EP0843132A1 - Gas burner with variable pan supports - Google Patents

Abstract

The gas cooker burner comprises a support (1) for the cooking vessel in the form of at least two radial arms (3) set above the burner (2) and capable of radial adjustment according to the size of the cooking vessel, exposing more or less of the burners heating surface. The position of the radial arms is controlled by an electric motor (7) and a lever mechanism (9,10), while the burner flame rings are controlled by detectors so that the appropriate number of rings operates according to the position of the radial arms and the size of the cooking vessel.

Description

The present invention relates to a device forming gas burner.

We know such a device comprising, to increase the operating range of the burner, a number concentric and independent flame crowns with a supply independent of the air-gas mixture associated with each of these crowns.

The device forming the burner with a heating surface variable as designed above allows the use of containers of variable dimensions. However, if by inadvertently, the user selects several crowns of flame to heat the contents of a container of a diameter significantly smaller than the heating surface provided by lit crowns, flame (s) container grips, see even user, may be burned.

The object of the present invention is to eliminate the above drawback by proposing a device forming a gas burner comprising a container support above the burner consisting of at least two elements forming radial arms for supporting the container and which characterized in that the arms forming elements of support are radially movable in a controlled manner at a chosen relative position defining an opening of the container support corresponding to an area of burner heater adapted to the size of the container used.

The burner includes at least two flame rings independent and concentric, each defining a heating surface and the arms forming elements support are radially movable to a position chosen relative opening of the container support corresponding to one of the flame crowns.

Advantageously, the device comprises means for detection, such as electrical contactors, of the radial position of at least one of the elements forming support arm corresponding to one of the crowns of flame and providing an electrical control signal gas supply to at least the flame crown at which are positioned the arms forming elements of support.

The detection means also provide one or more electric gas supply control signals from the flame crown (s) internal to the crown of external flame at which the elements are positioned forming support arm.

The flame crowns are connected respectively to gas supply pipes on which are mounted respectively solenoid valves one of which is controlled in open position by signal electric from the position detection means selected elements forming support arms at the corresponding flame crown and, where applicable, the or the other supply solenoid valves of the internal crowns of said supplied flame crown is or are controlled in the open position by the or electrical signals from the means or means of detection having been activated by the passage of the elements forming support arms towards their external position chosen.

The means of controlling the movement of the elements forming support arms include an electric motor and a mechanism connecting the motor shaft of the motor electric to the elements forming the support arms for the move simultaneously in the same radial direction.

The device also includes a selection means, such as a rotary knob, from the position of the elements forming a support arm and adapted to supply the electric motor so as to move the elements to their position chosen by this selection means.

The selection means closes, at each of its positions for controlling the movement of the arms forming elements support, an electrical contact allowing passage of the electrical signal for opening control of each solenoid valve from the detection means corresponding.

Advantageously, the container, when placed on the support arm elements, makes contact electric allowing the passage of the electric signal from command to open each solenoid valve and command the opening of an electrical power supply contact electric motor for controlling the movement of the elements forming support arm.

Preferably, the elements forming the support arms are electrically conductive and constitute with the container of electrically conductive material placed on these a closed electrical circuit allowing the passage of the above-mentioned electrical control signal and order the opening of at least one contact electric motor supply.

The mechanism of the means for controlling the movement of support arm elements includes at least two rigid arms joined diametrically opposite of the electric motor drive shaft and two links articulated respectively on the one hand at the two ends opposite of the two rigid arms and on the other hand to the two diametrically opposed support arms each slidably mounted on a slide so that a rotation of the electric motor in one direction or in the other causes the concomitant radial displacements in one direction or the other of the elements forming arms of support, which are four in number being two to two diametrically opposite and forming an angle between them law.

The invention will be better understood and other aims, features details and benefits of it will appear more clearly in the description explanatory which will follow made with reference to the drawings attached diagrams given only by way of example illustrating an embodiment of the invention and in which :

Figure 1 is a top view of the device forming gas burner according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional view along line II-II of the device of FIG. 1.

