EP1887284A1

EP1887284A1 - Device for gas or electric cooking plates

Info

Publication number: EP1887284A1
Application number: EP07103837A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andrea Cusinato
Original assignee: Syen Srl
Current assignee: Syen Srl
Priority date: 2006-08-01
Filing date: 2007-03-09
Publication date: 2008-02-13
Also published as: ITTV20060032U1

Abstract

A device (1) for gas or electric cooking plates, being constituted by a timer (2) with one or more time settings which is adapted, when a set time elapses, to activate both an acoustic warning and an interruption/limitation of the gas and/or electric power supply.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for gas or electric cooking plates.
Currently, switch-off and indication systems for gas and electric cooking plates comprise systems with safeties which in case of accidental extinguishing of the flame (only for gas versions) block the delivery of gas and a timer which, when set to the end of the cooking time, activates only an acoustic warning.
Further, the electric flame ignition part is separate with respect to the self extinguishing system.
The user must therefore remain in the vicinity of the plates, at such a distance as to be able to hear the acoustic warning issued by the timer, so that he/she can then turn the plates off manually.
Further, the acoustic warning of such known types of plate cannot be heard, for example, by people with hearing problems, and this limits its field of use.
The aim of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, eliminating the drawbacks of the cited background art, by providing a device which, applied to gas or electric cooking plates, does not require the constant presence of the user during its use.
Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a device which allows to achieve the automatic shutdown and/or ignition of a gas or electric cooking plate at a chosen time without the need for direct intervention on the part of the user.
Another object is to provide a device which allows to modulate the flame at a chosen time without the direct intervention of the user.
Another object is to provide a device which is structurally simple and has low manufacturing costs.
This aim and these and other objects, which will become better apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a device for gas or electric cooking plates, characterized in that it is constituted by a timer with one or more time settings which is adapted, when a set time elapses, to activate both an acoustic warning and an interruption/limitation of the gas and/or electric power supply.
Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the following detailed description of a particular but not exclusive embodiment thereof, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a device according to the invention applied to a gas cooking plate;
Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of a device according to the invention applied to an electric cooking plate;
Figure 3 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of the device of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the device of Figure 1;
Figures 5 and 6 are front views of a valve of the device according to the invention in two different operating conditions;
Figure 7 is a sectional view, taken along the line VII-VII of Figure 5;
Figure 8 is a sectional view, taken along the line VIII-VIII of Figure 6.

