BURNER

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0165172 filed in Korea on Nov. 24, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND
1. Field

The present disclosure relates to a burner, and more specifically, a dual burner with a simplified or novel flow channel structure for flow of gas.

2. Background

A burner emits a flame and generally receives gas from an external source and ignites the gas to generate a flame. The burner may be installed in a cooking appliance.

The burner may be used in a gas range or a cooktop of a combined cooking appliance that uses both gas and electricity, and may receive gas from an external source and combust the gas to generate a flame.

The burner may be composed of two flame generation portions, and each of the two flame generation portions generally generates a flame having a ring shape. The two flame generation portions or rings may generate an inner flame having a smaller ring shape than an outer flame having a larger ring shape surrounding the small ring shape, respectively.

In this structure, it may be common that separate gas flow paths are respectively formed for the two flame generation portions to deliver combusted gas between the two flame generation portions spaced apart from each other. In this general structure, a plurality of gas flow paths independent of each other may be provided in the burner.

Furthermore, since the burner is provided with multiple gas injection holes, a plurality of pipes connecting the external source and the gas injection holes of the burner to each other may be provided.

The burner of the above-described structure has a complicated structure to form a gas flow path, making the overall structure of the burner complicated. Therefore, due to the complicated structure, the gas may not flow smoothly, burner performance deteriorates, and a manufacturing cost increases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a burner according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded top perspective view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded bottom perspective view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a burner;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a body and a cover of a burner;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a top view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a body;

FIG. 12 is a top view of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cover;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a top view of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a cover and a head;

FIG. 17 is an exploded top perspective view of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a top view of FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a head;

FIG. 21 is a bottom view of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a top view of FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a view of FIG. 20 in a different direction;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of a portion 24 of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of a portion 25 of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a state in which an outer cap and an inner cap are installed on a head;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of a portion 28 of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing an inner cap;

FIG. 30 is a diagram for illustrating flow of gas in a burner according to one embodiment;

FIG. 31 is an enlarged top view of a flame propagation portion of a head;

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a state in which an outer cap and an inner cap are installed on the head in FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is an enlarged perspective view of a flame propagation portion in a head;

FIG. 34 is a diagram for illustrating flow of gas in the flame propagation portion of the head;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing a burner according to another embodiment;

FIG. 36 is a side view of FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a rear view of FIG. 35;

FIG. 38 is an exploded top perspective view of FIG. 35;

FIG. 39 is an exploded bottom perspective view of FIG. 35;

FIG. 40 is a side cross-sectional view of a burner;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view showing a body and a cover of a burner;

FIG. 42 is an exploded view of FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 is a top view of FIG. 41;

FIG. 44 is a bottom view of FIG. 41;

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a body;

FIG. 46 is a top view of FIG. 45;

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a cover;

FIG. 48 is a bottom view of FIG. 47;

FIG. 49 is a top view of FIG. 47;

FIG. 50 is a perspective view showing a cover and a head;

FIG. 51 is an exploded top perspective view of FIG. 50;

FIG. 52 is a bottom perspective view of FIG. 50;

FIG. 53 is a top view of FIG. 50;

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of a head;

FIG. 55 is a bottom view of FIG. 54;

FIG. 56 is a top view of FIG. 54;

FIG. 57 is a view of FIG. 54 in a different direction;

FIG. 58 is an enlarged view of a portion 58 of FIG. 57;

FIG. 59 is an enlarged view of a portion 59 of FIG. 57;

FIG. 60 is a perspective view showing a state in which an outer cap and an inner cap are installed on a head;

FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 60;

FIG. 62 is an enlarged view of a portion 62 of FIG. 61;

FIG. 63 is a perspective view showing an inner cap; and

FIG. 64 is a diagram for illustrating flow of gas in a burner according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A burner according to an embodiment may be used in a gas range or a cooktop of a combined cooking appliance that uses both gas and electricity, and may receive gas from an external source and combust the gas to generate a flame.

To solve the problems of the background art, it is desirable to manufacture a burner that has a single gas injection hole and a gas flow path connected to the hole and divided into to a plurality of flame burners spaced apart from each other.

A burner may generally be provided with a plurality of first and second flame burners. For example, a dual ring-shaped flame burner having inner and outer burners, where inner and outer burners may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a radial direction of the dual ring shaped flame burner.

In the burner of this structure, a structure is desirable to propagate the flame from one flame burner to another flame burner. For example, during initial ignition, a flame may be first ignited in one flame burner among the plurality of flame burners, and then may propagate therefrom to another flame burner to generate a flame.

Furthermore, when the fire is extinguished in any one flame burner of the plurality of flame burners due to disturbance such as wind, the flame of another non-extinguished flame burner may propagate to the extinguished flame burner, thereby generating a flame again in the extinguished flame burner.

Accordingly, a propagating structure that may propagate the flame between adjacent ones of the plurality of flame burners is needed. This flame propagating structure needs to have a structure that allows the flame to propagate smoothly between the flame burners. Furthermore, the propagating structure needs to have a structure that suppresses the likelihood of an incomplete combustion.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a burner according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a rear view of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is an exploded top perspective view of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is an exploded bottom perspective view of FIG. 1. As shown, the burner according to an embodiment may include a base 100, a cover 200, a head 300, an inner cap 420, and an outer cap 410. As may be appreciated, the base may be referred to as a body, the inner cap may be referred to as a first cap and the outer cap may be referred to as a second cap.

The base 100 may form a lower core or a lower section and may receive gas from an external source through a pipe. The base 100 may include a lower cylinder or cell 110. The cover 200 may include an upper cylinder or cell 220. The lower cylinder or 110 may be coupled to the upper cylinder 220 and may form a mixing tube or passage 101 in which gas and air are mixed together.

The base 100 may include a cover receiving groove 150 and an extension panel or flange 170. The cover receiving groove 150 may form a depression corresponding to the contour of the cover 200 in the upper surface of the base 100 so that the bottom of the cover 200 may be received into the top of the base 100.

A first hole into which a fastener (e.g., bolt or screw) is inserted may be formed in a bottom surface of the cover receiving groove 150. A second hole aligned with the first hole may be formed in the cover 200 so that the cover 200 may be coupled to the base 100 using the fastener. Thus, the cover 200 may be seated in the cover receiving groove 150 and may be accurately positioned on top of the base 100.

The extension panel 170 may surround the cover receiving groove 150 and extend in a circumferential direction of the base 100. The extension panel 170 may generally be provided in a disk form. As may be appreciated, other form are possible based on one of ordinary skill in the art other than disk form. Holes or openings into which the fasteners are inserted may be formed in the extension panel 170. Accordingly, the burner may be mounted on a gas range or a combined cooking appliance by coupling the extension panel 170 to the gas range or the cooktop of the combined cooking appliance using the fastener.

The head 300 may be disposed on a top of the cover 200. The head 300 may include an upper wall 340 protruding downwardly from the lower surface of the head 300. The cover 200 may include a lower wall 240 protruding upwardly from the upper surface of the cover 200. The upper wall 340 and the lower wall 240 may be coupled together and may form a gas channel 230 into which gas and air may flow from the cover 200 to the head 300. As can be appreciated, the lower wall 240 may be referred to as a first wall and the upper wall 340 may be referred to as a second wall.

The head 300 may include a first flame burner 310 (hereinafter an inner burner ring 310) and a second flame burner (hereinafter an outer burner ring 320). The gas flowing from the cover 200 into the head 300 may be discharged through the inner burner ring 310 and the outer burner ring 320. The inner burner ring 310 may be coupled to a first cap or an inner ring cap 420. The outer burner ring 320 may be coupled to a second cap or an outer burner cap 410.

A flame may be generated through the inner burner ring 310 and the outer burner ring 320. The inner cap 420 may cover a top of the inner burner ring 310 and may direct the flame outwardly in the radial direction of the head 300. The outer cap 410 may cover a top of the outer burner ring 320 and may direct the flame outwardly in the radial direction of the head 300.

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the burner. In drawings as described below, flow of the gas is indicated using a solid arrow. Furthermore, in FIG. 6, the flow of air flowing into the burner from the surroundings is indicated using a hidden line arrow. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the base 100 and the cover 200 of the burner. FIG. 8 is an exploded view of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a top view of FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a bottom view of FIG. 7. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the base 100. FIG. 12 is a top view of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the cover 200. FIG. 14 is a bottom view of FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a top view of FIG. 13.

The base 100 may include an injection portion or section 130 and a gas receiving or injection hole 131. The injection portion 130 may be formed on a side of the base 100. The gas injection hole 131 may be defined in the injection portion 130. The gas injection hole 131 may extend through the injection portion 130. The gas may flow through the injection hole 131 into the injection portion 130 and into a mixing tube or passage 101. The outlet of the gas injection hole 131 may have an orifice so that the gas flowing into the base 100 through the gas injection hole 131 may be injected at a very high speed and/or pressure from the outlet of the gas injection hole 131.

The gas injected from the outlet of the gas injection hole 131 may flow into the mixing tube 101 without being dispersed due to its very high flow speed and/or pressure. The gas injected from the outlet of the gas injection hole 131 may flow through an air inlet passage or channel 140 and simultaneously meet the air flowing into the air inlet channel 140. Thus, the gas injected from the outlet of the gas injection hole 131 and the air suctioned into the air inlet channel 140 may simultaneously flow into the mixing tube 101.

The base 100 may include the air inlet channel 140 that may be disposed between an outlet of the injection portion 130 and an inlet of the mixing tube 101. The air inlet channel 140 may form a space or chamber into which air is introduced and/or stored. The air in the air inlet channel 140 may flow into the mixing tube 101.

In one example, an air guide 301 may protrude downwardly from the head 300 and may cover the space defined in the air inlet channel 140. More specifically, the air guide 301 may be coupled around the air inlet channel 140 and may form a “U” shaped wall into which external air may be guided or suctioned into the air inlet channel 140.

The mixing tube 101, the injection portion 130, and the air inlet channel 140 may be arranged in a straight line. Due to this structure, the gas having flowed through the injection channel 130 may smoothly flow through the air inlet channel 140 and into the mixing tube 101.

As previously described, the gas and the air in the mixing tube 101 may mix together inside the mixing tube 101. Therefore, the gas and the oxygen in the air may mix together in the mixing tube 101 and may enable combustion of the mixture when it is ignited by an igniter, e.g., a spark electrode or spark igniter, provided in a first igniter receiving hole 160.

The mixing tube 101 may be embodied as, for example, a Venturi tube. The Venturi tube may be formed so that the inlet and the outlet of the mixing tube 101 may have relatively large cross-sectional areas, whereas a central area of the mixing tube 101 may have a relatively narrow cross-sectional area.

The gas flowing through the mixing tube 101 may flow faster through the relatively narrow cross-sectional area of the central area of the mixing tube 101 such that the pressure may be lowered in the central area of the mixing tube 101. Thus, the relatively higher-pressure air in the air inlet channel 140 may smoothly flow into the mixing tube 101 due to the pressure difference between the central area of the mixing tube 101 and the air inlet channel 140.

The base 100 may include a guide tube 120. The guide tube 120 may form two channels that extend in opposing circumferential directions along the base 100. The mixture of air and gas in the mixing tube 101 may flow into the guide tube 120. A top of the guide tube 120 may be coupled with a bottom of the cover 200 to form a gas flow path inside the guide tube 120. Therefore, as shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 12, the gas discharged from the mixing tube 101 and may be divided into two portions corresponding to the two portions of the first guide tube 120. Thus, the gas may flow in both opposing directions and in the circumferential direction of the body 100 along the two portions of the first guide tube 120 and may flow through a through-hole 210 of the cover 200 at the two portions of the first guide tube 120. Therefore, in a neck area as a narrow cross-sectional area of the central area of the mixing tube 101, the gas flow speed is the fastest in the mixing tube 101, such that the pressure may be lowered in the central area.

