Grate fixing element for a hob

Abstract

The invention relates to a grate fixing element (30) for a hob, comprising an elongated body (32), a pin (34) provided on the elongated body (32), and a cavity (37) in the opposite direction to the pin (34). The fixing element further comprising an opening (35) on a lip (31) portion surrounding the cavity (37) that allows sufficient ambient air passage to access the cavity (37) to accelerate curing.

Description

[0001] GRATE FIXING ELEMENT FOR A HOB

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a grate fixing element fixed to a hob top plate for securing the grate placed on the top plate.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] The structure of a gas or electric hob includes a top plate made of metal or glass and cooking zones provided on the plate. Cooking elements are placed sequentially in the cooking zones, and a grate is placed on the top plate to support cooking vessels from below. The grate is made of metal, either as a profile or a casting, and various measures are taken to prevent it from sliding on the top plate. Securing the grate to the top plate is achieved by attaching a foot to the grate that provides friction on the top plate, or by using a grate fixing element with pins that engage the grate on the top plate.

[0006] EP4457464 relates to a gas hob comprising a housing; a panel on an upper surface of the housing where one or more burner outlets for gas cooking are located; a support grate on the panel, which has a lower part where a cooking opening is provided at the burner outlet and one or more positioning holes are formed; one or more grate pins fixed adhesively to a free edge of the panel, securing the support grate by seating the positioning hole; and two or more pin feet having an adhesive area fixed to the panel, with an air opening on a lower surface of the grate pin to allow air inlet into a cavity area.

[0007] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a fixing pin for a hob with high structural strength and which allows for rapid curing within its cavity.

[0009] To achieve the said object, the invention is a grate fixing element for a hob, comprising an elongated body, a pin provided on the elongated body, and a cavity in the opposite direction to the pin. The grate fixing element includes an opening on a lip portion surrounding the cavity, allowing sufficient ambient air passage to accelerate curing. To place the fixing element on the top plate, the cavity is filled with an ambient air-curing adhesive agent, suchas silicone, and when the cavity is placed on the hob, rapid curing is achieved thanks to the air coming from the opening. The elongated body ensures that the loads created by the grate are transmitted to the top plate, creating less pressure. It provides sufficient structural strength, especially when using heavy grates made of materials like cast iron.

[0010] Preferably, the cavity extends along the elongated body, providing a thin wall. In this way, an adhesive area extending along a line is obtained, allowing the grate to be strongly yet removably fixed to the top plate.

[0011] Preferably, multiple openings are provided on both the nose and the lateral edges of the elongated body. In this case, the adhesive agent in the cavity receives air from all angles and cures homogeneously.

[0012] Preferably, the cavity is arranged to extend into the inner part of the pin. In this case, the adhesive agent can be filled in a sufficient amount to allow for effective adhesion to the inner part of the pin before assembly.

[0013] Preferably, the cavity includes a separator extending towards the lip in the inner part of the pin. The separator both divides the cavity, helping the adhesive agent to be applied homogeneously, and increases the structural strength within the pin.

[0014] Preferably, a tab extends from the inner wall of the cavity towards the lip level. The tab can be arranged to extend transversely or longitudinally. The tab both increases the structural strength in the area emptied by the cavity and reduces the pressure on the lips of the fixing element from weight or additional loads by bearing against the top plate via the cured adhesive agent. Preferably, the tab is arranged to extend along the extension axis of the elongated body. In this way, a structure resistant to lateral loads is obtained. Preferably, the tab includes a front extension and a rear extension adjacent to two opposite sides of the part of the cavity extending within the pin. Thus, deformation of the fixing element by loads coming from a grate seat, where the part of the cavity extending inside the pin would engage, is prevented.

[0015] Preferably, the opening is arranged to substantially cover the nose of the elongated body. In this case, during the adhesion of the fixing element to the hob top plate, air is supplied to the adhesive agent from the ends, ensuring homogeneous curing.Preferably, the fixing element is made of plastic material. In this way, the fixing element can be produced inexpensively and, for example, as a single piece by injection molding. Furthermore, since its thermal conductivity coefficient is lower than that of the grate made of metal, it does not transfer heat to the hob top plate upon contact with the grate.

[0016] Preferably, the lip is arranged to taper towards the top plate. Thus, an angled structure is provided against the possibility of the adhesive agent getting between the top plate and the pin. Also, thanks to this design, the contact surface between the adhesive agent and the top plate is increased. This increases the strength of the adhesive agent after curing.

[0017] Preferably, the fixing element is monolithic. In this way, the fixing element is produced quickly and inexpensively. It also has high structural strength against loads from the grate.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective exploded view of a representative embodiment of a hob to which the grate fixing element of the invention is applied.

