Gas cooking appliance

Abstract

This invention relates to a gas cooking appliance comprising: at least one gas burner (10a); a valve device (20a) including a regulating valve (70a) in fluid communication with the burner (10a) to regulate gas flow; and a timer switch that increases the power of the burner (10a) to enhanced power by utilizing enhanced gas flow during predetermined time intervals. The valve device (20a) includes a solenoid valve (40) disposed between the regulating valve (70a) and the burner (10a), the solenoid valve (40) including a closing member (42) movable between a closed position and an open position. The closing member includes a through-hole calibrated to allow gas flow corresponding to the rated power of the burner (10a), and the timer switch is configured to control the solenoid valve (40) to provide enhanced power by turning the closing member to the open position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to gas cooking appliances. Background Technology

[0002] A known gas cooking appliance includes at least one burner and a regulating valve for each burner, the regulating valve being in fluid communication with the burner to regulate the gas flow from the main gas line to the burner, and the gas cooking appliance also includes an actuation device for increasing the power of the burner to exceed its rated power by utilizing the increased gas flow.

[0003] US2008216810A1 describes a gas cooking appliance comprising: at least one gas burner; a regulating valve in fluid communication with each burner to regulate the gas flow between a minimum power and a rated power; and a timer switch that increases the power of the burner to an enhanced power by utilizing an enhanced gas flow during a predetermined time interval. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a gas-fired cooking appliance.

[0005] The gas cooking appliance of the present invention includes: at least one gas burner; a valve device including a regulating valve in fluid communication with the burner to regulate the gas flow; and a timer switch that increases the power of the burner to enhanced power by increasing the gas flow during a predetermined time interval.

[0006] The valve assembly also includes a solenoid valve disposed between the regulating valve and the burner. The solenoid valve includes a closing member movable between a closed position and an open position. The closing member includes a through-hole calibrated to allow a flow of gas corresponding to the burner's rated power. A timing switch is configured to control the solenoid valve by turning the closing member to the open position to allow a flow of gas providing enhanced power.

[0007] By default, the shut-off element is arranged in the closed position, allowing a maximum gas flow corresponding to the rated power to pass through. In order to provide enhanced power, a timer switch is activated, which causes the shut-off element to switch to the open position for a predetermined period of time.

[0008] The gas cooking appliance of the present invention is a simple and compact appliance because it requires only one internal gas pipe and allows the solenoid valve to be directly connected to the outlet of the regulating valve, thus reducing the required space, the number of required parts, and therefore the cost.

[0009] These and other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 A partial perspective view of a first embodiment of the gas cooking appliance of the present invention is shown.

[0011] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A partial view of a gas-fired cooking appliance.

[0012] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 Another partial view of a gas-fired cooking appliance.

[0013] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the valve device of a gas cooking appliance.

[0014] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A longitudinal sectional view of the valve assembly, in which the closing component of the electromagnetic gas valve is in the closed position.

[0015] Figure 6 It shows Figure 4 A longitudinal sectional view of the valve device, in which the closing component of the electromagnetic gas valve is in the open position.

[0016] Figure 7A It shows Figure 4 The main view of the regulating element of the regulating valve of the valve device.

[0017] Figure 7B It shows Figure 4 The second main view of the regulating element of the regulating valve of the valve device.

[0018] Figure 8 It shows Figure 1 The diagram shows a front view of the control lever of a gas cooking appliance, which has a maximum range of motion and an actuation range for adjusting the gas flow. The diagram also indicates the angular positions of the gas burner at enhanced flow, rated flow or maximum flow, and minimum flow.

[0019] Figure 9 It shows that Figure 1 A graph showing the relationship between the gas flow rate in the gas burner of a gas cooking appliance and the maximum actuation range of the actuator of the regulating valve.

[0020] Figure 10 A partial perspective view of a second embodiment of the gas cooking appliance of the present invention is shown.

[0021] Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 A partial view of a gas-fired cooking appliance. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Figures 1 to 9A first embodiment of a gas cooking appliance 100 according to the present invention is shown.

