EP2281095A1

EP2281095A1 - Hinge element and housing for a household appliance

Info

Publication number: EP2281095A1
Application number: EP09737990A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alfred Raab
Original assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2008-04-29
Filing date: 2009-04-08
Publication date: 2011-02-09
Anticipated expiration: 2029-04-08
Also published as: CN102016208B; DE102008021338A1; EP2281095B1; CN102016208A; WO2009132946A1; PL2281095T3; RU2010146792A

Abstract

The invention relates to a hinge element (10) for a door (2) of a household appliance (1), and a housing for a household appliance, and a household appliance, particularly a refrigerator or freezer. The hinge element (10) comprises a mounting segment (11) for mounting on the body (4) of the household appliance, a support arm (12) offset from the mounting segment, and a bearing element (16) disposed at the free end of the support arm (12). Two bearing pins (16a, 16b) protruding in opposite directions at the free end of the support arm (12) and form the bearing element.

Description

HINGE AND HOUSING FOR

HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE

The invention relates to a hinge element for a door of a household appliance, wherein the hinge element has a mounting portion for mounting on the body of the household appliance, a protruding from the mounting portion support arm and a free end of the

Has support arm arranged bearing element. The invention is further directed to a housing for a household appliance, in particular a refrigerator or freezer, which is equipped with a corresponding hinge element.

Simple hinges used for the suspension of a household appliance door generally have a hinge pin which engages from above or below in a bearing sleeve of the door, thus defining a pivot axis of the door, and an arm, via which the hinge pin is firmly connected to the body. This arm is visible from the outside, which is distracting.

Although it would be conceivable to hide such a hinge behind a fixed to the door housing, however, such a housing would restrict the freedom of movement of the door, or it would have to be provided with a - aesthetically also unsatisfactory - lateral slot through which the arm can extend in the opened state of the door.

WO 2007/031416 A1 therefore discloses a housing for a household appliance with a hinge, which is arranged adjacent to a side surface of the body and connects the body and door. The door has a receiving space facing the carcass. The hinge comprises a fixedly connected to the body and engaging in the receiving space arm, on which an axis of the hinge is fixed. On the arm, a recess is formed, engages in the open position of the door, a side wall of the receiving space of the door. The arm of the hinge is formed from an upright strip of thick sheet metal and divided into three sections by two approximately right angles, the two end sections being parallel to one another. The one end portion is to be mounted on the body, the second end portion is rolled up at its free end into a sleeve. However, the production of such a hinge arm has proved to be difficult in practice, in particular the rolling of the free end to a circular cross-section sleeve. In addition, no cables can be passed from the housing into the door via the known hinge. Furthermore, the hinge of WO 2007/031416 A1 only allows a maximum opening angle of slightly more than 90 °, but there is a need for greater freedom of movement of the door.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a hinge element and a housing for a household appliance, which is easy to manufacture, in which a cable channel can be integrated into the hinge element, and which allows an even larger opening angle of the door.

This object is achieved in that at an above-mentioned hinge element at the free end of the support arm, two projecting in opposite directions bearing journals are arranged. The two journals form a bearing element and replaced the rolled-up sleeve of the hinge element according to the prior art.

Preferably, the two journals are aligned along a common pivot axis of the hinge. The journals thus define the pivot axis by their longitudinal direction. When the door is hinged to the hinge element, a bearing pin is preferably placed on one of the two bearing journals and is mounted in a bearing eye fixed to the door.

The two bearing journals preferably have at least substantially the same cross-section, which may be, for example, each polyhedron-shaped, rectangular or square with edge lengths of the same length within ± 0.1 to ± 0.5 mm. In particular, the two bearing pins are arranged at least substantially mirror-symmetrically to a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis. This has the advantage that the hinge element can be used for both sides, so that an articulation of the door on both the left and on the right side of the body is possible. For this purpose, the two bearing journals are preferably aligned on a line or parallel to one another and preferably have the same length. Particularly preferably, the entire hinge element is substantially mirror-symmetrical to a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis. The hinge element is preferably formed from a flat material blank, in particular from a sheet metal blank. Particularly preferably, the hinge element is made of a steel sheet. Preferably, high strength steel is used, for example chromium steel or stainless steel. The thickness of the flat material blank is preferably 3 mm to 7 mm, particularly preferably about 5 ± 1 mm.

