A COOKTOP WITH EXTRACTOR HOOD

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooktop, i.e. a device comprising one or more heat sources for cooking food in special vessels, as defined in the preamble of claim 1.

Background art

[0002] Cooktops are widely used in food preparation, in both home and catering environments. Particularly in homes, cooktops may be sold and/or installed as part of standard equipment in kitchen furniture.

[0003] In particular, gas cooktops will be considered herein, i.e. cooktops in which food cooking heat is generated by combustion of flammable gas, particularly but without limitation methane.

[0004] Gas cooktops are known in the art.

[0005] A cooktop of this type comprises a main body having a substantially flat outer surface. In operation, the main body may be embedded in a in a kitchen cabinet, such that the outer surface will be the only part that is visible to a user.

[0006] The prior art cooktop comprises one or more seats formed in the main body. Each seat houses a burner, which projects out of the seat from the aforementioned outer surface. Typically, such cooktops comprise multiple burners, usually four, five or six burners.

[0007] Certain prior art cooktops integrate a hood for extracting the cooking fumes generated during food preparation. Here, the extraction hood fits in the main body and has a suction opening at the outer surface. In order to facilitate extraction of cooking fumes, the opening is usually formed in a central area of the cooktop, to minimize its distance from each of the burners.

[0008] The cooktop also comprises at least one grate, which normally rests on the outer surface. In particular, the grate lies over one or more burners, and has the purpose to support at least one food cooking vessel.

Prior art drawbacks

[0009] The cooktop as described above has the drawback of not being able to fully utilize the extraction hood, unlike electric cooktops. This is because the air stream generated by the hood interferes with the flame produced by the burner and an excessively strong stream would prevent full gas combustion, thereby affecting the overall thermal efficiency of the cooktop. Cooktops of the prior art are known from US 4 750 470 A and DE 10 2013 204084 A1, the latter disclosing the preamble of appended claim 1.

Object of the Invention

[0010] Therefore, the technical purpose of the present invention defined in appended claim 1 is to provide a cooktop that can obviate the aforementioned prior art drawbacks.

[0011] In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a cooktop that can ensure optimal thermal efficiency of combustion, while affording effective fume extraction.

[0012] The aforementioned technical purpose and objects are substantially fulfilled by a cooktop that comprises the technical features as disclosed in one or more of the accompanying claims.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] In particular, one embodiment, of a cooktop of the present invention comprises a main body. This main body has a substantially flat outer surface. The main body also has at least one seat.

[0014] The cooktop further comprises at least one burner. This burner is configured to produce a flame by combustion of a flammable gas. The burner fits in the seat and juts out of the outer surface. The burner has a center axis substantially perpendicular to the outer surface.

[0015] The cooktop further comprises a cooking fume extraction hood. This hood fits in the main body, and has a suction opening at the outer surface.

[0016] At least one grate is designed to rest on the outer surface at the burner, to thereby support at least one food cooking vessel. The grate defines at least one cooking zone whose center axis substantially coincides with the center axis of the burner when the grate is placed over the burner.

[0017] The grate comprises a wall that is configured to stand substantially perpendicular to the outer surface, between the burner and the opening of the extraction hood. The distance of the wall from the center axis of its respective cooking zone ranges from 90 to 150 mm, and is preferably 118 mm. The height of the wall ranges from 25 to 55 mm, and is preferably 38 mm.

[0018] The cooktop of the invention solves the aforementioned technical problem. In particular, the position of the wall causes air to be unable to directly flow from the burner at the opening of the hood and, as a result, gas combustion is also stabilized by operating the hood at full capacity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0019] Further features and advantages of the present invention will result more clearly from the illustrative, non-limiting description of a preferred, non-exclusive embodiment of a cooktop as shown in the annexed drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cooktop of the present invention;
• Figure 2 is an front sectional view of the cooktop of Figure 1; and
• Figure 3 is a top view of the cooktop of Figures 1 and 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Referring to the annexed figures, numeral 1 generally designates a cooktop of the present invention.

[0021] The cooktop 1 comprises a main body 2, particularly designed to be embedded in a cabinet (not shown) having predetermined length "l" and width "L".

[0022] Preferably, the length "l" of the cooktop 1 is greater than its width "L", to form a rectangle.

