A pan support and a gas stove

Abstract

A pan support (7) for a gas stove (1) comprising: support fingers (6) implemented to be arranged on a top plate (3) of the gas stove (1), thereby enclosing an inner area (11), wherein each support finger (6) comprises an axial distancing portion (14) and a radial support portion (15), wherein at least one of the support fingers (6) includes at least one inlet opening (18) for exhaust gas from a gas burner (13), an internal conduit (17) and an outlet opening (10), the at least one inlet opening (18) being directed towards the inner area (11).

Description

[0001] A pan support and a gas stove

[0002] The present invention relates to a pan support and a gas stove.

[0003] Known gas stoves comprise a top sheet and a gas burner arranged at a through hole in the top sheet. A pan support, enclosing the burner, may be arranged on a top side of the top sheet for supporting cooking utensils while cooking. The pan support may be designed as a removeable part, for example, for facilitating cleaning of the top sheet and / or the pan support itself.

[0004] The gas burner may comprise a gas valve for providing combustible gas provided from below the top sheet. Before being burned, the combustible gas may be mixed with air to generate an inflammable gas-air mixture. Therefore, air is used from underneath the top sheet. The gas burner further comprises a burner lid with gas outlets circumferentially arranged at the burner lid, wherein the previously generated gas-air mixture is burned when exiting the gas outlets.

[0005] Additionally, to generating heat for cooking, the gas-air mixture may generate exhaust fumes when being burned. To prevent high concentrations of exhaust fumes, which may harm, for example, an operator of the gas stove, ventilation may be necessary.

[0006] EP3450852 discloses a gas hob with a gas burner for a household cooking appliance, with a hob plate, which has a passage opening and a gas burner opening embodied as a passage hole. The gas burner is arranged at the gas burner opening of the hob plate, and a pan support is arranged on the hob plate and has a channel fluidically connected to the passage opening. The channel and the passage opening are configured to provide primary air for the gas burner, characterized in that the channel has an air inlet opening that has a spacing from the hob plate.

[0007] It is one object of the present invention to provide an improved pan support.

[0008] Accordingly, a pan support for a gas stove is provided. The pan support comprises support fingers implemented to be arranged on a top plate of the gas stove, thereby enclosing an inner area. Each support finger comprises an axial distancing portion and a radial support portion, wherein at least one of the support fingers includes at least one inlet opening for exhaust gas from a gas burner, an internal conduit and an outlet opening, the inlet opening being directed towards the inner area.

[0009] In contrast to known pan supports, air may be taken in through the inlet opening, while the gas stove is operated to generate an inflammable gas-air mixture. Since the air inlet is directed towards the inner area, the drawn-in air may comprise exhaust fumes, which are then re-combusted. Therefore, especially nitrogen oxide pollution is reduced.

[0010] The support finger may be made of cast iron.

[0011] In particular, at least two support fingers are arranged on the top plate of the gas stove.

[0012] The inner area may be an area circumferentially enclosed by the support fingers.

[0013] The axial distancing portion and the radial support portion may each be formed as a section of a (e.g., single piece) tube or pipe. The axial distancing portion and the radial support portion may be connected, e.g., by a connecting portion. The connecting portion may have a semi-circular or quarter-circular shape and / or may be formed as an angle piece. Thus, the radial support portion may be arranged perpendicular to the axial distancing portion. The radial support portion may reach into the inner area when seen in a top view.

[0014] “Perpendicular” and “parallel” thereby may include deviations of up to 5 degrees and / or up to 10 degrees.

[0015] The radial support portion may be arranged at one end of the axial distancing portion. In particular, the radial support portion may comprise a support surface. The support surface may be configured to support cooking utensils, such as pans and / or pots. For example, the support surface may be arranged in parallel with the top plate, thus facing upward. In another example, the support surface may be arranged oblique to a surface of the top plate, enclosing an angle. The inlet opening may be formed as a hole or a recess on one side of the at least one support finger, as, for example, a cavity. For example, multiple inlet openings are arranged on at least one support finger. The multiple inlet openings may be arranged on the axial distancing portion and / or the radial support portion. The inlet opening is, in particular, arranged to take in the exhaust gas.

