (7) has one or more than one corresponding mating clamping tab (27b). Each clamping tab (27b) is configured to slidably engage with the corresponding mounting notch (27a). In the engaged state each clamping tab (27b) presses the second sub-terminal (21) against the body (3a) of the housing (3) (Fig. 1 to 6). In a version of this embodiment, two mounting notches (27a) are formed on the opposing later sides of the housing (3). And two clamping tabs (27b) are formed on the opposing later sides the cover (7).
The cooking appliance (2) of the present invention comprises the power cable (6) and
the terminal box (1).
In another embodiment, the cooking appliance (2) comprises a protective metal casing (28) which encloses at least the lower part of the cooking appliance (2) and defines a chassis (18). In this embodiment, the protective metal casing (28) has an alignment slot (17b), one counterpart grounding hole (25b) and one or more than one counterpart fixing hole (26b) and a depression (29) which has an insertion hole (30). In this embodiment, the housing (3) of the terminal box (1) is disposed within the insertion hole (30) such that the connector slots (11a, 11b, 11c) are accessible from the interior whereas the cover (7) and the fixing tab (22) are both accessible from the exterior.
In another embodiment, when the terminal box (1) is installed on the cooking appliance (2) both the mounting slot (13a) and the mounting tabs (13b) are accessible from the outside of the household appliance (2).
In another embodiment, when the terminal box (1) is installed on the cooking appliance (2) both the locking claw (14b) and the locking slot (14a) are accessible from the outside of the household appliance (2).
In another embodiment, when the terminal box (1) is installed on the cooking appliance (2) each fastening hole (15b) is accessible from the outside of the household appliance (2).
In another embodiment, when the terminal box (1) is installed on the cooking appliance (2), the throughlet (16) is accessible from the outside of the household appliance (2).
In another embodiment, when installing the terminal box (1) onto the cooking appliance (2) the alignment slot (17b) is accessible from the outside of the household appliance (2) so as to easily engage with the hook (17a) of the housing (3).
In another embodiment, when the terminal box (1) is installed on the cooking appliance (2) and the cover (7) is released, the ground terminal (4d) is entirely accessible from the outside of the household appliance (2).
In another embodiment, when the terminal box (1) is installed on the cooking appliance (2) and the cover (7) is released, the fitting pins (24b) are accessible from the outside of the household appliance (2).
In another embodiment, when the terminal box (1) is installed on the cooking appliance (2), the grounding holes (25a, 25b) are accessible from the outside of the cooking appliance (2) even when the cover (7) is closed.
In another embodiment, when the terminal box (1) is installed on the cooking appliance (2), each fixing hole (26a) is accessible from the outside of the housing (3) even when the cover is closed.
In another embodiment, when installing the terminal box (1) onto the cooking appliance (2) each mounting notch (27a) and each clamping tab is (27b) is accessible from the outside of the housing (3).
With the present invention, a terminal box (1) has been provided which is compact and comparatively easy to produce and assemble. Thereby, the overall cost both in material and labor has been reduced. Thereby, the customer satisfaction can be increased.

Claims (14)