[0023] In this embodiment, the gas cooking appliance includes four burners 10a to 10d with different gas heat outputs, and the burners 10a to 10d are in fluid communication with corresponding injectors 11a to 11d. The gas cooking appliance 100 includes a valve device 20a for the burner 10a, which is in fluid communication with the injector 11a, for regulating the gas flow from the main gas line 1 to the burner 10a. Gas flow regulation allows adjustment of the power of the burner 10a between minimum and rated power, and the supply of enhanced power above the rated power. In this embodiment, the gas cooking appliance 100 also includes three manual gas valves 70b to 70d, which are in fluid communication with the injectors 11b to 11d, for regulating the gas flow from the main gas line 1 to the corresponding burners 10b to 10d. Gas flow regulation allows adjustment of the power of the burners 10b to 10d between minimum and rated power.

[0024] Valve assembly 20a includes a regulating valve 70a. The regulating valve 70a includes a rotary actuator 21 operating within an angular actuation range A, the rotary actuator 21 being configured to change the gas flow rate Q through the regulating valve 70a. The regulating valve 70a also includes a body 22, which includes an inlet pipe 23 and an outlet pipe 24, the inlet pipe 23 being assembled and in fluid communication with the main gas pipe 1. Preferably, the regulating valve 70a is a manually adjustable gas valve.

[0025] Valve assembly 20a also includes a solenoid valve 40 connected to the outlet conduit 24 of regulating valve 70a to achieve a compact valve assembly 20a. Solenoid valve 40 includes: a gas outlet 41 in fluid communication with injector 11a; a gas inlet 47 in fluid communication with the outlet conduit 24 of regulating valve 70a; and a single passage 43 extending along the interior of solenoid valve 40 and including a shut-off orifice 45 through which gas flow is supplied to the gas outlet, the passage 43 fluidly communicating the inlet 47 and the gas outlet 41.

[0026] The solenoid valve 40 also includes a shut-off member 42 movable between a closed position and an open position. The shut-off member 42 includes an orifice 44 configured to allow a first gas flow. When the shut-off member 42 is in the open position, thereby opening the shut-off orifice 45 in the passage 43, the regulating valve 70a supplies a second gas flow, larger than the first gas flow, to the outlet 41. When the shut-off member 42 is in the closed position, it allows gas to pass through only the orifice 44 to the gas outlet 41.

[0027] The gas cooking appliance 100 also includes a timer switch 53, which is a device that allows the power of the burner 10a to be increased to enhanced power using an enhanced gas flow rate Qb during predetermined time intervals. When the timer switch 53 receives an operation signal and is activated, it controls the solenoid valve 40 of the valve device 20a. In this embodiment, the gas cooking appliance 100 includes an electric switch 60, which, when activated, activates the timer switch 53, generates an operation signal, and sends it to the timer switch 53.

[0028] In this embodiment, the gas cooking appliance 100 includes a spark generator 51 electrically connected to an electrode 52 associated with each burner 10a to 10d, the electrode 51 being used to ignite a flame in the burners 10a to 10d when activated. A switch 60 is operatively associated with and electrically connected to the spark generator 51, such that when a user activates the switch 60 by acting on the actuator 21, the switch 60 activates the spark generator 51, which in turn activates the electrode 52 and simultaneously activates a timer switch 53 that controls a solenoid valve 40.

[0029] The gas flow overload function during cooking is typically used at the start of the cooking process to reduce the waiting time to reach boiling, quickly heat cold cooking utensils and products to be cooked, or heat large amounts of water, etc. The actuation range of the rotary actuator of the valve for changing the gas flow rate Q through the valve typically includes a 0° OFF position, a 90° position corresponding to the maximum gas flow rate at the burner's rated power (typically used to ignite the burner flame), and finally, a minimum gas flow rate position corresponding to the burner's minimum power (the angle of which can be 160°, 270°, etc., depending on the gas cooking appliance). With this configuration, the user does not need to simultaneously position the valve actuator at a specific gas flow position and press a separate switch on the regulating valve to activate the burner's boost or overload function. Instead, in the same operation of the regulating valve 70a, he or she positions the actuator 21 in the boost gas flow position corresponding to the boost gas flow rate Qb, and by simply pressing the actuator 21 in said position, the switch 60 is activated because it is associated with the actuator 21. This operation enhances the flow of the gas flow rate Qb and simultaneously ignites the flame in the burner.