The guide tube 120 may include an inclined guide surface 121. The inclined guide surface 121 may be formed on each of the two channels of the guide tube 120 to change the flow direction of the gas so that the gas may gradually rise. Thus, the gas discharged from the mixing tube 101 may flow into the guide tube 120 and may gradually rise up the inclined guide surface 121 into the cover 200 through a through hole 210.

Gas may not flow smoothly when a flow direction of the gas in the guide tube 120 is suddenly changed from a circumferential direction of the base 100 to an upward direction. Therefore, in accordance with an embodiment, the gas flowing through the guide tube 120 may be guided along the inclined guide surfaces 121 so as to gradually rise along the two channels of the guide tube 120 and allow for smooth gas flow.

The inclined guide surface 121 may be formed as a flat surface. However, in another embodiment, the inclined guide surface 121 may be formed in a stepwise manner with a plurality of steps. In such an alternative embodiment, the gas may still gradually rise along the plurality of steps.

The inclined guide surface 121 may have a constant width in a longitudinal direction. In another embodiment, the inclined guide surface 121 may become narrower as the inclined guide surface 121 extends in an upward direction. In an alternative embodiment, the inclined guide surface 121 may become wider as the inclined guide surface 121 extends in an upward direction.

As previously described, the gas may flow up the inclined guide surface 121 into the cover 200. The cover 200 may include the through-hole 210 that may be disposed at least partially above the guide tube 120 and the incline guide surface 121. More specifically, the through-hole 210 may be connected to align with the guide tube 120 and may form a gas flow path between the body base 100 and the cover 200. Thus, the air and gas mixture inside the mixing tube 101 may flow into the guide tube 120 and gradually rise along the inclined guide surface 121 and may flow through the through-hole 210 into the cover 200.

The through-hole 210 may include a pair of through-holes 210 spaced apart from each other in the outer area of the cover 200. The pair of through-holes 210 may extend in the circumferential direction of the cover 200. A width of the through-hole 210 may be equal to or larger than a width of the inclined guide surface 121.

A portion of the gas flowing through the guide tube 120 may flow through the through-hole 210 and may rise upward and flow into the outer burner ring 320. A remaining portion of the gas flowing through the guide tube 120 may flow through the through-hole 210 and into the gas channel 230 and may rise upward and flow into the inner burner ring 310 of the head 300.

Thus, a portion of the gas flowing through the pair of through-holes 210 may flow smoothly into the outer area of the head 300 and a remaining portion of the gas may flow through the gas channel 230 and into the central area of the head 300.

As previously described, the gas channel 230 may be formed by combining the lower channel wall 240 with the upper channel wall 340. The lower channel wall 240 may include a lower outer wall 241, a lower central wall 242, and a lower connecting wall 243. As may be appreciated, they may be referred to as first outer wall 241, first central wall 242 and first connecting wall 243.

The lower outer wall 241 may be disposed in the outer area of the cover 200 and may protrude away from the cover 200 so as to surround the through-hole 210. The lower outer wall 241 may include a pair of lower outer walls 241 arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The lower outer wall 241 may define a flow channel between the pair of through-holes 210 and the second inner burner ring 320.

The lower central wall 242 may be formed in the central area of the cover 200 and may protrude away from the cover 200 so as to form the central space of the gas channel 230. The lower central wall 242 may define a flow channel connected to the inner burner ring 310.

The lower connecting wall 243 may be formed between the outer area of the cover 200 and the central area of the cover 200. The lower connecting wall 243 may protrude away from the cover 200 so as to form a channel between the through-hole 210 and the gas channel 230. Since the lower outer wall 241 includes a pair of first outer walls, the lower connecting wall 243 may include a pair of first connecting walls respectively connected to the pair of lower outer walls 241.

Therefore, a portion of the gas flowing into the space defined by the lower outer wall 241 may flow along the lower connecting wall 243 and into the gas channel 230 that may be defined by the lower central wall 242. In this way, a portion of the gas may flow through the through-hole 210 and along the lower connecting wall 243 and may rise in space defined by the lower central wall 242 and flow into the inner burner ring 310.

To ensure that gas flows smoothly along the connecting wall 243 and into the lower central wall 242, a bottom surface of the lower connecting wall 243 and a bottom surface of the lower central wall 242 may form a continuous plane without formation of a step.

The lower central wall 242 may be formed at a position that extends away from the cover 200 and overlaps a core 370 of the head 300 in a vertical direction. Due to this structure, the gas that reaches the lower central wall 242 may flow smoothly to the core 370 and reach the inner burner ring 310.

The cover 200 may have a smaller planar area than that of the base 100. As described above, the cover 200 may be seated in the cover receiving groove 150 of the base 100 and the cover receiving groove 150 may be coupled to the cover 200 using the fasteners.

Further, the cover 200 may include the upper cell or cylinder 220 forming approximately the upper cross-sectional section of the mixing tube 101. The upper cell 220 may be formed to protrude downwardly toward the base 100, and may form a cylindrical cross-sectional area of upper section of the mixing tube 101.

However, the upper cylinder 220 may be inserted into a groove defined in a lower cell or cylinder 110 of the base 100 to extend deeper into the lower cylinder 110. Thus, the upper cylinder 220 may define less than half of the cross-sectional area of the mixing tube 101.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upper cylinder 220 may be formed integrally with the cover 200. However, in another embodiment, the upper cylinder 220 may be formed as a separate structure from the cover 200. Further, in still another embodiment, the upper cylinder 220 may be formed integrally with the lower cylinder 110.

The base 100 may include a first igniter receiving hole 160. The cover 200 may include a second igniter receiving hole 250. The first igniter receiving hole 160 may be formed to overlap the cover 200. Thus, the igniter may be inserted and mounted in the igniter receiving hole 160. In one example, the second igniter receiving hole 250 may be aligned at a position corresponding to the first igniter receiving hole 160.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first igniter receiving hole 160 may be disposed adjacent to the inner burner ring 310 provided in the central area of the burner. In this structure, the inner burner ring 310 may be ignited first and the outer burner ring 320 may be ignited later. In an alternative, the first igniter receiving hole 160 may be disposed adjacent to the outer burner ring 320 provided in the outer area of the burner. In this structure, the outer burner ring 320 may be ignited first and the inner burner ring 310 may be ignited later.

The cover 200 may include a second igniter receiving hole 250 into which the igniter is inserted and mounted. The second igniter receiving hole 250 may be placed in a corresponding position to the first igniter receiving hole 160 of the base 100. Therefore, depending on a location of the first igniter receiving hole 160, the second igniter receiving hole 250, the igniter may be disposed adjacent to the inner burner ring 310 or adjacent to the outer burner ring 320.

The head 300 may include a flame burner, e.g., dual flame burner. In the flame burner, the gas may be discharged outwardly from the burner and ignited by an igniter (not shown), thereby generating a flame.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a cover 200 and a head 300. FIG. 17 is an exploded top perspective view of FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of FIG. 16. FIG. 19 is a top view of FIG. 16. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the head 300. FIG. 21 is a bottom view of FIG. 20. FIG. 22 is a top view of FIG. 20. FIG. 23 is a view of FIG. 20 in a different direction.

The head 300 may include a spreading hole 330. The spreading hole 330 may vertically overlap the through-hole 210 and connect to the through-hole 210. Therefore, the spreading hole 330 may include a pair of spreading holes disposed in the outer area of the head 300 at positions corresponding to the pair of through-holes 210, respectively.

The gas flow path between the spreading hole 330 and the through-hole 210. A portion of the gas that has flowed through the through-hole 210 may rise upwardly and flow through the spreading hole 330. The gas flowing through the spreading hole 330 may flow into the outer burner ring 320 and may be ejected through a plurality of outer ring openings 321 (second flame burner openings). See, e.g., FIG. 25.

As previously mentioned, remaining portion of the gas that has flowed through the through-hole 210 may flow into the gas channel 230 and rise to the central area of the head 300 and may reach the inner burner ring 310 and may be ejected through a plurality of inner ring openings 311 (first flame burner openings). See, e.g., FIG. 24. Thus, the gas that has flowed through the through-hole 210 may flow in two different routes and may reach the inner burner ring 310 and the outer burner ring 320.

As previously described, the gas channel 230 may be formed by combining the lower channel wall 240 with the upper channel wall 340. The upper channel wall 340 may include an upper outer wall 341, an upper central wall 342, and an upper connecting wall 343. As may be appreciated, they may be referred to as second outer wall 341, second central wall 342 and second connecting wall 343.

The upper outer wall 341 may be disposed in the outer area of the head 300 and may protrude away from the head 300 so as to surround the gas spreading hole 330. The upper outer wall 341 may include a pair of upper outer walls 341 arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The spreading hole 330 may be combined with the through-hole 210 by coupling the upper outer wall 341 and the lower outer wall 241. Thus, the upper outer wall 341 may form a flow channel between the through-hole 210 and the outer burner ring 320.

The upper central wall 342 may be formed in the central area of the head 300 and may protrude away from the head 300 so as to be coupled with the lower central wall 242 and form the gas channel 230. Thus, the upper central wall 342 may form a flow channel or passage that allows the gas to flow from the gas channel 230 into the inner burner ring 310. The upper connecting wall 343 may be formed between the outer area of the head 300 and the central area of the head 300 and may protrude away from the head 300 so as to be coupled with the lower connecting wall 243 and form a channel or passage between the through-hole 210 and the gas channel 230.

Since the upper outer wall 341 includes the pair of upper outer walls 341, the upper connecting wall 343 may include a pair of upper connecting walls 343 respectively connected to the pair of upper outer walls 341. In one example, the pair of upper outer walls 341 may be formed and arranged symmetrically with each other around a center of the head 300 and the pair of upper connecting walls 343 may be formed and arranged symmetrically to the pair of upper outer walls 341 around the center of the head 300.

The head 300 may include a gas spreading channel or passage 350 and a flame propagation channel or passage 360. The gas spreading channel 350 may extend along the circumference of the head 300 and may have substantially uniform width. The gas spreading channel 350 may be formed by the upper surface of the head 300, the outer burner ring 320, a spreading channel wall 362, and the outer ring cap 410.

The gas spreading channel 350 may be connected to the gas spreading hole 330 through an inclined spreading surface 361. The inclined spreading surface 361 may be formed on the upper surface of the head 300 so as to be inclined in the circumferential or radial direction. A planar area size of the spreading hole 330 may increase as the spreading hole 330 extends upwardly as the inclined spreading surface 361 extends upwardly. Accordingly, the gas that may flow through the spreading hole 330 may be guided along the inclined spreading surface 361 so as to smoothly spread into the gas spreading channel 350 and be uniformly distributed throughout the gas spreading channel 350.

The gas spreading channel 350 may be embodied as a channel or a passage that connects to the outer burner ring 320. Thus, the gas that has flowed through the spreading hole 330 may spread along the gas spreading channel 350 and uniformly flow into the outer burner ring 320 in the circumferential direction of the outer burner ring.

