Patent Publication Number: US-2023151910-A1

Title: Connecting assembly for a gas cooking appliance

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application relates to and claims the benefit and priority to European Application No. EP21383039.1, filed Nov. 16, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     FIELD 
     The present invention relates to connecting assemblies for a gas cooking appliance, to gas distribution assemblies which incorporate said connecting assembly, and to gas cooking appliances which incorporate said gas distribution assembly. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Connecting assemblies configured for connecting a gas manifold to a gas inlet are known. In solutions of this type, the connecting assembly usually comprises a tube which is usually rigid and a connector configured for being coupled to a connector arranged in the manifold. 
     Moreover, gas appliances which, due to their characteristics, require a gas distribution assembly with a manifold having a complex shape, for example, a manifold having curved segments to enable circumventing part of the electronics of the appliance gas, are known. 
     DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
     Provided is a connecting assembly for a gas cooking appliance, a gas distribution assembly which incorporates said connecting assembly, and a gas cooking appliance which incorporates said gas distribution assembly. 
     A first aspect of the invention relates to a connecting assembly for a gas cooking appliance. 
     The connecting assembly of the invention comprises a flexible tube and a connector fixed to a first end of said flexible tube. The connector is configured for being directly connected to an opening of a manifold of the gas cooking appliance. 
     The connecting assembly can be used, on one hand, to connect the manifold of the cooking appliance to a gas inlet. The connecting assembly can also be used to connect two manifolds in series. In both cases, the flexibility offered by the flexible tube provides a connecting assembly which easily adapts to different morphologies of cooking gas appliances. Furthermore, the fact that the connector is configured for being directly connected to an opening of a manifold without having to arrange a compatible connector in the manifold offers a simple and cost-effective solution. 
     A second aspect relates to a gas distribution assembly for a gas cooking appliance. 
     The gas distribution assembly of the invention comprises a first manifold comprising an opening, and a connecting assembly comprising a flexible tube and a connector fixed to a first end of said flexible tube. The connector is directly connected to the opening of the first manifold. 
     The fact that the connector is directly connected to the opening of the first manifold greatly simplifies the manufacturing of the gas distribution assembly, since it is sufficient to simply make an opening in the manifold, and therefore the need to arrange a connector in the manifold is avoided. Therefore, in addition to being a solution that is easier to manufacture, the present invention is also less expensive. 
     Furthermore, the gas distribution assembly of the invention is particularly advantageous for use in cooking appliances the morphology of which requires having a manifold with a complex shape, for example with curved portions. Manifolds with complex shapes of this type are usually difficult to manufacture. The gas distribution assembly of the invention adapts to morphologies of this type by joining in series at least two manifolds that are easy to manufacture, preferably straight manifolds, by means of a corresponding connecting assembly, greatly facilitating the manufacturing of the gas distribution assembly. 
     A third aspect of the invention relates to a gas cooking appliance. 
     The gas cooking appliance of the invention comprises a gas distribution assembly like the one described in the second aspect of the invention. 
     These and other advantages and features will become apparent in view of the figures and the detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    shows a connecting assembly according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    shows a sectional view of the connecting assembly of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    shows a connecting assembly according to s second embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    shows a sectional view of the connecting assembly of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  5    shows a front view of the first connector of the connecting assembly of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  6    shows a sectional view of the first connector of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  7    shows a view of the screw associated with the first connector of the connecting assembly of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  8    shows a perspective view of a gas distribution assembly according to one embodiment. 
         FIG.  9    shows a plan view of the gas distribution assembly of  FIG.  8   . 
         FIG.  10    shows a view of the first manifold of the gas distribution assembly of  FIG.  8   . 
         FIG.  11    shows a sectional view of the gas distribution assembly of  FIG.  8   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A first aspect of the invention relates to a connecting assembly  2 ,  3  for a gas cooking appliance. 
     The connecting assembly  2 ,  3  comprises a flexible tube  20 ,  30  and a first connector  21 ,  31  fixed to a first end  200 ,  300  of said flexible tube  20 ,  30 . The first connector  21 ,  31  is configured for being directly connected to an opening of a manifold of the gas cooking appliance. 
