Connection assembly for a household appliance and household appliance

Abstract

Connection assembly for a household appliance (100), in particular for a household refrigeration appliance, comprising: an electrical connection housing (200); an electrical cable (310); and a plug device (300) which is positioned in the terminal housing (200) for the transmission of electrical energy and is attached to the cable (310); characterized by the fact that the cable (310) has a positive locking element (312) at a predetermined distance (L) in relation to the plugging device (300), and the terminal housing (200) has a positive locking retainer (202) designed to positively lock the positive locking element (312) along a cable longitudinal extension (X), wherein the terminal housing (200) has an opening (210) through which the plug device (300) can be inserted into the terminal housing (200); and wherein the terminal housing (200) further has a closing device (220) for closing the opening (210) section by section, so that the cable (310) protrudes through the opening (210) in a closed state.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection assembly for a household appliance, in particular for a household refrigeration appliance such as a refrigerator, a freezer, a chest freezer, or a fridge-freezer combination. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a household appliance, in particular a household refrigeration appliance. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Household refrigeration appliances use a refrigerant circuit to extract heat from a storage chamber by evaporating the refrigerant in an evaporator and releasing this heat to the environment through condensation of the refrigerant in a condenser. The evaporator is thermally coupled to the storage chamber.

[0003] Furthermore, conventional household refrigerators typically feature an inner container insulated with foam, containing a cooled storage compartment, and a door that pivots relative to the storage compartment for opening and closing it. Household refrigerators are usually equipped with interior lighting that activates when the door is opened. This lighting is typically adjusted to optimally illuminate the interior, or the storage compartment within it, without dazzling the user. The interior lighting is switched off when the door is closed.

[0004] DE 10 2010 039 574 A1 describes a household appliance comprising a heat-insulating inner container with a coolable interior, a cooling device for cooling the interior, a door leaf pivotably arranged relative to the inner container for opening and closing the interior, and interior lighting arranged within the interior for at least partially illuminating the interior, with a housing and a light source arranged within the housing, which can be supplied with electrical energy via an electrical cable, wherein the end of the electrical cable facing the interior lighting is provided with a terminal block connector for electrically contacting the light source. The household appliance according to the invention is, in particular, a household refrigeration appliance, such as a household refrigerator or a fridge-freezer combination.

[0005] Furthermore, DE 10 2019 205 875 A1, for example, describes a household refrigeration appliance and a method for manufacturing a household refrigeration appliance. WO 2023 / 038 308 A1 A4 describes a refrigerator formed by joining a large number of plates, in which an inner housing is formed by injection molding.

[0006] DE 20 2008 005 462 U1 A1 discloses a connection device for connecting a cable with at least one signal conductor and, in particular, at least one optical fiber to a signal terminal by means of a plug provided on a housing, wherein the plug has a locking mechanism which can be locked and unlocked by a relative movement of at least one housing part with respect to the signal conductor, wherein the housing is equipped with at least one additional locking device to enable detachable fastening of the housing to the signal terminal, and wherein the housing is provided with a strain relief device to relieve the plug from strain, wherein the at least one signal conductor is guided in the housing and deflected by a deflection device.to enable a corresponding length compensation through a defined lateral movement of the signal conductor in the event of a relative movement of the housing part of the housing compared to the connector.

[0007] DE 10 2021 109 298 A1 discloses a cable connection unit for a junction box, consisting of a cable which has at least two, but preferably four, electrical conductors surrounded by a cable sheath, a cable seal radially enclosing the cable sheath and a cable manager in which the at least four electrical conductors are fanned out.

[0008] DE 10 2007 029 177 A1 discloses a household appliance with a cable feedthrough, in particular a refrigerator, with a backing part placed on a first side of an appliance wall and a cover part placed on the second side of the wall, wherein the backing part and the cover part have complementary connectors, wherein the connector of the backing part is fixed on the backing part in an orientation in which the connectors can be plugged together in a plugging direction crossing the wall.

