TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an electrical appliance comprising an appliance body with a compartment for storing or treating items. The electrical appliance further comprises a hinge and a door pivotally attached to the appliance body via the hinge between an open position to allow access to the compartment and a closed position to close the compartment.

BACKGROUND

An electrical appliance is a commercial and/or home appliance using electricity to accomplish a specific function, such as heating or cooling a compartment of the electrical appliance. An electrical appliance comprising such a compartment normally comprises a door pivotally attached to a body of the electrical appliance between an open position to allow access to the compartment and a closed position to close the compartment.

Examples of electrical appliances comprising a heated or cooled compartment includes cooler units, refrigerators, freezer, and electric ovens. Cooler units, refrigerators, and freezers are commercial and/or home appliances which comprises a refrigeration assembly configured to transfer heat from the compartment to the external environment so that the compartment is cooled to a temperature below the room temperature.

The compartment of a refrigerator can be used to store food, beverages, and the like. Normally, a refrigerator is designed such that the compartment thereof is cooled to a temperature above zero degree Celsius, such as to a temperature within the range of 0 - 8 degrees Celsius.

Likewise, a cooler unit can be used to store food and beverages, such as wine, beer, soda, sparkling wine, and the like, at temperatures below the room temperature. Some cooler units are specifically adapted to accommodate bottled beverages, such as wine. These types of cooler units may also be referred to as wine cooler units. Normally, a cooler unit is designed such that the compartment thereof is cooled to a temperature above zero degree Celsius, such as to a temperature within the range of 0 - 16 degrees Celsius.

Also, a freezer can be used to store food and beverages. However, a freezer is normally designed such that the compartment thereof is cooled to a temperature below zero degree Celsius, such as to a temperature within the range of -8 - -24 degrees Celsius. An electric oven comprises a heating assembly for heating food and beverages inside the compartment. The heating assembly of a traditional electric oven normally comprises one or more resistive heating elements for heating the compartment and thereby also items placed in the compartment. A microwave oven is a type of electric oven in which the heating assembly is configured to emit microwave radiation to heat items placed inside the compartment.

An electrical appliance comprising a heated or cooled compartment normally comprises one or more hinges allowing the door to be pivoted relative to the body of the electrical appliance between an open position to allow access to the compartment and a closed position to close the compartment, as explained above.

Several types of hinges exist, such as so-called single fulcrum hinges comprising one rotation axis and so-called multiple fulcrum hinges comprising more than one rotation axis. Some types of multiple fulcrum hinges comprise larger types of levers made of bent metal parts. Moreover, other types of hinges exist such as other types of multiple fulcrum hinges and hinges comprising sliding arrangements in which a follower can slide inside a rail, and the like.

Traditionally, single fulcrum hinges have been used on electrical appliances due to its simplicity and low cost. Due to the single rotation axis of the single fulcrum hinge, the door is pivoted around the single rotation axis when pivoted between the open and closed positions. An advantage with multiple fulcrum hinges is that they can be designed such that also an inner portion of the door can be moved slightly out of the body of the electrical appliance when the door is pivoted towards the open position and correspondingly is moved slightly towards the body of the electrical appliance when the door is pivoted towards the closed position. This simplifies design of the insulation arrangement between the door and the body of the electrical appliance, such as one or more elastic strips, sealings, or the like, and puts less strain on such insulation arrangements. However, a drawback with multiple fulcrum hinges is that they normally occupy more space than single fulcrum hinges.

Electrical appliances are usually installed in kitchen environments and sometimes a conflict occurs between the movement path of the door and other objects in the kitchen, such as furniture or other appliances or objects arranged close to the electrical appliance.

Furthermore, some electrical appliances are of built-in type meaning that the electrical appliance is integrated in a furniture and wherein the door of the electrical appliance normally is provided with a decorative front panel, usually having a design matching other surfaces in the kitchen environment, such as surfaces of other cabinet doors, and the like. The clearance of the movement of the door is especially problematic for built-in electrical appliances because of the integration into the furniture which usually puts limitations on the possible movement of the door.

If the door is hitting an adjacent object, such as an adjacent furniture, the door and/or the adjacent object may become damaged.

One solution to this problem is to install a door stopper preventing further opening of the door when the door reaches a predetermined opening angle. For electrical appliances of built-in type, the predetermined opening angle must normally be less than 90 degrees to avoid conflict between the movement path of the front panel on the door and adjacent furniture.

However, the integration of a door stopper can result in a less user-friendly product because the stopper prevents movement of the door to greater opening angles than the predetermined opening angle which may cause problems for example when a user wants to insert or remove larger objects into and out from the compartment of the electrical appliance. As an example, in an electrical appliance comprising one or more removable interior items, such as one or more shelves, oven plates, oven support grilles, and the like, the limitation of the opening angle caused by the door stopper may prevent removal and insertion of such removable interior items to/from the compartment of the electrical appliance.

Moreover, user-friendliness is a general problem when designing electrical appliances and associated components and assemblies.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least alleviate, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. In particular, is an object of the present invention to provide a more user-friendly electrical appliance.

According to an aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by an electrical appliance comprising an appliance body with a compartment for storing or treating items, a hinge, and a door pivotally attached to the appliance body via the hinge between an open position to allow access to the compartment and a closed position to close the compartment. The hinge comprises a door member mounted to the door, a body member mounted to the appliance body, a first hinge member pivotally attached to the body member around a first pivot axis, and a second hinge member pivotally attached to the body member around a second pivot axis. The door member is pivotally attached to the first hinge member around a third pivot axis and is pivotally attached to the second hinge member around a fourth pivot axis. The first hinge member comprises a stop member comprising an abutment configured to abut against a portion of the second hinge member to limit further pivoting of the door when the door reaches a maximum pivot angle. The stop member is adjustable to allow adjustment of the maximum pivot angle.

Since the stop member is adjustable to allow adjustment of the maximum pivot angle, an electrical appliance is provided allowing a user to set the maximum pivot angle of the door simply by adjusting the stop member. In this manner a more user-friendly electrical appliance is provided.