[0030] Manual valves 70b to 70d also include a rotary actuator 21 configured to change the gas flow rate Q through the manual valves 70b to 70d. Manual valves 70b to 70d also include a body comprising an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and an actuator 21, which is assembled and in fluid communication with the main gas line 1 and serves as the actuation shaft for the manual valves 70b to 70d. In this embodiment, the gas cooking appliance 100 includes three electrical switches 60 associated with the actuators 21 of the manual valves 70b to 70d. The switches 60 are electrically connected to a spark generator 51 such that when a user activates a switch 60 by acting on the actuator 21, the switch 60 activates the spark generator 51, which in turn activates an electrode 52.

[0031] Each of the four switches 60 is activated at any point in the second actuation range A0, which is greater than or equal to the actuation range A. Therefore, in this embodiment of the gas cooking appliance 100, the actuation range A for regulating the gas flow through the regulating valve 70a to the corresponding burner 10a is between approximately 30° and approximately 270°. The second actuation range A0 of the switches 60 is between approximately 0° and approximately 270°, such that from the initial moment when the user wants to position the actuator 21 at any angular position within the actuation range A with gas flow, the switches 60 can be activated to generate a spark in the electrode 52 and ignite a flame in the corresponding burners 10a to 10d. In this embodiment of the gas cooking appliance 100, the switches 60 are activated by pressing them. Therefore, in addition to rotation, the actuator 21, which serves as the actuation shaft for the regulating valve 70a and the manual valves 70b to 70d, is also adapted to be axially moved such that the actuator 21 presses the miniature component 61 of the switch 60 during its axial movement, thereby activating the switch 60.

[0032] The switches 60 associated with manual valves 70b to 70d are electrically connected in parallel with the spark generator 51, and the switch 60 associated with regulating valve 70a is electrically connected to the spark generator 51 and the timer switch 53 via wires that are independent of the wires of the other switches 60.

[0033] The orifice 44 of the closing member 42 is designed such that it is calibrated to limit the initial gas flow through the orifice 44 to a maximum flow rate QM corresponding to the rated power of the burner 10a when the closing member 42 is in the closed position. Therefore, the maximum gas flow through the orifice 44 of the closing member 42 is the maximum flow rate QM of the burner 10a, provided the solenoid valve 40 is not activated. Since the actuator 21 is arranged at other points within the actuation range corresponding to gas flows smaller than the maximum flow rate QM, the orifice 44 will allow the gas to flow unrestricted to the burner 10a.

[0034] When the shut-off member 42 is in the open position, a second gas flow corresponding to the enhanced flow rate Qb corresponding to the enhanced power of the burner 10a is supplied to the outlet 41 through the passage 43 of the solenoid valve 40. To obtain the enhanced gas flow rate Qb in the burner 10, when the shut-off member 42 is in the open position, the gas flow from the outlet pipe 24 through the passage 43 to the gas outlet 41 is greater than or equal to the gas flow corresponding to a predetermined maximum enhanced power defined for the burner 10a. To limit the gas flow to the predetermined maximum enhanced power, the injector 11a is calibrated to limit it to the predetermined flow rate. Therefore, when the actuator 21 is positioned within the enhanced range Ab, the actuator 21 can be positioned within the range of locations with different gas flows, all of which are within the enhanced flow rate Qb, such that even with those different gas flows, the calibrated limit of the injector 11a will allow the burner 10a to operate at the predetermined maximum enhanced power during the time intervals predetermined by the timing switch 53.