[0023] The main body 2 has a substantially flat outer surface 2a which, when the cooktop 1 is installed in a cabinet or a kitchen countertop (not shown), is the only visible part of the main body 2.

[0024] Depending on the embodiments of the invention, the outer surface 2a may be made of stainless steel, glass, wood or other suitable materials.

[0025] The main body 2 also has at least one seat 3 for a burner 4 to fit therein.

[0026] This burner 4 is configured to produce a flame by combustion of a flammable gas, particularly but without limitation methane for residential use. The burner 4 projects out of its respective seat 3 from the outer surface 2a of the main body 2.

[0027] Preferably, the cooktop 1 comprises a plurality of burners 4, usually four to six burners.

[0028] Each burner 4 fits in a respective seat 3. Therefore, there are as many seats 3 as there are burners 4. Each burner 4 preferably has a circular plan shape, and has a center axis "A" that is substantially perpendicular to the outer surface 2a.

[0029] The cooktop 1 comprises a cooking fume extraction hood 5.

[0030] The hood 5 fits in the main body and has a suction opening 5a at the outer surface 2a of the main body 2.

[0031] The hood 5 is known per se and will not be further described hereafter.

[0032] Particularly referring to Figure 1, it shall be noted that the cooktop 1 comprises two pairs of burners 4, particularly symmetrically arranged with respect to the opening 5a of the hood 5.

[0033] In other words, the opening 5a of the hood 5 is barycentric with respect to the two pairs of burners 4.

[0034] It should be particularly noted that the opening 5a of the hood 5 is placed substantially at the geometric center of the cooktop 1.

[0035] At least one grate 6 is designed to rest on the outer surface 2a at least at one of the burners 4. This grate 6 has the purpose to support at least one food cooking vessel (not shown), e.g. a pot.

[0036] The grate 6 defines at least one cooking zone 7 whose center axis "A" substantially coincides with the center axis of its respective burner 4 when the grate 6 is placed on the burner 4.

[0037] It shall be noted that a single grate 6 may define multiple cooking zones 7, e.g.as shown in Figure 1 in which a single grate 6 defines two cooking zones 7.

[0038] Each cooking zone 7 defines a support surface, on which the vessel is placed during cooking.

[0039] The support surface has a height from the outer surface 2a of the main body 2, such height being defined in operation by the distance between a bottom of the vessel and the outer surface 2a.

[0040] More in detail, the grate 6 is preferably made of metal or cast iron. From the structural point of view, the grate 6 may comprise two or more crosspieces 6a in crosswise arrangement. Alternatively, the grate 6 may be formed with any shape among those already known to the skilled person.

[0041] It shall be noted that a single grate 6 may be defined by multiple physically separate elements which compose the grate 6 when they are placed together over the burners 4. Alternatively, the grate 6 may be formed of one piece.

[0042] In the embodiment as described and shown, the cooktop 1 comprises two grates 6, each associated with a respective pair of burners 4. In certain alternative embodiments, not shown, any number of grates 6 may be provided.

[0043] As claimed in the present invention, and in addition to the other elements, the grate 6 comprises a wall 8 particularly situated outside the cooking zones 7. This wall 8 has the purpose to modulate the air stream at the burners 4.

[0044] Particularly referring to Figure 2, it shall be noted that the wall 8 is placed substantially perpendicular to the outer surface 2a of the main body 2, between at least one burner 4 and the opening 5a of the hood 5.

[0045] The distance of the wall 8 from the center axis "A" of its respective cooking zone 7 ranges from 90 to 150 mm, and is preferably 118 mm.

[0046] The wall 8 has a height ranging from 25 to 55 mm, particularly of 38 mm. More preferably, the wall 8 is substantially flat.

[0047] It shall be noted that the wall 8 is continuous, i.e. it has no holes or apertures.

[0048] In one aspect the wall extends throughout the width L of the cooktop 1.

[0049] Advantageously, this will hinder the air stream between the burners 4 and the opening 5a of the hood 5.

[0050] In the embodiment as described and shown, it will be also appreciated that the wall 8 is made of one piece with the other components of the grate 6 as described above.

