Cable connection box and electrical device comprising same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cable junction box (1) for electrically connecting conductors of a connecting cable (K) to downstream electrical lines on an electrical device (100). The cable junction box (1) comprises: a housing (2) with a housing lower part (3) and a housing cover (4), which can be selectively closed to enclose a connection compartment (A) and selectively opened to expose the connection compartment (A) for connecting the conductors of the connecting cable (K), and a cable entry (5) for passing the connecting cable (K) into the connection compartment (A). The cable junction box (1) further comprises: at least one contact element (7) with a contact section (70) for the direct electrical connection of at least one of the conductors of the connecting cable (K) in the connection compartment (A).The housing further comprises: a mounting surface (6) extending in a mounting plane (M) and at least partially circumferentially surrounding the lower part of the housing (3) and pointing towards a side of the closed housing (2) having the housing cover (4) for support on a mounting wall (102) of the electrical device (100) which at least partially accommodates the cable connection box (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a cable connection box for the electrical connection of conductors of a connecting cable with further electrical lines on an electrical device, and to such an electrical device.

[0002] Cable junction boxes are a well-known technology. They enable the electrically conductive connection of conductors of a connection cable to a contact element of the cable junction box, which then allows a connection to further electrical lines on an electrical device, such as a household appliance or a light fixture.

[0003] Cable connection boxes according to the prior art are generally mounted externally on an electrical device. The cable connection box is inserted from the outside into a correspondingly designed hole pattern in the device housing (i.e., into a housing cutout) and then preferably snapped into place within the electrical device. After the cable connection box is secured, the external connection lines, preferably as connection cables, and the internal wiring to the electrical device are connected.

[0004] To reduce the workload on the production lines, the cable junction box can, for example, be pre-assembled with the external connection cable. This means that after mounting the cable junction box on the electrical device, only the internal wiring needs to be connected.

[0005] To further reduce the workload on a production line, the cable junction box can be pre-assembled with the internal wiring. However, with conventional external mounting of the cable junction box into the electrical device, the internal wiring must first be routed through the device's housing cutout before the cable junction box can be installed. This results in increased time expenditure, as the internal wiring typically consists of many individual wires, thus negating the time advantage of pre-assembly.

[0006] Common cable junction boxes typically feature a multi-part housing consisting of a base and a cover. The cover may be hinged to the base, allowing the housing to be opened and closed as desired. The cover hinge usually protrudes laterally from the housing body, requiring external mounting so that the hinge is positioned on the outside and the cover opens outwards.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cable connection box and an electrical device equipped therewith, with which the assembly effort for connecting internal and external connection lines can be simplified.

[0008] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims further develop the central idea of ​​the present invention in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a cable junction box for the electrical connection of conductors of a connecting cable to further electrical lines (e.g., cables, conductors, circuit traces of a circuit board, etc.) on an electrical device. The cable junction box comprises a housing. The housing, in turn, has a lower housing part and a housing cover, which can be optionally closed to enclose a connection compartment and optionally opened to expose the connection compartment for connecting the conductors of the connecting cable. The housing further comprises a cable entry point for passing the connecting cable into the connection compartment.Furthermore, the housing has a mounting surface extending in a mounting plane and circumferentially (preferably on the outside) the lower part of the housing (preferably the housing on the lower part) at least partially or completely (preferably especially on the outside) and pointing towards a side of the closed housing that has the housing cover, for resting on a mounting wall of the electrical device that at least partially accommodates the cable connection box (preferably a flat one). The cable connection box further has at least one contact element with a contact section for the direct electrical connection of at least one of the conductors of the connecting cable in the connection compartment; this is ultimately preferably for realizing the electrical connection of the conductors of the connecting cable thus connected to further electrical lines on the electrical device.

[0010] The aforementioned cable connection boxes allow for easy mounting from the inside of an electrical device, while maintaining access to the connection compartment through the outward-facing cover, which is therefore easily and safely accessible from the inside. Because of the defined mounting plane, the cable connection box is automatically aligned with the (inside) of the mounting wall when inserted from the inside of the electrical device. The cover then sits on the outside of the electrical device and is thus easily accessible. This allows the cable connection box to be securely positioned and its accessibility maintained with a single insertion step. This also allows for the use of known standardized cutouts (i.e., mounting openings) in the mounting wall of the electrical device (e.g.,...).(in the form of a so-called defined or standardized hole pattern) can be used for all known cable junction boxes. Furthermore, this allows – when mounting from the inside out – at least the electrical wires on the side of the electrical device to be pre-assembled before inserting the cable junction box, without having to laboriously route them through a receiving opening in the mounting wall, as was previously common with conventional cable junction boxes, thus further reducing installation effort.

[0011] The cable junction box preferably also has a grounding contact that is electrically connected to the at least one contact element. The grounding contact, in turn, has a grounding section that is arranged such that, when the cable junction box is mounted, it is in grounding contact with the mounting surface (i.e., this can be achieved directly through physical contact) or can be brought into grounding contact (i.e., it is positioned in such a defined way that grounding contact can be achieved directly by simply bending it or tightening it with a screw or similar fastener). This can be achieved in various ways. Preferably, this results from a defined relative arrangement of the grounding contact, for example, to the mounting plane or surface. However, the fundamental positioning of the grounding contact in relation to the cable junction box or its contact element(s) can also be advantageous.The defined arrangement of the grounding section makes it easy to simultaneously provide a defined grounding connection when mounting the cable junction box from the inside of an electrical device. This simplifies installation; for example, even when using familiar hole patterns in a mounting wall.

[0012] The grounding section preferably has a grounding contact surface that extends in a grounding plane. This flat contact surface makes it easy to establish physical contact with the grounding system (grounding connection) on the mounting wall. The grounding contact can thus be reliably established, even with simple installation of the cable junction box.

