Valve arrangement for a gas burner

According to one embodiment a valve arrangement for a gas burner is provided that includes a manual gas valve with a manual actuator for opening or closing the gas flow, and an electromagnetic valve having a movable closure member which allows opening or closing a gas passage to the burner. The electromagnetic valve is arranged in the gas valve, with the manual actuator being coupled to a rotary flow regulating element, the manual actuator being configured in order to move the closure member of the electromagnetic valve, opening the gas passage, the manual gas valve including a reduced gas flow channel which puts the inlet conduit in fluid communication with the regulating element regardless of the position of the closure member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to and claims the benefit and priority to International Application No. PCT/ES2019/070424, filed Jun. 18, 2019, which claims the benefit and priority to Spanish Patent Application No. P201830682, filed Jul. 6, 2018.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to valve arrangements, and more specifically to valve arrangements for gas burners.

BACKGROUND

Valve arrangements for regulating the gas flow of a gas burner, in which an electromagnetic valve, controlled by a control unit, is arranged between a manual gas valve and the gas burner, with the electromagnetic valve acting as a safety valve, are known. These valve arrangements comprise, for example, a temperature sensor calibrated with a maximum temperature, electrically connected with the control unit to limit a temperature relating to a cooking process in the gas burner. The control unit acts on the electromagnetic valve to cut off the gas flow when the temperature sensor detects overheating in the cooking process.

KR2015099080A describes a valve arrangement for a gas burner comprising a manual gas valve comprising a body comprising a gas inlet conduit, a gas outlet conduit suitable for conducting gas to the burner, and a manual actuator for opening or closing the gas flow through the gas valve, and an electromagnetic valve comprising a movable closure member which allows opening or closing a gas passage to the burner, the electromagnetic valve being powered through an electric circuit, and the electric circuit being connected to at least one sensor.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a valve arrangement for a gas burner. The valve arrangement of the invention comprises a manual gas valve comprising a body comprising a gas inlet conduit, at least one gas outlet conduit suitable for conducting gas to the burner, and a manual actuator for opening or closing the gas flow through the gas valve, and it also comprises an electromagnetic valve comprising a movable closure member which allows opening or closing a gas passage to the burner, the electromagnetic valve being powered through an electric circuit, and the electric circuit being connected to at least one sensor.

The electromagnetic valve of the valve arrangement is arranged in the body of the gas valve, with the manual actuator of the gas valve being coupled to a rotary gas flow regulating element communicated with the outlet conduit, the manual actuator of the gas valve being configured for moving axially in order to move the closure member of the electromagnetic valve, opening the gas passage, said gas passage communicating the inlet conduit and the regulating element, the manual gas valve comprising a reduced gas flow channel which puts the inlet conduit in fluid communication with the regulating element regardless of the position of the closure member, such that when the closure member of the electromagnetic valve moves to a closed position due to an abnormal situation detected through the sensor, the gas burner remains turned on with the gas flow passing through the channel.

By integrating an electromagnetic valve and a reduced gas flow channel in the same manual gas valve, the valve arrangement of the invention allows managing gas flow to the gas burner, reducing it when the cooking process established in said gas burner is unattended. To that end, the valve arrangement detects an abnormal situation, such as the absence of a pot on the gas burner, an excessive temperature, or the absence of users close to the gas burner by means of a sensor, and reduces the gas flow in said gas burner to a value that does not entail any risk.

This is furthermore obtained with a valve arrangement with a smaller number of parts, as the use of electromagnetic valves with integrated reduced gas flow channels controlled by a control unit is avoided.

These and other advantages and features will become evident in view of the drawings and detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the valve arrangement300for a gas burner200according to the invention. Said valve arrangement300comprises a manual gas valve100comprising a body10comprising a gas inlet conduit11, a gas outlet conduit12suitable for conducting gas to the burner200, and a manual actuator20for opening or closing the gas flow through the gas valve100. The valve arrangement300also comprises an electromagnetic valve40comprising a movable closure member41which allows opening or closing a gas passage13, arranged in a housing of the body10of the manual gas valve100, to the burner200, the electromagnetic valve40being powered through an electric circuit51, and the electric circuit51being connected to a sensor60which is arranged in series in this embodiment.