That is, when installing the electrical appliance, for example in a kitchen environment, the installer may adjust the stop member to limit further pivoting of the door when the door reaches a maximum pivot angle adapted to the current installation environment. Thus, the hinge of the electrical appliance allows the maximum pivot angle of the door to be optimized given the current installation environment which provides conditions to using larger maximum pivot angles of the door as compared to when using a traditional stop member. This is because the traditional stop member provides a maximum pivot angle of the door suitable for use in several different installation environments and thereby will provide unnecessary small maximum pivot angles of the door in many installation situations.

In addition, since the stop member is adjustable to allow adjustment of the maximum pivot angle, an electrical appliance is provided allowing a user to fine-tune the maximum pivot angle of the door after the electrical appliance has been installed. In addition, an electrical appliance is provided allowing a user to temporarily increasing the maximum pivot angle of the door for example when wanting to insert or remove larger objects into/from the compartment of the electrical appliance. The user may then carefully open the door, insert or remove the larger objects/objects into/from the compartment, and then again decrease the maximum pivot angle of the door by adjusting the stop member.

Furthermore, since the hinge comprises the four pivot axes, conditions are provided for obtaining an advantageous movement path of the door upon pivoting thereof between the open and closed positions. That is, due to the four pivot axes of the hinge, conditions are provided for obtaining a movement path of the door in which an inner portion of the door is moved slightly out of the appliance body when the door is pivoted towards the open position and is moved slightly towards the appliance body when the door is pivoted towards the closed position. As a further result thereof, a hinge is provided with a lower probability of conflicts between the movement path of the door and adjacent objects.

Accordingly, an electrical appliance is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

Optionally, the maximum pivot angle is adjustable by changing the position of the abutment relative to the first hinge member. Thereby, an electrical appliance is provided in which the maximum pivot angle of the door can be adjusted in a simple and intuitive manner.

Moreover, a simple and low cost-solution can be provided for allowing adjustment of the maximum pivot angle of the door.

Optionally, the stop member comprises an eccentric comprising the abutment, and wherein the maximum pivot angle is adjustable by changing the rotational position of the eccentric relative to the first hinge member. Thereby, an electrical appliance is provided in which the maximum pivot angle of the door can be adjusted in a simple and intuitive manner.

Moreover, a simple and low cost-solution is provided for allowing adjustment of the maximum pivot angle of the door.

Optionally, the stop member is rotationally arranged on the first hinge member around a rotation axis. Thereby, an electrical appliance is provided in which the maximum pivot angle of the door can be adjusted in a simple and intuitive manner simply by rotating the stop member around the rotation axis. Moreover, a simple and low cost-solution is provided for allowing adjustment of the maximum pivot angle of the door. In addition, conditions are provided for obtaining a stepless adjustment of the maximum pivot angle of the door in a simple and cost-effective manner.

Optionally, the first hinge member comprises an aperture and the stop member comprises an attachment section, and wherein the aperture and the attachment section are configured to allow the attachment section to be moved out of the aperture and to be inserted into the aperture at a number of different rotational positions of the stop member relative to the first hinge member. Thereby, an electrical appliance is provided in which the maximum pivot angle of the door can be adjusted in a simple and intuitive manner simply by moving the attachment section out of the aperture and inserting the attachment section into the aperture again at a different rotational position relative to the first hinge member. Moreover, a simple and low cost-solution is provided for allowing adjustment of the maximum pivot angle of the door.

Furthermore, according to some embodiments, the aperture and the attachment section are configured to allow removal of the stop member out of the aperture and insertion of the stop member into the aperture at a number of different rotational positions of the stop member relative to the first hinge member. In this manner, the user is allowed to temporarily remove the stop member from the aperture, for example when wanting to insert or remove larger objects into/from the compartment of the electrical appliance. The user may then carefully open the door, insert or remove the larger objects/objects into/from the compartment, and then again insert the stop member into the aperture to obtain a limitation of the movement of the door at a maximum pivot angle of the door.

Optionally, the stop member comprises an attachment section, a top element, and an eccentric comprising the abutment, wherein the eccentric is arranged between the attachment section and the top element. Thereby, a simple, reliable, and low-cost stop member can be obtained for providing a maximum pivot angle of the door.

Optionally, the top element is larger in size than the eccentric. Thereby, a stop member is provided having conditions for an even simpler and more intuitive adjustment of the maximum pivot angle of the door because a user may utilize the top element when adjusting the maximum pivot angle of the door.

Optionally, the stop member comprises a tool aperture for receiving a tool. Thereby, a stop member is provided having conditions for an even simpler and more intuitive adjustment of the maximum pivot angle of the door. This is because the tool aperture for example may be used when turning the stop member relative to the first hinge member and/or when removing the stop member from the first hinge member.

Optionally, the second hinge member is substantially flat. Thereby, conditions are provided for a compact hinge requiring little space.

Optionally, the first hinge member is substantially flat. Thereby, conditions are provided for a compact hinge requiring little space.

Optionally, the first and second hinge members are arranged adjacent to each other. Thereby, conditions are provided for a compact hinge requiring little space. Moreover, conditions are provided for a compact hinge and simple and low-cost stop member capable of providing an adjustable maximum pivot angle of the door.

Optionally, the first hinge member is larger in size than the second hinge member. Thereby, conditions are provided for a rigid and durable connection between the stop member and first hinge member.

Optionally, the first, second, third, and fourth pivot axes are parallel. Thereby, conditions are provided for obtaining an advantageous movement path of the door upon pivoting thereof between the open and closed positions. That is, due to the four parallel pivot axes of the hinge, conditions are provided for obtaining a movement path of the door in which an inner portion of the door is moved slightly out of the appliance body when the door is pivoted towards the open position and is moved slightly towards the appliance body when the door is pivoted towards the closed position. As a further result, a hinge is provided with a lower probability of conflicts between the movement path of the door and adjacent objects.