[0013] The grounding plane and the mounting plane can preferably be identical, with the grounding contact surface then pointing in the same direction as the mounting surface. This makes it easy to simultaneously provide a defined grounding connection when mounting the cable junction box. Since both the mounting surface and the grounding contact surface are in the same plane, they can be easily and preferably automatically aligned with the mounting surface (the inside) when inserting the cable junction box from the inside of the electrical device. This is because both the mounting surface and the grounding contact surface then point outwards towards the side of the cover. The cover is then on the outside of the electrical device and can thus be easily accessed. Therefore, with a single insertion step, the cable junction box can be securely positioned and the grounding connection can be easily provided or established.

[0014] The grounding plane can preferably be oriented or arranged parallel to the mounting plane and offset towards the housing cover, with the grounding contact surface then pointing towards the mounting plane. In this configuration, the cable junction box can, for example, be tilted or angled from the inside of the electrical device or its mounting wall to a receiving opening for the cable junction box in the mounting wall. The grounding contact is then guided through the receiving opening to the outside of the mounting wall, and then – for example, by pivoting the cable junction box – the mounting surface is brought into contact with the inside of the mounting wall. Due to the orientation of the grounding contact surface, it is then positioned so that it faces the mounting wall from the outside or rests against it.This allows the cable connection box to be easily mounted from the inside of an electrical device without significantly changing the size of the cable connection box, while at the same time both the housing cover and the grounding contact are easily accessible from the outside.

[0015] The grounding section can preferably extend transversely or perpendicularly to the mounting plane. Thus, the grounding contact, or its grounding section, can be provided transversely or perpendicularly to a mounting wall. The grounding contact, or its grounding section, can preferably protrude, for example, in a pin-like, plug-in, or latch-like manner, and thus easily interact with corresponding grounding contact surfaces on the side of the electrical device accommodating the cable junction box, or on its mounting wall, to establish a grounding connection. Such a grounding section can also protrude, for example, as a contact spring, which, due to its spring-like properties, can establish and maintain a reliable grounding connection against a mounting wall.

[0016] The grounding section can preferably extend from the mounting plane or mounting surface to the side of the closed housing that has the housing cover.

[0017] This allows a suitable grounding section to be easily provided in an exposed position to ensure a safe grounding contact.

[0018] The grounding section preferably extends from the side of the closed housing with the housing cover at least towards the mounting plane or mounting surface. This variant is particularly advantageous if the cable junction box is to be mounted from the inside, but the grounding connection is to be made from the outside. The grounding contact or grounding section thus provided can then, when inserting the cable junction box from the inside of a mounting wall, first be guided through the mounting wall's receiving opening. By pivoting the cable junction box to rest against the mounting surface on the inside of the mounting wall, the grounding contact or its grounding section is immediately pivoted into its contact position. Thus, with simple mounting of the cable junction box from the inside, even a transversely / vertically extending external grounding contact can be reliably brought into grounding contact.

[0019] The grounding section can preferably extend (in sections) both from the mounting plane (or mounting surface) to the side of the closed housing that has the housing cover, and (in sections) from the side of the closed housing that has the housing cover at least to the mounting plane (or mounting surface). This allows, for example, a simple design of the grounding section or grounding contact as a contact spring.

[0020] The grounding section can preferably extend across the mounting plane or mounting surface. This allows the grounding contact to be effectively established within the area of ​​the mounting plane – and thus on a mounting wall.

[0021] The (respective or at least one) contact element may preferably further comprise at least one connection section for connecting and electrically linking the contact element to downstream electrical lines on an electrical device. This allows for a particularly simple connection of the downstream electrical lines of the electrical device.

[0022] The (respective) connection section can preferably be provided exposed to the outside of the housing or protrude outwards. This makes the connection section easily accessible, which in turn simplifies the connection of the downstream electrical lines. The (respective) connection section can preferably be provided exposed to the outside of the lower part of the housing or protrude outwards.

[0023] The lower housing section provides ample space for easy connection of electrical wires. The connection section can preferably be located on the underside of the lower housing section, facing away from the housing cover, and either protrude from the housing or extend outwards. Thus, the connection section is positioned on the rear side – as viewed from the cover – of the cable connection box and, when installed, faces into the interior of the electrical device. This simplifies access to the connection section and facilitates cable routing and contact within the electrical device.

[0024] The (respective) connection section may preferably have at least one flat connector. Such a connector allows for particularly easy connection and electrical contact of corresponding downstream electrical lines; for example, by the latter having corresponding flat connector sleeves or the like.

[0025] The (respective) connection section preferably has at least one contact pin that protrudes from the housing in such a way as to be directly connected to a printed circuit board by means of a soldered connection and / or plug connection. This makes it possible to mount the cable connection box directly onto a printed circuit board using a soldered connection and / or plug connection. The cable connection box can thus be installed in a particularly compact manner. This allows the corresponding electrical devices with which the cable connection box is equipped to be designed more compactly overall, or provides more installation space for other components. The cable connection box preferably has a printed circuit board which is connected to the at least one contact pin accordingly – preferably by means of a soldered connection and / or plug connection.

[0026] The (respective) contact pin can preferably be designed as a pin connector. This allows contact elements generally known for printed circuit boards to be used on the cable junction box, which in turn simplifies its assembly for an installer.

[0027] As such a pin connector, the (respective) contact pin can preferably be designed as a solder pin. This allows for the provision of a contact pin typical for a soldered connection, which can be easily soldered to a printed circuit board; for example, by means of surface mount technology (SMT), through-hole technology (THT), and / or through-hole reflow technology (THR).

[0028] As such a pin connector, the (respective) contact pin can also be designed as a plug-in pin. This allows for the provision of a standard plug-in contact pin that can be easily connected to a printed circuit board; for example, by means of a simple plug connection and / or through-hole technology (THT) and / or through-hole reflow technology (THR).

[0029] The (respective) contact element can preferably have several, preferably at least two or at least three, connection sections. Thus, the contact element can be designed as needed, for example, depending on the required current (e.g., up to 40 A or more).

