DE102016207109A1 - Household appliance with electronic plug-in system, electronic plug-in system suitable for this purpose and method for producing the household appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a household appliance with at least one electronic plug connection system 1, comprising a printed circuit board 10, on which at least one slot is arranged with a first coding element, at least one plug 9 with a second coding element corresponding to the first coding element and a coding frame 2, wherein a cover 4 is provided for opening and closing the Codierrahmens 2. The invention also relates to a method for producing the household appliance and a suitable for the household appliance connector system.

Description

The invention relates to a household appliance with an electronic plug connection system, a plug-in connection system suitable for this purpose and a method for producing the household appliance. More particularly, the invention relates to a household appliance having at least one electronic plug connection system, comprising a printed circuit board on which at least one slot is arranged with a first coding element, at least one plug with a second coding element corresponding to the first coding element and a coding frame, a plug connection system suitable for this purpose and a method for the production of the household appliance.

Electronic connectors are essential in many technical areas. Among other things, they are used in household appliances for the operation and control of the electronic components. In general, such connectors include a circuit board or printed circuit board, which has at least one, but usually several slots and corresponding connector. For plugging so-called Codierrahmen are generally used, which facilitate the plugging and can be connected to secure the connector also fixed to the board or PCB. Slots and plugs can also have so-called codings, which help to avoid the confusion of slots, since the coding of plug and slot must correspond when plugging.

In general, there are a variety of connectors in household appliances, due to the often high number of electronic components. The leading to the plugs lines are then usually summarized in the form of so-called harnesses inside the home appliance. In the production of household appliances, it is generally the case that harnesses and electronics are pre-assembled separately by a cable manufacturer and then integrated into the household appliance only in a later process step. The separate handling of harnesses and electronics is costly and the transport of sensitive electronics from the manufacturer to the device manufacturer can easily cause damage. Especially since the plugs are usually only partially protected from the outside by the coding frame. This encloses the plug only laterally.

The problem is the lack of protection of the plug through the Codierrahmen especially when using connectors in water-bearing household appliances. Depending on the mounting location, water can penetrate to the electronics and lead to impairments in the operation of the household appliance. Then expensive repairs are often necessary.

A connector system that would allow better protection of the electronics from mechanical damage and water damage would therefore be desirable.

Domestic appliances with electronic connectors are already known.

The publication DE 10 2014 205 678 A1 describes a socket of an electrical connector, comprising a socket housing and at least one fastened to the socket housing connector element, wherein the at least one connector element is designed for connection to a respective board connector, wherein the socket is provided as part of a plug connection of a household appliance and the connector element, a Randkartenstecker is.

The publication EP 1 401 062 A1 describes a home appliance plug contact system, in particular for powering electrical equipment in household appliances, in which each slot of a board pcb side coding for unmistakable assignment of a plug-side coding provided plug and / or board-side locking means for fixing a connector provided with plug-side locking means associated with at least one Part of the slots are assigned several types of coding and / or locking means, which are adapted to different types of connectors.

The publication DE 10 2004 008 738 A1 describes an electronic subassembly having at least one circuit carrier coated on two sides with an electrically conductive material, wherein the circuit carrier is equipped with a first group of electronic components for designing a user interface and with a second group of electronic components for designing a computer and control module, wherein the first group of electronic components for designing the user interface on a first side of the circuit substrate and the second group of electronic components for designing the computer and control module on a first side opposite, second side of the circuit substrate are applied and contacted.

Against this background, it was an object of the present invention to provide a household appliance with an improved electronic connector system. Preferably, a protection of the electronic connector system, in particular of one or more plugs, against mechanical damage and Moisture can be achieved. In addition, a method for producing such a household appliance is to be provided.

The solution of this object is achieved according to this invention by a household appliance, a method for producing this household appliance and an electronic connector system with the features of the corresponding independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the household appliance according to the invention and of the method according to the invention and of the plug connection system according to the invention are listed in the respective dependent claims. Preferred embodiments of the household appliance according to the invention correspond to preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention or of the plug connection system according to the invention and vice versa, even if this is not explicitly stated herein.

The invention thus relates to a household appliance having at least one electronic connector system, comprising a printed circuit board on which at least one slot is arranged with a first coding element, at least one plug with a second coding element corresponding to the first coding element and at least one coding frame, wherein a lid for opening and closing the coding frame is provided.

Coding frames are generally used for plugging connectors on printed circuit boards with the aim of making a plug connection. Coding frames according to the prior art are usually a "top" and "bottom" open housing (frame), which surrounds a plug laterally. The plug located in the coding frame is thus accessible from two sides, namely the Aufsteckseite with coding elements and the opposite side of the head. Even during and after the production of the connector, the head side remains free and unprotected from damage.

