COMPONENT OF A GAS BURNER

Abstract

A component of a gas burner or an item to be placed over and/or in proximity of a gas burner, includes a core of fused silica glass and at least one coating comprising an electric conductive material.

Claims

1. Component of a gas burner or an item to be placed over and/or in proximity of a gas burner, wherein said component and/or item comprises a core of fused silica glass and at least one coating comprising an electric conductive material.

2. The component or item according to claim 1, wherein said fused silica glass is quartz.

3. The component or item according to claim 1, wherein the core of fused silica glass is obtained by a fused silica glass powder mixed with a binder.

4. The component or item according to claim 1, wherein the core of fused silica glass is obtained by 3D-printing process, by injection or casting molding process, and a subsequent sintering to glass.

5. The component or item according to claim 1, wherein the coating has a sheet resistance lower than 10{circumflex over ()}8 Ohm with a thickness of 1 m.

6. The component or item according to claim 1, wherein the coating has a sheet resistance lower than 10{circumflex over ()}6 Ohm with a thickness of 1 m.

7. The component or item according to claim 1, wherein the coating has a specific resistivity lower than 100 Ohm.Math.m.

8. The component or item according to claim 1, wherein the coating has a thermal coefficient of expansion lower than 21*10{circumflex over ()}6/K.

9. The component or item according to claim 1, wherein the coating has a thermal coefficient of expansion lower than 9*10{circumflex over ()}6/K.

10. The component or item according to claim 1, wherein the electric conductive material of said at least one coating comprises: a glass coating, and/or transparent conductive oxides (TCO).

11. The component or item according to claim 10, wherein said glass coating is of borosilicate type.

12. The component or item according to claim 1, further comprising a first coating configured to increase the breaking strength and/or to have a controlled breakage and a second coating configured to provide a suitable electrical conductivity so as to generate/propagate a spark to ignite a gas flame.

13. The component or item according to claim 1, further comprising a colored additive.

14. The component or item according to claim 1, further comprising a thermochromic material configured to change optical properties of the component or item according to its temperature.

15. The component according to claim 1, wherein said component is shaped as a cover of a gas burner wherein said cover is a component on top of said gas burner.

16. The component according to claim 1, wherein said component is shaped as a base and/or as an injector holder of a gas burner, wherein: the base is the component of the gas burner that is positioned on the injector(s) holder, and said base is closed on its top by a cover that is positioned above said base.

17. Method for manufacturing the component of a gas burner and/or the item, to be placed over and/or in proximity of a gas burner, according to claim 1, the method comprising: mixing starting materials, wherein said starting materials comprise fused silica glass powder and a binder, thus obtaining a mixture, shaping the mixture so as to define a shaped part that substantially corresponds to a final shape of the component or item to be manufactured, sintering the shaped part, thus obtaining a core of said component or item, applying a coating on the shaped part thus obtaining said component or item.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising a drying phase before sintering.

19. Gas burner, configured to be mounted on a hob, comprising at least one component according to claim 1.

20. The gas burner according to claim 19, wherein the gas burner is configured to be mounted on a built-in hob.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0139] The present invention is hereinafter further clarified in some of its preferred embodiments shown for purely exemplifying and non-limiting purposes with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0140] FIG. 1A shows an exploded perspective view of a burner according to the invention in a first embodiment,

[0141] FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of the assembled burner of FIG. 1A,

[0142] FIG. 2A shows an exploded perspective view of a burner according to the invention in a second embodiment,

[0143] FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of the assembled burner of FIG. 2A,

[0144] FIG. 3A shows an exploded perspective view of a burner according to the invention in a third embodiment,

[0145] FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of the assembled burner of FIG. 3A,

[0146] FIG. 4A shows an exploded perspective view of a burner according to the invention in a fourth embodiment,

[0147] FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of the assembled burner of FIG. 4A,

[0148] FIG. 5A shows an exploded perspective view of a burner according to the invention in a fifth embodiment,

[0149] FIG. 5B shows a perspective view of the assembled burner of FIG. 5A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0150] The present invention relates to a componentthat is indicated with the reference number 10of a gas burner 2 and/or an item to be placed over and/or in proximity of a gas burner 2, wherein said component and/or item comprises a core of fused silica glass with a coating comprising an electric conductive material.

[0151] Preferably, said fused silica glass is quartz.