[0030] The (respective) contact section can preferably have a screw terminal and / or a spring-clamp terminal and / or an insulating contact for the electrical connection of at least one of the conductors of the connecting cable. Thus, the contact section can be selected according to the desired cable connection option. Using a screw terminal allows for the use of conventional connection methods. Using a corresponding spring-clamp terminal preferably enables the conductors of a connecting cable to be electrically (and preferably also mechanically) connected without the aid of additional tools or devices, such as a screwdriver, push buttons, or pivoting release levers provided in the cable junction box – i.e., without tools.Since this feature is inherent in the spring-clamp connection itself, a simple and compact design for the cable junction box is possible. Connecting a cable can also be further simplified. Using an insulating contact allows for a simple and safe electrical (and preferably also mechanical) connection of the conductors of a cable. Because the insulating contact is designed to cut the insulating material of the respective conductor to establish electrical contact with the contact element, time-consuming preparatory steps—such as stripping the conductors—are unnecessary. In particular, this allows for a simple, quick, and safe electrical connection of both rigid and flexible conductors—which, by definition, are sheathed conductors. Final processing, for example, is not required.This can be avoided by providing wire end sleeves or ultrasonically welding the stripped wire ends - especially of flexible conductors.

[0031] The (respective) contact element can preferably be formed in one piece. This allows it to be easily provided in the conventional way, resulting in simple handling and an overall cost-effective provision and manufacture of a cable junction box equipped with it.

[0032] The (respective) contact element can preferably be designed as a stamped and bent part. The same can also apply to the components forming the contact element. These can thus be easily provided in a conventional manner, resulting in a particularly cost-effective overall manufacturing and supply of a cable junction box equipped with this element.

[0033] The grounding contact can preferably be formed as a single piece and / or as a stamped and bent part. The grounding contact can be provided as a separate component – ​​e.g., as a stamped and bent part – or it can be formed integrally – preferably as a single piece – together with the at least one (associated) contact element. If provided as a separate component, an electrical connection to the associated contact element can be achieved, for example, by a force-fit, positive-locking, and / or material-locking connection of the components. With the integral design, the number of components can be reduced, thus simplifying assembly.

[0034] Preferably, viewed from above on the mounting plane, the grounding contact, or at least its grounding section, can protrude laterally from the housing and / or laterally beyond the mounting surface. This allows for a large-area and therefore reliable connection of the grounding contact, and thus a correspondingly secure grounding of the cable junction box, when the grounding section is mounted on a surface opposite the electrical device. This also enables the desired and effective grounding connection when the grounding section and the mounting plane (or mounting surface) extend transversely or perpendicularly to each other.

[0035] The cable junction box can preferably have several of the contact elements. Thus, any number of conductor connection points (i.e., contact sections) or poles can be provided, depending on the specific purpose of the cable junction box (e.g., for connection to electrical devices with high voltage).

[0036] The cable junction box can preferably have several contact sections per contact element. Thus, one contact element can be designed to connect any number of conductors.

[0037] The lower housing part and the housing cover are preferably movably connected to each other via a connecting element of the housing, allowing the connection space to be selectively exposed and closed. This connecting element can be provided by integral or additional components and structures that enable the lower housing part and the housing cover to be movably connected in a simple manner. Thus, known, proven, and reliable methods can be provided for movably connecting the lower housing part and the housing cover. For example, the connecting element can be designed as a hinge. Alternatively, the connecting element can be integrally formed between the lower housing part and the housing cover, for example, in the form of a film hinge.

[0038] Preferably, the connecting element can be surrounded by the mounting surface on its circumference when viewed from above on the mounting plane. In this case, the connecting element is located within the contact surface of the cable junction box, allowing the cable junction box to be easily inserted into the mounting wall – for example, straight in from the inside with respect to the electrical device.

[0039] The connecting element can be positioned offset from the mounting plane relative to the housing cover. This allows the cover to be easily positioned with ample clearance to the outside, exposed to the electrical device. The housing cover can therefore be easily opened and closed.

[0040] The connecting element preferably has a connecting section facing the mounting plane to form a receiving space between the connecting section and the mounting plane, preferably between the connecting section and a mounting section of the mounting surface – preferably for partially receiving the mounting wall. Thus, the connecting element can also serve to connect the cable junction box to the electrical device in a particularly secure manner. To insert the cable junction box, it can then, for example, be brought at an angle to the receiving opening of the mounting wall, guided through it with the connecting element, and moved to the outside of the mounting wall. The cable junction box can then be pivoted around the connecting element to align the mounting surface with the mounting wall from the outside, or to bring the mounting surface into flush contact with the mounting wall.Since the mounting wall is then supported on both sides by the connecting section on one side and by the mounting section on the other, the cable connection box is securely and stably mounted, which further simplifies installation.

[0041] In cases where the grounding plane is arranged parallel to the mounting plane and offset towards the housing cover, the connecting element can preferably be arranged on the side of the grounding plane facing away from the mounting plane, and the receiving space can then be arranged between the mounting plane and the grounding plane. In this way, both the connecting element and the grounding contact are located on the same side – namely the outside – of the electrical device when mounted, and thus both face the mounting surface, allowing the cable junction box to be mounted particularly securely and stably.

[0042] The grounding contact and the connecting element can preferably be arranged or attached to the same side of the closed housing when viewed from above on the mounting plane. This allows the cable junction box to be designed as compactly as possible. Providing or attaching the grounding contact and connecting element to the same side of the closed housing is particularly advantageous when the connecting section forms the receiving space. This arrangement makes it possible to install the cable junction box easily and securely, even with limited installation space and a minimal receiving opening. For example, it can be approached at an angle to the receiving opening, with both the grounding contact and the connecting element then being guided through the receiving opening to the outside of the electrical device.The cable junction box can then be pivoted around the grounding contact and the connecting element to bring the mounting surface flush with the mounting wall from the inside. Simultaneously, the grounding contact and its grounding contact surface are positioned opposite or flush with the mounting wall, and preferably, the connecting element and its connecting section are also positioned opposite or flush with the mounting wall. This allows for a particularly compact arrangement while ensuring a stable connection between the cable junction box and the electrical device, and makes installation simple overall.