The inventively provided Codierrahmen differs from the prior art in that a cover is provided to close the coding frame after the introduction of at least one plug on the head side and thus protect the plug from damage during and after the production of the connector.

The shape and dimensions of the lid are not limited according to the invention and will depend primarily on the shape and dimensions of the Codierrahmens. The dimensions of the lid according to the invention need only be sufficient to close the head of the Codierrahmens.

According to the invention, the lid can be manufactured as a separate component. After insertion of the plug in the Codierrahmen this can then be placed on a head side of the Codierrahmens.

Preferably, however, the lid is connected to the coding frame, so that they are designed in one piece. Coding frame and lid can be made either as a component or the lid can be subsequently connected to the Codierrahmen. In any case, the connection between Codierrahmen and cover is such that it allows the opening and closing of the head side of the Codierrahmens through the lid, for example by simply folding the lid.

In a preferred embodiment of the household appliance according to the invention, therefore, the lid is connected to the coding frame via at least one hinge.

The type and material of the hinge are not limited according to the invention. In general, these will be adapted to the structure and material of the Codierrahmens and the lid. Preferably, hinge and lid are made of the same material. For example, a hinge may be a simple plastic hinge, such as a rabbet, but other hinges are possible, such as rod hinges.

In a preferred embodiment of the household appliance according to the invention, the coding frame and the cover are connected to one another via at least one plastic film hinge. A plastic film hinge generally includes a flexible, more or less wide plastic part, which connects the cover and Codierrahmen together.

In particular, it is preferred if the lid is connected to the coding frame via two plastic film hinges.

Lid and Codierrahmen are then advantageously made of plastic. Then, namely when using a plastic film hinge lid and Codierrahmen can be produced as a component, for example in an injection molding process.

If the lid is closed after the insertion of the at least one plug into the Codierrahmen, it is inventively preferred if the lid is additionally secured against accidental opening. This is according to the invention is not a mandatory requirement, the lid can also be just launched, but a backup of the closed lid is still advantageous.

In a preferred embodiment of the household appliance according to the invention, the lid and the coding frame therefore have at least one fastening means for fastening the lid, ie in particular for fastening the lid in the closed state.

Fastener herein means an agent consisting of two complementary components that enable the manufacture of a fastener connection.

The type of fastener is not limited according to the invention, it can be used all types of fasteners, as long as they meet the preferred purpose of the invention. A fastening means may thus be, for example, a snap, hook or latching connection.

In a preferred embodiment of the household appliance according to the invention, the lid has a closure hook and the coding frame has an eyelet as complementary components for producing a hook connection.

In a further preferred embodiment of the household appliance according to the invention, the cover has at least one latching pin and the coding frame has at least one recess for receiving the latching pin, whereby a latching connection can be produced.

It should be noted at this point that in the event that the cover is manufactured as a separate component, it is particularly advantageous if the cover and coding frame have a plurality of fastening means.

According to the invention, it is also advantageous if the plug can be secured after insertion into the Codierrahmen against accidental slipping.

In a preferred embodiment of the household appliance according to the invention, therefore, the coding frame has at least one latching means for latching the plug in the coding frame.

The nature of the locking means is not limited according to the invention, as long as it meets the present invention preferred purpose of locking the plug in Codierrahmen. It would be possible, for example, that the coding frame has at least one latching hook. It can also be mounted several locking means in Codierrahmen. This also generally depends on the dimensions of the Codierrahmens and the type of locking means used.

According to the invention, it is provided that the at least one plug is attached to the printed circuit board by exerting a force on the cover of the coding frame, for example by a press unit. It is particularly advantageous if the power is transmitted from the lid to the at least one plug directly and evenly.

In a further preferred embodiment of the household appliance according to the invention, the lid therefore has at least one biasing element on the plug side.

Shape and material of the at least one biasing element are not limited according to the invention. You will be guided by the shape and material of the lid and the coding frame. In any case, however, in this case the at least one biasing element is a plug-side protruding from the lid interior element with a height such that it can contact the at least one plug and put under tension with the lid closed. Thus, the biasing member may be, for example, a cylinder or a beam.

In a preferred embodiment, the lid on the plug side has two biasing elements, which are arranged in a cross shape.