The gas valve100is a gas valve in which the electromagnetic valve40is arranged in the body10of said gas valve100, with the gas inlet conduit11being in fluid communication with the electromagnetic valve40. The manual actuator20of the gas valve100is coupled to, for example, a conical or cylindrical rotary gas flow regulating element30that is in fluid communication with the outlet conduit12. The regulating element30is suitable for regulating the gas flow entering from the gas inlet conduit11and through the gas passage13to the outlet conduit12depending on its angular position, for which it comprises in this embodiment an inlet hole in the lower portion, and at least one outlet hole which is in fluid communication with the outlet conduit12of the gas valve100. In this embodiment, the gas passage13is a hole in the body10of the gas valve100which puts the gas inlet conduit11in fluid communication with the regulating element30through a chamber15arranged below the lower portion of the regulating element30, in which there is arranged the inlet hole for the gas, and after the gas passage13, in the gas flow direction.

The manual actuator20of the gas valve100is configured for moving axially in order to move the closure member41of the electromagnetic valve40, opening the gas passage13. To that end, the manual actuator20comprises a prolongation23, which can be a shaft that is coupled to the manual actuator20and goes through the regulating element30in a leak-tight manner.

The manual gas valve100comprises a reduced gas flow channel14which, in this embodiment, is arranged such that it goes through the closure member41in the gas flow direction. Said channel14puts the inlet conduit11in fluid communication with the regulating element30through the chamber15, such that when the closure member41of the electromagnetic valve40moves to a closed position due to an abnormal situation detected through the sensor60, the gas burner200continues to be fed with gas and remains turned on, with a gas flow reduced to a specific value passing through the channel14, the passage of said channel14defining the value of the reduced gas flow. After going through the channel14, the reduced gas flow will feed the burner200by flowing through the chamber15, the regulating element30, and the gas outlet conduit12.

In this embodiment, the manual actuator20is an actuating shaft rotating between an initial position of rotation and a final position of rotation, the regulating element30being coupled to the manual actuator20and defining an initial position of rotation and a final position of rotation of said regulating element30, and thereby defining gas flow regulation in the initial position and in the final position of rotation which, in this embodiment, is for example regulation where there is no gas flow or OFF regulation and regulation where there is a minimum gas flow or MIN regulation, respectively. An angular position, for example of 90°, for maximum gas flow or MAX is arranged between said two positions. There is coupled at one end of the manual actuator20, and outside the body10of the gas valve100, a control knob21which allows the user to use said gas valve100manually. In this embodiment, a spring22is arranged between the control knob21and the body10, said spring22allowing the manual actuator20, and therefore the control knob22, to return to an initial standby position when the user no longer presses on said manual actuator20and therefore no longer moves it axially.

The structure of the electromagnetic valve40can be, for example, like the structure of the electromagnetic valve described in patent application EP3222914A1 belonging to the applicant, which is incorporated by reference. As shown inFIG.1, the electromagnetic valve40comprises an electromagnet comprising a core42, a reel (not shown in the drawings) inserted in the core42, and a coil43arranged in the reel and around the core42. The electromagnetic valve40also comprises a metal moving armature45coupled to the closure member41, and a spring44for returning the closure member41together with the moving armature45to the closed position of the gas passage13. The coil43comprises a phase wire connected to a phase connector and a grounding wire (not shown in the drawings) electrically connected to the electric circuit51.

The electric circuit51is connected with an electrical supply source50such that the electromagnetic valve40can be electrically powered. In turn, the sensor60comprises an electrical contact61which performs the function of a switch in the electric circuit51and opens said electric circuit51when an abnormal situation occurs, as will be described below, preventing the electromagnetic valve40from being electrically powered through said electrical supply source50. In this embodiment, the electrical supply source50is a thermocouple arranged next to the burner200. The reduced gas flow passing through the channel14preferably has a value comprised between the minimum gas flow MIN and the maximum gas flow MAX of the gas valve100, depending on the heat output of the gas burner200, and it is sufficient to heat the thermocouple such that said thermocouple supplies sufficient electric current to the electromagnetic valve40so as to open it. Once the electromagnetic valve40has been electrically powered, the core43of the electromagnet can attract the moving armature45, and the closure member41is attracted with said moving armature45, which closure member41moves to its open position and allows opening the gas passage13.