[0043] The housing may preferably have a locking section opposite the mounting plane on the mounting surface, in order to form a locking recess for the snap-fit ​​engagement of a portion of the mounting wall between them. This provides a particularly compact and secure connection option for the cable junction box of an electrical device.

[0044] The housing, preferably the lower part of the housing, may preferably have a receiving section for each contact element for at least partial reception – preferably for snap-in reception – of the associated contact element. This simplifies the design of the cable junction box and, in particular, the housing. Furthermore, the contact element can be securely and stably positioned within the receiving section.

[0045] The housing may preferably also include a strain relief for securing the connecting cable, which passes through the cable gland, in the cable junction box. By providing such strain relief, the contact sections of the contact element can be mechanically relieved, thus ensuring a permanently reliable electrical connection of the conductors in the associated contact elements.

[0046] The strain relief preferably includes a strain relief bracket. The strain relief bracket can be designed to be movable – preferably translationally and / or rotationally – to move the strain relief into a closed position, thereby securing a connecting cable inserted into the cable junction box. The strain relief bracket can preferably be designed to be plugged in; for example, to be attached to a corresponding strain relief receptacle in the housing or housing base. In the removed (open) position of the strain relief bracket, the cable entry is exposed for inserting a connecting cable. In the attached (closed) position of the strain relief bracket, the cable entry can be closed, thus securing a connecting cable inserted into the cable junction box.If the strain relief bracket is preferably pivotally mounted in the housing (e.g., the lower housing part), it can be movable between a (defined) open position, in which the strain relief or cable entry for inserting a connecting cable is exposed, and a (defined) closed position, in which the cable entry is (at least partially) closed (e.g., by the strain relief bracket clamping an inserted connecting cable against the housing (e.g., the lower housing part)). This allows for a simple yet effective strain relief design. In the closed position, the strain relief bracket can preferably be (releasably) locked to the housing – e.g., the lower housing part and / or the strain relief receptacle – thereby effectively securing the strain relief.

[0047] The strain relief can alternatively or additionally preferably also include clamping sections of the housing, for example, the lower housing part and the housing cover, and particularly preferably also of the strain relief bracket (then, for example, at least through the lower housing part and the strain relief bracket), in order to hold or lock a connecting cable inserted through the cable gland in the cable junction box, at least when the housing is closed. For this purpose, the corresponding clamping sections can be distributed accordingly on the lower housing part and the housing cover or the strain relief bracket in such a way as to lock a connecting cable inserted through the cable gland in the cable junction box when the housing is closed.The clamping sections can be provided, at least when the housing is closed, at least partially within or extending from the cable entry point; preferably, they can limit the cable entry point at least partially laterally or on both sides (i.e., top and bottom). Strain relief can thus be provided in a particularly simple yet effective manner.

[0048] The strain relief, or at least the strain relief bracket, can be integrally manufactured – preferably in one piece – with the housing; preferably as a (plastic) injection-molded part. For example, the clamping sections can be distributed between the two housing parts and provided during the injection molding process. It is also conceivable that a strain relief bracket provided accordingly could be formed, for example, by means of an injection-molded section of smaller cross-section, which could serve, for example, as a hinge section or simply as a retention device. It is also conceivable that a strain relief bracket could be integrally injection-molded with the housing and then separated from the housing after the injection molding process via predetermined breaking points, in order to subsequently be connected or snapped into place with the housing, preferably in a pivotable manner.This allows housings and strain relief to be manufactured in a particularly simple way, while enabling high functionality and variability.

[0049] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to an electrical device, in particular a household appliance, comprising a housing with a mounting wall having a receiving opening, and a cable connection box according to the present invention as previously described. The cable connection box can be inserted into the receiving opening from the inside of the mounting wall, so that the mounting surface rests against a section of the mounting wall (i.e., from the inside) that defines the receiving opening and at least partially or completely surrounds it. The cable connection box can preferably also be inserted into the receiving opening from the inside of the mounting wall, so that, if present, the grounding contact with its grounding section is in grounding contact with the mounting wall, or this grounding contact can be easily established (e.g., by simply pressing it down).by tightening a screw - and / or bending) (at least) opposite (i.e., facing it and preferably directly adjacent to it).

[0050] In addition to the advantages of the cable junction box itself, already described – also in conjunction with the corresponding electrical device – it allows for the simple installation of an electrical device with a cable junction box from the inside of the device. If required, additional electrical cables for the device can be pre-wired and pre-installed in the cable junction box before the box is inserted into the mounting opening from the inside of the wall. This significantly simplifies the overall installation process.

[0051] When the cable junction box is installed, the grounding section with its grounding contact surface preferably faces the inside or an outside of the mounting wall (i.e., it is oriented towards it and preferably directly opposite it), and furthermore preferably rests against the inside or outside of the mounting wall. Thus, when the cable junction box is mounted from inside the device, a grounding connection is simultaneously prepared or established simply and reliably.

[0052] When the cable junction box is installed, the grounding section can preferably be inserted into a grounding opening in the mounting wall for grounding contact with the mounting wall. This is preferred for variants with a grounding contact or grounding section extending transversely or perpendicularly to the mounting plane. The contact area on the mounting wall, viewed from the mounting plane, can thus be minimized, resulting in a compact arrangement. Since the grounding section passes through the mounting wall via the grounding opening, this opening can be reliably created and easily maintained over the long term.

[0053] The mounting wall preferably has a mounting opening which, when a cable junction box is inserted into the mounting wall, aligns with another mounting opening of the grounding contact or its grounding section. This allows a fastening element to be guided through both mounting openings and used to bring and / or hold the grounding contact in contact with the mounting wall. Thus, the cable junction box can also be used with defined and preferably known or even standardized hole patterns for existing cable junction boxes. This allows for a particularly simple and reliable provision of a grounding contact, further simplifying installation.