[0020] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of a representative embodiment of the grate fixing element of the invention.

[0021] Figure 3 is a front view of a representative embodiment of a hob including the grate fixing element of the invention.

[0022] Figure 4 is a close-up view of the grate portion of the hob shown in Figure 3.

[0023] Figure 5a is a cross-sectional view of the region where the pin of the grate fixing element of the hob shown in Figure 3 is located.

[0024] Figure 5b is a cross-sectional view of the elongated body of the grate fixing element of the hob shown in Figure 3.

[0025] Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the grate fixing element of the invention. Figure 7a is a cross-sectional view of the pin part of the fixing element alone.

[0026] Figure 7b is a bottom perspective view of the fixing element with its cavity visible.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] In this detailed description, the development subject to the invention is explained with reference to examples, without any limitation, only to better illustrate the subject.

[0029] Figure 1 shows a perspective exploded view of a built-in hob including a glass-ceramic top plate (20) and side-by-side metal grates (10) placed on an upper part (22) thereof. Fourcooking elements (50) in the form of gas burners are placed on the top plate (20). A grate (10) surrounds the cooking elements (50) in groups of two. Each grate (10) includes a rectangular frame (14) adjacent to the edges (24) of the top plate (20) and a finger (12) extending from each side of the frame (14) to a corresponding cooking element (50). Fixing elements (30), each having an elongated body (32) extending parallel along the edge (24), are located adjacent to the top edge and two adjacent side edges of the top plate (20). The fixing elements (30) are fixed to the upper part (22) of the top plate (20) with a silicone adhesive agent. A pin (34) in the form of a perpendicular projection is provided on the elongated body (32) of the fixing element (30), near the ends. The pins (34) are structured as an extension of the elongated body (32).

[0030] In Figure 2, the fixing element (30) is shown in a rear perspective view. A cavity (37) extending longitudinally in the form of a pool is opened on the rear part of the elongated body (32), opposite to the upper part where the pins (34) are located. The cavity (37) is surrounded longitudinally by a lip (31) structure that tapers towards the end. On the lip (31), there are openings (35) in the form of a gap on both the long edges and the radial nose (36) parts, allowing air access to the cavity (37). A tab (38) of integrated structure extends over the cavity (37) on an extension axis passing through the middle of the elongated body (32) longitudinally. In the fixing element (30), a front extension (382) of the tab (38) is located between the cavity (37) depth behind the pins (34) extending near the two opposite ends and the nose (36), and a one-piece rear extension (384) is located between them. A separator (39) extends in the deep stepped part of the cavity (37) that passes into the pin (32). The separator (39) divides the deep part in two.

[0031] In Figure 3, the hob is shown from the front. The grate (10) is raised on feet (16) provided at the corner parts of the frame (14). A groove (15) through which the pin of the fixing element (30) passes is located on the lower edge of the frame (14). Each fixing element (30) has a pin (34) on its elongated body (32) adjacent to the edge (33), extending upwards and partially engaging into the corresponding groove (15) from its top. The height of the frame (14), raised by the foot (16), from the upper part (22) of the top plate (20) is adjusted to allow the pin (34) to pass into the groove (15). Since the elongated body (32) extends under the frame (14), each fixing element (30) supports the corresponding frame (14) extension from two points with its pins (34). Since the fixing element (30) is adhered to the top plate (20) from the upper part (22) with an adhesive agent, the grate (10) is secured against rotation on the upper part (22) by the fixing element (30).In Figure 4, the grate (10) is shown in a close-up view with the top plate (20) at the part where the frame (14) joins the finger (12). The finger (12) is aligned with the center of the elongated body (32) of the fixing element (30). Thus, the pins (34) grip the grate (10) on the top plate (20) in a balanced way from the opposite side edges and from the top. On the other hand, at the front and rear ends of the elongated body (32) of each fixing element (30), a narrow opening (35) under a radiused structure is opened to deliver ambient air into the cavity (37).

[0032] In Figure 5a, a cross-sectional view of the top plate (20) is given, showing the pin (34) inside the groove (15) of the grate (10). The front arm of the frame (14), which is raised relative to the upper part (22) of the top plate (20) by the foot (16), has a rectangular-like cross-sectional structure, and a groove (15) in the form of an inverted U-shaped channel is opened on its lower edge. At the level of the pin (34), the elongated body (32) of the fixing element (30) has an inverted Y-like cross-sectional form. The cavity (37) is obtained by completely hollowing out the inside of the Y-shaped elongated body (32), extending up to the upper part of the pin (34). At the lower edge of the elongated body (32), which forms the mouth of the cavity (37), parallel and spaced lips (31) are seated on the upper part (22) of the top plate (20) from their lower ends. In the part of the lips (31 ) corresponding to the opening (35), a corridor is formed that allows air passage from the upper part to the cavity (37). Figure 5b shows a cross-section of the elongated body (32) in a part where the pin (34) and the opening (35) are not present. Here, the cavity (37) has an inverted U-like, shallow structure forming an inner part.