Optionally, the distance between the first and third pivot axes is greater than the distance between the second and fourth pivot axes. Thereby, conditions are provided for obtaining a more advantageous movement path of the door upon pivoting thereof between the open and closed positions.

Optionally, the distance between the first and second pivot axes is greater than the distance between the third and fourth pivot axes. Thereby, conditions are provided for obtaining a more advantageous movement path of the door upon pivoting thereof between the open and closed positions.

Optionally, at least a section of the second hinge member superimposes a portion of the first hinge member, seen in a direction parallel to one of the first, second, third, and fourth pivot axes, when the abutment abuts against the portion of the second hinge member. Thereby, conditions are provided for an efficient and reliable limiting of further pivoting of the door when the door reaches the maximum pivot angle. Moreover, conditions are provided for a compact hinge and simple and low-cost stop member capable of providing an adjustable maximum pivot angle of the door.

Optionally, the electrical appliance is a cooler unit, a refrigerator, a freezer, or an electric oven. Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various aspects of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the example embodiments discussed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a first isomeric view of an electrical appliance according to some embodiments,

Fig. 2 illustrates a second isomeric view of the electrical appliance illustrated in Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a first view of a hinge of the electrical appliance illustrated in

Fig. 1 and Fig. 2,

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a second view of the hinge illustrated in Fig. 3,

Fig. 5a schematically illustrates a top view of a stop member according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4,

Fig. 5b schematically illustrates a side view of the stop member according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 5a,

Fig. 5c schematically illustrates a bottom view of the stop member according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b,

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a first view of a hinge according to some further embodiments, Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a second view of the hinge illustrated in Fig. 6,

Fig. 8a schematically illustrates a top view of a stop member according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4,

Fig. 8b schematically illustrates a side view of the stop member according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 8a, and

Fig. 8c schematically illustrates a bottom view of the stop member according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 8a and Fig. 8b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present invention will now be described more fully. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

Fig. 1 illustrates a first isomeric view of an electrical appliance 1 according to some embodiments. According to the illustrated embodiments, the electrical appliance 1 is a cooler unit specifically adapted to accommodate wine bottles inside a compartment 3 thereof as is further explained herein. Therefore, the electrical appliance 1 according to the illustrated embodiments may also be referred to as a wine cooler, a wine cooler unit, or the like. However, according to further embodiments, the electrical appliance 1 , as referred to herein, may be another type of electrical appliance 1 than a cooler unit, such as a refrigerator, a freezer, or an electric oven, as is further explained herein.

The electrical appliance 1 comprises an appliance body 2’ with a number of walls wO, w1 , w2, w3, w4 which together defines the compartment 3 of the electrical appliance 1. The reference signs for the number of walls wO, w1 , w2, w3, w4 is in some places herein abbreviated “w0-w4” for reasons of brevity and clarity. The compartment 3 of the electrical appliance 1 comprises an opening 40.

The number of walls w0-w4 includes a bottom wall wO, a first side wall w1 , a second side wall w2, a back wall w3, and a top wall w4. According to the illustrated embodiments, each of the bottom wall wO and the top wall w3 is substantially parallel to a horizontal surface Hs when the electrical appliance 1 is positioned in an upright use position on a flat horizontal surface Hs as is illustrated in Fig. 1. Moreover, according to the illustrated embodiments, each of the first side wall w1 , the second side wall w2, and the back wall w3 is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal surface Hs when the electrical appliance 1 is positioned in an upright use position on the flat horizontal surface Hs as is illustrated in Fig. 1.

As understood from the above, each of the number of walls w0-w4 form a delimiting surface of the compartment 3. Therefore, each of the number of walls w0-w4 may also be referred to as a surface or delimiting surface of the compartment 3. In other words, the bottom wall wO may also be referred to as a bottom surface of the compartment 3, the first side wall w1 may also be referred to as a first side surface of the compartment 3, the second side wall w2 may also be referred to as a second side surface of the compartment 3, the back wall w3 may also be referred to as a back surface of the compartment 3, and the top wall w4 may also be referred to as a top surface of the compartment 3.

The bottom wall wO adjoins the first side wall w1 , the second side wall w2, and the back wall w3 and is arranged closer to the horizontal surface Hs than the top wall w4 when the electrical appliance 1 is positioned in an upright use position on the flat horizontal surface Hs as is illustrated in Fig. 1.

The number of walls w0-w4 are arranged such that the opening 40 faces in a direction substantially parallel to the flat horizontal surface Hs when the electrical appliance 1 is positioned in an upright use position on the flat horizontal surface Hs as is illustrated in Fig.

1.

As can be seen in Fig. 1 , according to the illustrated embodiments, the bottom wall wO comprises a number of recesses 33. As is further explained herein, each recess 33 of the number of recesses 33 is configured to accommodate a wine bottle. In Fig. 1 , only one of the recesses 33 has been provided with the reference sign “33” for reasons of brevity and clarity. According to the illustrated embodiments, the bottom wall wO comprises five recesses 33. However, according to further embodiments, the bottom wall wO may comprise another number of recesses 33, such as for example a number between one and twenty.

According to the illustrated embodiments, each recess 33 of the number of recesses 33 form a groove in the bottom wall wO extending from the back wall w3 in a direction towards the opening 40. Furthermore, each recess 33 of the number of recesses 33 has an arc-shaped cross section and is configured to enclose a portion of a circumference of a wine bottle when the wine bottle is positioned in the recess 33. Moreover, according to the illustrated embodiments, each recess 33 of the number of recesses 33 extends in a direction substantially parallel to the first and second side walls w1 , w2 of the electrical appliance 1.

Likewise, as can be seen in Fig. 1 , the electrical appliance 1 comprises a number of shelves 35. Each shelf 35 of the number of shelves 35 is configured to accommodate a number of wine bottles. According to the illustrated embodiments, the electrical appliance 1 comprises five shelves 35. However, according to further embodiments, the electrical appliance 1 may comprise another number of shelves 35, such as for example a number between one and twenty. According to the illustrated embodiments, each shelf 35 of the number of shelves 35 is configured to accommodate seven wine bottles. However, according to further embodiments, each shelf 35 may be configured to accommodate another number of wine bottles, such as a number between one and twenty.