[0054] Further embodiments, features and advantages of the present invention are described below with reference to the figures in the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a perspective top view of a cable junction box according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 a perspective top view of the cable junction box according to Fig. 1 with the lid and strain relief open, Fig. 3 shows a perspective bottom view of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention with the cable connection box according to the invention. Fig. 1 Before the cable connection box is installed, Fig. 4 shows a perspective bottom view of the electrical device according to Fig. 3 with the cable connection box already partially installed, Fig. 5 a side view of the electrical device according to Fig. 4 , Fig. 6 a side view of the electrical device according to Fig. 5 with the cable connection box fully installed, Fig. 7 a perspective top view of the electrical device according to Fig. 6with the connecting cable attached to the cable outlet, Fig. 8 a side view of the electrical device according to Fig. 7 , Fig. 9 a front view of the electrical device according to Fig. 8 Fig. 10 shows a perspective top view of a cable junction box according to a further embodiment of the present invention; here pre-assembled with a circuit board attached to it. Fig. 11 shows a side view of the cable junction box with circuit board according to the invention. Fig. 10 , Fig. 12 a front view of the cable junction box with circuit board according to Fig. 11 , Fig. 13 a perspective top view of an electrical device according to a further embodiment of the present invention with the cable connection box according to the invention Fig. 10 in the installed state, Fig. 14 a side view of the electrical device according to Fig. 13 , and Fig. 15 a front view of the electrical device according to Fig. 14 .

[0055] The figures show different embodiments of cable connection boxes 1 according to the present invention for the electrical connection of conductors of a connecting cable K with further electrical lines on an electrical device 100, as well as electrical devices 100 equipped with these cable connection boxes 1 according to the present invention.

[0056] As can be seen from the figures, the cable junction box 1 has a housing 2. The housing 2 is preferably made of an insulating material, such as plastic. Preferably, the housing 2 is manufactured as an (integral) (plastic) injection-molded part.

[0057] The housing 2 comprises a housing base 3 and a housing cover 4. The housing base 3 and the housing cover 4 can be optionally locked (see figure). Fig. 1 and 3-15 ), to enclose or close off a connecting space A, and optionally openable (see Fig. 2) to expose the connection space A for connecting or attaching the wires of the connecting cable K.

[0058] The lower housing part 3 and the housing cover 4 can preferably be movably connected to each other via a connecting element 9 of the housing 2 in order to selectively expose and close the connection compartment A. As in particular the Fig. 1 and 10 As can be seen, the connecting element 9 can, for example, be designed as a hinge. The housing parts 3, 4 preferably have corresponding structural elements 39, 49, via which the lower housing part 3 is or can be pivotably coupled to the housing cover 4. It is also conceivable, for example, that the connecting element 9 is provided as an integral or one-piece element formed between the lower housing part 3 and the housing cover 4; for example, in the form of a film hinge.

[0059] The cable connection box 1 further features a cable gland 5 for routing the connecting cable K into the connection compartment A – preferably in a routing direction D. The cable gland 5 is, for example, formed integrally by the housing 2. The cable gland 5 is preferably located in a dividing plane between the lower housing part 3 and the housing cover 4. The housing parts 3 and 4 can have corresponding locking elements 32 and 42, by means of which the housing parts 3 and 4 lock securely and preferably also releasably to one another in the closed state. Alternatively or additionally, the lower housing part 3 and the housing cover 4 can also be locked together in the closed position by other structural elements and / or separate elements, such as a screw.

[0060] The housing 2 can further include a strain relief 10 for securing the connecting cable K, which passes through the cable gland 5, in the cable connection box 1. The strain relief 10 is particularly evident in the Figures 1, 2 and 10 The strain relief 10 is recognizable here, for example, by a strain relief bracket 11 or has one.

[0061] The strain relief bracket 11 can be provided to be movable - preferably translationally and / or rotationally - in order to move the strain relief 10 into a closed position (cf. e.g. Figure 1 and 10 ) to move in order to lock a connecting cable K in the cable connection box 1 (see e.g. Figure 7 ).

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the strain relief bracket 11 is designed to be translationally movable or attachable. For example, the strain relief bracket 11 can be designed to be attached – preferably perpendicular to the feed-through direction D – e.g., for attachment to a corresponding strain relief receptacle 37 in the housing 2 or housing lower part 3. In a removed state (open position; see below). Figure 2 ) of the strain relief bracket 11, the cable gland 5 is thus exposed for the insertion of a connecting cable K. In a plugged-in state (closed position; cf. e.g. Figures 2 and 7 ) of the strain relief bracket 11, the cable entry 5 can be closed in order to lock a connected cable K in the cable connection box 1 (see e.g. Figures 7 to 9 ).

[0063] It is also conceivable that the strain relief bracket 11 is provided to be rotatably movable; preferably pivotably mounted in the housing 2 – e.g., via corresponding pivot structures. If the strain relief bracket 11 is preferably pivotably mounted in the housing 2 (e.g., the lower housing part 3), it can be movable between an open position, in which the strain relief 10 or the cable gland 5 for inserting a connecting cable K is exposed, and a closed position, in which the strain relief 10 or the cable gland 5 is (at least partially) closed (e.g., by the strain relief bracket 11 clamping an inserted connecting cable K with the housing 2 (e.g., lower housing part 3)).

[0064] The strain relief bracket 11 can preferably (releasably) lock into the housing 2, the lower housing part 3, or the strain relief receptacle 37 in the closed position. The strain relief bracket 11 and the housing 2 – here the lower housing part 3 or its strain relief receptacle 37 – can have corresponding locking structures 38, 18 (see, for example, the following). Figure 2 ) have, via which the strain relief lever 11, which has been moved from the open position to the closed position, can be securely locked.

[0065] Preferably, the connecting cable K can be securely held in the strain relief 10 – here between the strain relief bracket 11 and the lower housing part 3 or its strain relief receptacle 37 – by means of corresponding clamping sections, in order to absorb tensile forces acting, in particular, along the connecting cable K (i.e., preferably in the feed-through direction D), thus relieving the conductors electrically connected in the cable junction box 1 from corresponding tensile forces. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the corresponding clamping sections are distributed accordingly on the lower housing part 3 and the housing cover 4 and, in the closed state of the housing 2, hold a connecting cable K guided through the cable feed-through 5 in the cable junction box 1; optionally also by means of the strain relief bracket 11 described above. The clamping sections are at least in the closed position.in the closed state of the housing 2, at least partially in the area of ​​or in extension of the cable passage 5; preferably laterally or on both sides of the cable passage 5 (here e.g. top and bottom).

