EP1286118B1 - Gas cooker with secure positioning of the burner head - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to improvements made to gas cooking appliances equipped with a top plate having at least one zone for fixing an injector of a gas burner and for supporting a head of said burner coaxially with said gas burner. injector and above said plate with primary air suction from the top of the plate.

Such an apparatus is known from the document WO 00/40900A .

Usually, the gas burner is surmounted by a grid, resting itself on the top plate and clean to support the containers with their bottom located at a given height above the burner. Whatever the constitution of the grid (cast iron grate, wire mesh), the coming into contact of the flames with an element (finger, rod) of the grid leads to an increased emission of CO which can become excessive compared normative and sanitary requirements.

To avoid, or at least mitigate, this disadvantage, it is known to prevent the formation of flames under the metal parts of the grid: this is achieved by removing some flame holes on the periphery of the burner head.

However, for such an arrangement to be effective, it is still necessary that the burner head is properly positioned so that the areas devoid of flames orifices are exactly under the metal parts of the grid. However, it is not possible, in practice, to rely entirely on the user for it to perform a correct angular repositioning of the burner head after a cleaning operation.

Moreover, independently of the correct angular positioning of the burner head relative to the grid, it is also essential that the burner head rests on the top plate in a coaxiality situation as perfect as possible with the injector fixed on the plate. Again, it is not possible to rely solely on the user to ensure this coaxiality.

The object of the invention is therefore essentially to propose an improved arrangement of a gas burner of the type considered so that the correct positioning of the burner head no longer depends on the simple free will of the user, the means employed for these purposes, however, should not result in significant manufacturing complication or significant additional cost.

For these purposes, a cooking apparatus as mentioned in the preamble is characterized, being arranged in accordance with the invention, in that the aforesaid area of the top plate, whether integrally formed with the plate or that it is reported, has a non-circular contour and in that the legs, are in such number and are arranged in such a way that they cooperate with the sides of said non-circular contour of said zone so that the burner head can occupy only a determined and limited number of angular positions being simultaneously disposed coaxially with the injector and that for any incorrect positioning - in orientation and / or in centering - of the head, it rests on the top plate in an inclined manner and therefore visible.

In a preferred embodiment, said zone of the top plate is a non-circular plate surmounting the remainder of said plate, and the legs of the burner head are in number and have an arrangement adapted to their cooperation with the lateral faces of the plate. the non-circular pyramid bordering the plateau.

The provisions of the invention can also be implemented by ensuring that said zone of the top plate is a non-circular bowl extending under the remainder of said plate and that the legs of the burner head are in number and have an arrangement adapted to their cooperation with the lateral faces of the non-circular pyramid bordering the bowl.

The provisions of the invention could also be implemented in the case where said zone of the top plate is coplanar with the remainder of the plate and comprises for example hollow impressions distributed along said non-circular contour and in which the ends come to rest. legs of the burner head.

A preferred embodiment, although not limiting, of the foregoing provisions is that the above area of the top plate has a polygonal outline.

In this case, a preferred embodiment of such an arrangement may consist in that said zone of the top plate is of rectangular shape and that the number of the possible correct positions of the burner head is two. Another preferred embodiment of these arrangements may be that said area of the top plate is square in shape and that the number of correct positions possible of the burner head is four. Of course, other configurations (pentagonal zone, hexagonal, octagonal especially) are possible.

May just as well, the above area of the top plate could be elongated shape of revolution, including oval or elliptical, with obtaining the same benefits.

The arrangements according to the invention make it possible simultaneously to perform a physical foolproofing in the angular positioning of the burner head and its coaxiality with respect to the injector at the same time as they allow a simple visual control (burner head resting on crosswise on the top plate) in case of incorrect positioning (wrong angular positioning, coaxiality fault with the injector).

The means used are simple and practically without any impact on the manufacturing costs, since the conformation (flat, hollow or plateau) of the zone concerned of the top plate depends on the very design of the burner and the apparatus of the cooking and that the arrangement of the burner with primary air supply from the top of the plate involves the presence of legs: the implementation of the provisions of the invention is only relevant in the geometric form given to the aforesaid zone and in the geometric disposition of the legs in relation to the shape of the support zone.