The electrical appliance 1 according to the illustrated embodiments may comprise a compressor and a refrigerant circuit comprising a condenser and an evaporator, wherein the compressor is arranged to pump refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit. The evaporator may be in thermal contact with the compartment 3 for example by being arranged in thermal contact with the back wall w3 of the electrical appliance 1. In other words, the evaporator may be arranged adjacent to the back wall w3 of the electrical appliance 1. The condenser may be arranged in thermal contact with the surroundings for example by being arranged at an exterior back wall of the electrical appliance 1. The compressor and the components of the refrigerant circuit are not illustrated in the figures for reasons of brevity and clarity.

The electrical appliance 1 according to the illustrated embodiments may also be referred to as a undercounter wine cooler because the cooler is configured to be placed below a countertop. These types of coolers usually have a compressor and a condenser in a plinth area below the bottom wall wO of the compartment 3. Moreover, these types of coolers may comprise a ventilation unit configured to ventilate the plinth area.

In embodiments in which the electrical appliance 1 is a refrigerator or a freezer, the electrical appliance 1 may also comprise a compressor and a refrigerant circuit comprising a condenser and an evaporator, wherein the compressor is arranged to pump refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit. The compartment 3 of an electrical appliance 1 in the form of a cooler unit, a refrigerator, and a freezer is normally used for storing items at temperatures below room temperature.

In embodiments in which the electrical appliance 1 is an electric oven, the electrical appliance may comprise one or more resistive heating elements for heating the compartment of the electrical appliance and thereby also items placed in the compartment thereof. As an alternative, or in addition, the electric oven may be a so-called microwave oven comprising a heating assembly configured to emit microwave radiation to heat items placed inside the compartment of the electrical appliance. The compartment of an electrical appliance in the form of an electric oven is normally used for treating items by increasing the temperature of the items to temperatures above room temperature.

The electrical appliance 1 comprises at least one hinge 4, 4’ and a door 5’ pivotally attached to the appliance body 2’ via the at least one hinge 4, 4’ between an open position to allow access to the compartment 3 and a closed position to close the compartment 3. In Fig. 1 , the door 5’ is illustrated in an open position. According to the illustrated embodiments, the electrical appliance 1 comprises two hinges 4, 4’. Moreover, according to the illustrated embodiments, the two hinges 4, 4’ are attached to a respective vertical end portion of the door 5’ and a respective vertical end portion of the appliance body 2’, as is further explained herein.

Fig. 2 illustrates a second isomeric view of the electrical appliance 1 illustrated in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, the door 5’ is illustrated in the closed position. Below, simultaneous reference is made to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, if not indicated otherwise. An inside surface of the door 5’ forms a delimiting surface of the compartment 3 when the door 5’ is in the closed position. The inside surface of the door 5’ is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal surface Hs when the electrical appliance 1 is positioned in an upright use position on the flat horizontal surface Hs as is illustrated in Fig. 1.

The door 5’ is hinged around a pivot axis to allow the door to be pivoted between the open and closed positions. According to the illustrated embodiments, the pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to the flat horizontal surface Hs when the electrical appliance 1 is positioned in an upright use position on the flat horizontal surface Hs as is illustrated in Fig. 1.

Since the door 5’ is hinged around a pivot axis being substantially perpendicular to the flat horizontal surface Hs according to the illustrated embodiments, the inside surface of the door 5’ is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal surface Hs regardless of the pivoting position of the door 5’, i.e., regardless of the opening position of the door 5’.

As indicated in Fig. 1, the lower delimiting surface 40’ of the opening 40 is substantially flat. According to the illustrated embodiments, the lower delimiting surface 40’ of the opening 40 abuts against an elastic strip 16 of the door 5’ when the door 5’ is in the closed position. The elastic strip 16 may comprise one or more magnetic inserts configured to retain the door 5’ in the closed position. According to further embodiments, the lower delimiting surface 40’ of the opening 40 may comprise an elastic strip arranged to abut against a portion of the door 5’ when the door 5’ is in the closed position.

The electrical appliance 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 comprises a door 5’ with a transparent front surface allowing a user to see the inside of the compartment 3 also when the door 5’ is in the closed position. However, the electrical appliance 1 , as referred to herein, may be of built-in type i.e., may be an electrical appliance configured to be mounted inside a furniture and comprising a front panel arranged at a front side of the door 5’.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a first view of a hinge 4 of the electrical appliance 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Below, simultaneous reference is made to Fig. 1 - Fig. 3, if not indicated otherwise. The hinge 4 comprises a door member 5 configured to be mounted to the door 5’ of the electrical appliance 1. The hinge 4 further comprises and a body member 2 configured to be mounted to the appliance body 2’ of the electrical appliance 1.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the body member 2 of the hinge 4 comprises an attachment section 42 configured to be inserted into a slot of the appliance body 2’ of the electrical appliance 1. The attachment section 42 further comprises a hole 42 for receiving a fastening element extending therethrough for fastening the body member 2 to the appliance body 2’ of the electrical appliance 1.

Likewise, the door member 5 comprises an attachment section 45 for attaching the door member 5 to the door 5’ of the electrical appliance 1. According to the illustrated embodiments, the attachment section 45 of the door member 5 comprises two through holes 45’ for receiving a respective fastening element extending therethrough to fasten the door member 5 to the door 5’ of the electrical appliance 1. As an alternative, or in addition, the attachment section 45 of the door member 5 may comprise one or more holes extending in other directions than the two through holes 45’ indicated in Fig. 3, wherein each of the one or more holes may be configured to receive a fastening element extending therethrough to fasten the door member 5 to the door 5’ of the electrical appliance 1. Such one or more holes may for example extend in directions substantially perpendicular to the through holes 45’ indicated in Fig. 3. According to the illustrated embodiments, a side surface 50 of the door member 5 is parallel to a front surface of the door 5’ when the door member 5 is mounted to the door 5’.

