WO2014063218A1

WO2014063218A1 - Structural arrangement introduced into a gas burner.

Info

Publication number: WO2014063218A1
Application number: PCT/BR2013/000442
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marcos Raphael da SILVA
Original assignee: Whirlpool S.A.
Priority date: 2012-10-24
Filing date: 2013-10-24
Publication date: 2014-05-01
Also published as: BR102012027244A2

Abstract

This invention refers to a new structural arrangement introduced into a gas burner, which is responsible for creating an even flame, in addition to being free of sharp edges. These characteristics serve to optimize the efficiency and cleanliness of the burner in question. The gas burner (1) comprises a number of ports (4) created through the interaction between the multiple substantially vertical grooves (32) of the cover (3) and the surrounding wall (21) of the base (2) and at least one connecting channel (6) positioned between at least two ports (4) defined by the interaction between the base (2) and the cover (3).

Description

"STRUCTURAL ARRANGEMENT INTRODUCED INTO A GAS BURNER".

Field of Invention

This invention concerns a new structural arrangement introduced into a gas burner, which is normally used in cooking devices, such as gas cookers and gas cooktops. In general terms, the gas burner shown here possesses an optimized design, which is responsible for creating an equalized flame. In addition to this, this same optimized design is substantially lacking in sharp edges.

Basis of the Invention

As is known by professionals experienced in the field, gas burners comprise elements capable of providing and sustaining the combustion of gas in a stable, clean and safe manner. Thus, a gas burner includes at least one gas entry pipe and at least one gas port outlet.

Normally, gas burners are used in residential or industrial cooking equipment, such as gas cookers and gas cooktops.

In this regard, it is noted that the current state of the art is covered by a multitude of gas burner models. However, the majority of these models are based on similar functional- design principles. In accordance with these principles, a large proportion of the gas burners are composed of two distinct bodies which can be used in functional association with each other.

As such, in a general sense, these gas burners are basically composed of (or by the association of) a base and a cover. In these cases, the gas inlet pipe is normally connected to the base of the burner, and the gas outlet ports are positioned on the cover of the burner, or between the cover and the base of the burner.

An example of a conventional and even obsolete design of a gas burner can be observed in document JP 57010630, where a burner is shown which consists of a base, a cover and an internal pipe which extends between the internal top of the cover and the inner bottom of the base. In this design, the lower and upper ports are shown. The lower ports (burner ports) are positioned along the space between the extension of the base and the entire lower region of the internal pipe and each has a distinctly wavy form. The upper ports (pilot flame ports) are positioned between the surrounding wall and two areas at the top of the internal pipe, and more specifically, only in the areas where there are holes which connect with the lower ports. The cited upper ports each possess a distinct semi-undulating shape. According to this design and to the instructions given in document JP 57010630, the gas introduced at the base is immediately obstructed by the internal pipe, thus filling the space between the base and the pipe and flowing into the external area through the lower and upper ports.

Another example of a conventional and equally obsolete design for a gas burner may be observed in document US 5152276, where a burner is described which consists of a base and a substantial cover. In this design, lower and upper ports are also shown. The lower and upper ports are created by holes positioned in the longitudinal section of the surrounding wall of the cover and each possesses a distinctly circular edge. In accordance with this design and with the information given in document US 5152276, the gas introduced at the base fills the entire internal area of the burner and flows to the external area through the lower and upper outlets.

An example of a conventional, if contemporary, gas burner may be seen in document US 2010 0175683, where a burner consisting of a base and a cover is also described. In this design, primary and secondary ports are shown. The primary ports consist of vertical grooves positioned on the wall of the surrounding base. The secondary ports consist of horizontal grooves also positioned on the surrounding wall of the base. In fact, the vertical and horizontal grooves may considered as ports only when the cover is appropriately positioned on the base. According to this design and according to the instructions given in document US 2010 0175683, the primary and secondary ports are substantially isolated from each other by structural projections formed by the geometry of the base of the gas burner in question. As such, the gas introduced at the base fills the entire internal area of the burner and flows to the external area through the cited primary and secondary ports.