The hinge element according to the invention can be easily manufactured as a stamped / bent part, preferably by punching from a steel sheet and subsequent bending. Thus, mounting portion, support arm and journals can be made in one piece. The hinge element can be produced inexpensively and yet has a high strength.

Preferably, the support arm has a curvature in a section perpendicular to the pivot axis. As a result, a recess is formed, into which a side wall of a receiving space of the door engages when opening the door, whereby a large opening angle is allowed.

The curvature of the support arm is preferably designed such that an even larger opening angle is made possible than in WO 2007/031416 A1. To achieve this, the hinge element is preferably adapted as far as possible to the pivoting movement of the side wall of the receiving space of the door. In particular, the support arm is angled at an obtuse angle from the mounting portion to - together with the mounting portion - to span a semicircle along which the side wall is pivoted when opening the door. Preferably, the mounting portion and the adjacent thereto portion of the support arm are adapted as far as possible to a semicircular shape. For structural reasons, the mounting portion will usually be straight, as it is to attach to the body of a household appliance. The support arm is then at an obtuse angle of preferably more than 100 °, more preferably more than 110 ° and more preferably from about 115 ° ± 5 ° from the mounting section.

Furthermore, the support arm preferably describes a total of a curve or a curve of more than 90 °, preferably of more than 120 °, and particularly preferably of 130 ° up to 150 °. This allows to position the journals near the pivot axis and allows an even larger opening angle.

Particularly preferably, the radius of curvature of the support arm is different over its length. The transition between different radii of curvature is preferably continuous, so that the support arm is particularly stable. Continuously variable

Curvature radii can be made in a hot bending process. Preferably, the radius of curvature of the support arm continuously increases from a point near the mounting portion to a certain point, and from there to a point near the free end.

Preferably, the support arm has a first portion adjacent to the mounting portion, e.g. is substantially or slightly curved, and a second portion adjacent to the first portion, the first portion and an end portion adjacent the second portion including an acute intermediate angle. This intermediate angle is less than 90 °, preferably less than 60 °, and more preferably from 30 ° to 50 °. The first portion preferably has a total bending of less than 10 °, and the second portion preferably has a maximum radius of curvature of about 5 to 15 mm.

The second portion connects the first portion, which extends substantially along the circumferential direction of the pivoting movement, with the end portion of the support arm, at the end of which the bearing journals are arranged and which extends substantially radially to the pivot axis. The end portion preferably has no or only a slight curvature, since it is adapted as far as possible to the radial direction. Alternatively, the end portion may also have a slight bend of e.g. up to 10 °.

Due to the curvature of the support arm, e.g. ensures that the end section of the support arm adjoining the second section has, in a section perpendicular to the pivot axis, an angle of more than 10 °, preferably more than 20 ° and particularly preferably 30 ° to 40 ° to the mounting section.

By this type of curvature, the shape of the support arm as far as possible to the circular pivoting of the side wall of the arranged in the door receiving space customized. This allows an opening angle of the hinge of more than 130 °, in particular of up to 135 °, preferably up to 140 ° and possibly even up to 160 ° or 180 °.

In the direction of the pivot axis, the support arm preferably has a lower height at its free end than the mounting portion. As a result, the available space is used optimally and created sufficient space for the protruding in opposite directions bearing pin.

Preferably, the support arm tapers from the mounting portion toward its free end in the direction of the pivot axis at least on one side. By a gradual taper, the forces are optimally distributed over the hinge element. Particularly preferably, the support arm tapers from the mounting portion to its free end in the direction of the pivot axis on both sides. In this way, the hinge element is slightly elastic, which increases the resistance to breakage of the hinge element when the door is exposed to heavy loads.

Particularly preferably, the support arm tapers in the direction of the pivot axis mirror-symmetrically to a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis of the mounting portion to its free end. This leads to a high load capacity and allows to use the hinge element both as a right stop and as a left stop.