[0016] “Exhaust gas” refers to the reaction products generated during the combustion of fuel, in particular, natural gas (referred to as “gas”). When the gas is ignited, it reacts with oxygen to produce heat, carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor (H2O), and further combustion products, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx).

[0017] The gas burner may comprise a gas supply, a gas valve, and / or a mixing chamber for mixing the inflammable gas-air mixture. The gas supply, the gas valve, and / or the mixing chamber may be arranged underneath the top plate.

[0018] The internal conduit may be arranged within the support finger. For example, the internal conduit is arranged inside the axial distancing portion and the radial support portion. The inlet opening may connect the internal conduit fluidly to an environment surrounding the support finger.

[0019] The outlet opening may be arranged on one end of the support finger. The inlet opening and the outlet opening may be connected by the internal conduit.

[0020] The inlet opening may be arranged to draw in air and / or exhaust gas from the inner area. The drawn-in air and / or exhaust gas may be transferred from the inlet opening to the outlet opening via the internal conduit.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the pan support further comprises a frame element delimiting the inner area of the pan support, wherein the support fingers protrude from the frame element.

[0022] The frame element may provide a base for the support fingers, therefore increasing the stability of the arrangement. For example, the frame element may have a circular shape, a square shape, or the shape of a polygon. For example, the support fingers protrude from the frame element. The support fingers may be arranged at an even distance from each other. The support fingers and the frame element are formed in one piece, in particular.

[0023] The frame element may be arranged on the top plate, circumferentially enclosing the inner area.

[0024] The frame element may be made from cast iron.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, the internal conduit is arranged to enable a flow of exhaust gas from an upper side of the frame element to a lower side of the frame element through the at least one support finger.

[0026] The arrangement of the internal conduit within the at least one support finger may improve the flow of exhaust gas from the inlet opening, arranged on the upper side of the frame element, to the outlet opening, arranged on the lower side of the frame element.

[0027] According to a further embodiment, the inlet opening is arranged at the radial support portion and faces downwards.

[0028] Since the radial support portion is reaching into the inner area, arranging the inlet openings at the radial support portion facing downwards places the inlet openings adjacent to the burner, increasing the collection of exhaust gases while the burner is operated.

[0029] The inlet openings may be arranged opposite to the previously mentioned support surface at the radial support portion. In particular, the inlet openings may face downward in parallel to the axial distancing portion of the support finger.

[0030] According to a further embodiment, the frame element is configured for contacting the top side of the top plate. In particular, the frame element may contact the top plate with the lower side of the frame element.

[0031] According to a further embodiment, a coupling section is provided which is configured for extending from the at least one support finger through the contact surface.

[0032] The coupling section may protrude from the lower side of the frame element as an extension of the axial distancing portion of the support finger. The coupling section may extend through the top plate.

[0033] According to a further embodiment, the internal conduit is extending inside the coupling section.

[0034] This may avoid pressure drops when transferring the flow of exhaust gas from the upper side of the frame element to the lower side of the frame element.

[0035] According to a further embodiment, the coupling section is configured to be accommodated by a passage opening of the top plate.

[0036] The passage openings may serve in combination with the coupling section as a positioning means for the support finger. Thereby, the position of the support finger is fixed on the top plate.

[0037] The passage opening may be a through hole, fluidically connecting an upper side of the top plate to a lower side of the top plate. The passage opening may have a circular crosssection or a squared cross-section.

[0038] For example, the passage opening may comprise a protruding section. One end of the support finger may be adjacent to the protruding section.

[0039] According to a further embodiment, the support fingers each have a tubular shape.

[0040] Advantageously, the support fingers may be manufactured by bending a pipe, leading to a facilitated manufacturing process using standardized parts. According to a further aspect, there is provided a gas stove. The gas stove comprises a pan support according to a first aspect; a top plate; and a bottom sheet arranged on a bottom side of the top plate, wherein the bottom sheet spans or encloses a hollow space in which a flow of exhaust gas from the pan support is fed.

[0041] The hollow space may be arranged to collect the flow of exhaust gas from the at least one support finger.

[0042] The bottom sheet may be formed by sheet metal, having a thickness ranging from 0.5mm to 6mm, for example.