     Preferably, the flexible tube  20 ,  30  is a corrugated tube, and more preferably a corrugated tube made of stainless steel. 
     Preferably, the first connector  21 ,  31  is a “BOLT THRU” type connector. This type of connection is currently used, for example, to connect a gas regulating valve to a corresponding manifold. Therefore, the first connector  21 ,  31  preferably comprises a first portion  210 ,  310  fixed to the flexible tube  20 ,  30  and a second portion  211 ,  311  after the first portion  210 ,  310 , said second portion  211 ,  311  comprising a transverse opening  212 ,  312  configured for being arranged inside the manifold when the connecting assembly  2 ,  3  is connected to the manifold such that gas can flow between the inside of the flexible tube  20 ,  30  and the manifold through said transverse opening  212 ,  312 . Preferably, the first connector  21 ,  31  comprises a threaded longitudinal hole  213 ,  313  at the free end of the second portion  211 ,  311 , said threaded longitudinal hole  213 ,  313  being configured for receiving a screw  23 ,  33  for connecting the first connector  21 ,  31  to the manifold. 
     In the case where the first connector  21 ,  31  is a “BOLT THRU” type connector, the connecting assembly  2 ,  3  preferably comprises a screw  23 ,  33  configured for being screwed into the threaded longitudinal hole  213 ,  313  of the second portion  211 ,  311  of the first connector  21 ,  31  for fixing the first connector  21 ,  31  to the manifold. More preferably, the connecting assembly  2 ,  3  also comprises a first sealing element  24 ,  34  configured for sealing the joint between the screw  23 ,  33  and the manifold when the first connector  21 ,  31  is connected to the manifold. Furthermore, the connecting assembly  2 ,  3  preferably comprises a second sealing element  25 ,  35  configured for sealing the joint between the first connector  21 ,  31  and the manifold when the first connector  21 ,  31  is connected to the manifold. 
     Therefore, in the case where the first connector  21 ,  31  is a “BOLT THRU” type connector, the second portion  211 ,  311  of the first connector  21 ,  31  is preferably configured for being introduced in the opening  40   a,    41   b  of the manifold and for being fixed to the manifold with the screw  23 ,  33  being introduced through an additional opening  40   b,    41   b  of the manifold, the additional opening  40   b,    41   b  being arranged facing the opening  40   a,    41   a  in which the second portion  211 ,  311  of the connector  21 ,  31  is introduced. 
     According to one embodiment, the first connector  21 ,  31  is a deformed tube, with the tube being preferably made of stainless steel. The connector  21 ,  31  being a deformed tube makes the manufacture easier and more cost effective with respect to connectors manufactured by bar turning machining, for example. 
     Preferably, the first connector  21 ,  31  is fixed to the flexible tube  20 ,  30  by welding, for example, by laser welding, plasma welding, etc. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the connecting assembly  2  comprises an inlet connector  22  fixed to a second end  201  of the flexible tube  20 , said inlet connector  22  being configured to be connected to a gas inlet, as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   . This type of connecting assembly  2  is used to connect a manifold  2  to a gas supply source through which gas is supplied to the corresponding cooking appliance. In the context of the invention, this type of connecting assembly comprising a first connector configured for being directly connected to an opening of a manifold and an inlet connector configured for being connected to a gas inlet will be referred to as an inlet connecting assembly. 
     In a preferred alternative embodiment, the connecting assembly  3  may comprise a second connector  32  fixed to a second end  301  of the flexible tube  30 , the first connector  31  and the second connector  32  being of the same type, i.e., the first connector  31  and the second connector  32  being substantially identical, as shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   . The second connector  32  would therefore be configured for being directly connected to an opening of a second manifold of the gas cooking appliance. This type of connecting assembly  3  is used to connect two manifolds in series such that gas flows between both manifolds through the connecting assembly  3 . In the context of the invention, this type of connecting assembly comprising a first connector and a second connector that are identical, with said connectors being configured to be directly connected to an opening of a respective manifold, will be referred to as a coupling connecting assembly. In the context of the invention, two manifolds are considered to be connected in series by means of a connecting assembly when the first connector of the connecting assembly is connected to one of the manifolds and the second connector is connected to the other manifold. 