Figure 3 is a partial sectional view along the line III-III of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a bottom view along arrow IV in Figure 2.

Figures 5A, 5B and 5C are schematic views of above the burner device of the invention and representing respectively three different positions of elements forming container support arms.

Figure 6 schematically shows a circuit supply of air-gas mixture to the flame rings of the burner device of the invention.

The gas burner device as shown in the figures is of the type comprising a support 1 of container above a burner 2 and formed in the present case of four elements forming radial arms of support 3 two to two diametrically opposite by forming between them a right angle.

The burner 2 includes a number of crowns concentric and independent flame 4, in the case present three in number, and each of them is associated a feeding independent of the mixture air-gas.

Such a known device allows a user to choose by means of selection, such as a rotary button present for example on the strip for controlling a cooking appliance, the crown (s) flame to use depending on the diameter of the container whose content we want to heat. So if the container used has a diameter corresponding substantially to the diameter of the intermediate flame crown at two internal and external flame crowns, the user selects the position of the means of selection so as to allow the ignition of both intermediate and internal flame crowns. In position selection medium, all crowns of flame are lit.

However, as already explained previously, such known device has the disadvantage that when container is placed on the support 1 with arm 3 and has a diameter corresponding for example to the diameter of the intermediate flame ring, the user can, by inadvertently, activate the selection means so as to also light the external flame crown of larger diameter so that the handle (s) grip the container, see even the user, can be burned.

To overcome the above disadvantage, according to the invention, the elements forming radial arms 3 are radially movable, i.e. along their axes longitudinal, in a controlled manner at a relative position chosen defining an opening of the container support 1 with a diameter corresponding to a heating surface of the burner 2 adapted to the diameter of the container used.

More specifically, when the burner comprises the three flame crowns 4 each defining an area of heating, the elements forming the support arm 3 are radially movable relative to the chassis 5 of the cooking appliance at a selected relative position to define an opening diameter of the support container 1 somewhat larger than the diameter of one corresponding flame crowns 4.

For this, each element forming the support arm 3 is slidably mounted in a radial slide 6 integral with the chassis 5 and having a groove 6a, by example in the form of a dovetail, in which a part forming a conjugate post 3a of the arm element 3.

The means of controlling the movement of each element forming support arm 3 in its slide corresponding 6 include an electric motor 7 of which the motor shaft 8 rotates, integral with this one, four rigid arms 9 located in the same plane below the slides 6 and the burner 2 in parallel to these slides. The rigid arms 9 are in pairs diametrically opposite and form an angle between them right as best shown in Figure 4. Each rigid arm 9 at its end opposite to that secured to it of the shaft 8 connected articulated to a link 10 parallel to arm 9 above it and itself connected articulated at its opposite end in the vicinity of the front end of the tenon portion 3a of the movable arm element 3.

The means for controlling simultaneous movement or concomitant elements forming support arm 3 is as following.

When the elements forming the support arm 3 occupies the position shown in particular in Figure 2 at which they define a minimum opening diameter between them of the container support 1 corresponding to the surface of heating provided by the internal flame crown 4, in powering the electric motor 7 of so as to rotate the motor shaft 8 and therefore the rigid arms 9 in the direction indicated by the arrow F in FIG. 4, the arms 9 cause, via rods 10, the simultaneous movements of elements forming support arms 3 of the crown of central flame 4 to the external flame crown 4 until reaching the desired position relative to one of these external flame crowns following the chosen position of the selection means. Preferably, at as the elements forming the support arms 3 move away from each other, they retract into part in openings of conjugate shape made vertically in the frame 5 of the cooking appliance. To bring the elements forming support arms 3 to the central flame crown, just order, via the selection means, the engine electric 7 in the opposite direction of rotation to that of arrow F.

Figures 5A to 5C show the three positions different from the elements forming the support arm 3 corresponding respectively to the heating positions of containers through the central, intermediate and external 4.