[0035] The actuation range A of the actuator 21 for regulating gas flow includes an enhanced range Ab, which, in the illustrated embodiment of the gas cooking appliance 100, is encompassed between approximately 60° and approximately 95°. When the switch 60 is activated and the closing member 42 is in the open position, the valve device 20a supplies an enhanced flow rate Qb to the outlet 41 of the solenoid valve 40 within this enhanced range. The position within the enhanced range Ab is... Figure 9 The position is shown as P9. When the predetermined time interval has elapsed, the timing switch 53 sends a signal to turn the shut-off member 42 to the closed position, thereby supplying the burner 10a with the maximum flow rate QM in the same enhancement range Ab of the actuator, and specifically in the same position P9 initially determined by the user. In other words, for example, if the user wants to heat a large amount of water first, he or she would, for example, place a container 80 containing water 90 on the burner 10a, position the actuator 21 of the regulating valve 70a in the enhancement range Ab, for example, position P9, and when the predetermined time ends, the gas flow to the burner 10a will become the maximum flow rate QM in the same position P1. Therefore, the user does not need to simultaneously position the actuator 21 in the gas position and press a separate switch on the regulating valve. Instead, by performing the same operation using the regulating valve 70a, he or she positions the actuator within the enhancement range Ab, thereby allowing an enhanced gas flow corresponding to the enhanced flow rate Qb. By simply pressing the actuator 21 in said position, he or she activates the switch 60, thereby actuating the enhanced or over-supply function of the burner 10a. In this embodiment of the gas cooking appliance 100, the enhanced flow rate Qb and the maximum flow rate QM coincide at the same angular position within the enhancement range Ab.

[0036] The actuation range A for regulating the gas flow includes an adjustment range A1, which corresponds to a variable gas flow rate between the minimum gas flow rate Qm (corresponding to the minimum power of burner 10a) at position P1 of adjustment range A1 and the maximum flow rate QM of regulating valve 70a at position P9. In other embodiments of the gas cooking appliance 100 (not shown in the figures), an enhancement range Ab is at least partially within or adjacent to adjustment range A1, such that in the corner segment where enhancement range Ab and adjustment range A1 overlap, the gas flow corresponding to the enhancement flow rate Qb is obtained as the sum of the flows corresponding to enhancement range Ab and adjustment range A1; however, when timer switch 53 is activated, the enhancement flow rate Qb always transitions to the maximum flow rate QM after a predetermined time interval set by timer switch 53 has elapsed.

[0037] The regulating valve 70a and manual valves 70b to 70d include a regulating element 25 coupled to the actuator 21, which allows regulation of the gas flow to the corresponding burners 10a to 10d. In this embodiment, the regulating element 25 of the regulating valve 70a includes a main regulating channel 26a and a regulating channel 26b, the regulating channel 26b being used for a calibration bypass of the minimum gas flow to change the gas type. The regulating element 25 is configured to regulate the gas flow between the inlet pipe 23 and the outlet pipe 24 of the regulating valve 70a within an actuation range A. The regulating channel 26a includes an enhancement section 27 corresponding to an enhancement range Ab and a regulating section 28 corresponding to a regulating range A1 within the actuation range A. In this embodiment of the gas cooking appliance 100, the regulating element 25 of the regulating valve 70a is conical, but in other embodiments, it may be a rotary disc.

[0038] The gas inlet pipe 23 of the regulating valve 70a is in fluid communication with the safety valve 71. The regulating element 25 is disposed within the housing of the body 22 of the regulating valve 70a, which in turn is in fluid communication with the safety valve 71 and the outlet pipe 24. The actuation shaft of the actuator 21 includes an inner shaft 21a and a spring 21b passing through the regulating element 25, the spring 21b allowing the actuation shaft to move to its initial position after being axially compressed. The regulating valve 70a includes a transmission element 21c for opening the safety valve 71. The transmission element 21c is housed in a housing that is in fluid communication with an orifice (not shown) disposed in the body 22 of the regulating valve 70a and also with the lower portion of the regulating element 25. This orifice is in fluid communication with the safety valve 71.

[0039] In this embodiment, the transmission element 21c is a rocker arm, and the safety valve 71 includes a member for closing the safety valve 71, such that when the actuation shaft of the actuator 21 is pressed axially, the inner shaft 21b presses against the transmission element 21c, and the transmission element 21c acts on the shut-off member of the safety valve 71 through the orifice of the body 22 of the regulating valve 70a, thereby opening the safety valve 71. Therefore, the gas entering from the inlet pipe 23 can pass through the safety valve 71 and reach the housing of the regulating element through the opening member, such that when the actuator 21 is acted upon in the actuation range A, the gas flows to the outlet pipe 24.