[0152] For example, the core of fused silica glass may be obtained according to the teachings, compositions and recipes disclosed in one or more of the following documents U.S. Pat. No. 10,954,155, WO2022/053632, WO2022/200627 and/or WO2022/200629, wherein the contents of each document are incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth.

[0153] Advantageously, the fused silica glass has a better thermal shock resistance than transparent ceramics.

[0154] Preferably, the component 10 and/or item comprises a mixture of fused silica glass powder with a binder.

[0155] Preferably, the starting material for obtaining the core of fused silica glass may be liquid (for 3D printing) or solid (for injection molding).

[0156] Preferably, the coating has a sheet resistance lower than 10{circumflex over ()}8 Ohm with a thickness of 1 m, preferably lower than 10{circumflex over ()}6 Ohm with a thickness of 1 m.

[0157] Preferably, the coating has a thermal coefficient of expansion lower than about 21*10{circumflex over ()}6/K, more preferably lower than 9*10{circumflex over ()}6/K.

[0158] Preferably, the coating is a glass-ceramic composition made according to WO2022/212464, the content of which is intended to be here incorporated by reference.

[0159] For example, the glass coating is a glass composition supplied by Corning. More in detail, the glass coating may comprise a glass composition known by the trade name Gorilla Glass Victus 2

[0160] For example, the glass coating is a glass composition supplied by the Japanese company Asahi Glass Corporation (AGC). More in detail, the glass coating may comprise a glass composition known by the trade name Dragontrail.

[0161] Preferably, the component 10 according to the invention is a component of a gas burner 2 to be mounted on a hob, preferably on a built-in hob. Conveniently, the burner 2 is suitable for heating pans or, in general, cooking utensils (such as, for example, plates, grills, grill pans, saucepans, etc.).

[0162] Conveniently, the gas burner 2 may have a single group of flames or multiple (i.e., two, three or more) groups of flames. Conveniently, the gas burner 2 may have also a simmering flame.

[0163] Conveniently, the gas burner 2 may be configured to intake the primary air from above the cooking hob and/or from below the cooking hob.

[0164] Conveniently, the gas burner 2 may be provided with a spark igniter 18 and/or a thermocouple 20 or may be without them.

[0165] As can be seen from the figures, the component 10 according to the invention of the gas burner 2 may be a cover 8 (also called lid or cap) and/or a base 4 and/or an injector(s) holder 6 of said gas burner 2, wherein the cover 8 is the component on the top of the gas burner 2 and is positioned above the base 4 that, in turn, is positioned on the injector(s) holder 6 that is the component on which at least one injector is mounted.

[0166] Conveniently, the components 10 according to the invention are defined by the covers 8 of the gas burner 2.

[0167] Preferably, said cover 8 may be configured to define with the base 4 at least one chamber 40 for mixing and/or distributing the air-gas mixture.

[0168] Preferably, the cover 8 may be (according to a plan view) disk-shaped (see for example the embodiments of FIGS. 1A, 1B and 5A, 5B), ring-shaped (see for example the embodiments of FIG. 2A, 2B), plate-shaped, or with an elongated shape (see for example the embodiments of FIG. 4A, 4B), with a ring-elongated shape (see for example the embodiments of FIG. 3A, 3B). Preferably, the cover 8 may be flat or concave. Conveniently, the cover 8 has two dimensions (length and width) that are quite larger than the third dimension (thickness).

[0169] Preferably, the base 4and in particular at least one distribution chamber 40 defined in the base 4may be (according to a plan view) disk-shaped, ring-shaped, with an elongated shape or with a ring-elongated shape.

[0170] Preferably, the base 4 may be provided with one or more ducts 44 for transferring the air-gas mixture to a corresponding distribution chamber 40 that may be defined in the same base or that is closed on the top by the cover 8. Conveniently, the base 4 may comprise one or more pieces.

[0171] Preferably, the base 4 may act as a flame spreader. In particular, the base 4 may be provided with openings 42 for the exiting of the flames.

[0172] Conveniently, in other possible embodiments, the division of the flames is performed by the cover, and not by the base 4, and in this case corresponding opening may be defined on the cover. Conveniently, in other possible embodiments, the division of the flames is performed by the cooperation of the cover 8 with the base 4.

[0173] Preferably, the gas burner 2 may comprise at least one linear Venturi channel. Conveniently, said at least one linear Venturi channel may be aligned substantially horizontally or vertically. Conveniently, said at least one linear Venturi channel may be defined inside the base 4 or inside the injector(s) holder 6 or by positioning the base 4 on the injector(s) holder 6.

