Method for electrically connecting electrical equipment in a kitchen

Abstract

Method for electrically connecting electrical appliances (8, 8', 8") in a kitchen (1) comprising the steps of: - providing an electrical connection to an electrical supply network in the area of ​​the kitchen, - providing an electrical flat cable (4) with a connection means for connecting to the electrical connection, - providing at least one connection adapter (5) for each electrical appliance (8, 8', 8") to be connected to the electrical flat cable on the flat cable (4), - contacting the electrical appliance (8, 8', 8") with the flat cable (4) by means of a supply cable (7) by connecting the supply cable (7) to the connection adapter (5).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for electrically connecting electrical appliances in a kitchen. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a flat cable for electrically connecting appliances in a kitchen, as well as a large kitchen appliance with a supply cable for directly connecting a flat cable.

[0002] In residential and commercial construction, installing a kitchen presents the challenge of precisely positioning the electrical connections for the appliances on the back wall of the future kitchen. The specific location of the electrical connection is determined by the kitchen manufacturer or designer. During the construction phase, changes and adjustments to the kitchen design are frequently necessary, as are on-site modifications due to inaccurate positioning of walls, protrusions, and other obstructions. Because modern kitchens have very tight space tolerances and only minimal space is allocated behind the appliances, even a horizontal or vertical deviation of just a few centimeters inevitably necessitates a shift in the electrical connection.The kitchen fitter's installation work is hindered by such subsequent changes or adjustments, as the new electrical connections in the back wall must be prepared by slots and points and relocated and reinstalled by an electrician with the appropriate authorization for high voltage.

[0003] The use of a busbar for variably connecting lighting units and sockets in or on kitchen furniture is already known in the prior art; see DE 94 11 436 U1. Furthermore, Fr 2 881 887 discloses the use of a three-core flat ribbon cable as an extension cable with freely positioned sockets. These sockets are attached to the flat ribbon cable at the required positions and fixed in place. The sockets are suitable for connecting conventional small appliances such as hand blenders or radios and accordingly have a phase conductor, a neutral conductor, and a protective conductor. Both documents show solutions in the user-accessible area of ​​the kitchen that only provide an electrical supply up to 230 V.

[0004] Various installation systems are known in the prior art, for example from the companies Wieland or Woertz, which use flat ribbon cables with several phase conductors to position sockets at different locations along a cable duct in open-plan offices or to simplify lighting installations, see EP 1 391 967 A1, EP 2 768 082 A1, EP 2 928 025 A1 or EP 2 011 703 A2, or EP2280454 A2 which discloses a method for electrically connecting electrical devices within buildings.

[0005] Document EP 2 315 217 A1 discloses a flat ribbon cable which, in addition to five conductors for power supply—namely three phase conductors, a neutral conductor, and a protective conductor—also includes a shielded data cable with two conductors. The corresponding connection technology is also provided. Document DE 2 264 216 A1 discloses an electrical installation system. In this electrical installation system, multi-core flat cables are laid in covered insulating ducts. The flat cables have power outlets for connecting installation devices.

[0006] Document US 4,758,536 discloses an electrical distribution system that combines power, data, and analog signals into a single system and is suitable for use in a building.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a method is to be provided to simplify the cumbersome electrical installation work in kitchen construction and to make it flexible for subsequent modifications.

[0008] An inventive method for electrically connecting electrical appliances, in particular large kitchen appliances, in a kitchen comprises the following steps: Providing an electrical connection to an electrical supply network in the kitchen area, in particular in the form of an electrical socket, providing an electrical flat cable with a connection means, in particular a connector, for connecting to the electrical connection, providing at least one connection adapter on the flat cable for each electrical device to be connected to the electrical flat cable, contacting the electrical device with the flat cable by means of a supply cable by connecting the supply cable to the connection adapter.

[0009] In this and subsequent text, a large appliance is defined as an electrical device that requires an operating voltage of 400 volts. Such devices usually require a three-phase connection to the electrical supply network. Accordingly, a large kitchen appliance is understood to be a large appliance primarily used in a kitchen, for example, a cooker, an oven, a steamer, a refrigerator-freezer combination, etc.