The flame propagation channel 360 may occupy a partial area of the gas spreading channel 350 such that the gas spreading channel 350 may discontinue at the flame propagation channel 360. The flame propagation channel 360 may be embodied as a space in which the flame propagates between the inner burner ring 310 and the outer burner ring 320.

The flame propagation channel 360 may serve as a passage supplying secondary air (outside air) to the inner burner ring 310. The flame propagation channel 360 may be embodied as a space that extends through the outer burner ring 320 and thus may cause a discontinuity along the outer ring burner 320. Therefore, the secondary air outside the outer burner ring 320 may be smoothly introduced into the inner burner ring 310 through the flame propagation channel 360.

Further, the flame may be generated in the flame propagation channel 360 and the flame may flow from the inner burner ring 310 to the outer burner ring 320 through the flame propagation channel 360. Alternatively, the flame may flow from the outer burner ring 320 to the inner burner ring 310 through the flame propagation channel 360.

Therefore, the flame generated in the inner burner ring 310 may flow to the outer burner ring 320, or conversely, the flame generated in the outer burner ring 320 may flow to the inner burner ring 310. Accordingly, the flame may always exist in the inner burner ring 310 and the outer burner ring 320 so long as gas is supplied therein. Accordingly, a flame may always be generated in the flame propagation channel 360 even when a flame is not ignited or is extinguished in one of the burners. For example, when at least one of the flame burners is extinguished due to a disturbance, the flame of the flame propagation channel 360 re-ignites the extinguished flame burner. As may be appreciated, the propagation flame may serve as a pilot flame during the operation of the first and second burners such that the igniter need not be re-ignited.

The head 300 may include a spreading channel wall 362 and a propagation channel wall 363. The spreading channel wall 362 may be disposed between the inner burner ring 310 and the outer burner ring 320. The spreading channel wall 362 may protrude upwardly from the upper surface of the head 300 and extend in the circumferential direction of the head 300 and may surround the gas spreading channel 350.

The propagation channel wall 363 may protrude upwardly from the upper surface of the head 300 and define the flame propagation channel 360. The propagation channel wall 363 may isolate the gas spreading channel 350 and the flame propagation channel 360 from each other. The propagation channel wall 363 may include a pair of propagation channel walls 363 respectively disposed on both opposing sides of the flame propagation channel 360.

Referring to FIG. 23, the propagation channel wall 363 may be formed to be inclined in the radial direction of the head 300. For example, a height in the vertical direction of the propagation channel wall 363 may become smaller as the propagation channel wall 363 extends inwardly towards the center of the head 300. Thus, the depth of the flame propagation channel 360 may become smaller as the flame propagation channel 360 extends inwardly in the radial direction of the head 300.

The propagation channel walls 363 may include a plurality of openings. The openings may be formed by recesses, depressions, grooves, slits or holes on the propagation channel walls 363. The gas in the gas spreading channel 350 may be discharged to the flame propagation channel 360 through the plurality of openings of the propagation channel wall 363. The flame may be generated at the openings and this flame may propagate from the inner burner ring 310 to the outer burner ring 320 through the flame propagation channel 360 or vice versa.

FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of a section 24 of FIG. 23. FIG. 24 shows the first flame burner 310. FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of a section 25 of FIG. 23. FIG. 25 shows the second flame burner 320.

The inner burner ring 310 may include a plurality of inner or first burner openings 311. The outer burner ring 320 may include a plurality of outer or second burner ring openings 321. A flame may be generated at the outlets of the inner burner ring openings 311 and the outlets of the outer burner ring openings 321. As may be appreciated, the first or inner burner openings 311 and the second or outer burner openings 320 may be formed as recesses, depressions, grooves, slits, through-holes provided in an inner wall defining the first flame burner or inner burner ring 310 and a circumferential wall defining the second flame burner or outer burner ring 320.

The inner burner ring 310 may receive gas/air mixture from the gas channel 230 through an opening positioned at center of the head 300 and may discharge the gas through the outlets of inner burner openings 321. The outer burner ring 320 may receive gas/air from the spreading channel 350 and may discharge the gas through the outlets of the outer burner openings 311.

The inner burner openings 311 and the outer burner openings 321 may be depressed or recessed into the upper end of the inner burner ring 310 or the outer burner ring 320. The inner burner openings 311 and the outer burner openings 321 may be covered with the inner cap 420 and the outer cap 410, respectively, so that a top of each of the inner and outer burner openings may be covered to direct the flames.

Depression or recessed depths of neighboring burner openings in the inner burner ring 310 or the outer burner ring 320 may be different from each other. For example, the inner burner ring 310 may have deeper inner burner recesses 311a and shallower inner burner recesses 311b arranged alternately with each other along the circumference of the inner burner ring 320. The outer burner ring 320 may have deeper outer burner recesses 321a and the shallow outer burner recesses 321b arranged alternately with each other along the circumference of the outer burner ring 320.

The depression depth of the burner openings may be proportional to an amount of gas discharged through the outlets of the burner openings. Further, a size and a length of the flame may be proportional to the discharged gas amount through the openings.

Therefore, the deeper the depression depth of the burner opening, the larger the size of the flame generated at the outlet of the burner opening. As the size of the flame increases, a likelihood at which adjacent flames merge with each other increases. Incomplete combustion may occur when the gas inside the flame does not contact the air due to the merging of flames. Therefore, it is necessary to suppress the merging to reduce the occurrence of incomplete combustion.

In an embodiment, a relatively deeper burner ring opening may be disposed between relatively shallower burner ring openings to increase spacing between large flames which are highly likely to merge with each other. In other words, the relatively smaller flames may be placed between the relatively larger flames so as to suppress the merging of flames.

When a flame burner is formed with only relatively shallow burner ring openings, however, the amount of gas discharged from the flame burner is small so that the burner may be unable to generate sufficient fire power. Thus, in an embodiment, a plurality of relatively deep burner ring openings may be arranged such that the gas may be sufficiently discharged from the burner ring openings.

As can be appreciated, when through holes are used instead of recesses for the openings, larger and smaller holes may be altered. Further, the shape of the holes may be varied.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a state in which the outer cap 410 and the inner cap 420 are installed on the head 300. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 26. FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of a portion 28 of FIG. 27. FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing the inner cap 420.

As previously described, the burner may include the outer or second cap 410 and the inner or first cap 420 that cover the flame burner. The outer or second cap 410 may be disposed on top of the second flame burner 320 and the spreading channel wall 362. Thus, the outer or second cap 410 may cover the gas spreading channel 350 and may cover an upper end of the gas spreading channel 350.

Referring to FIG. 27, the outer cap 410 may have an inclined cross-sectional shape. For example, the outer cap 410 may be formed so that its cross-sectional shape gradually inclines upward as the outer cap 410 extends away from the center of the head 300 in the radial direction. To support such an inclined outer cap 410, the height of the spreading channel wall may be shorter than the height of the wall for the outer burner ring 320.

The inner cap 420 may be disposed on an upper end of the inner burner ring 310 and may cover the upper end of the inner burner ring 310 and the upper end of the space where the gas is merged and flows to the inner burner ring 310.

The head 300 may include the core 370, a side wall 380, and a core support 390. The core 370 may be disposed in the central area of the head 300. The inner burner ring 310 may be formed at an upper end of the core 370. The inner cap 420 may be disposed on the upper end of the core 370.

The side wall 380 occupies the outer area of the head 300. The side wall 380 may surround the gas spreading channel 350 in the radial and circumferential direction. The core 370 and the side wall 380 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other and may be connected to each other by the core support 390 and the pair of upper connecting walls 343 formed within the core support 390. Thus, the core support 390 may connect the core 370 and the side wall 380 to each other and may also support the core 370.

The inner burner ring 310 may be formed to protrude from an outer area of the core 370. A gas flow channel may be defined between the core 370 and an area inward of the inner burner ring 310. Thus, the gas flowing through the gas channel 230 may flow into the space between the area inward of the inner burner ring 310 and the core 370 and may flow into the inner burner ring 310 through a central opening.

The core 370 may include a plurality of guide protrusions 371 that are spaced apart from each other and protrude upwardly in the circumferential direction of the core 370. The guide protrusions 371 may allow the inner cap 420 to mount to the core 370. The inner cap 420 may include a guide ring 421 which may protrude downwardly from the bottom of the inner cap 420 and may couple to the guide protrusions 371. More specifically, the guide protrusions 371 may be located inwardly of the guide ring 421 so as to contact the guide ring and the position of the inner cap 420 may be guided along the guide protrusions 371. Due to this structure, the inner cap 420 may be stably disposed in the designed position on the upper end of the core 370 and may maintain its position.

The core 370 may include an inner cap support 373 that may support the inner cap 420. The inner cap support 373 may contact a lower surface of the inner cap 420 and may be coupled to the inner cap 420. The inner cap support 373 may be formed to gradually incline as it extends inwardly along the core 370.

The guide protrusion 371 may be formed to protrude from an upper end of the inner cap support 373. Each of the lower surface and the upper surface of the inner cap support 373 may extend in a generally straight line.

The gas discharged from the flame openings of the inner burner ring 310 or the outer burner ring 320 may be mixed with the secondary air around the flame burner to increase combustion efficiency. The outer burner ring 320 is disposed in the outer area of the burner. Thus, the gas discharged from the outer burner rings holes 321 may actively contact the surrounding secondary air. However, the inner burner ring 310 may be surrounded by the outer cap 410 and other structures which may reduce the amount of the surrounding air contacting the area of the inner burner ring 310.

Considering this problem, in accordance with an embodiment, the inner burner ring 310 may be disposed at a higher vertical level than the spreading channel wall 362. Due to this structure, the vertical level of the inner burner ring 310 may be disposed higher than that of the outer cap 410. Thus, the amount of the surrounding air contacting the area of the inner burner ring 310 may be increased. Therefore, the gas discharged from the inner burner ring 310 may smoothly receive the surrounding secondary air and incomplete combustion due to insufficient supply of the surrounding air may be suppressed.

The core 370 may include an insert protrusion 372 that may protrude downwardly from the core 370 and may be inserted into a protrusion receiving groove 260 formed in the cover 200. Accordingly, the insert protrusion 372 may extend away from the head 300 whereas the protrusion receiving groove 260 may form a depression into the upper surface of the cover 200.

The protrusion receiving groove 260 may be formed to correspond with the insert protrusion 372. The core 370 may form the insert protrusion 372 and the cover 200 may form the protrusion receiving groove 260 so that the head 300 may be stably disposed on top of the cover 200. The coupling of the insert protrusion 372 and the protrusion receiving groove 260 may further allow the head 300 to maintain its position and to be easily attached to and detached from the cover 200. The insert protrusion 372 may include at least one insert protrusion 372 and the protrusion receiving groove 260 may include at least one protrusion receiving groove 260.

FIG. 30 is a diagram for illustrating flow of gas in a burner according to one embodiment. In an embodiment, the gas may be mixed with primary air as it flows through the mixing tube 101. Then, the mixture of the gas and the air may be discharged from the mixing tube 101 and flow into the guide tube 120. The guide tube 120 and the mixing tube 101 may be formed to meet where the guide tube 120 forms two channels that may extend outwardly into opposite circumferential directions of the base 100.

Thus, the gas may flow in opposite circumferential directions of the base 100 as it flows through the guide tube 120. The gas flowing in the opposite circumferential directions through the guide tube 120 may flow along the inclined guide surface 121 and into the pair of through-holes 210 spaced apart from each other.