[0066] The strain relief 10, preferably at least the strain relief bracket 11 and / or the strain relief receptacle 37, can be integrally and preferably integrally manufactured with the housing 2 or the respective housing part 3, 4; for example as a (plastic) injection molded part.

[0067] The housing 2 further comprises a mounting surface 6 extending in a mounting plane M and circumferencing the lower part of the housing 3 at least partially (as shown) or completely (outside) and pointing towards a side of the closed housing 2 having the housing cover 4 (see in particular the Fig. 1, 2 and 10-12) for placement on a mounting wall 102 (here in a receiving opening 103 of the same) of the electrical device 100, which at least partially accommodates the cable connection box 1, as can be seen in particular from the illustrations of the Figs. 6-9 and 13-15 as is evident.

[0068] As in particular the exemplary embodiment of the Figs. 10-15 As can be seen, the connecting element 9, viewed from above on the mounting plane M, can preferably be surrounded on its circumference by the mounting surface 6. Thus, the connecting element 9 is provided recessed, and the cable connection box 1 can be easily inserted into the receiving opening 103 of the mounting wall 102 shown here.

[0069] As in the exemplary embodiment of the Figs. 1-9 and in particular the representations of Fig. 6 , 8 and 9As can be seen, the connecting element 9 can be arranged offset with respect to the mounting plane M towards the housing cover 4; thus, it can be arranged offset away from the mounting surface 6 on the side of the mounting plane M that has the mounting surface 6.

[0070] The connecting element 9 can, as also shown in the exemplary embodiment of the Figs. 1-9 can be removed, have a connecting section 90 pointing towards the mounting level M in order to form a receiving space R between the connecting section 90 and the mounting level M, preferably between the connecting section 90 and a mounting section (not shown) of the mounting surface 6; preferably for the partial receiving of the mounting wall 102.

[0071] The cable connection box 1 further comprises at least one and preferably several - in the present embodiment, for example, six - contact element(s) 7.

[0072] The contact element 7 in turn has at least one or more contact section(s) 70 (only indicated in the illustration). Fig. 2 The invention provides a connection space A for the direct electrical connection of at least one of the conductors of the connecting cable K. The invention is not limited to a specific number of contact elements 7, so the cable connection box 1 can have one or more (i.e., two or more) of the contact elements 7.

[0073] The housing 2 – here preferably the lower part of the housing 3 – can preferably have a receiving section 30 for each contact element 7 (only indicated in the Fig. 2(designated) for at least partial and preferably snap-fit ​​reception of the associated contact element 7. The respective receiving sections 30 can preferably be designed such that the associated contact element 7 can be received from the connection space A – i.e., an inner side of the housing 2 or housing lower part 3; in Fig. 2 e.g. from above. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the contact element 7 can be received into the corresponding receiving section 30 from an outer side of the housing 2 or housing lower part 3 facing away from the connection compartment A; in Fig. 1 e.g. from below.

[0074] The (respective or at least one) contact element 7 may preferably further have at least one connection section 71 for connecting and electrically linking the contact element 7 to further electrical lines on an electrical device 100, such as these consist in particular of the Figs. 3-6 , 8, 9, 11, 12, 14 and 15 are evident.

[0075] The (respective) connection section 71 can preferably be provided exposed to the outside from the housing 2 or protrude to the outside, preferably from the housing lower part 3 and further preferably on an underside of the housing lower part 3 facing away from the housing cover 4, as can be seen from the exemplary embodiments.

[0076] The (respective) connection section 71 can be, as in the exemplary embodiment of the Figs. 1-9 It can be seen that it has at least one flat plug tongue 711.

[0077] The (respective) connection section 71 can preferably also have at least one contact pin 712, as shown, for example, in the embodiment of the Figs. 10-15 The contact pin 712 can protrude from the housing 2 in such a way as to be directly connected to a circuit board L by means of a soldered connection and / or plug connection (see figure). Figs. 10-15 ).

[0078] The cable connection box 1 can preferably have the circuit board L, which is connected to the at least one contact pin 712 accordingly - i.e. preferably by means of a soldered connection and / or plug connection - as is shown, for example, in the embodiment of the Figures 10-15 can be seen from this.

[0079] The (respective) contact pin 712 can preferably be configured as a pin connector, preferably as a solder pin and / or as a plug-in pin, as can be seen by way of example in the Figs. 11, 12 , 14 and 15 as is evident.

[0080] The (respective) contact element 7 can preferably have several, preferably at least two or at least three, of the connection sections 71, as can also be seen from the illustrations, in particular the Fig. 3 and 11 as is evident.

[0081] The (respective) contact section 70 can preferably have a screw terminal (see Fig. 2) and / or a spring clamp connection and / or a cutting contact and / or another connection option for the electrical connection of at least one of the conductors of the connecting cable K.

[0082] The cable connection box 1 may further preferably have an earthing contact 8, as is particularly the case with the Figs. 1-3 , 5-12, 14 and 15 The earthing contact 8 is electrically connected to the at least one contact element 7 or its contact section 70, as can be seen from the Fig. 2The grounding contact 8 can be derived from this. For example, the grounding contact 8 can be provided as a separate component. In this case, the grounding contact 8 can be connected to the contact element 7 or its contact section 70 by means of a force-fit connection. Alternatively or additionally, a positive-locking and / or liquid-filled connection of the grounding contact 8 with the associated contact element 7 or contact section 70 is also conceivable. If the grounding contact 8 is provided as a separate component, it is preferably installed on an inner side facing the receiving space A or on an outer side of the housing 2 or housing lower part 3 facing away from the receiving space A. In principle, the grounding contact 8 can also be integrally and preferably integrally formed with the associated contact element(s) 7 or its contact section 70.