[0009] DE 10 2013 221 297 A1 discloses a household appliance, in particular a refrigerator, comprising a housing, an electronic module mounted in the housing, a module-side connector connected to the electronic module via a cable, and a housing-side connector which, in engagement with the module-side connector, couples the electronic module to lines of the housing, wherein the electronic module, the cable, the module-side connector, and a cover attached to the module-side connector form an assembly that can be handled separately from the housing, and wherein, in an assembled state of the assembly, the cover and the housing define a chamber in which the connectors are received.

[0010] DE 10 2014 104 211 A1 discloses a fluid measuring or control device, in particular a mass flow meter or controller, with a cuboid outer housing having corner sections, each defined by two side walls as a top or bottom and a front or back, and with an electrical connection on the outer housing, wherein a corner section of the outer housing is cut out by shortening the front or back as well as the top or bottom at this corner section and forming a step, and wherein the electrical connection is provided in the step. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] One of the objects of the present invention is to provide improved solutions for the precise positioning of functionally relevant components in a household appliance. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide the precise positioning of electrical components in a household appliance.

[0012] This problem is solved according to the invention by a connection assembly for a household appliance with the features of claim 1 and a household appliance with the features of claim 12.

[0013] Advantageous designs and further developments result from the subclaims relating back to the independent claims in conjunction with the description.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the invention, a connection assembly for a household appliance, in particular for a household refrigerator, comprises an electrical connection housing, an electrical cable, and a plug connector positioned in the connection housing for the transmission of electrical energy and attached to the cable. The cable has a positive locking element at a predetermined distance from the plug connector. The connection housing has a positive locking retainer designed to positively lock the positive locking element along the longitudinal length of the cable.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the invention, a household appliance, in particular a household refrigeration appliance, comprises a storage chamber for holding items, in particular refrigerated goods, and a connection assembly according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0016] One of the underlying ideas of the invention is to position the cable more precisely and accurately, particularly when the cable is foamed in place after initial positioning. The positive locking mechanism according to the invention secures the cable in such a way that it neither slips inwards into the housing nor outwards outwards when forces act on the mounted cable along its length. Generally, the positive locking mechanism defines or delimits a receiving area in which the positive locking element is received or held. This receiving area is located outside the interior of the connector housing, in which the plug is positioned and can be connected.

[0017] One advantage of the invention is that the cable can be held within the terminal housing at a predetermined distance or length, thus resulting in minimal or no tensile forces acting on the connector within the terminal housing. Furthermore, production effort and / or costs can be reduced, for example, through fewer personnel or fewer components and elements.

[0018] Another advantage is that the cable's position can be secured against unintentional overloading. Furthermore, the assembly of the connection module can be simplified, which also reduces the workload for the supplier.

[0019] In some embodiments, the positive locking mechanism may have a groove for guiding the cable. This allows the cable to be positioned unambiguously. In this way, the positive locking element can, for example, be supported against an end face of the groove.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the positive locking mechanism can be designed as a bracket projecting from the terminal housing, which defines a pocket for receiving the positive locking element. The bracket can, for example, define a rectangular pocket.

[0021] In some embodiments, the terminal housing may have an opening through which the plug can be inserted; and the terminal housing may further have a closing device for partially closing the opening, so that the cable protrudes through the opening when closed. In the closed state, the closing device partially closes the opening or cable entry such that only a portion of the opening remains free for the cable. The opening may be dimensioned to accommodate the plug.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the predetermined distance may be essentially a distance between an insertion position of the plugging device within the terminal housing and the opening.

[0023] In some embodiments, the locking device may be pivotally connected to the connection housing. Alternatively or additionally, the locking device may have a locking hook for engaging with the connection housing in the closed position. For example, the locking device may be pivotally connected to the connection housing by means of a film hinge.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the positive locking mechanism may be arranged at an edge region of the opening. For example, the positive locking mechanism may be designed as a rectangular pocket, a slot, or the like, into which the substantially corresponding positive locking element can be inserted.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the locking device may be designed to positively secure the positive locking element in the closed state in a transverse direction extending across the cable's length. The positive locking element may, for example, protrude from the cable. By way of example, the positive locking element may be designed as a cable tie.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the locking device may have a support rib designed to assist the positive locking in the transverse direction when locked. The support rib may be located on an inner and / or outer surface of the locking device. Thus, the support rib can assist in positioning the cable, particularly the positive locking element, within the positive locking holder. The support rib may also be located on the underside of the positive locking holder.