A portion of the gas flowing through the through-hole 210 may flow through a space formed by the lower outer wall 241 and the upper outer wall 341 and may rise upwardly through the gas spreading hole 330. The gas flowing through the gas spreading hole 330 may spread through the gas spreading channel 350 and may flow uniformly into the outer burner ring 320 and may be discharged through the outlets of the outer burner openings 321 and may ultimately be burned to generate the outer flame.

A remaining portion of the gas flowing through the through-hole 210 may flow along a space formed by the lower connecting wall 243 and the upper connecting wall 343 into the gas channel 230. The gas flowing through the gas channel 230 may flow upwardly in the central area of the head 300 and may flow into the inner burner ring 310, and may be discharged through the outlets of the inner burner ring openings 311 and may ultimately be burned to generate the inner flame.

In an embodiment, the gas discharged from one mixing tube 101 may flow in different routes which may be respectively supplied to the plurality of flame burner which may be radially spaced apart from each other. Due to this structure, the flow channels for gas supply to the flame burners may be integrated with each other. Thus, the flow channel in the burner may be simplified and gas may be supplied to the burner using a single pipe.

FIG. 31 is an enlarged top view of the flame propagation channel 360 of the head 300. FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a state in which the outer cap 410 and the inner cap 420 are installed on the head 300 in FIG. 31, which are shown in dotted lines.

As previously described, a plurality of ring-shaped flame burners may be spaced apart from each other in the radial direction of the burner. Thus, a structure may be needed to propagate the flame from one flame burner to another flame burner. For example, at the time of initial ignition, the flame may be first generated in one flame burner among the plurality of flame burners, and then, the first generated flame may propagate therefrom to another flame burner to generate the flame.

When the flame is extinguished in any one flame burner of the plurality of flame burners due to disturbance such as wind, the flame of another flame burner that is being burned or non-extinguished may propagate to the extinguished flame burner, thereby generating a new flame in the extinguished flame burner. Accordingly, a propagating structure is needed to allow the flame to propagate smoothly between the flame burners while also suppressing incomplete combustion. To achieve the above purpose, the burner according to an embodiment may be provided with the flame propagation channel 360 that may propagate a flame between the flame burners.

As previously described, the head 300 may include the inner burner ring 310 having the plurality of inner burner ring openings 311 arranged along the circumference of the central area of the head 300. Further, the head 300 may include the outer burner ring 320 which may have the plurality of outer burner ring openings 321 arranged along the circumference thereof. The outer burner ring 310 may be disposed in the outer area of the head and radially surround the inner burner ring 310.

The flame propagation channel 360 may be embodied as a space in which a flame propagates between the inner burner ring 310 and the outer burner ring 320. A flame may be generated in the flame propagation channel 360, and the generated flame may flow to the inner burner ring 310 or the outer burner ring 320.

When the burner is first ignited, the flame may propagate along the flame propagation channel 360, so that both the inner burner ring 310 and the outer burner ring 320 may be ignited.

For example, in an example where the spark electrode is located adjacent to the inner burner ring 310, the spark electrode may ignite the air and gas mixture and may generate the flame in the inner burner ring 310. The flame generated in the inner burner ring 310 may then propagate along the flame propagation channel 360 to ignite the outer burner ring 320.

In another alternative example in which the spark electrode is located adjacent to the outer burner ring 320, the spark plug may ignite the air and gas mixture and may generate the flame in outer burner ring 320. The flame generated in the outer burner ring 320 may then propagate along the flame propagation channel 360 to ignite the inner burner ring 310.

Further, when the burner is operating in a simmer mode generating a low-heat flame, the amount of gas discharged may be small, and the size of the flame may be small. Thus, the flame of any flame burner may be extinguished due to disturbances such as wind. When the flame of the inner burner ring 310 is extinguished due to the disturbance, the flame generated in the outer burner ring 320 may propagate along the flame propagation channel 360 to re-ignite the inner burner ring 310. Conversely, when the flame in the outer burner ring 320 is extinguished due to the disturbance, the flame generated in the inner burner ring 310 may propagate along the flame propagation channel 360 to re-ignite the outer burner ring 320.

The head 300 may include the propagation channel wall 363. The propagation channel wall 363 may include a first wall 363a and a second wall 363b. The first propagation channel wall 363a and the second propagation channel wall 363b may be spaced apart from each other in the in the circumferential direction of the head 300. The flame propagation channel 360 may be defined between the first propagation channel wall 363a and the second propagation channel wall 363b. Thus, the propagation channel wall 363 may spatially isolate the gas spreading channel 350 and the flame propagation channel 360 from each other. The propagation channel wall 363 may include a propagation guide 3631 that discharges or guides the gas to the flame propagation channel 360. The propagation guide 3631 may be formed to extend through the propagation channel wall 363 and may form a depression or a recess in the upper surface of the propagation channel wall 363. The propagation channel wall 363 may have an open upper end covered with the outer cap 410. As can be appreciated, the guide 3631 may be a recess, a depression, a groove, a slit or a hole.

The gas spreading channel 350 and the flame propagation channel 360 may be connected to each other by the propagation guide 3631. Accordingly, the gas filling the gas spreading channel 350 may be discharged into the flame propagation channel 360 through the propagation hole 3631. The flame in the inner burner ring 310 or the outer burner ring 320 may propagate from the outlet of the propagation guide 3631.

The propagation guides 3631 may be defined in the first propagation channel wall 363a and the second propagation channel wall 363b. The propagation guides 3631 defined in the first propagation channel wall 363a and the second propagation channel wall 363b may be positioned asymmetrically with each other. The number and the orientation of the first propagation guides 3631 formed in the first propagation channel wall 363a may be different from the number and the orientation of the propagation guides 3631 formed in the second propagation channel wall 363b.

The propagation guides 3631 may include a plurality of first propagation guides 3631a formed in the first propagation channel wall 363a, and a second propagation guides 3631b formed in the second propagation channel wall 363b. However, in the drawing of an embodiment, a single second propagation guide 3631b is shown. However, in some further embodiments, the number of the second propagation guides 3631b may be at least two. In a case where multiple propagation guides 3631 connected to the flame propagation channel 360 are formed, the flame may be easily propagated even when the burner operates at low heat.

In a case where only one propagation guide 3631 connected to the flame propagation channel 360 is formed, the flame may be comparatively less easily propagated. However, when multiple propagation guides 3631 are formed, a distance between the propagation guides 3631 may become smaller such that the flames may merge and lead to incomplete combustion. For this reason, the plurality of first propagation guides 3631a may be formed so that the distance between adjacent propagation guides 3631a increases as each of the first propagation guides 3631a extends toward the flame propagation channel 360. Accordingly, a spacing between the flames at the openings of the first propagation guides 3631a where the flames may be generated may be sufficiently larger, so that the occurrence of the merging between the flames may be suppressed.

Each of the plurality of first propagation guides 3631a may extend in the longitudinal direction of the propagation channel wall 363 and may be inclined with respect to circumferential direction. The second propagation guide 3631b may extend in a longitudinal direction of the propagation channel wall 363 and may be parallel to the circumferential direction. Therefore, a length in the longitudinal direction of the first propagation guide 3631a may be larger than that of the second propagation guide 3631b.

The plurality of first propagation guides 3631a may connect the gas spreading channel 350 and the flame propagation channel 360 to each other. The first propagation guides 3631a may be symmetrical with each other around the circumferential direction of the head. In other words, the spacing between respective inlets and outlets of the first propagation guides 3631a may be equal. The distance between adjacent first propagation guides 3631a may increase as each of the first propagation guides 3631a extends from the inlet to the outlet. The spacing between the outlets of the first propagation guides 3631a connected to the gas spreading channel 350 are larger than the inlets of the first propagation guides 3631a connected to the flame propagation channel 360. This structure may suppress the merging between the flames discharged from neighboring first propagation guides 3631a.

The flame propagating from the inner burner ring 310 or the outer burner ring 320 may ignite the gas at the gas outlet of the first propagation guide 3631a to generate a flame within the flame propagation channel 360. When the spacing between the outlets of the first propagation guides 3631a is small, the merging between the flames generated at the outlets of the first propagation guides 3631a may occur.

When the merging occurs, a volume of the flame increases such that the air may not be fed into the flame, thereby increasing a probability of the incomplete combustion throughout the flame. Thus, emission of carbon monoxide as a product of the incomplete combustion of gas may increase. Carbon monoxide is a harmful substance, and its production must be suppressed. Therefore, in order to reduce the occurrence of the incomplete combustion in the flame propagation channel 360, it is necessary to suppress the merging between the flames respectively generated in the gas outlets of the plurality of first propagation guides 3631a.

The first propagation guides 3631a according to an embodiment may be constructed such that the spacing in the radial direction of the head 300 between the gas outlets of the first propagation guide 3631a where the flame may be generated may be large, as described above. Due to this structure, the merging between the flames respectively generated in the adjacent first propagation guides 3631a may be effectively suppressed.

As described above, the first propagation guide 3631a may include a pair of first propagation guides 3631a spaced apart from each other in the radial direction of the head 300. In this regard, the second propagation guide 3631b may be disposed between the pair of first propagation guides 3631a in the radial direction of the head 300.

A point of the second propagation guide 3631b connected to the flame propagation channel 360 may become a gas outlet through which the gas input from the gas spreading channel 350 is discharged. The flame propagating from the inner burner ring 310 or the outer burner ring 320 may ignite the gas at the gas outlet to generate the flame.

Due to this structure, in the flame propagation channel 360, the plurality of first propagation guides 3631a and the second propagation guides 3631b may be alternately arranged with each other in a longitudinal direction of the flame propagation channel 360, that is, in the radial direction of the head 300. The flames may be generated at the outlets of the plurality of first propagation guides 3631a and the second propagation guides 3631b.

The flame may move in the longitudinal direction of the flame propagation channel 360 and thus may propagate between the inner burner ring 310 and the outer burner ring 320. Therefore, in accordance with an embodiment, the plurality of first propagation guide 3631a and the second propagation guide 3631b may be alternately arranged with each other in the longitudinal direction of the flame propagation channel 360. Thus, the plurality of first propagation guides 3631a and the second propagation guide 3631b may be spaced apart from each other and may not overlap each other in the circumferential direction of the head.

Accordingly, the flame propagation channel 360 may have a plurality of locations at which the flames are generated along the longitudinal direction of the flame propagation channel 360. Thus, the flame may easily propagate along the flame propagation channel 360 and initial ignition or re-ignition of the inner burner ring 310 and the outer burner ring 320 may be facilitated. Further, this structure may suppress the merging between the flames generated in the outlets of the first propagation guides 3631a and the second propagation guide 3631b and thus may reduce the occurrence of the incomplete combustion.

However, when the first propagation guide 3631a and the second propagation guide 3631b overlap each other in the circumferential direction of the head 300, the merging between the flames generated in the outlets of the first propagation guide 3631a and the second propagation guide 3631b may occur.

FIG. 33 is an enlarged perspective view of the flame propagation channel 360 of the head 300. As previously described, the head 300 may include the gas spreading channel 350 and the spreading channel wall 362. The gas spreading channel 350 may be embodied as a space surrounded with the upper surface of the head 300 and the outer burner ring 320 and may extend along the circumference of the head 300. The spreading channel wall 362 may be disposed between the inner burner ring 310 and the outer burner ring 320 and may protrude upwardly from the upper surface of the head 300. The spreading channel wall 362 may extend in the circumferential direction of the head 300 and may surround the gas spreading channel 350.