The taper is advantageously not constant over the length of the support arm. Rather, the support arm preferably tapers over a first portion adjacent to the mounting portion and has a constant height in the direction of the pivot axis at its end portion adjacent the free end. Particularly preferred is the

Rejuvenation at least partially approximately linear, i. in a spread on a plane support arm approximately along a straight line. An exponential decreasing from the mounting portion to the free end tapering is also conceivable.

The invention is further directed to a housing for a household appliance having a body, a door and at least one hinge, which is arranged on the body and pivotally connects the door to the body, wherein the hinge is a hinge element with a mounted on the body of the household appliance mounting portion, one of the assembly geabschnitt protruding support arm and a arranged at the free end of the support arm bearing element comprises. At the free end of the support arm projecting in opposite directions bearing journals are arranged, which form the bearing element. Preferably, the hinge element is configured as described above. The housing typically has two or three hinges, wherein possibly only one or all hinge kidneys are equipped with a hinge element according to the invention.

The bearing pins preferably have a non-rotationally symmetrical and in particular rectangular or square cross section. This makes it possible to each rotatably receive one of the two journals in a bearing pin, which is mounted in a bearing eye fixed to the door. Preferably, a bearing pin is placed on the downwardly projecting journal, especially if it is an upper hinge of the door.

For storage in the bearing eye, the bearing pin preferably has a kreiszylinderför- shaped portion on the front side of a hole or a receptacle for a bearing pin is arranged. The receptacle preferably has the same, not rotationally symmetrical and preferably rectangular or square cross-sectional shape as the bearing pin, so that the bearing pin can be rotatably received in the bearing pin. The hole is preferably a through hole.

In addition, the bearing pin in addition to the receptacle preferably has a continuous cable channel, which runs in particular parallel to the pivot axis. This can be done in an elegant way cables from the body in the door. This is particularly useful when there is a control electronics in the door, e.g. a display operating module.

The bearing pin is preferably injection molded from plastic. Particularly preferably it consists of a good sliding plastic such as POM (polyoxymethylene).

Preferably, the door has an outer wall and an inner wall, between which there is a cavity filled with insulating foam material. Outer and inner wall are - for example, at the upper and lower transverse edges of the door - connected by a connector or a door closure strip, Preferably, the bearing eye in the connector is inserted. The bearing eye is preferably formed by a bearing bush formed on the connecting piece. The connecting piece is preferably made of plastic, for example ABS and is preferably designed as an injection molded part.

As already mentioned above, the support arm preferably engages in an open receiving space of the door facing the carcass. In the open position of the door engages a side wall of this receiving space in the recess formed by the curvature of the support arm, whereby a particularly large opening angle is achieved.

The door is preferably articulated on two hinges on the body, wherein the hinge element according to the invention can be used only in one hinge, in particular the upper hinge, or on both hinges.

The invention is also directed to a household appliance, in particular a refrigerator, which is equipped with the hinge element according to the invention and the housing. Particularly preferably, the refrigeration device is a refrigerator or freezer or a fridge-freezer combination in a stand construction.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a refrigerator, to which the present invention is implemented, with the door closed;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 with the door open; FIG.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a hinge member to which the present

Invention is realized;

Fig. 4 shows a cross section through the hinge element of Fig. 3, but in mirrored

View; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the upper front corner of the body of a refrigerator to which the hinge member of Fig. 3 is attached;

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Figure 5 with attached bearing pin.

7 shows a cross section through the bearing pin along the line VII in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the right upper corner of the door from the inside, looking at the receiving space, with the upper edge of the door cut away for clarity;

9 is a perspective view of the upper right corner of the body hinged door.

10 shows a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 9, with the upper cover strip of the door removed, and with coverings arranged around the hinge element;

Fig. 1 1 shows a cross section through a right upper corner of the housing when open

Door;

Fig. 12 is a cross section through a right upper corner of the housing with the door closed.