[0040] like Figure 8 The knob 29 shown is arranged in the actuator 21 of the regulating valve 70a to make it easier for the user to operate the regulating valve 70a. A visual indicator 29a is arranged in the panel of the gas cooking appliance 100 or in the lever 29 itself, which guides the user regarding the power required for the selected burner. Therefore, in addition to indicating, for example, nine gas flow positions between the maximum flow P9 corresponding to the enhanced flow rate Qb and the maximum flow rate QM, and the minimum flow rate Qm position P1, an OFF position is also indicated to indicate that the valve is closed for the gas flow, enhancer power / Qb, rated power / QM, and minimum power / Qm.

[0041] In this embodiment, the gas cooking appliance 100 also includes a thermocouple 12 disposed next to the burner 10a, the thermocouple 12 being electrically connected to a safety valve 71 of the regulating valve 70a. The thermocouple 12 has a safety function. Due to the flame in the burner 10a, the safety valve 71 is opened by the current generated in the thermocouple 12, and the magnetic assembly of the safety valve is powered by said current. However, when the flame in the burner 10a is extinguished for some reason, the magnetic assembly is no longer powered, and thus the safety valve of the regulating valve 70a closes, thereby shutting off the gas flow to the burner 10a.

[0042] Considering the characteristics of the regulating valve 70a, the gas outlet 41 of the solenoid valve 40 is in fluid communication with the injector 11a via a single gas conduit 2a. The different gas flows corresponding to the minimum and rated power of the burner 10a, and the increased power when the solenoid valve 40 of the valve assembly 20a is activated, reach the injector 11a via this conduit 2a, and thus the burner 10a. Manual valves 70b to 70d are also in fluid communication with the injectors 11b to 11d via corresponding single gas conduits 2b to 2d.

[0043] This embodiment of the gas cooking appliance 100 includes a control unit 50, which includes a timer switch 53 and a spark generator 51. The control unit 50 may also include other dedicated functions of the gas cooking appliance 100, such as remote function control.

[0044] In this embodiment of the gas cooking appliance 100, the solenoid valve 40 is a bistable valve, which includes an electromagnetic actuator 46 fed from a timing switch 53 via a wire 54. When the electromagnetic actuator 46 is powered, the shut-off member 42 changes position and maintains its position in the absence of a power supply from the electromagnetic actuator 46, wherein a power pulse is sufficient to cause a position change.

[0045] Figure 10 and Figure 11 A second embodiment of the gas cooking appliance 100 according to the present invention is shown. The gas cooking appliance 100' of the second embodiment has the same features as the gas cooking appliance 100 of the first embodiment, except that the gas cooking appliance 100' includes four valve devices 20a to 20d, each valve device 20a to 20d including a rotary actuator 21 and a solenoid valve 40. The four switches 60 of the gas cooking appliance 100' are operatively associated with the actuator 21, and the switches 60 are electrically connected to a timer switch 53 and a spark generator 51. When the actuator 21 is actuated to activate the switch 60, the spark generator 51 activates the electrode 52, and the timer switch 53 simultaneously controls the solenoid valve 40.

Claims

1. A gas-fired cooking appliance, the gas-fired cooking appliance comprising: At least one gas burner (10a); a valve device (20a) comprising a regulating valve (70a) in fluid communication with the burner (10a) to regulate the gas flow between a minimum gas flow rate corresponding to minimum power and a maximum gas flow rate corresponding to rated power; and a solenoid valve (40) disposed between the regulating valve (70a) and the burner (10a), the solenoid valve (40) comprising a closing member (42) movable between a closed position and an open position, the closing member (42) comprising a through hole (44), characterized in that the through hole (44) of the closing member (42) is... The calibration allows a gas flow corresponding to the rated power of the burner (10a) to pass through. The shut-off member (42) is arranged in the shut-off position by default, such that the shut-off member allows a gas flow corresponding to the rated power to pass through at most. The gas cooking appliance also includes a timer switch (53) for increasing the power of the burner (10a) to enhanced power using enhanced gas flow (Qb) during a predetermined time interval. The timer switch (53) is configured to control the solenoid valve (40) by turning the shut-off member (42) to the open position to allow the gas flow providing the enhanced power to pass through.

