Patent ID: 7018200

Claim:
Apparatus for detecting gas combustion adapted to a domestic free-standing gas heater or a water heater provided with a safety valve ( 16 ), a main gas valve ( 17 ) and an electronic control unit, the detection apparatus ( 1 ′) comprising, a mounting bracket ( 8 ′) for supporting the detection apparatus ( 1 ′) shaped for fitting on the gas heater or the water heater, a pilot burner ( 2 ) with at least one pilot flame ( 3 ) for faulty combustion detection, and an igniter ( 10 ) incorporated on the support bracket ( 8 ′), a thermoelectric generator assembly ( 20 – 26 ) heated by the pilot flame ( 3 ), supplying through two electric outputs ( 13 , 12 ) respectively, a low voltage (Vb) for energizing said safety valve ( 16 ) and for detection of combustion deficiencies in the pilot flame ( 3 ), and a higher voltage (Vd) for powering the main valve ( 17 ) and the electronic unit of the gas heater, wherein the thermoelectric assembly ( 20 – 26 ) is incorporated on said support bracket ( 8 ′) forming a compact mounting unit with the pilot burner ( 2 ), and includes two flat thermoelectric cells ( 20 , 21 ) made up with semiconductor p-n junctions, each one provided with one of said electrical outputs ( 13 , 12 ), a heat transmission element ( 25 ) which is licked by the pilot flame ( 3 ), a heat sink ( 22 ) to the environment forming a thermal path ( 25 , 21 , 20 , 22 ) shared by both thermoelectric cells ( 20 , 21 ), and thermal connection means ( 24 , 26 ) between both cells ( 20 , 21 ).