• la figure 1 est une vue très schématique, en coupe, d'un mode de réalisation préféré d'un appareil de cuisson à gaz agencé conformément à l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue de dessus en perspective d'une partie de la plaque de dessus de l'appareil de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 et une vue de dessous en perspective de la tête d'un brûleur de l'appareil de la figure 1, appropriée pour coopérer avec la partie de la plaque montrée à la figure 2 ;
• la figure 4 est une vue partielle de côté, et en perspective, montrant la tête de brûleur de la figure 3 montée sur la partie de plaque de la figure 2 ;
• la figure 5 est une vue de dessus en perspective illustrant une variante de réalisation de la partie de plaque de dessus de la figure 2 ;
• la figure 6 est une vue de dessus en perspective d'un autre mode de réalisation d'une partie de la plaque de dessus agencée selon l'invention ;
• la figure 7 est une vue partielle de dessous, en perspective, d'un autre mode de réalisation de la tête d'un brûleur propre à coopérer avec la partie de plaque montrée à la figure 6 ;
• la figure 8 est une vue de dessus en perspective d'encore un autre mode de réalisation d'une partie de plaque de dessus agencée selon l'invention ;
• la figure 9 est une vue de dessus en perspective d'encore un autre mode de réalisation d'une partie de plaque de dessus agencée conformément à l'invention ; et
• la figure 10 est une vue partielle de dessous d'un autre mode de réalisation de la tête de brûleur propre à coopérer avec la partie de plaque montrée à la figure 9.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description of certain embodiments given solely by way of non-limiting examples. In this description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which:

• the figure 1 is a very schematic sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a gas cooking apparatus arranged according to the invention;
• the figure 2 is a perspective top view of a portion of the top plate of the camera of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 3 and a bottom view in perspective of the head of a burner of the apparatus of the figure 1 , suitable for cooperating with the part of the plate shown in figure 2 ;
• the figure 4 is a partial side view, and in perspective, showing the burner head of the figure 3 mounted on the plate part of the figure 2 ;
• the figure 5 is a perspective top view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the top plate portion of the figure 2 ;
• the figure 6 is a perspective top view of another embodiment of a portion of the top plate arranged according to the invention;
• the figure 7 is a partial bottom view, in perspective, of another embodiment of the head of a burner adapted to cooperate with the plate portion shown in FIG. figure 6 ;
• the figure 8 is a perspective top view of yet another embodiment of a top plate portion arranged according to the invention;
• the figure 9 is a perspective top view of yet another embodiment of a top plate portion arranged in accordance with the invention; and
• the figure 10 is a partial bottom view of another embodiment of the burner head adapted to cooperate with the plate portion shown in FIG. figure 9 .

Referring first to the figure 1 , there is shown, very schematically, a sectional view of a gas cooking appliance of the type referred to by the invention. The apparatus comprises a top plate 1 supported by two side walls 2, a bottom plate 3 which can be provided inferiorly to isolate the cooking appliance from an underlying part which can house another kitchen appliance.

The top plate supports at least one gas burner 4 (two burners are illustrated in FIG. figure 1 ) which are surmounted by a grid 5 for supporting a container.

At each location where a burner 4 is to be arranged, the top plate 1 has a specific zone 7 in the center of which is fixed a gas injector 6 to which a gas supply pipe 10 is connected. This specific area 7 may be integral with the top plate 1, or may also be reported on this plate.

In the example shown in figure 1 each specific zone 7 protrudes above the top plate and is in its central part in the form of a plate 11 in the center of which is fixed the injector 6.

Above the specific zone 7 is arranged the head 12 of the burner 4 which is capped by a cap or lid 9. The burner head 12 has orifices 13 distributed peripherally through which the flames 8 emerge.

Such gas burners are arranged in an extra-flat form and, in known manner, they are provided with a radial annular Venturi defined between the upper edge of a vertical central well 14 (visible at the figure 3 ) coaxial with the injector and the underside facing the lid.

A burner arrangement of the type considered is described for example in the document FR 01 05232 in the name of the Claimant.

In order to avoid an excessive release of CO occurring when the flames come into contact with the fingers or rods of the support grid 5, the flame orifices 13 are distributed peripherally with discontinuities 15 (portions without orifices visible to the figures 1 and 4 ) facing the fingers of the grid 5.