     A second aspect of the invention relates to a gas distribution assembly  1  for a gas cooking appliance. 
     The gas distribution assembly  1  is the component of the gas cooking appliance which distributes gas from a gas supply source to the gas burners of the gas cooking appliance through a series of gas regulating valves (not depicted in the figures). 
     The gas distribution assembly  1  of the invention comprises a first manifold  4  comprising an opening  40   a  and a connecting assembly  2 ,  3  like the one described above. The first connector  21 ,  31  of the connecting assembly  2 ,  3  is directly connected to the opening  40   a  of the first manifold  4 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the connecting assembly  2  comprises an inlet connector  22  fixed to a second end  201  of the flexible tube  20 , the inlet connector  22  being configured to be connected to a gas inlet. 
     Furthermore, the gas distribution assembly may comprise a second manifold  5  and a second connecting assembly  3 , said second connecting assembly  3  being of the type defined above as a coupling connecting assembly, such that the first manifold  4  and the second manifold  5  would be connected in series by means of the second connecting assembly  3 . Therefore, the first connector  31  of the second connecting assembly  3  would be directly connected to a connection opening  41 a of the first manifold  4  and the second connector  32  of the second connecting assembly  3  would be directly connected to a connection opening of the second manifold  5 . 
     In a preferred alternative embodiment, the distribution assembly may comprise two manifolds connected in series by means of a connecting assembly defined above as a coupling connecting assembly, regardless of how connection to the gas inlet is made. 
     In a preferred alternative embodiment, the gas distribution assembly may comprise at least three manifolds, said manifolds being connected in series by means of at least two connecting assemblies, said connecting assemblies being of the type defined above as a coupling connecting assembly. Therefore, the gas distribution assembly would comprise an initial manifold, a final manifold, and at least one intermediate manifold, the initial manifold and the final manifold comprising a respective coupling opening and each intermediate manifold comprising two coupling openings, each manifold being connected to the next manifold by a corresponding connecting assembly. 
     A third aspect of the invention relates to a gas cooking appliance comprising a gas distribution assembly such as those described above. 
     Preferably, the gas cooking appliance is a gas barbeque, cooker, or gas hob. 
       FIGS.  1  and  2    show a first embodiment of the connecting assembly  2  for a gas cooking appliance according to the invention. 
     The connecting assembly  2  of this first embodiment comprises a flexible tube  20 , a first connector  21  fixed to a first end  200  of the flexible tube  20 , and an inlet connector  22  fixed to a second end  201  of the flexible tube  20 . The first connector  21  is configured for being directly connected to an opening of a manifold of the gas cooking appliance, whereas the inlet connector  22  is configured for being connected to a gas inlet. Therefore, the connecting assembly  2  of this first embodiment is configured for connecting a manifold and a gas inlet, and it is therefore of the type defined above as an inlet connecting assembly. 
     In this first embodiment, the flexible tube  20  is a corrugated tube. Furthermore, both the flexible tube  20  and the first connector  21  are preferably made of stainless steel, with both parts being attached to one another by welding. The fact that both parts are made of the same material allows a homogenous welding to be obtained. 
     Preferably, the first connector  21  is a deformed tube. 
     The first connector  21  of the connecting assembly  2  of this first embodiment is a “BOLT THRU” type connector, as can be seen in detail in  FIGS.  5  and  6   . Therefore, the first connector  21  comprises a first portion  210  fixed to the flexible tube  20  and a second portion  211  after the first portion  210 , said second portion  211  comprising a transverse opening  212  configured for being arranged inside the manifold when the connecting assembly  2  is connected to the manifold, such that gas can flow between the inside of the flexible tube  20  and the manifold through said transverse opening  212 . Furthermore, the free end of the second portion  211  of the first connector  21  comprises a threaded longitudinal hole  213  configured for receiving a screw  23  for connecting the first connector  21  to the manifold. 
     The connecting assembly  2  of this first embodiment also comprises a screw  23  configured for being screwed into the threaded longitudinal hole  213  of the second portion  211  of the first connector  21  for fixing the first connector  21  to the corresponding manifold. 