[0051] Advantageously, this will allow the user to easily place the wall 8 in its proper position relative to the burners 4 and the opening 5a of the hood 5.

[0052] It shall be noted that, according to to the invention, the height of the wall 8 is smaller than the height of the support surface. In particular, the difference between the height of the support surface and the height of the wall 8 ranges from 3 to 7 mm, and is preferably 5 mm. Advantageously, this will form a gap between the vessel and the wall whose width is equal to this difference such that the flame will not be snuffed out close to the burner 4.

[0053] According to the invention, the wall 8 is configured to be placed at a distance from the center of the opening 5a of the hood 5 that ranges from 180 to 210 mm, and is preferably 192 mm. This distance may be changed, in particular according to the extraction power of the hood 5 and the arrangement of the burners 4.

[0054] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in the above described embodiment of the invention each grate 6 comprises a single wall 8. This wall 8 is associated with two cooking zones 7.

[0055] Those skilled in the art will obviously appreciate that a number of changes and variants as described above may be made to fulfill particular requirements, without departure from the scope of the invention, as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A cooktop (1) comprising:

- a main body (2) having a substantially flat outer surface (2a) and at least one seat (3);

- at least one burner (4), which is configured to produce a flame by combustion of a flammable gas, said burner (4) fitting in said seat (3) and protruding out of said outer surface (2a), said burner (4) whose center axis is substantially perpendicular to said outer surface (2a);

- a hood (5) for extracting cooking fumes, located within said main body (2) and having a suction opening (5a) level with said outer surface (2a);

- at least one grate (6), designed to lie on said outer surface (2a), at said burner (4) to support at least one food cooking container, said grate (6) defining at least one cooking zone (7) whose center axis (A) substantially coincides with said center axis of said burner (4), when said grate (6) is placed on said burner (4); said grate (6) comprises a wall (8) configured to be oriented substantially perpendicular to said outer surface (2a) between said burner (4) and said opening (5a) of said hood (5),

- said cooking zone (7) defines a support surface for supporting food cooking vessel at an height from the outer surface (2a), said wall (8) having a height that is smaller than the height of said support surface,

said wall (8) is continuous and has no holes or apertures, to obstruct the airflow between said burner (4) and said opening (5a) of said hood (5),

characterized in that

said wall (8) is configured to be situated at a distance from the center of said opening (5a) of said hood (5), ranging from 180 to 210 mm, and in that

said wall (8) has a height that ranges from 25 to 55 mm, and is particularly 38 mm.

2. A cooktop (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a difference between a height of said support surface and said height of said wall (8) ranges from 3 to 7 mm, and is preferably 5 mm.

3. A cooktop (1) as claimed claim 1, wherein said wall (8) is flat.

4. A cooktop (1) as claimed claim 1, wherein said wall (8) is formed of one piece with said grate (6).

5. A cooktop (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said grate (6) comprises a single wall (8) associated with two or more cooking zones (7).

Ansprüche

1. Kochfeld (1), umfassend:

- einen Hauptkörper (2) mit einer im Wesentlichen flachen Außenfläche (2a) und mindestens einem Sitz (3);

- mindestens einen Brenner (4), der dazu konfiguriert ist, eine Flamme durch Verbrennung eines brennbaren Gases zu erzeugen, wobei der Brenner (4) in den Sitz (3) passt und aus der Außenfläche (2a) herausragt, wobei der Brenner (4) eine Mittelachse aufweist, die im Wesentlichen senkrecht zu der Außenfläche (2a) verläuft;

- eine Haube (5) zum Absaugen von Kochdämpfen, die innerhalb des Hauptkörpers (2) angeordnet ist und eine Absaugöffnung (5a) auf Höhe der Außenfläche (2a) aufweist;

- mindestens einen Rost (6), der dazu ausgelegt ist, auf der Außenfläche (2a) an dem Brenner (4) aufzuliegen, um mindestens einen Lebensmittel-Kochbehälter zu tragen, wobei der Rost (6) mindestens eine Kochzone (7) definiert, deren Mittelachse (A) im Wesentlichen mit der Mittelachse des Brenners (4) zusammenfällt, wenn der Rost (6) auf dem Brenner (4) platziert ist; wobei der Rost (6) eine Wand (8) umfasst, die dazu konfiguriert ist, im Wesentlichen senkrecht zu der Außenfläche (2a) zwischen dem Brenner (4) und der Absaugöffnung (5a) der Haube (5) ausgerichtet zu sein,