In the embodiment of the valve arrangement300shown inFIG.1, the sensor60is a temperature sensor arranged in the gas burner200below a cooking vessel70and in contact with the bottom thereof. The electrical contact61is a bimetal contact which is in contact with the bottom of the vessel70and gradually heats up as long as the flame of the burner200is turned on. In this embodiment, the contact61is calibrated for a threshold temperature, such that when said threshold temperature is reached in the vessel70, the bimetal contact61is activated and opens the electric circuit51, with the thermocouple50no longer electrically powering the electromagnetic valve40. In this situation, the core43of the electromagnet of the electromagnetic valve40no longer attracts the moving armature45, and therefore no longer attracts the closure member41, said closure member41being moved to its closed position and closing the gas passage13. The burner200continues to be fed with gas, in this situation with the reduced gas flow the channel14allows to pass through same.

In another embodiment of the valve arrangement300, the sensor60is a detector for detecting the absence of a cooking vessel70arranged on the burner200, such that said sensor60is activated when there is no vessel70on said burner200. In another embodiment of the valve arrangement300, the sensor60is a detector for detecting the absence of people in the surroundings of the burner200, such that said sensor60for sensing the presence of people is activated when no one is in the surroundings of the burner200determined by said sensor60. In that sense, and with the different described configurations of the sensor60, the valve arrangement300offers a safety function against overheating, or a function against unattended gas burners, in which the regulated gas flow in the manual gas valve100to the burner200, is allowed when the electromagnetic valve40of said gas valve100is in the open position, and in which the reduced gas flow defined by the channel14is allowed when the electromagnetic valve40is in the closed position.

FIG.1shows the valve arrangement300in which the gas valve100is closed. The manual actuator20is in the initial position of rotation in an OFF regulation position with no gas flow. There is no flame in the burner200, the thermocouple50does not generate electricity, and the electromagnetic valve40is not electrically powered, the gas passage13being closed by the closure member41.

FIG.2shows a schematic view of the valve arrangement ofFIG.1, in which the gas burner200is turned on. To that end, the manual actuator20of the gas valve100is moved axially by the user pressing on the control knob21, and said manual actuator20is then rotated for rotating the regulating element30. With the axial movement of the manual actuator20, the prolongation23moves the closure member41of the electromagnetic valve40, opening the gas passage13. The gas flow from the inlet conduit11goes through the gas passage13, is introduced through the chamber15in the regulating element30through the inlet hole, and exits to the outlet conduit12, and therefore to the burner200, through the at least one outlet hole. Flame210is ignited in the burner200using manual means or a spark generator (not shown in the drawings), said flame210heating the thermocouple which is the electrical supply source50of the electromagnetic valve40. The thermocouple50gradually heats up, generating more electricity until the electromagnetic valve40is capable of keeping the closure member41moved and the gas passage13open.

FIG.3shows a schematic view of the valve arrangement ofFIG.1, in which the user releases the manual actuator20after igniting the flame210in the gas burner200, the electromagnetic valve40is electrically powered by the thermocouple50, and a time sufficient for said electromagnetic valve40to keep the gas passage13open only with the electrical power supplied by said thermocouple50has elapsed. The spring22returns the manual actuator20to its original position, and the prolongation23of the manual actuator20no longer pushes the closure member41. The gas flow to the burner200is that defined by the user upon rotating the manual actuator20, and therefore the regulating element30, to a position between the initial position of rotation and the final position of rotation. The flame210of the burner200gradually heats the vessel70.

FIG.4shows a schematic view of the valve arrangement ofFIG.1, in which the sensor60detects the threshold temperature for which it is defined, the bimetal contact61opens, and the sensor60is therefore activated, and as a result the electric circuit51opens. Therefore, the electromagnetic valve40is no longer electrically powered, the electromagnet of said electromagnetic valve40no longer attracts the moving armature45, and the closure member41returns to its closed position, closing the gas passage13. The gas flows to the burner200through the reduced gas flow channel14arranged, in this embodiment, in the closure member41of the electromagnetic valve40. The flame210in the burner200is reduced, but it has an enough calorific power for heating the thermocouple50, and for said thermocouple50to generate sufficient electricity to electrically power the electromagnetic valve40, when the sensor60detects a temperature in the vessel70that is below the threshold temperature, it is deactivated, and the electric circuit51closes again. The gas valve100in which the electromagnetic valve40is housed can be a standard gas valve, without any modification whatsoever on a manual gas valve comprising an electromagnetic safety valve, with an open position and a closed position in which there is no gas flow to the gas burner.