     Furthermore, the connecting assembly  2  of this first embodiment comprises a first sealing element  24  configured for sealing the joint between the screw  23  and the manifold when the first connector  21  is connected to the manifold, and a second sealing element  25  configured for sealing the joint between the first connector  21  and the manifold when the first connector  21  is connected to the manifold. 
       FIGS.  3  and  4    show a second embodiment of the connecting assembly  3  for a gas cooking appliance according to the invention. 
     The connecting assembly  3  of this second embodiment comprises a flexible tube  30 , a first connector  31  fixed to a first end  300  of the flexible tube  30 , and a second connector  32  fixed to a second end  301  of the flexible tube  30 , with the first connector  31  and the second connector  32  being the same type, i.e., having the same features and are therefore substantially identical. Both the first connector  31  and the second connector  32  are configured for being directly connected to an opening of a respective manifold of the gas cooking appliance. Therefore, the connecting assembly  3  of this second embodiment is configured for connecting two manifolds, and it is therefore of the type defined above as a coupling connecting assembly. 
     In this second embodiment, the flexible tube  30  is a corrugated tube. Furthermore, the flexible tube  30 , the first connector  31 , and the second connector  32  are preferably made of stainless steel, with both connectors  31  and  32  being attached to the flexible tube by welding. The fact that the parts are made of the same material allows a homogenous welding to be obtained. 
     According to one embodiment, the first connector  31  and the second connector  32  are parts which are obtained by the deformation of a corresponding tube. 
     Both the first connector  31  and the second connector of the connecting assembly  3  of this second embodiment are “BOLT THRU” type connectors. The features of said first connector  31  and said second connector  32  are similar to those of the first connector  21  of the connecting assembly  2  of the first embodiment and therefore it is not considered necessary to describe them again. 
     The connecting assembly  3  of this second embodiment also comprises a screw  33  configured for being screwed into the threaded longitudinal hole of the second portion of the first connector  31  for fixing the first connector  21  to a first manifold and a second screw  36  configured for being screwed into the threaded longitudinal hole of the second portion of the second connector  32  for fixing the second connector  31  to a second manifold. 
     Furthermore, the connecting assembly  3  of this second embodiment comprises a first sealing element configured for sealing the joint between the screw  33  and the corresponding manifold when the first connector  31  is connected to the manifold, and a second sealing element configured for sealing the joint between the first connector  31  and the corresponding manifold when the first connector  31  is connected to the manifold. The connecting assembly  3  of this second embodiment also comprises a third sealing element configured for sealing the joint between the second screw  36  and the corresponding manifold when the second connector  32  is connected to the manifold, and a fourth sealing element configured for sealing the joint between the second connector  32  and the corresponding manifold when the second connector  32  is connected to the manifold. 
       FIGS.  8  and  9    show an embodiment of the gas distribution assembly  1  for a gas cooking appliance according to the invention. 
     In this embodiment, the gas distribution assembly  1  comprises a first manifold  4  and a second manifold  5 . 
     The first manifold  4  of this embodiment, shown in detail in  FIG.  10   , is a tube which is closed at both ends  400 ,  401 . The first manifold  4  comprises two planar walls  404  and  405  arranged parallel to one another, said planar walls  404  and  405  being joined to one another by means of two curved walls  402  and  403  arranged facing one another. The second manifold  5  of this embodiment has the same shape as the first manifold  4 . 
     As shown in detail in  FIG.  10   , in this first embodiment, the first manifold  4  comprises an inlet opening  40   a,  a coupling opening  41   a,  and an outlet opening  42   a  on one of its planar faces  404 , and an additional opening  40   b,    41   b,    42   b  facing each of said openings  40   a,    41   a,  and  42   a,  the additional openings being arranged on the other planar face  405  of the first manifold  4 . 
     Furthermore, the second manifold  5  comprises a coupling opening and a pair of outlet openings  50  and  51  on one of the planar faces of the second manifold  5 , and an additional opening facing each of said openings, the additional openings being arranged on the other planar face of the second manifold  5 . 