[0043] The bottom sheet may be attached to the bottom side of the top plate.

[0044] According to a further embodiment, the bottom sheet seals the hollow space from an environment of the bottom side of the top plate, at least partially.

[0045] Sealing - partially or completely - the hollow space from an environment of the bottom side of the top plate may enhance the flow of exhaust gas through the support fingers.

[0046] According to a further embodiment, at least one venturi nozzle with a central opening is arranged in the hollow space, wherein a middle axis of the central opening is arranged parallel to the top plate.

[0047] The venturi nozzle may have a greater extension along the middle axis of the central opening compared to its diameter. Advantageously, by arranging the venturi nozzle lengthwise parallel to the top plate, the bottom sheet may be designed more flat.

[0048] In particular, a second venturi nozzle may be arranged within the hollow space.

[0049] In particular, the venturi nozzle is an element having a tubular shape with an annular cross section. The venturi nozzle is, in particular, implemented to use the venturi effect. The central opening is, in particular, a through hole. The venturi nozzle may comprise an inlet section, a converging section, a throat, and a diverging section, wherein the central opening extends through the inlet section, the converging section, the throat and the diverging section.

[0050] The central opening of the throat has, in particular, a narrow diameter, compared to the central opening of the inlet section. The converging section may be arranged between the inlet section and the throat, wherein the central opening of the converging opening has a tapered diameter.

[0051] The central opening of the diverging section has an expanding diameter, wherein the diameter of the central opening of the diverging section expands from the diameter of the throat to the diameter of the inlet section. The diverging section comprises, in particular, an outlet section.

[0052] The venturi nozzle may be implemented for mixing at least two gasses.

[0053] According to a further embodiment, a burner is arranged so as to protrude through an opening in the top plate within an inner area of the pan support.

[0054] When a cooking utensil is placed on the pan support, the burner may, when operated, distribute the heat generated by combusting the gas-air mixture in a more optimal way to the cooking utensil.

[0055] The burner may have a circular shape.

[0056] The burner may be arranged in a center of the inner area.

[0057] According to a further embodiment, the burner is arranged to generate exhaust gas by burning a gas-air mixture flowing out of gas outlet openings of the burner.

[0058] The gas outlet openings may be arranged circumferentially on an outer surface of the burner, therefore distributing evenly the heat generated by burning the gas-air mixture. According to a further embodiment, the inlet openings of the pan support are arranged facing the gas outlet openings.

[0059] Advantageously, the air inlet openings are arranged adjacent to the gas outlet openings to collect a maximum amount of exhaust gas.

[0060] The embodiments and features described with reference to the first aspect or according to an embodiment thereof apply mutatis mutandis to the method of the further aspect.

[0061] Further possible implementations or alternative solutions of the invention also encompass combinations - that are not explicitly mentioned herein - of features described above or below with regard to the embodiments. The person skilled in the art may also add individual or isolated aspects and features to the most basic form of the invention.

[0062] Further embodiments, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent description and dependent claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0063] Fig. 1 shows schematically a perspective view of a gas stove and a cooking hob;

[0064] Fig. 2 shows schematically a gas flow through a support finger;

[0065] Fig. 3 shows schematically a top view, a cross-sectional view, and a bottom view of a pan support;

[0066] Fig. 4 shows schematically a cooking hob and a pan support; and

[0067] Fig. 5 shows schematically a cross-sectional view of the cooking hob and the pan support from Fig. 4.

[0068] In the Figures, like reference numerals designate like or functionally equivalent elements, unless otherwise indicated. Fig. 1 and 2 show a gas stove and pan support according to a first embodiment.

[0069] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a gas stove 1 comprising a cooking hob 2. The cooking hob 2 further comprises a top plate 3 arranged at the top of the cooking hob 2. On a front side of the cooking hob 2, a control panel 4 with a control knob 5 is installed. The control knob 5 is configured to control a function of the gas stove 1, which is explained later.

[0070] On the top plate 3, a plurality of support fingers 6 are arranged, forming a pan support 7. The number of the support fingers 6 in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 is six, but may differ in other embodiments. In particular, the number of support fingers 6 may be one, two, three, four, five, seven, or more in other embodiments.