[0027] In some embodiments, a lug may be formed on the inside of the locking device, which is angled to press the cable towards the positive locking element when the opening is closed. The lug arranged on the inside can thus form a ramp-like means for moving the cable and the positive locking element into the positive locking element.

[0028] In some embodiments, the locking device and the cable may be designed to seal the opening against insulating foam when closed. This prevents the insulating foam from penetrating the interior of the terminal housing. Therefore, components and functions within the terminal housing cannot be affected by the insulating foam. Furthermore, the cable cannot unintentionally pull out of the connector, as the positive locking element maintains the predetermined distance within the terminal housing.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the sealing device may have a sealing projection that penetrates the opening. This sealing projection advantageously eliminates any gap in the opening. The cable may be sheathed with a fabric adhesive tape or insulating tape for sealing purposes, at least at the level of the opening. In particular, the cable may have the fabric adhesive tape and the form-fitting element at a predetermined distance. This eliminates the need for further sealing measures against insulating foam, such as additional adhesive tapes or cable sheathing.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the household appliance may additionally have a light source facing the storage chamber for illuminating the storage chamber, with an electrical connection that is connected to the plug device in the connection housing.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the terminal housing, the cable, and the form-fitting holder may be at least partially enclosed with insulating foam. The insulating foam may contain, for example, polyurethane or the like.

[0032] In some embodiments, the bearing chamber may be enclosed by an inner wall which has a recess, with the connection assembly being arranged on a side of the inner wall facing away from the bearing chamber such that the connection housing covers the recess. The inner wall may be made of, for example, a metal and / or a plastic. Furthermore, the connection housing may be bonded to the inner wall by means of a material bond, for example, using an adhesive or double-sided tape.

[0033] Optionally, the household appliance can have a variety of light sources for illuminating areas of the storage chamber, with each variety of light sources comprising a connection housing.

[0034] The features and advantages disclosed herein in connection with one aspect of the invention are also disclosed for the other aspect and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The invention will now be explained with reference to the figures in the drawings. The figures show: Fig. 1 a household appliance in the form of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic exploded view of a connection assembly for a household appliance according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic perspective view of the connection assembly Fig. 2 at the start of an assembly; Fig. 4 a schematic perspective view of the connection assembly Fig. 3 after the plug device has been inserted into the connector housing; Fig. 5 a schematic perspective view of the connection assembly Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, wherein the positive locking element is positively connected to the positive locking holder; and Fig. 6 a schematic perspective view of the connection assembly Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 at the end of the assembly.

[0036] In the figures, the same reference symbols denote identical or functionally equivalent components, unless otherwise stated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0037] Fig. Figure 1 shows, by way of example, a household appliance 100 in the form of a refrigerator. The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the one in Fig. The invention is described in Figure 1, but is not limited to this. For example, the invention can also be used in other household refrigeration appliances, such as a freezer, a chest freezer, or a fridge-freezer combination, or generally in household appliances.

[0038] As in Fig. As shown schematically in Figure 1, the household appliance 100 has a body 102, which defines a storage compartment or chamber 110 for holding items, especially refrigerated goods, such as food, beverages, medicines, or the like. A separate machine compartment from the storage compartment 110 can optionally also be at least partially defined by the body 102.

[0039] Furthermore, the household appliance 100 features a refrigerant circuit. This circuit may include an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and a main throttling device, such as a capillary tube. Optionally, the refrigerant circuit may also include a fan.

[0040] The evaporator is thermally coupled to storage compartment 110 in order to extract heat from it by evaporating refrigerant.

[0041] The refrigerant circuit is generally designed to extract heat from the storage compartment by evaporating refrigerant and to release this heat to the environment by condensing refrigerant.