- wobei die Kochzone (7) eine Auflagefläche zum Tragen eines Lebensmittel-Kochgefäßes in einer Höhe von der Außenfläche (2a) definiert, wobei die Wand (8) eine Höhe aufweist, die kleiner ist als die Höhe der Auflagefläche, wobei die Wand (8) durchgehend ist und keine Löcher oder Öffnungen aufweist, um den Luftstrom zwischen dem Brenner (4) und der Öffnung (5a) der Haube (5) zu behindern, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Wand (8) dazu konfiguriert ist, in einem Abstand von der Mitte der Öffnung (5a) der Haube (5) im Bereich von 180 bis 210 mm angeordnet zu sein, und dadurch, dass die Wand (8) eine Höhe aufweist, die im Bereich von 25 bis 55 mm liegt und insbesondere 38 mm beträgt.

2. Kochfeld (1) nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine Differenz zwischen einer Höhe der Auflagefläche und der Höhe der Wand (8) im Bereich von 3 bis 7 mm liegt und vorzugsweise 5 mm beträgt.

3. Kochfeld (1) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Wand (8) flach ist.

4. Kochfeld (1) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Wand (8) einstückig mit dem Rost (6) ausgebildet ist.

5. Kochfeld (1) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Rost (6) eine einzige Wand (8) umfasst, die zwei oder mehr Kochzonen (7) zugeordnet ist.

Revendications

1. Table de cuisson (1) comprenant:

- un corps principal (2) présentant une surface externe sensiblement plane (2a) et au moins un logement (3);

- au moins un brûleur (4), qui est configuré de façon à produire une flamme par combustion d'un gaz inflammable, ledit brûleur (4) s'insérant dans ledit logement (3) et faisant saillie hors de ladite surface externe (2a), ledit brûleur (4) ayant un axe central qui est sensiblement perpendiculaire à ladite surface externe (2a);

- une hotte (5) d'extraction de fumées de cuisson, située à l'intérieur dudit corps principal (2) et présentant une ouverture d'aspiration (5a) au niveau de ladite surface externe (2a);

- au moins une grille (6), conçue pour reposer sur ladite surface externe (2a), au niveau dudit brûleur (4) pour supporter au moins un récipient de cuisson d'aliments, ladite grille (6) définissant au moins une zone de cuisson (7) dont l'axe central (A) coïncide sensiblement avec ledit axe central dudit brûleur (4), lorsque ladite grille (6) est placée sur ledit brûleur (4) ; ladite grille (6) comprend une paroi (8) configurée pour être orientée de manière sensiblement perpendiculaire à ladite surface externe (2a) entre ledit brûleur (4) et ladite ouverture (5a) de ladite hotte (5),

- ladite zone de cuisson (7) définit une surface de support pour supporter un récipient de cuisson d'aliments à une hauteur par rapport à la surface externe (2a), ladite paroi (8) ayant une hauteur qui est inférieure à la hauteur de ladite surface de support, ladite paroi (8) est continue et ne comporte ni trous ni ouvertures, pour faire obstacle au flux d'air entre ledit brûleur (4) et ladite ouverture (5a) de ladite hotte (5), caractérisée en ce que ladite paroi (8) est configurée pour être située à une distance du centre de ladite ouverture (5a) de ladite hotte (5) allant de 180 à 210 mm, et en ce que ladite paroi (8) présente une hauteur allant de 25 à 55 mm, et étant en particulier de 38 mm.

2. Table de cuisson (1) selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce qu'une différence entre une hauteur de ladite surface de support et ladite hauteur de ladite paroi (8) va de 3 à 7 mm, et est de préférence de 5 mm.

3. Table de cuisson (1) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle ladite paroi (8) est plane.

4. Table de cuisson (1) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle ladite paroi (8) est formée d'un seul tenant avec ladite grille (6).

5. Table de cuisson (1) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle ladite grille (6) comprend une seule paroi (8) associée à deux zones de cuisson (7) ou plus.

Drawing