The valve arrangement300also allows manual reset for returning the gas valve100to the situation prior to the opening of the electric circuit51by the sensor60when, for example, the reduced gas flow is not sufficient for the thermocouple50to generate sufficient electricity to power the electromagnetic valve40and for said valve40to open the gas passage13, attracting the moving armature45to the core42of the electromagnet of the electromagnetic valve40. In this embodiment, reset is a voluntary action involving the user pressing on the manual actuator20again, putting the moving armature45and the core42of the electromagnet in contact, such that if the temperature detected by the sensor60is already below the threshold temperature, and the contact61closes the electric circuit51, the electricity generated by the thermocouple50is sufficient for the electromagnetic valve40to be capable of keeping the moving armature45and the core42of the electromagnet in contact with one another, and the gas passage13remains open. In this embodiment of the valve arrangement300, the resets may not be accidental resets.

The valve arrangement300may have warning means (not shown in the drawings) so that the user may know when to reset the gas valve100, for example. The warning means may comprise, for example, a LED light which lights up when the sensor60has been activated, opening the electric circuit51and reducing gas flow to the burner200, and a LED light which lights up when the sensor60has been deactivated and the user can then reset the gas valve100and return to the previous gas flow.

FIG.5shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of the valve arrangement300according to the invention. In this second embodiment, the reduced gas flow channel14is arranged in the body10of the gas valve100, putting the gas inlet conduit11in fluid communication with the chamber15. The rest of the features of the valve arrangement300are the same as those described in the first embodiment, a situation such as that described inFIG.4of said first embodiment of the valve arrangement300being shown.

In the embodiments of the valve arrangement300described above, no external power supply or control unit which electronically manages the electromagnetic valve40is required, such that the valve arrangement300is completely autonomous.

FIG.6shows a schematic view of a third embodiment of the valve arrangement300according to the invention. In this third embodiment, the electrical supply source50of the electromagnetic valve40is the electrical grid or a DC power source, such as a battery, for example, and said power source is continuous and instantaneous. Depending on the configuration of the electromagnetic valve40, this external power supply allows, for example, the moving armature45, and therefore the closure member41, to move and open the gas passage13without delays.

FIG.7shows a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of the valve arrangement300of the invention which differs from the embodiment ofFIG.1in that it further comprises a timer80. The function of this timer80is to temporarily cancel the safety offered by the valve arrangement300when, for example, in an embodiment of said valve arrangement300in which the sensor60is a temperature sensor which detects a threshold temperature, the user wants to cook with a high calorific power in the burner200. In this example, if the valve arrangement300does not comprise the timer80, when the threshold temperature is reached, the electromagnetic valve40will no longer be electrically powered and the burner200is fed with the reduced gas flow passing through the channel14. Said situation remains until the temperature detected by the sensor60is below the threshold temperature and the gas flow in the burner200returns to the value defined by the user prior to the detection of the abnormal situation. With the timer80, and at the request of the user, the reduction of gas flow in the burner200is canceled for a predefined time, maintaining the gas flow defined by the user with the manual actuator20.

To perform said function, the timer80is mechanically coupled to the manual actuator20of the gas valve100. In the shown embodiment, the timer80is arranged externally with respect to the gas valve100, but in other embodiments it may be integrated with said gas valve100, the timer80being arranged concentric to the manual actuator20and between the control knob21and the body10, for example. These different arrangements allow said timer80to be activated when the manual actuator20is pressed on and moved axially. Moreover, said timer80comprises an electrical contact81whereby it is electrically connected with the electric circuit51, being connected in parallel with the contact61of the sensor60in this embodiment. Therefore, when the sensor60detects the threshold temperature, it is activated, with the contact61opening the electric circuit51, and the user presses on the manual actuator20activating the timer80, the contact81closing said electric circuit51for a predetermined time.

In the valve arrangement300shown inFIG.7, the sensor60is activated because it detects the threshold temperature in the vessel70, and the electric circuit51opens, the manual actuator20is not pressed, and therefore the timer80is not activated, the timer80being electrically disconnected from the electric circuit51. The gas passage13is thereby closed, the electromagnetic valve40is not electrically powered, and the burner200is fed with the reduced gas flow passing through the channel14.

FIG.8shows a schematic view of the valve arrangement ofFIG.7, in which the sensor60is activated because it is understood that the sensor still detects the threshold temperature and the electric circuit51is open. In this case, the user has decided to intervene by pressing on the manual actuator20, moving it axially, opening the gas passage13and activating the timer80, the electrical contact81closing the electric circuit51. The electromagnetic valve40is electrically powered and the gas passage13remains open, such that the burner200is fed with the gas flow that the user has defined with the manual actuator20by regulating the regulating element30.