Another example of a conventional and contemporary design of a gas burner is detailed in document PI 0804615-8, where a burner is described which consists of a base and a cover. In this design, primary and secondary ports are also visible, both projecting radially from the centre of the base and located at the outer edge of the cover. In general terms, the primary ports, which are concave, and the secondary ports, which are convex, are created by the side of the cover, which possesses concave depressions and convex projections positioned in an alternating fashion. In fact, these depressions and projections may be considered ports only when the cover is appropriately positioned within the base. According to this design, and according to the instructions given in document PI 0804615-8, the gas introduced in the base fills the entire internal area of the burner and flows to the external area through the two cited primary and secondary ports.

The aforementioned documents only concern examples of designs which already form part of the current state of the art, however other currently existing designs also possess the two main aspects susceptible to improvement which are found in the burners shown in documents JP 57010630, US 5152276, US 2010 0175683 andPI 0804615-8, namely: the deficiency regarding fluid communication between ports of the same "level" or "type", and the difficulty in cleaning the burner itself.

Concerning the deficiency in fluid communication between ports of the same "level" or "type", two highly contrasting situations are observed. In the case of the burner described in document US 5152276, all the ports, independently of the "level" or "type" - are in fluid communication, and prevent ports of different "levels" or "types" from working with different flows.

While in the case of the burners described in documents JP 57010630, US 2010 0175683 and PI 0804615-8, it is noted that the ports of the same "level" or "type" are separated or isolated from each other by ports of another "level" or "type" (primary or upper ports separated from each other by secondary or lower ports). Where the "separation" of ports of the same "level" or "type" by ports of another "level" or "type" is observed, there is a problem of physical spacing between them, and consequently, insufficient air feed (secondary, by diffusion) to these ports. Where "isolation" of ports of the same "level" or "type" by ports of another "level" or "type" is observed, there is a problem related to the maintenance of the flame; ultimately, ignition occurs, as a rule, at one port, or series of ports, there, thus, being a need for communication between the ports so that all the ports of the entire perimeter of the burner are in a state of combustion.

As regards the difficulty in cleaning the burners, it is noted that, with the exception of the burner described in document PI 0804615-8, the ports consist of holes or grooves with sharp edges, and these configurations create significant difficulties for the cleaning of the aforementioned ports and, consequently, the cleaning of the burners themselves.

In this context, it remains to examine the gas burner described in document PI 1105194-9, which is basically composed of a base, an intermediary ring and a cover, with the three forms being concentrically positioned one on top of the other. In this case, the grooves incorporated into the internal wall of the intermediary ring in conjunction with the cover create the burner ports, and the outer wall of the intermediary ring in conjunction with the inner wall of the base creates a continuous "pilot flame" ring.

As the grooves which appear on the inner wall of the intermediary ring do not have sharp edges, and as the burner ports are radially close to the continuous "pilot flame" ring, it may be said that the burner described in document PI 1 105194-9 resolves the principal aforementioned negative aspects (difficulty of cleaning and maintenance of the flame), allowing the flow from the ports to be distinct from the flow of the continuous "pilot flame" ring. However, the ports of this burner are fluidly isolated from each other and, in addition to this, this burner only achieves the aforementioned benefits due to the fact that it is composed of three distinct bodies, which consequently creates a need for three different means of production (three material injection molds or three different machining programs). It is this context which gave rise to the invention in question.

Objectives of the Invention As such, it is one of the objectives of this invention to present a new structural arrangement introduced into a gas burner capable of achieving benefits equivalent to the benefits of the burner described in document PI 1105194-9 through a simpler design. It is thus one of the objectives of the invention that the gas burner hereby proposed is basically composed of only two bodies. Thus, it is also the objective of this invention that this gas burner, composed of only two bodies, be easily cleanable and highly energy- efficient, in addition to allowing for excellent maintenance of the flames of the ports.

It is a further objective of this invention that the ports of the burner hereby shown present fluid communication between themselves and fluid communication with the means of maintaining their flames.