[0083] The contact element 7 can preferably be formed in one piece and / or as a stamped and bent part. Likewise, the grounding contact 8 can be formed in one piece and / or as a stamped and bent part.

[0084] The earthing contact 8 preferably has an earthing section 81 (see below). Figs. 1-3 , 5-12 , 14, 15 The earthing section 81 is preferably arranged such that, when the cable connection box 1 is mounted, the earthing section 81 is in earthing contact with the mounting wall 102 (see figure). Figs. 14 and 15 ) or is bringable (cf. Figs. 6-9 ).

[0085] The grounding contact 8, or its grounding section 81, preferably has a grounding contact surface 80 which extends in a grounding plane E. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of the Figs. 10-15As can be seen, the grounding plane E and the mounting plane M can be identical, and the grounding contact surface 80 then points in the same direction as the mounting surface 6. As can be seen from the exemplary embodiment of the Figs. 1-9 As can be seen, alternatively the earthing plane E can also be oriented or arranged parallel to the mounting plane M and offset towards the housing cover 4, and in this case the earthing contact surface 80 points towards the mounting plane M.

[0086] In addition to the embodiments shown here, it is also conceivable – supplementarily or alternatively – that the grounding section 81 extends transversely or perpendicularly to the mounting plane; with reference to the Figure 6 , 9 and 15 e.g. vertically (i.e. from bottom to top or from top to bottom).

[0087] The earthing section 81 can preferably extend from the side of the closed housing 2 having the housing cover 4 at least towards the mounting plane M (i.e., e.g., in accordance with the Fig. 6 and 9 from top to bottom; and in the installed state of the cable connection box 1, then inserted into or passed through an earthing opening in the mounting wall 102 (not shown here).

[0088] The earthing section 81 can alternatively or additionally extend from the mounting level M to the side of the closed housing 2 that has the housing cover 4 (i.e., for example, in accordance with the Fig. 15 from bottom to top; and in the installed state of the cable connection box 1, then inserted into or passed through an earthing opening in the mounting wall 102 (not shown here).

[0089] The grounding section 81 can alternatively or additionally extend across the mounting plane M. This can result from one or both of the previously described embodiments. It is also conceivable that the grounding section 81 extends in a different manner and / or partly further than previously described and / or alternately and / or in other ways.

[0090] For example, it is conceivable that the embodiment in the examples of the Fig. 9 and 15The earthing section 81 shown here, in addition to the horizontally oriented section, also has a section extending transversely / perpendicularly (e.g., vertically) from it, which, in the installed or mounted state of the cable junction box 1, then projects at least partially into or through the mounting wall 102. This ensures a reliable earth connection. It also ensures, for example, the precise positioning of the cable junction box 1 in its installed state.

[0091] In the case where the earthing section 81 extends transversely or perpendicularly to the mounting plane M, it can, for example, be designed as a latch or have one in order to form a latching connection with the earthing opening in the contacted state or in the state inserted into the earthing opening, and thus to further improve and permanently ensure the earthing contact.

[0092] As can be seen from all embodiments, when viewed from above on the mounting plane M, the grounding contact 8 can protrude laterally from the housing 2 and / or laterally beyond the mounting surface 6.

[0093] Preferably, the grounding plane E can be oriented or arranged parallel to the mounting plane M and offset towards the housing cover 4, as in the embodiment of the Figs. 1-9 As shown, the connecting element 9 is arranged on the side of the grounding plane E facing away from the mounting plane M, and the receiving space R can then be arranged between the mounting plane M and the grounding plane E, as can be seen in particular from the Fig. 6 , 8 and 9 as is evident.

[0094] The grounding contact 8 and the connecting element 9 can, viewed from above on the mounting plane M, be arranged on the same side of the closed housing 2, as can be seen in particular from the exemplary embodiment of the Figs. 1-9This is evident in the embodiment shown here. Figs. 1-9 This is particularly advantageous because both the connecting element 9 and the grounding contact 8 project laterally and are offset from the mounting plane M. The grounding contact 8 and the connecting element 9 can thus be inserted into an electrical device as shown in the Figs. 3-6 evidently together and lying side by side, they are guided through a corresponding receiving opening 103 of a mounting wall 102 of the electrical device 100, and the cable connection box 1 is then, as can be seen from the overall view of the Figs. 5 and 6 As can be seen, by pivoting their mounting surface 6 into contact with the inside of the mounting wall 102. The connecting element 9 and the grounding contact 8 are then positioned as follows: Fig. 6 This can be seen on an outside of the mounting wall, from where they are easily accessible.

[0095] The housing 2 may preferably have a locking section 20 which is opposite the mounting plane M on the side of the mounting surface 6 in order to form a locking space C together with it for the locking insertion of a part of the mounting wall 102 in between, as can be seen, for example, from the Fig. 9 as is evident.

[0096] With reference to the Fig. 3-9 and 13-15Figure 1 shows an electrical device 100 according to the invention, in particular an electrical household appliance. In addition to the cable connection box 1 described above, this device also has a device housing 101, shown here only schematically, with a mounting wall 102, which has a receiving opening 103 for receiving the cable connection box 1. As can be seen from the figures, the cable connection box 1 can be inserted into the receiving opening 103 from an inner side I of the mounting wall 102, so that the mounting surface 6 rests against a wall section 104 of the mounting wall 102 that defines the receiving opening 103 and at least partially or – as shown – completely surrounds it – i.e., from the inside. Furthermore, preferably, if present, the grounding contact 8 with its grounding section 81 is in grounding contact with the mounting wall 102 or is at least opposite it (i.e., facing it and preferably directly adjacent to it).

[0097] When the cable junction box 1 is installed, the earthing section 81 with its earthing contact surface 80 can face the inside I or an outside O of the mounting wall 102, preferably resting against the inside I or the outside O of the mounting wall 102. Alternatively or additionally, when the cable junction box 1 is installed, the earthing section 81 can be inserted into an earthing opening of the mounting wall 102 for earth contact with the mounting wall 102.