The hinge 4 further comprises a first hinge member 6 pivotally attached to the body member 2 around a first pivot axis p1. Moreover, hinge 4 comprises a second hinge member 7 pivotally attached to the body member 2 around a second pivot axis p2. Moreover, the door member 5 is pivotally attached to the first hinge member 6 around a third pivot axis p3 and is pivotally attached to the second hinge member 7 around a fourth pivot axis p4. The hinge 4 thus comprises four pivot axes p1, p2, p3, p4 and may be referred to as a multi fulcrum hinge. According to the illustrated embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth pivot axes p1, p2, p3, p4 are parallel to each other.

The hinge 4 comprises a stop member 8 arranged on the first hinge member 6. The features and functions of the stop member 8 is further explained in the following. In Fig. 3, the door member 5 of the hinge 4 is illustrated in a pivoting position corresponding to a partially closed position of the door 5’ of the electrical appliance 1.

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a second view of the hinge 4 illustrated in Fig. 3. In Fig. 4, the door member 5 of the hinge 4 is illustrated in a position corresponding to a current fully open position of the door 5’ of the electrical appliance 1. That is, as can be seen in Fig. 4, a portion of the stop member 8 is configured to abut against a portion of the second hinge member 7 to limit further pivoting of the door 5’ when the door 5’ reaches a maximum pivot angle pA. Moreover, as is further explained herein, the stop member 8 is adjustable to allow adjustment of the maximum pivot angle pA. In Fig. 4, the maximum pivot angle pA is set to about 87 degrees.

Fig. 5a schematically illustrates a top view of the stop member 8 according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. The top view of Fig. 5a corresponds to a viewing direction parallel to one of the first, second, third, and fourth pivot axes p1 , p2, p3, p4 indicated in Fig. 3 and a viewing direction coinciding with the viewing direction of Fig. 3.

As indicated in Fig. 5a, the stop member 8 comprises a top element 17 and a tool aperture 19 for receiving a tool. According to the illustrated embodiments, the tool aperture 19 for receiving a tool is arranged on the top element 17 of the stop member 8.

Fig. 5b schematically illustrates a side view of the stop member 8 according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 5a. In Fig. 5b, the viewing direction has been shifted 90 degrees as compared to in Fig. 5a, such that the stop member 8 is seen in a direction perpendicular to one of the first, second, third, and fourth pivot axes p1, p2, p3, p4 indicated in Fig. 3. Moreover, in Fig. 5b, the first hinge member 6 is schematically indicated in dotted lines and the second hinge member 7 is schematically indicated in dashed lines.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the first hinge member 6 comprises a through hole 13’ and the stop member 8 comprises an attachment section 15 protruding into the through hole 13’. An end section of the attachment section 15 comprises a groove 48 and a spring lock washer 49 arranged in the groove 48. The spring lock washer 49 has a greater diameter than the diameter of the through hole 13’. In this manner, the stop member 8 is axially locked to the first hinge member 6.

According to some embodiments, the through hole 13’ of the first hinge member 6 may comprise an increased diameter portion, wherein the spring lock washer 49 is arranged inside the increased diameter portion. In this manner, the stop member 8 can be axially locked to the first hinge member 6 without any part of the stop member 8 protruding out from a lower surface of the first hinge member 6.

According to some further embodiments, the stop member 8 may be attached to the first hinge member 6 in another manner than what is illustrated in Fig. 5b. As is best seen in Fig. 5b, the stop member 8 comprises the attachment section 15, the top element 17, and an eccentric 11 comprising an abutment 9. The eccentric 11 is arranged between the attachment section 15 and the top element 17. The wording “eccentric”, as used herein, is intended to encompass a body having a varying radius. The eccentric 11 may also be referred to as an excentre. The abutment 9 of the eccentric 11 is a radially outer part of the eccentric 11.

Fig. 5c schematically illustrates a bottom view of the stop member 8 according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b. In Fig. 5c, the viewing direction has been shifted 90 degrees as compared to in Fig. 5b, such that the stop member 8 is seen in a direction parallel to one of the first, second, third, and fourth pivot axes p1 , p2, p3, p4 indicated in Fig. 3 and in a viewing direction opposite to the viewing direction of Fig. 3 and of Fig. 5a. Moreover, in Fig. 5c, the second hinge member 7 is schematically indicated in dashed lines.

Below, simultaneous reference is made to Fig. 3 - Fig. 5c, if not indicated otherwise. As indicated in Fig. 5b and Fig. 5c, the abutment 9 is configured to abut against a portion 7’ of the second hinge member 7 to limit further pivoting of the door 5’ when the door 5’ reaches a maximum pivot angle pA. As indicated above, in Fig. 3 - Fig. 5c, the maximum pivot angle pA is set to about 87 degrees.

Moreover, as mentioned above, the stop member 8 is adjustable to allow adjustment of the maximum pivot angle pA. According to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3 - Fig. 5c, the stop member 8 is rotationally arranged on the first hinge member 6 around a rotation axis Ra. In these embodiments, the maximum pivot angle pA can be adjusted by rotating the stop member 8 relative to the first hinge member 6. The maximum pivot angle pA is thus adjustable by changing the rotational position of the eccentric 11 relative to the first hinge member 6. In other words, the maximum pivot angle pA is adjustable by changing the position of the abutment 9 relative to the first hinge member 6.

That is, in more detail, from the position illustrated in Fig. 5b and Fig. 5c, the stop member 8 can be rotated to increase the maximum pivot angle pA of the door 5’. That is, as an example, if the stop member 8 is rotated 90 degrees from the position illustrated in Fig. 5b and Fig. 5c, the portion 7’ of the second hinge member 7 is allowed to move closer to the rotation axis Ra of the stop member 8 before the abutment 9 of the eccentric 11 abuts against the portion 7’ of the second hinge member 7 in an opening procedure of the door 5’ of the electrical appliance 1. Thus, in this manner, a user can rotate the stop member 8, for example by using a tool inserted into the tool aperture 19, to increase the maximum pivot angle pA of the door 5’.