• de donner une forme particulière à la zone périphérique 7 et
• d'équiper la tête de brûleur 12 avec des jambes 16 dimensionnées, configurées et disposées de manière qu'elles coopèrent avec ladite zone spécifique 7 pour procurer les résultats souhaités précités.

So that the burner head 12 can be supported on the top plate 1 removably, it is supported at the proper height above the specific area 7 (here relative to the plate 11) and under the grid 5 , and that it is positioned correctly angularly with the portions devoid of flame orifices 13 situated in correspondence with the fingers of the grid 5, provision is made for:

• to give a particular shape to the peripheral zone 7 and
• to equip the burner head 12 with legs 16 sized, configured and arranged so that they cooperate with said specific area 7 to provide the desired results above.

It will be emphasized here that the support of the burner head 12 at a correct height above the top plate 1 is also important for the definition of an appropriate annular gap between the lower edge of the burner head 12 and the plate. from above 1, the interval through which the primary air which is necessary for the operation of the burner and which, in this type of burner, passes through the top of the plate 1.

In addition, it will also be emphasized that the burner head 12 must be arranged in perfect coaxiality with the injector 6 so that its operation is optimum.

Under these conditions, the desired results are obtained in a simple manner by giving the specific zone 7 a non-circular geometrical shape and arranging the support legs 16 in a similar geometrical configuration. According to the invention, this zone 7 can receive a polygonal or elongated shape of revolution.

In the example shown in figure 2 , the specific area 7 is polygonal of quadrangular shape, and more precisely rectangular, preferably with rounded corners.

In a complementary way, as visible in figure 3 , the burner head 12 is equipped with supporting legs 16 arranged on a contour which is also quadrangular, and in particular rectangular, which has been materialized in the drawing by the rectangle 17 drawn in dashed lines. The legs 16 are intended to contact the flanks 18 surrounding the rectangular plate 11 and, these flanks 18 being substantially inclined relative to the vertical, the legs 16 have a corresponding inclination. In the configuration illustrated at Figures 2 and 3 Four legs 16, arranged so as to rest approximately with the middle of the flanks 18, could in principle be suitable. However, to obtain a more precise positioning, it is advantageous to use six legs 16 as illustrated in FIG. figure 3 , with two legs corresponding to the short sides of the rectangular outline and one leg in correspondence with the long sides of the rectangular outline.

Under these conditions, the burner head 12 is positionable on the specific zone 7 with only two possible angular orientations mutually offset by 180 ° and with a correct coaxiality with respect to the injector, as illustrated in FIG. figure 4 .

In order to provide an improved coding effect and in particular to prevent the burner head from being placed in a location that is not intended for it, it is possible to offset certain legs: for example, as visible in FIG. figure 3 , the two legs located on the long sides of the contour 17 are offset on either side of the median axis of these long sides.

In addition, it can be expected that the legs do not all have the same height as illustrated in the figure 3 where two legs 16 has diagonally opposite are shorter than the other four.

To obtain an accurate height positioning of the burner head 12 relative to the top plate 1, each leg 16 (including the short legs 16 a) are in a generally L-shaped with a lateral bearing surface 19 is clean to cooperate with the corresponding sidewall 18 and a bottom surface 19b by which it rests on the plate 11.

It is therefore conceivable that the arrangements according to the invention, which have just been described in a more specific relation with the Figures 2 to 4 which constitute a preferred embodiment of the invention, can give rise to numerous variants and adaptations.

In particular, in a simple way, as illustrated in figure 5 , the specific zone 7 may be in square form, with a square plate 11, in particular with rounded corners, while the legs 16 can be maintained six, be increased to a greater number, or be reduced to four, being arranged on a square outline. Such an arrangement allows the positioning of the burner head indifferently in four angular orientations mutually offset by 90 °.

It is of course possible to give the specific zone 7 a polygonal shape with a greater number of sides which leads to a number of possible angular orientations also higher of the burner head (pentagonal pyramidal shape allowing five angular positions mutually offset by 72 ° hexagonal pyramidal shape allowing six angular positions mutually offset by 60 °; ...).