It is also one of the objectives of this invention to present a new structural arrangement introduced into a gas burner capable of allowing for the existence of ports and means of maintaining the flames of the ports based on the interaction of only two bodies, which is to say, on the interaction of the base and cover.

Summary of the Invention

These and other objectives of the invention hereby presented are wholly achieved through the structural arrangement introduced into a gas burner which comprises at least one base, one cover, a number of ports and at least one spacer. The cover may be positioned concentrically within the base, and the ports are defined by the interaction between the multiple substantially vertical grooves of the cover and the surrounding wall of the base.

In accordance with the concepts and aims of this invention, it is worth highlighting that the base comprises at least one surrounding wall and at least one bottom plate. The cover comprises at least one surrounding wall and at least one top plate, with the surrounding wall of the aforementioned cover possessing multiple substantially vertical grooves on its outer side. In this regard, every two substantially vertical grooves are separated from each other by at least one projection.

In accordance with the groundbreaking characteristics of this invention, it may be seen that the gas burner hereby revealed comprises at least one connecting channel positioned between at least two ports, with each connecting channel being defined by the interaction between the base and the cover. More specifically, each connecting channel is defined by the interaction between at least one projection from the cover and at least one section of the surrounding wall of the base. In this regard, it is thus observed that each connecting channel comprises the existing spacing between at least one projection of the cover and at least one section of the surrounding wall of the base.

Preferably, the spacing between at least one projection of the cover and at least one section of the surrounding wall of the base is defined by the spacer, which may be associated with the base of the burner or the cover of the burner. Alternatively, the cited spacer may comprise the mounting sleeve of the cover on top of the base.

Regarding the ports of the gas burner hereby presented, it is worth highlighting that they should ideally possess a substantially semi-circular profile, a substantially semi-elliptical profile, a substantially sinusoidal profile, or a substantially semi-sinusoidal profile.

And, preferably, the angles of the outlet of the ports should be determined by the inclination of the multiple substantially vertical grooves of the cover of the surrounding wall of the base, and preferably the multiple substantially vertical grooves of the cover and the surrounding wall of the base should be parallel to each other.

Regarding the connecting channels of the gas burner hereby presented, it is worth highlighting that they comprise a pilot flame channel which also performs the function of maintaining the flame - after the initial process of combustion, provided by an external agent - around the entire perimeter of the burner where the ports are present. Ideally the aforementioned gas burner described here should possess at least one surrounding connecting channel. And, preferably, the outlet angle of each connecting channel should be determined by the inclination of at least one projection of the cover and at least one section of the surrounding wall of the base, and preferably at least one projection from the base and at least one section of the surrounding wall of the base should be parallel to each other.

Brief Description of the Designs

This invention will be described in detail based on the figures shown below, as follows:

Figure 1 shows the burner in question from an isometric perspective;

Figure 2 shows the burner in question from an exploded perspective;

Figure 3 shows the base of the burner in question, seen from above;

Figure 4 shows the cover of the burner in question, seen from above;

Figure 5 shows the cover of the burner in question, from an isometric perspective; and

Figure 6 shows the cover of the burner in question, seen from the side.

Detailed Description of the Invention

As previously mentioned, it is the main aim of this invention to present a gas burner which possesses all the functional benefits of the gas burner described in document PI 1105194-9 and, at the same time, which does not possess all the possible negative or limiting aspects of this same gas burner.

So, a gas burner 1 is presented which basically consists of a base 2 and a cover 3. The fact that the cited gas burner 1 is composed of only two bodies may represent a significant improvement in relation to the gas burner described in document PI 1 105194-9. However, and in order that the gas burner 1 in question presents the two great advantages of the gas burner described in document PI 1 105194-9 (design lacking in sharp edges and which is easily cleanable, and which possesses a pilot flame ring responsible for the maintenance of the port flames), it is necessary that it possess functional ports and at least one connecting channel between the functional ports, with both being defined by the simple interaction between the aforementioned base 2 and the cover 3 (evidently, the cover 3 may be positioned concentrically within the base 2).