  1. A terminal box (1) for use in a household appliance (2), in particular a cooking appliance (2), the terminal box (1) comprising a housing (3) which accommodates a plurality of terminals (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) which are electrically connectable to the wires (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) of a power cable (6) respectively, wherein the plurality of terminals (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) include two or more than two supply terminals (4a, 4b, 4c) and a ground terminal (4d) and a cover (7) for accessing the housing (3), characterized in that
    - each supply terminal (4a, 4b, 4c) is integrally provided with crimping ears (8) for establishing electrical connection with the corresponding wire (5a, 5b, 5c) of the power cable (6), a male or a female blade (9a, 9b, 9c) for establishing electrical connection with the corresponding female or male blade terminal of the household appliance (2) respectively and a locking tab (10a, 10b, 10c) for fixing the supply terminal (4a,4b,4c) to the body (3a) of the housing (3) and
    - the housing (3) has two or more than two connector slots (11a, 11b, 11c) for respectively receiving and fixing the supply terminals (4a, 4b, 4c), wherein each connector slot (11a, 11b, 11c) is integrally formed into the body (3a) of the housing (3) and wherein each connector slot (11a, 11b, 11c) has an abutment (12) configured to catch the locking tab (10a, 10b, 10c) upon insertion of the supply terminal (4a,4b,4c) into the connector slot (11a, 11b, 11c), wherein the cover (7) is releasably engageable with the body (3a) of the housing (3).
  2. The terminal box (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (3) has a mounting slot (13a) formed on the body (3a) and the cover (7) has a mounting tab (13b) configured to slidably engage with the mounting slot (13a) and secure the cover (7) to the housing (3).
  3. The terminal box (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the housing (3) has a locking slot (14a) formed on the body (3a) and the cover (7) has a locking claw (14b) configured to snap fittingly engage with the locking slot (14a) of the housing (3) and secure the cover (7) to the housing (3).
  4. The terminal box (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the housing (3) has a fastening hole (15a) for receiving a fastening screw, wherein the fastening hole (15a) is formed on the body (3) and the cover (7) has a counterpart fastening hole (15b) aligned with the fastening hole (15a) of the housing (3) so as to receive said fastening screw and secure the cover (7) to the housing (3).
  5. The terminal box (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cover (7) has a throughlet (16) for receiving the power cable (6).
  6. The terminal box (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the housing (3) has a hook (17a) for engaging with an alignment slot (17b) formed on the chassis (18) of the household appliance (2), wherein the hook (17a) is formed on the body (3a).
  7. The terminal box (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the housing (3) has a clamping edge (19a) formed into the body (3a) and the cover (7) has a counterpart clamping edge (19b) which is arranged to oppose the clamping edge (19a) of the housing (3) so as to secure the power cable (6) respectively from both sides when the cover (7) is engaged with the housing (3).
  8. The terminal box (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that
    the ground terminal (4d) comprising a first sub-terminal (20) and a second sub-terminal (21) which are releasably interconnectable,
    wherein the first sub-terminal (20) is integrally provided with crimping ears (8) for establishing the electrical connection with the ground wire (5d) of the power cable (6) and a male or female blade (9d) for establishing electrical connection with the second sub-terminal (21) respectively,
    wherein the second sub-terminal (21) is integrally provided with a fixing tab (22) for fixing to the chassis (18) of the household appliance (2) so as to ground the chassis (18) of the household appliance (2) and a female or male blade (9e) for establishing electrical connection with the first sub-terminal (20) respectively,
    wherein the housing (3) has a retainer (23) for releasably securing the second sub-terminal (21).
  9. The terminal box (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the fixing tab (22) has two fitting holes (24a) and the retainer (23) has two fitting pins (24b) configured to penetrate through the fitting holes (24a) respectively, wherein the fitting pins (24b) are formed on the body (3a) of the housing (3).
  10. The terminal box (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the fixing tab (22) has a grounding hole (25a) for receiving a grounding screw which is fixable to a counterpart grounding hole (25b) formed on the chassis (18) of the household appliance (2).
  11. The terminal box (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the fixing tab (22) has one or more than one fixing hole (26a) for receiving a corresponding fixing screw which is fixable to a counterpart fixing hole (26b) formed on the chassis (18) of the household appliance (2).
  12. The terminal box (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the retainer (23) has one or more than one mounting notch (27a) formed on the body (3a) of the housing (3) and the cover (7) has one or more than one corresponding clamping tab (27b), wherein the clamping tab (27b) is configured to slidably engage with the corresponding mounting notch (27a) and in the engaged state each clamping tab (27b) presses the second sub-terminal (21) against the body (3a) of the housing (3).
  13. A cooking appliance (2), characterized in that a power cable (6) and the terminal box (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.
  14. The cooking appliance (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that
    a protective metal casing (28) which encloses at least the lower part of the cooking appliance (2) and defines a chassis (18), wherein the protective metal casing (28) has an alignment slot (17b), one counterpart grounding hole (25b) and one or more than one counterpart fixing hole (26b) and a depression (29) which has an insertion hole (30) and wherein the housing (3) of the terminal box (1) is disposed within the insertion hole (30) such that the connector slots (11a,11b,11c) are accessible from the interior whereas the cover (7) and the fixing tab (22) are both accessible from the exterior.
PCT/EP2014/070800 2014-09-29 2014-09-29 Terminal box and cooking appliance having the same WO2016050266A1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ES14784202T ES2696704T3 (en) 2014-09-29 2014-09-29 Kitchen appliance with terminal box
EP14784202.5A EP3201992B1 (en) 2014-09-29 2014-09-29 Cooking appliance with terminal box
PCT/EP2014/070800 WO2016050266A1 (en) 2014-09-29 2014-09-29 Terminal box and cooking appliance having the same
PL14784202T PL3201992T3 (en) 2014-09-29 2014-09-29 Cooking appliance with terminal box

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2014/070800 WO2016050266A1 (en) 2014-09-29 2014-09-29 Terminal box and cooking appliance having the same

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2016050266A1 true WO2016050266A1 (en) 2016-04-07

Family

ID=51726485

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2014/070800 WO2016050266A1 (en) 2014-09-29 2014-09-29 Terminal box and cooking appliance having the same

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3201992B1 (en)
ES (1) ES2696704T3 (en)
PL (1) PL3201992T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2016050266A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018103835A1 (en) * 2016-12-07 2018-06-14 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Electrical connecting device for use in an electrical household appliance
WO2018162066A1 (en) * 2017-03-09 2018-09-13 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi A cooking appliance with improved safety

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1459491A (en) * 1973-01-12 1976-12-22 Socapex Electrical connectors
FR2698492A1 (en) * 1992-11-20 1994-05-27 Itw Fastex Italia Spa Mains plug for electrical domestic appliance such as washing machine - has base unit receptor with protruding trough section for integrated electricity supply cable and connector
EP1916745A1 (en) * 2006-10-24 2008-04-30 INARCA S.p.A. Assembly for connecting the stator windings of an electric motor
WO2009113039A1 (en) 2008-03-14 2009-09-17 Itw Industrial Components S.R.L. Con Unico Socio Terminal board for an electric household appliance, in particular for the connection of rigid cables

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1459491A (en) * 1973-01-12 1976-12-22 Socapex Electrical connectors
FR2698492A1 (en) * 1992-11-20 1994-05-27 Itw Fastex Italia Spa Mains plug for electrical domestic appliance such as washing machine - has base unit receptor with protruding trough section for integrated electricity supply cable and connector
EP1916745A1 (en) * 2006-10-24 2008-04-30 INARCA S.p.A. Assembly for connecting the stator windings of an electric motor
WO2009113039A1 (en) 2008-03-14 2009-09-17 Itw Industrial Components S.R.L. Con Unico Socio Terminal board for an electric household appliance, in particular for the connection of rigid cables

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018103835A1 (en) * 2016-12-07 2018-06-14 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Electrical connecting device for use in an electrical household appliance
WO2018162066A1 (en) * 2017-03-09 2018-09-13 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi A cooking appliance with improved safety

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
PL3201992T3 (en) 2019-02-28
ES2696704T3 (en) 2019-01-17
EP3201992A1 (en) 2017-08-09
EP3201992B1 (en) 2018-08-15

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