Electrical connectors – With coupling movement-actuating means or retaining means in... – Retaining means
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-09
2001-03-13
Vu, Hien (Department: 2833)
Electrical connectors
With coupling movement-actuating means or retaining means in...
Retaining means
C439S373000, C439S449000, C174S053000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06200155
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to the art of appliances and, more particularly, to a universal power cord connection assembly for use in an appliance.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
In many cases, electrical products have to be designed and produced to specifications dependent upon the particular international market being targeted. For instance, electrical products must often be specifically produced based on the fact that electrical outlets vary between different international areas. In addition, certain products must be produced under established safety regulations. For instance, major electrical appliances, such as refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers and the like, must meet certain established safety requirements. An example of such a safety regulation is the need for major appliance power cord connections to comply with IEC 335 safety requirements.
Based on the above, manufacturers of major electrical appliances must comply with established safety requirements while attempting to minimize certain variations in the production of appliances slated for sale in different geographical regions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an assembly for accommodating the need for various configurations of major appliance power cord plugs used in different international regions, while also complying with current safety requirements. The invention includes a molded electrical connector box which is attached to a rear panel portion of an appliance. The connector box is formed with an opening designed to receive a standard electrical inlet, preferably in a snap-fit manner. The connector box is mounted to the appliance structure in a manner which closes off any access zones to internal, hazardous electrical items of the appliance.
The connector box is preferably mounted with a minimum number of mechanical fasteners, one of which also mounts a clamp used to secure a power cord in a desired position while relieving strain in the cord. The connector box is further formed with portions for guiding sections of the power cord such that a first plug provided on one end of the cord is directed in a manner which assures a positive connection with the inlet. In accordance with the invention, the connector box arrangement can be utilized with various differently configured power cords. That is, the first end of the power cord is provided with a female plug adapted to be received in the electrical inlet, while the second end of the cord is provided with a male plug adapted to mate with an electrical outlet commonly found in the particular geographic region in which the appliance is to be sold.
In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the connector box is configured in a manner which enhances the assembly process, maximizes overall compactness, minimizes potential operational noises and directs any water away from the electrical inlet. In addition, in certain applications wherein the connector box is secured to a rear panel of an appliance adapted to be positioned adjacent a building wall during operation, the box is formed with a bumper for engaging the wall to establish an appropriate spacing.
Additional objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof when taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts in the several views.
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Chudkosky Frank N.
Ellingwood John C.
Diederiks, Jr. Everett G.
Maytag Corporation
Vu Hien
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