     In this embodiment, the gas distribution assembly  1  also comprises a first connecting assembly  2  and a second connecting assembly  3 . 
     The first connecting assembly  2  is a connecting assembly like the one shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2    and reproduces the features described above for the first embodiment of the connecting assembly  2 . Therefore, the first connecting assembly  2  is configured for connecting the first manifold  4  to a gas inlet, and it is therefore of the type defined above as an inlet connecting assembly. To that end, the first connector  21  of the first connecting assembly  2  is directly connected to the inlet opening  40   a  of the first manifold  4  by introducing the second portion  211  of the first connector  21  in said inlet opening  40   a  and fixing same to the first manifold  4  by introducing the screw  23  through additional opening  40   b  facing the inlet opening  40   a.    
     The second connecting assembly  3  is a connecting assembly like the one shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4    and reproduces the features described above for the second embodiment of the connecting assembly  3 . Therefore, the second connecting assembly  3  connects the first manifold  4  and the second manifold  5 , and it is therefore a connecting assembly of the type defined above as a coupling connecting assembly. Therefore, gas entering the first manifold  4  through the first connecting assembly  2  can flow to the second manifold  5  through the second connecting assembly  3 . To that end, the first connector  31  of the second connecting assembly  3  is directly connected to the coupling opening  41   a  of the first manifold  4  by introducing the second portion of the first connector  31  in said coupling opening  41   a  and fixing same to the first manifold  4  by introducing the screw  33  through the additional opening  41   b  facing the coupling opening  41   a.  The second connector  32  of the second connecting assembly  3  is directly connected to the coupling opening of the second manifold  5  by introducing the second portion of the second connector  32  in said coupling opening and fixing same to the second manifold  5  by introducing the screw  36  through the additional opening facing the coupling opening. 
     According to some embodiments, the distribution assembly of this embodiment comprises at least three gas regulating valves, not shown in the figures, each valve being coupled to a corresponding outlet opening  42 ,  50 , and  51 . 
     In another possible embodiment, not shown in the figures, the gas distribution assembly comprises a plurality of manifolds, each manifold comprising at least one coupling opening and a plurality of connecting assemblies of the type defined above as a coupling connecting assembly, such that the plurality of manifolds is connected in series by means of said connecting assemblies. 
     A third aspect of the invention relates to a gas cooking appliance comprising a gas distribution assembly according to any the embodiments described above. 
     The following clauses disclose additional embodiments. 
     Clause 1. Connecting assembly for a gas cooking appliance, comprising a flexible tube ( 20 ,  30 ) and a connector ( 21 ,  31 ) fixed to a first end ( 200 ,  300 ) of said flexible tube ( 20 ,  30 ), the connector ( 21 ,  31 ) being configured to be directly connected to an opening ( 40   a,    41   a ) of a manifold of the gas cooking appliance. 
     Clause 2. Connecting assembly according to clause 1, wherein the flexible tube ( 20 ,  30 ) is a corrugated tube, preferably a corrugated tube made of stainless steel. 
     Clause 3. Connecting assembly according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the connector ( 21 ,  31 ) is a deformed tube, preferably a tube made of stainless steel. 
     Clause 4. Connecting assembly according to any of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the connector ( 21 ,  31 ) comprises a first portion ( 210 ,  310 ) fixed to the flexible tube ( 20 ,  30 ) and a second portion ( 211 ,  311 ) after the first portion ( 210 ,  310 ), said second portion ( 211 ,  311 ) comprising a transverse opening ( 212 ,  312 ) configured for being arranged inside the manifold when the connecting assembly ( 2 ,  3 ) is connected to the manifold, such that gas can flow between the inside of the flexible tube ( 20 ,  30 ) and the manifold through said transverse opening ( 212 ,  312 ). 