These figures show that the flame crowns 4 are successively lit as the support arm elements 3 are spaced apart others with a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the container used to properly adapt the surface of heating provided by the flame crowns 4 at this container.

Figure 6 schematically shows the circuit gas supply, in fact the air-gas mixture, each of the flame crowns 4 as well as its circuit electric control.

According to Figure 6, the gas supply tube 11 is connected to three parallel tubes 12 connected respectively to the three flame crowns 4 and each comprising a solenoid valve 13 whose opening is ordered as follows.

Each selected position of an arm member support 3 is detected by a detection means 14, such that for example an electrical contactor, associated with the support arm member 3 and actuated by when it is in the chosen position corresponding. Preferably, in the case of three flame crowns 4 of the burner, three ways of detection 14 are associated with one of the elements forming support arm 3 to detect the positions of elements 3 corresponding respectively to the three flame crowns 4. Of course it is possible to associate a first detection means 14 with an element 3 to detect the position of these corresponding elements to the central flame ring 4, a second means of detection associated with a second element 3 to detect the position of these elements corresponding to the crown of intermediate flame 4 and a third means of detection 14 associated with a third element 3 for detect the position of these elements corresponding to the external flame crown 14. When the elements forming support arms 3 occupy the position shown in Figure 4 corresponding to the crown of central flame 4, the first detection means 14 is actuated to close the electrical contact corresponding 14a and provide control current opening of the corresponding solenoid valve 13 in order to allow the ignition of the central flame crown 4. Of course, the application of the control current of the corresponding solenoid valve 13 only takes place if the means selector is operated at the control position of the displacement of the elements forming the support arm 3 of so as to close a corresponding electrical contact 15 connected in series with the associated electrical contact 14a. Thus, when the elements forming the support arms 3 occupy the position shown in FIG. 4, the contacts 14a and 15 forming part of the control circuit of the corresponding solenoid valve 13 located in part upper of Figure 6 are closed. Preferably, the control of the opening of this solenoid valve 13, therefore the ignition of the central flame crown, does not product only if a container is placed on the elements 3 so as to close an electrical contact 16 connected at series with electrical contacts 14a and 15.

Advantageously, the detection of the presence of a container on the elements forming support arms 3 is carried out by the elements themselves which are produced in an electrically conductive material so that laying the part of electrically conductive material of the container on these elements, a circuit closure equivalent to that of an electrical contact 16 can take place. However, it is also possible to make electrical contact 16 by providing a sensor pressure associated with at least one of the elements forming support arm 3 which is activated when a container is placed on these elements.

The lighting of each of the other flame crowns 4 is carried out in the same way as that of the crown of central flame by providing electrical contacts 14a, 15 and 16 in series in the control circuit of the corresponding solenoid valve 13. Since the crowns internal flame 4 must also light up with the external flame ring 4 at which are positioned the elements forming support arms 3, the contacts 14a, 15 and 16 of associated solenoid valves 13 respectively to the internal flame crowns are kept closed in a manner known per se after being actuated by the movable element 3. Of course, at each position of the selection means, the electric motor 7 is activated for a fixed period allowing move the elements forming support arms 3 to their desired positions of a flame crown 4. At this indeed, it is possible to use an electric motor 7 of the step-by-step type.

When the elements forming the support arms 3 are found at a position corresponding to the crown of outermost flame and that it is necessary to move to an internal flame crown, the user activates the selection means at the corresponding position to control the motor electric 7 so that it moves elements 3 to the chosen position and the electrical contact 14a corresponding to the external flame crown opens from same as electrical contact 15 since the means of selection is moved to a command position of the moving elements 3 to one of the crowns internal flame.

To prevent movement of the arm members support 3 when supporting a container whose content is being heated, contacts 17 are open to prevent control of the electric motor 7. These contacts can be constituted by relay contacts activated in position opening by a relay itself controlled by the electrical contact made during installation of the container on the elements forming support arms 3. Contacts relay 18 are also provided in series with the relay contacts 17 to allow power to the electric motor 7 whenever the means of selection is moved to a command position of the displacement of the elements forming the support arm 3.