[0033] Figure 6 shows the fixing element (30) in a full longitudinal cross-section. A separator (39), which is an extension from the cavity (37) towards the lip (31) part, extends in the middle of the pin (34). The tip of the separator (39) extends to the upper edge of the opening (35). Thus, the separator (39) does not block the opening (35). On the other hand, the tab (38) extends from the cavity (37) from its lower end towards the lip (31) level without blocking the opening (35).

[0034] Figure 7a shows a cross-section of the fixing element (30) taken from the pin (34) part. The pin (34) has a truncated conical form that tapers upwards. The part of the cavity (37) remaining inside the pin (34) also rises, tapering. Thanks to the tab (38), the pin (34) does not deflect. Figure 7b shows the fixing element (30) from below before assembly. Here, the silicone adhesive agent (not shown) is pressed into the fixing element (30) to completely fill the cavity (37). Thanks to the chambered structure of the cavity (37), divided by both the tab (38) and the separator (39), there is no accumulation of the adhesive agent. The silicone isdistributed homogeneously in the cavity (37). The silicone fills from the part inside the pin (34) up to the level of the entire lip (31), and in this state, the lips (31) are seated on the upper part (22) of the top plate (20). The lips (31) form the mouth of the cavity (37). Curing is accelerated by contact with ambient air. This is thanks to the openings (35) that form an air corridor to the cavity (37) on the lip (31) structure at the edges (33) of the elongated body (32) both at the front and rear ends and on the sides. The lip (31) has a pointed form that narrows towards the mouth, and to achieve this, the part of the cavity (37) adjacent to the lip (31) is narrowed to obtain a triangular cross-sectional form. The lip (31) is chosen to be angled against the possibility of silicone getting between the glass top panel (20) and the pin (34). Also, thanks to this design, the contact surface between the silicone adhesive agent and the glass top panel (20) is increased. This increases the strength of the silicone.

[0035] REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0036] 10 Grate

[0037] 12 Finger

[0038] 14 Frame

[0039] 15 Groove

[0040] 16 Foot

[0041] 20 Top plate

[0042] 22 Upper part

[0043] 24 Edge

[0044] 30 Fixing element

[0045] 31 Lip

[0046] 32 Elongated body

[0047] 33 Edge

[0048] 34 Pin

[0049] 35 Opening

[0050] 36 Nose

[0051] 37 Cavity

[0052] 38 Tab

[0053] 382 Front extension

[0054] 384 Rear extension

[0055] 39 Separator

[0056] 40 Control knob

[0057] 50 Cooking element

Claims

CLAIMS1. A grate fixing element (30) for a hob, comprising an elongated body (32), a pin (34) provided on the elongated body (32), and a cavity (37) in the opposite direction to the pin (34), characterized in that an opening (35) on a lip (31) portion surrounding the cavity (37) that allows sufficient ambient air passage to access the cavity (37) to accelerate curing.

2. A fixing element (30) according to claim 1, wherein the cavity (37) extends along the elongated body (32), providing a thin wall.

3. A fixing element (30) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of openings (35) is provided on both the nose (36) and the lateral edge of the elongated body (32).

4. A fixing element (30) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity (37) is arranged to extend into the inner part of the pin (34).

5. A fixing element (30) according to claim 4, wherein a separator (39) in the cavity (37) is extending towards the lip (31) in the inner part of the pin (34).

6. A fixing element (30) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a tab (38) is extending from the inner wall of the cavity (37) towards the lip (31) level.

7. A fixing element (30) according to claim 6, wherein the tab (38) is arranged to extend along the extension axis of the elongated body (32).

8. A fixing element (30) according to claim 7, wherein the tab (38) comprises a front extension (382) and a rear extension (384) extending adjacent to two opposite sides of the part of the cavity (37) extending within the pin (34).

9. A fixing element (30) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the opening (35) is arranged to substantially cover the nose (36) of the elongated body (32).

10. A fixing element (30) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing element (30) is made of plastic material.

11. A fixing element (30) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lip (31) is arranged to taper towards the top plate (20).

12. A fixing element (30) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing element (30) is monolithic.

13. A hob having a grate (10) comprising a fixing element (30) according to any of the preceding claims.

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