Furthermore, the provisions of the invention which have just been described, in relation to a specific polygonal pyramid-shaped zone 7 defining a plate 11 overhanging the top plate 1, represent a preferred embodiment. However, such an arrangement is not exclusive of the invention, and other solutions are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

In particular, it is possible for the specific zone 7 to present a conformation that is the reverse of the preceding one, that is to say in the form of a bowl 20 with a polygonal contour (hollow pyramid) as illustrated in FIG. figure 6 . The bowl 20 has a bottom 22 bordered by inclined flanks 21.

In a complementary way, as illustrated in figure 7 the burner head 12 is equipped with legs 23 of the same conformation as the legs 16 visible at the figure 3 , but reversed so that the staves inclined 23a can cooperate with the sidewalls 21 and that the horizontal surfaces 23b can bear on the edge of the plate 1 surrounding the bowl 20.

Again, the bowl 20 may receive any desired polygonal shape for obtaining a required number of correct angular positions of the burner head 12.

It is also conceivable that the specific area 7 is not formed recessed or projecting on the top plate 1, but is simply coplanar with the plate 1. To materialize the geometric shape required for the keying sought, we can, as illustrated in figure 8 , make it include hollow impressions 24 which are arranged in a predetermined polygonal contour, contour that reproduces the positioning of the legs which is equipped with the burner head 12. At the figure 8 , the hollow impressions are supposed to receive the ends of the legs 16 shown in the figure 3 and are arranged in correspondence. One can foresee that it is the ends of the legs 16 which rest on the bottom of the hollow 24 corresponding fingerprint (in this case the surfaces 19, 19b become unnecessary), or that the support is on the contrary through surfaces 19a 19b bearing on the edges of the respective fingerprints, while the ends of the legs do not come into contact with the bottom of the respective fingerprints.

As suggested above, it is also conceivable that the specific area 7 is not polygonal, but is elongated by revolution, for example elliptical or oval. An example of an arrangement of this type is illustrated in Figures 9 and 10 which are modeled on Figures 2 and 3 mentioned above (the same numerical references being retained).

Claims (8)

1. Gas cooking appliance equipped with a top plate (1) having at least one region (7) for the attachment of an injector (6) of a gas burner (4) and for supporting a head (12) of the said burner coaxial with the said injector (6) and above the said plate (1) with primary air being drawn in from on top of the plate, the burner head (12) having legs (16, 23) by which it rests on the aforementioned region (7) of the top plate,
   characterized in that said region (7) of the top plate (1) has a closed non-circular contour and in that the number and arrangement of the legs are such that they collaborate with the sides of the said non-circular contour of the said region (7) so that the burner head (12) can occupy only a determined and limited number of angular positions while at the same time being arranged coaxial with the injector (6) and so that, for any incorrect positioning - in terms of orientation and/or in terms of centring - of the head (12), the latter rests on the top plate such that it is inclined and that the incorrectness is thus visible.
2. Gas cooking appliance according to Claim 1, characterized in that said region (7) of the top plate is a non-circular plateau (11) surmounting the rest of the said plate (1), and in that the number and arrangement of the legs (16) of the burner head are suited to these legs collaborating with the lateral faces (18) of the non-circular pyramid bordering the plateau (11).
3. Cooking appliance according to Claim 1, characterized in that said region of the top plate is a non-circular dish (20) extending under the rest of the said plate, and in that the number and arrangement of the legs (23) of the burner head are suited to these legs collaborating with the lateral faces (21) of the non-circular pyramid bordering the dish.
4. Cooking appliance according to Claim 1, characterized in that said region (7) of the top plate (1) is coplanar with the rest of the plate, and in that the number and arrangement of the ends of the legs (23) of the burner head are suited to the ends of these legs collaborating with respective hollow indentations (24) arranged around the aforementioned non-circular contour.
5. Cooking appliance according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said region (7) of the top plate has a polygonal contour.
6. Cooking appliance according to Claim 5, characterized in that said region of the top plate is of rectangular shape, and in that the number of possible correct positions of the burner head is two.
7. Cooking appliance according to Claim 5, characterized in that said region of the top plate is of square shape, and in that the number of possible correct positions of the burner head is four.
8. Cooking appliance according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the legs (16, 23) of the burner head each comprise a lateral bearing surface (19a, 23a) able to collaborate with a corresponding flank (18, 21) of the specific region of the top plate and a horizontal bearing surface (19b, 23b) able to collaborate with a horizontal surface (11, 1) of the said specific region or of the plate.

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