[0071] The support fingers 6 may be made from cast iron. In another embodiment, the support fingers 6 may be made from heat-resistant plastic material, which may be 3D printed or manufactured by injection molding. In Fig. 1, the support fingers 6 are shown as having a tubular shape with an annular cross-section. In another embodiment, the support fingers 6 may have a squared shape or the shape of a polygon.

[0072] The support fingers 6 are arranged on the top plate 3. The support fingers 6 comprise a coupling section 8 (see Fig. 2), wherein the coupling section 8 is, respectively, accommodated by an opening 9 in the top plate 3. The opening 9 (e.g., a through hole) may comprise an inner shoulder on which one end of the support finger 6 rests, the one end comprising an outlet opening 10. The openings 9 are, in particular, through holes. From the openings 9, the support fingers 6 protrude upwards and / or downwards. The support fingers 6 are, in particular, removably arranged on the top plate 3.

[0073] The support fingers 6 enclose an inner area 11 on the top plate 3. The inner area 11 is the area surrounded by the support fingers 6. The top plate 3 comprises an opening 12, wherein the opening 12 is placed within the inner area 11 and thus surrounded by the support fingers 6. The opening 12 may be provided to accommodate a burner 13 (see Fig.

[0074] 2).

[0075] The support fingers 6 each comprise an axial distancing portion 14 and a radial support portion 15. The axial distancing portion 14 protrudes in a height direction H from the top plate 3. The radial support portion 15 is formed perpendicular to the axial distancing portion 14, wherein the radial support portion 15 of every respective support finger 6 reaches in the inner area 11, more specifically, the radial support portion 15 delimits the inner area 11 in the height direction H.

[0076] Fig. 2 shows schematically a flow of gas through one of the support fingers 6, wherein the support finger 6 is shown in a cross-sectional view. The flow of gas may be, for example, a flow of exhaust gas 16, generated by the burner 13, or a flow of air, or a mixture of exhaust gas and air.

[0077] The support finger 6 comprises an internal conduit 17, extending over the coupling section 8, the axial distancing portion 14, and the radial support portion 15. The radial support portion 15 comprises inlet openings 18. The inlet openings 18 face towards the top plate 3. In another embodiment, the support fingers 6 comprise a maximum of one inlet opening 18, which may be arranged on the radial support portion 15 or the axial distancing portion 14. In again another embodiment, the support fingers 6 comprise inlet openings 18 on the axial distancing portion 14 and the radial support portion 15. In any embodiment, the inlet openings 18 are directed towards the inner area 11. Depending on the shape of the support fingers 6, the inlet openings 18 may be directed perpendicularly towards the top plate 3 (when located, for example, on the radial support portion) or may include an angle other than 90 degrees with the top plate 3. When arranged on the axial distancing portion 14, the inlet openings 18 may be arranged in parallel to the top plate 3.

[0078] In Fig. 2, the internal conduit 17 connects the inlet openings 18 with the previously mentioned outlet opening 10. Thus, a flow of gas, for example, the previously mentioned flow of exhaust gas 16, may flow from an upper side 19 of the top plate 3 to a lower side 20 of the top plate 3.

[0079] On the lower side 20 of the top plate 3, a bottom sheet 21 is arranged. The bottom sheet 21 spans or encloses a hollow space 22 underneath the top plate 3, in particular, in an area underneath the inner area 11. The bottom sheet 21 may separate fl uidical ly the hollow space 22 from an environment 23 at the lower side 20, for example, by using gaskets, which are not shown in Fig. 2. In embodiments, the bottom sheet 21 may separate the hollow space 22 at least in parts fluidly from the environment 23. Arranged within the hollow space 22 is a nozzle 24. The nozzle 24 may be, for example, a venturi nozzle. The nozzle 24 may be connected to a gas supply (not shown in Fig. 2). A valve 25 may be installed at the gas supply or a gas inflow from the gas supply to regulate the flow of gas provided by the gas supply to the nozzle 24. The valve 25 may be operated by the control knob 5 (see Fig. 1), wherein the control knob 5 may be turned from a neutral position (no gas flow) to adjust the flow of gas and, therefore, the heat generated by the burner 13.