     Clause 5. Connecting assembly according to clause 4, wherein the free end of the second portion ( 211 ,  311 ) of the connector ( 21 ,  31 ) comprises a threaded longitudinal hole ( 213 ,  313 ) configured for receiving a screw ( 23 ,  33 ) for connecting the connector ( 21 ,  31 ) to the manifold, the connecting assembly ( 2 ) comprising a screw ( 23 ,  33 ) configured for being screwed into the threaded longitudinal hole ( 213 ,  313 ) of the second portion ( 211 ,  311 ) of the connector ( 21 ,  31 ) so as to fix the connector ( 21 ,  31 ) to the manifold, the second portion ( 211 ,  311 ) of the connector ( 21 ,  31 ) being configured to be introduced in the opening ( 40   a,    41   a ) of the manifold and fixed to the manifold by the screw ( 23 ,  33 ) being introduced through an additional opening ( 40   b,    41   b ) of the manifold, the additional opening ( 40   b,    41   b ) being arranged facing the opening ( 40   a,    41   b ) in which the second portion ( 211 ,  311 ) of the connector ( 21 ,  31 ) is introduced. 
     Clause 6. Connecting assembly according to clause 5, comprising a first sealing element ( 24 ,  34 ) configured for sealing the joint between the screw ( 23 ,  33 ) and the manifold when the connector ( 21 ,  31 ) is connected to the manifold, and a second sealing element ( 25 ,  35 ) configured for sealing the joint between the connector ( 21 ,  31 ) and the manifold when the connector ( 21 ,  31 ) is connected to the manifold. 
     Clause 7. Connecting assembly according to any of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the connector ( 21 ,  31 ) is fixed to the flexible tube ( 20 ,  30 ) by welding. 
     Clause 8. Connecting assembly according to any of clauses 1 to 7, comprising a second connector ( 32 ) fixed to a second end ( 301 ) of the flexible tube ( 30 ), the connector ( 31 ) of the first end ( 300 ) and the second connector ( 32 ) being of the same type and said second connector ( 32 ) being configured to be directly connected to an opening of a second manifold of the gas cooking appliance. 
     Clause 9. Connecting assembly according to any of clauses 1 to 7, comprising an inlet connector ( 22 ) fixed to a second end ( 201 ) of the flexible tube ( 20 ), said inlet connector ( 22 ) being configured to be connected to a gas inlet. 
     Clause 10. Gas distribution assembly for a gas cooking appliance, comprising a manifold ( 4 ) comprising an opening ( 40   a ), and a connecting assembly ( 2 ,  3 ) according to any of clauses 1 to 7, the connector ( 21 ,  31 ) of the connecting assembly ( 2 ,  3 ) being directly connected to the opening ( 40   a ) of the manifold ( 4 ). 
     Clause 11. Gas distribution assembly according to clause  10 , wherein the connecting assembly ( 2 ) comprises an inlet connector ( 22 ) fixed to a second end ( 201 ) of the flexible tube ( 20 ), the inlet connector ( 22 ) being configured to be connected to a gas inlet. 
     Clause 12. Gas distribution assembly according to clause 11, comprising a second manifold ( 5 ) comprising a connection opening, and a second connecting assembly ( 3 ) according to clause  8 , the first manifold ( 4 ) comprising a connection opening ( 41   a ), the connector ( 31 ) of the first end ( 300 ) of the second connecting assembly ( 3 ) being directly connected to the connection opening ( 41   a ) of the first manifold ( 4 ), and the second connector ( 32 ) of the second connecting assembly ( 3 ) being directly connected to the connection opening of the second manifold ( 5 ). 
     Clause 13. Gas distribution assembly according to clause 10, comprising a second manifold ( 5 ) comprising a connection opening, the connecting assembly ( 3 ) comprising a second connector ( 32 ) fixed to a second end ( 301 ) of the flexible tube ( 30 ), the connector ( 31 ) of the first end ( 300 ) and the second connector ( 32 ) of the connecting assembly ( 3 ) being of the same type and said second connector ( 32 ) being directly connected to the connection opening of the second manifold ( 5 ). 
     Clause 14. Gas distribution assembly for a gas cooking appliance, comprising a plurality of manifolds, each manifold comprising at least one connection opening, and a plurality of connecting assemblies ( 3 ) according to clause  10 , the plurality of manifolds being connected in series by means of said connecting assemblies ( 3 ). 
     Clause 15. Gas cooking appliance comprising a gas distribution assembly according to any of clauses 10 to 14.