In the exemplary embodiments that follow, individual characteristics, given in relation to specific examples, may actually be interchanged with other different characteristics that exist in other exemplary embodiments.
Moreover, it is noted that anything found to be already known during the patenting process is understood not to be claimed and to be the subject of a disclaimer.
With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 designates a device for gas or electric cooking plates.
The device 1 comprises a timer 2 with one or more time settings, which is adapted, when a set time elapses, both to activate an acoustic warning, by means of an appropriate acoustic indicator 3, and to perform an interruption/limitation of the gas and/or, by opening an electrical contact, of the electric power supply of the plates.
If it is applied to a gas cooking plate, shown schematically in Figures 1, 3 and 5, the device 1 comprises a valve 4, or valve block 4, for controlling the flow of the gas for supplying the entire cooking range or each individual burner, both of which are not shown in the accompanying figures.
The valve 4 or valve block 4 is operated by the timer 2, which can be programmed by means of a control panel 5 which is mounted for example flush with the cooking range, which is not shown in the accompanying figures, and includes a display 6 and buttons 7 for setting the self-shutdown time or times.
As an alternative, the control panel 5 can be connected to the timer 2 by means of a wired or wireless remote link.
The valves 4, depending on the embodiment of the device, can be of the on/off type, or can allow to modulate the flow of gas or reduce below the minimum value the gas in order to extinguish the flame.
Advantageously, as shown in Figures 5 to 8, the valves 4 can be of the magnetic-drive type, so as to allow to achieve separation between the control device and a butterfly element 11, so as to ensure the tightness of the gas valve 4 without the use of gaskets, which over time can deteriorate.
Advantageously, the valve 4 comprises a gearmotor 8, on the axis of which a first magnet 9 is fitted which, coupled to a second magnet 10 arranged inside the valve 4 and fixed to the butterfly element 11, moves the valve into the position of the first magnet.
A magnetic position sensor 12, for example of the reed or Hall-effect type, is further present on the gearmotor 8 and allows the control to detect the position in which the valve 4 is closed.
The butterfly element 11 is supported by two bushes 13a and 13b, which are inserted within a tube or body 14 of the valve 4 and are sealed in order to avoid gas leaks.
The valve 4 is an integral part of the device 1, since it is controlled by the timer 2 with a dedicated control.
The valve 4, of the magnetic-drive type, is very cheap to manufacture and, by means of a rotation time measurement method, allows to obtain the gas flow rate modulation function; such rotation time measurement method consists in measuring the time taken by the gearmotor 8 to make a full turn and then, starting from the closed position, activating for a fraction of the rotation time that corresponds to the chosen opening of the butterfly element 11.
The shape of the valve 4, with a flat part, is designed specifically in order to minimize the air gap between the first and second magnets, so as to achieve the maximum mutual attraction force.
The tube or body 14 of the valve 4 and the butterfly element 11 must not be made of ferromagnetic material.
The gearmotor 8, for economic reasons, does not reverse its motion, but regulates or closes always by turning in the same direction, having over its entire rotation two open valve positions, two closed valve positions, and four adjustment positions.
In the case of reduction of the flame to a minimum value, the cooking range is provided with additional capillary safety valves, not shown in the accompanying figures, which are integrated in the gas cocks, also not shown.
Again with reference to the embodiment for gas cooking plates, the device 1 can comprise means for automatic and programmable electric ignition/limitation of the flame, which are constituted advantageously by an igniter 15, which is activated by an external command which arrives from a button or contact 16, which can be independent or integrated on the gas adjustment knobs; the igniter 15 is provided with an outlet for one or more ignition electrodes 17 which are arranged in the vicinity of the burners, which are not shown in the accompanying figures.
The device 1 may further comprise advantageously automatic means for the activation/deactivation of an extractor hood, designated schematically by the reference numeral 18, which are connected to the timer 2.
Advantageously, the device 1 according to the invention, in the embodiment for gas cooking plates, may provide the general gas control with shutdown of all the burners when the time expires, the integrated igniter 15, the acoustic warning, and optionally the hood control.
As an alternative, the device 1 can advantageously provide for the separate control of each individual burner when the time expires, the integrated igniter 15, the acoustic warning and optionally the hood control.
Moreover, the device 1 may provide alternately the separate control of each individual burner with throttling of the gas line when the time expires and the use of the capillary safety valve of the cooking range (which already exists) to close the gas, the integrated igniter 15, the acoustic warning and optionally the hood control.
As an alternative, the device 1 can provide for the separate control of each individual burner, with reduction of the flame to a minimum value and subsequent extinguishing thereof after an additional delay when the time expires, the integrated igniter 15, the acoustic warning and optionally the hood control.
With reference to the embodiment for electric cooking plates, the device 1 may provide for control of the individual plates when the time expires, the acoustic warning and optionally the hood control.
Operation is therefore as follows: with reference to the accompanying figures, the timer 2, which has one or more time settings, when the set time expires, activates an acoustic warning and further, if it is not blocked by the user, in the case of gas cooking plates it turns off and/or reduces the flame by means of the valve or valves 4 or, in the case of electric cooking plates, closes or reduces the power or opens a contact, interrupting the supply of power to said electrical plates after a set time.
The action of the device 1 can be general, and can therefore shut down and/or reduce all the flames or plates when the time expires, or be selective and can therefore extinguish/reduce the individual flame or plate selected during the setting of the timer 2 with one or more timings.
If the device 1 also comprises the means for the automatic activation/deactivation of an extractor hood, the hood can be activated or deactivated automatically and programmably by the timer 2.
Further, by way of the means for the electrical ignition/limitation of the flame, the user can program the ignition and/or adjustment of the extent thereof.
It has thus been found that the invention has achieved the intended aim and objects, a device having been provided for gas or electric cooking plates which allows to achieve an increase in safety, since the user sets the timer or timers which interrupt or reduce automatically the cooking, with the consequent reduction of the risk of fire or damage to the pots if they are left on the burner or on the plate.
The device according to the invention therefore allows to achieve an improvement in the quality of life, since it is no longer necessary to monitor cooking constantly, because the timer interrupts it autonomously and/or adjusts the flame when the time expires.
Further, the device according to the invention allows to optimize costs and space occupation, since it comprises, on a single component which can be inserted directly into the cooking range, without the need for additional compartments, all of the devices needed to achieve the described functions.
Further, the production costs of the heating element according to the invention remain low, since it is provided only by means of components which are easy to manufacture and/or assemble.
The invention is of course susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims.
The materials used, as well as the dimensions of the individual components of the invention, may of course be more pertinent according to specific requirements.
The various means for performing certain different functions need not certainly coexist only in the illustrated embodiment but can be present per se in many embodiments, including ones that are not illustrated.
The characteristics indicated as advantageous, convenient or the like may also be omitted or be replaced with equivalents.
The disclosures in Italian Utility Model Application No. TV2006U000032 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.
Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