As an exemplary embodiment of a household appliance, in which the invention is realized, FIG. 1 shows a stand-alone refrigerator 1 with a body 4 and a door 2, which is pivotably connected to the body 4 about an axis 3. The axis 3 extends through the door 2 parallel to a side face of the body 4 facing away from the observer in FIG. 1.

The door 2 comprises an outer wall 5, which is bent inwards on the sides and is advantageously formed from sheet metal, in particular sheet metal. The thus formed cavity in the door is limited to the refrigerator interior through the inner wall 6, see Fig. 2, which is advantageously molded from plastic. The cavity formed between outer wall 5 and inner wall 6 is filled with insulating foam material. Outer and inner wall are connected to each other at the upper transverse edge of the door by a connecting piece 7, which simultaneously closes the cavity in the door upwards. Downwardly, the cavity is also bounded by a lower connector (not shown). This can be the same or different from the upper connection piece 7. In the connection piece 7, receiving spaces 8 are provided on both sides. In order to cover the receiving spaces 8 upwards, a covering strip, not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is placed on the connecting piece 7. The door is preferably mirror-symmetrical about a longitudinal axis, so that it can be hinged on both sides to the body.

Fig. 2 shows the refrigerator of Fig. 1 with the door open. As a result, both receiving spaces 8 are clearly visible. On the side of the pivot axis 3 projects into the receiving space 8 arranged there, the support arm of a hinge element 10 which is fixed to the upper portion 9 of the door 2 facing the front frame of the body 4. Preferably, display and / or operating elements for the refrigerator are also arranged on the upper section 9.

It can also be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2 that the outer wall 5 is longer in the direction of the pivot axis 3 than the inner wall 6, so that the connecting piece 7 is completely or partially concealed by the outer wall 5 towards the visible side. As a result, the door 2 outwardly on a uniform, formed by the outer wall 5 outer surface, which causes an appealing aesthetic impression.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the hinge element 10 which can be seen in FIG. 2. The hinge element 10 is formed from an upwardly oriented strip of heavy plate and has a mounting section 11 for attachment to the body 4 of the household appliance 1 and a support arm 12 projecting from the mounting section 11 , at the end of two identical upwardly or downwardly projecting bearing journals 16a, 16b are arranged. In the mounting portion 11, two holes 17 can be seen, which are provided to receive (not shown) screws with which the hinge element 10 is attached to the body 4 of the household appliance 1. The pivot axis 3 extends in the longitudinal direction of the two bearing journals 16a and 16b. The height B of the hinge element 10 in the region of the two bearing journals 16a and 16b is slightly greater than the height of the mounting section 11 in the direction of the pivot axis 3. Advantageously, the height B of the two bearing journals 16a and 16b is 20 mm to 40 mm, particularly preferably 30 mm to 35 mm mm. The support arm 12 tapers from the mounting portion 11 up to its free end, from which the two bearing journals 16a and 16b protrude. This ensures that the hinge element 10 does not project beyond the upper portion 9 of the front frame of the body 4, which is only about 40 to 60 mm high, so as not to unnecessarily reduce the useful space of the refrigerator. If the support arm 12 had a constant height as in the prior art, the bearing journals 16a and 16b taken together would have to have a considerably greater height.

The hinge element 10 is mirror-symmetrical in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis defined by the bearing pins 16a, 16b. In this way, the hinge element 10 can be used both for a left stop and for a right stop.

FIG. 4 shows the hinge element 10 of FIG. 3 in cross-section and in a mirror-inverted representation to that of FIG. 3. The hinge element 10 has a constant thickness d over its length, which is approximately 5 mm. The preferred course of curvature of the support arm 12 will now be explained with reference to FIG.