The spreading channel wall 362 may connect to the propagation channel wall 363. The propagation channel wall 363 may have one end connected to the outer burner ring 320 and the other end connected to the spreading channel wall 362. Due to this structure, the gas spreading channel 350 may be defined by the outer burner ring 320, the propagation channel wall 363, and the spreading channel wall 362.

The spreading channel wall 362 may protrude from the upper surface of the head and may spatially separate the gas spreading channel 350 and the flame propagation channel 360 from each other. The spreading channel wall 362 may include a gas discharge opening 3621 which may form by a depression in the upper surface of the spreading channel wall 362 and may be adjacent to the propagation channel wall 363. The gas discharge opening 3621 may be connected to the gas spreading channel 350. As can be appreciated, the opening may be also a recess, a groove, a slit, a hole, etc.

The gas discharge opening 3621 may include an inlet connected to the gas spreading channel 350 and an outlet directed toward the inner burner ring 310. An upper end of the gas discharge opening 3621 may be covered with the outer cap 410.

The gas may be burned to generate a flame at the outlet of the gas discharge opening 3621. When the inner burner ring 310 is not ignited, the flame generated in the gas discharge hole 3621 may propagate to the inner burner ring opening or outlet 311 of the inner burner ring 310 facing the gas discharge hole 3621, thereby igniting the gas discharged from the inner burner ring opening or outlet 311.

A length in the circumferential direction of the gas discharge opening 3621 may be smaller than or equal to a radial width of the spreading channel wall 362. When the length in the circumferential direction of the gas discharge opening 3621 is larger than the radial width of the spreading channel wall 362, the size of the flame generated at the outlet of the gas discharge opening 3621 increases. Thus, the flame of the gas discharge hole 3621 may consume a large amount of air which will likely reduce the amount of the secondary air available at the inner burner ring outlet or opening 311. Accordingly, a shape of the flame in the inner burner ring 310 may become unstable.

Referring again to FIG. 31, the outer cap 410 may be disposed on the upper end of each of the outer burner ring 320, the propagation channel wall 363, and the spreading channel wall 362 so as to cover the flame propagation channel 360 and the gas spreading channel 350. Further, the inner cap 420 may be disposed on the upper end of the inner burner ring 310 and may cover the inner burner ring hole 311 and an inner space in the inner burner ring 310 in which the gas flows.

Further, the outer cap 410 may cover the upper end of each of the propagation guide 3631 and the gas discharge opening 3621 so that the portion of the gas in the gas spreading channel 350 may be discharged to the outlet of each of the propagation guide 3631 and the gas discharge opening 3621 and may be burned to generate the flame. The outer cap 410 may prevent this flame from propagating to the gas spreading channel 350.

The flame guiding gap 3632 may be formed by cutting a portion of an outer end of the propagation channel wall 363 connected to the outer burner ring 320 so that a step is formed in the outer end of the propagation channel wall 363. The flame of the outer burner ring opening or outlet 321 may travel through the flame guiding gap 3632 and then may flow into the flame propagation channel 360.

The flame generated at the outlet of the outer burner ring opening 321 of the outer burner ring 320 may flow into the flame propagation channel 360 through the flame guiding gap 3632. Therefore, when the flame may be generated in the outer burner ring 320, the flame may flow into the flame propagation channel 360 through the flame guiding gap 3632, and thus, the flame may be generated at the outlet of the propagation guide 3631 and the outlet of the gas discharge opening 3621.

FIG. 34 is a diagram for illustrating flow of gas in the flame propagation channel 360 of the head 300. In FIG. 34, the solid arrow represents the flow of gas. The gas may flow from the gas spreading channel 350 to the flame propagation channel 360 through the propagation guides 3631. The gas may be discharged from the gas spreading channel 350 through the gas discharge opening 3621 toward the inner burner ring 310.

The gas discharged from the outer burner ring opening 321 may flow through the flame guiding gap 3632 into the flame propagation channel 360. Due to this structure, the gas may flow from the gas spreading channel 350 to the flame propagation channel 360. Further, the gas may flow freely in both opposite directions in the flame propagation channel 360 such that the gas may flow in an inward direction from the outer area of the head 300 to the central area thereof or an outward direction from the central area of the head 300 to the outer area thereof.

Therefore, when the flame is first generated in the outer burner ring outlet or opening 321, the flame may flow into an outer end of the flame propagation channel 360 through the flame guiding gap 3632, and then may propagate along the flame propagation channel 360 into the central area of the head 300. In this process, the flame may be generated sequentially in the propagation hole 3631 and the gas discharge opening 3621.

Alternatively, when the flame is first generated in the gas discharge opening 3621, the flame may propagate to the flame propagation channel 360 and may propagate to the outer area of the head 300 along the propagation channel 360. In this process, the flame may be generated in the propagation guide 3631. Further, the flame may propagate from the outer end of the flame propagation channel 360 to the outer burner ring opening or outlet 321 through the flame guiding gap 3632, such that the flame may be generated in the outer burner ring outlet or opening 321.

First, in a situation in which the inner burner ring 310 has been ignited and the outer burner ring 320 has been extinguished, the flame propagating process is as follows. The flame of the inner burner ring outlet or opening 311 may propagate to the gas discharge opening 3621 and may cause a flame to be generated in the outlet of the gas discharge opening 3621.

Then, the flame may propagate to the flame propagation channel 360, such that the flames may be generated sequentially in the plurality of propagation guides 3631 in a direction from the central area of the head 300 to the outer area thereof. The flame in the outer area of the head 300 may propagate to the outer burner ring outlet 321 through the flame guiding gap 3632, thereby generating the outer burner outlet 321.

The flame of the outer burner ring outlet 321 adjacent to the flame propagation channel 360 may propagate along the circumference of the second flame propagation channel 360, and eventually, the flame may be generated throughout the plurality of outer burner ring openings 321 arranged along the circumference of the second flame propagation channel 360.

In a situation in which the outer burner ring 320 has been ignited and the inner burner ring 310 has been extinguished, the flame propagating process is as follows. The flame of the outer burner ring outlet 321 may propagate to the flame propagation channel 360 through the flame guiding gap 3632. The flame in the flame propagation channel 360 may propagate from the outer area of the head 300 toward the central area thereof. Therefore, flames may be sequentially generated in the plurality of propagation guides 3631 in a direction from the outer area of the head 300 to the central area thereof. The flame may propagate to the gas discharge opening 3621, causing the flame to be generated at the outlet of the gas discharge opening 3621.

The flame may propagate from gas discharge opening 3621 or the propagation guide 3631 to the inner burner ring outlet or opening 311. Thus, the flame may be generated in the inner burner ring hole 311 of the inner burner ring 310 facing the gas discharge opening 3621 or the propagation guide 3631.

The flame of the inner burner ring outlet 311 may propagate along the circumference of the inner burner ring 310, and eventually, the flame may be generated throughout the plurality of inner burner ring openings 311 arranged along the circumference of the inner burner ring 310.

In accordance with an embodiment, the gas discharge opening 3621, the propagation guide 3631, and the flame guiding gap 3632 are spaced apart from each other in the radial direction of the head 300. Due to this arrangement, the flame may smoothly propagate from the inner burner ring 310 to the outer burner ring 320 or vice versa. Due to smooth flame propagation between the inner burner ring 310 and the outer burner ring 320, any extinguished flame burner may be readily re-ignited with re-igniting the igniter electrode. Thus, the performance of the burner may be improved. Further, operation safety is increased due to decreased possibility of operating a burner when flame is extinguished.

Embodiment 2

FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing a burner according to another embodiment. FIG. 36 is a side view of FIG. 35. FIG. 37 is a rear view of FIG. 35. FIG. 38 is an exploded top perspective view of FIG. 35. FIG. 39 is an exploded bottom perspective view of FIG. 35.

The burner according to an embodiment may include a base 500, a cover 600, a head 700, an inner cap or a first cap 820, and an outer cap or a second cap 810.

The base 500 may form a lower core a lower body of the burner and may receive gas from an external source through a pipe. The base 500 may include a lower cylinder or cell 510. The cover 600 may include an upper cylinder 620 or cell serving as an upper section of the mixing tube 501. The lower cylinder or cell 510 may be coupled to the upper cylinder 620 serving as a lower section of the mixing tube 501. The upper and lower sections coupled together may form a mixing tube 501 in which gas and air are mixed together.

The base 500 may include a cover receiving groove 550 and an extension panel or flange 570. The cover receiving groove 550 may form a depression in the upper surface of the base 500 so that the bottom of the cover 600 may be received into the top of the base 500.

A first hole for receiving a fastener may be formed in a bottom surface of the cover receiving groove 550. A second hole for a fastener may be formed in the cover 600 to align with the first hole so that the cover 600 may be coupled to the base 500 using the fastener. Thus, the cover 600 may be accurately and securely positioned on top of the base 500.

The extension panel 570 may surround the cover receiving groove 550 and extend in a circumferential direction of the body 500. The extension panel 570 may generally be provided in a disk form. The form may not be limited to a disk, e.g., square, oblong, polygonal, etc. Holes into which the fastening means are inserted may be further formed in the extension panel 570.

Accordingly, the burner may be mounted on a gas range or a combined cooking appliance by coupling the extension panel 570 to the gas range or the cooktop of the combined cooking appliance using the fastener.

The head 700 may be disposed on a top of the cover 600. The head 700 may include an upper channel wall 740 protruding downwardly from the lower surface of the head 700. The cover 600 may include a lower channel wall 640 protruding upwardly from the upper surface of the cover 600. The upper channel wall 740 and the lower channel wall 640 may be coupled together and may form a gas channel 630 into which gas and air may flow from the cover 600 to the head 700.

The head may include a first flame burner (hereinafter an inner burner ring 710) and a second flame burner (hereinafter an outer burner ring 720). The gas flowing from the cover 600 into the head 700 may be ultimately discharged through the inner burner ring 710 and the outer burner ring 720. The inner burner ring 710 may be coupled to a first cap (hereinafter an inner cap 820). The outer burner ring 720 may be coupled to a second cap (hereinafter an outer cap 810).

A flame may be generated through the inner burner ring 710 and the outer burner ring 720. The inner cap 820 may cover a top of the inner burner ring 710 and may direct the flame outwardly in the radial direction of the head 700. The outer cap 810 may cover a top of the outer burner ring 720 and may direct the flame outwardly in the radial direction of the head 700.

FIG. 40 is a side cross-sectional view of the burner. In drawings as described below, flow of the gas is indicated using a solid arrow. Furthermore, in FIG. 40, the flow of air flowing into the burner from the surroundings is indicated using a hidden line arrow. FIG. 41 is a perspective view showing the base 500 and the cover 600 of the burner. FIG. 42 is an exploded view of FIG. 41. FIG. 43 is a top view of FIG. 41. FIG. 44 is a bottom view of FIG. 41. FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the base 500. FIG. 46 is a top view of FIG. 45. FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the cover 600. FIG. 48 is a bottom view of FIG. 47. FIG. 49 is a top view of FIG. 47.