FIG.9shows a schematic view of the valve arrangement ofFIG.7, in which after the situation of the valve arrangement300shown inFIG.8described above, the user releases the manual actuator20after activating the timer, said manual actuator20returning to its original position due to the spring22, and since the electromagnetic valve40is electrically powered by the thermocouple50and the gas passage13is open, the burner200continues to be fed with the gas flow that the user has defined until the predetermined time defined in timer80has elapsed, and the gas flow in the burner200is reduced.

The timer80can be a pneumatic retarder which, once pressed and depending on the air outlet defined in the retarder, determines a predetermined time, or it can be an electronic timer in which the pressing of the manual actuator20activates the timer, said timer having means for determining different predetermined times.

The following clauses present in an unlimited way additional embodiments.

Clause 1. A valve arrangement for a gas burner, comprising

a manual gas valve100comprising a body10comprising a gas inlet conduit11, at least one gas outlet conduit12suitable for conducting gas to the burner200, and a manual actuator20for opening or closing the gas flow through the gas valve100, and

an electromagnetic valve40comprising a movable closure member41which allows opening or closing a gas passage13to the burner200, the electromagnetic valve40being powered through an electric circuit51, and the electric circuit51being connected to at least one sensor60,

the electromagnetic valve40is arranged in the body10of the gas valve100, with the manual actuator20of the gas valve100being coupled to a rotary gas flow regulating element30communicated with the outlet conduit12, the manual actuator20of the gas valve100being configured for moving axially in order to move the closure member41of the electromagnetic valve40, opening the gas passage13, said gas passage13communicating the inlet conduit11and the regulating element30, the manual gas valve100comprising a reduced gas flow channel14which puts the inlet conduit11in fluid communication with the regulating element30, such that when the closure member41of the electromagnetic valve40moves to a closed position due to an abnormal situation detected through the sensor60, the gas burner200remains turned on with the gas flow passing through the channel14.

Clause 2. The valve arrangement according to clause 1, wherein the closure member41comprises the reduced gas flow channel14.

Clause 3. The valve arrangement according to clause 1, wherein the body10of the gas valve100comprises the reduced gas flow channel14.

Clause 4. The valve arrangement according to any of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the electric circuit51is connected with an electrical supply source50and the sensor60opens the electric circuit51when an abnormal situation occurs, preventing the electromagnetic valve40from being powered through said electrical supply source50.

Clause 5. The valve arrangement according to clause 4, wherein the electrical supply source50is a thermocouple arranged next to the burner200, the reduced gas flow passing through the channel14being sufficient for the thermocouple to supply electric current to the electromagnetic valve40which allows moving the closure member41and opening the gas passage13.

Clause 6. The valve arrangement according to clause 4 or 5, wherein the electrical supply source50is the electrical grid or a DC power source.

Clause 7. The valve arrangement according to any of the preceding clauses, comprising a sensor60which is a temperature sensor that is activated depending on the temperature reached in a vessel70arranged on the burner200.

Clause 8. The valve arrangement according to any of the preceding clauses, comprising a sensor which is a detector for detecting the absence of a vessel70arranged on the burner200.

Clause 9. The valve arrangement according to any of the preceding clauses, comprising a sensor which is a detector for detecting the absence of people in the surroundings of the burner200.

Clause 10. The valve arrangement according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the manual gas valve100is configured, when the manual actuator20is moved axially, for opening the gas passage13and keeping it open when the sensor60is deactivated and the electric circuit51is closed.

Clause 11. The valve arrangement according to any of the preceding clauses, comprising a timer80coupled to the manual actuator20of the gas valve100and electrically connected with the electric circuit51, the timer80closing said electric circuit51and opening the gas passage13for a predetermined time upon the axial movement of the manual actuator20, when the sensor60is activated and opens the electric circuit51.

Clause 12. The valve arrangement according to clause 11, wherein the timer80comprises a contact81which is electrically connected to the electric circuit51in parallel with a contact61of the sensor60.

Clause 13. The valve arrangement according to clause 11 or 12, wherein the timer80is a pneumatic retarder.

Clause 14. The valve arrangement according to clause 11 or 12, wherein the timer80is an electronic timer.

Clause 15. A gas cooking appliance comprising at least one gas burner200and a valve arrangement300according to any of the preceding clauses associated with said gas burner200.