With reference to Fig. 1, a user may want to temporarily increase the maximum pivot angle of the door 5’ to an angle above 90 degrees when wanting to remove or insert larger types of objects into and out from the compartment 3 of the electrical appliance 1 , such as one or more shelves 35 of the electrical appliance 1.

Furthermore, according to the embodiments illustrated in 3 - 5c, a stepless adjustment of the maximum pivot angle pA of the door 5’ is allowed because the stop member 8 can be rotated in a stepless manner around the rotation axis Ra. In this manner, an assembler or user can adjust the maximum pivot angle pA of the door 5’ in a stepless manner to suit a current installation environment of the electrical appliance 1.

Frictional forces between the attachment section 15 of the stop member 8 and the through hole 13’ of the first hinge member 6 can ensure that the stop member 8 stays at a rotational position after the stop member 8 has been rotated to the rotational position. Furthermore, an abutting contact between the spring lock washer 49 and surfaces of the first hinge member 6, as well as frictional forces derived therefrom, can further prevent unintended rotation of the stop member 8 inside the through hole 13’ of the first hinge member 6.

As understood from the above, according to the illustrated embodiments, the rotation axis Ra of the stop member 8 is parallel to each of the first, second, third, and fourth pivot axes p1, p2, p3, p4. Moreover, as understood from the above, the abutting contact between the abutment 9 of the stop member 8 and the portion 7’ of the second hinge member 7 prevents further pivoting of the first and second hinge members 6, 7. As a result thereof, since the door member 5 is pivotally attached to the first hinge member 6 around the third pivot axis p3 and is pivotally attached to the second hinge member 7 around the fourth pivot axis p4, pivoting of the door member 5 past the maximum pivot angle pA is prevented when the first and second hinge members 6, 7 are prevented from pivoting.

According to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3 - Fig. 5c, the tool aperture 19 is formed as an elongated recess and is configured to receive a head of a flat-headed screwdriver. According to further embodiments, the tool aperture 19 may have another form, such as a cross for receiving the head of a cross-headed screwdriver, a hexagonal shape for receiving a hex key, also referred to as an Allen key and an Allen wrench, or the like. Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a first view of a hinge 4 according to some further embodiments. The hinge 4 according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 6 comprises the same features, functions, and advantages as the hinge 4 explained with reference to Fig. 3 - Fig. 5c, with some differences explained below.

According to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 6, the first hinge member 6 comprises an aperture 13. As is further explained herein, the aperture 13 has a shape allowing a stop member to be inserted into the aperture 13 at a number of different rotational positions of the stop member relative to the first hinge member 6 while being securely retained in the aperture 13. According to the illustrated embodiments, the aperture 13 has a shape of a symmetrical star having six outer corners and six inner corners.

Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a second view of the hinge 4 illustrated in Fig. 6. As can be seen in when comparing Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, in Fig. 7 a stop member 8’ has been inserted into the aperture 13 of the first hinge member 6.

Fig. 8a schematically illustrates a top view of the stop member 8’ according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. The top view of Fig. 8a corresponds to a viewing direction parallel to one of the first, second, third, and fourth pivot axes p1 , p2, p3, p4 indicated in Fig. 6 coinciding with the viewing direction of Fig. 6 and Fig. 7.

As indicated in Fig. 8a, the stop member 8’ comprises a top element 17’. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 8a, the top element 17’ lacks a tool aperture for receiving a tool. However, also in these embodiments, the stop member 8’ may be provided with a tool aperture for receiving a tool.

Fig. 8b schematically illustrates a side view of the stop member 8’ according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 8a. In Fig. 8b, the viewing direction has been shifted 90 degrees as compared to Fig. 8a such that the stop member 8’ is seen in a direction perpendicular to one of the first, second, third, and fourth pivot axes p1, p2, p3, p4 indicated in Fig. 6. Moreover, in Fig. 8b, the first hinge member 6 is schematically indicated in dotted lines and the second hinge member 7 is schematically indicated in dashed lines.

Fig. 8c schematically illustrates a bottom view of the stop member 8’ according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 8a and Fig. 8b. In Fig. 8c, the viewing direction has been shifted 90 degrees as compared to in Fig. 8b such that the stop member 8’ is seen in a direction parallel to one of the first, second, third, and fourth pivot axes p1 , p2, p3, p4 indicated in Fig. 6 and in a viewing direction opposite to the viewing direction of Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Moreover, in Fig. 8c, the second hinge member 7 is schematically indicated in dashed lines.

As can be seen in Fig. 8b and Fig. 8c, also in these embodiments, the stop member 8’ comprises an attachment section 15’, the top element 17’, and an eccentric 11 comprising an abutment 9, wherein the eccentric 11 is arranged between the attachment section 15’ and the top element 17’. However, as is best seen in Fig. 8c, in these embodiments, the attachment section 15’ has a form allowing it to be inserted into the aperture 13 of the first hinge member 6 illustrated in Fig. 6 at a number of different rotational positions of the stop member 8’ relative to the first hinge member 6.

In more detail, according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 8a - Fig. 8b, the attachment section 15’ of the stop member 8’ has a star-shape corresponding to the star-shape of the aperture 13 of the first hinge member 6 illustrated in Fig. 6. The attachment section 15’ of the stop member 8’ may have slightly smaller outer dimensions than the aperture 13 of the first hinge member 6. Moreover, one or both of the attachment section 15’ of the stop member 8’ and the aperture 13 of the first hinge member 6 may comprise a slight frusto-conical shape. The frusto-conical shape of the attachment section 15’ of the stop member 8’ and/or of the aperture 13 may be such that the attachment section 15’ of the stop member 8’ is clamped inside the aperture 13 when the stop member 8’ is pressed in a pressing direction into the aperture 13. In this manner, unintended axial displacement of the stop member 8’ out of the aperture 13 can be prevented in a direction opposite to the pressing direction when the attachment section 15’ of the stop member 8’ has been pressed into the aperture 13.