In the coding frame according to the invention also several plugs can be introduced. Here, according to the invention, no upper limit is fixed. However, it is preferred that the power transmission when attaching the plug on the circuit board from the lid is uniform and direct to all the plug. The provided in embodiments of the invention at least one biasing element inside the lid will then be dimensioned accordingly. In this way, several plugs can be plugged easily and simultaneously on a printed circuit board.

According to the invention it is preferred if the coding frame is designed such that a positioning on the printed circuit board is easy and quick to perform.

In a preferred embodiment of the household appliance according to the invention, the coding frame and the printed circuit board therefore have at least one centering means.

Centering means herein means a means consisting of two mutually corresponding components which facilitate the positioning of the coding frame on the printed circuit board.

The shape of the centering means is therefore not limited according to the invention. The coding frame and the printed circuit board preferably have one Centering rib and respectively a centering slot on. The centering rib is preferably arranged on Codierrahmen and is received in accordance with the centering in the circuit board. Particularly preferably, the coding frame and the printed circuit board even have a plurality of centering ribs and corresponding centering slots.

According to the invention, it is preferred that a connection is made between the coding frame and the printed circuit board after plugging in order to prevent the coding frame and the at least one plug from coming off the printed circuit board.

In a further preferred embodiment of the household appliance according to the invention, the coding frame therefore has at least one snap-in connector and the printed circuit board has at least one positioning hole for receiving the at least one snap-in connector. In this way can advantageously be made after plugging a snap connection between Codierrahmen and circuit board.

Other types of connection between coding frames and printed circuit boards are also possible.

The material from which the Codierrahmen and the lid are made according to the invention is also not limited and will generally be based on the particular application of the connector system in the household appliance.

In a preferred embodiment of the household appliance according to the invention, the coding frame and the lid are made of a flame-retardant material. The flame-retardant material may be a material that is flame-retardant per se, or a material that is flame-retardant by additives.

Particularly preferred is the flame-resistant material polyamide.

Very particularly preferred is the flame-resistant material Schulamid 6 MV 14 FR 4 K1681.

The household appliance is not further restricted according to the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the household appliance is a water-conducting household appliance.

In general, a water-conducting household appliance is a household appliance in which water is used and / or obtained during operation. A water-conducting household appliance can thus be for example a coffee machine, but also a dishwasher or a dryer.

In a further preferred embodiment of the household appliance according to the invention, the water-conducting domestic appliance is selected from the group dishwashing machine, washing machine, washer-dryer and dryer.

Most preferably, the water-bearing household appliance is a dishwasher.

If the household appliance according to the invention is a water-conducting domestic appliance, then in a preferred embodiment the at least one plug connection system is arranged in the bottom region of the water-conducting domestic appliance.

In a very particularly preferred embodiment, the lid is then additionally provided with a water-repellent coating.

• (a) Bereitstellen eines Haushaltsgeräts mit einer Leiterkarte;
• (b) Einbringen des mindestens einen Steckers in den Codierrahmen und Verschließen des Deckels;
• (c) Aufbringen des mindestens einen Steckers auf den mindestens einen Steckplatz der Leiterkarte und Herstellen einer Verbindung zwischen Codierrahmen und Leiterkarte.

The invention also relates to a method for producing a household appliance having at least one electronic connector system comprising a printed circuit board on which at least one slot is arranged with a first coding element, at least one plug with a second coding element corresponding to the first coding element and a coding frame, wherein a lid is provided for opening and closing the Codierrahmens, comprising the steps:

• (a) providing a home appliance with a circuit board;
• (b) inserting the at least one plug into the coding frame and closing the lid;
• (c) applying the at least one plug to the at least one slot of the printed circuit board and establishing a connection between the coding frame and printed circuit board.

The invention finally also an electronic connector system comprising a printed circuit board on which at least one slot is arranged with a first coding element, at least one plug with a second coding element corresponding to the first coding element and a Codierrahmen, the Codierrahmen be opened and closed with a lid can.

The number of plugs which can be incorporated in the coding frame according to the invention is not limited. In any case, at least one plug can be inserted into the coding frame. If a plurality of plugs are introduced into the coding frame according to the invention, their arrangement within the coding frame is likewise not restricted. The arrangement can For example, be next to each other, but also a sandwich format is conceivable.

Lid and Codierrahmen may be separate components or interconnected. The connection can also be made after the production of both components. But lid and Codierrahmen can also be manufactured as a one-piece component.

In a preferred embodiment of the electronic plug connection system, the cover is connected to the coding frame via at least one plastic film hinge.

However, the lid is particularly preferably connected to the coding frame via two plastic film hinges.

Most preferably, the lid and the Codierrahmen are then also made of plastic.