[0042] The household appliance 100 here includes, for example, a storage chamber 110 for holding items, especially refrigerated goods, and a connection assembly, for example for a light source 120.

[0043] The connection assembly comprises, for example, an electrical connection housing 200 and a plug connector 300. The plug connector 300 can be inserted into the connection housing 200 for the transmission of electrical energy, and the plug connector 300 is connected to a cable 310. The cable 310 has a positive locking element 312 at a predetermined distance L from the plug connector 300.

[0044] The terminal housing 200 can have a positive-locking retainer 202 designed to positively connect the positive-locking element 312 along a cable longitudinal extent X. The positive-locking element 312 can, for example, be integrally connected to the cable or fixed to the cable. This allows a predetermined length or distance L of the cable 310 to be fixed within the terminal housing 200, preventing the cable from unintentionally pulling out of the connector, as the positive-locking element 312 secures the predetermined distance or length L within the terminal housing 200.

[0045] For example, the household appliance additionally has a light source 120 facing the storage chamber 110 for illuminating the storage chamber 110, with an electrical connection that is connected to the plug fitting 300 in the connection housing 200. Alternatively or additionally, the connection housing 200, the cable 310, and the positive-locking bracket 202 can be at least partially enclosed with insulating foam. The storage chamber 110 can be surrounded by an inner wall 104 with a recess 106, wherein the connection assembly is arranged on a side of the inner wall 104 facing away from the storage chamber 110 such that the connection housing 200 covers the recess 106. The inner wall 104 forms an inner container. This container and the connection assembly arranged on its outside can be surrounded by a foam material.

[0046] Optionally, the household appliance can have a multitude of light sources 120 for illuminating areas of the storage chamber 110, each multitude of light sources 120 comprising a connection housing 200.

[0047] Optionally, in addition to storage compartment 110 or the refrigerated compartment (first storage compartment), a freezer compartment (second storage compartment) can also be provided. The refrigerant circuit is designed to extract heat from the respective storage compartment by evaporating refrigerant and releasing this heat to the environment by condensing refrigerant.

[0048] Fig. Figure 2 shows an exemplary schematic exploded view of a connection assembly for a household appliance 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. Specifically, the connection assembly is for installation in the household appliance according to Fig. 1 is planned.

[0049] The connection assembly comprises, for example, an electrical connection housing 200 and a plug connector 300. The plug connector 300 can be inserted into the connection housing 200 for the transmission of electrical energy, and the plug connector 300 is connected to a cable 310. The cable 310 has a positive locking element 312 at a predetermined distance L relative to the plug connector 300.

[0050] The terminal housing 200 can have a positive-locking retainer 202 designed to positively connect the positive-locking element 312 along a cable longitudinal extent X. The positive-locking element 312 can, for example, be integrally connected to the cable or fixed to the cable. This allows a predetermined length or distance L of the cable 310 to be fixed within the terminal housing 200, preventing the cable from unintentionally pulling out of the connector, as the positive-locking element 312 secures the predetermined distance or length L within the terminal housing 200.

[0051] An inner wall 104 of a storage chamber 110 of the household appliance 100 can, for example, be made of a metal and / or a plastic. Furthermore, the connection housing 200 can be bonded to the inner wall 104, for example, by means of an adhesive or double-sided adhesive tape 130.

[0052] In Fig. Figure 2 shows that the terminal housing 200 has, for example, an opening 210 through which the plug 300 can be inserted into the terminal housing 200. Furthermore, the terminal housing 200 can have a closing device 220 for partially closing the opening 210, so that the cable 310 protrudes through the opening 210 when closed. The opening 210 can be dimensioned to accommodate the plug 300. Optionally, the opening 210 can be connected to or transition into a groove. The cable 310 can be inserted into this groove from the opening 210 when the plug 300 is positioned inside the terminal housing 200.

[0053] The predetermined distance L can essentially be a distance between an insertion position of the plug device 300 inside the terminal housing 200 and the opening 210.