[0098] The mounting wall 102 preferably has a fastening opening 105, as shown in the Figs. 3 and 4 is evident and from Figs. 13-15This can be derived. In the embodiment shown here, two mounting openings 105 are shown. When the cable junction box 1 is inserted into the mounting wall 102 or its receiving opening 103, each mounting opening 105 aligns with a further mounting opening 85 of the grounding contact 8, in order to guide a fastening element S through both mounting openings 85, 105 and to hold the grounding contact 8 in contact with the mounting wall 102. The fastening elements S may sometimes be sufficient to hold the entire cable junction box 1 to the mounting wall 102 in its installed state.

[0099] The present invention is not limited by the embodiments described above, provided it is encompassed by the subject matter of the following claims. In particular, the features described above can be combined and interchanged in any way.

Claims

1. Cable connection box (1) for electrically connecting conductors of a connecting cable (K) to downstream electrical lines on an electrical device (100), comprising: • a housing (2) with ∘ a housing lower part (3) and a housing cover (4), which are optionally lockable to enclose a connection compartment (A) and optionally openable to expose the connection compartment (A) for connecting the conductors of the connecting cable (K), and ∘ a cable entry (5) for passing the connecting cable (K) into the connection compartment (A), • at least one contact element (7) with a contact section (70) for directly electrically connecting at least one of the conductors of the connecting cable (K) in the connection compartment (A),wherein the housing further comprises: a mounting surface (6) extending in a mounting plane (M) and at least partially circumferentially surrounding the lower part (3) of the housing and pointing towards a side of the closed housing (2) having the housing cover (4) for support on a mounting wall (102) of the electrical device (100) which at least partially accommodates the cable connection box (1).

2. Cable connection box (1) after dem preceding claim, further comprising an earthing contact (8) which is electrically connected to the at least one contact element (7), wherein the earthing contact (8) has an earthing section (81) which is arranged such that it is in earthing contact with the mounting wall (102) when the cable connection box (1) is mounted, or can be brought into such contact.

3. Cable connection box (1) after dempreceding claim, wherein the earthing section (81) has an earthing contact surface (80) which extends in an earthing plane (E).

4. Cable connection box (1) after dem preceding claim, wherein the grounding plane (E) and the mounting plane (M) are identical, and the grounding contact surface (80) points in the same direction as the mounting surface (6), or wherein the grounding plane (E) is arranged parallel to the mounting plane (M) and offset towards the housing cover (4), and the grounding contact surface (80) points towards the mounting plane (M).

5. Cable connection box (1) after one of the three preceding claims, wherein the earthing section (81) extends transversely or perpendicularly to the mounting plane (M).

6. Cable connection box (1) after dempreceding claim, wherein the earthing section (81) extends • from the side of the closed housing (2) having the housing cover (4) at least towards the mounting plane (M), and / or • from the mounting plane (M) towards the side of the closed housing (2) having the housing cover (4), and / or • crossing the mounting plane (M).

7. Cable connection box (1) after one of the five preceding claims, wherein, viewed from above on the mounting plane (M), the earthing contact (8) protrudes laterally from the housing (2) and / or laterally beyond the mounting surface (6).

8. Cable connection box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing lower part (3) and the housing cover (4) are movably connected to each other via a connecting element (9) of the housing (2) in order to selectively expose and close the connection space (A), wherein preferably the connecting element (9), viewed from above on the mounting plane (M), is circumferentially surrounded by the mounting surface (6).

9. Cable connection box (1) after demThe preceding claim, wherein the connecting element (9) is arranged offset from the mounting plane (M) to the housing cover (4), wherein preferably the connecting element (9) has a connecting section (90) pointing towards the mounting plane (M) in order to form a receiving space (R), preferably for partially receiving the mounting wall (102), between the connecting section (90) and the mounting plane (M), preferably between the connecting section (90) and a mounting section of the mounting surface (6), wherein further preferably, if the grounding plane (E) is arranged parallel to the mounting plane (M) and offset towards the housing cover (4), the connecting element (9) is arranged on the side of the grounding plane (E) facing away from the mounting plane (M), and the receiving space (R) is arranged between the mounting plane (M) and the grounding plane (E).

10. Cable connection box (1) after one of the bothpreceding claims, wherein the earthing contact (8) and the connecting element (9), viewed from above on the mounting plane (M), are arranged on the same side of the closed housing (2).

11. Cable connection box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (2) has a locking section (20) which is opposite the mounting plane (M) on the side of the mounting surface (6) in order to form a locking space (C) together with it for the locking reception of a part of the mounting wall (102) in between.

12. Cable connection box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (2) further comprises a strain relief (10) for locking the connecting cable (K) passed through the cable entry (5) in the cable connection box (1).

13. Electrical device (100), in particular an electrical household appliance, comprising: • a device housing (101) with a mounting wall (102) which has a receiving opening (103), and • a cable connection box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable connection box (1) can be inserted into the receiving opening (103) from an inside (I) of the mounting wall (102), so that the mounting surface (6) rests against a wall section (104) of the mounting wall (102) defining the receiving opening (103) and at least partially surrounding it, and preferably, if present, the earthing contact (8) with its earthing section (81) is in earthing contact with the mounting wall (102) or is at least opposite it.

14. Electrical appliance (100) according to dempreceding claim, wherein in the installed state of the cable connection box (1) • the earthing section (81) with its earthing contact surface (80) points to the inside (I) or an outside (O) of the mounting wall (102), preferably rests on the inside (I) or the outside (O) of the mounting wall (102), and / or • the earthing section (81) is inserted into an earthing opening of the mounting wall (102) for earthing contact with the mounting wall (102).

15. Electrical appliance (100) according to one of the both preceding claims, wherein the mounting wall (102) has a mounting opening (105) which, when a cable connection box (1) is inserted into the mounting wall (102), aligns with a further mounting opening (85) of the earthing contact (8) in order to guide a fastening means (S) through both mounting openings (85, 105) and to hold the earthing contact (8) in contact with the mounting wall (102).

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