[0010] The use of a flat cable with corresponding connection adapters allows for highly flexible installation and connection of kitchen appliances. This eliminates the need for a precisely positioned electrical connection for each individual appliance on the back wall of the kitchen; instead, only one electrical connection is required, to which the flat cable is ultimately connected. The individual appliances are connected directly to the connection adapters of the flat cable using their power cords. These connection adapters can be mounted anywhere along the flat cable or are pre-installed at the required location. Accordingly, the connection adapters can be distributed along the flat cable or positioned at the location where the respective appliance is placed. The flat cable contains several parallel conductors.

[0011] A flat electrical cable can consist of three phase conductors and preferably a neutral conductor and a protective earth conductor. The use of three phase conductors allows for a connection with an operating voltage of 400 volts in a conventional system, which is required for most large kitchen appliances. At the same time, it also makes it easy to connect devices with an operating voltage of 230 volts, for example, for lighting or for connecting sockets for small appliances.

[0012] A corresponding connector plug can be used to connect the supply cable to the connection adapter.

[0013] The use of a connector plug allows for easy connection of the electrical device to the flat cable or the electrical supply network. For later maintenance or replacement, the electrical device can be easily disconnected from the electrical supply network.

[0014] A data line can be provided with a data adapter, and at least one device can be connected to it. Using a data line allows, for example, the electrical device to be controlled externally or for information to be exchanged with it. In modern apartments and houses, more and more conventional appliances, such as refrigerators, are being integrated into home automation systems. Refrigerators are already available that monitor their contents and automatically reorder missing items as needed. Communication with the refrigerator takes place via a data line. Similarly, using a data line in the kitchen installation allows for the connection of devices such as presence sensors.This makes it possible to install safety systems that, for example, automatically switch off the stove or other connected devices if no human presence can be detected for an extended period of time.

[0015] A data line can, for example, conform to the Ethernet standard. However, it is also conceivable that the data line comprises only two conductors, which may be additionally shielded.

[0016] The data line can be integrated into the flat cable. Integrating the data line directly into the flat cable significantly simplifies installation. Naturally, a corresponding connection point must also be provided in the kitchen area for connecting the data line to, for example, the home automation system. Alternatively, the data line can be connected to the home automation system wirelessly or via powerline communication.

[0017] The data adapter can be integrated into the connection adapter. However, it is also conceivable that a separate data adapter is used for the data line in order to tap into the corresponding data signal.

[0018] To connect the electrical device to the data line, a separate data cable, particularly one with a data connector for connecting to the data adapter, can be used. Typically, electrical devices are connected to the data line via a separate data cable. However, it is also conceivable that the data cable is integrated into the power supply cable. In a configuration with a separate data cable, this cable preferably has a data connector to ensure easy connectivity with the data adapter or the data line.

[0019] The connection to the electrical supply network and the flat cable can be provided in the plinth area and / or the ceiling area in the kitchen. Typically, a plinth area of ​​approximately 5 cm to 15 cm is left free under the built-in cabinets and appliances in kitchen construction to compensate for uneven floors and varying heights of appliances, worktops, and cabinets. This plinth area can be used to position the flat cable with the appropriate connection adapters and to provide the electrical connection. There is sufficient space to connect the electrical installations. Consequently, during kitchen installation, each electrical appliance can be placed just a few centimeters from the back wall, as the supply cable requires minimal space to run from the appliance to the floor or plinth area of ​​the kitchen.The baseboard area is usually concealed by a cover plate, so the user cannot see into the baseboard or the associated electrical cables and adapters. It is also possible to place the entire electrical installation in the ceiling area, particularly when using a suspended ceiling.

[0020] The electrical connection can form a connection with the connecting device of at least protection class IP44 according to DIN EN 60529:2014-09. Of course, it is also conceivable that other and higher protection classes, for example IP65, IP67 or even IP68, are achieved.