As understood from the above, due to the shape of the attachment section 15’ of the stop member 8’ the shape of the aperture 13, the stop member 8’ becomes rotationally locked to the first hinge member 6 when the attachment section 15’ of the stop member 8’ is inserted into the aperture 13.

In Fig. 8b and Fig. 8c, a symmetry axis Sa of the attachment section 15’ of the stop member 8’ and of the aperture 13 is indicated. In the illustrated example embodiments of Fig. 8b and Fig. 8c, the attachment section 15’ of the stop member 8’ is inserted into the aperture 13 at a rotational position relative to the first hinge member 6 causing a smallest maximum pivot angle pA. That is, as can be seen in Fig. 8c, the portion 7’ of the second hinge member 7 is abutting against the abutment 9 of the eccentric 11 at a relatively large distance from the symmetry axis Sa of the attachment section 15’ of the stop member 8’ and the aperture 13. However, in these embodiments, a user may change the maximum pivot angle pA by removing the stop member 8’ from the first hinge member 6, i.e. , by pulling out the attachment section 15’ of the stop member 8’ from the aperture 13, and insert the attachment section 15’ of the stop member 8’ again into the aperture 13 at a different rotational position of the stop member 8’ relative to the first hinge member 6. Due to the shape of the eccentric 11 , the change in the rotational position of the stop member 8’ will in this example allow the portion 7’ of the second hinge member 7 to move closer to the symmetry axis Sa. In this manner, an increase of the maximum pivot angle pA can be obtained.

According to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 6 - Fig. 8c, as well as in the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3 - Fig. 5c, the top element 17, 17’ is larger in size than the eccentric 11. That is, in more detail, according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3 - Fig. 5c, the top element 17 is larger in size than the eccentric 11 as seen in directions coinciding with the rotation axis Ra of the stop member 8. According to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 6 - Fig. 8c, the top element 17’ is larger in size than the eccentric 11 as seen in directions coinciding with the symmetry axis Sa of the stop member 8’.

In the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 6 - Fig. 8c, a user may pull the stop member 8’ out of the aperture 13 by placing a finger or tool between the top element 17’ and the first hinge member 6 and applying a force onto the stop member 8’ in a direction coinciding with the symmetry axis Sa of the stop member 8’ away from the first hinge member 6. Likewise, when inserting the stop member 8’ into the aperture 13, the user may place a finger or tool onto the top element 17’ of the stop member 8’ and may apply a force onto the stop member 8’ in a direction coinciding with the symmetry axis Sa towards the first hinge member 6. The top element 17’ of the stop member 8’ thus facilitate removal and insertion of the stop member 8’ into and out from the aperture 13.

In the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3 - Fig. 5c, the large-size top element 17 may facilitate turning of the stop member 8 around the rotation axis Ra.

As explained above, according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 6 - Fig. 8c, the aperture 13 and the attachment section 15’ are configured to allow the attachment section 15’ to be moved out of the aperture 13 and to be inserted into the aperture 13 at a number of different rotational positions of the stop member 8’ relative to the first hinge member 6. Moreover, in these embodiments, the aperture 13 and the attachment section 15’ are configured such that the stop member 8’ becomes rotationally locked to the first hinge member 6 when the attachment section 15’ of the stop member 8’ is inserted into the aperture 13 of the first hinge member 6.

The star-shapes of the attachment section 15’ and of the aperture 13 achieves these functions according to the illustrated embodiments. Since each of the attachment section 15’ and of the aperture 13 has the shape of a symmetrical star having six outer corners and six inner corners, the attachment section 15’ of the stop member 8’ is allowed to be inserted into the aperture 13 at six different rotational positions relative to the first hinge member 6. In this manner, the stop member 8’ of the illustrated embodiments can provide six different maximum pivot angles pA of the door 5’.

However, the attachment section 15’ of the stop member 8’ and the aperture 13 of the first hinge member 6 may each have another form than a star-shape which allows the attachment section 15’ of the stop member 8’ to be inserted into the aperture 13 at a number of different rotational positions relative to the first hinge member 6 and causing the stop member 8’ to become rotationally locked to the first hinge member 6 when the attachment section 15’ of the stop member 8’ is inserted into the aperture 13.

Purely as examples, the attachment section 15’ of the stop member 8’ and the aperture 13 may have a triangular shape, allowing the attachment section 15’ of the stop member 8’ to be inserted into the aperture 13 at three different rotational positions, or a square shape, allowing the attachment section 15’ of the stop member 8’ to be inserted into the aperture 13 at four different rotational positions, or a pentagon shape, allowing the attachment section 15’ of the stop member 8’ to be inserted into the aperture 13 at five different rotational positions.

Moreover, according to some embodiments, the attachment section 15’ of the stop member 8’ may be provided with outer splines and the aperture 13 of the first hinge member 6 may be provided with inner splines to form a splined connection between the attachment section 15’ and the aperture 13. According to such embodiments, the splined connection can be designed to allow the attachment section 15’ of the stop member 8’ to be inserted into the aperture 13 at a high number of different rotational positions relative to the first hinge member 6 while causing the stop member 8’ to become rotationally locked to the first hinge member 6 when the attachment section 15’ of the stop member 8’ is inserted into the aperture 13. As an example, such a splined connection can be designed to allow the attachment section 15’ of the stop member 8’ to be inserted into the aperture 13 at a number of different rotational positions being within the range of 6 - 120 different rotational positions. According to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 6 - Fig. 8c, as well as in the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3 - Fig. 5c, one or both of the top element 17, 17’ of the stop member 8, 8’ and the first hinge member 6 may be provided with symbols, text, and/or graphics, indicating a current rotational position of the stop member 8’ relative to the first hinge member 6 and thereby also indicating a current maximum pivot angle pA of the door 5’.

