Multiple-output solenoid valve

Abstract

A multiple-output solenoid valve for selectively distributing a gas to a plurality of burners is provided. The multiple-output solenoid valve includes a manifold and a plurality of solenoids positioned therein. The valve has a single gas input, housing defining a manifold, and a plurality of gas outputs. Each of the plurality of gas outputs is coupled with one of the plurality of burners. Each of the plurality of solenoids resides in the manifold and is individually activatable to permit expulsion of the gas from one of the plurality of gas outputs.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention pertains to solenoid control valves, and more particularly to gas solenoid control valves for use in an appliance such as a gas range. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] In a typical appliance such as a gas range, a manifold is employed to distribute a gaseous fuel to a plurality of valves that are individually associated with a burner. The gas first enters a manifold at a manifold input. From there, the gas is distributed inside the manifold such that the gaseous fuel is available to each of the multiple manifold outputs. [0003] From the manifold outputs the gas is expelled into a number of individual interconnecting tubes. The gas flows through each of these interconnecting tubes until reaching the inputs of a number of individual valves. Each valve selectively permits or denies the gas to be released from the valve output. If the gas is released, the gas leaves the valve through the valve output and flows through a burner connector to ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention provides an apparatus for selectively distributing gas to a plurality of burners or a gas range. It includes a housing with a gas input, manifold, and plurality of gas outputs, and a plurality of solenoids that are individually activatable to release the gas from one of the outputs. The apparatus also includes a method of reducing the number of connections within a gas appliance with a plurality of burners by incorporating a valve housing with a single gas inlet, manifold, and plurality of gas outlets, and a plurality of solenoids selectively sealingly engaging one of the gas outlets. The technical effects of the invention include selective gas distribution, efficient gas utilization, and simplified gas appliance connections."

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, when the above-described manifold in the typical appliance is used, numerous gas connections and fittings within the gas range are required.

These gas connections are time consuming to formulate and are a potential source of gas leaks.

In a high-line range having multiple oven cavities, the number of connections for each oven's bake burner and broiler burner significantly increases the cost of production of such ranges and the potential for leaks at each of these multiple connection points multiplies.

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