[0174] Preferably, the gas burner 2 may comprise at least one radial Venturi. Conveniently, said at least one radial Venturi channel may comprise at least one duct exiting on a chamber so as to cause a radial Venturi effect. Conveniently, said at least one duct and chamber may be both defined inside the base 4. Conveniently, said at least one duct may be defined in the base 4 while the chamber is defined by positioning the cover 8 on the base 4.

[0175] Conveniently, the gas burner 2 (see for example embodiment of FIGS. 2A, 2B) may comprise an annular cavity 50 for separating an inner central distribution chamber 40 and an external annular distribution chamber 40.

[0176] Conveniently, the gas burner 2 (see for example embodiment of FIGS. 3A, 3B) may comprise an inner cavity 50 surrounded by an annular distribution chamber 40 that may be divided in two symmetrical branches.

[0177] Preferably, the gas burner 2 consists exclusively of the base 4, the injector(s) holder 6 and the cover 8.

[0178] Preferably, the injector(s) holder 6 is provided with means 60 for its fastening to the hob. Conveniently, on the injector(s) holder 6 is mounted at least one injector, that can be vertically or horizontally aligned and that is fluidically connected with one or more gas supply inlets 61.

[0179] Preferably, the injector(s) holder 6 may comprise at least one concave piece defining at least one well or cup wherein at least one injector is installed. Conveniently, the injector(s) holder 6 may be (according to a plan view) disk-shaped or with an elongated shape. Conveniently, within the injector(s) holder 6 may be defined (or housed) one or more cavities and one or more ducts or Venturi ducts.

[0180] The operation of the gas burner 2 according to the invention is traditional. In particular, the gas, which arrives in the injector(s) holder 6 from a gas supply inlet 61, exits from each injector and is mixed with the primary air drawn from above and/or below the cooking hob. The flow of gasprimary air mixture reaches then a distribution chamber for feeding a corresponding flame of group of flames.

[0181] The gas burner 2 may be for example of small size and with a single ring of flame (see FIGS. 1A and 1B), may be of the type having high burning power and with two concentrical groups of flames (see FIGS. 2A and 2B), may be of elongated type with an inner and an external group of flames (see FIGS. 3A and 3B), may be of elongated type with a single external group of flames (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) and may be with two groups of flames that are superimposed on each other (see FIGS. 5A and 5B).

[0182] Conveniently, the item according to the invention to be placed over and/or in proximity of the gas burner may be a support for a pan or a cooking vessel. Preferably, said item may be grid shaped and/or may comprise at least one supporting arm.

[0183] In the following, some examples are provided of the starting mixture and of the composition in a component 10according to the inventionof the gas burner 2 and/or in the itemaccording to the inventionto be placed over and/or in proximity of the gas burner.

[0184] Conveniently, the materials in the component 10 and/or item according to the invention, may be suitably identified by one of the following techniques: X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning/Reflection Electron Microscopy (REM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Raman Spectroscopy, Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF).

Example 1

[0185] In a first example, the core of the component 10 of the gas burner 2 and/or the item to be placed over and/or in proximity of a gas burner 2 is obtained by mixing about 40-60% by weight of fused silica glass powder and about 40-60% by weight of a binder. The fused silica is of the particle size of about 5-500 nm.

[0186] On the core so obtained it is then a applied a glass coating comprising a glass composition known by the trade name Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

Example 2

[0187] In a second example, the core of the component 10 of the gas burner 2 and/or the item to be placed over and/or in proximity of a gas burner 2 is obtained by mixing about 70-80% by weight of fused silica glass powder and about 20-30% by weight of a binder defined by poly(venyl butyral).

[0188] On the core so obtained it is then a applied a glass coating comprising a glass composition known by the trade name Dragontrail supplied by the Japanese company Asahi Glass Corporation (AGC).

Example 3

[0189] In a second example, the core of the component 10 of the gas burner 2 and/or the item to be placed over and/or in proximity of a gas burner 2 is obtained by mixing about 50-70% by weight of fused silica glass powder and about 20-30% by weight of a binder defined by EVA copolymer (poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate)) or polypropylene.

[0190] On the core so obtained it is then a applied a glass coating comprising a transparent conductive oxides (TCO) and, in particular, Indium oxide (In.sub.2O.sub.3:Sn, In.sub.2O.sub.3:Mo, In.sub.2O.sub.3:Ti, In.sub.2O.sub.3:H).