As indicated above, according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 6 - Fig. 8c, one or both of the attachment section 15’ of the stop member 8’ and the aperture 13 of the first hinge member 6 may comprise a slight frusto-conical shape to prevent unintended axial displacement of the stop member 8’ out of the aperture 13 when the attachment section 15’ of the stop member 8’ has been pressed into the aperture 13. However, also in these embodiments, the hinge 4 may comprise a locking arrangement for axially locking/retaining the attachment section 15’ to the aperture 13 of the first hinge member 6. As an example, such a locking arrangement may comprise a spring lock washer 49, as illustrated in Fig. 5b. As an alternative, such a locking arrangement may comprise a spring-loaded hatch assembly, a pin assembly, a clip assembly, or the like.

The embodiments illustrated in Fig. 6 - Fig. 8c may be combined with the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3 - Fig. 5c. In such embodiments, the stop member 8, 8’ may be axially displaceable along the rotation axis Ra, indicated in Fig. 5b and Fig. 5c between a first axial position and a second axial position, wherein the stop member 8, 8’ rotationally locked to the first hinge member 6 when positioned in the first axial position, and wherein the stop member 8, 8’ is free to rotate relative to the first hinge member 6 around the rotation axis Ra when in the second rotational position. In these embodiments, the top element 17, 17’ of the stop member 8, 8’ may be closer to the first hinge member 6 when the stop member 8, 8’ is in the first axial position than when the stop member 8, 8’ is in the second axial position. Moreover, in these embodiments, the stop member 8, 8’ may be biased towards the first axial position, for example by a spring element. Thus, in these embodiments, a user may change the maximum pivot angle pA of the door 5’ by pulling the stop member 8, 8’ in a direction from the first hinge member 6, rotate the stop member 8, 8’, and then release the stop member 8, 8’, or manually displacing the stop member 8, 8’ to the first axial position. The stop member 8, 8’ may be rotationally locked to the first hinge member 6 when in the first axial position using a shape corresponding to the shape of the attachment section 15’ illustrated in Fig. 8b and Fig. 8c and of the aperture 13 illustrated in Fig. 6, or another type of shape explained above with reference to these figures. Below, simultaneous reference is made to Fig. 1 - Fig. 8c, if not indicated otherwise. According to the illustrated embodiments, each of the first hinge member 6 and the second hinge member 7 is substantially flat. Furthermore, according to the illustrated embodiments, the first hinge member 6 is larger in size than the second hinge member 7. Moreover, each of the first hinge member 6 and the second hinge member 7 may be formed by a flat sheet material, such as a flat metal sheet or a flat sheet of polymeric material. In this manner, conditions are provided for a compact hinge 4 requiring little space. The first and second hinge member 6, 7 may also be referred to as a first and second hinge arm or a first and second hinge lever.

Moreover, the first and second hinge members 6, 7 are arranged adjacent to each other. As is best seen when comparing Fig. 4 and Fig. 5c, at least a section of the second hinge member 7 superimposes a portion of the first hinge member 6, seen in a direction parallel to one of the first, second, third, and fourth pivot axes p1, p2, p3, p4, when the abutment 9 abuts against the portion 7’ of the second hinge member 7. Thereby, conditions are provided for an efficient and reliable limiting of further pivoting of the door 5’ when the door 5’ reaches the maximum pivot angle pA. Moreover, conditions are provided for a compact hinge 4 and simple and low-cost stop member 8, 8’ capable of providing an adjustable maximum pivot angle pA of the door 5’.

As mentioned above, according to the illustrated embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth pivot axes p1, p2, p3, p4 are parallel. Moreover, according to the illustrated embodiments, each of the first, second, third, and fourth pivot axes p1, p2, p3, p4 are perpendicular to the horizontal surface Hs indicated in Fig. 1 , when the electrical appliance 1 is positioned in an upright use position on the flat horizontal surface Hs as is illustrated in Fig. 1 and when the hinge 4 is mounted to the electrical appliance 1

As indicated in Fig. 3 and Fig. 6, the distance d1 between the first and third pivot axes p1, p3 is greater than the distance d2 between the second and fourth pivot axes p2, p4. Moreover, the distance d3 between the first and second pivot axes p1, p2 is greater than the distance d4 between the third and fourth pivot axes p3, p4. In this manner, conditions are provided for obtaining an advantageous movement path of the door 5’ upon pivoting thereof between the open and closed positions.

The stop member 8 according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3 - 5c, as well as the stop member 8’ according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 6a - 5c, may be formed by one piece of continuous material, such as one piece of continuous metal material or one piece of continuous polymeric material. As an alternative, the stop member 8 according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3 - 5c, as well as the stop member 8’ according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 6a - 5c, may be formed by attaching separate parts for example made of a metal material or a polymeric material.

The door member 5 and the body member 2 may be provided in a polymeric material, or a metal material, such as steel. According to the illustrated embodiments, each of the door member 5 and the body member 2 is formed as one rigid body. The hinge 4 comprises four joints for obtaining the first, second, third, and fourth pivot axes p1, p2, p3, p4. These joints may be of traditional type and are not indicated with reference sings in the figures for reasons of brevity and clarity.

In the above, reference has been made to one hinge 4 of the electrical appliance 1. This hinge 4 may be referred to as a first hinge 4 of the electrical appliance 1. However, as explained with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, according to the illustrated embodiments, the electrical appliance 1 comprises two hinges 4, 4’. The second hinge 4’ may comprise the same features, functions, and advantage as the hinge 4 explained with reference to Fig. 3 - Fig. 8c. However, one or more components of the second hinge 4’ may have a mirrored design as compared to the hinge 4 explained with reference to Fig. 3 - Fig. 8c, such as a door member of the second hinge 4’.

It is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and that the invention is defined only by the appended independent claims. A person skilled in the art will realize that the example embodiments may be modified, and that different features of the example embodiments may be combined to create embodiments other than those described herein, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended independent claims.

As used herein, the term "comprising" or "comprises" is open-ended, and includes one or more stated features, elements, steps, components, or functions but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components, functions, or groups thereof.