[0054] Furthermore, the sealing device 220 can have a sealing projection 224 that penetrates the opening 210. The sealing projection 224 advantageously eliminates any gap in the opening 210. The cable 310 can be sheathed with a fabric adhesive tape or insulating tape for sealing purposes, at least at the level of the opening 210. In particular, the cable 310 can have the fabric adhesive tape and the form-fitting element 312 at the predetermined distance X. This eliminates the need for additional sealing measures against insulating foam, such as additional adhesive tapes or cable sheathing.

[0055] Fig. Figure 3 shows an example of a schematic perspective view of the connection assembly. Fig. 2 at the start of an assembly.

[0056] Here it can be seen that the locking device 220 can be pivotally connected to the connection housing 200. Alternatively or additionally, the locking device 220 can have a locking hook for engaging with the connection housing in the closed position. For example, the locking device 220 can be pivotally connected to the connection housing 200 by means of a film hinge.

[0057] For example, the positive locking bracket 202 can be arranged at an edge region, here the upper edge region, of the opening 210. For example, the positive locking bracket 202 can be designed as a rectangular pocket or in a U-shape, into which the substantially corresponding positive locking element 312 can be inserted. The positive locking bracket 202 projects, for example, in the direction of the cable's longitudinal extent X from the terminal housing 200. In particular, the positive locking element 312 can have two longitudinal webs 202A projecting in the cable's longitudinal direction X and a transverse web 202B extending between the longitudinal webs 202A. The webs 202A and 202B, together with one end of the terminal housing 200, define the rectangular pocket in which the positive locking element 312 can be received for positive locking.In general, the positive locking element 312 can project into the rectangular pocket, particularly in a transverse direction Z that runs perpendicular to the cable's longitudinal direction X. The positive locking element 312 can, for example, project from or protrude from the cable 310. By way of example, the positive locking element 312 can be designed as a cable tie. Generally, the positive locking element 312 projects from an outer circumference of the cable.

[0058] Furthermore, the positive locking bracket 202 can have a groove 204 for guiding the cable 310. The groove 204 of the positive locking bracket 202 can, for example, be aligned with the optional groove of the terminal housing 200. This allows the cable to be positioned unambiguously. In this way, the positive locking element 312 can, for example, be supported on an end face of the groove 204 on the positive locking bracket 202, e.g., on a crossbar of the bracket.

[0059] Alternatively or additionally, the locking device 220 can have a support rib 222 which is designed to support the positive locking in the transverse direction in the locked state, as shown in Fig. Figure 6 is illustrated by way of example. The support rib 222 can be arranged on an inner and / or an outer side of the locking device 220. Thus, the support rib 222 can assist in positioning the cable 310, in particular the positive locking element 312, in the positive locking holder 202. The support rib 222 can be arranged below the positive locking holder so that it at least partially covers the opening of the pocket or receiving area that is delimited by the positive locking holder. This can prevent the positive locking element 312 from falling out even more reliably.

[0060] In particular, a lug 223 can be formed on an inner side of the locking device 220, which is chamfered to press the cable 310 towards the positive locking holder 202 when the opening 210 is closed. The lug 223 arranged on the inner side can thus form a ramp-like means for moving the cable 310 and the positive locking element 312 into the positive locking holder 202.

[0061] Fig. Figure 4 shows an example of a schematic perspective view of the connection assembly. Fig. 3 after the plug device 300 was inserted into the connection housing 200. Fig. Figure 5 shows an example of a schematic perspective view of the connection assembly. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, wherein the positive locking element 312 is positively connected to the positive locking holder 202.

[0062] The plug connector 300 was moved into the insertion position in the terminal housing 200. Thus, as shown in Fig. As illustrated by a dashed upward arrow in Figure 5, the positive locking element 312 is pressed upwards into the positive locking holder 202, so that the positive locking connection or securing is established. The cable 310 can be stored in the groove 204.

[0063] Fig. Figure 6 shows an example of a schematic perspective view of the connection assembly. Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 at the end of the assembly. Consequently, in Fig. Figure 6 shows an example of a closed state of the connection assembly.