The mounting portion 11 fixed to the body 4 is substantially straight along a line L ₁ . From the mounting portion 11, a first portion 13 of the support arm 12 is angled at an obtuse angle ß, which is about 105 ° ± 5 °. The first section 13 initially runs essentially straight along the line L ₂ and then merges into a curved second section 14. The curved second section 14 in turn merges into a straight end section 15 which extends along the line L _3. The section

14 has a large curvature, so that the first portion 13 and the end portion

15 an intermediate angle y of less than 80 °, in the example shown by. 40 ° ± 5 °. The smaller the intermediate angle y, the greater the achievable opening angle of the door 2. Due to the curvature of the second portion 14 of the end portion 15, at the free end of the bearing pins 16 are arranged inclined by an angle α to the mounting portion 11. The inclination angle α is more than 10 °, preferably more than 20 ° and particularly preferably more than 30 °, in the example shown about 32 °.

By the described curvature of the support arm 12, a recess 18 is formed, in which the side wall of the receiving space 8 pivots in when opening the door, and along the dotted line P, which just does not touch the mounting portion 11.

Fig. 5 again shows a perspective view of the hinge element 10, which is now attached to the upper right corner of the front frame of the body 4 of a household appliance. For this purpose, threaded holes are provided for the holes 17 passing through screws in the upper portion 9 of the front frame. Fig. 5 shows a right stop of the door, so that the support arm 12 is bent to the right.

In Fig. 5 it can be seen that the support arm 12 tapers from the mounting portion 1 1 to its free end, on a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis mirror-symmetrical way. The taper is strongest in the first section 13, then continues in the second section 14, while the end portion 15 is only slightly tapered or even has a constant height. The taper in the first and intermediate sections is approximately linear, i. in a spread on a plane support arm 12 approximately along a straight line, to the transition to the end portion 15. An exponentially decreasing from the mounting portion 11 to the end portion 15 taper is also conceivable.

Fig. 6 shows a comparable to FIG. 5 representation in which now on the lower bearing pin 16b, a bearing pin 20 is placed. A cross section of the bearing pin 20 along the line VII is shown in Fig. 7. The bearing pin 20 has a lower portion with a circular cylindrical outer surface, which is provided for storage in a bearing eye fixed to the door. At the top is on a side of a shell-like portion 19, which serves as a cable channel and as a lining for the end portion of the hinge member 10. As shown in Fig. 7, a square cross-section hole 22 is provided in the bearing pin 20, which receives the bearing pin 16b without play. Adjacent to the hole 22 a parallel to the pivot axis extending cable channel 21 is arranged with an oval or any cross-section, which is provided for guiding cables from the body 4 in the door 2. Preferably, the cable channel 21 and the hole 22 are continuous. The bearing pin 20 is made as an injection molded part of a plastic with a low coefficient of friction such as polyoxymethylene (POM).

Fig. 8 shows a perspective view into the receiving space 8 in the upper right corner of the door 2, seen from the body 4. The upper section including the cover strip of the door 2 is cut off for better visibility. Downwards, the inner wall 6 can be seen, at the outer edges of a magnetic seal 29 is arranged. Above the inner wall 6, the connecting piece 7 connects. Behind the outer wall 5 is arranged, which is bent to the side to an outer wall side portion 25. Together with a side wall portion 51 of the connecting piece 7, the outer wall side portion 25 thus forms the side wall 28 of the receiving space 8 in the door 2.

The receiving space 8 further has a bottom wall 37 and a wall 38 to the visible side of the door, in which a pocket 39 is embedded. In the area of the pocket 39, the wall 39 runs parallel to and very close or adjacent to the outer wall 5.

In the connecting piece 7, the bearing eye 24 is further formed by forming a bearing sleeve 23, in which the bearing pin 20 (not shown in Fig. 8) is received.

Finally, in Fig. 8, an opening limiting body 30 can be seen, which is formed by a wire element having an approximately parallel to the pivot axis extending first portion 32. This first section 32 engages behind the support arm 12 and thereby defines an opening-limited position of the door. At the other end of the opening limiting body 30, a second portion 34 is curved into an eyelet and received in a trough 35 in the bottom 37 of the connecting piece 7. As a result, it is fixed positively to the door. In the middle of the eyelet, the second portion 34 is additionally fastened by a screw 31. A middle leg 33 of the opening limiting device Pers 30 extends along a relative to the pivot axis 3 obliquely aligned bearing surface 36, which is also formed in the bottom 37 of the connecting piece 7.