The plastic is particularly preferably polyamide.

The plastic is particularly preferred Schulamid 6 MV 14 FR 4 K1681.

In a preferred embodiment, furthermore, the lid on the plug side has two cross-shaped prestressing elements. Here, a beam shape of the biasing elements is particularly advantageous.

The dimensions of the biasing elements are inventively limited only insofar as they protrude high enough from the inside of the lid that they can contact the at least one plug and put under tension with the lid closed.

When plugging onto the circuit board is then advantageously the force of the Aufsteckwerkzeugs, for example, a pressing unit which acts on the lid, from the lid on the biasing elements directly and evenly transmitted to the at least one plug, but without this would have to be touched directly by the Aufsteckwerkzeug.

If the coding frame and the cover are made of plastic, the cross-shaped biasing elements are preferably also made of plastic.

Moreover, it is preferred if the coding frame also has at least one cable guide element.

Furthermore, it is preferred if the coding frame also has a cable connection point in addition to the at least one cable guide element.

However, a plurality of cable routing elements and attachment points are particularly advantageously integrated into the coding frame according to the invention. In this way can advantageously be pre-assembled with the electronic plug connection system according to the invention harnesses without electronics, as the plugging, even several plugs simultaneously, can be made easily on a circuit board over a simple exercise of force on the lid.

The invention has numerous advantages. Through the lid in the plug-in connection system according to the invention, the at least one plug is protected against damage, which may arise, for example during transport, but also by a tool when attaching the plug to the printed circuit board.

If a biasing element is provided, in particular the simultaneous attachment of several plugs is facilitated, since the force is applied directly and evenly from the cover to all the plugs contacted by the biasing element via the biasing element.

If the plug-in connection system according to the invention is used in a water-conducting domestic appliance, then the at least one plug is also protected against water by the lid. Operating damage caused by water damage can be avoided.

Further details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of non-limiting embodiments. Here, reference is made to the 1 and 2 ,

1 shows a schematic representation of a connector system according to the invention with an edge card connector.

2 shows a schematic representation of a connector system according to the invention with several edge card connectors.

1 shows in a non-limiting embodiment, a connector system according to the invention 1 , In the coding frame 2 there is an edge card plug 9 pointing to the slot (not shown here) of a circuit board 10 is plugged. The edge card plug 9 is by means of the latching hook 8th within the coding frame 2 locked. The coding frame 2 is with a lid 4 locked. The lid 4 is thereby by a film hinge 3 With one side of the coding frame 2 connected. The lid 4 also has a hook 5 on, which with the eyelet 6 at the coding frame 2 connected to a hook connection. The hook connection secures the closed lid 4 of the coding frame 2 against unintentional opening. In the case of a repair, however, the hook connection can preferably be released non-destructively to the edge card connector 9 in the coding frame 2 to be able to exchange.

The lid 4 also has edge card connector side a biasing element 7 on. The biasing element 7 stands with the lid closed 4 in contact with the edge card connector 9 , In this way, the edge card connector 9 already before plugging onto the printed circuit board 10 be put under pretension. To attach to the circuit board 10 gets on the lid 4 , For example, by means of a force-controlled pressing unit, a force applied until the Codierrahmen 2 on both sides of the circuit board 10 aufrastet. The on the lid 4 exerted force is then on the biasing element 7 directly on the edge card connector 9 transfer. This is however through the lid 4 protected against damage by the press unit.

The coding frame 2 also has a snap connector 11 on, which when plugging on the circuit board 10 in the positioning hole 12 locked. In this way, a secure and stable connection between circuit board 10 and coding frame 2 getting produced.

The household appliance according to the invention may, in preferred embodiments, be a water-conducting domestic appliance, for example a dishwasher. Then the lid can 4 additionally have a water-repellent coating.

At the in 1 shown electronic connector system 1 includes the circuit board 10 on which at least one slot is arranged with a first coding element, at least one plug 9 with a second coding element corresponding to the first coding element and a coding frame 2 ,

2 shows in a non-limiting embodiment, a connector system according to the invention 13 , In the coding frame 14 There are 4 edge card connectors 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 on 4 slots (not shown here) of a circuit board 10 are plugged. The positioning of the edge card connectors 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 on the circuit board 10 results from the respective coding elements of edge card connectors 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 and slots that must correspond to each other to the respective edge card connector 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 on the respective slot of the printed circuit board 10 to be able to attach. The coding frame 14 serves here in particular as Aufsteckhilfe for the simultaneous application of several edge card connector 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 on the circuit board 10 ,

The in 2 shown coding frame 14 is closed with a lid, which is not shown here in detail with regard to the attachment. On the inside of the cover edge card connector side is each a biasing element 19 per edge card connector 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 appropriate. The pretensioning elements 19 stand with the lid of the Codierrahmens closed 14 in contact with the respective edge card connector 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 , In this way, the edge card connectors 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 already before plugging onto the printed circuit board 10 be placed under a bias.