[0021] The connection adapter, connector, and, if applicable, the data adapter and data plug can also comply with protection class IP44, IP65, IP67, IP68, and so on. Depending on the selected protection class, it can be ensured that any dripping water from a leaking inlet or outlet of the dishwasher or sink will not negatively affect the electrical power or data supply of the electrical devices. Protection against dripping water is particularly relevant in the plinth area of ​​a kitchen. The appropriate protection class may also be prescribed by country and selected accordingly.

[0022] The socket and connector can be designed according to IEC 60309-2 for 400 volts and 16 amps or 32 amps. Such sockets and connectors are readily available and easy to install by a qualified electrician. An adapter may be necessary to connect the flat cable to the appropriate connector.

[0023] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a flat cable, preferably comprising three phase conductors, a neutral conductor, and a protective conductor, for electrically connecting large electrical appliances in a kitchen to an electrical supply network. As previously described, the use of a flat cable with the appropriate connection adapters, plugs, and supply cables enables the simple installation of large electrical appliances in kitchen construction. Precise horizontal and vertical positioning of an electrical connection on a back wall, as is currently common practice, is no longer required. The flat cable again has several conductors lying parallel to one another. Such flat cables are available, for example, from the companies Woertz or Wieland.

[0024] The flat cable can be equipped with at least one connection adapter for each device to be connected to the electrical supply network. The connection adapters are typically arranged or positioned separately on the flat cable so that they are as close as possible to the intended mounting position of the electrical device. Such connection adapters are available, for example, from Woertz or Wieland.

[0025] The present invention further relates to a large kitchen appliance with a power cord comprising a connector for a connection adapter for directly connecting a flat cable. Exemplary connectors are offered by the companies Woertz and Wieland.

[0026] Furthermore, the present invention comprises a system comprising: at least two large electric kitchen appliances, an electrical connection, in particular a socket, an electrical flat cable, preferably comprising three phase conductors, a neutral conductor and a protective conductor, with a connection means, in particular a connector and for each large kitchen appliance a connection adapter on the flat cable and a supply cable from the connection adapter to the large kitchen appliance.

[0027] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to figures which merely represent exemplary embodiments. These show: Figure 1: A schematic representation of a fitted kitchen from above, Figure 2: the fitted kitchen made of Figure 1 in a schematic view from the front.

[0028] In the Figures 1 and 2A fitted kitchen 1 is shown in a schematic view from above or from the front. The individual appliances 8, 8', 8" and cabinets are shown transparently, so that the corresponding electrical installations in the plinth area of ​​the kitchen 1 are visible. A socket outlet 3, preferably in the form according to IEC-60309-2, is arranged on a rear wall 10. This socket outlet 3 is located in the plinth area of ​​the fitted kitchen 1, so that it is freely accessible even after the kitchen appliances 8, 8', 8" and cabinets have been completely installed.

[0029] Also located in the base area of ​​the fitted kitchen 1 is a flat cable 4, which is equipped with a connector 2, preferably also according to IEC-60309-2. An additional adapter may be required to connect the connector 2 to the flat cable 4; however, this is commercially available, e.g., from the companies Wöertz or Wieland, and will not be described further.

[0030] The fitted kitchen 1 shown includes three large kitchen appliances 8, 8', and 8". For example, the first appliance 8 is an oven, the second appliance 8' is a steamer, and the third is a refrigerator-freezer combination. To connect these three appliances 8, 8', and 8" to the electrical supply, a connection adapter 5 is mounted on the flat cable 4 directly below each appliance 8, 8', and 8". The respective appliance 8, 8', and 8" is fitted with a supply cable 7, which has a connector 6 for connecting to the connection adapter 7. The appliance 8, 8', and 8" may already be supplied by the manufacturer with the supply cable 7 pre-assembled. The kitchen appliance 8, 8', and 8" can then be inserted into the designated position in the kitchen cabinet or cupboard and securely mounted.The supply cable 7 is lowered into the base area in a cavity 17 between the fitted kitchen 1 and the back wall 10, in order to be connected to the corresponding flat cable 4 via the connection adapter 5.