As such, the gas burner 1 possesses, in addition to the base 2 and the cover 3, a number of ports 4, at least one spacer 5 and at least one connecting channel 6 positioned between at least two ports 4. It is thus worth emphasizing that one of the great merits of this invention is the fact that each connecting channel 6 is defined by the interaction of the base 2 and the cover 3.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of this invention, and with the illustrations in figures 1 , 2 and 3, the aforementioned base 2 comprises a surrounding wall, a bottom plate 22 and an outer ring 23. Evidently, the cited bottom plate 22 also possesses a through-hole 24 which may be connected to gas supply sources (and which already forms part of the current state of the art).

The cover 3, in turn, comprises at least one surrounding wall and at least one top plate 31. The surrounding wall of the cited cover 3 is basically the shape of a tapered cone, starting from the outer edge of the top plate, and extending vertically downwards in such a way as to present a continually decreasing diameter.

The cited surrounding wall of the cover 3 also possesses, on its outer side, multiple grooves which are substantially vertical 32, and which are radially separated from each other by a projection 33.

According to the preferred embodiment of this invention, and with a view to achieving the objectives concerning the lack of sharp edges (a characteristic related to ease of cleaning), it is noted that the multiple substantially vertical grooves 32 possess a substantially semi-circular profile. Alternatively, this profile may be substantially semi- elliptical. Furthermore, in this regard, each projection 33 comprises a substantially smooth face with softened side ridges.

It is also worth highlighting that both the substantially vertical grooves 32 and the projections 33 follow the basic sloping of the surrounding wall of the cover 3 which, as previously mentioned, is basically the shape of a tapered cone.

As such, the design of the cover 3 serves to create, in conjunction with the surrounding wall 21 of the base 2, the ports 4 and the connecting channel 6.

Specifically in relation to the ports 4, it is noted that these are defined by the interaction between the multiple substantially vertical grooves 32 of the cover 3 and the surrounding wall 21 of the base 2. In this context, it is important to clarify that the term "interaction" refers to the mounting and spacing between the base 2 and the cover 3, as well as the mounting and the spacing between specific sections of these components.

Specifically in relation to the connecting channel 6, or to the connecting channels 6

(bearing in mind that the burner 1 may possess a single and continuous connecting channel 6 (extending uninterruptedly along the perimeter where the ports 4 are "formed") or lengths or sections of connecting channels 6 independent of each other), it is defined by the interaction between at least one projection 33 of the cover 3 and at least one section of the surrounding wall 21 of the base 2. Also, in this case, the term "interaction" refers to the mounting and spacing between the base 2 and the cover 3, as well as the mounting and spacing between specific portions of these components. So it is possible to verify that, in a general sense, a connecting channel 6 is considered to be all and any space (provided that they are positioned between at least two ports 4) between at least one projection 33 of the cover 3 and at least one section of the surrounding wall 21 of the base 2.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of this invention, the space between at least one projection 33 of the cover 3 and at least one section of the surrounding wall 21 of the base 2 and, consequently, the surrounding space between the base 2 and the cover 3, is defined by a spacer 5, which comprises a projection at the base 2 (on at least one portion or inner section of the base 2) or on the cover 3 (on at least one portion or outer section of the cover 3). The aforementioned spacer 5 can also be used, if designed for such, as an assembly reference point, with a view to ensuring the correct positioning of the cover 3 (normally removable) on the base 2 (normally fixed to the cooking equipment, not shown).

It is also worth highlighting that both the angles of the port outlets 4 and the connecting channel 6 are defined by the angle of inclination of the parallel walls of the base 2 and the cover 3.

As previously cited, the connecting channel 6 comprises a pilot flame channel, comprising a channel which, in addition to ensuring fluid communication between the ports 4, allows for the outflow of combustible gas which is susceptible to combustion. Obviously, the gas which flows out of the connecting channel 6 mixes with the gas which flows out of the ports 4, thus creating a continuous ring of flames with higher tips (due to the higher flow of gas from the ports 4) and "pilot points" (due to the lower flow of gas from the connecting channel itself 6).

So, the connecting channel 6 prevents the possible extinguishing of the flames from the ports 4, and thus the main objectives of the invention in question are achieved.