Example 4

[0191] In a fourth example, the core of the component 10 of the gas burner 2 and/or the item to be placed over and/or in proximity of a gas burner 2 is obtained by mixing about 50-70% by weight of fused silica glass powder and about 20-30% by weight of a binder defined by an acrylic resin.

[0192] On the core so obtained it is then a applied a glass coating comprising a glass composition known by the trade name Gorilla Glass Victus 2

[0193] Preferably, said glass coating further comprises about 0.1-5% by weight of colored additive.

[0194] Preferably, said colored additive comprises inorganic pigments. For example, said colored additive comprises inorganic pigments supplied by Alfarben. For example, said inorganic pigments can comprise one of the following: [0195] Chrome antimony titanium buff rutile [0196] Nickel Antimony Titanium Yellow Rutile [0197] Bismuth Vanadate, [0198] Zinc Ferrite [0199] Cobalt Aluminate Blue Spinel, [0200] Cobalt Chromite Blue-Green Spinel, [0201] Black Iron Manganese Oxide [0202] Chrome Oxide Green [0203] Red Iron Oxide [0204] Chromium iron oxide [0205] Manganese antimony titanium buff rutile [0206] Copper chromite black spinel

[0207] Preferably, said colored additive may be a thermochromic material.

Example 5

[0208] In a fifth example, the core of the component 10 of the gas burner 2 and/or the item to be placed over and/or in proximity of a gas burner 2 is obtained by mixing about 50-70% by weight of fused silica glass powder and about 20-30% by weight of a binder defined by EVA copolymer (poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate)) or polypropylene. On the core so obtained it is then a applied a first glass coating to stabilize the component mechanically, for example it is a glass composition known by the trade name Gorilla Glass Victus 2. In a further step another (second) coating is applied comprising a transparent conductive oxides (TCO) and, in particular, Indium oxide (In.sub.2O.sub.3:Sn, In.sub.2O.sub.3:Mo, In.sub.2O.sub.3:Ti, In.sub.2O.sub.3:H). This coating might be applied using thermal evaporation process.

Example 6

[0209] In a sixth example, the core of the component 10 of the gas burner 2 and/or the item to be placed over and/or in proximity of a gas burner 2 is obtained by mixing about 50-70% by weight of fused silica glass powder and about 20-30% by weight of a binder defined by EVA copolymer (poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate)) or polypropylene.

[0210] On the core so obtained it is then a applied a first glass coating to stabilize the component mechanically, for example it is a glass composition known by the trade name Gorilla Glass Victus 2. In a further step another (second) coating is applied comprising a transparent conductive oxides (TCO) and, in particular, Indium oxide (In.sub.2O.sub.3:Sn, In.sub.2O.sub.3:Mo, In.sub.2O.sub.3:Ti, In.sub.2O.sub.3:H). This coating may be applied using thermal evaporation process. In a further additional step, a thermochromic color is printed on a part of the component which is intended to stay colder than 260 C.

[0211] Advantageously, a suitable electronic device with an optical sensor may be used to detect the color change of this part and to use such detection for control and/or monitoring.

[0212] From what has been said it is clear that the solution according to the invention is somewhat more advantageous than the traditional ones, and in particular: [0213] the design options are increased [0214] is highly resistant to thermal shocks, [0215] has a controlled breakage, [0216] has a very good electrical conductivity, [0217] is no hazardous to health [0218] is high-temperature resistant and has optimum thermal insulating properties, [0219] has very good mechanical strength, [0220] is mechanically and dimensionally stable over a wide range of temperature, [0221] is low in weight, thus also allowing a reduction of the transportation costs, [0222] is aesthetically pleasant, [0223] is easy to clean, [0224] has a long service life, [0225] is safer.

[0226] The present invention has been illustrated and described in some of its preferred embodiments, but it is understood that executive variants can be applied to them in practice, without however departing from the scope of protection of the present patent for industrial invention.

[0227] In the preceding discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of the values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of the parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of the alternatives, is itself preferred to the less preferred value and also to each value lying between the less preferred value and the intermediate value.

[0228] The features disclosed in the foregoing description or the following drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing a disclosed function, or a method or a process of attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may separately, or in any combination of such features be utilized for realizing the invention in diverse forms thereof.