The base 500 may include an injection portion or region 530 and a gas receiving or injection hole 531. The injection portion 530 may be formed on a side of the body 500. The gas injection hole 531 may be defined in the injection portion 530. The gas injection hole 531 may extend through the injection portion 530. The gas may flow through the injection hole 531 into the injection portion 530 and into the mixing tube or passage 501. The outlet of the gas injection hole 531 may have an orifice so that the gas flowing into the base 500 through the gas injection hole 531 may be injected at a very high speed or pressure from the outlet of the gas injection hole 531. The gas injected from the outlet of the gas injection hole 531 may flow into the mixing tube 501 without being dispersed due to its very high flow speed or pressure. The gas injected from the outlet of the gas injection hole 531 may flow through the air inlet passage or channel 540 and meet the air flowing into an air inlet channel 540. Thus, the gas injected from the outlet of the gas injection hole 531 and the air suctioned into the air inlet channel 540 may simultaneously flow into the mixing tube 501

The base 500 may include the air inlet channel 540 that may be disposed between an outlet of the injection portion 530 and an inlet of the mixing tube 501. The air inlet chamber or channel 540 may form a chamber into which air is introduced and/or stored and the air in the air inlet channel 540 may flow into the mixing tube 501.

In one example, an air guide 701 may protrude downwardly from the head 300 and may cover the space of the air inlet channel 540. More specifically, the air guide 701 may be coupled around the air inlet channel 540 and may form a “U” shaped wall into which external air may be guided and/or suctioned into the air inlet channel 540.

The mixing tube 501, the injection portion 530, and the air inlet channel 540 may be arranged in a straight line. Due to this structure, the gas having flowed through the injection channel 530 may smoothly flow through the air inlet channel 540 and the mixing tube 501.

As previously described, the gas and the air in the mixing tube 501 may mix together inside the mixing tube 501. Thus, the gas and the oxygen in the air may mix together in the mixing tube 501 and may enable combustion of the mixture when it is ignited by an igniter or a spark electrode or spark igniter, provided in a first igniter receiving hole 560.

The mixing tube 501 may be embodied as, for example, a Venturi tube. The Venturi tube may be formed so that the inlet and the outlet of the mixing tube 501 may have relatively large cross-sectional areas, whereas a central area of the mixing tube 501 may have a relatively narrow cross-sectional area.

The gas flowing through the mixing tube 501 may flow faster through the relatively narrow cross-sectional area of the central area of the mixing tube 501 such that the pressure may be lowered in the central area of the mixing tube 501. Thus, the higher-pressure air in the air inlet channel 540 may smoothly flow into the mixing tube 501 due to the pressure difference between the central area of the mixing tube 501 and the air inlet channel 540.

The base 500 may form a lower core or support of the burner and may receive gas from an external source through a pipe. The base 500 may include a lower cylinder or section 510 for the mixing tube 501. The cover 600 may include an upper cylinder or section 620 for the mixing tube 501. The lower cylinder 510 may be coupled to the upper cylinder 620 and may form a mixing tube 501 in which gas and air are mixed together.

The cover 600 may include a through-hole 610 that may be disposed at least partially above a guide tube 520. Therefore, the through-hole 610 may be connected to the guide tube 620 and the air and gas mixture may flow into the cover 200 through the through-hole 610.

The guide tube 620 may comprise two passages or chambers provided to an outlet of the mixing tube 501. The two passages extend in a circumferential direction of the body and in opposite directions.

The through-hole 610 of the cover 600 may include a pair of through-holes spaced apart from each other on the outer area of the cover 600 that extend in the circumferential direction of the cover 600. The pair of through holes 601 partially over the pair of passages of the guide tube 520. The flow direction of the gas in the first guide tube 520 may change rapidly through the through-hole 610 such that gas may flow into the space on the upper surface of the cover 600.

Therefore, in order to allow the flow of the gas between the mixing tube 501 and the gas channel 630 to be smooth, the guide tube 520 may be formed as a relatively large space, and thus a larger through-hole 610 may be possible. However, if a single through-hole 610 with a large area size is formed, the rigidity of the cover 600 may be weakened. Therefore, in accordance with an embodiment, the through-hole 610 may include a pair of through-holes spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, while a bridge portion may be disposed between the through-holes 610 to reinforce the rigidity of the cover 600.

Further, fastener holes may be defined in the bridge portion between the through-holes 610 such that a fastener may be inserted and fastened to the fastening holes provide on the base 500. The various other holes may be efficiently arranged in an entire area of the cover 600 for coupling between the cover 600 and the base 500 to further strengthen the rigidity of the cover 600.

The mixture of air and gas may flow through the through-hole 610 and may flow into the gas channel 630 and may rise upward and flow into the inner burner ring 710. The gas may also flow through the through-hole 610 and may flow through the space defined by the lower connecting wall 644 and the upper connecting wall 744 and to pass to upwardly flow into the outer burner ring 710.

As previously described, the gas channel 630 may be formed by combining the lower channel wall 640 with the upper channel wall 740. The lower channel wall 640 may include a lower flow channel wall 641, a lower central wall 642, a lower outer wall 643, and a lower connecting wall 644.

The lower flow channel wall 641 may be disposed in the outer area of the cover 600 and may protrude away from the cover 600 so as to surround the through-holes 610. The lower central wall 642 may be formed in the central area of the cover 600 and may protrude away from the cover 600 so as to form the gas channel 630. Thus, the lower central wall 642 may define a flow channel that may allow a portion of the gas to flow from the gas channel 630 into the inner burner ring 710. Another portion of the gas flowing into the gas channel 630 may flow to the outer area of the head 700 along the lower connecting wall 644 and may reach the lower outer wall 643.

The lower outer wall 643 may be formed between the outer area of the cover 600 and the central area of the cover 600. The lower outer wall 643 may extend away from the cover 600 so as to form a channel between the through-hole 610 and the gas channel 630. Since the lower outer wall 643 includes a pair of outer protrusions, the lower connecting wall 644 may include a pair of connecting walls respectively connected to the pair of lower outer walls 643.

The lower connecting wall 644 may define a flow channel connecting an inner space of the lower outer wall 643 and an inner space of the lower central wall 642 to each other. Since the lower outer wall 643 includes the pair of outer walls, the lower connecting wall 644 may include a pair of connecting walls respectively connected to the pair of outer walls 643.

The gas flowing into the flow lower channel-defining wall 641 may flow through the lower central wall 642 and the lower connecting wall 644 and may flow upwardly in the lower outer wall 643. In order for gas to flow smoothly, bottom surfaces of the lower channel-defining wall 641, the lower central part 642, and the lower connecting wall 644 may constitute a continuous plane.

The lower outer wall 643 may be formed at a position that overlaps a side wall 780 of the head 700 in the vertical direction. Due to this structure, the gas that has reached the lower outer wall 643 may flow smoothly to the side wall 780 and then reach the second flame burner 720.

The cover 600 may have a smaller planar area than that of the base 500. As described above, the cover 600 may be seated in the cover receiving groove 550 of the base 500 and the cover receiving groove 550 may be coupled to the cover 600 using the fastening means.

Further, the cover 600 may include the upper cell or cylinder 620 forming approximately the upper cross-sectional area of the mixing tube 501. The upper cylinder 620 may be formed to protrude downwardly toward the base 500 and may form a cylindrical cross section of an upper section of the mixing tube 501. However, the upper cylinder 620 may be inserted into a groove defined in the lower cylinder 510 of the base 500 to extend deeper into the lower cylinder 510. Thus, the upper cylinder 620 may define less than half of the cross-sectional area of the mixing tube 501.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upper cylinder 620 may be formed integrally with the cover 600. However, in another embodiment, the upper cylinder 620 may be formed as a separate structure from the cover 200. Further, in still another embodiment, the upper cylinder 620 may be formed integrally with the lower cylinder 510.

The base 500 may include a first igniter receiving hole 560. The cover 600 may include a second igniter receiving hole 650. The first igniter receiving hole 160 may be formed to overlap the cover 600. Thus, the igniter may be inserted and mounted in the first igniter receiving hole 560. In one example, the second igniter receiving hole 650 may be aligned at a position corresponding to the first spark plug receiving hole 560.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first igniter receiving hole 560 may be disposed adjacent to the inner burner ring 710 provided in the central area of the burner. In this structure, the inner burner ring 710 may be ignited first and the outer burner ring 720 may be ignited later. In an alternative embodiment, the first igniter receiving hole 560 may be disposed adjacent to the outer burner ring 720 provided in the outer area of the burner. In this structure, the outer burner ring 720 may be ignited first and the inner burner ring 710 may be ignited later.

The cover 600 may include the second igniter receiving hole 650 into which the igniter is inserted and mounted. The second igniter receiving hole 650 may be placed in a corresponding position to the first igniter receiving hole 560 of the base 500. Therefore, depending on a location of the first igniter receiving hole 560, the second igniter receiving hole 650 may be disposed adjacent to the inner burner ring 710 or adjacent to the outer burner ring 720.

The head 700 may include a flame burner. In the flame burner, the gas may be discharged outwardly from the burner and ignited by a igniter (not shown), thereby generating a flame.

FIG. 50 is a perspective view showing the cover 600 and the head 700. FIG. 51 is an exploded top perspective view of FIG. 50. FIG. 52 is a bottom perspective view of FIG. 50. FIG. 53 is a top view of FIG. 50. FIG. 54 is a perspective view of the head 700. FIG. 55 is a bottom view of FIG. 54. FIG. 56 is a top view of FIG. 54. FIG. 57 is a view of FIG. 54 in a different direction.

The head 700 may include a spreading hole 730. The spreading hole 730 may be connected to the gas channel 630 and the gas may flow from the gas channel 630 into the spreading hole 730.

The spreading hole 730 may include a pair of spreading holes disposed in the outer area of the head 700. The spreading hole 730 may be spaced apart from the through-hole 610 in the circumferential direction of the head.

A portion of the gas flowing through the through-hole 610 may flow to the gas channel 630 and then may flow upward into the inner burner ring 710 guided by the lower channel wall 641 and the lower central wall 642. The other portion of the gas may be directed to the outer area of the head 700 based on the lower connecting and outer walls 644, 643, and may flow through the spreading hole 730, and may spread in the circumferential direction in a space on the upper surface of the head 700, and then may flow into the outer burner ring 720.

As previously described, the gas channel 630 may be formed by combining the lower channel wall 640 with the upper channel wall 740. The upper channel wall 740 may include an upper flow channel wall 741, an upper central wall 742, an upper outer wall 743, and an upper connecting wall 744. The upper flow channel wall 741 may be disposed in the outer area of the head 700 and may protrude away from the head 700.

The upper central wall 742 may be formed in the central area of the head 700 and may protrude away from the head 700 so as to form the gas channel 630. Thus, the upper central wall 742 may define a flow channel that may allow a portion of the gas to flow from the gas channel 630 into the inner burner ring 710. Another portion of the gas flowing into the gas channel 630 may flow to the outer area of the head 700 along the upper connecting wall connecting and may reach the upper outer wall 743.

The upper outer wall 743 may be disposed in the outer area of the head 700, may define a flow channel connected to the outer burner ring 720, and may include a pair of the upper outer walls parts spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The gas flowing into the upper outer wall 743 may flow upwardly and may flow through the spreading hole 730 of the head 700 and into a space on the upper surface of the head and may reach the outer burner ring 720.

The upper connecting wall 744 may define a flow channel connecting an inner space of the upper outer wall 743 and an inner space of the upper central wall 742 to each other. Since the upper outer wall 743 includes the pair of upper outer walls, the upper connecting wall 744 may include a pair of upper connecting walls respectively connected to the pair of upper outer walls 743.

The gas flowing into the upper flow channel wall 741 may flow to the upper central wall 742 and the upper connecting wall 744 and may flow upwardly by the upper outer wall 743. In order for gas to flow smoothly, bottom surfaces of the upper channel-defining wall 741, the upper central wall 742, and the upper connecting wall 744 may form a continuous plane.