Having described an example of the preferred design of this invention, it remains to demonstrate that its scope comprises other possible variations, which are only limited by the level of the demands, with the possible equivalent means included.

Claims

1. Structural arrangement introduced into a gas burner (1 ), comprising:

at least one base (2), at least one cover (3), a plurality of ports (4) and at least one spacer (5);

the base (2) comprising at least one surrounding wall (21 ) and at least one bottom plate (22);

the cover (3) comprising at least one surrounding wall and at least one top plate (31 ); the surrounding wall of the cited cover (3) possesses multiple substantially vertical grooves (32) defined in its outer face; every two substantially vertical grooves (32) are separated from each other by at least one projection (33);

the cover (3) capable of being positioned concentrically inside the base (2);

the ports (4) being defined by the interaction between the multiple substantially vertical grooves (32) of the cover (3) and the surrounding wall (21 ) of the base (2);

the gas burner (1 ) being CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it further comprises: at least one connecting channel (6) positioned between at least two ports (4); and that each connecting channel (6) is defined by the interaction between the base (2) and the cover (3).

2. Structural arrangement introduced into a gas burner (1 ), in accordance with claim

1 , CHARACTERIZED by the fact that each connecting channel (6) is defined by the interaction between at least one projection (33) of the cover (3) and at least one section of the surrounding wall (21 ) of the base (2).

3. Structural arrangement introduced into a gas burner (1 ), in accordance with claim

2, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that each connecting channel (6) comprises the spacing between at least one projection (33) of the cover (3) and at least one section of the surrounding wall (21 ) of the base (2).

4. Structural arrangement introduced into a gas burner (1 ), in accordance with claims 1 or 3, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the spacing between at least one projection (33) of the cover (3) and at least one section of the surrounding wall (21 ) of the base (2) is defined by at least one spacer (5).

5. Structural arrangement introduced into a gas burner (1 ), in accordance with claims 1 or 4, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the spacer (5) is associated with the base (2).

6. Structural arrangement introduced into a gas burner (1 ), in accordance with claims 1 or 4, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the spacer (5) is associated with the cover (3).

7. Structural arrangement introduced into a gas burner (1 ), in accordance with claim 1 , CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the spacer (5) also comprises the mounting sleeve of the cover (3) over the base (2).

8. Structural arrangement introduced into a gas burner (1 ), in accordance with claim 1 , CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the ports (4) possess a substantially semi-circular profile.

9. Structural arrangement introduced into a gas burner (1 ), in accordance with claim

1 , CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the ports (4) possess a substantially sinusoidal profile.

10. Structural arrangement introduced into a gas burner (1 ), in accordance with claim 1 , CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the ports (4) possess a substantially semi- sinusoidal profile.

11. Structural arrangement introduced into a gas burner (1 ), in accordance with claim 1 , CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the ports (4) possess a substantially semi- elliptical profile.

12. Structural arrangement introduced into a gas burner (1 ), in accordance with claim 1 , CHARACTERIZED by the fact that at least one connecting channel (6) comprises a pilot flame channel.

13. Structural arrangement introduced into a gas burner (1 ), in accordance with claim 1 , CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises at least one surrounding connecting channel (6).

14. Structural arrangement introduced into a gas burner (1 ), in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 13, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the angle of the port outlets (4) is determined by the inclination of the multiple substantially vertical grooves (32) of the cover (3) and the surrounding wall (21 ) of the base (2).

15. Structural arrangement introduced into a gas burner (1 ), in accordance with claim 14, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the multiple substantially vertical grooves (21 ) of the cover (3) and the surrounding wall (21 ) of the base (2) are parallel to each other.

16. Structural arrangement introduced into a gas burner (1 ), in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 13, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the angle of the outlet of each of the connecting channel (6) is determined by the inclination of at least one projection (33) of the cover (3) and of at least one section of the surrounding wall (21 ) of the base (2).

17. Structural arrangement introduced into a gas burner (1 ), in accordance with claim 16, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that at least one projection (33) of the cover (3) and at least one section of the surrounding wall (21 ) of the base (2) are parallel to each other.