[0031] As in the Figures 1 and 2 As can be seen, the flat cable 4 is preferably laid across the entire width of the fitted kitchen 1 to easily facilitate future retrofitting with additional appliances. The flat cable 4 is fitted with a cable termination 9 at its end opposite the plug, so that the individual conductor ends are insulated from each other and protected from contact.

[0032] This plug-in electrical connection between the flat cable 4 and the electrical device 8, 8', 8" clearly ensures a flexible electrical connection, which can be individually unplugged and modified or extended as needed. In the event of repair and / or replacement of an electrical device 8, 8', 8", disconnection from the electrical supply network is straightforward. Even when adding an additional device later, such as a microwave oven, it can be installed in an existing cabinet of the fitted kitchen 1. Only a suitable supply cable 7 with connector 6 needs to be routed through the space 17 from the device to the base of the fitted kitchen 1. An additional connection adapter 5 can be mounted on the existing flat cable 4, allowing the supply cable 7 with its connector 6 to be easily plugged in.

[0033] More and more connected devices are finding their way into the kitchen. For example, internet-enabled refrigerators are already available that can automatically monitor their contents and, if necessary, automatically reorder groceries. To connect such 8" devices to an existing data network, a corresponding data line 13 is required. This data line 13 is included in the Figures 1 and 2 The data adapter 14 is directly integrated into the flat cable 4, allowing it to be mounted directly onto the flat cable 4. For example, the device 8'' has, in addition to a supply cable 7 and a corresponding connector 6, a data supply cable 15, which enables a connection via a data connector 16 to the data adapter 14 and thus to the data line 13. Standard components from Wörtz or Wieland can also be used in this case.

[0034] As in Figure 2As can be seen in a front view, all the electrical installation equipment, consisting of socket 3, connector 2, flat cable 4 with the corresponding connection adapters 5 and data adapters 14, as well as the connection plugs 6 and data plugs 16, is located in the plinth area, i.e., between a base 11 and the underside of the built-in furniture, the fitted kitchen 1. Only the supply cables 7 and data supply cables 15 extend from the plinth area of ​​the fitted kitchen 1 to the corresponding electrical device 8, 8', 8". The end user will not be aware of any of this installation equipment, as the plinth area of ​​the fitted kitchen 1 is closed off by a cover plate 12.

Claims

1. A method of electrically connecting electrical appliances (8, 8', 8'') in a kitchen (1) comprising the steps of: - Provide an electrical socket (3) in the kitchen area, - Providing a flat electrical cable (4) with a plug connector (2) for connection to the socket, - Providing at least one connection adapter (5) for each electrical device (8, 8', 8'') to be connected to the flat electrical cable on the flat cable (4), - Contacting the electrical device (8, 8', 8'') with the flat cable (4) by means of a supply cable (7) by connecting the supply cable (7) to the connection adapter (5)2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that a cable comprising three phase conductors is used as the flat electrical cable (4).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that a connector plug (5) is used to connect the supply cable (7) to the connection adapter (5).

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that a data line (13) with a data adapter (14) is provided and at least one device (8, 8', 8'') is connected to the data line (13).

5. Method according to claim 4, characterised in that the data line (13) is integrated in the flat cable (4).

6. Method according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the data adapter (14) is integrated in the connection adapter (5).

7. Method according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterised in that a separate data supply cable (15) is used to connect the device (8, 8', 8'') to the data line (13).

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the socket (3) and the flat cable (4) are provided in the base area and / or in the ceiling area of the kitchen.

9. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the socket (3) forms a connection with the plug connector (2) with at least degree of protection IP44 according to DIN EN 60529:2014-09.

10. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the connection adapter corresponds to protection class IP44 according to DIN EN 60529:2014-09.

11. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the socket (3) and the plug connector (2) are designed according to IEC60309-2 for 400 V and 16 A or 32 A.

12. System comprehensively: - at least two large electric kitchen appliances, - an electrical socket (3), - a flat electrical cable (4), with a plug connector (2) and - for each large kitchen appliance, a connection adapter (5) on the flat cable (4) and a supply cable (7) from the connection adapter (5) to the large kitchen appliance.

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