As can be seen from Figures 2 and 4, the crown of central flame 4 is supplied with an air-gas mixture by a central duct schematically represented in 19 in Figure 2 while each flame crown at the outside of the central flame crown is supplied with air-gas mixture via a radial duct 20, of which only one is represented in FIG. 4, and opening out in a corresponding chamber 21 of the associated burner 2 to a flame crown 4.

The burner device of the above invention described makes it possible to obtain high yields since the support arm elements 3 placed under the periphery of the container absorb only the minimum of heat energy. This device is also advantageous from the point of view of user safety since it avoids any risk of burns by positioning the elements forming support arms 3 to a diameter opening corresponding to the diameter of the container used. Of course, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of this invention. Thus, the support 1 can comprise three or two supporting arms instead of four being arranged respectively at 120 ° from each other others or diametrically opposite.

Claims (12)

Gas burner device comprising a support container (1) above the burner (2) consisting of at least two elements forming radial support arms (3) of the container, characterized in that the elements forming support arms (3) are radially movable controlled at a chosen relative position defining a opening of the container support corresponding to a burner heating surface (2) adapted to the size of the container used. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that that the burner (2) comprises at least two crowns of independent and concentric flame (4) defining each a heating surface and in that the elements forming support arms (3) can be moved radially at a selected relative position of opening of the support container corresponding to one of the flame crowns (4). Device according to claim 2, characterized in that that it comprises detection means (14), such as electrical contactors, from the radial position of less one of the elements forming the support arm (3) corresponding to one of the flame crowns (4) and providing an electrical control signal gas supply to at least the flame crown (4) on which the arm elements are positioned support (3). Device according to claim 3, characterized in that that the detection means (14) also provide a or electrical supply control signals gas from the internal flame ring (s) (4) at the external flame crown (4) to which are positioned the elements forming the support arms (3). Device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the flame rings (4) are respectively connected to supply pipes gases on which are mounted respectively solenoid valves (13) one of which is controlled in position opening by the electrical signal from the means detection (14) of the selected position of the elements forming support arm (3) at the flame crown correspondent (4) and, where applicable, the other (s) supply solenoid valves (13) of the crown (s) internal (4) to said supplied flame ring (4) is or are controlled in the open position by the or electrical signals from the means or means of detection (14) having already been activated by the passage support arm elements (3) towards their external position chosen. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control means of the displacement of the support arm elements (3) comprise an electric motor (7) and a mechanism (9, 10) connecting the motor shaft (8) of the electric motor (7) to the support arm elements (3) for the move simultaneously in the same radial direction. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that that it includes a selection means, such as a button of the position of the arms forming elements of support (3) and suitable for supplying the electric motor (7) so as to move the elements (3) to their chosen position. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that that the selection means closes, at each of its control positions for the movement of the forming elements support arm, an electrical contact (15) allowing the passage of the electrical signal for opening control a solenoid valve (13) from the detection means corresponding (14). Device according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the container, when placed on the support arm elements (3), establishes contact electric (16) allowing the signal to pass electric opening control of each solenoid valve (13) and controls the opening of at least one contact electric (17) supplying the electric motor (7). Device according to claim 9, characterized in what the support arm elements (3) are electrically conductive and constitute with the container of electrically conductive material placed on these a closed electrical circuit allowing the passage of the above-mentioned electrical control signal and control the opening of the power supply contact (17) electric motor (7). Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the above mechanism includes at least two arms rigid (9) integral diametrically opposite to the motor shaft (8) of the electric motor (7) and two links (10) articulated respectively on the one hand to two opposite ends of the two rigid arms (9) and on the other hand to the two elements forming the support arm diametrically opposed (3) each mounted to slide on a slide (6) so that a rotation of the motor electric (7) one way or the other causes concomitant radial displacements in one direction or in the other of the elements forming the support arm (3). Device according to one of the claims previous, characterized in that it comprises four support arm elements (3) two by two diametrically opposite, forming an angle between them law.

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