A device for gas or electric cooking plates, characterized in that it is constituted by a timer with one or more time settings which is adapted, when a set time elapses, to activate both an acoustic warning and an interruption/limitation of the gas and/or electric power supply.
The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises automatic activation/deactivation means of an extractor hood.
The device according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that it comprises means for the automatic and programmable electrical ignition/limitation of the flame.
The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said timer is programmable by means of a control panel which includes a display and keys for setting the self-shutdown time or times.
The device according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that said control panel is mounted flush with the cooking range or is remote and wired or wireless.
The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said acoustic warning is obtained by means of a suitable acoustic indicator which is connected to said timer.
The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cooking plates are gas-fired, said device comprising a valve or valve block for controlling the flow of the gas, for feeding an entire cooking range or each individual burner, said valve or valve block being operated by said timer.
The device according to claims 1 and 7, characterized in that said valves are of the on/off type, or can modulate the gas flow, or allow reduction below the minimum of the gas in order to produce flame extinguishing.
The device according to claims 1 and 8, characterized in that said valves are of the magnetically-driven type, so as to allow to achieve a separation between the control device and the butterfly element thereof.
The device according to claims 1 and 9, characterized in that said valve comprises a gearmotor, on the axis of which a first magnet is mounted which, when coupled to an appropriately provided second magnet arranged within said valve and fixed to said butterfly element, moves said butterfly element into the position of said first magnet.
The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said valve has a flat part in order to reduce the air gap between said first and second magnets, so as to achieve the maximum attraction force between them.
The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said butterfly element is supported by two bushes which are inserted in the tube or body of said valve and are sealed in order to avoid gas leaks.
The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said valve is controlled by said timer with a dedicated control.
The device according to claims 1 and 13, characterized in that said tube or body of said valve and said butterfly element are made of nonferromagnetic material.
The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that in said gearmotor there is a magnetic position sensor, which is adapted to detect the closed position of said valve.
The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cooking plates are gas-fired and, if it is possible to reduce the fame to a minimum, said cooking range is provided with additional capillary safety valves integrated on the gas cocks.
The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said means for automatic and programmable electrical ignition/limitation of the flame are constituted by an igniter which is operated by an external command which arrives from a button or contact which is independent or integrated on the gas adjustment knobs, said igniter being provided with an outlet for one or more ignition electrodes arranged proximate to the burners.
The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it provides for general control of the gas with shutdown of all the burners when the time expires, said integrated igniter, said acoustic indicator, and optionally the hood control.
The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it provides for the separate control of each individual burner when the time expires, said integrated igniter, said acoustic warning and optionally said hood control.
The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it provides for the separate control of each individual burner with throttling of the gas duct when the time expires, and the use of said additional capillary safety valve of said cooking range to close the gas, said integrated igniter, said acoustic warning, and optionally the hood control.
The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it provides for the separate control of each individual burner with reduction of the flame to a minimum and subsequent extinguishing thereof after an additional delay when the time expires, the integrated igniter, the acoustic warning and optionally said hood control.
The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cooking plates are electric, said device controlling the individual plates when the time expires, said acoustic warning and optionally said hood control.