In this example, the pair of upper outer walls 743 may be formed and arranged symmetrically with each around the center of the head 700. The pair of upper connecting wall 744 may be formed and arranged symmetrically with each around the center of the head 700.

The head 700 may include a gas spreading channel 750 and a flame propagation channel 760. The gas spreading channel 750 may extend along the circumference of the head 700. The gas spreading channel 750 may be formed by the upper surface of the head 700, the outer burner ring 720 formed by an outer circumferential wall having a plurality of openings, a spreading channel defining wall 762, and the outer cap 810.

The gas spreading channel 750 may be connected to the gas spreading hole 730 through an inclined spreading surface 761. The inclined spreading surface 761 may be formed on the upper surface of the head 700 so as to be inclined in the circumferential or radial direction. Due to the inclined spreading surface 761, a planar area size of the spreading hole 730 may increase as the spreading hole 730 extends upwardly. Accordingly, the gas that may flow through the spreading hole 730 may be guided along the inclined spreading surface 761 so as to smoothly spread into the gas spreading channel 750 and be uniformly distributed throughout the gas spreading channel 750.

The gas spreading channel 750 may be embodied as a channel or passage that may connect to the outer burner ring 720 and is provided between the outer burner ring 720 formed by an outer circumferential wall having a plurality of openings and the spreading channel wall. Thus, the gas that has flowed through the spreading hole 730 may spread along the gas spreading channel 750 and flow out of openings 721 of the outer burner ring 720 substantially uniformly in the circumferential direction of the outer burner ring 720 for a uniform flame.

The flame propagation channel 760 may occupy a partial area of the gas spreading channel 750 such that the gas spreading channel 750 may be discontinuous at the flame propagation channel 760. The flame propagation channel 760 may be embodied as a space in which the flame propagates between the inner burner ring 710 and the outer burner ring 720.

The flame propagation channel 760 may serve as a passage supplying secondary air to the inner burner ring 710. The flame propagation channel 760 may be embodied as a space extending through the outer burner ring 720 which may cause a discontinuity along the outer ring burner 720. Therefore, the secondary air outside the outer burner ring 720 may be smoothly introduced into the inner burner ring 710 through the flame propagation channel 760.

At least one flame may be generated in the flame propagation channel 760. The flame may flow from the inner burner ring 710 to the outer burner ring 720 through the flame propagation channel 760. Alternatively, the flame may flow from the outer burner ring 720 to the inner burner ring 710 through the flame propagation channel 760.

Therefore, the flame generated in the inner burner ring 710 may flow to the outer burner ring 720, or conversely, the flame generated in the outer burner ring 720 may flow to the inner burner ring 710. Accordingly, the flame may always exist in the inner burner ring 710 and the outer burner ring 720 so long as gas is supplied therein, and a flame may always be generated in the flame propagation channel 760 even when a flame is not ignited or is extinguished in one flame generation portion.

The head 700 may include a spreading channel wall 762 coupled to a propagation channel wall 763. The spreading channel wall 762 may be disposed between the inner burner ring 710 and outer burner ring 720. The spreading channel wall 762 may protrude upwardly from the upper surface of the head 700 and extend in the circumferential direction of the head 700, and may surround the gas spreading channel 750 wall the outer burner ring 720.

The propagation channel wall 763 may protrude upwardly from the upper surface of the head 700 and may define the flame propagation channel 760 and thus isolate the gas spreading channel 750 and the flame propagation channel 760 from each other. The propagation channel wall 763 may include a pair of propagation channel walls respectively disposed on both opposing sides of the flame propagation channel 760.

The propagation channel wall 763 may protrude upwardly from the upper surface of the head 700 and may include a pair of propagation channel walls respectively disposed on both opposing sides of the flame propagation channel 760 to define the flame propagation channel 760. The propagation channel wall 763 may isolate the gas spreading channel 750 and the flame propagation channel 760 from each other.

The propagation channel wall 763 may include at least one opening. The gas in the gas spreading channel 750 may be discharged to the flame propagation channel 760 through this opening. The flame may be generated at an outlet of the opening and this flame may propagate from the inner burner ring 710 to the outer burner ring 720 through the flame propagation channel 760 or vice versa.

FIG. 58 is an enlarged view of a region 58 of FIG. 57. FIG. 58 shows a portion of the inner burner ring 710. FIG. 59 is an enlarged view of a region 59 of FIG. 57. FIG. 59 shows a section of the outer burner ring 720.

The inner burner ring 710 may include a plurality of inner burner ring openings 711. The outer burner ring 720 may include a plurality of outer burner ring openings 721. A flame may be generated at the inner burner ring openings 711 and the outer burner ring openings 721.

The inner burner ring 710 may receive gas from the gas channel 630 through a central opening and may discharge the gas through the inner burner ring openings 721. The outer burner ring 720 may receive gas through the spreading channel 750 and may discharge the gas through the outer burner ring openings 711.

The inner burner ring openings 711 and the outer burner ring openings 721 may be depressed or recessed into the upper end of the inner burner ring 710 and the outer burner ring 720, respectively. The inner burner ring openings 711 and the outer burner ring openings 721 may be covered with the inner cap 820 and the outer cap 810, respectively, so that a top of each of the inner and outer rings (first and second flame rings) may be covered.

Depression depths of neighboring flame rings in the inner burner ring 710 or the outer burner ring 720 may be different from each other. For example, the inner burner ring 710 may have deeper inner burner ring openings 711a and shallower inner burner ring openings 711b arranged alternately with each other along the circumference of the inner burner ring 720. The outer burner ring 720 may have deeper outer burner rings openings 721a and the shallower outer burner rings openings 721b arranged alternately each other along the circumference of the outer burner ring 720.

The depression depth of the ring opening may be proportional to an amount of gas discharged to the outside through the ring opening. Furthermore, a size and a length of the flame may be proportional to the discharged gas amount through the ring opening. Therefore, the deeper the depression depth of the ring opening, the larger the size of the flame generated at the outlet of the ring opening. As the size of the flame increases, a likelihood at which adjacent flames merge with each other increases.

Incomplete combustion may occur when the gas inside the flame does not contact the air due to the merging of flames. Therefore, it is necessary to suppress the merging to suppress incomplete combustion. As such, in an embodiment, a relatively deep ring opening may be disposed between relatively shallow ring openings so as to increase spacing between large flames where large flames are likely to merge with each other. In other words, relatively smaller flames may be placed between relatively larger flames so as to suppress the merging of flames.

When the flame generation portion is formed with only relatively shallower ring openings, however, the gas amount discharged from the flame burner is small so that the burner may be unable to generate sufficient flames. Thus, in an embodiment, a plurality of relatively deeper ring openings may be arranged such that the gas and air mixture may be sufficiently discharged to the outside through the ring holes.

FIG. 60 is a perspective view showing a state in which the outer cap 810 and the inner cap 820 are installed on the head 700. FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 60. FIG. 62 is an enlarged view of a portion 62 of FIG. 61. FIG. 63 is a perspective view showing the inner cap 820.

As previously described, the burner may include the outer cap 810 and the inner cap 820 that cover the flame generation portion. The outer cap 810 may be disposed on an upper end of the outer burner ring 720 and the spreading channel wall 762—and may cover the gas spreading channel 750. The outer cap 810 may be disposed on the head 700 and cover an upper end of the gas spreading channel 750.

Referring to FIG. 61, the outer cap 810 may have an inclined cross-sectional shape. For example, the outer cap 810 may form a cross-sectional shape that gradually inclines upward as the outer cap extends outwardly in the radial direction. In other words, the height of the spreading channel wall 762 is lower than the height of the outer circumferential wall defining the outer burner ring 720.

The inner cap 820 may be disposed on an upper end of the inner burner ring 710 defined by an inner wall having openings 711 and may cover the upper end of the inner burner ring 710 and the upper end of the space where the gas is merged and flows to the inner burner ring 710.

The head 700 may include the core 770, a side wall 780, and a core support 790. The core 770 may be disposed in the central area of the head 700, and the outer burner ring 710 may be formed at an upper end of the core. The inner cap 820 may be disposed on the upper end of the core 770.

The side wall 780 occupies the outer area of the head 700. The gas spreading channel 750 may be defined in the side wall 780. The core 770 and the side wall 780 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other and may be connected to a first core support 791 and a second core support 792 and the pair of upper connecting walls 743 and 744.

Thus, the core support 790 (e.g. 791, 792) may connect the core 770 and the side wall 780 to each other and may support the core 770. The pair of upper connecting walls 743 and 744 and the core support 790 may be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential directions and may connect the core 770 and the side wall 780 to each other.

The inner burner ring 710 may be formed to protrude above an outer area of the core 770. The core 770 and an area inwardly of the inner burner ring 710 may define a space where portions of the gas flowing into the core 770 through the gas channel 630 are merged with each other.

The core 770 may include a plurality of guide protrusions 771 that are spaced apart from each other and protrude upwardly in the circumferential direction of the core 770. The guide protrusions 771 may allow the inner cap 820 to mount to the core 770. The inner cap 820 may include a guide ring 821 which may protrude downwardly from the bottom of the inner cap 820 and may couple to the guide protrusions 771. More specifically, the guide protrusions 771 may be located inwardly of the guide ring 821 so as to contact the guide ring and the position of the inner cap 820 may be guided along the guide protrusions 771. Due to this structure, the inner cap 820 may be stably disposed in the designed position on the upper end of core 770 and may maintain its position.

The core 770 may include a supporter 773 that may contact a lower surface of the inner cap 820 and supports the inner cap 820. The supporter 773 may be formed to gradually incline as the supporter 773 extends inwardly into the core 770. The inner cap 420 may be disposed on an upper surface of the supporter 773. The guide protrusion 771 may be formed to protrude from an upper end of the supporter 773. Each of the lower surface and the upper surface of the supporter 773 may extend in a generally straight line.

The gas discharged from the ring openings of the inner burner ring 710 or the outer burner ring 720 may be mixed with the secondary air around the flame generation portion to increase combustion efficiency. The outer burner ring 720 is disposed in the outer area of the burner. Thus, the gas discharged from the outer burner ring openings 721 may actively contact the surrounding secondary air.

However, the inner burner ring 710 may be surrounded by the outer cap 820 and other structures which may reduce the surrounding air contact area of the inner burner ring 710. Considering this problem, in accordance with an embodiment, the inner burner ring 710 may be disposed at a higher vertical level than a spreading channel wall 762 that radially surrounds the inner burner ring 710 in the circumferential direction. Due to this structure, a vertical level of the inner burner ring 710 may be higher than that of the outer cap 810. Thus, the surrounding air contact area of the inner burner ring 710 may be increased.

Therefore, the inner burner ring 710 may smoothly contact the surrounding air. Thus, the gas discharged from the inner burner ring 710 may smoothly receive the surrounding secondary air and incomplete combustion due to insufficient supply of the secondary air may be suppressed.

The core 770 may include an insert protrusion 772 protruding downwardly and inserted into the groove defined in the cover 600. The cover 600 may include a protrusion receiving groove 660 forming a depression into the upper surface of the cover.

The protrusion receiving groove 660 may be formed to correspond to the insertion protrusion 772. Thus, the insert protrusion 772 may be inserted into the protrusion receiving groove 660. The insert protrusion 772 may include at least one insert protrusion 772 and the protrusion receiving groove 660 may include at least one protrusion receiving groove 660. The insert protrusion 772 and the protrusion receiving groove 660 allows the head 700 to be stably disposed at the designed position on an upper end of the cover 600 and may maintain its position and may further allow the head 700 to be easily attached to and detached from the cover 600.