2. The gas cooking appliance according to claim 1, wherein, The burner (10a) receives the gas flow through the injector (11a), the solenoid valve (40) is arranged between the regulating valve (70a) and the injector (11a), and the injector (11a) is configured to provide at most the gas flow corresponding to the enhanced gas flow rate (Qb).

3. The gas cooking appliance according to claim 2, wherein, The regulating valve (70a) and the solenoid valve (40) are connected to the injector (11a) via a single gas pipeline (2a).

4. The gas cooking appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The shut-off member (42) is arranged in the channel (43) of the solenoid valve (40), the channel (43) being sized to supply a gas flow corresponding to at least the enhanced gas flow rate (Qb) when the shut-off member (42) is in the open position.

5. The gas cooking appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The solenoid valve (40) is connected to the outlet of the regulating valve (70a), and the solenoid valve (40) and the regulating valve (70a) form a compact valve device (20a).

6. The gas cooking appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The solenoid valve (40) is a bistable valve, and the closing member (42) changes position when it receives a current pulse from the timer switch (53).

7. The gas cooking appliance according to claim 1, wherein, The regulating valve (70a) includes an actuator (21) that rotates in an actuation range (A), the actuator (21) being configured to change the gas flow rate (Q) through the regulating valve (70a), the actuator (21) including an activation switch (60) electrically connected to the timer switch (53) and configured to activate the timer switch (53) when activated.

8. The gas cooking appliance according to claim 7, the gas cooking appliance comprising a spark generator (51) electrically connected to an electrode (52) associated with the burner (10a), the electrode (52) for igniting a flame in the burner (10a) when activated, an activation switch (60) electrically connected to the spark generator (51), the spark generator (51) activating the electrode (52) when the activation switch (60) is activated, and simultaneously the timer switch (53) controlling the solenoid valve (40).

9. The gas cooking appliance according to claim 7, wherein, The activation switch (60) is activated by pressing the actuator (21).

10. The gas cooking appliance according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein, The activation switch (60) is activated at any point in the second actuation range (A0), which is greater than or equal to the actuation range (A) of the actuator (21).

11. The gas cooking appliance according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein, The actuation range (A) of the actuator (21) includes an enhanced range (Ab) in which, when the activation switch (60) is activated and the closing member (42) is in the open position, the valve device (20a) supplies the enhanced gas flow rate (Qb) to the outlet (41) of the solenoid valve (40), and when the predetermined time interval has elapsed and the closing member (42) has turned to the closed position, the valve device (20a) supplies the maximum gas flow rate (QM) corresponding to the rated power in the same enhanced range (Ab).

12. The gas cooking appliance according to claim 11, wherein, The enhanced gas flow rate (Qb) and the maximum gas flow rate (QM) coincide at the same location within the enhanced range (Ab).

13. The gas cooking appliance according to claim 11, wherein, The actuation range (A) includes an adjustment range (A1) that corresponds to a variable gas flow between the maximum gas flow (QM) of the regulating valve (70a) and the minimum gas flow (Qm) corresponding to the minimum power of the burner (10a), and the enhancement range (Ab) is at least partially within or adjacent to the adjustment range (A1).

14. The gas cooking appliance according to claim 13, wherein, The regulating valve (70a) includes a regulating element (25) connected to the actuator (21), the regulating element (25) including at least one regulating channel (26a) configured to regulate the gas flow between the inlet pipe (23) and the outlet pipe (24) of the regulating valve (70a) in the actuation range (A), the at least one regulating channel (26a) including an enhancement section (27) corresponding to the enhancement range (Ab) and at least one regulating section (28) corresponding to the regulation range (A1) of the actuation range (A).

15. The gas cooking appliance according to claim 8, wherein the gas cooking appliance includes a control unit (50), the control unit (50) including the timer switch (53) and the spark generator (51).

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