Fig. 9 shows how Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the upper right corner of the refrigerator 1, with hinged door. In contrast to FIG. 6, the lower portion of the bearing bolt 20 is pivotally received in the bearing sleeve 23 of the bearing eye 24. In this case, the first section 32 of the opening limiting body 30 engages behind the support arm 12 and is therefore hidden in FIG. 9. At the top, the receiving space 8 is covered by a cover strip 43.

Further, Fig. 9 shows a cable bundle 45, which is guided through the cable channel 21 in the bearing pin 20 in the cavity of the door 2.

10 also shows a perspective view of the upper right corner of the refrigerator with hinged door, but without cable bundle 45 and with removed cover strip 43. FIG. 10 also shows the panels of the hinge element, which are provided by plastic elements 40, 41 and 42 be formed.

In addition, the lower portion of the bearing sleeve 23 can be seen in Fig. 10, which protrudes into the cavity formed between the outer wall 5 and the inner wall 6 and can be guided by the cable in the door 2.

11 and 12 show cross sections perpendicular to the pivot axis through the hinge element 10 with the door hinged thereto with the door open (FIG. 11) and the door closed (FIG. 12). The pivot axis 3 extends in each case through the axis of the bearing pin 20th

In the sectional views of the upstanding portion 19 of the bearing pin 20, a cut cable bundle 45 and a screw 26 can be seen, with which the mounting portion 11 on the body of a household appliance (not shown) is attached. Any cladding of the hinge element is not shown for purposes of clarity. The opening limiting body 30 can be seen from above, as well as the trough 35, in which the second portion 34 is fixed. As can be seen from FIG. 11, the first section 32 of the opening limiting body 30 engages behind the support arm 12 and abuts there in the opening-limited position of the door in the area between the second section 14 and the end section 15. In this widely opened position, the side wall 28 of the receiving space 8 pivots into the recess of the support arm 12 formed by the curvature. The sections 13, 14 and 15 of the support arm 12 are curved such that the side wall 28 does not abut the support arm 12 when opening the door, although it describes along the dotted line P an arc of up to 135 °. In order to allow a particularly large opening angle, the first portion 32 of the opening limiting body 30 is further arranged in a clearing 52 in the side wall 28, so that it engages behind the support arm 12 even with a large opening angle.

In the closed position of the door shown in Fig. 12, the curved portion 14 of the support arm 12 projects into the pocket 39, which is formed in the wall 38 of the connecting piece 7. Through the pocket 39, it is possible to form the first section 13 particularly long and the curvature of the second section 14 particularly strong, which allows a particularly large opening angle of the door.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 home appliance

2 door

3 pivot axis

4 Body of the household appliance

5 outer wall of the door

6 inner wall of the door

7 connector

8 receiving space in the connector

9 Upper section of the front frame of the carcass

10 hinge element

11 mounting section

12 support arm

13 First section of the support arm

14 Second section of the support arm

15 end portion of the support arm

16, 16a, 16b journal

17 mounting holes

18 recess formed in the support arm 12 by curvature

19 Upper section of the bearing pin

20 bearing bolts

21 cable channel

22 holes for trunnions

23 bushing

24 bearing eye

25 outer wall side section

26 screw

28 side wall of the receiving space 8

29 magnetic seal

30 opening limiting body

31 screw 32 First section of the opening limiting body 30

33 Middle leg of the opening limiting body 30

34 second portion of the opening limiting body 30th

35 trough in the connector 7

36 slanted bearing surface 37 bottom of the receiving space 8

38 front wall of the receiving space 8

39 pocket in the back wall 38

40 cladding of the support arm

41 Panel of the bearing pin 42 Panel of the mounting section

43 upper cover strip of the connector 7

45 cable bundles

51 side wall portion of the connecting piece. 7

52 franking in the side wall 28

Claims

1. Hinge element (10) for a door (2) of a household appliance (1), wherein the hinge element (10) comprises: - a mounting portion (1 1) for mounting on the body (4) of the household appliance, a projecting from the mounting portion support arm (12 ), - at the free end of the support arm (12) arranged bearing element (16), characterized in that at the free end of the support arm (12) projecting in two opposite directions bearing pins (16a, 16b) are arranged, of which at least one bearing element forms.