[0064] In the closed state, the locking device 220 closes the opening 210 or the cable entry section by section such that only a section of the opening 210 remains free for the cable 310. The locking device 220 can be configured to positively engage the positive locking element 312 in a transverse direction to the cable's longitudinal extent X when closed.

[0065] The locking device 220 and the cable 310 are designed, for example, to seal the opening 210 against insulating foam when closed. This prevents the insulating foam from penetrating the interior of the terminal housing 200. Therefore, components and functions within the terminal housing cannot be affected by the insulating foam. Furthermore, the cable cannot unintentionally pull out the connector, as the positive locking element maintains the predetermined distance within the terminal housing.

[0066] Although the present invention has been explained above by way of example embodiments, it is not limited to these, but can be modified in many ways. In particular, combinations of the preceding embodiments are also conceivable. REFERENCE MARK 100 household appliances 102 Corpus 104 Inner wall 106 recess 110 Storage room or storage compartment 120 light sources 130 adhesive tape 200 electrical connection housing 202 Positive locking mechanism 202A Longitudinal webs 202B Crossbar 204 Nut 210 Opening 220 locking device 222 Support rib 223 Nose 224 sealing projection 300 plug-in device 310 cables 312 Positive locking element L predetermined distance X cable length Z transverse direction

Claims

[1] Connection assembly for a household appliance (100), in particular for a household refrigerator, comprising: an electrical connection housing (200); an electrical cable (310); and a plug device (300) which is positioned in the terminal housing (200) for the transmission of electrical energy and is attached to the cable (310); characterized by , that the cable (310) has a positive locking element (312) at a predetermined distance (L) in relation to the plugging device (300), and the terminal housing (200) has a positive locking retainer (202) designed to positively lock the positive locking element (312) along a cable longitudinal extension (X), wherein the terminal housing (200) has an opening (210) through which the plug device (300) can be inserted into the terminal housing (200); and wherein the terminal housing (200) further has a closing device (220) for closing the opening (210) section by section, so that the cable (310) protrudes through the opening (210) in a closed state. [2] Connection assembly according to claim 1, wherein the positive locking holder (202) has a groove (204) for guiding the cable (310). [3] Connection assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined distance (L) is essentially a distance between an insertion position of the plug device (300) within the connection housing (200) and the opening (210). [4] Connection assembly according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the locking device (220) is pivotably connected to the connection housing (200). [5] Connection assembly according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the positive locking holder (202) is arranged at an edge region of the opening (210). [6] Connection assembly according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the locking device (220) is configured to positively lock the positive locking element (312) in the closed state in a transverse direction (Z) extending transversely to the cable longitudinal extent (X). [7] Connection assembly according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the locking device (220) has a support rib (222) which is designed to support the positive locking in the transverse direction (Z) in the locked state. [8] Connection assembly according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a nose (223) is formed on an inside of the locking device (220), which is angled to press the cable (310) towards the positive locking holder (202) when closing the opening (210). [9] Connection assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the locking device (220) and the cable (310) are configured to seal the opening (210) against an insulating foam in the closed state. [10] Connection assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the closure device (220) has a sealing projection (224) which penetrates into the opening (210). [11] Household appliance (100), in particular household refrigerator, comprising: a storage room (110) for storing items, in particular refrigerated goods; and a connecting assembly according to one of the preceding claims. [12] Household appliance (100) according to claim 11, further comprising: a light source (120) facing the storage chamber (110) for illuminating the storage chamber (110) with an electrical connection which is connected to the plug device (300) in the connection housing (200). [13] Household appliance (100) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the connection housing (200), the cable (310) and the form-fitting holder (202) are at least partially enclosed with an insulating foam. [14] Household appliance (100) according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the storage chamber (110) is enclosed by an inner wall (104) which has a recess (106), wherein the connection assembly is arranged on a side of the inner wall (104) facing away from the storage chamber (110) such that the connection housing (200) covers the recess (106).

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