To attach to the circuit board 10 is on the lid of the coding frame 14 , For example, by means of a force-controlled pressing unit, then an insertion force exerted until the Codierrahmen 14 on both sides of the circuit board 10 aufrastet. The on the lid of the coding frame 14 applied insertion force is then on the respective biasing elements 19 directly and evenly on the four edge card connectors 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 transfer. In this way, several edge card connectors 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 in a simple manner and at the same time by means of only a single force application point on the cover of the Codierrahmens 14 on the circuit board 10 be plugged.

Furthermore, the edge card connectors 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 also in this non-limiting embodiment by the cover of the Codierrahmens 14 additionally protected against mechanical damage during the mounting process. The cover of the coding frame 14 here advantageously has a water-repellent coating.

At the in 2 shown electronic connector system have - not shown here - slots and associated plugs to each other corresponding coding elements.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Electronic connector system

2

coding frame

3

Hinge, movie hinge

4

cover

5

hook

6

eyelet

7

biasing member

8th

latch hook

9

Plug, edge card plug

10

PCB

11

snap connector

12

positioning

13

Electronic connector system in case of multiple connectors

14

Coding frame for several edge card plugs

15, 16, 17, 18

Edge card connectors

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102014205678 A1 [0007]
• EP 1401062 A1 [0008]
• DE 102004008738 A1 [0009]

Claims (15)

Household appliance with at least one electronic plug-in system ( 1 ), comprising a printed circuit board ( 10 ), on which at least one slot is arranged with a first coding element, at least one plug ( 9 ) with a second coding element corresponding to the first coding element and a coding frame ( 2 ), characterized in that a lid ( 4 ) for opening and closing the coding frame ( 2 ) is provided. Domestic appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the lid ( 4 ) with the coding frame ( 2 ) via at least one hinge ( 3 ) connected is. Domestic appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one hinge is a plastic film hinge ( 3 ). Domestic appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lid ( 4 ) and the coding frame ( 2 ) at least one fastening means ( 5 . 6 ) for fastening the cover ( 4 ) exhibit. Domestic appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coding frame ( 2 ) at least one latching means ( 8th ) for locking the edge card connector in Codierrahmen. Domestic appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lid ( 4 ) on the plug side at least one biasing element ( 7 ) having. Domestic appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coding frame ( 2 ) and the printed circuit board ( 10 ) have at least one common centering agent. Domestic appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coding frame ( 2 ) at least one snap connector ( 11 ) and the printed circuit board ( 10 ) at least one positioning hole ( 12 ) for receiving the at least one snap connector ( 11 ) having. Domestic appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coding frame ( 2 ) and the lid ( 4 ) are made of flame-retardant material. Domestic appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the household appliance is a water-conducting household appliance. Domestic appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that the at least one electronic connector system ( 1 ) is arranged in the bottom region of the water-conducting household appliance. Method for producing a domestic appliance with at least one electronic plug-in connection system ( 1 ), comprising a printed circuit board ( 10 ), on which at least one slot is arranged with a first coding element, at least one plug ( 9 ) with a second coding element corresponding to the first coding element and a coding frame ( 2 ), with a lid ( 4 ) for opening and closing the coding frame ( 2 ), comprising the steps of: (a) providing a household appliance with a printed circuit board ( 10 ); (b) inserting the plug ( 9 ) in the coding frame ( 2 ) and closing the lid ( 4 ); (c) applying the plug ( 9 ) into the slot of the printed circuit board ( 10 ) and establishing a connection between coding frames ( 2 ) and printed circuit board ( 10 ). Electronic connector system ( 1 ) comprising a printed circuit board ( 10 ) on which at least one slot with a first coding element is arranged, at least one plug ( 9 ) with a second coding element corresponding to the first coding element and a coding frame ( 2 ), characterized in that the coding frame ( 2 ) with a lid ( 4 ) can be opened and closed. Electronic connector system ( 1 ) according to claim 13, characterized in that the lid ( 4 ) plug-side two cross-shaped biasing elements ( 7 ) having. Electronic connector system ( 1 ) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the lid ( 4 ) with the coding frame ( 2 ) via at least one plastic film hinge ( 3 ) connected is.

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