[0080] The gas supply, in particular, provides the gas with a pressure to the nozzle 24, wherein the provided pressure is higher than a pressure within the hollow space 22. By conducting the gas from the gas supply through the nozzle 24, the flow of exhaust gas 16 may be transferred through the support finger 6, in particular, the inlet openings 18, the internal conduit 17, and the outlet opening 9, into the hollow space 22. From the hollow space 22, the flow of exhaust gas 16 is drawn in by an inlet channel 26 of the nozzle 24. The flow of exhaust gas 16 is mixed with the gas in a mixing chamber 27 within the burner 13, creating an inflammable gas-air mixture 28. The gas-air mixture 28 is transferred to outlet openings 29 of the burner 13, where the gas-air mixture 28 is combusted, creating heat and exhaust gas. The inlet openings 18 and the outlet openings 29 may be arranged facing each other. Therefore, the flow of exhaust gas 16 may again be drawn-in by the inlet openings 18.

[0081] The heat generated by the burner 13 may be used for a cooking utensil, for example, a pan or a pot (not shown in Fig. 2). Therefore, the radial support portion 15 provides a support plane 30. The pan or the pot may be placed on the support plane 30 while cooking. The support plane 30 is, in particular, directed towards the previously mentioned height direction H. Further, the support plane 30 may be located on an opposite side of the radial support portion 15 than the inlet openings 18.

[0082] Fig. 1 and 2 show a gas stove and pan support according to a second embodiment.

[0083] Fig. 3 shows a) a top view, b) a cross-sectional view, and c) a bottom view of an embodiment of the pan support 7. The pan support 7 according to the second embodiment comprises - as opposed to the first embodiment - a frame 31. From the frame 31, the support fingers 6 protrude in the height direction H. The coupling sections 8 protrude in a direction opposite of the direction H, respectively, from every support finger 6.

[0084] For example, if the pan support 7, shown in Fig. 3, is placed on the cooking hob 2 (see Fig. 4), the frame 31 may limit the movement of the support fingers 6 in (or contradictory to) the height direction H. Therefore, the frame 31 borders the top plate 3 with a bottom side 32 (see c) in Fig. 3) of the frame 31.

[0085] In Fig. 3, the frame 31 has a circular ring-like shape. In other embodiments, the frame 31 may have a square or a polygon shape. The frame 31 is, in particular, made from cast iron. The frame 31 and the support fingers 6 may be manufactured in a single piece. In other embodiments, the frame 31 and the support fingers 6 may be made from a heat-resistant plastic material, which may be 3D printed or manufactured by injection molding. In again another embodiment, the support fingers 6 and the frame 31 may be connected via a freeze-locked connection, in particular, screwed.

[0086] Fig. 4 shows the pan support 7 placed on a cooking hob 2. The pan support 7 is placed on the top plate 3 of the cooking hob 2. Therefore, the frame 31 and the top plate 3 may have a contact surface 33, wherein the bottom side 32 of the frame 31 lies against the top plate 3. The frame 31 of the pan support 7 is delimiting the inner area 11. The support fingers 6 protruding from the frame 31 reach into the inner area 11. Within the inner area 11, the burner 13 is placed.

[0087] Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the cooking hob 2 and the pan support 7. The frame 31 is placed on the top plate 3 of the cooking hob 2. The coupling section 8 protrudes in an opposite direction to the height direction H in the opening 9 of the top plate 3. Thus, the pan support 7 may be positioned on the top plate 3 via the coupling sections 8 and the openings 9.

[0088] When a gas flow from the previously mentioned gas supply is provided by turning the control knob 5, gas flows with a pressure greater than the pressure of air in the environment 20 through a venturi nozzle 34. The venturi nozzle 34 is shown in a cross-sectional view in Fig. 5, and comprises a central opening 35, which is a though hole extending over a length of the venturi nozzle 34. The central opening 35 provides a change in diameter, wherein the diameter narrows and widens again.