Second hinge element (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the two bearing pins (16a, 16b) along a common pivot axis (3) of the hinge are aligned.

3. hinge element (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the two bearing pins (16a, 16b) at least substantially the same cross-section and insbeonsdere at least substantially mirror-symmetrical to a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis (3) are arranged.

4. hinge element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is at least substantially mirror-symmetrical to a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis (3).

5. hinge element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is formed from a flat material blank.

6. hinge element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support arm (12) in a section perpendicular to the pivot axis (3) has a ne curvature.

7. hinge element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support arm (12) in a section perpendicular to the pivot axis (3) of the hinge at an obtuse angle (ß) protrudes from the mounting portion and an arc (v) of more than 90 ° describes.

8. hinge element (10) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the radius of curvature of the support arm (12) is different over its length.

9. hinge element (10) according to claim 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that the support arm has a to the mounting portion (11) adjacent the first portion (13), and one of the first portion (13) adjacent second portion

(14), wherein the first portion (13) and an end portion (15) adjacent to the second portion (14) include an acute intermediate angle (v).

10. hinge element (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the second portion (14) adjacent the end portion (15) of the support arm (12) in one

Section perpendicular to the pivot axis (3) has an angle (α) of more than 10 ° to the mounting portion (1 1).

11. Hinge element (10) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the first portion (13) and / or the end portion (15) are not or little curved.

12. Hinge element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support arm (12) at its free end (15) has a lower height in the direction of the pivot axis (3) than the mounting portion (11).

13. Hinge element (10) according to any one of the preceding Ansprüchel to 12, characterized in that the support arm (12) tapers from the mounting portion to its free end in the direction of the pivot axis (3) at least on one side.

14. Hinge element (10) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the support arm (12) from the Monatageabschnitt (1 1) towards its free end in the direction of the pivot axis (3) tapers on both sides.

15. Hinge element (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that the support arm (12) is mirror-symmetrical to a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis (3) from the mounting portion (11) tapers towards its free end in the direction of the pivot axis (3).

16. Hinge element (10) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the support arm (12) tapers over a first portion (13) which adjoins the mounting portion, and that the support arm (12) at its on the free end adjacent end portion (15) in the direction of the pivot axis (3) has a constant height.

17. Housing for a household appliance (1) with a body (4), a door (2) and at least one hinge which is arranged on the body and the door (2) pivotally connected to the body (4), wherein the hinge a Hinge element (10) comprises with

- A mounted on the body (4) of the household appliance (1) mounting portion (1 1), - a projecting from the mounting portion support arm (12), and

- One at the free end of the support arm (12) arranged bearing element, characterized in that at the free end of the support arm (12) in two opposite directions projecting bearing pins (16a, 16b) are arranged, which form the bearing element.

18. Housing according to claim 17, characterized in that the hinge element (10) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 16

19. Housing according to one of claims 17 or 18, characterized in that the bearing pins (16a, 16b) have a non-rotationally symmetrical, in particular rectangular or square cross-section.

20. Housing according to one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that at least one of the two bearing pins (16a, 16b) of the hinge element rotatably in a bearing pin (20) is received, which in a fixed to the door

Bearing eye (24) is stored.

21. Housing according to one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that the bearing pin (20) has a circular cylindrical portion in which a receptacle (22) for the bearing pin (16a, 16b) is arranged.

22. Housing according to one of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that the bearing pin (20) next to the receptacle (22) has a continuous cable channel (21).

23. Housing according to one of claims 17 to 22, characterized in that the bearing pin (20) is injection molded from plastic.

24. Housing according to one of claims 17 to 23, characterized in that the support arm (12) engages in a body towards the open receiving space (8) of the door.

25. Housing according to one of claims 17 to 24, characterized in that the door has a maximum opening angle of more than 130 °.

26. Domestic appliance (1), in particular refrigerator, characterized by a housing according to one of claims 17 to 25.