FIG. 64 is a diagram for illustrating flow of gas in a burner according to one embodiment. In an embodiment, the gas may flow through the mixing tube 501 and may be mixed with the primary air. The mixture of the gas and the air may be discharged from the mixing tube 501 and flow into the guide tube 520. The gas may flow into opposite circumferential directions through the guide tube 520 and through the through-hole 610. The gas may flow through the through hole 610 into the gas channel 630. The gas flowing into the gas channel 630 may flow to the central area of the head 700 and may be divided into the portions in the central area of the head 700.

A portion of the gas in the central area of the head 700 may flow upwardly immediately and may flow into the inner burner ring 710 and may be discharged through the first ring opening 711 and may be burned to generate a flame.

The other of the portion of the gas in the central area of the head 700 may flow to the outer area of the head 700 through the space defined by the lower connecting wall 644 and the upper connecting wall 744 and may flow upwardly and flow through the spreading hole 730.

Then, the gas may spread along the gas spreading channel 750 and may flow into the outer burner ring 720 and may flow evenly along the circumference of the outer burner ring 720 disposed in the outer area of the head 700 and may be discharged through the second ring hole 721 and may be burned to generate a flame.

In the above embodiments, the term “opening” is intended to be interpreted broadly to encompass any one or combination of recesses, depressions, grooves, slits, gaps, holes, etc.

In an embodiment, the gas discharged from the single mixing tube 501 may be divided into the portions which may be respectively supplied to the plurality of flame burners radially spaced apart from each other. Due to this structure, the flow channels for gas supply to the flame burners may be integrated with each other. The gas may be fed to the burner using a single supply pipe, and the flow channel structure in the burner may be simplified. Further, a dual burner with such a structure improves performance and saves production costs.

As can be appreciated, in the above embodiments, the scope and meaning of the term “ring” is intended to be interpreted broadly to encompass shapes other than circular shape. For example, the shape may be squarer, triangular, star shaped, etc.

Furthermore, a purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a burner with a structure that simplifies a path through which gas flows.

Furthermore, a purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a burner with a structure that smoothly guides the flow of gas.

Furthermore, a purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a burner with a structure capable of propagating a flame between adjacent ones of a plurality of flame generating portions spaced apart from each other.

Furthermore, a purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a burner with a structure that smoothly re-ignites the flame in an extinguished flame generation portion of the plurality of flame generation portions.

Purposes according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned purpose. Other purposes and advantages according to the present disclosure that are not mentioned may be understood based on following descriptions, and may be more clearly understood based on embodiments according to the present disclosure. Further, it will be easily understood that the purposes and advantages according to the present disclosure may be realized using means shown in the claims or combinations thereof.

A burner according to one embodiment may include a body; a cover disposed on a top of the body and coupled to the body to define a mixing tube in which gas and air flow and are mixed with each other; and a head disposed on a top of the cover and configured to generate a flame, wherein the head includes: a first flame generation portion disposed in a central area of the head and a second flame generation portion disposed in an outer area of the head.

The body, the cover, and the head are configured such that: the gas discharged from the mixing tube is divided into two portions flowing in opposite directions in an outer area of the body, then, the two portions of the gas flow through the cover, and then, a portion of each of the two portions flows into the second flame generation portion, while a remaining portion of each of the two portions flows from the outer area of the head to the central area thereof and flows into the first flame generation portion. Accordingly, the burner may be configured such that the gas discharged from the single mixing tube may be supplied into the first flame generation portion and the second flame generation portion in a divided manner.

The body may include a first guide tube connected to an outlet of the mixing tube in the outer area of the body, wherein the first guide tube has two divided portions connected to the outlet of the mixing tube and extending in a circumferential direction of the body and respectively in opposite directions, wherein a portion of the first guide tube is closed with the cover, and the gas flows in the first guide tube.

The first guide tube has an inclined guide surface formed on each of a distal end of the two divided portions thereof so as to change a flow direction of the gas so that the gas gradually rises upwardly. The inclined guide surface may induce a smooth flow of gas by gently changing the flow direction of the gas.

A through-hole through which the gas flows is formed in the cover in an area at least partially overlapping the inclined guide surface. The through-hole includes a pair of through-holes disposed in an outer area of the cover and spaced apart from each other along a circumferential direction of the cover. The pair of through-holes may facilitate the flow of gas.

The burner may include a flame propagation portion embodied as a space in which the flame propagates between the first flame generation portion and the second flame generation portion.

The head includes a propagation portion-defining protrusion protruding upwardly from the upper surface of the head, wherein the propagation portion-defining protrusion includes a pair of propagation portion-defining protrusions disposed on both opposing sides of the flame propagation portion, respectively so as to define the flame propagation portion therebetween. The propagation portion-defining protrusion may include a propagation hole that discharges gas into the flame propagation portion.

The propagation portion-defining protrusion may include a first protrusion, and a second protrusion spaced apart from the first protrusion in a circumferential direction, wherein the first and second protrusions define the flame propagation portion.

The propagation hole may include a plurality of first propagation holes formed in the first protrusion, and a second propagation hole formed in the second protrusion. The first propagation holes may be provided so that a spacing in a radial direction of the head between gas outlets of the first propagation holes in which the flame may be generated is larger than a spacing in a radial direction of the head between gas inlets of the first propagation holes. Accordingly, the merging between the flames in the gas outlets may be suppressed.

The first propagation hole may include a pair of first propagation holes spaced apart from each other in the radial direction, while the second propagation hole may be positioned between the pair of first propagation holes in the radial direction. Therefore, the plurality of first propagation holes and the second propagation hole may be arranged alternately with each other in the longitudinal direction of the flame propagation portion, and accordingly, the plurality of flames may be generated so as be spaced from each other by a small spacing. This structure may facilitate the propagation of the flame.

A burner according to another embodiment may include a body; a cover disposed on a top of the body and coupled to the body to define a mixing tube in which gas and air flow and are mixed with each other; and a head disposed on a top of the cover and configured to generate a flame, wherein the head includes: a first flame generation portion disposed in a central area of the head and a second flame generation portion disposed in an outer area of the head.

The body, the cover, and the head are configured such that: the gas discharged from the mixing tube flows through the cover and flows to the central area of the cover, and then is divided into portions in the central area of the cover, and then one thereof flows into the first flame generation portion, and the other thereof flows to the outer area of the cover and flows into the second flame generation portion.

Accordingly, the burner may be configured such that the gas discharged from the single mixing tube may be supplied into the first flame generation portion and the second flame generation portion in a divided manner.

The head may include a spreading hole which connected to the second guide tube, wherein the gas may flow through the spreading hole.

The head may include a gas spreading portion through which the gas having flowed through the spreading hole spreads, wherein the gas spreading portion is embodied as a space surrounded with the upper surface of the head and the second flame generation portion, and the gas spreading portion extends along a circumference of the head.

The upper surface of the head has an inclined spreading surface disposed at a position where the spreading hole and the gas spreading portion are connected to each other, wherein the inclined spreading surface contacts each of both opposing ends of the spreading hole, and is inclined in a circumferential or radial direction of the head. The gas flowing along the inclined spreading surface may be spread uniformly throughout the gas spreading portion.

The gas that has flowed through the through-hole may flow from the outer area of the head to the central area of the head through the second guide tube and then may be divided into the portions.

One of the portions thereof reaches the first flame generation portion and is injected through the first flame hole, and is burned. The other of the portions of the gas flows from the central area of the head to the outer area of the head again through the second guide tube and flows through the spreading hole, and then, reaches the second flame generation portion, and is injected through the second flame hole and is burned.

In the burner according to the present disclosure, compared to a structure in which the external source is connected to a plurality of pipes, and a plurality of gas flow paths respectively connected to the plurality of pipes and the flame generation portions are provided independently of each other, an overall structure of the burner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be simplified. Furthermore, the burner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be connected to an external source through a single pipe. This simple structure allows for smooth flow of the gas inside the burner, improves burner performance, and saves a manufacturing cost of the burner.

Furthermore, in the burner according to the present disclosure, the first guide tube has the inclined guide surface formed on each of a distal end of the two divided portions thereof so as to change a flow direction of the gas so that the gas gradually rises upwardly. This structure may induce smooth flow of the gas. That is, the gas flowing through the first guide tube may be guided along the inclined guide surface so as to rises gradually, thereby allowing smooth flow of the gas.

Furthermore, in the burner according to the present disclosure, the through-hole may include the pair of the through-holes arranged circumferentially spaced apart from each other and disposed in the outer area of the cover. Therefore, compared to the case where gas flows into the head at one location, the gas flowing through the pair of through-holes spaced apart from each other may flow smoothly into the second flame generation portion or the central area of the head.

Furthermore, in the burner according to the present disclosure, the first propagation holes may be provided so that a spacing in a radial direction of the head between gas outlets of the first propagation holes in which the flame may be generated is larger than a spacing in a radial direction of the head between gas inlets of the first propagation holes. Due to this structure, the merging between the flames respectively generated in the first propagation holes adjacent to each other may be effectively suppressed.

Furthermore, in the burner according to the present disclosure, the plurality of first propagation holes and the second propagation hole may be arranged alternately with each other in the longitudinal direction of the flame propagation portion, and accordingly, the plurality of flames may be generated so as be spaced from each other by a small spacing. Therefore, the flame propagation portion may have a plurality of locations which are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the flame propagation portion and at which the flames are generated, and thus the flame may easily propagate along the flame propagation portion. Therefore, initial ignition or re-ignition of the first flame generation portion and the second flame generation portion may be facilitated.

Furthermore, in the burner according to the present disclosure, due to the gas discharge hole, the propagation hole, and the flame guiding portion arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the radial direction of the head, the flame may smoothly propagate from the first flame generation portion to the second flame generation portion or vice versa.

Due to smooth flame propagation between the first flame generation portion and the second flame generation portion, any extinguished flame generation portion may be immediately re-ignited. Thus, the performance of the burner may be improved.

Furthermore, in the burner according to the present disclosure, while the gas flowing into the gas spreading portion through the spreading hole flows further upwardly, the gas may be guided along the inclined spreading surface so as to smoothly spread into the gas spreading portion and then be uniformly distributed throughout the gas spreading portion. As a result, the second flame generation portion may receive a uniform supply of the gas in its circumferential direction and thus generate a uniform flame in its circumferential direction.

Furthermore, in the burner according to the present disclosure, the gas discharged from the single mixing tube may be divided into the portions which may be respectively supplied to the plurality of flame generation portions radially spaced apart from each other in the burner. Due to this structure, the flow channels for gas supply to the flame generation portions may be integrated with each other. The gas may be fed to the burner using a single supply pipe, and the flow channel structure in the burner may be simplified.

In addition to the above-mentioned effects, the specific effects of the present disclosure are described below along with the description of the specific details for carrying out the present disclosure.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited by the embodiments disclosed herein and drawings, and it is obvious that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure. In addition, although the effects based on the configuration of the present disclosure are not explicitly described and illustrated in the above description of the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is obvious that predictable effects of the corresponding configuration should also be recognized.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on” another element or layer, the element or layer can be directly on another element or layer or intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

Spatially relative terms, such as “lower”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “lower” relative to other elements or features would then be oriented “upper” relative to the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “lower” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Throughout the present disclosure, “A and/or B” means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise specified, and “C to D” means C inclusive to D inclusive unless otherwise specified.

Embodiments of the disclosure are described herein with reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the disclosure. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the disclosure should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

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