[0089] The venturi nozzle 34 is arranged with a middle axis 36 of the central opening 35 parallel to the top plate 3. The central opening 35 is implemented so that the flow of gas is conduit through the central opening 35. Due to the change of diameter and the pressure of the gas flow, air is sucked in through the internal conduit 17 of the support fingers 6, through an opening (not show in Fig. 5) in a section 37 with a narrow diameter and mixed with the gas flow to generate the combustible gas-air flow.

[0090] Although the present invention has been described in accordance with preferred embodiments, it is obvious to the person skilled in the art that modifications are possible in all embodiments. Reference Numerals:

[0091] 1 gas stove

[0092] 2 cooking hob

[0093] 3 top plate

[0094] 4 control panel

[0095] 5 control knob

[0096] 6 support finger

[0097] 7 pan support

[0098] 8 coupling section

[0099] 9 opening

[0100] 10 outlet opening

[0101] 11 inner area

[0102] 12 opening

[0103] 13 burner

[0104] 14 axial distancing portion 15 radial support portion 16 flow of exhaust gas 17 internal conduit

[0105] 18 inlet opening

[0106] 19 upper side

[0107] 20 lower side

[0108] 21 bottom sheet

[0109] 22 hollow space

[0110] 23 environment

[0111] 24 nozzle

[0112] 25 valve

[0113] 26 inlet channel

[0114] 27 mixing chamber

[0115] 28 gas-air mixture

[0116] 29 outlet opening

[0117] 30 support plane

[0118] 31 frame element

[0119] 32 bottom side 33 contact surface 34 venturi nozzle 35 central opening 36 middle axis 37 section

[0120] H height direction

Claims

CLAIMS1. A pan support (7) for a gas stove (1) comprising:support fingers (6) implemented to be arranged on a top plate (3) of the gas stove (1), thereby enclosing an inner area (11), wherein each support finger (6) comprises an axial distancing portion (14) and a radial support portion (15),wherein at least one of the support fingers (6) includes at least one inlet opening (18) for exhaust gas from a gas burner (13), an internal conduit (17) and an outlet opening (10), the at least one inlet opening (18) being directed towards the inner area (11).

2. The pan support (7) according to claim 1 , further comprising a frame element (31) delimiting the inner area (11) of the pan support (7), wherein the support fingers (6) protrude from the frame element (31).

3. The pan support (7) according to claim 2, wherein the internal conduit (17) is arranged to enable a flow of exhaust gas (16) from an upper side (19) of the frame element (31) to a lower side (20) of the frame element (31) through the at least one support finger (6).

4. The pan support (7) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inlet opening (18) is arranged at the radial support portion (15) and faces downwards.

5. The pan support (7) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the frame element (31) is configured for contacting a top side (33) of the top plate (3).

6. The pan support (7) according to claim 5, further comprising a coupling section (8) configured to extend from the at least one support finger (6) through the contact surface (33).

7. The pan support (7) according to claim 6, wherein the internal conduit (17) is extending in the coupling section (8).

8. The pan support (7) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the coupling section (8) is configured to be accommodated by a passage opening (9) of the top plate (3).

9. The pan support (7) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the support fingers (6) each have a tubular shape.

10. A gas stove (1) comprising:a pan support (7) according to one of the claims 1 to 9;a top plate (3); anda bottom sheet (21) arranged on a bottom side (20) of the top plate (3), wherein the bottom sheet (21) spans or encloses a hollow space (22) in which a flow of exhaust gas (16) from the pan support (7) is fed.

11. The gas stove (1) according to claim 10, wherein the bottom sheet (21) seals the hollow space (22) from an environment (23) on the bottom side (20) of the top plate (3), at least in partially.

12. The gas stove (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein at least one venturi nozzle (34) with a central opening (35) is arranged in the hollow space (22), wherein a middle axis (36) of the central opening (35) is arranged parallel to the top plate (3).

13. The gas stove (1) according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein a burner (13) is arranged so as to protrude through an opening (12) in the top plate (3) within an inner area (11) of the pan support (7).

14. The gas stove (1) according to claim 13, wherein the burner (13) is arranged to generate exhaust gas by burning a gas-air-mixture (28) flowing out of gas outlet openings (29) of the burner (13).

15. The gas stove (1) according to claim 14, wherein the inlet openings (18) of the pan support (7) are arranged facing the gas outlet openings (29).

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